Champlin Park forced four turnovers. Senior quarterback Cash Miller threw four touchdown passes, completing four of five attempts for 87 yards. Preston Nelson rushed for 192 yards on 21 carries and scored two total touchdowns, CCX reported.
The victory sent Champlin Park into a state quarterfinal matchup with Forest Lake.
Wayzata entered the playoffs at 4-4 after its regular-season finale against Eden Prairie. The Trojans’ postseason run brought their first season under head coach Derrin Lamker to a close.
Wayzata High School seniors Mark and Maksym Abazher have helped develop Drivvy, an app that records supervised driving practice and gives parents a way to track their teenagers’ progress.
CCX Media’s Nov. 6 report introduced the twin brothers and their work on the app’s design, features and marketing. Their father, who owns a software company, provided professional help.
Video: CCX Media
For local families preparing for a road test, the project addresses a familiar task: keeping an accurate record of practice behind the wheel. A review of Drivvy’s product information and Minnesota’s licensing requirements also shows why families should check both their required hours and the format of the log they plan to submit.
A family project
In Drivvy’s account of its origins, the family says the idea grew from the sons’ own supervised-driving experience. Tracking time was one concern; finding a consistent way for their father to assess developing skills was another.
According to the company’s website, the app records details including time, distance, weather and road type. Linked parent and teen accounts let families review practice sessions and see progress in daytime and nighttime hours.
Drivvy also includes a Drive Readiness Score based on parents’ assessments. Its App Store listing describes seven areas, including speed management, hazard awareness and distraction control. The developer says the score reflects parental observation and is not a clinical or actuarial predictor of crash risk.
Minnesota families have two routes for supervised practice hours. The state’s official driving-log instructions require at least 50 hours, including 15 at night, when a parent or guardian has not completed an approved supplemental parent class.
With the approved class and its certificate, the minimum is 40 hours. The nighttime requirement remains 15 hours.
The log must be presented at the road test and submitted with the provisional-license application. The state form includes spaces for dates, daytime and nighttime minutes, skills practiced and the primary driving supervisor’s signature.
Check the export before test day
Drivvy advertises a PDF export of recorded hours. Families should verify that the exported document meets Minnesota’s requirements before relying on it at a road test.
State law requires a commissioner-approved format, and DVS’s posted form instructs families to use its template. Wayzata.com has not independently confirmed acceptance of Drivvy’s export.
Keeping the official form available and checking the output with DVS or a driver-education provider can help families avoid a paperwork problem after completing their practice hours.
Wayzata Idol returns to Wayzata High School on Thursday, Nov. 12, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The competition begins at 7 p.m. in Auditorium 2 at the high school, 4955 Peony Lane N. in Plymouth, according to the Wayzata Public Schools event listing.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring friends and cheer on the performers. The event is listed as general admission.
Tickets and event details
Ticket information is available through the district’s Vanco Events page. Select Wayzata Idol for the booking link and current admission details.
Wayzata’s Planning Commission took another step toward prohibiting new short-term rentals Nov. 2, while neighbors and city officials discussed what the changes would mean for rentals already operating.
Commissioners directed staff to prepare a recommendation supporting amendments to the city’s zoning code. The recommendation will return for review Nov. 16 before going to the City Council. The commission’s vote did not enact the changes.
The proposal comes as Wayzata appeals a district court ruling that voided its earlier short-term rental ban. For neighbors hoping to end disruptive stays and owners seeking to continue lawful operations, the outcome matters.
What would change
Planner Haily Hedblom presented changes to Chapters 902 and 937 that would distinguish short-term rentals from state-licensed hotels and motels. A short-term rental would be lodging that is not state-licensed as a hotel or motel and is occupied for fewer than 30 consecutive days.
The zoning use table would retain a category for hotels and motels. Short-term rentals would be omitted, with added language making clear that unlisted uses are prohibited throughout the city.
Hedblom said qualifying existing rentals with active licenses could continue as legal nonconforming uses, provided their licenses do not lapse and they meet other requirements. Operators would still need annual license renewals.
Five people spoke at the public hearing, all supporting restrictions. Jeffrey Nelson described the effect of frequent guest turnover on neighborhood character. Mark Jones discussed a neighboring rental with a shared driveway. Others raised concerns about traffic, noise and unfamiliar visitors, and asked why existing rentals could continue.
Chair Blake Cameron supported the changes. “Residential is someplace that you live, not someplace that you stay,” he said in remarks.
Existing rentals and the court case
In the March 30 district court ruling, Judge Joseph R. Klein found that the earlier ban functioned as zoning, although the city adopted it through its rental-licensing code. He declared the ordinance void because Wayzata had not followed the required zoning-adoption process.
