Recent content from Jim Anderson
Fire damages Woodbury church roof
The cause of the fire is unknown, but the blaze appeared to have started near some solar panels installed several years ago, Grove United Methodist's pastor said.
Stillwater attorney made his mark on state parks
A longtime Stillwater lawyer was instrumental in creating today's Department of Natural Resources, and his influence carries through today.
Danielle Jelinek murder trial delayed indefinitely
The key issue in the trial of Aaron Schnagl stems from the revelation of new statements from a witness questioned early in the investigation of Jelinek's five-month disappearance and death.
Trial opens this week in 2013 death of Oakdale's Danielle Jelinek
After months of delay, jury selection begins Monday in the death of Danielle Jelinek of Oakdale.
Old-time major league siblings called Washington County home
Long before the Twins came to Minnesota, this pair of Washington County siblings made it to the majors.
St. Paul attorney guilty of laundering drug money through law firm
St. Paul-based lawyer was convicted of conspiring with his brother-in-law to launder proceeds from drug sales.
The County Line: How Washington County came to be in Minnesota
Put it this way: If not for the fickle finger of historical fate, Minnesota Vikings fans in Washington County could well have ended up rooting…
Oct. 12: Woodbury farm's sale makes way for development
It's a familiar story in Woodbury and the county's other growing communities: Vestiges of rural life making way for the suburbs.
Arts briefs: Masquers Theatre sets stage for 'Forbidden Broadway'
Tickets are now on sale for “Forbidden Broadway,” a cabaret revue sharply spoofing show tunes, characters and plots of contemporary and current Broadway musicals presented…
Arts briefs: Entries sought from young aspiring writers
The deadline is approaching for high school students to enter original works in WriteNow!, the annual high school writing contest sponsored by White Bear Center…
Swedish-language newspapers archived online
Archival project, begun in 2008, is to be completed by late 2015.
Arts briefs: Valee de Croix Chorus names interim director
Scott Perau has accepted a contract as interim director of the Vallee de Croix Chorus, the award-winning group of singers that draws women from around…
East metro beat: New biography captures Ignatius O'Shaughnessy's life of giving back
On a chilly day in 1902, Ignatius Aloysius O’Shaughnessy was, quite literally, at a crossroads. It had been a rough couple of days, first getting…
Former Bayport developer convicted of fraud, tax evasion
Bayport businessman guilty on all 3 counts.
Deal reached in suit over White Bear Lake's disappearing water
The dramatically receding water level has alarmed homeowners and affected property values. The agreement will seek to limit use of well water that drew down lake levels.
Arts and leisure briefs: Afton prepares for 'Village Holiday'
Afton will be transformed into a winter wonderland for its annual “Village Holiday” event on Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6. Both days will…
Cottage Grove planning community film festival
The "Films in 5 Festival" is the first big project of the city's new Arts Commission.
Ramsey County to raze riverfront buildings
The $11.5 million project will demolish buildings and make site shovel-ready for investors.
Arts briefs: Stillwater to paint town red — and green
Dozens of “Hometown for the Holidays” events in downtown Stillwater begin at 9:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28 on Main Street with the arrival of Santa…
Briefs: Grant to fund health study in transit corridor
A $100,000 grant will fund a yearlong study of potential health effects resulting from the development of the Gateway Corridor, the transit link being developed…
The County Line: All right, Hollywood, we're ready for our close-up
Washington County's rural landscapes, unspoiled small-town charms and the beauty of the St. Croix River have been drawing filmmakers to the area for years.
Washington County following trend of shifting tax burden
Residential property values jumped nearly 14 percent, leading to homeowners picking up a greater share of the tab.
Ice brings early closure to river shipping
The icy conditions have put an end to the 2014 shipping season, the earliest closing in the past 45 years.
The County Line: Minnesota's first road project
It's just an inconspicuous gouge in a hillside along U.S. Hwy 10, easily overlooked by drivers whizzing to or from Prescott, Wis., across the nearby…
Cottage Grove cemetery links county to a candy dynasty
A small Cottage Grove cemetery bears witness to the Mars company's roots in the Washington County city.
