White Bear Press

Pre-Easter bunny sighting

Hundreds of children recently scrambled across the athletic fields at Podvin Park during two Easter Egg hunting sessions, sponsored by the White Bear Lake Police Department and managed by CERT volunteers. The Easter Bunny made an appearance and three gold, prize winning eggs were included among the hundreds of eggs distributed across the fields for each egg hunting session. Easter will be celebrated this year on Sunday, April 5.

County continues to plan for regional trail expansion

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

A major regional trail project continues to move forward. Once a one-mile extension is complete, there will be continuity from Ramsey County up to Chisago County.

The Hardwood Creek Regional Trail is a 10-mile multiuse trail that stretches through Forest Lake and Hugo. From the north to south, the existing trail follows the Burlington Northern Railroad corridor, adjacent to Highway 61, from the Chisago County border in the north to 140th Street in Hugo in Washington County, where it stops. There is currently a one-mile gap in the trail where the rail line remains active.

“By extending the trail south from 130th Street N to 120th Street N, the gap will be addressed, and the trail will have continuity from Ramsey County up to Chisago County,” explained Erin Blaylock, Washington County design engineer/business liaison. A master plan was approved for the trail nearly a decade ago (2013), and the city of Hugo undertook a preliminary feasibility study for the corridor in 2019. The county also performed a feasibility study for the project in 2022. At the time, the council approved a letter of support for the final extension of

SEE REGIONAL TRAIL, PAGE 9

Residents ask council to reconsider sidewalks for 2026 project

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

WHITE BEAR LAKE — The 2026 pavement rehabilitation project will move forward, but it will look a bit different from city staff’s recommendation.

The project will include Banning Avenue (Lake Avenue to Second Street); Cook Avenue (Second Street to Fourth Street); Second Street (Banning Avenue to Lake Avenue); Third Street (Cook Avenue to Stewart Avenue); and the alley (Second Street to south end).

Public Works Director/City Engineer Paul Kauppi explained that Banning Avenue is proposed for a mill and overlay and will have the upper 2 inches of bituminous pavement milled off and replaced. The remaining streets are proposed for reconstruction and will be completely reconstructed with curb and gutter, new aggregate base, new pavement and storm sewer improvements. The alley portion of the project will consist of removing the existing deteriorated pavement and construction of new aggregate base and bituminous pavement section.

As part of the project, city staff recommended the

addition of four sidewalk segments:

• West side of Banning Avenue between Lake Avenue and First Street

• East side of Banning Avenue between Lake Avenue and Second Street

• North side of Second Street between Cook Avenue and Lake Avenue

• South side of Second Street between Banning Avenue and Lake Avenue

Kauppi said that both the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the recent parking and mobility study guide where the city should consider sidewalks and trails and connecting missing segments.

“This is a core area, and you can see that sidewalk is plentiful in this area and is kind of expected due to the parking, the access between the trail and downtown,” he said. “A lot of the events we have downtown, parking starts to extend into these areas and in the areas where there is not sidewalk they are walking in the streets … The more connectivity we can have between major facilities, the better from a

SEE SIDEWALKS, PAGE 13

Bunny Search

In this issue of the White Bear Press/ Vadnais Heights Press

• Find all the bunnies that look like the one on the left hidden in this newspaper. Some of them may be black and white.

• Enter the number of bunnies you find on our contest form online for a chance to win St. Paul Saints tickets.

• The example bunny here does not count toward the total.

• All correct answers will be put into a drawing and one winner will be selected.

Scan the QR code or nter the contest online at: presspubs.com/site/forms/contest/easter_ eggs_wbvh/easter_egg_huntwbvh/

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Tenth grader Brooklyn Brown was named DECA State Career Development Conference (SCDC) Champion in the entry level interview event. She is the first DECA State Champion in White Bear Lake Area High School history. Brown advanced to the final round and earned a perfect score of 100/100. She also qualified for the state competition in StartUp Business Plan, where she partnered with senior Aviana Rider

Eighty-four-year-old Navy veteran Kenny Jary of Willernie, better known as “Patriotic Kenny,” recently announced to his millions of followers on social media that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.

“I would like to tell you that I’ve got Stage 4 lung cancer. So that's the way it

goes. I mean, we can't live forever. But I love you all, fans,” he said in the video. Jary has been featured in the Press many times before, notably in the article, “Patriotic Kenny: You can’t miss the scooter,” Sept. 1, 2021, White Bear Press.

William Siedow, a sophomore at Mahtomedi High School, will represent Team Denmark at the Cadet and Junior Fencing World Championships in Rio de Janeiro from April 1-9. Siedow, who is a member of the Twin Cities Fencing Club in Saint Paul, will compete in the junior individual, junior team and cadet individual events, making his world championship debut.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH: MITCHELL HALL AND THE TENNESSEE TRIO

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Tribute to the legacy of Johnny Cash. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

CALENDAR BRIEF

Gold Star Spouse Day honors families of

SENIOR HOUSING DAY

When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, April 3

Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2399 Cedar Ave. Details: Explore local housing options, learn the essentials of aging in place, find resources to help with the transition. Contact: 651-653-3124 or ids624.org

GUIDED FILLEBROWN HOUSE TOUR

When: 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 4

Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Visit the quaint 1879 lakeside cottage and learn about life in the resort era. Ticket information online. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

NEURODIVERSE AUTHOR READING AND BOOK RELEASE

When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 8

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave. Details: Celebrate the release of stories written by PAI participants by hearing them told live by the authors. Contact: whitebeararts.org

FUTURES IN BLOOM

When: 7:15-8:45 a.m. Thursday, April 9

Where: Century College, East Campus Lincoln Mall Details: Breakfast fundraiser to support Century College students seeking to become part of Minnesota's health care workforce. RSVP. Contact: 651-444-2314 or century.edu/giving/foundationevents

SPRING BINGO AND BRUNCH

When: 10-11 a.m. Thursday, April 9

Where: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 1965 East County

April 5 marks Gold Star Spouse Day, a time to recognize the husbands and wives of U.S. military service members who died while serving their country. A Gold Star spouse is the surviving partner of a fallen service member. The day serves as both a remembrance of those who died in service and an acknowledgment of the families they left behind. The impact of military service

extends beyond the battlefield, affecting spouses and families who must navigate grief while carrying on their loved one’s legacy. Gold Star Spouse Day offers the nation an opportunity to honor their sacrifice and recognize the resilience of those who bear the loss.

Road E, White Bear Lake

Details: Community event with Bingo, trivia and brunch. RSVP by April 6 by phone or email. Contact: 651-777-1107 or office@ststephenwbl.org

ZEPHYR GALA

When: 509 p.m. Saturday, April 10

Where: JX Event Venue, 123 2nd St., Stillwater

Details: Signature fundraising event for Mahtomedi Area Education Foundation supporting Mahtomedi students and teachers. Ticket information online. Contact: onecau.se/zephyrgala26

Generational realities

I've found out through experience that there are almost always exceptions, so I try not to make sweeping generalizations. However, I did have a bit of an “aha moment” after randomly coming across information about specific circumstances that help define the character of different generations. I recently became aware of a subset of the Baby Boomer generation that doesn't really fit with the experiences of the older Baby Boomers, or the members of Generation X that followed. The discovery of this generational subset, called Generation Jones, was validating because, personally, I've never really identified with the mainstream experiences of the Baby Boomers, and have instead felt a closer kinship to Generation X. Generation Jones is approximately defined as people born from 1954 to 1965. This generation was raised with a sense of optimism about their future but faced challenging economic conditions and a tight job market when they came of age.

Dealing with unfulfilled expectations, this generation had to learn to adapt as they witnessed and participated in the revolutionary transition from analog to digital — becoming early adopters of the technology younger generations take for granted. I take particular interest in this aspect of generational analysis because I remember the transition from negatives and chemical processing to digital photography and also the transition from physical paste up and rudimentary typesetting devices to the powerful computers we use in publishing today. Members of this generational subset had to learn computers at a fundamental level, so they are less likely to be intimidated by technology and also more likely to question if it is actually making their lives better.

The Greatest Generation

Growing up in the shadow of the great depression and coming of age during the WWII era, my father William was a member of what is often referred to as the Greatest Generation. He passed away late last December, one month shy of his 99th birthday. He graduated from DeLaSalle High School a year early in 1944 and at the age of 17, with his parent’s permission, enlisted into the U.S. Army serving in the occupation forces of Japan until being honorably discharged in 1947. On returning home he would take advantage of the newly created GI Bill and become the first in his family to attend college - graduating from St. Thomas College with a BS degree and the University of Minnesota with a Doctorate in Dentistry. He practiced dentistry for more than 50 years, finishing his career with part time work — helping out local doctors in Duluth — into his 80's. As a role model, I especially appreciated his undying love and respect for my mother and also his dedication to lifelong learning. When I had lunch with him late last year, I didn't think it would also be the last time I'd see him alive. Based on his tenacity and baseline health vitals, I sincerely thought that he had a good chance of reaching 100. Looking back, I'm grateful to have taken the opportunity to visit him on his 97th birthday, the last he would celebrate at home before moving to assisted living. In retrospect, I consider it an honor to have been able to prepare a birthday breakfast for him in the kitchen of the Duluth home he shared with my late mother. A special bonus was the morning light and view of Lake Superior that is always a tangible and beautiful reminder of my mother's spirit. Following our father's funeral in January, my brother arranged to have a military honor guard present at the cemetery. After a three-volley gun salute was fired, a bald eagle appeared overhead and circled before flying away. After the service I commented on the coincidence and timing of the eagle's appearance. My sister offered a more profound view of the flyover, saying that she felt that the eagle was our father letting us know that he was free.

Dols is photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications.

Creating the conditions to build the future

AMovers & Shakers

Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak

s our list of finished Building Our Future construction projects is coming to fruition – with Early Childhood and Transition Education spaces being finalized at Sunrise in preparation for housing the programs in the fall – it’s a meaningful time to pause and reflect. This transformation has been a massive undertaking, beginning with the vision of former School Board members and some of our current members. Over the course of this journey – from developing the plan to supporting the informational campaign and guiding the initial implementation – leaders including Janet Newberg, George Kimball, Kim Chapman, Ellen Fahey, Chris Hiniker, Lori Swanson, Cathy Storey, Marge Newmaster, Scott Wilson, Don Mullin and Rolf Parsons as well as current members Scott Arcand, Deb Beloyed, Kathleen Daniels, Angela Thompson, Jessica Ellison and Chris Streiff Oji have played an essential role. I remember sitting in my office shortly after joining the district when two of our coaching and teaching legends, Don Glover and Jim Galvin, stopped by to ask when we were going to begin

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facilities work that was so clearly needed. They were familiar with my work in a previous district and were energized by what might be possible here. As I recall, Mr. Galvin was ready to start knocking on doors that very day.

The shared vision – and the tireless efforts of nearly 100 community and staff members who served on our facilities planning committee – has been truly inspiring. To everyone who participated in those early meetings, reviewed blueprints, and shared their hopes for our schools: thank you. You helped lay the foundation for everything we see today.

