Aerial Marketfest perspective
Schoonmaker was a fighter pilot in WWII and the Korean War. Volunteers from the 133rd Minnesota Air National Guard Airlift Museum brought the display to White Bear Lake. Find more information about the museum at mnagmuseum.org.
Planning Commission recommends zoning code update with 1 amendment
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — This September will mark two years that the city, its consultants and the Community Advisory Committee have been working to “modernize” the city’s zoning code, which hasn’t received a full-scale review since the 1980s.
“This is a comprehensive review and rewrite of the city’s zoning code,” explained Community Development Director Jason Lindahl.
The process kicked off in September 2023. According to state law, all metropolitan cities are required to update their zoning regulations to be consistent with their comprehensive plans.
Other goals of the project include protecting and strategically growing the city; supporting economic development; increasing housing choices; transitioning to “place-based” zoning; and creating a modern, user-friendly code. (See “White Bear Lake ‘modernizing’ zoning code,” Feb. 26, 2025, White Bear Press.)
The update process is nearing its end. Its final phase includes review by the Planning Commission, a public hearing and ultimate review by the City Council. Much of the discussion at the public hearing centered on accessory dwelling units and short-term rentals.
“Over the course of the Community Advisory Committee, this was one of the most talked-about items,” Lindahl said of accessory dwelling units. “It was a very debated topic.”
Best of the Press Readers’ Choice contest voting opens this week
BY TYLER QUATTRIN PRESS INTERN
The nominations are in, and voting opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, for Press Publications’ annual Best of the Press Readers’ Choice contest.
Community members will vote for a wide variety of their favorites, including restaurants, doctors, schools, artists, services, events and much more.
This year’s contest features more than 150 categories, including 29 new or newly revised categories including:
best art class, best beer selection at a liquor store, best bourbon selection, best spirits at a bar or liquor store, wine selection at a liquor store and bar, best assisted living, best chiropractor, best orthopedic clinic, best orthopedic doctor or surgeon, best physical therapy clinic, best senior care facility, best elementary school, best high school, best middle school, best teacher K to 5, best teacher 6 to 12, best wedding venue indoors, best wedding venue outdoors, best bank, best credit union, best hair stylist, best hair salon, best landscape company,
best veterinary clinic - emergency, best veterinary clinic - general and best hardware store.
The contest helps recognize exceptional businesses, Press Publications General Manager Patty Steele said. Winning a badge adds credibility to a business for someone making a buying decision.
“There’s nothing better for a business than to be able to get those kinds of votes, because that tells you
Aspiring pilot Wesley Weilbacher, 9, sits in the cockpit of the F4 Phantom Jet that was on display during a recent Thursday evening Marketfest installment. The family shared that his Great Grandfather Ed
White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights of the Press
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
BEST OF: Vote once a day
FROM PAGE 1
as a business, you are doing something right,” she said, “Because you don’t just get the (winner/finalist) badge. You have to earn the badge from your patrons or customers.”
The contest, which started in 2021, is gaining popularity each year. Last year, participation surged, with more than 25,000 votes and a 75% increase in nominations. This year, there were 10,000 more nominations.
Voting is available 24/7 on
the Press Publications website at presspubs.com/bestof. Each reader may vote up to one time per day. Winners and finalists will be recognized in a special section the first week of October. Winners will also be posted online.
Tyler Quattrin is an intern for Press Publications. He can be reached at intern2@presspubs. com or 651-407-1200.
COMMUNITY BRIEF
‘Orange Out’ at Marketfest
July 10 is Spirit Night at Marketfest for students and graduates of White Bear Lake Area High School. All Bears should wear orange and join in for an Orange Out photo at 6:30 p.m. on Fourth Street. The theme night also includes WBLAHS student groups and activities.
AUTHOR VISIT
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, July 11
Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake
Details: Ameila Reigstad will sign copies of her new book “Hello Ms. Perfect” and Varla Ventura (aka Amber Guetebier) will sign copies of her book “Enchanted Plants”.
Contact: 651-426-0918
FRIDAYS WITH FIREFIGHTERS
When: 10 a.m.-noon Friday, July 11
Where: Hugo Fire Department, 5323 140th Street N. Details: Stop by the fire station to meet firefighters, go for a ride in a truck, jump in a bounce house, and enjoy free popcorn.
Contact: ci.hugo.mn.us/hfd
BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, July 13
Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, 410 Lake Ave., Birchwood
Details: Concert by adult show choir Harmonic Relief is free and open to the public. Seating not provided; bring a folding chair or blanket. Beer and wine permitted.
Contact: cityofbirchwood.com
CRAFT & CREATE: THE ART OF CARD MAKING
When: 2-4 p.m. Thursday, July 17
Where: White Bear Lake Health Club (HealthPartners), 1430 Highway 96 E
8TH ANNUAL BIKE AROUND WHITE BEAR LAKE
When: Saturday, July 12
Where: Bellaire Beach Park, 2500 South Shore Blvd.
Details: Guided, 10-mile bike ride around White Bear Lake. Ages 12 and up, under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. New this year a History Mystery Tour option at 9 a.m. Contact: lakelinks.org
Details: Create handmade cards. Registration required. Contact: isabel.p.vang@healthpartners.com
COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 17
Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse
Lawn, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater
Details: Bring a blanket and listen to live music on the lawn. Enjoy root beer floats and ice cream. Visit with variety of vendors offering activities and items for sale.
Contact: 651-275-7075
ONGOING EVENTS
MARKETFEST
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Community summer festival with over 200 food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Contact: marketfestwbl.com
MAHTOMEDI AREA FARMERS MARKET
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Veterans Memorial Park
Details: Local vendors offer fresh produce, honey, artisan breads, handmade crafts and much more. Contact: mahtomedifarmersmarket@gmail.com
WHITE BEAR LAKE FARMERS MARKET
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Fridays
Where: Clark Ave., between Second Street and Third Street
Details: A tradition since the 1970s, the farmers' market features more than 50 vendors. Contact: whitebearlake.org or 651-429-8526
New to the newsroom
’Im Tyler Quattrin, and I’m excited to be one of two interns at Press Publications this summer. I recently finished my first year of college at the University of Maryland, where I’m studying journalism with a minor in public policy. While I enjoyed my first year attending school away from home, I’m happy to spend my summer back in the community where I grew up.
Quattrin’s Corner
Tyler Quattrin
My family and I have lived in North Oaks since 2012, and I graduated from Mounds View High School in 2024. My years in high school were defined by my time with the Mounds View Swim and Dive Team and my role as editor of the student newspaper “The Viewer.”
I knew I had a passion for journalism even before joining the high school paper. Growing up, I was a curious kid and always had a fascination with consuming news. Ever since realizing I could pursue news gathering and telling stories as a career, it’s been my passion, even though I’m still narrowing down exactly what kind of journalist I want to be. While it’s an uncertain time for the news industry, I’m optimistic that quality and innovative reporting will always play an essential role in society, especially on the local level.
Since discovering my passion, it’s only grown with each new experience. Over the past year, I got involved with student journalism in college right away by anchoring a student radio news show, WMUC News, and reporting on the crime beat. I also freelanced feature stories for “The Diamondback,” one of Maryland’s independent student newspapers, where I’ll be joining as a staff writer in the fall. As a journalist, I enjoy covering just about anything, but I’m especially drawn to feature writing. I love meeting interesting people and having the opportunity to tell their stories. I’m also interested in political reporting and aspire to cover national politics one day. In addition, I have a strong passion for photojournalism. I’m looking forward to gaining more experience in all of these areas during my internship.
This summer, you can also find me behind the cash registers at the Cub Foods in White Bear Township, where I’ll be working for my third summer. If you come through my line and recognize me from this column, please say so! I’m also looking forward to getting back into swimming, spending time outdoors and catching up with friends this summer.
I’m beyond excited to have the opportunity to cover this community for Press Publications, and by doing so, gain experience that will help me grow as a journalist. Even though I just started, I can already tell this newsroom is full of people who love this community and care about providing it with meaningful stories.
