City of White Bear Lake

??????Our Parks Department staff do an incredible job of transforming Downtown White Bear Lake into a winter wonderland (even without snow) every holiday season. Today they picked up 110 evergreen trees and have begun decorating the Railroad Park gazebo in preparation for the first ever Gazebo Lighting event during Downtown White Bear Lake's Holiday Open House. In addition to the evergreen trees, staff string up 1,000 feet of garland and 57 miles (MILES!) of holiday lights. Thank you, Parks Department, for making Downtown such a magical space for all to enjoy each holiday season!

Congratulations to Officer Jordan McNamara who was officially sworn-in to his position of police officer at last night's City Council meeting!

Today, we want to acknowledge those on staff, in our community and across the country who have served in the armed forces. Our current City staff proudly includes both active and retired military personnel from various branches, including the Air Force, Air Force Reserves, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserves, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserves, and Navy. From all of us at the City of White Bear Lake, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our colleagues and all veterans for their dedicated service to our country and recognize the sacrifices they have made in the name of that service.

We are currently accepting applications for full-time police officers. Whether you are just getting started in the field or looking for a new opportunity, WBLPD is a great option for law enforcement professionals! WBLPD has a strong culture of teamwork and is actively engaged in the community. Visit whitebearlake.org/jobs to learn more and apply today!

??♀???????Trick or treat! It's looking a little spooky and wild at City Hall today. We hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween!

At the White Bear Lake Park Advisory Commission meeting last night, the commission members presented Parks/Facilities Foreman, Andy Wietecki with a unique award they created to recognize his outstanding service and dedication to the City and our parks system. Andy is well regarded by both coworkers and community members for his positive, can-do attitude and this award is well-deserved! Andy, thank you for all you do for the White Bear Lake community!

Last night’s City Council meeting opened with a celebration. Isaac Tuma was sworn in as White Bear Lake Police Department’s next Administrative Captain and Mike Sellner as the next Patrol Sergeant! Tuma has been with WBLPD since 2011, serving in the roles of Patrol Sergeant, School Resource Officer, Patrol Officer, and Community Service Officer. In addition, he gained experience in the specialty areas of Violent Crime Enforcement Team, SWAT Team, Mobile Field Force, DARE Officer, Field Training Officer, Reserve Unit Officer, CERT Program Liaison, Firearms Instructor, and Drone Unit Supervisor. Sellner began his career with WBLPD in 2007 as a Reserve Officer followed quickly by a promotion to Community Service Officer. In addition to then becoming a Patrol Officer, he took on the specialty positions of Violent Crime Enforcement Team, SWAT Team, Investigator, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, and Dispatcher. The City of White Bear Lake is fortunate to employ Captain Tuma and Sergeant Sellner and looks forward to their contributions to the Police Department’s Leadership Team. Congratulations!

October was declared Firefighter Appreciation Month in White Bear Lake at the September 24 City Council Meeting. We hope you will join us in sharing your support and appreciation of White Bear Lake Fire Department members, and firefighters everywhere, for their selfless dedication to the communities they serve. The demands of firefighting take both a personal and physical toll, yet our firefighters respond without hesitation in often uncertain and dangerous conditions to protect people, property and the economic wellbeing of our community. Meet some of our local firefighters and learn more about fire prevention at the White Bear Lake Fire Department Open House on Tuesday, October 8 from 6-8pm, at the White Bear Lake South Fire Station (2240 County Road E East).

We had a great time celebrating the ribbon cutting and open house for the newly expanded Public Safety Facility last week. A project of this scale does not happen without a lot of support and many people ushering it through. Thank you to the Mayor and City Council members, past and present, for recognizing the need for improved facilities and supporting the project. Thank you to City staff - every department in the city has played a role in bringing the project to life! We would like to thank project partners Wold Architects and Engineers for their design services and Kraus-Anderson for managing the build. Thank you to the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce and White Bear Press for helping us spread the word and celebrate the ribbon cutting. And thank you to White Bear Lake Area Historical Society for helping tie the past to the present with a special touch. To the many others who have been involved in the project, know that you have played an important role in ensuring high standards of public safety service today and in the future. In addition to photos, here is a short video of the event: https://lnkd.in/genGtGnw

The City of White Bear Lake is seeking a finance professional with at least three years of increasingly responsible experience in government accounting, government finance or government auditing with either a municipality, other government agency, or public accounting firm to fill the role of Assistant Finance Director. Strong candidates will be collaborative and skilled relationship builders, strategic thinkers, and have excellent communication skills. Learn more about the position and apply by August 22 at whitebearlake.org/jobs.