If the city loses its appeal and adopts the zoning approach staff described, qualifying existing, lawfully established rentals would be able to continue as grandfathered uses, subject to licensing and operating requirements. A ban on new rentals would not automatically end those existing operations.
Owners argued in their lawsuit that they invested in properties for lawful rental use and that a later prohibition could not erase their existing rights. State law generally protects lawful uses that predate new zoning controls, while allowing reasonable nuisance and public-safety regulations.
Klein did not decide each property’s grandfathered status. After voiding the ordinance, he found the nonconforming-use claim premature and did not reach the owners’ takings claim.
City Attorney David Schelzel told commissioners that zoning protections do not excuse code violations. “Licenses and permits are not an entitlement,” he stated. Existing operators must meet renewal requirements and could lose a license for violations or nuisances, he said. A successful city appeal would restore the earlier licensing restrictions, he added.
Asked why proceed while the appeal is pending, Schelzel said the city is pursuing both licensing and zoning regulation.
A familiar balance in a lakeside town
Visitor lodging has long been part of Wayzata. Earlier Wayzata.com coverage described the Arlington House and other hotels and boarding houses that welcomed summer guests during Lake Minnetonka’s resort era.
The Historical Society also describes a summer-cottage era beginning in the late 1890s. A historical survey documents cottages and bungalows in older neighborhoods south of Wayzata Boulevard. Seasonal cottages and modest homes are part of that history, although not every cottage was a vacation property.
Commercial and residential uses continue to meet in today’s Wayzata. The Hotel Landing borders a residential neighborhood, and the city-owned Bar & Grill sits alongside residential blocks. Downtown projects such as Westway and 200 Lake Street East combine housing and commercial space.
That proximity can bring benefits and friction. Disruptive visitors next door can create a nuisance: loud parties, late-night noise or blocked access can interfere with neighbors’ enjoyment of their homes. The presence of visitors alone, however, does not establish a nuisance, and different businesses and rental arrangements can have different impacts.
The city has also explored visitor-related revenue. A May 2025 staff report identified a possible lodging tax. Wayzata continues exploring a food and beverage tax to help fund services used by visitors and residents; 2026 legislation sought authority for a tax of up to 1%. Those discussions are separate from the zoning proposal.
The commission’s motion passed with no opposition voiced. Separate licensing and nuisance-code changes will be considered by the City Council, Hedblom said.
Wayzata High School’s expansion is moving through design, with new spaces scheduled to open in fall 2030. For families following the project, that places the opening four school years beyond the current 2026-27 year. Under normal grade progression, today’s eighth graders would be seniors when the addition opens; current high school students would have graduated.
The district’s project schedule calls for design through September 2027, followed by bidding before construction begins in spring 2028. Construction is expected to continue through August 2030.
The planned addition would accommodate 900 more students. The scope includes classrooms and laboratories, changes to career and technical education spaces, special education renovations, security improvements, tennis court changes and an eight-lane swimming pool with a separate diving well. The district estimates the project at about $174.1 million and cautions that the figure may change.
Elm Creek land remains a proposal
The campus plan also involves conversations with Plymouth about neighboring parkland. CCX Media reported Nov. 6 that the district is seeking roughly eight acres of city-owned Elm Creek Playfields.
In that report, Superintendent Robb Virgin described discussions about fitting the expansion alongside the city’s baseball, softball and soccer facilities. CCX also reported that the Plymouth City Council had reviewed proposed campus plans.
CCX described the roughly eight-acre acquisition as a proposal being discussed with Plymouth as the district develops its campus plans.
How the project fits the referendum
The high school work is part of a larger construction program approved by district voters April 14. The district’s construction overview identifies $465 million in bond funding for learning spaces, including new elementary and middle schools, the high school addition and improvements to existing buildings. Voters separately approved $31 million in bonds for the high school pool and renewed the existing $6.5 million annual technology levy.
The $174.1 million high school estimate covers the building-specific project, while the bond measures fund work across the district. The district’s high school project page includes the pool in its listed scope.
Where to follow the details
Stay tuned to Wayzata.com for updates on the high school expansion. We’ll follow Plymouth’s agendas and district plans, with a focus on developments that matter to local families and residents.
Highway 12 reopening is targeted for the week of Nov. 16, with all lanes expected to return to service between Wayzata and Minnetonka, according to a Nov. 8 report from KARE 11 citing a MnDOT spokesperson.
The target would bring relief after months of construction. In the report, residents described traffic delays and vibration from crews removing old concrete. A MnDOT spokesperson said the agency condensed two construction seasons into one.
