Par’s Mager Investment

In spring 2007, Brian Lambert reported the rumor that Par Ridder, then publisher of the Star Tribune, had purchased the 8,000-square-foot Lake of the Isles mansion once owned by former KARE-11 anchor Paul Magers. Hennepin County records finally confirm: the home at 2419 E. Lake of the Isles Parkway is listed as owned by a trust set up in the name of Ridder’s wife, Sara.

Ridder’s luck — although presumably not his considerable fortunes — has certainly changed. Removed from his job by a Ramsey County judge in late summer, the May 14 purchase of the $3 million pad might’ve suggested misplaced confidence in his case. As a former Stribber wrote me in June, long before Judge David Higgs’ decision, “Apparently, Par isn’t too concerned about any judge’s ruling that might encourage him to leave town anytime soon.”