Legal battle over election signs in Grant reignited
Stephen Bohnen's City Council term is almost over, but he's now suing a rival for legal costs.
Police investigating former East Ridge principal
Aaron Harper, who resigned last week, is accused of public misconduct over alleged misuse of funds, police say.
Stillwater mayor, citing "personal issues," quits abruptly
The resignation of Ken Harycki comes after an IRS raid at his accounting business last spring.
Arts briefs: Art, theater part of 2015 Big Read activities
As part of The Big Read in the St. Croix Valley, ArtReach St. Croix is seeking artists to be part of the exhibition “Spirit, Heart,…
The County Line: Who was Orville Bielenberg?
Bielenberg Drive is one of Woodbury’s busiest thoroughfares. Bielenberg Sports Center is one of the largest athletic complexes in Minnesota. Soon, Bielenberg Gardens will become…
New clinics in Woodbury healthy sign for growth
HealthEast and Children's Hospitals, along with other firms, are making the city a medical care destination.
New Washington County Board member: 'We connected with voters'
Karla Bigham, who defeated County Board member Autumn Lehrke, said she knocked on doors since May. Her to-do list includes roads, libraries, jobs and Red Rock transit ridership..
Time gap, lost evidence weigh in Bosnian immigration case
A federal judge heard arguments on whether to dismiss charges against Zdenko Jakisa of Forest Lake, accused of lying in order to emigrate to the United States 16 years ago.
Briefs: Popularity grows for absentee ballots in Washington County
Voters have requested more than 8,000 absentee ballots in Washington County this fall, about a 20 percent increase over the 2010 election. The uptick can…
Arts briefs: Victorian Christmas celebrated at courthouse
The annual Victorian holiday celebration at the Washington County Historic Courthouse will take place Nov. 21-23 at the courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater. Built…
School briefs: Woodbury High band marches at Disney World
Ninety students in Woodbury High School’s Marching Royals band traveled to Florida last month for unique marching band events, a workshop and a performance at…
Shipping infrastructure problems roiling the river
A rough season on the Upper Mississippi has disrupted barge traffic and the flow of commodities.
July 31: Big river, big trouble: Dredges work OT to open Mississippi River
Over the past several weeks, a 52-member crew from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been feverishly battling the clock and Mother Nature to clear the river of silt deposited by this year's relentless floodwaters.
Two candidates vying for judgeship in Washington County
Susan Miles, who is seeking a fourth term, faces a challenge from attorney Julie LaFleur.
Bosnian native living in Forest Lake may be tied to 3 slayings
Zdenko Jakisa, facing deportation, is accused of immigration fraud and of hiding war crimes in 1990s.
Key Washington County cities could see turnover at mayor
With incumbents stepping down, at least a half-dozen communities will have new mayors. Elsewhere, several officeholders face challengers.
Elections focus on local issues, economy
Candidates across the county are focused on finding ways to attract development and jobs and expand tax bases in the postrecession marketplace.
Solar farm in the works in Denmark Township
The 40-acre site in Denmark Township is part of a proposed network of sites.
Railroad steams ahead with St. Paul rail yard expansion
City concerns on noise, wetlands and more get bypassed as Canadian Pacific Railway takes its case to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.
June 7: St. Paul rail yard expansion plan met with opposition
Congestion, noise, impact on the wetlands being filled in among concerns of St. Paul residents.
June 15: St. Paul: How will Dunn Yard expansion affect environment?
Dunn Yard expansion project is on hold as St. Paul asks Canadian Pacific to provide more details on the environmental impact.
Upon review, Washington County stacks up well
Outsiders rank Washington County among the best places to live, on several scores.
Suit over White Bear Lake depletion heads to trial
Judge has stern words for DNR over its lake management plan.
St. Paul Saints have tradition of fun and history
With laughs, a few tears, some fireworks and one last slightly daft promotion (the Monster Food Truck Rally), the curtain fell last week on baseball…
St. Paul Saints, fans say farewell to Midway Stadium
Though Thursday was the closing of one chapter, it was also the last step toward a new era with the opening next spring of the team's new stadium in Lowertown.
