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District’s budget discussion brings conflicting numbers, viewpoints BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The White Bear Lake Area School Board is approving its 2026 tax levy of just under $73,600,000—a 4.4% increase from 2025. Due to the district’s increased tax capacity, however, the average homeowner and apartment landlord will see less than a 4.4% increase on their tax statements. “When you have an increase in net tax capacity across the school district areas … you have more businesses and more homes, then it gets spread out among more people,” said Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald. At the most recent school board meeting, Wald presented both the finalized tax levy as well as the two main reasons behind its increase: a state funding gap for special education and state revenue formulas that have not kept up with inflation. During discussion of the budget’s approval, Board Member Dan Skaar presented an alternative set of numbers that suggested ISD 624 did not have the funding gaps Wald cited. Immediately after this statement, Board Member Angela Thompson cited a third set of numbers, which stated that Wald had actually underestimated the district’s funding gaps.
Santas and elves volunteer for the holidays
Budget presentation
“One of the greatest challenges we face in public school finances is that state funding has not kept pace with inflation since 2003,” Wald said, referencing the
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Bill Foussard, the White Bear Lake Rotary and their expansive team of volunteer Santas and elves are preparing to serve area senior citizens during the annual Dinner with Santa event Monday, Dec. 22 at the White Bear Country Inn. The private event, which has become a local holiday tradition, features dinner, dessert and entertainment, including Christmas Carol singalongs. Volunteer Santas, Mrs. Clauses and elves with their own costumes are still welcome to join the festive community event by calling 651-272-3783.
SEE TRUTH IN TAXATION, PAGE 8
White Bear Lake finalizes 2026 levy, approves 8.92% increase BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — The final levy for 2026 is $74,000 less than the preliminary levy that was set in September. “Staff has prepared a budget that aligns with the strategic plan and needs of the community,” City Manager Lindy Crawford said, noting that per City Council request, city staff has worked hard to “sharpen their pencils” over the last few months to try to find any potential reductions. The 2026 levy reflects an 8.82% increase, $1,230,000 more than the 2025 levy. That can be broken down to: • $872,987 for general operations, including personnel and benefit expenses
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• $241,000 for debt service related to the 2025 street reconstruction project and equipment certificates for the replacement of a fire engine • $37,000 for public safety facility debt service • $79,013 for one IT technician position The median-value residential home in White Bear Lake is currently $349,400, a $15,200 increase above the 2024 median value home of $334,200. The 2026 city tax burden on this property is $1,068.78, an $103.40 increase above the previous year. When it comes to per capita collection, Crawford pointed out that the city of White Bear Lake remains at the bottom of the list when compared to other cities. “White Bear Lake has a greater population than SEE CITY BUDGET, PAGE 13
34%
22%
CONTRIBUTED
This pie chart breaks down where the resident’s tax dollar goes: 37% goes to White Bear Lake Area Schools, followed by 22% for the city of White Bear Lake, 34% to Ramsey or Washington county and 7% goes to other tax entities like the Metropolitan Council and watershed districts.
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POLITICAL BRIEF
Your Local
New director of Program Integrity will partner with WayPoint
Meteorologist Frank Watson’s
Gov. Tim Walz has announced that Tim O’Malley will join the state as director of program integrity. O’Malley, a judge, former superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), former FBI agent, and reformer in the archdiocese, O’Malley will work across state government to strengthen fraud prevention and protect taxpayer dollars. Gov. Walz also announced a state partnership with third-party experts at WayPoint Inc. to implement a statewide fraud prevention program. WayPoint Inc. is a White Bear Lake-based professional service firm composed of former law enforcement and federal special agents, which specializes in forensic
2026 Weather Calendar
accounting, financial investigations, due diligence, business risk mitigation, health care compliance and investigations, and tax litigation support. WayPoint professionals investigate, analyze and provide solutions for complex financial and business issues. WayPoint will advise the development of: • Consistent investigative and reporting policies and procedures across state agencies; • A fraud prevention program that can be implemented across state agencies; • Formalized data sharing among state agencies in alignment with federal and state law to more quickly identify those committing fraud across multiple state programs; and • Specialized skills and/or positions needed for agencies to review, audit and investigate state program fraud.
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DECEMBER 17, 2025
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CURRENT EVENTS FESTIVAL OF TREES
When: Tuesday through Saturday through Dec. 20. Where: White Bear Lake Aromory, 2228 4th St. Details: See more than 30 trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. Make sure to vote for your favorite tree. Contact: whitebearhistory.org
‘STILLWATER CHRISTMAS CAROL’
CONTRIBUTED
VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF AND HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F
Details: Distribution of food to any family
in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 651-246-3638 or cityvadnaisheights. com/foodshelf
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 and 23; 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 Where: The Grand Banquet Hall, 301 2nd St., Stillwater Details: Classic holiday tale with a hometown twist, performed by Zephyr Theatre. Cash bar and food available for purchase. Ticket information online. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org
A HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE FROM DEBBIE O'KEEFE & THE CENTURY COLLEGE ORCHESTRA
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Big band and solo guest performances of favorite holiday classics. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org
THE EAST POINTERS
When: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Performance by awardwinning band from Canada, with rising indie-folk artist Norah Shea. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org
22ND ANNUAL SIMPLEGIFTS ‘CHRISTMASTIDE’
When: Dec. 19-21 Where: Marine Village Hall, 121 Judd St., Marine on St. Croix Details: Billy McLaughlin and SimpleGifts annual Christmas performance includes modern arrangements of carols and hymns with 3-part harmonies and Celtic flair. Ticket information online. Contact: simplegiftsmusic.net/ concerts-tickets/#top
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WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
DON IRWIN STEINWAY HOLIDAY
When: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Award-winning pianist spreads holiday cheer with the help of LPT's Steinway piano. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org
‘HOLD THE LUTEFISK-IT'S BEGINNING TO SMELL A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS’
When: 2 & 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: The Looney Lutherans perform family-friendly comedy and songs. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org
CITY BRIEF
Shannon Granholm
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An agreement is now in place with Ramsey County for the jurisdictional and ownership transfers of portions of Otter Lake Road and White Bear Parkway. In 2024, the city of White Bear Lake entered into cooperative agreements with Ramsey County for the construction and right-of-way acquisition for the Otter Lake Road improvement project from County Road 96 north to Fourth Street. During project development, concerns were heard from the public regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety along the corridor with the trail proposed to be constructed right behind the back of the curb. City Manager Lindy Crawford explained that due to right-of-way constraints, the road section needed to use narrower traffic lanes and required the placement of the trail right behind the curb without a boulevard separation. City and county staff discussed options to reduce the volume of truck traffic
and as a result decided the best solution would be a transfer of jurisdiction to the city. The city has more authority than the county to restrict truck traffic on its roadways. Therefore, it was decided that it was in the best interest of both parties to trade Otter Lake Road from County Road 96 to Ninth Street for White Bear Parkway from County Road 96 to Otter Lake Road. “This will allow the city to restrict truck traffic on Otter Lake Road, which will shift truck traffic to White Bear Parkway, resulting in a safer roadway and trail on Otter Lake Road,” she said. The agreement transfers ownership and maintenance responsibilities. The agreement also identifies the county’s commitment to construct a missing trail segment along White Bear Parkway to connect to Rotary Nature Preserve from the south. Additional actions by the city and county will be necessary to transfer the Municipal State Aid and County State Aid designations for the roadways.
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White Bear Lake to take over portion of Otter Lake Road
4 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
OPINION www.presspubs.com
DECEMBER 17, 2025
‘You should be here’
“I
t’s one of those moments That’s got your name written all over it And you know that if I had just one wish It’d be that you didn’t have to miss this You should be here.” The song, “You should be here” by Cole Swindell, has always resonated with me. That’s because I know exactly how it feels to want more than anything that someone was still here. Dec. 18 marks 10 years since we lost my dad. I still vividly remember sitting next to his bed in the hospital. He was hooked up to all of these machines, and couldn’t even open his eyes. I recall typing up some of my thoughts, hoping they would never Shannon’s see the light of day. Many of those turned into his obituary. Shenanigans words My dad, Earl, passed away at Shannon the age of 55, seven days before Christmas in 2015. When I reflect Granholm on a decade without him, I can’t help but think about all that he has missed. He missed my sister’s high school and college graduations; he’s missed new homes and new jobs. He hasn’t gotten to meet so many of the pups who have come into our lives, and he missed the birth of his grandson. After a decade, I can honestly say that I still think about it every day. They say time heals all wounds, but I can vouch that it doesn’t. I will never be “okay” with the fact that I lost my dad when I was only 22. I will, however, forever be grateful for the time we did have with him and all I learned from him in his short time here. Dad spent years battling health challenges, yet he carried himself with a strength that inspired everyone who knew him. Even on the hardest days, he never lost his faith, his humor or his deep love for his family. He taught us what it means to persevere, to show up and to trust that it will all be okay even in the darkest moments. He wasn’t defined by illness; he was defined by love. My dad was a fighter, a man of faith, kindness and strength. He made this world a better place, and I hope to do that too. This time of year, losses seem to sting a little bit more. I still remember having to stare at all of his unopened presents just sitting on his chair next to the tree on Christmas morning. I remember feeling so out of place because it seemed like everyone around me was so full of joy, yet I couldn’t make it through a day without crying. I still often feel like that, and I know I’m not alone. For many, the holidays are a magical time when you get to spend time with those who mean the most. But the sad truth is that for many of us, our gatherings have gotten much smaller over the years, and there are people that should still be with us who are not. If you are grieving a recent, or decade-old, loss, this holiday, know that you are not alone. It’s okay to grieve. Dad, thank you for being our constant, our teacher, our protector and our friend. We hope you can see how much you are loved, how often you are thought of, and how your strength continues to carry us even now. We miss you. We love you. And we honor you JESSICA BARKER PHOTOGRAPHY | CONTRIBUTED today and every day. Managing Editor Shannon Shannon Granholm is Granholm pictured with the Managing Editor at her dad Earl Kinley at her Press Publications. wedding in 2015. Distributed weekly in: White Bear Lake • White Bear Township • Mahtomedi Birchwood • Dellwood • Willernie • Gem Lake Pine Springs • Portions of Grant • Vadnais Heights
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Magical health care model: School-based health centers
I
n the 1970s, a magical conversation took place among a few Minnesota health care providers who contemplated a simple yet powerful idea for improving healthcare access: why not bring health services to youth? From that conversation, St. Paul opened one of the nation’s first school-based health centers over 50 years ago. School-based health centers (SBHCs), a proven model of delivering healthcare services to youth, are gaining momentum across the state. In 2022, only 2% of Minnesota school districts had SBHCs. Movers & Rapid expansion of these clinics Shakers occurred when the Minnesota Dr. Jessica Legislature Miehe defined SBHCs in state statute and allocated funding to expand efforts in 2023. Today, SBHCs are present in over 10% of Minnesota school districts. The Bear Care Clinic, a SBHC located in White Bear Lake Area High School, has provided over 6,500 appointments to district youth since it opened in 2020. What is a School-Based Health Center? My go-to answer when asked is that an SBHC is a clinic in a school. My long answer is that an SBHC is an empowering model that supports the current and future lives of our community's youth, improving health and educational outcomes. These clinics, located near
or on school property, are strategically positioned to address healthcare access barriers for youth. SBHCs serve as a safety net for youth; no child is ever turned away regardless of their insurance status, ability to pay, or background. An SBHC may offer multidisciplinary services to support youth, including primary and preventive care, illness treatment, mental health counseling, health education, oral care, nutrition counseling and more. Every SBHC is unique in its services, tailoring its model to fit best the school, district, and community in which it is located. Notably, the model typically receives bipartisan support, something that seems nearly impossible in today’s political landscape. The magic of SBHC deliverables is something we all want for our youth: affordable care, improved health, and positive education outcomes. It’s not actually magic, of course, but rather a system that modifies how we deliver healthcare. SBHCs can actually improve societal and taxpayer benefits by decreasing costly emergency department visits and improving preventive care rates, which in turn decreases Medicaid costs. Parents experience less work time loss, while youth have more inschool seat time. Overwhelmingly, youth who utilize SBHCs have better health outcomes – those who feel better can more fully commit to their learning. If I haven’t yet convinced you of the magic-ness of SBHCs, I have one final piece of evidence. Youth succeed with support, and the SBHC model embraces the
family support system. Involving families in the decisions, care, and health education is essential in promoting youth health. SBHCs must follow state minor consent laws (in Minnesota, parent consent is required for physical health services under the age of 18 years and for mental health services under the age of 16 years) and rely on parents and legal guardians to be involved in the health plan. Parents can support their youth’s development in navigating the healthcare system by teaching them how to make appointments, learn about health insurance, and understand their health – SBHCs are here to support parents in this work. The Bear Care Clinic serves youth of all ages in the White Bear Lake Area school district – early childhood through the end of high school. Services available include illness care and treatment, skin issues, sports physicals, well-child checks, vaccines, mental health counseling, nutrition counseling, health education and more. Visit www.riseuphealthclinics.org for more information on scheduling an appointment. The Bear Care Clinic is operated by Rise Up Health Clinics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible healthcare to youth. Jess Miehe is the founder and executive director of Rise Up Health Clinics. She is an Associate Professor of Nursing and Director at St. Catherine University. She serves as the President of the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Miehe is a 2003 graduate of White Bear Lake Area High School.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Thankful for public works With all the political drama and people thinking government can’t do anything good, I wanted to give a shoutout to the amazing civil servants out there who work hard every day. I’m especially thinking of the folks at the White Bear Lake Public Works Department. They’re truly incredible! I’ve lived here for a long time, and I’ve never seen snow removal efforts like theirs. Every morning after a good snow, I wake up to the streets cleared from curb to curb, and it’s always a relief. Keep up the great work; you guys and gals are truly appreciated! Charles Jackson White Bear Lake
Work hard, contribute, embrace America In the 2015 film “Woman in Gold,” there is a moment that feels especially relevant to many of today’s new immigrants. Early in the story, a father sends his daughter away to America for her safety. With calm resolve that barely hides his fear, he tells her, “From now on, we speak in the language of your future.” He reminds her that when their family came to Vienna, they were not wealthy. They worked hard, contributed and did everything they could to belong. They were proud of what they built. That message resonates here at home. As in any community, a small number of people can cast a shadow over the many who live decently and honorably. We’ve seen this in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where scandals and fraud shocked the public and where government oversight failed to prevent it. But those bad actors do not define everyone. I have met many good people from Somalia and other African nations—places I have had the privilege to visit. Most want exactly what earlier generations of immigrants wanted: a chance to build a life, contribute and become part of the American story. The lesson is simple and timeless: work hard, contribute, learn the history of this nation and embrace the values that made it strong. Do that, and you become one of us—not as a guest, but as a fellow citizen in the shared future we are building together. Scott Nintzel White Bear Township
Dig deeper In response to the “Curriculum focus is negative” letter last week, I share the writer’s belief in the goal of having students develop pride and respect for our country and its history. However, I strongly disagree with his belief that Minnesota schools are “teaching all the negative aspects.”
