Author: EPLN Staff Reports

Get your neighbors and friends to subscribe to Eden Prairie Local News’ email newsletter, and you might win $100. Without more people signing up for its free newsletters, the nonprofit news organization won’t grow. So, EPLN has decided to hold a two-week contest, hoping current subscribers will tap their networks and recruit new readers. The three people who recruit the most new email newsletter subscribers during the March 15-31 contest will win the top prizes: first place is a $100 Visa gift card; second place is a $50 gift card, and third place is a $25 gift card. There’s no…

The Eden Prairie Noon Rotary Club will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 20, at Fat Pants Brewery in Eden Prairie. For two decades, the club has dedicated itself to serving the community by supporting local charities and organizations, funding international water and sanitation projects, organizing community events, and providing scholarships to local students. According to a press release, the celebration is open to the public. The club invites all current and past members, as well as community partners and supporters, to join them in celebrating the milestone. The event…

An apartment plan that has failed to get an endorsement from the city or many neighbors is in front of the Eden Prairie City Council again on Tuesday, March 7, when the council will consider a formal denial of the project. The original plan by Ryan Companies – 211 apartments in a five-story building along Valley View Road, west of the Topview Road/Plaza Drive intersection – was rejected 4-0 on a preliminary vote by the council last August. Issues raised at the time included parking, traffic and road access, building height, and stormwater drainage. Ryan later revised the plan to…

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…