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Cinderella.”
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The White Bear Lake Area High School fall musical is always enchanting, but director
Wendy Suoja wanted the first musical in the Performing Arts Center to be truly magical. Thus, this fall’s show is “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” which originally
premiered in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. It was remade in 1997, starring Whitney Houston. Suoja emphasized that, while
SEE CINDERELLA, PAGE 16
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“Rainbow Stew,” the 1981 country song by Merle Haggard, speaks of a utopia achieved through innovation and harmony with one’s neighbors. That dream becomes a reality—for 90 minutes, at least—during jam sessions with Ukulele Bears. Ukulele Bears started in 2017 when Paul Wolleat was attending a woodcarving class at the White Bear Area Senior Center. A staff member asked attendees for future activity ideas, when a classmate mentioned that Wolleat knew music and could teach everybody. Wolleat had been playing various instruments since he was 8 years old, and he believed the ukulele was an easy one to pick up.
“You can do hundreds of songs with a couple of chords. You can do almost any song with three chords,” Wolleat said. “I tell people, ‘I can teach you to play a uke in about a minute. Two, if you’re slow.’”
“I thought he told me three minutes …” joked longtime member Dick Ingberg, whose favorite song, “Rainbow Stew,” was the theme of a recent jam session with over 40 ukulele players. “All of a sudden, a lot more people showed up,” Ingberg said. “They must like it, you know?”
SEE UKULELE BEARS, PAGE 20
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
A tradition that ceased to exist in the early ’90s is coming back thanks to Main Street Inc.
From 1987 to 1993, downtown White Bear Lake shoppers would visit PaperMill Gift Shop on Banning Avenue to purchase an authentic “Holiday Greetings” ornament each year. Most of the designs featured the iconic bear, but one highlighted the well-known gazebo at Railroad Park.
Sara Hanson, executive director of the White Bear Lake Historical Society, says PaperMill’s owner Joan Storey came up with the idea. “That
was her baby back in the day,” Hanson said. “She was a driving force with Main Street.”
White Bear Lake Main Street Inc. is a nonprofit organization run by board members, who each have businesses directly in downtown White Bear Lake. Main Street Inc. serves the members that are located in the White Bear Lake Special Service Tax District.
“As a board, we talked about that it would be nice to bring the ornaments back that they used to do,” said Main Street Treasurer Patty Steele.
Main Street social media extraordinaire
SEE COMMUNITY COLLABORATION, PAGE 10
“Thank
‘THE COMPLEX ROLE OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER’
When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12
Where: Maplewood Library, 3025 Southlawn Drive
Details: Former Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt leads a discussion and opportunity for residents to engage with current Ramsey County commissioners Tara JebensSingh and Kelly Miller, and Washington County commissioners Fran Miron, Bethany Cox, and Stan Karwoski.
Contact: lwv-wbla.org
SPEAKER ON BOUNCING BACK
When: 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake
Details: Speaker Kelly Nygard, author of “Bounce Back – Navigating Change and Building Resilience” will lead a powerful session designed to help face life’s uncertainties with strength and purpose. Join for coffee at 9:30 a.m.
Contact: 651-777-1107
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14
Where: White Bear District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave.
Details: Coffee, treats and concert by the White Bear Ukelele Bears.
Contact: 651-653-3124 or isd624.org
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15
Where: Mahtomedi High School
Details: Annual fundraiser for the Mahtomedi Fire Department Relief Association.
PRESENTATION ON PTSD AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14
Where: Boatworks Commons, 4495 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake
Details: The VFW will host a slideshow presentation on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide prevention and book signing by the co-founders of the nonprofit Veterans Empowered Inc. Veterans, emergency responders, and families are invited. Contact: vetsempowered.org
FALL FOOD DRIVE
When: Noon - 5 p.m. Nov. 14; 11 a.m. - 3
Where: White Bear Lake Police Department Lobby
Details: The White Bear Police Department & CERT will collect items for the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf. More info on pg 6. Contact: 651-429-8539
VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15
Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F
Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 651-246-3638 or cityvadnaisheights.com/ foodshelf
MOM'S MORNING OUT
When: 10 a.m.-1 .m. Saturday, Nov. 15
Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake Details: Free childcare and meal for children ages 2-9. Registration required.
Contact: 651-777-1107 or office@ststephenwbl.org
MAHTOREADI
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18
Where: Mahtomedi High School
Details: Community book club is reading “I Cheerfully Refuse” by Minnesota author Leif Enger. Register online.
Contact: communityed.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us
WPublisher’s View
hile to some extent I grew up in the newspaper business, it was in 2001 that I helped launch two new products published in our Cambridge office. One was a publication geared to lakeshore homeowners and the other to horse enthusiasts. We landed in Osceola, Wisconsin a couple of years later, with one kid and another on the way. I had taken on the publisher role at the local newspaper there, which was more than a full-time job. My wife Amy was commuting daily to St. Paul where she worked in fundraising. We needed day care, and were fortunate to find Busy Bees Day Care. The owner, Missy, was wellknown and operated one of very few day cares in town. One unique thing about Osceola at the time was there were more manufacturing jobs in the city than residents. Companies such as Polaris, Northwire and Motorbooks were a few of the employers. Day care was a big deal for us as new parents. We really liked Missy and her staff, who would take the kids out and you would see them walking down Main Street on their way to the local park, Oakey Park. Missy was always on the hunt for pop cans, and would put up signs all over town. Her goal was to recycle cans to raise money to purchase new equipment at Oakey Park. I remember talking to her about the type of equipment she felt was needed, as she warned the children in her charge to be careful of the large boulders that they were drawn to climbing on. She expressed her belief that parents have become so over-protective that kids aren’t learning how to play. She felt kids aren’t figuring out limits or boundaries. In the natural environment there is a need of some awareness. Many playgrounds have old equipment that is boring as well as unsafe (metal slides that burn your butt), and some new playground equipment is sterile and boring. She felt kids needed to explore through play in order to learn and test limits, even if it meant occasional bumps and bruises from climbing on boulders. As a resident and local business owner, however, she just wanted a place to take kids where their parents could feel confident they were safe.
Recently, a friend of mine who is a retired child psychologist and PhD sent me an article about the new thinking around playground design taking place in Philadelphia, Denver, and other cities throughout the United States. In the past few decades, play time has been pushed aside in favor of more academic pursuits and organized sports. The article suggests that play is critical to a child’s development and helps them learn boundaries. Communities are investing in play areas that are designed to be creative, intergenerational, and utilize the natural environment – where kids are even encouraged to climb on giant rocks.
Last year we saw examples of nature-based and adventure style playgrounds that foster creative freedom in Copenhagen, Denmark while we visited our daughter who was studying furniture design there for the semester. One urban playground had what looked like construction tools and equipment that kids were playing with and climbing on. Of course, it also looked as if all of the kids had ridden their bikes to the playground.
After attending several meetings to lobby the city council and receiving a grant from Bernick’s Pepsi, Missy was successful in getting some playground updates made at Oakey Park. As our communities plan for various capital improvements in the coming years, I hope updates to local parks and play areas are thoughtfully considered. The all-abilities playground at Lakewood Hills Park in White Bear is a blessing. We don't need millions in taxpayers money to do this either. Let's invest in more free form play to help our kids' development. Let us also get phones out of their hands and bubble suits off and get them outside.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
Right now, rural America is facing a crisis of uncertainty.
In Minnesota and across the country, farmers are having trouble making ends meet amid low commodity prices and increasing costs, and farm financial conditions are deteriorating. Farmer loan repayment rates continue to decline in Minnesota and across the Midwest, and small farm bankruptcies have reached a five-year high.
Why? Our farmers can’t offset the toll the administration’s tariffs are taking on the rural economy.
