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2026
BEST of the Press White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights
BEST OF CONTEST: Winners and finalists revealed SPECIAL SECTION INSIDE
National Newspaper Week
Little Village Pub: Cheers to 3 Readers’ Choice wins
BY THE NUMBERS
National Newspaper Week is Oct. 4-10. The weeklong celebration of the newspaper industry in the United States and Canada has been around since 1940. In small towns, suburbs and cities across America, local newspapers are there for the moments that matter — elections and ballgames, new businesses and school decisions, celebrations and tragedies. Newspapers inform their communities, hold government accountable and tell meaningful stories. This year’s theme is “Rooted in Community, Committed to Truth.”
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BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
The votes are in, and Little Village Pub rose to the top in not one, not two but three categories for this year’s Readers’ Choice Best of the Press Contest in the White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights markets. “We are very excited,” said Billy Pearson, who owns SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS the business with Bree Theisen is a finalist for Cathy and Terry best bartender. Montpetit. “We don’t set out necessarily to win awards. We like to have a comfortable neighborhood spot that is sandwiched between the middle of Mahtomedi and White Bear and serve good food and have a place that people can feel comfortable with, and if the biproduct of SEE LITTLE VILLAGE PUB, PAGE 9
Chief says 2026 will be close to another ‘record-setting year’ BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — As has been the trend for the last decade, the fire department’s call volume continues to increase. So far in 2026, the White Bear Lake Fire Department has seen a 2.2% increase in fire and medical calls from 2025. “Our call volume continues to increase, not as dramatic as last year was, but it does continue to increase,” Fire Chief Greg Peterson said. “It will be close to another record-setting year.” Peterson noted that the main difference between 2026 and 2025 was that there were not any major storms in 2026 that significantly added to the
department’s call load.
Staffing levels
Council Member Kevin Edberg wanted to know whether fire or medical calls were driving the increase in call volume and whether the increase was impacting response times. Peterson said each year, 72% of the department’s calls are EMS and 28% are fire. “As call volume continues to go up, availability of the crew is what becomes the issue, which then affects the response time,” Peterson said. “There are periods of time where there is not much going on, but then unfortunately things change and there is a lot going on.” The department currently has
21 full-time staff on shift crews in addition to three full-time chief officers. Ideally, the department would like to have a total of 24 staff for shift crews. For 2027, one additional full-time firefighter/ EMT is proposed. Peterson mentioned adding that position will help to ensure the department’s ability to handle multiple calls at one time on a regular basis. “It doesn’t happen a whole lot, but once in a while there is nobody left in our department. They are all out on calls. We kind of cross our fingers right now hoping that another significant call won’t come in,” Peterson said. He added that it’s also a matter of safety for firefighters. Currently, it is
not uncommon, he said, for both the city’s ambulances to be out on a call, and then one firefighter is in the fire engine. “That person is trying to do everything … drive, communicate, watch the CAD and do all these things by themselves, and that isn’t an ideal situation,” Peterson said. Peterson noted it’s also important to keep in mind that sometimes firefighters are not able to work for an extended period of time due to family leave, medical leave or an injury. “I acknowledge that it is a lot for the budget. It’s a big ask ….” Peterson said. “As long as we see slight increases (in staffing), I think we are going to be okay for a while. If SEE FIRE DEPTARTMENT, PAGE 11
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Minnesota Deapartment of Education releases 2026 MCA results The Minnesota Department of Education has released the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment results for reading, mathematics and science. White Bear Lake Area Schools students performed above statewide averages in all three subject areas. In reading, WBLAS students performed 5.6 percentage points above the Minnesota state average. Despite the implementation of a new reading assessment this year — a transition that contributed to declines in scores statewide — WBLAS reading results increased from last year. “The credit goes to our teachers and building leaders,” said Dr. Alison Gillespie, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. “Our implementation of Science of Reading training has strengthened instructional practices and contributed to
positive student outcomes as we transition to the new MCA assessment.” Mathematics results also remained strong. WBLAS students performed 3.7 percentage points above the state average. In science, district results were 0.8 percentage points above the state average. “There are many bright spots in the data recently released by MDE,” said Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak. “For example, math scores at some of our elementary schools are beating the state average by as much as 25 points. We will continue to build on these gains, learn from what is working and bring similar results to our other schools.” Looking beyond a single measure As discussed during a data update to the School Board last week, the district uses a variety of measures to monitor student learning, growth
on the ACT, providing another measure of college readiness. • Advanced Placement: During the 2025-26 school year, 509 high school students took 734 AP exams; 80% earned a score of 3 or higher and 140 received an AP
and success. MCA results provide one important measure, but they are considered alongside other data throughout the year. • FastBridge: The district utilizes FastBridge assessments in the fall and spring to
“(These measures)also remind us that no single assessment can capture the full impact of a student’s educational experience.” Wayne Kazmierczak Superintendent evaluate preK-12+ student progress and identify students who may benefit from additional support. These assessments help teachers provide personalized support based on individual student needs. • ACT: WBLAS students continue to perform above the national average
Scholar award from the College Board. • College credit: Seventy-eight percent of the White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS) Class of 2026 earned at least one college credit during their high school enrollment. Students can earn college credit through a variety
of opportunities offered by WBLAS, including College in the Schools, AP, Career and Technical Education, Project Lead the Way, Post-Secondary Enrollment Options and others. • Graduation rates: The WBLAHS Class of 2025 achieved a 97.32% graduation rate, 12.38 percentage points above the state average. “These measures help us see the full picture of how our students are learning, growing and preparing for what comes next,” Kazmierczak said. “They also remind us that no single assessment can capture the full impact of a student’s educational experience.” Continuing the conversation about student success The release of this year’s MCA results comes as MDE considers the future of its statewide assessment and accountability system. A task force
including students and families, teachers, school leaders and education experts from across Minnesota will soon begin meeting to consider whether current statewide assessments are providing the most meaningful information to understand learning and improve student success. “Traditional measures of success remain important, but they tell only part of the story,” Kazmierczak said. “In the months ahead, we will pair data with the voices of students, families, community members and partners to better understand what matters most to our community. Their input will help shape our priorities and ensure our work continues to reflect what our community values for its students.” White Bear Lake Area Schools
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OCTOBER 7, 2026
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PUNKINMANIA
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 Where: Veteran’s Park, 93 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi Details: Community event with pumpkins, kids activities, food trucks, booya, prizes, fire trucks, and more. Collecting donations of food and used eye glasses and hearing aids. Sponsored by the Wildwood Lions and Kramer-Berg 507 American Legion. Contact: 651-260-1900
FILE
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 Where: White Bear Lake Police/Fire Training Room, 4701 Highway 61 N. Contact: 1-800-RED CROSS or RedCrossBlood.org
CARE BELOW ZERO
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 east County Road E, White Bear Lake Details: Through stories and photographs, John Solomon shares his unlikely journey from life as a professional musician to providing behavioral care above the Arctic Circle. Contact: 651-777-1107
4TH ANNUAL ZEPHYR GET-TOGETHER
When: 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Road, Dellwood Details: Community event for Mathomedi Public Schools families with preschool-fifth grade students. Enjoy live music, food trucks, activities and connecting with local families. Fundraiser for MAEF; purchase tickets online.
Contact: maefgives.org
BRING IT HOME DINNER & AUCTION
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 County Road F East Details: Annual fundraiser to support families going from homelessness to stability at Solid Ground. Contact: 651-846-9024 or solidgroundmn.org
‘BEETLEJUICE JR.’
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9; 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 Where: Hanifl Performaing Arts Center, 4941 Long Avenue, White Bear Lake Details: Students from Children's Performing Arts perform the frightful, funny musical. Ticket information online. Contact: childensperformingartsmn. org
GUIDED BIRD HIKE
When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 Where: Pine Point Regional Park, 11900 Norell Ave. N., Stillwater Details: Take part in a guided bird
CITY BRIEFS Applications for Police Civil Service Commission now open
hike, listen to the sounds of nature and learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix valley home. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Contact: WashingtonCountyMN.gov/ BirdHikes
COMMUNITY & COFFEE WITH MAYOR NICKLAWSKE When: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 Where: Podvin Park, 1700 9th St., White Bear Lake Details: The mayor will visit parks in each ward over the summer/ fall to chat with residents about ideas, questions, concerns or just conversation. Drop-in event. Contact: 651-429-8526
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center, room 103, 1500 Mahtomedi Ave. Details: Photo Journey with the Vincents: the Vincents will show photos of some of their birding and garden adventures. Contact: 651-491-8346 or mahtomedigardenclub.org
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
When: Noon-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1851 Birch St. Details: Schedule an appointment at 1-800-RED CROSS or redcrossblood. org and enter code WBLUnited.
THE ELIZABETHAN SYNGERS
MINNESOTA JAZZ CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
HIPPODROME 100 YEAR CELEBRATION
PARENT'S NIGHT OUT
When: 1:30-3:30 Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11 Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Road, Dellwood Details: Live musical performance by strollg Troubadours in Renaissance costume. Contact: pinetreeappleorchard.com/ Calendar When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 Where: 4855 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Family-friendly event at the historic local rink with open skating and on-ice activities. Also concessions and a special apparel sale.
STORIES FROM THE STONES
When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth Street Details: Program explores the history of the cemeteries in the area, and more about some of the people buried in them. Contact: whitebearhistory.org
MAHTOMEDI GARDEN CLUB
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14
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When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Avenue, White Bear Lake Details: All new show “Celebrating Crooners & Divas” featuring “Rat Pack” and “big band” favorites. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org/2627concert-series When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E., White Bear Lake Details: Childcare for children ages 2-9, with fun activities and a meal. Registration required. Contact: 651-777-1107 or office@ ststephen.org
WALK AND RUN FOR THE APPLES
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Road, Dellwood Details: Five mile walk/run on the trails through the apple orchard, strawberry fields and pumpkin patch. Proceeds of the race fund scholarships for high school students in the Strive Scholarship program. Contact: whitebearrotary.org
An aged inlet into the system that drains into Hall's Marsh was also filled in to prevent silt and other materials from entering the system. The overgrown shrub between the rink and the warming house has been eliminated, which contributes to a cleaner look in the area. Users of Grotto Path will also enjoy the new crushed gravel that goes through the stand of trees into the park as pictured. The rain garden there near the outlet structure is also now complete.
The city of White Bear Lake is accepting applications from residents to join the Police Civil Service Commission. This volunteer position serves for three-year terms and provides oversight in the processes of employment, promotion, discharge and suspension of sworn officers. For more information, visit City Hall at 4701 Highway 61 or the city’s website under “news and events” at www.whitebearlakemn. gov. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 23 or until the vacancy is filled.
Birchwood provides updates on park project The city of Birchwood Village recently provided some updates to city projects. A new curb was recently installed in Tighe Schmitz Park, which completes the partnership project with Washington Conservation District that will improve water management in the park.
