Author: EPLN Staff Reports

Several colleges and universities have named Eden Prairie students to their respective dean’s list. Others have announced graduations. 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), year in school, and major, to editor@eplocalnews.org with subject “Student Recognition.” Dean’s List University of Oregon, Eugene Avery Hackenberg, freshman, environmental science Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisc. Emily Van Dishom Hamline University, St. Paul Andrea Cuenca De Leon, CLA Jason Elyea-Wheeler, CLA Devyn Stanton, School of Business Maddie Swanson, CLA Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY…

The City of Eden Prairie is taking action as a historic winter storm approaches. It has declared a snow emergency effective from Tuesday, Feb. 21, to Friday, Feb. 24, as soon as snow accumulation reaches 2 inches, with parking on city streets prohibited until noon on Friday. The City of Eden Prairie has declared a snow emergency from Tuesday, Feb. 21, to Feb. 24, effective as soon as snow accumulation reaches 2 inches. During this time, parking on city streets is prohibited until noon on Friday. According to a city posting, snowplowing will occur throughout Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with…

Linda R. Soderlund, age 78, Apple Valley, passed away on Feb. 9, 2023. Preceded in death by husband of 32 years, Dennis Soderlund, and parents Raymond and Margaret. Survived by sons Carl (Joy) and Bjorn (Kelli) Soderlund; grandchildren Lars, Annika, Liam, and Nolan; and sisters Andrea (Dennis) Behrendt and Carol (Dean) Marth. Linda was a graduate of Patrick Henry High School and a long-time Eden Prairie High School science teacher prior to retirement. She enjoyed knitting, crosswords, and spending time with her family. Linda was surrounded with love and support from her family.  The visitation (10 a.m.) and funeral service…

A 60-year-old man is facing felony charges for allegedly breaking into an Eden Prairie convenience store and stealing over $3,000 worth of cigarettes in 2020. Jerome Franklin Moot has been charged with three counts of burglary, theft, and possession of burglary or theft tools, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. The complaint revealed that Moot broke into the Speedway store located at 6355 Point Chase Road in October 2020. He reportedly stole 31 cartons of cigarettes worth $3,441.75. The store manager identified Moot as the suspect, who…

Minnesota state Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-49, Eden Prairie) is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill (SF 494) that seeks to secure $7.65 million for 30 additional schools in the state to implement the Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR) system. The BARR system is an educational model that aims to address the academic, social and emotional needs of students through the use of data and relationships. According to a press release from the BARR Center, educators from five schools in Minnesota that already use the BARR system testified in support of the legislation during a Senate Education Finance Committee meeting last week. The…

Thomas Reid Bracher, age 76 of Chaska, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, surrounded by family members. Born Jan. 20, 1947, he is preceded in death by his parents Richard George Bracher and Mary (Neemes) Bracher, brother Richard Bracher, and nephew Todd Bracher. Survived by sister, Patricia (Bracher) Jensen of Eden Prairie, brother, Christian Carl Bracher (Kathy) of White Bear Lake, nephews Scott Soderberg (Cathy), Troy Bracher (Biz), Chad Bracher, nieces Elizabeth Soderberg Chollar (Andrew), Kerri (Bracher) Lesch (Paul), along with 12 great-nieces and nephews and one great, great nephew. Tom was born in Minneapolis. He grew up in St.…

Residents and commuters in Eden Prairie have been warned of upcoming temporary traffic disruptions by EP City Manager Rick Getschow in his Friday report. On Monday, Feb. 13, starting at 7 p.m., the traffic signal at the corner of Prairie Center and Technology drives will be temporarily out of service as part of the Metro Green Line Extension project, with crews replacing the traffic signal cabinet. According to Getschow, traffic flow in both directions will be reduced during the maintenance work. However, it is expected to be completed before 5 a.m. on Tuesday. Commuters and residents are advised to plan…

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Matthew P. Pellowski, 54, on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, due to a tragic snowmobile accident.  Matt was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 1968, in Winona, Minnesota, to Janice and Mark Pellowski. He was the seventh of eight children. After graduating from Winona Senior High, Matt worked his way through college as a school bus driver and graduated from Winona State university with a bachelor’s degree in business. During college he joined the business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi and made many lifelong friends. Matt moved to the Twin Cities…

Smith Coffee & Café in Eden Prairie is hosting its 15th annual Sheldon’s Wrench Treasure Hunt beginning on Feb. 27. The grand prize for finding the hidden wrench is a $200 gift card to the cafe. The tradition of treasure hunt dates back to Sheldon Smith, who built the historic Smith-Douglas-More House in which the cafe now operates at 8107 Eden Prairie Road. The wrench was a treasured tool of Sheldon’s and the hunt for it has become a beloved city-wide event. Each day at 1 p.m., a new clue will be posted in the cafe to help participants find…

An Eden Prairie man was killed in a snowmobile crash in Cass County, Minnesota, according to Sheriff Bryan Welk. The victim has been identified as 54-year-old Matthew P. Pellowski, as stated in an obituary posted on the Huber Funeral Homes website. On Tuesday, Feb. 7, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about the crash, which occurred on the Maple Leaf Snowmobile Trail along County Road 1 in Maple Township west of Pequot Lakes. The victim was operating a 2009 Ski Doo snowmobile when he was thrown from the vehicle while attempting to navigate a driveway approach on…