As I visited family farmers across western and southern Minnesota last month they told me just how much the tariffs were hurting them. As one farmer said, this moment is a “perfect storm of ugly.”
The administration’s tariffs are increasing critical input costs — with fertilizer prices up $100 per ton and some farm machinery and equipment parts up 10% — at the same time that retaliatory tariffs are drying up key export markets. It’s even harder for our family farms to survive.
There’s no doubt that our adversaries like China use trade to manipulate markets and hurt American workers. That’s why I support targeted tariffs like those used by the previous Trump, Biden and Obama administrations to counter China’s steel dumping. But across-
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the-board tariffs — especially those placed on our neighbors and partners — only raise costs for consumers, hurt small businesses and farmers, and threaten jobs.
This administration’s acrossthe-board tariffs are damaging international markets that farmers have spent decades building. Around 20 percent of all U.S. agricultural products are typically sold abroad. Minnesotan farmers export even more — more than one third of our agricultural production, making our state the fourth largest for agricultural exports — but those markets are being put at risk. The first three countries the President targeted with tariffs — Mexico, Canada and China — are our top three agricultural export markets and account for half of all U.S. agricultural exports.
For example, China has not purchased a single bushel of the 2025 soybean crop so far this year, compared to more than 250 million bushels at this time last year. This problem has only been made worse by competitors like Argentina that have undercut our farmers to sell soybeans to China. Unfortunately, the administration is working to give Argentina $40 billion in aid instead of pushing them to stop undermining our farmers.
The impact of tariffs on markets for farmers extends well beyond soybeans. Pork, beef, and fresh fruit and vegetable exports are all falling — leaving farmers without valuable markets to sell their crops.
Despite the effects on our producers, the administration has doubled down on these tariffs. And while our farmers need help now, short-term solutions that fail
to address the long-term impact on farmers’ access to international markets are just a band-aid. Ultimately, farmers want trade, not aid.
The only way to restore the export markets that farmers have spent decades building is to reverse these across-the-board tariffs. That needs to happen before lasting damage is done to our relationships with our trading partners.
During the trade war in the president’s first term, U.S. agriculture suffered $27 billion in losses. We never fully recovered.
That’s why I am leading the fight in Congress to overturn these across-the-board tariffs and give our farmers the certainty they need in the long-term.
Last month, 15 Senators — including three Republicans — joined me to reintroduce our bill to undo President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports. I’ve also joined a bipartisan group of 14 Senators — seven Republicans, led by Senator Chuck Grassley, and seven Democrats — to introduce legislation that would reassert Congress’ constitutional authority to set tariffs. These bills are the first steps we need to take to address the mounting costs facing our farmers and restore some certainty to our trade policy.
We must work across the aisle to end this crisis of uncertainty. I will work with anyone to restore our farmers’ markets to give them one less reason to worry about their balance books so they can focus on continuing to feed and fuel the world.
Amy Klobuchar is a United States Senator from Minnesota.
four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p. m., Thursday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Reading about all of the heroes of Annunciation, I have wept — for the families who lost their children and for the courage that rose in the midst of horror. When shots shattered a sacred space, ordinary people — officers, firefighters, paramedics, teachers and parents — did something extraordinary: They ran toward danger to protect others.
Their actions remind us of who we are at our best. Guided by love, training and faith in one another, they brought calm to chaos and hope to heartbreak. The resilience of the children and staff, and the strength of those who rushed to help, show that goodness still has the final word.
We all felt that disbelief that something like this could happen here. Yet the response of those heroes reminds us that fear will not define us. We will keep gathering, teaching, praying and showing up for one another.
What happened at Annunciation touches every one of us — and the courage shown that day calls us to do the same: to bring light where there is darkness, and care where there is pain. With deep gratitude,
Jane White Schneeweis Mahtomedi
I read the article about Chief Hager’s report to the City Council in the Oct. 29 edition of the Press. While I have great praise and respect for our police department, I can’t help but wonder when, if ever, anything will ever be done about the number of drivers running red lights.
As I said in a response to a letter about distracted drivers some time ago, I must admit that I’ve entered an intersection on a yellow light, knowing full well there was a good chance the light would turn red before I got completely through the intersection. But I’m more concerned about the drivers who enter the intersection seconds after their light has already turned red, and the opposite light is green. I used to ride a small motorcycle, and those drivers entering an intersection on a red light scared me as much, if not more, than drivers who are under the influence. They do that deliberately. Many times it’s even obvious that the driver
has accelerated to get through the intersection before the opposing traffic begins moving. Just by what I have experienced and seen, I believe the intersection at Highways 61 and 96 is the worst, especially from about 4-6 p.m. Someday I’d like to stand on a corner of that intersection with a video camera and record the drivers running the red lights there.
In all fairness to our police department, I know resources are limited. I also know this is a problem all over. But I wonder how long it will be before there is a serious enough accident for things to change.
White Bear Lake has a treasure at our high school. Wendy Souja, choir teacher and director of the fall musical, works behind the scenes and magically takes talented high school students and nurtures them into singers, actors and all-around good teenagers.
For two years in a row, working amidst the din and distraction of school construction, Mrs. Souja has led musicals that were awarded in the Hennepin Arts Spotlight Showcase, Minnesota’s version of the Tony Awards for high school musicals. She puts her heart, time, talent and dedication into creating extremely high-quality musicals and offering the kids a chance to shine. She is everything you want a teacher to be— caring, communicative, passionate and disciplined. It’s apparent that her students respect her and love her. We should know, our son Ethan has been in the past three musicals!
Starting November 14 and running for two weekends, Mrs. Souja will direct the students in the first fall musical to stage in the new performing arts center at the shiny, new combined high school. The presentation of “Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” will, if the past three years are an indication, be a must-see for everyone in our community.
Thanks Mrs. Souja, for all you do.
Andy Goldman-Gray and Christy Christensen White Bear Township
The country just “celebrated” Veterans Day on Nov. 11. This is a day that honors veterans of the armed forces and those killed in the country’s wars. I am a veteran and live in senior living, where we have a large group of veterans that meet for coffee every morning. We are sickened by what is happening with our military leadership.
The obsession of leadership with a “warrior ethos” and changing the Department of Defense to the Department of War is the wrong message. These brave veterans who fought for this country and saw their fellow soldiers die will tell you that war is horrific, and that we should be promoting democracy and peace, not starting wars.
The current military leadership has killed 66 people to date by using drones firing missiles upon fishing boats in South American waters that they claim are carrying drugs. If that is the case, then arrest them; don’t just kill them without trial. They have provided no evidence and don’t have Congressional approval. This is plain wrong, and they have asked the military officials involved to sign nondisclosure agreements, so the truth remains hidden.
They have also required journalists who cover the Pentagon to sign a “contract” to only report information approved by an official. All major news organizations rejected the new rules and have lost their press credentials. Americans deserve to know what our military is doing and if they are doing it legally. Press coverage of the Pentagon now comes from biased right-wing media and influencers.
The current military leadership fired the top JAG officers for each military branch. They said these soldiers are “roadblocks” to orders from the president. The role of JAG is to provide independent legal advice to ensure operations comply with the Constitution and to protect the soldiers who are carrying out lawful orders.
These are all huge red warning signs. They won’t tell Congress what’s going on, they eliminate the Pentagon press corps and they fire the JAG officers. I could add much more to the list, but these actions alone should send a chill down your spine.
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• Theft from a vehicle occurred overnight Oct. 30 in the 1800 block of Belland Avenue.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2600 block of County Road E Oct. 30.
• Officers responded to a dispute in the 4500 block of Highway 61 Oct. 30.
• Fraud was reported in the 2100 block of Third Street Oct. 30.
• Officers assisted the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office with a knock and talk in the 2400 block of Ronald Avenue Oct. 31.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 2600 block of Cedar Avenue Nov. 1.
