White Bear Press by Press Publications

Wedding show rescheduled to Saturday, March 21

Lions Club’s ‘signature event’ returns with sci-fi twist

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

After a four-year hiatus, the White Bear Lake Lions Club is bringing back a long-standing community tradition with its 76th annual show, set for March 26-28 at White Bear Lake Area High School’s Original Theater (5045 Division Ave.).

The first White Bear Lake Lions Club Show was held in 1946, just

one year after the club was established, and raised money to light Price Field behind Central Middle School. For the first five years or so, it was a minstrel show, but it quickly evolved into a different kind of show using scripts written by various Lions members.

“We don't use any professional scripts. They are written at home here, and we try to do things that are topical to this area,” explained Lion Mike Machus, who wrote this

year’s script along with about 15 others. “All of our activities and fundraising events go back to the community somehow, so that was the initial reason to put a show together. And our club is notorious for having a bunch of hams in the club.”

The show has been performed annually except for 1950, when for some mysterious reason, it was not

SEE ‘STAR TREKED’, PAGE 18

Local family ‘makes the ordinary a little bit fun’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

This is your reminder to get your guess in for the 2026 White Bear Lake Ice Out Contest.

The Neuhaus family in White Bear Lake found out about the contest three years ago after reading the White Bear Press. Although they have guessed the dates for the past three years, this year they decided to formally enter the contest.

“We like to wager on stuff; we like to play games; we like to make the ordinary a little bit fun,” Stephanie Neuhaus said. “This year I decided I was actually going to throw all the entries in and bring them over there instead of just sticking it on the refrigerator.”

Every Friday night, the family hosts a pizza and game night. “Whoever is around can come and hang out,” Stephanie explained. The family also always participates in March Madness.

“It's kind of boring this time of year, and so I was just like, ‘Let’s do a little competition here. Let's see who can come up with the closest date.’ It's not a big deal, but it's just kind of another layer of having some fun.”

To make the best-informed guess, they all review the dates from previous ice outs. Their guesses are as follows:

• Stephanie’s daughter Alli Bloom chose April 4

• Levi Bloom, Alli’s husband, chose April 10

• Max Neuhaus, Stephanie’s son, chose April 17

• Stephanie chose April 19

be in service for the next 20 years.

“The trucks capabilities and the crew that responds on it help to reduce insurance rates and provide excellent service to the communities that we serve,” Peterson said. A push-in ceremony is a fire department tradition where firefighters and community members physically push

• Noah Neuhaus, Stephanie’s son, chose April 20

• Brian Neuhaus, Stephanie’s husband, chose April 25

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Lela Peterson, Dave Tessmer, Kate Hunt, Scott Zieman and Ivy Hunt play members of the crew in the upcoming satirical mashup of Star Wars and Star Trek.

Stoss receives Republican endorsement for house seat

Sebastian Stoss has received the Republican endorsement for House District 36A. According to a press release, Stoss said he is committed to lowering taxes, protecting schools from radical agendas, securing state borders

MARCH 18, 2026

WHAT’S HAPPENING

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF DISTRIBUTION

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, March 21 and the third Saturday of the month

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F

Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 651-246-3638 or cityvadnaisheights.com/ foodshelf

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 21

Where: Mahtomedi Middle School gym

Details: Teams of two compete in single-elimination bracket format, with prizes for top 3 teams. Ages 14+; registration information online. Contact: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo. com

INDOOR GARAGE SALE

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, March 21

Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake

Details: Household items, toys, books, floral arrangements, home décor, artwork and food for sale.

Contact: 651-777-1107

JAZZY FUNDRAISER FOR THE WBLAHS BLACK STUDENT UNION

When: 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21

Where: Private home on Bald

CALENDAR BRIEFS

Eagle Lake, White Bear Township

Details: House concert featuring student performers and special guest artists including Mari Harris and a jazz quartet of members of the WBUCC Big Band. Also silent auction and refreshments Donations support the Black Student Union and their upcoming tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. For ticket information, contact pollyflutist@gmail.com.

ST PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 22

Where: Sucker Creek, 25 County Road F, Vadnais Heights Details: Hike is approx. 5 miles. Contact: stpaulhike.com

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE ARMORY When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 24

Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St.

Details: Local-themed trivia, drink specials, and prizes for top 3 teams (up to 6 people). Register online. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

TRUTH, TRUST & THE BALLOT BOX: UNDERSTANDING ELECTION SECURITY

When: 6:30-7:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 24

Where: Ramsey County LibraryRoseville, 2180 N. Hamline Ave.

Details: Join in a converstation with election security experts on how the state and local

Police department to host egg hunt

The White Bear Lake Police Department will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Podvin Park, 1700 Ninth Street. Each session will be limited to 60 children ages 2-10. To register, visit https://tinyurl. com/4ajes2sy. For questions, contact Megan Christensen at mchristensen@whitebearlakemn. gov or 651-429-8559.

governments ensure safe and secure elections. Sponsored by area chapters of the League of Women Voters.

SOCIAL SECURITY: PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26

Where: White Bear Lake Senior Center, 2399 Cedar Ave.

Details: Learn when to apply, how to maximize your benefits, and how it may affect a spouse. Contact: communityservices. isd624.org/adults-seniors/ programs

WHITE BEAR LAKE LIONS 76TH ANNUAL SHOW: STAR TREKED

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27; 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28

Where: WBLAHS Theater, 5045 Division Ave.

Details: Annual spring fundraiser features dancing, singing, costumes and scripts written and performed by local Lions members. Tickets available through Lions members or online.

Contact: whitebearlions.org/ annual-lions-club-show

THANK GOODNESS ITS FOOD

When: 11:15 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 27

Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2399 Cedar Ave.

Details: Lunch catered by Donatelli's. Register by March 23. Contact: communityservices. isd624.org/adults-seniors/ programs

Join PAI for book release event

Come and hear authors from Phoenix Alternatives Inc. (PAI) read their latest published works at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the White Bear Center for the Arts. The event is presented in partnership with Cow Tipping Press, which supported the authors in the creative writing process.

Helping out

Our newspaper offices receive some pretty interesting calls. Readers call us to ask where the location of a concert or play is, to report concerns not being addressed by a landlord or employer, or where to find help for medical issues or a home remodel. Most of the time these calls are in response to something we have covered in the paper. Sometimes the questions are totally unrealted to anything we have published and readers are simply looking for resources in the community and figure the people at the local paper would know. Today in a world where AI is giving results to most searches, it can be difficult to get to the bottom of some of these questions, and a real person on the phone is helpful. We try to help when we can, giving readers information about how to get in touch with local organizations, city offices or their legislators. When we get calls about local businesses, our staff may guide readers toward a current phone number or calling the manager of the business to help connect, or the Attorney General or Better Business Bureau. Occasionally people engaging in dialogue through letters to the editor have asked if we could put them directly in touch with each other. Recently a reader called our news staff because they wanted to assist another reader with a problem they had shared in a letter to the editor, which was pretty cool.

Sunshine Week, subscriptions

We all believe we have a right to know about the actions of our local villages, cities, townships and government bodies that affect their lives. Sunshine Week promotes transparency and open government, turning the light up regarding the public’s right to know. Most of us have felt this pretty close to home with decisions made by cities and school boards for building projects. These decisions need to be made in the open so the public is aware of how it will affect their daily life and finances. Open meeting laws and public notices are key tools to ensure our local governments communicate to residents.

Often our journalists are some of the only ones in the room covering the meetings. Each week our team of writers, editors and reporters cover stories firsthand by attending city council meetings, planning meetings and school board meetings, or listening to the recording so that readers don't have to. Imagine the time it would take to attend or watch local government meetings. We cover it and bring you a summary.

Twice a year we look to our readers to support the paper with a subscription. Many of you have asked why you would purchase a subscription when you can receive the paper for free? The simple answer is that producing the highest quality local news and information every week isn’t free, it’s a major investment and we need your support. With massive postal rate increases in the past few years and competition for local advertising dollars, we need to grow our subscriptions. Currently fewer than 15% of our readers pay for a subscription, and our goal is to grow subscriptions to 30%.

Every story in our paper takes a considerable amount of energy to produce. There are interviews, follow-up calls and photos, followed by the task of writing it in a way that is easy for the reader to digest. Then layout, proofing and editing it before it gets sent to be printed and finally distributed to your home or inbox.

If you have read even one story in the past year that informed you, entertained you, helped you make a decision, or helped you to know when a topic was brewing that could be important, I am personally asking for you to become a subscriber. A one-year subscription doesn't even cost $1 per week. We hope you see that as a great value. When you subscribe, you also receive unlimited access to our digital content and access to our e-edition. Thank you for showing your support with a subscription.

Publications.

OPINION

People are requesting records more than ever

More Americans are filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests than ever, topping 1.5 million in 2024 and on track for another record in 2025. This will mark the third consecutive year that FOIA requests have reached seven figures. But more requests does not necessarily equal more access to public government information.

Sunshine Week Anna Massoglia

In an age when trust in government is at an alltime low, the surge in FOIA requests has been driven in part by rising public interest in government accountability. The growth has also been impacted by an increase in requests by advocacy groups and corporations, as well as technology making it easier for Americans to find out information about what’s going on in their government.

As the volume of records requests has swelled, so has the portion of those requests that are rejected or otherwise incomplete. A growing number of requests considered processed is driven by administrative closures such as rejections for technicalities or claims of “no responsive records” rather than the release of meaningful information. The likelihood of a requester receiving everything they asked for is lower than ever.

Even when the government does release records, information is increasingly obscured. Of the requests that actually made it to

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.

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

a substantive review last year, the majority were only partially released, often heavily redacted under broad exemptions. During the 2024 fiscal year, which is the most recent available, just 12.1% of processed FOIA requests were fully granted.

Despite the increased processing volume, the backlog of unresolved cases has swelled as more requests continue to flood the system.