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Support for his position was based solely on the 2-5 word titles of the nine U.S. History Eras in the standards. A simple 20-second Google search provides the one paragraph “Overview” of each Era along with “Benchmarks” for each. Reading those paragraphs reveals how, within each Era, students are taught to use higher-level thinking skills (e.g., analysis, synthesis, evaluation) and primary source documents to develop their own knowledge about the great accomplishments (and shortcomings) of our history. The brilliance of these standards is that teachers do not “tell” or force any opinions — positive or negative — on students. For example, in Era Two, students are required to “Examine the significance of foundational dates in U.S. History … specifically dates related to the founding of the United States as an independent country (1776, 1789)….” Many older WBL High School grads remember the great teacher, Don Foss. Mr. Foss taught by having students study primary source documents, and his curriculum centered on historical trials that explored dilemmas such as, “John D. Rockefeller: Great American Statesman or Robber Baron?” Guess what? In the end, students were exposed to the genius and greatness of American industrial development, while also learning how that development caused harm to some. In the end, students had multiple perspectives, including great appreciation for America’s greatness. I suggest not forming opinions based on 2-5 word titles. Dig deeper. Talk to teachers and curriculum leaders. Talk to students! America’s history is remarkable, and we owe it to our students — and ourselves — to be aware of the triumphs and tragedies as we pursue our founders’ vision of continual improvement of this great American Experiment.
Financial illiteracy is rampant The suspension of social benefits and wages of certain federal employees caused by the government shutdown shows too many people failed to have an emergency fund. An emergency fund is one of the highest priorities, as mentioned by financial professionals. Credit card and auto loan delinquencies hover around 3%, and show people spend beyond their means. Financial illiteracy is rampant. Our schools fail to teach financial literacy — a skill we can use our whole life. My father taught me to spend less than you earn — period. With government deficits and local tax levies rising, we cannot rely on our elected officials to help. We as a society want benefits but want someone else to pay for them. Around 50% of tax returns filed show no federal tax paid. It is easy to ask our elected officials for social benefits and have others pay for them. We complain that the 50% that pay taxes don't pay enough. We have enabled those on social benefits to believe those benefits are a right. Yes, some people cannot provide for themselves, but those that can, should. The Cadillacs, Teslas and Lexuses I see in the food shelf line are a perfect example of financial illiteracy. As Thomas Sowell said, "No society ever thrived because it had a large and growing class of parasites living off those who produce." Steven Holupchinski Vadnais Heights
George Kimball White Bear Lake
The real danger I am responding to a letter written by Cora Hankins. She starts out by talking about the rights of pedestrians and bicyclists and goes on to say that she and her husband were biking south on Highway 244 through Dellwood when an angry resident yelled at her and said she was riding illegally and in her mind harassing her by telling her she was riding on the wrong side of the white line and in the traffic lane, which it actually is. She then goes on to say — and this is the totally obvious part that a reckless driver probably trying to avoid hitting her drove an oncoming car into the ditch — she then goes on to say that cars have to stay 3 feet away from bicyclists. This road is a narrow, twolane winding road, so if she is over the white line that would mean every car going around her would have to go in the oncoming lane. As far as I can see, the real danger on the road is her, on a bicycle. John Cundy White Bear Lake
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Who to Call in Government President Donald Trump 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC 20500 202-456-1414 US Sen. Amy Klobuchar 425 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3244 US Sen. Tina Smith 720 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5641 Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan 130 State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 US Rep. Betty McCollum (District 4) 2426 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 202-225-6631 Minnesota Rep. Patti Anderson (District 33A) 2nd Floor, Centennial Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-3018
Minnesota Rep. Brion Curran (District 36B) 5th Floor, Centennial Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-4342 Minnesota Rep. Elliot Engen (District 36) 95 University Avenue W., Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 3103, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-1253 Minnesota Sen. Karin Housley (District 33) 95 University Avenue W, Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 2213, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-4351 Minnesota Sen. Heather Gustafson (District 36) 95 University Avenue W., Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 3103, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-1253
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6 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
COPS&COURTS www.presspubs.com
WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents: • A verbal warning was given for a barking dog in the 1900 block of Birch Lake Avenue Dec. 3. • A White Bear Lake woman was arrested for DWI after officers located her vehicle in the 2700 block of Cedar Avenue following a driving complaint Dec. 3. • A Wisconsin woman was arrested on gross misdemeanor warrants in Minnesota following a disorderly conduct incident in the 3500 block of Century Avenue Dec. 4. • Officers responded to a report of unauthorized use of a vehicle in the 1900 block of Eugene Street Dec. 4. • Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1300 block of Highway 96 Dec. 4. • Officers located a missing juvenile from Lake Elmo in the 2400 block of Floral Drive Dec. 4. • Theft was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Dec. 4 and 7. • Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Dec. 4. • Credit card fraud was reported in the 2300 block of 10th Street Dec. 5. • Officers took a missing person report in the 1700 block of County Road E Dec. 5. • Officers mediated a verbal dispute over damaged property in the 4500 block of Otter Lake Road Dec. 5. • A juvenile female was identified as a suspect in a theft that occurred in the 900 block of Wildwood Road Dec. 5. • Officers mediated a snowplowing dispute in the 2100 block of First Street Dec. 5.
DECEMBER 17, 2025
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS
• Harassment was reported in the 1900 block of Oak Knoll Drive Dec. 5. • A White Bear Lake resident was arrested for DWI following a dangerous condition complaint in the 2400 block of County Road F Dec. 5. • A Woodbury man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Interstate 694 and Highway 61 Dec. 7. • Officers mediated a dispute between family members in the 3600 block of Kenny Lane Dec. 7. • Officers responded to a dispute in the 2200 block of Elm Drive Dec. 7. • Fraud was reported in the 2200 block of Sixth Street Dec. 8. • Criminal sexual conduct was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue Dec. 8. The case is being investigated by the St. Paul Police Department. • Theft was reported in the 1400 block of Park Street Dec. 8. • Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 2200 block of County Road E Dec. 8. • Officers responded to a family dispute in the 2400 block of Elm Drive Dec. 9. • Officers assisted in removing a disorderly customer from a business in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Dec. 9. • Officers responded to a report of harassment in the 3600 block of Kenny Lane Dec. 9. • Officers responded to a possible extortion scam originating on Hillary Farm Lane Dec. 9. • Officers responded to a dispute in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Dec. 9. • A Waverly man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Bellaire Avenue and Hillside Road Dec. 9. • Officers mediated a dispute in the 2200 block of Sixth Street Dec. 10.
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township:
Vadnais Heights
• Deputies issued a theft citation Nov. 16 to a 42-year-old woman from Minneapolis after she was caught stealing merchandise from a business in the 800 block of County Road E East. • A 25-year-old woman from St. Paul who is an employee at a bank in the 900 block of County Road E East reported Nov. 18 that someone attempted to use a fake driver’s license to cash a stolen check. The suspect was gone when deputies arrived. • Deputies arrested a 32-year-old man from Minneapolis Nov. 18 who was driving in the 200 block of Vadnais Heights Boulevard after his license was suspended. • A 38-year-old man reported Nov. 19 that someone broke into his GMC Sierra in the 800 block of Parkside Drive and stole a backpack containing hunting clothes, a sentimental bowie knife, a couple of hunting knives and a hunting license. The incident is under investigation. • An employee of a concrete company in the 1100 block of City Center Drive reported Nov. 19 that someone stole more than two dozen concrete forms valued at around $9,000. The incident is under investigation. • Deputies responded Nov. 20 to a report of theft at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East after a 26-year-old man, a loss prevention employee, saw two woman steal nearly $200 worth of merchandise before getting into a Chevy Trailblazer and leaving the parking lot. The incident is under investigation. • Deputies issued citations for speeding and not carrying proof of automobile insurance Nov. 20 to a 17-year-old male from White Bear Lake in the 1400 block of County Road E East. • Deputies were contacted by city officials Nov. 20 about a property
in the 700 block of Manor Street with chickens that was going to be declared a “public nuisance,” and an animal control officer made arrangements for several chickens to be taken to a shelter. • Deputies responded Nov. 21 to a report of a disturbance at a bar and grill in the 1100 block of County Road E East in which a 46-year-old man from Gem Lake and a 35-yearold woman from Maplewood were arguing. The male was issued a trespass notice. • Deputies issued theft citations Nov. 21 to a 23-year-old woman from St. Paul and a 43-year-old woman from Maplewood after they were caught attempting to steal $15 worth of merchandise from a business in the 800 block of County Road E East.
White Bear Township • A 28-year-old woman from Lino Lakes reported Nov. 17 that she was driving down the street near the intersection of Bald Eagle Boulevard West and County Road H2 East when an object came loose out of another vehicle and struck her Toyota. The incident is under investigation. • A 48-year-old man in the 1700 block of Ridgewood Avenue reported Nov. 19 that someone claiming to be a Wells Fargo investigator contacted him and tried to convince him to send more than $15,000 to him via FedEx. Deputies contacted FedEx to intercept the package that had been sent and contacted police in the jurisdiction to where the money was headed. The incident is under investigation. • An animal control officer took a report Nov. 20 of a dog that had been found in the 2600 block of Stacker Boulevard. The officer collected the dog and delivered it to the Humane Society. • Deputies responded Nov. 22 to a minor property damage crash near the intersection of County Road J East and Interstate 35E and assisted the drivers as they exchanged information.
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:
Dellwood
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop for speeding Oct. 31 on Mahtomedi Avenue and cited the driver for speeding and possession of marijuana while under the age of 21. • Deputies arriving on the scene of a disturbance on Dellwood Curve Nov. 1 found the complainant upset about a Dominos order and were able to assuage the complainant’s anger.
Grant
• A motorist was cited Oct. 26 in the 9000 block of Manning Avenue N. for speeding 70 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. Another motorist was cited Oct. 31 on Manning Avenue N. for speeding and failure to provide proof of insurance. • In the Case of the Bounding Buck, deputies on Oct. 26 took a report of a deer who couldn’t quite complete the leap and became stuck in a fence in the 9000 block of Justen Trail N. • Residents in the 8000 block of Jewel Avenue N. on Oct. 27 reported giving money away to a fraudster. On Oct. 28, residents in the 9000 block of Ivy Avenue N. reported a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be law enforcement. Deputies advised the complainant of the scam attempt.
• A resident in the 6000 block of Jarvis Avenue N. at 3:07 a.m. Nov. 1 reported three people wearing masks and dark clothing walking around on his property. Deputies checked the area and found no one, late night trick-ortreaters or otherwise. • Residents in the 9000 block of 107th Street N. reported a deer carcass dumped on their property Nov. 1. Deputies found the deer and learned that a bowhunter had butchered it. They worked with the DNR and found the name of a person in the area who had tagged the deer several days earlier. The information was turned over to the DNR.
Mahtomedi
• A speeding motorist was cited Oct. 29 on Warner Avenue N. and Hickory Street. • As deputies were in the middle of responding to a package theft complaint from a Warner Avenue resident Oct. 30, the complainant found the package on the front porch. • Construction equipment was reported stolen Oct. 31 from a site on Old Wildwood Road. • A motorist was arrested for DWI at 12:55 a.m. Oct. 31 on Century Avenue at Long Lake Road, after being pulled over for a brake light out. Deputies also observed the motorist making an unusually wide turn. During the stop, deputies observed an odor of alcohol about the driver’s person, as well as the telltale zombie eyes. After field testing was administered, deputies took the driver into custody. A different
motorist was also arrested for DWI at 1:48 a.m. Nov. 1 on Century Avenue at I-694. A third motorist was arrested for DWI at 4:03 a.m. Nov. 1 on Wildwood Road and Wedgewood Drive. A fourth motorist was arrested for DWI at 10:38 p.m. on Mahtomedi Avenue and Maple Street. • Following a night filled with arrests for drunkenness, an intoxicated woman on Stillwater Road accidentally sprayed herself with bear mace early Nov. 1 and required medical attention.
Pine Springs
• A motorist pulled over for violating the Ted Foss Move Over law on Oct. 26 was arrested for DWI, after deputies smelled pot during the traffic stop. The driver admitted to smoking a joint one hour earlier.
Willernie
• An individual sporting an outstanding Ramsey County warrant was arrested at 1:09 a.m. Oct. 26 on Stillwater and Wildwood roads. • A homeowner on Kimberly Road on Oct. 29 reported their $15 Halloween lights cut. • A Sargent Road resident at 11:21 p.m. Oct. 31 reported multiple people on his property urinating on his vehicle, as seen through his Ring Doorbell camera. • A motorist failing to stop at the Stillwater Road/ Warner Avenue N. stop sign at 12:11 a.m. Nov. 1 was cited for that violation and for failure to provide proof of insurance.
