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The Roundabout
Thursday, April 10, 2025
We are back as volunteer editors of The Roundabout and Woodbury News Net!
Our first paid editor, Matt McConico, landed a job he couldn’t refuse, and his family is moving to Duluth. We thank Matt for his hard work and leadership. He let us know he still believes strongly in our non-profit model to provide a news source to Woodbury and wishes us the best as we continue to grow.
We’ve begun the search for our next editor.
— Pat Mack and Manali Shah
Weather
Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
H: 50 L: 39 | H: 55 L: 39 | H: 65 L: 50 | H: 66 L: 46 | H: 49 L: 35 |
Light Rain | Partly Cloudy | Cloudy | Light Rain | Light Rain |
Also, as we approach a significant milestone at WNN, we want to thank the almost 3,000 readers who have signed up to receive our weekly newsletter. This is a huge accomplishment in our first eight months of publishing. With that said, we can use your help to ensure WNN continues expanding its reach into our community.
There are three primary ways to support Woodbury News Net:
First is sharing the hard work our volunteers are doing. Please ask your friends and family and encourage them to sign up for the Roundabout for FREE.
Second is volunteering. We have many areas of focus that don’t involve writing, so you should check out the different volunteer positions available. Email us and let us know you’re interested in helping grow WNN.
Third is financial support. Donations and sponsorships are appreciated and encouraged. Your financial support keeps the journalism WNN publishes pay-wall free and accessible to everyone in Woodbury. Become a sustaining donor today!
Now, on to the news …
Top Story
East Ridge Robotics Ominous Raptors and its robot are heading to a world competition in Houston. Photo: Contributed.
by Kathy Saltzman | Published on April 10, 2025
The East Ridge High School robotics team is headed to the World Robotics Championship after qualifying at the recent regional competition in Tulsa. It’s the team’s eighth trip to the championship since 2009.
High school robotic teams from around the world will join the ERRORs (East Ridge Robotics Ominous Raptors) in Houston from April 17-19 for the competition. The event is hosted by FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), the world’s leading nonprofit advancing STEM education for youth.
“For robotics participants and fans, ‘Worlds’ is the equivalent of the World Series, Stanley Cup, or Super Bowl,” said Pete Fox, ERRORs Booster Club President. He noted that the team is fundraising to cover the $33,000 cost for bus transportation, lodging, and event registration for the 38-member team.
The theme and challenge for this year’s competition, REEFSCAPE, was announced in January via a televised event watched by teams from around the globe. Nicknamed DivE.R.R., the robot’s challenge is to clean algae (rubber balls) off a coral reef and place PVC piping to rebuild the reef.
You can support the ERRORs as they prepare to represent Woodbury at the Robotics World Championship. The East Ridge Robotics Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Tax-deductible donations can be sent via Venmo to @frcERRORs3130 or mailed to P.O. Box 25641, Woodbury, MN 55125. Want more information? Contact them at [email protected].
City & County
 | Doug Schultz | When an inch of rain falls in Woodbury, where does it go? That might sound like a party game question, some kind of philosophical brain teaser or even part of a geography quiz. But for Kristin Seaman, environmental resources coordinator for the City of Woodbury and Paige Ahlborg, assistant administrator with the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, it’s a very serious question. |
 | Pat Mack | About 5,000 people packed Woodbury High School Saturday for the Woodbury Community EXPO 2025. The 16th annual, free event featured more than 150 booths showcasing area businesses and non-profit organizations. “What a great turnout,” Justin Atkinson of Justin Films posted on Facebook. He offered information about his business and free candy at his booth. “We truly have a great community!” |
Manali Shah | It takes a lot of professionals to run the City of Woodbury as Mayor Anne Burt demonstrated in her approach to her annual “State of the City” address presented April 3 at Eagle Valley Golf Course. Instead of giving the entire address, she introduced the heads of the six main city departments who talked about upcoming projects and developments.
Pat Mack | The Minnesota Court of Appeals has instructed a lower court to reconsider its ruling that blocked the release of bodycam footage of the burglary arrest of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury.
Schools
 | Manali Shah | The superintendent of South Washington County Schools says staff followed security procedures and quickly addressed a threat from a student March 31 at Woodbury High School. Julie Nielsen shared an update on the incident in a letter to families, staff and students of the school. |
 | Manali Shah & Beth-Ann Bloom | Young women from Woodbury area schools have been selected for Athena Awards for their excellence and achievements as student-athletes. The St. Paul Area Athena Awards program honors outstanding female high school senior student-athletes from St. Paul, suburban public schools, and independent high schools for their athletic achievements. |
In Other News
Manali Shah | Woodbury Community Foundation is holding its annual fundraiser, on Sunday, April 27. The evening’s theme is “The Supper Club Experience; a night of community, comfort and class. Folks are encouraged to put on their fancy clothes and join the fun!
This year the event is being held at the Confluence Hotel in Hastings. Tickets are available at $125 per person or $240 for a couple.
Staff Report | Event planners for One Woodbury are seeking input from the community as they begin planning the 2025 celebration.
One Woodbury celebrates the diverse people, perspectives, and experiences in the community. The city says public input will be critical in shaping the future of the celebration to best reflect the community. The event, held in Ojibway Park since 2023, has featured diverse performances, food trucks, and resource tables from community partners and sponsors.
The online survey is open through Friday, April 18.
Events Calendar
Friends Spring Used Book Sale, now through Saturday, April 12, Stillwater Public Library, Stillwater, Minn. Proceeds benefit the library and enhance materials and programs. Cash or check payments are accepted; no credit cards. Most items are priced at $1 to $2. $35 is charged for use of a scanner.
Fashion for a Cause Gala, Thursday, April 10, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., River Oaks Events Center in Cottage Grove, Minn. Join in a night of fun, food and fashion to support the Basic Needs Food Market. In addition to the fashion show, there will be a wine wall, silent auction, entertainment and more! Your $100 ticket purchase will make a difference in offering food to those in need.
Alice by Heart, April 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at 7 p.m. and April 13 at 2 p.m. Stillwater Area High School, Stillwater, Minn. The school’s Spring Musical is a touching production inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and set in the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II. Recommended for ages 13+ and contains mature themes and language. Advance tickets are available online only.
Young Artisans & Entrepreneurs Makers Market, Saturday, April 12, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Valley Creek Mall, Woodbury. There will be 30 booths with gifts, crafts, food, and more from youth-founded businesses.
Spring Egg Painting, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Battle Creek Recreation Center, 75 Winthrop St. S., St Paul. Join in on Easter fun as the little ones (ages 7-12) can participate in decorating eggs! Children can take home their Easter-themed artwork.
Fun & Games
Rearrange the letters to make words relating to gardening.
DEES |