The Roundabout

Editor’s Note: We love this comment we recently received from a reader: “Unbiased news reporting is so amazingly useful.” We hope you agree and will donate to our cause if you’re able! Thank you to everyone who has donated already! Also, please share and encourage people to join our email list.

Woodbury Weather via National Weather Service

^{Newsletter Editor: Matt McConico Lead Contributors: Pat Mack and Manali Shah | Copy Editor: Beth-Ann Bloom}

^{[email protected] | www.woodburynewsnet.org}

Woodbury Is A Top City To Move To In 2025

Woodbury was named a top 30 Midwestern city “to move to in the Midwest in 2025,” according to Consumer Affairs. The rankings took safety, affordability, economy, education and quality of life into account. Woodbury’s education and safety rankings powered the city to its high ranking. CLICK HERE to see the top cities in Minnesota.

Reflections: Clint Gridley On Woodbury’s Past and Future

Clint Gridley didn’t hesitate to name forever chemicals being found in city water and the impact of the Great Recession as the top challenges he faced during his more than 20 years as Woodbury’s city administrator. 

PFAS exceeding government standards in the city’s water supply has “been the most dominant issue,” Gridley, who is retiring in June, said during an interview in his office. “You think about what are the most important services a city provides. Clean water is probably in the top three.” CLICK HERE to read more about Gridley’s reflections on his time in office.

Local Schools Explain Plans After ICE Policy Changes

The Department of Homeland Security announced ICE agents will now be able to arrest people in schools. Woodbury News Net contacted Independent School Districts 622, 833 and 834, all of which have students residing in Woodbury. Their statements in part follow.

ISD 622 North St. Paul - Maplewood - Oakdale: District does not allow any law enforcement entity to meet with or question students during the school day about non-school related matters

ISD 833 South Washington County School District: Schools would only need to comply should a judicial warrant be issued and signed by a judge.

ISD 834 Stillwater Area Public Schools: In response to new federal migration policies, we are sharing resources with our staff and providing support to families as needed.

To READ their full statements click HERE.

A Bright Future For Math And Science Academy

Starting Fall 2026, for the first time MSA will offer K-5 school. This will be at the current location of its 6-12 grade facility just off Radio Drive near the Woodbury YMCA.

Woodbury News Net talked to Kate Hinton the Executive Director of Math and Sciences Academy about its future, “Elementary is new for us. We want it to be as phenomenal as our secondary.” To read more of our extended interview CLICK HERE.

Judge Makes Decisions On Sen. Mitchell Trial

The judge in the burglary case against State Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL – Woodbury) made a number or rulings regarding what lawyers will be able to say and do in the trial.

Judge Michael D. Fritz will allow the defense to refer to Mitchell as “Senator”. He also made a handful of other rulings on what can be said to jurors. You can read more HERE.

Glasses Company Warby Parker Opening New Store In Woodbury

National eyeglass retailer Warby Parker is coming to Woodbury. The chain plans to open a location at Woodbury Lakes on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. It will be the sixth store in the area and the first in the east metro.

People who purchase two or more prescription pairs of glasses will receive a tote and limited-edition poster print by local Minnesota artist, Ashley Mary, while supplies last. CLICK HERE for more information on the opening.

New Pet Emergency Room Opening In Woodbury

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) opened an animal Emergency Room just off Radio Drive in Woodbury. VEG Woodbury is open for pet emergencies 24/7 including holidays. CLICK HERE for more information on the Animal ER.

Retired Woodbury K9 Officer Passes Away

The Woodbury Police Department announced retired K9 Bosco passed away Thursday, January 30. 

K9 Bosco served Woodbury from 2013 to 2020. He first served with Commander Tom Ehrenberg and most recently with Sergeant Natalie Bauer.

Metro Micro Initial Rider Count

In the first three weeks of service for the new Metro Micro 449 rides have been provided in the Woodbury area.

Those ridership numbers are from January 6 through January 28 tallying the 3-5 buses operating in Woodbury daily. CLICK HERE for Roseville ridership numbers.

Mitchell Folks: Scouting, Singing and Sports

He is the life and soul of any big occasion, and he just earned his Eagle Scout. His other interests are certainly not just co-stars.

