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Articles by Tim Engstrom
American Legion district honorably retires thousands of U.S. flags
Department of Minnesota 4th District leads annual flag retirement ceremony just ahead of Flag Day. Founded as the Disabled Veterans Rest Camp in 1926 to help World War I veterans recover, this 75-acre parcel of land today holds a special place in the heart of veterans in Minnesota. It is northeast of the Twin Cities – out in the country about a 30-minute drive from downtown St. Paul.
Expert: Preventing suicide needs the entire public
American Legion Department of Minnesota addresses the organization’s Be the One mission by providing suicide prevention training. Preventing suicide is an enormous challenge. That was the message from Adam Walsh, an independent consultant to the Columbia Lighthouse Project, which collaborates with The American Legion in the “Be the One” mission of preventing veteran suicides. Walsh, an expert who has worked in the field of suicide prevention as a career, including for the Pentagon, spoke on Oct.
Former tennis pro David Wheaton to speak at prayer breakfast
MEDINA – The West Metro National Day of Prayer Breakfast this year features keynote speaker David Wheaton, a former professional tennis player who grew up in Wayzata and resides in Tonka Bay. At a young age, he found success in tennis – at one time ranked No. 12 in the world – but was unhappy. Now he is an author, columnist and radio host.
My favorite book: Local leaders share their top reads
We at the Lakeshore Weekly News certainly like to read, and we know that you – our dedicated newspaper readers – like to read, too. So we thought you might enjoy reading which books a handful of officials from around the region like the best. Special thanks to Excelsior Bay Books and Hennepin County Library for your assistance with this project, and thanks to all the participants, too.
American Legion National Commander to Speak in Fergus Falls: All Are Invited
American Legion National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer, of Wisconsin, is coming to Fergus Falls and will speak on issues of importance to Minnesota veterans. Seehafer will speak about how The American Legion is saving lives and changing lives. He will address the “Be the One” campaign to prevent veteran suicides. “Preventing veteran suicide is more than a goal for The American Legion. It is a mission,” Seehafer said.
Legion Baseball Division 1 Rankings for Week of June 30
Scheels Top 20 Rankings Rankings for Div. I teams in Minnesota American Legion Baseball are released every Thursday during baseball season. This is the rankings for June 30. (in parentheses is last week’s rank) 1. Willmar (1) 2. Hopkins (2) 3. Farmington (3) 4. Mankato National (4) 5. Stillwater (5) 6. Alexandria (10) 7. Chanhassen (8) 8. Forrest Lake 9. Maple Grove (6) 10. Grand Rapids (9) 11. Moorhead Blues (11) 12. Sartell (19) 13. Edina (18) 14. Bemidji (12) 15. Woodbury Blue (14) 16. Eagan 17. Osseo 18.
How La Crescent Post 595 sold off the building … and came out on top
By Tim Engstrom Minnesota Legionnaire In August of 2014, four members of La Crescent Post 595 and a loan officer from a bank got together on the deck of a member’s house in town and discussed the future of the Post home. Never did the five men imagine the end of result of their efforts would come out so favorable. “We didn’t want to be responsible for another building,” recalled Sy Fix, who was the Post 595 commander at the time.
Guest Column: Why hire a veteran? More experience with diversity than typical college grads
Guest columnist Tim Engstrom explains why companies should hire veterans. Courtesy of Flickr “I used to work for the world’s most diverse employer.” Working in private, for-profit businesses for most of my career, that’s a phrase I would tell people, usually to other managers in discussions about our work staff but occasionally with members of the public when community diversity came up. People immediately wanted to know the employer. “The U.S. Army,” I replied.
Minnesota American Legion Baseball 2020 season cancelled
DOWNLOAD THE NEWS RELEASE HERE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Saturday, May 9, 2020 CONTACT: Randy Schaub Tim Engstrom Director Director of Communications Minnesota American Legion Baseball American Legion Dept.
