From CCX Media: “The Wayzata boys soccer shut out Hopkins 5-0 Thursday to remain unbeaten on the season. The Trojans (11-0-2) are ranked second in the state in Class 3A. Joe Highfield, Cole Frazier, Joey Burica, Mike Orlov and Colin Leech scored for Wayzata.”
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From CCX Media: “The top-ranked Wayzata girls soccer team beat Hopkins 4-2 to get a sweep of the Royals this season. Grace Estby had two goals for Wayzata with Amya Conway and Ana Munyon each netting one. The Trojans built a 3-0 halftime lead in the win. They are now 12-0-1 this season.”
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From CCX Media: “The fourth-ranked Champlin Park volleyball team beat number one Wayzata Wednesday night in a possible preview of November’s Section 5AAAA final. The Rebels lost the first set 25-14 but then won the next three—25-23, 25-13, and 25-23. Carly Gilk led the Rebels in kills with 16 while Marlie Hanson added 14. Olivia Swenson led the Trojans in kills with 13. It was the first loss for Wayzata in a best-of-five set match since the 2018 season. The Trojans defeated the Rebels in last year’s section final and the teams are expected to be the top two seeds for this year’s section tournament. Champlin Park’s record is now 15-4 while Wayzata drops to 14-3.”
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Wayzata 2022 City Council Candidates: (left to right) Chris Hickman, Molly MacDonald, Jeff Parkhill and Larissa Stockton. Four candidates made their cases for two city council seats during a public forum last week.
The League of Women Voters Wayzata-Plymouth and the Chamber of Commerce hosted the Wayzata City Council Candidate Forum in the council chambers on Thursday. The forum was moderated by LWV member William Johnson.
Editor’s note: Wayzata.com viewers can watch the entire candidate forum at Wayzata Community TV, and the public is encouraged to do so.
The candidates participating were incumbent councilor Molly MacDonald, planning commission chairman Jeff Parkhill, vice chair of the planning commission Larissa Stockton and longtime resident Chris Hickman.
Each candidate was given the opportunity to present an opening statement. They highlighted their varied experiences and an overview of their approach to serving on the council.
Hickman described himself as pragmatic, vowing to take a “methodical and balanced,” approach. MacDonald leaned on her upbringing in the community and how she brought a “different perspective” to the council. Parkhill and Stockton, both Planning Commission members, had different overarching issues atop their lists. Parkhill said he prioritizes smaller development. Stockton wants to be proactive on crime, traffic, noise and congestion.
A variety of issues were addressed during the hour-long forum, but one of the most overarching issues was development and the pressures of growth. Each candidate expressed concern over maintaining the charm of a small community. MacDonald and Stockton agreed the voice of residents is important while developing.
Q: How can the city deal with residential and developer pressure while maintaining charm?
Stockton: “What we need to do is look at the experience of the residents. “We can achieve balance from focusing on the user experience.”
MacDonald: “We have a high growth rate here in our city. There’s a public process — I intend to oversee that process and ensure transparency, listen and be accessible. I encourage residents to keep using their voice.”
When asked about the preliminary property tax levy of 10.59-percent, which was recently passed at council, Parkhill said the city must explore new revenue sources. The city’s budget is about $19 million.
Q: What are your thoughts on the preliminary property tax increase of 10.59-percent recommended for Wayzata?
Parkhill: “There’s tremendous pressure on our budget,” he said. “(Revenue) sources we have now are property taxes. Alternatives are the Muni and liquor store, stormwater, the marina and cable. We need to come up with different ideas. I’m not a huge proponent of taxes at all. But there are times we need to cover our costs.”
Hickman: “We are very fortunate we have a triple ‘A’ bond rating and an affluent community. We give our fair share to Hennepin County. We are an outflow city to the balance of this state. It is a privileged place to be in. We could do a little more fundraising for the police department. I wish we could do better and take some burden off the taxpayers.”
In Stockton’s response she references the addition of two police officers as one of the reasons for the proposed increase.
Stockton: “Public safety has become an increasing concern. While we do have a strong ratio of police to residents, there is an increase in activity on our main streets. These are trends we don’t want to set into habit of mind. These activities need to be curtailed.”
Johnson asked the candidates to choose from one of four topics to speak on related to the corridor study: land use and development, transportation, road safety or public realm and streetscapes. All four chose land use and development and all four referenced development near County Road 101.