The centerpiece of this entire vision is, of course, our unified White Bear Lake Area High School. For the first time in decades, our students in grades 9 through 12 are learning together under one roof. This is about more than a 375,000-squarefoot addition or a stunning new student union commons area inspired by our community’s sailing heritage – it’s about the student experience. By bringing our students together, we’ve eliminated transitions that once fractured the high school journey, allowing for deeper relationships, expanded opportunities, and a stronger sense of “Bear pride” that begins on day one of freshman year.

Beyond the high school, this work has revitalized fifteen campuses across the district. We have done so strategically –utilizing multiple revenue sources and maximizing every dollar of

the 2019 bond – to ensure that the benefits reach every corner of our district, from our earliest learners to our senior citizens.

We know that this work requires a deep level of public trust. That is why we were especially heartened by the results of our 2024 community survey. With 86% of our residents and 91% of our parents rating the quality of our district favorably, these results are a testament to the partnership we share. The survey also affirmed a high level of confidence in our efforts to steward tax dollars responsibly. We take that fiscal responsibility seriously, and we believe these modernized, sustainable facilities are clear evidence of that commitment.

This project has been truly transformational. We haven't just renovated buildings; we have reimagined what learning looks like in White Bear. We have created spaces that foster student agency, support career pathways, and ensure that every child who walks through our doors feels safe, welcomed, and inspired.

To our families, our staff, and the entire White Bear Lake Area community: thank you for your support, your patience during construction, and your unwavering belief in our students. Together, we have built a future that will serve this community for generations to come.

Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak Superintendent, White Bear Lake Area Schools

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Easter worship: I have seen the Lord!

Pastor’s Ponderings

It was a simple message, one that echoed through the room where the followers of Jesus had gathered to share their grief, to face their fears, and to decide their future. They had come to Jerusalem with such high hopes from their provincial homelands of Galilee. Just one week earlier, they had arrived with Jesus amid the cheers of large crowds. They had seen with their own eyes the throngs of people greeting them and welcoming them to the city. With eagerness and joy, they had anticipated celebrating the annual Passover in the Holy City.

Mark Kuether

But everything had gone horribly wrong. One of their closest friends had betrayed them to the authorities. Just three days earlier, in the darkness and chaos of Gethsemane, they had watched fearfully, helplessly, as Jesus was taken into custody. Worse,

ICE impact a reality

Letter writer Randall Johnson (March 18) states that there is no evidence of federal ICE and Border Control activity impacting residents of White Bear Lake. He bases this solely on the lack of police reporting. This is a very weak line of reasoning. First, we know that there has been significant and probably illegal actions by ICE and Border Control in other Twin Cities suburban communities — most notably in Columbia Heights, with the detainment of a young child outside his school. Secondly, it is absurd to reason that people who are in vulnerable situations who have federal agents at their door will immediately call the local police. I know of one family that simply stopped going to work for many weeks because of fear of harassment by federal agents. Further, once it is established that federal agents are carrying out abusive and even violent interactions with residents suspected of not having legal status, the very reasonable fear that it will happen to you and your family is terrifying.

I am very pleased with Council Member Ellen Gurrola’s leadership in initiating the discussion at the Feb. 10 City Council work session about the reality of very negative impacts for individuals and families

they fled in fear of their own lives, escaping capture by hiding among the olive trees. Then, from the shadows, they had witnessed the mock trial, torture, and crucifixion of the one they had hoped would lead them to victory, to freedom from the difficult and dangerous days through which they were living, from the grip of the Roman Empire.

Having seen far too much, they had gathered to plan their escape from the city. Suddenly Mary’s voice rang out loudly, clearly, shattering their muted conversations. Her outlandish proclamation was, I have seen the Lord!

How could she have seen him? They had all seen him die. They had all seen where he was buried. They had all seen the stone that sealed his tomb. There was nothing more to see.

Nevertheless, she persisted. She breathlessly repeated her claim to having seen Jesus – not alive as before but rather resurrected from the dead.

Her claim, like her experience, has been echoed through the ages by women and men around the globe

in our city by ICE and Border Control activity. This brought about a meaningful discussion by the council. This was followed by further discussion at the Feb. 24 council meeting and the adoption of an action to join the Cities for Safe and Stable Communities coalition as an ally. I very much appreciate the strong support for this action by Mayor Mary Nicklawske. I also appreciate the votes in favor from Council Members Andrea West and Kevin Edberg. As documented in the Feb. 24 meeting minutes, Mayor Nicklawske explained that joining the coalition “could help develop parameters for cities, like creating prohibition against masks, requiring agent identification displayed on uniforms, and banning immigration activity near schools and bus stops.” These plain and profound practices are necessary parts of a democracy.

Andrew Ervin White Bear Lake

Appreciate city leadership, response

Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised by the incivility in a recent letter attacking Mayor Nicklawske and Council Member Gurrola. It’s apparent some folks get overly emotional when rant-

who have seen the miracle of the Living God in their own midst, in their own time. The challenge of Easter faith is that we’re asked to accept her sight as our vision. Without tangible evidence, we’re asked to believe what we cannot see with our own eyes. Once again, we see how easy it is to understand the old saying, seeing is believing. And, once again, we’re reminded it requires a leap of faith to accept the truth that believing is seeing.

I warmly encourage you and yours to join your church family in worship Easter morning, April 5, in whatever congregation feels most like home to you, and to reflect further on Mary’s loud, clear, peculiar declaration, I have seen the Lord!

May we all be blessed with God’s Grace and Peace amid the difficult and dangerous days through which we’re living in 2026.

Rev. Mark Kuether is the interim pastor at Parkview United Church of Christ in White Bear Lake.

ing against policies they don’t like. I see city leadership responding to a demonstrably incompetent federal agency that’s burned money, damaged Minnesota’s economy and made us less safe.

Don’t believe me, pay heed to the chiefs of police of Brooklyn Park, Mendota Heights, St. Paul and Minneapolis, who said ICE agents were “violating the Constitution,” “racial profiling” and “endangering citizens,” or federal Judge Eric Tostrud, who concluded DHS and ICE illegally stopped and arrested legal residents and U.S. citizens.

Believe the Republican governor of Vermont, who characterized ICE/ DHS for its “lack of training, coordination, leadership and outdated tactics.” Listen to former ICE trainer Ryan Schwank, who testified that the federal government cut corners to surge large numbers of new officers into service, reducing training until it was “deficient, defective, and broken.”

FOX 9 reported that ICE detained nine children during the month of January, including citizens, legal residents and a 2-year-old. Read the Star Tribune analysis of the federal DHS “worst of the worst” website used to justify the surge, which claimed 500 violent offenders were arrested here. It was later acknowledged by DHS to

White Bear Lake Area

April 5: Are Sin, Disease, & Death Real?

April 12: Doctrine of Atonement

April 19: Probation After Death

April 26: Everlasting Punishment

be “riddled with errors and inaccuracies.” There appeared to be only about 40 new arrests. The surge cost more than $200 million, about $5 million per new violent criminal arrest. If that’s not enough, believe your own eyes. Watch videos of U.S. citizen Scott Thao, who was taken from his home without a warrant because ICE agents had the wrong address. Watch Alex Pretti’s killing by DHS/ ICE agents. He did the most Minnesota thing: he helped a woman up out of the snow. For brandishing no more than a cell phone, he was shot in the back after being immobilized by ICE agents. In review, federal authorities spent a ton of money to arrest a handful of violent criminals and deployed poorly trained new recruits who didn’t understand their constitutional duties, didn’t coordinate with local police, stopped people because they “looked like immigrants,” detained children and — per local law enforcement — made us less safe. If your spouse looks like they might be an immigrant, it would be rational to fear they might be hauled to a Texas detention center with your children. And if you’re a mayor who cares about the safety of your constituents and the prudent use of tax

SEE MORE LETTERS, PAGE 18

COPS&COURTS

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• An unlocked vehicle was rummaged through overnight March 18 in the 1800 block of Birch Street.

• A Cottage Grove woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near White Bear Avenue and County Road D March 19.

• Officers investigating an assault at a bar in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue March 19 arrested a woman after she resisted arrest and spit on an officer. She was booked on charges of felony fourth-degree assault, gross misdemeanor obstruction and gross misdemeanor assault. A second woman was cited for misdemeanor assault.

• Disorderly conduct was reported at the intersection of County Road E and Scheuneman Road and in the 4700 block of Bald Eagle Avenue March 19.

• A harassment restraining order short form was served in the 3400 block of Midland Court March 19.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane March 19.

• A Maplewood woman was arrested for DWI after officers found her sleeping behind the wheel of a running vehicle in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue March 20.

• Harassment was reported in the 1700 block of County Road E East March 20.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for domestic assault in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road March 20.

• Disorderly conduct was reported March 20 in the 1000 block of Highway 96.

• Harassment was reported in the 2200 block of Sixth Street March 20.

• A St. Paul resident was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop March 21 near Elm Street and White Bear Avenue.

• Officers mediated a road rage incident in the 4700 block of Highway 61 March 21.

• A vehicle reported stolen on Birch Lake Blvd. March 21 was found to have been repossessed.

• Harassment was reported in the 4900 block of Birch Lake Circle March 21.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 5000 block of Lake Avenue March 21.

• Officers responded to a domestic dispute in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road March 22.

A White Bear Lake man was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault in the 3500 block of Century Avenue N. March 22.

• Officers helped arrange an Uber ride for a Ham Lake man found sleeping in a vestibule on Sixth Street March 22.

• A burglary was reported March 22 in the 4400 block of Lincoln Avenue.

• Theft was reported in the 3800 block of Dennis Lane March 22.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault in the 1800 block of Birch Street March 22.

• Officers mediated a civil issue in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road March 22.

• A noise complaint was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue March 22.

• Officers responded to a verbal domestic incident in the 2400 block of Floral Drive March 22.

• A Chisago City man was arrested for DWI in the 1200 block of Gun Club Road March 23.

Officers are assisting NYPD with an ongoing investigation into fictitious emergency calls on Park Street.

• Officers mediated a civil issue in the 200 block of Village Center Drive March 23.

• Officers assisted a citizen with a missing wallet in the 4300 block of Lake Avenue March 23.

• A counterfeit $100 bill was used to purchase pull tabs at a business in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue S. March 23.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1000 block of Highway 96 March 23.

• Harassment was reported in the 2100 block of First Street March 23.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4500 block of Centerville Road March 23.

• Package theft was reported in the 1700 block of County Road E March 23.

• A man was arrested in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road following a report of an assault March 24.

• Harassment was reported in the 3500 block of McKnight Road N. March 24.

• Officers responded to a driving complaint at Ramsey County Beach March 24.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:

Grant

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop for expired registration March 2 on westbound Highway 36 and Keats Avenue N. and cited the driver.

• Deputies responded to a call reporting suspicious knocking at 11:16 p.m. March 4 in the 9000 block of Lansing Avenue N., after the homeowner heard knocking on her front door. Although deputies checked around the house and outbuildings, they discovered nothing.

• Deputies on patrol in the 10000 block of 75th Street N. on March 7 observed a vehicle passing on the shoulder and cited the driver for it.

Mahtomedi

An abandoned 911 call turned in March 1 from Crocus Street turned out to come from a cell phone owner who was cleaning his phone.