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OPINION www.presspubs.com
OCTOBER 7, 2026
Inflation impacts
G
overnments are struggling with the increase of inflation for all cost of goods, services, labor and especially fuel. All of that comes back to us in the form of higher taxes on real estate, and goods and services. This has resulted in labor negotiations and small businesses struggling to maintain labor increases to match inflation percentages. Government is trying to keep inflation under 4% with limited success. Many cities and states are running double-digits in real estate tax increases. It’s interesting to note while About the Minnesota struggles with increases in real estate taxes, Wisconsin has only Town grown by 5.8%, outpacing inflation. Gene Johnson This is the largest increase for Wisconsin in nearly two decades. Minnesota has a way to go to get control of government spending, and many cities and school boards need to recognize this as well. Data centers If we are going to continue with the new technology of artificial intelligence, it’s going to take data centers to handle all the information that will be accumulated. People in various communities seem to be against it. Part of the reason is the amount of water it takes for cooling and the amount of electricity for operating. Some people feel that the data centers should generate their own electricity. Power companies are not prepared at this point to provide the amount of energy needed. Many power lines are not adequate and various other systems to gain power are either overworked or not totally available throughout the year. Technology will continue and we have to find ways to accommodate it. We also need to recognize the pressure it could put on local systems and costs involved may come down to each one of us. So much of government action is driven politically and not always in the interest of the American people. It’s very hard to get that point across when political people are seeking power. Income should not be the motive. Traffic congestion The traffic on Highway 61 south of Highway 96 is very congested while construction is taking place. What is needed is traffic control. This is a state highway, but I would think between the highway patrol and the city police, they could help traffic move more quickly. Some of the traffic is being diverted from Highway 96 to Otter Lake Road going south. Help is needed. The wait at times exceeds 40 minutes. In some situations, the right lane which is closed is moving forward faster than the left lane, but that means the left lane drivers are being very courteous and letting them in. Near the right lane sign closures is where there needs to be traffic control to keep the left lane moving. But, who am I to know about directing traffic. Preserving history Community newspapers do a big part of preserving the history of the community in which they participate in. Unfortunately, as small towns decline in population, and the business community struggles, there isn’t the revenue to maintain newspapers. Subscribers are important and we thank all of you who are subscribing to a community newspaper. You make a difference. Many counties today support one newspaper when in past years they would have one per community. Again, it’s a sign of change. People are going online for news and information and much of what you read through social media and AI cannot be trusted. Time will take its toll unless what goes around comes around again. October is the time we celebrate National Newspaper Week so, again, thank you for being loyal readers, advertisers, and keeping people informed about what government is doing and the public notice pages with important information. Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications. Distributed weekly in: White Bear Lake • White Bear Township • Mahtomedi Birchwood • Dellwood • Willernie • Gem Lake Pine Springs • Portions of Grant • Vadnais Heights
www.presspubs.com 651-407-1200 DISCLAIMER: Paid advertisements appear in Press Publications’ publications, including print and other digital formats. Press Publications does not endorse or evaluate the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. Advertising does not influence editorial decisions or content. Press Publications reserves the right to refuse, reject, or cancel any ad for any reason at any time without liability.
F
Sharing our successes over the past year
or National Newspaper Week, we’re celebrating more than the pages that make it into print each week. Behind every story, ad, event and delivery is a team of people working hard to inform, connect and serve our communities. We’re proud of what our team has accomplished and, most of all, grateful for the readers, families, businesses and community members who continue to support and encourage us. Here are just a few of the successes and special moments we’re celebrating this year. • The dad of a young carrier said thank you for providing the opportunity for his son. • The team received lots of compliments on the lake home features in the Lakers. •Over 30 bears were entered into the All-American Bear Contest in honor of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Thirty-six local businesses supported the special insert, and many businesses hung up the flag on newspaper print in their windows. • Perry Peterson, executive director of the White Bear Area Food Shelf, sent a note expressing thanks for our support in making Heartbeat for Hunger a success. He said, “The story and ads in
the paper were so well done. Your team truly went above and beyond.” • In one week, the design department did layout for 128 newspaper pages, about 150 ads and 58 Community Insider pages. • Thanks to the volunteers who spent their Saturday at the Blue Heron Days parade! The team heard lots of nice things from attendees along the way, including, “I read the paper every week;” “We love that paper,” and “I read that paper from cover to cover.” • Many thanks to Myrna and the boat show team for a wonderful year. We have heard many great comments about the show. • Managing Editor Shannon Granholm received nice comments about her Memorial Day tribute to Nicole Amor. Her brother said, “thank you for the excellent article you wrote about my sister. I truly appreciate the time you spent with my family to get to know Nikki and her story.” • The Wedding Show was a success even with the reschedule. • The circulation department continues to sign up new youth carriers in Hugo for The Citizen. • We received two testimonials via voicemail: “I fully enjoyed reading the White Bear Press from
cover to cover.” “Fantastic paper and getting better all the time. It is full of incredibly great articles and updates to keep us informed about our town.” • The team received three Minnesota Newspaper Awards in the Better Newspaper Contest. • Maya received an email from a parent of a subscriber who read the article introducing Maya as Press’ first winter intern. He requested to sit down with Maya with his two middle school daughters who he felt would benefit from hearing about her journey in journalism so far. “They just joined the yearbook committee and are avid readers.” None of this would be possible without you — our readers, subscribers, advertisers and community partners. Your support allows us to continue telling the stories that matter, celebrating local accomplishments and keeping our communities connected. During National Newspaper Week, we invite you to support local journalism by subscribing, renewing your subscription or encouraging a friend or neighbor to give the newspaper a try. Compiled by Press staff
WHITE BEAR / VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES • Election season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the election. • Limited to 350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per 30 words after that. • Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $50 fee. Please call 651-407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are labeled, “paid letter.” Carter C. Johnson - Publisher cjohnson@presspubs.com Gene Johnson - Publisher Emeritus ppinfo@presspubs.com Patty Steele - General Manager marketing@presspubs.com Shannon Granholm - Managing Editor whitebearnews@presspubs.com
subject matter will not be • Letters for or against a candipublished. Repeat paid endorsedate will qualify as paid letters. ment letters will be published as • Submissions must include a space permits. full name, address and phone • Four weeks (or issues) must number for verification. pass between publication of • Letter-writers must live, work unpaid letters from the same or have another connection to writer. Exceptions may be made Press Publications coverage for rebuttal letters at the editor’s area. discretion. • Letters are meant to express opinions. If letter-writers include • Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will facts, they must attribute those not be published. facts to a reputable source. • Due to space limitations, letters • Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to chamthat don’t address local issues pion the candidate’s position on are not guaranteed publication. a specific issue will be accepted • Repeat unpaid letters by the as paid letters. same writer about the same
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• Letters reprinted as part of letter-writing campaigns are paid letters. • All letters are subject to editing. • We reserve the right to not publish any letter. • The deadline to submit a letter is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication. • The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 3 election will be printed in the Oct. 20 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.14. • To submit a letter, email news@ presspubs.com or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.
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Election season is here: Be an informed voter
bsentee voting by mail and in person began Sep. 18; early voting* in person starts on Oct. 16, and election day is Nov. 3. Do you have your voting plan for this year’s mid-term elections? Every eligible voter should be able to participate in the 2026 elections with confidence: able to register, find factual information, cast a ballot without unnecessary barriers, and trust that the Movers & election system will work for them. Shakers Across the country, Jackie Reis here in the White Bear Lake area, the League of Women Voters is helping people register, understand what is on their ballot, protect their freedom to vote, and turn out in every election. We work with voters, election officials, partners and our state and local League network so every eligible
voter can participate and every ballot counts. Are you registered to vote? If you have moved, changed your name, or haven’t voted in more than four years, is your registration up to date? Do you know how, when and where you want to vote? Have you planned your ballot and researched candidates so that you know who they are and what issues they support? Are you aware of the Constitutional Amendment that is on your ballot this election? Do you know your rights as a voter? Are you concerned about the integrity of the elections? Are you an informed voter? In Minnesota, answers to these questions can be found from two trusted sources: the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (mnvotes.org) and the League of Women Voters (lwvmn.org), where you will find “How to vote in Minnesota.” The League gives voters factual, nonpartisan information about candidates, ballot measures, voting options, deadlines and rights so voters can make informed
decisions with confidence. Want to know what’s on your ballot? Visit mnvotes.gov, the website for the Office of the Secretary of State. Enter your address and you’ll be able to view a sample ballot, which you can print out, review and even take with you to the voting booth. Want to know more about individual candidates? Local Leagues host candidate forums to provide the public with an opportunity to hear candidates discuss issues that are important to voters. On our website, lwv-wbla.org, you will find recordings of 20 forums hosted by our White Beear Lake area League: state legislative races; school board races; and mayoral and city council races throughout the area. VOTE411, an online voter guide managed by the League, is also a valuable tool to compare information about candidates, as is the Voters’ Guide published by your local newspaper. This year, Minnesota voters are being asked to consider a Constitutional amendment to increase funding to school districts. Familiarize
yourself with that amendment and be prepared to vote yes or no. Leaving the question unmarked is counted as a no vote. Washington County voters also will be voting on a ballot issue related to preservation of water quality, wildlife habitat, and natural areas. Voting is one of the most powerful ways people can shape their communities. Check or update your registration; preview your ballot and compare candidate information; decide when, where and how you will vote; know your voting rights; cast your ballot. And don’t forget to thank and support election workers who make voting possible. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization with a mission to empower voters and defend democracy. To learn how to vote in Minnesota, visit lwvmn.org/votingelections/how-vote-mn. Jackie Reis is the president of the League of Women’s Voters of White Bear Lake Area.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Detour signage not driver-friendly
Risk of martial law
Those in charge of the road construction in White Bear have given no thought to the driving public. There is a detour sign at Third Street with a pointed arrow, directing a turn onto a street that is under construction – so totally unusable. This detour arrow should be straight, indicating the driver should continue to Fourth Street. In the Highway 96 and 61 construction area, no consideration is given to the driving public. In the immediate area there are signs indicating construction, one lane, etc. But, for traffic approaching this area, there is NO signage. One day it is one lane, the next day it is two lanes, the next day it is one lane again. There is absolutely no reason why traffic should be backed up beyond Goose Lake for up to a 45-minute delay. If there were appropriate signs BEFORE entering the affected area, in any direction, many of us could easily take alternate routes. This would vastly cut down on the amount of traffic entering the construction zone. This should be done, especially when considering the added problem of navigating various bodies of water.
Ladies and gentlemen, is it a train? No! Is it a plane? No! Is it a meteor? No! My friends it's even worse, It's "martial law"! Our fearless leader can't face the likelihood of his MAGA "mob" losing both the House and Senate in the midterm elections. Our wanna be King, Donald John Trump, is looking at an approval rating of 35%, according to most of the polls, including Fox News! I won't go over all of Trump's failures as our 47th President, but his war with Iran and he and his sons grifting billions of dollars, all while “The Donald" increased our national debt by 31% as he gave his billionaire and millionaire buddies a $12 trillion tax break at the expense of working class Americans, SNAP benefits for needy children, and Medicare for millions. The midterm elections will be a "blue-wave" (Democrat) schalacking of the MAGA zealots! What has “The Donald" done to address his downfall? He has instructed his sycophant Supreme Court to make it harder to vote by eliminating mail-in ballots and questioning women's maiden names after being married. Trump has hinted that members of ICE will be at the polling stations, watching for any disturbance that would allow Trump to invoke "Martial Law", clamp down on our Democracy, and assume an authoritarian regime with Donald John Trump as our leader for LIFE! People get ready, this nightmare is likely. In God We Trust, deliver us from this evil!
