“The Wayzata boys basketball team won the program’s third state championship in five years when they defeated Cretin-Derham Hall in the class AAAA final last March. Now the Trojans look to repeat their title with a good majority of their roster returning. Leading the way for Wayzata will be Division 1 commits Nolen Anderson and Christian Wiggins, but the Trojans also have key returners back in Isaac Olmstead, Tommy Shunmugavelu, Brady Lam, Sam Mohs, and Xaviahn Ivey. Wayzata will tip off the season December 2nd at Prior Lake.” via CCX Media.
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WAYZATA — The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 9 a.m. Wednesday for Hennepin County, as a powerful system moves into the west metro with rain, fog, heavy snow, and strong winds.
A Wet Start Before a Fast Switch to Snow
Tuesday begins with steady rain and widespread fog, keeping visibility low along Lake Street, Superior Boulevard, and shoreline roadways. Highs reach the mid-40s, with winds shifting from the northeast to the northwest and gusting up to 25 mph.
Tonight: Snow Intensifies Quickly
Conditions will deteriorate rapidly this evening. Rain transitions to a wintry mix and then to all snow after 9 p.m. Forecasters expect:
- 3 to 7 inches of total accumulation
- Wind gusts up to 45 mph
- Widespread blowing snow, especially between 9 p.m. and midnight
- Temperatures falling to 25°F
Travel is likely to become hazardous, particularly on County Road 101, Wayzata Boulevard, and open stretches near the lake.
Wednesday: Cold, Windy, and Slowly Improving
Snow tapers early Wednesday morning, but patchy blowing snow will linger due to strong northwest winds gusting near 40 mph. Clouds gradually break through the day, with highs near 28°F. Roads may remain slick for the morning commute before improving in the afternoon.
Thanksgiving Day: Quiet and Cold
Thursday brings calmer conditions—mostly sunny skies, lighter winds, and temperatures in the mid-20s. The weather will be favorable for morning activities and local holiday travel.
Looking Ahead
Another disturbance approaches Friday night with a 60% chance of snow, continuing into Saturday with light, intermittent activity expected. Highs remain in the mid-20s through the weekend.
Safety Reminders
Residents should plan for:
- Reduced visibility during tonight’s changeover
- Slippery roads overnight and Wednesday morning
- Drifting snow near open and lakeside areas
- Allowing extra travel time for holiday plans
Wayzata.com will continue to provide updates as conditions develop.
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WAYZATA — The City of Wayzata has been hit with its second lawsuit over its recent ban on short-term rentals, marking another significant legal chapter in a community long shaped by questions of land use, property rights, and the evolving character of lakeside living.
A group of five property owners — Jeffrey Lee Holmers; 306 Barry Ave N LLC; Scott Tripps; 1020 Lake Street E LLC; and Anna Ovsyannikova & Yevgeniy Ogranovich — filed a mandamus and declaratory judgment action in Hennepin County District Court on November 21, 2025, asserting that the City’s new short-term-rental prohibition violates state law, deprives them of vested property rights, and was adopted without the public-process safeguards required of zoning ordinances.
At the center of the dispute is Ordinance 852, approved by the Wayzata City Council this fall. The ordinance prohibits any lease, license, or occupancy of fewer than 30 days within city limits, effectively ending Airbnb-style rentals beginning April 1, 2026 — the day after all existing rental licenses expire.
A Second Lawsuit on the Same Issue
Wayzata’s neighborhoods, from Ferndale to Barry Avenue, have long evolved alongside broader debates about growth and preservation. As early as the 1850s, the first settlers — Oscar Garrison among them — encountered conflicts over land use and community identity. Today’s disputes over short-term rentals echo that history: a modern tension between welcoming visitors and protecting residential tranquility.
According to the newly filed complaint, each plaintiff purchased and renovated their Wayzata property specifically to operate it as a short-term rental, relying on City ordinances that expressly allowed rentals of any duration. All hold valid City rental dwelling licenses set to expire in March 2026.
The lawsuit argues that:
- The City treated Ordinance 852 as a rental-license change – but it is actually a zoning ordinance, triggering procedural requirements under the Minnesota Municipal Planning Act, including a mandatory public hearing before the Planning Commission. The complaint alleges no such hearing occurred.
