The Roundabout

Thursday, May 15, 2025

May 15, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Welcome Woodbury!

Another fire this week, but no one was hurt, and the fire marshal says it isn’t connected to two other recent fires. We have a roundup of Asian restaurants to try. And ‘tis the season for road construction and community events!

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Co-Editors: Pat Mack, Manali Shah
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Weather

Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Monday
H: 81 L: 53	H: 62 L: 47	H: 59 L: 42	H: 64 L: 42	H: 66 L: 50
Showers, T-Storms	Showers Likely	Chance Showers	Mostly Sunny	Showers, T-Storms

Top Story

Detectives are asking the public for any information about this rug found at the scene of a fire. Photo: Pat Mack

Rug Found At Fire Scene May Be Important Clue

by Pat Mack | Published on May 14, 2025

The Woodbury Public Safety Department is asking the public for information about a rug found at the abandoned house that burned Friday near the intersection of Afton Road and Tower Drive.

"Woodbury detectives have information that two juveniles were seen biking with this rug near the 8000 block of Afton Road," the department stated in a social media post. "If you have information regarding where this rug was removed from or whom it belongs to, email [email protected] or leave a message at 651-714-3780. Information regarding the origin of the rug may help detectives with the ongoing investigation of this fire."

No one was injured. A witness described it as “an absolutely terrifying fire” and posted video on Facebook that shows a house engulfed in flames that appeared to be as high as nearby trees.

City & County

Woodbury Names Five Finalists For City Administrator Job

by Pat Mack | Four municipal managers from Minnesota and one from Ohio have been named as finalists for the city administrator job in Woodbury. Interviews with the candidates are expected to occur at the end of the month.

Radio Drive Reopens, Valley Creek Road Closes

by Pat Mack | Good news: One major road in Woodbury is reopened. Bad news: Another one is closed. Radio Drive at the intersection of Valley Creek Road opened back up to traffic Friday night. Then Monday, Valley Creek Road at the same spot shut down in both directions.

City Receives State Conservation Honor

by Pat Mack | The City of Woodbury has been awarded a 2025 Blazing Star Award for its Environmental Stewardship Plan. The honor was bestowed by the non-profit Conservation Minnesota. The stewardship plan, adopted last year, set “ambitious goals” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to City Administrator Clint Gridley.

Schools

Unique Bully Prevention Program Trains Fourth Graders

by Kathy Saltzman | A new initiative is taking shape in South Washington County Schools aimed at creating safer, more inclusive classrooms.

Business

Woodbury Adds Asian Restaurants To A Full Plate

by Beth-Ann Bloom | You can eat your way across Asia without leaving the 36 square miles of Woodbury. Restaurants offer specialties from China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos with even more on the way.

Credit Union Opens Branch Office In Woodbury

by Pat Mack | Expedition Credit Union has returned to Woodbury with a branch office on Queens Drive near Target. “We are thrilled to be back in Woodbury,” Paul Dammann, president/CEO of Expedition Credit Union, said in a news release.

Life

Festival Features Bison, Music, Arts, Food At Nearby Belwin Conservancy

by Kathy Saltzman | While Woodbury is well known for its scenic walking trails, many local residents are surprised to discover that just beyond the city’s eastern border lies 1,600 acres of protected savannas, wetlands, and prairies: Belwin Conservancy in neighboring Afton.

Events Calendar

Semi-Annual Poppy Days
May 16-18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Various locations in Woodbury. Sponsored by Woodbury American Legion Post 501. Poppies available from Post veterans at Woodbury businesses, including Sam’s Club, Walmart, Total Wine, Jerry’s, Hy-Vee (Oakdale).

Rain Garden Clean-up & Maintenance Workshop
Friday, May 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Menomini Park, 255 Meadow Ln, Woodbury. This clean-up event helps ensure the rain garden continues to thrive—filtering stormwater, supporting pollinators, and beautifying our community. The workshop includes practical guidance on rain garden maintenance, with hands-on instruction in weed identification and management.

Acoustic Loop Artist Glen Everhart
Friday, May 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
3rd Act Craft Brewery, Woodbury. Everhart will perform acoustic rock, country, blues, and original music.

Master Gardeners Host Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Building A, Washington County Fairgrounds, located at Highway 5 and Manning Avenue in Lake Elmo. Hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension Washington County Master Gardener Volunteer program. Home gardeners can buy a wide selection of plants, including varieties featured in ready-made garden exhibits, and get their gardening questions answered at a free Diagnostic Clinic.