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Articles by Talia McWright
Woodbury City Council member recovers after medical emergency during meeting
Woodbury’s City Council meeting was going as expected on the evening of Oct. 7 — two new firefighters were pinned in a welcoming ceremony and community members came up one after the other to talk about chicken ordinances — before council member Donna Stafford experienced a medical emergency. Donna Stafford (Courtesy of Stafford) For a brief period during the meeting, Stafford appeared to be unresponsive, prompting council members to call for help.
Woodbury City Council member recovers after medical emergency during meeting
Woodbury's City Council meeting was going as expected on the evening of Oct. 7 — two new firefighters were pinned in a welcoming ceremony and community members came up one after the other to talk about chicken ordinances — before council member Donna Stafford experienced a medical emergency. For a brief period during the meeting, Stafford appeared to be unresponsive, prompting council members to call for help.
Exhibit that explores impact of Jesuit slaveholding debuts at St. Thomas Original
A new traveling exhibit exploring the impact of Jesuit slaveholding in America made its debut Monday at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. The exhibit, titled “What We Inherit: Truth, Repair and a Promise to the Future,” details the history of Jesuit involvement with slaveholding in America. The experience shares stories from descendants of the enslaved and invites viewers to seek togetherness as they continue forward.
Woodbury approves study and moratorium on data centers, other high-volume infrastructure Original
All four Woodbury City Council members and Mayor Anne Burt voted Wednesday to temporarily prevent data centers and high-volume public infrastructure from expanding in the city. “City staff has been closely monitoring the evolving nature of data centers and, in my 25 years of community development work, no use has changed as dramatically and in such a relatively short time as data centers,” Woodbury city planner Eric Searles said during the meeting.
One Woodbury celebrates cultural diversity with food, music and community Original
For its fourth year, Woodbury will host One Woodbury, a free public celebration honoring the city’s multicultural community. “One Woodbury is for everyone,” city community relations coordinator Genesis Sudderth said. “We invite Woodbury residents, families, community organizations and anyone who wants to be part of celebrating the diversity and connections that make our community special.” The family-friendly event takes place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Ojibway Park in Woodbury.
Oak Park Heights City Council candidate charged with DWI Original
Oak Park Heights City Council candidate Brittany Holleran was charged this week with driving while impaired, according to Washington County Court filings. Brittany Morgan Holleran (Courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff's Office) Holleran is running in the Nov. 3 special election for a seat on the Oak Park Heights City Council, following leadership changes due to the death of former Mayor Mary McComber. The term will run two years, ending in December 2028.
MN Department of Public Safety awards $12M for fire services Original
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced Wednesday more than $12 million in one-time funding to support fire service and firefighters across Minnesota. The funding comes from the Minnesota Legislature’s Fire Safety Account and is based on recommendations from the Fire Service Advisory Committee, according to the department. It will support statewide fire prevention efforts, upgrade specialized response capabilities and support firefighter training opportunities.
Washington County receives $2.8 million state grant for environmental stewardship
Washington County and the Minnesota Land Trust were awarded more than $2.8 million by the state to preserve natural habitats in Washington County, according to the county. “Washington County is home to some of the highest-quality natural land in the Twin Cities metropolitan area,” a Washington County spokesperson said.
Beaches at Lake Byllesby and White Bear Lake close due to E. coli Original
Beaches at White Bear Lake County Park and Lake Byllesby Regional Park are closed due to high E. coli levels The beach at White Bear Lake is closed until further notice, according to Ramsey County, while Lake Byllesby Beach is closed for the season; other amenities at the parks remain open. Anyone who believes they got sick after swimming should contact the Minnesota Department of Health at 877-366-3455 or fill out an illness report at health.state.mn.us.
Work on Gold Line’s Minneapolis extension begins with new Snelling Avenue stations Original
Work to extend the Gold Line bus rapid transit route westward is underway with construction of new stations near the intersection of Interstate 94 and Snelling Avenue. The Gold Line, which currently travels between downtown St. Paul, Oakdale and Woodbury, is set to extend west to Minneapolis next year and replace the service currently provided by the Route 94 express bus. “Metro Transit is excited to extend the Gold Line in 2027,” general manager Lesley Kandaras stated in a press release.