Pat Pickering White Bear Township
Flock cameras should be removed People around America are alarmed by the recent abuse of surveillance cameras. The Senate Judiciary subcommittee is currently investigating their use and misuse for mass surveillance of citizens. The camera in Dellwood that oversees drivers that travel on Highway 96 is a good example of this misuse of Orwellian surveillance. It is one thing to use them in the residential areas of Dellwood, but quite another to use them on a main county highway. The government of Dellwood should not be employing mass surveillance of Minnesota citizens. It should be removed immediately. Jeff Palumbo Grant
A truth worth repeating Those who ban the press and replace independent journalism with state-controlled media are rarely remembered kindly by history. Some truths are worth repeating—especially when history has already shown us where that road can lead. A free press is not a luxury or an inconvenience to be managed. It is one of democracy’s essential safeguards. We may disagree with what journalists report. We may challenge their accuracy and demand accountability. But silencing the press or controlling the information people are allowed to hear puts something much larger at risk: our ability, as citizens, to know the truth and hold those in power accountable. Protecting a free press means protecting democracy itself. Jane Schneeweis Mahtomedi
Jim Brunzell, Jr. Vadnais Heights
Questioning government program not climate change denial A recent letter stated that my position denies “that human activities are causing climate change.” That is not what I wrote, and it is not what I believe. My earlier letter questioned the Gold Leaf Pilot Program. The program called for participating cities to commit public money, staff time and other specific actions before residents had a clear understanding of the costs, expected results or long-term obligations. My concern was with the program and its implementation, not whether climate change exists. I referenced NASA’s explanation of Earth’s natural orbital cycles and stated that carbon emissions do not alter those cycles. That statement does not mean carbon emissions have no effect on the climate. Natural orbital cycles and greenhousegas warming are two different processes. I also specifically wrote, “Yes, we can address the changes.” That is not climate change denial. I believe human activity affects the climate. I also believe elected officials have a responsibility to question every government proposal before committing taxpayer dollars. What will it cost? What measurable result will it produce? What will be required of residents and businesses? Are there more practical or affordable alternatives? Those questions should be asked about every
public program, regardless of how worthwhile its stated purpose may be. Supporting environmental stewardship does not require automatically supporting every program presented as climate action. Residents deserve an honest discussion about environmental goals, costs and results. They also deserve accurate information about the candidates asking to represent them. People are free to disagree with my concerns about the Gold Leaf Pilot Program. They are not entitled to assign me a position I did not state. The published characterization of my position was inaccurate, and it should be corrected. Patricia Youker Vadnais Heights
Back on solid ground In her response to my recent letter, Patricia Youker correctly notes that she did not serve on the Vadnais Heights City Council in 2017 or 2018. I did not intend to imply she participated in creating the 2018 budget, and I regret that inference. My point was that the short-term approach to budgeting used that year was the exact same model used by the council from 2019 to 2022. The core financial reality remains unchanged. Official city budget records show that during these years the council repeatedly relied on reserve funds to balance capital and municipal accounts rather than setting tax rates high enough to cover long-term costs. Using reserves to pay for infrastructure is standard practice. However, using savings to keep property taxes artificially low—without raising enough tax revenue to replenish those reserves— is not. When those safety nets were eventually drained, the subsequent council had no choice but to enact larger levy increases to catch up on delayed maintenance and rebuild the city's financial cushion. Projects completed from 2019-2022 without adequately replenishing budget reserves directly caused the recent tax hikes. The current council had to align tax revenues with ongoing operating costs and basic maintenance for roads, sewers, vehicles, and public facilities. Even with those recent adjustments, Vadnais Heights' tax rate remains completely in line with neighboring peer cities like Little Canada and Shoreview. With the preliminary 2027 levy increase capped at a modest 4.6% and reserve balances replenished, Vadnais Heights is finally back on solid financial ground. Peter Helgeson Vadnais Heights
Claims don't hold up I am a 57-year resident of White Bear Lake, a proud graduate of the White Bear Lake public schools, and served 20 years on the School Board (1979-88, 1991-2001). Recent letters on these pages allege financial mismanagement, wildly assert SEE LETTERS, PAGE 7
6 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
COPS&COURTS www.presspubs.com
OCTOBER 7, 2026
WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents: • A St. Paul woman was cited for a hit and run that occurred in a parking lot in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Sept. 23. • Officers responded to a burgalry in progress in the 3700 block of Labore Road Sept. 23. • Officers responded to a disturbance in the 2100 block of Floral Drive Sept. 23. • Harassment was reported in the 4700 block of Centerville Road Sept. 24.
• Disorderly conduct was reported at the intersection of White Bear Avenue and Interstate 694 Sept. 24. • A vehicle stolen in the 2600 block of Sumac Ridge Sept. 24 was later found abandoned in the 3200 block of Karth Road. • A civil issue was reported in the 4300 block of Cottage Park Road Sept. 24. • A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DUI following a traffic stop in the 3500 block of Rooney Place Sept. 25. • Civil issues were reported in the 3500 block of
Highland Avenue Sept. 25. • Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1400 block of Highway 96 Sept. 25. • A White Bear Lake woman was cited for theft of a decoration in the 3500 block of Century Avenue N. Sept. 25. • Disorderly conduct was reported in the 5000 block of Division Avenue Sept. 25. • Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 4800 block of Central Avenue Sept. 26. • A noise complaint was reported in the 1600 block of Highway 96 Sept. 27.
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Dellwood
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on patrol observed a vehicle Sept. 2 at a high rate of speed on Dellwood Avenue, conducted a traffic stop and cited the motorist for driving with an expired license. They issued a verbal warning for the speeding.
Grant
• Extra patrols were requested after a resident in the 10000 block of 119th Street N. reported that someone had tried to open the sliding door at the back of her residence on Sept. 1. The door was not opened due to the board she used to keep the sliding door from opening.
Mahtomedi
• A grandmother-in-law on East Avenue reported her social media accounts hacked Aug. 31, followed by multiple friends and relatives, including the caller, receiving phishing messages. No monetary loss was observed at the time of the report. • Deputies arrested a motorist for DWI at 12:57 a.m. Sept. 1 on Hilton Trail N. at 72nd Street N., following a traffic stop for an undisclosed moving violation. In fact, the driver’s arrest involved numerous violations. • A package theft was reported on Sept. 1 from a Woodland Drive address. • One-way road rage was reported Sept. 1 along Mahtomedi Avenue after a motorist reported the vehicle behind her for following too closely through the construction zone. Both parties pulled over and cursed each other, while refraining from being physical. • Deputies arrested a male on warrant Sept. 1 on 72nd Street N., following a traffic stop. Two days later, deputies received a parking complaint at the same location. The vehicle belonged to the male arrested on Sept. 1 and would stay there because it was not parked illegally or blocking traffic. • A motorist was arrested for DWI at 9:29 p.m. Sept. 1 on Hilton Trail N. and Hallam Avenue S. after being pulled over for a wide turn, failure to maintain a lane and for excessively slow speeds. During the traffic stop, the driver smelled of a consumed alcoholic beverage and was made to participate in field sobriety testing. The results of those tests led to the subject being taken into custody.
• Officers responded to a dispute in the 2000 block of County Road E Sept. 27. • Theft was reported in the 3800 block of White Bear Avenue Sept. 27. • Officers mediated a dispute in the 2000 block of County Road E Sept. 27. • Harassment was reported in the 2300 block of Circle Drive Sept. 28. • A man was cited for theft in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Sept. 28. • Harassment was reported Sept. 28 in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue and the 2600 block of County Road E. • Officers responded to a
domestic assault in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Sept. 28. • Mail theft was reported on Jansen Avenue Sept. 29. • A North Branch woman was arrested for a restraining order violation in the 5000 block of Lemire Lane Sept. 29. • Harassment was reported in the 4800 block of Central Avenue Sept. 29. • A man was arrested in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Sept. 30 for providing a false name to officers and possession of Methamphetamine.
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
• Deputies were dispatched out to a phone call request on Wildwood Road Sept. 2 to learn that a male who had previously reported stolen cash had later found the cash. With the stolen report on their files, deputies now created a new incident report to cancel the original report. • Deputies on patrol near their station Sept. 3 observed a vehicle speeding on Long Lake Road and Dunbar Way and cited the driver. • A crystalline substance was reported found in a ditch along Dwinnell Avenue and Moccasin Street Sept. 3. • An underage blowout that included vehicles speeding and juveniles running around near Mahtomedi Avenue at Quail Street was reported at 10:58 p.m. Sept. 3. Deputies arrived late due to having responded to a higher priority call and determined that the party had already been shut down and the outof-town juveniles had already left. • While on construction zone patrol along Mahtomedi Avenue on Sept. 6, deputies observed a vehicle driving around traffic barricades clearly marking the southbound half of the road to be closed. Deputies pulled the driver over and issued a written warning for driving the wrong way. • Deputies, having once described the construction on Mahtomedi Avenue as “a ton of fun”, responded to a Sept. 6 complaint of juveniles knocking over traffic cones. The youths were gone when deputies arrived, but the prone cones were still on scene waiting to be reset. • A motorist was cited Sept. 6 for expired registration on Wildwood Road and Stillwater Road, after deputies pulled the vehicle over for speeding and conducted a computer aided data check on the license plate information. • A license plate was reported found Sept. 6 on Locust Street. Deputies took custody of the plate to be entered into evidence. • Deputies were dispatched out to the 1000 block of Park Avenue Sept. 6 on a report of juveniles playing on a gas-powered miniature bicycle that had dumped gasoline into White Bear Lake. On arrival at the scene, deputies confirmed the spill.
Willernie
• In the Case of the Ducking Duck, deputies were dispatched out to a Stillwater Road location near Wildwood Road Sept. 1 about an injured duck. When deputies checked out the injured duck call, they found no injured duck or any kind of duck.
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township:
Vadnais Heights
• On Sept. 20 in the 800 block of East County Road E, deputies arrested a 44-year-old man from Minneapolis and a 29-yearold woman from St. Paul for theft after they were caught attempting to steal merchandise from Walmart. • On Sept. 21 in the 800 block of East County Road E, deputies collected a bottle of prescription medication that was found at a Walmart, put it in safekeeping and attempted to contact its owner. • On Sept. 22 at the intersection of Highway 96 West and Rice Street, a deputy on routine patrol located an unconscious 66-year-old man lying next to a bicycle, called medics and began rendering aid. Medics transported the man to a hospital for treatment. • On Sept. 22 in the 4200 block of Edgemont Street, a caller reported a feral cat and possibly kittens on his property and was referred to an organization that assists with such matters. • On Sept. 23 in the 3400 block of Highway 61, deputies responded to a report of a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee, collected evidence and began an investigation. • On Sept. 24 in the 400 block of Bear Avenue N., deputies arrested a 50-year-old woman for DWI after responding to a report of suspicious activity and finding her lumped over the steering wheel of a veheicle with a bottle of vodka next to her. • On Sept. 24 in the 4100 block of Centerville Road, deputies took a phone report of mail theft from a 48-year-old man. The incident is under investigation. • On Sept. 24 in the 800 block of East County Road E, deputies issued a theft citation to a 61-year-old man from Roseville after he was caught attempting to steal merchandise from Walmart. • On Sept. 25 in the 900 block of East County Road E, deputies issued a trespass notice and a citation for theft to a 36-year-old man from Fairbault after he was
caught by Target loss prevention employees attempting to steal merchandise. • On Sept. 26 in the 800 block of East County Road E, deputies located a vehicle wanted by Eagan police, identified the occupants and notified Eagan police. • On Sept. 26 in the 3700 block of Labore Road, deputies responded to a report of discarded mail, collected it and began the process of contacting its owners. The matter is under investigation. • On Sept. 26 in the 800 block of East County Road E, deputies issued a theft citation to a 34-year-old woman from St. Paul after she was caught by Walmart employees attempting to leave the store without paying for merchandise.
White Bear Township
• On Sept. 22 in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive, deputies responded to Cub Foods on a report of shoplifting, collected evidence and began an investigation. • On Sept. 22 in the 5000 block of Centerville Road, a deputy responded to a report of a theft, collected information and evidence and began an investigation. • On Sept. 22 in the 2100 block of Stillwater Street, deputies assisted a fire department putting out a structure fire by blocking traffic and keeping people away from the area. • On Sept. 23 in the 1200 block of Pond View Lane, deputies responded to a report of a fire, made sure everyone was safe and kept people away from the area. • On Sept. 25 in the 4800 block of Golden Ponds Lane, a 56-yearold man reported that someone broke into his garage but did not know if anything was missing. Extra patrols were added to the area, information was collected and an investigation launched. • On Sept. 25 in the 4200 block of Otter Lake Road, a deputy on routine patrol saw a DEWALT Fast Battery charger fall off a truck and into the ditch. He collected the device and placed it in safe keeping until the owner comes forward or can be located.
