White Bear Press

Council pulls shortterm rentals, charging mandate out of code

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

WHITE BEAR LAKE — The City Council has decided it might be best to address the topic of short-term rentals and possible regulations through a licensing structure instead of the city’s zoning code.

For that reason, the council directed that the section about short-term rentals be removed from the zoning code update.

“Short-term rentals are a relatively new use, so our current code doesn’t address them. Part of the modernization was to include new things that have popped up in the economy that didn’t exist before,” explained Community Development Director Jason Lindahl. (See “White Bear Lake City Council continues short-term rental discussion,” White Bear Press, July 16, 2025.)

Mayor Dan Louismet said he grappled with the idea of distinguishing between lakeside zones and other residential areas, but landed on the need for a distinction so White Bear Lake doesn’t turn into Gull Lake or Cross Lake.

“We are a community, not a resort town. We want people to be long-term owners. There is a certain level of pride in ownership, connection to the community that we historically have had and want to maintain,” Louismet said. “I’m OK with that distinction for that reason, for fear of lake properties turning into a vehicle to make money, which only drives the price of already expensive lake properties up.”

Council Member Andrea West said she still has questions about what a conditional use permit for lakeside zones would look like and what kind of “permanence” a conditional use permit has. (A conditional use permit requires a public hearing before the planning commission and, ultimately, approval by the City Council.)

Lindahl noted that, if the council chose to adopt the proposed zoning code language, the next step would be establishing a licensing process for short-term rentals.

City Attorney Dave Anderson said he thought the regulation the city was trying to accomplish could be achieved through the licensing process alone and that requiring a conditional use permit might be “a little redundant.” He noted that a conditional use permit runs with the property, whereas a license runs with the owner of the property.

“A conditional use permit in the sense of short-term rentals doesn’t, to me, make a lot of sense,” he said, explaining that the new owner

Music on the Lake

For more information, visit https://baldeagleassn.org.

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

WHITE BEAR LAKE

— The owner of Doc’s Landing has until Nov. 1 to meet certain conditions, or he may face consequences.

The City Council has attached five conditions to Doc’s on-sale liquor

license. Doc’s Landing is located at 3200 White Bear Ave.

“Over the past few years, our officers and fire department have responded to a variety of incidents in Doc’s Landing’s parking lot or in their establishment that has had a tendency to be fairly violent and

disruptive,” said Police Chief Dale Hager. “They have impacted our public safety response. We think they have impacted the quality of life for our surrounding residents, for people at the establishment and for visitors to the city.”

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• Paul Haas

• Theresa Hagen

• Thomas and Amy Hammitt

• Steve and Natasha Hanson

• James and Susan Happe

• F L and J A Harper

• Kevin and Polly Hart

• Susan Hartzell

• Dean and Sharon Hedlund

• Ralph Heimer

• Timothy and Gretchen Held

• Laurel Hemstad

• Dorothy and Richard Hoel

• Douglas & Victoria Holmen

• Hopper’s Mini Donuts

• Scott and C. A Howe

• William and April Hudalla

• Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley

• Michael Hynes

• Gloria Jansen

• Jane Jensen

Northern Star Scouting recently announced the retirement of Scout Executive and CEO John Andrews Andrews completes a 42-year Scouting career, including 25 years

leading the organization that serves youth in Scouting programs throughout the Twin Cities metro area and part of greater Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

Movie in the Park

Saturday, August 9,

• Anthony and Joan Mieloch

• Velma Miner

• James Moline

• Joel and Rachel Moline

• Montgomery Law PLLC

• Tracy and Doris Morrison

• Richard Moskop

• Patricia and Harold Mueller

• Kevin and Molly Murphy

• Michael Myhre

• Tom and Robin Nardini

• Nicholas Nash

• Ronald and Sharon Nelson

• Michael and Beth Nevala

• Nicholson Family Foundation

• Daniel and Judy Nuese

• Robert Nuffort

• Nancy and Rodney Oakes

• Linda O’Brien

• Rachel Olson • Jerilynn Ommen

• Alex Sirko • Keith and Leah Smelser

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Shoreview native Jeff Sulzbach has been named the new Scout Executive and CEO of Northern Star Scouting. Sulzbach began his career in the organization (formerly Indianhead Council), and comes back to Minnesota after roles as Scout Executive in the Aloha Council (Hawaii) and as CEO of the Greater Los Angeles Area Council.

Andrews and Sulzbach led the merger of the Indianhead and Viking councils, which created Northern Star Scouting in 2005. Both are Eagle Scouts.

A reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 8 to honor Andrews and celebrate Northern Star's 20th anniversary at the Base Camp team-building center at Fort Snelling. To learn more about the anniversary celebration or Northern Star Scouting programs, visit northernstar.org.

• Osilas Foundation (Vicki & Si Ford)

• PAK Management Group LLC

• Nancy Palma

• Jerry Patten

• Jean Paul and Melissa Peltier

• Judith Peters

• Robert and Patricia Johanneck

• Janice and Dale Johnson

• Eugene and Kathleen Johnson

• John Johnson

• Marilynn Kaplan

• Alexandra Kaslow-Briggs

• Keep Zimmer VFW Post 1782

• James Kelly

• Keo’s Shave Ice LLC

• E. C. Kippe

• Knuttila Joint Trust Agreement

• Catherine Krautkramer

• Catherine Krautkramer

• Ronald and Susan Kuhn

• James Kvitrud

• Margaret Langeslay

• Ellen Lemke

• Mary Levins

• Scott and Anne Lingle

• Long’s Auto Place, Inc.

• Terrence and Diane Longville

• Mary Petranella Allen

• Cheryl Plumb

• Jane Pomaville

• Press Publications • Karen and James Quaday

• Mary Rafferty

• Steven Rasske

• Geoffrey and Jean Ratte

• Gloria Reichstadt

• Gloria Reichstadt

• Dorothy Reische

• Thomas and Judy Rice

• Kathleen Richardson

• Joan and Thomas Ring

• Nicholas Roberts

• Jan Johnson and Gregory Lundberg

• William Maass

• Linda Manders

• Francis and Jamie Markoe

• Michael Marttila

• Charles McBride

• Edwin McCarthy

• Joanne McGrath

• Joseph and Ann McKasy

• William and Stephanie McNamara

• Carla McNertney

• Sharon Merritt

• John Michaud

• Maureen and John Reinhart

• William and Debra Roberts

• Jerome Rodrique

• Reyne Rofuth

• Martha Rogers

• Ross Culverhouse and Eileen Foley

• Dixie and Craig Rousar

• Sampair Companies

• Mark and Maureen Sather

• Schissel Family Trust

• Kevin and Barbara Schmidt

• Gregory and Angela Schneeman

• Schwieters Construction

• James and Michele Seifert

• Mark and Rebecca Shavlik

Jeff Sulzbach

John Andrews

WHAT’S HAPPENING • WHAT’S HAPPENING •

VADNAIS HEIGHTS DAYS

When: Aug. 11-17

Where: Community park and Vadnais Heights Commons

Details: Community event featuring a medallion hunt, senior picnic, kids activities, inflatables, tournament competitions, live music, Lions Pig Roast, BINGO, car show, vendor market and more. Fireworks Saturday night and parade at noon Sunday. See website for schedule of events. Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/460/ Schedule-of-Events

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INTO NATURE COMMUNITY RECEPTION

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts,

Details: View works of art painted “en plein air” around the community and learn about award winners. Free. Details: whitebeararts.org

MOVIE IN THE PARK

When: Dusk, Saturday, Aug. 9

Where: Polar Lakes Park, 1280 Hammond Rd., White Bear Township

Details: Outdoor showing on “Mufasa: The Lion King. Free; bring a lawn chair, blanket and bug spray. See weather updates online.

Contact: ci.white-bear-township. mn.us/379/Movie-in-the-Park

BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK

When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10

Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, 410 Lake Ave., Birchwood

Details: Concert by Cabaret artist and vocalist Jennifer Eckes is free and open

to the public. Seating not provided; bring a folding chair or blanket. Beer and wine permitted.

Contact: cityofbirchwood.com

WHITE BEAR LAKE TRIAD SEMINAR

When: 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11

Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2399 Cedar Avenue (new location)

Details: Presenters are Det. Jordan Blevins on scams and fraud targeting seniors, Catherine Larson on taking and storing meds correctly, and Deputy Alicia Ouellette on File of Life. Free; no reservation needed. Coffee and cookies provided.

Contact: triadwbl@gmail.com

ST. MARY OF THE LAKE PARISH FESTIVAL

When: Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17

Where: St. Mary of the Lake, 4690 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: 5K Fun Run Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8 a.m., registration online; Fellowship

Dinner 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16; Parish Festival 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17 includes games, contests, marketplace, food trucks and raffle. See full details online.

Contact: stmarys-wbl.org/event/parishfestival

CLASS REUNIONS

WHITE BEAR LAKE CLASS OF 1985

When: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9

Where: White Bear Country Inn

Details: Celebrate 40 years with hearty appetizers, dessert, DJ, cash bar and late-night pizza. Details at: myevent. com/wbclassof85/

WHITE BEAR LAKE CLASS OF 1965

When: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27

Where: Quinny's Sports Pub & Grill, 3140 Century Ave. N., Mahtomedi Details: 60th reunion celebration includes cash bar and food available for purchase. $10 at the door.

