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Troop 433 celebrates rare feat: 8 new Eagle Scouts in 1 year

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

It’s not every day that a Scout troop has an Eagle Scout, let alone eight of them in one year.

Since Mahtomedi Troop 433 was established in 1958, 95 members have risen to the rank of Eagle Scout. This year, eight Scouts were recognized on the plaque that hangs in St. Jude of the Lake church, where the troop meets. They are Collin Bromeland, Matt Macdonald, Sam Macdonald, Max Milbrandt, Jess Miller, Luke Newman, William Peterson and Alex Reister.

CONTRIBUTED

Eight Scouts from Troop 433 in Mahtomedi are now Eagle Scouts. Pictured (from left) are: Luke Newman, Collin Bromeland, Max Milbrandt, Jess Miller, Alex Reister, William Peterson, Sam Macdonald and Matt Macdonald.

“The majority of them started out in Cub Scouts together,” explained Scoutmaster Jason Hamen. “I think it is really amazing that these guys went through this together and all finished at the same time.”

Approximately 2% of Scouts attain the Eagle rank. Hamen said that many Scouts make it to Life Scout, the rank before Eagle.

SEE EAGLE SCOUTS, PAGE 14

Vadnais Heights disc golfer soars high and aims tall

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

When it comes to disc golf, Vadnais Heights’ Cale Leiviska is a man who believes in many things. Among them are what makes a good disc fly and the art of the sport itself.

“I played sports my whole life,” Leiviska said. “When I started playing disc golf, it just took over and gave me a new passion, career and livelihood ... It’s rewarding, satisfying, and the best way I know to grow the sport.”

One look at Leiviska’s résumé reveals an

accomplishment list guaranteed to amaze any disc golfer. While playing professionally for 20 years, he has racked up more than 170 career wins and designed more than 30 courses through his company, Leiviska Disc Golf Design. You can find his courses around the state, including at Vision Quest in Oak Grove, Highland Park in St. Paul and New Life Academy in Woodbury.

Leiviska is also the founder of Airborn Disc Golf Preserve in Clearwater, Minnesota, and the tournament director for the Preserve Championship and more than 40 other Professional Disc Golf Association events. “Ever since I started

designing courses, it was my dream to have my own property where I could build a little disc golf sanctuary,” said Leiviska of the golf preserve. “The opportunity came when I had my realtor looking for golf courses that were for sale.”

Leiviska said he initially passed on the offering price for the property. A year later, he agreed to lease it through the owner, sparking the preserve’s creation. “We built three courses on 160 acres up there,” he said. “Within a year, we had the Disc Golf Pro Tour coming to Minnesota to play at it,

SEE DISC GOLFER, PAGE 12

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

White Bear Fire responds to house fire on Willow Avenue

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

Gloria’s 12th Annual 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

SEPTEMBER 28th, 2024 - 11:00 am

At 11:08 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, the White Bear Lake Fire Department responded to 3440 Willow Ave. for the report of a structure fire. Heavy fire conditions were found upon arrival. One occupant was evaluated by EMS on scene and released. There were no other injuries. Multiple pets were rescued from the fire. The Red Cross was contacted to provide shelter for four adults that were displaced due to the fire.

The response included units from White Bear Lake Fire, Vadnais Heights Fire, Mahtomedi Fire and Lakeview Ambulance. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

$35 (tax

Bald Eagle Ave - 3rd to 2nd St.

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

Marathon One Block Run

SEPTEMBER 28th, 2024 - 11:00 am

$40 (tax deductible) Gives you the privilege to impress your friends, to take it off your bucket list, and to aid a good cause.

$35

White Bear Area Food Shelf

Bald Eagle Ave - 3rd to 2nd St.

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

White

Bear Area Food Shelf

To register contact: www.whitebearfoodshelf.org

WHAT’S HAPPENING

AUTHOR VISIT

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22

Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake Details: David LaRochelle and illustrator Colleen Muske will sign copies of their new book “How to Draw a Tree”. Contact: 651-426-0918

Many Faces to host immigration education series this fall

Many Faces, a collaboration of 30 local organizations “working to create a community where everyone feels they belong,” will host two public educational events this fall to explore the complex issues surrounding immigration. The organization said the events’ goal is to provide factual, accessible information to help the White Bear Lake area community better understand the challenges of the U.S. immigration system and the impact those challenges have on immigrant neighbors and friends.

Both events will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

On Sept. 23, Julia Decker, policy director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, will open the evening by outlining the principles of U.S. immigration law, the various immigration statuses, and the rights and responsibilities associated with each. Christopher Roberts, associate professor of law and affiliated faculty

FRIDAYS WITH FIREFIGHTERS

When: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22

Where: South Fire Station, 2240 County Road E, White Bear Lake Details: Get outside, and have some fun with your fire department. Great free event for parents and children to have fun and learn fire safety. Contact: 651-429-8568

WHITE BEAR CRAFT FAIR

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23

Where: Hippodrome Ice Are -

na, 4886 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Shop over 70 booths of Minnesota's best crafters, artisans, boutiques and vendors. Food trucks on premises.

Contact: 763-269-2166 or sunriseeventsandcraftshows@ gmail.com

BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK

When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24

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

Details: Concert by a-cappella

in sociology at the University of Minnesota, will follow with a presentation on immigration and human rights, connecting laws, policies and facts to the experiences of immigrants.

On Oct. 28, Many Faces will host a panel of experts from diverse backgrounds. The organization said the speakers will offer perspectives on immigration, providing a deeper look at current issues and their local implications.

Both events will take place at Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 County Road F E. To register, visit manyfaceswblarea.org.

‘Sophisticated’ crime targets Solid Ground capital campaign

Solid Ground is one of the latest victims of what it is calling a “sophisticated” financial crime targeting its capital campaign.

According to an email sent out by Executive Director Diamond Hunter last week, a criminal

Doo-wop band Fabulous Fairlanes is free and open to the public. Seating not provided; bring a folding chair or blanket. Beer and wine permitted. Contact: cityofbirchwood.com

BLOOD DRIVE

When: 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26

Where: White Bear Lake American Legion Post 168, 2210 Third Street

Details: Donors receive a $15 egift card and free A1C test. Must have an appointment. Contact: 800-733-2767

actor, impersonating a trusted vendor, successfully diverted payments in June. The incident was uncovered by Solid Ground staff and immediately reported to authorities. The investigation is ongoing.

Per the email, no donor data or financial accounts were compromised. Insurance is covering a portion of the loss, and the remainder is being covered through reserve funds.

“Solid Ground is still financially strong, operationally stable, and deeply committed to our mission. We’ve enhanced our security systems, invested in upgraded technology, and are implementing new internal controls to prevent future incidents,” Hunter wrote.

Accountability: What it’s good for

Do you ever wonder if we’re too unwilling to own up to our mistakes?

In an earlier column, I discussed how we as people can be stubborn when it comes to apologizing for our missteps. But what about the extra steps we can, and should, go to to fix what we break?

Honestly, does being sorry mean we have to stop at just saying “sorry?” I don’t always think so. Yes, it’s basic human nature that we ought to, as the saying goes, “fess up when we mess up.” An offering of apologies will always go a long way in the short and possible long-term. But isn’t there more we could be doing?

Suchy’s Scoop

Erik Suchy

Among married couples, this is a prominent part of the reconciliation process between husband and wife. After one apologizes for their grievance, there is almost always an effort by the offender to “woo” the offended back to their side with chocolates, jewelry, reservations to fancy dinners, etc. Personally, it’s a small example I’d like to see extended to not just relationships, but family members and friends.

For clarification’s sake, I’m not suggesting you go and get your friend a brand new Corvette for accidentally breaking a family heirloom, or offer your great-aunt a new house for saying something rude at Thanksgiving dinner. Buying purely for the sake of emotional manipulation (especially when it’s disguised as an apology) is one of a thousand different ways to spell “gross.” But to give something back, beyond just “sorry,” is not something I see a lot of, and want to start seeing again.