OCTOBER 7, 2026 www.presspubs.com
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (CONTINUED)
Kevin Edberg White Bear Lake
PAID LETTER Look beyond the bios As you think about who to vote for this year for White Bear Lake Area School Board, you may find yourself thinking, “They all seem to be saying the same things. Does it really matter who I vote for?” I believe it does. On the surface, the candidates share many of the same concerns— academics, fiscal responsibility, safety, communication and transparency. But the real differences become clearer when you look beyond the campaign bios and ask how each candidate approaches those issues and where they hope to take our district. The MVPS candidates—Amanda McFarlane, Ryan Vernosh, Amy Puschinsky and Christina Streiff Oji—offer an approach centered on ideas, collaboration and the future. They recognize areas where our district can improve while supporting our students, staff and administration. They are willing to ask difficult questions, listen to different viewpoints and work collaboratively toward solutions. They bring educational, business
and community experience and have received numerous endorsements, including support from the Saint Paul Regional Labor Federation, SEIU Minnesota State Council and Education Minnesota, along with individual endorsements. The opposition candidates have raised concerns about district leadership, finances, safety and decisions made in the past. Voters should take the time to understand those concerns, but also dig a little deeper. Who is focused on past issues, and who is looking forward? Which candidates have local versus outside endorsements? Have they spent time in our schools, and in what capacity? What experience and qualifications would they bring to the school board? Who is funding their campaigns and are they receiving support from political organizations? Those are fair questions to ask of anyone seeking a seat on our school board. There is one more question I believe voters should ask: Which candidates support the constitutional amendment to increase funding for Minnesota schools through the Permanent School Fund? The amendment would provide additional funding to school districts without raising individual income or property taxes. Not all of the opposition candidates support it. School board elections are nonpartisan, and these positions matter tremendously to our community. Please do your homework. Look beyond the bios, campaign signs and advertisements. Learn about the candidates—their priorities, experience, supporters and funding—and make an informed decision. School Board members are elected to serve our entire community and support all students, not just a select few. Our schools are an important part of what makes our communities great places to live. Let’s keep working together to make them even better. Join me in voting for the MVPS McFarlane, Vernosh, Puschinsky and Streiff. Go Bears! Ellen Fahey White Bear Lake
PAID LETTER Endorsement of Mayor When Mayor Krachmer took office, he faced significant financial and operational challenges, including depleted reserve funds and overdue infrastructure maintenance. Working alongside the city council, they prioritized responsible financial planning: stabilizing property taxes, restoring budget reserves, and ensuring city services operate efficiently. Under his leadership, the city pursued and received grant monies of several million dollars that was put towards infrastructure needs such as stormwater management and trails. Mayor Krachmer cares deeply about our community. He has created a culture of being available to residents through; monthly breakfasts, office hours and participating in community events. Vadnais Heights is stronger, more financially secure, and better prepared for the future thanks to Mayor Mike Krachmer. Please join me in voting to re-elect Mayor Krachmer so our city can continue moving forward under steady, proven leadership. Rob Larson Vadnais Heights
PAID LETTER Who's going to shine a light on the darkness? Who's going to shine a light on the darkness shadowing our lives? Who's going to bring back WE in We The People? Who's going to live by the words "ethical" and "accountable" and not just say them to get votes? Our society has fallen into a dark and dysfunctional devolution, where trust, faith and honesty have become fights, blame and attacks on those pointing out fraud and corruption. I ask again, "Who's the someone I believe can shine a light on the darkness?" HEIDI HEINO. I've gotten to know and spend time with Heidi and her family. I can tell you that faith, honesty and integrity are not just words. It is how she lives her life. Being an example and leader when needed and supporting her family, friends and everyone in need. That's just who Heidi is and she will have my support in following what I believe she was called to do. Jason Weidholz White Bear Township
PAID LETTER It’s time for change After reviewing the school board candidates, I believe voters have a clear choice. The candidates endorsed by special interests would bring more of the same at a time when our district needs stronger leadership, better governance, and more careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Continuing with the status quo means accepting the same patterns of questionable decision-making, poor academic proficiency and wasteful spending that many families and community members are ready to move beyond. This is especially concerning when two of the candidates, Vernosh and Oji, serve as elementary school principals in the Roseville School District, where academic results trail comparable schools in the White Bear Lake School District. Our students deserve leaders who will focus on achievement, transparency, and results - not candidates tied to the same systems and interests that have failed to deliver the improvement SEE LETTERS, PAGE 14
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missing funds, and claim nonresponsiveness by the School Board, especially related to voter-approved levies for building improvements. These claims do not hold up. For over a year, some voices in the community have shown animus to Superintendent Kazmierczak. Demonstrating less-than-sober judgment and without evidence, Rep. Elliot Engen irresponsibly called for the superintendent’s resignation when an adult fraudulently registered as a student last year. Subsequent investigation showed the district complied with federal law and once made aware of the fraudulent registration, took prompt action. Similar accusations were made last spring by board member Dan Skaar. An independent investigation concluded that his behavior violated the MN Government Data Practices Act and the MN Open Meeting Law. He was rightfully censured. About 75% of our buildings are over 60 years old; some portions of Central are over 100 years old. In 2019, the community voted with 57% approval to invest $326 million in facilities. The district provided continual updates on project implementation. (https:// www.isd624.org/about/building-ourfuture). The envisioned new buildings and renovations have been completed; a public report was presented at a March 23, 2026, school board meeting. Critics allege overspending tax resources. In fact, the district used the authorized levy for intended purposes; additional funds were used for facility improvements, but these came from regular capital outlay funds and non-tax revenues (premiums from bond issuance and interest earnings). The district’s financial management can be trusted. Independent auditors have consistently issued “clean” opinions, meaning the financial statements are fairly presented, use appropriate accounting practices, and are free of material misstatements. The district’s leadership has delivered on their promises with integrity and transparency. This all matters. Education is the White Bear Lake area’s leading business sector. Unjustified criticism hurts our entire community. The quality of our schools attracts young families and others to buy homes and invest here, maintaining property values for everyone. Our schools have earned our confidence and support.
8 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
OCTOBER 7, 2026
www.presspubs.com
White Bear School Board hears opening school report BY SARAH BAKEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The White Bear Area School Board recently met in its first session since the 2026-27 school year began. Much of the meeting went toward updates from the past summer — maintenance on schools across the district, high engagement with community education and adult programs — as well as changes that will directly impact the coming school year, such as enrollment, technology updates and communications. School Board Member Dan Skaar asked for the payment of invoices to be removed and discussed prior to a motion to approve. The concern, Skaar said, was that the agenda item did not indicate whether the invoices had gone through the district’s required internal control review before reaching the board. During a 2025 financial audit, external auditors discovered that the district double-paid a major technology subscription invoice totaling $538,000.
“I should not have to infer that the review happened,” Skaar said. The double payment had been approved through the same consentagenda process. Skaar said the board should be able to see confirmation of the required oversight review before voting to approve. Skaar also questioned the amount of information provided with the invoice register, which contains a list of payments but little additional context. The invoice item was approved after a separate vote; Skaar cast the only dissenting vote. An update was provided on upcoming district events, including Homecoming week activities. Events include sporting activities, a parade through downtown White Bear Lake on Oct. 9, and the Homecoming semiformal dance on Oct. 10. Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald shared facility improvements made during summer 2026, including HVAC maintenance, parking lot expansions, roof work
and more across various schools. The district also reported changes to safety and security procedures. Staff are receiving training in cardiac emergency response, including CPR and the use of AEDs by nurses and health aides. Wald also presented an unrolling response to new state legislation, Minnesota HF 2433, which requires school districts to provide anonymous threat reporting. White Bear Lake is evaluating several platforms before selecting a system for anonymous reporting. Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Alison Gillespie reported that the district’s communications team has completed academic calendars, website updates and beginning-of-theyear letters. There was interest in the district’s anonymous threat reporting plans, the absence of a transportation waitlist, fully staffed buses and the district’s use of ParentSquare, which replaced the district’s previous SchoolMessenger system.
White Bear Lake’s enrollment update showed an overall decrease of 16 students, although enrollment trends varied by grade level. Elementary enrollment is down by about 80 students, and the class entering sixth grade is 99 students larger than the incoming kindergarten class. District officials attributed the decline in part to lower birth rates. This is not unusual — the nation as a whole is starting to see the enrollment impacts of a declining birth rate. On average, states are expected to lose 4.7% of their public school student count nationwide by 2031. Enrollment increased by 59 students at the middle school level and by five students at the high school level, offsetting some of the elementary decline. “What we’re seeing here in this back-to-school report is the cumulative work of so many years and so many people addressing issues,” School Board Member Jessica Ellison said.
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LITTLE VILLAGE PUB: Pours on the wins FROM PAGE 1
This Year’s Mainstreet Scarecrow Stroll Winner is
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the staff, bartenders, servers and the kitchen staff ... Whether it is their first time or their 100th time, they continue to have a good relationship with the staff and have a good time there.” In addition to the three Best of Awards, Bree Theisen was selected as a finalist for best bartender. Theisen has worked for the Montpetits since 2020, following them from The Village Stadium Sports Bar to Little Village Pub. “I still don’t know who nominated me, but it is really nice … It makes you feel good,” she said. Theisen says she enjoys the customer engagement part of the job and loves the fast-paced environment. “We have a lot of regulars here, so we are engaged with the customers,” she explained. “The kitchen is very consistent, the food is good, we have great workers here … we make you feel welcome here.” Cathy Montpetit said what sets Little Village apart from other establishments in the area is their hands-on ownership, food and local involvement in the community. “We've tried to be a good community bar supporting both Mahtomedi and White Bear sports and the local youth and the whole community,” she said. Pearson thanked the community for the votes. “Thanks for looking out for us. We look forward to serving you for many years to come,” he said.
Congrats Frezzelda!!
The Scarecrow ballot winner is Katie Oglesby who received our White Bear Lake gift basket!
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that is winning awards, then so be it.” The annual contest gives readers the opportunity to recognize the people, businesses and places that define their local experience. From neighborhood restaurants and small businesses to essential service providers, the contest has grown into a reflection of what residents value most in their communities. This year’s contest featured more than 150 categories, covering everything from dining and retail to services, schools and community events. Little Village Pub was voted best appetizer selection, best bar and best happy hour. The business has previously won best bar and earned the finalist title for its French fries. The restaurant, located at 2670 County Road E East, opened in January 2023 in the former Bierstube. The Montpetits previously owned The Village Stadium Sports Bar, which closed its doors in September 2022. When it comes to appetizers, Pearson says the most popular choices for customers are nachos, potstickers, quesadillas and wings. “You have to stretch the dollar a lot farther than you normally would, so we try to make it so you get the most value for that dollar that you can,” Pearson explained. “So, when you get a plate of nachos, you don’t get a plate, you get a giant 9-by-13 baking tin full of nachos.” So why was the establishment voted the best bar and best happy hour? Pearson says it comes down to Little Village Pub’s staff. “We are really lucky to have an incredible staff. They take care of the customer really, really well, so it makes our job easy to line things up and let them run with it,” he said. “I really do think the staff plays such a large part in the environment that we have there. You can set people up for succuss as much as you can, but at the end of the day it really falls on
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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: Besta and Bear 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 3801 McKnight Rd N White Bear Lake MN 55110 3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. Katelyn Hyrkas LLC 3801 McKnight Rd N White Bear Lake MN 55110 I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath. Dated: September 9, 2026 Signed: Katelyn Hyrkas Published two times in the White Bear Press on October 7 and 14, 2026.
at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 4701 Highway 61 and shall continue until all interested parties have been heard. Questions regarding the hearing of the proposed levy may be directed to Kerri Kindsvater, Finance Director, 4701 Highway 61 N., 651-429-8517. Written comments received prior to the hearing shall be read at the hearing. Published one time in the White Bear Press on October 7, 2026.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR POLICE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION VACANCY The City of White Bear Lake is accepting applications from residents to join the Police Civil Service Commission. This volunteer position serves for threeyear terms and provides oversight in the processes of employment, promotion, discharge, and suspension of sworn officers. For more information, visit City Hall at 4701 Highway 61 or the City’s website under News and Events at www.whitebearlakemn.gov. Applications accepted through October 23, 2026, or until the vacancy is filled. Caley Longendyke, City Clerk Published one time in the White Bear Press on October 7, 2026.