OPINION

Congratulations graduates

Graduations and graduation parties are now history for the summer.

Whether you graduated from high school, college, vocational school, private school or home school, you all need to be congratulated for the hard work and determination to enhance your knowledge of the world around us.

Education doesn’t stop. It goes on in life with advanced programs, on-thejob training, and through wherever your career path takes you.

What I have learned over the years is surround yourself with good, ethical, hardworking people. They set good examples and you can learn a lot from them.

Another tip is to be kind to everyone you meet. Try hard at whatever you do. Go the extra mile. It will be noticed and you will be rewarded. Another aspect of this is to be an encourager. The best way to succeed in life is to help someone else succeed in theirs. Your career path may change several times as our technology develops and expands. It always opens new doors. Your interests will change as well. The opportunities will continue and never stop ways to continue your education. Find a mentor, someone ahead of you who can look up to in your career, marriage and eventually parenting, and never be afraid to ask for help.

Then don’t forget to thank your parents. Give them the respect and honor they deserve. They have been there to support you in so many ways. They want the best for you and the older you get, the smarter they seem to be. Then don’t forget to tell them you love them.

Growing postal rates

By now I’m sure our readers are aware that the firstclass Forever stamp has increased to 78 cents, which is having its effects.

This is going to reduce casual correspondence like mailing of holiday cards and birthday cards, as well as difficulties for catalogs, magazines and other print media.

Physical mail has been declining the last number of years, primarily due to the ease of digital. Businesses now send their invoices digitally, as well as mail that comes online as either spam or junk mail soliciting business and merchandise.

The US Postal Service has increased price hikes to twice a year. Some have said it’s because of bad contracts to deliver packages.

In Minnesota this past year we have had a dozen community newspapers close due to rising costs.

We now have in Minnesota a number of online newspapers filling the gap and trying to live on donations. Some are doing well.

The post office is very important for communication of information throughout the entire country. It needs to look for ways to increase efficiency, reliable delivery, and to accommodate periodicals like newspapers, magazines and package delivery at competitive prices. When a newspaper closes, people don’t realize what they have missed. Statistical information on marketing research has shown that the response to printed material is greater than that of digital, but in many cases the digital is very easy to use. We have also had people tell us we can’t trust online responses to advertising as we can when our responses are local. It’s another reason to say thank you to our advertisers and subscribers, as well as city, county and state governments for their public notices - an important and necessary means of communicating to citizens at the city, county and state level.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

Investing in people, jobs and local business growth

AMovers

& Shakers

Kelly Miller

s your Ramsey County Commissioner, I believe government should work alongside community, making sure every resident has the opportunity to thrive. One way we’re doing that is by connecting people to good jobs and supporting the growth of small businesses across our district and beyond. That starts with our workforce. I’m honored to serve as the County Board’s appointed representative on the Ramsey County Workforce Innovation Board. The board brings together leaders from business, education, and community organizations to shape strategies that prepare residents for meaningful careers.

In the last year, the board has helped expand training in healthcare, clean energy and advanced manufacturing fields where we know demand is growing. Through investments in youth jobs, apprenticeships and culturally responsive career coaching, we’re reaching more than 3,000 residents every year. Whether someone is just starting out or starting over, these efforts are opening doors to longterm opportunity. You can learn

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• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least

more about the board at ramseycounty.us/wib. But preparing people for the workforce is only half the equation. To create a thriving economy, we also need to support the businesses that power our communities. That is why I’m excited about the creation of the new Economic Development Authority (EDA) in Ramsey County. The EDA is being established by expanding the scope of our existing Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA), with no new tax levy. This change gives us more flexibility to support small businesses, emerging entrepreneurs, and industries that haven’t always had equal access to resources.

This new authority will allow us to strengthen the capacity of small business support organizations, expand technical assistance that’s targeted to specific neighborhoods and sectors, and increase access to flexible capital for business growth, retention, and attraction.

These tools will build on existing programs like Open to Business, CEO Next and CEO Now, and the Reimagination Resource Center. These initiatives provide advising, training, and peer learning opportunities that help local businesses expand and adapt. RamseyCountyMeansBusiness.com also continues to serve as a one-stop resource for entrepreneurs and employers to connect with county programs and support.

four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

Together, this work is about more than economic development. It’s about creating economic dignity. Whether you’re a teenager looking for your first job, a worker pivoting to a new career, or a small business owner with a big idea, you deserve a system that sees your potential and offers real support.

We’re working hard to build that system here in Ramsey County, and I’m proud to be part of it. If you have questions, ideas, or want to get involved, please reach out. Or join me at one of my upcoming “In-District Office Hours” at our District 7 County Libraries. I’ll be at the North Saint Paul Library on Aug. 11, and the Maplewood Library on Aug. 18. Times vary at each location and more dates will be set for September. If you’re interested in meeting with me there, please send a message to kathleen. murphy@co.ramsey.mn.us and she will send you the dates and specific times. Or sign up for our newsletter at https://www.ramseycounty. us/your-government/leadership/ board-commissioners/kelly-miller-district-7 to receive direct messages about how we can connect. Your voice helps shape the future we’re building together an economy that works for all of us. I invite you to be a part of it with me.

Kelly Miller is the District 7 Ramsey County Commissioner.

• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.

• All letters are subject to editing.

• Deadline is 5 p. m., Thursday of the week prior to publication.

• To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

About the Town

Gene Johnson

Not old news to survivors

In his letter to the editor, David Knight pleads with this newspaper to stop boring him with letters from “Trumphating Democrats” about “old news.”

If my response to his letter bores him, blame a 63-year-old feminist who is sick and tired of male privilege trumping the safety and innocence of girls and women.

For the record, I was and remain mortified by Bill Clinton’s sexual predation on a White House intern. Mr. Knight fails to prove a double standard. Jimmy Carter acknowledging feelings of lust are not in the same category as Trump’s sexual misconduct. Worse, Mr. Knight ignores Trump’s multiple victims as if they don’t exist.

Trump’s acts of sexual misconduct are well-documented, including being found liable for sexual abuse. Most recently, he says Epstein “stole” an underage employee who worked at his spa at Mar-a- Lago. (Why are young girls working at Mar-a-Lago? Why is stealing them an offense against Trump and not a crime against the girl?)

The lack of justice or consequences perpetuates hatred toward women. Too often, the perpetrators are rewarded. It’s a vicious, deadly cycle of male power and control.

To break this cycle, let’s focus on the victims, on the women “on the younger side” (girls) who Trump cheerfully chided Epstein about “liking.” For the sake of victims and potential victims, let’s hold perpetrators accountable. I want all of those who were part of the pedophile sex-trafficking ring to have their day in court: Democratic,

Republican, pro-choice, anti-abortion, men, women. This is not a partisan issue. We cannot keep looking away from victims as if their existence doesn’t matter, as if we are things. We are people. And we deserve to live in a just society that listens and respects us. This is not a vapid world view, Mr. Knight. This is common decency and compassion. Practicing both might pull you out of your bored stupor to discover how much good work there is to be done in this world.

Linda Henry White Bear Township

Response to letters

I have never felt so driven to respond to letters to the editor as I did after reading the letters in the July 30 edition. Florence Lorinser deserves high accolades for her factual and insightful letter on the transgender issue. She makes a strong case this should be a nonissue, which it likely would be if not for the dishonesty of our politicians. I only wish her letter could be read by all Americans.

Unfortunately, David Knight’s letter in the same edition reflects none of the same honesty and grace. I was disgusted by his argument that the ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s connection to Epstein should be dismissed by suggesting his behavior was no different than that of eight named Democrats. I’m sorry, Mr. Knight, but Trump’s behavior can hardly be compared to Jimmy Carter’s admission of lusting

after women in a Playboy interview. Trump has been accused of rape, sexual assault and harassment by more than 25 women, convicted of sexually assaulting E. Jean Carroll by a jury, and convicted by another jury of 34 felony counts stemming from his attempted coverup of his relationship with a porn star. I only wish Trump’s deficiencies did not also extend to his lack of honesty, empathy, compassion and respect for the law.

Larry Satrom White Bear Lake

Canadian wildfires

I read that some people, including letter-writing legislators, are peeved about the smoke from Canada basting our hams.

As usual when some cannot see beyond their front porch, truth is less important than emotional paroxysm.

Like Hulk Hogan tearing off his jersey, they scream about the inadequate response the Canadians are making to quench the fires. They should cut fire breaks and thin out the forest, no doubt with rakes.

Out of faint hope that truth can be served these days, I would like to say something about the Canadian biome that is burning.

It is largely muskeg, or bog, called a taiga, that blankets the northern part of the continent from coast to coast. The terrain is a mixture of mountains and lowlands—but mostly lowlands composed of sphagnum moss.