It can come as a handwritten letter not only expressing remorse, but a vow of appreciation for the friend/family member’s connection and love (in the case of the friend, brotherly or sisterly). To take it a step further, why not invite them to a small one-on-one at a coffee shop or restaurant where you could say it in person? Just the act of discussing connection in a positive and meaningful way can mean a lot to those we offend. It shows we’re willing to rebuild trust in a setting where we can’t hide behind a wall of emojis and misspelled expressions.

There are examples, however, where this route doesn’t always work. If we break something valuable, hand-written notes and meet-ups won’t do much compared to paying for the object itself. Other times, when we go farther than usual to insult someone and still don’t feel like we were in the wrong, weeks after it happened, it’s often a catalyst for that person to block us out of hurt. Naturally, this can cause rebuilding trust to take months, if not years.

I’m no psychologist, so I can’t speak for what the right answer is in this situation. My advice? Either make right with someone immediately, or never allow your temper or triggering action to reach this boiling point. In short, be humble, not humiliating.

A great quote that popped into my head as I was writing this comes from the famed Chinese philosopher Lao Tsu: “To lead the people, walk behind them.” That said, it shouldn’t always be up to the geniuses and sages of centuries past to tell us how to be a better person. We alone are responsible for making the best of how we rectify ourselves. To you all, I say this: change costs nothing but a little of our time and effort.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications.

Bright harvests in cold climates:

Growing citrus trees in pots up north

TGardener’s Grapevine

Brenda Ortmann

here’s something magical about plucking a fresh lemon or lime from your own tree—especially when you live in a northern climate. That tempting dream is what led me (and many others) to take the plunge and bring home a citrus tree. Because our winters are harsh, growing citrus here means keeping them in pots so they can be brought indoors during colder months. In the summer, they shine as patio showstoppers. The secret to long-term success is knowing exactly how to care for them, especially once they are back inside.

To boost your chances of success, it is best to start with more forgiving citrus varieties. I recommend Meyer lemon, Calamondin orange, or a kumquat tree to begin your citrus journey. Dwarf varieties can also work well, but it’s best to begin with something proven to be easier

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care and build your skills from there. When it comes to pots, go just one to two inches larger than the nursery pot your tree came in. I opt for glazed ceramic containers because I’m prone to underwatering. If you’re the overwatering type, terra cotta is better for allowing moisture to escape. Citrus roots hate soggy conditions, so use a well-draining soil mix and a pot with a drainage hole. A light soil made with perlite or sand is ideal. You can also find DIY citrus soil blends online if you’re feeling adventurous. Summer care is fairly simple. Citrus trees love sunlight—aim for at least six to eight hours a day— and they thrive in our Minnesota humidity. Let the soil dry out between waterings, but don’t panic over a rainy stretch because with proper drainage, they can handle it. Yellow leaves can be an indication of overwatering, but also a lack of nutrition, which they need to successfully bear fruit. I fertilize three times a year: Once in February (before blooming), in June (after blooming) and in October.

Once nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 50°F, it’s time to bring your citrus plant indoors. Do a thorough pest

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inspection, hose off the leaves (gently if fruit is present), and spray with a neem oil solution a couple of times during the first few weeks. If you find bugs mid-winter, neem or horticultural oil are safe for edible fruit trees.

The big challenges indoors are light and humidity. A south-facing window might provide enough sunlight, but indoor air is often too dry. A humidifier helps, but I go all in with a mini greenhouse and grow lights to keep my tree happy. Pebble trays and misting help a little but often aren’t enough on their own.

Citrus fruit takes patience— often 6 to 12 months to ripen. My lime tree sets fruit from April through summer, and I don’t harvest until at least mid-winter when the limes start to turn yellow. Pick the fruit too soon, and you will be disappointed with hard, bitter fruit.

With the right care, citrus trees can thrive in pots and bring year-round joy. And when those fragrant blossoms open in early spring, your whole home feels like it’s waking up with them.

Brenda Ortmann is a master gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.

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• 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

Fighting fraud, protecting taxpayers

I appreciate Mr. Herwig’s concern about fraud and misuse of public dollars. I share it, and I am acting on it.

In the Senate, I am the chief author of legislation to create an independent Office of Inspector General with the authority to investigate across agencies, monitor high-risk programs, and stop fraud before it grows. The bill passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support. It is built on commonsense tools Minnesotans expect: proactive audits, tougher vendor oversight, stronger clawbacks, and penalties for those who steal from taxpayers. Every dollar stolen is a dollar that does not feed kids, keep seniors safe, or support local law enforcement. My goal is simple: restore trust by making sure funds reach the people they are intended to help, and hold bad actors fully accountable. If federal investigators bring forward credible findings, I welcome that. But Minnesotans cannot afford to sit back and wait, we need strong oversight here at home.

I hope White Bear Lake residents remember this too because fighting fraud and protecting our tax dollars is not a talking point for me, it is the work I am already doing.

Doubling down

It seems David Knight doubled down with yet another nonsensefilled letter to the editor. It's certainly on brand for those part of the Trump wannabe fascist cult to spew Fox News one-liners like "Sleepy Joe" and "Trump Derangement Syndrome" in one breath and in the next, mention how "Ad hominem attacks for most of us went out of fashion in roughly sixth grade". But we all know hypocrisy is the GOP's specialty.

What David fails to recognize is that a majority of Democratic and independent voters have no allegiance to the party. A recent AP poll had roughly onethird of Democrats describing their party negatively. Only about 2 in 10 Democrats described their party positively. The attempts to demonize Democratic candidates just doesn't land on most voters because we agree;

our party isn't what we want it to be. Most Democratic voters seem to have no problem disagreeing with our party when it isn't serving us, the voters. Could the same be said about so-called independent thinking GOP voters when their own candidates are convicted of crimes and are continually proven to be lying to them? Would they be so brave to stand up for truth, justice, and the constitution? Or perhaps a party that sports merch of their dear leader and buys into his endless scams will just turn a blind eye to his flaws because it "owns the libs" and calls the truth "fake news" yet again.

If only David and the brainwashed GOP voters would turn off Fox News and rejoin reality. Maybe then we could have honest conversations.

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory

Candidate

filing period

closes

We now know who will be on the ballot this November. In White Bear Lake, as mentioned above, voters will choose between Mary Nicklawske and Stephen Laliberte for mayor. Running unopposed for council member Ward 2 is Ellen Gurrola. Kevin Edberg is running unopposed for council member Ward 4.

Submit your questions for mayoral candidates

The League of Women Voters White Bear Lake is asking for the public’s help in coming up with questions for Mary Nicklawske and Stephen Laliberte, who will be on the mayoral ballot in the general election on Nov. 4.

SCHOOL BRIEF

Foundation seeks volunteers The

The forum lets voters ask about the issues that are important to them. Submit questions online at https:// lwv-wbla.org by Sept. 12. The League will consider presenting up to three questions and additional comments to the candidates. The forum will be available on YouTube by Oct. 1.

Governor candidate will visit White Bear Lake

The public is invited to a meet and greet with Kendall Qualls, Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the White Bear Lake Country Inn.

Qualls, a U.S. Army veteran and business executive, sought the GOP nomination for governor in 2022 but fell just short at the party’s endorsing convention. He didn’t move on to a primary.

organize the June 2026 golf tournament, there are plenty of ways to get involved. If interested, visit www.wblaef.org/ volunteer.

Weekly Outlook

Weather Tidbits

Sen. Heather Gustafson Minnesota Senate, District 36

Joey Marek White Bear Lake

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White

Frank Watson

COPS&COURTS

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

Officers responded to a fight reported in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Aug. 6. The suspects were gone on arrival.

• Officers investigated a disorderly conduct incident at a business in the 2600 block of County Road E Aug. 6.

• Fraud was reported in the 3700 block of Van Dyke Street Aug. 6.

• Officers responded to a juvenile incident in the 2100 block of Second Street Aug. 6.

• A White Bear Lake woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 4600 block of Highway 61 Aug. 6.