- Plaintiffs made substantial financial investments in reliance on the City’s long-standing permission for short-term rentals — creating what they claim are vested rights that cannot be eliminated without compensation.
- The ordinance constitutes an unlawful taking because it removes a previously permitted use without due process or compensation.
- The April 1, 2026 effective date is intentionally tied to the expiration of existing rental licenses, creating a de facto phase-out without grandfathering.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to:
- Issue a writ of mandamus compelling the City to comply with required zoning-amendment procedures.
- Declare the ordinance void as adopted.
- Restore their ability to continue lawful short-term rental operations.
A Broader Community Conversation
Short-term rentals have become increasingly visible throughout Lake Minnetonka communities, from year-round visitors drawn to the lake to seasonal tourism tied to events such as James J. Hill Days.
Wayzata is not alone in facing this issue. Across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota, cities are balancing hospitality, housing stability, and neighborhood character. But each community’s approach reflects its own history. In Wayzata — a town that grew from Dakota homelands, railroad hospitality, and generations of families drawn to the lake — the discussion is particularly resonant.
What Comes Next
The City will be required to formally respond to the complaint. Under Minnesota law, an answer is typically due within 21 days of service. As with any mandamus action, the court will consider whether the City had a clear legal duty to follow specific procedures when adopting the ordinance.
The case carries implications not only for the five plaintiffs but for all Wayzata property owners and future City policymaking. The ruling may clarify whether short-term-rental restrictions must be treated as zoning changes — requiring Planning Commission involvement — or whether they may be adopted directly through licensing provisions.
Wayzata.com will continue to follow the proceedings as the community works through yet another question at the intersection of tradition, property rights, and the evolving rhythms of lakeside life.
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“Four players scored in double figures as the Wayzata girls basketball team won big in their season opener, beating Eagan 71-32. Annika Kieser scored 15 points, Kate Amelotte and Maren Day 12 and Mallory McBeth 11 to lead Wayzata. The Trojans, who finished 23-5 a year ago, play Rosemount at the Tip-Off Classic in Chaska Saturday at 7:00 pm.” via CCX Media.
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Rustica Bakery Wayzata. Rustica Bakery & Café is holding a soft open today—Thursday, November 20—until 2 p.m. at 795 E. Lake Street, offering Wayzata an early taste of one of the Twin Cities’ most admired bakeries. The café officially opens tomorrow morning, Friday, November 21, at 7am marking a homecoming for Chef and Partner Mike DeCamp, who grew up just blocks from Lake Minnetonka and now returns as the local leader behind Rustica’s newest location.
“I grew up out here across from Bell Park,” DeCamp said. “I went to Widsten Elementary School… I was in like sixth grade when Gleason Lake Elementary opened.” He eventually attended West Middle School and the former Wayzata High School, now Central Middle School. “That’s where I grew up,” he said.
From Dishwashing in Wayzata to Leading a Regional Hospitality Group
Mike DeCamp on the right. DeCamp’s start in the food world began in town. “A family member of mine was a server at a pizzeria called Latuff’s… I was like 13, 14, and a dishwasher there,” he said. He later worked at another restaurant—today the McCormick’s location—before moving into Minneapolis kitchens. “I ended up going downtown, and worked at a bunch of restaurants downtown.”
His career changed direction in 2015 when he partnered with Brent Frederick, founder and CEO of Jester Concepts, the hospitality group known for Borough, Parlour, PS Steak, and Butcher & the Boar. The partnership eventually led to acquiring Rustica. “We finalized the purchase of Rustica… we bought it from the old owner Greg Hoyt,” DeCamp said. “I have loved Rustica since it opened… and now I’m very, very glad to be a part of it and expand the brand.”
Rustica’s pastry and bread program continues to be led in Minneapolis by Executive Pastry Chef Shawn McKenzie, a former James Beard Award finalist. The Wayzata café will operate under Jester Concepts with DeCamp at the helm.
Continuing a Nearly 100-Year Bakery Legacy on Lake Street
Rustica’s opening connects to almost a century of bakery tradition along Lake Street—even though the exact storefronts have shifted over time.
- Wayzata Bakery served the community during the World War II era.
- It became Olson’s Bakery, beloved for 45 years.