New beer is featured at 8 west metro breweries
John Hayes, one of two owners of Enki Brewing in Victoria, had an idea. He wanted to brew a beer in collaboration with other breweries. He and co-owner Dan Norton asked other west metro brewery owners to join, and before long, eight were on board. They had an idea of what beer they wanted to make and went to their brewmasters. “They completely changed everything,” Hayes said. The result is a beer called the Collective Barleywine.
What would you do? Students explore ethics with EP Noon Rotary
1 of 5 Noah Stuhr, at the microphone, is the CEO of his company, which makes activewear for college-aged adults, and presenting with him is his executive team following a crisis that the company’s contract manufacturers run sweatshops overseas. From left are Molly Zeller, VP of marketing and sales, Dzao Vu, VP of human resources, Braden Ross, VP of public and government relations, and Patrick Yang, chief financial officer. Not with them is Jake Stabno, VP of manufacturing.
5 great drives to see fall colors
Minnesota River Drive Route: Scott/Sibley County Road 6 from Belle Blaine to Henderson, then Minnesota Highway 93 to LeSueur, then Highway 169 to Mankato, then Highway 68 to New Ulm. Peak color: late September to mid-October What you’ll see: Beautiful yellow and gold hardwoods dot the orange landscape of the valleys and bluffs along the Minnesota River. At Minneopa State Park, there are 45-foot double waterfalls to see.
The 4 main COVID-19 scams and how to avoid them
The coronavirus pandemic has given rise to online scam artists offering phony cures and trying to steal scared people’s money. Americans were told to stop selling sham vaccines, but that is the tip of iceberg and global catfishing is increasing as with all epidemics when people are most vulnerable. SocialCatfish.com released a report on four coronavirus scams to avoid using current guidelines from the CDC and WHO and identifying common scams used during H1N1, Ebola and Zika outbreaks.
Wayzata's Lake Street reconstruction delayed until early 2020
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Open house to learn about Wayzata's Lake Street reconstruction is Aug. 27
WAYZATA — Construction on Lake Street in Wayzata is set to begin in September, with an open house meeting about the project slated for Aug. 27. The Lake Street reconstruction project is one facet of the Wayzata Lake Effect, an effort to better connect people to Lake Minnetonka. Lake Street, from Barry Avenue to Broadway Avenue, will be reconstructed to make it more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.
Cross-state Iowa bike ride route to come close to Albert Lea area - Albert Lea Tribune
Cross-state Iowa bike ride route to come close to Albert Lea area The granddaddy of cross-state bicycle rides will trek across northern Iowa this year and come close to the Albert Lea area. The 10,000 bicyclists on the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa stop July 22 to stay overnight in the Winnebago County seat of Forest City and on July 23 in Mason City. It is the fourth time Forest City has hosted the ride and only the second time for Mason City.
Creative Kidstuff toy stores are closing
MINNETONKA — After 37 years, Creative Kidstuff is going out of business. Roberta Bonoff, the CEO of Creative Kidstuff, made the announcement in a statement Wednesday, April 3, saying Creative Kidstuff is closing its doors on June 30. “Our mission has always been making play joyful, educational, creative and inspiring. It’s been our pleasure to be part of such a fundamental experience for all families,” Bonoff said.
Medical data and analytics conference comes to Optum
Experts in healthcare data and technology will gather in Eden Prairie this month for the annual HALICON 2019 conference. At this free event, held at Optum in Eden Prairie, speakers and panelists from organizations including the Mayo Clinic, the Carlson School of Management and Teradata will present on topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation and data visualization, and their applications in the medical field.
EP middle schooler honored nationally for reporting, volunteerism
A sign welcomes visitors to Central Middle School. A student at CMS has been honored for his work in volunteering and news writing. Photo by Tim Engstrom An Eden Prairie middle school student has been honored with a national award for his volunteerism, according to a press release.
Shutdown fluctuations stress air traffic controllers at Flying Cloud Airport
For Air Traffic Controller Jerah Kavoosi at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, each fizzled opportunity to end the shutdown meant yet another day of no pay. “We were all watching and hoping something would happen yesterday to open the government,” Kavoosi, the union representative, said.