• A person was issues a trespass notice in the 2100 block of Fourth Street Aug. 6.

• A vehicle window was smashed and items stolen overnight Aug. 7 in the 1700 block of Fourth Street.

Officers responded to a civil matter in the 4800 block of Peggy Lane Aug. 7.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 4800 block of Centerville Road Aug. 7.

• Welding tanks were stolen from a business in the 3500 block of White Bear Avenue Aug. 8. Kayaks were stolen from a business in the 3900 block of Highway 61 Aug. 8.

• Fraudulent business checks were attempted to be cashed Aug. 8 in the 1400 block of Highway 96.

• A White Bear Lake man was taken into custody for gross misdemeanor domestic assault in the 2500 block of Elm Drive Aug. 8.

• Officers responded to a disorderly conduct incident Aug. 8 in the 4700 block of Highway 61 and at Ramsey County Beach.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI Aug. 9 following a traffic stop in the 4300 block of Lake Avenue South.

• Officers responded to a civil issue in the 3300 block of Ebba Street Aug. 9.

• A juvenile male sustained non-life threatening injuries following an accident in the 1800 block of Fourth Street Aug. 9.

• Officers responded to a disorderly conduct incident in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Aug. 9.

A driver was issued a citation for multiple offenses following a hit and run accident in the 4700 block of Cook Avenue Aug. 10.

• A White Bear Township man was arrested for burglarizing a business in the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue Aug. 10. He was identified on security video as a former employee. A search warrant was executed at the man's residence where stolen property was located.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 2100 block of Roth Place Aug. 10.

• Officers responded to a complaint about multiple dogs off-leash and barking at Matoska Park Aug. 10.

• A person reported missing in the 2000 block of County Road F Aug. 10 was located and returned.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 1900 block of Third Street Aug. 10.

• An Oakdale man was arrested for obstruction and disorderly conduct in the 3100 block of Century Avenue N Aug. 10.

Disorderly conduct was reported in the 5000 block of Division Avenue Aug. 10.

• Officers mediated a civil dispute in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Aug. 11.

• A dog owner was issued a citation for a dog license violation following a report of a dog bite in the 2600 block of Sumac Ridge Aug. 11.

• A St. Paul man was issued a citation for stealing a license plate in the 1500 block of Park Street Aug. 11.

• Check fraud was reported in the 4100 block of Hoffman Road Aug. 12.

• Theft was reported in the 3400 block of Bellaire Avenue Aug. 12.

• Officers responded to a driving dispute in the 4900 block of Highway 61 Aug. 12.

• A trespass notice was issued in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Aug. 12.

Officers responded to a fireworks complaint in the 2500 block of Dorothy Avenue Aug. 12.

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

• Juveniles on Lake Avenue were reported at 10:16 p.m. July 3 for lighting fireworks. Deputies had a chat with the youths and advised them they were done for the night.

Dellwood

In the Case of the Temperamental Turtle, Lacosta Drive residents on June 30 reported a turtle stuck in their window well. Deputies located the turtle and placed it in their squad bag for transit to its new home. The turtle urinated in the deputies’ squad bag during the ride. “I’m unable to determine why it felt the need to do so,” deputies said in their report. “The turtle also made it clear that it did not want to be handled, regardless of how many times I tried to let it know I’m there to help.” Deputies de-escalated the situation by calling the turtle a “good boy” and providing water to the thirsty turtle. The turtle then responded by “urinating in my bag some more.” At the end of it all, the turtle was safe for the time being.

• Overlook Road residents on July 3 reported

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

Vadnais Heights

• A catalytic converter was reported stolen from a vehicle parked in the 600 block of Kohler Road overnight July 12-13.

• Two fishing poles and a bag of fishing gear were reported stolen July 13 from the 3900 block of Clover Avenue, after the cover to a truck bed was cut by a sharp object.

• A resident in the 100 block of Martin Way on July 13 reported being harassed by her neighbor as part of an ongoing issue that was escalating. The neighbor had been complaining about the complainant’s yard lights and exterior cameras causing a nuisance. The complainant is in the process of obtaining a harassment restraining order. A catalytic converter was reportedly cut off a vehicle parked in the 800 block of Parkside Drive on July 13.

• On July 14, a Vadnais Heights woman reported the catalytic converter cut off her vehicle while it was parked on Bridgewater Drive. A Hugo man reported the catalytic converter cut off his vehicle July 14 while it was parked in the 3500 block of Arcade Street. No suspect information is available for any of these incidents, and none of the incidents was caught on video surveillance cameras.

• A Vadnais Heights man reported an attempted theft from auto July 14, after the driver side window of his vehicle was smashed while it was parked on Rice Street. Nothing was reported missing.

suspicious marks on their door frame. When deputies checked, they noted the damage appeared to be from typical wear and tear over the years. After failing to observe any signs of forced entry or items missing from the home, deputies advised the complainants to call back if they noticed anything of a more recent suspicious nature.

Grant

• Deputies arrested a motorist June 22 on northbound Manning Avenue N. and Settlers Way for driving after revocation. Deputies on patrol had conducted a Mobile Database Computer check on the vehicle in front of them and found the driver to be revoked. The driver was also tagged for failure to provide proof of insurance.

• Deputies on June 22 assisted the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office in the 9000 block of Justen Trail N. in arresting a suspect who had a Keeping Our Police Safe alert out on him issued by Washington County.

• In the Case of the Bullying Bull Dogs, two pit bulls were reported for harassing the complainant’s horses in the 11000 block of 66th Street N. at 6:52 a.m. June 23. In the Case of the Bucolic Bear, a bear that had been seen around town was reported June 23. At the time, it was in the woods in the 9000 block of 75th Street N.

• A Vadnais Heights woman on July 15 reported a window on her vehicle smashed, and blankets and a backpack stolen, while the vehicle was parked on Bridgewater Court. A doorbell camera did not pick up any activity. Deputies responded to several other thefts from automobiles in the vicinity of Bridgewater Court and Bridgewater Drive.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 20, was cited July 15 in the 800 block of Greenhaven Drive for distracted driving after he caused a two-vehicle accident.

• A resident in the 4100 block of Centerville Road on July 15 reported several vehicles rifled through while they were parked at the address. The suspect vehicle was identified, and a Keeping Our Police Safe alert was issued for the vehicle.

• An Orangeville, California, man reported the catalytic converter cut off his work truck overnight July 15-16 while it was parked in the 1100 block of County Road E. No camera surveillance or suspect information is available.

White Bear Township

• A Hugo man, 34, was arrested at 9:50 p.m. July 15 in the 4000 block of White Bear Parkway on a Mounds View warrant for second degree assault, following a KOPS alert. After the suspect was located, he resisted arrest but was taken into custody for his warrants. A fresh charge for gross misdemeanor obstruction was added to his growing list of charges.

Loretta Harding

• A resident in the 8000 block of 80th Street N. on June 25 reported the “noisy, disruptive renters” next door for taking his child’s toy lawnmower and leaving it next door. The complainant said he would alert the property owner about this most recent of many issues.

• An individual of undisclosed identity was arrested on warrant June 25 in the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue.

Mahtomedi

• A motorist was arrested June 22 in the 1000 block of Wildwood Road for driving after suspension and for several failures to appear in court to pay multiple fines.

• A hit and run accident on Mahtomedi Avenue and Stillwater Road was reported June 23.

• A disturbance was reported June 23 on Mahtomedi Beach in the 1000 block of Park Avenue, involving several people reportedly taking nude photos. On arrival, deputies saw no one nude and spoke with people who turned out to be influencers taking photos to post online.

• In the Case of the Dazed Dog, deputies received simultaneous reports of a lost dog and a found dog on Wedgewood Drive June 24. The dogs turned out to be one and the same. Deputies quickly united the dog with its lost owners.

• A solicitor for a pest control service was reported June 26 for going door to door on Quail Street without a permit. Juveniles were reported at 12:31 a.m. June 27 for flashing FedEx drivers on Long Lake Road.

