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Gem Lake News Page 4 of 8 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Other notable enhancements will be pedestrian <br />flashing beacons to be installed at Buerkle Road, <br />connections to existing pedestrian trails and the <br />construction of some sidewalks. <br />Improvements that will particularly impact Gem Lake <br />will include a 12-foot-wide paved off-road trail near the <br />railway bed, trail head access at County Road E, trail <br />access to residential and commercial properties in <br />places, at-grade crossing improvements at <br />Scheuneman Road, site amenities such as signage, <br />and native landscape restoration. <br /> <br /> <br />Construction mobilization and initial tree and <br />vegetation removal have already begun, to be <br />followed by mass-grading of the expansion area. This <br />summer, construction continues with retaining wall <br />construction, bridge installation, paving and area <br />restoration. By November of 2026, it is anticipated that <br />the expansion will be substantially complete. <br />The Bruce Vento Trail is named for the late U.S. <br />Representative Bruce Vento. It was begun in the late <br />1990’s when most of the trail was built. A large section <br />along Phalen Boulevard was paved in 2005. <br />The trail is currently seven miles long, prior to this <br />expansion. It occupies the abandoned Burlington <br />Northern Railroad corridor, making it a long flat trail, <br /> <br /> Bruce Vento Trail continued from page 1 <br /> <br />perfect for biking, hiking and in-line skating. In some <br />places the trail goes through residential neighborhoods <br />with views of several lakes and watersheds. <br />Stay tuned for more updates regarding the Bruce Vento <br />trail extension. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />(Image of trail under County Road E bridge) <br />(diagram of Bruce Vento Regional Trail expansion) <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />City of White Bear Lake <br />Names Police Chief <br />Following a comprehensive selection <br />process, White Bear Lake appointed <br />Erik Johnston to serve as the next <br />chief of police. <br />Recognized for driving community engagement, <br />implementing innovative public safety initiatives, and <br />building diverse, high-performing teams, Johnston brings <br />over 23 years of progressive law enforcement leadership <br />experience to White Bear Lake. He currently serves as <br />deputy chief of police for the Columbia Heights Police <br />Department, a department he has been a leader in since <br />2002. Additionally, Johnston has served as Captain, <br />Sergeant, Investigator, School Resource Officer, Street <br />Crimes Unit Member, and Patrol Officer throughout his <br />career. “Erik’s dedication to law enforcement, calm and <br />professional demeanor, and commitment to public service <br />make him an excellent fit to assume the role of chief of <br />police for White Bear Lake,” said City Manager Lindy <br />Crawford. She added, “Erik will bring a fresh perspective <br />to the department, and I look forward to welcoming him to <br />our leadership team and strong community.” <br />“I am honored and excited to join the outstanding teams <br />at the White Bear Lake Police Department and the City of <br />White Bear Lake. I look forward to building on the <br />department’s strong tradition of excellence in policing and <br />community engagement, and to serving a community that <br />rightly expects the highest standards of professionalism <br />and service”, said Erik Johnston. <br />Johnston will assume the role on May 9th. Plans to host a <br />community open house to meet him are underway. <br />Johnston follows Dale Hager, who will retire in early May. <br />Hager has served as chief of police for just under three <br />years.