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Tug-of-war over dog beach continues BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Whether the City Council will decide to permanently close the dog beach remains to be seen. The council is expected to discuss the topic again at its March 11 meeting. Lake Avenue residents, White Bear Lake residents and nonresidents were all invited to share their opinions with the City Council in person at the public hearing or virtually via phone calls, voicemails, emails and letters. “Over the last two years we have done about 100 visits,” explained Parks Advisory Chair Bill Ganzlin. “The majority of residents that we met with like the dog beach, and they want to keep it open. It provides a social connection for not only the dog owners, but there’s also individuals who want to watch … I think the benefits far outweigh any problems or concerns, and we have to remember that nothing is 100% perfect.”
Resident input
Extending the ice skating season
Rachel Bonin said she is not opposed to having a dog beach in the city, but suggested the council move it to a different location. “This is just not the location for such a populated and popular dog beach. A postage stamp of land virtually in the front yards of citizens cannot support this amenity,” she said. “… We have identified and suggested alternative locations and cooperated with city officials and public safety personnel to attempt to problemsolve all of these issues, to no avail.” Jeff Johnson echoed those thoughts on location. “This is not a fight against dog parks. I love dogs. I love having my dog have fun. The location is simply not suited to safely and respectfully accommodate all the stakeholders in the small space.” Ann Lingle said her and her husband’s quality of life has decreased since the beach was established in 2007 and specifically noted the barking and dogs leaving the beach area. “We have had dogs break loose from down there come ripping down the beach, come up into gatherings, take food off the toddler table sitting there eating hot dogs,” Lingle said. “It happens, and it is scary.” Jason Sherrett said he has two young children and has had to grab unleashed, aggressive dogs while at the beach. “At a minimum, I think dogs need to be on a leash. At best, I think relocation is the best option,” he said. Gene Peterson suggested moving the beach to the area near Speiss landing and the bridge to Manitou Island. “It would solve a lot of problems. It is a win-win,” he said.
While the rinks at outdoor parks were melting, dozens of skaters glided around the ice on one of the indoor rinks at the TCO Sports Garden in Vadnais Heights during a recent Free Open Skate event. The next events are scheduled for March 10 and 15. Skate rentals are free.
Zephyrs’ McGuire (51-0) cruises to state wrestling title
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Evan McGuire of Mahtomedi was dominant to the end as he captured the 215-pound state wrestling championship in Class 2A Friday and Saturday. McGuire, ranked first all season after a close runner-up finish at state last year, ascended to the top of the podium with a 51-0 ledger, cruising to a 19-4 technical fall in 2:25 against Ivan Petrich (40-4) of Little Falls in the finals at Xcel Energy Center.
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Evan McGuire’s arms went up after completing an unbeaten season with a 19-3 win in the state finals.
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“It’s been a great year,” he acknowledged. “I had fun dominating (opponents).” A year ago, McGuire came very close to a championship, at 189 pounds, losing 10-8 in the finals to unbeaten Zac McPhee of Proctor. Asked if he expected to be champion this year, he said, “Yes, I did. Placing second really inspired me to work harder.” Soft-spoken and modest, he was poker-faced as he raised his arms in victory after the finals.
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