The Wayzata girls soccer team suffered its first loss of the season Tuesday, falling 2-1 to rival Edina.
Edina took a 1-0 lead in the final minute of the first half when Mikaela Caverly intercepted an errant Wayzata pass and set up Grace Gady for the goal.
Wayzata tied the match midway through the second half. Etta Foster sent in a corner kick that was deflected into the net by Morgan Bryant.
The Hornets scored the game-winner with two minutes remaining. Gady’s corner kick was knocked off the crossbar before Ainsley Graves headed in the rebound.
Memorial along Lake Street honors Wayzata native Gordy Aamoth Jr., victims and first responders
WAYZATA, Minn. — Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Wayzata’s 9/11 Memorial at Panoway on Wayzata Bay continues to provide a place for the community to remember those who were lost.
Located near Broadway and Lake Street, the memorial honors the victims, survivors and first responders of 9/11, with a special connection to Wayzata native Gordon “Gordy” Aamoth Jr., who was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center.
Aamoth was working on the 104th floor of the South Tower when the building was struck and later collapsed. His family worked with the community to ensure the Wayzata memorial would recognize not only Gordy, but all those affected by the attacks.
The memorial was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2021, marking the 20th anniversary of the attacks. Its design includes a grove of nine paper birch trees and two long granite elements intended to evoke both the number 11 and the silhouette of the Twin Towers.
The memorial also incorporates artifacts connected to the World Trade Center and was designed as a quiet place where visitors can sit, look toward Lake Minnetonka and reflect.
The documentary below tells the story of the memorial and Minnesotans whose lives were directly touched by Sept. 11.
The memorial stands within the Birch Grove at Panoway, just east of Broadway Plaza.
Tuesday marks the ninth anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Wayzata Police Officer William “Bill” Mathews.
Officer Bill Mathews. File photo.
Mathews was killed Sept. 8, 2017, after being struck by an impaired and distracted driver while responding to a 911 call to remove debris from Highway 12.
Wayzata Police Memorial image courtesy Wayzata Police Department Facebook page.
Mathews is remembered at the Wayzata Police Memorial outside City Hall, along with Sgt. James W. Anderson, who was killed in the line of duty in 1982.
Last season, Wayzata girls XC team was rated number one, not just in the state, but the entire country. Fresh off an undefeated season, and winning Conference, Sections, State, Nike Regionals, and Nike Nationals in Oregon in December, many thought that was the end of the Wayzata dynasty. 6 of the 7 runners were seniors, leaving only one freshman as a returner. Pre-season rankings had the girls barely cracking the top 10 in the state, deeming it a “rebuilding year”. But as the saying goes, never count Wayzata out.
This year’s season started on Thursday with the St. Olaf High School Showcase, and these Trojans were ready to show everyone that they are ready to carry on the winning tradition. Wayzata won the invitational in true form by over 50 points to the second place team, Northfield. Other Lake Conference teams competing included Minnetonka, Hopkins, and Buffalo.
Sabrina Shreshta and Faith Sundet leading Trojans to a meet win. Photo Candice Leddy.
2 new comers, both sophomores coming from other sports last year, were Faith Sundet who won the meet with a 19:00, and Sabrina Shrestha at a 19:22. Sienna Blomberg, a senior, exploded on the scene with a 2 minute PR at a 19:26, followed by the National team returner another sophomore, Alissa Ledman at a 19:48. Three juniors continued the great finishes with Naoko, or “Koko” Neitz coming in at a 20:14, Adele Stark at a 20:25, and Cody Riddering at a 20:31. Three more newcomers, sophomore Brianna Ledman finished in a 20:34, followed by 2 freshman, Eve Lofgren and Olivia Cahill to round out the top 10 finishers for Wayzata. Add junior Laney Grandberg in there at a 20:44, and you have 11 girls that all went sub 21 minutes in the first race of the season.
Rachel Frank, Naomi Jones, Elle Tupa, and Saige Schmidt holding steady at the 2k mark. Photo Candice Leddy.
When asked about the team’s hopes for the season, Alissa Ledman stated “We have a lot of young talent that no one was expecting. It’s going to be a really fun season, and we’re all learning together. We may not have the experience racing that some of the other teams have, but we trust our coaches to talk us through the process, and are confident in this team’s ability to stick together.”
Come support the girls team at the next meet on Thursday, Sept 10th at Steve Michaud Park in Lakeville which will put them up against other top ranked teams in the state.
Senior Sienna Blomberg hitting a PR. Photo Candice Leddy.Freshman Olivia Cahill sprinting to the finish line. Photo Candice Leddy.