Lane and ramp restrictions remain
As of Nov. 9, MnDOT’s project page lists one lane in each direction between Shoreline Drive and Gleason Lake Road through mid-November. Between Gleason Lake Road and I-494, two lanes remain open in each direction through November.
The agency also lists these ramp closures through mid-November:
Northbound Shoreline Drive to eastbound Highway 12.
Eastbound Highway 12 to and from Central Avenue.
Intermittent overnight lane closures and ramp closures may continue through November. MnDOT cautions that traffic impacts are tentative and weather-dependent, so the reopening target is not a guarantee that every restriction will end that week. Drivers can check 511 Minnesota before traveling.
A project with downtown impacts
Work includes rebuilding Highway 12 near downtown Wayzata, pavement repairs farther east, ramp repairs, lighting and accessibility improvements.
KARE 11 also reported that an osprey nest on a highway sign delayed replacement work. Crews planned to remove the nest after the birds left for the season and install a separate nesting structure away from the highway.
The Wayzata School Board is scheduled to consider a proposed artificial intelligence policy, open enrollment guidelines for 2027–28 and student representation on the board at its regular meeting Monday, Nov. 9.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Creekside, 16000 41st Ave. N., Plymouth, according to the district’s meeting notice.
AI policy gets a first reading
The agenda calls for a first reading of Policy 625 and its accompanying regulations on responsible use of artificial intelligence. This is a review of a proposed policy, rather than a scheduled final approval.
The draft policy would allow staff and students to use district-approved AI tools to support instruction and learning, while emphasizing academic integrity, privacy, equitable access and human accountability. It describes AI as a tool to assist people, rather than make decisions autonomously.
The accompanying proposed regulations call for transparent use and appropriate attribution, safeguards for district data, and guidance on bias and misinformation.
Open enrollment proposal for 2027–28
The board is being asked to approve an open enrollment resolution for the 2027–28 school year. The proposal calls for nonresident enrollment of at least 1% of each K–12 grade level’s class size and would allow the district to accept additional students up to a 2% districtwide cap, subject to building capacity.
The proposed guidelines give priority to children of district staff and siblings of students already open enrolled. They also describe a lottery if those placements do not meet the required grade-level minimum, with additional placements subject to capacity. The resolution is a recommendation awaiting board action.
Student representatives and board policies
An ad hoc committee is scheduled to present student representative models and a proposed approach to selection and expectations. According to the agenda, the committee is seeking board direction to develop an implementation framework for future consideration. A final student representative program is not listed for approval.
The board is also scheduled to consider approval of policies covering board development opportunities and reimbursements, out-of-state travel, and member compensation and reimbursements. The compensation policy in the packet addresses how rates may be set and adjusted; it does not specify a new dollar amount.
Other items and public comment
The agenda includes recognition of National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and esteemed teachers, retiree recognition, a student council report and September financial reports. Consent items include Oct. 12 meeting minutes, donations, payment reports and personnel recommendations.
An audience comment period is also included. The complete Nov. 9 agenda and supporting documents are available through BoardBook. Readers should check the official agenda for updates before attending.
This is an agenda preview based on materials posted before the meeting. Items described as proposed or scheduled have not been reported here as approved.
Justin Gehrman is working to raise $35,000 for a utility terrain vehicle for the Minnesota Search and Rescue Dog Association, a volunteer organization whose teams include a familiar name in Wayzata: K-9 Loki.
On his GiveMN fundraising page, Gehrman identifies himself as a high school junior who has volunteered with MinnSARDA since 2021. He helps train search dogs by playing the role of a missing person.
Gehrman writes that his interest began after his family’s elderly dog went missing in 2020. A search team from Nebraska helped look for the dog, who returned safely after 16 days. That experience inspired him to volunteer.
The proposed UTV would carry dogs, volunteers and supplies across rough terrain. Transporting dogs closer to a search area would help conserve their energy, according to the fundraiser. Money raised beyond the $35,000 goal would support training, annual certifications and additional equipment.
Sgt. Jason Gehrman and K-9 Loki were recognized alongside Wayzata Police Department colleagues in April 2025. Wayzata.com archive photo.
An August 2025 council report noted that Loki continued search-and-rescue work after retirement and had helped locate a missing person in Wabasha County. MinnSARDA’s current team roster lists Jason and K9 Loki as certified in trailing and human-remains detection.
How to learn more and help
MinnSARDA says it has served Minnesota since 1981 and provides trained dog-and-handler teams at no charge to requesting public safety agencies. Its teams search for missing people, not lost pets, and do not deploy at the request of private citizens.
At the beginning of this season, no one expected much from Wayzata girls XC. They were young, and very inexperienced, and the competition they would face all year was everything but. But, these girls decided early that they were going to uphold the history of excellence of this team, and were willing to put in the work that came with it.