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE
CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies: 1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Smartleby 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1769 Lexington Ave N PMB 248 Roseville, MN 55113 3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. Michael Leggs 1769 Lexington Ave N PMB 248 Roseville, MN 55113 I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath. Dated: September 24, 2026 Signed: Michael Leggs Published two times in the White Bear Press on October 7 and 14, 2026.
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE
CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies: 1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: BOLOtag 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 14505 21st Ave N Ste 232, Plymouth, MN 55447 3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. Rich Buendorf 14910 31st Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55447 I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath. Dated: September 22, 2026 Signed: Richard Buendorf Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 30 and October 7, 2026.
WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP
NOTICE OF HEARING ON REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE IN THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Town Board of the Town of White Bear, Ramsey County, Minnesota, will meet at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, in said Town on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., to consider a Variance to allow for an existing deck and addition of a secondary deck within the required rear yard setback from the ordinary high water mark and exceed the maximum landing size of 32 square feet at the property at 1 Bald Eagle Point (PID 023022120001). The full legal description is on file available at the Township and provided by applicant with the legal description as follows:
Commencing at the N.E. Cor. of Sec. 2, T. 30, R. 22 W; Ramsey County, Minnesota; thence West on a bearing of N 90°00’ W along the North line of said Sec. 2 a distance of 2095.65 Feet to actual point of beginning, said point being 171.35 Feet East of the Meander Cor. at the Northwest Cor. of Govt. Lot 2, said Meander Cor. being on the North line of said Sec. 2; thence S 00°00’ E a distance of 106.33 Feet; thence S 57°52’ W to the shore line of Bald Eagle Lake; thence Northwesterly along the shore line of Bald Eagle Lake to the North line of Sec. 2; thence N 90°00’ E along the North line of Sec. 2 a distance of 171.3 Feet more or less to point of beginning, containing 0.6 acres; all as shown on a Certificate of Survey dated December 1, 1967, prepared by E.C. Bather & Associates. Together with an easement for roadway purposes over and across the North 20 feet of the East 637.10 feet of Government Lot 2, Section 2, Township 30 North, Range 22 West, and over and across the North 20 feet of the Northeast quarter of the Northeast quarter (NE ¼ of NE ¼) of Section 2, Township 30 North, Range 22 West, from the Easterly line of said Government Lot 2, extending East to the County Public Highway located on the North County Line of Ramsey County, Minnesota, and on the North line of said Northeast quarter of the Northeast quarter (NE ¼ of NE ¼) of said Section 2, Township 30 North, Range 22 West. Together with an easement for ingress and egress over a strip of land 8 feet in width, the centerline of which is described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast of corner of Section 2, Township 30, Range 22 West, Ramsey County, Minnesota; thence West on a bearing of North 90°00’ West along the North line of said Section 2 a distance of 1917.0 feet to a point, said point being 350 feet East of the Meander Corner at the Northwest corner of Government Lot 2, said Meander Corner being on the North line of said Section 2; thence South 41°53’ East, a distance of 150 feet; thence South 57°52’ West, a distance of 51.98 feet to the point of beginning; thence North 33°17’ West, a distance 92.37 feet; thence North 36°24’ East a distance of 38 feet, more or less, to the line previously described as South 41°53’ East and there terminating.
and to hear and pass upon objections and recommendations, if any, and to conduct any and all business incident thereto. Given under my hand this September 28, 2026 PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on October 7, 2026.
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE
CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies: 1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Come Along With Me- Bee Well 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2233 Hamline Ave N, Ste 411, Roseville, MN 55113 3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. Melissae Bletsian 510 E 24th St, Apt 302, Minneapolis, MN 55404 I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath. Dated: September 21, 2026 Signed: Melissae Bletsian Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 30 and October 7, 2026.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that pursuant to MN Statute Chapter 103B, the Birch Lake Improvement District requests the White Bear Lake City Council conduct a public hearing for a proposal to assess a service charge for 2027 operations to owners of property abutting Birch Lake within the City of White Bear Lake. The service charge will fund certain improvements or actions intended to improve the quality of Birch Lake. The total proposed service charge for calendar year 2027 for all properties within the district is $24,800. Said total, if approved, will be divided equally among the total number of assessable parcels, which results in a $400.00 service charge per parcel. The Birch Lake Improvement District has submitted this amount to the City for assessment to individual properties. If you have questions or concerns regarding the purpose or use of the funds, those concerns need to be addressed to the Birch Lake Improvement Board Chairperson Steve Laliberte by e-mail at steve.laliberte@iproduction.com. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, beginning
WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP
NOTICE OF HEARING TO ESTABLISH A ONE-YEAR MORATORIUM IN THE FORM OF AN INTERIM ORDINANCE PROHIBITING ACCEPTING OR CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS PROPOSING ESTABLISHMENT AND EXPANSION OF DATA CENTERS AND RELATED FACILITIES AND AUTHORIZE A STUDY OF APPROPRIATE LAND-USE REGULATIONS IN THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Town Board of the Town of White Bear, Ramsey County, Minnesota, will meet at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, in said Town on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., to consider establishing an one year moratorium on accepting or consideration of applications proposing establishment and expansion of data centers and related facilities pursuant to Minnesota Statute 462.355, subdivision 4 to allow the Town to authorize a study of appropriate land-use regulations within Ordinance 35 related to definitions, uses, and development standards, and to hear and pass upon objections and recommendations, if any, and to conduct any and all business incident thereto. The purpose of the moratorium is to allow the Town time to study adoption of new ordinances or amendments to existing ordinances related to the establishment and expansion of new and existing data centers and related facilities. Given under my hand this 30th day of September, 2026. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on October 7, 2026.
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS, ISD 624
NOTICE OF BID White Bear Lake Area Schools, Minnesota, is presently soliciting competitive “Prime Contract Bids” for Mariner Middle School Athletic Improvements. Sealed bids will be received through Building Connected then publicly opened and read aloud. No other agent is authorized to receive bids. Bids will be received until 2:00 PM local time, on Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 at which time they will be publicly read aloud. Bidders are also invited to review the results online at https://www.krausanderson.com/trade-partners/. All bids shall be on a lump sum basis. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days after bid receipt without consent of the Owner. Each bidder shall
OCTOBER 7, 2026
accompany the Bid Form with a bid security as described in the Instructions to Bidders. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities in bids. This portion of the project involves This project will consist of the construction of synthetic turf softball and baseball fields, tennis courts, a pavilion, sidewalks, and associated grading and utilities. A new infiltration basin will be constructed for stormwater management. Please note Work Scope 31A for earthwork will be awarded via best value. Please see section 002100 for best value criteria. Direct communications regarding this Project to the office of the Construction Manager: Drew Simon (drew.simon@krausanderson.com) Kraus-Anderson Construction, 501 South 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404 Tel: 612-468-0978. Obtain Bidding Documents, including the online bidding instructions, as well as Drawings and Specifications, via free electronic download by visiting https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/5757529c4425ca0a0029307b . Contact Tamara Kurak with any planroom downloading or ordering questions at 612-336-6497 or tamara.kurak@krausanderson.com to receive an invite. Kraus-Anderson will not be responsible for notifying individual parties who obtained documents without utilizing the Building Connected process through KA, when Addenda are issued. Bidding Documents will be available for inspection at the office of the Construction Manager and the office of the Architect: Wold; as well as several Builder’s Exchanges: MHC Dodge Plans, MEDA, St. Cloud, Mid-Minnesota, Brainerd Lakes, Rochester, Duluth, and MBEX. A Pre-Bid conference will be held at the following location and time: • Friday October 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Meet at West end of parking lot by the tennis courts. Published two times in the White Bear Press on October 7 and 14, 2026.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT
COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-740 CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (WITHOUT A WILL) In re the Estate of Val Peter Stupans, a/k/a Val Stupans, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is hereby given that an Amended Application filed on September 17, 2026 for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Court. No will has been presented for probate. The Amended Application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: John Nicholas Stupans, 4393 Poppy Tree Lane, Jacksonville FL 32258 John Paul Hess, 4500 East Lantern Lane, Estero FL 33928 as Co-Personal Representatives of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the Co-Personal Representatives. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3607, and the court otherwise orders, the Co-Personal Representatives have full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the CoPersonal Representatives or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred. Attorney for Personal Representative Mark E Duea Attorney License No.: 27351X GDO Law 4770 White Bear Parkway White Bear Lake MN 55110 Telephone: 651-426-3249 E-Mail: markduea@gdolaw.com Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar Theresa Ames, Court Administrator Dated: September 22, 2026 Published two times in the White Bear Press on September 30 and October 7, 2026.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION
COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-834 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: John C. Ericson, a/k/a John Charles Ericson, Decedent. NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, December 09, 2026, from 1:15 p.m. until 1:30 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 Ruby K. Ericson, whose address is 5409 Brittany Ct., White Bear MN 55110, 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: Amy Andersen, Deputy Court Administrator Date: September 24, 2026 Published two times in the White Bear Press on October 7 and 14, 2026.
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WHITE BEAR PRESS
11
A monthly section where readers will be informed on subjects of seasonal interest, upcoming events and other timely topics.
HYDRANT FLUSHING IS COMING – White Bear Township Public Works will
begin to flush hydrants & watermains throughout the Township the week of October 12, weather permitting, & will continue for about a week. You may experience discoloration in the water. Residents can open their lowest level faucet to clear the line. It is not advisable to wash clothes if the water is discolored. STREET SWEEPING – Sweeping of the Township streets will begin October 26, weather permitting, & will continue for about two weeks. Sweeping is typically done as late in the season as is feasible to capture the most leaves. Please do not blow or rake the remaining leaves in your yard into the street; those should still be properly disposed of using compostable bags for yard waste pickup or brought to the compost site.
TOWNSHIP REGULATIONS BEGINNING NOVEMBER 1ST – • Camper & Boat Storage: Outside storage of boats, travel trailers, campers & camping buses on or adjacent to a driveway is allowed from April 1 through November 1. • Snowmobile Parking: Snowmobiles may be parked on or adjacent to driveways from November 1 to March 31. • 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 1 through April 1, or any time after a snowfall of one or more inches until the road is cleared curb to curb. OUTSIDE BURNING REGULATIONS – Bonfire season is soon approaching! Small, recreational fires are allowed in the Township. The fire may not exceed three feet in diameter or three feet in height. No yard
waste (leaves, grass clippings), refuse, oil, rubber or similar smoke producing materials may be burned. If smoke becomes a nuisance to nearby properties, it must be extinguished immediately. Open fires for recreational purposes shall not occur between midnight & 6:00 a.m. BULK ITEM PICKUP REMINDER – Republic Services customers receive free pickup of THREE (3) bulk items each calendar year. Use them before the end of December. YARD WASTE SERVICES – Republic Services will pick up yard waste until November 30, 2026 (weather permitting). It must be in compostable bags. Yard waste in standard plastic bins is prohibited by state law. If you are experiencing missed pickups for yard waste, contact Republic Services at 320-252-9608.
whitebeartownship.org | 651.747.2750 |1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, Minnesota 55110
FIRE DEPARTMENT: Stays busy training FROM PAGE 1
suddenly things get crazy on the call volume side, then we are going to have issues, but I don’t anticipate that.” Council Member Ellen Gurrola asked about recruitment efforts and wanted to know whether the department was still struggling to find firefighters. Peterson explained that it is still difficult to find firefighters, but for a different reason. For many years it seemed that fewer people were interested in firefighting careers. However, that is not necessarily the case anymore. “I actually see an uptick in interest in the field right now, which is great. There are a lot more students coming through, both firefighters and paramedics, but we are forever going to be competing, just like the police department, with other departments.”
