County Board OKs Century North amendment
The Washington County Board of Commissioners has approved a contract amendment with KimleyHorn for additional final design services for the Century North (Century Avenue/ East County Line Road) reconstruction project in Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake.
Cost-share agreements with all project cost participants for the design and construction of the project improvements will be brought to the Washington County Board for consideration once final construction costs are determined.
The Washington County Board approved a $699,990 contract with Kimley-Horn for final design services in September 2025. The scope included project coordination, agency and public involvement, drainage analysis and design, ADA design, construction staging and detour plans, permit applications, construction documents and project cost estimating.
Washington County assumed jurisdiction of the former Minnesota Department of Transportation State Highway 120 (Century Avenue North/ East County Line Road), from Wildwood Road (County Highway 12/ Ramsey County Road E) to I-694. Because this segment is a border road, Washington County assumed jurisdiction on the east side in Mahtomedi, and Ramsey County assumed jurisdiction on the west side in White Bear Lake.
A reconstruction project has been in the design phase since 2023, after Washington County successfully solicited $7 million in Regional Solicitation funds for improvements to this segment of Century Avenue North/ East County Line Road.
The project improvements, which were approved by the cities of Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake via municipal support in the
SEE CENTURY NORTH, PAGE 11
Riding through life’s toughest journey
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
For the past 13 years, the Tour De Bar bicycle ride has been an important annual tradition for the Parnell family. This year it will once again hit closer to home, as Tina (Parnell) Lovett is the event’s beneficiary.
Tina, 48, has deep roots in the White Bear Lake community. She and Mike, her husband of 19 years, both grew up in White Bear Lake, attended White Bear Lake schools,
and were raised among families who still call the community home. All 19 Parnell children attended White Bear Lake schools and participated in local sports and activities.
A family tradition comes full circle
In 2013, Tina's brother, Nick Parnell, was honored as a Tour De Bar beneficiary during his battle with colon cancer at the age of 39.
“Every year since then, we have been biking. It’s been a blast,” Tina
explained. “Tour de Bar is kind of like the best day of the year for him (Nick).”
Tina's health challenges began in 2018 with symptoms that no one could explain. For years, she was misdiagnosed and shuffled between specialists before finally receiving a diagnosis in February 2019 of perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease, a rare form of the disease.
In May 2026, Tina's journey became even more difficult when she
SEE TOUR DE BAR, PAGE 8
CONTRIBUTED
Tina (Parnell) Lovett, right, is the 2026 Tour de Bar beneficiary. She is pictured with her husband Mike and daughter Abby.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
LUMBERJACK DAYS
When: Noon-10 p.m. Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19
Where: Downtown Stillwater, 100 Main St.
Details: One of Stillwater’s favorite traditions with family-friendly fun and festive nightlife. Parade at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 19 from Churchill to Greely to Laurel Streets. Contact: lumberjackdays.com
COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 16
Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse
Details: Ice cream, root beer floats, live music, vendors and activities. Proceeds from sale of ice cream benefit Washington County Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund. Contact: washingtoncountymn.gov/3480/ Community-Ice-Cream-Social
BASICS OF ESTATE PLANNING
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16
Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave., room 103
Details: Learn the basics including wills and trusts, power of attorney, health care directives, estate tax, and the common misunderstandings of estate planning. Registration required. Contact: 651-407-2018 or communityed.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us
SUMMER SIGNINGS
When: 10 a.m.-noon Friday, July 17
Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake Details: Linda Norlander will sign copies of “What the Fields Saw” and “The Secret of Raven's Valley;” and Mama Rose will sign her debut “Fearless: 27 Affirmations to Change Your Life” during the Farmers Market. Contact: lakecountrybooksellers.com
LIVE JAZZ AT MANITOU RIDGE
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 17
Where: Manitou Ridge Golf Course, 3200 McKnight Road N., White Bear Lake
Details: St. Peter Street Stompers jazz band performs traditional New Orleans-style jazz. Contact: 651-777-2987
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 17
Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake
Details: Child care for the wider community for kids ages 2-fifth grade, with dinner and activities. Registration required.
Contact: 651-777-1107 or ststephenwbl.org
VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF DISTRIBUTION
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, July 18 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: 651-492-8233, 612-584-8966 or cityvadnaisheights.com/foodshelf
BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, Birchwood
Details: The Riff Rangers quintet performs folk and rock classics, Western swing, Big Band swing, Hot Club, Chicago blues and Irish music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Contact: cityofbirchwood.com
MUSIC ON THE LAWN
When: 4-5 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St.
Details: Billy McLaughlin and SimpleGifts present an acoustic tribute to Neil Young, Crosby Stills and Nash, the Eagles, Joni Mitchell, America and more at the concert series held on the first Sunday of the month during summer on the back lawn. Held indoors if rain.
Contact: 651-429-9026 or wblumc.org
RED CROSS BABYSITTER TRAINING
When: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21
Where: Mahtomedi Middle School, 8100 75th St. N room 123
Details: One day certification course teaches basic care of infants and children, first aid, emergency protocols, home safety, age-appropriate activities, leadership and more. Registration required. Contact: 651-407-2018 or communityed.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us
WHITE BEAR LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT BLOOD DRIVE
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 21
Where: Police/fire training room, 4701 Highway 61
Details: Call 800 RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter WBLFire to make an appointment.
CONCERT IN THE PARK
When: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 22
Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center parking lot, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.
Details: Outdoor concert featuring music and entertainment by The Royal Order of Chords and Keys (R.O.C.K.) Treats available; bring a lawn chair or blanket. Canceled if inclement weather. Contact: 651-407-2018 or communityed.mahtomedi. k12.mn.us
INTO NATURE COMMUNITY RECEPTION
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 23
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: Celebrate the beauty of summertime in White Bear Lake. View works of art painted “en plein air,” or outdoors, around the community from July 23-Aug. 27.
Contact: 651-407-0597 or wbca@whitebeararts.org
Transitions
Last week my parents moved from their condo into an independent living apartment that has options for assistance should they need it. My dad is finding it harder to get around due to back pain, and mom is finding it exhausting to meet all of his requirements. They are both excited about going to the dining room for three meals a day.
Publisher’s View
Carter Johnson
As a business owner for 70 years, he has been used to having a team around him. My sisters, both of whom live a good distance away, have been amazing with providing help in planning, packing, organizing and providing support throughout the move. Even grandkids helped move items and unpack. It has been overwhelming and emotional for them to box up a lifetime of belongings, and figure out what will fit in a smaller space and what to part with. There have been outbursts of frustration at different times for everyone involved.
Transitions are hard, but my parents taught us how to work through them as we were growing up, whether it was moving between schools, considering sports, moving into college, getting a first job and apartment, and getting married. When we checked in after their first night at the new place it was good to hear that they both really liked the breakfast. It seems like they are already starting to adjust more each day. I’m sure my dad will get back to his regular routine of having breakfast downtown, and he’ll settle into his office at the Press again.
As many of our readers consider this type of move for themselves or a loved one, my takeaway is to approach it with patience and empathy. We all need a little grace during a major life change, and probably a few extra hugs.
Best of the Press
Our readers have been busy. There were many who took time out of their schedules to nominate their favorites for the Reader’s Choice Best of the Press 2026 contest. Voting has now begun. As of press time, our regional contests have brought in over 20,000 votes.
For this contest, we partner with a software service called Second Street, which uses a completely online process to have readers nominate their favorite businesses or people, vote for them, and later on, announce the winners. We spend hours going over all the nominations to identify the ones with the most, to clean them up as much as possible. The software is getting better, but it still does not recognize that John Doe, John Dow, Jon Doe, Dr. Doe, Dr. John Doe, John Doe Clinic, Doe Clinic of Wellness, and any other variation, are the same. I hope we get everything correct, but please contact us at 651-407-1200 if we did not.
One of the new innovations with the software this year was the ability to purchase vote for us ads through the website. You can go online now at presspubs.com/bestof to see who the individuals or businesses are who made it to the voting phase. Voting started on July 8 and runs until Aug. 2. You do not have to vote in all categories, but we hope you do. You can also vote more than once, but only once per day. We have ways of ensuring each voter is legitimate, so voting is as fair and accurate as it can be. Voting is online only.
The winners and finalists for each category will be announced in print and online in October. Contest winners receive a plaque and window cling for their business, so please look for these at the businesses you patronize.
Have fun with the Best of the Press contest—learn about new places, and most importantly, support the local establishments that work hard every day to earn your business.
Remember that you can vote once a day through Aug. 2.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
OMillions and millions of mayflies
n Monday evening, we loaded up the dog and drove to the St. Croix Boom Site to spend some time by the river. There, I noticed a mayfly. And then another. Then 10 more. Now, 100. Soon, the air around us was thick with mayflies swooping, flying, hovering and gliding. There were so many that we could literally reach out and grab them in our hands – millions and millions of mayflies. If you like fish, then you must love mayflies. They are a critical ingredient of freshwater food webs and a favorite food of walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, trout, catfish and panfish.
Mayflies spend 99% of their lives underwater, where they exist as nymphs. You can find them on rocks and among aquatic plants on the edges of lakes and rivers, and their larval form looks similar to a damselfly. They have six legs, an alien-like appearance, and a three-piece “tail” that is actually a modified set of gills. After spending almost a full-year underwater, mayflies go through incomplete metamorphosis and emerge as fully-developed adults with wings.
Once mayflies get their wings, their sole purpose is to mate (in mid-air!) and lay eggs. Most adults live only a few days before dying and, in fact, they don’t even develop mouthparts or digestive tracts. There are more than 3,000 species of mayflies worldwide and Minnesota is home to 105.
