The Roundabout

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Two Rescued From Markgrafs Lake, One From Wilmes Lake

The Woodbury Public Safety Department is reminding people to be wary of thin ice on lakes and ponds after two emergency lake rescues Monday.

At 11:15 a.m., an adult male was rescued from Wilmes Lake after he fell through the ice, the department said in a statement.

The second rescue came after a 911 call was received at 4:29 p.m. Two people had gone through the ice on Markgrafs Lake. Emergency responders, including divers, responded. They learned some residents had tried to rescue one victim but were foiled by the thin ice.

Emergency personnel rescued a 12-year-old girl first because she was above the water. The girl was transported to Regions Hospital and reportedly in stable condition. A 16-year-old boy could not be immediately rescued. Divers later rescued him after he was in the lake for about 90 minutes. He also was rushed by ambulance to Regions Hospital reportedly in critical condition. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported the boy attends Stillwater Area High School.

Woodbury was assisted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Cottage Grove Public Safety, Oakdale Police and Fire, Hudson Fire, Stillwater Fire, and joint dive teams.

The county dive team that responded to Markgraf’s Lake is a specialty rescue team of about 30 local volunteers from the Lower St. Croix Valley, Stillwater, Oakdale, Mahtomedi, Scandia, and Hudson Fire Departments.

Judy Seeberger, a state senator, is a paramedic and county dive team member for the Lower St. Croix Fire Department. “While fire departments have the ability to respond to cold water rescues, dive team members participate in extensive training to prepare for when underwater rescues are required,” she said. “Team members are on-call volunteers and whoever is available when calls go out will respond by heading to their local fire department to pick up equipment before heading for the scene.”

While the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources does not measure ice thickness on Minnesota Lakes, its guidelines advise that if ice is under four inches thick people should stay off that pond or lake. Ice is seldom the same thickness over a lake or pond. It can be two-feet thick in one place and one-inch thick a few yards away.

Asian Restaurant Planned For Former Cowboy Jack Building

An Asian buffet-style restaurant named Feast is expected to open in April or May in the building that formerly housed Cowboy Jack’s and Famous Dave’s in Woodbury. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports that the owners of Sushi Train in Minneapolis purchased the building for $3 million in October. The building near I-494 and Valley Creek Road has been empty for several years after hosting several restaurants over the years.

I-94 Closed This Weekend In St. Paul

A bridge project will close I-94 in St. Paul beginning at 10 p.m. Friday. Both directions will close between Highway 52/Lafayette Freeway/East Seventh Street and Highway 61/Mounds Blvd. The road is expected to reopen at 5 a.m. Monday. The state transportation department says the closure will allow crews to remove the Kellogg Blvd./Third St. Bridge.

SoWashCo Schools Building Literacy And Space

^{By Manali Shah}

South Washington County School District leaders are currently focusing on two core areas: boosting literacy and planning construction projects for more space for learning. 

Recently, Superintendent Julie Nielsen and Assistant Superintendents, Dr. Tyrone Brookins, Kelly Jansen and Kristin Schaefer, along with Shawn Hogendorf, director of communications and community relations, and Abby Baker, executive director of Human Resources and operations spoke with Woodbury News Net about developments in the school district. 

Beginning this July, Minnesota districts and charter schools were required to provide evidence-based reading instruction training to teachers and instructional support staff responsible for teaching reading. OL&LA is an asynchronous online course. This course is specifically tailored for educators in language-diverse classrooms that include multilingual learners, English speakers and students with dyslexia. 

Assistant superintendent Kelly Jansen explained how the district asked staff members for their input to set up the program. “OL&LA helped our secondary teachers realize how they can support literacy for our students as they get to seventh grade or higher,” Jansen added, “The district added about 60 extra hours of professional development training for its teachers on how to teach literacy. Training helped them to teach the new curriculum also.”

One example was how kindergartners learn that “c” goes with “a,” “o,” and “u,” while “k” goes with “i” and “e.” Understanding these phonic patterns and reciting them back with rhymes help them remember the patterns. The teachers are excited about how well the kids can read and write in groups and are confident that the group work will help them write better individually.

“A lot of elementary teachers have experienced ‘aha! moments’ with this program,” said Nielsen. 

Human resources and operations executive director Abby Baker said that even lunch time is used as an opportunity to improve literacy as well as nutritional knowledge. There is a big picture of Bessie the Cow in the lunchrooms. Pictures and words explain the many milk-based products that a cow provides. Students learn facts about the food they are eating that are reinforced with games like trivia questions. “We try to remind every staff member that you are a literacy trainer or role model,” Baker added. 

Jansen added that on December 10 there is a session from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Middle School Media Center inviting families to attend to “tell them a bit more of our literacy efforts and show them examples of how you can support this effort at home.”

