Monday, May 20, 2013
The proposed sales tax for transit improvements did not make it into the final transportation bill.
The presidents of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber and Saint Paul Area Chamber on Sunday condemned the Legislature’s inability to approve a dedicated funding source to expand Twin Cities transit. Last month, the Minneapolis and Saint Paul chambers endorsed a metrowide sales tax of up to half a cent that would have funded transit improvements. Transit tax proposals presented during the session ranged from a quarter of a cent to three-quarters of a cent. However, a sales tax for transit did not make it in to the final version of the Omnibus Transportation Finance bill. The bill did include $37 million to keep the Southwest Light Rail Transit project moving forward. But Minneapolis chamber President Todd Klingel and Saint Paul chamber …
A Brookings Institution study found that the number of poor in the Minneapolis-St. Paul suburbs more than doubled over the past decade.
If the stressed food banks and increasing demand for social services weren’t enough proof, Twin Cities residents now have further evidence that poverty is part of the suburban landscape. A Brookings Institution study released Monday reports that the number of poor in Minneapolis-St. Paul suburbs more than doubled between 2000 and 2011. The 127.9 percent increase in the suburbs was well above the 47.7 percent increase in urban areas. Click on the PDF to the right of the article to see a summary of the Twin Cities data. This is a trend providers have been well aware of for some time. Hennepin County's Human Services and Public Health Department is in the process of creating “social services hubs” in the suburbs specifically to create one-…
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Now that spring has arrived, check out some of the birding events May 15-25, 2013 for all ages.
Information provided by Three Rivers Park District. Spring Bird Hikes Wednesday, May 15, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Silverwood Park, St. Anthony. In spring, every week a different wave of migrating birds visits Silverwood to rest up on their way back north. Binoculars are available for loan. Walk-ins are welcome. Cost is $5 and this program is for ages 16+. Warbler Walk Saturday, May 18, from 7-9 a.m., at Kroening Interpretive Center, in North Mississippi Regional Park, Minneapolis. The Mississippi River is a major flyway for migrating birds. Audubon Society volunteers will be on hand to aid in identification. Bring binoculars or borrow ours. Treats will be provided for birders and birds alike. Cost is $5 and reservations are required. Call 763…
Saturday, May 11, 2013
The 2013 fishing season in Minnesota includes a several fishing events in the Three Rivers Park District.
Information provided by the Three Rivers Park District. Fly Fishing Basics for Women Get the tools to master fishing techniques from instructors. Learn beginning casting techniques and how to choose proper flies. 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 16 at Silverwood Park in St. Anthony and Bryant Lake Regional Park in Eden Prairie. Free. Restricted to participants age 10 and older. Sponsored by Take Me Fishing. Reservations required. Fly Fishing Basics Get the tools to master fishing techniques from our instructors and be sure your time on the water is well spent. Learn beginning casting techniques and how to choose proper flies. 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 20 at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park in Minnetrista and Coon Rapids Regional Dam in Brooklyn Park. Free…
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Wetsch pleaded guilty Monday to charges of robbing five banks and admitted robbing more than two dozen more.
The person accused of being the 'Man in Black' bank robber admitted on Monday that he stole $3,106 from the Hopkins US Bank branch. Mark Wetsch, 49, of Minneapolis, made the admission as part of guilty plea to five charges of bank robbery at other Minnesota banks between April 26, 2011, and Dec. 27, 2011. Wetsch had previously pleaded guilty to a 2012 bank robbery in Brewster, MN, that led to his arrest. The robbery charges result from the theft of: Wetsch admitted "he wore a black mask and brandished a firearm believed to be real," according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for Minnesota. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of 14 years. Prosecutors did not charge Wetsch with the Hopkins robbery, but it was one of 25…
Saturday, May 4, 2013
There are also five driving ranges.
Throughout the Three Rivers Park District, there are 63 holes and five driving range in the Twin Cities area. Equipment rental is available at each course. Baker National Golf Course in Medina Glen Lake Golf and Practice Center in Minnetonka Eagle Lake Youth Golf Center in Plymouth Cleary Lake Golf Course in Prior Lake For mini-golfers Eagle Lake Youth Golf Center in Plymouth Due to varying weather circumstances, be sure to contact the golf course for hours, dates of operation. Share: Do you have a favorite golf course? Share your go to golfing destination in comments below.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Check out today's pollen forecast for Hopkins.
Springtime has arrived and pollen is in the air. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the Minneapolis metro area ranks 60th in the country in a list of "allergy capitals." Thanks to the effects of climate change, experts say the pollen count this season will be higher than ever before. Now you can check the daily allergy forecast as easily as the weather forecast. The Allergy Alert tool from Pollen.com above shows which pollen allergens are high in Hopkins today. Please note that an advertisement cycles into the tool.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Which have you used to cover your baby?
No matter how old your kids are – diaper changing always seems to make its way back into the rotation as friends and family bring new little ones into their lives. And, I have yet to change a baby wearing cloth diapers. Most of my friends and family have opted for the convenience of a disposable diaper. However, it appears the cloth diaper continues to be a popular choice for many. For example, a group of Twin Cities parents that joined together recently for the “Great Cloth Diaper Change” event – or the Burnsville-based business that sells cloth diapers. So, before I continue to share my parenting “wisdom” with family and friends with little ones – which do you choose for your child? Disposable or cloth? SHARE: Which is better – cloth …
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Two explosions occurred the afternoon of Monday, April 15, 2013 near the marathon finish line on Boylston Street in Boston, MA.
During the Boston Marathon April 15, two explosions occurred near the finish line—killing three and injuring more than 100 people, according to a report from Fenway-Kenmore Patch. Among the 23,000 runners at the annual race were approximately 500 Minnesota residents, according to StarTribune.com. Here is what some of the runners shared about the incident and their experience. Click on the headline to read the full story. Roseville Runner: Boston Marathon Bombings "Surreal" Eric Kronback said he thought the two explosions were cannons. Blocks Away from Boston Marathon Explosions: Lake Elmo Woman Recounts 'A War Zone' “All of a sudden I heard two huge blasts—and everything went silent," Chris Hess-Withbroe said from her Boston hotel room …
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Mark the calendars and check out seven free activities open to anyone in April 28-May 4, 2013, including a raptor release and Arbor Day celebration.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
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Sunday, April 14
Information provided by Three Rivers Park District. Celebrate Mother Earth and Arbor Day Sunday, April 28, from 1-3 p.m., at Eastman Nature Center, in Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton. Learn how you can lessen your impact on the Earth. Find out about fresh water, recycling, and pollution. Play the Waldo Water Droplet Race game, do the recycled match-up, and try the container toss. Make your own recycled paper and learn tree identification. Drop in anytime. This program is free and open to all ages. Free Family Fun Day: Bird Eggs Sunday, April 28, from 1-3 p.m., at Kroening Interpretive Center, in North Mississippi Regional Park, Minneapolis. Find out why birds lay eggs of all shapes, sizes, and colors. See samples of real eggs. Hunt for “…
Joel Stegner
7:49 am on Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Over the last 10 years, we have seen what corporate greed has done to our economy and political system. Large companies like Apple are depositing their huge profits in shell companies outside of the US in order to avoid paying US taxes - to the tune of billions of dollars. Millions have been impacted by medical bankruptcies and home foreclosures, while others have greatly benefitted by their … more ›