Wayzata.com

Fallen Wayzata Police Officer Bill Mathews receives Jim Fish Award

August 10th, 2022

The Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition awarded Wayzata Police Officer Bill Mathews the Jim Fish Award at the August 2nd Night to Unite community luncheon, held at the Wayzata Country Club.

The award is presented annually to individuals within the community who have gone above and beyond in service to the community and in crime prevention. A recent photo by the WCPC highlighted the event.

“Bill Mathews served the communities of Wayzata and Long Lake with dedication and distinction. On September 8th, 2017 Officer Mathews gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to his communities,” stated Wayzata Detective Sergeant Dan Lee at the luncheon.

“I am proud to have known him, worked with him and to have called him my friend. This year marks the five year anniversary of when Officer Mathews lost his life in the line of duty. Bill’s commitment to his family, work, his partners and to the community did not come from a place of obligation. It came from the love of police work, and his want to serve, not because he had to.”

Wayzata Police Chief Marc Schultz, Wyatt Mathews, and Detetive Sergeant Dan Lee.
Image courtesy Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition.

Mathews’ son Wyatt, accepted the award on behalf of his father.
City Council race update

August 10th, 2022

Hickman enters race for council

Wayzata.com had previously reported that Molly MacDonald and Jeff Parkhill had filed to run for the two open Wayzata City Council Seats.

Jeff Buchanan has not filed to run for his council seat as of the morning of the 9th of August. Buchanan also did not respond to a message last week.

Wayzata resident Chris Hickman has now entered the race. Hickman is a retired airline pilot of 40 years and former small business owner.

Hickman has resided in Wayzata for 30 years with his wife. They have raised 3 children during that time.

Submitted photo.

August 16th is the final day for candidates to file to run for Council. Stay tuned to Wayzata.com.
Pickpockets at restaurants

August 8th, 2022

The Wayzata Police Department today issued a Crime Alert for Situational Awareness indicating there has been an “uptick in purse/wallet thefts.”

This was on the heels of social media reports over the weekend on Nextdoor and the Wayzata Fan Club sharing the concerns.

Police encourage residents and visitors to keep purses and handbags in sight at all times; and to keep a watchful eye for people who appear out of place, are stalling, or hanging around looking for opportunity.

If you see anything suspicious please report it to 911.
Wayzata Press for August 8th, 2022

August 8th, 2022

Watch for our August 8th print edition of Wayzata.com to hit the streets today and tomorrow!

Our feature story is the THC Emergency Moratorium that was passed by the Wayzata City Council earlier this month. Other online resources include the Wayzata Fan Club and Lake Minnetonka Real Estate.com

Wayzata Press – August 8th, 2022

Pick up a copy of the print edition all over town!
Sunday Music in the Park Schedule (2022 season)

August 7th, 2022

The Wayzata Parks & Trails Board has once again organized Sunday Music in the Park for the month of August (2022).

Music in the park. Image courtesy City of Wayzata.

The event is held at the Wayzata Great Lawn / Promenade Park which is located just to the west of the Hotel Landing in downtown Wayzata.

August 7th – Westwind Swing Band (Swing Music)
August 14th – Ditchweed (80s Sing Along)
August 21st – Blue Grove (Bluegrass)
August 28th – Wailing Loons (Folk Rock)

The time for the music performances each Sunday is from 4:30 – 5:30 pm at 851 Lake Street East.
2022 Wayzata Car Show Scheduled

August 6th, 2022
Wayzata Masonic Lodge #205 has announced it is hosting the Inaugural Wayzata Car Show on Sunday, September 19th 2022 from 9am – 1pm.

All makes, models, & years are welcome to register for the show, and a free will offering for car entrants will help to fund high school scholarships, according to a graphic posted in the Wayzata Fan Club on Facebook.

Food will be available for purchase, and the public is invited to this free event which will take place on Minnetonka Avenue and Lake Street in Downtown Wayzata.

Registration for the event will occur the day of, beginning at 8am.

For more information, visit the Wayzata Masons web site.

A flyer for the Wayzata Car Show. Image courtesy Wayzata Masons.
- Lake Street East
THC Emergency Moratorium Declared

August 4th, 2022

City to study new THC law for up to a year, manufacturing and sales prohibited

The Wayzata City Council declared an emergency moratorium on the manufacturing, distribution and sale of edible cannabinoid products containing hemp.

The moratorium immediately prohibits anyone from selling or manufacturing edibles in Wayzata. The council approved the emergency declaration, and subsequent ordinance with a four-fifths vote in favor on Wednesday. Councilor Alex Plechash was not in attendance for the meeting.

The discussion over what to do about edible cannabinoid products comes after the Minnesota Legislature enacted a new law allowing certain edible and beverage products containing THC to be sold. The decision came during the legislative session in May. The law came into effect officially on July 1.