This moss absorbs carbon dioxide and stores it as peat as it decays. Over time,

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory

peat becomes a vast reservoir of trapped carbon.

The trees are coniferous, forming dense, impenetrable forests. Boreal chickadees thrive in this biome, though the fragrant pine scent they love doubles as explosive vapor under drought conditions.

In this kind of biome, it is difficult to build and maintain roads, and because so few people live there, a road network is pointless.  Most folks there fly airplanes that can land on a lake or a hummock. While it may be easy to drop in firefighters and equipment, it is difficult to get them out when things go awry. Have you ever tried to walk across a bog? How would you build a firebreak in a bog?

And there are so many fires.  Why?  Drought has turned the biome into kindling.  Why do we have drought? Atmospheric disruption?  Dare I say global warming without getting sent to CECOT?  And why do we have global warming?

As long as we drive cars, produce electricity with coal, and fail to control methane leaks from natural gas facilities, the planet will continue to warm.  At this point in human existence, blaming Canada for the smoke is missing the forest for the trees.  Yeah, all spectacle, no substance, like all-star wrestling, wherein pretending to be unjustly hurt is much of what the show is about.

Don Wendel White Bear Township

COPS&COURTS

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

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

• Fraud was reported near the 3700 block of Cranbrook Drive July 23.

• Theft was reported in the 4900 block of Long Avenue July 23.

• A Mahtomedi man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue S. July 23.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 3900 block of Van Dyke Street July 24.

• Officers responded to a dog-versus-dog bite incident near the intersection of Fourth Street and Bloom Avenue July 24. Officers assisted the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office July 24 with the arrest of three suspects in a theft incident in the 900 block of County Road E.

• Graffiti was found in the men's bathroom at Podvin Park July 24.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 4800 block of Centerville Road July 25.

• Tools were stolen overnight July 25 from a construction site in the 5000 block of Division Avenue.

• Officers responded to a report of a cat attacking its owner in the 3100 block of Karth Road July 25.

• Officers responded to juvenile incidents in the 2300 block of Golfview Court July 25.

• Officers trespassed a juvenile from the 1500 block of Park Street July 25.

• A driver was arrested by state troopers following a two-vehicle accident with injuries at Highway 61 and

Cedar Avenue July 25.

• Harassment was reported July 25 in the 4100 block of Hoffman Road.

• Theft from a vehicle was reported near the intersection of Stoddart Lane and Centerville Road July 25.

• Theft from a vehicle was reported in the area of Third Street and Cook Avenue July 25.

• Officers responded to a fight among three females July 26 in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue.

• Officers mediated a dispute over property in the 4300 block of Centerville Road July 26.

• Officers responded to a report of an intoxicated, disorderly person in the 2100 block of Fourth Street July 26.

• Two drivers were cited for traffic offenses following a three-vehicle accident at White Bear Avenue and Elm Street July 26.

• Theft was reported July 26 in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road.

• Officers responded to a report of fireworks in the 3700 block of Bellaire Avenue July 26.

• Harassment was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue July 26. Officers assisted an individual with a noncriminal domestic situation in the 1700 block of County Road E July 26.

• Theft from a vehicle was reported July 26 in the 4100 block of White Bear Avenue.

• Officers mediated a neighbor dispute in the 3600 block of McKnight Road

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:

Birchwood Village

• Deputies assisted the White Bear Lake Police Department with an uncooperative motorist during a traffic stop on Oakview Court at 12:19 a.m. June 14.

Dellwood

• A suspicious vehicle reported parked illegally on Apple Orchard Road on June 8 turned out to belong to a person fishing nearby. Deputies advised the registered owner to move the vehicle. On June 14, deputies removed two more vehicles that were parked on the train tracks near Apple Orchard Road, after they spotted two juveniles coming back from fishing and advised them that parking on railroad tracks is illegal.

Grant

• A motorist was given a courtesy ride to her destination June 8. Deputies encountered her off the road on Julianne Avenue N. and 115th Street N., after she got stuck trying to turn around. Deputies determined she was not under the influence, but was highly agitated and unable to drive safely. Because she had been DWU (driving while upset), her vehicle was towed from the scene.

• Deputies received a complaint at 8:20 a.m. June 11 from Ironwood Avenue N. and Irish Avenue N. about an unusually long train horn. The complainant wondered whether anyone was on the tracks, in danger or worse. Deputies inspected the tracks and found no evidence of any “negative outcomes.”

• A stumbling male was arrested for DWI at 1:38

July 27.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for domestic assault in the 3400 block of Auger Avenue July 27.

• Check fraud was reported at a business in the 4100 block of Hoffman Road July 28.

• Officers responded to a family issue in the 3600 block of Hazel Street July 28.

• Officers responded to disorderly conduct in the 1700 block of County Road E July 28.

• Harassment was reported in the 2300 block of Circle Drive July 28.

• Officers responded to a family argument in the 2100 block of Roth Place July 28. Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 1800 block of Second Street July 29.

• A resident in the 2100 block of Richard Avenue was cited for having a dog at large and no dog license July 28 after having previously been warned about letting his dog run loose.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for gross misdemeanor domestic assault near the 2400 block of Gisella Boulevard July 28.

• Theft from a vehicle was reported in the 3500 block of Oak Terrace July 29.

• A vehicle was reported stolen in the 900 block of Wildwood Road July 27.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 2400 block of Oak Terrace July 29.

• Disorderly conduct was reported July 30 in the 3600 block of McKnight Road.

White Bear Lake man charged with murder in fatal Eagan high-speed crash

BY TYLER QUATTRIN NEWS INTERN

A 20-year-old White Bear Lake man has been charged with third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide following a high-speed crash in Eagan that left two teenagers dead.

Jordan John Weiland faces four felony charges in connection with the June 14 crash, which prosecutors allege was the result of reckless street racing, according to court records. A criminal complaint said that three vehicles — a Jeep Compass, a Honda Accord and a Dodge Durango — were involved in the crash just before 11:30 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 149 and Highway 55.

Police found the Jeep split in half after it struck a semaphore pole. The driver, Reed Robert Schultz, 19, and the passenger, Finnian Thomas Cronin, 18, were unresponsive at the scene. Both later died of their injuries.

Witnesses told police the vehicles had been traveling

a.m. June 13 on 75th Street N. and Jamaca Avenue N., after deputies responded to a traffic complaint about a motor vehicle stopped in the road and a male stumbling around outside it. On arrival, deputies observed the vehicle stuck in the mud along the north shoulder of the road. They quickly concluded the driver was intoxicated and arrested him.

• Deputies received numerous reports during the week of June 8-13 about tree fires caused by electrical wires. On June 13, two reports came from 88th Street N. and Kimbro Avenue N. about a large tree branch caught on power lines that were smoking with small flames. The fire department arrived and said the branch would burn through and fall on its own.

• In the Case of the Birdseed Bear, residents in the 11000 block of Dellwood Road on June 14 reported a black bear for returning to their deck repeatedly, long after all bird food had been removed.

Mahtomedi

• Vehicles were reported for parking in a noparking area of Maple Street at 10:37 a.m. June 8. On arrival, deputies noted that the church lot at that location was full during church-going hours and that every legal parking spot along the road was full. Because there was sufficient room for emergency vehicles to pass, deputies gave the illegal parkers grace due to the problem existing for only one hour a week.

• Deputies on patrol were waved down June 8 to settle a dispute about the gas pumps occurring at the Holiday station on Stillwater Road between two people.

• Deputies cited 10 motorists June 8-14 for traffic offenses throughout town that included expired registration (two incidents), speeding (three), a missing headlight, a stop sign violation, failure

together from a car meetup in South St. Paul to another in Eagan. Cell phone videos showed the Honda and Dodge reaching speeds of approximately 110 mph, according to the complaint.

Weiland told police he was driving the Honda, which sustained significant damage. He left the scene in another vehicle before officers arrived. He was later found at a hospital, where he said he left the scene because he was not thinking straight, according to the complaint.

The Dodge, driven by Melody Lynn Little, 24, of West St. Paul, was not damaged. Little is facing identical charges in a separate case. Both Weiland and Little denied they were racing. Weiland reportedly acknowledged that “it likely looked like racing” and admitted his actions were “eminently dangerous,” according to the complaint. He was arrested at his White Bear Township home on July 25 after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is scheduled to appear for an omnibus hearing at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 16 in Dakota County District Court.

to yield, passing in a no-passing zone, failure to signal a turn, careless driving, no lights during rain, failure to provide proof of insurance (two), a broken taillight, or all of the above during one traffic stop.

• A porta potty on Lincolntown was reported set on fire and destroyed June 9. The news was passed on to the public works department.

• In the Case of the Feverish Fox, Juniper Street residents reported seeing a sick fox on June 12. On arrival, deputies could not locate a fox, but they later saw one in the area that had apparently rebounded.

• Dunbar Way residents on June 12 reported a suspicious vehicle they had never seen before parked near their address all day. After checking their files, deputies said the vehicle was registered to a nearby address. Perhaps the neighbors bought a new car?