Notable events, training
Peterson described March 21, 2026, “as the worst event” in the department’s 138 years. (See “Investigators detail the fire that took a White Bear Lake family,” Sept. 30, 2026, White Bear Press.) He noted the tragedy drew media attention across the nation, adding that the department was contacted by people in Los Angeles, California. “It was very sad. It was a tragic event,” he said. “We are glad that we are going to be able to add a little bit of closure to that,” referring to the State Fire Marshal’s recent press conference providing an update into the six-month investigation. Shifting gears, the department continues to stay busy training. Over the last six months, the department has completed all
hazard incident management training, a water rescue drill, active shooter training and a live fire training. Council Member Andrea West, who participated in the live fire training, expressed her appreciation for the fire department. “I have always appreciated your work, but doing the live fire training gives a new perspective on what it’s like in a very itty-bitty period of time to wear all of the things you have to wear to keep all parts of your body safe,” West said. “Being in there when the fire is going up the wall … is something quite extraordinary and a little scary.” She added that the experience gave her a different sense of urgency when it comes to fire and inspired her to talk to her family about a fire safety plan. The second Citizens Fire Academy was also a success. Peterson noted this year’s academy had 22 participants compared to four the prior year. Community members who are interested in participating in the 2027 academy should watch the city website and department’s social media page for a form to sign up early next year. The academy typically starts in April. The department recently received a donation of 1,500 smoke/ carbon monoxide detectors to distribute to the community. In addition to handing them out at the open house earlier this week, residents can also stop by the police/fire entrance at City Hall to pick one up while supplies last.
JUST LISTED
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
LOCALLY OWNED
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CLERK’S CORNER – Greetings from the Township! Temps are cooling, kids are in school, leaves are falling, & our Township staff will start working on winterizing around the community soon. Also! The annual rite of passage of road projects wrapping up (both Township & other jurisdictions) around the area will start to loosen up some of the congestion we’ve all had to experience the last four months. Huge thanks to all those who are behind Township Day annually! The Board of Supervisors, The Township Park Board, Public Works, & all of our community participants & volunteers come together annually to really make this a terrific event for everyone to enjoy. See you soon!
Solid Ground charts growth, welcomes new director For nearly four decades, Solid Ground has worked to prevent and end homelessness in the East Metro. Now, as the demand for housing and homelessness prevention services continues to rise, the organization is preparing for its most significant period of growth yet. In 2025, Solid Heidi Nelson Ground served 441 families (1,431 individuals) across Ramsey and Washington counties. To meet growing need, the organization has launched an 18-month plan focused on strengthening operations, investing in staff, diversifying revenue and building the infrastructure needed for longterm sustainability. That foundation will support a major expansion. By 2030, Solid Ground expects to operate across four housing developments serving families, youth and individuals experiencing housing instability. In addition to East Metro Place, the organization is partnering with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative on Gladstone Crossing, a youth housing development, expected to open in 2027, and on The Aragon, a mixed-income housing
project planned for 2030. Solid Ground is also developing Willow Lake, a master-leasing initiative in Vadnais Heights to create additional housing opportunities in Ramsey County. "Even in a challenging environment for nonprofits, we're here to stay," said Executive Director Diamond Hunter. "We're deeply rooted in the East Metro, supported by a strong community, and committed to building on that foundation for years to come." Expanding community support is central to that growth. Solid Ground recently welcomed Heidi Nelson as director of advancement to lead efforts to strengthen donor relationships, community partnerships, volunteer engagement and long-term fundraising. Nelson's fundraising experience will play an important role in helping the organization expand community support and secure the resources necessary to meet increasing needs. "Heidi believes relationships matter more than titles and that great things happen when people come together with a shared purpose," Hunter said. "That's exactly the spirit we need as we grow."
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12 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
OCTOBER 7, 2026
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NAMES IN THE NEWS The Minnesota Business Partnership has announced that Russ Becker, president and chief executive officer of APi Group, will serve as chair of its board of directors for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Becker, a resident of Dellwood, will succeed Geoff Martha, chairman and chief executive officer of Medtronic. “Russ is a respected leader who understands both the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with leadership in Minnesota,” said Martha. “He will bring a thoughtful and practical perspective to the board at an
important time for the Partnership. Becker has led APi Group since 2004. The Minnesotabased company is a global provider of fire and life safety, security, elevator and escalator, and specialty services, with more than 600 locations worldwide. Justin Lessman will serve as the next executive director of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and Minnesota News Media Institute. Lessman will succeed current MNA/MNI Executive Director Lisa Hills, who will retire Jan. 31, 2027, after nearly four
decades with the MNA. Lessman has been a member of all MNA committees; has chaired the advertising/digital media committee, the member services committee and the finance committee; and serves as the current chair of the legislative committee. Moreover, Lessman served on the MNA and MNI Board of Directors from 2015 to 2026, including two terms as MNA/MNI president.
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Sisters Ruth Wilson, Lavonia Trimble and Donna Wilson made a stop in White Bear Lake on their three-week road trip from Athens, Alabama, where the Wilsons reside. They are pictured with artist Sara Elizabeth. Their next destination is a loop through South Dakota, Wyoming, Washington, Nebraska and Kansas, ending at Lake of the Ozarks. The “Sister Trippers” began their road trip tradition in 2019.
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BUSINESS BRIEFS: Local businesses host event, coat drive PAGE 18
PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Zephyr Homecoming spirit on display Above: Mahtomedi school colors dominated the clothing and accessories of many of the parade participants, who distributed candy along the route between Wildwood Elementary School and the high school.
Above: Washington County 4-H representatives chose animal themed costumes for their Homecoming Parade float. At left: In a longstanding tradition, members of the cross country team deliver the game ball after shuttling it from the opposing team’s high school. Mahtomedi defeated Bloomington Jefferson 35-0.
At right: Jaxon Mitchell celebrates with teammates after returning the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown.
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GIFTS, APPAREL & DÉCOR IN WHITE BEAR LAKE
14 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
OCTOBER 7, 2026
www.presspubs.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (CONTINUED) families need and expect. Our community needs real change: responsible spending, accountability to parents, and open dialogue with residents. That is why, as a parent, former Roseville teacher, and local business owner, I am supporting independent, community-focused candidates who will put students and families first: Colleen Berquist, Dan Arcand, Melissa Roberts, and Bob Krominga. Remember BARK at the polls. Jeanna Frattalone-Hinderer White Bear Lake
PAID LETTER Focus on Infrastructure & Long-Term Capital Planning
Neighborhood safety and maintaining the city’s assets and infrastructure are basic responsibilities of a city council. When Kelly Jozwowski and Katherine Doll Kanne were elected, they faced a back-log of deferred maintenance caused by years of underfunded capital investment. Rather than passing the buck, they invested in equipment for efficiencies and made the tough decisions needed to repair our roads, water mains, and utilities all while carefully restoring our city's financial reserves. Their hard work has paid off and now the city is repairing more miles of road than ever before, and they have established a long-term budget and capital plan to protect taxpayers from sudden, sharp tax spikes. In fact, the levy for 2027 is going to be below 5%. If re-elected, Kelly Jozwowski is committed to making our neighborhoods more accessible and connected. Katherine Doll Kanne plans to establish a 15-year longrange capital plan so our city can prepare for major infrastructure replacements long before they become emergencies. Jozwowski and Doll Kanne have proven they can manage our city’s physical assets with foresight and financial discipline. Let’s keep moving forward by re-electing them to the City Council. David Schuh Vadnais Heights
PAID LETTER As a coworker of Amanda for more than a decade, I am writing to give my emphatic endorsement to Amanda McFarlane, for White Bear Lake School Board. As I sit down to read my weekly edition of the White Bear Press (thanks to our carrier, Rusty!), I often see robust debate about our schools. In a time where most people fall squarely on one side of the political aisle or the other, there is little
disagreement on the importance of our schools and the education of the youth in our community. We all want the best for our students. Ensuring we make the right decisions for our students while also being good stewards of taxpayers dollars is no easy task. But in Amanda, we'd have someone who is accustomed to analyzing complex situations, actively listening to all points of view, and making levelheaded decisions. Amanda is also no pushover. She is not afraid to stand up for what is right, speak up, and ensure students' wellbeing is the focus of school board decisions. I've been lucky enough to work with Amanda for many years and have witnessed first hand just how committed she is to results. She endlessly goes above and beyond for her coworkers, customers, and anyone in need; I know she'd do the same in a school board position. Amanda has my vote and should have yours as well! Joey Marek White Bear Lake
PAID LETTER BARK for better schools WBLAS continues to underperform academically and faces compliance lapses, enrollment fraud, and poor financial management. As families seek alternatives, the Board needs new leadership and serious discussion of these challenges – not advocacy for special interests. Colleen Berquist, Dan Arcand, Melissa Roberts and Bob Krominga (BARK) are independent and have made no pledges to special interests or the teachers union. They will make decisions for students, families, and the community. We need a serious, independent Board that will address declining enrollment and property tax affordability. The district is spending more on facilities while enrollment revenue falls, diverting funds from classroom instruction. Without change, the decline will continue. BARK is our community’s chance to confront these challenges. Elect BARK. Michelle Jorgenson White Bear Township
PAID LETTER Bipartisan on paper, party line where it counted
Sen. Heather Gustafson calls herself "one of the most bipartisan Senators in Saint Paul." Her website says over 70% of her bills are bipartisan. I wanted to know what that number means, so I looked. It counts co-authors. If a senator introduces a bill and one member of
Weekly Outlook SUNRISE/SUNSET OCTOBER 7-13, 2026
7:18
6:42
7:19 6:40
7:21 6:38
7:22 6:37
7:23 6:35
7:24 6:33
7:26 6:31
Weather Tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com
Frank Watson
It was just two years ago my lawn was like the Dust Bowl. The August of 2024 featured a rainfall total of over 7” on what was an already wet June and July. September the pattern shifted and rainfall totaled 0.71”. Fast forward two years and the summer of 2026 was very dry. I totaled 8.96”; normal is 13.40”. A shift in the upper winds this past September; I totaled a healthy 3.69”. My lawn is now green and lush. It was nice not mowing much this summer. We experienced intermittent showers on Saturday but not enough to cancel plans. Sunday’s running of the Twin City Marathon went off without a hitch as weather was perfect. It will be interesting next year as the marathon will be moved into later October. Want to meet me? I’ll be at the Pine Tree Apple Orchard Saturday, October 17 helping with Run for the Apples. Google it. We’re raising money for student scholarships. Enjoy the nice weather expected this week!
WEEKLY AVERAGES HIGH LOW SUN PCP
59° 40° 58% 0.51”
Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.
Sponsored by
James Sanchez White Bear Lake Realty
4790 Banning Avenue • Downtown White Bear Lake 651-653-7326 • www.wblrealty.com
the other party signs on, it counts as bipartisan. Whether the bill gets a hearing, passes, or becomes law doesn't matter. Most bills introduced never reach a vote. Votes are a different measure. On the 56 key Senate votes in her Vote Smart record, she voted “yes” on 55. Eighteen of those bills got exactly 34 yes votes, the minimum needed to pass Minnesota's 67-member Senate. Every one of those votes was needed, hers included. They include the transportation bill which increased tab fees, a 0.75% metro sales tax and $0.50 delivery fee, driver's licenses for undocumented residents, and the minimum wage bill (which ended the lower rate for small businesses, a 26% jump in one step). She was also one of the 34 yes votes on the PRO Act (abortion as a fundamental right, with no gestational limit). Her one “no” vote on the list came in June 2025, on ending MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented adults. It passed 37 to 30. All 33 Republicans voted yes, and so did four Democrats, including the Senate Majority Leader. Sen. Gustafson was one of the 30 Democrats who voted “no”. When members of her own party crossed over, she didn't. To be fair, she has done real work across the aisle. Her Inspector General bill became law with broad support from both parties, and she has voted with Republicans on some amendments. But "one of the most bipartisan" is a big claim, and co-sponsors aren't the test. The test is how a senator votes when the outcome is on the line. On the closest votes, her record matches her caucus. Every roll call is public. I'd encourage District 36 voters to look them up and decide for themselves. Karen Anderson White Bear Township
health, has decimated the CDC, once “the undisputed global leader in public health” (NY Times, Sept. 27, 2026). In election years, Republicans want you to be afraid. This year’s bogeymen are “socialism” and “fraud.” Former FBI agent O’Malley said “the state has failed to hold people accountable as fraud festered as far back as the 1970s” (Star Tribune, April 23, 2026). Democrats didn’t control the government for 50 years; now Republicans want you to feel they did. Trump gave clemency to “more than 70 allies, donors and others convicted (of) fraud” (NY Times, March 22, 2026). “Socialism is a scare word they have hurled at every advance the people have made … Socialism is what they called public power. Socialism is what they called Social Security. Socialism is what they called farm supports. Socialism is what they called bank deposit insurance. Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations. Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps the people” (President Harry Truman, 1952). Trumps biggest international “friends” are dictators, and he wants to be one. The Supreme Court gave him ability to compile a national citizenship list. A main factor in the Holocaust was Nazis’ use of IBM data cards (Black: “IBM and The Holocaust”). Trump dictatorship stupidity and incompetence — prime example: “‘Zombified’ CDC Strains to Meet Scientific Mission … as Work Force Contracts by 30%” (NY Times, Sept. 27, 2026). The CDC used to be “the undisputed global leader in public health.” After 18 months of Kennedy, no more. This is true of most government agencies in the Trump dictatorship. Trump and Republican disciples don’t govern by the Constitution. They run the Trump dictatorship by “Project 2025,” a far-right and billionaire wish list. Why vote for more, vote against yourself and your kids?