• Officers responded to a report of a rooster in the 3900 block of Van Dyke Street Nov. 1.
• Gardenette Drive residents were warned Nov. 1 for continuing to allow their child to drive up and down the street on a dirt bike.
• Vandalism was reported in the 4800 block of Sharon Lane Nov. 1.
• A past-action burglary was reported Nov. 1 in the 2200 block of Eighth Street.
• A burglary was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Nov. 1.
• Officers responded to a dispute that originated in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Nov. 1.
• A White Bear Lake resident was arrested for DWI following a traffic
stop at the intersection of White Bear Avenue and Dell Street Nov. 2. Officers spoke with an individual about a family dispute in the 3600 block of Highland Avenue Nov. 2.
• A Stillwater man was arrested for DWI following an accident at the intersection of County Road E and White Bear Avenue Nov. 2. No injuries were reported.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI following a minor accident in the area of Wood Avenue and Fourth Street Nov. 2. Officers investigated a garage burglary in the 1900 block of Highway 96 Nov. 3.
• A man was issued a citation for trespassing Nov. 3 for continually returning to a County Road E business after being told to leave.
• Theft was reported in the 1200 block of Gun Club Road Nov. 3.
• Disorderly conduct was reported Nov. 4 at Highway 61 and White Bear Avenue.
• Attempted burglary was reported Nov. 4 in the 4800 block of Morehead Avenue.
• Officers responded to a dispute in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Nov. 4.
• Officers responded to a no-contact order violation in the 3800 block of Saint Regis Drive Nov. 4.
• A Stillwater man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 2700 block of County Road E Nov. 5.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a motorist at 9:55 p.m. Sept. 14 on Jamaca Avenue N. and 88th Street N. for driving after revocation and for possession of narcotics, following a traffic stop for an inoperable taillight and because the vehicle was swerving over lane lines.
• A motorist was issued a verbal warning at 3:21
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township: Vadnais Heights
• Trespass notices were issued Oct. 12 to a 26-year-old woman from St. Paul, a 23-year-old woman from St. Paul, a 23-yearold woman from Oakdale and a 25-year-old woman from St. Paul after they became disorderly and yelled at another shopper at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East. Deputies arrested the female from Oakdale for disorderly conduct.
• Deputies issued a trespass notice Oct. 12 and a citation for theft to a 54-year-old woman from St. Paul after she was caught by employees attempting to steal nearly $80 worth of merchandise from a business in the 800 block of County Road E East.
• Deputies responded Oct. 13 to a motor vehicle accident in the 900 block of County Road E East involving a Honda Accord, driven by a 28-year-old man from Hugo, and a Mitsubishi Outlander driven by a 70-year-old woman. There was minor damage to both vehicles and no injuries were reported.
• Deputies issued a speeding citation Oct. 13 to a 19-year-old from Little Canada in the 3400 block of Edgerton Street.
• Deputies responded Oct. 13 to a report of two stolen vehicles from an automotive dealership in the 3400 block of Highway 61. One vehicle was a Dodge Challenger and the other a Dodge pickup. Deputies collected evidence and began an investigation.
• A deputy was en route Oct. 14 to a person in crisis when the deputy’s vehicle slid off the road in the area of Vadnais Boulevard E and Edgerton Street and struck a tree. Medics responded to the scene and no major physical injuries were noted.
• Deputies issued a trespass notice and citation for theft Oct. 15 to a 27-year-old woman after employees at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East caught her pretending to scan and pay for items at a self-checkout station.
• Deputies arrested a 45-year-old woman for disorderly conduct Oct. 16 after responding to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 12000 block of County Road D. Deputies learned the woman took her 22-year-old’s son and then pulled his hair and scratched his neck and face.
• Deputies responded Oct. 17 to a report of theft and arrested a 45-year-old man from St. Paul in the 800 block of County Road E East on an active and outstanding warrant out of Sherburne County for failure to appear in court and third-degree burglary.
• Deputies responded Oct. 17 to a report of a rental vehicle stolen from a Minneapolis woman while it was parked in front of her friends’ apartment building in the 1100 block of County Road D East. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies arrested a 36-year-old man from White Bear Lake Oct. 18 for making threats of violence after a 44-year-old man, who was a gas station employee, threatened a 17-year-old female and 40-year-old woman from Eagan who were having a discussion in the parking lot and did not leave the area as quickly as he wished.
• Deputies arrested a 67-yearold man for DWI Oct. 18 in the 1100 block of County Road E after being called to a Fairfield by Marriott parking lot about suspicious behavior. The man was found inside a Jeep Grand Wagoneer, admitted to drinking vodka and appeared impaired. He was taken to the patrol station for additional sobriety tests.
• Deputies arrested a 29-year-old woman from Little Canada and a 32-year-old man from St. Paul
a.m. Sept 18 on Dellwood Road N. and Manning Avenue N. for a rear license plate light out.
• Extra patrols were requested after ATV’s were reported driving all over a development property in the 7000 block of Keswick Court N. on Sept. 19 and damaging the new sod.
A 2011 Honda Accord was reported stolen overnight Sept. 19-20 from the 11000 block of 102nd Street N. after its owner left it at his parents’ house while borrowing his parents’ truck. When he returned in the morning to return the truck and pick up his car, the car was gone. The complainant reviewed security video footage from an exterior camera and discovered that an unknown person stole his car at 7:57 p.m. The complainant added that he had left his vehicle unlocked with the keys inside.
• An unidentified individual was arrested on a warrant Sept. 20 on 75th Street N. and Inwood Avenue N.
Mahtomedi
• A motorist was arrested on Stillwater Road and Wildwood Road for violating an order for protection (OFP) at 12:28 a.m. Sept. 14, following a traffic stop for a missing license plate light. During their investigation, deputies learned the driver was the respondent in a protection order violation that involved his passenger in the vehicle, who was the protected party.
• A laptop was reported stolen Sept. 15 from an East Avenue address.
• A motorist was cited Sept. 17 on Wildwood Road for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
• Two motorists were pulled over Sept. 17 for using a wireless device while driving: one on Hilton
Oct. 18 for disorderly conduct and obstructing the legal process after deputies responded to a report of a fight in the 600 block of County Road D East.
• Deputies issued a trespass notice and citation of theft Oct. 18 to a 40-year-old woman from Brooklyn Center after employees at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East caught her changing tags on merchandise and attempting to pay less for them, totaling more than $80 worth of merchandise not paid for.
• Deputies cited a 33-year-old from Maplewood Oct. 13 for theft after a grocery store employee in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive caught him pretending to ring up items at the shelf-checkout register, something the grocery store had proof he had done repeatedly in recent weeks.
• Deputies responded Oct. 14 to a report of theft at a grocery store in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive after someone was seen on surveillance video stealing a decorative Halloween balloon from a food display and giving to a child she was with. The incident is under investigation.
• A caller reported Oct. 15 that their dog was bitten by an unattended husky while they were at a park in the 5700 block of Otter Lake Road. There were no serious physical injuries. The incident is under investigation.
• Deputies responded Oct. 17 to a single-vehicle crash in the 2500 block of Lake Avenue and spoke to a 16-year-old man from Stillwater, who told them he fell asleep behind the wheel of the vehicle he was driving before it veered off the road and struck a tree. Impairment was not a factor, and nobody was injured.
Madeline Dolby
Trail N. at Hallam Avenue S., and the other on Warner Avenue N. A third motorist was cited Sept. 18 on Stillwater Road at Hilton Trail N. for expired registration following a traffic stop for excessive window tint. Four more traffic stops were conducted in the city during the two-day period.