Two – the Hexagenia bilineata and Hexagenia limbata – have synchronized hatches and can form swarms so large they actually show up on local weather radars.
Along the Mississippi River in Red Wing, Wabasha and Winona, the Minnesota Department of Transportation turned off bridge lights for several days in mid-June to limit the number of mayflies on the road. Meanwhile, up on Mille Lacs, the mayfly hatch usually occurs around the 4th of July. As abundant and strange as mayflies may be, they are harmless and actually a sign of good water quality. Mayfly nymphs graze on algae, fungi and decaying organic material, which helps to keep the water clean. They are also very sensitive to chemical pollutants, suspended solids from erosion, and decreased oxygen levels, and are one of the first creatures to disappear when a lake or river is in trouble.
During the 1950s-80s, the Mississippi River in Minnesota was too polluted to support an annual mayfly hatch. After the Federal Clean Water Act was passed in
1972, however, municipalities began working to improve their wastewater treatment systems and factories stopped dumping untreated chemicals into the water. Since then, water quality has gradually improved in many urban waterways. In 1987, the Mississippi River saw its first mayfly swarm in more than 30 years, and the hatches have continued every year since then.
Along with mayflies, there are several other aquatic insects that are considered bioindicators for water quality. Caddisfly larvae can be found in high quality rivers and streams where they attach to the undersides of rocks. The larvae build intricate, protective cases out of tiny pebbles, sand and twigs, which are truly works of art. Stoneflies, dobsonflies, alderflies and predacious diving beetles are also highly sensitive to pollution and will only be found in high quality rivers, lakes and streams. You’re most likely to see mayflies swarming in the late evening, just before and after sunset. If you live near the water, turning off exterior lights will help to keep them away from your driveway, house and yard. And if mayflies really bother you, have no fear. They only live for a few shorts days before flying off to the river in the sky.
Angie Hong is the coordinator for Minnesota’s East Metro Water Resource Education Program.
WHITE BEAR / VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES
• Election season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the election.
• Limited to 350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per 30 words after that.
• Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $50 fee. Please call 651-407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are labeled, “paid letter.”
• Letters for or against a candidate will qualify as paid letters.
• Submissions must include a full name, address and phone number for verification.
• Letter-writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• Letters are meant to express opinions. If letter-writers include facts, they must attribute those facts to a reputable source.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat unpaid letters by the same writer about the same
subject matter will not be published. Repeat paid endorsement letters will be published as space permits.
• Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue will be accepted as paid letters.
• Letters reprinted as part of letter-writing campaigns are paid letters.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• We reserve the right to not publish any letter.
• The deadline to submit a letter is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication.
• The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 3 election will be printed in the Oct. 20 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.14.
• To submit a letter, email news@ presspubs.com or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.
Movers & Shakers
Angie Hong
Column made impact
Logan Gion’s positive and uplifting comments about his upcoming visit to his North Dakota family homestead over the Fourth of July was marvelous. I wish I had the words to adequately express how it affected me. Thank you so much, Logan!
Eileen Grundstrom
White Bear Lake
Wall That Heals
I read the front-page story about The Wall That Heals coming to White Bear Township in the July 8 edition of the White Bear Press. While the article mentioned the 1,077 men from Minnesota who didn’t return, I was disappointed to see that it didn’t mention that eight of them were from White Bear Lake, nine, if you include one soldier who lived in White Bear, but whose home of record is listed as St. Paul.
John Parenteau
White Bear Lake
Thanks to festival organizers
Many thanks to the city of Vadnais Heights, the Vadnais Heights Community Action Network and the generous event sponsors for organizing another meaningful Freedom Day Festival on June 20.
The free food, art opportunities, live music and family activities made for a fun and festive atmosphere. I also appreciated the many Black-owned vendors and others who were on hand selling their wares or providing guests with information.
It’s been 161 years since Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19 to announce the abolishment of slavery Abraham Lincoln had eloquently proclaimed
two years prior. By some estimates, we have twice as many slaves worldwide today compared to 1865. We have to ask ourselves, are we doing enough to support our neighbors to live in a free and unencumbered manner? What can we do to move this value forward in the northeast metro and throughout the Twin Cities?
Holding an annual Freedom Day Festival to celebrate our Black neighbors, their contributions and their history in our region, country and world is a start. Thanks again to everyone who organized Freedom Day and came out to support it and the people it represents.
Suzanne Yonker White Bear Lake
Need dedicated bike lane
On Nov. 14, 2024, our Flex-Fletch family lost one of our beloved owners in a bicycle and vehicle collision on Centerville Road. While no road improvement can change what happened, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to help prevent another family, business or community from experiencing the same heartbreak.
Centerville Road is heavily traveled by motorists, yet it is also used by cyclists who ride for recreation, fitness and transportation. The stretch between County Road 96 and the next major county road has little room for error when bicycles and vehicles must share the roadway. As our communities continue to grow, so does the need for infrastructure that protects everyone who uses our roads.
I am asking Ramsey County and our local elected officials to evaluate the feasibility of adding a dedicated bicycle lane with markings or multiuse
trail with markings along this section of Centerville Road. Even if the project cannot happen immediately, it deserves to be part of the county's transportation planning. Safety improvements are investments that can save lives for decades to come. This request is not about placing blame for a past tragedy. It is about learning from it and taking meaningful action to reduce the risk of future tragedies. Whether you drive a car, ride a bicycle or simply have loved ones who travel these roads every day, we all share the same goal of getting home safely.
I encourage residents who care about improving safety on Centerville Road to contact their county commissioners, city officials and transportation planners. Together, our voices can help move this important conversation forward.
If even one life is saved because our community chose to act, that will be a legacy worthy of those we have lost.
Pamela Turner Director of Operations Flex-Fetch Products, Inc. White Bear Township
Disheartened by letter
Reading Cindy Paslawski’s letter to the editor applauding another letter condemning the Public Education mandate for Ethnic Studies, and her own indictment of the law as “indoctrination” and “brainwashing,” is beyond disheartening.
As someone who spent a 33-year career in public education and who raised two children up through the White Bear Lake Schools, I wholeheartedly support this long overdue acknowledgement and inclusion of the truths of our nation’s history and
White Bear Lake Area
the lived experiences of students of color in schools and in our society. If truthtelling lessons at school pose a threat to what is being taught at home, school is not where the focus for change needs to be. How can children learn “kindness, friendship and common sense” (as the Paslawski says) when they can see and understand that some of their peers, and generations of those peers’ families, have been and continue to be treated differently based on the color of their skin, or their cultural, religious and spiritual differences? Research shows that children perceive these inequities at a very young age. At home AND at school, we can help them to understand why these differences exist.
Empathy for others is best grown when one is able to understand that the lived experiences of others is not our own, yet it can still be true. It is the job of public education to create learning environments that feel safe and inclusive for all students. Learning about the realities they can already see is no threat to children.
If your child is taught at home that inclusive schools don’t matter, some exposure to another viewpoint at school might help them decide for themselves what kind of society they will help create in the future. In the meantime, exposure to multiple perspectives is a sure way to grow friendship and kindness. “Common sense” would tell us this, if we are all open enough to attend to it.
Susan Williams White Bear Lake
Agree with letters
A big thank you to Linda Demeny (White Bear Press, June 24) and Cindy Paslawski (White Bear Press, July 1) for taking the
time to thoughtfully express their opinions regarding Minnesota's new ethnic studies mandate for grades K-12, to take effect in fall of 2026. I wholeheartedly agree with both of these women. If you are not familiar with this mandate, I cannot encourage you enough to bring yourself up to speed on what it entails. As Linda Demeny stated in her letter, "It's time for all parents and grandparents to question what is being taught to our students.” No truer words could be spoken. As is often stated, our children are the future leaders. What better reason is there to be involved in your child's education? When you attend the parent/teacher conferences, question what's being taught. Express your concerns if you're unhappy with what you're hearing. Be the squeaky wheel. Attend the school board meetings. Let these educators know you're watching.
Perhaps letter writers like Mike Chevalier (White Bear Press, July 1) are complacent to sit back and allow their children to be taught whatever is mandated. However, I agree with Cindy Paslawski, our children need basic skills in reading, math and science. According to the Minnesota Report Card for the White Bear Lake School District at https://rc.education. mn.gov, the number of students meeting standards in math is 48.7%, reading is 52.7% and science is 24.2%. I feel those numbers indicate there is not enough emphasis being placed on these crucial subjects. And Mr. Chevalier, no offense, but these are the real crucial subjects! Not the ethnic studies you advocate for in your letter.
Evelyn Ecklund White Bear Lake
Church Directory
COPS&COURTS
WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS
The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• An email scam was reported July 1 in the 40 block of Summit Farm Lane, Gem Lake.
• Officers took a child protection report in the 1900 block of Eugene Street July 1.
• Disorderly conduct was reported July 1 at the intersection of Blomquist and Bellaire avenues.
• Harassment was reported in the 2100 block of County Road F July 1.
• Theft was reported in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue S. July 1.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 5000 block of Georgia Lane July 1.
• A protection order violation was reported in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road July 2.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Eugene Street July 2.
• A civil issue was documented July 2 in the 2400 block of Floral Drive.
• A White Bear Lake woman was arrested on an outstanding warrant in the 1700 block of County Road E July 2.
• Officers responded to a small sinkhole in the road near White Bear Parkway and Gun Club Road July 3. Public Works was advised.
• Officers responded to an animal complaint in the 2500 block of Crestline Drive July 3.
• A lock to a shed in the 4800 block
of Lake Avenue was cut sometime overnight July 3.
• Officers responded to a report of an individual harassing walkers near Highway 61 and Fourth Street July 3.
• Officers responded to a panhandler complaint in the area of White Bear Avenue and Orchard Lane July 3.