Shutdown fluctuation stresses air traffic controllers at Flying Cloud Airport
For Air Traffic Controller Jerah Kavoosi at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, each fizzled opportunity to end the shutdown means yet another day of no pay. “We were all watching and hoping something would happen yesterday to open the government,” Kavoosi, the union representative, said.
8 Eden Prairie Schools teachers nominated for Teacher of the Year
A sign welcomes visitors to Central Middle School. Three of the seven Eden Prairie teachers nominated for Teacher of the Year work at Central. Photo by Tim Engstrom Seven Eden Prairie School District teachers have been nominated for the Teacher of the Year Award. In a press release on Friday, Jan. 18, Education Minnesota released its list of 168 nominees for the award — a near record-breaking amount with the third-highest number in the award's 55-year history.
St. Olaf Orchestra to perform at Wayzata High School
WAYZATA — The St. Olaf Orchestra is performing at Wayzata High School this weekend. The orchestra, conducted by Steven Amundson, will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, as part of its 2019 national tour. The tour includes a visit to Carnegie Hall on Feb. 2. The St. Olaf Orchestra, which was called “one of the best college orchestras in the nation” by Time Magazine, is known for its passion and professional-level performances.
7 Eden Prairie teachers nominated for Teacher of the Year
A sign welcomes visitors to Central Middle School. Three of the seven Eden Prairie teachers nominated for Teacher of the Year work at Central. Photo by Tim Engstrom Seven Eden Prairie School District teachers have been nominated for the Teacher of the Year Award. In a press release on Friday, Jan. 18, Education Minnesota released its list of 168 nominees for the award — a near record-breaking amount with the third-highest number in the award's 55-year history.
Eden Prairie will vote on Designing Pathways in May 2019
Central Middle School in Eden Prairie presently educates seventh- and eighth-graders. It is at 8025 School Road. Designing Pathways recommends adding classrooms and moving sixth-graders to the school. Photo by Tim Engstrom The Eden Prairie School Board has set a date for the public to vote on funding for Designing Pathways. At its Jan. 7 meeting, the board voted to set May 14, 2019, as the date for the district's referendum election.
Western OB/GYN adds certified midwife
Jennifer Finger, certified nurse midwife, has joined Western OB/GYN, a Division of Ridgeview Clinics in December, and sees patients at its Waconia and Chaska clinic locations. The addition of Finger grows the long-established practice to seven physicians, four midwives, a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant.
Shorewood boy earns Eagle Scout honor
Garrett G. Gillespie, a member of Boy Scout Troop 346 of Minnetonka, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He received the highest award in the Boy Scout program at the Eagle Court of Honor on Jan. 5 Gillespie is a freshman at Minnetonka High School. As a member of Troop 346, Gillespie has held a variety of troop positions including Leave No Trace Trainer, Cobra Patrol Leader and Quartermaster.
Minnetonka Community Education wins awards
Minnetonka Community Education was recognized in October by Minnesota Community Education Association for its March 2018 Top Customer Event. This award was a Project Award presented to outstanding projects that exemplify the concept of Community Education in Minnesota. The Project Award is given to the program or event that best displays cooperation, teamwork, use of resources, achievement and community impact.
2 pedestrians struck by car on Eden Prairie Road
A crosswalk at Westgate Drive and Eden Prairie Road. Two pedestrians were struck by a car while crossing the street in this area on Tuesday, Jan. 8. Photo by Tim Engstrom A car struck two pedestrians on Eden Prairie Road on Tuesday, Jan. 8, Eden Prairie Police said in a statement released on Wednesday. At 7:41 a.m., a driver hit the pair while they crossed the street at Westgate Drive.
Three Eden Prairie lakes receive Clean Water grants
People enjoy Riley Lake Beach in Eden Prairie on a sunny day in June 2018. The lake is one of three impaired lakes in Eden Prairie that received grants to clean up the waters. Photo by Tim Engstrom With help from Hennepin County, Eden Prairie lakes are on the road to being a lot healthier. Lake Riley, Rice Marsh Lake and Mitchell Lake have all been selected as recipients of Clean Water Fund grants from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, the agency said in a news release on Dec. 28.