• A Stillwater Road resident at 3:48 p.m. Sept. 19 reported seeing her daughter’s ex-boyfriend, against whom she has an OFP, in the area and requested that deputies conduct a welfare check after not receiving an answer from the daughter to her numerous calls. Deputies were also called away from a report at 4 p.m. about complainants tracking their phone to a Dahlia Street address and another complainant who reported being pepper-sprayed. When deputies said they had to tend to a significant incident nearby, both complainants waived their urgency to report a crime. Multiple suspicious male/vehicle reports rolled in throughout the city, including a report of an unrelated suspicious vehicle parked at a beach parking lot in the 1000 block of Park Avenue, for an extended period.
• A juvenile motorist was cited at 2:13 a.m. Sept. 20 on northbound I-694 at Century Avenue for speeding, failure to provide proof of insurance and underage possession of marijuana and nicotine.
Willernie
• Stewart Road residents on Sept. 16 reported two different parties using their property as a city dump. At 8 a.m. a Penski rental truck dumped a couch on the property and at 5:00 p.m. a silver sedan dumped lumber on the property.
Ha Long Bay, located at 2741 County Road E East in White Bear Lake, has announced that it will close its doors on Nov. 29.
An announcement on social media read in part, “We are deeply grateful for your loyalty, support and friendship over the years; it has truly meant the world to us.”
The business has served Vietnamese and Chinese food in the White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Willernie and Dellwood communities for 15 years.
A new owner will take over the space on County Road E and plans to open Rachel Thai Cuisine.
Zen Asia, located at 1011 Meadowlands Drive in White Bear Township, has also closed its doors.
A Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids is expected to open soon in White Bear Lake. The business is currently renovating a space at 1350 County Highway 96.
The business, which specializes in haircuts for kids, offers cars, cartoons, videogames, lollipops and mini-cures. Currently, Sharkey’s has five locations in Minnesota, including White Bear Lake, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Woodbury and Apple Valley. A grand opening date has not be announced just yet. For more information, visit https:// sharkeyscutsforkidswhitebearlake.com.
Sign a lease at Good Samaritan Society – Heritage Place of Roseville and experience a carefree lifestyle near shopping, golf and health care.
Our spacious apartments feature one or two bedrooms, a beautiful bay window, and a washer and dryer. Take advantage of month-to-month leasing in our pet-friendly building that includes underground parking, comfortable community spaces and a fitness room.
Do you know if now is the right time for senior living? Scan the QR code and take a free, 4-minute quiz to find out.
Call (651) 515-2973 for more information.
Daughters of the American Revolution provides scholarship opportunity
Undergraduate and graduate students studying American history can apply for a $25,000 scholarship from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) through Jan. 31, 2026. The DAR America 250 Scholarship will provide a one-time award to 10 students in 2026. It marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. One of the largest patriotic women’s
service organizations in the world, DAR has 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more.
Scholarship applications may be submitted at https://dar.academicworks.com/. If you have questions, email america250scholarship@nsdar. org.
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Members of the White Bear Lake United Methodist Church gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the church’s new solar garden Sunday, Oct. 26. Attendees watched as church leaders cut the ceremonial ribbon and unveiled rows of solar panels installed on church grounds. The solar garden is expected to provide clean energy for the
The birds are on the move! We could only spot one Loon, doing its best to make it through last week’s huge waves.The final cue to leave will be when the lake starts to freeze. Brrr!
church, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and lowering monthly utility costs.
The solar garden is a 60.32 kW ground-mounted system with 104 solar panels installed by Cedar Creek Energy. The church expects that the system will offset much of its electricity usage, freeing up money for other ministries and community initiatives.
“This project is a testament to our commitment to creation care and the well-being of our neighbors,” said Pastor Chris Kneen.
Wind and rain made it difficult to get out in the boat during the last two weeks. When we were able to get on the lake, the Loons were nowhere to be found. A few times, we thought we spotted a juvenile, only to be fooled by white caps which, from afar, look like Loons popping up for air. Although the Loons were MIA, the lake was teeming with avian activity. You could feel the energy on the water and in the sky. This must be the year of the Coot, because they were everywhere. We spotted a large cover near the Cove, that appeared almost relaxed. That sense of calm, however, quickly morphed into full scale pandemonium, after an Eagle flew overhead. As the Coots took off in every direction, we spotted a pair of juvenile Ring-necked Ducks in the mix. Rather than skimming over the water, like the Coots, they
were airborne in seconds and soon joined another group already in flight. We observed several groups of Canada geese flying in the V formation. Last week, we witnessed the V forming as the geese in the back moved toward the front, relieving the leaders, who moved to the back of the formation. Geese honk at each other for support and to request relief. Each bird’s wing flap creates an updraft for the bird following it, which allows the other birds to save energy, increasing the flock’s range by up to 71%. The gulls have been very busy. We counted over fifty in flight against a sunset back drop. The next morning, I managed to get a shot of a gull flying with a large fish in its beak. Last week, when gusts were reported over 30 mph, I thought I spotted a juvenile Loon working its way toward the middle of
the lake. I grabbed my camera and tried my luck, off the end of our dock. Fortunately, I was able to get a few clear shots of the juvenile riding and battling the huge waves. Exhausting! On his way to Ramsey County Beach to take the boat off the lake, Len spotted a Loon flying overhead, heading south. A good sign. We will wrap up Loon Chronicles X, later this month, with a retrospective photo montage and things to consider as we await the return of the Loons next Spring. In March, Len and I will return to Lake Jocassee, SC, to join Dr. Paruk’s research team to study Spring migration, as the Loons prepare to head north. We wish to thank the White Bear Press, once again, for the privilege of sharing the story of WBL’s Loons with you.
McKenna Cabrera, of Entirely Bonkers Media Co., says the idea was brought up by the board last year, but gained traction this year.
“Main Street is continuing to grow and create more processes so that they can continue to reach more businesses and build it back up to what it once was before the pandemic,” Cabrera explained.
Instead of just one business selling the ornament, shoppers can find the ornaments at a variety of businesses, including Press Publications. Business owners can choose to keep the profits they make or donate them to a cause. At Press Publications, proceeds raised will go directly back to supporting journalism.
Ornaments are available at the following businesses*:
• Press Publications
• White Bear Lake Historical Society
• Affinity Credit Union
• 4 Deuces Saloon The Women Collective
• Oldies & Goodies
*More businesses are expected to join
Emily Blake, co-owner of Oldies and Goodies, has sold some items from Lasered Pics for many years and reached out to owners Mark and Vicki Larson, of Blaine, to see if they would be open to creating the 2025 ornament.
“We wanted something that very clearly symbolized White Bear Lake … so a bear,” Blake said. Mark said they quickly agreed. “It sounded like
a fun project and seemed like a great way to reach people in White Bear Lake,” he said.
The Larsons have owned Keyguard Assistive Technology in Spring Lake Park since 1983. The company makes products for people with disabilities. One of the main products they make is a keyguard for keyboards to help someone hit the correct key on the keyboard.
In 2016, Mark says they started to do some “crafty stuff” and “fun things” on the side to use the equipment they already have, including jewelry, signs, ornaments mugs and more. (For more information, visit laseredpics.com.)
Blake says in addition to a fun tradition for the community, she’s hoping the effort can bring together the downtown businesses. “We are all different businesses. Maybe we don't agree on everything, but at the same time, we are coming together to provide these ornaments for the community and become united,” she said.
