Shoreview Press

Shoreview comic brings clean laughs and music

BY SHIVAM VASHISHTHA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, Shoreview resident Tom Esch will step into the spotlight at Crooners with a show that’s equal parts clean comedy, musical interludes and neighborly storytelling.

The night lands as a milestone for Esch, a former Catholic priest who’s spent the past decade shaping a stage persona rooted in warmth, timing and the kind of humor that finds light inside life’s hard edges. As of this interview, more than two-thirds of seats in the 87-seat room had already been claimed.

“The show’s coming along great; it’s the fastest I’ve ever sold tickets for any show,” Esch said. Esch describes his act as “clean, story-driven and church-adjacent” with jokes that poke at the quirks of everyday life, modern topics (yes, even AI) and the idiosyncrasies of faith communities without turning the room into a battlefield. He laughs easily and listens closely, habits that come from years of preaching before he ever tightened a punchline.

In conversation, he points to a comic lineage: the wry, character-driven tradition epitomized by Father Guido Sarducci. The nod is intentional, but he’s clear he isn’t doing an impression — just drawing on that tone of good-natured mischief and cultural observation. “I’d call it clean comedy with a church spin,” Esch said. “I’m poking fun at the world — and the church — without being mean-spirited.”

From the pulpit to the punchline Esch was ordained in 1994. Leaving the priesthood years later wasn’t a whimsical pivot, but rather a painful, deliberate choice. He speaks about it frankly: he had discerned a life he wanted, worked hard at it and ultimately couldn’t make the lifestyle fit. That rupture — honest intention meeting human limitation — became both a wound and a wellspring. Over time, he learned to mine the hurt for humor that heals rather than hides. “Comedy often comes from pain,” Esch said. “If you can find enough spaciousness in your soul to see the humor in it, there’s a lot of juice there.”

His start in standup came, fittingly, through community. A friend recognized his knack for timing and character and urged him to try a short set at a church camp. The response clicked immediately. Esch loved the writing, the rhythm the instant feedback loop.

SEE SHOREVIEW COMIC, PAGE 14

Inside Minnesota’s new motorcycle law

BY ERIK SUCHY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Minnesota motorcyclists, rejoice! A new law allows motorcycle lane splitting and lane filtering on roads and highways.

Under the terms of the law, lane splitting is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are traveling in the same direction and traffic is moving. Specifically, it permits a motorcyclist to pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction and in the same traffic lane, provided the motorcyclist is traveling at no more than 25

miles per hour and no more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic in the relevant lanes.

Lane filtering, on the other hand, is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are traveling in the same direction and traffic is not moving. This allows motorcyclists to move through stopped traffic, including at traffic lights or in congestion, provided they are traveling no more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic in the relevant lanes.

SEE MOTORCYCLE LAW, PAGE 10

Nonprofit looks to fulfill community needs

BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR

SHOREVIEW — A new nonprofit in the Mounds View School District is dedicated to making a difference for students and their families through weekly food pantry donations, funding senior pictures and more.

Help a Neighbor, founded by Julie Overbye Ledy, was created in January 2025. Overby Ledy has

been involved in other nonprofit work throughout the state of Minnesota. She said she created Help a Neighbor because she felt called to help families in her own neighborhood.

“I started Help a Neighbor as a way to get people together and to find needs in our community. We are (currently) working with staff and leaders in the community that see needs of families and youth, then finding out ways

that we can fulfill those needs,” Overbye Ledy said.

Help a Neighbor is made up of seven board members. Toni Schutta is the chair of the food insecurity project. In her role, Schutta is responsible for overseeing the food pantry located at Irondale and helps provide food bags to students in need at Mounds View High School.

SEE HELP A NEIGHBOR, PAGE 2

Mounds View, organizations to provide free fitness studio

The city of Mounds View, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) have partnered together to bring an outdoor Fitness Court Studio and digital wellness programming to Mounds View.

The court was developed by the city, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and NFC to expand access to healthy infrastructure and high-quality workouts for communities across the region. Mounds View is one of the first seven partners building a network of Fitness Courts across the state, with the help of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Minnesota.

“This Fitness Court represents our organization’s commitment to create healthier communities

across the state,” said Bukata Hayes, chief community health officer at Blue Cross. “Over the past decade, Blue Cross has established a truly special relationship with the Mounds View community through ongoing community health initiatives. We are excited to build upon these efforts with a barrier-free opportunity for exercise that can help to drive even more positive health outcomes in the area.”

The Fitness Court allows users to use their own body weight to complete a workout using seven exercise stations. Users can download an app, which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a supported wellness experience. The studio is suitable for those 14 years

and older.

“The Fitness Court Studio is a perfect complement to the City Hall campus, which already features a children’s playground, splash pad, ball field and volleyball court,” said Nyle Zikmund, Mounds View city administrator. “Designed for teens and adults, this will help create an all-ages fitness area in one continuous space, allowing the entire family to engage in healthy physical activity together.”

For more information, visit www.moundsviewmn.org or contact Public Works at 763-7174050. The Fitness Court Studio is located at 2401 Mounds View Blvd., Mounds View.

Madeline Dolby

CONTRIBUTED

HELP A NEIGHBOR: Small things create ‘ripple effect’

FROM PAGE 1

Within the last few months, Schutta has helped launch the Smart Snacks for Smart Students program in partnership with the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. The program provides a daily snack to 500 students within the school district.

In September, Schutta said she dropped off 5,000 snacks at Ralph Reeder for the program. She said she has a goal to drop off 10,000 snacks per month.

“People have had really big and kind and generous hearts. For instance, there was a church in New Brighton that did a drive for us and came up with 655 snacks. The Mounds View High School class of 1975 had a 50-year class reunion. So, I spoke there and then they donated almost $1,000 to our cause,” Schutta added.

A new refrigerator was donated by Help a Neighbor to the Irondale High School Food Pantry to provide fresh food to students. In addition, the nonprofit has donated supplies to Sunnyside Elementary Special Education for student development.

generation about giving back and how important it is to do service in your community. There are small things you can do, like show up and plant a vegetable,” Overbye Ledy said.

Next year, Help a Neighbor hopes to launch giving circles. Overbye Ledy said giving circles would include eight to 10 kids from the community. Those within the group will identify a specific need in the community. Help a Neighbor will then give them the funds to fulfill it.

“We’re going to teach them about creating roles for fulfilling that need, what the responsibilities are, the timeline and teaching them how to give back in their community,” she added.

The nonprofit has also provided nine seniors with free photo sessions along with a gift card of the student’s choice to purchase something new to wear. Overbye Ledy said the nonprofit will be donating photo sessions again next year to students.

Board members and a master gardener also oversee a vegetable garden. Overbye Ledy said the produce from the garden is donated to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. In the future, she hopes they’ll be able to have kids come to the garden to volunteers can teach them about growing vegetables and giving back to the community.

“We really want to teach the next

“It’s just those small things that are making such a ripple effect,” Overbye Ledy said. “We can all do a little something … And I think that’s what Help a Neighbor is really trying to do.” For more information about Help a Neighbor, visit www.helpinganeighbor. org. To donate to the Smart Snacks for Smart Students program, go to www. helpinganeighbor.org/blank-3.

Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ONGOING EVENTS

DROP

When: 1 p.m. Thursdays

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Bring your tiles and your friends for drop-in play. All levels welcome. No registration required. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700

500 CARD CLUB

When: Noon, Mondays

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Cards and conversation. No partner required. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700

CURRENT EVENTS

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? COFFEE AND CONVERSATION FOR SENIORS

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22

Where: YMCA, 3760 Lexington Ave. N., Shoreview

Details: A chance to talk about the tough stuff. Participants will have a chance to submit their topic(s) anonymously when they arrive, and a facilitator will guide a group conversation. This session is in partnership with Northeast Youth and Family Services. Contact: Elen Bahr at elen.bahr@ymca.org.

CLIMATE TALK WITH DR. MARK SEELEY

When: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Learn about the art and science of cloud

SCARECROW TRAIL

forms. Dr. Seeley will also provide guidance on what cloud formations foretell about the weather. Sign up through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700

AARP SMART DRIVER

When: 1-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Taught by AARP instructors. Smart Driver teaches safe driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Discount for those 55+. Sign up through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700

‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30; 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1; 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2

Where: Irondale High School, 2425 Long Lake Road, New Brighton

Details: Based on the beloved animated film, “The Little Mermaid” follows Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of living in the world above the sea. When she falls in love with Prince Eric, she strikes a dangerous bargain with the sea witch Ursula to trade her voice for human legs.