DECEMBER 17, 2025 www.presspubs.com
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
7
White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation awards Brosious Grants The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) recently awarded 10 Brosious Teaching Grants to 18 teachers in the White Bear Lake Area School District 624. The grants totaled over $17,400. Speaking Out Collective Puppet Show Normandy - Kristi Giles This project introduces “Fluff, the Duckling Who Wouldn’t Swim to Normandy,” an interactive puppet show that teaches young children strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence through songs, theater games, and puppet-making. Families and teachers will use the puppets to reinforce bravery, flexibility and curiosity in daily routines. Capture the Moment Cameras - Transition
Education Center (TEC) - Jessie Prissel This project at TEC provides an additional six cameras to support hands-on learning in photography and digital media. Through club activities and community excursions, students learn to operate cameras, organize images and create digital projects that build critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and independence. Story Boxes - Birch Lake - Michelle Stemwedel This project will create nine multisensory story boxes for Cubs classrooms, each pairing a book with tactile objects and storage materials. These boxes will support communication, vocabulary and literacy for students who benefit from
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS Mahtomedi woman struck on I-94 in Wisconsin Kara Ann Meslow, 30, of Mahtomedi, has been identified by the Wisconsin State Patrol as the person who was struck and killed while walking along I-94 Monday, Dec. 8. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, it happened around 5:50 p.m. near Black River Falls. Meslow was pronounced dead at the scene.
White Bear Lake man charged with 2nd-degree burglary Eugene Benshoof, 46-year-oldman from White Bear Lake, has been charged with multiple felonies after police allegedly tracked his footprints through the snow following a report of suspicious activity at a construction site in Lino Lakes. According to the criminal complaint, at approximately 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, officers were
dispatched to a construction site in the 6500 block of 12th Avenue in Lino Lakes after a resident reported hearing clanking and cutting sounds coming from the site. According to the complaint, officers followed a set of footprints leading inside the building, where they discovered numerous cut copper pipes and a band saw. The complaint said a large piece of copper pipe had reportedly been dragged through the snow, and copper shavings were visible near the saw. Officers then tracked the footprints approximately 100 feet from the building and allegedly saw Benshoof lying on the ground. Police stated that his shoeprints matched those found both around and inside the building. Benshoof allegedly claimed he had gotten into an argument with his girlfriend, went for a walk and then sat down. He denied entering the building or accessing any tools, though he was reportedly unable to recall his specific whereabouts on the property.
hands-on engagement, including those with visual impairments, which increases participation, motivation and comprehension during co-taught lessons. Modeling Language with Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Devices - Willow Lane and Lakeaires - Jennafer Karpinski, Hannah Honerman, Bridget Cwengros This project will provide staff at Lakeaires and Willow Elementaries with dedicated AAC devices to model language while students use their own, allowing educators to demonstrate vocabulary and communication strategies while students learn, which supports more consistent practice, increased independence and stronger communication across classroom and community settings. The Tragic Hero’s Journey - Area Learning Center - Michele Norcross and John Forestell This project will bring ALC students to see “Macbeth” at the Guthrie Theater, deepening their understanding of Shakespeare’s themes through an immersive experience. Paired with classroom study and a creative writing unit, the trip will strengthen literacy, cultural awareness, engagement and personal connection through reflection, discussion and original poetry. Engineering and Design: Cardboard Carnival - Lakeaires - Heather Berry and Nick Marty This project will expand the Lakeaires Cardboard Carnival/MiniGolf event by providing 12 chomp saws for safe, precise cardboard cutting. The tools will enhance student design, problem-solving, and collaboration as fourth and fifth graders build interactive games shared with the whole school community, strengthening cross-curricular learning and a beloved annual tradition. Little Bears at Bear Time - Lakeaires Jennifer Elias This project will enhance BEAR
Time at Lakeaires by adding handson STEM and cooperative games that promote collaboration, creativity and social-emotional growth. Activities like building challenges and team games will strengthen communication, cooperation, conflict resolution and confidence while helping students learn to work together and support one another. Chomp Saws: Safe Tools for Young Makers Vadnais Elementary - Anna Klein This project will purchase 10 ChompSaw cardboard-cutting tools for the Vadnais Heights Elementary art program, allowing students in grades 3–5 to safely create more complex, hands-on cardboard projects. The tools will expand creative possibilities, support design and problem-solving skills and connect artmaking to engineering, collaboration and realworld learning. Equity-based Hands on Learning Materials for Preschoolers - Normandy - Elizabeth Waeghe, Jessica McCarthy, and Amber Buberl This project will purchase diverse, developmentally appropriate educational toys to support preschoolers’ cognitive, social-emotional and motor development. The materials will encourage cooperative play, problemsolving and inclusion, reflecting a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The expanded collection will be shared across classrooms as the program transitions into its new building. Group Drumming at Lakeaires - Lakeaires, Crystal Hall This project will expand the classroom set of drums for group drumming at Lakeaires. Adding more tubanos and djembes will allow full classes to participate together, building community, increasing rhythmic literacy and enhancing engagement through hands-on, ensemble-based music making across grades K–5. For more information about WBLAEF, visit wblaef.org. White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation
White Bear Lake Area Church Directory Sunday Worship Join us on Sunday:
10:15 am in-person Worship Livestreaming on and Live-streaming on YouTube: YouTube:FPCWBL FPCWBL 836604
787260
785863 764532
Children 5 years to 5th grade may participate in Children’s Church during worship.
5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381 • www.fpcwbl.org 5th and Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake • 651-429-3381• www.fpcwbl.org
Worship: Sunday, 9am & 10:30am Wednesday, 6:30pm Daily prayer meetings and Spiritual Growth classes throughout the week. Call the church office for more information.
2425 White Bear Avenue • Maplewood • 651-777-5200
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church All Are Welcome!
787263
LUTHERAN CHURCH
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Join our Community! Saturday 4:00pm Sunday 9:00am Sunday soCOOL ~ for ALL ages Education Hour Sunday 10:15am
2480 South Shore Blvd | WBL | sstwbl.org
office@ctkwbl.org | 651-429-4828
Reconciliation: Wednesday 5:00-5:45 PM, Thursday 8:45-9:15 AM, Saturday 3:15-3:35 PM, Sunday 6:00-6:20 PM
794438
(Just off Hwy 96 & Otter Lake Road)
847563
CHURCH OF ST. PIUS X
3878 Highland Avenue White Bear Lake • 651-429-5337 www.churchofstpiusx.org Masses: Sunday 9:30 AM & 6:30 PM, Monday, Thursday, & Friday, 8:00 AM, Wednesday 6:00 PM, Saturday 4:00 PM
1660 Birch Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
9 am worship in person & online at www.ctkwbl.org.
842779
831312
Masses: Saturday - 5:00 PM Livestream Sunday - 9:00 & 11:00 AM
831310
818979
1851 Birch St | WBL 55110 | wblumc.org
Sout h Shor e Tr inity
651-429-7771 Opt 1
Service times are subject to change. Contact your local church or check church web sites for service times and online service information.
TH
9am Traditions | 10am online | 10:45am New Crossings
www.stmarys-wbl.org
Church: 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake Parish Life Center/School: 4690 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake
Pl ve re
All Are Welcome!
3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 www.cslcvh.org / 651-429-6595 Sunday 9:00 AM worship in person/on-line Adult Bible Study 8:00 AM
rlcstpaul
751042
847494
redeeminglovechurch.com
8 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
DECEMBER 17, 2025
www.presspubs.com
TRUTH IN TAXATION: Levy approved, questions linger over district finances FROM PAGE 1
district’s financial report, prepared by Ehlers Public Finance Advisors. According to this report, the state currently allows the school just under $7,500 per student enrolled in the district. To have the same buying power that ISD 624 had 20 years ago, the state would have to allow $8,900 per student. “For the White Bear Lake schools, that gap represents underfunding of approximately $13.3 million.” Wald also relayed that, according to the Minnesota Department of Education, the state of Minnesota underfunded special education mandates in fiscal year 2024 by $503 million. The district plans to close the gap by siphoning roughly $5 million from the general fund in a process known as “cross-subsidy.” Wald commented, “Special education services are necessary, and we’ll continue to provide those services.” Wald stressed that a change in tax levy does not determine change in budget. This year, for instance, the district’s finance team reduced the long term facilities maintenance debt service payments by just over $3.1 million. “This represents a strategic scheduling of bond payments to minimize tax swings,” Wald explained. “We work with our municipal advisers on a debt payment schedule so as to maintain a generally level tax impact.” Because the school year is six months off of city and county budget
CHARTS CONTRIBUTED
A graph from Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald’s school board presentation (below) as well as a chart provided by Board Member Dan Skaar from Local Elections Matter (above). Wald’s graph claims that the formula allowance adjusted for pupil weight change in fiscal year 2023 is $6,863. Skaar’s provided report claims total combined revenue is $15,607. Because the latter number includes state spending on funded mandates such as all-day kindergarten, Wald said, “This comparison is apples to oranges.”
cycles, taxes payable in 2026 will be for the school year 2026-2027. The board traditionally finalizes the school year’s budget during its June meeting.
Conflicting numbers
After the presentation concluded, Skaar raised issues with the tax levy, specifically regarding debt payment to the 2019 Building Our Future bond referendum. “One (referendum goal) was to expect projected enrollment growth throughout the district. That didn’t happen … where did 20% of those students go?” Skaar said. He also stated that the majority of the referendum went to the high school. “70% of the referendum went
Carriers of the Month Silas Rastetter
December 2025
to the high school … I think it was $266 million went to the high school.” According to a school board packet from June 14, 2021, the district accepted a bid from KrausAnderson Construction Company for the high school renovation and expansion project totaling $148,965,000, or 45.7% of the referendum amount. Skaar then questioned the inflation funding gap Wald presented, procuring an education finance analysis prepared by Ken Wolf and Bob Fallen of Local Elections Matter, which claims that combined revenue for White Bear Lake Area Schools exceeded the rate of inflation by 30% from 2013-2023. “They’re experts in education finance in Minnesota …” Skaar said before giving Wald a copy of the report. “When they looked at our numbers—I’d like the school district to validate or refute this—combined revenue increased over the 20-year period over (inflation) by 1.4%, which is much different than what we’re saying.” Once Skaar was finished, Thompson offered a third perspective. “Dr. Lawrence Jacobs, one of Minnesota’s leading political analysts … was asked to look into
the Minnesota state mandates,” she said, “and when he looked from 2000 to 2025, he didn't even know what to say. He thought it was going to be bad, but he did not expect it to be as bad as it is … (Minnesota) tells us we have to do it, but they don’t give us the money.” After Thompson, Board Member Christina Streiff-Oji addressed Wald: “I want to thank you … and I want to apologize for the insinuation that your numbers are inaccurate.”
Follow-up
Since the board meeting, White Bear
Press has reached out to Skaar, Dr. Jacobs and Wald for comment. Skaar has provided the White Bear Press with a full copy of the report he presented. Dr. Jacobs did not respond before Press deadline. Regarding enrollment numbers, Wald stated, “The demographic projections were in 2017 and 2018, and those numbers have not come to fruition.” Wald said that the projections correctly predicted increased residential construction on the north end of the district, but that the costs of living in those units are pricing out families with school-age children.
Wald also mentioned that he read Skaar’s report. “His numbers reflect total spending on education, not the change in the student formula, which is what I referenced and makes up the $13.3 million revenue gap from 2003 to 2026,” Wald summarized. “The funding his sources referenced include state spending on funded mandates and programs that have been added to education over that period, including all-day kindergarten, voluntary prekindergarten, and literacy mandates. This is an apples-to-oranges comparison.”
BY THE NUMBERS
Congratulations to Silas! Carrier for Press Publications for almost a year. He is dependable and does a great job.
847209
$73,598,400 $3,120,539 4.4% 2.7%
Total approved ISD 624 School Board levy payable 2026 Total levy increase over levy payable 2025 Percent increase of total levy Estimated percent increase $400,000 home will see on tax statement
DECEMBER 17, 2025 www.presspubs.com
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
9
A ‘superpower’ in helping reconnect dogs with their people BY TRACI LEBRUN PINE CITY PIONEER EDITOR
About 5 1/2 years ago, Melissa (Missy) Milliman lost her dog, Drake. After enlisting the help of The Retrievers lost dog team to help find him, they got a call of a deceased dog nine miles from her home – it was Drake. After some time grieving her beloved companion, Milliman, who is a referrals coordinator for Welia Health by day, realized she wanted to help others who had lost a dog, so she joined The Retrievers as a case manager and trapper. Over 100 searches and 5 1/2 years later, she’s still doing just that — helping others find their furry friends. When she started working with The Retrievers, she had a mentor on the first few cases. Soon enough, she was on her own helping others find their lost dogs. She was able to guide them through the search process with tips on what to do if they spot a dog who is staying in the same area, how to spread the word of a lost dog, what to do when the trail goes cold, how to best organize a search, and more. Trainees learn to avoid sharing exact locations publicly, but instead to call in the information directly to the phone number on signs or f lyers. This avoids the situation where the dog becomes even more skittish when a mass of people come looking for him. “Every case and dog is different, so your skills sort of develop over time and you learn to adapt to changes and challenges,” said Milliman. Milliman specifically tells pet owners to put out signs with their phone number and a photo of their lost dog, knowing that not everyone has social media. “We’ve had so many dogs get returned because someone saw a sign and then saw the dog and was able to call the family immediately,” she noted. “We also make maps using Google maps which help us track sightings, and it helps families know good ‘suggested’ locations for signs.” Trapping is also a technique used by the team. They use a very large trap called the “Missy Trap.” The trap was created in 2013 and named after a golden retriever named Missy who would not enter conventional traps. The co-founder of The Retrievers, Greg James, designed a trap made from horse fence panels that can be assembled in a field with quick clips. When triggered by a dog pulling on a piece of food, the gate drops and latches. A trail camera is nearby to show when the trap is triggered and the dog, or sometimes other animals, are caught. They also use a large kennel that is hooked up to a Raytripper, a device developed by The Retrievers team, with a photoelectric sensor that drops the gate when a dog enters the trap and steps into the beam. “When it comes to trapping, we do rely on the community and permission to use people’s properties,” said Milliman. “We are extremely respectful when it comes to getting permission with the ‘leave it as you found it’ rule.”
A dog rescued in Rush City named “Max.”
The group also has a team of drone operators and a search dog named “Scout,” who is in training.