The ornaments will be on display from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19; Representatives from Main Street will be at the Gazebo Lighting with lists of where the ornaments can be purchased. The ornaments will be sold at a couple of upcoming events downtown, including:
• Holiday Open House, 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20
• Small Business Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22
“It’s fun to see the tradition return. We are all about preserving traditions!” Hanson said. “The Historical Society has a set of the original series in our collection and will add one of the 2025 ornaments as well, to gathering today’s history for tomorrow’s generations.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
CITY OF DELLWOOD
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCES NO. 2025-05 AND 2025-06
ADOPTING THE MODEL SHORELAND ORDINANCE & UPDATING THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO REMOVE THE FORMER SHORELAND ORDINANCE & UPDATING CERTAIN PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Section 1. The Dellwood City Code is hereby amended to include the following ordinance summarized below:
1. The City of Dellwood adopted Chapter 153 to be the Minnesota DNR’s Model Shoreland Ordinance.
2. The content from the former Chapter 153 was moved to Section 152.07.J.
3. The City removed the requirements for a Conditional Use Permit for pool houses and second garages.
4. Content from the former Shoreland Ordinance was removed from Chapter 152 and into Chapter 153.
Section 2. The full ordinance will be in effect on the date of this summary publication.
Section 3. The full ordinance is available for review during regular office hours in the office of the City Clerk.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DELLWOOD THIS 14TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2025.
APPROVED: Mike McGill. Mayor of Dellwood
Attest: Joel Holstad, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on November 12, 2025.
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY
Notice is hereby given that the Mahtomedi City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Mahtomedi City Hall, Council Chambers, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, Minnesota to consider a proposed vacation of plat dedicated right-of way (roadway easement) legally described as follows:
The West 8.00 feet of East 28.00 feet of Griffin Street, as dedicated on the recorded plat of TOWN OF EAST SHORE, Washington County, Minnesota, lying South of the Northwesterly extension of the North line of the South 30.0 feet of Railroad Street, as dedicated on said TOWN OF EAST SHORE, and North of the westerly extension of the following described line: Commencing at the Southwest corner of Lot 10, Block 1, REYNOLDS ADDITtON; thence North 00 degrees 43 minutes 02 seconds East, along the most Westerly line of said Lot 10, for a distance of 42. 70 feet to the point of beginning of said line; thence North 89 degrees 46 minutes 32 seconds East, along a line parallel with the South line of said Lot 10, for a distance of 70.00 feet and said line there terminating.
All interested persons may provide comments at the hearing; comments may be sent before the hearing to the Mahtomedi City clerk at jrogers@
ci.mahtomedi.mn.us.
JERENE ROGERS, CITY CLERK
Published two times in the White Bear Press on November 12 and 19, 2025.
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING FINAL BUDGET AND LEVY FOR 2026
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Mahtomedi will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at Mahtomedi City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 to consider the final budget and levy for 2026. Anyone having an interest in this matter is invited to attend this meeting.
Jerene Rogers, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on November 12, 2025.
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING AMENDING OF FEE SCHEDULE
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Mahtomedi will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at Mahtomedi City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115, to consider amending the Fee Schedule for the City of Mahtomedi. Anyone having an interest in this matter is invited to attend this meeting.
Jerene Rogers, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on November 12, 2025.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of White Bear Lake will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 4701 Highway 61 N. The purpose of the public hearing is to take public comment into consideration of a proposed ordinance establishing the 2026 Fee Schedule for services, penalties, permits and licenses in the City. All persons who desire to be heard on the matter will be given the opportunity at this meeting, or people may submit written comment to clerk@whitebearlakemn.gov
Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on November 12, 2025.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
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, November 24, 2025 beginning at 7:00 p.m. to hear and make a recommendation to the City Council on the following requests:
a. Case No. 25-13-V is a request by Leslie and Bret Larson for a variance from the required 22 foot rear yard setback, per code section 1314.010.6.d, in order to replace and expand a deck in the
b. Case No. 25-14-V & 99-7-Sa is a request by the VFW for a conditional use permit amendment, per code section 1305, and a variance from the required parking, per code section 1309, to add 14 boat slips to the marina and no additional parking at the property located at 4496 Lake Avenue South.
c. Case No. 25-15-V is a request by Deanna Doyle and Son Tran for a variance from the 36.85 foot front yard average setback and a variance from the 15 foot side yard setback, both per code section 1302.040 in order to construct a lakefront house at the property located at 1455 Birch Lake Blvd South.
d. Case No. 25-16-CUP is a request by Superior Molecular Inc., for a conditional use permit to operate a Lower Potency Hemp Edible Manufacturing Facility, per code section 1305.070.b.12 at the property located at 4459 White Bear Parkway.
Unless continued by the Planning Commission, these items will be heard by the City Council on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
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 November 12, 2025.
DELLWOOD WILDLIFE FOUNDATION
NOTICE OF AERATION SYSTEM ON PINE TREE LAKE
CLERK’S CORNER – Greetings from the Township! Only one word describes Minnesota in the fall: SPECTACULAR. After a terrific season of fall colors this year, Township staff have begun in earnest their winter season prep. Hydrant flushing, street sweeping, covering utility boxes, etc. in an effort to “maintain” our 5 Township islands. From the administrative side, we are working towards a goal of updating our Township ordinances to bring us current with the 21st century & hopefully make our processes more efficient for our residents. That’s all for now… see you when the snow flies!
SPECIAL TOWN BUDGET MEETING TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 1 – Residents are invited to attend White Bear Township’s Special Town Budget Meeting on Monday, December 1 at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road. This is a meeting of
• The White Bear Township Board is reiterating its role in joint powers agreement (JPA) negotiations with the cities of North Oaks and Lino Lakes regarding water and sewer utilities. While Lino Lakes is considering becoming a third-party sub user to a JPA with North Oaks and White Bear Township, Town Supervisor Steve Ruzek said, “None of this is valid until we get a JPA in place with the city of North Oaks … We were trying to get a renewal, or revised JPA for the last 2 1/2 years. I value Lino Lakes trying to move forward with their project … I think it’s premature until we have
the residents, where those in attendance will approve by vote the amount to be levied for the 2026 property tax & provide a recommendation of the Town’s 2026 operating budget to the Town Board after a presentation from Town staff. Staff will also answer any questions residents have regarding the 2026 property tax levy & budget. At the time of this publication, the 2026 operating budget is proposed to increase 4.77% to $7,060,429, & the property tax levy is proposed to increase 12.519% to $6,990,044. Some of the reasons for the increase include a 5.09% increase to public safety budget, parks & recreation increasing 3.24%, & the Town’s debt levy for road, park, & water improvement increasing $229,126 based on the current debt repayment schedule & the new 2025A improvement bond. Ramsey County estimates that the median value home market
value in the Township increased 4.40% to $395,450. Based on a tax levy of $6,990,044 & if your home value increased 4.40%, you would see Township tax increase between $7.14 on a home valued at $267,915 to $15.11 per month on a home valued at $535,830. For more information, visit the Township website or call finance officer Tom Kelly at (651) 747-2760.
YARD WASTE REMINDER: Weekly yard waste pickup through Republic Services runs through November 30th (weather permitting). It must be in compostable bags. Plastic bins are no longer accepted.
WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS –
No vehicle may park on any road or street in the Township between the hours of 2 a.m. & 6 a.m. from November 1st through April 1st, or any time after a snowfall
of one or more inches until the road is cleared curb to curb.
DOES THE TOWNSHIP PLOW ALL ROADWAYS WITHIN THE TOWN? No. The Township is responsible for most roadways, but does not plow Ramsey County Roads, MN State Highways, or private roads.
SHOVELING, PLOWING, SNOW BLOWING, ETC. – It is a violation of Township Ordinance No. 39 to shovel, snow blow or plow snow or ice into any public street, alley, sidewalk, bike path, improved trail, or parking area. Please follow this regulation to facilitate the orderly removal of snow for public safety & to help us provide our residents with more efficient delivery of public services.
an agreement with (the city of North Oaks).” Town Clerk Patrick Christopherson paraphrased and echoed Town Attorney Chad Lemmons’s opinion on the matter: “We’ll sell you water, and that’s it. The rest of it … I don’t think we need to be involved in that. We’re just here as the vendor, essentially.” Lemmons added, “It’s up to Lino Lakes and North Oaks to decide how the infrastructure is to be maintained and constructed. With the exception of the sanitary sewer trunk line, the town has no interest in that.”