Q: State your vision for land use and development.
Stockton: “We need to reclaim the 101 and Wayzata Blvd. We’re a small town. We need to connect upper to lower Wayzata through efficient traffic and walkability.”
MacDonald: “Safety is of the utmost importance. We need examine that area and come up with a plan for resident safety. The access entry points there are terrifying. If we come up with a good, solid plan we can go to the county and ask that they address these safety issues prior to their plan which is 2030 I believe.”
Hickman: “That is an important corner coming off Central Ave. into the heart of city as you approach superior,” he said. “That is the last opportunity to make your best impression of the city when entering from that side. This project needs to be developed correctly and smoothly so it’s balanced.”
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges facing businesses, and what role should the city council have in supporting businesses?
Hickman: “The traffic that is attracted to the city is not really interested in the retail sector and it’s suffering. If we add more and more retail its going to be competing. I’m in favor of a half a percent sales tax because most of the sales tax is going to be paid for by visitors.”
MacDonald: “Parking has been an issue for my business and the businesses I have spoken to. I’d like to refute and state for the record that the Wayzata businesses are thriving. We’re all having record years.”
Q: What measures would you support if any to support affordable housing needs?
Parkhill: “(Accessory dwelling units), we looked at doing those in various districts in the community. That would allow some affordable housing. I think as they build along Wayzata Blvd. there absolutely needs to be some affordable housing requirements.”
Stockton: “Affordable housing in Wayzata is a tough nut to crack because we are a destination location and values are very high. As we develop the upper part of Wayzata along Colonial Sq. and Wayzata Blvd. and the 101, over time these are areas we can do that. Ask developers to portion off part of their development to suit this need.”
Q: What is your view on a permit process for short-term rentals?
MacDonald: “We need to wait for it to become an issue. We shouldn’t be in the business of solving problems that aren’t an issue yet.”
Hickman: “I spend time in Scottsdale, Ariz. during the winter. Thirty-percent of the properties in Scottsdale are short-term rentals. They’re not owner occupied. I don’t think we want a community like that. Your community is built on people with a soul.”
Q: Wayzata is considering installing rooftop solar panels on city buildings. What additional environmental actions should Wayzata consider?
Parkhill: “We approved one solar energy variance last year. It’s kind of in a trial phase. We didn’t think it was going to look that nice. They’re coming out with really good ones though that can be hidden. The best thing we can do is continue to wait until these solar panels are aesthetically pleasing at least for places that are noticable. Solar is the wave of the future.”
Hickman: “I’ve had solar panels — 34 of them — for five years. I live in a 6,000 square-foot house and my electric bill averages $12 a month. It’s time we started considering this. They’re very efficient. They’re getting more inexpensive daily.”
Q: What steps would you take towards advancing racial diversity and equity in the city government and community?
Hickman: “You have to teach diversity very young and teach acceptance because I tell you what, 40-percent of the population of Minnesota will be people of color in 40 years. We better get prepared and we better get used to it.”
MacDonald: “I think the Panoway has helped with this situation quite a bit. It has offered people accessibility to the lake. I feel connected to the community. It’s the most diversity I’ve seen in my entire life in Wayzata.”
Closing statements
In closing statements, the themes of working together, calculated approaches to growth and balancing the needs of residents and developers were central to each candidate.
MacDonald touted her life-long residency in Wayzata having grown up in the community and started a business here. She spoke to considering the past when preparing for the future.
“I live in a 100-year-old house. I drive a 60-year-old car,” she said. “I appreciate the past and am excited for the future. Wayzata has an authentic legacy that comes from multi-generational families like mine. Authenticity comes from loving where you live. I’m running to manage thoughtfully the high growth rate, maintain city services to our high standards and prioritize public safety on roads and in parks.”
Parkhill said he aims to steer away from hot-button talking points and work together with the rest of the council. Stockton also spoke of collaboration, saying her skills as a consultant have prepared her for the role. Hickman said he wants to see the $19 million city budget pared down and have the 2040 comprehensive plan reviewed regularly.
Voting for the two city council seats will take place on Nov. 8. Polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. at City Hall. Absentee voting for the State General Election began on Friday.
Voting info:
Important information about how to vote in the general election can be found at www.wayzata.org/375/Elections.
