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Exploring mechanized marvels

Hundreds of local residents were given the opportunity to check out a variety of vehicles, ranging from massive trucks to a state patrol helicopter, during the recent Touch-a-Truck event at Podvin Park in White Bear Lake. The gathering of machines and people is the first of several area events scheduled for the upcoming spring and summer season. Local public safety, public works and community partners contributed vehicles for the family-friendly, interactive event that also featured food trucks. See more photos on page 24.

Longtime Dellwood attorney eases into retirement

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Richard (Dick) Copeland says he is starting to get used to not having constant pressure, looming deadlines and court hearings on the docket.

The longtime attorney began representing the city of Dellwood in June 1965, a position in which he remained until he finally retired at the end of 2025 at the age of 94. He will turn 95 in September.

“All of that pressure is gone … It’s surprising how fast it went,” Copeland said.

Copeland graduated from Cretin High School in School in St. Paul in 1949. There, he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, hockey and golf and was later inducted into the Cretin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977. After graduation, he attended the University of St. Thomas. He was named to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) All-Conference hockey team all four years, and as a MIAC individual golf champion in 1952. He was later inducted into the University of St. Thomas Hall of Fame in 1991. It was at the University of St. Thomas where the seed was planted to become an attorney.

“I took a political science course and (the SEE LIFETIME OF LAW, PAGE 16

Chief says incident numbers ‘increasing’ due to proactive policing

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Even though Police Chief Dale Hager is entering retirement, he didn’t break the tradition in delivering the City Council an update twice a year.

If you take a look at the numbers of calls for service, arrests, traffic stops and DWIs, they have all increased over the past two years.

The numbers In 2025, the White Bear Lake Police Department responded to 21,581 calls for service. In 2023, there were 15,972 calls; in 2024, there were 17,839. All told, the number of calls increased by 35% from 2023 to 2025.

The number of arrests, traffic stops and DWIs each roughly doubled between 2023 and 2025. Officers made 180 arrests in 2023, 301 in 2024, and 373 in 2025. There were 2,477 traffic stops in 2023; 3,506 in 2024; and 4,989 traffic stops in 2025. In

2023, officers cited 82 individuals for DWI; in 2024, that number was 96; in 2025, there were 156 DWIs.

Hager pointed out that those numbers don’t necessarily mean that crime is increasing in the area, but rather that police officers are being proactive.

“Crime is not going up in White Bear Lake,” he explained. “The only thing that is changing in our city as far as crimes goes is that our officers are out there getting after it and trying to find crime and send a message.”

Members of the department also participated in more community engagement events. In 2025, the department participated in 95 outings: there were 20 in 2023 and 75 in 2024.

“Community engagement is one of the things I’m most proud of,” Hager said. “I’m really proud of those numbers … and the men and women in the department that are responsible for those numbers.” SEE BIANNUAL REPORT, PAGE 2

BIANNUAL

Citations and warnings, as well as parking and narcotics incidents, also all increased between 2023 and 2025. Citations increased by approximately 76% from 1,329 in 2023 to 2,334 in 2025. Parking infractions (tickets and warnings) more than doubled between 2023 and 2025, from 435 to 926. General warnings more than quadrupled from 100 in 2023 to 439 in 2025, and narcotics incidents more than doubled: there were 12 in 2023 and 26 in 2025. However, the number of thefts decreased: there were 289 in 2023 and 195 in 2025.

Emerging issues

Hager took some time to share issues he sees bubbling up in the future. He said the department is really going to need to work on upgrading its technology when it comes to drones, license plate readers, body-worn cameras and squad cameras, and lesslethal force options.

“There is so much evolving technology that if you’re not staying on top of it, then you’re running in last place … A lot of that technology is outpacing us a little bit,” Hager said.

“Those affect our staffing shortages. Because it is such a competitive market now in law enforcement, we will lose people because it is so much easier to go somewhere else where

they have cool drones and all the cool gadgets.”

Council Member Kevin Edberg asked the chief to reflect back on the community during his years of service and talk about what changes he has seen in terms of the community becoming more or less safe.

“Over the last seven years, we have really weathered a storm in law enforcement around the country. During crazy times I was grateful to be working for city of White Bear Lake because we handled things the right way,” he said.

Hager pointed out one thing that he is starting to notice is the increasing trend of people who refuse to cooperate (DWI refusal) when they are suspected of a DWI. “Those used to be pretty rare … and now (it) might be at 30 or 40% of

people that refuse the test, and I think that coincides with a general feeling of lack of trust or respect for people in authority.”

Another alarming trend he said is that the tendency for violence against officers is growing. “We are insulated here in White Bear Lake a little bit … The vast majority of the citizens appreciate us and appreciate what we do,” he said. “We get waves with all five fingers when we go by, and not every jurisdiction gets that luxury.” He added that it only takes one incident to change a department, referring to an officer who was shot while on duty three years ago.

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

LAKESHORE PLAYERS GALA

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Evening of cocktails, dinner, games and live entertainment by the Champagne Drops followed by performance of “Once Upon a Mattress.” Annual fundraiser for Lakeshore Players. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

MUSICAL VENTRILOQUIST

When: 10-11 a.m. Thursday, May 14

Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Rd. E, White Bear Lake Details: “Laugh for Life” with wholesome humor, music and stories featuring Musical Ventriloquist Kevin Doely, and special guests Johnny Cash and Elvis. Refreshments at 9:45 a.m. Contact: 651-777-1107

TWIN CITIES CLIMATE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14. Dinner at 6 p.m.

Where: White Bear United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St. Details: Presentation by Press Publications Meteorologist Frank Watson. Light dinner served. Contact: watsonwx@aol.com

MUSIC @ MANITOU

When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 15

Where: Manitou Ridge Golf Course, 3200 McKnight Road N., White Bear Lake

Details: Lineup of artists curated by the community's recommendations, who will covers and originals. Drink specials available. Contact: 651-353-2004

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF DISTRIBUTION

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, May 16 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

MOM'S MORNING OUT

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 16

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

Details: Childcare and fun for children ages 2 thru 9, meal included. Group size limited; pre-registration required. Contact: 651-777-1107

BELWIN BISON FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Where: Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, 15601 Hudson Road N., Lakeland

Details: See the release of the 2026 NorthStar Bison herd onto the Bison Prairie, complete with food trucks, live music, eco-art and a 5K “Run with the Bison.” Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and tickets sold per car.

Contact: belwin.org/bisonfest

SEMLAK STRONG FUNDRAISER

When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Where: The Dog House, 2029 Woodlynn Ave. E, Maplewood

Details: Fundraiser to support Andy Semlak, who is dealing with Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma, and his family. Taco feed, silent auction, raffles. Contact: semlakstrong.org

HERE COMES THE SUN! (AND WIND AND BATTERIES)

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 18

Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St.

Details: Dr. Steve Jorissen, professor of chemistry at the University of St.

Thomas, will talk about the clean energy transition that is happening now and how new technologies will make it even cheaper and more reliable. RSVP for Zoom link.

Contact: bit.ly/NEMCA0518

HEALTHY COOKING FOR 1 OR 2

When: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, May 19

Where: Vadnais Heights City Hall, 800 County Road E

Details: Join a registered dietitian who will demonstrate simple, healthy recipes. Register online. Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/671/

VEHICLE FAIR

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21

Where: Wildwood Elementary School parking lot

Details: Mahtomedi Early Childhood Family Education host an event where children and families can explore a fire truck, bus, tractor, front loader and other vehicles. No registration necessary. Contact: 651-407-2441 or mahtomedi. ce.eleyo.com

DOG DAYS

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 23

Bittersweet new beginning

When we bought our home in Hugo back in 2018, I never planned to move again … but here we are. What makes this move so bittersweet is that I love our house. I love the front porch, layout, kitchen and the backyard view. It’s underneath this roof that we welcomed new dogs, restored a VW bus, brought home our son Royce from the hospital and said goodbye to our beloved German shepherd Frosty. Since we are car people, we needed more garage space. Because of our lot size, expanding our garage would have been complicated and too expensive.

Shannon’s Shenanigans

Shannon Granholm

We casually started looking at homes on the market to see what was out there. If we couldn’t’ find something, then we’d stay. Along the way, some of the homes caught our attention and we went to see them. We were not prepared for the up-anddown roller coaster that searching for a new home would bring.

As the days turned into months and our offers continued to get beat out by other buyers, we began to lose hope that a new home was in the cards for us. They say, “third time’s a charm,” but in our case, it was four. We made an offer four times before we finally “won.” It was devastating to fall in love with a property and envision yourself there just to have it all swept away. Our realtor was so patient and kept assuring us that the right one would come along. If I got too down, he would send me a corny motivational quotes to cheer me up like “Choose to be optimistic, it feels better,” and “When everything goes against you and you get to a point when it seems you can’t hang on a minute longer, never give up – for that’s is just the place and the time that the tide will turn.”

I’m a firm believer in signs. After my father’s passing in 2015, I started to hear the song, “You Should Be Here,” by Cole Swindell during moments when I needed it the most, like milestone anniversaries of his death or the birth of our son. While we were looking at the home, my mother sent me a picture of her TV screen. The song randomly started playing while we were there. It is definitely not a coincidence that my sister and I both close on our new homes days apart. We have moved into our new home, which just so happens to be eight minutes away from our previous home. We are so excited that we get to stay in Hugo, keep our day care and continue to create new memories in a home surrounded by 5 acres of beautiful trees. And it even has an outbuilding! I have so many mixed emotions. Of course, I’m excited for this new adventure, but I’m also sad to leave all these memories and our amazing neighbors behind. It’s hard to think about saying goodbye to my son’s first room and not seeing the crabapple tree we planted in the front yard grow bigger. And although we get to keep our day care, it will not be the same driving my son there versus walking across the street. It’s also sad to think about the memories I have of Frosty sitting in her favorite spot on the back patio. But I’m looking forward to our new favorite spots. My husband’s favorite spot will be the outbuilding, mine will be the private deck off the master bedroom, Royce’s will be his tree house in the backyard and the dogs’ will be the woods.

Shannon Granholm is the managing editor at Press Publications.