• Officers responded to an animal complaint in the 2100 block of County Road F East July 3.
• A Stillwater woman was arrested for DWI July 3 following a traffic stop in the 2100 block of Fourth Street.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1800 block of Eighth Street July 4.
• A domestic assault incident occurred in the 1800 block of Birch Street July 4.
• Officers mediated a dispute between a man and a woman in the 2000 block of Spruce Place July 4. Officers responded to a verbal dispute in the 2200 block of Elm Drive July 4.
• A vehicle hit a pedestrian in the parking lot of a business in the 4100 block of Hoffman Road July 4. Minor injuries were reported.
• Theft was reported in the 4600 block of Lake Avenue July 4.
• Officers responded to fireworks complaints July 4 in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road (multiple times), the 4900 block of Highway 61, the 2000 block of Fifth Street, the 1900 block of Clarence Street, the 2300 block of Orchard Lane, the 1400 block of Park Street, the 3600 block of McKnight Road, at Stellmacher Park and the 3900 block of Crestwood Place.
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Birchwood Village
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a burglary on Wildwood Avenue June 7 where tools had been stolen.
Dellwood
• A motorist on Dellwood Road N. at Hadley Avenue N. was arrested for DWI June 7, following a traffic stop for speeding.
• Deputies responded to a Dellwood Avenue address early June 10 about a downed power line causing occasional sparks and starting bushes on fire.
Grant
• While on patrol in the 10000 block of Manning Trail N. at 12:03 a.m. June 7, deputies observed a southbound vehicle speeding 66 mph in a 55-mph zone as clocked on their radar. During the traffic stop the motorist was revealed to have had several recent speeding citations. Deputies added another citation to his collection.
• A second motorist was cited at 11:51 p.m. June 8 on Manning Avenue N. and Settler’s Way for driving on public roads with no driver’s license. A third motorist was cited for hands-free cell phone violation on Highway 36 and Keats Avenue on June 11. A fourth driver was also cited for the same offense on Highway 36 and Lake Elmo Avenue on June 12.
• A motorist on Highway 96 at Joliet Avenue N. was arrested for DWI June 12 after deputies observed the vehicle crossing the center and fog lines and nearly plummeting into the ditch.
Mahtomedi
• Deputies were dispatched out to Wedgewood Drive June 7 on a burglary report in the park’s public bathrooms. They initially detained a male on scene but released him after not seeing any signs of damage. On June 8 deputies were dispatched back to the park on a report of an adult harassing juveniles. After gathering information, deputies once again determined no crime had been committed. At 6:37 a.m. June 11, deputies were back at the park checking on the welfare of a woman sleeping at the park. She refused to identify herself and said she didn’t want any help before going back to sleep. One hour later the sleeping woman was reported again, along with a male who was drinking in the park. At 1:23 p.m.
• Officers responded to a report of a male trespasser in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue July 4. Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue S. July 4.
• Officers responded to a family dispute in the 2600 block of Sumac Ridge July 5.
• A Roberts, Wisconsin, woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop July 5 near Spruce Place and White Bear Avenue.
• Harassment was reported in the 2200 block of Sixth Street July 5.
• Officers responded to a report of a person slumped over in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the area of Highway 96 and Northwest Avenue July 5. The driver, a Little Canada man, was arrested for DWI.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road July 5, and a trespass notice was issued.
• Fireworks complaints were reported July 5 in the area of Florence Street and Bald Eagle Avenue, the area of Tenth Street and Johnson Avenue, and the 2300 block of Cedar Avenue. Officers responded to noise complaints July 5 in the 4600 block of Clark Avenue and the 1700 block of Ninth Street.
• Officers mediated a civil issue in the 1900 block of Campbell Circle July 5.
• Officers assisted Columbia Heights police in the 4000 block of Gisella Blvd. July 5 for an unknown issue.
• Officers responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 3100 block of
that day, deputies conducted a welfare check on a known homeless man. He said he didn’t need help and was aware of when the park closed. At 10:43 p.m. deputies on patrol observed two vehicles in the park after hours. They spoke to multiple youths who were playing pickleball. After the youths left without incident, deputies cleared the building before locking it due to reports of property damage and people trying to sleep in the park. And that was deputies’ day in the park.
• A motorist on Wildwood Road and Old Wildwood Road was arrested June 9 for several offenses.
• As a change of scene, deputies responded to Southwest Park on Long Lake Road at 1:38 p.m. June 11 about suspicious people at the scene of recent property damage. The people had nothing to do with the damage but one of them had a sign and release warrant, which was served on scene. At 10:27 p.m. that night, deputies observed a vehicle at the park after hours and advised the people in it to leave.
• Deputies on June 12 patrol observed a vehicle traveling on Wildwood Road at Stillwater Road with license plate registration that had expired three months earlier. After a computer check confirmed the expiration, deputies issued a written warning to the driver.
• A motorist failing to stop at one of the two stop signs on Stillwater Road was cited June 13 for that violation. Another motorist was cited later that day for expired registration on Lincolntown Avenue and Wildwood Road following a traffic stop for the tardy tabs.
• A rifle round was reported found June 13 in an apartment parking lot on Stillwater Road. Deputies collected the ammunition.
After being flagged down by a stranded citizen at the Mahtomedi Fire Station on Stillwater Road June 13, deputies provided the person with a courtesy ride to Oakdale.
Pine Springs
• A tailgating motorist was cited June 11 on eastbound Highway 36 at Hilton Trail N. for following too closely.
• A motorist committing numerous traffic violations on Hilton Trail N. and 62nd Street N. was arrested for DWI and drugs at 2:08 a.m. June 13.
Willernie
• After failing to stop at the stop sign at Stillwater Road and Warner Road at 9:30 p.m. June 9, a motorist was arrested for DWI. During the traffic stop, deputies detected the odor of a consumed beverage and administered standardized field sobriety tests.
McKnight Road July 5.
• Officers responded to family disputes July 5 in the 3700 block of Prairie Road and the 3100 block of McKnight Road.
• Officers responding to disorderly conduct in the 3900 block of Linden Street in the early morning hours of July 6 suspected but could not definitively prove narcotics activity.
• Fraud was reported in the 4800 block of Debra Street July 6.
• A man was reportedly loitering in the 4300 block of Lake Ave S. July 6.
• Officers responded to an animal complaint in the 4600 block of Sandra Lane July 6.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road July 6.
• Fraud was reported in the 1900 block of Eugene Street July 7.
• Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 4800 block of Centerville Road July 7.
• Disorderly conduct was reported July 7 in the 4400 block of White Bear Parkway.
• Officers responded to a disturbance in the 4800 block of Centerville Road July 7.
• Officers cited a homeowner in the 4600 block of Sandra Lane July 7 for a dog at large and unlicensed dog.
• Officers responded to fireworks complaints July 7 in the 4800 block of Stewart Avenue and the 1700 block of Debra Street.
• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 1800 block of Birch Street July 8.
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents:
• Fraud was reported June 29 in the 800 block of County Road E East after two cell phones were purchased and their empty boxes returned by a suspect for a refund.
• Two male suspects stole several bottles of alcohol from a liquor store in the 100 block of Vadnais Blvd. June 29.
• A driver was arrested after fleeing a traffic stop for an equipment violation June 30 at the intersection of Interstate 35E and County Road E East. Deputies performed a PIT maneuver to stop the pursuit.
• A woman was arrested for DWI after she drove her car into a street sign in the 5200 block of Bald Eagle Blvd. E. June 30.
• Deputies responded to a hit-and-run crash at the intersection of County Road E East and Talmadge Circle June 30. A Falcon Heights woman reported
that a truck with a trailer hit and damaged her vehicle, and the driver did not stop.
• Deputies issued a trespass notice and theft citation to a woman and a citation for drug possession to a man, both from New Richmond, after they attempted to leave Walmart June 30 without paying for merchandise.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for domestic assault by strangulation in the 5700 block of Otter View Trail.
• An elderly woman's daughter reported that her mother had been swindled out of thousands of dollars July 2 in the 4100 block of Centerville Road. A Minneapolis woman was issued a citation for theft after attempting to leave Cub Foods without paying for merchandise July 4.
• A man in the 3500 block of Montmorency Street reported that someone broke into his garage and stole thousands of dollars’ worth of tools July 5.
Cup and Cone named to national ice cream tournament
Cup and Cone in White Bear Lake has been selected as one of 64 ice cream shops nationwide that will compete in The64.com’s second annual America’s Best Ice Cream tournament. The online, fan-voted competition begins July 16 and runs through Aug. 2, coinciding with National Ice Cream Month.
Fans can vote through multiple rounds as the field narrows to a national champion. The participating shops were chosen based on public nominations, social media engagement and online reviews.
Cup and Cone, a longtime White Bear
White Bear Lake intern learns newspaper business from all sides
For Kellen Johnson, a University of Kansas business student who just finished his freshman year, the inner workings of a community newspaper are a complex, engaging puzzle.
In his role as intern at the Isanti-Chisago County Star, Johnson, a White Bear Lake resident, has rotated through different departments, spending time in accounting and the front office, the mailroom, and currently, the press room. "I think community newspapers are valuable and I'd like to learn more about how the business operates,” Johnson said.
Johnson says that working in the press room has been the most enjoyable part of the internship. "There are just so many different parts and different things going, everything's different each day. So, I think that's been the most fun so far.”
Johnson acknowledges that the press team is "very, very knowledgeable" and has been helpful in his training.
When asked what readers would find surprising about the newspaper business, Johnson said the collective effort required to produce a publication. "I'd say just all the different people that it
White Bear Fire responds to bicyclist, vehicle accident
WHITE BEAR LAKE
takes to form the newspaper and get it to where it needs to be and what it should be, just all the different steps and the whole process to do it."