Ten candidates file for two seats on Woodbury City Council
Ten candidates have filed for two open seats in the Woodbury City Council. That’s a lot of candidates, although it’s not too far outside the norm for Woodbury. Eight candidates ran in 2024 and 2020, while nine ran in 2018. The last time 10 candidates filed for two seats was in 2016. “I’m not surprised,” Timothy Brewington, one of this year’s candidates, said.
Ten candidates file for two seats on Woodbury City Council
Ten candidates have filed for two open seats in the Woodbury City Council. That's a lot of candidates, although it's not too far outside the norm for Woodbury. Eight candidates ran in 2024 and 2020, while nine ran in 2018. The last time 10 candidates filed for two seats was in 2016. "I'm not surprised," Timothy Brewington, one of this year's candidates, said.
Woodbury seeks ideas for time capsule celebrating America 250 Original
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, Woodbury is collecting parts of its history in a time capsule. Woodbury Parks and Recreation director Michelle Okada holds up a stainless steel time capsule at Woodbury City Hall on Aug. 3, 2026. The city is taking ideas from community members on what should be in the capsule until Aug. 19, 2026, and will host an unveiling on Sept. 24, 2026.
Fringe review: “Leave room for Jesus” is the wackiest church service you’ll ever attend
Worth Considering Hannah Wydeven’s “Leave Room for Jesus” is akin to if Dolly Parton were to pastor a church. Fans of improv, musicals and audience participation will thoroughly enjoy this performance and should be prepared to repent for sins like eating a hamburger, owning too many snakes or yearning for a younger man. Vocals are surprisingly good, despite the show being a bit awkward and clumsy at times.
St. Paul teacher-run nonprofit wants kids to see themselves in classroom books Original
When young kids are learning to read, it’s important that they also develop a desire to read, Taylor Sorrells says. That’s why Sorrells, a St. Paul elementary school teacher, started the nonprofit READ With Me MN, in February 2025. READ stands for representation, education, accessibility and diversity. “We are losing librarians and, unfortunately, classroom teachers are tasked with keeping their classroom library stocked with books,” Sorrells said.
Hotel and golf venue opens in former Lake Elmo Machine Shed space
A new hotel inspired by Minnesota scenery is now open in Lake Elmo — and it’s connected to a restaurant and virtual golf center. Ironwood Lodge stands on the site of the former Machine Shed Restaurant, which closed early last year.
New Dave & Buster’s-owned entertainment center Main Event to open in Woodbury Original
In need of a new game spot? Main Event, a new game and entertainment center, is opening soon in Woodbury with activities like bowling, laser tag, arcade games and more. Main Event first opened in Louisville, Texas, in 1998, and four years ago the company was purchased by Dave & Buster’s, according to general manager Michael Frisby. The location is the 70th U.S. location and the first in Minnesota, according to Frisby. “It’s such an energetic area,” Frisby said of Woodbury.
Nicole Mitchell announces campaign for Woodbury City Council Original
Former Minnesota DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell has officially announced her run for Woodbury City Council. “It has been my honor to grow up and live in Woodbury and it has shaped the person I am today,” she wrote on her campaign website. “I have always given back, from volunteering to military service, and I want to see our neighborhoods and all of Minnesota thrive.” Mitchell is a former broadcast meteorologist and lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard.
New Life Academy buys Bailey Nurseries parcel for sports center Original
New Life Church and Academy, a private Christian school in Woodbury, is expanding its campus. The school, at 6758 Bailey Road, has purchased 30 acres of land from Bailey Nurseries adjacent to its existing campus. The new location will be developed into an athletic complex that could include new sports fields and activities to “better serve current and future students, families and the broader community,” according to the school.
3M funds to help pay for Phalen Creek daylighting, Mississippi Dunes park Original
The restoration of an urban St. Paul stream and development of a park on a former Cottage Grove golf course are among the projects receiving state funding from the 3M Co. PFAS contamination settlement.