An example of a THC infused gummy.
Image courtesy Space Gem Candy.com

“Regardless of how this all came to be, little information was provided to cities to determine the level of regulation if needed,” said Jeff Dahl, City Manager. “We think, similar to alcohol and tobacco, there certainly could be impacts to our community with licensing, zoning and general public safety.”

Dahl expects the legislature to come forward with regulations at some point, which he said is often what happens.

The moratorium is effective for one year, or until it is ended through a vote by the city council. During this time, the city is required to study the issue and take action.

If someone is in violation of the moratorium they will face penalties similar to violating a zoning ordinance, according to Dahl. He also stated the moratorium has no impact on people who are prescribed medical marijuana. It is specifically targeted at edible cannabinoid products containing hemp.

“Swear to God I didn’t know what cannabinoid oil was before this,” Dahl said. “It’s essentially a mind altering substance.”

Mayor Johanna Mouton asked if the moratorium would immediately stop someone who has already started selling products. Dahl said it would.

If the state were to come forward with regulations before the end of the moratorium, the moratorium would remain in effect. The city would have the option to end the moratorium and adopt the state regulations if it chooses.
Wayzata Historical Society 40th Anniversary Event

August 3rd, 2022
Thursday August 4th from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

The Wayzata Historical Society will celebrate it’s 40th Anniversary with a public event on Thursday, August 4th, 2022.

Attendees can expect history themed bingo and trivia, winners will receive prizes.

A signed Lloyd Borg print will be given away to one lucky guest.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, fruit, and a celebration desert will be available on site with food service provided by the Wayzata Bar & Grill for the nominal fee of $5.

Live music will also be performed by Ipso Facto, a Minneapolis based reggae/funk/jazz band that has played for audiences around the world.

The event will take place at the Wayzata Depot, located at 402 East Lake Street in Downtown Wayzata, and will take place rain or shine.
- Wayzata Depot
Wayzata City Council race opens, voters will elect two

August 3rd, 2022

Incumbent City Councilwoman Molly MacDonald and Planning Commission Chair Jeff Parkhill have filed so far

The race for Wayzata City Council is underway as the filing window from August 2nd through August 16th is now open.

Wayzata City Council member Molly MacDonald has filed to enter the race.

MacDonald was previously appointed to a vacant seat by the Council when then Councilwoman Johanna Mouton was elected Mayor in the 2020 election and began serving her term in 2021.

Image courtesy City of Wayzata.

Councilman Jeff Buchanan’s 4 year term also expires at the end of the year.

Buchanan did not immediately return a message inquiring as to whether or not he intends to run again. He previously served as the Chair of the Planning Commission and was elected in the 2018 election.

Image courtesy City of Wayzata.

Planning Commissioner Jeff Parkhill has filed to run for Wayzata City Council. He currently serves as the Chair.

Parkhill was a finalist for Mouton’s vacant seat appointment in 2020.

Submitted photo.

Interested parties may pick up an application at Wayzata City Hall during business hours. The filing fee is $5, and candidates must be 21 years of age or older and be a Wayzata resident for 30 days prior to the Nov. 8th election.

*Filing information current as of the end of the business day on 08/2/2022.
2022 Night to Unite Scheduled for August 2nd

August 1st, 2022

Tuesday evening marks the 40th annual crime prevention event in Wayzata

On Tuesday, August 2nd 2022 the Wayzata Crime Prevention Coaltion, the City of Wayzata, the Wayzata Police Department and the Wayzata Fire Department will join together with Wayzata residents to celebrate Night to Unite.

Night to Unite Luncheon

Per usual custom, the festivities will kick off at the Wayzata Country Club as the Wayzata Chamber hosts the annual Night to Unite luncheon in conjunction with the Wayzata Rotary Club.

Wayzata Police Chief Marc Schultz will provide an inside look at the department and highlight some of the most significant and bizzarre cases investigated within the past two years during a presentation that will follow lunch.

Block parties from 5:15 – 8:30

Later in the day, Wayzata Police, Wayzata Fire, City staff, elected officials and McGruff the Crime Dog will visit two dozen neighborhood parties throughout Wayzata and Long Lake via public safety vehicles including squad cars and fire trucks.

A Night to Unite party. File photo.

Public safety officials and typically a Wayzata City Council member will make a brief crime prevention speech at each stop.

Each block captain and host has his or her favorite ways to provide food and beverage. This can include a potluck, bring your own, or neighbors collect money to purchase food and beverage.

Children will receive S.W.A.G from Wayzata Police and Fire officials, and will be able to investigate fire trucks and squad cars.

The present Night to Unite concept replaced National Night Out in 2008. The concept was similar to National Night Out, however Night to Unite is endorsed locally by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association.

Fore more information, call the Wayzata Police Department at 952-404-5340.

Wayzata Press – August 8th, 2022