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Deyon Loveless and Omar Madkour rushed for 399 yards and 6 touchdowns in Wayzata’s win over the Eagles
After two losses to Champlin Park and STMA, Wayzata’s football team was hoping to bounce back to .500 at the Homecoming game held Friday, September 23rd at Wayzata Stadium.
The Trojans got right to work with two touchdowns in the 1st quarter, the first a 15 yard scamper to the left by Deyon Loveless and the second a 9 yard sweep to the right. Wayzata failed to convert the PAT in both cases and led at the end of the 1st 12-0.
Loveless scored his 2nd touchdown of the night in the 2nd quarter on a 1 yard dive, and N. Stueve added the PAT to make it Wayzata 26, Totino-Grace 0 at half.
Wayzata continued to dominate with another Loveless TD to open the 3rd quarter making in Trojans 26, Eagles 0.
Omar Madkour scored his first touchdown of the evening on a 7 yard gain to make it Wayzata 32, Totino 0.
On the ensuing kickoff, S. Johnson would return the ball 98 yards for Totino’s only score of the evening making it Eagles 7, Wayzata 32.
Wayzata put the exclamation point on the game as both Loveless and Madkour would score an additional touchdown each to make Wayzata 45, Totino-Grace 7, final.
Another interesting play included a long pass completion from Cole Heilbrun to Jack Simon that was called back on a phantom offensive pass interference call.
Defensively the Trojans were excellent; DB Alex Hart tipped an Eagle pass and Keyuandre Watkins was able to scoop up an interception.
Wayzata travels to Centennial (2-2) next Friday. The Cougars lost 24-17 to Maple Grove last week.
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STMA outplayed the Trojans who fall to 1-2 on the season; Totino Grace (1-2) up next
Wayzata Football lost to STMA 28-21 last Friday night. Our Wayzata Trojans football team traveled and fell to STMA last weekend. It was a game the Trojans believed they could win heading into the contest.
One bright spot for the Trojans was the passing game, as QB Cole Heilbrun completed 20 passes on 34 attempts to gain 260 yards and a touchdown. Heilbrun connected with 6 different receivers including 7 pass completions to Ford Griffith for 116 yards.
Early in the contest it looked like the Trojans would be in control during the whole game as Will Ronning and the Wayzata defense would sack Knight QB Colton Demarais early and often.
Wayzata would threaten to score first, but a deflected pass from Trojan QB Cole Heilbrun to TE Charlie Tomczik would be intercepted and Wayzata would not convert from inside the Knight 5 yard line.
Consequently, the Knights would score first as running back Conner Luongvan would dive for a 1 yard TD to put STMA on the scoreboard first. The point after attempt was not converted making it Knights 6, Wayzata 0 midway through the 2nd quarter.
Carter Olson scored a 4 yard touchdown run for Wayzata and Nate Stueve added a PAT to make it Trojans 7, Knights 6 late in the 2nd quarter.
As time expired in the first half, STMA’s Colton Demarais hit a streaking Brody Odlund for a 46 yard pass completion for touchdown. , The Knights would also complete a two point play after touchdown to make it STMA 14, Wayzata 7 at the half.
STMA scored once in the 3rd quarter on a quarterback keeper by Demarais and an extra point making it 21-7 Knights headed into the 4th.
STMA’s Sam Anderson rushed for a 90 yard touchdown making it 28-7 for the Knights midway through the 4th.
Wayzata marched down the field and scored on a Heilbrun to Tyler Milkes touchdown pass and completion to bring Wayzata closer, Knights 28, Trojans 14.
An additional Wayzata drive and 1 yard TD run by Carter Olson made it STMA 28, Wayzata 21 to conclude the game. Olson finished with 22 carries for 91 yards and 2 TD’s with a 4.1 yard per carry average.
The Trojans will host Torino-Grace this Friday for the Homecoming game. The Eagles have been outscored 68-34 in their 3 games so far, and are averaging 5.7 yards passing and 21.7 yards rushing per game.
Defensively Chase Ullom led Wayzata with 12 team tackles, Keyuandre Watkins had 7, as did Nelson Kukowski.
Stay tuned for more Wayzata Football coverage from Wayzata.com
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The Plymouth Wayzata League of Women Voters will host a candidate forum at Wayzata City Hall on Thursday, September 22nd 2022.
Candidates for the Minnesota Senate Districts 45 & 45B are scheduled to debate at 6:45 pm.
Invited Candidates for Senate District 45 include Kathleen Fowke, & Kelly Morrison. 45B candidates invited include Patty Acomb & Lorie Cousineau.