Time for outdoor worship

WPastor's Ponderings

e Minnesotans manage to find both fun and beauty outside during winter, yet are especially eager each spring and summer to get outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather. You can see it all around White Bear Lake – people out walking and biking, waiting in line at the Cup and Cone, and, before long, dipping their toes in the lake.

As a pastor, it’s true that Sunday services sometimes get a little quieter in the summer, as people head to cabins or off on vacation. But I’m not usually bothered by that. In fact, I think for many of us, time spent outside in creation is one of the places we feel most connected to God.

That’s true whether or not you ever went to Bible camp, and whether you grew up in the country or have always lived in town. There’s something about feeling the sun and the breeze, hearing birds, frogs and

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summer insects, that helps us slow down and notice the world around us. In those moments, it becomes just a little easier to remember that we are part of something bigger –that we belong to a creation God called “good.”

The Bible is full of reminders like this. Psalms like 8, 104, and 148 proclaim God’s glory through the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The prophet Isaiah often points to creation as a sign of God’s power to renew and restore. And even in the book of Job, when God finally responds to Job’s deep suffering and questions, the answer comes as a sweeping tour of creation – stars and seas, animals and weather. It’s not a simple explanation, but it is a reminder: the God who holds all of this together has not forgotten us. God notices and cares for all creation, including us.

Summer, then, becomes an invitation to live into that awareness again. The longer days invite us to linger, to walk a little farther, to sit still a little longer, and to pay attention. And often, in that paying attention, we find not just rest, but connection—with one

another, with the world around us, and with God. And perhaps now, more than ever, we need these reminders that each life, each person, is part of God’s good creation – knit together into one body, each bearing dignity and worth.

At St. Stephen Lutheran Church, one of the ways we lean into that connection is by moving our Wednesday evening worship outdoors for the summer. Beginning June 3, we’ll gather on the back lawn for a simple meal at 5:30 pm (free will offering), followed by a relaxed worship service at 6:00 pm.

It’s a laid-back, family-friendly service – perfect for a summer evening. Bring a lawn chair (or use one of ours) or a blanket, bring the kids, and yes, we even have a spot for the family dog.

However you spend your summer, I hope you find time to get outside, to slow down, and to notice the beauty around you. You might be surprised where you encounter a glimpse of God.

Hope to see you there!

James Muske is the lead pastor at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake.

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. 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. Press Publications publishes 99% of the letters to the editor that meet the guidelines. Carter

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS

James Muske

BLOOMING PORTRAITS | CONTRIBUTED

Name the indoor track, fieldhouse

I see that the new White Bear Lake Area High School basketball court was named after a longtime coach, which is wonderful. In that light, we should come together to name the new indoor track and field house in honor of legendary head track coach Ron Sass and head cross-country coach Joe Tamillo. The Sass and Tamillo Field House would be a fitting tribute to both men on behalf of a grateful community.

David Knight White Bear Lake

Exercise is medicine

I found the article about Mr. Hawkinson’s battle against Parkinson’s to be similar to my own story. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2023. My neurologist suggested boxing. I joined Rock Steady Boxing and found it to be most beneficial. While searching for additional types of exercise to take part in I found dance, ping pong, cycling, and a form of soccer in the UK called Walking Football. Walking Soccer (as it is called is here) is also prevalent in the US in California, Washington, and Hawaii. As a long time soccer player and coach, this piqued my interest. So last fall,

MAY 30TH 9:00am to 1:00pm FRASSATI ACADEMY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

ready to help.

together with another member of my boxing class who is also a former player/coach, we started Walking Soccer, MN. Our goal is to provide a slower-paced exercise that promotes balance, cognitive skills, cardio, and has a social impact on participants. No prior soccer experience is required. All are welcome, not just people with PD.

Currently we are playing at noon on Fridays at the White Bear YMCA. More info is available at www. walkingsoccermn.com. Exercise is medicine.

White Bear Lake Area

BUSINESS BRIEF

White Bear Psychological Services opens new downtown clinic

White Bear Psychological Services has opened a new downtown location aimed at expanding access to neuropsychological care in the White Bear Lake area. Co-owners Matt and Kristi Hall said the clinic focuses on evidence-based, person-centered services designed to support children, teens and adults seeking assessments for autism, ADHD and learning disorders.

The clinic, located at 4756 Banning Ave (Suite 208), emphasizes comprehensive assessments that go beyond diagnosis to help clients better understand learning styles, attention, emotional regulation and daily functioning. The clinic highlights traits often associated with autism and ADHD, including creativity, deep focus, innovative thinking and pattern recognition, while also addressing challenges tied to school, workplace and social expectations.

The practice also supports individuals experiencing anxiety, burnout, depression or questions related to identity and later-in-life diagnoses. Therapy services are designed to help clients navigate stress, social fatigue and executive functioning challenges while developing practical coping strategies. For more information about White Bear Psychological Services, visit https://whitebearpsychservices.com.

Etch Andrajack White Bear Lake

Kristi Hall

Matt Hall

COPS&COURTS

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

Identity theft was reported in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road April 29.

• Officers responded to a juvenile incident in the area of Seventh Street and Sandra Lane April 29.

• Officers responded to separate noise complaints in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road and the 1700 block of County Road E April 29.

• A Maplewood man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Orchard Lane and Buckbee Road April 30.

• Copper wire was stolen in the 1600 block of Ninth Street April 30.

• Officers investigated a domestic assault in the 2500 block of Oak Drive April 30.

• Officers responded to an animal complaint in the 3400 block of Savannah Avenue April 30.

• Officers assisted with a civil issue in the 2000 block of Fifth Street May 1. A dog bite was reported in the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue May 1.

• Officers responded to a juvenile incident in the

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

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a phone message April 7 regarding an airplane flying above a Cedar Street residence and leaving a white stripe in the sky. They were unable to reach the caller to explain the science behind vapor trails or to find out whether the caller was a week late for April Fool’s Day hijinks.

Dellwood

• A Dellwood Avenue resident reported receiving an obscene phone call on April 10.

Grant

• Deputies assisted the Oak Park Heights Police Department in a DWI investigation at 1:25 a.m. April 5 on Highway 36 and helped arrest the suspect.

• A motorist spee ding in the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue N. was cited for that offense at 11: 40 p.m. April 7.

• While on routine patrol on 75th Street N. and Ideal Avenue N. April 8, deputies observed a vehicle traveling on a public roadway with license plate tabs that expired in August. Following a traffic stop, deputies issued a citation to the motorist for the offense.

A male was arrested on a Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office warrant April 9 in the 9000 block of 107th Street N. Deputies transferred the suspect to RCSO deputies.

4700 block of Clark Avenue May 1.

• Officers detained suspects in a state patrol gun pointing incident during a traffic stop on Highway 96 and Second Avenue May 1.

• Officers responded to a juvenile incident in the 3600 block of McKnight Road May 1.

• A Minneapolis resident was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Interstate 694 and White Bear Avenue May 2.

• Theft was reported in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue May 2.

• Officers arrested a White Bear Lake woman for an outstanding warrant on Century Avenue N. May 2.

• Officers investigated a suspicious vehicle in the 4300 block of Lake Avenue S. May 2.

• Officers responded to a report of a missing person May 2 in the 4800 block of Johnson Avenue. The person was later found nearby.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI following a two-vehicle collision near Centerville Road and Highway 96 May 2. Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 3800 block of Saint Regis Drive May 2.

• Officers responded to a disorderly conduct

• A fight was reported at midnight April 10 at a residence in the 10000 block of Jody Avenue N. One person was arrested and charged with assault.

• A motorist was pulled over for speeding April 10 in the 9000 block of Manning Avenue N. and cited for the violation.

Mahtomedi

• Deputies received information from the Minneapolis Police Department April 3 that the MPD had recovered a firearm stolen overnight Nov. 1-2 from a motor vehicle parked on Forest Avenue.

• With no sign of any peace talks or even a ceasefire, the NERF wars remain ongoing as deputies responded to Ledgestone Drive on a report of juveniles trying to ambush another juvenile with a NERF gun on April 3. The youths had left by the time deputies made it to the scene.

• Deputies issued a citation to individuals of undisclosed identity at 10:44 p.m. April 3 for being in Southwest Park on Long Lake Road after hours.

• A motorist blowing through the stop sign on Stillwater Road and Wildwood Road was stopped and cited April 4. The driver received multiple citations that also included failure to produce a driver’s license or proof of insurance.

• A motorist who failed to move over for emergency vehicles was cited for violating the Ted Foss Move Over law April 4 on I-694, just west of Century Avenue N. During the traffic stop, the driver was unable to

provide proof of insurance and was cited for that as well.

• Eastbound deputies on routine patrol in the 800 block of Stillwater Road at 1:35 a.m. April 5 observed a dark westbound SUV with expired tabs driving with abnormal caution and creeping along ever so slowly. During deputies’ traffic stop investigation, it became evident that the driver was intoxicated. After the subject was taken to jail, he refused to provide a breath sample and was booked into jail.

• Deputies took a report from Wildwood Road of suspicious individuals running around wearing masks and dropping things from their hands on April 6. If they were representatives of the Easter Bunny, they would have been a day late. Squads were unable to locate anyone engaging in this activity. A suspicious vehicle observed by deputies patrolling Wedgewood Drive at 12:39 a.m. April 7 turned out to belong to a male who was just shooting hoops while the court was free. However, deputies advised him the park was closed and he had to leave.

• A large amount of dumped garbage was reported April 7 in a wooded area on private property on Woodland Drive. Deputies met with a nearby business owner who witnessed residents from a nearby apartment building throwing away their garbage in the wooded area.

• Ideal Avenue residents on April 8 reported ongoing scam attempts, fraudulent texts and fake emails.

incident in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road May 3.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2400 block of Floral Drive May 3.

• Officers responded to a group of disorderly juveniles in the 2400 block of South Shore Blvd. May 3.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 3500 block of Century Avenue N. May 3.

• A person was found safe after being reported missing May 4 in the 2200 block of Floral Drive.

• Officers responded to a complaint of an aggressive dog at-large in the 4800 block of Bald Eagle Avenue May 4.

• A dispute was reported in the 4600 block of Second Avenue May 4.

• A noise complaint was reported May 4 in the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue.

• Theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road May 5.

• Fraud was reported in the 2000 block of Fifth Street May 5.

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Vadnais Heights

• Deputies arrested a 27-year-old man from Edina and a 31-year-old Minneapolis woman for fifth-degree drug possession April 5 after making a traffic stop in the 800 block of County Road E East and discovering suspected illegal drugs and paraphernalia in the vehicle.

• Deputies issued a theft citation to a 56-yearold man from St. Paul April 5 after he was caught by loss prevention employees in the 800 block of County Road E East attempting to switch price tags on meat products, scan them and leave the store without paying full price. Deputies cited a 21-year-old Rochester woman for reckless driving April 6 after she rearended another vehicle in the area of Talmage Circle and County Road E East and started a chain-reaction crash.

• Deputies arrested a 28-year-old woman from New Brighton April 6 for check forgery and on an active warrant after receiving a report from a bank in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive that she was trying to cash a fraudulent check for more than $2,500.

• Deputies issued citations to a 40-year-old Roseville woman for assault, disorderly conduct and domestic assault April 7 after responding to a report of an in-progress domestic assault in the 800 block of County Road D East and learned that she showed up unannounced and assaulted the father of her child.

A 33-year-old woman reported April 6 that someone keyed the hood of her Ford Edge while it was parked outside a business in the 800 block of County Road E East. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies issued a trespass notice April 8 to a 53-year-old man after he became upset about the price of gas and became disorderly with staff at a gas station in the 1000 block of County Road E East.

• On April 9, deputies arrested a 25-year-old man from Stillwater in the 3200 block of Highway 61 on an active warrant.

• A 66-year-old man reported April 10 that while he was walking into a business, he was struck by a vehicle in the 900 block of County Road E East that did not stop after the impact. He was not injured. The incident is under investigation. Deputies issued theft citations to a 24-year-old woman and a 23-year-old woman, both from St. Paul, April 10 for attempting to leave a store in the 800 block of County Road E East without paying for merchandise.

Officers mediated a dispute in the 4800 block of Centerville Road May 6. Conservation district considers dock variance

The White Bear Lake Conservation District (WBLCD) will hold

Mahtomedi) to extend their dock length for the 2026 season. The hearing will be held on or after 7:10 p.m. May 19 during the WBLCD Board meeting at White Bear Lake City Hall. The meeting agenda will be posted at wblcd.org three days before the meeting.

• On April 11, a 37-year-old woman in the 700 block of Harriet Avenue reported that her ex-boyfriend contacted her in violation of the protection order she had against him. The incid ent is under investigation.

Willow Lane fifth graders take over Donatelli’s

Fifth grade students will take over Donatelli’s Restaurant in White Bear Lake from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday through June 2. Students will work as cooks, servers and hosts. Leading up to the “takeover,” students prepared resumes and cover letters, applied for jobs and participated in interviews.

A portion of the tips made during the takeover will be donated to Gabe Kessel, a 2025 White Bear Lake High School graduate who was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. (See “High school wrestler meets toughest opponent yet,” May 22, 2024, White Bear Press.) For more information

A portion of the tips made during the takeover will be donated to Gabe Kessel, a White Bear Lake High School graduate. He is pictured with his dad Joe and his mom Anna.

and to follow his journey, visit his Gofundme page “Grapple Against Brain Cancer.”

GRADS

“Over the last two years, Gabe has been giving his all to fight this fight. He's been living to the fullest. He's had a couple great vacations in the Caribbean and a couple different hunts … Unfortunately, this cancer is still incurable,” said Gabe’s mom, Anna Kessel.

Only 1% of kids and young adults survive five years or more after

the diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and diffuse midline glioma (DMG) brain cancer. The average survival rate is only 12 months.

“We have been fortunate enough to have 25 good months. But Gabe has had several new tumors appear in the last few months and he is currently on hospice,” Anna said.

Brigid Rose Kehoe

White Bear Lake Area High School

Press celebrates America’s 250th with ‘American Bears’

Press Publications is inviting residents to dress up their concrete bears in red, white and blue in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America Saturday, July 4.

Residents will be able to submit photos of their All-American Bear online at www.presspubs. com/allamericanbears between May 14 and June 9. We ask that you decorate your bear in a nonpartisan fashion and do not include overtly political messages.

Once the entry period is closed, residents can vote for their favorite All-American Bear from June 10 through June 21. The contest is sponsored by Otter Lake Technologies.

The winner of the competition will be highlighted in Press Publication’s 250th American anniversary special commemorative edition that comes out in the July 1 edition of the White Bear Press.

Keep an eye out for more information in an upcoming edition of the White Bear Press.

Betty F. Swanson

Chris Ann “Chrissy” Klasons

97, of Saint Paul MN, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026. She was preceded in death by her father Robert Swanson, mother Florence Swanson, brother Robert Swanson, and life partner Will Hansen. Betty was born in Saint Paul, graduated from Johnson High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1950. She loyally supported her alma mater and was a lifelong Gopher fan. Betty was an accomplished career woman having worked as a chemist at both LaMaur and Rayette for 40 years. During that time, she also became an accomplished golfer, winning multiple golf titles which include the Minnesota Women’s Golf Association State Amateur Championship 3 times, the Women’s Senior Amateur Golf Championship, and countless recreational club tournaments throughout the state. In 2014, Betty was inducted into the Minnesota Women’s Golf Hall of Fame. She remembered and documented every hole she ever played and knew every inch of turf at her home club, White Bear Yacht Club. Betty was also a devoted friend to many, especially to her beloved Mar Club of seven childhood friends, and her legions of golf buddies. She had a special bond with her second family, the Hansen family. Her faith was her foundation and she was a dedicated and longtime member of Arlington Hills Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Many thanks to First Fiduciary corporation and the many loyal caregivers who attended to Betty’s needs in her later years. Following a private graveside service at Lakeview Cemetery in White Bear Lake, a Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at 12:30 PM at the White Bear Yacht Club, 56 Dellwood Avenue, Dellwood, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Arlington Hills Lutheran Church, 1115 Greenbrier St., St. Paul, MN 55106. Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172.

Age 76 of White Bear Lake, passed away on May 2nd, 2026, after another courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her children, Erik Klasons, Kelly (Al) Benford, Melissa Klasons, and Thomas (Julie) Hager; 8 grandchildren,11 greatgrandchildren; nieces and nephews; sistersin-law; and countless friends.Her loving warmth and charisma will be missed by all who were blessed to know her. A celebration of Chrissy’s life will be Saturday, June 13th 2-5pm at the Hugo American Legion.

William (Bill) Walter Petryk

Born on November 26, 1927 in Goodman, Wisconsin, passed away on August 23, 2025 in White Bear Lake, MN. Bill is survived by his children William, James (Rebecca), Jane (Steven Tuttle), his granddaughters Alicia (Ben Huber), Elizabeth (Jeffrey Grinager) and Caroline (Zachary Butera), and greatgrandchildren Charlotte, Alice, Heidi, Micah, Aurelia, and Kalen. Bill is predeceased by Ruth, his loving wife of 73 years, and daughter-in-law, Linda Petryk. A Memorial Gathering took place on May 10 2026 at Hugo City Hall.

Obituaries celebrate and honor unique lives.

To Submit an obit Email obits@presspubs.com Call 651-407-1250 Visit us at 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Pitfalls that can lead to spending beyond

There are many ways for individuals to determine if they're spending beyond their means. One such avenue is to determine the level of consumer debt they're carrying, which could be an eye-opening metric for millions of people. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, credit card balances rose by $27 billion in the second quarter of 2025, ultimately reaching $1.21 trillion. Though millions effectively manage credit and thus use it to their financial advantage, others struggle to keep their heads above water after accumulating large amounts of consumerrelated debt. And such debt is not the only pitfall that consumers can look to avoid in an effort to spend within their means.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, credit card balances rose by $27 billion in the second quarter of 2025, ultimately reaching $1.21 trillion. Though millions effectively manage credit and thus use it to their financial advantage, others struggle to keep their heads above water after accumulating large amounts of consumerrelated debt. And such debt is not the only pitfall that consumers can look to avoid in an effort to spend within their means.

• Failure to budget: A failure to budget can make it hard to know how much is coming in and how much is going out. Budgeting is a financial strategy embraced by consumers across generational lines, as a recent poll from NerdWallet found that 83% of millennials, 67% of Baby Boomers and 74% of Gen Xers adhere a monthly budget. Those who fail to embrace budgeting may not save much money and thus be more likely to accumulate debt when unexpected expenses arise.

• Failure to budget: A failure to budget can make it hard to know how much is coming in and how much is going out. Budgeting is a financial strategy embraced by consumers across generational lines, as a recent poll from NerdWallet found that 83% of millennials, 67% of Baby Boomers and 74% of Gen Xers adhere to a monthly budget. Those who fail to embrace budgeting may not save much money and thus be more likely to accumulate debt when unexpected expenses arise.

• Failure to save: Budgeting and saving go hand in hand. Budgeting helps people avoid daily overspending, and it also helps people finance costly expenditures like travel and big-ticket purchases by facilitating saving. A failure to save money leaves individuals with no financial safety net, which can force them to use high-interest credit cards to pay for significant expenses like home repairs and medical bills. When credit card balances are not paid in full each month, the resulting interest charges quickly add up and even exceed the initial expense.

• Failure to save: Budgeting and saving go hand in hand. Budgeting helps people avoid daily overspending, and it also helps people finance costly expenditures like travel and big-ticket purchases by facilitating saving. A failure to save money leaves individuals with no financial safety net, which can force them to use high-interest credit cards to pay for significant expenses like home repairs and medical bills. When credit card balances are not paid in full each month, the resulting interest charges can quickly add up and even exceed the initial expense.

• Impulsive spending: According to CapitalOne Shopping Research, 36% of consumers indicate the majority of their purchases are unplanned. Impulse buying has long been an issue for many people, but it might pose an even bigger threat now. That's because smartphone shopping apps mean the next purchase is never more than a smartphone swipe and click away, which is perhaps one reason why CapitalOne reports the average consumer made 9.75 impulse buys per month in 2024. Smartphones are here to stay, but consumers concerned about their ability to resist impulse spending can turn off shopping app notifications and opt against storing credit card numbers in shopping apps and on websites. The added inconvenience of being asked to enter personal information each time you make a purchase might compel some shoppers to spend less impulsively.

