Woodbury News Net staff looked back at the stories that best captured the moments, issues and people that shaped 2025. From impactful local reporting to features worth revisiting, these are our must-read picks from the past year.
No Charges Filed Against Substitute Teacher (Jan. 22)
“Authorities have decided not to file criminal charges against a substitute teacher who allegedly re-enacted the chokehold that killed George Floyd in a classroom at Woodbury High School last fall.”
Woodbury Native Named Gynastics All-American (March 31)
“For the fifth straight season, Woodbury-native Mya Hooten has been named an All-American by the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA).”
Unique Bully Prevention Program Trains Fourth Graders (May 14)
“In partnership with Midwest Special Services (MSS), PeaceMaker Minnesota and its Ambassadors for Respect Program is bringing bullying prevention training to fourth grade classrooms — empowering students with tools like empathy, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution.”
Woodbury Rated One Of The Best Places To Live (May 20)
“U.S. News and World Report rated Woodbury as one of the best cities to live in for 2025-2026, ranking the city 54th nationally and fourth in Minnesota. In the report released today, only Plymouth, Maple Grove, and Eden Prairie ranked higher in the North Star State.”
Groundbreaking PFAS Destruction Project Tested In Lake Elmo (June 11)
“Local officials gathered in Lake Elmo on May 30 to mark the launch of a Department of Defense funded demonstration project aimed at destroying PFAS contamination — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances manufactured by 3M that pollute groundwater in parts of Washington County.”
Jury Finds Sen. Nicole Mitchell Guilty (July 18)
“A Becker County jury this afternoon found Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, guilty of one count of felony burglary and one count of possession of burglary tools. The jury reached its verdict after deliberating for about three hours.”
New County Building To Increase Services In Woodbury (July 30)
“The Washington County Central Service and License Center, located at 1261 Woodlane Dr., will replace the current license center on Radio Drive by Woodbury City Hall. That building will be demolished as part of Woodbury’s plan to build a public safety campus.”
New City Administrator Grateful To Serve Hometown (Aug. 24)
“Woodbury is home for Dahl and his previous internship with the city makes City Hall familiar territory. Dahl was also able to give up his long commute to Wayzata where he served as city administrator for the past decade.”
East Ridge Senior Achieves Rare Perfect AP Score (Oct. 15)
“A super-secret surprise celebration at East Ridge High School last week applauded senior Sophia Soo for earning a perfect score of 5 on her 2025 Advanced Placement Art and Design 2D Portfolio.”
New Topgolf Woodbury Offers Fun, Connection, Community (Nov. 5)
“The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Topgolf Woodbury last Thursday was a fun affair for everyone there. Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt, three city council members and some city department heads were joined by Laurie Staiger from the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce and a cheering crowd of Topgolf employees.”
Stats Show Limited Crime Tied to Gold Line, but Public Perception Still Shapes Debate (Dec. 12)
Nearly a year after the METRO Gold Line opened its 10-mile dedicated busway between Woodbury and St. Paul, residents and officials continue to weigh whether the service is meeting expectations, and whether concerns about crime, homelessness and economic impact match the reality on the ground.
