What makes Woodbury special is its senior leadership team and elected officials, retiring City Administrator Clint Gridley said. It’s one of the things he’s most proud of in his 21 years of work in the city.

“I’m so thankful for the leadership, because they set the tone,” Gridley said.

As the third and longest running city administrator in Woodbury’s history, Gridley is retiring from his official position Friday. He describes the job as a unique opportunity in which he serves his community under the City Council as a non-partisan business entity. Woodbury has a legacy of trust and ethical government, he said, it’s expanding and never dull.

“It’s a little bit emotional because my profession is not a typical profession,” Gridley said. “It really is, for me, a passion that’s rooted in the love of good government, and the service of making things work.”

Gridley has been responsible for overseeing daily operations, management and city services. Essentially, he is there to ensure that Woodbury is operating well, in a way that is pleasing to both its residents and members of city government.

“Clint has the right balance of IQ and EQ, thoughtful and extroverted, planful while able to adjust to changing conditions/circumstances,” Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt said. “His intelligence and experience have suited him well to lead a large and still growing, complex organization.”

Burt pointed out that Gridley joined the city when Woodbury was under 50,000 residents and has led its development into “a safe and thriving community of 82,000 residents,” the seventh largest in the state.

As Woodbury continues to grow, Gridley said he hopes it will keep its small-town charm and be a place where community members know each other by name.

“I believe the number one thing in a city is building relationships,” Gridley said.

Resident surveys have shown a strong sense of trust in city council members and city staff, according to Gridley.

He said his position has served as a bridge between those residents and city government: understanding the wants, needs and values of Woodbury’s community and helping see that through on the policy side.

“I’ve learned the art of appreciative inquiry and questions, of trying to walk the path of a citizen and walk the path of an elected official, and translate that for staff who are very operational and want to get things done,” Gridley said.

History of civic engagement

Gridley, a baby boomer from Lake Bluff, Ill., said his parents met while his father served in World War II. They were “enthusiastic citizens, who impressed on me the blessing we have in our freedoms and in this country.” Their civic engagement in Illinois cemented Gridley’s current love of well-functioning government and served as inspiration for his life’s work.

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“I had this aspect of, ‘we’re very fortunate where we live’ and the love of the principles of our country,” Gridley said.

In college, he studied political science and economics and said he tried finding a place where the two came together, which led him to intern with city government at 23, be hired on full time at 25, then become a city administrator in Wisconsin at 32.

When Gridley moved to Woodbury in 2004, he had four children under the age of 15 and was caring for his elderly mother, he said. Within his first year as city administrator, 1,200 new homes were built and the first years were “a whirlwind,” he said.

“Where I’ve grown is, first of all, in the knowledge of the community and second, relationships,” Gridley said.

Engaging the community

Quality and intentional relationships – that has been the driving force of Gridley’s time in Woodbury, he said. It’s what has allowed the city to thrive, expand and be forward-thinking, he said.

“We’ve been an ethical city,” Gridley said. “We’re very functional politically. We are stewards of money, land and resources, which means we’re not owners. We don’t own this (city), we are its caretakers for the people.”

When Woodbury formed in 1967, the community was not very culturally diverse, Gridley said. It is becoming increasingly diverse: what was once farmland for miles has become a bustling city with new businesses and housing types continuously in demand. Census after census, Woodbury’s population of BIPOC individuals has increased, he said.

One of the most impactful relationships Gridley has built over the years has been with the Multicultural Advisory Committee, a group of volunteers that advocates for marginalized and underrepresented communities in Woodbury. The committee works closely with the city’s law enforcement and was a pivotal influence after the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Gridley said.

The committee and other organizations have made Woodbury more vibrant and connected, Gridley said. Hennepin County Diversity Equity and Inclusion Department Manager Shawn Sorrell and Fellowship Church Pastor Tim Brewington are two leaders in the Multicultural Advisory Committee who Gridley said have helped inform and change the city for the better.

“I’ve really gotten to know them,” Gridley said. “When I see those two, it’s a hug, not a handshake.”