Increases in consumer debt suggest many people are struggling to avoid various pitfalls that can lead them to spend beyond their means. A concerted effort on the part of consumers to right their financial ships involves recognition of the various pitfalls that can threaten their financial security.

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BRIEF

DNR urges people to leave deer fawns alone

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources asks that people avoid disturbing or touching deer fawns, which are born around this

time of year. Most fawns are born from mid-May to mid-June, and do not attempt to evade predators during their first few weeks of life. Instead, they remain still to avoid being seen. During these times, fawns are learning critical

survival skills from their mothers but are often left on their own while their mothers watch nearby.

The DNR assures the deer fawns are likely fine, though they might appear to be abandoned or fragile. Even if the fawn is known to be wounded or abandoned due to a car strike or animal attack, do not transport it without talking to a wildlife rehabilitator. According to the DNR, moving a fawn can be detrimental to the animal and increase the risk of spreading diseases.

• Bryan DeSmet and Diane Longville of White Bear Township and Mark Wisniewski of Dellwood have been reappointed to the board for another term. All three of their terms will expire April 30, 2029.

• The conservation district is seeking the replacement of the administrator position after Cheri Howe announced her retirement plans. The board has approved the spending of up to $400 for use in advertising for the position. The administrator role requires 16 to 20 hours of work each week. For more information, or to apply, visit wblcd.org/index.php/about-wblcd/ employment.

Chair DeSmet said the plan is to hire someone by July 1 so they can spend a few weeks alongside Howe before she retires. In May, the board plans to decide whether the committee that has been tasked to hire the new administrator has the authority to make the hire themselves, or if the decision should come before the entire board.

• Each year the board has to renew its workers’ compensation contract. As it usually does, the board chose the $200 a year premium option.

• The conservation district is in the process of drafting a watercraft rental checklist. “We are trying to put together a list of information from Minnesota statutes, our ordinance, the DNR and the counties so we can get all of the information in one place on what you need to do to rent your own boat on a website,” explained Vice Chair Meredith Walburg. “This is becoming more and more popular. Our goal is to make boat rentals safer on this lake, and the plan is to eventually publicize this list.”

Director Christopher Churchill wanted to make sure that the district was not changing any of its ordinances. Wahlburg confirmed the district was not changing its ordinances but simply putting all of the existing rules and regulations from all the different entities in one place. The board is expected to approve the final checklist at its May meeting.

• The district is in the early stages of planning for its lake management plan. The last one was completed in 1999. “It is going to be a big project, and this is a multiyear timeline,” Wahlburg said. “I tried to set something reasonable up with my experience in managing the lake use study.”

Wahlburg explained that the process is expected to kick off this summer, likely in August, with a board strategic planning meeting. After that, some board members would be appointed to serve on a steering committee to spearhead the effort. The board would then request proposals from firms to complete the plan, beginning in 2028 and being finalized in 2029.

Churchill asked, “What are the big things in the study we want to address?” Wahlburg responded that the project scope could be whatever the board wanted, including things like:

- How to work with law enforcement better to encourage safety on the lake

- How the lake is impacted by wake boats

- How to encourage lake homeowners to plant different species to improve lake quality

- How to utilize volunteers “It is really big-picture things,”

MAHTOMEDI SCHOOL BOARD NOTES

• Each quarter, the Mahtomedi School Board receives an update from Tim Erickson, its director of finance, about how the district is keeping pace with its spending of funds and receipt of revenues.

At the April 27 meeting, Erickson gave his quarterly financial update for 2026. In his presentation, Erickson produced a graph that shows the amount of the allotted budget the district has already spent, how much remains to be spent after March 31 and how the figures compared to the 2025 budget. The graph also shows the figures for revenues already received, the amount of revenues expected after March 31 and how those figures compared to the 2025 budget. The district has received $35.7 million in revenues already and expects to receive another $16.4 million. The district has already spent $35.2 million and expects to spend a further $17.6 million. With a revised revenue budget of $52.1 million and a revised expense budget of $52.9 million, the district has expenditures over revenue of $812,131. The quarterly report is used to provide notice of significant budget variations that could have a negative impact on year-end fund balance projections. All in all, the district is tracking right where it should be, Erickson said.

• When the district’s auditor, James H. Eichten, CPA, principal for LB Carlson, presented the auditor’s report at the Feb. 23 meeting, there was a delay in the federal government guidance reporting in a few areas. At the time, Eichten promised to return if a concern showed up regarding the district’s financial compliance. If Eichten didn’t return it would mean good news for the district. Eichten has not been seen, and no deficiencies were reported in the district’s internal controls over compliances the auditors considered to be material weaknesses. Because the district has a smaller administrative staff it does not separate duties, which is an ideal standard the district cannot meet unless it hires more administrative staff. However, the district performs procedures to make sure it doesn’t have a material misstep. The district’s lack of separation of duties has been studied and found not to contain material missteps. The board unanimously approved the report. “The probability of the district having a major audit

she explained.

• DeSmet and Churchill are coming up with a plan to hire a survey firm to reinstall markers along Commercial Bay so that marina owners can more easily identify the ordinary high water level (OHW) location.

“Between Chris and I, we will establish some bullet points for scope of work … likely same engineering firm that helped us before to get a quote and bring that back to the board,” DeSmet said. “Some of those markers have gone away and are difficult to find, so we need to get something more permanent there.”

• The board has authorized spending up to $1,500 on a laptop, Bluetooth keyboard and docking station for the administrator position.

• The district plans to have a few hard copies of the recent lake use study in its office for members of the public to view.

• Treasurer/ Secretary Mike Parenteau reported that the lake level is at 923.2, which is 2 inches higher than in March and 7 inches higher than last year at this time. The water temperature is 52 degrees compared to 45 degrees at this time last year.

• The district will pay Blue Water Science $5,650 for the treatment of Eurasian watermilfoil and starry stonewort.

• East Shore Dock Association’s dock application for Mahtomedi Beach has been approved. (Director Mark Ganz abstained from the vote, since he is a member of the dock association.) Ganz explained that last year, the association asked for a variance to allow a 20-foot

issue is very low,” Erickson said.

extension, bringing the dock from 150 feet out to 170 feet, but still within the authorized dock use area (AUDA). Ganz noted that going forward, the association can just request the same as last year versus having to get a variance every year. The district received one letter from a resident who shared safety concerns about the extension and suggested that the dock be shortened approximately 100 feet. The letter writer wrote in part, “Recent extensions have forced swimmers and lake users to enter the water behind motorized boats. This creates a hazardous situation, as individuals are placed directly in the path of boats entering and exiting the dock area. There have already been multiple incidents involving people in close proximity to active boat traffic, highlighting the real and immediate danger.”

• Wahlburg reported that the 23rd annual lake cleanup had 11 groups sign up. Despite the lack of ideal weather, 66 volunteers participated, picking up 415 pounds of trash. Since the cleanup’s inception, about 8,000 pounds of trash has been collected by 1,773 volunteers. The district will host another cleanup event as part of Manitou Days on Saturday, June 27.

• The board took its first look at the budget for 2027. Parenteau noted the budget should be ready for approval by the board in May. The budget has to be delivered to each of the cities by July 1.

The next White Bear Lake Conservation District meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at White Bear Lake City Hall.

Shannon Granholm

• Each month the district recognizes the contributions and professionalism from a member of staff. This month, the board honored Paola Otten-Romero, school psychologist at O.H. Anderson Elementary. Romero has been school psychologist in the district for the past 10 years, having spent the last three at O.H. Anderson. Romero runs weekly team meetings; educates her team on special education updates; creates schedules for students, teachers and paraprofessionals; and supports teachers on interventions and progress monitoring. She is teacher leader for her colleagues at O.H. Anderson and throughout the district. Romero is knowledgeable in Special Education laws, rules and regulations and follows them, said O.H. Anderson Principal Susie Prather.

• In his penultimate report, Student Representative Matt Studenski gave a shoutout to eighth grader Liam Anderson, who won the Scripps Spelling Bee by correctly spelling such words as “hydrocortisone”. The Career, Internship and Volunteer Fair was held April 10 at the high school, and students told Studenski they found the event extremely helpful and were surprised at how interesting it was. He said he wanted to talk to people in the STEM fields and was pleasantly surprised at the options and how well organized the event was. Night at the Theatre was held April 17, where band and choir students competed with each other in a talent show that awarded the winner a pizza party for their group. The Spring Fling will be held at Wildwood Elementary from 5-8 p.m. May 15 with live music, games, raffles and more. Studenski noted that the middle school has added extra time at lunch to allow students outside to play games. The kids must have had a good time, he said, because they screamed the entire time he was having his 40-minute meditation time in the woods. Studenski said he approved of the outside time, because the older you get, the less time you have to spend outside at school.

• The 2026-2027 School Board Calendar has been set and, as expected, the meetings will be held on Monday evenings.

• In her report, Superintendent Barb Duffrin noted that the AI Dessert and Dialogue was held April 14 as an opportunity for people who use AI professionally to share their experiences with the public. The takeaway was that human skills are critical, and students need strong background knowledge as well as integrity and judgment to prevent AI from taking over their own thinking.

• More than 100 people attended the April 10 Career, Internship and Volunteer Fair at Mahtomedi High School. Attendance doubled in size from 2025, Duffrin said. Student ambassadors were on hand to encourage connections, and a career bingo sheet was implemented to increase student engagement and motivate students to visit different tables.

• Mahtomedi Middle School held Career Day on March 26, where students attended three 25-minute sessions and had the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of careers. More than 30 careers were represented, spanning a wide variety of fields including health care, public safety, business, law, engineering, science, education, media, hospitality and entrepreneurship. Visitors took a survey, and 95% said they learned something new.

• Duffrin said that the Class of 2025 enjoyed a graduation rate of 96%. The rate goes up and down, but the four-year district graduation rate remains high. “We recognize that not all students graduate in the same way and in the same time frame,” Duffrin said. The district’s seven-year graduation rate also remains high at over 98% and reflects the impact of the district’s Passages Transition Program.