• Regarding the water usage situation, Christopherson is objecting to a
public statement made by North Oaks City Administrator Kevin Kress. “In his opinion, the township wants to cut the water source off from the city of North Oaks,” Christopherson said. “That is 100% inaccurate. We worked for two years—myself, (Town Supervisor Chair Ed Prudhon), Chad, (North Oaks Council Member Tom) Watson, who is no longer there, as well as the administrator Kevin Kress—for a new and revised JPA … (Kress’s) line of thinking makes no sense. To put us into that type of position, to me, is, quite frankly, offensive and completely unneces -
sary. Our board’s patience is wearing thin. We are providing them water in good faith with nothing tying us legally.” Ruzek said, “You talk about good faith; it’s awfully far down the road. We’ve done nothing but accommodate.”
The White Bear Township Board next meets at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road.
1. The 2025 Leadership Tomorrow program wrapped up Thursday, Nov. 6. Twenty-two people committed one day a month for 10 months to connect, learn and engage with the community. — Contributed
2. Spotted in Louisville, Kentucky: Mahtomedi High School friends and former lacrosse teammates Hank Roelofs, a freshman playing for Maryville University, and Sam Churchill and Oskar Magnusson, both freshman players for Bellarmine University, reconnected when their teams faced off in a scrimmage at Bellarmine. — Contributed
3. Dr. Michael Lovett, Gloria Drake and Si and Vicki Ford have been beekeeping for the past couple of years. They spun the honey out of their frames later than usual in Lovett’s garage downtown. Carter Johnson, Contributed
4. Mira takes in the beauty of a sunrise from a condo balcony overlooking White Bear Lake. — Wendy Chase, Contributed
Above: The White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights Fire Departments recently conducted a fire training exercise using a vacant house on Hoffman Road. The burn was managed throughout the morning until the final, intense and fiery burn down of the structure was allowed to commence around noon. A handful of spectators were drawn to the fire, including Crue, Nix and Jaye Adamson, who watched the burn down from their grandfather’s house next door. Once the fire began to consume the structure, firefighters concentrated their efforts on protecting trees and neighboring structures from the intense heat.
Above: Dressed in his own miniature firefighting gear, Crue Adamson, 5, watched the firefighters practice during the training session, paying extra close attention once the house was allowed to be consumed by the fire.
With winter and the holiday season fast approaching, it’s important to practice fire safety. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the top cause of home fires is cooking, started from cooking oils, grease or leaving food unattended, followed by heating equipment, electrical malfunctions, smoking materials and unattended candles.
HIRING!
Marine Village School is seeking a bus driver to join our team!
Are you looking for a rewarding role with great, competitive pay? Become part of our small but mighty MVS community — where you’re not just driving a bus, you’re helping move something bigger! We’re seeking a reliable and caring driver to transport our responsible, respectful students safely to and from school each day. CDL required, bus certification preferred.
For more information please contact us : Transportation@marinevillageschool.org or check out marinevillageschool.org/careers/
Send resume to ar@presspubs.com
White Bear Country Inn is NOW HIRING a P/T Front Desk Clerk.
Job duties: Checking guests in and out, answering the telephone, and other duties as assigned. Must be fun, friendly, and have great customer service skills. Shifts vary from 7am-3pm and 3pm-11pm. Must be flexible to work both.
Send resumes to Jacqlyn at JSchoen@WhiteBearCountryInn.com or call 651-272-3783
White Bear Country Inn is hiring for a Banquet Captain. For more information contact April at: April@ rudysredeye. com or Call 651-429-5393 Ext. 421
White Bear Country Inn is NOW HIRING a Weekend Laundry Attendant for Saturdays and Sundays. Start time 10:30am.
Send resumes to Jacqlyn at JSchoen@WhiteBearCountryInn.com or call
Personal Touch Pet Grooming “When Quality and Service Matter” 763 784-4833 TDD 784-0662 Dial 711 for Relay Assistance
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
On Nov. 20, 2013, White Bear Lake Rotarian Greg Bartz experienced one of the greatest hardships he has ever faced: the passing of his nephew Zach from neurofibromatosis. However, through the grieving process came an opportunity not only to honor Zach’s legacy but also to pursue disease research at the University of Minnesota. That opportunity is the Zachary NF Research Fund, a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Zach’s older sister, Jessica, serves as board president and Greg is vice president. Since its founding, the organization has worked tirelessly to raise funds to find a cure for neurofibromatosis while keeping Zach alive in his family’s hearts. According to Greg, one of the fund’s main inspirations came from his father.
“Every year at Christmas, he would have the family give to a cause instead of receiving gifts. One day, I said, ‘You know what? Let’s find a cause that’s near and dear to our hearts.’ I put him on a mission
to identify some way we could help Zach. He found Dr. David Largo from the University of Minnesota, who was using NF (neurofibromatosis) for his platform to study tumor growth. We reached out to the university, met with one of their people and figured out how to start a foundation within the university to support cancer research.”
Greg noted that although the organization was originally formed to save Zach’s life, his passing shifted its mission to honor his memory and continue pursuing funding. He further noted that Zach’s death gave him and his family the courage to keep going.
“One of Zach’s quotes was, ‘Never give up,’ and he did. He said that all the time, so I’m not going to give up and fight this. He did as long as he could, but he always had that ‘never give up’ attitude. I think we’re going to continue to use that as our motivation.”
Today, the organization continues to hold strong, having raised nearly $50,000 this year to support research at the university. Fundraising efforts are held through its
public awareness.
annual golf tournament, dubbed the “Zachary Bartz NF1 Golf Tournament,” which has previously been hosted at
White Bear’s version is based on Broadway’s 2013 revival, all versions differ from the 1950 Disney film.
Suoja said that White Bear’s production, like the Disney film, will have a ball, but it will also have a banquet and, later, a wedding. In this version, the prince and Cinderella’s stepsisters have more bearing on the plot as well as more opportunities for the main character’s kindness to affect positive change on those around her.
“It’s such a well-thought-out storyline that it’s not going to feel like left-field elements,” Suoja noted.
While “Cinderella” has plenty of show-stopping music, Suoja said the technical capability of the Performing Arts Center (PAC) will be equally jaw-dropping.
“This is the first show where we’re going to maximize the fly system,” she explained, referring to the PAC’s new cable rigging and counterweights that enable stagehands to “fly,” or hoist lights or scenery into a loft above the stage.
Those not familiar with the term “fly system” often think it refers to actual cast members flying. The PAC, Suoja clarified, does not have that capability built in. Such a task would require renting a separate rig system from Cirque de Soleil, training the production team for weeks on end and having the cast’s Fairy Godmother undergo precise physical training to traverse the stage in an aerial harness for the
production’s six performances. Suoja merely smiled when asked why she knew such details. One detail that Suoja freely shared was the return of McKnight Choreographer Fellow Kayla Schiltgen, who is designing all of the dance numbers. “She is excited to be in the new space,” Suoja said. “She’s invested in our kids … and she comes down from Two Harbors.”
Senior Holly Flood said that it is an honor to work with Schiltgen in any capacity. Flood noted that while the show contains traditional waltzes, Schiltgen has made it visually engaging. “She has made it very intricate, but also, in a way, it flows so smoothly …”
The pit orchestra will be smoothly integrated into the show as well, Suoja said. In the old theater, seats had to be removed to make room for the instruments and their players. The PAC, however, has an actual pit under the stage with more than enough room. “It’s larger than, I think, standard pit orchestras, and (“Cinderella’s”) instrumentation is wide,” Suoja described. “We have an orchestra program and then, obviously, a band program, so prioritizing that was a big deal.”