He believes that his generation finds importance in community news. "There are a lot of interesting stories that are very community specific that you don't get elsewhere," Johnson said.
The Isanti-Chisago County Star, located in Cambridge, Minn. houses the printing operation that produces Press Publications’ community newspapers each week.
Bill Stickels III
— A little before noon Thursday, July 9, the White Bear Lake Police and Fire departments were dispatched to the intersection of Bloom Avenue and Fourth Street for a pedestrian vs. vehicle accident. Witnesses reported seeing a DoorDash driver hit what looked to be a teenager on a bike. Police Chief Erik Johnston confirmed there was a bicycle and vehicle involved in the accident. He said there was no clear determination of fault, so no charges are expected. The bicyclist had minor injuries and was not transported to the hospital.
A 15-year-old female received minor injuries after being hit be a vehicle July 9 near Fourth Street and Bloom Avenue.
The driver involved was a 57-year-old male from North St. Paul and the bicycle rider was a 15-yearold female from White Bear Lake.
Weekly Outlook
5:43 8:555:44 8:545:45 8:535:46 8:525:47 8:515:48 8:505:49 8:49
Frank Watson
flowering and looking great.
Lake favorite, along with Grand Ole Creamery in St. Paul and Pumphouse Creamery in Minneapolis, are the three shops representing Minnesota in this year’s bracket. Vote online at The64. com.
Local State Farm agency hosts National Night Out event
Ty Haschig State Farm Office will host a National Night Out with Ty event from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 2063 County Road E East, White Bear Lake. The night will include a bounce house, music by Brendan Bonin, appearances from police and fire, a balloon artist, yard games, gift card giveaways and a community art activity by Ankita Art Academy. Drinks will be available for purchase from Dirty Sota Pop, and 350 Degrees Bakery will be on site with cookies.
New crepe shop set to open in Vadnais Heights
A France-inspired café plans to open its doors in Vadnais Heights in early August.
La Petite Bonjour Crepes will specialize in traditional and authentic pastries, offering ultra-thin, delicate pancakes crafted with either gluten-free buckwheat or conventional flour.
The menu will feature both sweet and savory options designed to cater to diverse preferences. Additionally, the owners plan to introduce a selection of hot and cold coffee beverages, as well as Boba drinks, to complement their offerings.
“Our mission is to bring the authentic taste of Paris to White Bear Lake, delivering a genuine and memorable experience rooted in classic French culinary traditions,” Annalise Yang said. La Petite Bonjour Crepes will open at 1650 County Road E East, Vadnais Heights. Owner David Lo also operates three other locations including Paris Crepes in St. Paul, Bonjour Crepes in Eagan and La Creperie in Edina.
Sign a lease at Good Samaritan – Heritage Place of Roseville and experience a carefree lifestyle near shopping, golf and health care.
Our spacious apartments feature one or two bedrooms, a beautiful bay window, and a washer and dryer. Take advantage of month-to-month leasing in our pet-friendly building that includes underground parking, comfortable community spaces and a fitness room.
Do you know if now is the right time for senior living? Scan the QR code and take a free, 4-minute quiz to find out.
CONTRIBUTED
Kellen Johnson is currently interning at the Isanti-Chisago County Star.
CONTRIBUTED
A new crepe shop is expected to open in Vadnais Heights in August.
TOUR DE BAR: From supporting others to receiving support through bike ride
was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive lobular breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. Breast cancer does run in her family. Her sister, Shannon Simpkins, was diagnosed with the same form of breast cancer at the age of 34 in 2019, and her father, Mike Parnell, was also diagnosed with breast cancer about 12 years ago at the age of 62.
“We didn’t win the genetic lottery by any means,” Tina said.
Tina credits staying on top of her six-month screenings/ mammograms for catching the cancer. Her husband, Mike, said Tina has continued to be an advocate for herself when she felt that something wasn’t right.
“With Crohn’s, I’ve always been on top of my body and how I feel,” Tina explained. “Even when the scans come back clean and I feel like something is off, I like to have a radiologist double- and triplecheck.”
And it’s a good thing she did, because the mammogram missed a cancerous spot in the left quadrant of one of her breasts.
On July 2, Tina underwent a double mastectomy. She is still recovering from surgery, and her doctors are working to come up with a treatment plan that will likely include an additional surgery and a combination of chemo, radiation and hormones.
“I’m kind of a case study for them … With my Crohn’s disease and the cancer, they have to treat the whole body and look at it that way,” She explained. “My Crohn’s and cancer docs have to get together and come up with a plan that will work, because my immune system is already so low.”
Taking it 1 day at a time
So how are Tina and her family navigating the never-ending health battles? Tina says she uses a combination of humor and deflection to get through it. Tina is a
OBITUARIES
Eugene C. Ruehle
Age 94, of White Bear Lake and Hugo, MN.
private person, so sharing her story with the community and having the spotlight on her has been difficult.
“I tend to and love to take care of others … so it is hard for me to accept the help everyone is trying to give. I know I need help, but so do a lot of other people. Everybody is dealing with something,” she said.
Christie Parnell, Tina’s sister-inlaw of nearly 30 years, nominated Tina to be this year’s beneficiary.
“I nominated her because she is one of my favorite people. She’s always been the hardest-working person. She just makes every situation brighter and more fun. She has got a great personality,” Christie said. “I just wanted to support her like we have supported all these other families.”
Tina described the love and support she continues to receive as overwhelming and humbling. “I don’t know how to describe it,” she said. “It brings me to tears a lot that people are so generous.”
Tina has had her fair share of breakdowns, but she’s determined to persevere and push through.
Mike said the hardest part of it all has been all the unknowns. “I feel horrible for her, and I’m scared,” he said. “My family hasn’t encountered this type of illness, not like Tina’s family has … It’s been a lot of listening, because I don’t know how to solve it. I’m trying to do the best I can.”
Tina says they are taking it one day, one step at a time. She has learned to let go and let people step up in the way they want to.
Community members have called her to check on her and dropped off groceries. The dance community has also been very supportive. Tina and Mike’s 15-year-old daughter dances at Metro Dance Center.
“We have an army behind us. It is unreal,” Mike said, recalling that he and some other “dance dads” bought pink hats and wore them by the pool and during a dance competition in Wisconsin Dells.
“We had about 200 pink hats … It was pretty cool.”
Preceded in death by his wife Marjorie Fehr; son Jeff; granddaughter Emma Harmon; parents Clarence and Lu; brothers Bruce, Don and Jerry; and a sister Phyllis. Survived by his wife Shirley Wood-Ruehle; daughters Jennifer (Chris) Rustad, Nan (Dale) Owens, Julie (Len) Orth, Linda Bronson Wood, Laura Schmidt and Lisa Wood; grandchildren Cole and Ava Harmon; 15 additional grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; sister Jan Menefee; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3770 Bellaire Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at Honsa Family Funeral Home, 2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, MN and 1 hour prior to the service at church. Private Family Interment Lakeview Cemetery, Mahtomedi, MN. Memorials preferred to the Church or the donor’s choice. Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172.
IF YOU GO
What: 38th annual Tour De Bar bicycle benefit ride
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1
Where: Begins at Macaluso’s Roadhouse, 3857 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights, and ends at Rudy’s Red Eye Grill, 4940 Hwy 61 N., White Bear Lake.
Details: For nearly four decades, Tour De Bar has brought friends, families, neighbors and local businesses together for a day of fun, fellowship and community giving. What began as a bicycle ride through local establishments has grown into a beloved White Bear Lake tradition and a powerful fundraising event dedicated to helping local individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Join in for a hop-off-style event where participants travel between 18 stops at their own pace, enjoy the community atmosphere and celebrate together. Funky costumes are encouraged. Participants must be 21 years or older.
Donate: To donate, or sign up, visit https:// givebutter.com/38th-annual-tour-de-bar-bicyclebenefit-ride or scan the QR code
Contact: mshearen@msn.com or lindamrather@ gmail.com
Tina’s army (and then some) will likely show up in full force at the Tour De Bar event scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1.
“I know their road ahead will be challenging, so I figured we could at
Rosemary Therese Nehring
(1939-2026) Passed away peacefully after a long illness on June 23,2026.Preceded in death by son Rick. Survived by loving husband of 71 years Wayne, son Tony, grandson, Nicholas, and several nieces and nephews.
Rosemary loved the outdoors and was admired for her kindness,optimism, and hard work. She will be sorely missed by family and friends.
A special thank you to friend Amy O'Dowd, to the staff of Accentcare Hospice, and staff of St. Therese Hospice Home.
Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.
Charles “Chuck” Lindorfer
Age 90 of Maplewood. Passed away peacefully on June 23. He is survived his wife Lea and seven children. Memorial service 11 a.m. Saturday July 18th at Church St Pius X, 3878 Highland Ave White Bear Lake. Visitation at 10 a.m.
Madonna “Donna” Rask
Passed away July 5, 2026, age of 86. Visitaton Thursday, July 23rd, 4-7 p.m., Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Avneue, Mass of Christian Burial Fri., July 24, 11 a.m., St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, visitaiton at 10 a.m. Arrangements MuellerMemorial.com 651-429-4944
least help them with one burden, the financial,” Christie said.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
Patrick John Welch “Putter”
Age 72, lifelong resident of White Bear Lake Passed away suddenly on May 27, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 4-8 p.m. at the White Bear Lake American Legion, 2210 3rd St. Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944 www.muellermemorial.com
Laurance R. “Larry” Waldoch
Age 81, died Tuesday June 23, 2026, at home, surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, 4:30-7 p.m. at Dellwood Hills Country Club (29 East Highway 96, Dellwood, MN 55110), with a tribute at 5:30 p.m. Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944
www.muellermemorial.com
Since 2013, Tour de Bar has been a yearly tradition for the Parnell and Lovett families. Each year they dress up in a themed costume, but the families say they are running out of ideas they haven’t already done.
