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
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
On behalf of the greater Wayzata Community, Elisha and I would like to welcome you to the 47th Annual James J. Hill Days event!
Hosted annually by our great friends at the Wayzata Chamber of Commerce (and sponsor Sandvold Financial Group), this three day weekend celebrates the best of what Wayzata has to offer the region.
Whether you and your family and friends enjoy Lake Minnetonka, fireworks, live music, food and beverage, dogs, llamas, history, carnivals, or parades, you are sure to find something for everyone.
If you are thinking about buying or selling in the area, please plan to stop at 126 Benton Ave. in Wayzata from 1-5 on Saturday and 11-3 on Sunday to visit with myself and Elisha.
This will be a fantastic opportunity for you to view our next (to be built) new construction project with Custom One Homes & David Charlez Design. We would also be interested to discuss any real estate plans you may have.
Look for our printed schedules and maps (images below) all over Wayzata all weekend!
The maximum property tax levy increase for 2023 could be more than residents are accustomed to.
The city council was presented the preliminary property tax levy during Tuesday’s meeting. Administrative services director Aurora Yager broke down the need for the increase, along with the preliminary general fund and enterprise fund budgets.
City staff starts the budgeting process during the summer months, preparing for a final budget at the end of the year.
City of Wayzata levy amounts from 2018-2023.
The recommended preliminary property tax levy increase for next year is 10.59-percent. The levy must be approved by the council and certified to Hennepin County by Friday, Sept. 30.
“In my six years on the council and two years in this role — this is the largest increase I have seen, It’s not a number we have ever entertained.”
MAYOR JOHANNA MOUTON
The largest factor in the increase, according to Yager, is to pay for additional staffing. Public safety in particular will see an increased investment with the addition of two more police officers.
“Just paying for employees is about 60-percent of our budget. That’s what it takes to provide services.”
AURORA YAGER
The city is working toward having two officers on duty at all times. With the number of officers currently with the police department this is not possible. Yager said it would really take three more officers to achieve that goal.
Currently, the police department is a more than $2.6 million expenditure for the city. The proposed budget increase would add another $46,812 to the department.
“I applaud how well the city has been run financially for as long as I’ve known. This has been a painful year to look at these things,” said councilor Alex Plechash. “It’s my view we do need what we’re asking for. I feel it’s one that’s warranted.”
Plechash said the largest complain he hears from residents is about evening activity on Lake Street.
“For the most part people love Panoway. It’s added vibrancy to the community,” he said. “With that comes the negative that we have some things we need to take care of.”
ALEX PLECHASH
Following Plechash’s comments, councilor Cathy Iverson asked what the true cost of maintaining Panoway is. Public works director and city engineer Mike Kelly said the city has only just started tracking that data.
The property tax increase, if at the maximum rate proposed, would cost the median homeowner an additional $110.
While the increase took some of the council aback, Yager shared how it compares to neighboring cities. Even with an increase of more than 10-percent, Wayzata would have the second lowest tax levy rate among those cities. The city’s property tax rate makes up about 18-percent of a property owner’s property tax statement.
Councilors Iverson and Molly MacDonald voiced their hesitation to certify the rate increase. MacDonald said she believes it can be lowered. When the time came for roll call, Iverson was the only one to vote against certifying.
“A double digit increase is significantly high in my opinion,” she said. “I’m not very comfortable at this moment.”
CATHY IVERSON
Yager said she has heard of possibly larger rate increases from neighboring cities ranging from 5- to 22-percent.
“We’ll see what happens when those other communities release their levies,” she said. “I would not be surprised to see higher.”
With the preliminary property tax levy certified at an increase of 10.95-percent, the council can only increase the tax by that amount or less. It cannot increase by more than the rate it certified to the county.
The 2023 general fund assumes an increase of 5.37-percent in operating expenses. Cities across the country are losing one revenue source with the expiration of American Rescue Plan funds.
The total revenues for the city in 2022 are estimated at $7.5 million and projected to increase to about $7.9 million in 2023.
Yager said the proposal for the general fund is for a balanced budget. The council approved the preliminary budget. Iverson voted ‘nay.’
Text Amendment costs debated in fee schedule
When discussing the next agenda item, the adoption of the 2023 fee schedule, Iverson asked about zoning amendment fees. The fee schedule for 2023 has a text amendment fee of $2,195 with an escrow of $3,822. Both are increases of more than $100 over 2022.
“There has been someone that has reached out to the city asking why it’s so much higher than our other cities,” Iverson said. “Plymouth’s is $300 with no escrow. Excelsior is $700 with no escrow. Why such a high cost? It seems extremely elevated.”