“The Wayzata girls volleyball team faced a tough foe in the season opener, and were swept by East Ridge. The Raptors took a 25-21, 25-17, 25-20 win. It was the third match of the season for East Ridge. Wayzata was scheduled to play at Hopkins Tuesday but a power outage forced that match to be postponed. The Trojans host Buffalo Thursday.” via CCX Media.
Wayzata built an 18-point halftime lead and held off Andover in the second half Thursday night, earning a 37-26 road victory at Andover High School.
Senior running back Michael Criswell led the Trojans with four rushing touchdowns, scoring from 2, 29, 4 and 43 yards. Wayzata also got a 44-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Thor Soukup to junior receiver Weston Moeller.
The Trojans opened the scoring midway through the first quarter when senior linebacker Kai Wessman recorded a safety. Criswell added his first touchdown later in the quarter, giving Wayzata a 9-0 lead.
Andover answered with a 60-yard touchdown pass, but Wayzata took control in the second quarter. Criswell scored on a 29-yard run, Soukup connected with Moeller for the 44-yard score, and Criswell added another touchdown with 28 seconds remaining before halftime.
That gave Wayzata a 30-12 lead at the break.
Andover cut the margin to 30-20 midway through the third quarter, but Criswell answered less than a minute later with his longest touchdown of the night, a 43-yard run that pushed the lead back to 17.
Andover scored again to make it 37-26, but neither team scored in the fourth quarter.
Senior kicker Felipe Neves converted all five of Wayzata’s extra-point attempts.
Three-day festival will bring live music, carnival rides, street vendors, dachshund races, an airshow and the annual parade to downtown Wayzata.
WAYZATA, Minn. — One of Wayzata’s largest annual traditions returns Sept. 11–13 as James J. Hill Days marks its 52nd year with three days of music, food, family activities and community events throughout downtown.
Organized by the Wayzata West Metro Chamber, the festival is expected to draw approximately 80,000 visitors over the weekend. Events will stretch along Lake Street, Panoway on Wayzata Bay, the Great Lawn and the Wayzata Depot area.
Live Music Opens the Weekend
The celebration begins Friday evening with free live music on the Sandvold Stage near Minnetonka Avenue and Lake Street.
The Alex Rossi Band will perform beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the 10-member cover band Powertap at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday’s lineup includes High & Mighty, The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band, and Taylor Robert with Roll N Soul. Sunday entertainment includes ACES & 88’s Dueling Pianos and Dance Esteem. Beer and wine tents will also operate near the stage throughout the weekend.
Also returning Friday is the Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival from 5 to 9 p.m. The ticketed event will feature samples from more than 20 breweries, games and live music from country and rock group Coyote Wild.
Approximately 20 food trucks will be located within walking distance of the festival grounds.
Movie on the Great Lawn
Families can head to the Great Lawn Saturday evening for a Live Music & Movie on the Lawn hosted by Wayzata Sailing.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature The Wild Robot, the animated story of a robot stranded on an island who forms relationships with its animals and cares for an orphaned goose.
Carnival and Street Market Return
The Lake Minnetonka Carnival will operate throughout the weekend, with rides, games and traditional carnival food.
Carnival hours are:
Friday, 5–10 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Discounted advance tickets will be available at Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata through Thursday, Sept. 10. Full-price tickets will be available during the festival.
The James J. Hill Days Street Market will feature approximately 175 vendors lining Lake Street. The market will be open Friday from 5–9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Dachshund Races, Doggy Olympics and New Games
One of the weekend’s longtime traditions, the 42nd Annual Dachshund Races and Costume Contest, returns Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.
On Sunday, dogs of all breeds can participate in the Doggy Olympics from noon to 2 p.m.
Retired Wayzata Police Officer Jason Gehrman and MinnSARDA will also present a search-and-rescue demonstration Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
New this year is Paws & Play Games, featuring short dog-themed activities for children, adults and their dogs, with prizes available to participants.
Coaster Cart Derby and Historical Walking Tours
Saturday morning will also feature the Coaster Cart Derby from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society will lead guided historical walking tours Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 11:30 a.m., giving festival visitors an opportunity to explore Wayzata’s history while walking through the community.
Airshow and Parade Close the Weekend
The celebration builds toward two of its signature Sunday traditions.
The T-6 Thunder Airshow is scheduled for 2:45 p.m., with World War II-era aircraft flying above Wayzata Bay and Lake Street.
The James J. Hill Days Parade follows at 3 p.m., bringing community organizations, businesses and participants through downtown Wayzata for the festival’s traditional finale.