St. Paul free food truck Shobi’s Table plans for a brick-and-mortar cafe Original
Can you picture the restaurant in your neighborhood that everybody goes to? The place where people know each other by name, where laughter is loud and strangers sit together, phones off, engrossed in conversation. Well, that’s what a pay-as-you-can food truck in St. Paul wants to become. Shobi's Table director Kari Olsen talks with friends in the parking lot of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Paul on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Here’s a list of east metro bonding projects funded by the 2026 Legislature Original
Lawmakers passed a $1.2 billion bonding package during the past legislative session — with a number of east metro projects included. For St. Paul, the final package — reached as part of a bipartisan deal between Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders last month — contained $50 million in starter money for the planned renovation of the Grand Casino Arena complex. Of that amount, $40 million is aimed at modernizing Roy Wilkins Auditorium, a 5,800-seat auditorium built in 1932.
Former state senator Nicole Mitchell exploring Woodbury City Council run Original
ST. PAUL — Former Minnesota DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell, who left office after being convicted of burglarizing her stepmother’s home, appears to be exploring a run for Woodbury City Council. While Mitchell has not made a formal announcement about running for office, her website, nicolemitchell.org, includes a page accepting donations for a Woodbury City Council campaign. The website largely details her background growing up in Woodbury and military service.
Ex-MN Sen. Nicole Mitchell exploring Woodbury City Council run Original
Former Minnesota DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell, who left office after being convicted of burglarizing her stepmother’s home, appears to be exploring a run for Woodbury City Council. While Mitchell has not made a formal announcement about running for office, her website, nicolemitchell.org, includes a page accepting donations for a Woodbury City Council campaign. The website largely details her background growing up in Woodbury and military service.
What to expect from St. Paul Pride this weekend, plus free weddings at Twin Cities Pride in Minneapolis Original
St. Paul Pride, a festival now in its fourth year, kicks off this weekend with live music performances, small business vendors and free family activities. (Courtesy of Kyle Rucker) “One of the reasons we started St. Paul Pride is because there are a lot of folks in the community that wanted a more relaxed or intimate Pride setting, and I think we’re continuing on with that,” event organizer Kyle Rucker said.
Como Zoo, awaiting corpse flower bloom, evacuates due to bomb threat
After Como Park Zoo & Conservatory received a bomb threat Saturday, the facility was evacuated. More than 6,000 visitors were at the zoo/conservatory between 10 a.m. and 1:50 p.m., according to according to marketing & PR manager Matt Reinartz. Evacuations began near 1:50 p.m. during the potential bloom of the corpse flower, though the number of visitors on Saturday was average, Reinartz said.
Como Zoo reports bomb threat & bloom of corpse flower
The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory stated that the building received a public threat Saturday, In a Facebook post, the organization said that safety protocols were followed and police authorities were contacted upon receiving the threat, which was a pipe bomb threat, according to marketing & PR manager Matt Reinartz.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recommends pumping groundwater to treat for PFAS
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is recommending that PFAS pollution in drinking water be handled by drilling wells around the east metro to pump up and treat the groundwater before it spreads further. kAm!6C\ 2?5 A@=J7=F@C@2=<J= DF3DE2?46D[ <?@H? 2D !up$[ 2C6 2=D@ C676CC65 E@ 2D “7@C6G6C 496>:42=D” 5F6 E@ 9@H =@?8 E96J C6>2:? :? E96 6?G:C@?>6?E] %96 496>:42=D 2C6 ?@E D276 7@C =:G:?8 @C82?:D>D E@ 4@?DF>6 2?5 2C6 5:77:4F=E E@ C6>@G6 7C@> H2E6C]k^Am kAm%96 C64@>>6?52E:@?
MN Pollution Control Agency recommends pumping groundwater to treat for PFAS
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is recommending that PFAS pollution in drinking water be handled by drilling wells around the east metro to pump up and treat the groundwater before it spreads further. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are also referred to as “forever chemicals” due to how long they remain in the environment. The chemicals are not safe for living organisms to consume and are difficult to remove from water.
Mankato boy’s Make-A-Wish was a kitten — so a Lake Elmo school threw him a cat party Original
Rylan De Lorme-Arsznov, 6, plays with a cat-shaped balloon during his birthday party at the Gardner School of Lake Elmo-Woodbury in Lake Elmo on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Rylan, who is being treated for a rare kidney disease, asked for a cat from Make-A-Wish Minnesota and was given a cat-themed party. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) Rylan De Lorme-Arsznov, 6, hugs his mom Kayla De Lorme before the start of his birthday party at the Gardner School of Lake Elmo-Woodbury.