• The June 12 storm packed a wallop and generated numerous reports of fallen trees, including a large one that fell on a gas meter on Hallam Avenue S., causing a gas leak into the neighborhood, and another on Dwinnell Avenue, which fell and damaged a power line.

• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 2:22 a.m. June 14 after deputies saw him driving the wrong way on Century at Wildwood Road. They were following up on a traffic complaint made at 2:22 a.m. on Woodland Drive.

Willernie

• Deputies on patrol for stop sign violations at the intersection of Stillwater Road and Warner Avenue June 10 found three. They cited one motorist for not stopping at the clearly invisible stop sign posted there.

Loretta Harding

Jordan John Weiland

DOC’S LANDING: Owner

• The establishment shall procure and use an ID scanner during all hours of operation to detect fake IDs and capture/retain patron information.

decisions for his business. “I think that I won’t have a hard time working with him at all,” he said. “I think it should go pretty well.”

Hager explained that he and City Manager Lindy Crawford examined the business’s practices and came up with recommendations for the owner, Doc Guerin, which were formalized in a letter. Guerin subsequently met with Hager and Crawford to offer his perspective and figure out a path forward.

“He has already been implementing a lot of the recommendations we suggested he put into place,” Hager noted, adding that the discussion was productive and constructive.

Guerin, who has owned the business for 33 years, was unable to attend the council meeting, but wrote a letter for the record. It reads, in part, “In no way, do I or my staff condone any violence or criminal behavior on my property or in the community of White Bear Lake … I sincerely apologize to everyone in the community for feeling unsafe, and I believe that I have taken great steps to make sure that my establishment has the best security possible for the welfare of my patrons, staff and community.

• All staff of the establishment shall cooperate in good faith with the city, including its police department, during any and all incident response and investigations, including, without limitation, providing all security footage and data retained in the required ID scanner to the city upon request.

• A formalized written safety plan shall be submitted to the police chief for review and administrative approval, and said plan must include all above conditions and any additional conditions.

Doc Guerin

Owner, Doc’s Landing

Mayor Dan Louismet said he and the other council members have all received comments about the “significant crime” that has happened at the establishment over the past few years.

Louismet also asked what the requirements for the security personnel would be. Hager said each person in the role must be licensed by the state to perform security functions. License requirements include some use-of-force training.

The council ultimately decided on the Nov. 1 deadline.

“If he doesn’t comply, then we are talking more serious actions against his license. This isn’t a property right. If he is not following the city’s rules, then we have a right to crack down and try to get more serious if we need to,” explained City Attorney Dave Anderson. “Hopefully, he continues to do what he needs to do, and we get to a place where we feel better about the safety of his patrons, people in the area and residents of White Bear Lake.”

“I submit complete cooperation with the city of White Bear Lake and police department and welcome ongoing incident monitoring. I am taking this very seriously.” The conditions are:

• The establishment shall be staffed with security personnel during all hours of operation, and such personnel shall be trained in de-escalation, ID verification, and alcohol service compliance.

• The establishment shall install and maintain at all times operable exterior and interior surveillance cameras in locations approved by the city’s chief of police, and such cameras shall record 24/7 with footage being retained for at least 30 days.

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

Vadnais Heights

• A suspicious male reported for trespassing at 10:07 p.m. July 4 at a dealership on Highway 61 turned out to be a trucker dropping off a vehicle.

• A Vadnais Heights male, 39, was arrested for domestic assault at midnight July 5 on County Road D, after a woman, 36, reported she was assaulted by the male, who was a family member. After further investigation, he was also issued a citation for fifth-degree domestic assault. The suspect was later released with the citation.

• A resident in the 900 block of Heritage Court on July 5 reported being scammed, after some-

one phoned her to report that they were from her bank and asked personal identification questions. Later the victim discovered a fraudulent attempt to buy $200 worth of items from an office supply store. The complainant’s real bank canceled the transaction and advised her to notify the social security office.

• A St. Paul man, 27, was mailed a citation July 5, after Target store employees in the 900 block of County Road E reported him for stealing 13 packs of Lorcana trading cards, totaling $77.87 and 21 packs of another brand of trading cards totaling $125.79. The suspect had prior history of shoplifting from this Target store.

• A Vadnais Heights male, 18, was arrested at 2:20 a.m. July 6 for fleeing peace officers in a motor vehicle, after deputies tried to

“I applaud you (Hager) and city staff for being proactive and saying, ‘The time has come, we need to get serious about this because it is a public safety threat,’” he said. “I support this.” He added that businesses “need to be held accountable for this kind of very dangerous activity” that they are either allowing or failing to prevent at their establishments.

Louismet suggested adding a deadline for meeting the conditions. Hager said he thought that was reasonable and said most of the expenses have already been incurred, but it might take some time to work through training.

“I think that seems fair to put a timeline on this,” Hager said. “I believe [Guerin] arrived here in good faith and is very receptive. He too, seemed very weary of the activity that is occurring down there. I think that the action done here would only help him, and I think he sees that.” He added that he thought Guerin had already started making better

initiate a traffic stop on his vehicle near I-694W and I-35E. The suspect had originally been involved in a pursuit with Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies. The vehicle fled from squads southbound on Rice Street, where an attempt to deploy stop sticks near the railroad bridge failed. The vehicle pulled into a residential driveway a short time later, where he was arrested and booked at the law enforcement center.

• A trailer carrying a riding lawn mower was reported stolen July 6 from a fenced-in yard in the 3600 block of Arcade Street.

• Juveniles were reported for throwing rocks at a house on Bankers Drive on July 6.

• A Vadnais Heights male, 19, was cited for driving after revocation and speeding July 6 on Highway 61,

White Bear Lake Class of 1975 Reunion

The White Bear Lake Class of 1975 will celebrate its 50th class reunion in a two night event. Thursday, August 14th at the WBL Boatworks & boardwalk from 4 pm to dusk and Friday, August 15th at Kellerman’s Event Center from 5-10 pm. There will be a taco bar. Register before the event at $65 per person or $100 per couple or $70 per person at the door. Cash or check only at door. For more information scan QR code or visit our website: Myevent.com/whitebearlakehighschool1975

following a traffic stop for speeding.

White Bear Township

• A male customer at Cub Foods in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive was reported for disorderly conduct July 1, after deputies took a report from the store that the subject had recently failed to pay for food he had selected.

• Management at Emagine Movie Theater in the 1100 block of County Road J reported finding a gun magazine on the property on July 4 and turned it over to law enforcement to be placed into property.

• Burglary was reported July 6 at a residence in the 2300 block of Hoxie Avenue.

Loretta Harding

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

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

Frank Watson

SEPTEMBER 28th, 2024 - 11:00 am

Bald Eagle Ave - 3rd to 2nd St.

Gloria’s 12th Annual

Gloria’s 13th Annual Food Shelf Shortest Marathon One Block Run

White Bear Lake Shortest Marathon One Block Run

$35 (tax deductible) Gives you the privilege to impress your friends, to take it off your bucket list, and to aid a good cause.

T-shirts, White Castles, water and other treats will be included for registered participants in the marathon.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 11:00AM

Gloria’s 12th Annual

SEPTEMBER 28th, 2024 - 11:00 am

White Bear Lake Shortest Marathon One Block Run

Bald Eagle Ave - 3rd to 2nd St.

BALD EAGLE AVE - 3rd St to 2nd St.

$35 (tax deductible) Gives

$40 (tax deductible) Gives you the privilege to impress your friends, to take it off your bucket list,

SEPTEMBER 28th, 2024 - 11:00 am Bald Eagle Ave - 3rd to 2nd St.

T-shirts,

$35 (tax

White Bear Area Food Shelf

White Bear Area Food Shelf

White Bear Area Food Shelf

To register contact:

To register contact: www.whitebearfoodshelf.org

Ellen Swift, DDS & Paul Anderson, DDS

Peggy Ann Palm Palen (nee Sommerdorf)

Peggy was a spirited and beloved member of the White Bear Lake community, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, at The Pillars Hospice Home, just shy of her 91st birthday. Born on July 15, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Peggy lived a life full of love, service, and a little bit of sass that endeared her to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Predeceased by parents Rose and Joyce McCabe Sommerdorf, son Peter Edward Palm and brother Daniel Sommerdorf and grandson Alex Palen. Survived by the light of her life, husband, G. Richard (Dick) Palen, children, Pam (Tom) Rasmussen, Susie (Ted) Meads, Tim (Heidi Holmers) Palm and Holly Palm. Grandchildren; Blake (Shawna) Rasmussen, Laine Palm Futterer (Devan), Alex (Toni) Rasmussen, Ellie (Spencer Schramm) Rasmussen, Annie (Colin Johnson) Hettinger-Johnson,

Cole (Shannon) Palm, Max Palm, Tristan Palm, Chase Palm and Preston Palm. Great grandchildren Jace, Isla, Lily Rasmussen, Soren Futterer and Brooks Palm. Sisters Elaine Murray, Carol Milano, Barbara Borgwardt and sister in law Cathy JohnsonSommerdorf. She was lucky enough to have a bonus family too: Greg(Peg) Palen, John (Joni) Palen, Mimi (Scott Clare) Palen-Clare, Kathy (Jim) Geske, Joe (Brenda Flanagan ) Palen, Julie (Pat) Gleason and Dan (Kris Nourse) Palen, 18 Palen grandchildren and 26 great grands! Service Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11:00 am at ST. ANDREW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi with visitation starting at 10:00 am. A celebration of her life will follow the service at RUDY’S REDEYE GRILL, 4940 Highway 61, White Bear Lake. Inurnment will be at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. Please wear bright colored clothing! Our family would like to thank Beyond Hospice/ The Pillars Hospice Home for their loving, respectful and compassionate care of Peggy and our family. The administration, nurses, aides and volunteers are all angels on earth and are appreciated beyond measure. Memorials for Peggy can be directed to: The Pillars Hospice Home, 6025 Upper 35th Street, Oakdale, Minnesota 55128.

