The Roundabout

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

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I-94 Road Construction Could Finish In Two Weeks

_{By Pat Mack}

The end is in sight.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the I-94 project from Woodbury to the Wisconsin border is in its final stages, and road construction could be completed as soon as Saturday, Nov 23.

“Please be patient with us for a little bit longer as we coordinate a lot of crews and wrap-up activities,” MnDOT states in a release.

The $120 million project began in July 2022. Work included resurfacing pavement and ramps, constructing a new eastbound lane from I-494 to Woodbury Dr, and installing a median barrier.

Here are some updates:

• The ramps from westbound I-94 to southbound I-494 and from northbound I-694 to westbound I-94 are closed through the end of the day on Sat, Nov. 16 for median construction under the interchange. Use the 10th St. interchange to bypass the ramp closures.

• The ramp from 10th St. North to northbound I-694 will reopen to traffic by 5 a.m. Wed, Nov. 20.

• The ramp from Century Ave. to eastbound I-94 will be closed from 5 a.m. on Thu, Nov. 21 through Fri, Nov. 22 to allow crews to remove construction material from the site. This impact was delayed by one week. Bypass this ramp closure using Century Ave., Hudson Rd., McKnight Rd., Burns Ave. and eastbound I-94.

“Finally, all lanes in both directions of I-94 between Century Ave. and Woodbury Dr./Keats Ave. North are anticipated to reopen by Sat, Nov. 23, marking the completion of I-94 road construction,” the release adds.

The schedule could slip based on weather or other delays.

Water Treatment Plant Groundbreaking Held

Ground has been broken for the largest infrastructure project in Woodbury’s history. The ceremony for the Water Treatment Plant was held Nov. 7 at the plant site along Hargis Parkway next to East Ridge High School. The plant is expected to cost $149.5 million, while the total project will cost $325-350 million, which includes 17 miles of pipelines and other infrastructure. The new plant will remove PFAS from groundwater wells that supply the city.

• Previous Coverage | Water Treatment Plant Cost Far Lower Than Expected: Construction of a water treatment plant in Woodbury will cost about $60 million less than expected. The Woodbury City Council has approved a $149.8 million contract with Market & Johnson, a construction contractor based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

City To Purchase Shoreline Parcel On La Lake

_{By Pat Mack}

The Woodbury City Council last week approved spending $1 million to purchase land that will allow public access to La Lake. The 3.2-acre parcel at 6895 Bailey Road in southern Woodbury is next to previously acquired property at the corner of Woodlane Drive and Bailey Road. It includes 971 feet of shoreline.

“This location proves very valuable for its potential to host activities and lake related educational programs (lake monitoring, kayaking, dip netting, fishing). These water access opportunities are not easily accessed in current portions of the park due to steep slopes along the lakeshore,” a city document states. How this parcel should be developed and utilized will be studied along with the Long-Range Planning study and synergy with the northern and southern portions of the park.”

The $1,088,000 will come from several sources including: City of Woodbury Park Dedication Fund, $237,000; Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program, $251,000; South Washington Watershed District, $175,000; and Department of Natural Resources, $425,000. The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved the $251,000 contribution at its meeting Tuesday.

Former Woodbury Police Commander Remembered Fondly

Posel said Alberio was a mentor to him and most of the police command staff. He also was influential beyond the city as a member of the Washington County Special Response Team.

After retiring in 2012, Alberio spent winters with his wife, Judy, in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. He also worked at the Eagle Valley Golf Course in Woodbury where he shared his passion for the sport.

In 2013, Alberio joined the FindJodi team as a volunteer dedicated to finding abducted Iowa news anchor Jodi Huisentruit. His work with the group continued until shortly before his death.

“His work ethic, determination, and friendship left a lasting mark on our organization,” Posel said. A celebration of his life will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Five Oaks Church. His obituary can be found here.