PAID LETTER One last chance One last chance to save American democracy, Nov. 3. Trump told Republicans to vote like he’s on the ballot. Take him at his word! Vote against every Republican. If Trump controls the executive branch, Supreme Court, both Congressional houses — it is Madison’s definition of tyranny (Federalist #47). Trump is the anti-George Washington, the anti-Abraham Lincoln. His violations of democracy and democratic norms occur EVERY day. If you need this letter to convince you — America is in big trouble. Check your “information” sources. If you listen to Fox “news,” many “Christian” stations, talk radio, influencers — studies show you’re misinformed or uninformed. Vote for any of Minnesota’s Republican House Members or Senate candidates — you’re supporting continuation of the Trump dictatorship. Trump has already exhibited six of 14 characteristics of fascism — and is working hard to rig the 2026 elections. Numerous Trump policies cost Minnesotans money — the asinine tariffs cost farmers markets, and raise YOUR costs. The reckless, stupid, Iran war costs YOU gas and grocery money. Trump policies endanger YOUR national parks — including trying to give away pieces. Trump is/has gutted key environmental policies — to benefit his billionaire donors. Trump and his Republican disciples sabotage freedom of speech, attempt to control all information about what he/ they do that hurts YOU. Trump tried to eliminate all ways of restraining his dictatorial ways — immediately firing about 18 Inspectors General, firing officials providing true data. Trump’s Health Secretary is sabotaging YOUR
Tom Dolen Shoreview
PAID LETTER Vote for common sense on council
I am a volunteer on the Vadnais Heights Green Team. This group of volunteers has worked passionately on a variety of initiatives for our community ranging from the creation of the Native Plant Food Forest at Community Park (a place open to the public), to cleaning out storm drains to improve water quality, hosting clothing swaps to encourage reuse, encouraging home energy audits (to help people reduce their energy costs) and guiding compost efforts (or dumpster diving in some cases) at larger scale events to make them waste free. All these efforts are volunteer driven at no cost to the city. Even the creation of the Food Forest was through an earned stipend by team members who participated in an educational program through the National Parks and Rec. The volunteer Green Team would not exist if it were not for our current city council members who are running for re-election. The volunteer Green Team came out of the Gold Leaf pilot program our current city council approved back in 2023. If you can believe it, there were some community members who were against allowing a team of volunteers to focus on sustainability efforts. Two of them, Craig Johnson and Patricia Youker, are currently running for city council. They both believe that climate change is not human induced and support the continuation of burning fossil fuels (Source: Patricia Youker’s letters to the editor Feb. 1, 2023 and July 10, 2023; Craig Johnson Facebook). And Patty Bradway, running for House in 36B, also has a negative view of these SEE LETTERS, PAGE 15
OCTOBER 7, 2026 www.presspubs.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (CONTINUED) programs and has been quoted, “this is an environmental extremist agenda” and these sustainability programs have a goal to “clump people together in green housing units, i.e., they will take away your freedom to move around the county on your terms.” We are not a nefarious group of environmental activists who want to live in communes and take your cars away. We are your Vadnais Heights neighbors who want clear air, clean water, and ensure bees and birds thrive as key pollinators of our food source. Please vote for common sense for our city council, Mike Krachmer, Kelly Jozwowski and Katherine Doll Kanne and Brion Curran for House Representative for 36B. Rachel Klein Vadnais Heights
PAID LETTER Candidate breath of fresh air
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Heidi Heino. She works very hard. She knocks about 700 doors every week. She takes the office she is running for very seriously and is a shining example of what a candidate with integrity looks like. She is extremely intelligent and knows the issues that impact her voters. She would be a breath of fresh air in the Legislature and bring much needed common sense to the lawmaking process. I encourage everyone in the district to support Heidi for SD36 Senate and vote for her in November. Nate George City of Braham Mayor
Taxpayers deserve full story on county’s levy Commissioner JebensSingh’s recent column explains several financial pressures facing Ramsey County. Those pressures are real. But they don’t explain the entire proposed tax increase. Ramsey County increased its property-tax levy 8.25% for 2026. Now the county has
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
15
OBITUARIES
certified a maximum 2027 levy of approximately $464 million— another 8.25%, or roughly $35.4 million more. If adopted, that’s a cumulative increase of about 17% in just two years. The commissioner points to federal changes involving SNAP and Medicaid and additional staffing requirements at the Adult Detention Center. Those are legitimate costs. But according to county materials, those two pressures account for approximately 2.1 percentage points of the proposed 8.25% increase. So what accounts for the rest? The commissioner also highlights $1.4 million in savings identified during the budget process. I could sneeze and save more money than that. Finding savings is a good first step, but $1.4 million needs to be viewed alongside a proposed $35.4 million increase in property-tax revenue. Before asking taxpayers for another 8.25%, county commissioners should provide residents with a simple accounting: How much of the increase is required by federal or state mandates? How much comes from wages and benefits? How much represents existing program growth, new spending, debt or other discretionary decisions? This isn’t about pretending Ramsey County faces no financial challenges. It does. Nor is every spending increase necessarily unjustified. It’s about transparency and priorities. Taxpayers are being asked to absorb two consecutive 8.25% levy increases on top of additional tax increases at the city, school and state levels. They deserve more than a list of financial pressures and programs the county considers important. They deserve to know how much of another $35.4 million is truly unavoidable—and how much results from choices made by county government. That distinction should be made clear before the final 2027 levy is adopted. Jon Holter Vadnais Heights
Marlene L. Everson Born July 11, 1931. Passed away July 14, 2026. Survived by husband Kenneth; and son Mike. Private Family Services. Arrangements with Honsafamilyfuneral.com, 651-429-6172.
Richard J. Galena January 18, 1949 – September 11, 2026 Richard Galena was born and raised in Fergus Falls, Minnesota and attended St. John’s Preparatory School, Class of 1967. He graduated from Creighton University and Creighton University Law School. He began his legal career in St. Paul before moving to White Bear Lake where he started the Galena Law Firm. Mr. Galena was very active in community affairs and professional associations. He served as Director of the White Bear Lake Economic Development Corporation, the White Bear Lake Conservation District, and chaired the 4th of July Fire Works Committee for the Chamber of Commerce for 30 years. He was a Rotarian and a member of the St. Paul Winter Carnival Royal Guard. Dick lived on White Bear Lake and loved boating and activities involving sailing and sailboat races. He cherished his friendships with the White Bear Lake area community. Dick became an accomplished landscape painter and had made many paintings around White Bear Lake and Otter Tail Lake where he grew up and had a family cottage. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Anne (Noonan) Galena. He is survived by his cousins, Teresa (McCarthy) Licari of North Carolina, and Thomas McCarthy of Hawaii; and his many friends in the Twin Cities area. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake, on Friday, October 16, at 11 AM. The funeral will be preceded by a visitation at 10 AM.
Paul Mack Abbott 84, of Dellwood, MN, passed away in May 2026, in Mesa, AZ. Paul spent his life in White Bear Lake, and most of his career working as a member of the Teamsters. Paul enjoyed traveling, old west history and memorabilia, and anything with an engine. Throughout his life he enjoyed restoring and driving classic cars, and sharing his love of cars with friends both in MN and AZ where he spent the winter months. He could also be found watching NASCAR with his trusty companion cat, Bart. Paul loved hosting a good old fashioned barbecue, sharing stories with his family, and occasionally shooting his miniature cannon much to the delight of his grandkids. He is survived by his children Mary, Linda, and Jeff, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. Mary of the Lake, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Humane Society in his memory.
NEWS BRIEF
Oct. 14 is cutoff for paid political letters
Per Press Publications’ guidelines, the last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 3 election will appear in the Oct. 20 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14. See “Election Letter Guidelines” for full details.
CLARIFICATION Recent letters to the editor were misleading about the years Patricia Youker, a current candidate for Vadnais Heights City Council, previously served on the council. Ms. Youker served on the Vadnais Heights City Council from 2019-2022.
White Bear Lake Area Church Directory Sunday Worship Join us on Sunday:
Worship: Sunday, 9am & 10:30am Wednesday, 6:30pm Daily prayer meetings and Spiritual Growth classes throughout the week. Call the church office for more information.
847494
2425 White Bear Avenue • Maplewood • 651-777-5200
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church
All Are Welcome!
3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 www.cslcvh.org / 651-429-6595
www.stmarys-wbl.org
church or check church web sites for service times and online service information.
Church: 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake Parish Life Center/School: 4690 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake
LUTHERAN CHURCH 863649
Masses: Saturday - 5:00 PM Livestream Sunday - 9:00 & 11:00 AM
866343
Join our Community! Saturday 4:00pm Sunday 9:00am Sunday soCOOL ~ for ALL ages Education Hour Sunday 10:15am
2480 South Shore Blvd | WBL | sstwbl.org
Christ the King Lutheran Church 1660 Birch Lake Ave., White Bear Lake (Just off Hwy 96 & Otter Lake Road)
9 am worship in person & online at www.ctkwbl.org.
office@ctkwbl.org | 651-429-4828
831310
Service times are subject to change. Contact your local
865255
Service time: 11:00 am Sunday
Sout h Shor e Tr inity
651-429-7771 Opt 1
Address: 1660 Birch Lake Rd. (Meeting at Christ the King Lutheran Church.)
1851 Birch St | WBL 55110 | wblumc.org
785863 764532 867328
Church of the Good Shepherd
9am Traditions | 10am online | 10:45am New Crossings 831312
836604
All Are Welcome!
Sunday 9:00 AM worship in person/on-line Adult Bible Study 8:00 AM
rlcstpaul
864690
864687
Children 5 years to 5th grade may participate in Children’s Church during worship.
5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381 • www.fpcwbl.org 5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381• www.fpcwbl.org
859436
redeeminglovechurch.com
10:15 am in-person Worship Livestreaming on and Live-streaming on YouTube: YouTube:FPCWBL FPCWBL
16 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
OCTOBER 7, 2026
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Selling 2011 Ford transit connect 100% Electric. This one is one of 600 vehicles made by Azure. Enjoy the 60 mile range in the summer and nearly 30 mile range in the winter, this 2011 has liquid cooled batteries which is why it's still running today. Less than 35,000 miles on the vehicle. It's white, please no first time electric vehicle people you must be a skilled electrian and have knowledge of electrical vehicles. $3700 This is not a toy, serious inquiries only. Call 612/599*1729.