Construction Projects

There has been tremendous excitement in the district since the $200 million bond referendum passed in November 2023. District leaders view the success of the referendum as a validation of the hundreds of hours spent in meetings and planning by district officials and staff. 

For the current school year, projects have been planned in all four middle schools and three high schools. Construction will begin in Spring 2025 for East Ridge High School and Oltman Middle School. Construction will last two to three years. But, ”school will go on!” stated an excited Kristin Schaefer. There was laughter all around when asked if it would be “normal.” Construction will be ongoing during school hours causing some disruptions. Certain hallways may be blocked or the entrance to East Ridge will be closed but another door will allow entry. 

Hogenndorf added that community and public information meetings about the construction projects are planned for early 2025. Design and planning for reconstruction at elementary schools will also begin in 2025. 

Additionally, in October 2024, ISD 833 paid $1.7 million to purchase the Light the Way Church property in Cottage Grove, which will be used for the district's adult learning program.

She is hopeful that these construction enhancements will create enough space for the district for the next 10-15 years. ISD 833 now serves over 18,800 students in seven cities over its 84-square-mile-wide school district.

“We are in our first year of planning and construction will continue over the next four years,” said superintendent Nielsen. “Somewhere in the next five years, the district will also be discussing their next five-year plan.”  

County To Expand Mental Health Care Services

Washington County plans to expand its mental health care services thanks to a $3.45 million grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The Department used a new formula to distribute the Adult Mental Health Initiative and Community Support Program grant funding, which resulted in Washington County receiving $1.29 million more than it received from the last round of grant funding, according to a news release.

The money will be used to add housing subsidy funds, adult rehabilitative mental health services, and critical incident training. It will also pay for a new Mental Health Outreach Van Program. The mobile service will begin next year and will bring information, resources, and services directly to people throughout the county. “The goal is to remove barriers, expand access, and provide on-the-spot assistance to ensure essential services are within reach for all,” the county said in a statement.

Additional staff is expected to be added to address a significant increase in service needs, including personnel for forensic case management, a stabilization/civil commitment case manager, and a lead social worker in the mental health outreach program. The county board approved the grant agreement on Nov. 26.

Another Chance To Name A Snowplow!

Washington County is looking for creative names for two of its snowplows. The Name a Snowplow Contest continues through Dec. 20. County staff will sift through the suggestions and come up with a list of finalists for a public vote in January. Add your suggestion at this link.

Good Times Park Indoor Play Center Opens In Northeast Woodbury

By Doug Schultz

At the new Good Times Park indoor play center, things – rather make that kids – were hopping, bouncing, swinging, climbing and spinning – as soon as the doors opened at Woodbury’s first private playground.

Squeals of delight filled the sprawling 20,000 square-foot facility in the Hudson Road Technology Center building with its high ceilings and padded landing areas. There’s plenty of room for kids to run here, but also places to find quiet, to sit and read or have a snack.

Owners Patrick and Jackie Griffin of Lake Elmo have included a variety of play opportunities in their design, aiming for children from toddler and preschool ages to early teens. “Our biggest thing is bringing outside play inside so kids can just run around and be kids,” Jackie said.

How It Works

There is no staff on site except for a manager who is stocking materials and managing the technology. Parents are responsible for supervising their own children and refereeing as necessary.

At Good Times Parks, “kids pay to play and adults play free,” Jackie said with a grin. Admission is $12 per child for a daily pass that gets you a code to unlock the door that allows families to come and go. A monthly pass is available for $24 per child as is a yearly pass for $180 per child, also with codes that open the door for the whole period. There are also group options for field trips and day cares.

Security cameras help monitor for safety throughout the facility and keep track of how many people enter and leave so that the facility doesn’t go over its capacity of 300.

A Quick Tour

As you come in the door, you’re greeted by a traditional play structure for older kids up to about age 12. Next to that is a smaller play structure for the younger kids, with a tire swing nearby. To your right is a large, bright orange inflated bouncing mat – just right for all ages – even grandparents.

Move past the bounce pad and you come to the giant foam building blocks area that’s netted off on both sides so any flying blocks (not encouraged) can’t escape to bonk a bouncer or a nearby toddler. Next to that is an open floor area with small structures and toys for infants and toddlers. Around the corner, there is a quiet room with books and chairs to bring the sensory level down a notch or two. There is a diaper changing room with multiple stations and an adjacent nursing/infant feeding room.

In the next corner stands the ninja obstacle course, popular with the older kids up through about early teens. Across from that, a large, padded turf area with goals invites soccer, football, and other types of free ball play. Along the far wall, two birthday party rooms with capacity for 24 and 30 can be reserved and staffed for an additional fee. A sunlit open picnic area with vending machines allows for snack time.