The Department of Homeland Security alone accounted for more than half of all FOIA requests received, processed and appealed in most recent years.

Over the past decade since the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 was signed into law, agencies have tried a wide range of tactics to address the flood of requests. This has ranged from formalizing plans to reduce backlog and proactively posting commonly requested information to attempts to push back on disclosure.

As a part of these efforts, agencies have also ramped up the number of "still interested" letters sent to requesters. They often close cases just days later due to lack of response.

Reliance on exemptions to justify request rejections, redactions and partial fulfillment has grown along with the volume. Categories once used narrowly are now often the first response. The refusal to even acknowledge whether records exist increasingly undercuts the FOIA process before it even begins.

Modern technology has presented some opportunities to alleviate the burdens on agencies. They are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence to help with redactions and increase processing speed to

chip away at the backlog, though the Chief Records Officer at the National Archives and Records Administration has warned AI is no substitute for a “professional’s judgement on application of exemptions and foreseeable harm.” On the flip side, AI and automation have also compounded the issue by contributing to the influx of requests.

State and local public records processes often face even more burdens. Often, due to short staffing, the individuals subject to records requests are also responsible for the decision of whether to release them.

While federal law mandates a 20-business-day response window, state-level sunshine rules vary from a few days to about a month. The actual time it takes for a request to be fulfilled, however, can be much longer, spanning hundreds of days or even years — leaving information locked away long after it would be most valuable to the public who rely on it.

Governments can only be held accountable when we know what’s happening inside of them.

That's what freedom of information laws were built to prevent and right now, they’re losing ground.

Sunshine Week is an annual celebration of transparency and an opportunity to cherish the right all Americans share to access government information.

Together, we can hold power to account and shine a light on government transparency.

Anna Massoglia is an investigative journalist who serves as editor of MuckRock.

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

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.

Carter Johnson is Publisher of Press

Publisher’s View

Carter Johnson

Axis of power

Minnesota prides itself on a strong philanthropic network of foundations and nonprofits. Yet behind the language of generosity lies a system that can concentrate wealth and political influence while shifting costs onto taxpayers.

Foundations are not created solely out of altruism. When wealthy individuals or corporations donate assets, they receive substantial tax advantages. Depending on income level and the type of asset contributed, each dollar donated can reduce public revenue by roughly 40 to 70 cents.

For taxpayers—especially those with low or middle incomes—this raises an important question: is the tradeoff worth it? When assets move into foundations or tax-exempt nonprofits, the public loses part of the tax base that supports schools, infrastructure and other essential services. In some cases, valuable property is removed from local tax rolls entirely.

At the same time, philanthropic funds are controlled by private boards that are not subject to the same transparency requirements as public institutions. Over time, large pools of publicly subsidized capital accumulate under private governance rather than democratic oversight.

Influence within Minnesota’s charitable sector is often concentrated. A relatively small group of individuals frequently serves on multiple nonprofit and foundation boards, advisory committees and policy initiatives. This concentration raises an obvious concern: how much influence over public priorities should rest with such a small network of civic actors?

Oversight is limited. Federal law requires private foundations to distribute only 5

percent of their assets annually. Restrictions meant to protect taxpayers are ignored. Enforcement is largely complaint-driven, and much of the sector’s activity remains difficult for the public to see.

In Minnesota, the Attorney General’s Office is responsible for monitoring the charitable sector. Yet philanthropic networks also play a significant role in the state’s political ecosystem, raising legitimate questions about whether oversight is sufficiently independent and robust.

These dynamics shift resources away from democratically controlled budgets toward privately governed institutions, concentrating wealth and civic influence while leaving lowand middle-income taxpayers to shoulder more of the burden.

Democracy requires transparency in institutions that shape public priorities. Stronger reporting requirements, clearer data on tax-exempt property, and limits on overlapping board service would help ensure the charitable sector truly serves the common good.

Bonnie Balach White Bear Lake

Response to recent letters

This is in response to the letters from Jim Berg and George Kimball in the March 11 edition.

To Mr. Berg, who defines the Dunkirk-Kruger Effect “suffered” by people who hate Donald J. Trump. First, I do not hate him, and I do not wish him nor his family any ill-will. I do, however, believe he is the perfect example of someone who has a limited knowledge or competence in a specific domain and greatly overestimates his own expertise, and

due to a lack of self-awareness he cannot recognize his own incompetence. As evidence, I offer his tariff policies which are hurting businesses and citizens, his heavy-handed immigration policy which has not focused on “the worst of the worst” and is also hurting our economy and has resulted in the deaths of American citizens, and his decision to go to war with Iran with no plan … resulting in higher gas prices and billions spent daily on what could be our next “forever war.” He’s going to bankrupt the U.S. like he did his businesses. These are but a few examples of his incompetence to lead our country, by the way.

And, to Mr. Kimball, who addresses Trump’s ill-fated decision to wage war with Iran and calls him dangerous … I agree with every word you wrote. And, I would like to add that the Republicans who are in lock-step with him are complicit in his “crimes” against our allies and our country.

Letter writer doesn't like Trump

I am responding to a letter from George Kimball, “No New Wars.” I have read many of his letters in this paper and the common thread is that he doesn't like Trump. He then goes on to say that other nations think that we are an evil empire with a history of imperialism, colonization, genocide and slavery. Apparently, he hates America.

He then goes on to spew a litany of far-left nonsense comparing Trump to every horrible leader in the world and whines about the price of gas going up. Maybe George should be happy that he has the right

White Bear Lake Area

to voice his opinions in the only true democracy in the world that won't punish you for that. Maybe you should turn off CNN or MSNOW and go outside and enjoy your day. Better yet, read the letter from Jim Berg printed the same day as the one you wrote. He summed it up better than I can.

reveal themselves to be unfit to serve.

The recent reports of the White Bear Lake City Council discussions, deliberations and action taken in regard to the recent actions of federal law enforcement activities in the metropolitan Minneapolis-St. Paul area raises serious concerns about the direction and leadership of this council.

Bear Lake

John Cundy White

Airing dirty laundry

I was disappointed to see in the Press that the new mayor and Kevin Edberg decided to give a one-sided rendition of the fire services contract dispute. I was under the impression that as it was in litigation, we were not supposed to discuss it in public.

What’s also missing from this article is that on two different occasions, the mayor was invited to meet with White Bear Township. The invitations were extended by Chair Ed Prudhon and myself. We had hoped meeting with the new mayor would be a new opportunity to work things out, as the previous mayor said there would be no negotiations. I’d even gone out and purchased fancy French bakery items for the meeting. But the mayor was a no-show.

We purchase a service; we are not a partner in the cost overruns of the new building.

This dispute isn’t about being unwilling, it’s about playing fair.

Beth Artner

White Bear Township Board Supervisor

Unfit to serve

Wow! That didn't take long! Three months into their terms, Mayor Mary Nicklawske and Council Member Ellen Gurrola

On opening the discussion of this issue (White Bear Press, Feb. 4) Nicklawske lamented that "it has been deeply frustrating to watch outside forces come into the community and disrupt the peace and trust of the White Bear Lake community." Does she not know that Homeland Security law enforcement officers have been serving the nation, and Minnesota, for decades? They live here, some locally. They are part of the community. They are enforcing federal law enacted by our elected national lawmakers. We — none of us — can pick and choose which laws we support and which laws we ignore or defy. The case has not been made that federal law enforcement agents have disrupted the peace in White Bear Lake. Chief Hager's reports to the council (Press, Feb. 4 and Feb. 18) show a small handful of incidents only. A report in the Press ("ICE activity disrupts," Jan. 7) lists three apparent effects but fails to show disruption of businesses.

It's unclear how many individuals residing in White Bear Lake have been removed by ICE enforcement officers, but hysteria has been stoked. Witness Gurrola's report (Press, Feb. 18) that she won't permit her husband to drive their children around because he may be pulled over because of the color of his skin. I don't

SEE MORE LETTERS, PAGE 8

Nicola Hyser Vadnais Heights

COPS&COURTS

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

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

• Officers mediated a civil dispute over a vehicle sale in the 4000 block of Highway 61 March 4.

• A driver was cited for failure to obey a traffic signal following a two-vehicle accident near the intersection of Highways 96 and I-35E March 4.

• Criminal damage to property was reported at the White Bear Press March 4.

• A male was trespassed from a Buerkle Road business March 4 after trying to sell candy bars in the parking lot and refusing to leave when asked.

• Harassment was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue March 4.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 1700 block of County Road E March 4.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 900 block of Wildwood Road March 5.

• Identity theft was reported in the 1700 block of Linden Cove March 5.

• A Hugo man was located on Hoffman Road and arrested on an outstanding warrant March 5.

• Dogs-at-large in the 1800 block of County Road F March 5 were returned to their owner.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road March 6.

• Fraud was investigated March 6 in the 4700 block of Peggy Lane.

• An animal complaint in the 3400 block of White Bear Avenue was responded to March 6.

• A Welch man was arrested and a search warrant executed following a traffic stop where he was suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance March 6.

• Officers responded to a report of ding-dong-ditching in the 2400 block of Mayfair Avenue March 6.

• Disorderly conduct was reported March 7 in the 4600 block of White Bear Parkway.

A pet owner was cited following a report of a dogat-large in the 1900 block of Nicholas Court March 7.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue N. March 7.

• Officers mediated a verbal dispute in the 2500 block of County Road F March 8.

• A suspect has been identified following a report of criminal damage to property and theft in the 1300 block of Highway 96 March 8.

• A Hastings man who was a suspect in a theft incident in Maplewood was arrested for fleeing police in a motor vehicle after he was pulled over on White Bear Avenue March 9.

• A White Bear Lake woman was arrested for DWI on Hillside Road following a driving complaint March 9. Theft was reported near the 4700 block of Banning Avenue March 9.

• Damage to property was reported in the 3700 block of Bellaire Avenue March 9.

• Officers responded to a barking dog complaint in the 2400 block of Jansen Avenue March 9.

