Author: EPLN Staff Reports

Paula M. (Urban) Elvecrog (1945-2022), a longtime Eden Prairie resident, was a kind and gracious person — cheerful and friendly to everyone, quick to smile and always willing to help others. She could light up a room with her energy and laughter. Her positive and loving presence will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. Paula grew up in South Minneapolis with her parents and younger sister, Sandi. She was a well-liked honor student and leader at Washburn High School, very involved in the community and school activities. Paula was on Power’s Teen Board, where she…

Construction in Eden Prairie to the Metro Green Line Extension (also known as the Southwest light rail project) will cause traffic impacts around town. There will be a ramp closure from Valley View Road to eastbound Highway 212 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 14. Lane closures are expected on Flying Cloud and Prairie Center drives from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 13. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will complete road work on Highway 212 between Highway 62 and Valley View Road. Eastbound Highway 212 will be impacted the week of Sept. 12, while westbound…

The League of Women Voters of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie-Hopkins (LWV MEPH) is hosting an Eden Prairie School Board candidate forum starting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14. It takes place in the council chambers of Eden Prairie City Center, 8080 Mitchell Road, and is open to the public. But, because there is limited seating, it will be streamed live. The live broadcast can be viewed on EPTV, the city’s cable government access channel, at edenprairie.org/CityTV, and on the city’s Facebook channel. The forum will be rebroadcast on EPTV several times weekly and available on-demand on the city’s website leading up to Election Day on…

Eden Prairie city government offices, including the Community Center, will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, for Labor Day. The same goes for most federal, state and county government offices and services.  What else is closed in or around Eden Prairie on this federal holiday that pays tribute to U.S. workers? Here’s a list:  Eden Prairie Library and other Hennepin County libraries.The Eden Prairie Post Office. The United States Postal Service will not be open, nor will there be regular delivery.Most banks.There is no garbage or recycling pickup on Monday. Curbside collection normally scheduled for Monday will occur Tuesday.  Police and…

Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) and Game Time Media are teaming up this year to cover the home games of 13 sports at Eden Prairie High School. Game Time will stream the action to view football, volleyball and soccer streams this fall at EPEagles.Live starting on Sept. 6 and 8, with volleyball games against Lakeville South and Southwest Christian at 6:45 pm. The Eagles’ football home opener vs. Farmington will follow on Sept. 9, at 6:45 pm. Regular fall season streaming will run through Oct. 20. Game Time’s Ace Sauerwein will cover the play-by-play, with EPLN sports editor Ryan Williamson…

“Stop for the stop arm!” With Eden Prairie children readying themselves to go back to school next week, the title of an Aug. 30 EPPD blog post was a reminder to drivers of the importance of stopping for school bus arms.  According to the city’s police blog, the state law requires drivers in both directions to stop at least 20 feet away when they see a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. The fine for failing to stop is $500.  In 2021, the EPPD received 38 reports of stop-arm violations.  “It is important to note that…

The League of Women Voters of Minnetonka-Eden Prairie-Hopkins (LWV MEPH) is hosting a candidate forum for Eden Prairie City Council and mayoral candidates from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31. It takes place in the council chambers of Eden Prairie City Center, 8080 Mitchell Road. The public is invited to attend. In the mayor’s race, incumbent Ron Case will face challenger Tracey Schowalter. For the council, incumbent Mark Freiberg, Greg Lehman, incumbent Kathy Nelson, and Micah Olson will face off for two open seats. Both the mayor and the council seats have four-year terms. The forum will be broadcast live on EPTV,…

Eden Prairie residents, especially those from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, are being encouraged to share their views about the community at a Town Hall Meeting scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, at the Eden Prairie Library, 565 Prairie Center Drive. The meeting will begin with an introduction to the Eden Prairie Race Equity Initiative and an update on the status of its implementation, according to Megan Yerks, the city’s community services coordinator. From there, the floor will be open for discussion between community members, the city council, and staff. One of the recommendations in the Race…

Mitchell Road between Cove Pointe Road and Pioneer Trail will be closed for about one week, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 24. According to a city announcement on Friday, the closure will allow crews to rebuild infrastructure for utilities. Detour signs will redirect drivers ahead of the closure.  The project timeline is weather dependent and subject to change.

Round Lake will be closed to swimming through the weekend. It will reopen when further testing indicates the water is safe. The city announced Thursday that regular testing at Round Lake indicated unsafe levels of bacteria in the water. Hennepin County Public Health Department samples waters from all public beaches throughout the summer to check for water-borne illnesses. Eden Prairie public beaches at Round Lake and Riley Lake parks recently closed for the season, meaning no lifeguards are on duty. People can still swim at those beaches but at their own risk. Updates concerning Round Lake will be posted on the city’s website. …