Skip to Main Content
Strengthening the Bonds of Community. One story at a time.

Woodbury News Net

Strengthening the Bonds of Community. One story at a time.

Woodbury News Net

Strengthening the Bonds of Community. One story at a time.

Woodbury News Net

Strengthening the Bonds of Community. One story at a time.

Schools

Superintendent Julie Nielsen receiving her award. (Credit/Cheryl Jogger)

ISD 833 Superintendent Receives Educator Of The Year Award

by Manali Shah
Published November 12, 2025

Julie Nielsen, superintendent, South Washington County School District (ISD 833), was named “Leader in Education of the Year” by the Cottage Area Chamber of Commerce.  Nielsen received the award...

Image generated by AI

Voters Reject School District #622 Tax Levy Measures

by Woodbury News Net Staff
Published November 5, 2025

Voters in Independent School District 622 rejected two ballot measures seeking to hike the district’s 2026 operating levy and authorize an additional $2 million annual capital levy to improve classroom...

Current Woodbury Ambassador Kerubo Mekenye shares her leadership style with a group of local elementary school kids.

Youth-Targeted Leadership Workshops Debut With ‘The Power Of Your Personality’

by Chuck Nowlen
Published October 28, 2025

Personalities are like snowflakes – there are millions of them, and no two are exactly alike. A new leadership workshop series sponsored by the Woodbury Royal Ambassadors aims to supercharge that...

East Ridge Senior Achieves Rare Perfect AP Score

East Ridge Senior Achieves Rare Perfect AP Score

by Manali Shah
Published October 15, 2025

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. “Getting...

Image generated by AI

Here’s Where School Board Voters Can Find The Info They Need

by Beth-Ann Bloom
Published October 8, 2025

Early voting for the four open seats on the South Washington County School Board has already begun and will continue through Election Day, November 4.  The majority of children in Woodbury attend District...

The Blue Earth County Justice Center.

Evidentiary Hearing Set For Teacher Accused Of Seeking Underage Sex Online

by Chuck Nowlen
Published October 1, 2025

A Blue Earth County circuit judge has ordered an evidentiary hearing for Jayme Scott Ralph Strand, a former Woodbury Math & Science Academy coach and physical education teacher accused of soliciting...

Collage of the seven of the nine candidates for the SoWashCo School Board

Election 2025: Crowded Field For Open SoWashCo School Board Seats

by Manali Shah
Published October 1, 2025

Nine candidates are running for four open seats on the seven-member South Washington County School Board, which oversees the sixth largest district in Minnesota, with a student enrollment of more than...

Image Generated by AI

Local High Schoolers Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

by Woodbury News Net Staff
Published September 24, 2025

Twenty Woodbury high school students have been named semifinalists for about $26 million in National Merit Scholarships to be awarded this spring. The students are: From East Ridge High School:...

Dwight Dorau

Dorau Details Voter-Focused Strategy In State Senate Race

by Theo Franz
Published September 24, 2025

Dwight Dorau is learning the rhythms of a special election. With only weeks between a primary and the November 4 general election, the retired Air Force colonel and current high school instructor is...

Student With Weapon Reported At East Ridge High School

Student With Weapon Reported At East Ridge High School

by Woodbury News Net Staff
Published September 17, 2025

A student reportedly brought a weapon to Woodbury's East Ridge High School on Wednesday September 17, leading to a temporary hold on entering and exiting the building.  Administrators shared information...

Jamey Scott Ralph Strand (Courtesy of Blue Earth County Jail).

Dismissal Sought, Hearing Set For Former Teacher Accused Of Seeking Underage Sex

by Chuck Nowlen
Published September 9, 2025

A dismiss-case/suppress-evidence motion was filed last week by the attorney for 44-year-old Jamey Scott Ralph Strand, a former Woodbury Math and Science Academy teacher charged with soliciting underage...

Math and Science Academy’s student drop-off crossing guard April McClernan, left, chats with a visitor while directing traffic Tuesday morning.

Shocking Arrest Can’t Mar First Day Of Classes At Math & Science Academy

by Chuck Nowlen
Published September 3, 2025

You’d never know it by the mellow back-to-school atmosphere Tuesday morning, but a trusted Woodbury Math and Science Academy teacher who mingled with teenagers here for seven years is now charged with...