Spruce and Syrah
Milliman’s most memorable, and most challenging, case was “Spruce,” who is now called “Willow.” She was a great Pyrenees from Finlayson that traveled over 20 miles through the Snake River Forest area in the middle of deer hunting season. After the team tracked her movements for several days, they saw that she settled at a farm about 10 miles north of Knife Lake. “It took a couple weeks of conditioning her to go in our trap,” recalls Milliman. “But she eventually did, and that’s when her new life began with a foster already in place. I still get updates from her new mom.” One heart-wrenching rescue was on County Road 3 north of Hinckley. “We placed a trap in a deep ditch on the side of a busy road. A stray German shepherd I called Syrah was seen being dumped off with the truck driving off and her chasing after,” recalls Milliman. Thankfully, Syrah was caught and rehomed. Volunteers try to stay within an hour of their homes but most of them have traveled further. “One of my first cases on my own was a lost dog in Brownton, Minnesota, in the winter of 2020,” recalls Milliman. “I drove 2 1/2 hours in pretty much a blizzard to trap this dog with my son Everyn, who often helps me with my cases.” Advice from the pros If you’ve lost a dog, do not give up, says Milliman. “Stay positive for your dog. Post online and make and put up signs with your number and dog's photo on both sides,” she said. “Call the sheriff 's office to report your dog missing, call local vets and, if you need extra support, please reach out to organizations like The Retrievers (which serves most of Minnesota) or Lost K-9 (based out of Cottage Grove).” To prevent losing a dog and not finding it, “microchip, microchip, microchip!” notes Milliman. “Tags don’t always work, because they can fall off. Or you can write your number on your dog's collar in permanent marker even. I also recommend that if you are leaving town and you’re leaving your dog with a family member, a dog sitter or even a boarding facility, you should always send your dog with an article, whether it is a worn shirt, their blanket or bedding. Often, one of the first things we do is suggest hanging out a familiar scent which could be a worn shirt or a blanket or even a dog’s bed. In case the dog
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Missy Milliman with one of her dogs, Blu, who was a stray that was never reclaimed from Brook Park.
has kind of gotten ‘turned around,’ they could catch a familiar scent to help find their way home.” Milliman, who is not only a mother but a dog mom as well, says it's exhilarating when she takes a case. “I automatically love your dog like it’s my own! Our entire team is celebrating when we retrieve your pet,” she adds.
About The Retrievers
The Retrievers is an all-volunteer team based in Minnesota. The team also serves parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, northern Iowa, and western Wisconsin, offering the tools, experience and expertise to help rescues and individual owners find their lost dogs. Their resources will help dog owners organize an effective search and, through free consultations, their experienced team members can advise on strategic decisions as the search unfolds. Their specialty is capturing skittish dogs, which is especially helpful once a dog has been spotted and is remaining in the same general area. If your dog has gone missing, every hour counts. For more information or to donate to The Retrievers, visit https://www.theretrievers. org/. The Retrievers have also designed “Never Lost U,” which focuses on lost dog prevention. That information can be found at https://theretrievers-s-school.teachable.com/p/neverlostu. Traci LeBrun is the editor of the Pine City Pioneer.
White Bear Lake Rotary ACADEMIC ACHIEVER Hazel Yung
Rotary Matters
wblrotary1@comcast.net
Central Middle School
Hazel is a wonderful 8th-grade student who is not only hardworking but also happy and helpful. Hazel is a dedicated student who works hard in every single class. She is always on-task and ready and willing to learn. Hazel is a student who possesses wonderful critical-thinking skills and is someone who thinks not only of answers but also of questions that other students may overlook. Hazel is involved in soccer, figure skating, and is on the Alpine ski team. She also really enjoys art. All of Hazel's teachers are consistently impressed with her knowledge, thinking skills, and positive attitude.
Milliman and Nicole, a fellow Retriever volunteer, after trapping a little stray in Brook Park named “Chase.” They often work together on cases.
Jeff Borglum Milliman hand feeding Syrah before deploying the trap.
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Try chicken grit as an eco-friendly alternative to salt There are 68 lakes and streams in Minnesota impaired by too much salt (chloride) and at least 108 at high risk of becoming impaired in the near future. Salt is toxic to fish, aquatic bugs, mussels and amphibians and can mobilize other toxic elements in the water, including radon, mercury and lead. In addition, evidence suggests that lakes with chloride impairment may experience more frequent blue-green algae blooms. Worst of all, there is no way to remove salt from our lakes, rivers and streams once it is there. Researchers at the University of Minnesota estimate that 350,000 tons of salt are applied to roads, parking lots and sidewalks in the Twin Cities metro area each year. Of this total, 34% is applied by cities, 21% by counties, 24% by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and 21% by private property owners. To date, most salt-reduction efforts in Minnesota have focused on training plow drivers and contractors to use “Smart Salting” strategies to reduce their salt use while maintaining public safety. Thanks to certification training, local cities are saving tens of thousands of dollars per year and reducing their annual salt use by several hundred tons. When it comes to commercial properties, however, many property managers mistakenly assume they need a thick, visible layer of salt to keep parking lots and sidewalks safe. In reality, a light dusting of salt is enough to melt ice during warmer temps (above 15°F). Anything remaining after the ice melts is purely wasted and contributes to water pollution. Furthermore, salt actually does not work when pavement temps are below 15°F, so it’s best to use alternative strategies when it’s very cold.
CONTRIBUTED
A view of what too much salt looks like.
One way that homeowners, businesses, homeowner associations and community organizations can help to reduce water pollution from winter salt is by using chicken grit as a no-salt alternative. Chicken grit is made from chipped granite or quartz and is usually fed to chickens and other poultry to aid in digestion. Although it does not melt ice, it provides traction to prevent slips and falls. It is also easier to sweep up and reuse than sand or kitty litter, making it an ideal material for use on sidewalks and driveways. This winter, the South Washington, Ramsey-Washington Metro, Rice Creek, Coon Creek and Vadnais Lakes Area watersheds will be giving away free bags of chicken grit to community residents in the north and east metro. Pickup locations include: • Woodbury Public Works (2300 Tower Dr.) and Cottage Grove Public Works (8635 W. Point Douglas Rd S.) – 24-hour outdoor pickup • Washington County Environmental Center (4039 Cottage Grove Dr.) – weekend pickup
• St. Paul Park Streets Department (649 Fifth St.) – weekday pickup • Participating hardware stores – visit rwmwd.org/get-gritty to find locations in Andover, Arden Hills, Blaine, Circle Pines, Little Canada, Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake, Woodbury and St. Paul. In other locations, you can purchase chicken grit for about $10 a bag at your local hardware or farm supply store. Here are some additional ways to protect lakes and rivers from salt pollution. • Help us track excessive salt use: Every winter, we field dozens of calls and emails from residents worried about salt pollution. We’ve now created an online form to report specific locations, so we can provide these businesses and organizations information about winter salting best practices: tinyurl.com/ toomuchsalt2026.
• Request a salt watch test kit from Izaak Walton League to measure the salinity of a stream or wetland near your home: www.iwla.org/water/ stream-monitoring/salt-watch. • If you hire a winter maintenance contractor, encourage them to get Smart Salt certified through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: www.pca. state.mn.us/business-with-us/smartsalting-training. Angie Hong coordinates the East Metro Water Education Program, a local government partnership with 30 members in Chisago, Isanti and Washington counties (www.mnwcd.org/emwrep). Contact her at 651-796-2210 or angie. hong@mnwcd.org.
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Holiday Worship Christ the King Lutheran Church 1660 Birch Lake Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110
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Celebrate Christmas with us in person or via livestream! www.ctkwbl.org
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Candlelight and Communion Service 4:00 PM
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12/20 Winter Solstice Service, 6pm
4821 Bloom Avenue • White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-429-3381 • www.fpcwbl.org
12/21 No-Rehearsal Pageant, 10am 12/24 Tiny (Toddler) Christmas, 2pm 12/24 Christmas Eve Services, 4 & 6pm
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December 21 – 10:15 am Service of Lessons & Carols Christmas Eve – 6:30 pm
Christmas Eve Services
Thursday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day 10:00 am
Wednesday, December 24
All worship services are available inperson and on our YouTube channel: First Presbyterian White Bear Lake. FPC is wheelchair accessible
12pm Church Online 3pm Family Friendly Service 5pm New Crossings Service w/Candles & Band 10pm Traditions Service w/Candles & Choir
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Thursday, Jan. 1 at 10:00 am
New Year’s Service Sunday, December 28
1851 Birch St., White Bear Lake 651.429.9026 | wblumc.org
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CHRIST IS BORN! Christmas at St. John’s 12.21 10am
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You’re invited to celebrate the birth of our Savior
Christmas Eve 4:00, 6:00, 11:00pm Christmas Day 10:00am
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South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church 2480 South Shore Blvd., White Bear Lake
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Notable revenue changes include: • Franchise fees from Xcel Energy and Ramsey Washington Cable Commission (SCC) are expected to decrease. • Non-business license and permit revenues are trending down with the completion of extensive school district facility projects, and no new significant development projects are planned. • The Minnesota DNR shade tree grant funding for removal of emerald ash borer and tree replacement has been adjusted to match the planned use of funds. • Ambulance revenues and interest revenues are expected to increase.
Notable expenditure changes include: • Salary adjustments and labor contracts (including benefit factors) and a cost-of-living adjustment of 3% • Additional personnel • Forestry management (MN DNR shade tree grant funding) • Hwy 61 median maintenance and required additional MnDOT safety measures • Website hosting and federal ADA compliance add-ons • Required Minnesota Paid Family Leave Program expenditures added, with a 50/50 cost share between the city and employees. Lake, I’m hoping we continue that trend and we’ve went through the painful years so that now we can sustain.” Edberg stressed it’s important to keep in mind the increases to assessed value when talking about property tax increases. He said for 2026, his personal property assessment value went up by $40,000. He pointed out it’s also important to keep in mind the value for what you are getting. “If your taxes went up $700, we (the city of White Bear Lake) is accountable for about $200 of that. For a median value home of $349,000, you pay about $1,100 in taxes a year; that’s about $100 a month for police, fire, ambulance and whole bunch of other stuff. Is life in the city worth $100 a month for streets and all that other stuff?” McCurdy asked Edberg how long he had lived in his home and pointed out that he likely didn’t have a mortgage on it anymore. “I have a $418,000 mortgage, so our finances are very different,” he said. “You’ve already benefited from that (10 years of no increase) and now I’m paying for the lack of oversight from a previous administration.” He added that he was happy to pay for important city services, but his cash flows are starting to “get very tight.” Council Member Bill Walsh encouraged the council going forward to try to pass balanced budgets but said he was supportive of the budget in front of him. “In government, if you want to lower taxes, you have to stop doing things that cost money and that means you have to get rid of people who do those things,” Walsh said. “Who can we get rid of to offset this so taxes don’t go up? I don’t know who those people are.” Council Member Heidi Hughes said she was also supportive of the budget. “I can’t find anything to get rid of. There is not a lot of extra in there,” she said. “We are a city, and the value we provide, you can see. It is the roads, the parks, the police and fire. When you start thinking what do you not want done, there is not a lot of willingness to not do something … There is no extravagance. I wish there was, because we would all go after that.”
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some of these cities, yet a much smaller tax levy,” she said. “It’s also worth noting that in 2025, 2024 and 2023, White Bear Lake was also at the bottom of the list … Although we are catching up, our levy increase is still less than what New Brighton’s was last year and the same as Shoreview’s in 2023.” Golden Valley is at the top of the list with $1,628 per capita, followed by Hopkins at $1,262 and West St. Paul at $1,229. At the bottom of the list is Fridley at $832, New Brighton at $705, Shoreview at $673 and White Bear Lake at $666. The 2025 budget is also being revised due to a significant surplus, Crawford said, due to higher than anticipated building permits and fees, ambulance transport charges, interest revenues and personnel expenditure savings due to vacant positions. She explained that the 2025 budget planned for a surplus of $15,949, but it will be revised to anticipate a surplus of $90,195. The council heard from two residents during this year’s truth and taxation hearing. “Even though your budget looks good on paper, I had to cut my 401K in anticipation of this property tax increase,” said resident Michael McCurdy. “My property tax bill is going up $700 this year. That might sound insignificant … but $700 in my family is significant.” McCurdy also requested data such as vendor bills and other expenditure records pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13.03. Resident Pat Kolb said he wanted to focus on the history of increases over the last few years. “In 2023, my taxes were $1,045. This year they are going to be $1,555; that’s a $510 increase, or 49% in a three-year period. That’s too steep,” he said. He questioned whether the per capita comparison was a “fair, accurate” calculation and whether the distribution of residential and commercial tax base was factored into that calculation. He also wondered if everything that was listed in the city’s 10-year capital improvement plan was necessary, like the $225,000 budgeted for monument signs on County Road E or the $250,000 for a new sprinkler system at Lakewood Hills Park. “My biggest question is, I want to know what next year looks like … Are we going to do 8% or is it going to go back to 16%? Because we can’t keep going at 49% over a three-year period rate,” he said. Mayor Dan Louismet thanked the gentleman for showing up and said taxes are the topic that has given him “heartburn” during his four-year term as mayor. “Taxes are a big deal, but there are 24,500 residents in White Bear Lake and two people showed up to the truth in taxation hearing,” he said. “It is really hard from our standpoint to gauge what does the general public really think.” Louismet explained that when he stepped into the mayor’s seat, there was a 10-year period where the city did not raise its tax levy. One of the ways the city was able to do that was by having very low wages, causing great employees to leave and find work elsewhere to receive significant wage increases — to the tune of $20,000. He noted that the “overwhelming majority” of increases over the last several years have gone to increasing staff salaries so they “pass the smell test” for a fair salary. Council Member Kevin Edberg added, “Our tax levy was a 0% increase for 10 years … We were at a point where we were losing staff we ought to not have lost because they could go and make a whole lot more somewhere else.” “Over the last three years, I have supported a 20% increase, 15% increase and now finally we are getting closer to reality just under 9%,” Louismet said. “Next year, as a resident of White Bear
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com. 847578
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CITY BUDGET: Council says ‘no extravagance’
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WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP NOTES • White Bear Township Public Works Director Dale Reed is set to retire Jan. 30, 2026. “We’d like to say thank you, Dale … We wish you well no matter what you pursue,” Township Supervisor Chair Ed Prudhon commented before chuckling, “but I’m putting you on speed dial.” Township Clerk Patrick Christopherson responded, “He is for us, too. We’ve worked it out that
Dale will be advising us for the time being after he retires.” • White Bear Township’s Precinct 1 and 5 polling locations for the 2026 election are yet to be decided. In past years, the township designated Otter Lake Elementary for these precincts, but Township Clerk Patrick Christopherson said, “We’ve had a variety of residents contact the township as well as
the school district … to reconsider the position for the next election because the kids will be in school.” Town Attorney Chad Lemmons confirmed that the township had until 90 days before the election to finalize a location. • Due to the Christmas holiday, December’s Township Executive Meeting is being rescheduled from Friday, Dec. 26 to 8 a.m. Friday,
Dec. 19, at 1281 Hammond Road. The White Bear Township Board next meets at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Road. To view the livestream of the meeting, visit youtube.com/@ WhiteBearTownshipMNOfficial/ streams. Logan Gion
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: Black Line Group, LLC 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 3250 W CYPRESS ST STE 100 TAMPA FL 33607 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. Think Advisors, LLC 3250 W CYPRESS ST STE 100 TAMPA FL 33607 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: December 9, 2025 Signed: Jeffrey Petersen Published two times in the White Bear Press on December 17 and 24, 2025.