See you around! And in the meantime, please feel free to reach out at intern2@ presspubs.com.
Tyler is a news intern at Press Publications.
We hear you and are taking action
Service Improvements:
Thank you to the older adults, individuals living with disabilities, and caregivers who have shared with me the personal impacts of Ramsey County service backlogs. Post-Covid increases have caused frustration, anxiety, and sometimes disruption of care. We hear you, we are taking action to address these urgent concerns, and are making significant progress.
Ramsey County has adopted an All-Hands-on-Deck Initiative to address its Financial Assistance Services (FAS) backlog. We are focusing on improving employee retention, training, cultural supports, processes and collaboration with county partners and advocacy groups. Since November, 81 FTEs have joined the FAS Department, and 80 new MNChoices staff should be fully online in early 2026. Technology solutions, including voicemail transcription, email-to-case file conversion tools, improved phone systems, and live translation services, are reducing wait times and enhancing overall resident experience.
A key focus of mine has been improving coordination and communication with the county and contracted partners and advocacy groups. Recently, I hosted the first Cross Sharing Partner Group
• Limited to 350 words.
• 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.
meeting to build and leverage relationships across community organizations and county assistance programs. Goals include identifying priorities for county-level improvements, shared service delivery and aligning advocacy strategies.
Through this work, the FAS backlog has been greatly reduced. Since August 2024, regular SNAP timeliness improved by 25%, expedited SNAP processing improved by 16%, and general intake applications are now assigned within one day of receipt. Residents applying through Minnesota benefits can opt in to receive confirmation messages via text or email. The updated Downtown Service Center re-opened in June, featuring an enhanced checkin process and improved service flow through increased coordination between co-located partner services. Suburban county service centers are located at Maplewood Mall and the Roseville library.
Budget considerations:
In Minnesota, health and human services are legislated by the state and provided by counties.
Both federal and state funding and policy decisions directly impact county program implementation and funding. Thanks to strong county advocacy and allies at the legislature, many state budget concerns were mitigated. However, changes at the federal level—particularly to Medicaid and SNAP—will increase the fiscal burden on counties and affect service delivery. This means new out-of-pocket costs and loss of benefits for certain
Medicaid enrollees and anticipated longer wait times, reductions in triage services, and higher property taxes impacting us all. Ramsey County has established internal planning mechanisms to assess potential disruptions including proactive budget impact analyses, engagement with our state and federal representatives, and coalition-building with peer jurisdictions. These efforts inform county leadership as it drafts the FY 26-27 budget to be presented to the County Board in early September. I encourage residents to watch the public budget hearings this fall and share any questions or concerns with me, as your feedback informs my budget approval decisions.
Community connections: All are welcome at the upcoming District One Community Picnic from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 29 at Island Lake County Park in Shoreview. Join me to hear county updates and discuss local issues. Food and beverages provided. I will be hosting regular office hours on the last Wednesday of the month, unless otherwise noted, from 1 to 5 p.m. In-person and virtual options are available. You can find information on how to sign up and receive county updates in my newsletter, Facebook posts, or by contacting my office at Tara.JebensSingh@ ramseycounty.us or 651-266-8362. Let's keep the conversation going!
Tara Jebens-Singh is Ramsey County Commissioner, District 1.
BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same
writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p. m., Thursday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Movers and Shakers
Tara Jebens-Singh
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lacking transparency
Last week’s Press included an Editor’s Note expressing frustration with obtaining and reporting incident reports from our Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. Others and I also share in their frustration which has been occurring for too many years. Ask yourself why? Why “We The People” are not allowed to be informed to what’s occurring in our community? Likewise, when I posted this same concern on “Vadnais Heights Residents Only Web Page” my 10 year membership was cancelled and no reason was given. What’s my point? One would think someone on our City Council would care enough to ask Ramsey County why we’re not allowed to see public records regarding crime in our community.
Terry Nyblom Vadnais Heights
Policies affect local community
Imagine being a first-time mother, just months from delivering your baby— navigating the expected worries around health, finances and family support. Now imagine being told by the federal government that you must stop working and are encouraged to self-deport "immediately."
This is not hypothetical. It is the current reality for two teachers at my child’s daycare. These individuals—employed, contributing, and caring for young children—are now facing
the loss of their livelihoods due to the termination of the Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans Parole Program.
The Trump administration’s decision to end this program abruptly disrupts the lives of people who followed a clear, lawful process to live and work in the U.S. The consequences are not abstract. They affect local families, small businesses, and the very people who care for our children and keep our communities running.
Too often, immigration debates are treated as distant or theoretical. But the impact of these policies shows up in our neighborhoods, our schools and our daily routines. Policy choices made in Washington have a direct and immediate effect on the lives of people we know and depend on.
If this administration's goal is to support working families and strengthen communities, actions like these only serve to undermine that effort.
Alexa Farah Vadnais Heights
Tree news recalls poem
The recent, perhaps I should say ongoing, debate around the fate of the old trees downtown put me in mind of the oftenconflicted feelings I used to get back in the day, when we were dirt poor, and I had to cut wood to heat our home. Practical concerns often seemed at odds with other felt sensibilities. I dug out a poem I wrote about it some years ago. Perhaps it will strike a helpful note on both sides of the issue.
A Tree-huggers Lament; Thoughts While Cutting Wood
These trees O’ Lord which you have made
Which wait on you so solemnly assembled in this glade
These trees, do they know I am here?
Or do their spirits slowly move, as in some other sphere?
Where time is measured less by change
And more on some eternal range?
My children seem to know, they play
Not asking for permission on the fallen logs that lay
Without a care for deeper thoughts
Of guilt that haps I own for all the carnage I have wrought
As if to judge my ruminations
Mere old guy navel contemplations.
Perhaps they’re right, I need to see
The carcasses I’m cutting up
More pragmatically
And set my will to labors end
As split and split and split again
Each piece yields its promise said
Of children warm and snug in bed.
But I can’t help a little guilt
A sentimental sadness for all the sap I’ve spilt
And longing for another day
When I can quit my butchering and put my saw away
And sit with Kilmer quietly
The long day long, and gaze at trees.
La Vie Est Belle is coming to White Bear Lake this September
La Vie Est Belle is a brick-and-mortar and online gift boutique with a location in Lake Elmo (3417 Lake Elmo Ave. N.). This fall, the boutique will open its second location at 2175 Fourth Street in downtown White Bear Lake. The space is currently occupied by Leona Rose.
La Vie Est Belle (French for “life is beautiful”) was born when Kristin Rehkamp’s daughter experienced a mental health crisis in 2020.
Rehkamp said her heart shifted to caring for her family while making a difference for others. She combined her interior design skills, retail background, and dream of opening her own store with a platform to empower women and families.
In October 2022, Rehkamp published her family’s story in her book, “Finding Us, A Mother’s Memoir of Braving Mental Illness With Her Young Daughter.” That same month, she opened the boutique in Lake Elmo. The store offers jewelry, accessories, gifts, and apparel. La Vie Est Belle donates a percentage of its profits to support local youth mental health initiatives.
La Vie Est Belle partners with Happy Everything MN, owned by Debbie Opp
of White Bear Lake. Staedt said she has made it her mission to offer clothing that sparks happiness and helps people express their authentic selves with confidence and style. For more information about La Vie Est Belle, visit shoplavie.co.
Royal Credit Union named to Forbes list Royal Credit Union has been recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2025. America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions aims to showcase the institutions most valued by residents in each state and to recognize the credit unions that have excelled in meeting the needs of their local communities. The ranking is based on an independent survey of more than 26,000 U.S. customers.
Staedt
John Connerton White Bear Lake
CONTRIBUTED
Debbie Opp Staedt and Kristin Rehkamp.
COPS&COURTS
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents: Officers investigated felony-level theft in the 900 block of Wildwood Road June 25.
