Author: EPLN Staff Reports

The International School of Minnesota (ISM) Math Team recently won the AA Division of the Minnesota State Math Competition and finished 6th in the state. ISM was the only AA school in the top 10 (and the top private school out of only two in the top 10). ISM defeated all private schools in the single A division and larger schools in both their own AA division and the AAA division. “We beat schools that are six or 10 times our size,” said Mahdi Kansou, executive director SABIS Educational Systems. “They have thousands of kids from which to field their team.…

The City of Eden Prairie is seeking election judges for the Aug. 9 primary and Nov. 8 general elections. The priority application deadline is Sunday, May 1, but applications will continue to be accepted until positions are filled.Learn more and apply at edenprairie.org/ElectionJudges.

The 30th annual Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) Solar Boat Regatta is Saturday, May 21 at Riley Lake in Eden Prairie. The competition features three classes: student, adult and experimental. Trophies are awarded in several categories, including slalom, speed, endurance and design. High school and middle school students, and members of the Boy and Girl Scouts are invited to enter. MRES’ partners with teachers to enhance the competitive nature of the event, to expand the number of participating schools, and to expand solar education throughout the year. Solar boats use the sun’s radiation to create solar energy that powers on-board photovoltaic…

Eden Prairie is joining hundreds of millions of people around the globe to participate in Earth Hour, the world’s largest public action to stand in solidarity for the protection of the planet. As a symbol of the city’s commitment to the environment, Eden Prairie’s iconic water tower clocks will go dark at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26. According to a news release, the city’s participation in this global event acknowledges its continued focus on actions that benefit the community and the environment. By setting an example, the city also encourages others in the community to turn off non-essential lights in their…

Recently the SouthWest Transit Commission honored six individuals with the agency’s 2021 Leadership Awards. These awards were provided to individuals or elected officials who have supported Eden Prairie-based SouthWest Transit through pro-active leadership, advocacy, and legislative initiatives. Award recipients included U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips and his chief of staff, Zach Rodvold; Edina Mayor Jim Hovland; Bountiful Basket Chairman Tom Redman; former SouthWest Transit commission chair, Brad Aho; and former SouthWest Transit chief operating officer, Dave Jacobson. SouthWest Transit is the public transit agency for Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, and Carver. The commission, which has representatives from each of those cities,…

Dennis Lee Moberg, 74, of Eden Prairie, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at sunset on March 10, under clear skies safe for travel. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl (Lindberg) and Oscar Moberg; father- and mother-in-law, Howard and June Rein; three brothers-in-law, John Krier, Howard (Butch) Rein, and Leonard Lokken; two sisters-in-law, Merideth (Rein) Krier and Rebecca (Rein) Dahlberg; special nephew, Travis Lokken; and Brunch Bunch friends Karen and Steve Graves. Survived by his lovely wife, Christine; his Girly Girls, Sarah Moberg (Brian Smoliak) and Rachel (Derek) Baldridge; two grandchildren, Luke and Nora; brother, David (Judy)…

The Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club and the City of Eden Prairie are co-hosting the premiere of the EP Eco Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 3, at the Eden Prairie Community Center, 16700 Valley View Road. This family-friendly event was created to inspire Eden Prairie residents to “Go Green” by fulfilling the City of Eden Prairie’s sustainability goals, and to “Do Good” by helping to fund the Rotary Club’s community and global grants. Admission is free, but a $10 donation to the Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Foundation is suggested to help fund the Rotary Club’s upcoming…

Six students were recently recognized by the Eden Prairie Optimist Club for their submissions in the club’s annual essay contest based on the theme: “How does an optimistic mindset change my tomorrow?” Below are the winning essays (with headlines added by Eden Prairie Local News). The Optimist Club sponsors the contest to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. Judges picked the following winners (broken into two divisions, one for…

Marla Helseth of Eden Prairie was endorsed unanimously on March 6 by Eden Prairie and Minnetonka Senate District 49 Republicans for the state Senate seat currently occupied by Steve Cwodzinski. “I am thrilled and honored to have the endorsement of the delegates of my district, and I am excited to campaign for this Senate seat,” said in a news release. “My husband and I along with our two children have lived in this area for nineteen years and have loved it. It’s time, however, for some new political energy in this district from a non-politician.” Helseth will file her candidacy…

David Joseph Rowekamp, 58, of Eden Prairie, passed away surrounded by family on Feb. 27 from Alzheimer’s disease. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Dorothy, his first wife Jody, and his brother Mike. He is survived by his siblings: Mike’s wife Terese, Greg (Cheri) Rowekamp, Paul (Kim) Rowekamp, Kevin (Julie) Rowekamp, and Kim (Jim) Seitz, his wife Linda, and his six children, Taylor, Meg, Lizzy, Ryan, Erik, and Anthony. Dave grew up in Rochester playing sports, hanging out with friends and siblings, and sometimes causing trouble with a combination of those two. He was always the…