The Roundabout

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^{Newsletter Editors: Pat Mack and Manali Shah | Copy Editor: Beth-Ann Bloom}

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

Washington County Sees Surge In Whooping Cough Cases

_{By Doug Schultz}

A tsunami-like surge in pertussis cases that struck late this fall in many of Minnesota’s larger counties, particularly in the metro area, carried Washington County in its wake.

While case numbers seem to be leveling off, health officials say it’s too early to know if the outbreak has peaked. They urged residents to remain vigilant in practicing prevention measures against respiratory infections.

More than 3,110 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, were reported in Minnesota in 2024, according to statistics from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). That’s more than at any time since 2012, when a collision of events pushed cases above 4,000 for the first time since 193, prior to modern vaccines. By contrast, only 61 cases of pertussis occurred statewide in 2023.

In Washington County, 140 cases of pertussis were reported in 2024, said David Brummel, director of environment and public health for Washington County. That’s up from four cases in 2023. The county recorded four cases in August, 16 in September, 21 in October, 38 in November and 38 in December, he said.

Hennepin County had the most cases of any county in the state and the vast majority of cases in the metro area with 846. 

School Cases

While the state was recording between 100 and more than 200 cases a week during the final weeks of the year in 2024, South Washington County Schools saw only “a few cases” of pertussis before the winter break, said Shawn Hogendorf, director of communications and community relations for the school district.

That discrepancy may not be as stark as it seems, said Chris Keller, epidemiologist for Washington County. Once known as a disease of young children, pertussis is increasingly occurring in older adolescents and adults. While most cases in the county are still in the 13-17 age range, a significant portion are in adults, so those cases don’t show up in the school data. Also, there are five different school districts in the county, as well as a number of private schools and charter schools; each of those may say they had “only a few cases” to follow-up with, but those numbers add up over time, Keller said. Also, a number of cases in school-age county residents don’t get reported back to local schools for a variety of other reasons, Keller said.

Neither the county nor the school district had data specific to Woodbury schools.

Prevention

Pertussis is caused by a bacteria that affects the lungs and is spread through the air in droplets that come from coughing or sneezing, according to MDH. “The best way to prevent pertussis is for all children to be fully vaccinated on time, for adolescents and adults to get a booster shot, and for women to be vaccinated during each pregnancy,” said Cynthia Kenyon, senior epidemiologist with MDH.

Demographics

While pertussis has been increasingly seen in older children and adults over the past 10 years, that wasn’t always the case, and young children and infants are still at highest risk for severe disease if they are infected, health officials say. That’s why it’s so important for all age groups to be up to date on their pertussis vaccines, Brummel said. “That’s the best line of defense to stay healthy, to protect yourself and others. And it’s never too late to get vaccinated,” he said.

In the current outbreak, the vast majority of cases are occurring in older children, ages 13-17, particularly middle school students, and adults over 18, according to state data.  

Washington County’s situation mirrors that of the state, Brummel said. The mean age for cases in the county was 14 in 2024, while it was 16 statewide. “So it’s occurring in all ages, but definitely in the school population,” he said. In 2023 in Washington County, 53% of cases (34) occurred in adults 18 or over.

Click here for the rest of the story, including what might be behind the surge in cases as well as steps to stay vigilant.

Former Woodbury Dentist Loses Bid To Reinstate License

_{By Pat Mack}

The Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld a ruling against a former Woodbury dentist, suspending his license to practice. Dr. Marko Kamel, who practiced at Woodbury Dental Arts from 2011 until its recent closure, had been found incompetent by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry and an administrative law judge.

The judge found Dr. Kamel had “demonstrated gross incompetence” in treating two patients. The dentist performed multiple surgeries on both patients with very poor outcomes. One patient had at least 12 dental implants in two years of treatment by Dr. Kamel, with at least seven of those implants failing. That failure rate is about 58 percent, which is far above the average failure rate of 1 or 2 percent, the court document states. Kamel advised another patient who had ongoing pain after his implant procedure not to seek treatment at the University of Minnesota. When the patient underwent surgery at the U, evidence of bone fragments and chronic granulation tissue was found around the implants along with significant infection.

Dr. Kamel argued the decision to suspend his license was not supported by substantial evidence.