• Officers mediated a verbal domestic dispute in the 4000 block of Hazel Street June 25.
• A St. Paul man was cited for not having a driver's license following a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of White Bear Avenue and County Road F June 25.
• Harassment was reported in the 3100 block of Karth Road June 25.
• Officers responded to a report of theft in the 2000 block of County Road E June 25.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Birch Street June 25.
• Officers mediated a civil problem in the 1700 block of Birch Lake Avenue June 25.
• Officers mediated a dispute between a man and a woman in the 3600 block of Bellaire Avenue June 25.
• Theft from a vehicle was reported in the 4700 block of Highway 61 N. June 26.
• Officers responded to a report of a disorderly customer at a business in the 2000 block of County Road E June 26.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint June 26 in the 4000 block of Bellaire Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported in the area of Eugene Street and Second Avenue June 27.
• A Roseville man was cited for misdemeanor theft following a shoplifting incident in the 900 block of Wildwood Avenue June 27.
• A counterfeit bill was passed at a business in the 4500 block of Centerville Road June 27.
• Harassment was reported in the 1600 block of Fourth Street June 27.
• A warrant arrest was executed in the 3100 block of Karth Road June 27.
• Officers responded to a noise disturbance in the 2400 block of Martin Way June 27.
• A La Crosse, Wisconsin, man was
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 speed patrol along Dellwood Avenue at Echo Street, Peninsula Road and Hadley Avenue N. cited three motorists for that offense on May 18.
Grant:
• Deputies issued three traffic citations on May 18 –the first at 4:58 p.m. in the 8000 block of Manning Avenue N., for speeding; the second at 6:52 p.m. on 75th Street N. at Lake Elmo Avenue N. for failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop
Thursday, July 10, 2025
6 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Rain or Shine! Downtown White Bear Lake www.marketfestwbl.com
Theme Week: WBL School Spirit Night
Sponsored by White Bear Lake Area Schools #624
Gazebo Stage
Sawyer’s Dream | 6-9 p.m.
Intermission - Inspiration Peforming Arts Center
3rd Street Stage Inside Straight | 6-9 p.m.
Intermission - Rare Form
Marketfest runs Thursdays, June 19 - July 31
Featuring live music, children’s games and activities, pony rides, a classic car show, and 180+ vendors, FREE admission
Sponsors: Kowalski’s Markets, Walser Polar Chevrolet & Mazda, Timberline Roofing, City of White Bear Lake, White Bear Lake Main Street, Frandsen Bank & Trust and Tommy’s Express Car Wash
arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Interstate 694 and Century Avenue June 28.
Narcotics were reported in the 3900 block of Linden Street June 28.
• Disorderly conduct was reported June 29 in the 3100 block of Karth Road.
• Officers responded to a report of a woodchuck stuck in the backyard of a Dell Street residence June 29.
• Officers assisted with a civil standby in the 2000 block of Dotte Drive June 29.
• Officers responded to the 3800 block of Oak Terrace after a report of someone using a BB or paintball gun June 29.
• Ding-dong-ditchers were reported in the 4800 block of Stewart Avenue June 29.
• A vehicle was stolen in the 3900 block of Scheuneman Road June 30.
• Gasoline theft was reported in the 4400 block of White Bear Parkway June 30. Fraud was reported in the 4600 block of White Bear ParkwaLay June 30.
• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue June 30.
for improper license plate covers and the third at 7:07 p.m. on Jamaca Avenue N. and 75th Street N. for illegal windshield and side window tint.
• Employees at a business in the 11000 block of 60th Street N. turned in two wallets May 19 that were left at the bar the previous evening and never collected.
• Deputies were dispatched out to the scene of an unknown animal that would not leave the complainant alone at her residence in the 8000 block of Jeffrey Avenue N. on May 22. The animal was so aggressive the complainant became afraid of it. On arrival at the scene, deputies determined the animal to be a fisher, which is a type of weasel that despite its name, doesn’t eat fish. Deputies were able to contain the animal so that it could be brought to the animal sanctuary.
Mahtomedi
• May 18 was three traffic citation day in Mahtomedi as well, as three motorists were cited for speed – in the 300 block of Long Lake Road; on Long Lake Road and Dunbar Way and on 70th Street N. at Hilton Trail N. The third motorist was also nailed for permit violation and failure to provide proof of insurance.
• A pair of prescription shooting glasses in their black case was reported lost May 19 on Jesse James Lane.
• Deputies at 4:52 p.m. May 19 took a report of kids doing wheelies with their electric bikes in the Holiday gas station parking lot on Stillwater Road. Deputies spoke to the juveniles and told them not to do wheelies in the lot due to traffic and multiple
• A Maplewood woman was arrested for an outstanding warrant following a traffic stop in the 1900 block of County Road D June 30.
• An electric bike was stolen from a garage in the 2600 block of Riviera Drive S. July 1.
• Officers responded to a report of dogs off leash at Matoska Park July 1. The owners were warned.
• Officers responded to a report of disorderly conduct at a business in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road July 1.
• Officers mediated a verbal argument in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue July 1.
• A Toyota was stolen in the 3500 block of Century Avenue July 1.
• Officers mediated a dispute between a couple in the 3600 block of Bellaire Avenue July 1.
• Officers responded to a report of fireworks in the 3700 block of Little Linden Curve July 1, but were unable to locate the source.
complaints from customers. The youths said they understood and parked the bikes at the side of the store.
• There were either multiple groups of juveniles riding bikes in parking lots, or the same group of juveniles hightailed it to Long Lake Road to ride the parking lots at 5:11 p.m. May 19, according to a report.
• Deputies cited a motorist in the 3300 block of Century Avenue at 2:41 a.m. May 21 for a missing headlight and for expired registration. A second motorist was cited at 3:00 a.m. for driving after revocation.
• A fawn was reported for occupying a front doorstep on Wedgewood Drive on May 23. By the time deputies arrived to catch a glimpse of the fawn, it had left the property.
• With spring comes chaos in the animal world, and deputies, who had already answered the call of the wild to deal with a fisher, then a fawn, answered a request from Wildwood Road and Lincolntown Avenue on May 24 to rescue some orphaned ducks. Deputies directed the caller to wildlife refuge resources.
Pine Springs
• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 2:35 a.m. May 24 on eastbound Highway 36 at I-694 by deputies on routine patrol, who observed the subject’s vehicle stopped in the lane of traffic in the middle of the roundabout. During the traffic stop where the suspect was already stopped, deputies noticed signs of impairment about the driver and started running the driver through a round of standardized field sobriety tests.
• A motorist was cited for driving after cancellation May 24 on 60th Street N. and Hilton Trail N., following a single vehicle accident during which the driver hit a road sign. The driver had previously received many citations due to multiple violations.
Willernie
• Drivers continue to blow through or roll through the four-way stop sign at Stillwater Road at Warner Avenue N., as deputies pulled over four motorists for that violation on May 19. Three of the drivers were issued verbal warnings, and one driver was cited. The following day, an additional driver was cited for running the stop sign.
Loretta Harding
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
Man arrested after motorcycle accident
At 11:26 p.m. on July 4, White Bear Lake Police Department officers responded to a vehicle vs. motorcycle accident with injuries near the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Lake Avenue.
Officers investigated and ultimately arrested a 49-year-old male from White Bear Lake for criminal vehicular operation and DWI. The male was booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center for the offenses.
The injured motorcyclist was transported to the hospital with minor, non-life-threatening injuries.
ZONING CODE: White Bear Lake City Council considers updates this month
Accessory dwelling units, often referred to as a mother-in-law unit or granny flat, currently are permitted under the home accessory apartment regulations. They require a conditional use permit and annual permit renewal, and they are limited to 880 square feet, or 40% of the principal dwelling.
The proposed changes would no longer require a conditional use permit or additional parking. The square footage percentage is proposed to increase to 50% of the principal dwelling.
“The changes proposed to the city’s regulations should make it easier to develop these going forward,” explained Kirk Bishop of Duncan Associates.