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DON¡ÇT LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 866/852*5506 REPAIRING OR REPLACING APPLIANCES and home systems like heating and cooling can be costly. A home warranty plan can help. Start saving and get 30% off any plan today. Workmanship Guarantee included. Terms apply. Call Cinch Home Services 855/887*4521
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Want to Buy GOOD DIGITAL CAMERA For Capturing News For White Bear Press 5 yrs old or newer Best Offer Call Patty 651/407*1200 WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES Running or not. Titled or not. Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612/*720*2142
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Boutiques 2nd Annaul Fall Into The Hoildays Craft Boutique Fri Oct 9th & SAT Oct th 10 10 am- 5pm 4768 Golden Pond Ln WBL Muliti Vendors
QUILTERS CHRISTMAS MARKET presented by Evening Star Quilters Admission $5 • over 100 quilts displayed • Crafters garage sale • quilt vendors • raffle quilt ($2/ ticket) • Boutique items • Food and drink Friday, Oct 16, 9-5 and Saturday, Oct 17, 9-4. MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT ED CENTER 1520 Mahtomedi Ave (east side of White Bear Lake)
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Rentals/ Commercial EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
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OCTOBER 7, 2026
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BUSINESS BRIEFS White Bear Animal White Bear Country Hospital hosts open Inn, Rudy’s host house annual coat drive
CONTRIBUTED
White Bear Animal Hospital, located at 1909 East County Road E, will host a client appreciation open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. The event will include clinic tours, raffle baskets, games, face painting, food, vendors and more.
White Bear Country Inn and Rudy’s Redeye Grill, in partnership with Trollhaugen Ski Resort, are currently collecting gently used or new coats, hats, gloves/mittens, snowpants, diapers and gift cards for their annual coat drive. The drive
runs through Oct. 13, and items can be dropped off at the front desk. All donations will be given to St. Andrew’s Community Outreach Program. White Bear Country Inn is located at 4940 Highway 61 N, White Bear Lake. For questions, call 651-4295393.
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WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
Zephyrs clip Jefferson 35-0
Rangers deal Bears first defeat BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Unable to impede Forest Lake’s rampaging ground game, White Bear Lake absorbed its first loss, 32-14, there Friday evening. Each team is 4-1. The Rangers piled up 415 yards in 33 rushes. After a scoreless first quarter, they erupted for 25 points in the second quarter on runs by Nick Lasczcak from one yard, Abram Anderson from 21, and Mack Jurkovich from 14 and 37 yards. Up 25-7 at the half, they made it 32-7 in the third quarter on a 93-yard gallop by Anderson. The Bears’ Brian White III was leading the state in rushing yards coming into the game but he is now second behind Jurkovich,
who rambled for 250 yards in 24 carries. White had 142 in 28 carries. Jurkovich has 1,050 yards and White 1,008, according to the Star Tribune’s MN Football Hub. The Bear TD’s came from RJ Stuckey on a six-yard run in the second quarter for a 7-6 lead at the time and White from 20 yards in the fourth quarter, closing the scoring. Wyatt Stachowiak completed 11 of 16 passes for 115 yards with two interceptions. Antonio Brown caught five for 40 yards and Colton Butts three for 43 yards. The Bears totaled 153 yards rushing. The Bears will host Stillwater (1-4) on Friday.
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
TODD VOIT | CONTRIBUTED
Antonio Brown clutched the ball after one of his five catches against Forest Lake.
Niehart, Parker added to Bears Hall of Fame
Angie Niehart
Angie Niehart and the late Jeff Parker are new additions to the White Bear Lake Athletic Hall of Fame. Angie Niehart, 1990 graduate, collected eight allconference awards in soccer, basketball and softball, and made all-state in softball. At Augustana, she was a three-
Jeff Parker
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time softball All-American, NCAA Division II player of the year, and a leader a national champion team. She coached at Eden Prairie and Hamline University. Parker was an all-state winger for state runnerup White Bear Mariner in 1982, then a leader of NCAA
champion Michigan State in 1986, making the all-tournament team. In the NHL he played 137 games for the Buffalo Sabres, then had a brief tenure with Hartford Whalers before a devastating head injury ended his career in 1991. Plagued by the injury the rest of his life, he passed away in 2017.
Jaxon Mitchell opened the game with an 88yard kickoff return for a touchdown and Mahtomedi went on to defeat Bloomington Kennedy 35-0 Friday night. Will Seevers ran for 134 yards on 19 carries with touchdowns from five and 20 yards. Isaac Opitz had a five-yard touchdown run. Trevor Rogosheske passed to Gavin Bifulk for an 18yard TD. The Zephyrs (4-1) rushed for 202 yards (while losing three fumbles) and passed for 79 as Rogosheske went 7-for-11. Mitchell caught three passes for 43 yards and Bifulk three for 30. Bifulk kicked three conversions and Everett Kirkwood two. The Zephyrs held the Jaguars (2-3) to 119 yards. Logan Hargrove made an interception. Next week, the Zephyrs will play at Tartan (4-1).
Bruce Strand
BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS GIRLS SOCCER White Bear Lake (11-2 overall, 6-1 conference) cruised in two Suburban East duels last week. The Bears defeated Forest Lake 4-1 on a rainy Tuesday as Grace Weierke logged two goals, Casi Hernandez a goal and an assist, and Piper Heinsohn a goal and two assists. Heinsohn booted three goals and assisted on another in a 6-0 win over Roseville Area. Hernandez notched two goals and two assists. Elyn Harding had the other goal. The Bears then tied Maple Grove 3-3 with two goals by Heinsohn and one by
Weierke, who injured her ankle in the second half.
BOYS SOCCER White Bear Lake (7-3-3 overall, 5-2 conference) picked up two Suburban East wins last week. The Bears shut down Forest Lake 3-1 with Noah Watson, Diego Rios and Cody Olson scoring. The Bears posted their fifth shutout, 3-0 over Roseville Area, on Thursday, with goalie Logan Metzger stopping all five shots on goal. Scoring were Watson, Mason Voeller and Quentin Kesti.
ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS VOLLEYBALL
Mahtomedi (7-11) defeated North St. Paul, 27-25, 2521, 21-25, 25-17, their lone match of the week.
GIRLS SOCCER Mahtomedi cruised 6-0 over Two Rivers, a breakout game for the Zephyrs, who had just nine goals in the first nine games. Adalyn Beulke tallied three goals, Elise Aflakpi two and Anneliese Ulschmid one. The Zephyrs (4-6-1) followed with a 7-0 win against North St. Paul with goals by Xiaobao Liang, Lola Dambowy (two), Adalyn Bjorkman, Ulschmid, and Charlotte Monette. In both shutouts, goalies Kyra Kamrath
and Sophia Boberg each played a half.
TENNIS Mahtomedi closed the regular season with a 7-0 win over TotinoGrace, finishing 5-2 in the conference. They’ll take a 12-5 record into sectionals this week. The lineup was Abby Manger, Braelyn Skow, Liza Moffitt, and Molly Driscoll in singles, and Brooke Berg/ Ellie Driscoll, Berkley Blaisdell/Lydia Bartness, and Camille Myhre/Ava Rasmussen in doubles.
BOYS SOCCER Mahtomedi (4-7-1) lost to North St. Paul 3- 2. Caleb Nyquist scored
both goals with assists from Jack Lindstrom and Maximillion Pollock. Sawyer Hagen made seven saves. The Zephyrs tied Northfield 1-1 and lost to Two Rivers 7-1.
CROSS COUNTRY The Mahtomedi boys and girls teams each placed sixth in an eightschool meet at New Prague. Giada Garrity placed fourth in the girls race in 20:34. Quinn Griffith was 29th and Lily Peck 30th. Leading the Zephyr boys were Mason Mahmood in 24th place, Nolan Dock in 25th and Kai Seidl in 35th. Bruce Strand
VOLLEYBALL White Bear Lake (9-8) won three of four matches at a St. MichaelAlbertville tournament. The Bears beat Highland Park 25-15, 26-24; lost to Rogers 25-18, 25-21; beat Jackson County Central 23-25, 25-21, 15-7; and beat STMA 25-21, 13-25, 15-12. Forest Lake beat the Bears 20-25, 2519, 25-19, 25-18. Roseville Area beat the Bears 25-12, 25-19, 25-9.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY White Bear Lake placed second of 15 teams Thursday at the Osseo Invitational. Top three teams were Hopkins with 41, the Bears 83 and Osseo 86. Morgan Waechter of Hopkins led the field in 18:34. Mabel
Nethercut of the Bears placed third in 18:49. Logan Bailey was seventh in 19:18, Annabel Popp 21st in 20:18, Olive Abramson 23rd in 20:29 and Gianna Alvar 30th in 20:46.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY White Bear Lake placed fourth of 20 teams in the Osseo Invitational. Top four were Rosemount with 24, Park Center 85, Hopkins 100 and the Bears 160. Rosemount’s Channing Goodwin was first in 15:54. For the Bears, Francis Volkmann was 24th in 17:20, Cameron Walters 27th in 17:29, Daniel Arrowood 31st in 17:41, Lachlan Ellison 33rd in 17:44 and Parker Hoel 49th in 17:56, among 165 runners. Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Weston Young White Bear Lake Soccer October 7, 2026 Weston Young is a key cog in the White Bear Lake soccer defensive crew that has allowed just nine goals in 13 games, posting a 7-3-3 record and five shutouts. The junior center back “commands the field from the back line,” said coach Taelynn Gittins. “He is dominant in the air but also has amazing speed.” Young, 6 feet and 175 pounds, started as a sophomore. “He has really grown into his role this year,” Gittins said. The defender has also tallied one goal, against Irondale.
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20 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
OCTOBER 7, 2026
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THANK YOU! Gloria’s 14th Annual
White Bear Lake Shortest Marathon One Block Run
A genuine thank you to all the Bank. Please patronize their Rd), Aldi Mahtomedi for the fun and generous people that establishments and thank them water, Raising Cane’s for the showed up on Saturday 9/19 in person. lemonade, Kim Bennett for the to run the Shortest Marathon. Thank you to our volunteers donut holes and Reese from All 360 ofyou came with big John Parenteau, Mary Burfeind, Carlson Chiropractic for the smiles, bright shirts, wheelchairs, Kim Bennett & Timm Lavaas, massages. walkers, dogs all in a party mood! Ray & Anne Smith, Deb Edman, Our only expenses are for Our 14th year total was $13,551. Jerry & Carole McKinzie, Brett the shirts and advertising. This will put nutritious meals of & Lisa Barett, Mary & Kim Every penny of the participants fresh foods and staples on the Potz, Christian Deeney, Karen donation goes directly to the tables of our neighbors in need of Williamson, John J Parenteau, White Bear Area Food Shelf. our assistance. Jennifer, Grant & Wyatt Our thanks also for the support Many thanks to our generous Lightfoot, Patty Walczak & of Perry Peterson, Amy, Ashley, sponsors:IC Systems, Rudy’s Jacobi, the WB Area Food Shelf Kristi, Caris and crew from Red Eye & Country Inn, Mueller staff and the neighbors on the the WB Area Food Shelf, Keith Memorial, VFW Post 1782 and marathon course. Hisdahl for printing the shirts, Gloria’s 12th Annual and Patti, Paul, Emily and Carter Auxiliary, Northland Financial, Thanks to the food vendors Raising Cane’s, Hisdahl’s, The White that donate the marathon Johnson of the White Bear Press. BearallLake Shortest Marathon Joy Erickson Realty Team, Sheila food: Mueller Memorial and staff One Block Run Kelly Law, Carbone’s Pizzeria for the White Castles, Caribou SAVE THE DATE th SEPTEMBER , 2024 - 11:00 SEPTEMBER am Pub and Nicolet National Coffee (Hwy 96 &28 Centerville 18, 2027!!! Bald Eagle Ave - 3rd to 2nd St.
Don’t doubt for a minute can’t make a difference. to take that it off yourone bucketperson list, and to aid a good cause. $35 (tax deductible) Gives you the privilege to impress your friends, T-shirts, White Castles, water and other treats will be included for registered participants in the marathon.
Gloria Carpenter & Peggy Parenteau
White Bear Area 867080
Food Shelf
Register by Sept. 19th to guarantee a T-shirt T-shirt pickup Sept. 27th from 4-6 pm at White Bear Food Shelf | 1884 Whitaker St. or day of marathon