Editor's Notebook

VIDEO: In Defense of Apartments

Mayor Gene Maxwell’s comments at the State of the City are a reminder that apartments can be an opportunity, not just a challenge.

Apartments often get a bad rap in Hopkins, but Mayor Gene Maxwell is fighting back against that. While apartments have long been seen as a problem to solve, Maxwell told residents at last week’s State of the City that apartments are here to stay—and that they can even be a part of smart development. “You have people have saying, ‘We have too many apartments,’” Maxwell said. “Well, gentlemen, ladies, we’re not going to be able to build single-family homes. We don’t have any room for them. … The only thing we can do is build quality apartments.” There’s no denying that Hopkins is in a unique situation when it comes to apartments and other rental units. The community’s 39 percent homeownership rate is among the lowest in the metro—22 …

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PHOTOS: Residents Enjoy Savory Treats at ‘Taste of Hopkins’

Attendees packed the Hopkins Center for the Arts to sample food from more than a dozen businesses.

Hopkins residents and workers got together Tuesday to sample treats from local businesses at the annual Taste of Hopkins. The Hopkins Center for the Arts was packed as attendees stopped by stations from more than a dozen businesses to sample treats—such as ribs, smoothies, sandwiches, pastries and sushi. Did you attend the Taste of Hopkins? Share your thoughts in the comments below about which treats you enjoyed the most. And feel free to share photos from the night with your neighbors. Just click “Upload Photos and Videos” above.   Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our free daily newsletter | Check out Patch’s Pinterest boards

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VIDEO: Hopkins Mayor Goes Gangnam Style

As residents have come to expect, Hopkins' State of the City was full of laughs. Here are some of the funniest moments.

Hopkins officials pride themselves on hosting a State of the City that’s a bit more engaging than the dry presentations so many communities do—and Tuesday’s event was no exception. The event kicked off with a vision of Mayor Gene Maxwell moving to the latest dance craze “Gangnam Style.” That vision didn’t progress beyond some colorful animation (thankfully), but the evening was still full of laughs. City Manager Mike Mornson poked fun at the mayor’s sense of style during the Raspberry Festival and ribbed the police chief. The “prizes” for the losers in the night’s faux game show were visits to extinct Hopkins landmarks. And Maxwell turned out to be a little bit closer to the President Barack Obama than anyone knew. Watch some of the …

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What Treats Can You Sample at the Taste of Hopkins?

Attendees will be able to enjoy these appetizers, entrées, beverages and desserts at the free Feb. 12 event.

What Treats Can You Sample at the Taste of Hopkins?

Attendees will be able to enjoy these appetizers, entrées, beverages and desserts at the free Feb. 12 event.

Each year, the Hopkins Business & Civic Association hosts The Taste of Hopkins just before the State of the City. The free event offers residents a sampling of appetizers, entrées, beverages and desserts from Hopkins restaurants and businesses. Below is a list of vendors at this year’s event. So take a look at the list, get your appetite ready and head on over to the Hopkins Center for the Arts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 12. Then hang around for the State of the City afterward to learn more about how Hopkins is doing. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a monetary donation or nonperishable food item to benefit ICA Food Shelf. *** Taste of Hopkins Vendors   Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our free daily …

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State of the City, Taste of Hopkins Coming Feb. 12

The annual event is always a little different than the usual city presentation.

State of the City, Taste of Hopkins Coming Feb. 12

The annual event is always a little different than the usual city presentation.

“State of the City” lacks the pizzazz to really get the blood going. As a phrase, it ranks right down there with “environmental impact statement” or “comprehensive annual financial report” in terms of pure, mind-numbing bureaucratese. Don’t be fooled, though. Hopkins has something special planned for this year’s State of the City—as it does every year. Officials pride themselves on offering up an event that goes well beyond the usual yawn-inducing PowerPoint presentations. The mayor and council will still provide information on all things Hopkins at the Feb. 12 event. But it's sure to stick out from the more-traditional council meetings. If that still doesn’t pique your interest, there’s also the Taste of Hopkins that the Hopkins Business…

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(VIDEO) Mayor: Hopkins is Full of Possibility

Mayor Gene Maxwell's comments came during Tuesday's State of the City event.

The State of the City isn’t just a place to learn about Hopkins. It’s a place to celebrate Hopkins. During his closing remarks at Tuesday’s event, Mayor Gene Maxwell described some of the things that he thinks makes the city great—and how residents can make the community even better. “There’s so much possibilities that we have in this city. It’s mind boggling when you start thinking about it,” Maxwell said. Check out his comments in the video above.

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State of the City, Taste of Hopkins Coming Soon

Learn about your local government and taste what Hopkins businesses have to offer

(The following news release comes from the City of Hopkins.) The annual State of the City/Taste of Hopkins will be held Tuesday, February 28, 5 – 7 pm, at Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet in downtown Hopkins. Sponsored by the City of Hopkins, Hopkins Business & Civic Association, and Twin West Chamber of Commerce, the event offers an opportunity for citizens and business owners to learn more about the workings of the City in a relaxed setting. The evening will begin with theTaste of Hopkins from 5 – 6 pm. Coordinated by the Hopkins Business & Civic Association, the event features area restaurants and beverage suppliers providing free samples of their food and beverage offerings. Following the tastings, the State of the City …

The State of the City? Pretty Funny.

Hopkins uses humor to update residents on city happenings.

Hopkins officials presented a lot of good information at last night’s State of the City. But like the White House Correspondents' Association’s annual dinner with the president, the event is as much about the jokes and entertainment as it is about news that many have already heard. This year’s State of the City was ostensibly patterned after the daytime talk show The View and rechristened Our View. But it borrowed liberally from late-night talk shows—and added a heap of random jokes just for good fun. Here’s a look at the funniest moments of the night. *** What’s a talk show without a top 10 list? Hopkins kicked off the night with its own spin on David Letterman’s tradition. “Top Ten Reasons We Are Here Tonight … *** Worst pun: The council…

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