Sometimes world news can be depressing with the rising cost of living, global and local conflicts, ongoing tensions. Many families are dealing with the added stress of a cancer diagnosis. Hearing the words “you’ve got cancer” can feel isolating, overwhelming, even hopeless.
Knowing you have the love and support of friends and family combined with the expertise of your medical team can make the difference. That’s where the 32nd annual White Bear Lake Relay For Life comes in. American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is the largest volunteerdriven fundraiser in the world. Started in White Bear Lake by our own Keith and Patty Warner, the event draws hundreds of cancer
survivors, their caregivers, friends and families from across the metro for a fun, family-friendly evening of live music, powerful speakers, food trucks, an on-line silent auction, games, and fun.
Each year, White Bear Lake and our surrounding communities light luminaries, small white bags with the name of someone
we’ve lost or who is fighting cancer. A small light that glows against the night sky in testimony to each cancer battle fought. Please join this army of purple warriors who gather to celebrate, remember, and commit to ending cancer. You can donate a luminary in honor or in memory of someone you love and invite a cancer
Survivor to join you. This year’s theme pays tribute to the classic board game, “Unwrap the Cure - a Candyland Adventure for Everyone.” Enjoy Live Music, food trucks, a bouncy house, and, back by popular demand, Irish Dancers, Sustainable Safari, and much more! It’s a fun
afternoon/evening for all ages- especially for cancer Survivors, their caregivers, and families. To donate or for more information, go to www. wbrelay.org. Thank you to our passionate participants, our dedicated sponsors noted below and to White Bear Lake Area Schools.
andArts Culture
EMERGING ARTIST: TAYLOR MINDESTROM
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
Preparing to play even one character in a show can take a lot of effort, but Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) incoming sophomore Taylor Mindestrom is playing five this summer.
“I love a challenge in theater,” said Mindestrom. “I love pushing myself to the limit.”
In July, Mindestrom said will play various roles in Children’s Performing Arts’ “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon,” including an enchantress and Cinderella. Then, in August, she will play Snyder in “Disney’s Newsies,” a summer stock intensive staged at White Bear High
School’s Performing Arts Center.
“There was a lot more, process wise,” Mindestrom said of her audition process for “Newsies.” She also described a contemporary acting method that the show’s director, Braylon Lane, has been teaching them, called Sonya Cooke’s Seven Pillars of Acting. The method, Mindestrom explained, informs an actor’s choices by having them explore a character’s circumstances, which informs that character’s desires.
Synder found this method especially helpful because her character is a cruel warden of a boys’ refuge in late-1800s New York. To explain Snyder’s behavior, Mindestrom crafted a backstory in which her character suffered abuse as both an orphan and a foster child.
“He just grew up thinking, ‘This is the way kids need to be treated. This is the way things are’,” said Mindestrom. “So then he grows up and becomes what he’s been taught his whole life.”
Mindestrom also commented that costumes, especially shoes, help her flip between characters. She wears tap shoes
in “Newsies” during its many dance numbers, then wears heels while casting a spell as an enchantress in “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.”
After these shows, Mindestrom will explore behind-the-scenes roles in theater. She will assist the choreographer in a show at CPA as well as at her high school. She will also be an assistant stage
‘BROTHERS GRIMM SPECTACULATHON’ TELLS 209 FAIRY TALES IN HALF AS MANY MINUTES
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
Attendees of Children’s Performing Arts’ “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” will hear all of the authors’ tales told with reverence—at least, by one of the two narrators. The other one feels the material needs a refresh, and the players are caught between the whims of the two storytellers. Consequently, cast members play multiple, disparate roles.
“I wanted it to be an opportunity for students who don't necessarily get a lot of chances for more in-depth acting coaching, because this is a smaller cast,” explained Director Laura Long. “It’s helping them—I’m hoping—to increase their comedic timing and how they move their bodies on stage.”
“I love criticism on my characters and what I’m doing,” said Eve Silva, an incoming freshman at Stillwater High School, who plays Girl, Princess, Snow White and Queen. “(Long) gives me a lot of intel, a lot of input on the questions that I ask.”
Actors must also be cognizant of their positioning in this production of “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” because performances take place in Hanifl’s black box theater, with audience seating all around the stage rather than just in front.
“I really like it because I think it’s more
Gintimate,” said Silva. “There’s more ways you can interact with the audience.”
“Black box, compared to all other stages, is the most unique because it can be reformed to make any stage,” informed Ari Swan, a sixth grader at Mahtomedi Middle School. When asked how having an audience on all sides changed his performance, Swan said, “We basically have to turn a lot.” To demonstrate, Swan hops to his feet and delivers the line, “I know I should go golfing because it soothes my nerves. Yeah,” while pivoting 45 degrees every three words. Swan plays Dwarf 2 and Prince 1.
“Prince 1 is the prince at the very start of the play, who marries Girl, and they have Rapunzel,” Swan informed as a cast mate jumped out from behind a corner.
“I’m Prince 2, who ends up marrying Rapunzel,” declared Elliot Miller, an incoming eighth grader at Mariner Middle School, “and then I’m also Dwarf 1.” As Swan and Miller elaborate, a boy in a regal mantle and crown struts by, a girl screams as the “Psycho” shower music plays in the distance and the stage manager announces, “They’re going to start trying on pants.”
“I’ve noticed that it’s so much more peaceful here,” said Caden Camacho, a junior at North Branch High School, who plays The Devil, The Frog Prince, Walt and The Wolf. “This is what I feel the
prime of theater is.” Camacho described the lack of backstage interpersonal politics he has experienced at CPA. He believes this culture exists because his cast mates are from a dozen different school districts, so actors leave their baggage at the door.
Long hopes attendees of “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” will leave their troubles at the door as well.
“I love comedy for the release …” said Long. “It’s a great distraction from all the horrible things. And if I can give them a distraction from all the horrible things, I’m happy for them.” Swan, meanwhile, wants audiences to focus on all the horrible things.
“I hope they come, and they’re like, ‘Huh, the original fairy tales were super dark and creepy … these are much better than current fairy tales.’”
CPA production of “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” runs July 17-19, at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center.
STEP INTO THE PAST, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE
BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
uided walking tours along Lake Avenue in White Bear are back this summer.
The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, who leads the tours, are, however, doing something different this year.
“Because there’s so much information to cover, we’ve split Lake Avenue into two different tours,” said White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Executive Director Sara Hanson. “It was too many
things to cover in the space, and we ended up running try to (fit everything in.) It was no longer a walking tour.”
July’s tour will pass by Clark Avenue, which Hanson described as White Bear’s former main drag.
“It was meant to be the boulevard that introduced people to town,” Hanson said of the now-residential street. “The idea was that you went from the railroad depot straight down to the lake because the original depot sat at the end of Clark Avenue where the highway is today.”
August’s tour, meanwhile, will explore White Bear Lake’s ice-block industry and the Manitou Bridge history. Hanson will get into why West Park is east of Highway 61.
“Others say, ‘Well, it’s just West Park because it’s on the west side of the lake’ … Technically, but that’s not why,” Hanson said. “The West family contributed it.” Many of the places along Lake Avenue, then, make more sense when viewed through an early 20th Century lens.
“One of our overarching questions is ‘How did we get
here?’” Hanson said. “People say all the time, ‘Oh, you’re a historian. You don’t want anything to change.’ If nothing changes, I don’t have a job.”
The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society will hold guided walking tours of Lake Avenue from 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays, July 29 and Aug. 26, beginning at the White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St. The tours are not chronological; those interested may attend one or both. For more details, visit whitebearhistory. org/events.
manager this October for CPA’s production of “Beetlejuice Jr.” After that, Mindestrom will continue auditioning for as many varied types of roles as she can.
“I like experiencing different characters that aren’t like me,” Mindestrom said. “I’m not a witch, and I’m not an enchantress, but it’s cool to be magical.”
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THEATER SUMMER CAMPS
All camps take place at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. To register, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/ classes-workshops.
YER A WIZARD: 'HARRY POTTER’ CAMP
Grades: 3-6
Dates: 9 a.m-12 p.m. July 20-24
Details: Grab your broomsticks and get ready for a magical adventure. Students will get to attend wizarding classes, create their own wizard identities and craft a story in the world of “Harry Potter” to present at the end of the week.
INTRO TO ADVANCED MUSICAL THEATRE Grades: 7-12
Dates: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 27-31
Details: Itching to become a triple threat? This intensive serves as a safe place for cultivating and improving musical theatre, singing and dance skills. Each class will feature a musical theatre-style dance combination, aimed at growing performing competency in beginning-to-intermediate students. Students will put on a devised piece for families at the end of the week.
BLUEY’S BIG DAY
Grades: K-3
Dates: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 3-7
Details: Join Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chili for a week of imaginative play and collaborative storytelling. In this weeklong camp, students will spend time reading books, telling stories, creating characters, making crafts and playing games. Friends and family are invited for a special showcase at the end of the week.
POPULAR: A ‘WICKED’ THEMED CAMP Grades: 3-5
Dates: 9 a.m-12 p.m, Aug. 10-14
Details: Rejoicify—it’s time to prepare for the most Oz-tastic musical theatre weeklong camp. Students will explore characters from the “Wicked” movies and musical, singing and dancing all week. At the end of camp, they will craft a Wiz-a-licious performance to dazzle audiences.
ARI SWAN
TAYLOR MINDESTROM
MINDESTROM PLAYS REGINA GEORGE’S MOTHER IN CPA’S “MEAN GIRLS.”