• Annie Dahl won the outstanding DECA adviser award for 2025-26 for the second year in a row.

• Bryan Farmer is the Air and Space Forces Association Minnesota State Aerospace/STEM Teacher of the Year.

Upcoming events include:

• Food Truck Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the DEC

• Memorial Day is May 25, and there will be no school.

Loretta Harding

Paola OttenRomero

Notice of Early Filing

2026 State General Election

Ramsey County, Minnesota

Notice is hereby given that a filing period will be given for candidates seeking election to State, Municipal, and Judicial office in the 2026 State General Election occurring on Tuesday, November 3rd 2026. The filing period will begin on Tuesday, May 19th at 8:00 a.m. and will conclude on Tuesday, June 2nd at 5:00 p.m. Candidates may withdraw their name from the ballot up until Thursday, June 4th at 5:00. After this deadline, the list of candidates for each race is finalized. Filing fees associated with each office are non-refundable, even if a candidate decides to withdraw.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

2026 STATE GENERAL ELECTION NOTICE OF EARLY FILING

Please note: the early filing period will only be for Judicial offices as well as State and Municipal offices with potential primaries. Candidates seeking election to municipal offices without primary elections and school board offices will submit their Affidavits of Candidacy during the late filing period in July (Tuesday, July 14th through Tuesday, July 28th)

The following is a list of offices open for filing during the early filing period along with their corresponding filing fee and locations where candidates may submit their Affidavits:

United States Senator $400

United States House of Representatives Districts: 4 & 5

Minnesota Governor & Lieutenant Governor

Minnesota Attorney General

$300

Minnesota State Auditor

$300

Minnesota Secretary of State

Minnesota State Senator Districts: 36, 39, 40, 44, 47, 64, 65, 66, & 67

Minnesota State Representative Districts: 36A, 36B, 39A, 39B, 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B, 47A, 64A, 64B, 65A, 65B, 66A, 66B, 67A, & 67B

Minnesota

$100

Minnesota Secretary of State 20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Secretary of State

W 12th St, Suite 120

Paul, Minnesota 55155

Minnesota Secretary of State 20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd.

Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State

20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State

20 W 12th St, Suite 120

Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State 20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State 20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State 20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Ramsey County Elections

90 W Plato Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107

Minnesota Secretary of State 20 W 12th St, Suite 120 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

$300

Ramsey County Elections

90 W

Minnesota

Minnesota 55107

Candidates may also opt to submit a petition in place of filing fee. This petition must be filed together with the candidate’s Affidavit. Candidates can begin gathering signatures for this kind of petition before the start of the filing period, but signees must be eligible to vote for the candidate circulating the petition.

The number of signatures required for a valid petition will vary depending on the office sought. Visit the Secretary of State’s website for the exact number of valid signatures needed for a given office, printable versions of petition pages, and more information on circulating petitions/valid petition format.

How to File

Affidavits of Candidacy and Affidavits of Withdrawal must be filed in-person at a designated filing location or mailed to a filing officer after being properly notarized. Please note, there are four different versions of the Minnesota Affidavit of Candidacy (Federal, State/Judicial. City/Town/School District/Special District, and County/Special District), candidates must submit the correct version in order to be placed on the ballot. Candidates must also present valid proof of residence when filing. Candidates for Ramsey County Sheriff must present their peace officer license at the time of filing. Candidates for Judicial seats and Ramsey County Attorney must present their license to practice law at the time of filing. Nominating petitions and petitions in place of filing fees must be submitted in-person at Ramsey County Elections. If a candidate must be out of Minnesota during the filing period, they should contact Ramsey Couty elections for information on how to file.

Affidavits of Candidacy will be available at all filing locations. Printable versions of every type of Affidavit are also available on the Secretary of State’s website. Printable versions of the Affidavit of Withdrawal will also be available at filing locations as well as the Secretary of State’s website.

For more information on the filing process, contact Ramsey County Elections at: 651-266-2171 elections@RamseyCountyMN.gov

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 6 and 13, 2026.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP MEETING NOTES

• May 11-16,2026 has been proclaimed National Police Week in White Bear Township. “Police have quite a tough job these days,” said township Board Chair Ed Prudhon. “Thank you for your service.”

• May 2026 has been proclaimed Building Safety Month in White Bear Township, recognizing the many individuals who play a role in constructing, maintaining and monitoring safe buildings.

• White Bear Township has authorized the sale of bonds in the amount of $4.7 million to help finance its 2026 road and utility improvement projects, which are expected to cost a total of $5.2 million.

• The Bald Eagle Yacht Club sailing course will go forward with its summer racing season once its amended certificate of liability insurance covering the entire season of activity is presented to township officials.

• The location of a trail at the planned Park 35E industrial subdivision on Centerville Road will be adjusted slightly to give nearby residents a little more buffer space and preserve a few more trees on the site.

• The Three Oaks Homeowners Association has

requested support from the township board as it pursues a state grant that would plant more trees on the west side of Peterson Road as a noise buffer for traffic on Interstate 35W. Steve Poucher, who serves on one of the HOA subcommittees, spoke to the board to share more information about this proposal. Poucher has been working with staff members at the state level to potentially apply for grant funding for this planting project and was advised to seek support from the township. The goal of extending the existing tree line from 150 feet to 400 feet “would naturalize the area, cut down on noise and beautify the area,” he said. “It’s a win-win for everyone.” The board recommended a few resources for more information and vendor possibilities.

• Town Engineer Larry Poppler presented the 10-year preventative maintenance pavement management plan, with the goal of extending the lifetime of the township’s paved roadways and minimizing the cost of maintenance required over time. He estimated that this plan will likely cost the township approximately $4.4 million per year to stay on top of maintenance and improvements.

• In a 2-1 vote, the township board opted into

the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority, a new program that offers assistance to local businesses through staff time and resources. No direct funding is included in this support. Board Chair Prudhon cast the dissenting vote, stating that this resource is similar to programs the county already offers. Administrator Patrick Christopherson stated that there is no penalty for backing out if the township later changes its mind. Supervisor Beth Artner suggested the township seek feedback from local businesses and evaluate how the program is serving them after some time has passed.

• Executive session meeting dates and locations have been adjusted due to schedule conflicts; the first will now take place at 8 a.m. Friday, May 29, at the Old Town Hall, and the second will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, June 29, at the township’s administrative offices at 1281 Hammond Road.

The White Bear Township Board next meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road.

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:

Goat Arts

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1616 RACE ST SAINT PAUL MN 55102

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.

Sage Melissa Folstad

1616 RACE ST SAINT PAUL MN 55102

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: April 27, 2026

Signed: Brody Folstad

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 6 and 13, 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: Pivot Moving

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 2112 Broadway St NE Ste 225 #401 Minneapolis, MN 55432

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

ARETESOLUTIONSGROUP (ASG) LLC

2112 Broadway St NE Ste 225 #401 Minneapolis, MN 55432

Dated: April 26, 2026

Signed: Subi Bakeli

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 6 and 13, 2026.

SUMMIT MINI STORAGE SELF STORAGE SALE

Tenant: Margaret Johnson Unit #173A

Contents: Miscellaneous items

Time of sale: May 29, 2026 at 5:30pm 3716 Scheuneman Rd, Gem Lake, MN 55110; (651) 429-1311

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 6 and 13, 2026.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-390

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: Benjamin Mitchell Moore, Decedent. NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 2:45 p.m. until 3:00 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 Mitchell Moore, whose address is 3932 Berkshire Road SW, Rochester, MN, 55902, 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

all creditors

having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

BY THE COURT: Theresa Ames, District Court Administrator

BY: Michael Syverud, Deputy Court Administrator

Date: April 24, 2026

Attorney for Petitioner: Nicolas B.C. Yost

Dunlap & Seeger, P.A.

30 Third Street SE, Ste 400 Rochester, Minnesota, 55904

Attorney License No.: 0505175

Telephone: (507) 288-9111

FAX: (507) 288-9342

Email: nby@dunlaplaw.com

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 6 and 13, 2026. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-386

SECOND NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of: Eva Fredericka Ethen, a/k/a Eva F. Ethen, Decedent.

NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 1:15 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s last will dated April 13, 2012 (“Will”), and for the appointment of Jean M. Jenson, whose address is 12255 Ivanhoe Way, Hastings, MN 55033, 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 or Will 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 estate and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.

Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5.

NOTICE 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:

Date: April 28, 2026

Theresa Ames, Court Administrator

BY: Michael Syverud, Deputy Court Administrator

Attorney for Petitioner

Cameron R. Kelly

Cummins & Bonestroo Law Office

2251 Tower Dr. W., Ste. 100, Stillwater, Minnesota, 55082

Attorney License No: 032873X

Telephone: (612) 210-9703

FAX: (651) 430-2813; Email: ckelly@cblawoffices.com

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 13 and 20, 2026.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-411

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of:

Inge G. Steinberg, Decedent.

NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 2:45 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s last will dated October 31, 2015 (“Will”), and for the appointment of Joseph G. Steinberg, whose address is 208 Geneva Blvd. Burnsville, MN 55306, 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 or Will 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 estate and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.

Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5. NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice. Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

BY THE COURT: Theresa Ames, Court Administrator

BY: Michael Syverud, Deputy Court Administrator

Date: May 1, 2026

Published two times in the White Bear Press on May 13 and 20, 2026.

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town of White Bear will receive sealed Bids for the construction of the County Road H2 Trail project, consisting of the following: 701 TONS Bituminous Paving 973 CU YD Excavation - Common 52 CU YD Excavation - Subgrade 2573 LIN FT Concrete Curb and Gutter 36 EACH Drainage Structure

2892 LIN FT RCP CL V Storm Sewer

2016 SQ

Bid forms, contract documents, drawings and specifications as prepared by TKDA, are on file for inspection in the office of the Town Clerk and in the office of the Engineers, whose address is 3311 E Old Shakopee Rd, Suite 300, Bloomington, MN 55425. Complete digital Proposal Forms, Plans, and Specifications for use by Contractors submitting a bid are available at www.questcdn.com. You may download the digital plan documents for a non-refundable fee of $25 by inputting Quest Project No. 10191190 on the website’s Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information.