At State, they would be facing Edina who had beat them every time they competed all season, as well as Minnetonka and STMA who had beat them at Conference. Add in Waconia Forest Lake, and Blaine who had all had strong seasons, and they had their work cut out for them.
Minnetonka, Edina, Blaine, and STMA all had runners that would fight to win individually. Senior Evie Malec came away with the top spot with a 17:33. But the team competition is about depth, and Wayzata and Blaine had it in spades.
Photo courtesy of Candice Leddy.
Wayzata finished an incredible 2nd place overall! Faith Sundet finished 13th with an 18:26, followed by Senior Sienna Blomberg at 18:30 at 18th. Naoka Neitz had an incredible PR and finished 21st at 18:36. Alissa Ledman came in at 32nd at 18:53, and Adele Stark in the top 50 with a 19:07. Brianna Ledman finished 56th and Sabrina Shrestha brought the top 7 home in the top 100 with a 19:44. They had done it again! Going into the season barely ranked in the top 10, they made it their mission to prove that Wayzata should never be discounted.
Photo courtesy of Candice Leddy.
On the boys side, it was one of the closest team finishes in history. Only 3 points separated first from third place.
Wayzata boys had a crazy ending with Washburn at Sections last week with one of the Washburn runners being disqualified at the finish, meaning that Wayzata took the win. Both teams knew this was going to be a battle for the top, and it lived up to the hype.
Wayzata had 2 in the top 20 with Charlie Williams at 13th with a 15:44 followed closely by another Junior, Thomas Berndt at 15th. Senior Will Chabot came in at 53rd, and Troy Tong with a 16:19 at 62nd. Ryan Haag and Benjamin Raisanen finished hard with a 16:25 and 16:28, placing top 80 in a field of 160.
Everyone watched the large screen with anticipation as the individuals were removed from the team scores, and Washburn and Wayzata toggled back and forth between first and second place, the crowd reacting every time it did. Final scores were put up and Wayzata placed 2nd by a point, followed by Rosemount just 2 points behind. An incredible race, coming down to less than a second. No doubt this is going to be a must see rematch at Nike Regionals in Sioux Falls next weekend where all 3 of these teams will be back.
Photo courtesy of Candice Leddy.Photo courtesy of Wayzata Athletics.
Wayzata is the only school in the state, across all of the classes, to have both boys and girls teams podium. The Wayzata XC dynasty on both sides, continues another year.
Panoway Plaza along Lake Street. File photo courtesy of the Wayzata Conservancy.
Wayzata is seeking proposals for four outdoor sculptures to be displayed along Lake Street East from May 2027 through May 2028. The city has identified four proposed sites along Panoway near Walker Avenue.
Selected artists will receive a $1,500 stipend through the Panoway Rotating Public Art Sculpture Program.
Location 1: A planted bed east of Walker Avenue, beside a walkway and concrete seating wall.
Location 2: The lawn between two trees at the foot of the steps east of Walker Avenue.
Location 3: A planted bed immediately east of the Walker Avenue pedestrian crossing.
Location 4: A landscaped bed west of Walker Avenue, along the railroad-side edge of Panoway.
Three sites will have 4-by-4-foot mounting pads; Location 2 will have a 3-by-3-foot pad, with a pedestal preferred. Artists may request a location, but placement is not guaranteed.
The call is open to artists 18 and older, with preference given to those who have a strong connection to Wayzata. Preferred themes include Native American heritage, lake life, ecology and nature, and youthfulness or playfulness.
The sculptures must be durable enough for outdoor display near Lake Minnetonka and fit the designated mounting pads. The Wayzata Public Art Committee will consider each proposal’s quality, suitability for its location, durability and alignment with the program’s themes.
Artists will receive $1,000 when their work is installed and $500 when it is removed or purchased by a third party. The stipend includes the costs of materials, installation, transportation, insurance and any maintenance requested by the city.
Artists may offer their sculptures for sale during the exhibition, with the city retaining a 25% commission. Buyers would take possession after the yearlong display ends.
Committee review is scheduled for Nov. 16, with artists to be notified Nov. 17. Installation is planned for May 3–17, 2027.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Central time Wednesday, Nov. 11. They must include a résumé or CV (an artist résumé listing exhibitions, projects and relevant experience), an artist statement and a sculpture proposal. Submission requirements, site information and application details are available in the full call for artists.
For more information, contact Nick Kieser, the city’s parks and environment planner, at 952-404-5313 or nkieser@wayzata.org.
Updated Nov. 8, 2026, with specific proposed sculpture locations from the city’s call for artists.
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