- Wuollet Bakery took over the former Olson’s space in 1991.
- Wuollet later moved across Lake Street into the space at 795 E. Lake Street, operating there until 2024.
- With Wuollet’s departure, Rustica now steps into the same location.
“There’s a little bit of a lineage,” DeCamp said. “It’s a good bakery history… so we hope we can keep it going.”
Operated by Jester Concepts, Founded by Brent Frederick
Brent Frederick talks with friends and clients at Rustica. The Wayzata café is operated by Jester Concepts, the Minneapolis hospitality group known for Borough, Parlour, PS Steak, and Butcher & the Boar. The company is led by founder and CEO Brent Frederick, who has overseen the group’s expansion into Wayzata and its partnership with Rustica.
In earlier coverage from Minnesota Monthly, Frederick addressed the importance of restoring a bakery presence downtown. In that article, he said, “When Wuollet Bakery and Penny’s Coffee closed, it left a noticeable gap in the community. We feel there’s a strong demand for Rustica’s offerings and we’re thrilled to provide a new gathering space for the neighborhood.”
Pastry Leadership by James Beard Finalist Shawn McKenzie
Rustica’s renowned pastry program continues to be led by Shawn McKenzie, Rustica’s Executive Pastry Chef and a former James Beard Award finalist. As reported by Eater Twin Cities, pastries and breads will continue to be produced in Rustica’s Minneapolis facility to maintain quality and consistency.
What to Expect
“There’s no place like us out here,” DeCamp said. Rustica will bring its signature baked goods, a thoughtful coffee and tea program, and a welcoming environment built for work, conversation, and community. “We take pride in what we do,” he said. “We care a lot about the coffee… free Wi-Fi, come in, work, do your stuff.”
He also noted the demand for a true morning gathering spot in downtown Wayzata. “There really hasn’t been a place to meet for a cup of coffee,” he said. “I’m sure you guys will get run over for that.”
What’s Coming Friday
The Wayzata location will feature:
- Rustica’s signature laminated pastries, morning buns, and bittersweet-chocolate cookies
- An expanded savory menu created for the Wayzata market
- Coffee service and indoor seating, with outdoor patio potential in warmer months
With the holiday season underway and Lake Street buzzing with seasonal events, the new Rustica café is poised to become an immediate gathering place for morning coffee, weekend pastries, and lunch by the lake—continuing the bakery tradition that has shaped downtown Wayzata for nearly 100 years.
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“The 2025-26 high school boys’ hockey season gets underway this season and for the 23rd time, Wayzata begins the year as the host for a dynamic four-team tournament. The 2025 CCX Turkey Trot tournament features host Wayzata plus Maple Grove, Edina, and Moorhead. The Trojans are coming off a 16-9-3 season last year, finishing as runner-up to Edina in Section 6AA and will feature a mix of veterans and young varsity players. Edina and Moorhead play in the tournament’s first game at 5:00 pm Friday, followed by Wayzata and Maple Grove at 7:15 pm. On Saturday Maple Grove plays Edina at 2:30 with Moorhead and Wayzata meeting in the tournament’s final game at 5:00 pm. All games are at the Plymouth Ice Center and can be seen live on CCX1- channel 799 in the northwest suburbs on Comcast- and online at ccxmedia.org.” via CCX Media.
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A photo from the previous Braver Angels workshop. WAYZATA — Just over a month after Wayzata City Hall filled to capacity for a community conversation on political polarization, residents will gather again tonight for the second installment of the Braver Angels series: Skills for Disagreeing Better.
The workshop, hosted by Mayor Andrew Mullin in partnership with Braver Angels Minnesota, begins at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Community Room. While October’s session focused on understanding polarization and building empathy across differences, tonight’s program turns toward practical, hands-on tools for communicating constructively—especially when conversations become tense.
To help orient residents attending for the first time, Wayzata.com’s October coverage is included below as background:
A Natural Next Step After a Full House in October
Tonight’s workshop is designed as the practical companion to the October event, which featured Braver Angels co-founder Dr. Bill Doherty and drew one of the broadest cross-sections of civic leaders Wayzata has seen in recent years.
