The Roundabout

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Woodbury Weather via National Weather Service

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

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Sen. Mitchell’s Trial Still Set For Jan. 27

_{By Pat Mack}

No settlement emerged from a Dec. 31 court hearing, so Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s trial on a felony burglary charge remains set to begin Jan. 27 in Becker County District Court. Before that, another hearing will be held Jan. 14 where Judge Michael D. Fritz is expected to rule on a number of pretrial motions.

Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, 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 pleaded not guilty and called the incident a misunderstanding. She has withstood several calls for her to resign her Senate seat.

Becker County Attorney Brian W. McDonald filed a motion asking the judge to:

• Prohibit the defense from requesting a lesser offense of trespassing during the trial.

• Direct the defense counsel not to ask prospective jurors whether they have ever been blamed for something they didn’t do because such statements attempt to place the juror in the defendant’s shoes.

• Direct the defense not to refer to Mitchell as “senator” in front of the jury because her political title isn’t relevant to the court proceeding.

Attorneys in the case reached an agreement that one of the laptops Mitchell had in her possession when she was arrested was hers, which means the prosecution cannot argue she stole it during the incident.

Click here for the rest of the story including the witness list and evidence list.

Stomach Virus Spreading in Washington County

_{By Doug Schultz}

Woodbury residents gathering with family and friends for holiday parties or football watching over the next few days may want to review their game plan for stopping the spread of norovirus. 

More than 40 outbreaks of the illness - which typically causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping - were reported in Minnesota in December. That’s almost twice the usual number, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. There were two outbreaks in Washington County last month, with at least 13 cases among them.

And while it might not sound like much, it’s likely only the tip of the iceberg of what’s going around, said Carlota Medus, a senior epidemiologist with MDH. While frequently referred to as “stomach flu,” norovirus has nothing to do with influenza.

“We need to be prepared for a very serious norovirus season,” Medus said, adding, “It’s everywhere – schools, long-term care, restaurants – and no part of the state is spared.”

Because clinics and hospitals are not required to report individual cases of norovirus, the state only tracks the number of outbreaks when enough cases occur in one place at one time, or they become serious enough that they get reported. “We only see a fraction of what’s going around,” she said.   

For all of 2024, there were 13 confirmed or suspected outbreaks in Washington County, with at least 218 cases, according to MDH data.

While relatively few outbreaks were reported nationally and in Minnesota in November, the numbers jumped significantly in December. Since winter is when the vast majority of norovirus cases occur, things are only going to get worse before they get better. 

Most norovirus illnesses and outbreaks can be prevented through good handwashing and appropriate food handling, health officials say, so here’s what you can do:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing or eating foods, and after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Most hand sanitizers do not kill norovirus.

• Do not prepare food for others at all if you have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea in the last three days. Likewise, do not eat food prepared by someone who is ill with vomiting or diarrhea.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces with a household bleach solution immediately after surfaces come in contact with vomit or diarrhea.  

• Cook oysters and other shellfish before eating them.

Other symptoms of noroviruses can include low‐grade fever or chills, headaches and muscle aches. More information on norovirus can be found on the MDH website.

Editor’s Note: Doug Schultz is a former communications specialist for the Minnesota Department of Health.

Metro Micro Beginning Door-to-Door Service In Woodbury

Metro Transit’s on-demand bus service covering part of Woodbury begins Monday, Jan. 6. The program provides door-to-door rides on ADA-accessible minibuses. The program is open to all residents and provides an option for people who aren’t near a bus stop or want to go where buses don’t stop. Click here for the rest of the story.

Helicopters May Be Seen Near Power Lines This Month

The City of Woodbury says residents shouldn’t be alarmed if they see helicopters in operation starting in early January. The helicopters will help Xcel Energy replace shield wire on a transmission line in parts of Woodbury, Newport, and Cottage Grove.

“The new wire will be pulled in with the existing wire and each pole needs to be accessed with a crane or bucket truck to complete the work,” the city states in a social media post. “A helicopter will be used to pull the new wire from each structure.” A shield wire, also known as an overhead ground wire, is installed on transmission lines to protect them from lightning strikes.