In recent years, the city of Woodbury has heavily leaned into community engagement and outreach, Gridley said, through programs like One Woodbury and events for new residents.

“That’s been really meaningful to bring people closer to government,” Gridley said.

Some of the most valuable projects Gridley has worked on include the building of a permanent water-treatment plant to filter PFAS and sustain safe drinking water in the community, the Metro Gold Line, Central Park’s renovation and Royal Oaks street and utility reconstruction, he said.

Gridley said a lot of these projects, which are under construction, have made it difficult for residents to get around the city, which can be a pain, but are for good reason. He and his team get things done so that community members can enjoy the city they live in for the long run, he said.

Next steps

Unfortunately, there are multiple projects that Gridley won’t be able to see come to fruition, like the opening of the water-treatment plant, the development of a new public safety building and the reopening of Central Park in the fall, because after retiring, he and his wife will be moving to Wisconsin.

Gridley said leaving his role as a city administrator brings up a mix of emotions.

“When you live and you work and you worship, and all in the same community and everyone knows you in that role, it is hard to separate your life,” Gridley said.

The hours are demanding and the government meetings run late into the evening, but he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“This has been a fast-growing and very active community,” Gridley said. “It’s demanded a lot from me, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

Some things he’ll miss most are the 3,600 acres of park land and 180 miles of trails he and his wife bike regularly, easy access to retail amenities, the abundance of service and nonprofit opportunities, and his leadership team.

“I struggle sometimes to leave Woodbury, because I can do anything and everything I want to do right within the confines of the community,” Gridley said.

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Gridley’s life moving forward will allow for a slower pace, one that he’s excited for. He’ll also be closer to his favorite football team, which, after 21 years, he’s aware is controversial: the Green Bay Packers.

The next city administrator will need to have the long term in mind, Gridley said. All its past leaders have, including the first mayor, Orville Bielenberg. That’s what’s made the city welcoming, innovative and tight-knit.

“My hope is that they bring their energy,” Gridley said. “They will need it to continue the legacy of trust and ethical, good government, to build on relationships and serve for the long term.”

WEST SACRAMENTO — David Festa went to sleep on Tuesday night with the intention of being well-rested for his start Wednesday night for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints. And, apparently, he slept so soundly that not even 45 phone calls from six or seven different people within the Twins organization trying to reach him could wake him.

Festa wasn’t woken from his slumber until some time in the 8 o’clock hour when director of player development Drew MacPhail was banging on his apartment door.

“I figured my car was parked illegally or something,” Festa said of the door knocking. “But it was Drew.”

MacPhail had some good news for him personally — he was headed back to the big leagues and had a flight to Sacramento in just a couple hours. Of course, Festa’s opportunity came at the expense of Twins’ ace Pablo López, who left his start against the Athletics a night earlier with what the Twins said Tuesday was a right lat strain.

López went for magnetic resonance imaging on Wednesday and the Twins expected to have more information on the severity of the injury later in the day. But, at the very least, López appears headed to the injured list and Festa figures to slot into the rotation on Thursday. As of Thursday afternoon, Festa was still on the taxi squad and the Twins had not announced their intentions for his start.

For Festa, it’s another opportunity to prove to the Twins what he can do after a good three-start performance in the big leagues earlier this year when López was out with a hamstring strain. In those April starts, Festa gave up three earned runs across 13 innings pitched.

He then returned to the minor leagues and dealt with some inflammation in what he called his bicep/shoulder area, forcing him to miss a couple starts.

“It wasn’t something I wanted to do, but I knew it was the smarter way to go about it just so it didn’t become a longer issue,” Festa said. “The training staff did a great job down there of getting me back as soon as possible. My last two outings, I’ve felt good.”

And the results have been good, too.

He’s been throwing the sinker, that he started working on this winter, a lot more and is pleased with the feel he has for the pitch and how it has progressed.

“The last month or so, I’ve been really working on that, and now it’s one of my competent pitches to both sides of the plate and I think it’s helped with my overall results,” Festa said.

And now, he’ll have a chance to see it against major league hitters.