Mitchell is also a wrestler, football player, and weightlifter for Woodbury High School.  Mitchell sings and attends church – he has powerful golden tones that’s been heard at the kick-off of the annual Miracle League Games and at Veteran’s Day Commemorations over the years in Woodbury. He has sung since he won a competition at the ripe age of 8 years old.

On January 14th, 2025, Mitchell Folks from Troop 196, Woodbury, successfully completed his Eagle Board of Review. He earned his Eagle Scout rank at 17 years old.

READ MORE about Mitchell by CLICKING HERE.

Reality Star From Woodbury Holding Valentine’s Day Meet & Greet

The event will be on February 14, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Maplewood Mall.

CLICK HERE for more information on the event with free food and drink.

Minnesota Paralympian Documentary Special Showing

“Watershed” is a documentary on the extraordinary life of seven-time Paralympic medalist Mallory Weggemann.  It features the Minnesotan as she trains for the Tokyo Paralympics amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The special showing was on February 5th at Woodbury 10 Theatre.

Woodbury Native Shines For Gopher Gymnastics

Woodbury Native Mya Hooten helped power the team, getting 9.900-or-better average scores for the third time this season.

Events Calendar

Teen Anime Movie Night, Thursday, Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m., R.H. Stafford Library,  8595 Central Park Place,  Woodbury. Enjoy a showing of the dubbed 2018 Anime Awards Winner, “Your Name.” This film is rated for ages 12+, with a content warning that the film may contain profanity and smoking. This event is for middle and high school students (ages 11-18). Registration is not required.

Free Women’s Self-Defense Seminar,  Friday, Feb. 7 at 6:15 p.m., Kahn Martial Arts, 1850 Weir Dr, Woodbury. Women ages 12+ can participate in a free women’s self-defense seminar. Its recommend participants wear activewear pants and a shirt, and bring water. It will be an active event.

Seussical: The Musical, through Feb. 8, Open Door Community Theatre. Family friendly performances at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Dr, Woodbury.

Hudson Hot Air Affair, Feb. 7-9, River Crest Elementary School at 535 County Road F, south of Hudson, Wisc. The theme is “Staying Alive in 2025” for this annual hot air balloon rally and winter festival. Activities include balloon launches, marketplace and craft fair, moon glow/field of fire, and prize drop fundraiser.

Bird Hike at Pine Point Regional Park, Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Pine Point Regional Park, 11900 Norell Avenue North, Stillwater, Minn. Meet at trailhead kiosk. A great way to get outdoors, listen to the sounds of nature, and learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home. Participants have the opportunity to contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys. The surveys collected will assist our Natural Resources team in conjunction with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund grant. Dress for the weather. We recommend bringing your binoculars, water, snacks and wearing winter hiking shoes or boots. Program is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by parent/guardian. Bird hike is free. Need Vehicle Park Pass to enter the park.

Woodbury Polar Plunge 2025, noon, Saturday, Feb. 8, at Carver Lake Park 3175 Century Ave. S., Woodbury. Fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota. The Woodbury Plunge has raised over $981,779 for Special Olympics Minnesota in its 10-year history.

We have MANY MORE events that can be found HERE.

1. ASTR

2. THAM

3. TYIC

4. OAPLR

5. LSGSEAS

   CLICK HERE for bonus words and answers.

In Case You Missed It: Last Week’s Three Most Read Stories

1) New Math and Sciences Academy Campus Approved
2) New Indoor Pickleball Courts Heat Up Winter In Woodbury
3) Asian Restaurant Planned For Former Cowboy Jack Building

Woodbury News Net

We are a non-profit organization creating a credible news source for Woodbury. Our leadership team includes Paul Huffman, Susan Kent, Pat Mack, Rich Radke, Kathy Saltzman, Manali Shah and Matt McConico.

Please continue to share this newsletter with friends and encourage them to join our email list. It’s free and always will be!

Please donate as generously as you can!
We are committed to offering our news and information for free! But we need help to cover expenses and reach sustainability. Please donate as generously as you can to help us build this fact-based source of news! 

Volunteer!
Wanna help us build this news source? We welcome volunteers! We need help raising money, spreading the word, and other tasks. [email protected]

Let us know what’s happening!
Send us your news items! We can’t promise we’ll use them all but we’d love to consider them! [email protected].