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE
CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies: 1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Graves Estate 2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 326 Lady Slipper Lane. Saint Paul, MN 55127 3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business. Bulldogs in the Kitchen LLC 1802 Minnetonka Boulevard, Deephaven, MN 55391 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: November 24, 2025 Signed: Alexandra Graves Published two times in the White Bear Press on December 10 and 17, 2025.
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-08 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND ESTABLISHING THE 2026 CITY OF MAHTOMEDI FEE SCHEDULE On December 2, 2025, the City of Mahtomedi, Washington County, Minnesota (“City”) adopted Ordinance No. 2025-08, an ordinance adopting and establishing the 2026 City of Mahtomedi Fee Schedule. The Ordinance adopts updated fees for the City for ambulance transport fees, city equipment rental, utility rates, utility connection charges, various permits and licenses, special assessments, and other city fees and charges. All other fees shall remain the same as found in the City’s existing 2025 fee schedule. The entire fee schedule can be viewed at the Mahtomedi City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or on the City of Mahtomedi website: www. mahtomedimn.gov. Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 17, 2025.
CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TITLE AND SUMMARY APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-12-2083 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2026 FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE CITY WHEREAS, the City of White Bear Lake City Council may, pursuant to Ordinance No. 83-6-666, adopt a title and summary of a proposed ordinance to be published in lieu of lengthy entire ordinances, and WHEREAS, in addition to adopting a title and ordinance summary, the Council shall direct the City Clerk to: 1. Publish the approved summary language once in the City’s official newspaper; 2. Have available for inspection during regular office hours a copy of the entire Ordinance; 3. Place a copy of the entire Ordinance at the White Bear Lake Branch of the Ramsey County Public Library; 4. Obtain an affidavit of publication of the title and summary from the official newspaper and place it in the City’s ordinance book together with the Ordinance and a copy of this Resolution; 5. Post the Ordinance on the City’s website. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of White Bear Lake City Council hereby adopts the aforementioned title and summary for approved Ordinance No. 25-12-2083 as listed below: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2026 FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE CITY On December 9, 2025, the City Council of the City of White Bear Lake adopted the above-referenced ordinance to adopt the 2026 Fee Schedule for the City. The updated fees go into effect on January 1, 2026. The full text of the ordinance is available for inspection at White Bear Lake City Hall during regular business hours and has been posted to the City’s website. FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of White Bear Lake City Council hereby directs the City Clerk to provide the inspection and publication requirements as listed above. The foregoing resolution, offered by Councilmember Edberg and supported by Councilmember Engstran, was carried unanimously on December 9, 2025. Dan Louismet, Mayor ATTEST: Caley Longendyke, City Clerk Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 17, 2025.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110
WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP
NOTICE OF HEARING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION WITHIN THE 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR PROPERTY ADDRESSED AS 2569 STACKER BOULEVARD 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, January 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., to consider a proposed Amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan initiated by the Town of White Bear to change the Future Land Use Designation of 2569 Stacker Boulevard (Parcel ID 253022120029) from Public/Institutional to Residential – Low Density with the legal description provided as follows: LOT 12, BLOCK 6 EASTWOOD MANOR, WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP; RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA 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 11th day of December, 2025. PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 17, 2025.
WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP
NOTICE OF HEARING ON REQUEST FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 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, January 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., to consider the issuance of an Amendment to a Conditional Use Permit to construct a deck addition located at 4141 Hoffman Road (Parcel ID 223022410023) with the full legal description on file with the Township and the applicant providing the following legal description as: THAT PART OF SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 22 AND SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 22, RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 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 11th day of December, 2025. PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 17, 2025.
WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP
NOTICE OF HEARING ON REQUEST FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 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, January 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., to consider the issuance of an Amendment to a Conditional Use Permit to construct a new hangar located at 5860 Highway 61 (Parcel ID 013022230007) with the full legal description on file available at the Township and the applicant providing the following legal description as: PARCEL A. THAT PART OF THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF THE NORTHWEST ¼ AND THAT PART OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF THE NORTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 22, OF RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA. PARCEL C. THAT PART OF THE NORTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 22, OF RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA. 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 11th day of December, 2025. PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 17, 2025.
WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP
NOTICE OF HEARING ON REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE WITHIN THE SHORELAND MANAGEMENT AREA 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, January 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., to consider the issuance of a Variance to the front yard setback for a corner lot located at 5253 W Bald Eagle Boulevard (Parcel ID 113022310048) and legally described as: LOT 7, BLOCK 13, TOWN OF BALD EAGLE, TOGETHER WITH ALL THAT PART OF GOVERNMENT LOT 2, SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 22 LYING NORTH OF THE NORTH LINE OF SAID LOT 7 AND LYING BETWEEN THE EXTENSION OF THE EAST AND WEST LINES OF LOT 7, BLOCK 13, TOWN OF BALD EAGLE. 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 11th day of December, 2025. PATRICK CHRISTOPHERSON, Clerk-Treasurer Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 17, 2025.
MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 2025 Abbreviated Minutes — complete information available from the Superintendent’s office or online at www.isd624.org. A meeting of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in Boardroom 200 at the Sunrise Park District Service Center, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1. Chair Arcand called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call - Present: Daniels, Ellison, Skaar, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed. Absent: none. Ex-Officio: Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak. 3. Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Ellison moved and Daniels seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Skaar made a motion to record and live stream the public forum. Thompson made an objection to Skaar’s motion to record and live stream the public forum. Voice vote: Ayes, Daniels, Ellison, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed. Nays, Skaar. Objection carried. Skaar made a motion to allow the public forum speakers to finish their statement without a time limit or the tap of the gavel. There was no second. Skaar made a motion to add to the agenda progress of enrollment procedures in the high school. There was no second. 5. Ellison moved and Daniels seconded to approve the consent agenda consisting of: a. Minutes for Board meeting on October 13, 2025, and October 27, 2025; b. Monthly invoices, all of which met the standards and guidelines as set by the School Board - removed from consent agenda; c. Resolution regarding acceptance of gifts with thank you letters directed to the donors; d. Field trips; e. Resolution regarding personnel items; f. Quarterly Investment Update; and g. Quarterly Revenue and Expenditure Report - removed from consent agenda. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Skaar made a motion to remove A-5b, Monthly Invoices and A-5g, Quarterly Revenue and Expenditure Report from the consent agenda. Thompson moved and Beloyed seconded to approve the Monthly invoices, all of which met the standards and guidelines as set by the School Board and the Quarterly Revenue and Expenditure Report. Roll call vote: Ayes, Daniels, Ellison, Streiff Oji, Thompson, Arcand, Beloyed. Nays, Skaar. Motion carried. PUBLIC FORUM - Brad Nelson, Dianna Delaney. Skaar began to discuss. Ellison made a Point of Order that the agenda does not allow for discussion during the public forum portion of the meeting. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Student Recognition Students who participated in state and national level competitions in Girls and Boys Cross Country were recognized and congratulated. 2. Superintendent’s Report - Dr. Kazmierczak highlighted several news items in the White Bear Lake Area School. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2024-25 Comprehensive Achievement and Academic Readiness Summary and Achievement & Integration Progress Report. 2. First Reading of School Board Policies: a. 305, Policy Implementation; b. 306, Administrator Code of Ethics; c. 608, Instructional Services - Special Education; and d. 722, Public Data and Data Subject Requests. The policies listed above will be on the December 8, 2025 agenda or subsequent agenda for a second reading. OPERATIONAL ITEMS 1. Thompson moved and Daniels seconded to approve the action on 202627 Course Proposals. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 2. Ellison moved and Beloyed seconded to approve the action on 2026-27 and 2027-28 Calendars. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 3. Beloyed moved and Thompson seconded to approve the Bid for White Bear Lake Area High School Roof Replacement Project in the amount of $347,735. Roll call vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. 4. Daniels moved and Thompson seconded to approve the Action on School Board Policies: a. 301, School District Administration; b. 302, Superintendent; c. 303, Superintendent Selection; d. 422, Policies Incorporated by Reference; and e. 523, Policies Incorporated by Reference. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. BOARD FORUM. LABOR NEGOTIATIONS This portion of the meeting may be closed to consider strategy for labor negotiations, including negotiation strategies or developments or discussion and review of labor negotiation proposals, conducted pursuant to Minn. Stat. 179A.01 to 179A.25. Ellison moved and Thompson seconded to go into closed session at 7:08 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Ellison moved and Skaar seconded to go into open session at 7:23 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Ellison moved and Thompson seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Kathleen Daniels, clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 17, 2025.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 624 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110
MINUTES NOVEMBER 24, 2025 Abbreviated Minutes — complete information available from the Superintendent’s office or online at www.isd624.org. A work session of the White Bear Lake Area School Board was held on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in Boardroom 200 at the District Service Center at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN. This meeting was open to the public and a recording is posted on the website. PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1. Call to Order - Chair Arcand called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call - Present: Ellison, Skaar, Arcand, Beloyed, Daniels. Absent: Streiff Oji, Thompson. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Fall Activities Update 2. North Star Elementary Update 3. Transition Education Center Update ADJOURNMENT Ellison moved and Beloyed seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 p.m. Voice vote: Ayes, all. Nays, none. Motion carried. Submitted by: Kathleen Daniels, clerk. Published one time in the White Bear Press on December 17, 2025.
RAMSEY/WASHINGTON COUNTIES SUBURBAN CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION II
NOTICE OF REGULAR 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE Notice is hereby given that the Ramsey/Washington Counties Suburban Cable Communications Commission II (“Commission”) has scheduled regular meetings of the Commission for 1/8/26, 3/12/26, 5/14/26, 7/9/26, 9/10/26, and 11/12/26 at 5:30 p.m. Full Commission Meetings are scheduled to be held at: City of White Bear Lake City Hall, 4701 Highway 61 N., White Bear Lake Regular meetings of the Commission’s Executive Committee have been scheduled for 2/12/26, 4/9/26, 6/11/26, 8/13/26, 10/8/26, and 12/10/26 at 5:30 p.m. These meetings are scheduled to be held at the Commission office, 2460 East County Road F, White Bear Lake. Published two times in the White Bear Press on December 10 and 17, 2025.
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WHITE BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL NOTES • The police department has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation’s Community Partnership grant program. The department plans to use the funds to launch a new community outreach initiative called “Cops and Bobbers.” This event will bring together police officers and children for a day of fishing on White Bear Lake. Police Chief Dale Gager says the goal is to foster positive, informal interactions between youth and officers, encouraging mentorship, trust and mutual understanding in a relaxed outdoor setting. The awarded funds will be used to purchase fishing equipment, bait, small items and snacks for participants and basic supplies to host the event, which will likely happen in May or June. The hope is that the event becomes an annual tradition. • The council has granted two variances to property owners. Leslie and Brett Larson, owners of 4360 Circle Drive, requested a variance from the rear yard setback in order to replace the existing 10-by-10-foot deck with a larger deck that will encroach into the required setback by 6 feet at its closest on the north corner, tapering to a 2-foot encroachment at the south corner. Deanna Doyle and Son Tran, owners of 1455 Birch Lake Blvd. S, requested a 5-foot side yard setback variance from the required 15foot setback along the western property line to construct a lakefront house with attached garage 10 feet from the west side property line. • Superior Molecular Inc. is requesting a conditional use permit (CUP) for a low-potency hemp manufacturing facility at 4459 White Bear Parkway. The applicant has obtained preliminary approval from the Office of Cannabis Management and now must obtain city approvals before moving on in the licensing process. Both the Planning Commission and city staff found that the standards for CUPs laid out in city code have been satisfied, and
Superior Molecular’s existing suite includes production and curing rooms, as well as administrative offices and secure storage for raw materials and finished products.
recommended approval. The council approved the CUP. • The city will impose a $1,000 administrative fine and a seven-day license suspension for MNJ Tobacco, located at 4074 White Bear Ave. • City Manager Lindy Crawford will be placed at Grade AA, Step 7 of the city’s compensation plan following a “satisfactory” performance evaluation. • The classification and compensation plan for 2026 has been approved. Each year, the council reviews the plan in consideration of an adjustment to the wage chart. For 2026, the chart will be amended to ref lect a 3% cost-ofliving adjustment (COLA) on Jan. 1. Assistant City Manager Rick Juba explained that the adjustments are accounted for in the budget and align with previously approved union labor agreements for the city’s four union groups. There is one classification or grade change. The geographic information system (GIS) technician position will change to a GIS coordinator position and from a Grade E to a
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A conditional use permit has been approved for a low-potency hemp manufacturing facility at 4459 White Bear Parkway. Superior Molecular Inc formulates, blends and packages lower potency hemp-derived products, including emulsions, beverages and gummies for wholesale distribution to licensed businesses across Minnesota.