New U.S. Postal Service stamp honors 1776 beginnings
The U.S. Postal Service has unveiled a new Declaration of Independence Forever stamp to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, honoring the founding document that proclaimed American independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. The stamp was dedicated during a ceremony at the B. Free Franklin Post Office in
fall of 2025, include:
• Pavement reconstruction.
• Intersection improvements, including three traffic signal system replacements and two new roundabouts.
• New pedestrian and bike facilities.
• Improved access to local transit stops.
• Stormwater treatment, including new stormwater basins and replacement of the existing dated storm sewer system.
• Signing and striping replacement.
Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park. USPS Board of Governors Secretary Lucy Trout said the Declaration has served as the nation’s “mission statement” for 250 years, inspiring generations of Americans.
The commemorative Forever stamp features a red, white and blue design with “1776” depicted as feather quill pens, symbolizing the document’s 56 signers. Designed by Juan Carlos Pagan with art direction by Greg Breeding, the stamp is sold in panes of 20.
The board also designated authority to the project team to acquire the necessary right-of-way and easement needs for the project improvements. Both Ramsey and Washington counties are coordinating the acquisition of their respective property needs for the project. Each county right-of-way team has hired independent appraisers to inform offers made to affected property owners. The anticipated Washington County property acquisition cost is approximately $1.8 million.
Washington County
Mailing
The
The release is part of the Postal Service’s broader celebration of the United States’ semiquincentennial, marking 250 years of American independence. For more information, visit https://about.usps.com/ newsroom/national-releases/2026/0611-uspscelebrates-americas-250th-anniversary-withcommemorative-initiatives-merchandise.html.
The
The
• Albert “Trey” Spille III was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Planning Commission, which will expire April 30, 2027.
• The Otter Lake Road Trail project design was formally approved
• Ramsey County will hold special deer hunts at three locations within White Bear Township this fall. Tamarack Nature Center, Otter Lake and Poplar Lake are the designated areas. The township board plans to invite coordinators of these hunts to an upcoming executive meeting to ask questions and discuss the details.
• One of the Polar Lakes Park baseball fields will shine a little brighter now that the board has approved the
installation of new floodlights. The project includes $143,000 in materials and $34,960 in installation costs.
• The township is seeking community members to fill open positions on several boards and commissions. More information and application materials can be found on the White Bear Township website under “Boards & Commissions.” https://www.whitebeartownship.org/240/Boards-Commissions
The White Bear Town Board next meets at 7 p.m. Monday, July 20, at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road.
Jackie Bussjaeger
Celebrations
White Bear Lake High School Class of 1996 - 30 Year Reunion
Who: White Bear High School Class of 1996
What: 30 Year Reunion
When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:00pm
Where: White Bear Country Inn
Come and reconnect with old friends and share stories and laughs as we move forward in life. Please spread the word! Let your classmates know. 862016
Township says city ‘misled’ them
BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The White Bear Town Board has unanimously approved a resolution declaring the city of White Bear Lake to be in breach of its fire services agreement with White Bear Township. The five-year agreement was initially signed by both municipalities in November 2022. Dellwood, Birchwood Village and Gem Lake are also part of this shared agreement.
In an ongoing dispute, White Bear Township contends that White Bear Lake is responsible for the bond interest payments related to the construction of the fire department building, and that interest payments have been inappropriately charged to the township.
Town Attorney Chad Lemmons
explained the newly adopted resolution.
The agreement allows for the fire service agreement to charge straightline depreciation on the purchase cost of fire equipment, but the township does not believe the city should have included bond interest in that calculation.
A summary judgment issued by Judge Stephen Smith on June 30 ruled in favor of the city, stating White Bear Township to be in breach of the fire services contract.
The summary judgment stated that “evidence conclusively establishes that the agreement authorizes the city to include bond interest on the public safety facility as part of the payment amount calculation.”
A letter announcing the intent to terminate the contract was sent by White Bear
Township legal counsel to the White Bear Lake attorney in December 2025, but it was determined invalid in the summary judgment because there is no public record of a township board vote on the matter.
The summary judgment found that to terminate the contract, White Bear Township must first submit to the city a formal two years’ notice of intent to terminate. Following the approval of this resolution, White Bear Township staff will notify White Bear Lake of this declaration of breach of contract.
“I think it’s in our best interest to do this, to make it clear that with knowledge or without knowing, they misled us, because that’s not the way we would interpret this relationship we have,” said Town Supervisor Steve Ruzek.
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: Minnesota Laser Restoration 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:
360 COUNTY ROAD D E, LITTLE CANADA, MN 55117
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. North Star Laser Systems
360 COUNTY ROAD D E, LITTLE CANADA, MN 55117
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: July 7, 2026
Signed: Ryan Hartwig
Published two times in the White Bear Press on July 15 and 22, 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: Taken Here
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 765 Capitol Heights Saint Paul, MN 55103
3. The mailing address of the place of business will be: PO Box 4244, Saint Paul, MN 55104
4. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.
Andrea DeGaetano
765 Capitol Heights, Saint Paul, MN 55103
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
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: ChoosingPurpose
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 548 Yankton College Lane New Brighton, MN 55112
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. Mary Vining Radomski
548 Yankton College Lane New Brighton, MN 55112
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
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: Trunk Monkeys Stump Grinding
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 3500 Rice St Unit 428 Saint Paul MN 55126
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. Aquila Holdings LLC 112 N SIBLEY AVE, LITCHFIELD MN 55355
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: July 2, 2026
Signed: Jesse Arganbright
Published two times in the White Bear Press on July 15 and 22, 2026.
CITY OF DELLWOOD
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is given that the City of Dellwood will conduct a public demonstration of the DS200 tabulating equipment on July 21, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Willernie City Hall, 111 Wildwood Road, Willernie, MN. Anyone interested may attend the demonstration.
Kim Points, Clerk
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 15, 2026.
CITY OF PINE SPRINGS
ORDINANCE NO. 36
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF PINE SPRINGS
ZONING ORDINANCE REGULATING ACCESSORY STRUCTURES OR FACILITIES AND FENCES
On July 7, 2026, the City of Pine Springs adopted an ordinance amending the City of Pine Springs zoning ordinance regulating fences and accessory structures and facilities by amending the term building to structures and facilities, removing the definition for fence, removing inapplicable regulations, clarifying existing regulations, including replacing building permit with land use permit, adding language from model regulations of fences and accessory structures and facilities, and revising the term special use permit to interim use permit.
A printed copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at the office of the City Administrator or by standard or electronic mail.
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 15, 2026.
CITY OF PINE SPRINGS
ORDINANCE NO. 38
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING PUBLIC NUISANCES WITHIN THE CITY OF PINE SPRINGS, MINNESOTA
On July 7, 2026, the City of Pine Springs adopted an ordinance regulating public nuisances within the city by declaring and prohibiting: public nuisances affecting health, morals, decency, peace and safety; noise violations; nuisance parking and storage; and inoperable motor vehicles. The ordinance also provides for the duties of city officers, the abatement procedure, recovery of costs, and penalties with respect to public nuisances.
A printed copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at the office of the City Administrator or by standard or electronic mail.
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 15, 2026.
CITY OF WILLERNIE
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is given that the City of Willernie will conduct a public demonstration of the DS200 tabulating equipment on July 21, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Willernie City Hall, 111 Wildwood Road, Willernie, MN. Anyone interested may attend the demonstration. Victoria R. Keating, Clerk-Treasurer
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 15, 2026.
WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF HEARING TO ORDER ABATEMENT OF NUISANCE VIOLATIONS IN THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Town Board of the Town of White Bear, Ramsey County, Minnesota, will meet at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, in said Town on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., to consider ordering abatement of the nuisance located in an area lying and being in the Town of White Bear, Ramsey County, Minnesota, described as follows: Section 9 township 30 range 22, Ramsey County, Minnesota (5470 Peterson) and to hear and pass upon objections and recommendations, if any, and to conduct any and all business incident thereto.
Given under my hand this 3th day of August, 2026.
PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 15, 2026.
WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF HEARING TO ORDER ABATEMENT OF NUISANCE VIOLATIONS I N THE TOWN OF WHITE BEAR, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Town Board of the Town of White Bear, Ramsey County, Minnesota, will meet at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road, in said Town on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 7:15 p.m., to consider ordering abatement of the nuisance located in an area lying and being in the Town of White Bear, Ramsey County, Minnesota, described as follows: Lot 4 and 5 block 2 Eagle Park Ramsey County, Minnesota (5500 Township Drive) and to hear and pass upon objections and recommendations, if any, and to conduct any and all business incident thereto.
Given under my hand this 3th day of August, 2026.
PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer
Published one time in the White Bear Press on July 15, 2026.
WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS ISD #624
ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS
The Board of Education, White Bear Lake Area Schools ISD #624, will receive sealed proposals on the following: Group Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical Insurance Plans until 12:00 P.M. on August 6, 2026, at White Bear Lake Area Schools ISD #624. Copies of the Request for Proposal, existing labor management agreements, and existing contracts are available free of charge, at OneDigital, 10900 Wayzata Blvd Suite 620, Minnetonka, MN 55305. Please contact Ian Bentley via e-mail at Ian.Bentley@onedigital.com to request the proposal. Instructions on
Student writing contest winners dive into local sports, history
The White Bear Lake Area Schools teamed up with the 2026 Manitou Days Commitee to sponsor a writing contest for students in grades K-8.
The theme- “Bears on Blades” - inspired writers to dive into sports and local history.
Contest winners include: Radley Richardson, a third grader at Vadnais Heights Elementary; Mattie Ann Gunderson; a fifth grader at North Star Elementary; Sophia Jones, an eighth grader at Central Middle School; and Rafferty Richardson; a sixth grader at Mariner Middle School.