Short-term rentals will be added to the code. Currently, the city allows rental activity in all residential zones with a rental license, but it doesn’t distinguish between regular rental (30 days or longer) and short-term rental (fewer than 30 consecutive days).
Short-term rentals would be limited to six adults and their children and not allowed on lots with accessory dwelling units. A license and registry of guests would be required. The rentals could not be used to host events attended by others.
Commission Member Jim Berry asked if there was anything the city could do, such as putting in a minimum-stay requirement, so White Bear Lake doesn’t turn into “motel city.”
“The challenge before the city when crafting regulations is: How do we adapt to a changing economy and this use that has been put out into the world, but also make sure that we maintain the residential character and conditions of a particular neighborhood?” Lindahl said. “So, what the staff and the consultants have come up with are a set of regulations we feel address most of those things.”
Commission Member Scott Bill said he was concerned that short-term rentals could drive up the cost of homes in the area. “If you pay attention to any of the news in Spain and Portugal, and where all these Vrbos (vacation rentals by owners) are popping up left and right, they are driving the costs of homes up,” he said. He questioned if the consultants had thought about the long-term implications of somebody purchasing properties just to convert
them into short-term rentals to make an income.
“Now we have harder housing to find for our residents, and somebody who doesn’t even live in the neighborhood making money and turning a profit. That’s my concern,” he said.
Lindahl added that, currently, short-term rentals can operate within the city with a license, and the city hasn’t received a lot of complaints. “It doesn’t seem to be an issue right now,” he said. “That doesn’t mean it couldn’t change tomorrow.”
Notable changes proposed in the Zoning Code
1. New Lakeside Zone
2. Rename and expand the existing R-4 District
3. Adjustments to the Residential Zone
4. New Mixed-Use Zones
5. Accessory structures
6. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s)
7. Short-term rentals
8. Parking
9. Procedural changes
10. Reorganize Industrial Zones
11. Adjustments to the Cannabis standards
Commission Member Mark Lynch questioned whether, if changes were needed down the road, the city would have to change its zoning or could address them some other way. Lindahl explained there was a difference between zoning and licensing. The licensing requirements, which haven’t been
developed yet, could set a renewal period to give the city the ability to “tweak it as we go along.”
Resident Randall Johnson, a retired city planner, said he did not think the requirement for a conditional use permit should be removed from accessory dwelling units. “Those kinds of uses have the potential for negative impact on neighborhoods,” he said.
Resident Tim Geck suggested the city consider setting a minimum length of stay for short-term rentals.
“We all know about Airbnb, Vrbo. It is a new reality, and it is particularly a big deal with lakeside and any kind of property that has that kind of entertainment facility,” he said. “If you don’t have regulation, you are creating a situation where a single-family owner can take his residence and park a hotel, motel or resort in the middle of a single-family area where all the neighborhood has been living and conforming to neighborhood standards … and they don’t even have to live with the consequences.”
Resident Nancy Oakes said she was on the other side of the issue because she sometimes rents out her Cottage Park home on Airbnb.
“I’m a little confused about why this is so focused on lakeside Airbnb … That to me seems very discriminatory; that sounds like very exclusively managing an area of the city for wealthy people,” she said. “I have a minimum two-night stay and a maximum of seven (people), and I have not ever had a problem. I think you are getting into the weeds of some people’s business, their property and their rights to use their property.”
The Planning Commission ultimately recommended that the council approve the zoning code update as proposed with one amendment by a vote of 6-1 (Bill opposed). The amendment would require owner occupancy with accessory dwelling units.
The council was scheduled to hold a first reading of the zoning code changes on Tuesday, July 8, after press deadline. A second reading is tentatively planned for Tuesday, July 22.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
STATEMENT
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that filing of affidavits for candidacy for two City Council seats, each are four year terms, for the City of Mahtomedi, will open on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Mahtomedi City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115. Hours for filing are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The last day to file will be Tuesday, August 12, 2025, until 5:00 PM. The filing fee is $2.00. Candidates will have until 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 14, 2025, to withdraw their candidacy. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
JERENE ROGERS, CITY CLERK
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 9, 2025.
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
BIRCHWOOD ROAD DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Bids for the construction of Birchwood Road Drainage Improvements will be received online through QuestCDN vBid™ until Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. local time. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving bids, representatives of the City of Mahtomedi will publicly view Bids at an online Bid opening meeting. Those interested in viewing the online Bid opening are welcome to join the meeting by logging on to https://zoom.us/join or calling 305.224.1968 and entering Meeting ID 969 6210 8783 and Passcode 310325. The as-read online Bid results will be available at www.questcdn.com following the Bid opening.
The Project includes the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction complete in-place, of the following approximate quantities:
60 LF 6’ x 1’ Precast Concrete Box Culvert
36 LF Remove Curb and Gutter
36 LF Concrete Curb and Gutter
CY Class III Fieldstone Riprap
SY Bituminous Patch
The provisions of MINN. STAT. 16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the Advertisement for Bids of the City of Mahtomedi shall comply with the provisions of the statute. Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at www. questcdn.com. Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the website for a nonrefundable fee of $55 by inputting Quest project #9769841 on the website’s Project Search page.
The website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the website www.questcdn.com. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from other sources.
Bids will only be accepted via the electronic bidding service through QuestCDN.
The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all Bids and to waive any Bids received without explanation. No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days.
For all further requirements regarding Bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.
DATED: July 2, 2025 BY THE ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Jerene Rogers, City Clerk, City of Mahtomedi
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 9, 2025.
CLERK’S CORNER – Greetings from the Township! As we move into the middle of the building & reconstruction season, it’s important to note to all our residents that you take time to research what kind of building permit may be needed for your project! You can find guidance on this by either contacting the staff at the Administrative Office or peruse our website.
VERY soggy start to the summer, but please be aware of & follow watering guidelines established for the season. If this season is anything like last year’s, we may follow up all this rain with an extensive lack of precipitation during which time our water usage will be heavier; please keep it in mind. In the meantime, I hope everyone had a
wonderful & safe 4th of July & enjoy the rest of the summer!
WHY DO LAKES TURN GREEN?
If you’ve ever walked by a lake in the summer & noticed it looks more like a giant bowl of pea soup than a clear body of water, you’re not alone. Lakes turning green can be partially nature; however, the alarming truth is that most of it is human caused. The culprit? Algae. These organisms thrive in warm, nutrient-rich water. Several factors cause algae blooms including increased nutrient pollution such as runoff from fertilizers, sewage & lawn clippings.
Not all algae is dangerous, but some can produce blooms that can harm even kill fish, pets & humans. What can you do to help prevent this? Limit fertilizers & clean
up any overspread. Clean up pet waste. Remove grass clippings from the street to prevent them from entering the storm water system & eventually our lakes.
TOWNSHIP’S SPRINKLING ORDINANCE, EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW – Town Ordinance 12, Section 24-1. Restricted Hours. The use of the Town Water Supply System for lawn sprinkling & irrigation, shall be limited to the following hours & days for the entire year:
24-1.1. Even numbered house addresses may use their Water System for the above stated uses only on even numbered calendar days from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
24-1.2. Odd numbered house addresses may use their Water System for the
above stated uses only on odd numbered calendar days from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
If you laid seed or new sod, you may get a 2-week exemption from the restrictions by calling the Township at 651-747-2764. MOVIES IN THE PARK! COME JOIN US FOR THE MOVIE “WICKED” –Bring your lawn chair or blanket & don't forget bug spray for the next FREE, fun, & family-friendly movie night at Polar Lakes Park, beginning at dusk. Wicked, will be showing July 12. Unable to make it to this movie? Join us on August 9 for the showing of Mufasa: The Lion King SAVE THE DATE! 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.