CATHY IVERSON
Yager said she would not dispute those numbers, but she said cities such as Minnetonka have fees which are similar to Wayzata’s.
City attorney David Schelzel clarified what escrow is used for. He said it helps the city ensure legal processing fees and professional service fees are covered by the applicant. What is not used is then refunded to the applicant. On larger projects, staff may request a larger escrow.
Schelzel went on to say the escrow fee is important to the city because of the amount of “sophisticated development” that happens in Wayzata.
“Your single-family homeowner who is doing a small project, those fees are not going to be all used like that,” Schelzel said.
“For these big development applications when we have a PUD and we’re talking tens of millions of dollars, I’m not too concerned if they can make $3,800 work,” Mouton said. “I think they can scrape that together.”
Trojans celebrate junior tight end Jack Simon as he receives word his cancer is in remission
Highlights of the Wayzata versus Roseville game.
Head Coach Lambert Brown was all smiles after the game on Thursday evening for two reasons.
First, the Trojans had just cruised to a season opening victory against Roseville. Second, and more importantly, junior tight end Jack Simon had received word earlier in the day that his cancer is in remission. “The best part of the night, and the biggest was the reality that Jack Simon found out that he was cancer free tonight.”
Brown continued, “Football is awesome, but for Jack to have all these amazing people in his life and for him to have such influence on all those people, that’s what it’s really all about–all those people cheering at the end and the excitement for Jack and Jack’s fight. That is 100% the most important thing tonight.”
The stirring tribute from coach to player capped a strong night for the Trojans as Wayzata scored early and often against the Raiders.
Junior Carter Olson rushed for a 1 yard touchdown to put the Trojans on the board early in the first quarter.
Senior Noah Rychlick and the Trojan defense sacked William DeVries and made Roseville punt their first possession from deep in their own territory.
Moments later junior quarterback Cole Heilbrun would toss a 38 yard touchdown completion to Eli Lenort to make it 14-0 with 5 minutes remaining in the first.
Trojan senior place kicker Nate Stueve added a 32 yard field goal to make it 17-0 early in the contest.
Cole Heilbrun hit Eli Lenort on a slant from midfield and Lenort raced past the Raider defense for a 50 yard touch down pass completion as it was all Wayzata early.
Roseville would answer with a 40 yard touchdown completion from QB William DeVries to junior wide receiver Collin Lutz to make it Wayzata 24, Roseville 13.
The Trojans responded as junior wide receiver Tyler Milkes would take the kickoff to the house for a 90 yard touchdown return behind the blocking of the kickoff team to make it Wayzata 31, Roseville 13 in the 3rd.
From there it was all Wayzata as the Trojans would add 3 more rushing touchdowns from Carter Olson, Omar Madkour, and Deyon Loveless.
Commenting on the game, Coach Brown was largely pleased with the performance, “Our line played well. Cole Heilbrun threw the ball well and our receivers did a good job. Our running backs, we had a bunch of guys running the ball hard. Our defense really did a good job of stepping up, responding, and finding ways to get off the field against some really good football players. It was a fun night and we are going to enjoy it.”
Wayzata is back in action at the home opener hosting Champlin Park on September 9th at Wayzata Stadium. CP lost to Woodbury 21-7 in their opening contest.
All Aboard! Lake Minnetonka’s Largest 3-day Festival Moving Full Steam Ahead!
The whistle’s blowing and the 47th Annual James J. Hill Days is just around the bend, coming September 9, 10 & 11 to the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata.
The proud residents, businesses and community of this small town will roll out the welcome mat for 75,000 guests over three jam-packed days of exciting events.
James J. Hill Days in Wayzata. There’s Something for Everyone!
From Engine to Caboose, There’s Something For Everyone!
Friday, September 9th, 2022
We kick off the weekend with LIVE MUSIC & STREET DANCE featuring Viva Knievel from 6 – 10 pm. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes, grab a beverage from the Beer + Wine Tent and tell your friends to meet you at the Sandvold Stage off of Minnetonka/Lake St.! Our live music line-up is one to celebrate.
For the BEER LOVERS, get your tickets to RAILS & ALES CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL. This year’s line-up is stacked! Enjoy unlimited samples from 20 breweries, live music by the Billboard-charting Avey Grouws Band, and some casual games to wind down from the week (5-9 PM).
Step Right Up! The Lake Minnetonka CARNIVAL (5-10 pm) will be in full force with ride after ride offering fun for all ages. Purchase presale discounted tickets at Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata. Also available at the gate.
Lake Minnetonka Carnival at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.