Woodbury Is Second Location

The Griffins started on their Good Times Park venture with the purchase of an indoor play park in Eagan two and a half years ago. Patrick was an engineer and operations manager for several companies and Jackie was a teacher, when they decided they wanted to own their own business. The play park seemed like the perfect melding of their skill sets.

After some success in Eagan, they decided to open the Woodbury facility because there were few such offerings in the east metro and it’s a little closer to home. They’ve hired two managers, so there are now four people staffing the two sites. The Griffins’ kids ages 16, 14, 11 and 3, have been helping get the new place ready to open.

On opening day, Becca O’Keefe of Cottage Grove was at the park with her son Jack, who is five years old. She’s visited the Eagan location several times. “We’ve been waiting for this for a while. It’s much closer to home,” she said. “It’s just nice to have a place to go and meet up with friends for play dates, especially on colder, icky days.”

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Events of Note

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, starring 10th grader George Wellens of Woodbury as Rudolph, on stage through Dec. 28 at Stages Theater, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. Limited tickets remain.

A Christmas Carol, Dec. 6-30, Open Window Theatre, 5300 S Robert Trail #400, Inver Grove Heights.

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.

Christkindlmarkt, Saturday, Dec. 7, noon to 4 p.m. at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, 8390 Lofton Ave N., Stillwater. Specialty vendors and German foods as well as the Twin Cities Brass Band will be on hand.

Madeline’s Christmas, Dec. 7-15, Merrill Arts Center production, The Loft Stage, 4200 Pioneer Dr., Woodbury. This musical, adapted from Ludwig Bemelmans’ delightful book, is a holiday treat for the whole family.

Holiday Lockdown, Dec. 7 and 14, 7 p.m., A Big Blue Theatre and Merrill Arts Center production, at The Loft Stage, 4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury. A world premiere written by Thomas D. Nelson. It’s Christmas Eve, and Todd is working another long shift with his hard-nosed boss. A special delivery arrives, bringing with it an array of unique customers and the threat of a dangerous art thief. Once everyone is locked down in the tiny bookstore, Todd must work together with Officer Trixie to protect an extremely valuable artifact.

Guardian Angels Women’s Club Christmas Boutique, Saturday Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Holiday Boutique, sponsored by Stillwater Flea Market, Red Rock Elementary, Saturday Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Photos with Santa Pet Evolution, fundraiser for Woodbury Police K-9 Fund, Sunday, Dec 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 429 Commerce Dr.

Jingle Bells Forever, East Metro Symphony Orchestra, Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 2499 North Helen Street. North St. Paul. An eclectic collection of classical and holiday favorites for the most wonderful time of the year

Children’s Concert and Carnival, Woodbury High School Orchestra, Sunday, Dec. 8, from 2-4 p.m. at the high school. A short concert in the auditorium will feature music from “Moana,” “Frozen,” “Lion King,” and “Cars.” A carnival with games and prizes begins in the cafeteria after the performance. Audience members are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite character. Admission is free, donations are welcome ($5 suggested per family).

CPKC Holiday Train Stop, Wednesday, Dec. 11, gates open at 3:30 p.m. with performance at 6 p.m. in Cottage Grove at West Point Douglas Road, just south of the 80th St. Bridge Donations support Friends in Need Foodshelf.

Holiday Toy Drive continues through Dec. 12. Toys for Tots has drop-off locations for new and unwrapped toys near Keys Cafe at Valley Creek Mall and Talamore Senior Living Woodbury. The drive is sponsored by Talamore Senior Living and American Legion Woodbury Post 501.

SoWashCo Schools Hmong New Year Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 14, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Woodbury High School. Family friendly food, performances.

Woodbury Police K-9’s Holiday Drive for Tubman, Sunday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Washington County Service Center parking lot. Donate presents, gift cards, for local survivors of domestic violence.

Skate Woodbury Holiday Exhibition and Party, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at M-Health Fairview Sports Center.

Spirit Song Christmas Concert: Sing We All Noel!, Sunday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m, at King of Kings Lutheran Church. Join Spirit Song Choir for songs of the season, sung by more than 100 singers, and community caroling! The concert is free with a good will offering to support the work of Open Cupboard. 

Winter Clothing Drive by the Woodbury Community Foundation continues through December 20. New and gently used outerwear to help keep students warm in the South Washington County School District are being collected.

Wall of Thanks, Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Dec. 22, a booth sponsored by the Woodbury American Legion Post 501, Valley Creek Mall across from Key’s Cafe & Bakery. Donate money to local charities and add a name of a veteran or family member currently serving in the military to the wall.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations, City of Woodbury, on Dec. 31. New Year’s Eve matinee for children at 2:30 p.m. and the New Year’s Eve family celebration beginning at 6 p.m..

New Year’s Eve Winter Camp, Dec. 31, 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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