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The Roundabout
March 13, 2025
Matthew McConico
March 13, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
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Woodbury Weather via National Weather Service
Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
H: 64 L: 50 Mostly Sunny | H: 72 L: 42 Showers Late | H: 54 L: 20 Windy & Precip | H: 35 L: 20 Gusty Wind | H: 51 L: 32 Mostly Sunny |
Editor: Matt McConico | Lead Contributors: Pat Mack & Manali Shah | Copy Editors: Beth-Ann Bloom & Bob Shaw
Memorial Near Crash Scene
The death is still considered to be an open case. CLICK HERE to read more about the case.
Stillwater Area School District Handout
Students in the Stillwater Area District (ISD 834) will not be able to use electronic communication devices during the school day starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Phones, smart watches, earbuds and similar devices will be prohibited from the first bell of the day to the last bell of the day. CLICK HERE to learn more on why the School Board made the decision.
Cover of Call Me Max by Kyle Lukoff
The Stillwater Area School District (ISD 834) removed two books from general circulation at school media centers. The books will still be available, but only with parental permission. They were recently donated after a community member funded the purchase of more than 30 books for elementary media centers across the school district.
Administration determined the book “Grandad's Pride” by Harry Woodgate had adult images and is inappropriate for elementary school students. A second book, “Call Me Max” by Kyle Lukoff, also raised concerns to the administration with the issue being, “the age and maturity of the intended audience.” CLICK HERE to learn how district administration learned of the books and what one of the authors said about restricted access.
Zahir Mohamednazir Bachelani
Bachelani was convicted of robbing the Huntington Bank, located at 7377 Currell Blvd. and the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 7525 Currell Blvd. in Woodbury and US Bank, located at 7620 10th St N in Oakdale. The robberies occurred between June 14 and August 3, 2024.
CLICK HERE to see why Bachelani said he robbed the banks.
William Michael Haslach
The former lunch monitor, traffic guard and paraprofessional for local school districts will remain jailed while awaiting trial on federal child pornography charges. The Federal prosecutors allege William Michael Haslach used his access to children to take non-explicit photos of children in his care. Haslach then used those images to produce morphed/AI photos of those minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
CLICK HERE to learn more on why the judge decided to hold Haslach prior to the trial.
Central Park Renovations Artist Rendering South Patio and New Addition
Bryan C asks, “Why was it necessary to do the extensive remodel and addition of the Woodbury Central Park? How much did it cost residents?” CLICK HERE to learn about the funding mechanisms to pay for it, plus more than a dozen reasons for the renovation.
Three cases of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) have been reported recently in students attending Stillwater Middle School.
Pertussis is a contagious bacterial illness that can cause severe coughing fits, especially in younger children and infants. CLICK HERE to read more about the cases, signs plus ISD 833 and ISD 622 responses.
GolfPass.com has ranked Eagle Valley as the 14th best Public Golf Course for 2025 in Minnesota. CLICK HERE to see the top 5 in the state, plus one nearby course that made the top 25 list.
Woodbury Community Garden
Raised and wheelchair accessible spots in the 2025 Woodbury Community Garden can now be reserved for residents who want to grow vegetables, flowers, and connections with their neighbors. The in ground plots were given away in a raffle a few months ago. CLICK HERE to learn how to sign-up for the elevated plots.
Max Moris
East Ridge High School Graduate Max Moris was named the Summit League Baseball Peak Performer Of The Week for the week of March 10, 2025.
Moris is a graduate student at St Thomas. CLICK HERE to learn about what earned him his first player of the week honor.
Bogdan Vizoli
Woodbury High School Graduate Bogdan Vizoli was named the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Men’s Tennis Athlete of the Week. Vizoli is a Junior at St. Olaf College majoring in Nursing.
At Woodbury High School he played tennis and soccer. He graduated with High Honors. CLICK HERE to learn why his performances earned the MIAC honor.
Dr. Yohuru Williams speaks at the University of St. Thomas. Photo: University of St. Thomas
Tea Talks: 2023-2024 Historic Courthouse Preservation Project, Friday, Mar. 14, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 West Pine Street, Stillwater, Minn. Nibble pastries, sip tea and coffee, and enjoy a presentation by Parks Coordinator Jack Nilsen on the courthouse preservation project. Cost: $15 per person. Registration required.
Peter and the Wolf, East Metro Symphony Orchestra, Sunday, Mar. 16, at 3 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 2499 North Helen Street, North St. Paul, Minn. Admission to this concert is free. Donations in support of the orchestra’s work in the community are always appreciated.
A Community Conversation on Racial Justice with Dr. Yohuru Williams, Wednesday, Mar. 19, 5 p.m. M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital Auditorium, 1925 Woodwinds Dr., St Paul. The Woodbury Racial Equity Collaborative invites you to a powerful evening of education, dialogue, and community building at our upcoming Speaker Series event: Six Degrees of Segregation featuring Dr. Yohuru Williams. Williams is the Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. Free event, but registration is required.
Minnesota in World War Two with Col. Don Patton, Thursday, Mar. 20, at the Stillwater Event Center, 1910 S. Greeley Street – next door to the Washington County Heritage Center. World War 2 Roundtable President Col. Don Patton will be the featured speaker for the Washington County Historical Society Annual Meeting. He will highlight the Minnesotans who played major roles during WWII and contributions from companies on the home front. The event is open to the public and the cost is $25 for WCHS members and $30 for nonmembers. Seating is limited and organizers expect a large attendance. Reservations are required in advance.
Spring Equinox Forest Bathing, Saturday, Mar. 22, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. 9653 Keats Avenue South Cottage Grove, Minn. Experience an ancient wellness practice being rediscovered anew in the 21st century. Join us on an immersive, meditative, and awe-inspiring Japanese forest bathing experience (Shinrin-Yoku). Space is limited. Cost: $45/person each session. A Washington County park vehicle permit is required ($7/daily or $30/annual).
CLICK HERE for more information on some of those events, plus more happenings around out area.
NAIR
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CLICK HERE to Word Scramble Answers, plus two more bonus words!
In Case You Missed It: Last Week’s Most Clicked Stories
1) Planning Commission Approves Indoor Slide And Trampoline Park
2) Restaurant Paris Baguette To Open in Woodbury
3) ASK WNN: Why did South Washington County School Board Member Resign?
4) New Life Church and Academy To Nearly Double In Size
5) Woodbury High School Grad Earns Prestigious Award at U Penn
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