Contact: ishdrama.org

EASY PAINTING: TEACHER’S CHOICE

When: 1-4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Easy to learn painting with acrylics or watercolor. Register a week before class through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700

Lakeshore Quilters Guild Monthly Meeting

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28

Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, rear entrance, Door G, 3920 Victoria St. N, Shoreview Details: After a brief business meeting, Joanie Holton of TailorMade by Design will present the fabric journey that chronicles the fabric life cycle from its creation and manufactured to how it’s packaged, shipped and displayed in stores. Holton will also share her own designed quilts and patterns to showcase specific fabric lines. Visitors are welcome.

Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org

Halloween event round up

When: Thursday, Oct. 23- Monday, Nov. 3

Where: Community Park, 641 East County Road F, Vadnais Heights

Details: Local businesses, organizations and residents will install scarecrow creations along the trail. Stop out any time to view the entries, then vote for your favorite. The trail is open to the public during park hours.

HALLOWEEN PARTY

When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24

Where: Community Park, 641 East County Road F, Vadnais Heights

Details: Put on your favorite costume and join us for a party under the lights. A costume parade will kick off at 5 p.m. through the scarecrow trail. Participate in various games and a dance party. Treat bags will be provided by the Vadnais Heights Fire Relief Association.

BOO BASH

When: 3-4:30 p.m. or 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25

Where: McCullough Park, 955 County Road I, Shoreview

Details: Enjoy trick-or-treating along a spooky trail walk, hayrides, music and a bonfire with build your own s’mores. Registration required through Shoreview Parks and Recreation by Tuesday, Oct. 21.

HALLOWEEN HUSTLE 5K

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25

Where: Centerville Elementary, Details: Eighth annual Halloween Hustle hosted by Centennial Community Education. The 5K will start at Centerville Elementary, run out the trail and loop back. There will be a child turnaround at the half mile mark. Dress up in costumes if you’d like. Registration required. Sign up at isd12.ce.eleyo.com/ course/5868/fall-2025/halloween-hustle-5k.

CENTERVILLE TRUNK-OR-TREAT/TOUCH-A-TRUCK

When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25

Where: Centerville Elementary School, 1721 Westview St.

Details: Trunk-or-treat/touch a truck event following the Halloween Hustle. Local businesses decorate their vehicles for Halloween and provide trinkets/candy for children and their parents.

CANDY CRAWL

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Trick or treat at your favorite downtown businesses.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT

AT LIVING WATERS

When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25

Where: Living Waters Lutheran Church, 865 Birch St., Lino Lakes

Details: Event features crafts, goodies, a photobooth and more. Bring non-perishable food to donate to the Centennial Community Food Shelf.

SCARE IN WHITE BEAR HALLOWEEN 5K AND FUN RUN

When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25

Where: Memorial Beach, 4958 Lake Ave., White Bear

Lake

Details: Family-friendly 5K race on a torch-lit path

along White Bear Lake. Costumes encouraged. Kid’s fun run at 6 p.m. Halloween roast, kids party and costume contest for people and dogs follows. Registration and details online at mmraces.com/scare-in-whitebear.

HALLOWEEN PUZZLE COMPETITION

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Grab your costumes and get into the Halloween spirit with an evening racing to finish a 500-piece puzzle. The first team to complete the puzzle and get judge approval wins. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams.

PEACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TRUNK-ORTREAT

When: 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30

Where: Peace United Methodist Church, 5050 Hodgson Road, Shoreview

Details: Candy, candy, candy (including allergy free options at each trunk)! Vote for the best decorated trunk! Bonfire with s’mores. There will also be a fall themed gratitude walk through the prayer labyrinth.

Seasons change

We are in the fall season as evidenced by cooler weather, shorter days, longer nights, and wildlife making preparations. Life goes through seasons as well. Infants need their parents close at hand. There’s a period of education and maturing into adulthood. For some it’s marriage and families, experience in employment, and then the period of retirement, separation of family through death and extra care that’s needed to maintain a daily life.

In this final period of life, we experience more deaths, more visits to doctors, and keeping a close eye on our resources so we can be self-sufficient and enjoy the time we have left on earth.

It brings more attention to our heavenly home for those who believe in the Bible and its promises.

About the Town

Gene Johnson

Kathy and I are thankful every day that we have each other. So many of our friends have become widows or widowers due to severe illnesses and death.

Power of the press

The National Newspaper Association’s 139th Convention was held in Minneapolis on Oct. 9 and 10. This organization is special to Kathy and I, as we served in leadership 39 years ago when the 100th anniversary was held in Minneapolis.

The interesting part of this association is it was founded by publishers meeting at the Chautauqua House in Mahtomedi in 1884.

Many of you know small newspapers and even large dailies have suffered losses, closures, mergers, and many changes in their approach to news reporting, especially with the impact of the internet.

This was very evident at the trade show with all of the services provided by the vendors that relate to the use of the internet along with print media.

It’s always a good time to visit with friends, but there were fewer in attendance due to our aging. There were many second generations of both newspaper publishers as well as vendors.

Probably the best part is being able to visit with a variety of people over problem solving and to meet a number of our printing customers.

Harvest Moon

The moon that is now closest to our planet with its size and color is a reminder that this is the harvest season. It’s amazing how corn and bean production has increased through the use of fertilizers and the development of the genetics. I remember the day when 100 bushels of corn per acre was considered great and now it’s over 200 bushels stretching toward 300 bushels per acre.

A little statistic that might not be well known is 30% of the corn is used for the development of ethanol, not food. That’s rather interesting when there are areas of the world that are suffering from starvation. Another factor this season is China has chosen not to buy soybeans from the United States, but rather from other countries in the world because of tariffs. This is tough on our farmers and the Department of Agriculture is seeking ways to provide a subsidy for this loss.

Finish the job

Those serving in Congress act like spoiled children when they can’t get together and solve problems that are in the best interest of the American people. They shut down government and many salaried people are living without an income. It’s time to fix the problem. My suggestion is that people in Congress should not receive a paycheck when other people employed by the government are not getting paid. They need a taste of their own medicine.

Another solution, stay in town until you get the problem solved. Work day and night to get it completed.

The way it’s going, no one benefits.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications

Understanding how your City Council works

AMovers and Shakers

Sue Denkinger

t a recent city council meeting, a resident stopped me afterward, feeling unsure about how the meeting operated—when to make comments, how projects come up for discussion and when decisions are actually made. If you’ve ever watched a meeting online or attended in person and felt the same way, you’re not alone. Our meetings follow a clear structure, but it can be confusing the first time.

I’d like to take this opportunity to explain how to navigate and participate in a city council meeting.

City council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month. If a holiday falls on one of those dates, the meeting moves to Tuesday. Agendas and related documents—such as staff reports, maps and written public comments—are posted on the city website the Thursday evening before each meeting. Every agenda follows a consistent framework, though not every meeting includes proclamations or public hearings.

• Limited to 350 words.

• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and

All meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend in person, watch the livestream, or view the archived recordings later. Those who wish to speak about topics not on the agenda can do so during the “Citizens’ Comments” portion of the meeting. If a question requires research or follow-up, city staff will respond after the meeting. One section you’ll see on every agenda is the “Consent Agenda.” These are routine items grouped together for efficiency—such as licensing approvals, contractor invoices, or regular financial transactions. Occasionally, a council member may request that one be removed for separate discussion, but most consent items are approved together in a single motion.

When an agenda includes a public hearing or an item under general business, residents have the opportunity to speak when that topic comes up. Public hearings must be published in the Shoreview Press at least 10 days in advance, ensuring transparency and giving residents time to prepare comments. I confirm with the city attorney that proper notice was given for each hearing.

Council agendas are prepared by city staff and include items requiring council review, approval, or formal decisions. Some

SHOREVIEW PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

meetings are short and procedural; others—especially those involving major projects or the annual budget—are more extensive. Large initiatives, like the city hall office remodel, are discussed at least once, if not more, at workshop meetings before any vote or approval takes places. Workshops are a more informal meeting and allow the council to have in-depth discussion.