Contractors desiring drawings, specifications, and related documents for the purpose of submitting a bid may secure them from the Engineers upon a non-refundable payment of $50 for each set. Mail orders for Drawings and Specifications, and orders for Drawings and Specifications will not be taken by the Town.

Every bidder must apply to the Town Clerk at 1281 Hammond Road, Town of White Bear, for a Permit before conducting any subsurface investigation and such bidder shall be responsible to check with the utility companies concerning the location of any buried utility services.

Bids will be received by the Town of White Bear until 9:30 am, Wednesday May 27, 2026. For this solicitation, bids will ONLY be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN.com for an additional bidding fee of $30. Download the bid documents and click the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement to access the electronic bid qualifications and bid worksheet. Bids will be electronically opened and publicly read aloud by representatives of the Town of White Bear. Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or cashier’s check payable to White Bear Township in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid as a guarantee that the bidder, if successful, will enter into a contract with the Owner for the work described in the proposal. This deposit will be subject to forfeiture as provided by law. The

Jackie Bussjaeger

BBYRA hosts annual Mayhem Regatta

The Black Bear Yacht Racing Association (BBYRA) will host its annual Mayhem Regatta on May 23 and 24; races start at noon. All keelboat owners are welcome to participate in the BBYRA. Experienced sailors are eager to mentor those who are new to racing. Registration applications for the 2026 season are available at bbyra.com

Washington County hosts open house for Highway 36 and Lake Elmo Avenue project

Washington County, in partnership with MnDOT and the cities of Grant and Lake Elmo, is hosting a preconstruction open house for the improvements to the Highway 36 and County Highway 17 (Lake Elmo Avenue) intersection from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, in the lower level room 14 at the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater.

Residents are invited to attend the open house to learn more about construction staging and what to expect during construction. There will be no

formal presentation or discussion. Those who are unable to attend the open house can access the project website at www. washingtoncountymn.gov/LakeElmoAvenue for open house materials following the in-person event.

White Bear Lake accepting applications for Park Advisory Commission

The city of White Bear Lake is accepting applications from city residents to join its Park Advisory Commission. This volunteer position is for a three-year term on an advisory body to the City Council on policies and actions related to the city’s planning, development, design, use and maintenance of parks, open space and natural areas. For more information and qualifications, go to the city’s website under “news and events” at www.whitebearlakemn.gov, or visit City Hall at 4701 Highway 61. Applications will be accepted through Monday, June 15, or until the vacancy is filled.

White Bear Lake VFW Post 1782 announces ‘Buddy’ Poppy Days

Members of White Bear Lake VFW Post 1782 and its Auxiliary will observe Minnesota’s official VFW Buddy Poppy Days May 15–16 and will distribute commemorative poppies at local grocery stores in exchange for donations. Adopted by the VFW in 1922, the Buddy Poppy is the organization’s official memorial flower and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by U.S. service members.

The paper poppies are assembled by disabled veterans, who are paid for their work. The program provides supplemental income, and the assembly process also offers therapeutic hand exercise for veterans affected by wounds, illness, or age.

All donations benefit the VFW Post 1782 Relief Fund, which directly supports local veterans’ assistance programs and provides help to veterans’ families. Poppies will be distributed outside of Kowalski’s White Bear Lake Market, Festival Foods White Bear Lake, Cub Foods on Buerkle Road in White Bear Lake and Cub Foods Meadowlands in White Bear Lake Township.

Symphony prioritizes the health and happiness of seniors by providing them with high-quality home care services that meet their unique needs and preferences. Whether it’s assistance with daily living activities or specialized medical care, we make sure our elders receive the compassionate and reliable support they deserve.

Evangelia “Angie” Wold President/CEO

professor) came to me just before graduation and said, ‘I think you should consider being a lawyer,’ because I was getting A’s from him,” he recalled.

After he graduated in 1953, Copeland enlisted in the U.S. Army for two years. After his service, he took his professor’s suggestion and attended William Mitchell School of Law. He graduated in 1959 and was ranked first in his class.

“I was admitted to the (Minnesota) Bar in 1959, and I practiced law ever since then,” Copeland explained.

“I

Copeland moved to Dellwood in 1960 and bought a home on the border of Grant and Dellwood in 1977. He says he enjoyed the job because of the people.

“It was very interesting. It is surprising even for a small city how much legal stuff goes on,” Copeland said. “I enjoyed working with the mayors, council people, planning commission people, because I was always so impressed that they would devote their time on behalf of the city.”

a one-man police force (Andy Labarre) before it eventually signed a contract with the sheriff’s office. Council meetings were held at the thenmayor’s (Erna Conroy) home in Pine Tree Hills.

“She and her husband owned the restaurant Conroy’s, so when you would get to the meeting, there was always a tray of liquor bottles … it was like an open bar. So those meetings back then, they were very short and brilliant decisions were made.”

Dick Copeland Retired Attorney

During his over six-decade career, Copeland saw a lot of change. He recalled when he was first starting out as a young attorney, the city of Dellwood had

Copeland also recalled Fletcher Driscoll Sr., then city clerk, recording all of the minutes and documents by hand. A memory that to this day make Copeland laugh is when the city decided it was going to ask residents to clean up their yards. “The mayor sent out a letter to all the residents asking them to report any unsightly conditions they felt needed to be addressed,” he said. “Nine wives reported their husbands.”

As the city attorney, Copeland was responsible for prosecuting all misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors for citations that were issued by the sheriff’s office. Many years ago, Chief Justice David Doischer referred to Copeland as “the prosecutor with a heart.”

All American Bears Contest

White Bear Lake

Decorate your bear in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America! How to Participate:

• Decorate your concrete bear in red, white and blue

• Enter contest by uploading a photo online at presspubs.com/ allamericanbears and filling out contact information

• Enter between May 14th and June 9th

• Voting online from June 10th - 21st

• All American Bear winner will be highlighted in Press Publications 250 American Anniversary special commemorative, printed in the July 1st edition of the White Bear Press.

“I was always kind of more interested in working out the problems by the way of rehabilitation or treatment rather than punishment,” Copeland explained.

William Fleming, who shared an office with Copeland for 25 years, says the residents of Dellwood “are much better off” for having him keep watch for over 60 years. “Dick has an unmatched ability to fully grasp the complex legal issues at play while being able to resolve issues with civility, compassion and a great sense of humor,” Fleming said.

Fleming says the reason Copeland was so successful was because he understood the importance of work-life balance. “It allowed Dick to be a great attorney, while also understanding the importance of spending quality time with his friends and 10 children,” he said. “He has always been active. When he officed on White Bear Lake, I am told Dick would oftentimes bring his skates to spend some time on the ice to break up the workday.”

Copeland said he finally decided it was time to retire because it was “getting to be embarrassing,” adding that five of his children retired before he did. “I thought it was probably time,” he said. Even though Copeland has retired, he has stuck around as a consultant to help the city of Dellwood’s new firm, Lakes National Law. Copeland plans to spend as much time as he can in retirement golfing and fishing.

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

“The Carlson Clinic is top notch, caring and considerate. The therapy plan treatments have reduced pain and increased my mobility considerably. Thanks to all of you, you really make a difference!”

“I threw my back out and was home alone. A therapy specialist was sent to come and get me. I never heard of such service, most importantly, I could stand up straight after 4 visits!” -

Dr. Dustin Carlson, DC

Dick Copeland has officially retired after a 66-year career as an attorney. He represented the city of Dellwoood for over 60 years.

Royal Credit Union hosts Diaper Drive

Royal Credit Union is teaming up with three local nonprofits — Feed

My People Food Bank, St. Croix Valley Food Bank and Diaper Bank of Minnesota — to host its second annual Diaper Drive during the month of May. Both unopened and opened packages of disposable diapers and wipes can be donated at any Royal office. Monetary donations will also be accepted at any office or online at rcu.org/ DiaperDrive to assist the nonprofit partners in purchasing additional supplies to support those in need.

“Diapers are a basic necessity, but nearly 50% of families struggle to afford enough for their children, and the cost is not covered by

assistance programs like WIC,” said Heidi Cornelius, Royal community relations coordinator. “After the strong support we saw from the community last year, we are proud to bring this drive back and continue working with our partners to help fill that gap for families and ensure they have access to these essential items.”

After the drive, the nonprofit partners will distribute the collected diapers and wipes to families in need within the local communities where the donations were made. Those donating diapers are encouraged to consider sizes 4, 5, 6 and 7, as these sizes are in particularly high demand and often receive the fewest donations. Additional information can be found at rcu.org/DiaperDrive.

Weekly Outlook

Weather Tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com

We’re experiencing a nice run of “dry” weather. Although lawns look green and lush, we could use a bit of precipitation. We did have a minor passing morning light rain before sunrise on Saturday. Maybe some of you early risers that went fishing bumped into one. It was short and only generated 0.02” of precipitation. Otherwise, this past weekend which included Mother’s Day, was very pleasant. Skies overall were mostly sunny, a bit breezy, with highs on the cooler side. Lakes statewide were ice-free. The upper level Low, which has been centered over Canada and responsible for our unseasonably cold weather will weaken and we should have a nice warmup of above normal temperatures. Speaking Note: I’ll be giving a speech on Twin City Climate on Thursday, May 14 at 6:00pm at White Bear Lake United Methodist Church. Join me! You’ll be a Twin City Weather Expert when I’m done. It’s free and complimentary tacos served. Email me for more info at watsonwx@aol.com.

Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

Hugo Feed Mill is looking for a 30+ hours dock/warehouse manager

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Stop by our shop to apply. 5582 - 146th St. N, Hugo

NOW HIRING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Love lake life? We’re seeking a reliable contributing writer to create engaging, community-focused content for a local lake publication. Topics include recreation, local events and personalities, nature and stories from around the lake. Ideal candidates have strong writing skills and an interest in the lake community. Please send resume and three writing clips to whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

Chisago County is hiring an Infrastructure Engineer and Senior Infrastructure Engineer

Plans, designs, and maintains programs, policies, and management systems in all facets of the county computer systems

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Bachelor's degree (PHN) preferred, or Registered Nurse with 1 year experience in related field, or 2-year RN working towards a BSN.