The two patients filed complaints with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. The board’s Practitioner Review Committee initiated proceedings that resulted in the hearing before the administrative law judge. That judge found the board could discipline Kamel because he engaged in conduct unbecoming a person licensed to practice dentistry or conduct contrary to the best interests of the public. The board then suspended Kamel’s dental license for “an indefinite period of time.” That prompted Kamel to file his court appeal.

The Court of Appeals found in its ruling that the judge “made extensive and thoughtful findings and reached a decision after weighing the evidence presented and making credibility determinations.”

State officials in California are now trying to revoke his dental license there.

Judge Allows Audio And Video Coverage Of Sen. Mitchell’s Trial

A Becker County District Court Judge has granted a request by several media organizations for audio and video coverage of Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s criminal trial. Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, is accused of one count of felony burglary. Her trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 27. Fox 9. KARE-11, KSTP-TV, Star Tribune, WCCO-TV, and Valley News Live filed motions for media access.

Judge Michael D. Fritz wrote in his ruling that audio and video coverage will boost public transparency and trust in the court proceedings. “As an elected member of the Minnesota State Senate, Ms. Mitchell is a public figure, and there is therefore a heightened public interest in this case,” Fritz stated.

The media is allowed to record the trial but not livestream it.

Mitchell was arrested in April after allegedly breaking into her stepmother’s house in Detroit Lakes. According to the criminal complaint, Mitchell told the victim she was trying to retrieve a few items of her late father’s since “you wouldn’t talk to me anymore.” Mitchell, a first-term lawmaker, has called the incident a misunderstanding and has withstood several calls for her to resign her Senate seat.

Legislative Preview Set For Jan. 11

The League of Women Voters of Woodbury, Cottage Grove Area invites the public to take part in a virtual legislative preview Saturday, Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Area state legislators will have a chance to talk about their priorities and expectations for the 95th legislative session that begins Jan. 14. Click here to register for the free event.

Woodbury Legislative Priorities Include Lake Project

_{By Pat Mack}

The Woodbury City Council’s priorities for this year’s state legislative session include a $2 million request for the La Lake development project. The lake is next to Newport in western Woodbury, and the project would boost connectivity and accessibility, according to the city.

“This request will focus on the north part of the park with the building of a large open-air picnic shelter with permanent restrooms, picnic opportunities for large groups and multi-generational gatherings as well as a newly paved entry drive, parking lot, and trails,” a city document states.

The project is in the city’s capital improvement program for 2025 and 2026 but city leaders say without state money the project will likely be postponed.

Other state priorities:

• Sales Tax Exemption. The city is requesting an exemption from state sales tax for construction materials for the Water Treatment Plant, water tower, and pipeline.

• Housing. The city is urging state legislators to find more state financing for affordable housing projects that are ready to be built but lack funding. Legislators also will be urged to avoid broad zoning preemptions that limit local input and potentially undermine local governance, preserve the comprehensive planning process, and balance housing needs with growth.

Click here to read the rest of the story including the city’s federal priorities that include public art.

County Seeks State Money For Roads, Trails

The Washington County Board of Commissioners Tuesday set its priorities for the 2025 state legislative session. The legislative platform includes requests for road construction. These include $22.5 million for the County Road 19A and 100th Street Realignment Project and $3 million for the design of the multimodal Trunk Highway (TH) 36 and TH 120 (Century Ave.) grade separation project. A $10 million request would fund the design and construction of a Southern Public Works and Environmental Center Campus.

Other items include $1 million to close a one-mile gap in Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, $2 million for lighting at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, and $3 million to build a trailhead and connection from County State Aid Highway 5 to the Brown’s Creek State Trail. The county is seeking $15 million for Metropolitan Regional Park System capital projects.

MinnPost: Can Minnesota House Function?

A Republican-DFL Minnesota House tie has turned into an “organizational majority” for the GOP, at least temporarily. Or has it? Click here for the story from MinnPost.

Club Welcomes New Members

^{By Patricia Dolan | St. Paul Area New Resident’s Club Advisor}

Editor’s Note: Woodbury News Net is committed to building community through guest columns about area non-profit organizations that are looking for more members or volunteers. If you’d like to contribute a column about your non-profit, reach out to us at [email protected].

Have you recently moved to Woodbury due to retirement, divorce, empty nest, or the death of a spouse and are looking for a way to connect with other women in the community? The St. Paul Area New Residents Club, or SPANRC, may be just what you are looking for.