Grade F. The plan also includes the addition of a human resources technician. There are also some noted title changes that do not have budget implications. • A two-year contract has been agreed upon by the city and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, the union representing the city’s public works maintenance technicians and working foremen. The contract, which is for 2026 and 2027, is consistent with the city’s other bargaining units. For 2026, the city has agreed to cover 100% of the increase in health insurance premiums and add $100 to the health savings account contribution. The agreement also includes a COLA in both years. The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at City Hall. Shannon Granholm
MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL NOTES • Cities also respond to growing expenses by increasing fees. In the past, the city of Mahtomedi adopted its fee schedule at the beginning of each year but now adopts the fees at the end of the year for the upcoming year. For 2026, some of the fees have increased. Council conducted a public hearing and in one vote unanimously approved an ordinance adopting the annual fee schedule and passed a resolution approving the publication of a summary ordinance. Notable fee increases and updates in the fee schedule include: - Increased ambulance transport rates - Increased city facilities and equipment rental rates - Increased assessment rates - Updated water meter and accessory prices - Updated building and electrical inspection charges. • Every year the city does projects that don’t get closed out financially at the end of the year and continue to be a work in progress. The city then holds a negative balance on those projects, Schaefer said. The finance department transfers money from other funds to make the books whole for that project to avoid a negative balance. “It’s not a cost overrun. It just means it just couldn’t get done,” he said. Council then passed a resolution committing the general fund balance to fund incomplete reconstruction projects. These projects consist of interim construction fund projects that remain open. • The fund balance policy established a maximum fund balance percentage of 65% of unassigned funds in the general fund. The funds to be committed will be amounts that exceed the 65% maximum. In other words, if the general fund has enough money in it, that overage can be transferred to other funds.
• The amount will be determined by the annual audit. The funds will be committed at this time for fiscal year ending on Dec. 31, 2025, with a corresponding transfer resolution sometime in 2026 to the street improvement fund with council approval. • On Dec. 20, 2011, council approved the general fund policy which established a minimum and maximum level (45% - 65%) of unassigned fund balance of the subsequent year’s budgeted expenditures. The policy established that any balance of the 65% maximum may be transferred to other funds. The council also approved a resolution committing any excess fund balance to the street improvement fund. The amount of this year’s transfer is $106,095. The street improvement fund has a current fund balance of approximately $4.6 million before transfers for current construction projects. Therefore, council passed a resolution transferring the committed fund balance from the general fund to the street improvement fund. • Every summer, the city contracts with the YMCA for lifeguarding services at Mahtomedi Beach. For next summer, council approved the Mahtomedi Beach Operations Agreement with the YMCA. The YMCA will provide lifeguarding services from June 6, 2026, through Aug. 15, 2026, seven days per week and additional coverage on weekends of Aug. 23 to Sept. 7, 2026. There has been a 2% increase in fees for 2026 to $35,300. • Per prior agreement, the cost of contracted engineering services will increase this year, and council approved the WSB 2026 rate schedule. The average rate increase for various engineering services for 2026 is 4%. • The FEMA SAFER (staffing for adequate fire and emergency response) grant provides funding
to fire departments to enhance staffing and improve emergency response capabilities. Lexipol LLC of Frisco, Texas, is a company that offers grantwriting services to assist with the application process for the SAFER grant for a fee of $14,250. Council approved an agreement with Lexipol for grant writing services. • The city is still paying for road improvements from 2025 and approved pay voucher No. 1 in the amount of $110,790.90 to New Look Contracting for the Birchwood Road drainage improvements. • Council approved the 2025-26 cooperative services agreement with Yardworks Lawn Care and Maintenance LLC, Mahtomedi Youth Hockey Association and Mahtomedi School District to maintain the outdoor ice rinks at 55 Briarwood Avenue. These parties have entered into an agreement for many years to provide maintenance, upkeep, utilities and services. • The city received a petition to vacate an 8-foot portion of the Griffin Avenue right of way abutting the property located at 1356 Griffin Avenue so that the property owners can correct the existing encroachment of their home into the right of way and to allow them the possibility of building a small, covered entry addition onto their home in the future. Staff reviewed the request and determined that there were no concerns with the Griffin Avenue right of way reduction and recommended approval of the vacation, which council did unanimously. • Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies attended the meeting to provide an update on law enforcement activities over the past five weeks. With the colder weather, mischief has been on the decline, although juvenile and medical issues always merit response.
Deputies said they were compiling a list of notable juveniles and nurturing a relationship with them so they don’t continue their current behaviors. Over the past month, WCSO deputies have conducted 165 traffic stops in Mahtomedi alone and issued 53 citations. • In more financial news, council passed a resolution formally accepting cash donations in the amount of $3,600, along with in-kind donations for Streetcar Park. The donations include: - $1,000 from the Wildwood Lions Club - $2,600 from 70 community members - A grant of $1,000 from the Mahtomedi Garden Club - A grant of $500 from the Rice Creek Watershed District - A Little Free Library from the Mahtomedi Community Hub - A concrete slab from Boy Scout Troop 433 - Six bike stands from Rudy Rack. Before accepting gifts on behalf of the city, council heard a presentation from Streetcar Park volunteers Katie Macke, Lindsey Buck, Cindy Rasmussen, Ian Harding, Heidi Bennett and Sandy Wilkinson of the Mahtomedi Garden Club to update the community about the amenities added to the park at the north end of town. • The Streetcar Park Association is holding a Winter Walk from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the District Education Center (DEC), 1520 Mahtomedi Avenue. It will feature a walk from the DEC to Streetcar Park. There will be poster displays from the Lake Links Trail Association, Mahtomedi Garden Club and others at the DEC. Cookies and hot cider will also be available. The event is free and everyone is welcome. Loretta Harding
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SP TTED AROUND TOWN
1. The family of Griffin Runze has once again decorated the covered bridge along the Lake Links Trail at Streetcar Park in Mahtomedi with holiday greens, ribbons, wreaths and lighting. The Runze family donated funds several years ago to construct the bridge in memory of Griffin, who passed away in 2017. With this year’s bountiful snow, it’s a perfect spot for holiday snapshots! — Mary Hoff, contributed 2. The Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf held its annual Tree of Light ceremony Dec. 5 at Veterans Memorial Park. — Ian Harding, contributed 3. Frassati Catholic Academy hosted its annual Christmas Concert on Dec. 4, featuring music by the school’s kindergarten through eighth-grade students. — Contributed 4. Late Thursday, Dec. 11 this vehicle ended up on the walk/bike path along Lake Avenue near the intersection at Highway 96 and Highway 61. — Contributed
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Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to whitebearnews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.
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Angelic ice sculpture construction Above: The completed ice angel sculpture shimmers in the early evening, winter twilight in Downtown White Bear Lake. It is among several ice sculptures currently on display in front of downtown businesses as part of the holiday festivities and locally cultivated hometown shopping experience. The EH Team will again be competing in the upcoming Winter Carnival Ice Carving competition. Find more photos online at presspubs.com.
Above: Paul and Deneena Hughes recently constructed an ice sculpture in front of Rust Architects in Downtown White Bear Lake. Because they moved from Canada to the United States they call themselves The EH Team in reference to their heritage in Alberta. At right: Starting with several blocks of ice and a sketch plan, the couple spent hours building and refining the shape and features of their icy creation. A trumpet was one of the final details added before a blowtorch was used to add a clear sheen.
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OBITUARIES
David Lee VanOrsdel
Debra Ann Massa (Lampert)
Ruth Loretta Wilson
David Lee VanOrsdel passed away peacefully at his home at The Glen, an Assisted Living Center in Minnetonka, Minnesota on November 20, 2025. He was 95 years old. Born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota on January 12, 1930, David & his family spent his childhood growing up on a farm & going to a one room schoolhouse during the Depression. Lessons learned lasted a lifetime as David was known for his work ethic & kindness to people regardless of their circumstances throughout his life. After his parents, Cecil & Gladys ‘Toots’ VanOrsdel moved to Little Falls, Minnesota, David continued his education at Little Falls High School where he graduated in 1947. It was in high school where he met his beloved wife Dorothy Marie Anderson. Working multiple jobs, National Guard responsibilities & the Korean War all needed attention before David & Dorothy were able to get married on January 14, 1952 in North St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1957, after graduation from the St Cloud State Teachers College with a BS Degree in Business Education, David joined the Great Northern Railway Company as a Tax Auditor. Traveling the railways wasn’t easy being away from home so in 1959, David accepted the position of District 624 Transportation Director. It was the White Bear Lake School District that David found himself surrounded by fabulous teachers, other administrators & students. He held a variety of leadership roles in business, building & oversight throughout his 30 plus years helping WBL District 624 become one of best public school districts in the state of Minnesota. After retiring, David went to work at Target as a stocking clerk where he retired again after 25 years of service. When not working, David’s pass time was spent following his two grandchildren around the state & country as they pursued their dreams of sports. David was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dorothy, his brothers Douglas & Darrell & sister Doris (Jeanie) Almquist. He is survived by his sister Mary Yungner, his only child, Scott and wife Lil Lundeen and their two children David ( Verona Italy) & Danny and wife Kelly of Hilton Head, So Carolina. David was interned after a private ceremony at Lakeside Cemetery in Mahtomedi, Minnesota on November 28, 2025. Plans are being worked out for a Celebration of Life event later next spring to honor David’s lifetime & contribution to the WBL community.
Age 71, of White Bear Lake, MN. Born January 21, 1954, White Bear Lake, MN, passed away surrounded by her family. Debbie was a Beloved Wife, mother and grandmother. Debbie is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 47 years, Joe, and her much-loved daughter Jaymi, and daughter in law Erin. Also survived by her grandchildren, each of whom she cherished and loved beyond words, Maddie (Jacob), Allie and Amelia. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Louanne Lampert and son Jayson Massa. Debbie will be remembered for her devotion to her family and her love of the Gull Lake area. Debbie was a 40+ year employee of St. Paul Companies/Travelers Insurance. The Massa family would like to thank Harmony Gardens for caring for her over the past 2 years. She will be missed by many. Visitation will be at HONSA FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2460 East County Rd E in White Bear Lake on Tuesday, December 16, from 5-7pm. Private Family Interment at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis on Wednesday December 17. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home. 651-429-6172
Age 92. Born September 28th, 1933 in Ladysmith, WI., to Walter and Freda Young. Ruth was the youngest of nine children. She was a fun, spirited girl who loved life. She was a homecoming queen who is now with our heavenly king. Ruth is survived by the love of her life, Kenneth Wilson. Ken and Ruth were high school sweethearts, best of friends, and each other’s biggest supporters. Ken and Ruth were blissfully married for 73 years. Ruth was strong in character, always saw the glass half full and willing to make sacrifices. The two of them created a wonderful family of nine children where she shined as a mother and wife. Ruth didn’t let motherhood keep her from having an adventure; she was giddy about Halloween, and loved to dress as a witch, hide in the shadows, and scare the unsuspecting neighbor kids. She organized Christmas talent shows for her children and eventually the grandkids. She learned to downhill ski alongside with her crew of kids, canoed with her family on the Flambeau River, and took up golf as a retiree. She was full of fun and most importantly love. Ruth was a first-rate travel companion and loved to “hit the road” with Kenny in retirement. Their RV made frequent trips to Branson, MO and Grand Junction, CO, their favorite destination was Maui, which holds a special place in their hearts. Ruth is survived by her nine children; Lorinda Mishek (Jim), Ken Mark Wilson (Shannon), Shelley Renner (Rick), Barb Paulson (Jeff), Kim Esch (Mike), Dianne Carlson (Tony), Amy Graebner (Paul), Ned Wilson (Theresa), Neil Wilson (Sarah), thirty grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. It seemed she always had a baby in her arms. Ruth’s memory will be cherished by all of us who loved her, may she be forever Young. A private family service and interment is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the White Bear Lake Food Shelf or Hugo Food Shelf. Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944 www.muellermemorial.com
Terry Post Age 41 of White Bear Lake. Celebration of Terry’s life will be Sat., Dec. 20, 2025, 11 am at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi with visitation 1 hour prior to service at the church. Bradshaw - 651-439-551 www.bradshawfuneral.com
Kara Ann Meslow Age 30, of Mahtomedi, passed away unexpectedly on December 8, 2025. Preceded in death by grandparents, Violet and Richard Larson; greatuncle, John Meslow; and cousin, Peter Meslow. She will be deeply missed by parents, Dave and Lori; sister, Dana (Al) Orlando; nieces, Ellie & Frankie; grandparents, Bob and Karen Meslow; so many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Kara was a talented fun- loving woman. Her smile lit up the whole room. She was an outstanding golfer at Mahtomedi High School and a Division 1 player. She received the Presidential Academic Team Award and was on the Hip Hop Dance Team at North Dakota State University. Kara loved writing music, singing, and had a strong Christian faith. A celebration of Kara’s life will be Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Camp Odayin (campodayin.org)
Resident of Kingsley Shores, passed away peacefully December 3. Visitation Friday December 19, 10am. Mass of resurrection at 11. Luncheon to follow.
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Age 92, passed away December 9, 2025. Preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Tom Zwickel, Sr. Survived by son Tom, Jr. (Sue), daughter Nancy (Dean) and 7 grandchildren. Visitation will be held Sunday January 4, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 at: www.Washburn-McReavy.com Hillside Chapel 612-781-1999 2610 19th Ave. NE, Minneapolis
Lois A. Harvey
Obituaries honor unique lives. Years and age listed here followed by the names of family members, life accomplishments, places traveled, jobs held, or descriptions of what was important to the person.
Arlene Lindbeck Zwickel
20 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
DECEMBER 17, 2025
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‘Cinderella’ most attended show in history
Primp Boutique announces closure of all locations
Blue Christmas Service
Community of Grace gives back
Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many people. Anyone who is grieving loss, who has unhappy memories or who simply feels alone is encouraged to attend a special service aimed at offering comfort and nurturing this season. The service features a time of quiet contemplation, soothing music, hope and healing at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake.