While this may not be the most exciting topic, understanding how your local government operates helps make participation easier. The council values resident engagement and strives to make the process open and accessible. I encourage you to attend a meeting or tune in online—you might find it surprisingly interesting.

Our Dec. 1 meeting includes the annual truth in taxation presentation, where our finance director and city council review the upcoming budget and levy. This is a great opportunity to learn how your local tax dollars are invested in maintaining and improving our community.

We’re always glad to see residents take an interest in how their city works. Your questions, feedback and participation help make Shoreview stronger.

Sue Denkinger is the mayor of Shoreview

• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.

• All letters are subject to editing.

• Deadline is 5 p. m. , Wednesday of the week prior to publication.

• To submit a letter, e-mail it to shoreviewnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Mustangs hand Rangers first loss, trip Bears

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Mounds View football finished the regular season on a high note with a 28-23 upset of Forest Lake and a 35-21 conquest of White Bear Lake. The Mustangs, seeded ninth of 32 teams, take a 4-4 record into playoffs Friday, hosting Rogers.

Against Forest Lake (7-1), Beckham Wheeler passed to Godson Rufus-Okomhanru for three touchdowns, covering 16, 62 and 22 yards. Wheeler was

Mustangs and dubs team return to state tennis

BY BRUCE STAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Mounds View girls tennis is playing this week in their eighth straight state tournament after squeezing past Maple Grove 4-3 in the Section 5AAA finals on Oct. 9 in Rogers. Meanwhile, Rory and Reese Wahlstrand, defending state doubles champions, will try for a repeat after breezing to another section title on Oct. 14.

The team championship came down to No. 4 singles where Saina Makin staved off Anna Chacko 7-5, 7-6 (7-4) in three-hour marathon with each girl’s teammates cheering boisterously at every point won.

“I was pretty tired … My legs were shaking,” said Makin, a junior who’s 11-1 in singles, mostly at 4, after playing doubles for half the season. She added, “I loved having an audience, the (teammates) cheering. It just hyped me up.”

Coach Scott Sundstrom said he was glad to have “a really good 4 singles” and that he had anticipated the outcome would depend on 4-singles.

The No. 5 ranked Mustangs won 1-2-3 singles easily with Rory and Reese Wahlstrand and Stella Fagerlee. Makin got them the sweep they needed. No. 6 Maple Grove won all three doubles in straight sets.

The Walstrand sisters out-stroked Maple Grove’s Amelia Larsen and Lexi Helmer-Jahnke in the double’s finals 6-1, 6-2. They won 48 of 52 games in four matches. Fagerlee and Sofia Kostinovski placed third in doubles. Makin reached the third round in singles.

Mounds View is 16-5 with 13 straight wins. Seeded fourth, they face No. 5 Alexandria on Tuesday, 8 a.m., followed by No. 1 Rochester vs. Cambridge-Isanti, Edina vs. Stillwater and Minnetonka vs. Eagan. Semifinals are 8 and 10 a.m. Wednesday, third place at 2 p.m. and finals at 4 p.m. Individuals start Thursday.

12-for-25 for 202 yards. A big special teams play opened the scoring: Liam Berlien blocked a punt and Sam Wahlberg scooped it up and ran 24 yards to the end zone.

“Really proud of the way the boys competed for 48 minutes against one of the best teams in the state,” Mustang Coach Aaron Moberg said. “We have a very young team, and it has been awesome to see these guys mature throughout the season.”

Forest Lake’s Mark Jurkovich rushed for 130 yards and

two touchdowns. The Mustangs held Ranger QB Connor Johnson to 13-for-32 passing for 122 yards. Against the Bears (2-7), Cayden Tran carried the ball 24 times for 141 yards with touchdowns of 10 and 30 yards. Wheeler completed 12 of 18 for 141 yards including a threeyard TD to Rufus-Okomhanru and strikes for 47 yards to Case Wassink and 32 to Tanner Jude. Wheeler also had oneand six-yard TD runs.

Mustangs are surprise state soccer entrant after thriller

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

By the closest of margins, Mounds View girls soccer captured the Section 5AAA championship with a 1-0 shootout win over Spring Lake Park on Oct. 13. The Mustangs will make the program’s 15th state appearance. After 100 scoreless minutes, it went to a 12-round shootout and the Mustangs squeezed out a 10-9 decision. The shooters were Ava Myers, Ida Wynn, Amy Wu, Pakou Yang, Ivy Nystrom, Taylor Whitehill, Molly Nystrom, Sydney Bruhn, Hadley Bina, and Karen Manning. Finja Poecher made two saves.

The Mustangs, 7-6-3 entering playoffs and seeded No. 4, knocked off No. 5 Roseville 2-0, No. 1 Champlin Park 2-1 and No. 3 Spring Lake Park.

“We were awesome all tournament,” Coach John Pass said. “Brave in the air, smart defending, and moments of real quality on the ball. The girls are doing the best they can in really intense and charged games to get the ball under their control and relax.”

The Mustangs (10-6-3) handed Champlin Park (13-1-2) its first loss on goals by Yang and Meyers. “It was an intense game,” said Pass. “The second half was chippy, but we were able to compose ourselves again and had more moments of control.”

Mounds View faces No. 3 seed Eagan (15-2-2) in the first round of state Thursday, 5:30 p.m, in Shakopee. The other pairings are No. 1 Wayzata (14-0-2) vs. St. Michael-Albertville (13-3-2), Lakeville North (12-3-3) vs. Monticello (10-63) and No. 2 Stillwater (16-1-1) vs. Duluth East (16-2-1). The semifinals are Oct. 29 at U.S. Bank and finals Oct. 31.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

21, 2025

Beckham Wheeler, Mounds View quarterback, led the Mustangs (4-4) to a strong finish in the regular season, passing for three touchdowns and 202 yards in a 28-23 upset of Forest Lake (their lone loss), then passing for 141 yards and a touchdown, and running for two more, in a 35-21 win over White Bear Lake. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound senior has completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,182 yards and 11 touchdowns (against six interceptions) while rushing for five touchdowns.

RAMSEY COUNTY ELECTIONS

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION

MUNICIPAL & SCHOOL DISTRICT GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 4, 2025

Notice is hereby given that the Municipal & School District General Elections (as well as a Special Election for State Senate District 47) will be held on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025. Visit mnvotes.org to view full lists of candidates and ballot questions and to view your sample ballot. The following offices and questions will appear on ballots in Ramsey County: State Offices

• Senate District 47 (Special Election) Municipal Offices

• Mayor of Saint Paul

• Saint Paul Ballot Question (Referendum on City Charter Ordinance 25-2)

• Falcon Heights City Council - 2 seats

• Saint Anthony City Council - 2 Seats

• Mayor of White Bear Lake

• White Bear Lake City Council Member – Ward 2

• White Bear Lake City Council Member – Ward 4 School Board Offices

• ISD 282 School Board - 3 seats

• ISD 282 School Board (Special Election with term ending January 3rd, 2028)

• ISD 621 School Board – 3 Seats

• ISD 621 School Board Question (Capital Project Authorization)

• ISD 622 School Board (Special Election with term ending January 4th, 2027)

• ISD 622 School Board Question #1 (Revoking Existing Referendum Authorization, Approving New Authorization)

• ISD 622 School Board Question #2 (Approval of Capital Project Levy Authorization for Technology)

• ISD 623 School Board – 3 Seats

• ISD 623 School Board Question (Approval of Capital Project Levy Authorization for Technology)

• ISD 625 School Board Question (Approval of New School District Referendum Revenue Authorization)

following polling locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 4th, 2025:

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 333 The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable consumers to be able to identify the true owner of a business.

1. List the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: GJG Commercial

2. Principal Place of Business: 1306 County Road F West Ste 110 Arden Hills MN 55112-2900

3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address: Grant Johnson Group, LLC 1306 County Road F West Ste 110 Arden Hills MN 55112-2900

I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as

MOUNDS

VIEW

SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025

Meetings take place at the District Center in Shoreview (4570 Victoria Street N). Complete minutes available upon request at the District Center.