Apply online at www.chisagocountymn. gov/316/Job-Opportunities

Closing Date: May 31, 2026

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BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Although they sit only a stone’s throw apart and a popular walking trail runs right through the middle, the waters of East and West Vadnais lakes are not connected.

That’s why the Vadnais Lakes Area Watershed Management Organization (VLAWMO) has introduced a proposal that West Vadnais Lake be removed from VLAWMO’s management and absorbed by the neighboring water management authority, the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD).

Why does it matter who is responsible for this lake? Since water flow is determined by the geology of the land and not by political jurisdictions, many Minnesota watershed boundaries are drawn and managed according to the downstream flow patterns. Management often starts upstream, working to mitigate any negative downstream effects. As a result, VLAWMO cannot effectively do any upstream work to enhance West Vadnais Lake, since the upstream area lies outside of VLAWMO’s jurisdiction. On the flip side, any management VLAWMO performs on West Vadnais will not have any downstream benefit for the

larger VLAWMO watershed.

At a recent City Council meeting, City Council

Member and VLAWMO Board

that VLAWMO is seeking the support of the Vadnais Heights City Council in this request.

“It does prevent (RWMWD) from being able to effectively carry out their mission, because they miss a link in part of their watershed,” Kanne said. “It is in the best interest of the people — we all pay in our property taxes to these organizations — that our tax dollars are going to places they’re going to use. Not hinder VLAWMO in their mission by us just having a random lake that does not connect to anything else in our watershed.”

RWMWD is in the public comment stage of its 10-year watershed management plan update, and Kanne asked that members of the council confer and offer support for this proposal before the current comment period ends on May 15.

Council Member Erik Goebel expressed a preference that this subject should be discussed in a council meeting, but the comment deadline precluded formal discussion. He suggested that the data be shared with the council, and the council pass on their individual thoughts to City Administrator Kevin Watson for consensus.

This isn’t the first time this matter has been discussed—the flow pattern was first noted in a 2022

study conducted for RWMWD by Barr Engineering, and RWMWD did consider this proposal in 2024, wrote VLAWMO Administrator Phil Belfiori. In a request for comment, RWMWD Administrator Tina Carstens wrote that the RWMWD board has not had formal discussion about West Vadnais Lake recently.

“We did have conversations with VLAWMO in 2024 about this but did not continue that process due to other board priorities at the time,” Carstens wrote. “At this stage in the watershed management plan process, we are reviewing the highlevel goals. Next, we will look at action items and implementation, such as the management of West Vadnais Lake. We look forward to continued conversations with VLAWMO about the possibility of working together to support the goals for West Vadnais Lake.” The topic will be discussed at a May 20 meeting of the VLAWMO subcommittee, wrote Belfiori. RWMWD will continue taking public comment this summer during its watershed management plan update process and 60day review period. Members of the public are invited to share feedback with RWMWD staff and can find contacts for VLAWMO at vlawmo.org or RWMWD at rwmwd.org.

Member Katherine Doll Kanne reported to the council

V LAWMO | CONTRIBUTED

On a map showing water flow through the Vadnais Lakes Area Watershed Management Organization (VLAWMO) watershed, West Vadnais and East Vadnais lakes have independent streams of flow.

Mahtomedi (12-3) absorbed its first two Metro East Conference (MEC) losses last week and won a game at Baseball Day in Minnesota (BDM). Hastings beat the Zephyrs 4-2 on Tyson Werner’s two-run homer in the seventh. Connor Finn led a 3-0 win over Simley, firing a two-hit shutout with 17 strikeouts and hitting a homer. Cody Loida smacked a two-run homer. Hill-Murray tripped the Zephyrs 11-9 with 11 hits off Tino Foster, Jonah Harrold and Gavin Bifulk. The Zephyrs’ Isaac Iten was 4-for-4 (two RBI’s), Frank Schwieters homered and Finn had a double and two RBI’s. Mahtomedi still leads the MEC at 11-2. They beat host Delano 10-3 on BDM Saturday. Loida knocked in four runs with two doubles. Luke Torgrude had two-run single. Peyton Erickson threw 2 1/3 shutout innings with seven strikeouts in relief of Alex Kurpis.

TRACK & FIELD

Mahtomedi boys and girls each placed 10th of 10 teams in Section 5AAA true-team Tuesday at Forest Lake. The Zephyr boys had some of the top individuals. Ericdarren Daafour won long jump (22-2) and triple jump (45-2). Jaxon Mitchell won the 200 dash (22.43) and took second 100 (10.91). Andrew Russell won the high jump (6-8) with Eliah McCormick fourth (6-4). Parker Maas was third in the 1600 (4:22). The 4x100 team placed second (43.67) with Cael Brummel, Russell, Daafour and Mitchell.

TENNIS

Mahtomedi’s bid for the Metro East Conference title was foiled by St. Thomas Academy (STA) 5-2. The Cadets finished 8-0 and the Zephyrs 7-1. STA won all four singles and 1-doubles in straight sets. Winning for Mahtomedi were Kento Kedrowski/

Elias Barnes and Sebastian Naf/Ivan Knauss. The Zephyrs beat St. Paul Central 5-2 and Two Rivers 6-1. They’ll take a 10-7 record into Section 4AA starting Monday. It’s been a season of juggling; the Zephyrs have had close to 20 different doubles combinations while three players alternated at 1-singles.

GIRLS

GOLF

Mahtomedi won a dual over North/ Tartan 163 to 216 at Goodrich. Reagan Juhl shot 36, Lily Carlson 39, Lexi McGrane 41 and Brynna Newfield 48.

SOFTBALL

Mahtomedi (4-12) beat South St. Paul (SSP) 7-1 last week while losing twice. Liana Grille tossed a three-hitter with five strikeouts against SSP, Ava Sheppeck went 4-for-4 (RBI, two runs, two steals), and Jac Pawluk 2-for-3 (triple, two RBI’s). The Zephyrs lost to Hill-Murray 9-5 and Cretin-Derham

Hall 12-0. Against Hill-Murray (H-M), Sydney DeFore threw four shutout innings, Pawluk was 3-for-3, Sammy Pramal 2-for-3 (triple, two runs), and Alex Pawluk 2-for-4 (triple, RBI). Ellie Lahr had two hits against SSP and two RBI’s against H-M.

BOYS GOLF

Mahtomedi was runner-up in the Blaine Invitational and had the meet medalist in Leo Miller at Majestic Oaks. The top three among 12 teams were Blaine with 609, Mahtomedi 624 and Hudson 626. Miller, a sophomore, shot 71-75-146 to win by a stroke and junior teammate Brooks Ashfield tied for third with 72-76-148. Blaine’s Tyler Verhulst was second with 147 and Rogers’ Brandon Yabandith tied Ashfield with 148. Mahtomedi’s Mark Graff was ninth with 78-77-155 and Malik Washington

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

BASEBALL

White Bear Lake (6-9) was on both ends of no-hitters during a 2-2 week. Woodbury’s Nick Luneman held the Bears hitless and beat them 6-0. Jackson Kolb of the Bears hurled 6 1/3 no-hit innings with 14 strikeouts against Forest Lake (7-8) and Lykan Schaffer got the last two outs in a 9-0. Kolb had reached the pitch limit. Going 3-for-4 were Riley Helmberger (triple, two runs) and Wyatt Reilly (RBI). The Bears had a six-run seventh to beat Roseville 8-3. Helmberger was 4-for-4 with a two-run single. Max Butters had a triple and two RBI’s. Pitching were Jack Kook, Brody Lashomb and Ben Brockman. The Bears lost at Duluth East 6-5. They got a two-run single from Kook in a threerun seventh to take the lead but couldn’t hold it. Lashomb, Joseph Setter and Ben Brockman pitched.

SOFTBALL

White Bear Lake took losses from highlyranked Rogers 12-0 and Forest Lake 7-0 last week while beating Cretin-Derham Hall (CDH) twice. Rogers (17-2) hit three homers while AnnaBelle Waldoch threw a fiveinning no-hitter with 11 strikeouts. Forest Lake (19-2) got a one-hitter with 13 strikeouts from Avery Muellner. The Bears (9-7) beat CDH 8-1 Tuesday as Anessa Pena hit a three-run homer, Camille Castro was 3-for-4 (RBI, two runs) and Lilly Martin threw a two-hitter

with eight strikeouts. They beat CDH 11-9 in eight innings Friday after the Raiders scored eight runs in the last of the seventh. Maddy Pearson (3-for5, three doubles) and Allie Castro (4-for-5, three RBI’s) knocked in the go-ahead runs. Martin hit a two-run homer and Pena and Allie Casemore hit solo shots.

TENNIS

White Bear Lake defeated Irondale in their conference finale 7-0. The Bears had close wins at No. 1 with Graham Hennig rallying to beat Finn Peterson 1-6, 6-0, 6-4, while Chris Herr/ Ben Vang edged Jonah Miller/Finneus Rosiach 7-6, 7-5. Martin Henig, Mason Voeller and Brooks Peltier won at 2-3-4 singles. Quentin Kapisak/Carter Docken and Kennan Griffin/ Joseph Karls won 2-3 doubles. The Bears are 8-5 overall and finished 5-4 in the Suburban East Conference. Next is Section 4AA on Monday and Wednesday.

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

White Bear Lake placed third of eight teams in Section 2AAA trueteam at home. The top three teams were Stillwater with 917, Woodbury 740.5 and the Bears 719. Dashawn Ballinger was the Bears top scorer as he won the triple jump (42-2 1/2) while placing second in 300 hurdles (41.44) and fifth in high jump (5-8). Easton Miles had the Bears other first place, in the long jump (21-6 1/2).

The Bears placed 2-3-4 in the pole vault with Carson Juergens (12-6), James Bowen (12-0) and Alex Maki, fourth, pole vault (11-6). Vincent Kaźmierczak was fourth in both shot put (47-4) and discus (145-8). Max Popp was fourth in the 1600 (4:33.93) and 10th in the 800.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Cretin-Derham Hall handed White Bear Lake a 13-7 loss with Jaclyn Lundeen hitting five goals on Tuesday. Cayla Helmberger had four for the Bears. The Bears (8-2) beat Mounds View 20-9 as Rylan West and Olivia Simpkins tallied five goals each, Helmberger three (with six assists) and Olive Holvig and Hazel Holvig two each. Ava Maas had six ground balls and Hazel Holvig five. In the Suburban East Conference, Stillwater is 8-0, CDH 8-1, and the Bears 6-2.