• A motorist on Stillwater Road and Hallam Avenue S. was arrested for DWI at 10:25 p.m. March 1, after deputies conducted a traffic stop for rear lights that were not illuminated.

• Deputies cited a motorist on southbound Wildwood Road and Mahtomedi Avenue for speeding March 2 after they observed the driver fly down the hill at a high rate of speed. A second

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township: Vadnais Heights

• Deputies arrested a 32-year-old man from St. Paul for DWI Feb. 22 after seeing the Toyota RAV4 the man was driving swerve and almost strike a median near the intersection of Highway 61 and County Road D.

• Deputies responded Feb. 23 to a report of a 22-year-old man being struck by a slow-moving vehicle in a parking lot in the 800 block of County Road E East. The 44-year-old woman who struck him provided valid insurance information and stated he unexpectedly pulled in front of her vehicle, which struck him. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies arrested a 29-year-old man from Little Canada Feb. 23 on an active warrant after he was disorderly and refused to leave an establishment in the 1000 block of County Road E East that asked him to do so.

• Deputies responded Feb. 24 to a report of suspicious activity in the 3200 block of Edgerton Street, and located and arrested a 25-year-old man from White Bear Township on an active warrant.

• Deputies responded Feb. 24 to a complaint made by a 61-year-old man in the 3200 block of Meadow Brook Court who reported that his 52-year-old ex-wife flushed his prescription medication down the toilet. Deputies mediated the dispute.

• Deputies issued a theft citation Feb. 25 to a 59-year-old St. Paul man after employees at a business in the 800 block of County Road E East caught him attempting to leave the store without paying for merchandise.

• A school resource officer was informed Feb. 25 of a suspected assault on a school bus in the 100 block of Suzanne Court. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies responded Feb. 26 to a report of a customer being loud,

motorist was pulled over March 4 on Long Lake Road for an unreadable license plate and expired registration and issued a verbal warning. A third motorist was cited March 5 on Wildwood Road and Birchwood Road for driving an unregistered vehicle on a public roadway. Two more motorists were verbally warned about expired registration that day. A sixth motorist was cited March 6 for an illegal turn after they failed to use the designated turn lane and turned from the straight lane of Wildwood Road onto Century Avenue instead. A seventh motorist was cited on Stillwater Road March 6 for failure to provide proof of insurance following a traffic stop for no turn signal. An eighth motorist was cited on Mahtomedi Avenue for driving after revocation March 7, after deputies initiated a traffic stop for expired registration. A ninth driver was cited for driving after revocation on March 7 after being pulled over for driving on Stillwater Road with faulty license plate lights and a faulty brake light.

• Deputies responded to a civil dispute about food stamps on Wildwood Road on March 4. On March 5, deputies responded to another disturbance at the apartment complex on Wildwood Road, but the party in question would not come out of her apartment. She was mailed a citation for disturbing the peace.

• Mahtomedi Avenue residents reported finding trackers in their vehicle on March 5 and requested a case number for documentation.

disruptive and threatening staff in a fast-food restaurant in the 3400 block of Rice Street. Upon their arrival, the suspect had left the restaurant. The incident is under investigation.

• Deputies responded Feb. 27 to a report of someone stealing a basket of donated change worth more than $100 at a gas station in the 1000 block of County Road E East. Deputies collected evidence and launched an investigation.

• Deputies issued a theft citation Feb. 27 to a 15-year-old male after he was caught stealing skincare products, eyelash brushes, mascara, eyeliner, foundation and a backpack, worth nearly $140, from a business in the 800 block of County Road E East. On Feb. 28, deputies responded to a report of shots fired in the 100 block of Mayfair Road and located a shell casing in the middle of the road. They collected evidence and interviewed a man with information about possible suspects.

White

Bear Township

• A 49-year-old man from Hugo reported Feb. 22 being bitten in the left and right leg by a dog owned by an 85-year-old man in the 5600 block of Bald Eagle Boulevard. Deputies interviewed both parties, collected evidence and sent the case to an animal control officer for a follow-up investigation.

• Deputies responded to a report of assault Feb. 26 in the 2300 block of Hoxie Avenue and arrested a 22-year-old woman from Hinkley after she struck a 30-year-old man in his Honda Accord, scraped her Ford Focus and left paint marks on both vehicles.

• Deputies issued a trespass notice Feb. 28 to a 41-year-old woman from Vadnais Heights after she picked up an Instacart order and added an additional $50 worth of merchandise to her bags before attempting to leave a store in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive.

• A bicycle was reported stolen March 6 from a Wildwood Road address.

Puma Lane residents reported receiving a scam text March 7 regarding an unpaid citation. However, the complainants had receipts from when they paid off the ticket a few months ago. The complainants were advised to call the court first thing on Monday morning.

Pine Springs

• After deputies responded to the scene of an accident with no injuries reportedly involving a deer on Hilton Trail N. and 66th Street N. on March 2, they instead discovered a dead coyote. After deputies removed the coyote from the roadway, they issued the driver a written warning for undisclosed reasons.

• An eastbound motorist was arrested at 11:08 p.m. March 4 on Highway 36, just west of the Hilton Trail flyover, after deputies pulled the vehicle over for tabs that expired in May 2025. Deputies conducted three more traffic stops and issued warnings that week for expired registration, all on Hilton Trail N. between 62nd Street N. and 66th Street N.

• A westbound motorist was cited for speeding at 11:57 p.m. March 4 on Highway 36 just west of Hilton Trail N.

• A motorist pulled over for erratic driving was issued a citation for child safety restraint violation March 6 on Hilton Trail N. and 66th Street N.

SPORTS

Liberty nabs 5th place in state tourney

Liberty Classical Academy made a good showing in the school’s first-ever state tournament appearance in any sport.

The Lions took an 85-63 drubbing from Red Lake County in the quarterfinal Thursday at Target Center, but bounced back to capture fifth place in Class 1A with consolation bracket wins over Cherry 79-63 on Friday and Southland 56-53 on Saturday at Concordia-St. Paul. The White Bear Lake parochial school finished 29-3.

Liberty senior Sam Rupnow was named to

CONTRIBUTED

The Liberty Classical Academy boys varsity basketball team makes the school’s first-ever state tournament appearance.

the All-Tournament team. Rupnow tallied 80 points in the three games (the third highest total among 32 teams in the four classes) along with 22 rebounds. He had 28 against RLC, 30 against Cherry and 22 against Southland.

Ethan Richter notched 51 points in the three games.

Cruz Triana had 33 points and 21 rebounds.

The state champions were Hills-Beaver Creek in 1A, Minnehaha Academy in 2A, Totino-Grace in 3A and Chaska in 4A.

Bruce Strand

Bears name Athena Award recipient

Josie Guidinger is the Athena Award recipient for White Bear Lake’s Class of 2026. She will attend a recognition event at St. Paul RiverCentre on April 15.

Athena is an award for multisport female athletes with strong academic record in the metro area. Guidinger lettered six years in Alpine skiing and three years in tennis, was captain for both teams, collected three all-conference awards and two honorable mentions, and qualified for state twice. She is a senior class officer, Student Council and National Honor Society member, and serves on Link Crew and Mentorship Club. Guidinger plans to study aviation in college and compete in Alpine.

SPORTS PREVIEWS SPRING 2026

The Bears will be rebuilding the singles lineup after the 1-2-3 players from last year’s 9-8 team graduated. Returning starters are Brooks Peltier, who played 4-singles, along with most of the doubles lineup: Mason Voeller and Asher Ludwig at No. 1, Joseph Karls and Chris Herr at No, 2, and Keenan Griffin at No. 3. Coach Paul Kolenich said there’ll be a “mix of power and consistency through the lineup.”

First 3 matches: Thursday, April 2, Como Park, 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, Hill-Murray, 4 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Woodbury, 4 p.m.

White Bear Lake has a chance to improve on last year’s strong showing of third place in the conference and second place in the section.

The Bears are led by sophomore captain Easton Fiddle, who has placed 19th and 31st at state the last two years, and senior Magnus Benz, who made all-conference along with Fiddle.

Other returning players are seniors Thomas Pederson (honorable mention last year) and Ryan Kiessner, and junior Gavin Elgard. Vying for varsity slots are senior Cody Olinger and sophomore Gardy Giefer.

“We have a very strong nucleus returning,” coach Craig Nasvik said. “Finishing 2nd in the section last year was great but the focus for this year's team is to do one better. They are looking to compete for the section championship and get to state.”

First 3 meets: Thursday, April 9, invitational at Bunker Hills, 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, conference at River Oaks, noon Wednesday, April 15, invitational at Blackwolf Run, 9:30 a.m.

White Bear Lake is coming off a strong season with second-place finishes in the conference and section behind Stillwater.

Returning state medalists are Tomi Animasaun (sixth, long jump, and eighth, 300 hurdles) and Maxwell Popp (seventh, 3200).

Coach Seton Foster said the team should be strong in strong in long jump, led by Easton Miles, along with throws and sprints.

Captains are Brian White, James Bowen and Wyatt Stachowiak. Other returning lettermen are Noah Blaisdell, Jake Buche, Alexander Cantwell, Vincent Kazmierczak, Mason Labathe, Matthew Law, Alexander Maki, Owen Otto, Kylan Roed, Joseph Rogers, Daniel Wickum, and Joseph Wolfe.

First 3 meets:

Tuesday, March 24, home, Forest Lake and Roseville, 4 p.m.

Thursday, April 9, White Bear Lake Relays, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15, White Bear Lake Invitational, 4 p.m.

White Bear Lake has four returning state qualifiers from a team that ended last season on a high note, after placing fifth of 10 teams in the conference.

“Last year we had nine individual athletes qualify for state, the most in my tenure as a White Bear Lake coach,” said Brianna Seibel, who’s entering her 11th season. “Our goal is to beat that number this year and place higher in our conference meet.”

All the state qualifiers back are in field events — seniors Jinet Demanou (discus) and Karen Enow (shot put) and juniors Pearl Niemioja (shot put) and Khloe Pankonien (long jump). Returning athletes who placed high enough in the conference

Two of the top players are back from a 2025 team that was runner-up in both the conference and sectional. They are senior captain Maddy Vang (all-conference) and eighth-grader Adelle Blasing (honorable mention).

Moving into varsity slots will be seniors Greta Misgen and Nora Hall, junior Macie Marston, and sophomores Lilly Maietta and Lilly Sjostrom.

Coach Craig Nasvik thinks the new players in the lineup can fill the void left by graduated players. “We are looking to improve from last year's finish in conference and the section,” he stated. “For the team to finish second in the section last year was a great accomplishment but we’re looking to do one better this year.”

First 3 meets:

Wednesday, April 15, conference at River Oaks, 11:30 a.m.

Monday, April 20, conference at Highland Park National, 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, conference at Tanners Brook, 1 p.m.

meet to make all-conference were Enow, Demanou, senior Savannah Severson (throws), junior sprinters Grace Weierke and Madelyn Compton (also a jumper), and sophomore middle-distance runners Lucy Miehke and Piper Heinsohn. There are 28 returning lettermen: 17 seniors, seven juniors and four sophomores. “We have some really hard working and talented returning athletes who are hungry to compete,” Siebel remarked.