Below are the four winning submissions.
Radley Richardson
3rd Grade
Vadnais Elementary
Teacher: Ms. Bliss
Early mornings
Late night skates
The Hippodrome is awake
Because Hockey players skate hard
Their legs burn so hard they can’t’ feel them
Their heads are drenched in sweat
The slapshots sound like fireworks
The wrist shot is as smooth as the ice Coach makes the Last one on the ice
Skate more laps
Skating extra laps means hockey
It means you It means the Hippodrome
One hundred years of hockey
One hundred years of skating
One hundred years of slapshots
Because the Hippodrome is more Than just an ice rink
Because to some of us
It is like home
Because hockey is our life
Either if you’re coming back from an injury Or coming because you moved Or returning to hockey
The Hippodrome welcomes all One hundred years of hockey
One hundred years of skating
One hundred years of slapshots
Mattie Ann Gunderson
5th grade
North Star Elementary
Teacher: Mr.Hjelm
Hi my name is Mille, and this is my friend Bella. We are going to tell you about our day at school. We got to school after an amazing breakfast. Our teacher Mrs. Granger announced what we were going to do today. She was saying all of our normal subjects and then she said we were going to learn about the white bear lake hippodrome. The whole class erupted in cheers. We went on with our day doing math, science, and history. Finally, after Lunch and recess we got to do history! Mrs. Granger got us on a bus, and we drove from North Star Elementary all the way to the Hippodrome! When we got
off the bus a ginormous portal opened under us everyone fell through! We went into a time portal! When we got out of the portal, we were all the way back in 1924 when the Hippodrome was first being built! All we could see was the support beams holding up the building. We explored but it was like we were invisible. The workers seemed to not notice us.
We then went through a portal in a mirror and we were in 1928. There were people skating all around us! Bella was so amazed and so was I. We learned how to skate, and that we were skating on natural ice. Then we sadly had to go. We had to time travel yet again into the year 1992 one year after new artificial ice was added. We had to travel one more time before going home. We went all the way to the year 2001, when they made the hippodrome a more modern place. It was so much fun! We sadly had to go back home, but we got to skate into the school after the field trip. We had the best field trip ever and after school me and Bella got to go to the hippodrome and see what it’s like now! We had such a fun field trip, and we are so excited to see what they do with the hippodrome next!
Sophia Jones
8th grade
Central Middle School
Teacher: Mrs. Garcia
The Hippodrome has always been a part of my life. Whether it was for my brother's hockey or my own gym class units. It's always been a meaningful place to me. Ever since I was little, I've been going to the Hippodrome to watch my brother's hockey since he started in Mites. He was just starting to learn how to play hockey, and now he is in his second year of Peewee. Every season I know he always has at least one practice there and I know every time I go there, I remember the last time I was there. Memories include when I was coloring pictures waiting for my brother to finish, listening to the sound of the skates on the ice to the pucks slamming into the boards. Now when I walk in, I remember when I scored my first goal in the ringette unit for hockey in 6th grade. Those are small moments but they are still memories that define the hippodrome for me.
The Hippodrome may not be everyone's favorite place to practice or favorite unit to have but it holds more memories than I can count. Hockey is one of the biggest parts of life here in White Bear Lake and I know every kid who has played White Bear Lake hockey, has had more practices there than they can count. So many different generations have grown up there and there are countless photos, memories and stories to prove it. Every time I walk in there I see memories on the wall with decades of hockey. I see puck marks on the boards and glass. I see blade marks in the ice. All of those little details show the thousands of people who skated there over the years. Each mark tells its own story. I see how the Hippodrome has raised and shaped countless hockey players.
The Hippodrome has seen so many different decades and so many different players. It has grown with hockey and with White Bear Lake
SCHOOL BRIEF
Former middle school transformed into community hub
A former middle school has been transformed into a multiuse community hub serving residents of all ages in the White Bear Lake Area School District. The renovated Sunrise Park building now houses the district office, early childhood programs, the Transition Education Center for young adults
ages 18-22, a senior center and a gymnastics facility. The project consolidates services previously located across multiple sites while expanding access to education, recreation and community resources.
The three-phase adaptive reuse project is part of the district’s long-range Building Our Future facilities plan, which was developed through a community engagement process and funded through a voter-approved bond referendum in 2019. Designed by Wold
and it is a privilege to still have it around to this day. I think it is amazing how we have preserved something for so long. Past hockey players can go visit the place where they grew up, the place where they learned to skate, the place where they made lifelong friends, the place where they made priceless memories. Being able to witness its 100 year anniversary is an honor and I feel so lucky to have such an amazing place in my life to have grown up in and a place that means so much to so many other people for so long.
Rafferty Richardson
6th grade
Mariner Middle School
Teacher: Mr. Yang
Roller at the Hipp
My journey playing roller hockey at the Hippodrome began just after the pandemic ended. I began playing on wheels at the mite beginner level. That year that was the constant fun of 3-on-3 hockey on half rink shooting on a net mostly covered by a shooter tutor. Though we weren’t playing on ice, though seating was slim, though the rink size was small, you would be hard pressed to find a kid who found playing at the rickety, old, Hippodrome any less desirable than playing at the X.
I continued moving through the mite roller hockey program from playing on half the rink to full rink. Then, in my third season, goalies were added. In this season, I got the joy of the past years, just as the goalie, locking down every single shot - much better than shooting them. After each game I was more excited to go back to the small, arena we call the Hippodrome for the next game than I was for the last. Then, the next year, my team made it to the championship. In a tight game that made the Hipp feel like the arena at the gold medal match for hockey at the Tokyo Winter Olympics, we lost. It really did feel like losing the gold medal. Every player on my team wished for the next season to start for another chance to win it. Now, in losses, in wins, the Hippodrome continues to invite me back season after season. Going into the 2025-2026 season, the Hipp went through some major changes, including a crosswalk, Minnesota Roller Hockey banner, and new air dryers in the bathroom. Before the roller hockey season, the ice was melted and the usual slick, slow, concrete floor was replaced with grippy, faster, blue tile to forever heighten the experience of Minnesota Roller Hockey players. From shooter tutors to tile, roller hockey at the Hippodrome has greatly improved throughout the years. It is always amazing to look at this old rink and think about how something a century old, where you have only been a miniscule piece of its history, continues to give lifetimes of memories and joy.
WOLD ARCHITECTS | CONTRIBUTED
The Transition Education Center is a specialized learning center that is home to programs tailored to students (ages 18-22) with unique needs.
Above: Under the direction of steers person Corrie Ellefson and drummer Karen Anderson, members of the East Shore Power team paddle toward the finish line during a recent Dragon Boat competition on White Bear Lake.
At right: Paddlers dig in during one of the timed races on a Dragon Boat named Freya.
MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE
Decades apart, 1 Mahtomedi family bookended a teacher’s career
BY ALICE SEUFFERT SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
When Steve Hauble started his teaching career at Mahtomedi Public Schools, Kelly (Roberts) Lane was in his very first class. Thirtysix years later, Hauble’s career came full circle when his last homeroom class before retirement at O.H. Anderson Elementary School included her son, Will. Kelly, a 1999 Mahtomedi High School graduate and owner of Fix It Physical Therapy, still remembers his impact.
“I remember Mr. Hauble as being a steady force. My confidence began to grow in Mr. Hauble's class. I learned to like math, and I remember this year being the first time that problem-solving was part of the school day.”
Mr. Hauble also remembers Kelly as a student. “She was a quick learner and did fantastic work,” he said.
During the 2025-26 school year, Kelly learned that Will would be in Mr. Hauble’s homeroom during his final year of teaching. “Not only would I get to share this year with Mr. Hauble as his career came to an
end, but I was able to share Will with him too. What an honor!” Kelly said.
“He was able to challenge Will in math, reading and science, and I witnessed Will's confidence and independence grow daily. I doubt that Will will ever forget this year or Mr. Hauble.”
Hauble described Will as “a kind and hardworking student” who “loves to learn about the world and how life works.”
Will had his own message to share. “Mr. Hauble is very nice, and he let the class go outside a lot — that was really fun. Oh, and he made learning really fun.”
As Hauble looks back on his career, he said the best part of working with Mahtomedi students is that “they are curious, fun, hardworking people, and they laughed at my math jokes.” What
he valued most about Mahtomedi is “the students, their families and his colleagues.”
In his retirement, he plans to travel, play golf and pickleball, and he may even return to Mahtomedi as a substitute teacher.
For a career that began with one
Have confidence in your financial strategy
fifth grade student and ended with her son, Hauble’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one teacher can have across generations.
Seuffert is the Director of Communications for
Alice
Mahtomedi Public Schools.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED | MAHTOMEDI SCHOOLS
Thirty six years ago Steve Hauble taught Kelly (Roberts) Lane. For his last year of teaching, he taught Kelly’s son Will.
White Bear Township goes 2-2-1 in busy week
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
The White Bear Township baseball team had a busy week with two wins, two losses and one tie. They have an 8-7-2 record.
WBT beat North St. Paul 6-4 on July 6. Isaiah Weber hit a solo home run and a single, stole two bases and scored two runs. Caleb Hautajarvi had two RBIs on a single and walk. Jackson Kolb threw three innings (four runs). Grant Lindholm pitched four scoreless innings (two hits, three walks, three strikeouts).
Mahtomedi coaching changes
Junker to coach Zephyr girls BB
Austin Junker will be the new girls basketball coach for the Mahtomedi Zephyrs.
Junker played for Stillwater High School and started coaching while attending University of St. Thomas. He has been an activities director the last four years, at New Richmond (Wisconsin) and DeLaSalle. Prior to that he coached girls at South St. Paul and taught social studies.