• Officers responded to a protection order violation in the 2500 block of Oak Drive March 9.

• Officers responded to a noncriminal dispute in the 2100 block of Fourth Street March 9.

• Disorderly individuals were trespassed from businesses March 9 in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road and the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 3500 block of Rooney Place March 9.

• Officers responded to a juvenile incident in the 3300 block of Willow Avenue March 9.

• A Fifth Street resident was advised about her aggressive dog March 11.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Birchwood

Village

• Birchwood Avenue residents reported a scam attempt on Feb. 18, in which unknown people phoned claiming to be law enforcement officers threatening arrest. No money or information was given.

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies received an email Feb. 20 from a Lake Avenue address that included the video of a person trespassing.

• In the Case of the Canine Calling Card, deputies were dispatched to a Lake Avenue address on Feb. 23 regarding a potential trespassing incident. When speaking with the complainant, deputies learned that the neighbor’s dog had been defecating on their property as part of an ongoing issue.

• Birchwood Lane residents on Feb. 26 reported receiving a scam phone call. The complainants did not give out any credit card information.

Dellwood

• Deputies on patrol on Dellwood Avenue and Dellwood Road N. conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed Feb. 27 and issued a written warning to the driver.

Grant

• A motorist was cited for semaphore violation Feb. 15 on 75th Street N. and Hilton Trail N. A second

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

• Deputies responded Feb. 8 to a report of a large, aggressive German shepherd in the 300 block of Walker Drive. Deputies were unable to locate the dog. Information was provided to an animal control officer.

• A 70-year-old man from Gordon, Wisconsin, reported Feb. 9 that someone stole his Toyota 4Runner in the 400 block of Vadnais Road. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies issued a theft citation Feb. 9 to a 21-year-old St. Paul woman after she was caught by employees at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East attempting to leave the store without paying for merchandise.

• Deputies arrested a 28-year-old woman from Waverly Feb. 9 for theft and an active warrant after she was caught attempting to steal merchandise from a store in the 800 block of County Road E East.

• Deputies issued a citation for assault and disorderly conduct Feb. 11 to a 23-year-old man from Woodbury after he tackled a co-worker to the ground in the 80 block of Vadnais Boulevard East, injuring the coworker’s tailbone.

• Deputies responded Feb. 12 to a report of a 41-year-old man not conscious and not breathing in the 300 block of Jay Way. Deputies assisted with care until medics arrived and documented the confirmation of his death.

• Deputies responded Feb. 13 to a report of suspicious activity in the 600 block of Belland Avenue and issued a domestic assault citation to a 30-year-old woman after she assaulted her mother.

• Deputies issued a trespass notice and theft citation Feb. 13 to a 40-year-old man from Little Canada after he was caught by

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Police activity at MNJ Tobacco

On Thursday, March 6, there was a police presence at MNJ Tobacco, located at 4074

White Bear Ave. in White Bear Lake.

employees at a business in the 900 block of County Road E East attempting to leave the store without paying for merchandise. Deputies issued trespass notices and theft citations Feb. 13 to a 17-year-old male from St. Paul and a 16-year-old after they were caught attempting to leave a store in the 800 block of County Road E East without paying for merchandise.

White Bear Township

• A 46-year-old man who works for T-Mobile was inspecting cell phone towers Feb. 9 in the 4100 block of Hoffman Road and reported that several copper wire cables were cut and stolen. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies responded Feb. 10 to a crash near the intersection of Centerville Road and East Oaks Road between a Buick Enclave and a Mercedes Benz E, assisted with the exchange of insurance information and cleared the scene.

• Deputies issued a theft citation Feb. 11 to a 57-year-old man from Eden Prairie after he was caught by employees at a grocery store in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive filing a plastic bag with merchandise and attempting to leave the store without paying.

• A 33-year-old woman from Little Canada in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive reported Feb. 11 finding a small baggie containing white power on the floor. The baggie was recovered. The incident is under investigation.

• An 81-year-old woman in the 4500 block of Margaret Street reported Feb. 12 that someone online convinced her to purchase and mail them gift cards for Apple and Best Buy. The incident is under investigation. Deputies responded Feb. 13 to reports of shots fired in the 3900 block of White Bear Parkway and located one spent casing and a dead possum. The incident is under investigation.

White Bear Lake Police Chief Dale Hager said, “The case is still under investigation, and no information can be released at this time.” Hager confirmed that no arrests were made at the business as a result of the incident and there were no injuries.

The City Council imposed a $1,000 administrative fine and a seven-day suspension of the business’s tobacco license back in November 2025. (See “White Bear Lake City Council directs staff to impose administrative fine, suspension,” White Bear Press, Dec. 3, 2025.)

motorist was cited for blowing through a red light on Feb. 18 in the 7000 block of Manning Avenue N. Deputies initiated a citizen assist for a male walking on the roadway at 7:05 a.m. Feb. 20 on 75th Street and Manning Avenue N. The male was escorted to the other side of the road and asked to walk on the sidewalk.

• Four tires were reported dumped at the side of the road in the 9000 block of Jeffrey Blvd. N. on Feb. 22.

Mahtomedi

• Wood Street residents on Feb. 17 reported that their child had been receiving harassing messages via social media.

Residents in the 1000 block of Dunbar Way turned in a scam report on Feb.17, after a person phoned claiming to be from the WCSO.

• Ideal Avenue residents on Feb. 17 reported money taken fraudulently from their account.

• On Feb. 18, Edgecumbe Drive residents offered deputies the services of their German shepherd. Deputies on routine patrol at 1:47 a.m. Feb. 19 pulled a vehicle over on Century Avenue and Woodland Drive for lack of functioning brake lights and cited the driver for equipment violation. Another motorist was cited for speeding at 6:02 p.m. Feb. 19 on Stillwater Road and Warner Avenue N. Deputies pulled a third driver over Feb. 20 on Long Lake Road and Echo Lake Avenue and issued a citation for speeding and failure to provide proof of insurance. Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a fourth motorist Feb. 21 on Warner Avenue N. and Wood Street and issued

Hager says the White Bear Police Department was the only responding agency.

citation for speeding. The fifth motorist was cited on Wildwood Road and Birchwood Road on the same day for the same offense.

• After the Mahtomedi public works department reported a semi-truck stuck in the turn lane at Long Lake Road and Century Avenue at 7:08 a.m. Feb. 19, deputies arrived to assist with flashing lights and traffic control.

• A suspicious vehicle reported Feb. 20 on Birch Street and Park Avenue with its doors open for a long time turned out to belong to people removing trash.

• Residents on 60th Street N. on Feb. 21 reported juveniles for continuously tearing down their flagpoles.

Pine Springs

• A westbound motorist was cited for speeding at 2:30 a.m. Feb. 17 on Highway 36 at the northbound ramp to I-694.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop at 8:40 p.m. Feb. 19 on Hilton Trail N. and 62nd Street N. on a vehicle with a missing headlight and taillight before citing the driver for driving after suspension and for failure to provide proof of insurance.

• A heavily tinted vehicle was pulled over at 11:23 p.m. Feb. 20 on Hilton Trail and 62nd Street N. for expired registration. Its driver was issued a written warning for heavy side window and windshield tint.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

3 steps to simplify tax prep so you can file on time

Spring is noted for the sense of rejuvenation it inspires when temperatures warm up and flowers begin to bloom. But in the United States, the onset of spring is followed shortly thereafter by tax season, which typically generates entirely different feelings than the first sight of spring blooms.

The deadline to file tax returns in the U.S. in 2026 is Wednesday, April 15. With that deadline looming, now is a good time to these three basic tax preparation tips, from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The deadline to file tax returns in the U.S. in 2026 is Wednesday, April 15. With that deadline looming, now is a good time to consider these three basic tax preparation tips, from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

1. Access your IRS account. Individuals can access or create their IRS account at irs. gov/account. That ensures taxpayers have the latest information about their federal tax account and enables them to see information about their most recently filed return. A visit to the website also allows individuals to make payments and apply for payment plans, among other options.

2. Organize your tax records. The IRS urges taxpayers to wait to file their returns until they have all of their records, including:

- Forms W-2 from employer(s)

- Forms W-2 from employer(s) 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and others payers, including unemployment compensation, dividends, pension, annuity or retirement plan distributions

- Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and others payers, including unemployment compensation, dividends, pension, annuity or retirement plan distributions

- Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2, or other income statement if you worked in the gig economy

tokens (NFTs)

- Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to reconcile advance payments or claim Premium Tax Credits for 2022

- Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to reconcile advance payments or claim Premium Tax Credits for 2022 Marketplace coverage

Marketplace coverage

- IRS or other agency letters

CP01A Notice with your new Identity Protection PIN

- CP01A Notice with your new Identity Protection PIN

3. Check your Individual Tax Identification Number. The IRS notes that an ITIN only requires renewal if it has expired and is needed on a federal tax return. An expired ITIN can delay the processing of a return, which in turn can delay tax credits and refunds.

- Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2, or other income statement if you worked in the gig economy

- For 1099-INT if you were paid interest

- Other income documents and records of digital asset transactions, including convertible virtual currency and cryptocurrency, stablecoins and non-fungible

Taxpayers filing with the help of a licensed tax professional are urged to contact that individual to inquire about any additional information they may need to file a return on time. Make such an inquiry well in advance of the deadline to file so you have sufficient time to gather all of the necessary documentation. More information about filing taxes is available at irs.gov.

LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR CONTINUED

presume to know them, and respect them, but if there is no issue, he won't be stopped. Gurrola's edict to her family isn't rational thinking. It's hysteria, as is Nicklawske's report of an email she received (Press, Mar. 4) that's irrefutable evidence, detailing similar fear. Hysterical.

Lastly, Nicklawske states (Press, March 4) that "the federal government isn't following the Constitution" — a blatantly irresponsible statement and way above her pay grade.