East Ridge Volleyball Team Finishes Third In State

The East Ridge High School girls volleyball team finished in third place in the MSHSL Class AAAA state tournament. The Raptors beat Roseville for the second time this season with a 25-23, 25-21, 25-20 victory on Saturday. Tournament notes state that senior defensive specialist Katrien Van Heyst and sophomore middle blocker Lauren Bunge had 11 kills each for the Raptors (26-7), who also defeated the Raiders (27-7) during the Suburban East Conference season.

In the semifinal on Thursday, Champlin Park beat East Ridge 3-2 (25-16, 20-25, 18-25, 25-23, 15-12). Tournament notes report: “Senior Carly Gilk piled up 38 kills and classmate Reese Axness compiled 57 assists as No. 2 seed Champlin Park rallied from a 2-1 deficit in the match to advance. Gilk’s kill in the fourth set held off an East Ridge rally to force a decisive race to 15, then the Rebels scored the final four points of the fifth set. Senior Kathryn Adler added 22 kills for the winners. Senior Paige Belfield led East Ridge with 13.”

In the quarterfinal on Wednesday, East Ridge jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the opening set, setting the tone for a match in which they never trailed. Tournament notes state the Raptors produced eight service aces and compiled a .365 attack percentage with a balanced squad. Freshman Brynlee Opland and seniors Adaora Zebulun and Paige Belfield finished with 10 kills apiece while senior Alexis Opland dished 34 assists. Senior Hannah Jackson led the Skippers with 10 kills.

Two Raptors made the Class AAAA all-tournament team: Alexis Opland and Adaora Zebulun.

Woodbury Swimmers And Divers To Compete At State

Woodbury will be well represented at the Girls State High School Swimming and Diving Meet running today through Saturday at the University of Minnesota Freeman Aquatic Center in Minneapolis.

Section 4AA Champion Stillwater Area High School will send seven qualifiers to the state meet. Among them are three swimmers from Woodbury representing the Ponies: Lucy Paczosa, Claire Christianson, and Maddie Mathiason.

The East Ridge Raptors will send eight swimmers to state: Megyn Gillard, Jette Hadicke, Logan Havermann, Malea Johnson, Sabine Keister, Olivia McClintock, Mia Seidl, and Emma Wood. In the one-meter diving event, qualifiers include Kiley Thrush (East Ridge), Alex Kruse (Stillwater Area), and Halle Linn and Nina Faulkner from Woodbury High School.

East Ridge Raptors Coach Jay Gillard congratulated his team for their second place finish at a very competitive Section 4AA Swim and Dive meet last week. Gillard noted that the Raptors won eight of the 12 events, breaking two school records and three Section meet records. The Raptors will be led by Section 4AA Diving Champion and Section Diver of the Year Kiley Thrush, four-time Section 4AA Champion and Section Swimmer of the Year Logan Havermann, and four-time section champion Jette Hadicke.

Elementary Students Meet Best-Selling Author Sarah Albee

_{By Manali Shah}

Sarah Albee, New York Times best-selling children’s author, has written over 150 books, ranging from Sesame Street classics to middle school science and history tales. She was at Woodbury Elementary School Oct. 30, introducing her latest books: “The Painter and the President,” and “Bounce - a Scientific History of Rubber!”

The students paid rapt attention as pages of her book appeared on a large screen with Albee adding interesting details including. “Gilbert Stuart, born in 1755, was considered America’s foremost portrait painter. In the 18th Century, a selfie was a self portrait,” Albee explained. “Gilbert Stuart painted over a 1,000 likenesses of political and society people.”

She explained that George Washington did not like Stuart because he talked too much. Another fun fact was that when “Stuart was painting Washington’s portrait he had been fitted with new dentures and his mouth was puffy because of that. The picture of Washington on a dollar bill is the one painted by Stuart. The author shared that on new currency you can tell there is swelling by looking at the tightness around his mouth.

Albee says that she loves writing for kids and talking to them. “They ask the coolest questions.” That was evident when she presented to three third grade classes. The kids listened closely as Albee talked about her family and her childhood. Her two older brothers did not allow her to play with them but she worked hard at sports and became the best athlete in her family. “Bounce is inspired by a lifetime of playing basketball. That's how I met my future husband as a 19-year-old in Egypt. I was the only girl on the boys’ basketball team.”

