Author: Stuart Sudak

The Eden Prairie Outdoor Center community is mourning the loss of Whisper, a barred owl who had served as an educational ambassador there for seven years. Whisper died of natural causes on Oct. 23. “We’re all obviously saddened by this because he played a huge role in the day-to-day operations of the center,” said Stan Tekiela, the longtime director/supervisor of the outdoor center. “So many people would show up just to see him because he was on display.” During his time at the outdoor center, Whisper interacted with countless children, making appearances at local elementary schools and introducing students to…

The room was alive with heartfelt tributes, laughter, and a shared sense of gratitude as Jay Lotthammer, the longtime Eden Prairie parks and recreation director, took his final bow last week, marking the end of his 16-year tenure on the job. Last week, at Fat Pants Brewing, friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to say goodbye over beer to Lotthammer, 56, marking the end of his 35-year career in the parks and recreation field. Before joining Eden Prairie, he spent 19 years in Brooklyn Park, ascending from a seasonal part-time employee to the director of parks and recreation for that community.…

Democratic U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, representing Minnesota’s Third District, which includes Eden Prairie and surrounding suburbs in the western and southwestern metro, has officially announced his 2024 presidential candidacy. Phillips, while acknowledging the uphill battle his candidacy faces, takes a position distinct from his party by opposing President Joe Biden’s bid for reelection. On Thursday, the 54-year-old Phillips launched his campaign for the Democratic primary against the incumbent president. He intends to file for participation in New Hampshire’s presidential primary on Friday, and his campaign website is now operational. He explained his reasons for running for president through a statement…

Campiello, the Italian restaurant that has been a fixture in Eden Prairie for nearly three decades, is set to close its doors on Dec. 31. The news was announced in a media release on Friday, accompanied by a clever and fitting headline: “D’Amico’s Campiello, That’s Amore.” The owners, D’Amico & Partners, revealed in the media release that they will not renew the restaurant’s lease, which is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2024. Brothers Richard and Larry D’Amico, along with partner Paul Smith, opened Campiello in Eden Prairie in December 1996, following the success of Campiello on Lake Street in…

Hennepin County has rescheduled the special election for Commissioner District 6 due to concerns that the original date coincided with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. After discussions with the county auditor and the Hennepin County Elections Department, the new date has been set for Tuesday, May 14, 2024. If needed, a special primary has been slated for Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Hennepin County’s Commissioner District 6 covers 66 precincts, including areas like northern Eden Prairie, Deephaven, Edina, Excelsior, Hopkins, Mound, Minnetonka, Orono, and Wayzata. Chris LaTondresse, inaugurated as District 6 commissioner in January 2021, announced his decision to resign…

Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) is gearing up for its Third Annual Meeting on Monday, Oct. 16. Over the past three years, EPLN has posted more than 2,200 articles, and the momentum shows no sign of slowing. The meeting will occur from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Eden Prairie City Center, 8080 Mitchell Road, in the downstairs Heritage Rooms. On the agenda is the organization’s Annual Report, which outlines the key achievements of the nonpartisan, nonprofit news website over the last year. EPLN is devoted to sharing the stories, news, and events that shape Eden Prairie. Ken Stone, a…

Thuy Husmann transforms her anguish over her son Aaron’s tragic suicide into community-driven initiatives, raising funds for The Grief Club of Minnesota to support families navigating similar heartbreak and to bolster suicide awareness.

Eden Prairie High School’s annual Powderpuff games, taking place from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Aerie Stadium, aim to serve a cause beyond just school spirit. The school’s DECA chapter, which promotes leadership in marketing and entrepreneurship, spearheads the annual Powderpuff games. In this flag football event, female students compete and are coached by seniors on the football team. This year’s theme, “Huddle to Heal,” is particularly poignant in the wake of the tragic losses of student Aaron Husmann, a junior, and staff member Rob Becker, who was one of the school’s security monitors, last April. “I…

With fewer than a third of Minnesota students achieving grade-level proficiency in literacy and math, one Math Corps tutor and five Early Learning Corps tutors are being sought to serve in Eden Prairie area schools. The application deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 4, to begin serving in October, and Dec. 13 to begin serving in January. According to a press release, Reading Corps, Math Corps and Early Learning Corps are evidence-based AmeriCorps programs dedicated to helping all children become strong learners.  Tutors placed at local schools can choose to serve 35, 25 or 18 hours a week. Some locations also have opportunities for 10 hours weekly.…

The old bass drumhead tells a story that goes beyond its faded appearance. Adorned with “Eden Prairie School Band” in red around the edge and the word “Consolidated” centered in black, the drumhead caught the young Mike Flavin’s eye more than 50 years ago. Flavin stepped in just before it was tossed out and gave it a new lease on life. He cherished the drumhead from his childhood in Eden Prairie to his recent retirement as a youth pastor. Alongside his wife, Amy, he took the drumhead on a journey spanning thousands of miles — from California to Philadelphia, and…