Where the heck it was
If you thought this festive house was Santa’s Workshop at Ridgedale Center, 12401 Wayzata Blvd., in Minnetonka, you are correct. We had two people submit correct answers for the Jan. 3 “Where the Heck Is It” photo. Rich Halvorson and Tryg Teigen, both of Plymouth, guessed correctly. Every year during the holidays the center of the mall is filled with families waiting in line to take pictures with the big guy inside Santa’s Workshop.
Pet of the Week
Pet of the Week Fritz Fritz will watch for you at the window, meet you at the door and tag along. He is fine being picked up and held, often reaching up to touch your nose. He has very soft fur and enjoys having it brushed or petted. Fritz will roll over for tummy stroking or let you place him in your lap for a short while. He has met and likes gentle dogs and kind kids over age 7. He is even-tempered, affectionate, confident and very friendly with all people.
Minnetonka man overcomes life obstacles again and again
His company crashed. His father died. Dear friends died. He got cancer. And then he was nearly killed by a clot. “I had all these calamities coming down at once,” he said. Minnetonka resident Andy Steinfeldt, to put it quite succinctly, recovered. Last March, on his birthday, he thought he would see how long he could plank. He thought maybe three or four minutes. He held it for 35. “I surprised myself. I had no idea how long I was going to do that,” he said.
Top stories of 2018: Take a look back on a year of Eden Prairie news
The staff of the Eden Prairie News looked back over the past year and gathered all the headlines and reflected on the stories. We took into consideration local newsworthiness, frequent updates in the paper and, of course, regional and national impacts, but we left out high school sports — because we already know much the Eden Prairie kids excel. We compiled it all into the top 10 stories of the year, with a few honorable mentions at the end. +9 U.S. Sen.
Where the heck it was
Gro Tonka Park offers a playground, tennis courts, a hockey rink, a field for soccer or football, horseshoes, a picnic area, a shelter, trails and restrooms. Gro Tonka Park offers a playground, tennis courts, a hockey rink, a field for soccer or football, horseshoes, a picnic area, a shelter, trails and restrooms. Photo by Tim Engstrom Because of the holidays and the early press deadline for the paper, there was less time to send in answers on the “Where the Heck Is It?” photo.
Here are your state lawmakers committee assignments
ST. PAUL — Committee assignments for the 2019-2020 Minnesota legislature have been released. Each legislator is a member of several committees during the legislative session, with these committees playing an important role in determining which of the thousands of bills introduced during the legislative session become law.
Top stories of 2018: Take a look back on the year of Lake Area news
The staff of the Lakeshore Weekly News looked back over the past year and gathered all the headlines and reflected on the stories. We took into consideration local newsworthiness, frequent updates in the paper and, of course, regional and national impacts, but we left out high school sports — because we already know much the west metro kids excel. We compiled it all into the top 10 stories of the year.
Top stories of 2018: Take a look back on the year of Lake Area news
The staff of the Lakeshore Weekly News looked back over the past year and gathered all the headlines and reflected on the stories. We took into consideration local newsworthiness, frequent updates in the paper and, of course, regional and national impacts, but we left out high school sports – because we already know much the west metro kids excel. We compiled it all into the top 10 stories of the year.
Staring Lake Outdoor Center offers new programs for grown-ups
In an effort to reach out to adults and get them engaged in outdoor nature activities, the Staring Lake Outdoor Center is offering two new programs for adults. Nature Writing Club is a new opportunity for adults 18 and older to join with like-minded folks to do some writing about nature. This is an open group that will be meeting on the second Thursday evening of each month.
Weekly Photo Contest
Eden Prairie News reader Cindy Hoffman captured this image last summer and sent it to us in November. She wrote: “I found this bumblebee on the flower wild bergamot (in our backyard in Eden Prairie) on July 22. The University of Minnesota Bee Lab verified that it is the federally endangered rusty-patched bumblebee (Bombus affinis.)” The Eden Prairie News features a weekly contest where the newspaper will publish a winning photo from readers who love photography.