You can test out your LOGROLLING skills throughout the weekend starting Friday (5 – 9 pm) and into Saturday (10 – 7 pm), and Sunday (10 – 4 pm). Experienced rollers will provide instruction and encouragement to any interested participant. Check it out!
Logrolling event at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.
Be sure to check out the full line-up of activities added to the weekend including the outdoor NIGHT MARKET. Shop local vendors (5-9 PM), enjoy food trucks along Lake Street under the twinkling lights. A perfect end to summer.
Foodtrucks at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.
Saturday, September 10th, 2022
Find that special something as you SHOP 150+ VENDORS (10 am–7 pm) at the open air street market. Sip and stroll from 20 food trucks, beer + wine tents, or grab a fresh lemonade as the CARNIVAL continues all day Saturday (10 am–10 pm).
Attention dog lovers, this one’s for you! Grab a hot dog and watch wiener dogs race, jump hurdles and dress up in costume at the ever-popular DACHSHUND RACES (12 pm). BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) and get ready for your close-up as you pose for pictures with your pup in the DOGGY KISSING BOOTH (10 am).
Dachshund races. Submited photo.
New puppy or want to brush up your dog’s training? Drop-in to an ONSITE OBEDIENCE CLASS (9:30 am). Enjoy pupperific treats and register to win pup-tastic prizes from our sponsors (10 am – 2 pm). If cute animals are your thing, make sure to stop by our Lovin’ Llama Experience to take selfies and share hugs with the Llama Squad (12 pm – 4 pm).
SHOCKWAVES WATER SKI SHOW team will bring the fun on Saturday (3 pm – 4 pm) on Wayzata Bay. The Shockwaves’ performers do pyramids, ballet, barefooting, jumping, and more. You won’t want to miss their show!
Shockwaves Waterski Show. Submitted photo.
Take a break from all the activities and enjoy incredible FREE LIVE MUSIC, dancing and fireworks! The Sandvold Stage will feature local band favorites including – Stereo Kitchen, Pandora’s Other Box, Powertap, Sam Graber, and Wayzata Symphony Orchestra (10 am-10 pm).
The Sandvold Stage will have live music all day long. Submitted photo.
Bring the kids to the Great Lawn to catch a MOVIE ON THE LAWN (7:30 pm) hosted by Wayzata Sailing. Enjoy the sweet story of Disney Pixar’s ‘Luca’ and stick around for the WAYZATA BAY FIREWORKS (8:45 pm) bursting over Wayzata Bay in celebration of all the fun.
Wayzata Bay Fireworks at James J. Hill Days. Submitted photo.
Sunday, September 11th, 2022
If you haven’t noticed, it’s all about the dogs in Wayzata. So, you and your pup are challenged to join the DOGGY OLYMPICS! Bring your pup and participate in a series of engaging games that will show off your pup’s skills and earn the winners pup-tastic prizes (12 pm – 2 pm). Is your doggo the adventurous type? Try PADDLEBOARDING WITH YOUR DOG (11 am – 1 pm). Get some quality time at the MEET & GREET WITH WAYZATA K9 OFFICER LOKI (11:30 am – 12 pm).
September 11, 2022 marks the 21st Anniversary of 9/11. We invite you to spend time at the 9.11 MEMORIAL on the Panoway throughout the day. The space offers community members a place to remember and reflect. The 9/11 memorial honors our community members lost and the lives of all victims of the Sept. 11th attacks.
Other activities special to Sunday, include the T-6 THUNDER AIRSHOW a fascinating display of WWII planes swiftly flying over Lake Street and Wayzata Bay (2:45 pm).
Air show. Submitted photo.
The same afternoon features the hometown PARADE (3 pm). Special thanks to all the sponsors who keep this event on the tracks. We will see you at James J. Hill Days!
Lake Minnetonka Carnival. Submitted photo.
MAJOR SPONSORS: Sandvold Financial Group, RE/MAX Results, BNSF Railway, Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata, Youngstedts, River Valley Power & Sport, 6Smith, Polaris Adventures, Icon Aircraft, THN Enterprises
SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Guaranteed Rate – Chris Carr Team, Ulrich Real Estate/Regency Homes, Colonial Square/Regency Centers, Maison Realty Group, JomsVikings, Northwestern Mutual, The International School of Minnesota, The Brost Clinic, Renewal by Andersen, Mediacom, Wings Financial Credit Union, New Spaces Design-Build-Remodel, Coldwell Banker Realty, Maveriiick Lead Generation, Trails of Orono.
Visit JamesJHillDays.com for details, tickets, and more information. All activities located on/near Lake Street, Downtown Wayzata.
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