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ICE ACTIVITY: Disrupts local businesses PAGE 22
New mayor of White Bear Lake likes ‘learning new things’ Michigan University. After completing her degree, she moved to Connecticut, employed at the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center through the West Haven Veterans Affairs Hospital to work with veterans who were blind or visually impaired. “I loved working with veterans. I learned so much from them, and I was traveling all around,” she recalled. Although Nicklawske
“I just really felt a calling,” she said.
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Mary Nicklawske has lived in Ireland, worked in neighborhoods from Boston to New York City, and spent a career helping people find their way after losing their sight — but White Bear Lake has always been where she wanted to call home and raise a family. Now, the longtime resident is stepping into a new role: mayor.
Career Nicklawske, who moved to White Bear Lake in 2009, grew up in North St. Paul. She was an All-State basketball player in high school before she attended the College of Saint Benedict for sociology. After she graduated in 1989, she enrolled in grad school to pursue a master’s degree in orientation mobility at Western
SEE NEW MAYOR, PAGE 12
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Assistant City Manager Caley Longendyke administers the oath of office to the new mayor, Mary Nicklawske. Standing by her side are her son, Leo, and husband, Barry.
Legislators highlight public safety at Chamber legislative reception BY MAYA BETTI NEWS INTERN
Before the 2026 legislative session starts, state legislators and county commissioners are discussing top priorities with local business leaders. The annual legislative reception, hosted by the White Bear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, fosters a dialogue between community leaders and business leaders. The event featured two moderated panels, one with state legislators and another with county commissioners, taking place amid what multiple speakers described as “an uncertain moment for Minnesota communities and businesses.”
Public safety dominates discussion Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL) opened the legislative panel by acknowledging recent events that have weighed heavily on both lawmakers and residents alike. “We're on our third crisis in a row here in Minnesota,” Gustafson said, citing the killing of House Speaker Melissa Hortman, the Annunciation school shooting and, most recently, ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity across the state. “It is not normal that communities and schools should have to come up with safety plans in order to protect their families and their students from the federal government,” Gustafson said. “But that’s where we’re at right now.” Several legislators, including Rep. Peter Fischer (DFL), described ICE activity as having a direct impact on local business.
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White Bear Lake Area High School will compete in the Minnesota State High School League’s Section 4AA one-act play sectional tournament Jan. 22-23.
WBLAHS hosts 1-act play competition, performs ‘Curious’ selection BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Performing Arts Center at White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS) will host the Minnesota State High School
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League’s (MSHSL) Section 4AA one-act play sectional tournament Jan. 22-23. The school will also compete in the tournament, performing “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”
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The last time the school hosted this tournament was in 2018. WBLAHS oneact Director Braylon Lane explained that, when the 12
SEE LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION, PAGE 14
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