1. Flyboarding flag show on White Bear Lake on July 4 following the boat
contributed
2. A F4 Phantom Jet was on display during Marketfest. — Paul Dols, Press Publications
3. The White Bear class of 1968 gathered for a reunion event on June 27. Attendees celebrated by taking a tour of the new high school building, seeing all the updated spaces and facilities, and—of course—taking a class photo. — Contributed
4. More than 60 boats participated in this year’s annual White Bear Lake Fourth of July boat parade. — Carter Johnson, Press Publications
Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to whitebearnews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of White Bear Lake will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 4701 Highway 61 N. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comment regarding a proposed ordinance, entitled “An Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code of the City of White Bear Lake by Replacing Chapter 603 Related to Parking.” If adopted, the ordinance would replace Chapter 603 of the City Code in its entirety with a new chapter that is reorganized and contains updated regulations related to parking. All persons who desire to be heard on the matter will be given the opportunity at the July 22 meeting, or people may submit written comment to clerk@whitebearlakemn.gov
Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 9, 2025.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION DISTRICT VACANCY
The City of White Bear Lake is accepting applications from its residents to be a City representative on the White Bear Lake Conservation District board of directors. This volunteer position serves for a three-year term on a 10-member board, which is comprised of two representatives from each of the five municipalities that border White Bear Lake. For more information and qualifications, go to the City’s website under News and Events at www. whitebearlakemn.gov, or visit City Hall at 4701 Highway 61. Applications accepted through Friday, July 25, 2025, or until the vacancy is filled.
Caley Longendyke, City Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 9, 2025.
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: CCMR3 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 318 S CLINTON ST STE 400, SYRACUSE NY 13202 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.
Capital Collection Management, LLC
318 S CLINTON ST STE 400, SYRACUSE NY 13202
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
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:
B&F Foods
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 7362 University Ave. NE 310-5 1063 Fridley, MN 55432
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.
Bennett and Family LLC 7362 University Ave. NE 310-5 1063 Fridley, MN 55432
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: June 9, 2025
Signed: Antonio Bennett, owner
Published two times in the White Bear Press on July 2 and 9, 2025.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY
DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION
COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-25-560
NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR DESCENT OF PROPERTY
In re the Estate of: Ardis Ann Lanz, a/k/a Ardis A. Lanz, Decedent. A Petition for Determination of Descent has been filed with this Court. The Petition represents that the Decedent died more than three years ago, leaving property in Minnesota and requests the probate of Decedent’s last Will, if any, and the descent of such property be determined and assigned by this Court to the persons entitled to the property.
Any objections to the Petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper, and no objections are filed or raised, the Petition may be granted. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled. Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5. NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Petition will be heard using remote technology on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. by this Court using remote technology via zoom. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that this Notice shall be published
date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice. BY THE COURT: Michael Upton, Court Administrator BY: Benjamin Linker, Deputy Court Administrator Date: July 1, 2025 Attorney for Petitioner: Stacy A. Woods Jensen Sondrall Persellin & Woods, P.A. 8525 Edinbrook Crossing, Suite 201 Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Attorney License No: 261658 Telephone: 763-201-0265
Email: saw@jspwlaw.com
Published two times in the White Bear Press on July 9 and 16, 2025. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: CIVIL, OTHER NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE UNDER JUDGMENT AND DECREE (REAL PROPERTY) COURT FILE NO.: 62-CV-24-6729
loanDepot.com, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Patti M. Stevens, Homeopco Sub ATrust, and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Defendants.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that under and by virtue of a Judgment and Decree entered in the above-entitled action on April 29, 2025, a certified copy of which has been delivered to me directing the sale of the premises hereinafter described to satisfy the amount found and adjudged due said Plaintiff in the above-entitled action, as prescribed by the Judgment, the undersigned Sheriff of Ramsey County will sell at public auction, to the highest bidder, for cash, as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: July 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m PLACE OF SALE: Ramsey County Sheriff, 360 Wabasha Street N, Suite 111, St. Paul, MN 55102 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY: Lot 15, Auditor’s Subdivision No. 77, except the North 55 feet thereof, Ramsey County, Minnesota PROPERTY ADDRESS: 756 McKnight Road North, Maplewood, MN 55119 PROPERTY ID: 25-29-22-33-0049 THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES Section582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITYH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT ABANDONED, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: 5/29/25 Bob Fletcher Sheriff
parade lead by Ramsey County Water Patrol. — Scott Swanberg,
Homespun Independence Day tradition
Above: The percussion section of the marching band helps keep the beat of the recent annual Independence Day Parade in Birchwood Village. The grassroots, community event has been celebrated for more than 50 years.
Top photo: Henry Ferry’s distinctive red, white and blue hat was visible above the crowd gathered in Birchwood Village as he traveled in a prime parade viewing position on his mother Claire’s shoulders.
while leading the parade.
Mahtomedi approves crack sealing project
The City Council has awarded a contract to low bidder Asphalt Surface Technologies Corporation for $23,428 for the 2025 crack sealing project. The project
Movie in the Park
will include Historic District 1, 2, 3 and 4. Public Works Director Bob Goebel said the project has yet to be scheduled, but he is anticipating the project will occur in late July or early August.
White Bear Lake maintains Highway 61 medians
The city of White Bear Lake is expected to spend approximately $77,700 on maintaining the medians along Highway 61 within the city limits in 2025. Beginning in April, a contractor performs cutbacks
•
•
on the planting beds in preparation for the summer growing season. Then from May through September, planting beds are weeded on a monthly basis. While the work is performed, periodic lane closures occur to ensure the workers’ safety. The work typically takes about six hours to complete, depending on the number of workers the contractor has available.
Approximately $12,000 to $15,000 of that budget is for the rental of message boards to provide advance warnings of the closures, a requirement by MnDOT. Maintenance was just performed at the end of June, so crews will likely be out there again at the of July.
Dr. Jason P. Ross Dr. Ellen D. Jacobson Dr. Kali Hildebrand
White Bear food shelf participates in summer challenge
The White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf will participate in the 16th annual Open Your Hearts to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge. The challenge is a grant initiative that provides
matching funds of up to $4,000 to participating Minnesota food shelves throughout July. Participating food shelves raised nearly $3 million during July 2024—making the challenge one of
Annual Lions Club Show:
Bear Water Run: Scan the QR codes above or go to www.whitebearlions.org to get details on Our annual Bear Water Run in September, the show, STARTREKed, coming in March 2026 or to get more information on how you can join us in our efforts to serve the community.
the state’s most impactful funding initiatives of its kind. For a full list of participants or to get involved, visit oyh.org/summer-challenge.
White Bear Lake Area Church Directory
&
651*/765*6313
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Drive or walk by Cedar Street near Sunrise Park Middle School in White Bear Lake, and you will find a 4-foot-tall bear named Wanda dressed for almost any occasion.
Wanda dresses up for most holidays, high school graduation, back-to-school time, and summer. Wanda’s owner, Karrie Galetka, said she is always thinking about what Wanda will wear next.
Galetka has lived in her home for a little more than two years. According to the bottom of Wanda, she was made by Western Statue Ornaments Inc. in Manitoba, Canada, in 2000. Galetka said there is some “controversy” related to Wanda’s relocation and her price, but it is believed that Wanda was moved approximately 4 blocks from a home on Cranbrook Drive to her current location on Cedar Avenue back in 2022.
“I heard that they bought her for $200,” Galetka said. “I’ve
heard different stories … like how some of the dogs were confused when Wanda was no longer on the same corner.”
For Galetka, dressing up Wanda comes down to creating joy. “There is not enough joy in the world, and if I can bring a little sparkle of that to somewhere … I’m all in,” she explained.
Galetka, who works in information technology, loves being creative. Although her son is grown now, she said he had only one Halloween costume that she didn’t make herself.
This summer marks Galetka’s third year of decorating Wanda. Her favorite costume is one of her summer outfits, which features a coconut bra, hula skirt, big drink and sunglasses. “That’s probably my favorite because it is easy to add things on,” she explained.
Galetka said she is trying to come up with outfits for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Thanksgiving. “I just haven’t figured out how to do the feathers yet,” she said of the last.
