Author: EPLN Staff Reports

Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) is proud to announce that this is the 2,000th article published on its website, a testament to its commitment to community journalism. Since its establishment amid the COVID-19 pandemic on Sept. 25, 2020, EPLN has been dedicated to providing residents with non-biased, hyperlocal and nonpartisan news and information on Eden Prairie, including coverage of local elections. The first three articles, written by Brad Canham, EPLN’s inaugural editor, introduced three candidates running for the upcoming city council election, laying the foundation for the newspaper’s mission to keep the community well-informed. Last year, EPLN mailed a comprehensive…

Featuring up-and-coming young Twin Cities theater professionals, Emerging Professionals Ensemble (EPE) will present Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical “Rent” at the Performing Institute of Minnesota Arts High School (PiM Arts High) in Eden Prairie next month. Shows will be at 8 p.m. on July 20 to 22 and July 27 to 29 at the high school, 7255 Flying Cloud Drive. Tickets, which cost $25 for general admission, can be purchased here. Jonathan Larson’s musical, which made its Broadway debut in 1996 at the Nederlander Theatre, follows a year in the life of a group of young artists and musicians…

Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) is proud to periodically recognize Eden Prairie post-secondary students who are honored by the colleges and universities they attend. EPLN relies on schools to send us this information. If you don’t see your student’s school listed, please send your student’s name, the school’s name and location, award (e.g., dean’s list, graduation), year in school, and major, to editor@eplocalnews.org with the subject “On Campus.” Dean’s List Central College, Pella, Iowa Drew Edwards University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Kentucky Raj Patel Kutztown University, Kutztown, Pennsylvania Kirsten R Shaw Miami University, Oxford, Ohio Winnie Wallace Lydia Humphrey Morgan Ramsey Missouri…

A house fire erupted late Monday night in the 18000 block of Broadmoore Drive, resulting in one person sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. The injured person, identified as an adult male, was transported to Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis for evaluation, while all other house occupants escaped unharmed. According to a city news release on Tuesday, the Eden Prairie Fire Department responded to the structure fire at 11:52 p.m. on June 12. Upon arrival, firefighters found the residence fully engulfed in flames and extinguished the fire. The city reported significant damage to the home, and an investigation into the fire’s cause is underway.…

Summer brings a welcome break from the rigors of school for children in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen. However, for hundreds of kids in those two cities who receive free or reduced breakfasts and lunches each school day, summer is a time of hunger and uncertainty. Families often have difficulty securing enough food in the summer months. Recognizing this need, PROP Food Shelf is again stepping up with its “Summer Food For Kids” program to bridge the gap. Throughout June, July and August, PROP Food Shelf will offer an additional “child pack” of kid/teen-friendly groceries to families with school-aged children who…

TRAIL, a nonprofit which provides transportation to adults with developmental disabilities, will become part of Reach for Resources on June 16. TRAIL (Transportation Resource to Aid Independent Living) began service in 1991. The organization provides highly subsidized and specialized transportation to individuals living independently and semi-independently in Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield. The Minnetonka-based Reach for Resources offers services to individuals throughout Minnesota, with the majority living in the seven-county metro area. No disruption in TRAIL services is anticipated during the 60-day transition period. Kate Bottiger, executive director of Reach for Resources, said of the acquisition in a press…

The Eagles boys volleyball team was named Southwest Conference champions last week with an undefeated conference record of 10-0. It’s the first championship in the program’s history, according to head coach Steph Chapek. With the No. 1 seed in the conference, the team earned a first-round bye, sending them directly into the finals facing Chaska/Chanhassen on June 7 at Washburn High School. The Eagles claimed their spot in the State Tournament with a 3-0 sweep (25-16, 25-14, 25-19). Senior captain Adam Berger led the team with 15 kills, followed by freshman Shaurya Gumma with nine. Freshmen libero Ghauthamasankar Padmanaban had 12…

Round Lake Park Beach has reopened for swimming after further testing determined the water safe, according to City Manager Rick Getschow in his Friday report. A test earlier this week had indicated unsafe bacteria levels in the water. Swimming is currently at your own risk until lifeguards are on duty beginning Sunday, June 18, at Round Lake. Lifeguards will be on duty starting Saturday, June 17, at Riley Lake Beach. For more about public beaches in Eden Prairie, visit the city’s website.

Eden Prairie Center is gearing up to introduce several additions to its dining options. The expansion, as announced on Wednesday, will include a full-service DIY Japanese BBQ, a counter-service ramen joint, an entirely gluten-free fast food restaurant, and an Italian coffee kiosk. “We’re delighted to announce an eclectic mix of new restaurants coming to Eden Prairie Center this year,” stated Nancy Litwin, Eden Prairie Center’s senior general manager. “We pride ourselves on having a diverse range of tenants to enhance visitors’ overall shopping, dining, and entertainment experience at Eden Prairie Center, and with these additions, we’re certain there’s something for…

Round Lake Beach in Eden Prairie has been temporarily closed due to unsafe levels of bacteria found during routine testing, the city reported Tuesday. As a result, the city has closed the lake for swimming until further testing determines the water is safe. Hennepin County Public Health conducts sampling and analysis of 31 public beaches in the county from Memorial Day to Labor Day to ensure safe water quality for swimming. The department also has the authority to close contaminated beaches. On Monday, June 5, testing was conducted on the water of Round Lake, revealing “unacceptable” test results. It has…