James J. Hill Days began in 1975 and has grown into one of Wayzata’s defining annual celebrations. The festival commemorates railroad entrepreneur James J. Hill and Wayzata’s long relationship with the railroad, which helped establish the community as a gateway to Lake Minnetonka.
The Wayzata Depot, completed in 1906, remains one of the most visible reminders of that railroad heritage.
Additional information, advance tickets and event details are available through JamesJHillDays.com.
WAYZATA, Minn. — Drivers in Wayzata will begin seeing lower speed limits on several major streets and throughout residential neighborhoods beginning in mid-September, following James J. Hill Days.
Mayor Andrew Mullin outlined the upcoming changes in a recent community update, noting that traffic and roadway safety have been recurring concerns among residents.
Public Works crews are expected to begin installing new signs on higher-speed corridors first, followed by gateway signage and neighborhood street updates. The new speed limits will take effect as signs are installed.
Several of Wayzata’s main roadways will see reductions of five to 10 miles per hour.
Wayzata Boulevard from the Public Works facility to Ferndale Road will be reduced from 50 mph to 40 mph.
From Ferndale Road to Central Avenue, the speed limit on Wayzata Boulevard will drop from 35 mph to 30 mph.
Superior Boulevard will be reduced from 35 mph to 30 mph, while South Frontage Road between Bushaway Road and the city limits will also move from 35 mph to 30 mph.
The city-controlled portion of Shoreline Drive between County Road 15 and Ferndale Road will be reduced from 45 mph to 40 mph.
Residential Streets Moving to 20 MPH
Most other local residential streets in Wayzata will have a citywide default speed limit of 20 mph unless otherwise posted.
Gateway signs stating “Citywide Speed Limit 20 MPH unless otherwise posted” are expected to be installed at major entrances into the city.
Several city streets will remain at 30 mph, including Crosby Road, Eastman Lane and North Frontage Road from Gleason Lake Road to the city limits.
County and State Roads Unchanged
Roadways controlled by Hennepin County or the Minnesota Department of Transportation are not part of the changes and will retain their current posted speed limits.
Those include Interstate 394/U.S. Highway 12, County Road 101/Bushaway Road, Gleason Lake Road and county-controlled portions of Shoreline Drive.
Council Approved Changes in 2025
The Wayzata City Council approved the citywide speed-limit initiative in June 2025, establishing a 20 mph default on neighborhood streets while also directing targeted reductions along higher-volume corridors.
The effort is intended to improve roadway safety and support the city’s broader emphasis on walkability and pedestrian movement.
Mullin said the City is also continuing to work with Three Rivers Park District, Hennepin County and state officials on issues involving e-bikes and potential statewide regulations.
Sign installation is expected to begin shortly after James J. Hill Days, with enforcement of the new limits beginning as each roadway is newly posted.
Correction: An AI-generated editing note was inadvertently included in an earlier version of this story. The note has been removed. It did not affect the facts or reporting in the article.
The Wayzata Fire Department has placed a new 2026 Pierce Ascendant 110-foot ladder truck into service, replacing a ladder truck that had served the department for approximately 30 years.
The new apparatus brings greater reach, increased water capacity and improved maneuverability for firefighters responding throughout Wayzata.
Despite having a longer ladder, the Pierce has a shorter overall vehicle length than the truck it replaces. Its single rear axle also provides greater maneuverability — an important consideration on Wayzata’s hills, narrow streets and tighter locations.
The truck is designed to be quicker and easier to position and set up at a fire scene. It carries 500 gallons of water, compared with 200 gallons on the department’s previous ladder truck, and has pumping capacity of up to 1,500 gallons per minute, compared with 1,250 gallons per minute on the previous apparatus.
Traditional Push-In Ceremony Marks Start of Service
Members of the Wayzata Fire Department and Wayzata City Council marked the truck’s arrival with a traditional push-in ceremony on the evening of Sept. 1.
During the ceremony, firefighters and City Council members joined together to push the new ladder truck into the fire station, formally marking the beginning of its service in Wayzata.
Push-in ceremonies are a longstanding fire service tradition associated with the days of horse-drawn firefighting equipment, when firefighters would manually push apparatus back into the station after returning from a call.
Residents Can See New Truck This Fall
Residents will have two upcoming opportunities to get a closer look at the new ladder truck and learn more about the equipment.
The Wayzata Fire Department’s annual Pancake Breakfast is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The truck will also be featured during the City of Wayzata’s annual City Showcase, scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5.
The new ladder truck represents a significant update to one of the department’s most important pieces of emergency equipment and is expected to serve Wayzata firefighters and residents for years to come.
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