BOYS LACROSSE

White Bear Lake (7-2) pummeled two conference opponents last week. The Bears beat Mounds View 19-2 with Wyatt Raleigh and Gavin Huot netting four goals each, Eli Lalonde three and Colton Butts and Liam Maloy two each. They beat Cretin-Derham Hall 18-3 as Raleigh pumped in seven goals. Carter Eastburn had three and Butts, Maloy, and Westin Raleigh two each. Adam Eicher won 10 ground balls and Tanner Olson eight. In the Suburban East Conference, Stillwater is 8-0, East Ridge 6-1 and the Bears 6-2.

GIRLS GOLF

White Bear Lake placed fourth of eight teams in the Battle on the Border at St. Croix National. Elk River won with 663. Abigail Labrador of STMA was medallist with 149. The Bears totaled 732. Maddy Vang placed 10th with 92-83-175, Lilly Maietta 16th with 185, and Adelle Blasing and Mila Palmer 18th with 186 each.

BOYS GOLF

White Bear Lake placed 12th of 16 teams in a Detroit Lakes tournament. Holy Family won with 591. The Bears totaled 643. Easton Fiddle placed 18th with 75-78-153. Henry Lamb shot 162, Easton Jenson 170, Grady Giefer 171, Cody Olinger 172 and Gavin Elgard 172.

Bruce Strand

Girls track and field place 2nd overall in true-team sections

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The White Bear Lake girls were runners-up in the Section 2AAA true-team meet. Top three teams among eight were Stillwater with 900, the Bears 835 and Eagan 681.

“I am so proud of our athletes' performance,” said Coach Briana Siebel. “We have a lot of young and new talent and I’m looking forward to watching their confidence grow in each of their events. I look forward to next year's True Team meet.”

Top scorer was Mabel Nethercutt, eighthgrader, winning the 1600 (5:25.85) and the 3200 (11:42.42). Logan Bailey was second in the 3200 (11:45.47) and fourth 1600 (5:27.68).

Taylor Comer won the 300 hurdles (49.60) and was fourth in 100 hurdles (16.96). Grace Weierke was second in the 100 dash (12.57).

Grace Mueller second in triple jump (34-9), and Hadley Everhart third in long jump (166) and eighth in the 100 dash.

The Bears as always scored heavily in throws. Madelyn Erickson was second in shot put (39-4) and seventh in discus. Karen Enow was

second in discus (1066) with Emily Reeves third (104-4). Pearl Niemioja was fourth in shot put (34-6) and Enow was seventh.

“We have strong athletes in throws and a coach who is doing a really great job with them,” Siebel said. ”Angie Guenther, White Bear Lake alum and hall of famer, joined our coaching staff last year. The girls have really enjoyed working with her and the results speak for themselves.”

Ariana Minor and Marina Demanou each high-jumped 4-10 with

Minor placing third and Demanou sixth. Khloe Pankonien took fourth in triple jump (34-5 3/4) and fifth in long jump (15-8 1/2). Brynn Heinsohn was fourth in the 800 (2:26.60). In the pole vault, Lydia Moore, Sophie Sargent and Anna Lindholm placed 6-7-8.

Relay teams placing second were the 4x100 with Weierke, Everhart, Abeni Zollinger and Mueller (51.46), and the 4x200 with Brooke Johnson, Heinsohn, Annie Vomela and Maddy Compton (1:50.10).

was 18th with 77-83-160.

BOYS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi (2-7) lost a pair of close games, to St. Paul/Two Rivers 5-4 with goals by Seth Erickson (two), Graydon Poppelman and Henrik Buckley, and to Hill-Murray 7-6, last week.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi (4-4) beat St. Paul/Two Rivers 13-4 and lost to Hill-Murray 16-6 last week. Their win was led by Lizzy Churchill with five goals and two assists, and Olivia Sowada with three goals.

Strand

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED Hadley Everhart hits the sand on the way to third place in long jump.

Bruce

BRUCE STRAND

| CONTRIBUTED

Dashawn Ballinger had first, second and fifth place finishes for the Bears in the sectional.

Local writer doesn’t allow mental illness to ‘have the last word’

Longtime White Bear Lake resident Tammy Waldoch is opening up about her personal journey in her debut book, “The Plight of the Pudgy,” in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Blending humor with heartfelt honesty, Waldoch explores themes of body image, mental health and self-worth, drawing from her own experiences with bipolar disorder and decades of struggle with toxic body shame. Now in remission she is using her voice to encourage others and hopes her story will help readers feel understood, less alone and inspired to hold onto hope.

Q. Tell us about yourself. How long have you lived in White Bear Lake?

A. I am a longtime resident of White Bear Lake, having lived here most of my life. I so enjoy what this community has to offer for the arts. I have especially benefited from belonging to a small group called The Writer's Well at the White Bear Center for the Arts. It was there that the inspiration to become a published author was born.

Q. What inspired you to write ‘The Plight of the Pudgy’?

A. I had written some humorous, satirical and witty parodies that I have sung on my YouTube channel for women who have struggled with weight loss issues, poor self-image and toxic body shame. I chose to use them as a backdrop for my stories, highlighting my own struggles of being a slave to the scale for nearly 60 years. I hoped to write a book as an open invitation where others could connect authentically with someone who wasn’t afraid to be transparent. I wanted my readers to feel deeply understood in their own struggles after reading it. This is my heartfelt rendition of transformation as I discovered I did not need to live my life scrambling for a tiny morsel of value from a number on a scale or otherwise.

Q. You shared that you are now a decade into remission from bipolar disorder. What does that milestone mean to you?

A. Once upon a time, because of my mental illness, I felt discarded by society with no place to fit in. The road was long with multiple setbacks. I found myself in and out of the psych ward and I became hopeless, believing my life would never be useful to God. I thought that all my long-lost dreams would not come true. Today I am proud to say that I have been given the right combination of drugs to restore my chemical imbalance. As a result of this victorious milestone, I am able to see that God isn't finished with my story yet. Today I have a sound mind, which enabled me to become an author and write this book. My illness did not have the last word.

Q. What were some of the biggest misconceptions about mental health you had to unlearn personally?

A. I had to learn it is okay to disclose my personal journey with bipolar disorder. That meant relearning to embrace my weaknesses, knowing that God could use them as my greatest strength. It meant discovering that I could say goodbye to the secrecy and shame and let go of the misconception that I was less than others because of it.

Q. Humor plays a part in your storytelling. Why is it important to talk about heavy topics with levity?

A. Humor breaks down defenses and provides a backdrop to discuss feelings that would ordinarily go unsaid because it is so uncomfortable to bring those dark feelings up. My material was written with levity to lighten the struggles and insecurities of bodies of all shapes and sizes. I created multiple moments of comic relief to provide a momentary release from insane attempts to find an unrealistic body ideal. I think the impact of laughter upon a human heart is sometimes the only balm necessary to enable you to acknowledge your own pain while facing with power new challenges that lie ahead of you.

Q. Your book also explores toxic body shame. How did that intersect with your own mental health journey?

A. My book is not only a book about overcoming toxic body shame, but also a memoir of my private battle with mental health and the journey I was on to overcome the stigma associated with mental illness. I hoped to share my private path of redemption in the hopes that someone else who is struggling might feel less alone. Many years prior to writing the book, I had a dream that I believed was from God about how He would use my life. I tell the tale of the years I spent waiting for God to fulfill that vision and how He helped me overcome the temporary setbacks due to bipolar disorder. My story is a tale of triumph, despite my history of depression and mania.

Q. For people currently in the middle of their own struggle, what do you wish they could understand about hope and healing?

A. To all of those who are out there who suffer from any battle with their mental health, I am here to say “Hold on!” God isn't finished writing your story. I know this by heart because of the years I battled my own illness and the ups and downs that accompanied my life story. God took my life and transformed it, and He can do the same with yours. As I celebrate mental health awareness month, I leave you with this quote by Audrey Hepburn:

“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,

reclaimed and redeemed. Never throw out anyone.”

I pray they would come to understand that healing is a process, and that even if hope feels fragile and you might even feel abandoned by God or discarded by others, He is at work redeeming what is lost. I would tell them that my life is a testimony, that there is hope and not to give up the fight, that there is hope on the horizon for them, too.

Q. If your book sparks one takeaway for readers this May, what do you hope it is?

A. For anyone who is searching for a new identity (due to their mental health or having been a prisoner of the scale), I hope they realize how perfectly they are loved by God just the way they are.

For those suffering from mental illness, I hope my book leaves them with this sentiment:

Too often those suffering from mental health disorders are marginalized and stigmatized, making them outcasts in society. Especially when the battle goes on for months or even years. Some may give up hope of healing ever occurring after repeat trial and errors with medications that seem to be ineffective. At which point, some will want to throw in the towel and give up hope. Your mental illness

does not define you and does not have the last word.

For those on a perpetual diet or suffering from poor body image or toxic body shame — I hope my book enables you to come out from underneath the lies of your negative self-critic and the scrutiny of the mirror. May you know the liberation that comes from being comfortable in your own skin. You are more than what you weigh, and I pray you will find healing from cultural expectations and societal norms that tell you that you must be thin to be beautiful. May you embrace God’s love for you just the way you are.

Q. Where can people find your book?

A. My book can currently be found at Lake Country Booksellers in downtown White Bear Lake. You may also pick up a copy on Amazon or Bookbaby.com.

Q. What's next? Are you planning on publishing any more books?

A. I just launched my blog on Substack, which is tied to my Facebook account. I also hope to start a support group for women who have suffered from toxic body shame. I have no plans for another book as of yet.

Compiled by Shannon Granholm

White Bear Lake hosts Touch a Truck

CONTRIBUTED

White Bear Lake resident Tammy Waldoch shares her personal mental health journey in her book, “The Plight of the Pudgy.” Waldoch credits the White Bear Center for the Arts for inspiring her to become a published author.