The work will begin in Newport and cross into Woodbury near Military Road before continuing east to near East Ridge High School and then turning south into Cottage Grove. Motorists may experience periodic road closures in the area. The work is expected to continue through mid-March.

Scammer Tries To Sell County Squad Car

A scammer attempted to sell a Washington County squad car on Facebook marketplace, according to the sheriff’s office social media feed. The ad implied the squad car was stolen and available for sale and featured photos lifted from the agency’s social media feed. The copy pleaded “NEED GONE ASAP” and attracted a few laughing emojis.

The Sheriff’s Office didn’t find the ad humorous. “Scammers know no bounds, copying photos from old feeds to create fake posts in order to get your money, or get your attention,” the post states. “Even law enforcement agencies aren't immune to these tactics. So please be wary, contact your local law enforcement agency if you see anything questionable, use our parking lot for safe marketplace exchanges, and know we will investigate all reported scams to the fullest.”

County Library Releases Most Popular Lists For 2024

The Washington County Library has released its lists of the most frequently checked out books for the year.

For adults, the top five were:

• The Women by Kirstin Hannah

• Dear Jacob: A Mother's Journey of Hope by Patty Wetterling

• The River We Remember: A Novel by William Kent Krueger

• Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

• Demon Copperhead: A  Novel by Barbara Kingsolver

For teens, the top five were:

• One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

• An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People by Jean Mendoza

• The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

• Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, a Life in Balance by Simone Biles

• The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

For kids, the top five were:

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney

• The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat

• Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure by Jeff Kinney

• The Rock in My Throat by Kao Kalia Yang

• Bo and the Merbaby by Rebecca Elliott

Click here for the complete lists of favorites.

Dispose Of Holiday Trees, Cards, Decorations Responsibly

It’s illegal to place natural Christmas trees and greens in the trash after the holiday season. Instead, bring them to a designated collection site. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says diseases and invasive pests can be hiding in the trees and boughs brought into Minnesota from other states.

Washington County offers these drop-off sites for trees and boughs. Tree stands, plastic bags, tinsel, wire, lights, and any decorations must be removed before disposal.

The ag department also advises that trees and greenery should not be tossed into backyard woods or residential compost piles in order to avoid the spread of invasive species or disease. Wreaths and other decorative greens can be disposed of in trash cans.

Click here for tips on disposing of artificial lights, greeting cards, and holiday lights.

Woodbury Community Academy Offers Civics Lessons

Applications are now being accepted for this spring’s Woodbury Community Academy. It’s described as a fun and educational way for interested residents to learn more about the city. The Woodbury Community Foundation is hosting its 16th annual academy from March 2025 to mid-May 2025. Weekly sessions are held, generally on Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Activities include exploring the Public Works Building and its big machinery and checking out the HERO Center with the public safety department with its drones and K-9s. City and school leaders will provide updates on initiatives and projects as well. In addition, the Woodbury Heritage Society will share the history of the community.

Holiday Gift: Word Scramble 2!

Back by popular demand, we hope, here’s our second Word Scramble! What words can you make from the following jumbled sets of letters?

1. ERTE

2. INUMSIB

3. LRYARIB

4. MEADACY

5. NIUIOESDNG

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

Events: Art Cart, Candlelight Walks, Book Clubs, Craft Supply Swap

Family Art Cart, Jan. 3, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., R.H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury. The library supplies instructions for a simple project adults and children can complete together using materials from the library's art cart. No registration required.

Candlelight Walks, Jan. 3 through Feb. 22, at various state parks. These events feature trails lit at night with candles, lanterns and other luminaries. Depending on the location of the event and the amount of snow cover, visitors can hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski along the lighted trails. While there is no participation fee, a vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.

Free Park Entry Tuesday, all Washington County Parks, Tuesday, Jan. 7. On the first Tuesday (non-holiday) of every month, visit any Washington County Park for free. No vehicle permit required.

RHS Book Club, Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., R.H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury. Discuss this month's selection, "Until They Bring the Streetcars Back,” by Stanley Gordon West. Open to all.

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 at 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, Mr. 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. 

Click here for more events!

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