The Roundabout

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Author

Theo Franz
January 15, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

This week’s Roundabout centers on a packed and emotional Woodbury City Council meeting, where residents from across the community used the public forum to voice concerns following new information related to Hudson Road and national reporting on ICE facilities. Our coverage documents what was said, who spoke and how city and county leaders responded.

Elsewhere in the newsletter, you’ll find updates on elections, development decisions, business changes and community planning that continue to shape daily life around Woodbury.

As always, our goal is to provide clear, factual reporting on the issues residents are talking about and the decisions that follow.

Editor: Theo Franz
[email protected]
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Top Story

Mayor Anne Burt reiterated her Tuesday statement to the crowded chamber before continuing with the public forum on Jan. 14, 2026. (Credit/Theo Franz)

ICE Concerns Dominate Woodbury City Council Meeting After Hudson Road Update

by Theo Franz | Published on Jan. 15, 2025

A child psychiatric practitioner, a high schooler, a father of three, a military mom, a resident who has lived in Woodbury for 30 years, a resident who has lived here for one, a Woodbury Planning Commission member, a social worker, a paramedic fire fighter. All walks of life, and nineteen more, approached the City Council on Wednesday night to address their concerns about ICE in the community they call home.

Woodbury’s public forum began at 7:55 p.m. and stretched to 9:04 p.m., exceeding its originally scheduled one-hour limit. Each speaker was given three minutes. All council members were physically present except Kim Wilson, who attended virtually.

The council chamber filled quickly, with residents lining hallways to watch on mounted televisions. An overflow room downstairs met capacity with more gathered outside.

City & County

Vote Open to Name Washington County’s Snowplows

by Beth-Ann Bloom

Two of the county’s big orange snowplows will not be nameless much longer. Final voting in the Name the Snowplow contest is now underway and will continue through Jan. 23

News

Woodbury Mayor Says Hudson Road Site Not Planned for ICE Detention Center

by Theo Franz

Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt moved Wednesday to confirm that a warehouse rumored as a possible site will not be used for federal detention purposes.

Business

Woodbury Planning Commission Approves Pet Cremation Service

by Pat Mack

The Woodbury Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit Monday for Pet Memories Cremation. The business will occupy the 2,875-square-feet of a building at 2357 Ventura Drive, near I-494 and Lake Road.

Out & About

Events: Coin Quest, Snow Sculptures, Puzzlepalooza, Candlelight Walk

by Woodbury News Net Staff

From a citywide medallion hunt and international snow sculptures to puzzle competitions, candlelit walks and live theater, this stretch of winter events offers plenty of ways to get outside or gather indoors.

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