Another top priority for Suoja was highlighting this year’s senior class in her cast. “Cinderella” has not only a large chorus, but also seven significant roles. “Cinderella and the prince, yes, they’re on all the time, and then there’s a compilation of kids that will be highlighted,” Suoja explained.
Flood has appreciated that care, having participated in seven musicals through both middle and high school at White Bear. “It feels like the end of my musical journey with White Bear, but it feels like the beginning for a lot of new things at White Bear with our new Performing Arts Center.”
Suoja agrees. “The PAC is our new castle, and the community has provided us with this beautiful new kingdom.”
“Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” performs at 7 p.m. Nov. 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 as well as 2 p.m. Nov. 15 at White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center, 5045 Division St., Door A. For tickets and further details, visit sites.google.com/ isd624.org/musical-theatre/ cinderella-tickets.
Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake and Bunker Hills Golf Course in Minneapolis. This year, the tournament made its debut at Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater.
The organization’s board of directors is a recently established feature; past tournaments were usually run by Greg, his wife Sandy and then-Mahtomedi Liquor Barrel owners Erik and Kelly Hendrickson.
“I bring the history, which is probably the most valuable thing, to the board of directors. With that, I can educate everybody on what we’ve done in the past and how to transition moving forward. It’s reassuring and refreshing to say that we now have other people who are non-family members and understand what we’re doing and appreciate the value to the science of research.”
This year, the organization has found another individual to support and represent through its work: Chisago Lakes resident Cooper Lyckholm, who had neurofibromatosis when he was 4 years old. Greg noted that Lyckholm’s family has taken a more active role in being involved with the fund, which will help increase public support for understanding the disease: “Now that his family’s involved, I see opening up a whole new opportunity for us to raise funds and get more people educated in support of what we’re doing.”
Speaking on the challenges facing the organization, Greg said one of the most significant is funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health. This, he said, has sparked the need for additional
funding and led to broader discussions with University of Minnesota researchers.
“We’ve had discussions directly with the researchers about how this affects them. I said that we still have to find a way to turn the lights on. Still, we’re honored that this year, we were able to give almost $50,000.”
To learn more about the Zachary NF Research Fund and to make a donation, visit its website at www.zacharynfresearchfund.com.
Press Publications CEO and past president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association Matt McMillan is the new chair of America’s Newspapers. McMillan was elected during the association’s Senior Leadership Conference in Colorado Springs.
CONTRIBUTED
McMillan
Washington County Commissioner and Board Chair Stan Karwoski, District 2, received the Minnesota Transportation Alliance’s Transportation Advocate Award for his leadership and long-term commitment to strengthening Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure. Karwoski has been a vocal supporter of the METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit project and has championed roadway safety improvements and regional transportation planning that benefit residents and employers throughout Washington County.
Adelaide Dixon, a Liberty Classical Academy student from River Falls, Wisconsin achieved first place in the Speaking Proudly oratory competition held at the State Capitol Rotunda. She received a trophy and $2,500 prize for her eight-minute speech, “Consent with Purpose.” Speaking Proudly is a biennial, non-partisan event sponsored by Metro Republican Women.
Age 94, of White Bear Lake/Mahtomedi, MN passed away on November 5th, 2025. Preceded in death by her parents Charles and Rose Dahl, and her sister Marlene LaReaux. Survived by husband, Robert (Bob) of 74 years of marriage; brother, Kenneth Dahl; children, Kathy (Bob) Keefe, Scott (Denise) Bocklund; grandchildren, Tina Keefe, Brian (Alison) Bocklund, Andy (Jessica) Keefe, Diana Bocklund; great grandchildren, Rose and John Bocklund. Born in Duluth, MN, she graduated from Denfeld High School in 1949. Jan moved with her husband Bob to White Bear Lake in 1965 and then to Mahtomedi in 2000. She worked in the White Bear Lake School District, at Lakeaires Elementary School, as a Library Assistant. Jan enjoyed baking and anytime family or friends stopped over, they could always count on her freezer having an abundance of “goodies”. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 17th, 2025, 10:30 am at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 4600 Greenhaven Dr, White Bear, MN. A Visitation one hour prior. Memorials preferred to Alzheimer’s Association https://donorservices.alz.org.
Minnesota residents can apply for a Lawns to Legumes grant through Sunday, Nov. 30, to receive reimbursement for bee-friendly plantings. The Lawns to Legumes program offers a combination of workshops, coaching, planting guides and cost-share funding (individual support grants) for installing pollinator-friendly native plantings in residential lawns.
For more information, or to apply, visit bwsr. state.mn.us/l2l.
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.
Bradshaw - White Bear, 651-407-8300
To Submit an Obit Call: 651-407-1250 Email: obits@presspubs.com Visit us at: 4779 Bloom Ave
Vadnais Heights Elementary proudly celebrates Quinn Tran and her outstanding academic success as a White Bear Lake student.
Quinn is a well-rounded student who demonstrates exceptional effort and dedication in all of her academic pursuits. She is a self-directed learner who strives for success and approaches challenges with determination, putting in the time and energy needed to master difficult concepts.
A
Joel Reichow, the White Bear Lake native who won Grandma’s Marathon this year, made another impressive showing, placing sixth in the New York City Marathon and first among Americans. Reichow, 32, finished in two hours, 9 minutes and 56 seconds, his personal record after eight marathons. Benson Kipruto of Kenya won in 2:08:09. The top five included three from Kenya, one from Great Britain and one from Switzerland. At Grandma’s in Duluth in June, Reichow
won in 2:11:58. Before this year, his highlights were third in the California International and 14th in the Chicago Marathon with his previous personal record of 2:10:37. In cross country at White Bear Lake, his top state finish was ninth place in an injuryplagued career. He had a strong career at South Dakota State and currently runs with the Minnesota Distance Elite club.
Mahtomedi picked up one victory between two defeats at the state volleyball tournament last week, officially placing sixth in Class 3A. The Zephyrs finished 22-11 with Section 4 and Metro East championships. It was their fourth straight appearance in the state tournament. Marshall was champion, beating Benilde-St. Margaret’s in the finals. Stewartville placed third.
Stewartville 3, Zephyrs 1
Stewartville made 20 blocks to defuse the Zephyrs attack and win 25-20, 24-26, 25-15, 25-19 at Grand Casino Area. Ella Theobald had 15 kills and Dream Peterson 12 for the Tigers.
Louisa Tarnowski had 21 kills for the Zephyrs but that was in 69 attempts as her powerful spikes were turned back again and again. Sahar Ramaley was next with seven kills. The Zephyrs had 42 errors against 44 kills in 168 attempts. Claire Crothers made 23 digs and Ramaley 15. Tarnowski served 17-for-18 with two aces.
In set two, the Zephyrs led 23-21 after kills by Jaelyn Schany and Tarnowski, then fell behind 24-23 after three spiking errors. Stewartville, on set point, served out of bounds, tying it 24-24, and the Zephyrs scored on tips by Katie Hergenrader and Ramaley to win 26-24.
In set four, the Zephyrs, down 22-12, caught fire and got kills around the dial to pull within 23-21. But the Tigers recovered with two more blocks.
Zephyrs 3, Grand Rapids 0
Mahtomedi swept the Thunderhawks 25-19, 25-20, 25-16 in the consolation round, boosted by 11 serve aces and 76-for-89 spiking with 36 kills. Tarnowski led with five aces, 14 kills and 10 digs. The senior attacker was one of 24 players named to Class 3A’s all-state team. Nora Bonifas-Johnson notched nine kills, Ramaley eight kills and Stella Bossert five. Other aces were notched by Ramaley (two), Caitlin Glaser (two), Crothers and Bonifas-Johnson.
