Roundabout

Thursday, June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

A note from Susan Kent, chair and co-founder of Woodbury News Net: The murders of DFL Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark, and the shooting of DFL Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, are horrific. We pray for John and Yvette as they recover and pray for the family and friends of Melissa and Mark. We condemn political violence in any form. During my time as a state senator, I saw how Melissa excelled at bringing people together. In an era of sharp partisanship, we need her spirit of civility more than ever.

A note from Pat Mack and Manali Shah, co-editors: Our stories include how the political violence affected Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s trial. We hear from the Woodbury police officer who rescued a bald eagle and the bird’s caretakers. Business is booming with a discount sporting goods store on tap and an opening date for Ross Dress for Less. And we offer a way to recycle school supplies and sail away on the St. Croix.

New logo: We also have to note our new, stylish, contemporary logo! A huge thank you to Charlie Weaver, who leads the Metro Non-Profit News Network, for dusting off his graphic design skills and crafting our nameplate. We don’t blame you if it makes you want to donate more than ever! Or share this newsletter! Or volunteer! Just click the buttons below.

Co-Editors: Pat Mack, Manali Shah
[email protected]

Weather

Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Monday
H: 84 L: 67	H: 86 L: 76	H: 93 L: 79	H: 95 L: 72	H: 82 L: 60
Storms Likely	Chance Storms	HOT	HOT	Chance Storms

Top Story

A photo of DFL House Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, is part of a memorial on the steps of the state Capitol.

Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s Trial Moved To July After Democratic Leader Murdered

by Pat Mack | Published on June 17, 2025

The criminal trial for Sen. Nicole Mitchell (DFL-Woodbury) will be held July 14-18, according to a spokesperson for the Minnesota Judicial Branch. It was scheduled to start June 16 but was postponed after the assassination of Minnesota’s House Democratic leader and her husband.

Mitchell’s attorneys filed the request for the postponement. “Ms. Mitchell requests that the trial be continued out of reverence for Saturday’s unspeakable tragedy, and to allow the partisan political temperature in Minnesota time to cool down,” the motion states. “Given the unprecedented circumstances, the State of Minnesota, through Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald, does not object to Ms. Mitchell’s motion.”

Judge Michael D. Fritz agreed and set the July trial date. Mitchell allegedly broke into the home her late father shared with her stepmother in Detroit Lakes. Mitchell denies the two felony burglary charges she faces.

The shootings prompted Woodbury police to post on Facebook about how to identify a legitimate city police officer.

News

Officer: Eagle Rescue Once In A Lifetime Experience

by Doug Schultz | When Officer Andrew Mattson of the Woodbury Police Department got the call about an injured bald eagle on the shoulder of Woodbury Drive, he wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to do ...

City & County

Traffic Changes For Radio Drive, Tower Drive, Hargis Parkway

by WNN Staff | The city of Woodbury has announced more traffic impacts primarily due to construction of the Water Treatment Plant and its pipelines.

Business

Discount Sporting Goods Outlet Opening In Woodbury

by Pat Mack | Going, Going, Gone - a discount sporting goods chain - is opening a store in Woodbury. A sign taped to the store’s front door in Tamarack Village states it will have a soft open on June 25.

Schools

Donate Gently Used School Supplies

by Beth-Ann Bloom | The end of the school year often includes an excess of leftover supplies. Washington County is working to keep these items out of the landfill and into the re-use stream.

Life

Seeking Sailors On The St. Croix River

by Bethany Frandle | Are you or the kids in your life looking for a way to engage with nature and learn new skills this summer?

Events Calendar

Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest, June 19-22, beginning at 4 p.m. each day. This four-day family-friendly extravaganza celebrates the city's heritage with strawberry treats, a carnival, live music, a marketplace, and a parade. Admission is free.

Marketfest, Thursday, June 19, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., downtown White Bear Lake, Minn. Marketfest is a free summer festival that runs Thursday evenings though July.

Yoga in the Park, Thursdays through August 21, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Lake Elmo Park Reserve North Pavilion. Sessions open to all levels. $10 per session or $120 for season pass. Vehicle permit required.

The Producers, June 20-21 at 7 p.m. and June 22 at 2 p.m. An Open Door Community Theatre production. Performances at The Loft Stage at East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive.

Farmers’ Market, Sundays through Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Red Rock Elementary, Woodbury. Produce, flowers, plants, and artisan products.