Wanda both brings joy and serves as a distraction from the radiation treatment Galetka is undergoing for breast cancer. “You have to find those little pieces of joy however you can,” she said. “Wanda is too fun for radiation to get in the way.”
Wanda can be spotted on
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Cedar Avenue, or you can follow her adventures on her Facebook page.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@ presspubs.com.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
One of Karrie Galetka’s favorite outfits for Wanda is her summer outfit which features a coconut bra and hula skirt.
Karrie Galetka of White Bear Lake takes a selfie with Wanda.
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I C E D I R E C T O R Y
OBITUARIES
Claudia L. Engstran
Age 82 of White Bear Lake passed away June 4, 2025 from an infection. Preceded in death by her husband Darold, sister Mary Quast, brothers Jerry and John Hambrick. Survived by sons Paul (Karri), Thomas, Steven (Christina), grandchildren Meghan (Andrew), Emily, Kaitlyn, Marcus, Bethany, greatgrandson Carter, sister-inlaw Angie Gustad and many nieces and nephews.
Gathering of family and friends Wednesday, July 23, 2025 4-7 PM at Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake. Private family interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. No Flowers Please. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172.
Bill Walton
Age 80 of Hugo Husband, Dad, Grandpa & Brother, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025. Preceded in death by son, Justin; parents, Howard & Opal; brothers, Bob, Jim. Survived by his wife of 59 years, Jean; son Jake (Jen); grandchildren, Kaleb, Kylee; 4 siblings; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends. Bill was born on May 5, 1945, in Glenburn, near Minot, North Dakota. Being raised on a farm, Bill developed a deep respect for the land and a lifelong love for animals. He graduated from Glenburn High School in 1963, and just a few years later, on June 4, 1966, married Beverly Jean Garner, in Osceola, Iowa. That same year, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served from 1966 to 1969, including a tour in Vietnam from June 1967 to June 1968. He was honorably discharged in August 1969 at Fort Hood, Texas. In 1971, Bill began his 24-year career with the St. Paul Police Department, serving until his retirement in 1995. During that time, he also launched Walton & Sons Construction, specializing in insulation and home renovation. Bill also owned and operated a recycling business. In 1979, Bill and Jean purchased land in White Bear Township and started a hobby farm, where Bill’s passion for animals flourished. In 1990, they founded Animals of Walton’s Hollow, a beloved pony ride and petting zoo business that brought joy to families across the metro. Whether driving his team of cherished Norwegian Fjord horses or tending to his beloved Great Pyrenees dogs, Highlander cattle and mini baby donkeys, Bill’s deep connection with animals was evident to all who knew him. After retiring, Bill and Jean enjoyed traveling. He was a member of the White Bear and Hugo Lions Clubs, Forest Lake American Legion, and the Manes and Tails Harness Club.
Bill’s life will be celebrated with a service at 6 PM Thursday, July 10th with visitation beginning at 4 PM at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. A private Interment will take place Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations that will be made to a local cause in Bill’s honor. Roberts Family Funeral Home 651-4644422 RobertsFamilyFH.com
Gerald “Jerry”Tubman
Age 82 of White Bear Lake. Passed away on May 27, 2025
He was a veteran & electrician. Survived by his brothers, children, grandchildren & great grandchild. Interment Thursday, July 17th at 11:30 am at Fort Snelling National Cemetery- meet at Assembly Area #3 by 11:15 am. All are also welcome to attend and celebrate Memorial Service at his residence in White Bear Lake at 1:30 pm. Luncheon will be served following the service. He is LOVED and will be missed. Arrangements MuellerMemorial.com ~ 651-429-4944
White Bear Center for the Arts gets a fresh new look
A fresh canvas.
A bare pedestal.
A blank page.
An empty frame.
A window.
The rectangle in White Bear Center for the Arts’ (WBCA) new logo represents all of these and more. It symbolizes the limitless potential that lives within WBCA, waiting for you to make your mark. Since its founding in 1968, WBCA has been a vessel for creation, a space where artists and community members come together to imagine, explore and create. The new logo embraces that spirit. You’ll often see it as a simple, open rectangle, evoking boundless opportunities for creativity. At other times, it will be filled with images that highlight the vibrancy of artistic expression at WBCA, offering a glimpse into the many ways art comes to life.
The clean, sharp lines of the rectangle are balanced by the hand-carved quality of the lettering—a nod to the dual nature of the WBCA’s mission: the elevation of art through our exceptional exhibitions, and the joyful, tactile messiness of art-making itself.
WBCA Executive Director Chris Scholl oversaw the redesign process and is excited for the potential that the new logo creates. “Our new logo is a fresh expression of WBCA’s creative spirit,” Scholl said, “rooted in our rich history and open to endless possibilities. Its simple form gives us the freedom to adapt, evolve, and make space for every kind of artmaking.”
Longtime supporters might recognize subtle references to WBCA’s earlier brand identities. The new typeface pays homage to the original logo used until 2005, with its woodcut aesthetic and approachable, handcrafted feel. WBCA also kept the color purple, which has been a major component of its brand for the last 20 years, while expanding the palette with additional vibrancy.
The artist behind the new look
Genie Hien Tran is an interdisciplinary artist based in Minneapolis. She was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 1996 and grew up there before migrating to the U.S. at 16. Tran received her bachelor’s degree in illustration at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2018 and a master’s degree in visual arts at Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2022. She has exhibited at many galleries, including an exhibit at WBCA in 2023 titled, "Second Sources."
“I'm incredibly honored and excited to collaborate with WBCA on this new journey of branding the art center,” she says. “I hope to see this logo, as well as the new branding, become recognizable simultaneously with WBCA. During the design process, I did a lot of research and looked back at the art center's history and used that history and story to inform the work. The design, therefore, aims to reflect on the past in order to craft a fresh and welcoming future. I'm excited to see the places it will take WBCA, the artworks it will help highlight, the artists that it will be in conversations with, and the community that it will be supporting. Thank you for letting me be a part of this journey!”
White Bear Center for the Arts
Genie Hien Tran
Like many movie goers, Andrew Epperson, likes Ghostbusters: the 1984 comedy starring Bill Murray, Rick Moranis, Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd. Andrew joined a local group of fans to celebrate all things Ghostbusters. But Andrew wanted to make his passion for Ghostbusters into something with an even deeper meaning– to have an impact on the community. So, he and his fellow fans worked with fundraisers, walks, even the Wounded Warriors, but didn’t find one the really fit with them. Their team, called the Nomad Ghostbusters of Minnesota delights kids at local parades, toy drives and birthday parties in their Ghostbusters’ costumes as well as adults at sci-fi conventions and the Totally Rad vintage fest with fun and of course photos. Bringing smiles to kids wasn’t enough, they sought more. At the invitation of Tami Siebert, a Development Manager for your American Cancer Society, they joined the Relay For Life Movement, the largest volunteer-driven fundraiser in the world. Andrew, like many of us, has lost too many to cancer, he says “find me a person who cancer hasn’t touched.” Fighting cancer seemed like the perfect fit for his crew.
They’ve marched in the Manitou Days parade, and held an event at WB Township theater to raise funds.
Each year, White Bear Lake and the surrounding communities, light luminaries, small white bags with the name of someone we’ve lost to cancer or who is fighting and lit by a small light that glows against the night sky in testimony to each cancer battle fought. On July 25, Relay of White Bear Lake, started by local residents Keith & Patty Warner, will celebrate its 31st year. Come join the Nomad Ghostbusters and hundreds of your friends and neighbors at this moving and fun community event.
What is your special talent? Won’t you consider adding it to raise funds to find a cure? Please join this army of purple warriors who gather to celebrate, remember and commit to ending cancer. Please donate a luminary in honor or in memory of someone you love and invite a cancer Survivor to join you.