Charlotte McIntyre, White Bear Lake sophomore, qualified for the state meet with a second place finish in the butterfly with a time of 58.98 at Section 4AA on Saturday in Stillwater. The state meet is Friday and Saturday at the U of M. Audrey Borofka placed sixth in the 100 (55.56) and seventh in the 50 (25.67). McIntyre was eighth in the medley (2:14.70). Also scoring points were Anna Zarambo, ninth in diving; Anna Miller, 12th in the 500 and 14th in the medley; Eva Hoefer, 10th in backstroke; Sophie Collins, 15th in the 500; Adalyn Johnson, 15th in breaststroke; and Rita Kozhimannil, 15th in diving. Top relay finish was the 400 free in fourth with McIntyre, Miller, Hoefer and Borofka.
GIRLS HOCKEY
White Bear Lake opened with an 8-1 loss to Wayzata on Thursday evening. The Trojans outshot the Bears by only 29-28 but six different players scored. The Bears’ first goal of the season came from Olive Holvig on a power play, assisted by Kendall Roeser and Ava Maas. The Bears welcomed dozens of elementary players on Youth Night and included them in the announcement of starting lineups.
White Bear Lake has six allconference players after a 2-7 season: junior Brian White lll and seniors Lincoln Bacha, Vince Kazmierczak, Josh LaPean, Easton Miles, and Tomi Animasaun. Honorable mentions went to freshmen Biran White and Antonio Brown, junior Colton Butts, and seniors Christian Humphrey, AJ Kringle, and Mack Wickland. Animasaun was 66-for-159 passing, 934 yards, six touchdowns, just two interceptions. Brian White III rushed for 859 yards (four TD’s) and Animasaun 487 yards (six TD’s). Brown caught 19 passes (297 yards, three TD’s), Butts 14 (286 yards, two TD’s) and Biran White 15 (172 yards, two TD’s). Bacha was 16-for-18 on
XP’s, 2-for-4 on field goals. Logan Gibson had 72 tackles, Bacha 70, Aeden Mahmood 63, Reid Vickstrom 62, Alex Brown 56 and Humphrey 54. Leaders in solo tackles were Gibson 58 and Mahmood 55; in tackles-forloss Humphrey 16, Adam Okaniawon 15,Teddy St. Martin 14, Mahmood 14, and Gibson 14; and in sacks, Okaniawon and Humphrey, three each.
GIRLS SOCCER
White Bear Lake had four allconference players after a 12-4-2 season, 7-2-1 in the Suburban East. They are seniors defender Marin Peterson and Hazel Dufresne, junior forward Ellyse Oelker, and sophomore forward Piper Heinsohn. Getting honorable mentions were junior forward Grace Weierke, senior mid Teagan Coopet and senior defender Maddy Thompson. Scoring leaders (goals-assists-points) were Oelker (17-5-22) and Heinsohn (12-7-18). Goalkeeper Ali Ellis had a .750 save percentage and 1.33 goalsagainst. The Bears were third in the conference, and section runner-up.
Sauk Rapids-Rice 3, Zephyrs 0
The Storm downed Mahtomedi 25-15, 28-26, 25-9, led by Josephine Anderson with 16 kills. They made 15 blocks, led by Claire Rogalt nine assisted and two solo. Mahtomedi had 26 kills against 35 misses. Tarnowski made 12 kills and 12 digs. Sahar had five kills, and Crothers two aces and 15 digs.
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mahtomedi swimmers qualified for state in seven events while placing second as a team in the Section 4A meet Friday and Saturday.
The Zephyrs 200 freestyle team of Maddie Ruppel, Delaney Dumermuth, Addy Miller, and Abby Wright placed first in 1:40.59. The 400 team of Aria Armstrong, Dumermuth, Miller, and Wright placed second in 3:39.53.
Wright, a junior, advanced in the 100 and 200 freestyle with secondplace finishes in 54.33 and 1:58.75. Shae Murphy, sophomore, earned a state trip in diving, placing second with 381.45 points. Armstrong, eighthgrader, qualified by standard in the individual medley, placing fourth in 2:12.83, and butterfly, sixth in 1:00.28.
The top four teams among ten were Visitation with 487 points, Mahtomedi 359, Hastings 300 and Mounds Park Academy 288.
The medley team of Riley Parizek, Lena Granovsky, Armstrong and Dumermuth placed third in 1:54.18. Also reaching finals were Dumermuth, fifth in the 50 with Miller seventh; Miller, fifth in the 100; Dani Baker, sixth in the 200; Armstrong, sixth in butterfly with Ruby Roitsch eighth; and Parizek, sixth in backstroke and eighth in the 500. The state Class 1A meet will be held at the University of Minnesota on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Mahtomedi Football November 12, 2025
Jacob Reubish, Mahtomedi halfback and linebacker, gained 200 yards in 29 carries in the season finale, a 49-44 loss to Cretin-Derham Hall, and pushed over the 1,000 yards marker. His season totals were 1,062 yards in 172 carries (a 6.2 average) and 13 touchdowns, helping the Zephyrs post an 8-2 record. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound senior also had a 206-yard game with three touchdowns in a 39-6 win over Tartan. He got his totals in just eight games as one was forfeited to the Zephyrs and he missed another game.
Wolleat attributes Ukulele Bears’ size and popularity to the leadership of Noreen Flory, who recruits other instrumentalists in the area.
“When we formed this ukulele club, this was for everybody of all walks and ages. You’re never too old to learn how to pick up an instrument and learn how to play it,” Flory said.
Joann Baumgardner feels that she is a prime example. “When I turned 50, I picked up a guitar,” Baumgardner recalled. “Then 2020 hit, and I wanted to learn how to play ‘Over the Rainbow,’ not on guitar—it’s got to be the (Israel Kamakawiwo’ole) version.”
Though Baumgardner was neither a senior citizen nor an experienced ukulele player, Ukulele Bears welcomed her.
Since joining, Baumgardner has helped update the group’s technological abilities. Ukulele Bears chooses selections from four different songbooks. While many members still bring the physical copies, Baumgardner has digitized the sheet music so that players may follow along either on an iPad or the Senior Center’s TV screens.
“There’s options, because we’re at different levels of technology,” Baumgardner explained. “(Or) if you’re like, ‘I forgot my binder book,’ we will always have access to it.”
Accessibility is another reason for Ukulele Bears’ popularity. The ukulele’s smaller size is easier to
transport, and jam sessions are held in an open room, so people with mobility concerns can easily join the circle. “And a lot of these songs, we already know,” Ingberg explained.
Core member Dave Seitz claims music itself is the reason for Ukulele Bears’ popularity: “It’s a happy group. We sing happy songs.” Wolleat nodded in agreement.
“The ukulele is a beautiful way to make music,” he said.
Ukulele Bears hosts jam sessions from 10-11:30 a.m. every Monday at the White Bear Area Senior Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Ave. The group is also scheduled to perform at a Veterans Day celebration Friday, Nov. 14 at the White Bear District Service Center. For more information, contact 651-653-3121 or whitebearseniorprogram@ isd624.org.
and their auxiliaries. The WBL Food Shelf provides the names of families who need the help and the Lions Club sends out a letter to the family with a date and time to come and pick up their toys. The club proudly serves this long-standing event to support the WBL community and would like to thank the White Bear Lake Community for 24 years of supporting this great program and helping so many in need!
The White Bear Lake (WBL) Lions Club is accepting donations of toys, so watch for our toy barrels at the following locations: Good Kids, Manitou Bar and Kitchen, Affinity for Quilts, Lake Country Booksellers, Carbone’s Pizzeria and Pub, White Bear Ramsey County Library, St. Mary’s of the Lake Church (during Mass times only) or contact any Lion and we would be happy to arrange a time to come and pick them up. If you would prefer to make a cash donation, please make your checks payable to White Bear Lions Foundation and mark in memo line Toy Shelf.