Policy updates Clerk Alissa Daire Nelson gave an update on the recent effort by the Board to perform a comprehensive policy review. Vice Chair Heidi Danielson noted a policy subcommittee had been formed last summer and reviewed each policy. The policies were updated to align language, reflect current Board processes and review the Board evaluation process. The Board approved the following policies presented as revised:

BG-0101 – Organization of School Board

BG-0109 – School Board Committee Principles

SL-0001 – Unacceptable Risk of Means in Achieving Ends and Goals

SL-0101 – Unethical Behaviors

SL-0201 – Legal or Fiduciary Risk

SL-0301 – Refusal to Administer Policy

SL-0401 – Exceeding of Annual Budget

SL-0402 – Violation of Law

SL-0701 – Conflict of Interest

Certify proposed property tax levy

Superintendent Chris Lennox proposed property tax levies to be certified to the county. Proposed levies for school districts carry the option of levying the “maximum,” which means the Minnesota Department of Education calculates a district’s allowable levy limit(s) that are set by state statute or voter approval. The Board approved the recommendation to certify the proposed property taxes as “maximum” for the payable 2025 tax levy.

MDE Review & Comment

Superintendent Lennox reported that per MN Statute 123B.71, school districts must submit information to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) regarding the educational and economic advisability of proposed school construction projects. Mounds View Public Schools submitted information relative to the proposed capital projects levy to MDE. As a result of

their review, the Commissioner of Education has provided the School District with a positive review and comment.

DOP Goal Update: Capital Projects Levy Shauna Bock, treasurer, gave a presentation on the capital projects levy, which will be on the ballot for residents on November 4. Bock shared how the levy can improve school safety, maintain cyber security efforts and advance student achievement. The presentation can be found on the website at mvpschools.org/saferschools.

Updates

The Board discussed issues and updates related to AMSD/legislative, NE Metro 916 and shared updates on their activities and participation in events and committees around the District.

Thank you

The Board accepted with appreciation gifts from CAF America - William Delfs, Becky Hepola -Benevity Travelers Company Match, Ryan Companies Benevity - Marie Barnum, Chris and Sarah Greene Giving Fund, Rebecca and Paul Stever, Tom Zitnak, Miriam Zachary, Your Cause/BBGF -Matthew J. Nash, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Carolyn Pahr Bergerson, Barbara Outcelt, Mary Anderson, Peg Lawrence, Ultra Creative Inc - Julie Clark, Carley Foundry – Jordan Carley, Farnsworth Family, Help A Neighbor – Julie McDaniel, Alan Hummel, Incarnation Lutheran Church – Pastor Kai, Kiwanis Club of North Suburban Golden K – Don Engel and Kiwanis Members, Lake Region Hockey – Lake Region Board Members, Cindi Littlejohn, Janet (Jill) Loegering, Micro Control Company – Dave Carlson, Peter and J.E. Mucha, Salem Covenant Church – Shelli Streeper, Shepherd of the Hills – Tashina Good and Pastor Bryce, Sunrise United Methodist Fellowship, Laurie Hauser Vinyon, Walen Thompson Family Charitable Fund, Kathleen Willette and William Witcraft. A look ahead October 2, 5 p.m., work session October 7, 7 p.m., regular meeting Published one time in the Shoreview Press on October 21, 2025.

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview:

• A Bethel man on Aug. 23 reported his envelope containing $400 in cash stolen from a bar and restaurant in the 1000 block of Highway 96 after he had participated in a fantasy football draft.

• A Shoreview man, 38, was arrested for domestic assault at 2:10 a.m. Aug. 23 at the intersection of Rice Creek Parkway and County Road J after he hit his significant other in the head with her cell phone during an argument. After he left the scene, a Keep Our Police Safe (KOPS) alert was issued for his arrest.

• A Shoreview man, 43, was arrested for disorderly conduct at midnight Aug. 24 in the 1500 block of County Road I, after Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of an intoxicated man being disruptive, knocking on doors and not allowing residents to sleep.

• A resident in the 1500 block of Knight Street on Aug. 24 reported a window screen on her home partially removed — and she didn’t do the removing. Deputies arriving on scene found no signs of attempted forced entry.

• A St. Paul woman, 58, was cited for speeding at 5:10 p.m. Aug. 26 in the 4200 block of Victoria Street N. At 10:55 p.m. that night, a Circle Pines man, 34, was cited in the 5500 block of Hodgson Road for driving without a vehicle permit or license plates. At 11:13 p.m. deputies cited a North Oaks woman, 20, for speeding in the 5500 block of Hodgson Road. A North Oaks woman, 43, was cited Aug. 27 in the 4200 block of Lexington Avenue N. for driving without license plates or proper vehicle registration or a permit. A Minneapolis man, 24, was cited that same evening at the intersection of Victoria Street N. and Saint Odilia Service Road for driving without a valid driver’s license, operating a vehicle without license plates and for not carrying proof of insurance.

• Tools were reported stolen Aug. 27, after a trailer parked in the 3600 block of Rustic Place was broken into.

• After deputies responded to the report of a stolen Hyundai Elantra, they found the vehicle in the 4700

CALENDAR BRIEF

Rotary Club puts on happy hour

block of Mackubin Street at 5:36 a.m. Aug. 27 with significant damage. The driver’s side window was smashed in and the ignition had been punched. When they contacted the owner, they discovered that a $600 vacuum cleaner that had been in the vehicle was missing.

• A medium-sized grey, black and white dog was reported for biting a walker and her dog in the 900 block of Glenhill Road Aug. 28.

• A Columbia Heights woman reported her purse stolen Aug. 29 after she left the Target store in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N. and dropped her purse on the ground. Two people on a motorcycle swooped in and snatched it before the complainant could reach down and pick it up. The thieves then roared away out of sight.

• Two males were reported Aug. 31 for stealing more than $1,200 worth of merchandise from the Target store, after loss prevention personnel observed them putting merchandise into a handheld shopping basket and leaving the store without paying for the items. The males left in their getaway car, a blue BMW sedan.

• A St. Cloud woman was reunited with her stolen purse Sept. 2 after Speedway gas station employees found her Bebe purse near dumpsters behind the building. Her driver’s license was still in the purse, which deputies used to contact her and return the purse.

• A man out on a walk Sept. 3 in the 5500 block of Rice Creek Parkway reported finding a Motorola cell phone. Deputies couldn’t determine the phone’s owner, so it was turned in to the property room.

• A Blaine man, 52, was arrested Sept. 3 in the 5500 block of Rice Creek Parkway on an active Anoka County warrant for fifth-degree drug possession after deputies responded to the report of someone occupying an encampment in the regional park.

• Deputies responded Sept. 4 to caller who reported seeing a black Chevrolet Silverado speeding and nearly hitting a vehicle before continuing down the middle of a road near the intersection of Hodgson Road and County Road F West. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and learned that the driver of the vehicle, a 45-yearold man from St. Paul, was driving with a cancelled driver’s license and

The Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary Club will host a “Get to Know You” happy hour from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl, 1273 County Road E, Arden Hills. Mingle with neighbors, enjoy refreshments and learn about how the Rotary makes a difference in the community and globally.

appeared intoxicated. The man was ultimately arrested for DWI.

• Deputies cited a 61-year-old man from North Oaks Sept. 4 in the 400 block of Highway 96 W. for disorderly conduct after he admitted to getting out of his vehicle and punching the window of another man’s vehicle.

• A 22-year-old man reported Sept. 5 that someone stole the catalytic convertor off his Honda Accord in the 500 block of Harriet Avenue. The case is currently under investigation.

• Deputies issued an alert Sept. 5 to metro law enforcement agencies about a 46-year-old man who showed up in the 5800 block of Hodgson Road at the home of his ex-wife, who has an order for protection against him, and tried to deliver a two-page letter inside a leather folder. The deputies went to address the man at his last known location but could not find him.

• A woman reported Sept. 5 that someone opened a Verizon Wireless account in her name without her permission or knowledge. Deputies collected evidence and the case is currently under investigation.

• A women reported Sept. 5 that the catalytic convertor was stolen off her Hyundai Sonata in the 500 block of Harriet Avenue.

• A man in the 600 block of Mound Avenue reported Sept.5 that fraudulent transactions totaling more than $1,200 were made on his bank account. Deputies collected evidence and began an investigation.

• A woman reported Sept. 6 that someone stole a package of shoes off her front step in the 3100 block of Lexington Avenue N. The case is under investigation.

• Deputies responded Sept. 6 to a report of an assault at a group home in the 5900 block of Rice Creek Parkway and spoke with the victim, a 41-yearold woman. The victim told them a 17-year-old sprayed her in the face with an air freshener before running away from the home.