“Obviously, I’m bummed for Pablo and hoping everything is OK,” he said. “I thought I’ve been doing a pretty good job my last few outings and I’m looking forward to build off that.”

Correa scratched

About an hour and a half before Wednesday’s game was scheduled to start, the Twins officially announced that shortstop Carlos Correa was scratched with back tightness. He was replaced in the lineup by Brooks Lee.

Correa is often doing maintenance to keep his back feeling good. He has a history of back issues, twice landing on the injured list for his back, though the last time that happened was in 2019 when he was still with the Houston Astros.

Briefly

Matt Wallner was not in the starting lineup for the second straight day because of the opposing lefty the Twins were facing. Notably, fellow lefty Trevor Larnach started both of those games and manager Rocco Baldelli praised how Larnach has looked in his at-bats against southpaws. “He’s earning the opportunities because he’s looked that good,” Baldelli said. … Infielder Tanner Schobel, the Twins’ second-round pick in 2022, was promoted to Triple-A on Wednesday after slashing .292./.372/.465 in 49 games at Double-A Wichita this year.

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Which tie-dye kits are best?

Tie-dye is a creative way to add a splash of color to your wardrobe or hearken back to the flower power fashion of the 1960s. Tie-dye kits come with everything you need to create this vibrant look at home, but when faced with so many similar products, which kit should you choose?

Before making your purchase, there are several factors to consider, but for a simple starter kit with easy-to-follow instructions, the Tulip One-Step 12-Color Tie Dye Kit is the top choice.

What to know before you buy a tie-dye it

What clothes can I tie-dye?

Almost any article of clothing can be tie-dyed, from shirts and handkerchiefs to hats and even pillowcases. Fabrics like cotton and linen are commonly used with a tie-dye kit because they absorb most, but nearly any natural fiber can be dyed.

How to tie-dye clothes

Always follow the instructions included in your tie-dye kit, as exact application steps can vary.

Clean your work area: The dye found in tie-dye kits can easily stain tabletops and furniture, so take the kit outside or prepare your area by laying down newspaper or plastic bags. Gloves are also recommended to prevent the dye from staining your hands.
Presoak the garment: Most kits come with a soda ash solution used before dyeing to help set the ink. Read the instructions for exact presoak times.
Twist and tie: Once your garment is presoaked, twist the fabric tightly and secure it with rubber bands. The twisting is what produces the iconic tie-dye look.
Use the dye: Prepare the dye by following your kit’s instructions, and use an applicator to add color.
Allow your dye to set: The exact time needed to set the dye typically depends on the quality of your kit.
Rinse and enjoy: The final step is to rinse any excess dye and admire your colorful creation! For best results, air dry your finished garments.
Soak in vinegar (optional): Many fans of the craft recommend soaking your new tie-dye garments in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to lock in the color.

What to look for in a quality tie-dye kit

Items in a tie-dye kit

Tie-dye kits almost always have everything you need to make colorful clothing at home, but the exact accessories and tools can vary. Look for a kit that includes at least some of the following items:

Dye: While every tie-dye kit should come with at least a few dye options, some products will specialize in certain fun colors like pastel or neon. The more you’re willing to spend on a kit, the more colors you’re likely to receive.
Applicators: These small bottles hold the dye and usually have a pointed tip for design precision.
Ties: Often found in the form of rubber bands, small ties are used to secure the twisted fabric during the dyeing process.
Instructions: Every product is different, so make sure your kit contains detailed instructions to achieve the best results. Instruction booklets can also include fun design ideas and patterns.
Soda ash solution: Also known as fixer, a soda ash solution is used to soak the fabric before the dyeing process begins. Many modern kits don’t require this solution, so don’t worry if your kit doesn’t have it.

How much you can expect to spend on a tie-dye kit

Tie-dye kits are usually affordable, but prices can vary slightly depending on accessories and how many dyes are included. Most people can expect to spend around $10-$30 for a solid kit with multiple colors of dye.

Tie-dye kit FAQ

How do I wash tie-dye clothing?