• A suspicious vehicle parked in a lot in the 3000 block of Century Avenue N. June 27 turned out to be an Uber driver waiting for his scheduled pickup time. Fireworks reported at 9:28 p.m. June 28 on Mahtomedi Beach in the 1000 block of Park Avenue turned out to have originated from the White Bear Lake side of the lake. Sound travels in unexpected ways.

Revolved looks to make an impact by providing aid on the ground

BY CJ WRZESIEN PRESS INTERN

Grant resident Michael Stoebner has spent the past 13 years doing nonprofit work, traveling everywhere from Haiti to Cuba to Zimbabwe. A recent trip even put Stoebner near the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Stoebner, along with Chris Newhouse and Katie Johnson, teamed up to form a nonprofit organization called Revolved. With Stoebner’s background in nonprofit work and Newhouse’s and Johnson’s backgrounds in medical device sales, Resolved seeks to get medical devices and equipment to regions where they are needed most.

In August 2024, Newhouse, Stoebner and a partner of theirs made their first trip to Ukraine, delivering medical supplies to the front-line field hospitals.

“They just don’t have the system set up to get those supplies there,” Stoebner said. “They don’t have

the money. They don’t have the infrastructure to get it there.”

On that trip, the group delivered supplies to a warehouse in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Stoebner said part of Revolved’s mission is being present in the areas the nonprofit is trying to reach.

“Eighty percent of the mission is to meet people, know them, walk with them,” Stoebner said. “And understand how to help, how to be a part of what they’re already doing.”

In April 2025, Newhouse and Stoebner returned to Ukraine. This time, Johnson also was able to make the trip. The trio arrived on a train to Kyiv from Warsaw, Poland, and settled into their hotel near Independence Square. At 2 a.m., they heard air raid sirens warning of a Russian drone attack.

The group turned on the news to see that the drones had hit a few miles from their hotel, collapsing a nearby apartment building. The attack

allowed the group to get a first-hand look at the devastation of the war and the resiliency of the people who clean up and rebuild in the aftermath.

“It’s one of the most resilient cultures I’ve ever experienced,” Newhouse said.

“Not only do they immediately clean up and rebuild, they memorialize.”

For the group, he said, experiences like these remind them that medical supplies are at the heart of what they do. “It’s about showing up in places where aid is needed and being present for people,” Newhouse added.

The group agreed that they are so passionate about the organization’s mission that they are taking a year without salary to get Revolved going.

They will spend six months working in places such as Ukraine and Zimbabwe, and six months after that spreading the word about their work and mission to the public. They are planning a third trip to Ukraine in September. Johnson stated that the goal of Revolved is to break the mold and do nonprofit work differently than it has been done for decades. “Part of that involves being on the ground exploring, finding stories and people, and connecting that back to people in the United States,” he said.

In addition to traveling to find people in need, the group plans to start a podcast as a way of getting the message of their work out to the public.

Michael Stoebner, Katie Johnson and Chris Newhouse teamed up to form a nonprofit called Revolved.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Common financial scams that target seniors

Common financial scams that target seniors FINANCIAL PLANNING

Common financial scams that target seniors

Financial scams are as old as the concept of currency. But consumers’ vulnerability to scams has seemingly increased in the twenty-first century, when the Internet and devices like smartphones have enabled scammers to gain access to potential victims’ financial information and even gain virtual entry into their homes.

Seniors are targeted by financial scammers with such frequency that the term “elder fraud” has entered the English lexicon and is now widely recognized as a notable threat to individuals age 60 and older. In recognition of that threat, the Elder Justice Initiative aims to support and coordinate U.S. Department of Justice efforts to combat financial fraud that targets older adults. Those efforts are ongoing and include a number of initiatives to educate older adults about elder fraud, including warning seniors about some notable scams that criminals use to target older adults.

• Social Security Administration Impostor Scam: When perpetrating this scam, criminals typically contact prospective victims via telephone and falsely claim that suspicious activity has prompted the suspension of their Social Security number. Scammers may also indicate money must be withdrawn from a potential victim’s bank and stored on gift cards for security’s sake. It’s important to note caller ID spoofing is often utilized when perpetrating this scam so an incoming call appears to be coming from the Social Security Administration.

• Tech Support Scam: This scam involves criminals claiming to be representatives from widely recognized companies who are calling to inform seniors that viruses or malware have been detected on their devices. Some also may claim a target’s computer has been hacked. The Federal Trade Commission notes perpetrators of this scam pretend to be tech support and request victims enable them to remotely access their devices or computer. Granting such access provides an avenue to view sensitive information, but scammers also may diagnose nonexistent problems and charge a fee. But the scam does not always stop

there. Some call back later and offer a refund to account for services that can no longer be rendered or to correct an overcharge. The scammers then request victims’ specific banking details under the guise of “correcting” these alleged oversights.

• Lottery Scam: The lottery scam involves scammers calling potential victims and informing them they have won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes. Perpetrators of this scam typically identify themselves as lawyers, customs officials or lottery representatives. The telemarketers behind this scam may be based in Jamaica, but the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica warns that those behind the scam will ask winners to pay various fees, including shipping and customs duties, until victims’ funds are exhausted.

• Romance Scam: The FTC warns that wildly popular dating sites, social networking platforms and chat rooms provide opportunities for scammers to identify and exploit potential victims. The aim of these scams, which many victims are too ashamed to report even after they realize they’ve been victimized, is to convince targets to send money in the name of love. But the EJI warns that online love interests who ask for money are almost certainly scam artists.

These are just a handful of the many ways that modern scammers target seniors. More information about these and other scams is available at justice.gov/ elderjustice.

SP TTED

AROUND TOWN

1. Minnesota Department of Transportation staff evaluated the Highway 61/Eighth Street intersection during a field walk to identify accessibility improvements for a future Highway 61/Highway 96 project in White Bear Lake. The team consists of MnDOT engineers and designers and is led by MnDOT ADA Program Engineer Todd Grugel. — Contributed

2. Ukrainian youths gather for a picnic at West Park. The group is in the country through the YouLEAD Program, helping them share views, culture and learning from one another as they grow as individuals and leaders. — Alex Zuev, Contributed

4. A picture of a beautiful setting near Highway 244 and Birchwood Road in Mahtomedi. — Al Willette, Contributed

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. 3 4 2

3. Fourteen youth and eight adults from the White Bear Lake area recently attended a weeklong camp at Many Point Scout Camp in Ponsford, Minnesota. In addition to working on 74 merit badges, the group spent time at the beach, in treehouses and visiting the Mississippi headwaters at Itasca State Park. — Contributed

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TITLE AND SUMMARY APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-07-2080

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING, AMENDING AND REPLACING THE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS FOR THE CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

WHEREAS, the City of White Bear Lake City Council may, pursuant to Ordinance No. 83-6-666, adopt a title and summary of a proposed ordinance to be published in lieu of lengthy entire ordinances, and WHEREAS, in addition to adopting a title and ordinance summary, the Council shall direct the City Clerk to:

1. Publish the approved summary language once in the City’s official newspaper;

2. Have available for inspection during regular office hours a copy of the entire Ordinance;

3. Place a copy of the entire Ordinance at the White Bear Lake Branch of the Ramsey County Public Library;

4. Obtain an affidavit of publication of the title and summary from the official newspaper and place it in the City’s ordinance book together with the Ordinance and a copy of this Resolution;

5. Post the Ordinance on the City’s website.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of White Bear Lake City Council hereby adopts the aforementioned title and summary for approved Ordinance No. 25-07-2080 as listed below: AN ORDINANCE REPEALING, AMENDING AND REPLACING THE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS FOR THE CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

On July 22, 2025, the City Council of the City of White Bear Lake adopted Ordinance 25-07-2080 which adopted a full rewrite of Chapter 1202 and Titles XIII and XIV of the White Bear Lake City Code, which generally regulate all planning, land use, and development within the City. City staff and consultants undertook an extensive process to review and update said regulations in order to (i) implement the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, (ii) remove outdated and unnecessary text, (iii) reformat the chapter, and (iv) modernize the chapter to a more user-friendly document that conforms to current City policy, practices and state law, as necessary. Numerous substantive changes to the City’s prior development regulations are contained within the updated text. Prior to adoption, a duly noticed public hearing was held by the Planning Commission of the City of White Bear Lake, and a complete copy of the new development code, entitled the “Public Hearing Draft, June 11, 2025,” was presented to the City Council and the public and was further on file with the City Clerk and made available for viewing on the City’s website. Printed copies of the new Development Code of the City of White Bear Lake, as adopted by Ordinance 25-07-2080, are available for inspection and general distribution to the public during regular business hours at White Bear Lake City Hall. It can also be viewed online through the City’s website whitebearlakemn.gov.

FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of White Bear Lake City Council hereby directs the City Clerk to provide the inspection and publication requirements as listed above.

The foregoing resolution, offered by Councilmember Engstran and supported by Councilmember Hughes, was carried unanimously on July 22, 2025. Dan Louismet, Mayor ATTEST: Caley Longendyke, City Clerk Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 20, 2025.

CITY OF GEM LAKE

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

ORDINANCE #64F

AN ORDINANCE REGARDINGING REQUIREMENTS AND FUNDING FOR MUNICIPAL SEWER SERVIECS, AND PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTIONS OF CHARGES IN THE CITY OF GEM LAKE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 15, 2025 Ordinance No. 64F was adopted by the City Council of Gem Lake, Minnesota.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that because of the lengthy nature of Ordinance No. 64F, that the following summary of the ordinance has been prepared for publication.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the following updates were made: 1. Revised formatting. 2. Updated definitions.

3. Updated language regarding connections, permits, and sewer availability charges (SAC), consistent with Metropolitan Council

Environmental Services (MCES) practices.

4. Combined language and requirements from Ordinance Nos. 64 and 129 regarding municipal sewer systems.

5. Reviewed language between Ordinance No. 64 and Ordinance No. 129 and removed any inconsistencies and resolved conflicting requirements.

6. Reviewed and updated requirements for licensing and charges.

7. Reviewed and updated requirements for materials and construction requirements.

8. Updated references to state and MCES rules/requirements.

A printed copy of the whole ordinance is available for inspection by any person during the City’s regular office hours.

Approved for publication by the City Council of Gem Lake, Minnesota this 15th day of July 2025.

BY: Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor

ATTEST: Melissa Lawrence, Acting City Clerk

Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 20, 2025. CITY OF GEM LAKE RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA ORDINANCE #129

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 1-8 AND 10-21, REGARDING THE REQUIREMENTS AND FUNDING FOR MUNICIPAL WATER SERVICES, AND PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTIONS OF CHARGES IN THE CITY OF GEM LAKE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 15 2025, Ordinance No. 129 was adopted by the City Council of Gem Lake, Minnesota.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that because of the lengthy nature of Ordinance No. 129 that the following summary of the ordinance has been prepared for publication.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the following updates were made:

1. Revised formatting.

2. Created a definitions section and defined terms used throughout the ordinance.

3. Reviewed and updated requirements for connections and charges.

4. Moved permitting and licensing fees to the City Fee Schedule, Ordinance No. 135.

5. Moved sections regarding municipal sewer to Ordinance No. 64F.

6. Updated the water use charges payment deadline.

7. Updated the language and procedures for delinquent payments and shut-offs.

A printed copy of the whole ordinance is available for inspection by any person during the City’s regular office hours.

Approved for publication by the City Council of Gem Lake, Minnesota this 15th day of July 2025. BY: Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Mayor

ATTEST: Melissa Lawrence, Acting City Clerk

Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 20, 2025.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

MINUTES JULY 14, 2025

Abbreviated Minutes — complete information available from the Superintendent’s office or online at www.isd624.org

A meeting of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in Boardroom 200 at the Sunrise Park District Service Center, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS

1. Chair Arcand called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call - Present: Daniels, Ellison, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand. Absent: Beloyed, Skaar. ExOfficio: Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak. 3. Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Ellison moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5. Daniels moved and Thompson seconded to approve the consent agenda consisting of: a. Minutes for Board meeting on June 9, 2025; b. Monthly Invoices; c. Resolution regarding acceptance of gifts; d. Field trips; and e. Resolution regarding personnel items. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. PUBLIC FORUM. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Student Recognition - Students who participated in state and national competitions in Trap and Skeet, Baseball, Softball, Girls Wrestling and Boys Wrestling were recognized and congratulated. 2. Superintendent’s Report - Dr. Kazmierczak highlighted several recent achievements, upcoming events, and news items in the White Bear Lake Area School District. DISCUSSION

ITEMS 1. First Reading of School Board Policies: a. 418, b. 501, c. 503, d. 515, e. 516, f. 534, g. 621, h. 707, i. 709, j. 802, and k. 806. OPERATIONAL ITEMS 1. Ellison moved and Thompson seconded to approve the action on Resolution to Renew Membership in the Minnesota State High School League for 2025-26. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Motion carried 2. Thompson moved and Daniels seconded to approve the action on Resolution Approving the 916 Long Term Facility Maintenance Plan. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3. Ellison moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the action on 10-Year Long Term Facility Maintenance Plan. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4. Thompson moved and Ellison seconded to approve the action on Official Depositories for School District Funds and Authorized Bank Accounts and Signatures. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 5. Thompson moved and Streiff Oji seconded to approve the action on Designation of Identified Official with Authority for the MDE External User Access Recertification System. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 6. Streiff Oji moved and Ellison seconded to approve the action on School Board Policies: a. 613. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. BOARD FORUM. Daniels moved and Streiff Oji seconded to go into closed session at 6:01 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. The meeting went into closed session at 6:01 p.m. LABOR NEGOTIATIONS This portion of the meeting may be closed to consider strategy for labor negotiations, including negotiation strategies or developments or discussion and review of labor negotiation proposals, conducted pursuant to Minn. Stat. 179A.01 to 179A.25. REVIEW OF SUPERINTENDENT’S EVALUATION This portion of the meeting may be closed to discuss evaluation of superintendent, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 13D.05, Subd. 3(a). Ellison moved and Streiff Oji seconded to go into open session at 7:02 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Ellison moved and Thompson seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:02 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Kathleen Daniels, clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on August 20, 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

The Real Dogs of White Bear Lake

BY RICKA MCNAUGHTON SPECIAL TO THE WHITE BEAR PRESS

A column featuring glimpses into the everyday lives of random dogs I meet on walks around the White Bear Lake region.

This is Eli’s story, still unfolding. It may leave you with some big feels. You are forewarned.

Tiny Eli is a blend of Chihuahua and (pre-shrunk) Doberman Pinscher, a pairing of incongruous dog genes that, when they first met up in the reproductive process, probably gaped at one another and thought “You and Me? Really?” But then got on with their cellular journey. Eli the “Min Pin Chi” is the whole mix. His humans, Norm and Debbie Przybylski, enjoy his lap dog cuddles, but have allowed Eli to experience the full range of his dogness. At home he’s able to explore his semi-rural property, sniffing and seeking, and taking care of any big dog business that may arise, like boldly flagging down the trash guy for a credential check. Eli’s now seven-years-old. A life well and bravely lived is a balance of risk and reward. Unfortunately, on a recent trip away from home, calamity struck.

Norm and Debbie were visiting family in the area. They brought Eli with them. Debbie grew up in White Bear Lake. She loves coming back here. So does Eli. At one of their get-togethers, Eli was introduced to another dog. It began well enough. Then suddenly, it all went wrong. But let’s cut back to Eli’s origin story.