• A male reported fraudulent charges on his debit card Sept. 7 after he accidentally left his wallet at a business in the 100 block of Hawes Avenue. The wallet and card were later found by an employee. The victim was able to pick it up at the customer service desk.

• A woman reported Sept. 8 that she noticed her Honda Accord was making loud noises while being driven. She later discovered her catalytic convertor had been stolen while the car was parked in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue N.

• A man reported that someone stole the rear license plate off his Honda Accord Sept. 8 while it was in a parking lot in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue N. for an extended period of time. Deputies removed the front license plate and shared information about the theft with a stolen vehicle and license plate notification system.

• Deputies issued a trespass notice Sept. 9 to a 50-year-old man at the request of the leader of a school in the 3400 block of Victoria Street N. The man was walking in the parking lot of the school while children were being dismissed.

• Deputies issued a trespass warrant Sept. 10 to a St. Paul man after he was found sleeping in the foyer of a building in the 100 block of Grass Lake Place. The man was provided a courtesy ride to a place where he could receive services and a place to stay.

• Deputies spoke to a woman from North Oaks Sept. 10 in the 4500 block of Victoria Steet N. regarding concerning behavior from a family member. Deputies made note of the behavior and provided the woman with resources.

• Deputies responded Sept. 12 to a report of theft at a business in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N. Loss prevention employees told deputies a man they’d seen the previous night walked out the front doors without paying for more than $1,500 worth of merchandise before getting into a gold Chevy Malibu and leaving the scene. The case is under investigation.

• A 45-year-old man reported that someone stole his wallet Sept. 13 out of his vehicle while it was parked in the 4600 block of Victoria Street N.

• A man reported that someone smashed the rear driver’s window of his red Kia Sportage Sept. 14 while it was parked in his parent’s driveway in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue N. The case is under investigation.

Halloween Coloring Contest

MOTORCYCLE LAW: Intended to reduce motorcyclists from being rear-ended

FROM PAGE 1

It’s going to be on the states to get advertisements and notifications out there that while this is legal now, it’s only legal under certain conditions. It’s going to be imperative that they emphasize the 25-mile-an-hour speed limit and make sure this isn’t going to end up being a speed limit-free free-forall.”

“These maneuvers may not be performed on roads with varying lane configurations like work zones, on-ramps or roundabouts,” noted Lino Lakes Police Sgt. William Owens.

According to Owens, drivers should navigate carefully to avoid blocking a motorcyclist passing or riding on the lane marker that divides traffic lanes. “State statute requires all drivers to exercise due care while operating a vehicle. Anyone who drives carelessly, disregarding the rights of others, may be guilty of a misdemeanor. It’s important for

drivers to share the road and share the lane with motorcycles to prevent needless injuries.”

In determining whether a passing motorcyclist is violating the new law, whether through speeding or improper maneuvers, Officer B.J. Stepan of the Centennial Lakes Police Department said radar and keen observation are the two primary methods used to make a decision.

“With any traffic violation, we have to witness the offense in order to take action against the proper citation. You get used to judging the speeds of vehicles, so the first thing we use is our visual observations based upon our experience, as well as using radar. If traffic is stopped, the radar will pick up the moving vehicle coming between those and we’ll be able to tell if they’re within that 15 miles an hour.”

Lino Lakes Police Chief Curt Boehme said the department’s patrol officers will be watchful for violations, particularly during morning and after-

noon rush hours. “There are fewer two-lane roads in Lino Lakes compared to other communities, so we are not expecting this to be a significant problem.”

Sgt. Eric Gadbois of the White Bear Lake Police Department said the new law has altered the dynamics of who is held responsible in the event of a vehicular accident.

“Prior to this law, the motorcyclists would almost certainly be assigned fault if an accident occurred. Now, if an accident were to occur, the standard procedure would be to investigate, determine intent and potentially assign fault if apparent. Many different factors would still come into play, such as the speed of those involved, reckless behaviors disregarding traffic control devices and proper lane usage rules.”

However, Gadbois added that he hopes the new law will lead to a decrease in motorcycle accidents overall. “The change in law was intended to reduce motorcycle accidents,

Lane splitting involves a motorcycle passing between lanes of moving traffic at a maximum speed of 25 mph, while lane filtering allows a motorcyclist to move between stopped lanes of traffic at a speed no more than 15 mph over the speed of surrounding traffic.

specifically motorcyclists being rear-ended. However, law changes can often take time to become ‘the new norm’ and have motorists be on the lookout for motorcycles.”

Those interested in

learning more about the new motorcycle law can do so at www.tinyurl. com/3chsxsc5.

While the law as a whole is new to Minnesota, Ramsey County Deputy Sheriff Erik Odmark said it is not new to the country. “California and Arizona have been doing this for a very long time, and it is just making its way to Minnesota.

Shoreview resident’s children’s book focuses on honesty, responsibility

Longtime Shoreview resident Merrill Morse’s new book “Torgar, Santa and the Marshmallow King” follows three elves who get kicked out of the North Pole for bad behavior but make their way back into Santa’s good graces after going through a journey that includes a bit of everything.

Recently, Press Publications sat down with Morse to learn more about him and his new book.

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A. I was raised in rural South Dakota, baling hay, feeding cattle and working in a grocery store. I went on to become a bellboy in a German hotel, a banana picker in Israel, an English teacher in Japan, a stay-at-home dad and a business owner with a Ph.D. in theology, now trying to retire.

Q. Is this your first publication?

A. Besides articles and academic publications, I have written a book on the Psalms and one on the prophet Isaiah, along with “How to Clean a Deer with a Cell Phone” – a story in a Minnesota Whitetails Magazine (December 2018).

Q. Where did your inspiration come from for this book?

A. I honestly have no idea — maybe elves?

Q. How did you come up with the characters? Are any of them based on real people?

A. As far as I know, none of these characters exist outside the book. They just snuck into my head and wouldn’t leave. But then, I have long loved imaginary figures in movies and books. Probably Disney’s fault.

Q. How did you make the story both fun and educational?

A. Two of the characters— Dringvold and Tripsy— are kind of comic-relief characters, both charming and irreverent. Another, Dreamelda, is the voice of reason and moral guidance.

Q. How did you find your illustrator?

A. Beaver’s Pond Press, the publisher, provides a list of artists to choose from so an author can find a fit for their vision. I had the good fortune to be connected to one of the best, Darcy Bell-Myers, from Stillwater.

Q. What was the process like working with them?

A. It was educational, enjoyable and mutually gratifying as we worked together envisioning characters and scenes.

Q. What was the biggest challenge you faced when writing this book?

A. Learning about and navigating the “metadata” (publishing details) and technological demands for a website, publicity, marketing and more.

Shoreview Community Foundation (SCF) awards several annual grants to maintain, enhance, and enrich the quality of life in Shoreview. Here is just one example:

In 2022, SCF funded four bicycle service stations at these locations, which benefit everyone who uses the bike and trail system:

• Outside the entrance to the Shoreview library

• At the Eastern entrance to Rice Creek Regional Park, near the off-leash dog park

• At the Western entrance to Rice Creek Regional Park, just off County Road I, and

• At Lake Owasso County Park.

The Shoreview Community Foundation

Q. What message/lesson do you hope children take away from your book?

A. First — enjoyment, along with a sense of the ups and downs in facing challenges, as well as being honest, taking responsibility and experiencing reconciliation.

Q. Where can people find your book?

CONTRIBUTED

A. It can be ordered via the book’s website, www.mpmorse.com, which includes ordering tabs for itascabooks.com and Amazon. It would also be available at the Roseville Barnes and Noble bookstore and via numerous online distributors.

“Torgar, Santa and the Marshmallow King” follows three elves who get kicked out of the North Pole for bad behavior.