Arrangements with MuellerMemorial.com 651-429-4944

Alan Edward Susmilch

age 72, died on July 22, 2025, in Woodbury, MN, after a recent diagnosis of cancer. He is survived by 4 siblings, 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. Al graduated from White Bear Lake High School in 1970.

No funeral arrangements are planned.

• The city’s lease with the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf has been amended. In 2023, the food shelf entered into a three-year lease to operate a community market from a portion of the city-owned Bellaire Center.

After the downsizing of Suburban Cable Channels, Bellaire Center has remnant, vacant space adjacent to the community market. The food shelf asked to lease an additional 818 square feet of space for storage and office use for the duration of its lease.

• The city will renew its joint powers agreement with the Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to provide access to the Criminal Justice Data Network. The agreement enables the city’s prosecuting attorney, GDO Law, to access the BCA’s criminal justice data communications network. The agreement will expire in July 2030.

• A license agreement is officially in place with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for the “nonexclusive” use of Lakeview Park. The dock will serve as a mooring location for the water patrol boat, a pontoon boat and the city’s fire boat. The city has traditionally placed a small dock at Lakeview for loading kayaks, canoes, and other water craft. That dock has been replaced by the sheriff’s office dock.

• The school district has received an extension for approval of its preliminary and final plat. In August 2024, the council approved the preliminary and final plats for the White Bear Lake Schools Addition. The approvals allowed the school district to consolidate numerous properties acquired during the school expansion project.

• Finance Director Kerri Kindsvater recently presented the finance department’s quarterly report.

Highlights included:

o The licenses and permit accounts are on par with the current year budget for the first time since 2021.

o The Xcel Energy franchise fee of $346,661 received in 2025 is 8.0% less than in 2024.

o The license bureau saw a substantial increase in driver’s license customers and transactions in March, April and May this year because Real ID compliance requirements went into effect at the beginning of May. The transaction count is 21% higher than during the same period in 2024. From March through May, the department averaged more than 100 license credentials per day.

o There was a significant decrease in the number of tab renewal transactions processed. Transactions as of June 30, 2025, are down 25% from those of the same period in 2024.

• The city received five bids for the downtown parking lot reconstruction project and will award the contract to the low bidder, Winberg Companies LLC of Shafer, Minnesota, for $1,293,441. The total project cost is estimated at $1,475,000, which includes related legal and administrative costs, consultant assistance for design and inspection, and a contingency for any unforeseen costs. The city’s capital improvement plan identifies $1,375,000 in the pavement management fund and $100,000 in the surface water fund to pay for the proposed parking lot improvements. Public Works Director/City Engineer Paul Kauppi said the contractor can start work as early as the first week of August, following the end of Marketfest. The project must be completed by the end of November.

Shannon Granholm

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF BIRCHWOOD SUMMARY OF ADOPTED ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 605: ANIMALS

Please be advised that on X, X, 2025, the City of Birchwood passed the following ORDINANCE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 605 ADOPTED ON MARCH 12, 2019, AND TITLED “ANIMALS.”

The following is a SUMMARY of the Ordinance:

This ordinance updates various regulations concerning animals within the city. It removes the need for a dangerous dog code, relying instead on state statute, and eliminates licensing requirements for chickens to reduce administrative burden. The ordinance also removes provisions allowing pigs, clarifies regulations on wild animals, and modifies rules for managing rabies cases. Additionally, it updates enforcement provisions, making most violations petty misdemeanors, and removes sections allowing searches of private property, requiring consent or a warrant for entry.

PLEASE BE ADVISED this is NOT the full text of the Ordinance passed, and the published material is only a summary. The full text is available for public inspection at Birchwood City Hall, 207 Birchwood Ave, Birchwood, MN, or may be provided electronically or by U.S. Mail upon request. Summary complies with Minn. Stat. § 331A.05 subds. 8 & 10 and § 412.191 subd. 4. Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 6, 2025.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-581

CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE

NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMEN������ OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of Patricia Ann Johnson, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:

Notice is hereby given that an application for informal probate of the abovenamed Decedent’s Last Will dated January 22, 1996 (“Will”) has been filed with the Probate Court, and the application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following:

Robert Fredrick Johnson

11792 44th Street North Lake Elmo MN 55042 as personal representative 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 personal representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the personal representative has 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.

Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to the appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing. 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 (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.

Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar

Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator

Date: July 18, 2025

Published two times in the White Bear Press on August 6 and 13, 2025. STATE OF MINNESOTA CONCILIATION COURT – GOODHUE COUNTY

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO: 25-CO-25-134

To: Thang Nguyen 1577 Marion Street St. Paul, MN 55117

NOTICE OF STATEMENT OF CLAIM

You are hereby notified that a Statement of Claim has been filed against you in the Conciliation Court of Goodhue County, Minnesota, by the Plaintiff, Certegy Payment Solutions, whose address is P.O. Box 7189 Clearwater, FL 33758. The claim involves an unpaid debt.

The amount claimed is $ 10,000 plus costs as allowed by law.

You are required to respond to this claim by appearing at the scheduled hearing or as directed by the court which is set for Sept 3rd 2025 at 1pm CDT. Failure to appear or respond as required may result in a default judgment being entered against you for the relief demanded in the Statement of Claim. If you have any questions, you may contact the Conciliation Court of Goodhue County or Certegy Payment Solutions 727.440.3911

Published three times in the White Bear Press on July 30, August 6 and 13, 2025.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: CIVIL, OTHER NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE UNDER JUDGMENT AND DECREE (REAL PROPERTY) COURT FILE NO. 62-CV-24-7863 Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Zachary B. Whitman and Andrew F. Whitman, as personal representatives of the Estate of David B. Whitman, deceased, Amy Elizabeth Lang f/k/a Amy Elizabeth Whitman, Audrey Lynn Hargest f/k/a Audrey Whitman, Sarah Lundquist, and Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that under and by virtue of a Judgment and Decree entered in the aboveentitled action on June 24, 2025, a certified copy of which has been delivered to me directing the sale of the premises hereinafter described to satisfy the

amount found and adjudged due said Plaintiff in the above-entitled action, as prescribed by the Judgment, the undersigned Sheriff of Ramsey County will sell at public auction, to the highest bidder, for cash, as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: September 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. PLACE OF SALE: Ramsey County Sheriff, 360 Wabasha Street N, Suite 111, St. Paul, MN 55102 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY: The South 160 feet of Lot 6 and the South 160 feet of the East 5.28 feet of Lot 7, Block 1, St. John’s Little Canada Heights, Ramsey County, MN and Lot 6, except the South 160 feet thereof, and the East 5.28 feet of Lot 7, except the South 160 feet thereof, Block 1, St. John’s Little Canada Heights, Ramsey County, MN PROPERTY ADDRESS: 353 Rose Lane, Little Canada, Minnesota 55117 PROPERTY ID: 08.29.22.22.0039 THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES Section582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITYH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT ABANDONED, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: July 21, 2025 Bob Fletcher Sheriff of Ramsey County, Minnesota By: /s/Michael Frank , Deputy Drafted by: Michael Everson, #0388310 RANDALL S. MILLER and ASSOCIATES 8525 Edinbrook Crossing. Suite 210 Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 (612) 223-6873 File No. 24MN00198-2 A-4848622 07/30/2025, 08/06/2025, 08/13/2025, 08/20/2025, 08/27/2025, 09/03/2025 Published six times in the White Bear Press on July 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27, and September 3, 2025.

BURLEIGH COUNTY, NORTH DAKOTA DISTRICT COURT NOTICE OF PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE MADISON ANNE BENSHOOF

1. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Petition in the above-entitled matter will be filed with the Clerk of District Court for Burleigh County, North Dakota, requesting an Order changing the name of Madison Anne Benshoof (current full, legal name) to Madison Rae Drummond (requested full, legal name).

2. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. 32-28-02, thirty days previous notice of the intended application must be given in the official newspaper printed in this county. You are hereby notified that thirty days after publication, petitioner intends to file a petition requesting entry of the Court’s Order changing the name of Madison Anne Benshoof (current full, legal name) to Madison Rae Drummond (requested full, legal name). Any objection to granting this name change must be given in writing to the address listed below within 30 days of the date of this publication. The written objection must also be filed with the Court. If no objections are given, the Court may respond to the Petition without further hearing.

