
Toxins in Drinking Water: Not a Dry Subject
Is your drinking water actually safe—or just marketed that way?
PFAS chemicals are infiltrating municipal systems at unsettling rates, while cities offer reassurance that doesn’t always match reality.
The truth is blunt: even the smallest amount of PFAS is too much.

Broadband Service: A Tangle of Options
The long-awaited broadband has come to town.
In its wake is a tangle of questions, confusing options and contracts, who has what service, at what cost, when and for how long.

Flock Surveillance Cameras: What You Should Know
Most South Lake residents don’t know that the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department uses automated license-plate-reader across all four Joint Powers Agreement cities: Shorewood, Excelsior, Greenwood, and Tonka Bay.
Learn more about the uses, questions and concerns surrounding this technology.

Art & Advocacy Builds Freeman Park Community
If you’ve spent time in Freeman Park, chances are you’ve noticed — and perhaps paused to admire — the beautifully crafted bench that blends art and function.
The bench was designed, built, and donated by Barry Brown, a dedicated advocate for Freeman Park.

The Road Ahead: Hwy. 7 Study Update
MnDOT has developed a comprehensive website to keep the public informed and engaged as it progresses with the Hwy 7 Corridor Study.
It includes public feedback gathered via an online study of design alternatives, pop-up events, an online public meeting and online survey.

Essential Reading:118% Tax Increase
Shorewood resident Barry Brown has analyzed the Long Range Financial Plan (2026 – 2035) for Shorewood. It shows the Tax Levy skyrocketing from $7.5M in 2025 to $16.4M in 2035 – a 118% increase. Also, the city plans to increase its bond debt by another $21.6M between 2026 and 2031.

Suburban Coyotes: A Balance of Nature
The healthy coyote population in the western suburbs reflects their adaptability in spite of environmental changes, housing developments, and evolving ecosystems.
Some people consider these mammals a sign of a balanced natural environment.
On the flip side, the coyote’s sinister wolf-like appearance, coupled with tales of attacks on small pets, can cause plenty of angst.