Nicklawske and Gurrola are foolish, manipulative individuals who don't deserve your respect, and should resign at once. Throw in (or out) Council Members West and Edberg who support this idiocy. They all seek to divide this fine community, not strengthen it.

Sincere thanks to Council Members Walsh and Engstran, City Manager Crawford, City Attorney Anderson and Chief Hager for being the adults in the room, demonstrating sound judgment, and truly working for the betterment of White Bear Lake.

Randall Johnson White Bear Lake

Thanks for explanation

I am writing in response to Jim Berg’s March 11 letter to the editor in which he explains the Dunning-Kruger Effect. In short, he states “the Dunning-Kruger Effect is a cognitive bias in which people with limited knowledge or competence in a specific domain greatly overestimate their own expertise.”

Thank you, Jim, for clearly explaining President Trump’s impairment. All of this talk about his age, dementia, strokes, etc. does not entirely explain his erratic and inept behavior. As you suggest, applying the Dunning-Kruger Effect to the President’s arrogance, exaggerations and claims that “nobody knows (fill in the blank) better than I do” finally make perfect sense.

So to current critics and to future generations (who will undoubtedly judge President Trump harshly), I ask you to look upon his cognitive impairment with pity rather than hatred. After all, this is a man who does not recognize his own incompetence.

Renee McCabe White Bear Lake

Whoever guesses the closest date will win a water-themed basket from Stephanie, including goodies like Swedish Fish and gummy worms. “If some-

The deadline to enter this year’s contest is at noon on Thursday, March 26. For more information, or to enter, visit https://www.presspubs.com/site/forms/contest/ register_to_win/white_bear_lake_ice_out_contest.

Summer Camp Directory

Pottery Painting Drawing

White Bear Lake Ice Out Contest

CONTRIBUTED

The Neuhaus family in White Bear Lake is hoping one of their six entries wins this year’s Ice Out Contest.

andArts Culture

EMERGING ARTIST: HEZAZAC ADAMS

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The first grass dancer was a Native American boy with a disability. When the boy told his grandfather that he wished to be rid of his disability so that he could ride horses and play with the other children, the grandfather responded, “I can tell your spirit means this; you are speaking in a good way.” He directed the boy to a sacred bed of sweetgrass and commanded him to fast for four days, saying, “The creator will give you something for your efforts.”

The boy found the sweetgrass bed, and, on the fourth day, a thunderstorm came upon him. As the boy left the bed to find shelter, a deer approached him, asking, “What are you doing here?” The boy again wished to be rid of his disability. The deer saw the boy’s sincerity and called upon the creator, who sent down a song through the deer, the first grass dance song, about a buffalo being able to trek through the same storm. No matter how bad the storm, the buffalo continues walking, knowing a rainbow will be at the end.

The boy received the song and returned to his grandfather, who threw a

powwow the next day. The boy donned a regalia and performed the first grass dance.

LAKESHORE PLAYERS’

‘THE IMPORTANCE

“TThis is the version of the story White Bear Lake Area High School Senior Hezazac Adams, Ho-Chunk, recounted. “If you ask every single grass dancer to answer,” Adams explained, “it's going to be that same story as the base, but they have some different things, some different characters.” Regardless, this story is why many grass dancers wear deer skin, buffalo hide or rainbow cloth on their regalia when they dance.

Adams began grass dancing at an early age. “My parents, ever since I could walk, threw me in regalia,” he said. “We’d end up in the Dells or Black River, just at powwows all over the place.” Though he dances competitively, Adams has recently been dancing at local events, most notably on Indigenous People’s Day during last October’s school board meeting and last month at the Black Student Union Showcase.

Adams’ category of grass dance is contemporary. “A traditional grass dancer might move around the powwow circle, like, one time fully during the song. Contemporary? We’re always moving, and it’s fast. It’s definitely more of a performance,” Adams contrasted. While the traditional grass dance is many centuries old, Native Americans developed the contemporary style as a

OF BEING EARNEST’ IS FOR ALL MANNERS OF PEOPLE

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

he Importance of Being Earnest,” the 1895 comedy by Oscar Wilde, satirizes Victorian-era high society and its rules using characters that hold double identities, who verbally fence with pointed wit. Encyclopedia Brittanica even states the play to be Wilde’s greatest dramatic achievement. Now through March 22, one can see why by attending Lakeshore Players’ production of the play.

“It’s a timeless comedy that’s been performed for ages and ages, and one of the reasons it’s endured this long is because the writing is spectacular,” Lakeshore Players Executive Director Megan Pence said. Pence also stated that, though the play takes place in a different time and space from ours, audiences will easily draw parallels to their own lives. “You pretend to have this other life … I mean, if these people had phones in this age, they’d

IBY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

n 1904, the Twin Cities Rapid Transit Line expanded their system of electric streetcars from Mahtomedi into Birchwood, around the lake and into the Village of White Bear. For a time, as many as 15 tracks crossed Highway 61, allowing White Bear residents to traverse the town in any direction.

While the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society has highlighted this era before, Executive Director Sara Hanson has recently conducted another wave of research. “We got a grant to dig a little deeper,” Hanson stated, “which allowed us to get some additional photos and lots of records of what was going on when.”

Hanson will present her findings to the public in next month’s Armory program,

be all over social media.”

The play’s director, Craig Johnson, believes that every age has rules for high society, but that social gatekeepers ultimately make those rules up as they go. “At the very end of the play, Lady Bracknell, the ultimate gatekeeper of high society in London, you come to realize, ‘Oh, these are all constructs. These are all things you made up to stay in power and keep everyone in their place.’” Johnson continued that every character in the play is welcomed by the end, mirroring the feeling of community that each audience member feels when they attend the theater.

Concluded Johnson, “It’s just like Oscar Wilde always said, ‘Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.’” Lakeshore Players presents “The Importance of Being Earnest,” now through March 22 at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake. For tickets, visit lakeshoreplayers.org.

A STREETCAR NOW RETIRED

CONTRIBUTED

“Ding! Ding! Goes the Trolley!” Within this program, Hanson will survey how the Twin Cities Rapid Transit Line invested funds in and directed lines to Wildwood Amusement Park. “They wanted people to come out in

the evenings and on weekends to use the streetcars and gave them a reason to go to the end of the line,” Hanson explained.

The program will also explore streetcar employees’ lives and why White Bear and

Mahtomedi encouraged the network to be built. “It was a huge economic driver in the sense of getting people to the White Bear area to spend money,” Hanson said.

Streetcars, in tandem with the railroad, gave the White Bear Lake area its resort-town past and helped map what our roads look like today. To Hanson, making those contemporary connections for program attendees is essential. While historians may travel on a timeline to different eras, their aim is not to obsess over the past. Said Hanson, “We’re really just trying to understand the present.”

White Bear Lake Area Historical Society presents “Ding! Ding! Goes the Trolley!” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at the White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St. For for details, visit whitebearhistory.org/events.

part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Since then, contemporary grass dance has evolved into a competition, judged in a manner similar to figure skating. Adams finds dance competitions paradoxical, describing, “The actual spirit that goes into the art of dancing, I feel like most of that is stripped at competition powwows because it's just, ‘I’ve got to out dance you.’” Adams resists this attitude by using dancing as education, commenting, “I want to continue to be the best dancer I can be, then also be able to fulfill my responsibility to keep on passing it down.”

Adams plans to attend college in the fall, eventually becoming a history teacher, but he also plans to continue sharing a piece of Native American history through his art to the community at large. He stated, “Dance for the people who can’t dance, who never could dance. Dance for all those ancestors who aren’t here anymore, who had their culture stripped away from them.”

Hezazac Adams will compete during the Circle of Nations Indigenous Association 41st Annual Powwow on April 11 at UMN Morris. The event is open to all members of the public.

CALENDAR

ABSTRACT BOTANICAL PAINT NIGHT

Location: Casey Lake Park Building, 2089 17th Ave. E., North St. Paul

Dates: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19

Details: Unwind and get creative at this relaxed, guided paint night inspired by nature. Using stencils and layered color techniques, you’ll create your own abstract botanical artwork. No experience needed; all materials provided.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE ARMORY

Location: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St., White Bear Lake

Dates: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 24

Details: Join us for a gathering of the minds, brews and plenty of laughter as we take on local-themed trivia. Includes drink specials and prizes for the top three teams.

WRITERS SPEAK: AN OPEN MIC NIGHT FOR THE COMMUNITY

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.

Dates: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7

Details: Share your latest work, test new ideas or soak in the words around you. If you would like to read, register in advance at whitebeararts.org/ events. Readings should be under five minutes.

‘DEAR EVAN HANSEN’

Location: White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center, 5040 Division Ave., Door A

Dates: April 9-12

Details: WBLAHS PAC will be the first stage in Minnesota to produce this musical about a young man with a social anxiety disorder who so yearns to make a connection with his peers that he fabricates a relationship with a deceased student to become closer to the boy’s family. For details and tickets, visit sites.google.com/isd624. org/musical-theatre/tickets.

PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Hezazac Adams

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society will host “Ding Ding! Goes the Trolley!” April 14.

• Budget revisions for the current year amount to an increase in revenues of $763,000, or a 1.48% increase over the preliminary budget. This change is offset by an increase in expenditure of $444,000, or 0.08%. Reasons for the increase in revenue stem from increases in general education aid, property tax revenue increases following the successful referendum, an $80,000 cyber grant and a federal aid increase. Responsible for the increase in expenses are salary, wage and benefit increases due to staffing changes and settled contracts, as well as services purchased for facilities and grounds and other needs. The gen-

eral fund balance projected in June 2025 was $3.2 million and is projected to be $4.5 million in June 2026. After Director of Finance and Operations Tim Erickson called his current projection a conservative outlook, the board unanimously approved the fiscal year 2026 budget.