Dated this 3rd day of August, 2025.

/s/ Jessica Elyse Drummond Madison Anne Benshoof

208 Redstone Drive, Bismarck, ND 58503

Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 6, 2025.

STATE OF MINNESOTA CLEMENCY REVIEW COMMITTEE

LEGAL NOTICE

The following individuals who were convicted of crimes in Ramsey County have applied for relief from the Clemency Review Commission (CRC). The applications will be considered on September 5, 2025, commencing at 8:30am at 1450 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, MN:

Randy Hellum 2nd degree murder; Convicted: 5/17/1990

Dwayne Etheridge Prostitution-hire 18 yr old or older; Convicted: 9/28/2009

John Smith

Aggravated robbery-1st deg.; Convicted: 1/7/2011

David Carson

Possess pistol/assault weapon by ineligible person; Convicted: 1/14/1992

Thomas James Western

Receiving stolen property; Convicted: 9/21/1970

Sammie Burch

Domestic assault; domestic assault-strangulation; Convicted: 12/19/2008

Sammie Burch

Domestic assault - GMD; disorderly conduct; Convicted: 11/14/2007

Sammie Burch Assault in the fifth degree; Convicted: 3/27/1996

Burton Collins

Aggravated forgery; Convicted: 10/18/1989

Burton Collins

Burglary-1st Degree; Convicted: 3/7/2008

Victims have a right to submit a statement at this meeting. For more information, contact the CRC at 651-539-2610. Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 6, 2025.

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, August 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., to consider the issuance of a Permitted Use Standards Permit for warehousing, Conditional Use Permit for outdoor storage to a primary use, and Zoning Ordinance Amendment to the definition of outdoor storage, limited, for property located at 2301 Leibel Street (Parcel ID 013022220021) and legally described as: LOT 15, BLOCK 1, LEIBEL ADDITION AND THE SOUTH 208.71 FEET OF THE WEST 208.71 FEET OF LOT 8, ROBERT G. MACKAY’S BALD EAGLE GARDEN LOTS and subject to the drainage and utility easements as shown on the recorded plat of leibel addition, RAMSEY COUNTY MINNESOTA. 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 1st day of August, 2025. PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 6, 2025.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF HEARING ON REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE WITHIN THE SHORELAND MANAGEMENT AREA 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, August 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., to consider the issuance of a Variance to the side yard setback for 2674 South Shore Boulevard (Parcel ID 243022440035) and the side and rear yard setback as well as the lot coverage maximum for 2670 South Shore Boulevard (Parcel ID 243022440034) with the properties legally described as: 2670 SOUTH SHORE BOULEVARD: LOT 14, SWENSON’S SUBDIVISON, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA; 2674 SOUTH SHORE BOULEVARD: lOTS 15, AND 16, SWNESON’S SUBDIVISION, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 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 1st day of August, 2025. PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 6, 2025.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF HEARING ON REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE WITHIN THE SHORELAND MANAGEMENT AREA 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, August 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., to consider the issuance of a Variance to the rear yard setback located at 5630 W Bald Eagle Boulevard (Parcel ID 033022440016) and legally described as: THE SOUTH 80 FEET OF THE NORTH 155 FEET OF THAT PART OF GOVERNMENT LOT 7, SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 22, WHICH LIES EASTERLY OF BALD EAGLE BOULEVARD WEST, ACCORDING TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SURVEY THEREOF, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 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 1st day of August, 2025.

PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 6, 2025.

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, August 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.,

WHITE

A bi-weekly section where readers will be informed on subjects of seasonal interest, upcoming events and other timely topics.

CLERK’S CORNER – Greetings from the Township! Summer is moving rapidly! In a few weeks, the State Fair will be upon us along with all the logistical wonders therein, & before we know it, kids are back in school. There are only three showings left of Movies in the Park, so try to attend one if you can.

Just an additional reminder to review building permit requirements in the Township before you get started on your improvement or expansion projects. We had a late start on a few neighborhood improvement projects this season but be aware of what is going on around your street! And finally, PLEASE be respectful of the Township’s irrigation ordinance!

CLEANING UP AFTER STORM

DAMAGE – Many yards across the

Township experienced various levels of tree damage from the storms that rolled through the area recently. The Administrative Office at the Township was flooded with phone calls from concerned residents looking for guidance on tree cleanup. Any trees & large branches in the right-of-way will be cleared by Public Works within a reasonable time frame. This may take more than 24 hours depending on the time of the storm & level of damage. Your patience is appreciated! Any debris in your yard that fell from a neighbor’s tree is typically a civil issue & can be worked out mutually or you can contact an attorney for legal advice.

Caution: Do not hire tree services or tree removal contractors that come to your door, call you, or contact you unsolicited through the mail, without checking their

licensing with the Township. Our website has a list of licensed tree contractors. Be advised they are not endorsed or employed by the Township.

MINNESOTA STATE FAIR FREE

PARK & RIDE – The great Minnesota get together is right around the corner! The first day of the fair is Thursday, August 21. There is a FREE park & ride located in the Township at Calvary Church – 4604 Greenhaven Drive to provide transportation to & from the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Parking times may vary on Sundays due to worship services. Please watch for NO parking signs in the adjacent neighborhoods. If you are unable to find a parking spot in the church parking lot, you may need to try a different pickup location.

MOVIES IN POLAR LAKES PARK –

Bring your lawn chair or blanket & don't forget bug spray for a FREE, fun, & familyfriendly movie night at Polar Lakes Park, beginning at dusk. The movie lineup for the remainder of the summer is as follows:

• August 9 – Mufasa: The Lion King

• August 23 – Moana 2 (rescheduled date)

• September 13 – Inside Out 2 IMPORTANT DATES!

• The last day for lifeguards at Bellaire Beach is Labor Day, September 1, 2025.

• Township Day is Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Polar Lakes Park. There will be free admission & parking. Check our website for updates!

Minnesota Court of Appeals reverses 2024 water appropriation permits ruling

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A three-judge Minnesota Court of Appeals panel has reversed and remanded last year’s administrative law judge ruling regarding waterappropriation permit amendments. The 2024 decision had universally rejected a permit condition that would trigger an irrigation ban if White Bear Lake’s water elevation dips below 923.5 feet.

The new decision undoes that ruling, stating that a water irrigation ban may be appropriate depending on the permit holder. This decision adds yet another layer to a longstanding dispute over the legal measures necessary to maintain the lake level.

The dispute began in 2013, when the White Bear Lake Restoration Association and White Bear Lake Homeowners’ Association Inc. sued the Department of Natural Resources under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act. The suit alleged that the DNR had “mismanaged the groundwater appropriations

permitting process, leading to materially adverse effects on the lake and aquifer.”

A 2017 Minnesota District Court decision found that “groundwater pumping has had a negative, cumulative impact on both the lake and the aquifer.” Subsequently, the DNR amended 44 well permits within a 5-mile radius of White Bear Lake, adding four new conditions. The conditions require permit holders to:

1. Prepare a contingency plan for fully or partially converting to surface water sources.

2. Enforce a residential irrigation ban when notified by the DNR that the lake has fallen below a level of 923.5 feet and until notified that the lake has reached 924 feet.

3. Submit an enforceable plan to phase down per capita- residential water use to 75 gallons per day and total per capita water use to 90 gallons per day.

4. Report on efforts to collaborate with neighboring communities on reducing water usage.

In December 2020, the Court of

Appeals ruled that permit holders can obtain a contested-case hearing regarding these amendments, but they cannot relitigate the negative impact on surface waters. The Court of Appeals also acknowledged that permit holders — especially those not involved in the lawsuit — could hypothetically provide evidence of drawing their water from sources other than the aquifer beneath White Bear Lake. If such were the case, amendments for that specific permit would be adjusted accordingly.

Since that ruling, 17 of the 44 affected permit holders requested contested-case hearings. Ten of the 17 reached settlements; the remaining seven brought a consolidated hearing before an administrative law judge in May 2024. The judge found conditions 1, 3 and 4 to be “reasonable and lawful” measures to protect groundwater supplies. Condition 2, however, the judge found “arbitrary and thus not reasonably necessary.”

The seven permit holders appealed the decision regarding Conditions 1, 3 and 4.

On July 14, 2025, the Court of Appeals decided that the 2024 ruling should have neither universally rejected Condition 2 nor universally approved Condition 3.

The Court of Appeals specifically pointed to Lino Lakes’ contested-case arguments as evidence that 2024’s ruling was “arbitrary and capricious.” Lino Lakes argued that Condition 1 is infeasible for it because there is not enough surface water within its borders to support a conversion plan. Because the administrative law judge universally considered Condition 1 to be reasonable, the Court of Appeals argued the 2024 ruling “does not consider the specific arguments made by Lino Lakes … The ALJ’s decision is therefore unsupported by substantial evidence in this regard.”