SPANRC’s purpose is to bring women together where they can meet, make new friends. and have fun. Our members span a range of backgrounds, interests, and ages. The club holds regular monthly events, such as coffees, luncheons at local restaurants, in addition to a monthly activity. Examples include visits to local museums, theater outings, greenhouse tours, mystery bus events and many more.

There are also several activity groups who meet monthly offering something for everyone. These include a monthly book club, quilting group, games such as Bunco, Mah Jongg, Bingo, and Canasta. There is also a crafting group called Knotty Ladies, which welcomes all sorts of crafting. If you would like more information about the club, visit our website. If you’re interested in joining, contact our membership chair at [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you.

Word Scramble 3

Rearrange the letters to make words relating to items in this week’s Roundabout.

1. KOBO

2. ALLA

3. VICIL

4. PYSPUL

5. DENTIRES

Click here for bonus words, hints, and the answers!

Events of Note

R.H. Stafford Friday Morning Senior Book Club, Friday, Jan. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., R.H. Stafford Library, Woodbury. This month's selection is “The Latehomecomer” by Yang Kao Kalia. The Friday Morning Senior Book Club meets on the second Friday of each month. Read the monthly selected title and join us to discuss the book. This book club is free and open to all.

Community Craft Supply Swap, Friday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. R.H. Stafford Library, Woodbury. Do you have craft supplies left over from a project you didn't finish or from one that you didn't start? Want to refresh your craft supply stash or declutter it? Visit our Community Craft Supply Swap at R.H. Stafford Library! Who knows what you'll find?! This free two-hour drop-in craft supply swap is while supplies last and depends on donations from our community. If you would like to donate items for the Community Craft Supply Swap, please drop them off at R.H. Stafford Library during open hours through Monday, January 6. All varieties of art and craft supplies that are in good condition will be accepted. 

Bird Hike at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Saturday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Take part in a guided bird hike sponsored by Washington County Parks. Participants have the opportunity to contribute to citizen science data collection by completing bird count surveys. Dress for the weather. We recommend bringing your binoculars, water, snacks and wearing winter hiking shoes or boots. 

Step into Civil War History: Learn about "Life as a Civil War Soldier,” Sunday, Jan 12, at 12:30 p.m., St. John Lutheran Church, 1975 St Johns Dr., Woodbury. Love History? A talk about the Civil War; The Life of a Soldier. Learn about our Woodbury Soldiers who joined. The Woodbury Heritage Society is privileged to have Mike Frain present, “Life of a Civil War Soldier”. The guest speaker, Mike Frain, has been providing lectures and demonstrations on the American Soldier in the Civil War since 1981. Mr. Frain was in the TV series ‘North and South’ as well as in the 1989 movie, Glory. Free. Open to all. This is the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Woodbury Heritage Society. Box lunches available with advance registration.

Coin Quest, Woodbury parks. Coins will be hidden the weeks of Jan. 13, 20 and 27 in Woodbury’s fifth annual winter medallion hunt. Clues will be provided throughout the week to help seekers find the hidden coin! Follow Woodbury Parks and Recreation and Woodbury MN Police Fire EMS on Facebook to see the clues. The individuals who find each coin will receive the original coin as a keepsake and $100 worth of gift cards to Woodbury businesses. No registration is required and the Coin Quest is open to all Woodbury residents. 

Let’s Talk: Writing Your Life Story, Jan. 15, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Eagle Valley Golf Course Banquet Room, Woodbury. Would you like to write about your life to pass on to family members? Perhaps you have already done this. Come with ideas and questions. If you have published, bring your book. Free. Woodbury Parks and Recreation asks you to pre-register.

Comedy Show Headlined by John Bush, Friday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Eagle Valley Golf Course, Woodbury. Headliner John Bush, seen on HBO, Showtime, Gotham Comedy Live, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, with feature act Ben Marcotte, seen at Goonies Comedy Club, Boss' Comedy Club, Paramount Theater in Austin, MN. A production of Peak Entertainment and Woodbury Parks and Recreation. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

Winter Maker's Market, Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. Chase away the winter blues with a day in the park! Come to the new Ravine Landing building to browse a curated selection of handcrafted items in our Multipurpose Room. Ski and snowshoe rentals available at the front desk, along with park merchandise and gift cards.

Click here for more events.

Update on Woodbury News Net:

The Roundabout is a publication of Woodbury News Net. We are a non-profit organization creating a credible news source for Woodbury. Learn more about us on our website in the About section.

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