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VOL. 131 NO. 33 www.whitebearpress.com $1.50
LOON CHRONICLES: Peninsula chicks return PAGE 7
School Board censures member
In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“It will create a really powerful image for people to remember our people who gave their lives for our country.
The ISD 624 school board is publicly censuring Board Member Daniel Skaar following a complaint that Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak made. During the board’s most recent work session, the board listened to an investigativefinding presentation from Attorney Mick Waldspurger of Squires, Waldspurger & Mace, P.A.—a hearing that Skaar requested be conducted in open session. Waldspurger disclosed that the investigation found Skaar violated the Minnesota Government Practices Act and Minnesota Open Meeting Law, as well as ISD 624’s Code of Conduct for Board Members and Code of Ethics for Board Members policies. Dr. Kazmierczak filed a complaint against Skaar on March 3. Shortly afterward, the school board contacted Waldspurger and authorized an investigation. Waldspurger summarized that Skaar made public, critical statements against the superintendent that one could perceive as accusatory. “The law states that data that a governmental entity maintains on an employee, including the superintendent, are classified as private,” Waldspurger stated. He then referenced a 2001 Minnesota Supreme Court case in which a jury awarded damages of $500,000 for defamation of a school-district employee. “The statements in that case … certainly were a lot less significant than the statements in the case we’re dealing with here,” Waldspurger said. Waldspurger also informed the board that Minnesota Open Meeting Law requires
SEE MEMORIAL GARDENS, PAGE 11
SEE CENSURE, PAGE 8
- Col. John McCrae
PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS AND CONTRIBUTED
From battlefield symbol to blooming tribute BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Rows of bright red poppies soon will take root in Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake as
veterans and volunteers create memorial gardens designed to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. White Bear Lake VFW Post 1782 has
partnered with the cities of White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi to plant a living poppy remembrance garden at both of the Veterans Parks.
Iconic bears to go red, white and blue for America’s 250th anniversary BY SHIVAM VASHISHTHA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The concrete bears scattered throughout the community have long been more than just decorations. White Bear Lake began as hunting and harvesting land for the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, but its identity and growth became closely tied to the legend and symbolism of the white bear that gave the lake and city their name. The bear became a lasting symbol of the area’s natural beauty and spiritual significance, helping shape White Bear Lake’s reputation as a scenic destination. The image of the bear has remained central to the city’s character and hometown identity.
Some bears wear scarves in the winter. Others hold flowers in the spring, sports jerseys in the fall or festive lights during the holidays. For many residents, they’ve quietly become part of the city’s identity – familiar landmarks and places that reflect the personality of the people living beside them. Now, as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, those bears are about to take on a patriotic makeover. Press Publications recently announced its new “All-American Bears” contest, inviting everyone to SEE ALL-AMERICAN BEARS, PAGE 20
2025
WINNER Best of the Press
PATTY STEELE | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Decorate your bear and enter the All-American Bear Contest in honor of the 250th anniversary.
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