First 3 meets:

Thursday, March 26, home invitational, 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, invitational at Roseville, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, invitational at Mounds View, 4 p.m.

These businesses proudly support you

SPRING 2026

Most of the White Bear Lake lineup is back from a 10-5 season that ended with a section finals overtime loss to Stillwater, the eventual state runnerup.

“We know what we are getting back and we are very excited about it,” said coach Brandon Husak, noting that the veterans include junior goalie Reid Vickstrom and players who totaled 211 points.

Husak listed team strengths as experience, skill, and hunger.

“We have been in back to back section championships, lost them both, and are hungry (to put in kind terms) to advance much deeper into the postseason. We have goals of nothing less than everything we can achieve.”

Offensive threats returning include senior Gavin Huot; juniors Colton Butts, Wyatt Raleigh, Liam Maloy, Nolan Buetow, and Eli LaLonde; sophomores Gavin Wippler and Carter Eastburn; and freshman Westin Raleigh. Returning in midfield and defense are seniors Mick Wickland (defender) and Tanner Olsen (defender); juniors Adrian Eicher (defender, face-off), Eli Rauschendorfer (long-stick

SPORTS PREVIEWS

mid), Nathan Knutson (mid defense), Connor Law (defender); and sophomore Colton Jansen (defender).

The Bears also welcome back two 2024 starters who didn’t play last year, senior Tyler LaLonde (face-off, midfield) and junior Ty Mueller (midfielder).

“A lot of teams could win a state championship, but it doesn't happen by accident,”

Husak said.

“Skill is always there, yes, but willingness and determination are the biggest factors to tip the scales. You can't script it, and you can't put it in a game plan.”

The Bears were section champions and placed fourth in the state tournament last season. They were 19-8 overall and third in the Suburban East.

“Our biggest team strengths are going to be experience and depth. Our team has 11 players that have played in the state tournament,” said coach Jill Renneke.

Husak sees the group’s collective attitude as not needing “the spotlight” but having a self-sufficient, focused and unified mindset, factors that could make them a dangerous team.

First 3 games: Saturday, April 11, Maple Grove, 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, Roseville Area, 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at East Ridge, 7 p.m.

The lineup is headed by senior pitcher Lilly Martin, a twotime all-conference pick with over 500 strikeouts, signed by Minnesota-Duluth.

Other letter-winners back are seniors Maddie Pearson (infield) and Lauren Elias (outfield), and juniors Teagan Kotzmacher (outfield), Lauren Simmons (infield), Kendall Roeser (infield), Aubrey Lund (infield), Anessa Pena (outfield) and Allie Casemore (catcher).

Also likely to see action will be seniors Allie Castro (infield) and Camille Castro (infield), junior Julia Johnson (outfield) and freshmen Lila Evans (outfield/pitcher) and Peyton Rivard (pitcher).

“Expectations are high,” Renneke said. “The goal is to win the state championship.”

First 3 games: Wednesday, April 1, at Roseville Area, 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 6, Park, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, Woodbury, 4:30 p.m.

Following their best season in 20 years, White Bear Lake must replace a strong 2025 senior class to keep it going.

“This team wants to continue growing as we did last year,” coach Ryan Fitzpatrick said. “Playing for a section championship, and getting to the state tournament is always the goal.”

The Bears were 17-8 and placed second in the section behind Cretin-Derham Hall. That was the program’s best record since 2005, the last state tournament year.

Top returning starter is Jackson Kolb, junior pitcher/third baseman who made all-conference. Others returning with significant varsity experience are senior Christian Humphrey (center field), junior Miles Oklobzija (pitcher/infield) and junior Riley Helmberger (second base).

Stepping into the lineup are juniors Logan Magnuson (first base) and Brody LaShomb (pitcher), sophomores Will Connors (outfield), Max Butters (infield/pitcher) and Chase Bachmeier (outfield/pitcher) and freshman Jack Kook (shortstop/pitcher).

“Team strengths are going to be our deep pitching staff and defense,” Fitzpatrick said.

First 3 games:

Wednesday, April 8, at East Ridge, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, April 10, Roseville Area, 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, at Woodbury, 4:30 p.m.

REGIONAL TRAIL: Public invited to attend open house next week

the trail and has since supported grant applications for funding.

Washington County has secured a $1,244,000 grant through the state’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The grant funding has kick-started the design phase of the project, but Blaylock noted the funding award for the project is subject to the approval of the 2026 state Legislature.

“We are excited to hit the ground running with the design phase,” Blaylock said.

Community engagement, preliminary design, data collection and analysis and environmental documentation are all planned for 2026. Final design and project bidding would follow in 2027, and construction would also start that year.

“There are many moving parts anticipated during the design phase … the timing (construction start) may change. We will continue to work with city staff as details are figured out,” Blaylock said.

Hugo Mayor Tom Weidt said, “I’m looking forward to this getting done. The sooner the better, and it looks like we are finally on the glide path to get it done. Hopefully, nothing derails it and we can keep going and get

IF YOU GO

Hardwood Creek Regional Trail open house

When: 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8

Where: Oneka Room at Hugo City Hall Details: Learn about the project’s design process and the project schedule, and meet the project team. Attendees can provide feedback and share ideas for the project.

Contact: Erin Blaylock, project manager: erin. blaylock@washingtoncountymn.gov or 651430-4384.

to that construction (start). That would be great to see.”

An open house is planned for April 8 (see pullout for more information). Those who cannot attend the open house can review open house materials and provide feedback online via the project website from April 8-30. Visit www.washingtoncountymn.gov/HardwoodCreekExtension for more information.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

Elliott Engen arrested on suspicion of DUI

Minnesota State Rep. Elliott Engen (District 36A), who is running for state auditor, has been charged with fourth-degree DWI following a traffic stop in White Bear Lake.

According to the White Bear Lake Police Department, at approximately 1:51 a.m. Friday, March 27, the agency conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Fourth Street and Otter Lake Road in White Bear Lake for observed traffic violations, including speeding, expired registration and an inoperable

headlight. The driver, a 27-year-old male from Lino Lakes identified as Engen, was arrested for suspicion of driving while impaired.

Engen was transported to the White Bear Lake Police Department, where a breath test reportedly indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.13. He was subsequently booked into the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center on a charge of fourth-degree DWI and later released from custody.

As of press time, the case had been forwarded to the city’s prosecuting attorney for processing.

Fire department confirms identities, ages of victims in house fire

The White Bear Lake Fire Department has released the names and ages of the four victims in the house fire that occurred in the 2100 block of Richard Avenue March 21.

Jessi (Pierce) Hinrichs, 38, and her three children, Hudson Hinrichs, 8, Cayden Hinrichs, 6, and Avery Hinrichs, 4, were killed in the fire. Preliminary findings have not led to any evidence that the fire was set intentionally. The

official cause of the fire remains under investigation by the White Bear Lake Fire Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“(They) will forever be loved and remembered by their husband and father, Mike Hinrichs, and the White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi communities,” said White Bear Lake Fire Chief Greg Peterson. “We have been in close contact with Mike to support him, his family and his friends. He has asked us to share his request for privacy while he grieves and the rest of his family and friends navigate this unimaginable time.”

Join us @ South Shore Trinity E A S T E R S U N D A Y April 5

6:45am * • 9am • 10:45am

* *6:45am is Lakeside (dressaccordingly) Breakfast before & after 9am worship

HOLY WEEK SCH EDU LE

Maundy Thursday

April 2 | 11am & 6:30pm Good Friday

April 3 | 11am & 6:30pm

South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church LCMS 2480 South Shore Blvd. White Bear Lake, MN 651.429.4293 | sstwbl.org

EASTER MASSES

Holy Thursday,April 6

The Lord’s Supper 7:00 pm (with incense)

Good Friday,April 7

Veneration of the Cross 7:00 pm

Holy Saturday,April 8 Easter VigilMass 8:00 pm (with incense)

EasterSunday,April 9 Mass 9:00 am (with incense)

KohlerHall 700 Mahtomedi Ave Mahtomedi, MN 55115 651-426-3245 www.stjudeofthelake.org

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-26-208

NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of Rodney Henry Torkelson, Decedent

NOTICE is given that on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 2:45 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. a hearing will be held using remote technology by this Court on the petition for formal adjudication of intestacy, determination of heirship, and for the appointment of Steven Rodney Torkelson, whose address is 1108 Sunset Blvd NW, Montgomery MN 56069, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration.

Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled. NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice.

Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

BY THE COURT:

Tracey Ames, District Court Administrator

BY: Michael Syverud, Deputy Court Administrator

Date: March 9, 2026

Self Represented Petitioner: Steven Rodney Torkelson 1108 Sunset Blvd NW Montgomery, MN 56069

stevetork@gmail.com

Phone: (612) 819-5984

Published two times in the White Bear Press on March 25 and April 1, 2026.

OFFICE

OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:

Concentrix Regulated Services

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:

201 E 4TH ST STE 1500

CINCINNATI OH 45202 USA

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

Concentrix Healthcare Services LLC

201 E 4TH ST STE 1500

CINCINNATI OH 45202 USA

I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: December 19, 2026

Signed: Hooman Yavi

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 1 and 8, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:

Concentrix

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:

201 E 4TH ST STE 1500

CINCINNATI OH 45202 USA

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

Concentrix Healthcare Services LLC

201 E 4TH ST STE 1500

CINCINNATI OH 45202 USA

I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: February 13, 2026

Signed: Hooman Yavi

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 1 and 8, 2026.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Twin Cities Tabletop Games Expo

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:

913 Harriet Ave

Shoreview MN 55126 USA

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

Trove Expo Group, LLC

913 Harriet Ave

Shoreview MN 55126 USA

I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: January 4, 2026

Signed: Jeremy Geenen

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 1 and 8, 2026. INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 832 MAHTOMEDI, MN 55115 MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Mahtomedi Public Schools was held February 23, 2026 beginning at 7:00 PM.- CALL TO ORDER- Meeting was called to order by Chair Kelly Reagan at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE- Present: Ryan Domin, Paul Donna, Jenny Peterson, Kelly Reagan, Stacey Stout and Drew Whitson. APPROVAL OF

THE AGENDA- Stout motioned, Domin seconded, Approval of the Agenda. Carried 6-0. ACTION ITEMS –A.) Approval of Donations/Grants from January 2026, Totaling $60,899.04 Stout motioned, Peterson seconded, Approval of Donations/Grants from January 2026, Totaling $60,899.04. Carried 6-0. B.) Approval of Independent Auditors Report -Jim Eichten, CPA, Principal at LB Carlson, presented the Audit Report for the year ended June 30, 2025, to the School Board. Eichten reported on the financial system process that is prepared by the district and supported by the auditors. Eichten also reported on the audit of internal controls and on the district’s compliance with state laws and regulations. Stout motioned, Domin seconded, Approval of Independent Auditors Report. Carried 6-0. C.) Approval of the Revised FY26 BudgetTim Erickson, Director of Business Services, reported to the School Board on the revised FY26 Budget Revisions. Erickson noted that changes are due to enrollment changes, staffing, labor contracts, changes to previous estimates and assumptions, and legislative changes. Erickson noted that revenue increased by $763,000, or 1.48%, and expenditures increased by $444,000, or 0.08%, from the preliminary budget. Erickson noted that General Aid and Pension reform had a $580,000 increase due to TRA increases, benefits at $242,000, and purchased services at $69,000. Erickson noted that expenditures included salaries/wages of $133,000, benefits of $242,000, and purchased services of $69,000. Erickson noted the total percentage of Operating Expenditures of 8.67%. Erickson concluded his report with questions from the School Board.