Eli was a shelter dog. It was there that the Przybylski found him at six months old, weighing

in at 4.10 ounces. With loving looks and kisses, he had them at “Hello.” Norm calls Eli a dopamine dog, a nod to the flood of feel-good brain chemicals people experience as recipients of Eli’s openhearted affections. But also, there’s this: In the quiet times, when lying close to his humans, Eli will stretch himself around to make sure he’s touching both Norm and Debbie at the same time. This is his ritual. His love language. Maybe he’s saying that no matter the excess of

TR Computer Sales celebrates 25 years of building relationships

BY CJ WRZESIEN NEWS INTERN

A math teacher at CretinDerham Hall High School in 1982, John Redpath began his career in computer sales by selling floppy discs and printer ribbons to parents. Now Redpath’s company, TR Computer Sales, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

As Redpath began to sell more computers, he partnered with his brother, Jim, who worked at a CPA firm. The partnership created Redpath and Company in 1990. After 10 years, TR Computer Sales split off, opening its first solo location in downtown White Bear Lake before moving to its current location on County Road E. TR Computer Sales grew to include 10 employees. Even with the growth, Redpath said he felt uncertain about the company branching out on its own.

“I remember my brother telling me, ‘John, this is the best thing that could happen for your company,’” Redpath said. “And in hindsight he

was absolutely right.”

TR Computer Sales has evolved over the years, going from a hardware and software sales company to a managed IT services and support provider for small to medium-sized businesses.

The company has built relationships with 350 clients across the Twin Cities and parts of Wisconsin. “A lot of our clients invite us to celebrations, and they have for 25 years,” Redpath said.

“We serve each other, the customers and the greater community.”

He added that he hopes to keep building a culture that endures even as technology continues to evolve.

“You need that mindset with this business, because technology, it’s always different, it’s always changing,” said Lead Sales Consultant Joe Gartmann. “You’re learning as you go a lot of times, and we’re just keeping up and making sure our clients know about it too.”

anguish, brutality, selfishness and stupidity in the world today, my special dog energy is always here for you. I’m your bridge, your steadfast counterforce to the dark, because grace lives in the power of meaningful connection and touch. And in the quiet rhythmic breathing of a small creature (that’s me!) who has deemed you unconditionally lovable.

Some would say this is well beyond the realm of a dog’s cognitive powers. Others would differ, saying the message is a matter of form.

So back to the aforementioned dog encounter. As the two seemed to be getting along, the other dog suddenly took Eli in her much more powerful jaws and…it was bad. Eli was rushed to an emergency vet team, thanks to whom, he survived. Norm reported that it was he who made the judgment call that Eli would be safe. It was not the fault of the other dog’s owner.

As of this writing, Eli is back home in stable condition, stitched and medicated. He’s moving about some but mostly resting. On the drive back home, Eli seemed to know how wretched Norm and Debbie were feeling. Somehow, he managed to ease himself into a position that enabled him to touch both of them at the same time, as always. The message was clear.

Author’s note: Normally, after I photograph my subjects on the street, I catch up by phone later for more info, so as not to interrupt their outing too much, and in that way I learned what happened to Eli hours after I met him. Please send he and his humans good healing thoughts.

Mahtomedi High School recently received an unexpected and meaningful package in the mail. Inside was a 1942 Mahtomedi High School “Lincoln Log” yearbook, a graduation tassel and a handwritten note from a woman in Bemidji. She explained that the items had belonged to her parents and she “didn’t have the heart to throw them away.”

Mahtomedi Schools staff enjoyed paging through the yearbook, especially the local business support page. It listed the White Bear Press, described as “Lincolntown’s Home Paper with School News,” as a sponsor.

The surprise delivery brought joy and nostalgia, and the school sent the sender a thank-you note along with a Zephyr Pride button.

Alice Seuffert is director of communications for Mahtomedi Public Schools.

RICKA MCNAUGHTON

Eli, with Norm and Debbie Pryzbylski, prior to later events.

CONTRIBUTED

A Lincoln Log yearbook from 1942.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

TR Computer Sales is celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2025.

PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

A crowd of approximately 300 gathered in downtown White Bear Lake Saturday, Aug. 16 for the National Day of Action. Across the country, supporters were asked to show up at their state houses, city halls and community spaces. According to event organizers, the White Bear Lake rally was the only one in the St. Paul area.

DISC GOLFER: A life of professional touring, innovation and family

along with all the best players in the world. It was a dream fulfilled.”

Since 2020, the preserve has hosted the association’s Preserve Championship. Though Leiviska had organized several smaller regional events, running the championship was a new experience that brought a fresh perspective on disc golf tournaments.

“When you’re running an event of that magnitude, you have to take in not just the competition but also the spectator experience,” he said. “It was pretty daunting, to be honest, but you have to go step by step and tackle it all. It went off without a hitch, and we were on a shoestring budget that first year, but we still pulled it off and it was a huge success. It’s become a favorite for a lot of the touring players.”

Leiviska’s impact isn’t limited to tournaments alone; he also helped create the “Falcor” and “Shadowfax” discs under the Prodigy brand of disc golf. Though no longer working with Prodigy,

“Hopefully,

inspire a lot of players in Minnesota to get better and be someone who’s

a good role model. I want to keep building good courses and running good tournaments so that people want to keep playing,” he said. “I want to see it keep growing at the rate that it’s on.”

Now, having settled down and started a family, Leiviska said he is continuing to navigate the roads of parenthood and strike a balance between being a touring professional, local event player, course owner and tournament head.

“I used to be on the road full time, living in a [recreational vehicle] and playing in tournaments all across the country and world. As I get older, I value time with my family so much more. What works for me is finding that balance,” he said. “I like to find a stretch where I can maybe play two national tournaments, then come home for two to three weeks. If it lines up with some local events for me to play, then I’m happy to play them, because I’m addicted to competition. I’m always trying to get better.”

Staff Writer Erik Suchy can be reached at 651-4071229 or vadnaisheightsnews@presspubs.com.

Leiviska still makes discs under the Discraft brand.

I can

CONTRIBUTED

Cale Leiviska of Vadnais Heights has been playing disc golf professionally for over 20 years, while designing courses and discs and hosting tournaments.

Above:

musical performance during

recent ICASA Iglesia Casa De Dios summer festival at First Presbyterian Church in White Bear Lake.

TROOP 433: 8 Eagle projects create lasting impact

“The Eagle project is a big deal to accomplish. They have to identify a project, organize it, lead it … It is all under their initiative,” Hamen explained. “They all worked hard to meet that goal and get it done before they graduated.” Peterson graduated from Duluth East High School in spring; the other Eagle Scouts graduated this year from Mahtomedi High School.

Meet the Scouts

Collin Bromeland, 18, joined Scouts at age 8. For his project, he revitalized an outdoor classroom at Richardson Elementary School in the Maplewood/Oakdale/North St. Paul School District. “I spent months planning it and put dozens of hours of hard work into fundraising and building the project over a multiple month period,” he recalled. “It is so rewarding to know that the hard work I put in is now being used daily by kids who get to use it as an opportunity to enhance their learning environment.”

Bromeland said obtaining his Eagle Scout Award was one of the most memorable experiences of his Scouting journey. “It was such an honor to become an Eagle Scout,” he said. “Being able to reach this point with so many of my peers has been so rewarding. The skills acquired and years of hard work and cheerful service have made my Scouting journey one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

He will attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities to pursue a degree in a math or science-related filed.

Matt Macdonald, 18, has been in Scouts for 13 years. For his project, he built birdhouses for Southwest and Wildwood parks in Mahtomedi. “To finally accomplish my Eagle to me just signaled the end,” he said. “The resume benefits and just the title are great, but I think Scouts was more about having fun.”

He plans to attend St. Thomas University to study entrepreneurship and economics or finance.

Sam Macdonald joined Scouts when he was 5. “That’s where I met all my current best friends,” he said.

For his project, he built two buddy benches for Eagle Point Elementary in Oakdale. He said he hopes they will promote inclusion and make it easier for students to make friends. He plans to attend Montana State University, where he said he is considering majoring in psychology.

Max Milbrandt, 18, also joined Scouts at age 5. For his Eagle Scout project, Milbrandt repaired and renovated four horseshoe pits at Veterans Campground in Marine on St. Croix. “It was a significant achievement, and the skills I gained and the friendships I formed will stay with me for a lifetime,” he said.