Where the October dialogue explored polarization—how it rises, what fuels it, and how it shapes our relationships—the Skills for Disagreeing Better program focuses on what residents can do next:
how to listen when emotions run high, when to pause before responding, and how to ask questions that open a conversation rather than close it.Participants will practice specific techniques used by Braver Angels volunteers nationwide, including “searching questions,” “humanizing statements,” and structured listening exercises modeled on Doherty’s family therapy background. The evening follows a step-by-step curriculum used in communities across the country.
Why It Matters for Wayzata
Wayzata has always been a place defined by civic participation—from its earliest days as a lakeside settlement shaped by Dakota homelands, to the logging and railroad era, to its modern role as a regional hub for business, philanthropy, and public service. Tonight’s workshop continues a long tradition of local leadership stepping toward, rather than away from, difficult conversations.
Mayor Mullin has emphasized that this series is not about agreeing on politics, but about strengthening the civic fabric. His invitation frames it simply: if neighbors can learn to communicate across differences here, Wayzata can model something much larger than itself.
What to Expect Tonight
Participants can anticipate a more interactive format than October’s lecture-style session. Exercises will involve:
- Paired and small-group listening activities
- Tools for interrupting escalating tension
- How to express disagreement without contempt
- How to maintain relationships despite political difference
The program lasts approximately 90 minutes and is free and open to the public.
Looking Ahead
Depending on community interest—and early indicators suggest enthusiasm is high—a third workshop may be scheduled in early 2026, potentially focusing on “Depolarizing Within,” an internal-skills session that helps participants examine their own reactions, biases, and triggers.
For now, tonight’s gathering represents Wayzata’s continued commitment to civil dialogue and community leadership at a time when many cities struggle to create space for it.
Skills for Disagreeing Better
Thursday, November 20, 2025
6:30–8:00 p.m.
Wayzata City Hall – Community Room
Free and open to the public -
“On the first day of the NCAA fall signing period, Wayzata High School student-athletes put pen to paper and committed to play their sport at the next level. In a ceremony Wednesday morning, a school-record 25 seniors- in 12 different sports- signed their National Letters of Intent at various Division 1 or Division 2 schools from across the country. Three Trojans basketball players will be playing Division 1 basketball with Kate Amelotte signing to Creighton University, along with Wayzata boys basketball players Christian Wiggins committing to Iowa State, and Nolen Anderson staying home and playing for the University of Minnesota. Nathan Carr will head east and compete on the University of Virginia men’s swimming and diving team. Lila Golomb will run cross country and track, along with compete in Nordic ski and the University of New Hampshire.” via CCX Media.
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Wayzata High School head football coach Lambert Brown has resigned from his position, closing a remarkable chapter defined by championship success, personal mentorship, and a deep investment in the lives of student-athletes.
Image courtesy of X.
Brown took over the Wayzata program in 2016 after longtime head coach Brad Anderson stepped down following 18 seasons and three state championships. He arrived with a strong coaching résumé, having previously led programs at Fridley and Chaska and serving on staff at White Bear Lake. A former Concordia University–St. Paul player and All-Conference selection, Brown brought both experience and a steady, relationship-driven leadership style to one of Minnesota’s premier football schools.
His impact was quickly felt. After rebuilding the Trojans through the late 2010s, Brown guided Wayzata to an undefeated regular season and the 2019 Class 6A state championship. The following year, he was selected as Minnesota’s nominee and ultimately the national runner-up for the NFL’s Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award, one of the sport’s top honors for integrity, character, and community influence.
Brown shared the news quietly with his coaching staff Sunday evening following the senior banquet, wanting the night to remain centered on the players. “I didn’t want the announcement to take anything away from the banquet or the seniors,” he said. “That night was for them. I wanted to keep the focus where it belonged.” He notified players the following day.
Christian Vasser scores a touch down in the 2019 State Championship. Reflecting on his tenure, Brown said that while the Trojans’ 2019 state championship remains an unforgettable moment, it was never the wins alone that defined the job for him. “Yeah, the state championship was incredible — something we’ll always remember,” he said. “But for me, the real highlights were watching kids grow. Seeing boys turn into young men, seeing them leave the program better people… that’s what this job is really about.”