Q. Anything else you’d like to add?

A. For book readers: It is very difficult for new authors to get their works into the book sales system. Encourage libraries and booksellers to support them. Compiled by Madeline Dolby

Empty nesting

There was energy in the air as we loaded the car and he said goodbye to the dogs. Amy and I had been preparing for weeks to take our son to college in Lawrence, Kansas. The roughly 489 mile, seven hour car ride was filled with nervous excitement and questions. Our son slept a significant portion of the time, probably to avoid the questions. He joined a fraternity and as we moved him into the house the upperclassmen came out and introduced themselves and made us feel welcome. They began to unload the car and carry Kellen’s items to his room that he will share with three other guys. The house holds roughly 80 students on three floors. What stood out was the generations of fraternity brothers that have been connected through this arrangement. As we toured the house, the dining room and bunk room felt a bit like the military, only the dining hall had a chandelier and the centralized sleeping quarters had the air conditioning running full blast. After we got his belongings organzied, there was a group gathering on the basketball court. We connected with other students from Minnesota, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas. The freshman boys were guarded and working hard to keep their composure. I’m sure it was overwheling for them. The fraternity has a house mom, Penny. The boys call her Mrs. P. Penny is the house manager who helps the students navigate day-to-day life from managing the cooking staff to working with the young men on personality differences and challenges. Penny said her sister is also a house mom at a sorority in Austin, Texas. She said she was envious of the pool at her sister’s house, but she was happy to be working with young men versus a houseful of young women. As we left we weren’t all that emotional; we were excited for him. It’s the next phase and we know he’s Publisher’s View Carter Johnson

for

CONDENSED VOTERS’ GUIDE 2025

SCHOOL BOARD: ISD 621 MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS (ELECT 3)

Tascha Just

City of residence: Arden Hills

Occupation: School Psychologist

List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:

I am President-Elect of the Minnesota School Psychologists Association with more than 20 years in public education.

Appointed by the Secretary of State, I serve on the Children’s Justice Act Task Force, improving responses to child abuse and neglect. Locally, I am Board Secretary for the Mounds View Schools’ Native American Parent Committee, advancing cultural connection and advocacy. My career has centered on student mental health, school safety, and supporting neurodivergent learners. I’m running to ensure every student feels seen, supported and prepared to thrive.

Mark Sacay

City of residence: Shoreview

Occupation: Consultant

List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:

• Unidos, MN

Indivisible Twin Cities

Shauna Bock

City of residence: Mounds View

Occupation: Director of Secondary Education for the Department of Corrections

List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:

• Treasurer Mounds View School Board

• Co-Chair City of Mounds View Community Engagement Committee

• Member Irondale Band Boosters

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Find your polling location in Shoreview

Pick-up a newspaper at these locations

Shoreview

Gramsie Corner Market 3999 Rice St.

Shoreview Amoco 3854 Lexington Ave. N

Shoreview Village Mall Hwy 96 & Lexington Ave. N

Shoreview Library 4560 Victoria St. N

Shoreview Community Center 4580 Victoria St. N

Shoreview City Hall 4600 Victoria St. N

Kowalski’s Market 441 Hwy 96 W

North Suburban BP 415 Hwy 96 W

Brausen Automotive 1310 County Road E W.

North Oaks

Taste of Scandinavia

845 Village Center Dr.

VonHanson’s Meats 895 Village Center Dr.

Walgreen’s 600 Village Center Dr.

E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Shoreview has six polling places where residents are able to vote for the upcoming election on Tuesday, Nov. 4. All locations are handicapped accessible. The polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Below are the six locations where residents can vote in their precinct:

• Lutheran Church of the Resurrection: 3115 Victoria St. N., Roseville

• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church: 3920 Victoria St. N.

• Shoreview City Hall: 4600 Victoria St. N.

• Shoreview Community Center: 4580 Victoria St. N.

• Incarnation Lutheran Church: 4880 Hodgson Road, North Oaks

• Lake Johanna Fire Department: 5545 Lexington Ave.

To find your polling place, go to pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us. For questions, call 651-490-4614.

Early voting is open for general election

Early voting for the Nov. 4 general election is open at various locations in Ramsey County through Monday, Nov. 3. Residents can vote in person at the Ramsey County Elections- Plato Building, and Ramsey County libraries in both Shoreview and Roseville.

The Ramsey County Elections-Plato Building is open weekdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. It is located at 90 W. Plato Blvd., Suite 160, St. Paul. Both libraries are open weekdays

from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. The Shoreview extension of the Ramsey County Library is located at 4560 Victoria St. N. The Roseville extension is located at 2180 Hamline Ave. N.

‘Mayor for a Day’ essay contest returns for 2025

Minnesota’s fourth, fifth and sixth graders are invited to participate in the 2025 Mayor for a Day Essay Contest hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities. Students can enter by answering the question: “What would you do if you were mayor for a day?” Contest winners will each receive $100, be recognized in “Minnesota Cities” magazine, and have their voices shared statewide.

The 2024 contest set a record with 830 submissions from across Minnesota — the most in the contest’s 13-year history.

“We are thrilled to see such enthusiasm from students across Minnesota,” League of Minnesota Cities President and West St. Paul Council Member Wendy Berry said. “Last year’s record number of essays shows how much young people care about their cities. This contest continues to spark creativity, civic pride and interest in local government.”

Submissions can be sent via an online form, PDF email attachment, or by mail. Full contest details, including a guide on what it’s like to be a mayor in Minnesota, are available at lmc.org/mayorforaday. Essays must be submitted by Friday, Dec. 12. Winners will be notified in January 2026.

SHOREVIEW COMIC: Upcoming show includes songs, character cameos and more

FROM PAGE 1

Years ago, Jim Lynn, the brother of the late Mike Lynn, former GM of the Minnesota Vikings, told Esch he ought to give standup a try. “Jim looked at me one day and said, ‘Tom, you could do standup. You could be like Father Guido,’” Esch recalled with a laugh. “So, I thought, what the heck? I gave it a shot at a church camp — and people loved it.” That encouragement, coupled with his own fondness for storytelling, sparked what would become a decadelong creative pursuit.

Since 2015, he’s done roughly 35 shows — some full evenings, some shorter pandemic-era programs that felt as much like ministry as performance. For most of those, he produced and promoted everything himself: venue, volunteers, sound — the whole scaffolding around the jokes.

That’s part of why Crooners feels different. This time, the venue is carrying the production backbone so he can fully inhabit the stage.

A milestone night — and a deliberate pace

Esch describes the Oct. 29 set as a variety-style evening: A couple of opening songs, a story-driven bit, more music, a character cameo for comic announce -

IF YOU GO:

What: Fr. Vito and Friends: Live at Crooners!

When: Wednesday, Oct. 29 (doors 5 p.m.; dinner at 5; showtime per venue)

Where: Crooners in Fridley, Minnesota Ticket details: www.eventbrite.com/e/ fr-vito-and-friends-live-at-croonerstickets-1695876745999

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Minnesota State Patrol sets up in Roseville

The new headquarters for the Minnesota State Patrol will be coming to Roseville in 2028. The site, located in the 1500 block of Highway 96, was purchased by the state of Minnesota in June 2025 for approximately $13.4 million.

There will be approximately 300 personnel based out of the new headquarters. The space will provide troopers and personnel from across the state

ments, and a few tightly crafted segments that build toward a playful, theatrical flourish.

Without giving away too much, he hints at a short “boxing” scene to the Rocky theme — comedy as a shadow-boxing match with fear and frustration. Between segments, music resets the room’s rhythm so each new story can land clean. “It isn’t just me at a mic,” Esch added. “There’s always music, some character moments and an arc — we’re weaving a whole evening together.”

Collaborators are part of the plan. Esch brings in musicians and family collaborators to add color and contrast between his standup segments. The model, he says, nods to old-school radio variety — story time, songs and recurring bits — stitched together with an emcee’s light touch.

Because the date sits just before Halloween, some audience members may show up with seasonal flair. Esch isn’t running a costume night — Crooners opens the doors at 5 p.m. for dinner at 5, and he wants

a chance to meet, recruit, train, store evidence and more.

Burglary occurs in Mounds View

At approximately 2:32 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, the Mounds View Police Department were called to the 8400 block of Red Oak Drive for a burglary where jewelry and a handgun were stolen.

According to the Mounds View Police Department, the victim witnessed the

folks to be comfortable — but he’s not policing the fun either. He laughs about friends who reliably show up in tongue-in-cheek religious garb and says a gentle wink to the season will find its way into the set. The emphasis, though, remains on inclusion: a show your neighbor, your aunt, or your teen could all enjoy without cringing through the punchlines.