Donna motioned, Peterson seconded, Approval of the Revised FY26 Budget. Carried 6-0. D.) Final Reading of Policy 902 – Use of School Facilities. Duffrin advised the school board that this is the final reading of Policies from Community Education Revisions. Duffrin noted that there have been no questions regarding these updates and that the policies have been reviewed by the Policy Committee and have been through two readings and are now on here for approval.

Peterson motioned, Donna seconded, Approval of Final Reading of Policy 902 – Use of School Facilities. Carried 6-0. ADJOURNMENT - Stout motioned, Peterson seconded, adjournment. Carried 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m. Submitted by Drew Whitson, Clerk. A full version of the minutes are available at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us.

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 1, 2026.

CITY OF WHITE BEAR

LAKE

ORDINANCE 26-03-2084

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY CHARTER OF THE CITY OF WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN, AS IT RELATES TO SPECIAL ELECTIONS

The Council of the City of White Bear Lake does ordain the following: Sect. 4.04. Mayor – Vacancy of Office. … The City Council shall declare the vacancy by resolution. The City Clerk shall, within fifteen (15) days of the vacancy, give legal notice in the official newspaper of the vacancy with dates for filing and the date(s) of the special municipal election(s). The period for filing for the vacancy shall be ten (10) calendar days from (including) the date of the legal notice. The special municipal election shall occur within fifteen (15) to twenty (20) days after the close of filing. If two (2) or fewer candidates file for the vacancy, then the City Council shall call the special election at the next uniform election date specified in Minnesota Statute 205.10, subd. 3a, as it may be amended from time to time (“Uniform Election Date”), for which all legal requirements for special elections can be met by the City. If more than two (2) candidates have filed for the vacancy, the City Council shall call a special primary for the next Uniform Election Date for which all legal requirements for special elections can be met by the City and the special election for the Uniform Election Date subsequent to the special primary for which all legal requirements for the special elections can be met by the City. Sect. 4.12. Council – Meetings and Procedures. … The City Council shall declare the vacancy by resolution. The City Clerk shall, within fifteen (15) days of the resolution declaring the vacancy, give legal notice in the official newspaper of the vacancy, with dates for filing and the date(s) of the special municipal election(s). The period for filing for the vacancy shall be ten (10) calendar days from (including) the date of the legal notice. The special municipal election shall occur within fifteen (15) to twenty (20) days after the close of filing. If two (2) or fewer candidates file for the vacancy, then the City Council shall call the special election at the next uniform election date specified in Minnesota Statute 205.10, subd. 3a, as it may be amended from time to time (“Uniform Election Date”), for which all legal requirements for special elections can be met by the City. If more than two (2) candidates have filed for the vacancy, the City Council shall call a special primary for the next Uniform Election Date for which all legal requirements for special elections can be met by the City and the special election for the Uniform Election Date subsequent to the special primary for which all legal requirements for the special elections can be met by the City.

(Strikeout indicates deleted matter, double underline indicates new matter.)

An ordinance amending the City Charter shall become effective 90 days after publication. Passed by the City Council of White Bear Lake on March 24, 2026.

Mary Nicklawske, Mayor ATTEST: Caley Longendyke, City Clerk

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 1, 2026

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 624 2399 CEDAR AVE

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Nutrition Services Liquid Dairy Milk Products Bid

The White Bear Lake Area School District is requesting sealed bids for milk products for the 2026-2027 school year. Sealed bids are due to the District Center (2399 Cedar Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110) no later than 2:00 PM, Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026.

Bidding documents and specifications will be available on April 1, 2026 at the District Center or by contacting Bridget Lehn at 651-407-7524 or bridget. lehn@isd624.org .

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Published two times in the White Bear Press on April 1 and 8, 2026.

CITY OF DELLWOOD

ASSESSMENT NOTICE

Important Information Regarding Property Assessments

This may affect your 2027 property taxes.

CORRECTION OF TIME

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization of the City of Dellwood shall meet on April 14, at 4:00 pm, at 111 Wildwood Road, Willernie MN 55090, The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor, and also to determine whether corrections need to be made. If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally, an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to your county board of appeal and equalization. For more information, call the Washington County assessor’s office at 651-430-6175.

Given under my hand this 25th day of March, 2026

Interim Clerk of the City of Dellwood

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 1, 2026.

CITY OF PINE SPRINGS ASSESSMENT NOTICE

Important Information Regarding Property Assessments

This may affect your 2026 property taxes.

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization of the City of Pine Springs shall meet on April 22, 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., Washington Cty, Gov.

Center, 14949 62nd St. N., 5th Floor, Stillwater, MN 55082. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor, and also to determine whether corrections need to be made.

If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally, an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to your county board of appeal and equalization. For more information, call the Washington County assessor’s office at 651-430-6175.

Given under my hand this 25th day of March, 2026

Victoria R. Keating Clerk of the City of Pine Springs

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 1, 2026.

CITY OF WILLERNIE ASSESSMENT NOTICE

Important Information Regarding Property Assessments

This may affect your 2026 property taxes.

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization of the CITY OF WILLERNIE shall meet on APRIL 20, 5:00 TO 6:00 P.M. at WILLERNIE CITY HALL, 111 WILDWOOD ROAD. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor, and also to determine whether corrections need to be made.

If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally, an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to your county board of appeal and equalization. For more information, call the Washington County assessor’s office at 651-430-6175.

Given under my hand this 25th day of MARCH, 2026

Victoria R. Keating

Clerk of the City of Willernie

Published one time in the White Bear Press on April 1, 2026.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO. 62-CV-26-887

CASE TYPE: CIVIL OTHER/MISC.

SUMMONS

Melissa A. Martyr-Wagner and Michael Plambeck, as Co-Trustees of the Melissa A. Martyr-Wagner Revocable Trust U/A dated March 19, 2013, Plaintiffs, vs. Claudia A. Mills and Harvey H. Mills, as Trustees of the Harvey H. Mills Revocable Trust Created Under Agreement dated June 20, 2007; Harvey H. Mills and Claudia A. Mills, as Trustees of the Claudia A. Mills Revocable Trust Created Under Agreement dated June 20, 2007; Manitou Island Association, Inc., a Minnesota corporation; John Doe; Mary Roe; all other persons who are deceased; ABC Corporation; and all other persons or entities unknown claiming any right, title, estate, lien or interest in the real estate described in the Summons and Complaint herein, Defendants. THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS. You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon Plaintiffs’ attorney an Answer to the Complaint which is on file in the office of the Court Administrator of the above-named Court, within twenty-one (21) days after service of this Summons upon you, exclusive of the day of service. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this Summons located at: Redford Law PA, 7201 Ohms Lane, Suite 210, Edina, MN 55439.

THIS ACTION AFFECTS REAL PROPERTY located in Ramsey County, Minnesota, legally described as follows: Those Parts of Lots Fifty-four (54), including so-called boat Lot Fiftyfour (54), and Lot Fifty-nine (59), Map of Manitou Island, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, according to the plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds of Ramsey County, Minnesota, lying Southeasterly of a straight line extending in a Northeasterly direction from the most Westerly corner of Lot Fifty-three (53) of said Addition, to the low water line of White Bear Lake, and passing through a point in the original Southerly line of Park Avenue North, which point is indicated by an iron marker and is distant 73 feet Northwesterly from the intersection of the Northwesterly line of said Lot Fiftythree (53) with the original Southerly line of Park Avenue North, which point of intersection is indicated by an iron monument.

Also all of Lot Fifty-three (53), including so-called boat Lot Fifty-three (53), of said Map of Manitou Island.

Also all that part of Park Avenue North, and all that part of the road along the Easterly side of said Lot 53 lying between and connecting Park Avenue North and Park Avenue South, lying Northwesterly of the following described line:

Beginning at an iron monument on the Southerly line of said Lot 53, which iron monument is 166.10 feet Easterly along the Southerly line of Lot 53 from the most Westerly corner of said Lot 53; thence Northeasterly along a curve to the left with a radius of 56 feet a chord distance of 66.23 feet to an iron monument; said chord running Northeasterly at an included angle of 143°45’ with said Southerly property line of Lot 53; thence Northeasterly at an included angle of 146°08’ with said chord, through and along the Easterly boundary of so-called boat Lot 53, a distance of 112 feet more or less to the low water line of White Bear Lake.

And Southeasterly of the following described line:

A straight line extending in a Northeasterly direction from the most Westerly corner of Lot 53 of said Map of Manitou Island to the low water line of White Bear Lake, and passing through a point in the original Southerly line of Park Avenue North, which point is indicated by an iron marker and is distant 73 feet Northwesterly from the intersection of the Northwesterly line of said Lot 53, with the original Southerly line of Park Avenue North, which point of intersection is indicated by an iron monument.

(“Subject Property”).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the object of said action is to obtain a judgment declaring that Plaintiffs are the owners in fee of the property described above, and that the Defendants, and each of them, have no right, title, estate, interest or lien in or upon the Subject Property.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that no personal claim is made by Plaintiffs against any of the Defendants.

Civil cases are subject to Alternative Dispute Resolution processes as provided in Rule 114 of the General Rules of Practice for the District Courts. Alternative Dispute Resolution includes mediation, arbitration, and other processes set forth in the rules. You may contact the Court Administrator for information about these processes and about resources available in your area.

Dated: February 4, 2026

REDFORD LAW PA

/s/ Shaun D. Redford

Shaun D. Redford, #390127

7201 Ohms Lane, Suite 210

Edina, MN 55439 (952) 224-3644

shaun@redfordlaw.com

Attorney for Plaintiffs

Published three times in the White Bear Press on April 1, 8, and 15, 2026.

CLERK’S CORNER – Greetings from the Township! Thank you to all who attended the Township’s annual meeting on March 10 to approve our preliminary budget. As those who were in attendance learned, Township staff & elected officials will work through the parameters the residents gave us & we will have framework in place by the fall for 2027. Transitions continue here for our staff members! As you may or may not remember, Dale Reed, our long-time Public Works Director, retired the first part of this year, & his replacement, Larry Poppler, is already busy acclimating himself to our unique corner of the universe. As the weather warms up, we start to think about street improvement projects within the Township for the building season. Neighborhood meetings will be held the week of March 30. Check the Township website to see if your area is scheduled for upgrading this summer. Enjoy your spring!

TOWNSHIP’S ANNUAL MEETING REVIEW – White Bear Township held its Annual Town Meeting on March 10. The Annual Town Meeting is where residents in attendance vote to approve a resident to moderate the meeting, the previous year’s meeting minutes, meeting agenda, & preliminary property tax levy. This year’s meeting was again moderated by Bob Kermes & had approximately 24 residents in attendance. Representatives from Ramsey County & the State Auditor’s Office were also in attendance as well. Residents received an update on the Town’s finances from the Town Finance Officer, Tom Kelly, after which they approved a 2027 preliminary property tax levy of $8,245,000 on a 14 to 10 vote. The 2026 Annual Town Meeting can be viewed on the Town’s website.

SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY – The annual Spring Clean-Up Day will be held on Saturday, May 16th at Otter Lake Elementary School, 1401 County Road H2, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Paper shredding will be available 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The following items will be accepted for FREE: appliances, tires, mattresses, furniture, carpet, household fixtures, TVs, electronics, lawn mowers with fluid drained, building materials in small quantities, scrap metal, & limbs/brush.

Reminder: Bring household hazardous waste (HHW) to the Ramsey County Environmental Center for free disposal. There is no longer a specific HHW event.

SPRING STREET SWEEPING & HY-

DRANT FLUSHING TO BEGIN – Spring street sweeping will be begin within the next few weeks. Operations should take 2.5 – 3 days to complete depending on weather & if there are no equipment issues. Please avoid parking in the street during the daytime until your street has been cleaned.

Once street sweeping is completed, Public

Works staff will begin the spring hydrant flushing which should take 7 – 10 days to complete. Some residents may experience discoloration in the water. Residents can open their lowest level faucet to clear the line. It is not advisable to wash clothes if the water is discolored.

TENNIS COURT & PICKLEBALL NETS – If mother nature stays as nice as she has been, tennis court & pickleball nets will be reinstalled in the parks in the coming weeks. Enjoy the early start to the season!

THANK YOU to everyone who ordered a tree from this year’s tree sale. We sold more trees than years past, making it another successful season! If you purchased a tree, you will be contacted for pickup instructions at our Public Works building when trees arrive (around Arbor Day).

SIDEWALKS: Pavement rehabilitation project moves forward with changes

safety standpoint for pedestrians.”

In addition to the new segments of sidewalk, existing segments would be removed and replaced as necessary and pedestrian ramps would be updated to meet current ADA standards.

Resident input

During the public hearing, several residents spoke in opposition to the proposed new sidewalk additions.

Resident Susan Oven lives in a home that was constructed in 1900 and, for whatever reason, it was placed very close to the road. Kauppi said that the fence extends up to 12 feet into the rightof-way and will be impacted by the street portion of the project, whether a new sidewalk is installed or not.

Oven questioned the need for sidewalks on both sides of the street and mentioned she thought pedestrian safety could be accomplished with sidewalk on one side of the street.

“In the old part of White Bear … many people live there and stay a long time. The appeal is the community, the neighborhood, the uniqueness, the weirdness. No two houses are the same. Some of the houses are too close to the street,” she said. “All those little tiny things add up to what I think is the charm of living in White Bear Lake. I don’t think the charm of White Bear Lake is sidewalks on both sides of the street.”

Resident Tom Kelly spoke in opposition of the sidewalk proposed for the west side of Banning Avenue. “This sidewalk would be dangerous. It would encourage people to cross Lake Avenue on the west side of Banning Avenue while southbound drivers on Banning are struggling to look east up Lake Avenue around the curve for oncoming traffic. In other words, drivers’ attention is to the left while pedestrians are on the right,” he said. “This is a bad situation.”

Meredith Chelberg said she thought it would be a good idea to continue the sidewalk on the north side of Second Street from Cook Avenue to Lake Avenue. However, she didn’t think a sidewalk on the other side was necessary. “I know the city of White Bear Lake

values its green space. When we replaced our driveway about 10 years ago, the city said we could not replace our entire concrete driveway; we had to remove some of it and make it into grass,” she recalled. “This would be 800 square feet of concrete going through our front lot that I just feel is unnecessary.”

Resident Dave Herington said he was excited about the street being repaved but echoed his neighbors’ thoughts. “I don’t I don’t feel it is necessary to have another sidewalk on the south side of Second Street,” he said. “We also redid our driveway when we moved here and were told that we had to take some of our driveway out to create more permeable space and now we are just going to put more concrete in our front yard. It doesn’t seem reasonable … the pedestrian walking space isn’t necessary there. I think we have got plenty of walking spaces in other places.”

Resident Anthony Yares described himself as an avid runner and family man who appreciates the pedestrian safety that sidewalks provide. He suggested the sidewalk on the north side of Second Street, but not the south side. “In my opinion, I think that would be the place to do it. I think if we do the sidewalk on the north side of the street, we achieve the goal of having pedestrian safety and also preserve the charm.”

Resident Karen Taylor volunteers for seniors and said she has heard from many of them who have complaints about the existing sidewalks in the area. “People like living downtown, but I hear from people ‘but those sidewalks,’” she said. Taylor added that one senior she talked to chooses to drive to the library instead of walking due to the condition of the sidewalk. “I’m wondering about adding more sidewalks, when we are not doing a good job of maintaining what we have, and seniors appear to think that a bad sidewalk is the same as no sidewalk,” she said.

Council input

Council Member Kevin Edberg said he was supportive of completing the last block between Cook and Lake on the north side of Second Street but thought that adding a sidewalk to the

south side would be “redundant.” He said he was also not supportive of adding an additional segment on the east side of Banning Avenue.

“We have got one side that seems to work, and I’m not feeling the great need to build more,” Edberg said. “I don’t think there is value in building infrastructure that doesn’t serve a clear and present need.”

Council Member Bill Walsh said if it were up to him, there would be sidewalks on both sides of all the streets. He pointed out that it is not uncommon for the council to hear from neighbors during these street projects that say they don’t want sidewalks.

“Mostly in my 10 years on the council, the council has said we get that, we appreciate that you don’t want sidewalks in your neighborhood, but we make decisions for entire city,” Walsh said. “I want to make a decision based on the city, not on the neighbors. You live there today; you won’t live there forever … This is a huge city and people walk there all the time, including visitors. We have got to make a decision globally for White Bear Lake.”

Mayor Mary Nicklawske said she looked at the issue with a different lens because she has been an orientation mobility specialist for 33 years. “I can attest to Marketfest, the cars on both sides of the road all the way up to my house. When people are leaving and kids are walking down the street and cars parked up and down the road and they have to walk out in the road or if somebody is blind, has a wheelchair or is elderly, walking in the road is very dangerous,” she said. “It is also an accessibility issue with getting lost and not knowing where you are.”

Council Member Andrea West said if it were up to her, there would be sidewalks on both sides of the street. She added that where she lives doesn’t have sidewalks on every street, which makes it a challenge to walk places. “I grew up in a city that had sidewalks everywhere, and I walked all the time,” she said. “I feel much safer being on a sidewalk, and

White Bear Lake participates in a nationwide challenge to

Mayor Mary Nicklawske is joining mayors across the country in asking residents to make a commitment to conserve water by taking part in a national contest aimed at drastically reducing water use across the nation.

The Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water

Conservation is a nonprofit national community service campaign to see which cities can best inspire residents to commit to reduce water usage by filling out an online pledge that takes one minute to complete.

“Conserving water is essential to ensure a

sustainable supply for future generations,” said Nicklawske. “This friendly competition is a great way for the city and our residents to reaffirm our commitment to responsible stewardship of our resources. Something as simple as pledging to turn off a faucet while you brush your

I’m an able-bodied person.”

Council Member Ellen Gurrola said as someone with young children, she does feel safer when walking on a sidewalk but said she could understand property owners not wanting the sidewalk in front of their property too.

After a lot of back-and-forth and several variations of motions, the council unanimously voted to order the improvements without the construction of new sidewalk on Second Street between Banning Avenue and Lake Avenue. Council also voted to remove the proposed sidewalk on the east side of Banning Avenue between Second Street and Lake Avenue and the existing sidewalk on the east side of Banning Avenue.

The project is estimated to cost $1,458,500; $269,500 will come from special assessments to benefiting property owners. The council is expected to award a construction contract at its April 28 meeting. Construction can begin in May after spring road restrictions are lifted.

be most ‘water wise’

teeth can save up to 4 gallons of water a day, or pledging to take five-minute showers can save up to 20 gallons of water a day."

To participate, residents can go to mywaterpledge. com any time during the month of April to take a conservation pledge on behalf

of the city of White Bear Lake. Participants in cities with the highest percentage of residents who take the challenge in their population category are entered into drawings for hundreds of prizes.

CLASSIFIEDS

369

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Deadline for Classified Line and display ads Thursday 4pm 651-407-1250 classified@presspubs. com

The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for

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Joan Burth

Passed away March 1, 2026. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, April 9 at 11 a.m. at SAINT MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake with visitation one hour prior. Interment to follow at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery. Arrangements MuellerMemorial. com 651-429-4944.

Beverly Mae Friendt

Beverly Friendt, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026 with her daughter Linda Franklin at her side. Bev leaves behind 3 other children, 14 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

Beverly Was born August 21, 1945. She will be missed greatly! R.I.P MOM! Service will be held at St. Jude of the Lake. On April 8, 2026. Starting 10:00 am to 1: 30 pm. There will be food served after the service, at the church.

Denise Ann (Larson) LaRock

Passed away Feb. 28, 2026. Memorial service 11 a.m., Friday April 10, 2026 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, MN. Visitation 1 hour prior at 10am, lunch and fellowship following service. Private interment at Union Cemetery, White Bear Lake. Mueller Memorial, 651-429-4944 www.muellermemorial.com

Helen L. Lindholm

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OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

Helen Lorraine Lindholm (Atkinson) (April 17, 1945 - Feb 26, 2026), age 80. Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, of White Bear Lake, MN, currently Ormond Beach, FL. Passed away with family at her side, following complications of multiple end stage chronic ailments, which she confronted with her typical strength and resolve.

Preceded in death by parents: father Arlo Atkinson, mother Ruth (Blowers) Wright and step-father Vern Wright, sisters Carol Atkinson and Julie Knutson, cat Allie.

Survived by husband, Richard (Dick) Lindholm, son Doug Lindholm, daughter Anne (Lindholm) Nitti, grandchildren Ryan, Jennifer and Andrew Nitti, Turner and Tommy Lindholm, and great grandson Hudson Nitti (Ryan and Dayna Nitti), brother Paul Atkinson (Denise), several cousins, nephews, nieces.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Halifax and Advent Hospitals, Halifax Hospice and Solaris Nursing home for the care and comfort they provided to my wife/our Mom/grandma, and our family.

Helen led an active, adventure filled life, along side of husband of 59 1/2 years Dick. Raising, loving, supporting, and cheerleadering her kids and grandkids with school and sports, running The Trike Shop along with Dick, traveling across the country and abroad whether it was on trikes or motorhome. She will be remembered for her love of gardening, flowers and decorating their home for each season and holiday, and the small thoughtful details with family traditions.

Funeral arrangements will be held at home in Florida with loved ones.

18

dollars, you’d be frustrated by the DHS surge this winter and look for organizations that might help make things better, such as the Safe and Stable Communities Coalition.