• To validate the financial accounting of the district, the board unanimously approved the independent auditor’s report performed by LB Carlson. In his presentation, James H. Eichten, CPA principal for LB Carlson said the district received an unmodified opinion, which is the highest and best opinion that can be issued. State law requires that every

school district publish the results of its annual financial audit each year. The role of the audit is to check internal controls of financial reporting as well as compliance with federal and state laws. An unmodified opinion on one’s basic financial statements is the result you want to have, Eichten said. No instances of noncompliance were reported in the current year, which is an exceptional result, he said. However, one significant deficiency was again found in internal controls reported (limited segregation of duties). To save administrative costs, the district combines financial duties to devote those funds to the classroom

instead of hiring additional administrators to separate financial duties and check on each other. The second part of the annual audit studied the financial numbers themselves. For charts on the district’s budget and general fund, the numbers portion of the annual audit is available in the Feb. 23 agenda packet on the district website at www.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us.

• The board conducted the third and final reading of changes made to three appendices pertaining to Policy 902 Use of School Facilities: Appendix A,

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

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:

Applied Pressure Deep Tissue Massage

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:

1085-1/2 Grand Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55105

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.

applied pressure LLC

1085-1/2 Grand Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55105

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: March 2, 2026

Signed: Dena Kinate

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 11 and 18, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:

TNB Construction

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:

911 Heritage Ct W St. Paul, MN 55127

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.

Travis Bouchard

911 Heritage Ct W St. Paul, MN 55127

Dated: February 27, 2026

Signed: Travis Bouchard (owner)

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 11 and 18, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE AND ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION FOR A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

I, Steve Simon, Secretary of State of Minnesota, do certify that: The following business entitly has duly complied with the relevant provisions of Minnesota Statutes listed below, and is formed or authorized to do business in Minnesota on and after this date with all the powers, rights and privileges, and subject to the limitations, duties and restrictions set forth in that chapter. The business entity is now legally registered under the laws of Minnesota. File Number: 1627367600025 Minnesota Statutes, Chapter: 322C

ARTICLE 1. NAME OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: Dueck Consulting LLC

ARTICLE 2. REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT AT THAT ADDRESS: 1891 FURNESS ST, MAPLEWOOD MN 55109-4868

ARTICLE 3. DURATION: Perpetual

ARTICLE 4. ORGANIZERS: Danna Angela Dueck 1891 FURNESS ST, MAPLEWOOD MN 55109-4868

Dated: February 5, 2026

Signed: Danna Dueck

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 11 and 18, 2026. CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE NOTICE OF HEARING ON IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2026 PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT ON: BANNING AVENUE / COOK AVENUE / SECOND STREET / THIRD STREET / ALLEY

City Project No.: 26-01

To Whom It May Concern:

Notice is hereby given that the White Bear Lake City Council will meet in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4701 Highway 61, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on March 24, 2026, to consider the making of improvements described below pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 429.011 to 429.111.

The improvements include mill and overlay, street reconstruction with curb and gutter, alley reconstruction, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, sidewalk enhancements and new sidewalk. The estimated cost of the improvement is $1,728,000. The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement includes the following: City Project No. 26-01

• Banning Avenue (from Lake Avenue to Second Street)

• Cook Avenue (from Second Street to Fourth Street)

• Second Street (from Banning Avenue to Lake Avenue)

• Third Street (from Cook Avenue to Stewart Avenue)

• Alley (from Second Street to End)

A reasonable estimate of the impact on the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desired to be heard with reference to the proposed improvements will be heard at this meeting. Please find detailed meeting information on the City’s website at www. whitebearlakemn.gov/ or call the city clerk at 651-762-4821 to learn how to attend the public hearing.

Paul Kauppi, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 11 and 18, 2026

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS (ISD #624)

INVITATION TO INTERESTED SERVICE PROVIDERS IN-SCHOOL FINANCIAL SERVICES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that White Bear Lake Area Schools is seeking proposals from qualified financial institutions to establish a student-run branch at White Bear Lake Area High School. The partnership aims to provide realworld work experience and financial literacy education through a full-service branch in the high school.

The District seeks proposals for the operation of a full-service branch that will provide paid employment opportunities for students, professional supervision, and a variety of financial products tailored to students and staff. The successful partner will be responsible for all installation, operational, and related costs associated with the branch.

Detailed specifications and proposal requirements are outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP) document, which can be obtained by contacting Katy Olson, Career Pathways Coordinator, White Bear Lake Area High School at katy.olson@isd624.org.

Proposals are due no later than April 11, 2026, 2 PM CDT and must be submitted to Katy Olson, White Bear Lake Area High School, 5045 Division Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Late proposals will not be accepted. Proposals will be opened publicly at 2 pm at the White Bear Lake Area High School, 5045 Division Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

The White Bear Lake Area Schools reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to accept the proposal(s) deemed to be in the best interest of the District.

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 11 and 18, 2026. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-118

CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE

NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (WITHOUT A WILL) In re the Estate of Gerard Michael Brand, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:

Notice is hereby given that an Amended Application filed on February 26, 2026 for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Court. No will has been presented for probate. The Amended Application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Christopher Mathias Brand

1056 Bowdoin Street Saint Paul, MN 55116

as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the Personal Representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3607, and the court otherwise orders, the Personal Representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.

Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar

Theresa Ames, Court Administrator

Date: February 27, 2026

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 11 and 18, 2026.

CITY

GRANT

2026 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Grant, Minnesota will meet at the Grant Town Hall, located at 8380 Kimbro Avenue N., Grant, Minnesota, at 6:30 P.M. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 to consider the proposed assessment for street improvements on Great Oak Trail N. and 66th Street N. known collectively as the 2026 Street Improvements Project. The street improvements project will consist of in-place reconstruction of the road base using the existing pavement and aggregate materials with new bituminous surface, and replacement of culverts. This Notice is given pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.011 to 429.111. Adoption by the City Council of the proposed assessment may occur at the hearing.

The proposed assessment roll is on file for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office. The total amount of the proposed assessment is $279,404.34.

Written or oral objections will be considered at the hearing. Any property owner may appear at the hearing and present an objection.

No appeal to District Court may be taken as to the amount of an assessment unless a written objection signed by the affected property owner is filed with the City Clerk prior to the hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. The council may, upon such notice, consider any objection to the amount of a proposed individual assessment at an adjourned meeting, upon further notice to the affected property owner(s) as it deems advisable.

An owner may appeal an assessment to District Court pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 429.081 by serving notice of the appeal upon the Mayor or City Clerk of the city within 30 days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the District Court within ten days after service upon the Mayor or City Clerk.

Kristina Handt – Interim City Clerk

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 18 and 25, 2026.

CITY OF MAHTOMEDI

ASSESSMENT NOTICE

Important Information Regarding Property Assessments

This may affect your 2027 property taxes.

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization of the City of Mahtomedi shall meet on April 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at Mahtomedi City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor, and also to determine whether corrections need to be made.

If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect,

please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally, an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to your county board of appeal and equalization. For more information, call the Washington County assessor’s office at 651-430-6175.

Given under my hand this 18th day of March, 2026 Jerene Rogers, City Clerk City of Mahtomedi Published one time in the White Bear Press on March 18, 2026.

CITY OF DELLWOOD ASSESSMENT NOTICE

Important Information Regarding Property Assessments

This may affect your 2027 property taxes.

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization of the City of Dellwood shall meet on April 14, 5:00 pm at 111 Wildwood Road, Willernie MN 55090, The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor, and also to determine whether corrections need to be made. If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally, an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to your county board of appeal and equalization. For more information, call the Washington County assessor’s office at 651-430-6175.

Given under my hand this 11th day of March, 2026

Interim Clerk of the City of Dellwood

Published one time in the White Bear Press on March 18, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:

North Star Medical

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1330 Highway 96 E Ste 102 White Bear Lake MN, 55110

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

North Star Medical PLLC 1330 Highway 96 E Ste 102

White Bear Lake MN, 55110

Dated: March 12, 2026

Signed: Bianca Bianchi-Rossi

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 18 and 25, 2026.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-209

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of Dennis R. Wright,

Decedent

NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 2:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. a hearing will be held using remote technology by this Court on the petition for formal adjudication of intestacy, determination of heirship, and for the appointment of Robert D. Wright, whose address is 648 Cleveland Avenue Southwest, New Brighton, Minnesota, 55112, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.

NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice.

Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

BY THE COURT: Tracey Ames, District Court Administrator

BY: Michael Syverud,

Vadnais Heights resident dances to 100 and beyond

BY ERIK SUCHY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

If it’s Ed Ehrnreiter’s party, he’ll dance if he wants to. Ehrnreiter, who turns 100 on March 16, has seen his life twist and turn through many challenges, whether it was the Great Depression, World War II or the loss of many friends over the years. However, he has no intention of slowing down; true to his mantra of persistence, he plans to continue moving forward while giving back to others as much as he can.

“He’s always helpful and willing to do fun stuff,” said Tammi Roach, Ed’s granddaughter. “I like living through his eyes every day, because he’s just so grateful to be here. He’s impacted so many people that know him, and he always tells them the same thing: ‘Just keep moving.’”

As Ehrnreiter recalls, his childhood began during the hardships of the Great Depression. While attending Washington High School on Rice Street and playing football, he landed his first job at 13, working at a small market for 39 cents an hour.

With the help of a small loan, Ehrnreiter purchased a dish set for his mother, which generations later is in the care of his great-granddaughter, Lindsay Berube.

“It’s always kind of fun, because he has so many heirlooms around the house,” said Roach. “It’s like the younger generation that enjoys thrifting now gets to see it come full circle.”

The onslaught of World War II saw Ehrnreiter drafted into the Navy. Between working security, a newly developed hobby began taking root in his life: dancing,

specifically the rumba. Today, he continues to bring these moves to the Forest Lake VFW and American Legion Post 225, both of which hold senior dances.

However, if Ehrnreiter isn’t always busting a move on the main floor, he finds small ways to give back to those around him for generosity’s sake. Most often, these are in the form of giving suckers and writing pens to other dancers. “Before that, I used to give out day-old bakery items at all the dances. I love giving back, and I like to teach anybody how to rumba. I’m always teaching.”