The matter now goes back to the administrative law judge, who must make additional case-by-case findings for each permit holder. The burden of proof will fall on the permit holder’s representatives, who must justify exemptions to the four conditions.

of a property might have no interest in continuing to rent it out. “I understand wanting to be protective around the lake, but I think you can achieve that protection through licensing just as well as you can through a conditional use permit, and to require both seems a little redundant … It’s almost like you are layering requirements onto a use that might not necessarily require it.”

Anderson said the good news is that the city is having the conversation before short-term rentals become a problem in the city. He noted that the cities of Bloomington and Apple Valley are being sued for preventing short-term rentals.

“These are under a microscope right now, and there will be some answers that we learn over the next few months,” he said. “Generally speaking, if a city wants to prohibit short-term rentals, I take the position that it can.” He added that, because short-term rentals are not listed as a “permitted use” in the city’s

code right now, they technically are not permitted — but they are unregulated. The city allows rentals with a rental license, but it doesn’t distinguish between a regular rental of 30 days or more and a short-term rental of fewer than 30 consecutive days.

Anderson encouraged the council to consider the zoning and the licensing simultaneously as one comprehensive package.

charging requirements for developers. The requirements depended on the number of parking spaces included with a project.

have to do it at home. I think it is important that we make sure that it is available because it is much more expensive to do it after the fact.”

“I

Dave

City

Louismet wanted to know how long it would be before the council could see a proposed licensing structure. Lindahl said likely the end of the year, but maybe as quickly as 90 days.

Electric vehicle charging

The council also voted 4-1 (West opposed) to remove the electric vehicle

“I think any smart development is probably going to put in more electric vehicle chargers, and we don’t need to tell them to do so,” Louismet said. “If 10 or 15 years from now the market shifts and electric vehicles go away … our mandate is going to go to the wayside. I think it is bad public policy.”

West responded, “To me, electric vehicle chargers are a good idea. There are folks that are likely going to have electric vehicles that need to be plugged in that are moving into these places … There are very few places for them to go to plug in. If you want to do that, you would

Council Member Bill Walsh said he lives in an apartment that has electric vehicle chargers. “We didn’t tell them they had to do that, they just did that,” he said. “There is no need to do this as a requirement; the market is going to take care of it.”

Louismet clarified that he wasn’t saying developers should not install electric vehicle chargers, but rather that they shouldn’t be mandated to do so and that they can make the decisions for themselves based on market need. “I want to defer to the developers to spend their dollars wisely to build projects in White Bear Lake,” he said.

Council Member Kevin Edberg said it wasn’t the market that would decide, but science. Louismet responded that the council dais was not the appropriate forum for that conversation. Instead, he added, the council should focus on the city’s proposed zoning code.

Above: The Guard team members Hannah Gamache and Kailynn Smith enthusiastically begin their ride around White Bear Lake during the recent 37th Annual Tour De Bar Bicycle Benefit Ride. At right: This year’s recipient Mason Fike and his girlfriend Katie Klaphake are recognized by event organizers Mike Shearer and his wife Linda. Mason is recovering from a near-fatal stabbing attack.

Above: Salon Ultimo team member Stephanie Lang dressed head

White Bear Lake centenarian celebrates milestone birthday

Helen Witwicke, a longtime resident of White Bear Lake, recently celebrated her 100th birthday at her longtime home, surrounded by children, grandchildren and friends.

Helen Wisely Brown was born in Winnipeg, Canada, on July 14, 1925. After moving to White Bear Lake with her parents in 1948, she got a job at Northwest Airlines and met Harold Witwicke, a mechanic there. After being laid off at Northwest, she got a job at Burlington Northern Railway. She worked there as a secretary until she took an early retirement at age 55.

Helen and Harold were married on Nov. 11, 1951. They built a home on Fourth Street in 1957, where she lived until 2023. The couple had three children: MaryJane, William and Joseph. Helen has eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She has led an active life, which included bowling, traveling, line dancing, belly dancing, playing dominos at the senior center, hosting parties, being a crisis center

POLITICAL BRIEF

recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

counselor, volunteering for Marketfest, participating in the White Bear Lake Triad, going to the gym, and — her favorite — playing golf. She played on two golf leagues well into her 80s. She voluntarily stopped driving at 97, but continued her busy lifestyle with a hired driver who took her to weekly hair appointments, domino games, luncheons

Local legislators honored by League of Minnesota Cities

Two area legislators have been honored as 2025 Legislators of Distinction by the League of Minnesota Cities. Rep. Patti Anderson (R-Dellwood) and Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) are among 28 state lawmakers chosen because of what the League called “specific actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the last legislative session.”

with friends, and twice weekly sessions with a personal trainer at the YMCA. In January 2023, Helen fell, broke her hip and received a partial hip replacement. Because she could no longer live on her own, she moved in

According to the League, Anderson “consistently checked in with League staff on issues that affected local government decision-making. She was helpful in voicing city perspectives and concerns over preemptive land use and zoning legislation in committee and to the caucus, often drawing on her own experience as a city official to advocate for local decision-making authority.”

The League reported that Gustafson “was instrumental in working with them on zoning and land

granddaughter and family rent her house, she was able to have her 100th birthday celebration at her lifelong home.

use issues. Not only did she and her staff consistently make themselves available to League staff and the cities Sen. Gustafson represents, but she worked diligently to convey city positions on a myriad of key issues. Sen. Gustafson checked in with League staff and her own cities on a weekly basis and helped provide key insight into city positions to colleagues on both sides of the aisle as a member of the Senate State and Local Government Committee.”

The City of Forest Lake is seeking a qualified and motivated Building Official to lead our Building Inspections Division. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing community and play a key leadership role in ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of residential, commercial, and public building projects throughout the city.

The salary range for this position is $48.04 - $59.80/DOQ. To be considered for this position, please submit your resume, cover letter, and the City's employment application to: Abbi Wittman, Community Development Director at Abbi.Wittman@ ci.forest-lake.mn.us. This position will remain open until filled.

White Bear Country Inn is hiring Shuttle Driver. Shifts may vary depending on need.

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with her son Bill and his wife. Because Helen’s

Helen Witwicke

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Helen Witwicke was able to spend her special day with family and friends at her lifelong home in White Bear Lake.

A Cut Above Tree Service

Dennis ‘Denny’ Wayne Graven

of White Bear Lake passed away unexpectedly on July 28th, 2025, at the age of 74. Denny was born and lived in White Bear Lake his entire life, graduating from White Bear Lake High School in 1969. Denny was offered ‘on the job training’ classes in the 10th grade and was sponsored by Richard ‘Dick’ Hanson at the White Bear Body Shop. Denny dedicated the rest of his career to the body shop as an employee, then as an owner of the shop after purchasing it in 2005. After high school Denny also served our country in the Army Reserves for six years

Beyond work, and most notably, Denny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and dear friend. Denny met his wife Joan at a club on St. Paul’s east side and married in 1972, having three children and married for 53 years. Denny’s deep love and support for his family was unmatched, he was the best father anyone could ask for and without a doubt the greatest grandpa. Denny showed up for the people in his life. Denny spent countless hours coaching hockey and watching sporting events for his kids and grandkids. He was always available to lend a helping hand; there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. He even contracted out and built the last two homes he has lived in. He would often greet you with ‘there ya are’ and leave you with ‘be good’, we all knew that meant he was happy to see you and you were loved. He was the most genuine, selfless, patient, dedicated, hard-working, amazing human being. It’s impossible to summarize Denny’s amazing life in a few paragraphs.

Denny enjoyed many past times. He loved to dance in his younger years, golf before it became harder to do and enjoyed summers at the cabin, trips to Mexico and many fishing and hunting trips with family and friends. He was a meticulous keeper of his lawn, mowing it three times a week. He always had a cold Miller Lite in the fridge to share with friends or could be seen at the White Bear Bar on Friday nights for years.

Denny was preceded in death by his father Ralph, mother Ruth, brothers Gary, Randy and sister Gale. He is survived by his wife Joan, daughters Kelly (Mike Mamer), Katie (Tony Colombo), son Chris (Jenny Swanson) and grandchildren Justin, Aiden, Reagan, Hawkin, Derrick, Colton and Austin.

Please join us to share memories at a casual celebration of Denny’s life on Sat. August 16th from 2:30-6 PM at Kellerman’s Event Center (2222 4th St, White Bear Lake). Denny is so deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Denny by sharing memories of him and hold him close to your heart.

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

Local figure skaters among leaders at nationals in Blaine

White Bear Skating School placed fifth of 45 teams in the Ice Sports Industry (ISI) nationals, with one firstplace finish and six top-five finishes. Nationals took place at the National Sports Center in Blaine July 24-27.  The Production Extravaganza Team placed first. The Despicable Disco Minions placed second. The club had Team Compulsory units competing, with three of them placing second, one

third, and one fourth.

The White Bear Lake club had 55 individuals skating in more than 150 events, reported Amy Flater, skating coordinator. Over 25 family members and others joined in team events.  Competing were many Minnesota teams along with groups from Alaska, California, Missouri, Florida, Texas, South Dakota, the Philippines and more, Flater said.

