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VETERAN SUICIDE: Join in for awareness walk PAGE 6
Emmaus Church hopes to expand footprint BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — A neighborhood church is at the point where it would like to expand but is running into some constraints of the property it sits on. Emmaus Church is located on a 0.38-acre site on the northwest corner of Stewart Avenue and Third Street. The applicant’s concept plan proposes a
3,300-square-foot addition to the church that would provide space for around 80 new parishioners (300 total in the sanctuary), a new kitchen and study space, and renovations to the existing building. The church is proposed to be used for classrooms and meeting space. The addition is proposed to be constructed where the parking lot now sits, which would eliminate all on-site parking.
“A concept plan review is a discussion and feedback item,” explained Community Development Director Jason Lindahl. “It is designed for the applicant to have the opportunity to go directly to a neighborhood, Planning Commission and City Council to get general feedback on their proposal.” Lindahl said “the only path
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Emmaus Church, located on the northwest corner of Stewart Avenue and Third Street, would like to build a 3,300-squarefoot addition to the church.
SEE NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH, PAGE 17
Council considers changes to parking near high school BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
benefits. “It’s about separating my mental craziness from my body,” Schmidt adds. Schmidt, who is originally from Litchfield, said his love of cold therapy was an interest he admits
Residents who live near White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS) should expect to receive a letter soon. City staff is soliciting feedback on potential changes to parking restrictions and permit parking surrounding WBLAHS. Public Works Director/ City Engineer Paul Kauppi explained that during the approval process for the North Campus expansion project in 2021 and an amendment in 2023 for additional seating in the stadium, city staff decided to wait until full campus occupancy in fall 2024 before considering further parking restrictions in the nearby neighborhood. “Staff was able to actively review traffic and parking issues in the area for typical school days as well as evening and weekend events,” Kauppi said. “Engineering and police staff made routine rounds of the area and were present at events.” The current restrictions “appear to be appropriate and effective,” Kauppi said, adding that the city might want to consider a change on 12th Street from Division Avenue to Long Avenue. That segment of roadway is proposed for reconstruction this summer and will be changed from a rural section to an urban section with curb and gutter, which confines the road’s travel and parking. Kauppi explained that the final design is in progress and a final recommendation will be made to the council with the approval of final plans and specifications.
SEE THERAPY, PAGE 20
SEE SCHOOL PARKING, PAGE 7
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Johnnie Schmidt uses a specialized saw to keep an opening in White Bear Lake free of ice for his cold water therapy plunges.
Cool Down, Power Up: Practicing cold water therapy Schmidt, his method involves something more based in the water—and several degrees colder. “It’s about selfempowerment,” says Schmidt. “It’s about awe and being out there every day. Usually, I’m out there for two to two-and-a-half
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
What comes to mind when you think of improving yourself mentally and physically? Exercising? Reading a good book? For Chisago City resident Johnnie
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hours sometimes.” That method is called cold water therapy, also called cryotherapy, which involves using cold water to treat health conditions or stimulate health benefits. For Schmidt, it is a practice that includes these and some mental
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