West St. Paul Reader

West St. Paul’s Miss Minnesota 1961

On June 5, 1961, West St. Paul teen Nancee Parkinson was crowned Miss Minnesota. The 18-year-old was named fourth runner-up in the Miss America pageant and went on to be a teacher, spokesperson, and had a short career in Hollywood.

West St. Paul Rider photo by Jeannine Pohl

Sixth Annual Community Bike Ride

More than 120 people joined the sixth annual West St. Paul Rider community bike ride this weekend. The festivities included artwork, donuts, and free stickers and magnets for participants.

“West St. Paul” Song

With a rainbow in the background, Carolyn Swiszcz and Bob Payton pose for photos fresh off their performance of the “West St. Paul” song at Explore West St. Paul Days.

June 8, 2026 West St. Paul City Council meeting

West St. Paul City Council Recap: June 8, 2026

Much like neighboring communities, West St. Paul has serious needs for their fire station, police station, and city hall. Council approved an initial study to explore options, feasibility, and costs.

West St. Paul Mayor Dave Napier handing out treats to parade spectators.

2026 Explore West St. Paul Days Parade

Sixty-five local groups marched, rolled, and danced down Charlton Street on Saturday as part of the annual Explore West St. Paul Days parade.

West St. Paul City Council Preview: June 8, 2026

Like neighboring communities, West St. Paul faces serious facility needs for the fire station, police station, and city hall. Council will discuss commissioning an initial study to explore options, feasibility, and costs.

Voting booth and ballot for ISD 197 election.

Who’s Running: 2026 Elections Uncontested Locally

The filing period to run for office closed this week and the results are in—West St. Paul’s municipal elections are entirely uncontested while other races face surprising primaries and a state-wide controversy.

Brianna Havir, 2026 Optimist of the Year

2026 Optimist of the Year: Brianna Havir

The Optimist Club of West St. Paul named Brianna Havir, the magnet coordinator at Heritage E-STEM Magnet School, their Optimist of the Year for 2026.

Parade Teaser

The Explore West St. Paul Days parade is on Saturday, so here’s a little parade teaser for our West St. Paul Rider parade entry.

June 1, 2026 ISD 197 School Board meeting

ISD 197 School Board Recap: June 1, 2026

The ISD 197 School Board reviewed next year’s budget and took the first step in approving a potential capital project levy to go before voters in the fall.