WB Township 5-15 entering

White Bear Township has a 4-15 record after picking up a victory over Shorview 7-3. The local town team, which plays at Polar Lakes Park, closed Skyline League play Tuesday against Minneapolis North and will start playoffs next Tuesday.

Noah Jacka got the win against Shoreview, throwing six innings, allowing three runs, two via an error. Jacob Banning finished with three scoreless innings. WBT had a sixrun inning, including RBI doubles by Caleb Hautajarvi and Caden Gores, and a squeeze bunt by Brad Capacosa that scored Ryan Zimmel.

In its last four games, WBT (which has no team nickname) lost to Stockman’s Irish 6-0, Metro Knights 5-1 and St. Anthony 10-0. Grant Lindholm has pitched two of their four wins.

Bruce Strand

Zephyr boys, girls play in Sweet 16 Invite

The Mahtomedi boys and girls basketball teams each played in the 35th annual Pacesetter Sweet 16 tournament Saturday and Sunday.

Held at College of St

Benedict’s, this is a one-class invitational tournament with teams from all four classes who are likely to be ranked in the top ten in their respective classes.

It’s the premier high school hoops event of the summer.

The Zephyr boys lost to Rushford-Peterson 68-62, beat Ada-Borup 77-66, lost to Orono 69-62, and

lost to Waseca 69-67.

The Zephyr girls lost to Minnetonka 75-27, lost to MACCRAY 4940, beat West Central Area 60-57, and lost to Breckenridge 76-46.

Bears lose to Alex, Hutch at Legion state

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake’s first Legion baseball state appearance since the 1970's did not produce any wins last week. Despite strong performances by both starting pitchers, the Bears lost to Alexandria 2-1 Thursday and went extra innings but lost to Hutchinson 5-1 Friday in St. Michael.

Alexandria lefty Sam Anderson, a North Dakota State recruit, held the Bears to three singles, three walks and a hit-by-pitch, while striking out six. He also made three excellent defensive plays and delivered a key single.

Losing the pitchers duel was Roman Lachenmeyer. The 2024 graduate who plays for Bethel gave up six hits and one walk while fanning eight batters.

The Bears led 1-0 in the third when Owen Farrington led off with a single, took second on a passed ball and scored on Tyler Allshouse's single through the hole to right. Alexandria pulled even in the fourth. Connor Anderson walked and came around on singles by Sam Anderson and Nolan Johnson.

In the fifth, Alex edged ahed 2-1 on a squeeze bunt. Nolan Fettig singled, took second on the pitcher’s errant pickoff throw, took third on Jackson Waltzing’s single, and was bunted home by Connor Anderson. The next batter singled but left-fielder Luke Bush threw out Waltzing at home. Bush also made diving catch of a

sinking line drive in the seventh.

On Friday, Bear starter Evan Newlander shut down Hutchinson one one hit and one run for eight innings, striking out 11. Isaiah Weber doubled home Allshouse, who walked, in the first. Kevin Zollinger had two hits, and was 3-for-7 in the two games.

Hutchinson broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth with four runs (two unearned) off Christian Humphrey on three hits, two walks and an error. Hayden Welsch of Hutchinson pitched in and out of trouble for 7 1/3 innings (six hits, five walks, 11 left on base) and Isaac Scott for the last five outs and the win.

The Sub State 7 champion Bears finished 22-6.

Grant Lindholm

The White Bear Lake Skating School’s Production Extravaganza Team won their competition.

BRUCE STRAND |

Bear catcher Tyler Allshouse tagged out Alexandria’s Jackson Waltzing on a throw from left-fielder Luke Bush.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Rena Becker of the Zephyrs drove for a layup during Mahtomedi’s win over West Central Area.

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On a summer Saturday in Mahtomedi, people walk or drive to the farmers market these days. On a summer Saturday in the early 20th century, people rode trains in and out of Mahtomedi.

Recently, the Lake Links Trail Association members led two rides around White Bear Lake. The first circuit was the annual ride around the lake; the second ride included a tour of six historical sites. The first three history stops highlighted the Plantation Night Club/ Amundson Boat Works site, the Indigenous mounds, and the Geist gazebo/historical plaques in White Bear Lake.

The second half of the tour focused on three railroad-centered sites in Mahtomedi: those of the 1903 train wreck on Echo Street, the Great Northern Depot at Streetcar Park, and the Wildwood Amusement Park on the southeast shore of the lake.

The Lake Links Trail, which encircles White Bear Lake, enjoys a close relationship with the railroads that used to thrive in the area. That’s because the trail itself, which is thriving at present, mostly follows the footprint of the railroads that used to exist here.

The site of the 1903 train tragedy is a sandy pull-off from Mahtomedi Avenue at Echo Street, just over the Dellwood border. At the edge of the woods starts a narrow unpaved trail that Lake Links hopes to pave. It still has the type of gravel used on rail beds.

It was here that a locomotive emerged from the woods in July 1903 and tipped over as the rails sunk into ground softened by heavy rains. As the engine

tipped, Engineer John E. McGowan fell out and was trapped under the locomotive, which spilled boiling water on him. Bystanders could not free him and could only watch helplessly as he was scalded to death.

McGowan had been a hero in the 1894 Great Hinckley Fire, when he and Engineer James Root saved the lives of some 500 people by famously driving a train through the flames.

The train wreck scene was made real to the 10 bikers on the tour, as the smoky pall from Canadian wildfires brought the aroma of burning cedar to their history lesson.

A short bike ride away from the accident site is Streetcar Park, the early 20th century nexus of commerce in Mahtomedi. Transportation, goods, a general store and the people who used them converged at the junction of Briarwood Avenue, along which the tracks ran, and Quail Street, which crossed them.

Every hour, the streetcar arrived from the south to drop off passengers who wanted to get out in Mahtomedi or to connect with the train to continue northward toward White Bear Lake or Stillwater. When two switches were pulled on the reversing wye, the streetcar went back toward St. Paul. In 1951, the last year of service, the 50-minute streetcar ride to St. Paul cost 15 cents.

The Northern Pacific train locomotive had a provision for turning around, too: it pivoted on a nearby turntable. The metal remains of a turntable can be found under the rain garden vegetation on the banks of Depot Creek.

The Mahtomedi Depot, built in 1874 to serve the Great Northern Railroad, and E. T. Warner’s General Store, both on the south side of the railroad tracks, made up downtown Mahtomedi. Rose Street, which runs into Streetcar Park from the west, was called Central Avenue in Mahtomedi’s railroad days.

The beautiful covered bridge didn’t exist in those days, but today it helps walkers and bikers cross the creek to better appreciate the place that used to be downtown Mahtomedi.

Just as their forebears got off the train to board the streetcar, bikers left the railroad trail and continued south on the streetcar trail to Piccadilly Square Apartments. Preceding the apartments and The Piccadilly restaurant in occupying that site, a powerhouse and generator provided electricity to a giant destination spot: Wildwood Amusement Park.

Located on the southeast shore of White Bear Lake, Wildwood was the Valleyfair of its day. It attracted trains filled with people who enjoyed rides, food, music, dancing, and boating all day, every day, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The three history stops on the July 12 tour are just a few of the 65 historic stops Lake Links volunteers have picked out for recognition. On the current Lake Links route, 20 of those stops are highlighted.

“And we’ve just scratched the surface of history,” Lake Links Association member Ian Harding said.

Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs. com or 651-407-1200.

Community Sponsors

• Walser Polar Mazda

• Walser Polar Chevrolet

• Frandsen Bank & Trust

• Tommy’s Express Carwash

• Jesse Johnson State Farm

• Hy-Vee

• North Star Bank

• Sheila J. Kelly Law Firm

• Mission to Costa Rica

• Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill

• Hat Lady Biz

• North Star Medical

• Aurora Urgent Veterinary Clinic

• Ecumen Maplewood

• White Bear Country Inn & Rudy's Redeye Grill

• WBL United Methodist Church

• Allina Health Aetna

• City of White Bear Lake

• Eat!@ Banning and 5th

• Jakes Quality Auto Repair

• Kowalski’s Market

• Soul Chiropractic

• SweetLife Lane

• Timberline Roofing and Contracting

• Unity One Bank

• WBLA Historical Society

• WBLA School District #624

• White Bear Mitsubishi

• Xcel Energy

• AFSA K-12

• Boy Scouts Troop #439

• CERT

• City of White Bear Lake

• Premier Banks

• Ramsey County

• SCC TV

• TRIAD

• White Bear Lake Main Street

• WBL Fire Department

• WBL Police Department

• WBL Public Works

• Amy Puschinsky

• Paul Carlson

• Rob Thomas

• Sandy Espe Sorenson

• Sara Hanson

• Joy Erickson

• Scott Bohnen

• Dan Perry - Event Chair

• Frank Watson - Staff Coordinator

• Dale Grambush - Event Staff

• Kurt Hegland - Emcee

• Laura Lewis - Marketfest Director

• Kristin Cranmer - White Bear Lake

Main Street President

• John Lupo

• Shannon McCarty

• Shawn Smith

• Bill Foussard

• Bill Weigel