Wayzata City Council Candidates will begin their debate at 8pm the same evening. Candidates Chris Hickman, Molly MacDonald, Jeff Parkhill, and Larissa Stockton have been invited.
Candidate questions can be submitted to: Iwvwpa@wvmn.org and the livestream can be watched at here: https://lwvwpa.org/voter-info/2021-candidate-forums/#candforums
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Wayzata Public Schools announced today that Kimberly Lane Elementary has been named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School.
The award is presented by the U.S. Department of Education, and Kimberly Lane is one of only 297 schools nationwide to receive the award, according to the release.
For more information, see the release above.
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“The Wayzata girls soccer team is playing well so far in the 2022 season. The Trojans entered Thursday night with a 6-0-1 record and four shutouts. They are rated third in the state class AAA poll. They face a tough challenge against number six Andover Thursday night in Plymouth.”
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After fumbling opening kickoff, Trojans unable to overcome the Rebels initial success as sophomore Oscar Shop steps in for injured Cole Heilbrun at QB
Wayzata Football struggled against Champlin Park on September 9th in their home opener.
The trouble started with Wayzata’s special teams and the handling of the opening kickoff as both Ford Griffith and Tyler Milkes attempted to catch the ball.
Wayzata Football highlights and game summary vs Champlin Park (2022) Champlin Park pounced on the ball and scored on their opening drive as Rebel QB Preston Thielke tossed a pass to receiver Blake Stahl to capitalize on the Wayzata miscue making it 7-0 in the opening minutes of the first quarter.
Offensively for Wayzata, sophomore QB Oscar Shoap stepped in to play for starting Trojan QB Cole Heilbrun. Heilbrun injured his left shoulder against Roseville the week before and is expected back in the coming weeks.
With Shoap at the helm, Wayzata answered with a 55 yard drive and subsequent field goal by kicker Nate Stueve to make it 7-3 in favor of Champlin Park at the end of the 1st quarter.
Champlin scored another touchdown, this time in the 2nd quarter as Rebel running back Arthur Russell dashed into the end zone to make it 14-3 Champlin Park headed into halftime.
Late in the third quarter, Wayzata’s Tyler Milkes took a Shoap handoff 89 yards to the house behind the Trojan offensive line by breaking tackles and outrunning the defense to make it Wayzata 10, Champlin Park 14. Milkes is a track star for Wayzata as well, earning All-State in the 4×400 meter relay, something he discussed after the game:
Tyler Milkes talks about the Champlin Park game. The Trojans defense would keep Champlin Park out of the end zone in the second half; the effort included sacks by Chase Ullom and an interception by Zach Boutwell.
Wayzata threatened to score twice in the final minutes of the game. First, Oscar Schoap hit tight end Charlie Tomczik for a long gain to put the Trojans in the red zone. However, the Rebel defense and linebacker Logan Ottinger forced Wayzata to turn the ball over on downs with under two minutes remaining.
With Champlin Park backed up against their own end zone, Wayzata’s defense forced a Rebel punt attempt. Punter Benjamin Bremer ran out of the back of the end zone to try to run out the clock as much as possible. Wayzata scored two points on the safety play to make it Trojans 12, Rebels 14.
With 10 seconds remaining in the game, the ensuing kickoff by Champlin Park went out of bounds to give Wayzata the ball at the Rebel 45 yard line.
A quick hitting slant pass from Noah Schoap to Eli Lenort gave Wayzata a first down at the Champlin 33 yard line with 4 seconds remaining. In high school a first down also stops the clock, so the offense scrambled to hike the ball and try to have Schoap spike the ball for a last second field goal or Hail Mary attempt.
In the pressure of the moment, Schoap took a knee as he spiked the ball and the remaining time ran off the clock to end the game.
After the contest the Trojans were visibly upset knowing that they had beaten themselves in this contest, rather than being beat by the opposing team.
Credit should be given to Champlin Park for playing a good game, and they do have a good football team. That being said Wayzata will learn from the miscues and come back a better football team. Anytime a young quarterback gets an opportunity to gain varsity experience means that he’ll be that much more ready in the future.
Wayzata (1-1) will travel to St. Michael Albertville (0-2) this Friday at 7pm. Stay tuned to Wayzata.com, your home town homers who absolutely cheer for the Trojans every time they take the field.
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