Sheryl Bolstad White Bear Lake

Churches bear some responsibility

The New York Times recently reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has invoked a sense of divine purpose to justify U.S. military action. That claim should concern anyone who believes faith should not be used to sanctify violence and that military power must be justified by accountability. This issue is not abstract. Three weeks ago, I was devastated to see the face of my former classmate from White Bear Lake High School, Nicole Hoff Amor, on the front page of The New York Times. She was killed in Kuwait amid the war in Iran. Her loss is devastating, and it is a permanent human cost that reaches into our community. What makes this even harder to reconcile is that the Hegseth family attended Eagle Brook Church — the same church where the memorial service for Nicole Hoff Amor took place. When a prominent public figure invokes Christianity to justify war, the institutions that helped shape his moral world view cannot remain silent. Churches have a responsibility to address this directly. What does it mean when faith is used to frame military action as divinely

CHURCH BRIEF

sanctioned? Is this what the church teaches, or is this a distortion of its values? Silence, in this case, is not neutrality. If churches are to claim moral authority in people’s lives, they must also accept moral accountability when that authority is invoked in ways that have life-and-death consequences. I believe they owe their congregations, and the broader community, a clear and public response.

Laura Cremin Orinda, California

More thoughts on tariffs, free trade

I appreciate Larry Mahoney’s “Opinion on tariffs.” I have been trying to learn as much as possible since the issue has occupied us upon Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

I concur that tariffs are a consumption tax, similar to a value-added tax. In a true “free trade” environment, all parties would enjoy the benefits of specialization of labor (Adam Smith, “The Wealth of Nations”). And Henry Hazlitt (“Economics in One Lesson”) states that, within true “free trade,” the imposition of a tariff would not bring any net gain but would shift money to a protected (or subsidized) industry at the expense of others.

However, what we have had is not “free trade.”

Other countries have tariffs on American goods. There are also national subsidies of certain industries and a measure of currency manipulation thrown in.

From the list I saw, for ex -

Field trip to see premiere of comedy ‘Birthday Candles’

This month, Redeemer Primetime invites community members to travel to the Sidekick Theatre in

ample, Madagascar had the highest tariff, at 93%.

This has led to a hollowing out of American industry, stressing the middle class, and in some cases has created national security issues (such as with medicine and electronics components).

So the present administration is seeking to reindustrialize. They’ve obtained financial commitments to that effect. This will hopefully strengthen our financial base, revitalize the middle class and reduce strategic vulnerabilities.

And secondly, they are seeking to encourage trading partners to lower their barriers to American goods, using principles published by the Richman brothers in their book, “Balanced Trade.” To that end, the administration is imposing a tariff that is in many cases about half what the trading partner is imposing on American goods.

Space doesn’t permit discussing John Dickinson’s letters from a farmer and his influence on tariffs in the Constitution, nor of the exercise of the emergency powers acts being utilized presently. Nor can we discuss the question, “Who pays what tax?” I merely wished to share a portion of what I’ve encountered as I’ve sashayed through the issue from various angles.

Thanks again to Mr. Mahoney for his contribution.

James

Nash White Bear Lake

Fire prevention efforts matter

The recent loss of the Pierce/Hinrichs family in

Bloomington to see the production of “Birthday Candles,” a story of a woman and the people in her life as she celebrates 90 years of birthdays. The new play was recently performed on Broadway.

White Bear Lake Rotary ACADEMIC ACHIEVER

Zewdie

Rotary Matters wblrotary1@comcast.net

White Bear Lake is heartbreaking beyond words. A mother and her children lost in a house fire is the kind of tragedy that stops a community in its tracks. My deepest condolences go out to all who knew and loved them.

As a retired police officer who spent a portion of my career working midnight patrol, I’ve seen firsthand how these fires often occur — frequently in the coldest months of the year, in the middle of the night, when families are asleep and furnaces are working hardest. Back then, we were trained that if we came upon a house fire, we got as close as possible with lights and sirens, doing anything we could to alert those inside. Seconds mattered.

Moments like this also cause us to reflect — not only on what happened, but on what has been done over the years to prevent such tragedies. Prevention can be difficult to measure. We rarely know which lives were saved or which disasters were avoided.

But in White Bear Lake, I believe we can say with some confidence that prevention efforts have made a real difference.

Decades ago, under the leadership of Chiefs Gordy Vadnais and Tim Vadnais, along with the dedicated members of the White Bear Lake Fire Department, there was a strong and consistent push to install smoke detectors in homes throughout the community. Not just encouragement — but action. Detectors were provided, installed and maintained, often at no cost, with batteries replaced year after year.

A bus will depart Redeemer Lutheran Church at 10:25 a.m. April 16 and will return around 3 p.m. Registration is $85 and includes the play, bus and lunch. Those interested can sign up by

OBITUARIES CONTINUED

Isaac Emerson Morey Northwood

White Bear Lake Area High School

Mariam has distinguished herself as the Top Academic Achiever for the 10th grade, earning the highest weighted GPA in her class through consistent dedication and hard work. Mariam's teachers described her as a wonderful presence in the classroom bringing a positive energy to each day and approaching her studies with focus and determination. Beyond academics, Mariam is actively involved in both Nordic Ski and Cross Country, demonstrating her strong work ethic and ability to balance multiple commitments. Known for her kindness and commitment, Mariam is not only an exceptional student but also a valued member of the school community.

Sponsored by Rod and Nancy Oakes

Those efforts matter. In my time on the street, it was not unusual to see at least one serious residential fire each winter season. Yet in recent decades, events like this have been far less common. While we can never say with certainty what was prevented, it is reasonable to believe that these sustained efforts in fire prevention — particularly the widespread use of working smoke detectors — have saved lives. If there is anything we can take from this terrible loss, it is a renewed reminder of how critical those simple devices are. Smoke detectors, properly installed and maintained, provide the earliest warning when every second counts. Let this tragedy reinforce what many in public safety have long known: prevention works, even if its success is often invisible.

James

Response to DunningKruger letter

Someone needs to check the facts related to Trump's pardon of J6er's. The writer stated, “pardoned them all, even though they were convicted by a jury of their peers.” This is not true. Many were being held in jail awaiting trial and being denied bail by the Biden courts. Yes, Trump did what Biden did: he pardoned people that should have had their day in court. Same thing President Autopen did.

April 12 by calling the church at 651-429-5411, registering online at redeemerwhitebear.org/primetime, or stopping by the church welcome desk. Redeemer is located at 3770 Bellaire Avenue, White Bear Lake.

Of White Bear Lake, died March 5, 2026, at the age of 20. Isaac grew up in White Bear Lake, enjoying the many parks, paths, lake activities, and especially the playgrounds that this lakeside community offers, developing many close friends. He was a wearer of hats, tree climber; and player of games: board games, computer games, outdoor games, and making up his own games. He was curious about nature, art, history, and exploring new things, especially with his two older brothers, cousins and friends. He loved being a kid. He was a happy camper and loved adventures; camping, BWCA trips, canoeing, backpacking and scuba diving. He traveled to Norway, Sweden, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Florida Keys, New Mexico, California and the Olympic Peninsula. He loved to hike, climb, ski, sled, tube, bike, play lava monster, frisbee golf, and Ultimate Frisbee; playing on White Bear Lake’s Varsity Ultimate Team through high school, as Captain for 3 years. Isaac was active in Scouts, signing up for every activity he could, attending Tomahawk Scout Camp, Philmont and Sea Base, with 3 full summers living

in a tent as camp staff, which he loved. He also delivered the White Bear Press for years, first helping his Grampy and older brother, and later worked at Best Buy and Chipotle. He earned Eagle Scout rank in Troop 402; his Eagle Project restored Veteran’s graves at Roselawn Cemetery, the final resting place of his paternal grandparents, Betty and Al Morey. Isaac loved being a grandkid to his four grandparents who lived in White Bear Lake, enjoying the parades, building sand castles, having picnics and ice cream at Cup n Cone. He helped his maternal grandparents, Norma and Jim Mengel, as they transitioned from this life.

Isaac’s silliness, kindness and laughter brought joy to all those around him, including his parents John and Mary (Mengel), his brothers Ben and Jonah, his girlfriend Evey, his cats Millie, Theo and WALL-E, his large extended family, and many friends. He was so loved that we are all shocked and saddened by his sudden death.

Please reach out for support if you are struggling in any way, have concerns about your own mental health, or are concerned for another. Call the Crisis Lifeline at 988 to connect to a trained crisis counselor waiting to help 24/7, or text “Help” to 988. Support is free and confidential.

A celebration of Isaac’s life is scheduled for April 11, 11 a.m., at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St., Mahtomedi, MN. Bring memories of Isaac to share during the service and luncheon afterwards. Mueller Memorial, White Bear Lake, www.muellermemorial.com 651-429-4944.

SPORTS PREVIEWS SPRING 2026

Coming off a state Class 3A championship season, Mahtomedi returns five allconference players and 11 lettermen. The Zephyrs were 21-7 and tied for second in the Metro East.

“We are currently optimistic about our team's ability offensively,” coach Rob Garry assessed. “We should have a solid defense and are hoping our pitching develops.”

Mahtomedi has fielded 11 state tournament teams since 2014, including three champions and two runners-up, so aspirations are always high.

The returning regulars are Peyton Erickson (pitcher), Connor Finn (pitcher/infield), Alex Haase (outfield), Cameron Hentsch (outfield), Cody Loida (outfield/pitcher), Jake Reubish (infield), Peyton Whitbeck (catcher), Gavin Bifulk (pitcher/infield), Isaac Iten (infield), Frank Schwieters (infield, outfield)l and Luke Torgrude (outfield). Getting all-conference or honorable mentions were Finn, Loida, Iten, Whitbeck and Reubish.

The goals, Garry said, are to “Get better, learn from mistakes, capitalize on our experience, be competitive at all times, and support the mission of the program.”

First 3 games:

Monday, April 6, North St. Paul, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Two Rivers, 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Orono, 4:30 p.m.

Mahtomedi

and will be more consistent and disciplined,” coach Matt Robinson said. “Last year we were 7-14. I do believe we will be better than that this year.”

Returning starters are Alex Pawluk (shortstop, second bae), Ava Sheppeck (catcher), Lexi Burg (third & second base), Maya Dahl (outfield, utility), Kristen Johnson (first base, outfield), Sydney DeFore (pitcher, utility) and Sammy Pramal (first base, outfield) “This is a group of players who really enjoy playing softball and with each other,” Robinson said.

First 3 games: Thursday, April 2, Tartan, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at Simley, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Holy Angels 4:30 p.m.

Mahtomedi is the defending Metro East champion. They also won three invitationals last year and placed fourth in the section meet.

The Zephyrs have a new coach, Jordan Hawkinson, a math teacher who played for Chisago Lakes and Gustavus Adolphus, and was an assistant coach at Gustavus.

Malik Washington, a junior, is a returning all-conference player. Other returning lettermen are senior Mark Graff, junior Brooks Ashfield and sophomore Leo Miller. Also vying for varsity spots are junior Sean O’Connor; sophomores Chase Swanson, Vinny Redpath and Tommy Boe; and eighth-grader Peyton Riddering.

A dozen players from last year’s 10-7 team that placed third in the Metro East is back to try to move up a couple notches this year.

Coach Ben Kula said the team’s strength is depth.

“We lost some of our top players from last year, but we have 12 players coming back with varsity experience who will ensure we remain competitive down to the bottom of our lineup.”

The lettermen are seniors Eli Hendrickson, Kento Kedrowski and Collin Carlson; juniors Van Karle, Ethan Stout, Gannon Hamen, Reese Nelson and Emmett See; freshmen Jonathan Palmquist and Sebastian Naf; and eighth-graders Tyler Chesak and Elias Barnes.