He plans to attend Furman University in South Carolina to major in business.

Jess Miller also plans to attend Montana State University. He joined Scouts in kindergarten.

His project consisted of installing four benches along the trail on South Shore Boulevard in White Bear Lake. “Eagle Scout isn't just an award; it is a title for life that shows bravery and great leadership,” Miller said.

Luke Newman, 18, has been in Scouts since kindergarten. For his project, he refurbished the outdoor classroom at O.H. Anderson Elementary in Mahtomedi. The old benches were in need of replacement, and Newman built a table and cleaned up the area.

“Earning Eagle is a lot more than just the project, and so it was rewarding and felt like my work in Scouts paid off,” he said.

He plans to continue with his car detailing business, Mahtomedi Detailing, to earn money for school and other future endeavors.

Will Peterson, 18, has been in Scouts since he was 7. Although his family moved from Mahtomedi, Peterson stayed in the troop and participated in activities when he could.

For his Eagle project, Peterson refurbished a bridge at Stella Maris Academy in Duluth. “I was extremely proud of what I accomplished, but also nostalgic towards the memories of the journey to get where I am now,” Peterson said. He plans to pursue a computer science degree from the University of Wisconsin Stout and become a software engineer.

Alex Reister, 19, tore down and rebuilt a storage shed for St. Jude of the Lake as his project. “Beyond the planning and fundraising, it took 264 hours of labor completed by 23 volunteers from teardown to completion,” he explained. “It made me realize how far I've come as a person since starting Scouts back in kindergarten. Scouting gave me my roots in leadership. Completing my Eagle project is one of the accomplishments I am most proud of.”

Reister plans to attend the University of St. Thomas to study actuarial science.

Now that the Eagle Scouts have graduated, Troop 433 is down to 12 members. “COVID really impacted us as far as getting Cub Scouts to feed into our program,” Hamen said.

Those interested in joining Scouts should visit www.scouting.org. See more information about Scouting events on page 16.

engineer, & implement product design architecture strategies. Reqs. BS + 5 yrs exp.; must incl. architecting solutions using AWS Cloud native technologies.

Position allows up to 30% WFH. $214,053/yr. Eligible for all standard company benefits. Email CV to TraneRecruitment@ tranetechnologies.com & reference Job ID# ST.

CONTRIBUTED

Members of Troop 433 on Sea Base Sailing Trip.

E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Local Scout groups to host informational events

Prospective youth ages K-12 and their families can learn more about how to join Scouting at upcoming informational and recruitment events held by different Scout groups throughout the area. A White Bear Lake Night for Scouting event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 at White Bear Lake Area High School. The event will be held rain or shine and will include a hot dog cookout and other activities. Fore more information about the Night for Scouting event, go to wbl.scouting@gmail. com.

Mahtomedi area youth can learn more about Scouting at Troop 433's archery booth at St. Jude of the Lake's Cornfest event on Sept. 6.

Dee Ann Marie Cady

Age 72, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. She was born on May 22, 1953, in San Pedro, California.

She worked in various sales and marketing positions in Vermont before moving to the San Diego area in the 1980’s where she continued in her sales and marketing career. She has resided in White Bear Lake since 2007. Dee Ann will be remembered for her kind and gentle nature, and love of all creatures great and small.

She is survived by her brother David Cady of Rushford MN, her longtime partner Alan Butler of White Bear Lake, and many friends and relatives across the country. Dee Ann was preceded in death by her mother Ardis Willcox, stepfather Robert Willcox and brother Paul Cady.

A memorial service will be held for Dee Ann on Saturday August 23, 2025, at Hoff Celebration of Life Center 780 Mill St., Rushford, MN 55971. Visitation at 2 PM, Service at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Paws and Claws Humane Society, pawsandclaws.org

Dr. Delano “Del” J.A. Dunn, DPM

Del passed away on July 25, 2025 in Sarasota, FL at the age of 86. He is survived by wife Cindy Dunn, daughters Monica Witte and Marnie Leander and granddaughter Paige Witte. Brother to Darlene Wiles and Dayton Dunn.

Del grew up in Watertown, SD and post high school joined the Marine Corps. He later graduated from Podiatry school in Chicago, IL and had a practice in Maplewood, MN for 30 years.

Del loved the game of golf and was a former member of North Oaks Golf Club in North Oaks, MN and Heritage Oaks Golf and Country Club in Sarasota, FL.

A private burial will be at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

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Larkin dancer wins ‘Best Dancer’ award, takes her talent to USC

BY TYLER QUATTRIN NEWS INTERN

Keira Redpath earned one of the most prestigious honors in preprofessional competitive dance this summer, winning The Dance Awards 2025 Senior Best Dancer title in Las Vegas with her jazz solo, “All That Jazz.”

This week, the 18-year-old Mahtomedi High School graduate moved to the University of Southern California to join the highly selective Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. She’ll continue to take dance classes and perform, but not on USC’s dance team.

Redpath has trained at Larkin Dance Studio since age 3, and her family’s connection to the studio runs deep. Her great-grandmother lived near Shirley Larkin, who started the studio in her basement in 1950. Larkin Dance received national recognition when it won The Dance Awards Studio of the Year award in 2016 and 2023.

When Redpath’s older sister, Cami, took up dance, joining the studio was a natural choice, said Tara Redpath, the girls’ mom. Keira Redpath followed in her sister’s footsteps, moving from recreation classes to competitive dance at 5.

Tara Redpath said she saw her younger daughter shine on stage from a young age. “She was really shy at school, and we had to hold her hand in the classroom,” she said. “Then she'd get on that stage, and you are like, ‘Who is this child?’ Maybe the skill might not have been there, but you were like, ‘OK, the stage is where she belongs.’”

Keira Redpath competes in nearly all styles of dance: ballet, jazz, hiphop, musical theater, contemporary, lyrical, tap and ballroom. She said she can’t pick a favorite.

“I just like putting on a show for other people, like getting into character as a dancer. I can express my emotions through performing,” she said.

She said that performing wasn’t always easy. As a young competitor, she was a perfectionist who sometimes became physically sick from nerves. Over time, she said, she learned to manage the nerves differently.

“I get nervous, but I realized that it's not like I need to be perfect all the time, like it's more doing it for myself,” she said. “I get excited to go on the stage, honestly, because I like to perform for big audiences. I like the adrenaline and stuff now.”

Redpath competes in about six competitions a year, performing solos at each and participating in group dances at roughly half of them. The season typically runs from January through May, with nationals in late June or early July, she said.

This summer, she achieved a longtime dream by winning the Senior Best Dancer title. She has competed for the award nearly every year since she was 10, placing among the top four finalists in recent years, she said.

In November, Redpath was named a 2025 YoungArts “Winner with Distinction” in modern/ contemporary dance. The program selects winners across art disciplines and invites those earning

distinction to spend a week together in an immersive arts experience.

This past year, Redpath also served as one of three captains of Larkin’s senior line. She co-choreographed a large routine performed at Mahtomedi High School’s pep fest and homecoming football game.

Tara Redpath said she has seen her daughter become a leader at Larkin and a role model for younger dancers. “She's got some good Godgiven talent, but you can't just have that,” she said. “She's one of the hardest workers I know.”

Keira Redpath described the studio

SPORTS BRIEF

Bear soccer to host Mental Awareness game

White Bear Lake boys soccer will host a Mental Awareness Game, in partnership with Park Cottage Grove, when the Bears host the Wolfpack on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

“We’ve been working closely with head coach Taelynn Gittins, as well

as “a second family” where she has made her best relationships. She also teaches private lessons and assists in other teachers’ classes at Larkin. Even on days off and weekends, she can be found practicing in the studio.

Despite spending so much time in the studio, Redpath says she has balanced dance with the rest of her life.

“As long as at school I stay on track … If I actually get my work done, then I can come to dance and be fine,” she said. “As long as I am able to know my schedule for the week, I’m able to manage everything.”