A. The first time you wash your tie-dye garment, run it through a cold cycle with no other items and hang it to dry. After that, you can wash the garment with your regular loads of laundry.

Can kids use a tie-dye kit?

A. Yes. Tie-dyeing clothes can be a fun activity for any kid over the age of eight. To avoid a mess, wear gloves and spread newspaper or a plastic tarp onto your work surface.

What’s the best tie-dye kit to buy?

Top tie-dye kit

Tulip One-Step 12-Color Tie Dye Kit

What you need to know: This popular kit comes with twelve dyes and easy-to-use applicator bottles.

What you’ll love: Perfect for small parties and gatherings, this simple tie-dye kit requires only water to activate. No soda ash presoak is needed. The instruction booklet also comes with eight design ideas.

What you should consider: The applicator bottles are a little small, and colors fade more quickly than advertised.

Top tie-dye kit for the money

DOODLE HOG Pastel Tie Dye Kit

What you need to know: Pastel dyes can be tricky to find, so if you like pastels, this affordable kit is just what you need.

What you’ll love: Including fun pastel colors like pink, orange and teal, this affordable kit comes with everything you need. It includes six colors, two refill bags for each color, three soda ash bags, gloves, rubber bands and an instruction book.

What you should consider: The pastel dye may produce darker colors than what some users expected.

Tie-dye kit worth checking out

Kool Krafts Tie Dye Kit

What you need to know: This versatile starter kit comes with a lot of dye and four cotton shirts.

What you’ll love: This easy tie-dye kit is huge, featuring twelve nontoxic dyes, including uncommon colors like black and light blue. There are tons of bonus accessories like two disposable tablecloths and a dozen gloves, and the instruction manual is loaded with tips and tricks.

What you should consider: Some users felt that the included T-shirts were of poor quality.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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When Andrew Argeros was hired as the new head coach of the St. Paul Academy boys’ tennis team, he only knew “They had a very good program. What I didn’t realize is how deep they were.”

Argeros soon found out when 94 players showed up for the first tryouts.

The list was eventually whittled down to the 15 who took part in a historic performance at the MSHSL Class A tournament at Reed-Sweatt Tennis Center in Minneapolis. The Spartans swept all three foes by 7-0 scores to become the first school in league history to win four consecutive state tennis crowns. The tournament’s top seed looked the part Thursday with a win over No. 5 Breck in the semifinals in the morning and in the afternoon over No. 2 Rock Ridge.

“We peaked at the right time,” Argeros said.

Winston Arvidson, a freshman, stepped into the No.1 singles slot and led the way, losing just two games in three matches. Arvidson overwhelmed the Wolverines’ Payton Marks 6-0, 6-0 in just 40 minutes in the final. David Schumacher, a senior playing in the No. 2 slot, was equally impressive, rolling to a 6-0, 6-1 win in his championship outing.

What may have pleased Argeros even more was the play of junior Allen Wang and freshman Lucas Laguna.

“Allan has come a long way since the start of the season,” Argeros said.

Against Breck, he teamed with soph Isaak Senaratna for a win at No. 1 doubles. Wang moved to No. 3 singles for the Rock Ridge match and earned a 6-1, 6-4 win.

Laguna worked his way into the rotation, a move that paid off with a win at No. 4 singles against the Mustangs. He switched to doubles against Rock Ridge and paired up with fellow freshman Luca Kempcke for a decision at No. 3 doubles.

The court results speak for themselves, but Argeros took pains to note another aspect of his team that he particularly liked.

“I’m proud of how passionate they are and how they interact so well with each other,” he said.

Indeed, the whole team gathered to watch Aidan Williams win his No. 4 singles match 7-5, 6-2 to wrap up the school’s seventh state title.

The Spartans’ court work isn’t finished. Arvidson is the top seed in the Class A singles competition that starts Friday morning. Seniors Jacob Colton and Ben Macedo are the top seed in the doubles bracket.

Breck defeated Rochester Lourdes 4-3 for third place.

Class 2A

Wayzata won its third straight state title with a 6-1 win over Edina. Mounds View claimed third place by edging Rochester Mayo 4-3.

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