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MAPLEWOOD MALL: Police respond to non-fatal shooting PAGE 6
Max Nelson back in Paralympics after near-fatal brain tumor BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Max Nelson never let nearblindness prevent him from his passion, Nordic skiing. He was a conference champion in high school at Mahtomedi, skied for his college team, and was a Team USA member in the 2022 Paralympics. A year ago, Nelson was hit with a much graver situation. A large brain tumor was discovered, requiring surgery from which 80 percent of patients do not survive.
But, as his dad Jon put it, “Max beat the odds again.” The 21-yearold will compete in his second Paralympics with Team USA starting March 6 in Italy. “Thank God, for helping me through that. I’m so thankful — just to be able to ski again,” said Nelson, contacted last week before one of his five-hour daily workouts. Nelson attended a World Cup meet in Italy last March. When he returned, he could not sleep, suffered from headaches, and had
a sinus infection he couldn’t shake. He went for a CT scan just hoping to get some antibiotics. Instead, a brain tumor the size of a tennis ball showed up. “That was very scary, to hear that. I was shaking,” Nelson recalls. On the plus side, doctors told the Nelsons that if they had waited two or three more weeks, it would have been too late for surgery and they would not have been able to save SEE MAHTOMEDI ATHLETE, PAGE 18
CONTRIBUTED
Max Nelson, a 2022 Mahtomedi High School grad, will compete in the Paralympics.
Wedding Show returns to White Bear Lake
Time’s melting: Ice house removal deadline approaches
BY MAYA BETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
PHOTOS BY PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
A few ice houses were still recently spotted out on the frozen surface of White Bear Lake. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice in the southern inland lakes of Minnesota no later than 11:59 p.m. (end of day) on Monday, March 2.
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Press Publications and the White Bear Country Inn are set to host their 41st annual Wedding Show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15. The event brings together top local vendors in a low-stress setting, giving brides and their guests a chance to explore everything from venues to cupcakes without the crowds or high fees of big city shows. Patty Steele, general manager at Press Publications, said the show is especially appealing to first-time attendees. “First-timers are looking for an easy, convenient show that has a lot of good local vendors,” Steele said. According to Steele, the Wedding Show offers just that. Up to 25 vendors will be on hand, including longtime favorites like Unreal Arrangements, Midwest DJ and Creative License, as well as newcomers, such as two balloon décor companies. Attendees can browse offerings from photographers, florists, DJs, venue coordinators, bakers, décor specialists and club services. They can also sample cakes and cupcakes, view floral arrangements and explore wedding apps. The show also features unique vendors such as Doggy Social, which provides professional wedding-day dog care, and a presson nail art specialist. SEE WEDDING SHOW, PAGE 11
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