Shoreview roots and a supportive circle Esch and his family moved to Shoreview in 2016, and he talks about the community with affection. His sister and brother-in-law, longtime Shoreview residents, have been deeply involved in local life — his brother-in-law even once earned Volunteer of the Year honors for his service at the Shoreview Community Center and in the Shoreview Rotary Club. That same spirit of involvement has carried into Esch’s shows, where relatives and neighbors regularly lend a hand.

“People in Shoreview show up,” Esch said. “They volunteer, they spread the word — that support means everything for a small, homegrown show.”

Clean doesn’t mean simple

There’s a craft challenge in keeping comedy clean: without shock language or cheap heat, structure must do the heavy lifting. Esch uses musical buttons to punctuate a beat, character beats to reset the room, and personal stories to earn trust before a twist. He’s candid that he’s still learning — “not headed to late-night next week,” as he jokes — but the work ethic is there. He cites the Seinfeld adage about spending 20 hours to polish 10 minutes as a reminder that what looks effortless rarely is.

Asked to summarize his approach in a line or two, he returns to the theme that threads his story together: the alchemy of pain into laughter. “Dig into your pain — or the pain in the world — and find the humor in it,” Esch stated. “That’s where the good stuff is.”

suspect fleeing the scene on foot. Deputies aired the description of the suspect and the direction of travel. The suspect was seen fleeing the scene carrying two bags.

The Blaine Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, New Brighton Department of Public Safety, the Roseville Police Department and the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and assisted with a perimeter in an attempt to locate the suspect.

According to a press release from the Mounds View Police Department,

they were able to locate the suspect approximately an hour and 20 minutes after the initial call. The suspect was found in the 8400 block of Fairchild Avenue and taken into custody without incident. The stolen firearm as well as other items were recovered from the suspect. According to the press release, the suspect has been booked at Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center and charged with second-degree burglary. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are pending further investigation.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF NORTH OAKS

NOTICE OF LAKE AERATION TO PREVENT WINTERKILL AT GILFILLAN LAKE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of North Oaks has applied for an aeration permit for Gilfillan Lake to prevent winterkill. The aerator is located on the NW side of the lake at 8 Poplar Lane, North Oaks, MN, 55127 – Section17, T30N, R22 W, Ramsey County. The aerator helps add oxygen to the water in Gilfillan Lake. When lakes freeze over in the winter and become iced over, no new oxygen can make its way into the water. When it snows on the ice no sunlight can reach the underwater plants, and they cannot make oxygen. When oxygen levels get too low, fish can suffocate, causing a winterkill. Aeration on Gilfillan Lake will cause thin ice and/or open water. Pay attention to warning signs, and use extreme caution on Gilfillan Lake. Questions regarding the aeration permit should be directed to City Administrator Kevin Kress at 651-792-7750 or emailed to kkress@ northoaksmn.gov

Published one time in the Shoreview Press on October 21, 2025.

CITY OF SHOREVIEW

NOTICE OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

2025 SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION CITY PROJECT 25-03

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids for the work described below shall be received at Shoreview City Hall - Council Chambers, 4600 Victoria Street, Shoreview Minnesota, electronically through BidVAULT until Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., local time, at which time, two or more designated officers or agents of the City of Shoreview will publicly open and read the bids.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Said bids to be for the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction, complete and in place in accordance with the plans and specifications for the following estimated quantities of work:

6,000 LF9” Cured-In-Place System

4,500 LF9” Cured-In-Place System Easement

200 EA Re-Installment of Services

The provisions of MINN. STAT. 16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the advertisement for bids of the City of Shoreview shall comply with the provisions of the statute. All bidders for contract amounts of $100,000 or more shall require contractors, sub-contractors, and vendors which have 40 or more full-time employees to submit a copy of their affirmative action certification for the current period after their bid, before construction.

COMPLETION OF WORK: Project shall be completed by March 31, 2026.

PLANHOLDERS LIST, ADDENDA AND BID TABULATION: The planholders list, addenda and bid tabulation will be available on-line at: mn-ci-shoreview.app.rtvision.com Any addenda will be e-mailed to all planholders, and bidders must acknowledge receipt of all addenda prior to the bid opening.

BID DOCUMENTS: Bidding documents are on file with the city engineer and may be seen at the city hall, public works department. All planholders and bidders must register and download all project related items from the city’s Connex page: mn-ci-shoreview.app.rtvision.com for a fee of $25.

Bids shall be in accordance with the bidding documents as prepared by the City of Shoreview Public Works Department. Bids will only be accepted electronically, from contractors listed as a planholder on the city’s Connex site.

BID SECURITY: Bids will be not considered unless accompanied by a bid bond payable to the City of Shoreview, for five percent (5%) of the amount bid to be forfeited as liquidated damages in the event the bid is accepted and the bidder fails to enter promptly into a written contract and furnish the required bond.

AWARD OF CONTRACT: The owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and to accept the bid deemed in their best interest. It is expected that the city council will consider the bids at their meeting on November 3, 2025.

By Order of the City Council

/s/Brad Martens

City Manager City of Shoreview, Minnesota

Published two times in the Shoreview Press on October 7 and 21, 2025.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 621 (MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS), MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election has been called and will be held in and for Independent School District No. 621 (Mounds View Public Schools), Minnesota, on November 4, 2025, between the hours of7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to vote on the following question: School District Question Capital Project Levy Authorization The board of Independent School District No. 621 (Mounds View Public Schools), Minnesota has proposed a capital project levy authorization in the maximum amount of 6.2261% times the net tax capacity of the

andArts Culture

EMERGING ARTIST: HOLLY FLOOD

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

How much opportunity can a teenage musician receive in the northeast metro? Holly Flood, a White Bear Lake Area High School senior, is proving that the range is breathtaking.

Currently, Flood is starring in her high school’s production of ‘Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,’ participating in Danceline and recording tracks for a planned debut album as a member of local live favorite The Mothers Band.

The trio—Flood, Luisa Maruyama and Freya Sanders— actually met while participating in the middle school musical. “Those two art forms melded for us very early,” Flood recalled. “We were asked to sing together, and we decided that we really enjoyed doing something for other people and sharing our love for music in that way.”

CONTRIBUTED

The band got its name, though, because of the musicians’ most important fans. “The driving factor of it is that our moms always loved hearing us sing together,” Flood stated. “We do it for our mothers, and we do it for the love that they bring us.”

This past summer, after playing at Marketfest for three years, The Mothers Band

received an invitation to record studio tracks from Oliver Din of the McNeely Music Center.

“It was definitely a moment of realization,” Flood described. “Not that we weren’t good at what we were doing before … but this was someone seeing us and seeing our hard work.”

Flood described The Mothers Band’s sound as folk and mellow, taking inspiration from many young female artists who use situations around them to create powerful lyrics and vocals.

Unlike the “Sad Girl Pop” of Billie Eilish or Olivia Rodrigo that currently dominates radio airwaves, Flood believes The Mothers Band sounds more hopeful and their harmonies allow for greater flexibility in the moods they are able to create.

Hopefulness will directly serve Flood next month when she dons a ballgown to play Cinderella.

“It’s a big show, and it’ll mean a lot to the community,” Flood said. “It’s definitely a pressure,

Pbut it's something that I'm even more eager to work hard for.”

Flood explained that her diligence comes from seeing the effort each team puts into the production. It also comes from the awareness that “Cinderella” will be the first musical staged in the new Performing Arts Center. “I think (this show) is about bringing everyone together, and that makes me very excited to work as hard as I will,” she said.

Like Cinderella, then, Flood’s success stems from her efforts. The opportunities give her a space to shine.

Support The Mothers Band by following them either at instagram.com/mothersband or youtube.com/@Mothers-Band.

“Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella” runs from Nov. 14-22 at White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center, 5045 Division St., Door A. Tickets and further details are available at sites.google.com/isd624.org/ musical-theatre.

‘PERCY JACKSON’ CAST BRAINSTORMS NEW WAYS INTO FAMILIAR CHARACTERS

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ercy Jackson—the main character of “The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical,” based on the first book in the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series—is a middle-schooler who finds out he is the son of Poseidon. He then teams up with other middle-schoolers who have mythical makeups to retrieve an artifact for Zeus.

The cast of Children’s Performing Arts’ “Lightning Thief” production are middle schoolers too, yet their Olympic-level task is finding a distinct take on both characters from Greek mythology as well as beloved teen-lit protagonists.