Due to popular demand, this year’s event starts earlier, at 3PM. This year’s theme pays tribute to another popular movie, The Wizard of Oz – “Lions and Tigers and White Bears, oh my! There’s no place like HOPE.” Participants are encouraged to join in on this theme including a “milking contest” of an (artificial) cow much like the one that went up in the Tornado with Dorothy. In addition to our usual Live Music, food trucks, bouncy house, this year we’ve added Irish Dancers, Sustainable Safari, remote control car racing and much more! It’s a fun afternoon/evening for all ages- especially for cancer Survivors, their caregivers and families.
To donate or for more information go to www.wbrelay. org Thank you to our passionate participants, our dedicated sponsors noted below and to White Bear Lake Area Schools.
Junior college All-American for national runner-up
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Seth Nelson, of Mahtomedi, earned junior college baseball All-American recognition after helping Century College in White Bear Lake place runner-up in the nation this season. The sophomore second baseman was named to the NJCAA Division III AllAmerican first team and got the Gold Glove award. He will continue his college career at Concordia-St. Paul.
Nelson batted .387 with 15 home runs, 18 doubles and 64 RBI’s in 57 games for the Wood Ducks. At second base, he had just four errors and took part in 12 double plays.
Century had a 46-11 record, won the Region 13 tournament in St. Cloud and reached the finals at NJCAA Division III nationals in Auburn, New York. They won three of five games, losing twice to champion Rowan College of New Jersey. NJCAA Division III is for
MAHTOMEDI SPORTS BRIEFS
Following is a list of some recent successes by Mahtomedi graduates who play on college teams.
Bryce Fitzpatrick closed his wrestling career at St. Cloud State with an eighth-place finish in the NCAA Division II meet at 184 pounds. Fitzpatrick was 18-9 with three pins this year, and 51-24 in his career.
Caden Donahue, junior goalie for the Lewis University (Illinois) lacrosse team, had a 12-4 record, .575 save percentage and 9.09 goals-againstaverage.
Colin Hagstrom closed his lacrosse career at Notre Dame as the backup face-off specialist, winning 30 of 71 attempts and scoring two goals. The Irish, national champions last season, were 9-5 this year and didn’t reach nationals.
Jonah McCormick, former all-state hurdler for the Zephyrs, was a freshman on the Minnesota State-Mankato track team this spring. He placed 10th in the 60 meter hurdles in the NSIC indoor meet and 18th in the 400 meter hurdles
CENTURY COLLEGE | CONTRIBUTED
Seth Nelson swung a big bat for Century College, including 25 home runs in two seasons.
non-scholarship teams.
Nelson also had a strong freshman season in 2024, batting.384 with 10 homers, 46 runs and 50 RBI’s in 49 games. The Wood Ducks were 36-17.
At Mahtomedi, Nelson played for two state tournament teams that placed second and fifth. This summer, he is playing for the North St. Paul Snowmen.
at the NSIC outdoor meet.
Ethan Loss, junior wide receiver on the Butler University football team, caught 33 passes for 570 yards and a team-leading six touchdowns, including 71 and 51 yard scores.
Will Underwood, who averaged 19 points for a 25-4 Zephyr basketball team as a senior, red-shirted this year at Wake Forest. Last year, he appeared briefly in six games as a freshman for the Division I team.
Victoria Nelson, freshman first baseman for the St. Scholastica softball team, batted .289 with 22 hits and 10 RBI’s.
Josh Donna, freshman infielder at Iowa Western Community College, batted .380 with 19 hits, 14 runs, 14 RBI’s, seven steals. He had just one error in 162 chances and seven double plays.
Jack Erickson, freshman first baseman for national junior college runner-up Century College, batted .281 with 25 RBI’s and 28 runs in 39 games.
Bruce Strand
Following is an update of White Bear Lake graduates who played on college teams this past school year.
Jack Janicki, White Bear Lake’s lone 2,000-point scorer, was a freshman guard for the Wisconsin Badgers after a red-shirt season. He worked his way into the rotation and played all 37 games, averaging 11.4 minutes. He logged 70 points, 50 rebounds and 31 assists, shooting 13-for-47 on three’s. High games were 11 points in a win over No. 7 Purdue and nine in a win over No. 8 Arizona. Wisconsin was 28-10 overall and 13-7 in the Big Ten.
William LeMire was an all-NSIC offensive lineman on the Bemidji State football team for the third straight season. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound senior helped Bemidji post a 10-4 record, averaging 186 yards rushing and 160 passing. For the Bears, LeMire was allconference in football and lacrosse as a goalie.
Chloe Barber, pitcher and slugger who led White Bear Lake to softball state tournaments in 2022 and 2023, will pitch for University of Kansas next year, having transferred after two seasons with Wichita State. She had a 5-7 record this year and 5.99 ERA, 68 strikeouts and 62
walks in 73.67 innings, and elected to enter the transfer portal. Heidi Barber, an all-stater with the Bears, was a backup catcher as a freshman at UConn this year. She was 4-for-27 at the plate with four RBI’s in 27 games. UConn was 32-17. Jaeda Jensen, freshman attacker for the Detroit Mercy lacrosse team, notched 16 goals and five assists, and started all 15 games, for the Titans, who finished 6-9. Derrick Smith, North Carolina State relief pitcher, missed most of the 2025 season with an injury, after an excellent sophomore season in 2024. Smith reportedly has entered the transfer portal with one season of eligibility left. The 6-foot-2 right-hander posted eight saves last year, three of them in the NCAA tournament, and had a 3-2 record, striking out 41 batters in 29.67 innings. This season he threw just three innings, with eight strikeouts and six walks, allowing two runs. NC State press releases said he had “an undisclosed injury.”
Sam Verkerke closed his running career at UW-Eau Claire placing fifth in the Division III nationals in 3:50.27. His best time was 3:47.92.
Bruce Strand
Weekly Outlook
Weather Tidbits
Frank Watson
WHITE BEAR LAKE SPORTS BRIEFS
Vadnais Heights resident receives title of district governor
BY MADELINE DOLBY SHOREVIEW EDITOR
Shoreview/Arden Hills Rotary Club
Member Glenn Bowers has stepped into his new role as district governor for Rotary District 5960.
The district covers most of southeastern Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin. The district contains 64 clubs and approximately 3,300 members. Local clubs included within the district are Shoreview/ Arden Hills, White Bear Lake, New Brighton/ Mounds View, the Chain of Lakes Rotary and Blaine/Ham Lake.
Bowers has been interested in becoming district governor for about 20 years and has always gravitated toward leadership roles, whether in the workplace or in Rotary.
“For probably 20 years, I thought about putting my name in the hat somewhere for district governor, whether it was for Arkansas, initially, or other places,” he said.
Bowers has been a Rotary member since 1986 and first joined a club in southeast Texas after participating in a group study exchange program.
“Rotary had a program called a group study exchange, where non-Rotarians were sent between districts in the world. I went from Southeast Texas to Northwest India. I came back and joined
SCHOOL BRIEFS
Jennifer Chappuis named assistant director of Early Childhood Programs
The White Bear Lake Area School District announced that Jennifer Chappuis will serve as the district’s new assistant director of Early Childhood Programs for the 2025-26 school year.
Chappuis has more than 22 years of experience, most recently as principal of a prekindergartento-grade-five school in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. She holds an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She said she is committed to building welcoming, developmentally appropriate learning spaces where all children and families feel valued and supported.
Throughout her career, Chappuis has led districtwide literacy efforts, fostered teacher collaboration through professional learning communities, and used data to support strong instructional practices.
“We are excited for Jennifer to join our team as we grow our programs and continue to meet the needs of our community,” said Director of Community Services and Recreation Tim Maurer. “She has a focus and a passion for partnering with families, staff and the broader community to build strong relationships that will help each of our young learners thrive as they begin their educational journey in White Bear Lake Area Schools.”
Trap & Skeet Team Places
Second at State
The WBLAHS Trap & Skeet Team placed second overall at the Minnesota Clay Target Skeet State Championship, held June 24-26 at the Minneapolis Gun Club in Prior Lake. Josie Jorgenson placed first in
Rotary and was president of that club there,” Bowers said.