New Brighton, Army trying to resolve clash over water treatment
New Brighton says the military is reneging on paying for groundwater treatment from a former ammunition plant.
Woodbury teen pleads guilty in designer-drug death of 17-year-old girl
The Woodbury 19-year-old helped sell a designer drug that killed a 17-year-old girl.
State Patrol seeks help with clues in Oak Park Heights hit-and-run death
The Minnesota State Patrol is asking the public for help in finding the driver of a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash late Saturday in…
Plans for State Farm campus shift to fast track
Woodbury has waited for eight years to see a rebirth at the abandoned site at a busy intersection. With City Council approval, work could start in September.
Route set for Gateway Corridor transit line
The bus rapid-transit line would start at Woodbury's eastern edge and run west along Interstate 94 and end at St. Paul's Union Depot.
Mayfly's adult life is fleeting but very eventful
On the five-point Johnson Scale, Sunday night's spectacularly freakish mayfly emergence and hatch along much of the Upper Mississippi was a doozy, rating a 4.5.
$600 million solutions on table for thirsty White Bear Lake
Two of three solutions proposed for dwindling lake top $600 million and would shift how many cities get their water.
June 24, 2013: As White Bear Lake shrinks, property values sink
While home values are recovering elsewhere, the loss of once-prime lakeshore on White Bear Lake is having devastating financial effects.
Massive mayfly swarm blamed in 3-car accident near Red Wing
The phenomenon could be detected on radar across the Mississippi River Valley Sunday night. The onslaught left behind a huge, slimy mess and got the blame for a three-vehicle accident on the Hwy. 63 bridge linking Red Wing and Hager City, Wis., that left one person hospitalized.
May 24: Years of records show neighbors' discord
Before New Brighton feud erupted in fatal shooting, cops were called to neighboring homes dozens of times on a variety of complaints.
New era is teeing off at Maplewood's Keller Golf Course
After 2 years of improvements, the historic Maplewood course will officially reopen Saturday.
St. Paul mounds find their ground on National Register of Historic Places
The ancients who began building them at least 2,000 years ago knew the spot at the crest of Dayton’s Bluff overlooking the majestic bend in…
Denmark Township school placed on historic register
The listing means the work of fundraising and restoration will be made a little easier for members of the local historical society.
Oct. 27, 2013: Mandy Matula's family says body found near Sartell is hers
The remains were found in a shallow grave by a hiker north of Sartell, Minn. With them was a sweatshirt with the University of Minnesota Duluth logo and No. 14 — Matula's softball number.
DNR land-use rules draw concerns along the Mississippi riverfront
Cities, developers, environmentalists at odds over land use in metro area.
Convicted murderer sentenced in rampage at Stillwater prison
Convicted murderer gets eight years on top of the life term he is serving.
Cottage Grove's historic 1840s limestone kiln collapses after flooding
The 1840s landmark came tumbling down along a channel of the Mississippi.
In Washington County, all eyes are on the rivers
The swollen Mississippi and Lower St. Croix rivers continue to rise. County is stockpiling sandbags.
Woodbury, restaurateur sue each other over sports center plans
The city of Woodbury and a Stillwater restaurateur, who agreed to work together to build a full-service restaurant in the newly revamped Bielenberg Sports Center,…
St. Croix State Park: Recovering 3 years after devastating windstorm
On the third anniversary of a massive blowdown that affected 13,000 acres of St. Croix State Park, signs of recovery are emerging.
St. Paul flooding sends Taste of Minnesota to Waconia
With St. Paul's Harriet Island nearly covered by the swollen Mississippi River, organizers decided the July 3-6 festival will be held at the Carver County Fairgrounds.
Suspect in Woodbury robbery who shot himself identified
Thomas E. Jones of Minneapolis was one of two men who attempted to rob a Woodbury jewelry store last weekend, police say.
St. Paul approves $124,000 settlement in woman's fall
No liability was admitted in 2011 trip-and-fall case.