Director Casey Marie Holmes explained that such an issue is the perfect quest for middle school performers to seize. “I encourage all of these actors to bring their own breath into the characters,” Holmes commented. “Live in the character’s circumstances as you believe them.”

Such an ask of a young actor is meant to be challenging. “That’s the educational part for this age group: Not only ‘How do we put on a show?’ but also ‘What do you, as an actor, have to do within your role to make that product happen?’” Holmes described.

Eighth grader Maya Tange, who plays Annabeth, daughter of Athena, needed to work on navigating her character’s arc. “At the beginning, (Annabeth) comes off as harsh, and I think making a

switch from harsh to a loyal friend to Percy is one of the biggest switches,” Maya remarked. Maya observed that the other characters have trouble seeing different sides of Annabeth, so she found parallels in a surprising source: singer and rapper Nicki Minaj.

“Early in her career, Nicki Minaj was seen like she could only be one thing—this very animated, bubblegum version of herself,” Maya explained. “As her career went forward, even though she was able to show more sides, she was still seen as a very strong figure.”

Meanwhile, eighth grader Brayden Walsh, who plays this production’s Percy Jackson, challenged himself to find a balance between all the previous iterations of the character—the original book, the 2010 movie, the Disney+ series and the script in front of him. His solution was to consider every version of the character a tool that he can pull out of a figurative toolbox depending on the moment.

“To me, it’s really about what is going on in the scene,” Brayden emphasized. “What’s the emotion of the scene? How can I implement things to make it more serious or fun?”

Regardless of expectations, Brayden believes this production completed the quest the director assigned to them.

“I want people to know that everyone here in the cast worked really hard to put on the show,” he stated.

“The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical” runs from Oct. 24-Nov. 2 at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center. For tickets and details, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org.

CHILDREN’S PERFORMING ARTS LIGHTS UP FOR THE MASQUE

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On Nov. 8th, Hanifl Performing Arts Center will roll out the red carpet.

Children’s Performing Arts’ theme for this year’s Masque fundraiser is “Hollywood Lights to Broadway Nights.” The evening includes a hosted happy hour, a program performed by CPA show participants and dinner with live music from sibling duo Kate and Bradley Beahen.

All of the glitz and glam, however, is in service of educational opportunities for the next generation.

“Performing arts don’t just teach kids how to perform on

stage,” stated CPA’s Strategic Operations Director Sharon Hanifl-Lee, “It teaches them how to perform in life.”

CPA Board President John Vanyo agreed. “We’re helping these kids grow. We are giving them real-life skills. We are giving them a place to feel safe and understood,” Vanyo stated.

to be able to look somebody in the eye, shake their hand, have a conversation.”

Vanyo also underscores that CPA is for anyone curious about performing.

“Performing arts don’t just teach kids how to perform on stage, it teaches them how to perform in life.”

- SHARON HANIFL-LEE

Hanifl-Lee also sees CPA as a way to teach youth how to value and establish in-person relationships. “Kids are so focused on social media. They’re so intra; their heads are down,” she said. “In real life, you need

“Part of our mission is that we want these kids to feel like they are safe to be themselves in whatever capacity that is,” Vanyo said. “No matter what their role is.” Therefore, CPA aims to meet kids where they’re at, then pushes them to grow. “What bugs me the most is when I see people underestimating kids or setting the bar low because

they’re ‘just kids,’” Hanifl-Lee stated. “We set the bar high, and they rise to that.”

Case in point—performers during The Masque’s program must find time to rehearse between other shows and obligations, yet still deliver. “You’ll see it and go, ‘Oh, that was really fun,’” said Vanyo.

“Then, you’ll think of the prep work and the timeline the kids had to put it together and say, ‘Wow, it’s amazing what these kids can do.’”

Curtains rise on The Masque at 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. Tickets and further information are available at childrensperformingartsmn. org/support/masque-gala.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FALL AND WINTER THEATER CLASSES

All classes take place at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. To register, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/classesworkshops

PIZZA PERFORMANCE POP UPS

Grades: 6-12

Dates: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays Nov. 1, Dec. 13 and Jan. 24

Details: Students will come together for socializing and pizza, then break into groups to work on scenes assigned to them. At the end of the night, all students will get to perform for each other.

SATURDAY MORNING DROP-IN

Grades: K-2

Dates: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Nov. 1, Dec. 13 and Jan. 24

Details: Classes focus on creative play and fostering imagination. Each week, students will read books, play games, do crafts and create characters.

CALENDAR

IMMIGRATION ISSUES PANEL

Location: Vadnais Commons, 655 E. County Road F, Vadnais Heights

Dates: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28

Details: Many Faces is hosting a public educational event to explore the complex issues surrounding immigration. Gain factual, accessible information to better understand the challenges of the U.S. immigration system and the impact those challenges have on immigrant neighbors and friends.

TEEN WRITERS SPEAK

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.

Dates: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6

Details: Share your latest work, test new ideas or soak in the words around you at this openmic event. Though teens will read, adults are encouraged to attend. Register in advance at whitebeararts.org/events if you would like to read.

LAW AND ORDER IN THE LAND OF LAKES AND LEGENDS

Location: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St., White Bear Lake

Dates: 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24

Details: Since its incorporation as a village in 1881 for the initial purpose of regulating liquor and other vices, White Bear has had an active law enforcement history. Hear some of the incredible stories of heroism and commitment to serve and protect.

Thank you to all participants for sharing your pet photos!

CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

Congrats Mounds View Girls Tennis 2025 Section 5AAA Champions State Qualifiers

• The city and Bolton & Menk Inc. will enter into a service agreement for the construction observation of the 2025 County Road I boardwalk replacement project. The boardwalk on County Road I between Lexington Avenue and Chatsworth Street is near the end of its usable life. Reconstruction of the boardwalk is anticipated to include upgrades to improve the accessibility and ease of maintenance. Improvements are anticipated to widen the walk, use larger board widths, and upgrade the railings and connection to the paved trail. The project will be led by the city in partnership with Ramsey County Public Works, which is contributing funding to the project.

• The results from the Human Rights Commission’s analysis

of the 2025 equity and inclusion survey have been accepted by the council. According to survey results, overall, Shoreview is widely viewed as a safe space and a welcoming and respectful community. However, when the results are broken down based on a variety of demographics, the viewpoint is not universally shared. According to the staff report, it was recommended that the committee work on a “Welcome to Shoreview” campaign, as well as programs that showcase diversity.

• Parking restrictions on the south side of Schifsky Road are now in place after council approved the measure. According to the staff report, the city has heard from Schifsky Road residents regarding issues created by on-street parking. The congestion makes

it difficult for residents to get to their properties and could create issues for emergency vehicles to pass. Staff said the reason the south side of the street was chosen was due to locations of mailboxes, the presence of a city lift station on the south side and that vehicles enter the neighborhood traveling westbound, making parking on the north side easier.

• Council approved a new tobacco license for the Holiday Station Store located at 3467 Rice St. N. through Dec. 31, 2025.

The next Shoreview City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, in council chambers.

Madeline Dolby

MOUNDS VIEW SCHOOL BOARD SNIPPETS

• Five gifts were received this period for schools and programs for a total of $3,604. There were 10 gifts received for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf for a total of $18,183.

• Superintendent Chris Lennox announced that Nadyne Sattar, a senior at Mounds View High School, was named a 2025 National Student Poet in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. Her entry was one of 3,700 entries.

• Executive Director of School Management Darin Johnson provided the board with an update regarding the district operational plan (DOP) goal regarding the completion of an updated enrollment and facility study. According to Johnson, site visits of the schools are being completed, facility maps are being updated and enrollment data is being compiled. Johnson said data is being collected from each district school and entered into charts that represent the relationship between enrollment and capacity. These charts will help district staff determine the space available for enrollment of new and nonresident students over time.

• Johnson also provided the board with an update regarding the DOP goal regarding the district’s goal to use clean electricity through reducing energy consumption and improving energy sufficiency. There are three geothermal projects underway within the district; two project sites include Irondale High School and the Snail Lake Education Center. Johnson said district staff are working with a consulting team to evaluate the district’s energy use and prioritize areas that will be targeted with an energy audit. Staff are also looking at utility costs across the district.

The next Mounds View Public Schools School Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the District Center, 4570 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. Public comments to the board will be at 6:30 p.m. before the meeting.

Madeline Dolby