There are also promising seventh-graders, Kula said, who will be on JV and compete for varsity time.

“I look for the team to continue to compete for a conference championship and a deep section tournament run,” Kula stated.

First 3 meets:

Tuesday, April 7, at Forest Lake, 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 9, Simley, 4 p.m.

Saturday,

“We have around 40 players going out. There will be a lot of competition to make the team, whether it be varsity or junior varsity, each week,” Hawkinson said. Hawkinson said team goals are winning conference again, winning at least one invitational and being a contender for a state trip. And, he said, “to grow as a team and individuals. Striving to build an environment that allows us to push one another.”

First 3 meets: Wednesday, April 8, Hudson Invitational, 11 a.m. Monday, April 13, Hastings Invitational, 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, conference at Emerald Green, TBD

SPORTS PREVIEWS SPRING 2026

Six starters return from a team that went 4-1 in the Metro East and 8-7 overall, highlighted by an overtime win in the section against Gentry Academy. Those six are seniors Maggie Duea (attack), Brooklyn Kragness (midfield), Payton Mielke (attack), Alexia Tempelis (midfield) and Aspen Tillges (defense), and sophomore Olivia Sowada (attack).

“Our returning players are focused, competitive and ready to take this season to the next level,” coach Ann Burns stated. “Every year our ultimate goal is to make it to the state tournament. With hard work, commitment to team and working together this group can do it.”

Additional returning varsity players are seniors Keely Bohm (mid), Gabby Hernandez (defense), Kallie Kolbet (defense) and Sylvie Lavigne (attack); and sophomores Brooke Berg (mid), Lizzy Churchill (mid), Vanessa Rogosheske (mid) and Ashlee Schrankler (attack).

First 3 games:

Wednesday, April 15, at Farmington, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 18, Roseville Area, 2 p.m.

Tuesday, April 23, at Hastings, 7 p.m.

Mahtomedi has a nice run of success going. The last three Zephyr teams were Section 4AAA champs. In 2025 they placed seventh at state and second in the Metro East. Three returning all-conference players are seniors Lexie McGrane and Lily Carlson and junior Reagan Juhl. Another returning starer is eighth-grader Rory Juhl. McGrane and Juhl went to the state tournament.

Ready to vie for varsity spots are junior Sailor Carlson, sophomore Grace Moua, and eighth-graders Stella Hawkinson, Teagan Slagle and Faith Moua. Matt Huss, Zephyrs coach, listed several positives for the program. “Our top three players have played in a total of 13 state tournaments,” he noted. “We have a record

After one week of a full team practice, Jodie Tester-Hastings, head coach for both the boys an girls, reported: “The coaches are so excited about the talent and skills we are seeing.”

That starts with a defending state champion in senior high-jumper Andrew Russell. Other returning state qualifiers are sophomore Xiabao Liang (200 dash, 4x100 and 4x200); sophomore Elizabeth Driscoll (4x400); senior Eliah McCormick (third place in high jump); junior Eric Daafour (long jump); and junior Natalie Jackson (discus).

“With one of our best seasons in 2025, our young team is looking forward to another great season and to continue to build on individual strengths,” the coach said.

First 3 meets;

Tuesday, March 31, tri at St. Thomas Academy, 4 p.m.

Thursday, April 9, quad at Simley, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, April 14, Mahtomedi Invitational, 3:30 p.m.

It’s largely a start-over year for Mahtomedi as their 2025 team, which was 10-5 overall and conference runner-up, had 16 seniors, ten of them starters.

Returning starters relied upon to lead are senior midfielder Seth Erickson, junior long-stick mid James Theuninck and sophomore defender Owen Eklund. Erickson and Theuninck are captains.

Coach Mike Narow expects sophomore goalie Koen Venis and “the rest of our athletic defensemen” to be a solid unit. He also anticipates multiple threats in transition, good face-off play, and a good team unity.

“We expect to compete with the best for the section championship at year’s end,” Narow said.

First 3 games:

Saturday, April 11, Blaine, noon

Wednesday, April 15, Farmington, 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 18, Wayzata, noon

39 players in our program. We have a great program relationship with Oak Glen Golf Course.”

“The program has great support from school administration. The Cossack Foundation has sponsored our players with great community support. We have great students and members of the Mahtomedi community. It is a pleasure to be able to coach this team.”

Team goals, Huss said, are to win conference in both varsity and JV, win the section, and place in the top six at state.

First 3 meets: Thursday, April 16, at Hastings, 3 p.m. Monday, April 20, White Bear Yacht Club Invitational, noon Tuesday, April 21. Conference at Goodrich Golf Club, noon

In the first year of girls club flag football, Mahtomedi stormed to a 13-0 record and won the state tournament in 2025. Nine of 13 players graduated, but coach Nick Sullivan thinks they’ll field another strong team.

“We are super excited about the talent we have this year,” said Sullivan. “Our program has expanded to a varsity, JV, and two sub-JV teams. One of the more exciting things is the large number of freshmen we had join this year. I have always said how amazed I am at the talent of our female athletes here at Mahtomedi. Our program future looks bright.”

Returning players are Tami Akintola, Sophia Boberg, and captain Haley Hohenstein. Senior add-ons include Neven Leopold and Kayla Poirier from the state champion soccer team, and Sahar Ramaley and Louisa Tarnowski from the volleyball team the placed fifth at state. “Our obvious team goal is to get back to state and win the title again,” Sullivan said. “This game goes beyond the basic skills; it requires a competitive mindset and I think that is one of the strengths of this year's group in all levels, not just varsity.”

The flag football league has doubled in size this year with some neighboring schools joining, which is one class league, not separated by school size.

The season opener will be April 26 with games against Forest Lake and White Bear Lake at White Bear Lake.

No Kings protest in White Bear Lake

Displaying a variety of messages and costumes, hundreds of local residents recently gathered along Highway 61 in downtown White Lake to participate in a No Kings protest. The protest, a followup to similar events held in June and October of 2025, was one of several that occurred around the state and thousands around the country to voice opposition to a number of the current administration’s policies and actions. The peaceful protesters appeared to receive mostly positive horn honks, messages and hand gestures from the passing motorists. The Indivisible event was hosted locally by the “Grassroots White Bear” organization.

Xcel Energy holds public hearings for new gas rates

At the beginning of 2026, Xcel Energy asked the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to approve an increase in natural gas rates. The requested increase is approximately 8.2%, or approximately $63.4 million. On average, the proposed final rate change would increase the monthly bill for a typical residential electric customer by $7.11, or 8.7%.

Administrative Law Judge Kimberly Middendorf will hold six in-person public hearings and two virtual public hearings between April 27 and May 6, 2026, so customers have an opportunity to comment on the request.

For information and the public hearing schedule can be found online at tinyurl. com/4yw6ct9z. If you have questions about the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission review process or need assistance submitting comments, contact the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Office at 651-296-0406 or consumer. puc@state.mn.us.

Conversation on voting rights

White Bear for Democracy will host a community conversation with civil rights Attorney Joshua Newville from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. The event, which offers strategies for citizen groups to proactively support free and fair elections, will be held at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church, 2175 First Street, White Bear Lake. Topics to be discussed include: what community members can do to support and protect free and fair elections; ensuring Minnesota maintains high voteer participation and strong eelection systems; preventing intimidation at polling places; lessons learned from other states; and the actions citizens and organizations can take at the local level to strengthen democratic participation ahead of the 2026 elections. The event is relevant to all community members who support open elections to all citizens eligible to vote, regardless of political ideology.

Marketfest seeking artwork contest entries

The Marketfest Committee is seeking entries of original art for use on its 2026 Marketfest promotional poster and T-shirts. The winner will receive $100, recognition in the White Bear Press and, on opening night of Marketfest, a copy of the final 2026 Marketfest poster and T-shirt. Preference will be given to bright, colorful designs.

Artwork submissions must:

• Be original artwork created with traditional media (marker, paint, crayon or pencil) or original computer graphics. (AI / ClipArt will not be accepted.)

• Represent the unique style and imagery of Marketfest in downtown White Bear Lake (think Marketfestspecific).

• Be acceptable to display on posters and T-shirts.

• Not include any text. (Promotional text may be added to the final artwork.)

Days. The weekend festival will shift to “one big party” on Saturday, Aug. 15. That means the parade will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday. The city is now accepting registrations for the parade. For more details, or to register, visit

Participants must be K-12 students who are residents of White Bear Lake or in the White Bear School District 624. Entries will be judged by the Marketfest Committee, and the winner will be notified by email in May.

The artwork, or a photo of the original artwork, should be placed on a white 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper and in a plastic sleeve. Don’t forget to print your name, phone number and email on the back of your artwork. Submissions are due by April 3 and can be turned in at Eat!@ Banning and 5th or emailed to info@ marketfestwbl.com. More information can be found at www.marketfestwbl. com/artwork-contest.

trail monument

The city of White Bear Lake has begun the process of replacing a trail monument and light fixture that was damaged by a car over the winter. The monument is located at the southeast corner of Highway 61 and Lake Avenue. Public Works Superintendent Mark Meyer explained that the 3-foot-tall

TTED

Area resident Diane Urbanski recently witnessed this beautiful spring sunrise at Matoska Park on her way to work. — Diane Urbanski

The White Bear Lake Lions Club hosted its 76th annual show March 26-28 at White Bear Lake Area High School’s Original Theater. The show was a satirical mashup of

5. White Bear Lake Firefighters sharpen their operating skills on the new engine at Ramsey County Beach Sunday, March 29. — Fred Ames, contributed

MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE

Students raise more than $32K for their schools

More than 8,000 Catholic students are celebrating the nearly million-dollar impact they generated for their schools this year — one raffle ticket at a time.

For six weeks, students at St. Jude of the Lake in Mahtomedi and Frassati Catholic Academy in White Bear Lake participated in a raffle initiative to raise funds for their school. Catholic United Financial has teamed up with the schools for the initiative since 2009.

“Our purpose and the schools’ purpose are the same — helping families build a stronger future, grounded in faith,” said Nate Lamusga, director of mission engagement for Catholic United Financial. “We want these schools to focus on their own priorities, then we work with them to make their vision a reality.”

A total of 50 schools in Minnesota and South Dakota participated to raise over $959,000 in 2026. Locally, students from St. Jude of the Lake in Mahtomedi raised $16,100, and Frassati Catholic Academy students in White Bear Lake raised $16,145.

Every dollar from every ticket goes to the school. Schools then choose to spend the funds in different ways, some of which include:

• Purchasing curriculum materials and classroom furnishings

• Preserving fine arts programming by adding supplies and equipment

• Offsetting operating expenses to keep tuition affordable

• Renovating the gymnasium with bleachers to replace metal chairs

BY

THE NUMBERS

$17.8

Since the first raffle in 2009, Catholic United Financial has generated $17.8 million for schools.

“It’s a big total, but we see every dollar as another textbook, another 3D printer, another sports uniform, and another student who can grow in a Catholic education,” Lamusga said. “It’s not the dollars — it’s each family’s future.”

For more information about Catholic United Financial, visit  www.catholicunitedfinancial. org for details.