Under his leadership, Wayzata football became known for a culture centered on humility, accountability, and community impact. Brown’s expectations went beyond the field: leave spaces better than they were found, treat everyone with respect, and carry themselves as leaders in the building. His approach helped shape generations of Trojans, many of whom credit him with instilling values they carry well beyond high school.
Image courtesy Lambert Brown. Brown spoke openly about how at peace he feels with the decision. “I’m completely at peace with it,” he said. “This is the first time in a long time I’ve woken up without that weight on my shoulders. It feels right.”
As for what comes next, he said there is no immediate plan besides focusing on family. “I just want to put my family first and enjoy my son’s senior year,” Brown shared. “I’ve missed a lot of moments over the years. I want to be there for this one.”
Beyond football strategy and Friday night lights, Brown described Wayzata as a community that welcomed him, supported him, and made the experience meaningful. “Honestly, I’m just really grateful for the opportunity to coach at Wayzata,” he said. “It’s a special place, and the relationships I’ve been able to build with these kids, their families, and the staff — that’s what means the most to me.”
His resignation marks the end of a significant era for Wayzata football. But the impact of his leadership — measured in character, relationships, and the growth of the young people he coached — will remain woven into the fabric of the program.
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WAYZATA — A new text-based community engagement pilot launched by Mayor Andrew Mullin in October is giving Wayzata residents a clearer voice in City Hall—and the early results show four issues dominating public concern.
In his recently published update, “Listening to You: Update on Community Engagement,” Mullin explained that the pilot, called the Serve Poll, was designed to reach residents who don’t typically participate in public meetings. “I partnered with GoodParty.org to launch a survey called the Serve Poll,” he wrote, noting that the October test was aimed at learning whether texting could help the city hear from a broader spectrum of residents.
Traditional meetings, he said, tend to “attract the same participants,” leaving out working families, seniors who avoid crowds, and residents who want to weigh in but cannot attend evening sessions. The new tool produced “a participation rate of 8%”—a strong response for a first-time civic survey.
Four Issues Dominated Resident Feedback
- Traffic & Noise: A Daily Quality-of-Life Issue
Residents described traffic-related disturbances—especially loud mufflers and exhaust systems along Lake Street—as a “constant issue” that is disrupting peace in the city’s core. Concerns about unsafe driving were equally strong, with repeated complaints about “speeding, aggressive driving, and ignoring stop signs and pedestrian crosswalks,” raising safety fears across town. - Property Tax Burden & Transparency
Real estate taxes were described as “ever increasing” and a “real problem” for residents who want the city to “hold the line or decrease” local tax levels. The pilot also surfaced a desire for more clarity on how tax dollars are used, with some expressing worry that funds may not remain focused on local needs. - Preserving Wayzata’s Unique Character
Residents continue to express unease about the pace and style of recent development. Large condominium projects—especially the redevelopment of the former Wells Fargo site—and the construction of so-called “McMansions” have created fears that Wayzata is drifting from its identity as a small lakeside community. Mullin summarized the feedback: many residents feel the town is turning into a destination rather than maintaining the charm that defines Wayzata’s legacy. - Traffic Congestion & Roadway Safety
Traffic congestion on major routes—Wayzata Boulevard and County Road 101—was described repeatedly as overwhelming and dangerous. According to one respondent, it is “amazing that there aren’t people killed on a daily basis.” Residents also warned that proposed developments—including a Lamborghini dealership and a large apartment project—could further strain the road network. One message urged the city to “slow down on the building” until infrastructure catches up.
Mayor Says Resident Input Will Drive Action
Mullin closed his update by reaffirming that the results of the pilot will shape the city’s work in the months ahead. “I look forward to taking these direct insights from the community and translating them into action. My commitment is to you, the residents of Wayzata.”
An Innovative Approach
This text-based pilot may represent one of the more innovative approaches to community engagement now emerging in cities. By meeting residents where they already are—on their phones—the Serve Poll bypasses the traditional barriers of evening meetings, crowded hearing rooms, and limited participation. The early response suggests that this new tool could broaden civic involvement, bring in voices that rarely appear at City Hall, and give local government a clearer, more immediate understanding of what residents are experiencing in their daily lives.
Residents are encouraged to attend Mullin’s monthly Mayor Muni Meetup or contact his office directly to continue the conversation.
- Traffic & Noise: A Daily Quality-of-Life Issue
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