But it isn’t just small novelty items that form the core of Ehrnreiter’s good-hearted donations. Over the years, he has made giving to various charities such as the American Cancer Society, Boys Town and the American Lung Society a staple of his life.

“We’ve raised a bunch of money for the VFW to continue the senior dances,” said Roach. “When it comes to what’s important to me, it’s to make sure that all these seniors can come together and keep coming together by having people support it, whether it’s a buck or two bucks or if even one person gives $500. It all goes toward bringing them together. When you get into that community and hear the history they bring, it’s just unbelievable.”

As of today, Ehrnreiter has occupied the same house on Berwood Avenue for more than 50 years, continuing to settle into a quaint, independent life of hard work and benevolence. Among his favorite weekly engagements are his “Taco Tuesday” orders from Taco John’s in White Bear Lake, which recently honored his legacy with a new “Edward’s Meal” menu option featuring

MAHTOMEDI SCHOOL BOARD NOTES CONTINUED

Appendix B and Appendix D.

• The Policy Committee studied Policy 902 and made several changes. Duplicate language was consolidated, and the policy was updated with more efficiency in some of the rental language dealing with weather cancellations. After the first two readings of these policy changes were conducted at previous meetings, board members were given the opportunity to consider the changes and present Community Education Director Kate Anderson with any questions.

• Minnesota statutes state that a school district with 10 or more enrolled American Indian students must establish an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC). This committee serves in an advisory role and helps ensure that American Indian students are receiving culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities. Mahtomedi parents have renamed their team to Native American Parent Advisory Committee (NAPAC). Each year NAPAC must discuss and vote on a “resolution of concurrence” prior to March 1 when finding that the district has been meeting the needs of American Indian students. Ali Middlebrook, district social worker, outreach coordinator and district representative for NAPAC, presented this year’s NAPAC vote of compliance.

NAPAC meets five times per year and most recently met on Feb. 2 to vote in concurrence that the district meets the needs of its Indian students. The district currently has 63 children in 46 families who identify as American Indian and attend schools in grades K-12. This spring, six Native American seniors will graduate from Mahtomedi schools.

• As one of the more desirable school districts in the state, Mahtomedi receives many open enrollment requests each year. Superintendent Barb Duffrin took a few moments to answer questions from board members about how open enrollments students are accepted. “Not all get accepted, but we are able to accept students (from outside the district’s boundaries),” she said. In short, the district looks at the number of students in each grade and follows parameters to determine how many students the district can accept each year. “From one year to the next, we have a different number of open enrollment students to keep enrollment steady,” she said, adding that the district’s goal is to keep elementary classes below the metro class size average. It’s different for high school, however. A study done a few years ago determined that the

right high school size was between 1,150 and 1,200 students so that the school is competitive but not oversized, Duffrin said. Number crunching to find the sweet spot for open enrollment students includes staffing needs, the fluid population within the district’s borders and other considerations.

• In his report, student representative Matt Studenski advised the board that the Medallion Hunt ended Jan. 30 when a student won noise-cancelling Apple headphones by finding the medallion in a dog poop bag up in a tree. He also acknowledged donations for Valentine’s Day Bingo. The student council held USA Spirit Day to honor two Olympic hockey gold medalists and noted that the Mahtomedi boys’ hockey team was seeded No. 1 in the sectionals. The team returned to the boys’ state hockey tournament that started March 4. Studenski said he attended the Feb. 23 college fair held at Two Rivers High School and learned from two students that college fairs were the deciding factor in choosing a college. Studenski attended the college fair to provide feedback to district officials on what they can do better to help high school students learn about their post-secondary options.

• In her report, Superintendent Barb Duffrin said that the school board stays connected to the district’s academic priorities through Board Walks that let them see teachers and students in action. Recently, board members visited all four of the district’s schools. In additional news from around the district, the facilities task forces have been working on design criteria for the new weight room and Innovation Hub.

• Some 50 DECA students advanced to the state tournament, Duffrin said. Students competed in categories that included business management and administration, entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality and tourism, marketing and financial literacy. Four Mahtomedi students placed in the state top 30 on the neuroscience exam at the Minnesota Brain Bee held at the University of Minnesota. Individual athletes headed to state tournaments in their respective sports include four in wrestling, four in gymnastics and three in adapted hockey.

The board next meets at 7 p.m. Monday, March 23, in the District Center Community Room, 1520 Mahtomedi Avenue.

Loretta Harding

four crispy tacos.

“We’ve been going there for years and years,” said Roach. “But now, every Tuesday, we go through and say, ‘I want Edward’s Meal.’ We tested it out and it worked so well! They’ve also sent us a bunch of swag, along with items from U.S. Bank and the Twins. The Vikings are even working on some stuff right now!”

While Ehrnreiter can’t say for certain whether he will be dancing at his 110th birthday, he said he will continue to enjoy each day and offer the same straightforward yet humbling advice for anyone of any age: just keep moving.

Ehrnreiter’s story was featured in the Centenarian Feature on Good Morning America, set to broadcast Monday, March 16.

Special elections: Council will consider changes to city charter

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

WHITE BEAR LAKE — The City Council has held the first reading and will hold a second reading later this month of an ordinance amending the city charter as it relates to special elections for City Council vacancies.

Charter Commission Chair Marc Aune said the charter was made aware of a potential conflict between the city’s charter and state statute regarding special election dates this fall. The process for conducting special elections, referenced in the White Bear Lake City Charter, Sections 4.04 and 4.12, currently conflicts with Minnesota statutes because it outlines a timeline for calling a special election that could result in the election occurring on a date not authorized in state statute (second Tuesday in February, second Tuesday in April, second Tuesday in May, second Tuesday in August and Election Day in November).

“It is possible to have a scenario calling an election that would align with one of those five designated dates, but such a scenario is unlikely to be that convenient,” Aune said.

For that reason, the commission asked city staff to get input from City Attorney Dave Anderson. Ultimately, Anderson recommended that revisions to the city charter be made. The Charter Commission voted 10-1 to recommend the revisions to the council.

“We spent a significant amount of time discussing this, but ultimately we decided it was worth it to adhere to state statute,” Aune said.

Council Member Kevin Edberg wanted to know if those dates set forth in state statute applied to both primary and general elections. Anderson said primary elections are somewhat rare in a municipal sense.

“We have to get a lot of cooperation and coordination with the county. What I can tell you is that they are going to be unwilling to hold any election on a date that doesn’t meet those uniform election dates. They are just not equipped to do that,”

Anderson explained. “A primary election is considered a special election.”

Anderson said it could put the council in a spot that it has to operate for several months shorthanded, but pointed out that councils are often able to manage just fine. “It is not the end of the world to be shorthanded on a council for two to three months. Now if two or three people resign (at the same time), it would be a different situation,” he said.

Anderson pointed out that the specific five dates for elections were adopted into law back in 2017 and the issue likely hasn’t come up because the city of White Bear Lake doesn’t often have vacancies on its council.

“This is all intended to try to align the statutory provisions with our charter and make sure that we can comply with both of them,” Anderson said. “Because I do think if we had to fill a vacancy today, state law would have control, and we would kind of have to ignore our charter language because we have to. This is really an attempt to bring those two things into lockstep and make sure that they are consistent.”

Council Member Bill Walsh wanted to know whether a charter city has the authority to make appointments for vacancies rather than special elections. Anderson said the charter does provide that authority.

Aune explained that the charter discussed that topic and decided the preferred method was a special election versus an appointment.

“Ultimately, we thought that if a ward lost its council member and didn’t have that representation, it would be in the ward’s residents’ best interest to be able to vote on who is representing them rather than to have an appointment be made,” he said.

The City Council will hold the second reading of the ordinance amendment March 24. The change to the city’s charter does require a 5-0 vote from council before adoption.

Vadnais Heights resident Ed Ehrnreiter celebrates 100 with a fellow centurian Florence.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm

1. Lake Country Booksellers Authors for Minnesota event raised over $4,000 for vulnerable neighbors. Contributed

2. This mannequin, dressed up for the state hockey tournament, was spotted in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue in White Bear Lake. – Shannon Granholm, Press Publications

3. This rainbow was recently spotted over Bald Eagle Lake. — Kate Gipp, contributed

4. “Snow babies” enjoying the recent snowfall. — Nicole Bousu, contributed

5. What do you wear with the bear???!!! Superhero day! — Linda and Marty Miser, contributed

6. Crowds flocked to the 2nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Hootenanny at The Minnesotan March 14. — Carter Johnson, Press Publications

Bear stolen from White Bear Smiles

White Bear Lake Smiles, located at 4778 Banning Ave., had its white bear

stolen from outside the front door sometime March 7-8. The bear was a gift from the staff to the doctors this past Christmas.

White Bear Police Chief Dale Hager

“The staff are all amazing, caring, and compassionate people. Dr. Anderson is one of

“The staff are all amazing, caring, and compassionate people. Dr. Anderson is one of the best pain-free, accommodating dentist I have ever had, and I am no spring chicken! I have found my forever dentist.”

“Everyone at

Both

“Everyone at White Bear Smiles is fantastic! Both dentists really know their stuff, so you can’t go wrong seeing Dr. Swift or Dr. Anderson. They also have an excellent membership program available for people that don’t have dental insurance, so it’s easy to get your teeth taken care of without breaking the bank!” L.R

“Amazing

“Amazing dental hygienists, and great dentists! I needed a wisdom tooth removed and multiple fillings. The staff worked well together, and it was completely painless. Definitely cured my dental anxiety!” Dan

said the bear theft seems to be an isolated incident, and as of press time, no other bears had recently been reported stolen. Anyone who knows about the bear’s whereabouts is encouraged to let the business know.

Coffee shop reopens

Cajeta Coffee in downtown White Bear Lake is open and back to regular business hours. The breakfast and lunch spot is located inside the Avalon Mall on Fourth Street.