Bower’s career took him to Texas A&M and then to Purdue University in Indiana. While at Purdue, he joined a Rotary club there. He then changed from academics to the private sector and moved to northeast Arkansas. Bowers lived there for 17 years and was also the club’s president.
In 2016, he moved to Vadnais Heights and joined the Shoreview/ Arden Hills Rotary Club. He has been a member ever since. Bower’s wife, Pam, is a current member of the Rotary Club of White Bear Lake.
Bowers, now retired, joined the Shoreview/ Arden Hills Rotary because it was on his way to work.
“I was always working at research stations outside of town, so I always went the opposite way of traffic. My job was in Roseville … I wanted to find a club that I could hit on the way to work in the morning. The Shoreview/Arden Hills Club meets at 7:30 in the morning, and so it was a draw line,” Bowers said.
Throughout Bower’s time in different Rotary clubs, he has held multiple positions such as club secretary, treasurer, vice president, president-elect and president.
“I’ve done a lot of different roles at the district level, too. It has given me the passion for it and what Rotary does and the fellowship. It’s one of the advantages of being in Rotary since we moved across the country three times. Right away, we had connections. You
Novice Girls, and Tommy Bourgoin placed second in the conference for the season. The team will now attend the USA Clay Target Trap Nationals in Mason, Michigan, July 9-13.
State participants were Tommy Bourgoin, Taylen Peloquin, Andrew Mailer, Chaz Elmore, Zach Brock, Blake Haas, Josie Jorgenson and Jack Schulz. Attending Nationals are Tommy Bourgoin, Taylen Peloquin, Nate Servatka, Cora Wahl, Blake Haas, Zach Brock, Aaron Thilmany and Ian Jorissen.
Speech Team competes at Nationals
WBLAHS Speech Team members Praise Oyekunle and Lydia Jersak competed in the 100th annual National Speech and Debate competition June 15-20 in Des Moines, Iowa. Praise made it to the semifinals, finishing 11th in the nation in the category of Program Oral Interpretation.
joined a club, and you’ve got friends and connections in the community,” he said.
When asked what his most rewarding experience is as a Rotarian, Bower said it is seeing the overall impact they have had in changing lives.
“It’s not one specific thing but seeing the impact we’ve had changing lives. We’ve got a program in our club that identifies with the schools, identifies kids that are kind of struggling their sophomore year. As they improve (their grades), then they get a scholarship. We do a lot of different things with food packs, support a lot of projects in different parts of the world financially,” Bowers said.
He added that the Shoreview/Arden Hills club did a project in Africa where Rotarians helped build bathrooms and construct places to store clean water.
As district governor, Bowers will be responsible for overseeing the clubs within Rotary District 5960. He will serve as the official representative of Rotary International, leading and guiding clubs within the district by visiting each club and helping them focus on their long-term goals.
“Districts are there to support clubs, help them identify resources, help them set goals and encourage them to think long term,” Bowers said.
He explained that Rotary changes leadership annually, all the way up to the head of Rotary International. By helping clubs develop strategies, or three-year plans, it helps them be effective and as productive as possible.
STUDENT NEWS
The following students were named to the Dean's list or received academic honors at a college or university in Spring 2025:
Iowa State University: Ty Decker, Lily Johnson, Tommy Rohlinger, John Schaefer, and Benjamin Smith, all of Mahtomedi; Ernest Mattson, Ian Mulheron, and Claire Schneider, all of Vadnais Heights; William Bruentrup, Katelyn Harrington, Fisher Hoy, Karen Miller, and Sydney Plumb, all of White Bear Lake.
Luther College: Jack Morrison of White Bear Lake; Hannah Coy of Mahtomedi.
Marquette University: Julia Bjork and Maggie McCarty, both of Mahtomedi. Minnesota State University-Mankato: Kristen Geib of Dellwood; Emmerson Buckley, Kayla Eberle, Natalie Eisenhuth, Nina Gillet, and Jocelyn Hazel, all of Mahtomedi; Delaney Gunderson of Vadnais Heights; Lilah Amon, Amy Ansley, Travis Domschot, Kelvin Hill, Joe Hulla, Jeremy Kolb, Olivia Landgren, Mason Messerschmidt, Sydney Mullin, Ally Peterson, Jane Posten, Anna Quaas, Tyler Schoeberl, Anna Sommerhause, Reed Tischler, Mials Woodberry, Olivia Harvieux, and Isaac Thiessen, all of White Bear Lake.
North Dakota State University: Quinn Whitehead of Mahtomedi; Sully Gunderson and Kevin Jones, both of Vadnais
“We have specialists in the district that help with membership, help with public image, help with grants. Clubs and club members do the real work. We’re just here to help them and whatever they need,” he said.
As district governor, Bowers wants to focus on food security at a local and global level along with helping those who are struggling with mental health issues, specifically youth and veterans. He also wants to work in improving the clubs’ public image by bringing projects clubs are working on into the light and sharing data from those projects with the community.
“I want to give back. I’ve had a good life,” Bowers said. “I want to help.” For more information about the Shoreview/ Arden Hills Rotary Club, visit ardenhillsshoreviewrotary.org. For more information about the district and a full list of district clubs, go to www. rotary5960.org.
Heights.
Saint Mary's University: Kendall Rolling of Dellwood; Grace Feyereisen of White Bear Lake.
University of Arkansas: Jocelyn Schneider of Mahtomedi.
University of Iowa: Alexa McKusick, Nicole Olson, Megan Van Ostrand, Josephine Sunder, and Emilia Wenzel, all of White Bear Lake.
University of Minnesota-Duluth: Anna Amberg of Dellwood; William Arlandson, William Brummel, Mackenna Buckley, Sydney Gadbois, Samantha Saenger, Cole Swanson, Wyatt Tarnowski, and Nicole Wuori, all of Mahtomedi; Matthew Dresen, Micaela Hovick, Lauren McCulloch, and Ava Walhof, all of Vadnais Heights; David Dawa, Phoebe Diez, Kyra Hoffman, Grayson Hughes, Erin Hunter, Julia Lamwers, Andrew Laska, Patrick Levins, Rachel Lopez, Grace Maki, and Madeline Verkerke, all of White Bear Lake; Katelyn Birkeland of Willernie.
University of Mississippi: Hailey Wolgamot of Mahtomedi.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Skylar Gillow Clowser of Dellwood; John Diffley, Will Garry, Mary McCormick, Lauren Mitchell, Riley Schwietz, and Katherine Swanson, all of Mahtomedi; Luke Blaska, Olivia Gentile, and Hannah Vander Heiden, all of Vadnais Heights; Valeria Diaz Moreno, Kaia McKeown,
and William Simpson, all of White Bear Lake.
The following students graduated from a college or university in Spring 2025:
Baldwin Wallace University: Jenna Eitel of Dellwood, Bachelor of Science, neuroscience.
LeTourneau University: Aaron Sorley of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering, summa cum laude.
Marquette University: Logan Swanson of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, interdisciplinary cognitive science.
Montana State University: Grace Christenson and Chase Fortman, both of White Bear Lake.
North Dakota State University: Derek Lopez of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, management; Isabelle Petronack of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering; Tyler Vanderhyde of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, electrical engineering.
Northern Illinois University: Isabelle Zak of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, computer sciencesoftware development. Wartburg College: Brandon Goetz of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Arts, sociology and psychology, summa cum laude; Wyatt Miller of Mahtomedi, Bachelor of Arts, exercise science, magna cum laude.
Glenn Bowers
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Members of the Shoreview/Arden hills Rotary Club help pack school supplies at the Kids in Need Foundation.
CONTRIBUTED
The WBLAHS Trap & Skeet Team placed second overall at the Minnesota Clay Target Skeet State Championship, held June 24-26.
CONTRIBUTED
Lydia Jersak and Praise Oyekunle.
CONTRIBUTED
Jennifer Chappuis