Pet of the Week
Pet of the Week Speedy Is your cat lonely and would like a buddy? Speedy enjoys the company of cats, hasn’t met dogs, and is best with calm kids over age 5. Speedy is a gentle, male, brown tabby with white that was born in May 2017. The past owner could not care for him so he is looking for a patient family that will allow him to blossom as he learns to trust. Speedy is quiet, kitten-active and follows you around the house. He likes to be near you and isn’t keen on being picked up.
What are the Prop Shop's needs? Here's the weekly list
The Prop Shop is in need of new or gently used small appliances, especially electrical heaters. As people do their home cleaning, remember the Prop Shop needs all types of basic items including kids’ clothing, dishes and bedding. The nonprofit resale store sells new and gently used items to everyone in the community and offers a separate Family Service Center, which provides clothing, housewares and furniture to referred families and individuals in need in Chanhassen and Eden Prairie.
Eden Prairie bids farewell to Mayor Nancy
They gathered in the Garden Room at the Eden Prairie City Center on Dec. 18 to honor Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens, the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history, and to say farewell. Tyra-Lukens served from 2002 to 2006 and 2011 to 2018. She never thought about running for public office when she moved to Eden Prairie in 1985, she told the Eden Prairie News in a November 2017 interview. When she met former Mayor Douglas Tenpas, he told her she should consider pursuing a seat on the City Council.
It was a dough-raiser
People turned out to Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom in Eden Prairie on Wednesday, Dec. 19, to raise money for the Eden Prairie Community Foundation’s Youth Initiative. In fact, the place was packed. Fifteen percent of the restaurant’s sales that evening were donated to the foundation. What’s more, Finnegans Brew Co. and JJ Taylor Distributing Co. dedicated that evening’s proceeds from the sale of two beers — Finnegans Irish Ale and Dead Irish Poet — to purchase fresh produce for local food shelves.
Where the heck is it?
Each week we publish a detail of a local landmark and the next week we identify it. Do you know where the heck this is? Send your guesses to tengstrom@swpub.com. Please include your name and city. Recommended for you
Where the heck it was
Because of the holidays and the early press deadline for the paper, there was less time to send in answers on the “Where the Heck Is It?” photo. But we still got some correct guesses in time from Tom Brix of Plymouth and Patricia Anderson of Plymouth. It was a golf cart crossing sign on Old Long Lake Road near the Wayzata Country Club. There is one for northbound traffic and another for southbound traffic. The sign shown is for northbound traffic and is near the parking lot. Recommended for you
Where the heck? Extra info on the Northome Arch
Lakeshore Weekly News reader Lisa Stevens, a volunteer with the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, differed with an account another reader provided last week in “Where the Heck Is It?” on the history of the Northome Arch in Deephaven.
Open house to review plans for bridge over I-494 in Plymouth
PLYMOUTH — There are plans to replace the Hennepin County Road 9 (Rockford Road) bridge over Interstate 494, and an open house has been slated to get public input. Staff from the city, Hennepin County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation will host an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., to discuss draft plans for replacing the bridge and improving nearby intersections, as well as traffic detours and construction schedules for the project.
A common framework: The story of St. Luke in Minnetonka and American Indians
+3 Louise Matson of the Division of Indian Work walks to the sweat lodge at St. Luke Presbyterian Church along with church members Cecy Faster and Lori Cocking on Thursday, Dec. 20. Photos by Tim Engstrom MINNETONKA — One church in the Twin Cities metro area has a notably long history of outreach to the American Indians of the Upper Midwest. It’s not merely writing checks; it’s involved on a personal level.
Weekly Photo Contest
Eden Prairie News reader Brian Duoos sent this spectacular image this past week. He wrote: “While this is not a picture from EP, it’s a favorite from my annual trip to Red Lodge, Montana. A group of friends trailer horses out from Minnesota and ride a different trail each day for a week. This shot is from the top of a mountain not too far from Beartooth Pass.
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