Chamber will host ribboncutting for La Vie Est Belle

La Vie Est Belle gift shop opened its second location in White Bear Lake this past October at 2175 Fourth Street (across from Good Things). The White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce plans to host a ribbon-cutting for the new business at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. Food and drinks will be served. La Vie Este Belle opened its first store in Lake Elmo back in 2022. For more information about the business, visit https://shoplavie.co.

Royal Credit Union welcomes new mortgage loan officers

start to finish. Liberty is based in the White Bear Lake office. He comes to Royal with experience in national mortgage origination. As a Minnesota native, Liberty is passionate about supporting his local community and volunteers at Stillwater’s Early Family Education Program, Stillwater Area Hockey Association and Senitizo, a nonprofit organization that provides lifesaving health services to people without access to health care in the Central African Republic.

Work begins on former Hollihan’s Pub building

Renovations have begun on the former Hollihan’s Pub building located on Third Street in downtown White Bear Lake.

Building owners Eli and Shannon Rupnow say that once renovations are complete, they would love to find a restaurant, deli, bakery or something similar to bring the building to life.

Royal Credit Union recently announced Ben Liberty as a mortgage loan officer. In the position, Liberty will guide members through every step of the mortgage process, offering tailored product recommendations and ensuring a seamless application experience from

“We are excited about the positive changes and updates that we’re bringing to downtown. We want to find a vibrant, dynamic tenant that will add to the lively downtown we know and love,” Eli said. “This is a unique historic building in a prime location, and we want it to be an asset to downtown for decades to come. It will have tons of character when complete.”

If anyone is interested in leasing the space, either the main floor or both floors, they should contact the Rupnows at 651-243-0660.

We are a 30+ year Bathroom Remodeling Company in your area. Did you see your new bathroom design at the Home Show? We can help you bring your vision to fruition. We have the knowledge and expertise to incorporate the new products into your bathroom. We also have the expertise on installation of new tile designs and patterns. We are experienced in mold killing and inhibiting products if there is a mold concern. We can help you to lay out the items that you will need to complete your bathroom, and we have a great method that we can explain in person for the purchasing of all the materials needed for the bathroom. We practice cleanliness by cleaning up the project every afternoon after the workday has finished. We have a 1 year warranty on all labor that is rarely used by customers.

Deadline for Classified Line and display ads Thursday 4pm | 651-407-1250 | classified@presspubs.com

Press Publications suggests that you be aware of advertisers requesting payment for shipping merchandise. Confirm and verify all contact resources prior to sending any money. Take caution when responding to text messages that are not local numbers.

Free clam truck loads of wood delivered White Bear & Hugo areas only 651*/426*8660

Scrap meta l,appliance p/u 651*/329*0815

The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of

The City of Hugo is NOW HIRING for seaso nal public works employees These positions are res ponsible for assisting the Public Work s Dept in tasks includ ing park, street and utilities maintena nce. Po sition s ar e from May – Sept and will not exceed 40 hrs /wk. Pay is $18/hr Applicants must have a va lid MN driver s license and be at least 18 yrs old. Applications are available at Public Works, 8220 14 0th St N. Hugo, MN 55038, 651-7626301 or on the City s web site at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/employment Applications must be completed and returned to Public Work s or emailed to pw @ci.hugo.mn.us by 4:00 p.m. Mar 30, 2026.

The City of Lexin gton NOW HIRING for fu lltime Administative Asst/Premit Te ch Th is position perfo rms se cretaria l & cler ical work with primary responsibility of serv in g residents & businesses of the community Salary range $24.5230.42/hr plus be nefits Application and full job description at www.lexing tonmn.gov or at City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014 Complete application and resume must be rece ived by 3pm April 3, 2026.

GREENHOUSE HELP WANTED

Hugo Feed Mill and Hardware is hiring seasonal workers for May and June. Duties include helping customers and plant care. Plant knowledge is helpful. Hours and days are flexible. Employee discount on your own purchases. Great job for flower and veggie lovers!

Call Steve at 651.429-3361

The Public Works Maintenance Worker performs skilled labor in the maintenance of roads, water systems, sanitary sewer systems, stormwater infrastructure, parks, equipment, and Township facilities. Responsibilities include operating heavy equipment and power tools, as well as performing physically demanding tasks. This position serves as a visible representative of the Township and often acts as the first point of contact for public inquiries. The role is essential to preserving public assets through timely maintenance and the safe operation of equipment.

Position Vacancy Notice

Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Two years of experience in the operation of power tools, operation of trucks and heavy equipment, completing vehicle/equipment maintenance, or equivalent

• Class A driver’s license is required or must be obtained within 12 months

• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License

• Ability to respond to emergency calls within 1 hour

• Anticipated hiring range is $32.98 - $41.05

To apply, complete and submit a White Bear Township Employment Application found on whitebeartownship.org/Jobs.aspx. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026. Submit completed applications to: White Bear Township, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or via email adminoffices@ whitebeartownship.org

The City of Lexington is now accepting applications for a full-time, Administrative Assistant/Permit Technician. This position performs secretarial and clerical work with primary responsibility for serving the residents and businesses of the community. Duties include, but not limited to, customer service; permitting; community communications (SCALA, newsletter and website); and provides administrative support to all departments.

2026-2027 Salary range is $24.52$30.42 per hour plus benefits. Minimum qualifications: (1) high school diploma or equivalent; (2) post high school education or 2 years progressively responsible experience; and (3) experience with Microsoft Office applications.

Desired qualifications: (1) 2 or more years municipal government experience, (2) training or 2 years experience with State of Minnesota Retention Schedules, and (3) experience with elections and/ or permit software. An application and job description are available at www. lexingtonmn.gov or at City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014.

A completed application and resume must be received – Attn: City Administrator - by 3:00 PM, Friday, April 3rd, 2026.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 853009

SEASONAL PUBLIC WORKS POSITION. The City of Hugo is currently accepting applications for seasonal public works employees. These positions are responsible for assisting the public works department in a wide variety of tasks including park, street and utilities maintenance. These positions will exist from May through September and will not exceed 40 hours per week. The rate of pay is $18 per hour. Applicants must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age. Applications are available at Public Works, 8220 140th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038, 651762-6301 or on the City’s web site at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/employment. Applications must be completed and returned to Public Works or emailed to pw@ci.hugo.mn.us by 4:00 p.m., March 30, 2026.

NOW HIRING! GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Part time 6-12 hours/week

Entry level position

Experience with indesign, illustrator and photoshop preferred

Main responsibilities include ad design and newspaper layout

Send resume to artmanager@presspubs.com

White Bear Township NOW HIRING Public Work s Maintenance Work er to per form skill labor in the maintenance of roads, water systems, sanitary sewer systems, storm water infrastructure, parks, equipment, and townsh ip facilities.

Minimum Qualifications: HS Diploma/eq, 2 yrs exp in operation of pwr tools, operation of trucks & heavy equipment completing vehicle/equipment main tenance or equivalen t. Anticipa ted hiring range $32.98$41.05

To apply, complete and submit a Wh ite Bear Township Employment Application foun d on whitebeartownship.org/J obs.aspx. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026 at 4:30 pm Submit completed applications to: White Bear Township, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township MN 5 5110 or via email adminoffices@whitebeartownship.org

Ann's AwesomeHousecleaning – 20+ Yrs Exp. Dependable. Trustworthy. Ref Avail. Cll/Txt 651*/7 76 7834

SAFE STEP NORTH Amer icas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and se rvice. Now featuring our FR EE shower pa ckage and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call to day! Financing available. Call Safe Step 833/*966*3882

WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES Running or not Titled or not Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612/*720*2142 WE BUY HOUSES for cash AS IS! No repairs No fuss

your car, truck, or SUV to a ssist the blind and visually impaired. Ar range a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Herita ge for the Blin d Today at 844*/220 *9501 today! GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERN ET! Free in stall, free HDDVR upgrade, 80,000 on-demand movies plus limited time up to $600 In gift cards. Call today! 85 5/*562*4309

race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

performed. COVID-19 restrictions and subsequent construction in White Bear Lake Schools ended the streak of performances for four years. The White Bear Lake Lions are not aware of any other Lions Clubs locally or even in the state that perform a show, but there are some in other states.

“Because it will be four years since we had a show, we have had to resurrect everything. So, it’s been a process trying to gather everything together again,” explained this year’s Show Chair Dave Hunt. “We’ve always done it at Central, and this year we are doing it at the old theater at the high school, so that transition has been an adjustment as well.”

Machus says he wrote the script for the show five years ago. “I just get an idea, and I start writing,” he said. “I laugh at my own jokes.” Five years ago, when he pitched the idea of a “Star Trek” theme to then-president Kate Hunt (current president’s Ivy Hunt’s aunt), she said she liked “Star Wars” better. “So, I interspersed a lot of cameos of ‘Star Wars’ characters in this show to make her happy.”

This year’s show is directed by a professional director and designer, Mike Grittner, who grew up in White Bear Lake and then moved away for 30 years before moving back to the area. He is an associate member of the Society for Stage Directors and Choreographers.

“This one's all about that constant

battle. You are either a ‘Star Trek’ fan or you are a ‘Star Wars’ (fan)… ‘Star Wars’ keeps jumping into our ‘Star Trek’ story,” Grittner explained. Dave said the show will once again “poke a little fun” at Hugo, like the Lions try to do in most of their shows.

The White Bear Lake Lions Club has approximately 60 members. Of those, about 40 are active and attend the twice-a-month meetings at Carbone’s.

This year’s show cast is made up of 23 Lions, but there are around 40 members involved in the show, many of them behind the scenes with costumes, set design, makeup, etc. The youngest actor is 12 and the oldest is 79.

because they know how important it is for their community.