Thanks to the generosity of members at the Community of Grace Lutheran Church, more than 800 local families were given Thanksgiving dinners from the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf. In addition to 1,678 pounds of diapers, the church family also donated over $7,300 to the food shelf to be used on diapers.
White Bear Lake Area High School’s fall musical, “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ is now the most attended show in the district’s history. “Cinderella” was the first musical performed in the new 845-seat Performing Arts Center addition at the high school; over 4,000 students, staff, family and community members attended. Additionally, “Cinderella” received numerous Outstanding distinctions from the Hennepin Spotlight Trust, including Achievement in Musical Theatre, Overall Technical Production and Overall Performance. Individual students also received numerous Outstanding, Honorable Mention and Evaluator Shoutout distinctions. “I am so very proud of our talented and hard working students,” commented the show’s director, Wendy Suoja. “They shined on stage and made our community proud. Thank you to White Bear Lake Area families for coming to the show. We appreciate your support!”
Primp Boutique’s last day of business will be Dec. 23. Founder Wesley Uthus recently announced the closure on Instagram. “After 15 years, it is time to close the doors of Primp and say goodbye to this chapter. My heart is broken,” Uthus wrote. “I’m so grateful for every moment, every conversation, every employee and every customer who made Primp what it is.” Primp began in 2010 with its location on Selby Avenue in St. Paul with a mission “to create an affordable boutique with a high-end experience.” At one point, the boutique had nine locations. The White Bear Lake location, at 4766 Banning Ave., opened its doors in 2013. All the remaining locations will host a farewell sale through Dec. 23.
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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on We Buy Vinyl Records CHOOSE EARTHrace, color, religion, Lps, 45s, Stereo Equip LINK FIBER Internet sex, handicap, familial We make house calls for speeds up to 5 by appointment. status, or national oriGigs, no data caps, no White Bear Lake gin, or an intention, to throttling. Prices startRecords make any such prefering at $54.95. Plus, a 4775 Banning Ave,WBL ence, limitation or dis$100 gift card when wblrecords.com crimination.” Familial 651/224-4947 you make the switch. status includes chilLooking for a Job? Call 844/*453*6983 dren under the age of Scan this QR Code to see Employment opportunities in 18 living with parents Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin communities. GET DISH SATELor legal custodians; LITE TV + INTERNET! pregnant women and Free install, free HDpeople securing cusDVR upgrade, 80,000 tody of children under on-demand movies, Scannewspaper this QR Code 18. This plus limited time up to see Employment opportunities in will tonot knowingly ac$600 in gift cards. Call Eastern Minnesota Western Wisconsin communit cept anyand advertising today! 855/*562*4309 for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal Since opportunity basis. To 1989 complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is “When Quality and Service Matter” 1-800-927-9275.
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Weather Tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com After a series of nuisance snowfalls, we finally received a snowfall of significant amount on Tuesday, December 9. The snow lingered into the morning hours of the 10th. While it made for a slow morning commute, main roads were quickly cleared and the evening drive was acceptable. I totaled 6.2” from this snow event. What followed was not so much fun. An Arctic blast, our 2nd of the season, brought single digit highs over the weekend and our coldest temperature of the season, -13º on Frank Watson Sunday morning. Temperatures rose overnight Sunday and we were back into the 20’s on Monday. With 8” of snow cover, a White Christmas looks promising. The My 2026 weather Winter Solstice is at 9:03am Sunday, December 21. Note: My 2026 weather calendar calendar is available now. is available. Check WeathermanWatson.com or call 651-206-5364 for more info. Also, available at Lake Country Booksellers in Downtown White Bear Lake.
WEEKLY AVERAGES HIGH LOW SUN PCP
23° 8° 39% 0.24”
Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.
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22 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
DECEMBER 17, 2025
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VFW’s request for more slips moves forward BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
History of variances
WHITE BEAR LAKE — The City Council is expected to approve a resolution next month that will allow the VFW to add 14 boat slips to its dock. VFW Post 1782 is requesting an amendment to its conditional use permit (CUP) and a variance for parking requirements to add 14 boat slips to its commercial marina. Community Development Director Jason Lindahl said that over the years, the VFW has been granted several variances relating to parking requirements to allow for the VFW’s expansion. If granted the requested variance of four spaces, the VFW’s site parking deficiency would increase from 15 stalls to 19 stalls. “The site is nearing its development limitations,” Lindahl explained. Both city staff and the Planning Commission recommended the council deny the CUP and variance request since the parking requirements were not being satisfied. VFW Senior Vice Commander Justin Frogner told the council that the VFW is a nonprofit organization that donated over $49,000 to veteran organizations as well as other local organizations like the food shelf and school district. “We assist veterans and their families during hardship, which is largely paid for by slip fees,” he said. “Our slips are in high demand … The White Bear Lake Conservation District has approved the request. Nineteen independent environmental studies were conducted without issue and the DNR’s approval is pending. Extending the dock to 300 feet brings the VFW in line with the conservation district’s allowable ordinance and the rest of the marina.” Frogner noted that VFW officials believed there were some miscalculations by city staff for required parking stalls due to a high estimate for outdoor seating and transient slips not being accounted for. “Transient slips are meant for boaters to come from the lake to eat and do not necessitate parking accommodations. Some slip owners are local and further mitigate parking restraints, choosing to bike or walk instead of drive,” Frogner said. “In the area, others have been given the chance to make it work; we ask that we get the same chance because we are more than just a restaurant and bar. We are an established organization with a
• 1986: Variance granted reducing required parking from 84 to 33 stalls to turn gas station into drive-in/thru restaurant • 1994: Variance granted reducing required parking by five stalls for a 195-square-foot addition on VFW building (increased capacity from 146 to 166) • 1995: Variance granted to reduce required parking by six stalls for an expansion of drivein/thru restaurant • 1998: Variance granted to reduce required parking by 10 stalls for an expansion of outdoor seating at VFW building • 1999: Conditional use permit granted to expand marina from 22 to 28 boat slips — no variance granted, two parking stalls required to be installed
long history of giving back, and want to continue to grow with the community.” Council Member Bill Walsh said he was “sympathetic” to the request and asked if the four stalls north of the VFW on the opposite side of the road/boat launch, near Veterans Memorial Park, could be counted as parking for the VFW. Lindahl explained that city staff did not account for those spaces since they were adjacent to a public park, but per the city’s code, stalls on the opposite side of the street can be counted if the site does not have the potential for future development. Walsh said although he was happy city staff presented the recommendation they did, he wanted the council consider “overruling” that decision. “I’m comfortable with this very small addition,” he said. Council Member Andrea West wanted more details about the transient spots. Lindahl explained that topic was not brought up to staff until the night of the council discussion, but city code does not differentiate between a leased slip or transient slip. “If there is redevelopment in that area, there could be even less parking in that area then there is now,” West said. “I appreciate everything the VFW does. I support veterans. I support everything you do in the community and appreciate it. I’m concerned about a lot of creep … At what point do we stop and what precedent
are we setting for people who are asking for variances?” Council Member Kevin Edberg noted that the VFW had the opportunity to purchase stalls in the Boatworks Commons lot years ago and chose not to. “Part of me that says enough is enough. We have bent and used our flexibility, not unreasonably, but expanding that imposes burdens on the other businesses and other uses in the neighborhood and deprives citizens and other users’ easy access to other amenities,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to balance in my mind. I don’t know that this is the right place to stretch one more time.” Mayor Dan Louismet said he frequents that area in the summer and has almost always been able to find a spot in the VFW lot and has also had luck in the Boatworks lot. “There are some practical difficulties, and I’m not concerned that 14 more boat slips and potentially the need for four more parking spots, based on our code, is going to upset what is already a busy area,” he said. He added that as long as the city attorney agreed, he was comfortable with granting the variance. City Attorney Dave Anderson explained that the council has the prerogative to interpret the city code language; and if he thinks it’s appropriate to count those four additional spots, a variance wouldn’t be necessary and the CUP amendment could be granted. Edberg said he was not ready to take action on the item and suggested tabling it so city staff could do more research on what sort of impacts a decision like this one could have on other situations down the road. “Where does the rest of the community fall if we start changing our interpretation about abutting spaces, and what are the unintended consequences of making a favorable interpretation in this situation only to end up mucking up situations in other places?” Walsh noted he would be supportive of tabling the decision if it allowed Edberg to get the information; he needed to hopefully make a yes vote in the future. Ultimately, the council tabled the variance, which will likely not be necessary, and directed city staff to bring forward a resolution at its Jan. 13 meeting that approves the CUP and clarifies the council’s interpretation of counting those four extra spaces. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@ presspubs.com.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS Birchwood skating rink opens
The skating rink at TigheSchmitz Park in Birchwood is open, and the pleasure rink will be open soon. Warming house hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Residents are asked to abide by posted rules.
Tamarack no longer offers skiing, snowshoe rentals Due to unpredictable snow in recent years, Tamarack Nature Center will not offer ski or snowshoe rentals for the 2025–2026 season. Tamarack’s ski trails will still be groomed once at least 6 inches of natural snow accumulates and visitors
are welcome to use their own equipment when conditions allow. Ski passes can be purchased on its website. Winter hiking and other seasonal activities remain available. Trail updates are posted online at www.ramseycountymn.gov/ residents/parks-recreation/ parks-trails/winter-recreation. For questions, please contact the office at 651-266-0360.
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DECEMBER 17, 2025 www.presspubs.com
WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
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Council approves limited escrow fees to streamline home inspections BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — Property owners who are constructing a new home may be required to enter into an escrow agreement with the city now that the council has agreed to add escrow fees to its fee schedule for 2026. At the first reading of the ordinance, city staff described it as a “new tool” to ensure that projects are completed in a timely manner. Escrows can range from $1,000 up to $10,000. The City Council expressed some concerns with the burden the fees could place on homeowners and requested a bit more information and clarification on situations when escrow might come into play. (See “White Bear Lake City Council not sold on proposed escrow fees,” Dec. 3, 2025.) City Manager Lindy Crawford explained that the language had been revised from the first reading to clarify that escrow fees will only be used for new construction when the property owner needs a certificate of occupancy. According to the fee schedule, “When a temporary certificate of occupancy is either requested by a permittee or required by the building official for new construction of one- or two-unit residential dwellings, the city may require an escrow agreement and deposit for the specific items.” “Escrow ensures that property owners and contractors follow through in a timely manner and don’t create a code enforcement issue,” Crawford said. Community Development Director Jason Lindahl added, “We tried
landscaping such as planting trees to make it more clear, concise and or installing a rain garden. “I get the targeted. This is only addressing new construction, and only in cases where sidewalk, curb cut, but final grading? I don’t know why we are doing that. they get to the end of the project and Some of that is a little squishy for there are some outstanding items.” me.” City staff looked back at the numCrawford explained that in the ber of new homes and tear-down/ example of a rain garden, it might reconstruct projects over the last be necessary to correct stormwater five years. Of the 32 homes that were issues so that the property doesn’t constructed from 2020-2025, only flood the neighboring properties. six passed on the first inspection to “None of this is for fun. We hope we secure a certificate of occupancy. never have to use it. But we would be Lindahl noted that 26 of those homes in communication with the applicant required more than one inspection, if we had and a to obtain total of the es16 homes crow and required use it.” more than Mayor three inDan Louspections. ismet said “It is although staff’s this tool hope that Jason Lindahl might be in the Community Development Director helpful instances for other that this commuescrow is nities who are not fully developed, he asked for, that helps reduce the numquestioned whether it was right for bers on this list, which then turns into less instances where staff are Whtie Bear Lake. following up,” Lindahl said. “I get this as a tool for undeveloped Lindahl noted that escrow would communities where a builder comes not be required when a permit is isin and specs 50 homes and that buildsued for the work, but would come up, er just isn’t getting around to putting at the building official’s discretion, the driveways in. If that was the case when the applicant is requesting a in White Bear, I would say absolutely certificate of occupancy. … We don’t have that in White Bear. Crawford added, “This will be very It is a guy or a family who is building situational. We are going to work a house,” Louismet said. “Before we with our community members, and go and pass a tool for onesies, twosies we are going to be very reasonable, as and not a huge problem, I don’t know we always are.” if I’m convinced that this is enough Council Member Heidi Hughes said of a problem that it requires broad she was not “real excited” about the sweeping solutions.” city stepping in to finish up final Crawford noted that 30 homes may
y a D One y! Onl
“This is only addressing new construction, and only in cases where they get to the end of the project and there are some outstanding items.”
not sound like a lot, but one thing that is hard to quantify is the amount of time that went into getting that final certificate of occupancy issued. For example, one of those homes required seven inspections. “That’s at least seven hours of the building official’s time plus all of the permit technician’s time to get that scheduled. No home should take that much time for a final inspection,” Crawford said. Lindahl noted it was also difficult to quantify all the conversations staff had with neighbors who lived next to construction zones for extended periods of time. “This is really a tool to help us ensure that projects continue in a timely manner, and to the extent possible, we minimize the impact of an ongoing construction project next to other people who are living in an established residential neighborhood,” he said. Council Member Andrea West said she was supportive of the escrow concept and thought it was reasonable. “I don’t want to increase an administrative or financial burden on anyone who wants to move into our city. That is not ideal, and I’m sure not our goal,” she said. “I do take a look at houses that required a multitude of times to pass their initial inspection … We are a built-out city, so we don’t have a lot of new construction, so that’s a pretty significant number of homes; only six passed first time.” The council ultimately chose to adopt the fee schedule as recommended. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
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MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE It’s number-crunching time in the city Did you know?