Her mother said balancing school and dance helped Redpath build a discipline that helped her succeed. After a rigorous audition and college application process, she opened her USC acceptance email while at Larkin, surrounded by teammates and teachers.

“I started crying, I was so happy,” she said.

Redpath said she’s excited to start at USC and be part of a community of dancers who share her passion. She’s also eager to be in Los Angeles, where there are many opportunities to build a career in dance. She plans to spend the next few years figuring out what she wants to do, whether it be commercial work, concert dance, teaching or something else.

She said USC is just the next step in doing what she loves most. “I just want to dance forever,” she said.

as several incredible organizations— including Sophie’s Squad, Thumbs Up, NAMI, and PrairieCare—to provide resources and support at the event,” reported Beth Wielinski, booster club president. KARE 11 and WCCO have made contact with Gittins, she reported.

The event from 5

to 9 p.m. will feature mental health resource booths and giveaways along with the soccer match.

“This is more than just a game,” Wielinski said. “It’s a chance to foster open conversations, reduce stigma, and show our athletes and families that mental health matters.”

Four-year-old Ozzie Orme caught his very first bass at Matoska Park Boat Launch on White Bear Lake.

TYLER QUATTRIN | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Mahtomedi High School grad Keira Redpath says the University of Southern California is the next step in her dance journey.

CONTRIBUTED

Keira Redpath

Upcoming events

“Futuros Posibles / Possible Futures” Opening Reception

White Bear Center for the Arts

September 11, 6:00-8:00 PM

American cultures had developed, all the way through our contemporary times, without the impact of colonization? Hear insights about the process from artists and curators during a curator and artist panel.

Charanga Tropical

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

September 13, 7:30 PM

sounds of Cuba to life with a dynamic blend of violins, flute, rich vocals, and a sizzling Latin rhythm section--perfect for listening and lighting up the dance

Meet the tree sculpture connecting humans with their memories of nature

Nature Plein Air Competition & Exhibition” season, visitors are invited to share a memory about a place in nature they return to, either in real life or in their mind.

You can find a full list of classes in WBCA’s quarterly printed catalog and online at WhiteBearArts.org/ classes.

whole community was invited to

shared fond memories, whispered

WBCA’s upcoming exhibit explores a reimagined Latin American future

White Bear Center for the Arts’ Ford Family Gallery currently houses the “Into Nature Plein Air Competition comprised of plein air paintings created during the Into Nature Plein Air Competition, which runs for a few weeks every year in July.

As the summer season winds down, a new exhibit will take its place, offering viewers a reimagined vision of Latin American cultures. What might they have looked like had colonization not interrupted the natural evolution of indigenous civilizations across the Americas? How would their languages, traditions, and spiritual beliefs have developed through the passage of time and the advent of new technologies? Opening on September 11 and running through October 31, the exhibit goes beyond asking questions; it seeks to preserve and reimagine ancestral knowledge. The featured artworks explore how indigenous cultures might have approached

contemporary themes, such as modern medicine, sports, and language, confronting historical narratives to create ripples in our present and echo well into the past and future.

Curated and created by artists with roots in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and other regions in Latin America, the exhibit honors the artists' cultural backgrounds while offering a fresh contemporary perspective to re-engage with their cultural heritage and personal stories to envision a possible future.

Don’t miss the chance to see this exhibit in person. The opening reception will take place on September 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, with a special curator and artist panel at 7:00 PM. Hear from the artists and curators as they share insights into their cultural backgrounds, inspirations behind their works, and offer a glimpse into a reimagined Latin American future.

White Bear Center for the Arts

MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE

Mahtomedi’s Teacher of the Year brings civic responsibility to life

BY ALICE SEUFFERT SPECIAL TO THE PRESS

The end of the school year is a demanding time for educators, but you couldn’t tell with the enthusiasm Ryan Collins has for teaching.

As the 2024-25 school year was wrapping up, Collins was introducing his students to the arms race during the Cold War. The new lesson involved a Mason jar and pellets to help students understand the force of the potential nuclear weapons being amassed.

The students’ reaction? “They were inquisitive, asking questions, and reflecting on how it made them feel,” he said. “The lesson stood up to the most challenging time of the year.”

But it was no exception to the high-quality teaching that students and families report about Collins.

The Mahtomedi Teacher of the Year for 2024-25 and a Minnesota Teacher of the Year semifinalist, he is known for creating meaningful and rigorous learning experiences that ignite student passions, deepen historical understanding, and foster lifelong civic responsibility.

“I have the best job in the world. When students see that I enjoy what I do, they can feel the energy I bring,” Collins said. “As a teacher, I believe that it is essential not only to teach students about our past, but also to equip them

with the tools needed in their journey of lifelong learning. Education is one of the most important tools that students can receive, and no one can take away their knowledge.”

Collines started his career teaching social studies at Mahtomedi Middle School in 2001, a year marked by the attacks of 9/11. He said he remembers wheeling a TV into his classroom and experiencing the tragedy alongside his students. Every Sept. 11, he tasks his students with discussing 9/11 with a family member and learning how they experienced the event. Students share what they found, and he shares his experience as a teacher. During the remainder of the lesson, he helps students understand the magnitude of the event by discussing the monuments, memorials and heroes who helped.

In fall 2024, Collins was honored with a leadership award from the Mahtomedi School Board. It recognized his efforts to develop a new curriculum for Mahtomedi Middle School students called Middle School Success.

The program takes place every other day, giving students dedicated time to develop academic, organizational and social-emotional skills using a curriculum that addresses positive character development.

“It’s a program that not only helps students, but also showcases his leadership in developing the curriculum and supporting colleagues, all to ensure every student has a great experience,” said SOMEONE. Collins said he “walks the walk” when it

was growing up, my dad instilled in me the importance of giving back to your community,” he said. “I guess public service is in my blood.”

When the Stillwater resident moved there, he became involved in the Washington County Historical Society and is now vice president of its board of directors. He began serving on the city of Stillwater's planning commission in 2012, acting as its chairman from 2017 to 2019. Collins was elected to the Stillwater City Council in 2018 and reelected in 2022. He serves on commissions and boards including the Library Board, the Historic Preservation Commission and the Middle St. Croix Watershed Management

classroom,” adding that he hopes to inspire them to use their strengths to make a positive impact locally and globally.

Because of his long tenure in Mahtomedi Public Schools, he said, he has connected with many families and taught multiple children from the same family.

“When it comes to the students, we have some great ones. I enjoy when former students stop by to say hi and when former students occasionally reach out to tell me what they have been up to,” Collins said. “It's wild when I hear from those students from early in my career, when they tell me about the jobs and their families.”

One of those past students who has made a significant mark in the world is Mahtomedi Class of 2009 alum Chenue Her. In 2021, he became America's first male Hmong news anchor, and he now anchors FOX 9 Morning News.

“He’s an incredible teacher,” Her said of Collins, “but more than that, more than anything, he is a kind person. His classroom made me feel safe and it helped me thrive beyond the books.”

Alice Seuffert is the director of communications for Mahtomedi Public Schools.

Joan meets Joan II

Earlier this summer, White Bear Lake native Sue Morrisette was shopping for a birthday gift when she wandered into The Minnesotan in downtown White Bear Lake. She spotted a T-shirt picturing a boat called Joan II and the year 1940. The boat was built in 1940, which happens to be the same year her mother, Joan McGrath, was born.

Sue’s husband, Dan Morrisette, reached out to his friend, Tony Sampair, who reached out to his brother, Pete Sampair, who is the captain of Joan II. “We were able to take 85-year-old Joan McGrath on the 85-year-old boat, the Joan II,” Sue said.

McGrath is a resident at The Arbors of White Bear Lake.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Joan McGrath, McGrath’s daughter, Sue Morrisette, and her husband, Dan. Captain Pete Sampair and his first mate, Marta McCormick. Captain Pete’s brother, Tony Sampair; his wife, Laurie; and son, Charlie.