“In other years, the show was a tradition, and we did it so when it was gone, I think people really saw the value of bringing back the show … When it was gone, people were always asking, ‘When's the show coming back?’ It makes a lasting impact on our community, but the club really feels an obligation to bring that back too,” she said. “I think there's a different level of commitment than there has been.”

“I did my first show at 5, and now I’m 26, so a lot of people grow with the club. The show brings in a lot of people because families are dedicated to coming and seeing this, and you really become a part of it too,” Ivy Hunt explained. “When most people think of Lions Club, you are going to see a lot of older adults, but our club is demographically different.”

Besides being the youngest president in the White Bear Lake club’s history, Hunt is likely one of the youngest presidents to serve the organization in the entire state and perhaps the entire country. She noted that the club also has one of the youngest boards in the state.

“I think our club is very dedicated to, yes, bringing new, but also staying true to our roots, too,” she said.

Although most of the Lions are not professional actors or dancers, Ivy says they work their tails off for the show

Machus added, “There's a formula that works for our audience to enjoy it. They want to come. They want to laugh. They want to hear good music … We make it happen, and the audience likes that feeling that we are just a bunch of amateurs having a good time and putting on a good production.”

In fact, the Lions described the show as their “signature event” that has attracted new members, often from the same family, to join the club.

“Ivy is on stage; her grandparents are on stage; her dad is on stage,” Dave said. “My parents were on stage, my daughters were on stage, all three of our family dogs were on stage. It is very much a family event.”

For more information about the show, visit www.whitebearlions.org/annual-lions-club-show.

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

SPORTS

No. 4 Zephyrs finish 25-4, one game short Coach of strong CC program resigns

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Dan Kovacich, coach of one of White Bear Lake’s most successful programs, boys cross country, for 23 years, has resigned.

“I decided to step down to spend more time with my family,” Kovacich explained. “My twin boys are both hockey players, and one plays lacrosse and the other plays baseball. They are currently in ninth grade. We live in Woodbury. I want to spend these next three years with them and my wife.”

Head coach since 2003, Kovacich, a former Bear himself, took 14 of his 23 teams to state meets.

Eight of them placed in the top 10, led by the 2017 team in fourth place.

Individually, he coached 14 all-state runners (three in the top ten), 62 all-conference, and four section champions. He was recently named to the Coaches Association’s state Hall of Fame.

The 2019 team won the Griak Gold race, the most prestigious event outside the state meet. They had just one conference team title (2008), competing with perennial state powers Stillwater and Mounds View.

“Over my 23 seasons, our teams were ranked in the top 10 sometime during the season for 15 of those seasons,” he noted.

Kovacich, also longtime distance coach the track team, will step down from that post also, following the 2026 season. Corey Larson (see separate story) will be the new cross country coach and the track team’s distance coach.

“Corey will be fine addition to the program,” Kovacich said.

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Two of the top four teams in the Class 3A rankings clashed in the Section 4AAA finals Thursday in Minneapolis.

The one going to state is No. 2 ranked DeLaSalle (26-3) with a 67-46 conquest of No. 4 Mahtomedi (25-4) on Thursday evening in a packed Islander gym, both fan galleries loud and boisterous.

“We certainly had an amazing season,” said coach Keith Newman, noting that 25 wins tied the school record. Plus the JV team went 22-1.

The swift, swarming, soaring Islanders had Deon Wallace-Johnson with 14 points; Kamar Thomas, Ichima Idoko and Evan Miller with 12 each; and Jaeden Udean with eight. Mahtomedi was within 35-31 before Thomas made two resounding dunks that got the Islanders going.

Mark Graff tallied 15 points for Mahtomedi, Willie Roeloffs 11 and Andrew Russell six. The Zephyrs had very few uncontested shots against the tenacious Islander defense.

“We had a great season. We enjoyed it a lot. It went by pretty fast,” Graff said. “It’s definitely unfortunate that we had to go through such a good team to make state. It was a fun game. It’s always an intense atmosphere in that gym.”

This marked the second time in four years that a No. 4 ranked Mahtomedi team finished 25-4 without a state trip. In 2023 they lost to No. 1 ranked, state champion Totino-Grace in the section finals.

“We have had many outstanding teams that haven’t made it to the state tournament. The teams from 2022–23 and this year were certainly top-five caliber teams in the state,” Newman said.

“I especially feel for the players,” Newman said. While he wished they could have had the state tourney experience, not getting there “does not diminish the incredible seasons they had.”

Regarding those unfortunate section finals matchups, Newman mused, “It would be interesting to consider an approach similar to what a couple neighboring states do.” In that format, the 16 section finalists are seeded for

Corey Larson to take over Bear boys cross country

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Corey Larson is the new head coach for White Bear Lake boys cross country, succeeding Dan Kovacich, who stepped down after 23 seasons.

“Larson brings a strong combination of personal running experience, coaching expertise, and a decade of service in education, to the program,” stated the school. Larson was an assistant to Kovacich this past season after coaching the middle school program for one season. He will also be the new distance coach on the track team. He is a paraprofessional, Pupil Support Assistant in the school administration.

“I am most excited about our community and look forward to continuing to establish a supportive and fun environment for our runners,” Larson said. “I am excited to see growth in our team — not only as athletes, but as individuals.”

Larson was a track and cross country runner at Rochester

eight duels to decide who goes to state. Roelofs finished his junior season with 1,346 points, second all-time to Zach Lundquist’s 1,383. Graff ended his career No. 6 with 1,205 points.

SPORTS BRIEF

Prep archery club to host regional

The White Bear Lake Archery Club is hosting the NASP Region 3 tournament Saturday, March 21, coach Paul Erickson announced.

“We will have roughly 2,000 archers and roughly 60 schools here from all over the cities and central Minnesota,” stated Erickson.

Action will start at 8 a.m. and conclude around 6:15 p.m., with

bullseye competition in the big fieldhouse and the 3-dimensional in the Gavin Court at the auxiliary gym. The Bears high school team has 29 members and the middle school team has 16 members. They have competed in nine tournaments. Top shooters, Erickson said, have been Caleb Grund (high school) and Elijah Felber (middle school).

Bruce Strand

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Mark Graff

Mahtomedi Basketball March 18, 2026

Mark Graff, Mahtomedi point guard, averaged 19.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.3 steals, leading a 25-4 team. The 6-foot-2 senior made 90 three-pointers, shooting .357 on three’s and .786 on free throws. His career points total is 1,205. In a close section win over St. Paul Johnson, the Gustavus Adolphus recruit delivered 27 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, “Mark has been a joy to coach. His focus on the team and what we are trying to accomplish together is always his top priority,” coach Keith Newman said, praising Graff’s leadership “around the school and in all his sports.” Graff was an all-conference quarterback/safety in football, passing for 716 yards and five touchdowns and running for eight touchdowns. He is also the golf team captain.

TODD

Willie Roelofs soared for a basket against DeLaSalle.

RON ENGH | CONTRIBUTED

Dan Kovacich had 14 state-qualifying teams in his 23 seasons.

John Marshall. He earned an elementary education degree from Winona State. He was an assistant coach for two seasons at Bellevue, Washington, before joining the White Bear Lake faculty.

SHAWN GRITZMACHER | CONTRIBUTED

Corey Larson

MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE

Mahtomedi sets priorities for next 2 years

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Anyone in Mahtomedi, whether they live there or are just passing through, will notice major changes starting to happen in 2026 and 2027. But don’t exhale when 2028 rolls around, because a major thoroughfare on the city’s western border, Century Avenue, will be the subject of a makeover of the same magnitude.

In the meantime, the Mahtomedi City Council has set its top six strategic planning priorities for 20262027. At a January workshop with department heads and consultants, council and city staff discussed strategies for the next two years, ranked their goals and chose the top six to focus on for the biennium.

Priority No. 1 is the structural planning for the new City Hall and fire station. The city will direct significant resources to assessment, design, planning, communication and construction of the new facility. The purpose of the new campus is to improve delivery of services, enhance public safety and create a more accessible civic space.

The community will receive regular updates on key milestones and achievements.

Priority No. 2 will be the planning and management of the TH244 turnback project. The city will work closely with residents and businesses to ensure the success of the project that best serves the needs of the community.

Priority No. 3 is the overall city staffing plan in anticipation of staff retirements. The city will strengthen its succession planning by conducting workforce assessments and updating job descriptions to address evolving service needs in a competitive market. Targeted recruitment campaigns will be launched to attract and retain qualified candidates.

Priority No. 4 is the fire/ emergency management staffing plan. The city’s fire and emergency services organizations are currently working hard to keep staff numbers up. The city plans to assess future staffing needs and invest in ongoing training programs for current and future staff. The city also plans to explore partnerships with local agencies to ensure adequate

coverage and quality services. The city will monitor response times, collect resident satisfaction survey results and perform annual reviews of staffing levels.

Priority No. 5 is the development of the 2050 comprehensive plan, a requirement of the Metropolitan Council. The plan, due in 2028, will look 22 years into the future to make sure the city meets regulatory obligations while honoring the unique character and values of the community. The city will prioritize active public engagement, such as hosting community forums and soliciting input from residents and businesses.

Priority No. 6 is water sourcing and quality management, in which the city will develop and carry out short-term and long-term strategies to ensure water quality standards, access to clean water and long-term sustainability through water conservation programs and infrastructure assessments and upgrades.

Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached by emailing news@ presspubs.com.

confidence in your financial strategy

St. Jude students win top honors in Minnesota Zoo challenge

Retirement income planning

NATE KASS | CONTRIBUTED

A project by students from Jill Ryan’s class at St. Jude of the Lake earned the second-place Enrichment Design award for middle school projects. Pictured (from left) are Paisley, Rya, Luci and Julia along with sea lion Clyde.

CHRIS BEETH | CONTRIBUTED

Students from Ivy Hunt’s classes earned the third-place Enrichment Design award and the Conservation Award for elementary school projects. Pictured (from left) are Tess, Charlotte, Kaylee and Lucy with sea lion Clyde. See more information online at presspubs.com.