As the snow crunches, so do the numbers. The Mahtomedi City Council recently held its annual truth-in-taxation public hearing to present the final 2026 city budget for public consideration. This annual tradition is required by state law. As previewed in September, the proposed 2026 general fund budget is $8,977,287. This figure represents an 8.1% increase from 2025, or an additional $672,762. With one unanimous vote, council approved the proposed tax levy for 2026 and cancellation of debt levy for taxes payable in 2026. The driver of the overall budget increase is the increase in the city’s expenses; an increase in tax revenues was needed to balance the budget, said Finance Director Scott Schaefer. For 2026, the notable expenditure increases are due to a 21.4% ($164,031) rise in staffing costs for the fire department, including a full-time assistant fire chief. Ambulance costs increased by about 43.6% ($424,621), and planning costs increased by 53.3% (or $40,000), primarily to prepare the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. At 41.4% of the city’s costs, public safety takes the biggest piece of the budget pie. Debt service for 2026 will increase by about 0.74%. The city is expected to be staffed by six full-time
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In addition to the general fund, the city sets budgets for its enterprise funds. The proposed budgets for those funds for 2026 are: Water fund - $2.2 million (30.7% increase) Sewer fund - $1.7 million (1.1% increase) Stormwater - $1.1 million (41.0% increase) Equipment, building replacement - $425,000 Parks - $425,000
administrative positions; eight full-time fire/ ambulance positions; nine full-time public works positions; and four summer seasonal public works positions. The total proposed property tax levy for 2026 is $6.6 million, an increase of 10.5% from the 2025 levy. The city receives 74.2% of its revenue from taxes. As the city’s share of the property tax bill is set to increase for 2026, so will utility rates. Water and sewer fees will increase by 5%, and stormwater fees will increase by 10%. With the 2026 budget set at $8.9 million, the tax impact on the $461,900 median-value homestead will be $1,674, or $140 per month. The city’s median-value home had a market value of $456,900 for 2025 and increased in market value by 1.1%. This results in a tax increase of $159, or
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10.5% for the year. Just before council opened the public hearing, two citizens appeared at the lectern to address council — not on the new budget and tax increase — but as to why their home values increased in the first place. Each year, taxpayers feel a two-part sting financially. First, their taxing authorities submit their budgets, which at present have resulted in an increased levy. Everyone in the city receives this news at the end of the year. In the spring comes the second part of the financial hit, as taxpayers receive the market valuation of their homes, which has also increased lately for most homeowners. The increased tax levy — combined with the increased home values on which the tax amount is based — has resulted in concern from the property-owning sector. The two citizens who stepped to the lectern and everyone else in the city will have the opportunity to address that half of the taxation issue in the spring during the Board of Equalization meeting, scheduled in early April. At that time, the city assessor will explain why home values are increasing or decreasing. Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com.
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Bears win with 5-goal period against Elks White Bear Lake is 4-8 after losing to Forest Lake 6-1 and beating Elk River 6-0 last week. Olive Holvig scored against Forest Lake. The Bears pumped in five first-period goals against the Elks — by Isabelle Meiers (power play goal), Holvig, Madelyn Lee, Elaina Hosfield and Lee again. Lee made it a hat trick
in the third period. Macie Marston had 25 saves in the shutout and Holvig made two assists. The Bears’ top two scorers are Lee with nine goals and five assists and Hosfield with seven goals and five assists. Bruce Strand
ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS BOYS BASKETBALL
PAUL DOWNEY | CONTRIBUTED
Isabelle Meiers fired a top-shelf goal against Elk River to open the scoring in a 6-0 win.
BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS BOYS HOCKEY
Roseville Area (4-2) outlasted White Bear Lake 5-4 on Dec. 9, powered by Garrett Hines with a hat trick. Notching goals for the Bears (3-2-1) were Liam Maloy (two, even strength and power play), Rian Marquardt (power play) and Magnus Benz. Hunter Doroff made three assists. The Bears led 2-0, fell behind 3-2, and pulled even at 3-3 and 4-4. Wyatt Hauer got Roseville’s decisive goal at 16:50 of the second period.
BOYS BASKETBALL
White Bear Lake (2-2) picked up its first two wins last week, over Mounds View 72-61 and Woodbury 75-66. Colin Piper, 6-foot-8 senior, tallied 23 and 30 points, respectively. Will McQuay added 15 points, Jonathan Woods 10, Preston Crider 10, Emmett Anderson eight and Nick Cardenas six against Mounds View, which got 25 from Andrew Aitkin. Cardenas had 12 points, Crider eight, and Zach Turner and McQuay seven each against Woodbury.
GYMNASTICS
Led by Grace Mueller, White Bear Lake defeated Cretin-Derham Hall 131.25 to 126.7 on Wednesday in St. Paul. Mueller won all-around (34.35), floor (8.95) and vault (9.475) and took second on beam (8.225). Harlie Peloquin won bars (8.25). Placing 4-5-6 all-around were Peloquin (32.124), Maddie Erickson (31.95) and Taylynne McMahon (31.725). Erickson was third on vault (8.55) and Runningen third on beam (8.225). Placing fourth were Peloquin on vault (8.325) and floor (8.175) and McMahon on bars (8.05).
GIRLS BASKETBALL
White Bear Lake generated a 15-point overtime, including four three-pointers, to defeat Mounds View 69-61 last Wednesday, then lost to Woodbury 56-40 on Friday. The Bears (2-4) made 13 three-pointers in the victory and went 12-for-13 on free shots. Chloe Thiessen tallied 18 points (8-for-8 at the line), Sophie Menier 13, Maddy Thompson 10, Amelia Post eight and Marin Peterson eight. The Mustangs (4-4), led by Maddie Schneider with 20 points and Joyce Helmer 19, rallied from a late nine-point deficit but missed a chance to win at the buzzer. Woodbury was led by Harper Vossen with 15 points and Alexa Fajey 10.
For the Bears, Thiessen netted 17 points and Menier 11.
SWIMMING
White Bear Lake out-stroked Park 97-87 on Thursday in Cottage Grove. Benedict Hoefer won the 200 (1:55.62) and 500 freestyles (5:33.13) and anchored a 200 free relay win with Ridley Dittler, Sam Tarau and Finnian McVeigh (1:41.84). Also winning were Dylan Allshouse, backstroke (1:01.39) and McVeigh, breaststroke (1:07.61). Placing second were Ethan Arrigoni (200 and 500), Tarau (medley), Lucas Hilgers (50), McVeigh (butterfly) and Lincoln Medin (100).
NORDIC SKI
With a snow storm last week, the Nordic teams eagerly got the season started with two meets. “I am happy with the improvement that I am seeing from not only the top skiers but also many of the younger skiers,” Coach Doug Cran said. In tandem races Thursday at Lake Elmo Park, each skier going 1500 meters in the classical style, Lydia Moore and Brodie McVeigh placed sixth out of 24 girls teams and Irene Bakke/Grace Reeves seventh, four seconds behind. Joe Rogers/James Bowen were 11th out of 31 boys teams with Ben Rogers/Ben Miller 14th. On Tuesday in heavy blowing snow at Les Bolstad Golf Course, the girls were fifth of seven teams and the boys seventh. Several new members got their first taste of Nordic, the coach noted.
BOYS WRESTLING
White Bear Lake placed ninth of 11 teams at the Paul Bunyan tournament in Brainerd on Saturday. Indiana Kane was runner-up at 127 pounds. Jake Simpkins was fifth at 295. Tristan Moen was sixth at 133. The Bears (2-2) lost two dual meets at home Thursday, to Mounds View 54-17 and Irondale/Spring Lake Park 34-31.
GIRLS WRESTLING
White Bear Lake placed fifth of 13 teams at the Paul Bunyan tournament in Brainerd on Saturday. Jinet Demanou was champion at 190 pounds. Dominique Demanou was fourth at 148, Tessa Moen fourth at 136, Andrea Smith fifth at 130 and Talliah Swims sixth at 170. Bruce Strand
Mahtomedi is 4-0 after defeating Delano 74-39 Thursday and Sartell 64-48 Saturday, both on the road. Against Delano (1-3), Noah Carlson netted 19 points, Willie Roelofs 14 and Mark Graff 12. Against Sartell (0-2), Graff led with 27 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals. Andrew Russell had 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks, and Willie Roelofs 11 points, six rebounds and three assists. Sartell lost its other game 98-88 to No. 5 ranked Alexandria and the Zephyrs held them to 40 points less. “Fun week. Great team bonding on long bus rides,” Coach Keith Newman noted. “We are working hard at defending in practice.”
GIRLS BASKETBALL
After starting the season 0-5, Mahtomedi nabbed its first win, 66-46, at Simley, led by Grace Prose with 33 points, on Friday evening. The junior guard was 6-for-16 on three-pointers and made six steals. Delaney Dumermuth added 11 points. The Zephyrs lost 89-45 Tuesday to Benilde-St. Margaret’s, the top-ranked team aiming for a fourth consecutive state title. The Red Knights (5-0) were led by Pressley Watkins with 23 points and Zaida Jenkins with 17. Prose sank 22 points, including six 3-pointers.
BOYS HOCKEY
Mahtomedi clipped Two Rivers 4-1 on Tuesday, then lost to No. 5 ranked Warroad 4-2 on Friday, both at St. Croix Rec Center. Scoring for the Zephyrs (2-3-1) in the victory were Brock Gutterman, Vinny Redpath (power play), Brayden Fuerst and Blake Bentz. Jackson Chesak made 13 saves. Warroad (6-2) had goals by Gavin Anderson, Ryan Shaigabau, Ayven Hontvet
and Broden Hontvet. Scoring for Mahtomedi (2-3-1) were Henry Sampair (power play) and Easton DeZelar.
WRESTLING
Mahtomedi had one boy and one girl champion at the Andover Invitational on Saturday. Aidan Carlson was 127-pound champ after a 17-1 win in the finals over Kaleb Long of Shakopee. Elizabeth Carlson was girls champ at 106. Runners-up were Alex Boex at 172, Kyra Kamrath at 124 and Maya Hahn at 130. Placing third were Aliya Purvis at 124 and Amelia Englund at 155.
GYMNASTICS
Mahtomedi (2-0) defeated South St. Paul at home 132.925 to 99.00 on Thursday, led by Lucy Otto, who won all-around (33.90), floor (9.125) and beam (8.55). Addie Eitel won vault (8.75) with Lily Bush second (8.45) and Otto third (8.275). Cassia Hartman won bars (8.85) with Bush second (7.825) and Otto third (7.675). On beam, Margo Brunner was second (8.275) and Eitel (8.2) third. On floor, Bush (8.95) and Adele Schroeder (8.30) were 2-3 behind Otto, as the Zephyrs had their best event with 34.575.
GIRLS HOCKEY
Roseville/Mahtomedi (6-6) beat Rogers 4-3 in overtime Thursday and lost to unbeaten Woodbury 1-0 on Saturday. Against Rogers, Adele Stoehr got the overtime gamewinner 28 seconds after face-off on a power play. Stoehr had two goals and Megan Packer and Olivia Hartman one each against Rogers with Lola Dombowy making 31 saves. Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Benedict Hoefer White Bear Lake Swimming December 17, 2025 Benedict Hoefer, White Bear Lake senior swimmer in his fifth varsity season, posted three first places to lead a dual meet win over Park on Thursday, winning the 200 and 500 freestyles while anchoring the 200 free relay. On Saturday, in Blaine’s 11team invitational, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound aquanaut won the 200 in 1:53.81 and took sixth in the 500 with 5:25.35. “His best event is the 200 freestyle, but he swims a variety of events,” coach Jake Mueller said. Hoefer, oldest of nine siblings, has been all-conference since ninth grade and holds Bear records in the 200 (1:49.58) and 500 (5:07.50). His other PR’s are 22.9 in the 50 and 50.31 in the 100.
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SCHOOL BRIEFS
Clay pinch pots Gymnastics home meet The high school girls’ gymnastics team hosted their first home dual meet in their new space this week. The facility, located at the renovated Sunrise Park, is a Building Our Future bond project and serves as a true “home gym” for our team – as the equipment no longer needs to be assembled and taken down after each practice.
Central Middle School students are having fun getting creative in the new art room, located in the renovated portion of the building that came online this year. Students made a vase or planter pinch pots. They experimented with textures and design before selecting a glaze color and adding their creation to the kiln.
Three Central students had a great showing in the annual 4th District Recognition Program for the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. Camille LeBoeuf won first place and is now competing in the State competition! Hannah Zollinger placed second and Brody Dickinson received an Honorable Mention Award. The theme of this year’s contest was “How are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Your Country?”
Otter Lake Elementary Student Ambassadors collaborated and connected with their mentors to wrap up 2025 before heading into Winter Break. They played a friendly game of Tenzi - where the goal is to get all ten dice to be certain numbers the fastest - while enjoying fun conversations and plenty of laughs!
If you’d like to experience our schools in person, mark your calendar for open house tours for incoming kindergarten families: FALL ‘26 KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN!
WHY BE A BEAR? • Student-centered instruction. We believe all students grow and learn in different ways and at different rates — that all can achieve.
• Expanded academic opportunities. Our students explore their interests, excel and design their futures.
• Empowered, supported learning. Students are agents and owners of their learning in an environment that is safe, supportive and challenging — with high expectations for student success. Our educators facilitate learning and challenge students — fostering curiosity and confidence.
• Transformative learning. Our flexible learning spaces and learning studios ignite opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.
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One of the winning teams from Willow Lane Elementary’s Minnow Tank projects presented their donation to their charity of choice. Team Good Night Sleep Tight, who placed second, chose My Very Own Bed as their charity. They gave their presentation to their classmates and the founder of the non-profit, Michael Allen, who also answered questions from the fourth graders. The other winning teams were: Team Homes for the Heart (Habitat for Humanity) who placed first and Team Willow (Willow Advocates) and Team Wishing Well (Make-aWish) who both placed third.
White Bear Lake Area Schools
• Tuesday, Jan. 6 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Birch Lake Elementary, Oneka Elementary, Otter Lake Elementary and Willow Lane Elementary • Wednesday, Jan. 7 from 4-6 p.m. at Matoska International • Thursday, Jan. 8 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Lakeaires Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, North Star Elementary and Vadnais Heights Elementary Find complete information at
www.isd624.org/ kindergarten 847892
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The Senior Center hosted their annual Holiday Lunch. The event brought in a large crowd eager to enjoy the delicious meal and lively conversation with fellow members and friends!
PHOTOS BY WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS | CONTRIBUTED
Minnow Tank donation presentation
VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest
Holiday Lunch