“Austin brings an incredible track record of leadership
and passion to the Zephyrs,” commented Aaron Forsythe, activities director, noting that Junker has 14 years coaching experience in high school and AAU programs.
Junker is currently working as operations lead and podcast producer for TOC Culture and SAVI Basketball. He and his wife, Brinnie, reside in Woodbury with their two daughters, Riley, 5, and Sydney, 3.
Kolenich named interim coach for Zephyr tennis
Paul Kolenich will be interim girls head tennis coach at Mahtomedi High School for the 2026 season, announced Aaron Forsythe, activities director.
“Paul brings an incredible wealth of experience, passion, and deep roots in the tennis community to our program,” Forsythe stated. “We couldn't be more excited to have him lead us this year.”
Kolenich has been White Bear Lake boys coach for several years. Boys tennis is in the spring and girls in the fall.
Kolenich, who competed for Tulane University, teaches tennis at Life Time Fitness. His teaching career spans more than 20 years.
Bruce Strand
WBT lost to Chisago Lakes 12-6 on Tuesday. Jace Lombardi, first of four WBT pitchers, took the loss. Getting two hits each were Owen Farrington, Eli Reeves and Frank Degree.
WBT blanked the Stillwater Loggers 5-0 in a seven-inning game on Thursday. Hautajarvi threw the shutout, allowing five hits and three walks, striking out seven. Tyler Allshouse was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run.
On Sunday, WBT journeyed to Duluth for a doubleheader with Twin Ports. They lost one game 12-2 in five innings, with starter Joey Price taking the loss. Caden Gorres and Kevin Zollinger had two hits each. The other game ended in a 3-3 tie after seven innings. Allshouse threw five innings (three runs) and Lombardi two scoreless with four strikeouts. Allshouse and Hunter Moffet had RBIs.
WBT, managed by Bill Capocasa, played Stockman’s Irish on Tuesday and St. Paul Hops on Wednesday. They’ll host Metro Knight on Thursday and Plymouth on Sunday.
White Bear Lake trap team does well at nationals
The White Bear Lake High School team placed 63rd of 258 teams in the USA High School Clay Target League national tournament concluding Sunday in Mason, Michigan. Individually, sixth-grader Grayson Schwab, competing against high schoolers, placed 69th of about 1,800 entrants, hitting 98 of 100 clay pigeons. Seventeen shooters hit 100 and 39 shooters hit 99 so he was just two clay pigeons off the lead. A seven player team, five main shooters and two alternates, competed, coached by Monty Montgomery. The team has 60 members total.
WEEK CATCH OF THE
WBYC sailor places 6th in European Cup
Toby Sullivan of White Bear Yacht Club placed sixth in the Melges 15 European Cup The Reunion in Italy from July 3-5. This is an international event with sailors from Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands and the USA. Sullivan, former White Bear Sailing Club coach, had the helm and Graham Ness was the crew. There were 26 entrants. Oliver Gray of Lake Geneva Yacht Club was the winner with Adler Johnston as crew. It was held at Fragilia Vela Riva.
Local athletes on Kokoro’s 14-2, a competitive under 14 girls club volleyball team, recently traveled to Orlando, Florida, to compete in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National volleyball tournament. The team was undefeated at 11-0 into the semifinals and brought the No.1 team to a third set but ultimately lost, capturing fifth in the nation among 96 teams.
Local players include: Makenna Korus of Hugo, Scarlett Milles of Hugo, Norah Berg of Centerville, and Abby Nyquist of Mahtomedi. Other players hail from Stillwater, Hudson, River Falls and Cottage Grove. Korus was selected as one of the All American Athletes of the tournament.
CONTRIBUTED
Isaiah Weber had a big game including a homer against North St. Paul.
CONTRIBUTED
The White Bear Lake trap team at nationals. From left, assistant coach Tim Schwab, Aaron Thilmany, Ben Svendsen, Zach Brock, Grayson Schwab, Jimmy Lightner, Blake Haas, AJ Melde, head coach Jake “Monty” Montgomery.
Austin Junker Paul Kolenich
Todd Rosenow, a 30-year resident of White Bear Lake, caught a 6-pound, 11-ounce, 26-inch walleye on Lake Margaret on July 3 in Lake Shore, Minnesota.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Lu Karen, of Mahtomedi, caught this fish near Mahtomedi Beach July 5.
Luke Wirtz, 12, caught a 3-pound, 2-ounce largemouth bass on White Bear Lake June 20 on spinner bait. The bass was released back into the lake.
LANDSCAPING
VistaTek in White Bear Lake is now hiring a Process Technician. Primary responsibilities are Troubleshooting molding, tooling, and material issues to maximize uptime and product quality. Qualifications: 3+ years of injection molding process technician experience preferred. Competitive pay based on experience. Benefits. *Please see full ad for more detail. www.vistatek. com Please send your resume to judy@ vistatek.com
Vista Technologies (VistaTek) 4467 White Bear Pkwy, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Now Hiring: Process Technician – Injection Molding
Primary Responsibilities:
Troubleshoot molding, tooling, and material issues to maximize uptime and product quality
Qualifications:
3+ years of injection molding pro- cess technician experience preferred
Preferred Qualifications:
RJG Scientific Molding certification (or willingness to obtain)
Experience in medical or cleanroom molding environments
Knowledge of automation, robotics, and vision systems
Experience with DOE (Design of Experiments), SPC, and process capability
Understandingstudiesof plastics materials and resin behavior
Salary: $80,000+ annually, depending on experience
Benefits: Competitive pay based on experi- ence. Health, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) with company match. Paid vacation and holidays. Career development and training oppor- tunities. Stable, growing company with state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.
Join VistaTek and help turn innovative ideas into world-class products
www.vistatek.com
Please send your resume to judy@vistatek.com
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Evergr een Memorial Gardens between Co Rd E & I-694 White Bear Lake 3 of Some of the Best Lots in Christus Ceritifed
the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92
New Perspective celebrates 10-year anniversary
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Over the past decade, many residents have come to call New Perspective (formerly The Waters of White Bear Lake) “home.” In the next decade to come, staff say they are looking forward to watching the community continue to grow while keeping that family feel.
“We are (going to) keep doing what we are doing,” said Executive Director Rachel Staven. “We are looking forward to watching it continue to grow and flourish and continuing to build that community.”
The Waters held its grand opening celebration June 21, 2016. (The senior living building changed to New Perspective in January 2025.) On Tuesday, July 21, New Perspective will host its 10-year anniversary open house to celebrate a decade of community, connection and compassionate care.
Linda Rose, life engagement manager, has worked at the facility almost since the beginning. She started out as a concierge a few nights a week. She has held her current role for 8 1/2 of those years.
“When I started in 2016, we only had 16 residents,” she recalled, adding that there was only one cook and one server then. Now, there are six cooks and 22 servers.
For the first time in the building’s history, it has reached a 100% occupancy rate with 162 residents. Of the 136 units,
30 are in memory care and 106 are assisted living/ independent living.
“We hit the 10 years, and it just took off,” Rose said. “It’s been great to see it grow.”
New Perspective currently averages approximately 95 staff. Although the numbers of residents and staff have changed, as well as the name, some things have remained the same: residents are at the forefront of every decision. The model is resident-run.
Residents choose their food, activities and education opportunities.
“We really do put our residents and what they need first,” Rose said. “We don't just make changes based on what's easier for us and the staff. We do changes
based on what's actually needed at that time.”
Staven added, “There's a lot of thought, time and effort put into every decision that is made.”
Even now as New Perspective, the focus is still on the residents.
“The reason that we're here is still the same,” Staven explained. “The Waters’ (mission) was ‘Letting residents thrive where they are,’ and here it's ‘Living life with purpose.”
Staven has served in the executive director role for five years. She started out as a certified nursing assistant when she was 16 and held a variety of positions before working her way up to the executive director role. Prior to coming to White Bear Lake, she worked for a smaller senior living community in the Twin Cities and said she was up for the challenge of a new, larger community. This December, she will graduate as a registered nurse.
As executive director, she is most proud of the culture within the community, created by residents and staff. “The team is here to offer the best for residents, and they are always willing to learn, do more and be better,” Staven said. “There are always changes in teams and in culture, but we have had a pretty solid culture for the past five years.”
Rose says she is most proud of the connections she has made with residents and their families. A few months ago, she received a card from the daughter of a former resident. Even though the
IF YOU GO
What: 10-year Anniversary Open
House
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 21
Where: New Perspective White Bear Lake, 3820 Hoffman Road
Details: Join New Perspective as the community celebrates 10 years of community, connection and care in White Bear Lake. Guest can experience an evening of live music, cocktails, appetizers and themed spaces honoring the rich history and memories of the community. There will be a shuttle running back and forth from New Perspective to St. Pius to ensure adequate parking is available. Cocktail attire is preferred. RSVPs are appreciated. Contact: 651-313-6440
letter writer’s mother had passed away a few months prior, the California resident thanked Rose for the difference she made in her mother’s life and said she was grateful her mom spent her last days with Rose by her side.
A tradition everyone has grown to love are the parties staff put on for residents, their families and the community. Every year, residents and staff have come to look forward to the summer party, Halloween trick-or-treating, Thanksgiving pie and the holiday dinner.
“All of our events have really grown. Each year we learn from what works, what doesn’t work,” Staven explained. “They are very well organized.”
Last year’s Halloween event drew in about 500 trick-or-treaters, and their holiday party had three seatings for 160 families.
This year’s summer celebration will be the drop-in anniversary open house. Community members are welcome to attend and honor the history and memories of the community.
For more information about New Perspective, visit https://npseniorliving. com/communities/white-bear-lake.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com