At question time several hands were up and for 20 minutes she happily answered questions like: Do you have a favorite word to put in a book? Which is your oldest book? Early in her career, Albee worked as an editor for Sesame Street’s print division and used a pen name, Constance Allen, to tell stories about Sesame Street. History and science are her forte, and Albee has won numerous awards. Several of her books have been Junior Library Guild selections.

When a Woodbury student asked, “What’s your favorite book?” She thought a bit and said,” Sometimes the one that just came out.”

Woodbury Observes Veterans Day

Woodbury observed Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with several ceremonies. “As men and women who have worn the uniform, we take pride in our service and share in gratitude for all those with whom we have served,” Bob Dolan, commander of American Legion Woodbury Post 501, said.

Dolan said the day began at Woodbury High School with a ceremony honoring veterans in attendance and those that are missing in action. Then an observance organized by the Woodbury Lions Club took place at the Woodbury Veterans Memorial where Mayor Anne Burt spoke. Finally, Post 501 conducted a flag raising at Talamore Senior Living Woodbury.

HealthPartners Lakeview Hospital Open House Tuesday

Lakeview Hospital is holding an open house for the $400 million campus it’s designing near Highway 36 and Manning Avenue in Stillwater. The event will be Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Lakes, 107 Bridgewater Way, Stillwater. HealthPartners’ team will be available to answer questions and receive input on the project.

Events of Note

Free diabetes screenings today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Woodbury YMCA, 2175 Radio Dr. Provided on World Diabetes Day by the Woodbury Lions Club in partnership with Walmart Pharmacy. Flu shots, A1c and cholesterol tests will also be available at a charge.

Library Book Sale at the Stillwater Public Library Thursday Nov. 14 through Sunday. Nov. 16 with a members-only preview on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

What is Broadway?, a Jeopardy-themed cabaret fundraiser for Open Door Community Theatre, Nov. 15-16 at 6 p.m. at Mounds Theatre in St. Paul.

Brewing Basics at Shepard Farm, Saturday, Nov. 16, from noon to 4 p.m. Learn the basics of brewing beer during this hands-on program. At the end of class, take home beer you’ve bottled yourself.

Holiday Photo Fundraiser & Bake Sale, Sunday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for Coco’s Heart Pet Rescue at Angel’s Pet World in Hudson.

Prancer, Nov. 22-Dec. 15, at The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson. Based on the cherished film, Prancer, this beautiful play uses a heartwarming story and breathtaking puppetry to bring warmth into your family’s holiday season.

Christmas at the Courthouse Holiday Bazaar, Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 24 from 11 am to 3 p.m. at Washington County’s historic courthouse in Stillwater. Thirty vendors will be selling handcrafted goods. Santa Claus will be available for photos with children from noon to 2 p.m. both days.

Art Discovery Fair, Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Ave. N. in Oakdale. More than 20 artists selling their works in glass, crafts, cards, paintings, wood, photography, and mixed media.

Woodbury Wobble 5K, Thursday, Nov. 28, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. This Thanksgiving Day turkey trot takes place at Colby Lake Park: 9715 Valley Creek Rd. With your paid registration you will receive a swag bag with sponsored items, There will also be the turkey scavenger hunt along the course that kids can complete for a small prize.

Cookies and Crafts with Santa, Saturday, Dec. 7, at Eagle Valley Golf Course. Five sessions planned. Registration required. Santa takes a break from making toys to join the youth of Woodbury in decorating cookies, making a fun holiday craft, and taking pictures.

New Year’s Eve Winter Camp, Dec. 31, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lake Elmo Park Reserve. A winter adventure for kids ages 7-10 years old. Outdoor adventures including snowshoeing and/ or kick sleds, fire building, animal tracking as well as indoor crafts and games, hot chocolate, and s’mores. Space is limited.

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