Minnesota sues 3M again over PFAS pollution
ST. PAUL — Minnesota is again suing 3M Co. over contamination from its products containing “forever chemicals,” this time concerning pollution at its Cottage Grove manufacturing facility. In a lawsuit filed this month in Washington County District Court, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are harming the state’s ground and surface waters in violation of permits and state and federal laws.
Minnesota sues 3M again over PFAS pollution
Minnesota is again suing 3M Co. over contamination from its products containing “forever chemicals,” this time concerning pollution at its Cottage Grove manufacturing facility. kAmx? 2 =2HDF:E 7:=65 E9:D >@?E9 :? (2D9:?8E@? r@F?EJ s:DEC:4E r@FCE[ E96 |:??6D@E2 !@==FE:@? r@?EC@= p86?4J D2:5 A6C\ 2?5 A@=J7=F@C@2=<J= DF3DE2?46D[ <?@H? 2D !up$[ 2C6 92C>:?8 E96 DE2E6’D 8C@F?5 2?5 DFC7246 H2E6CD :? G:@=2E:@?
Minnesota sues 3M again over PFAS pollution
Minnesota is again suing 3M Co. over contamination from its products containing "forever chemicals," this time concerning pollution at its Cottage Grove manufacturing facility. In a lawsuit filed this month in Washington County District Court, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are harming the state's ground and surface waters in violation of permits and state and federal laws.
Minnesota sues 3M again over PFAS pollution
Minnesota is again suing 3M Co. over contamination from its products containing “forever chemicals,” this time concerning pollution at its Cottage Grove manufacturing facility. kAmx? 2 =2HDF:E 7:=65 E9:D >@?E9 :? (2D9:?8E@? r@F?EJ s:DEC:4E r@FCE[ E96 |:??6D@E2 !@==FE:@? r@?EC@= p86?4J D2:5 A6C\ 2?5 A@=J7=F@C@2=<J= DF3DE2?46D[ <?@H? 2D !up$[ 2C6 92C>:?8 E96 DE2E6’D 8C@F?5 2?5 DFC7246 H2E6CD :? G:@=2E:@?
Minnesota sues 3M again over PFAS pollution Original
Minnesota is again suing 3M Co. over contamination from its products containing “forever chemicals,” this time concerning pollution at its Cottage Grove manufacturing facility. In a lawsuit filed this month in Washington County District Court, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are harming the state’s ground and surface waters in violation of permits and state and federal laws.
Woodbury’s R.H. Stafford Library to close next year for renovation Original
Plans to renovate Washington County’s most-used library are in development. The Washington County Board recently approved a $931,908 contract with Kraus-Anderson Construction Company for construction management services on the R.H. Stafford Library redesign project. R.H. Stafford Library, located inside Woodbury’s Central Park, was built in 2002 and is Washington County’s most-used library branch. It is also the fifth busiest library in the state, according to the county.
Woodbury: Bailey Road-Settlers Ridge closed for new roundabout Original
The Washington County Board has approved a $3,022,212.30 construction contract with Eureka Construction Inc. for the Bailey Road (County Road 18) and Settlers Ridge Parkway intersection improvement project. The reconstruction project will include a single-lane roundabout to replace the existing stop-controlled intersection, highway drainage and surface water management improvements and pedestrian and bicycle facility upgrades.
Woodbury breaks ground on renovation of public safety center Original
Until Woodbury’s Public Safety Campus Project is complete, public safety services will temporarily run out of the former Washington County Service Center, Woodbury City Hall and other EMS and Fire stations in the city. “It’s just so exciting,” Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt said.
Amazon’s largest Minnesota delivery station now open in Woodbury
Amazon’s newest and largest Minnesota delivery station is up and running in Woodbury. With the new facility, east metro and western Wisconsin residents can expect speedier package delivery, according to the company. The building, which began operating April 1, is referred to as a “last-mile facility” as the final stop in processing before packages head out to customers.
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