9.3 miles of streets to be resurfaced this summer in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is gearing up for a busy 2025 construction season with more than $225 million in planned infrastructure improvements. These projects will impact everything from travel times to water …
Clever ideas for tiny yard spaces
Faux hedges If your outdoor patio or side yard is hemmed in by something like a chain-link or cinder block wall or planter box, consider installing a faux green hedge. This is the perfect …
Framework homeownership partners with Habitat for Humanity
Framework Homeownership is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, one of the highest-regarded Habitat affiliates worldwide. This collaboration will …
Community Visioning Council cco-chair Mileesha Smith said the process of healing should not be rushed and that the community needs more time during a press conference on Feb. 26, 2025. “We, as people, need time and space with the patience of everyone to come together, to be able to say what this space needs to be able to function for everybody,” said Smith. (Photo by Jill Boogren)
Veto override clears path to explore pedestrian mall at GF Square
In February, the Minneapolis City Council overrode Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto of the council’s directive for reconstructing 38th and Chicago. Their action, according to Ward 9 Council Member …
'Sibley' removed from park name, temporary name is 40th Street Park
At the April 16, 2025 board meeting, Commissioners for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) approved a resolution to remove the name "Sibley" from the park and all park assets - including …
Home & Garden
Avoid waste by purchasing soil from Chard Your Yard, which sells it by the bucket to augment or fill garden beds you already have. The effort is run by neighborhood volunteers.
Chard Your Yard this year
Spring is calling; It’s time to think about gardening! The neighborhood volunteer-run organization, Chard Your Yard, has the garden resources to make it happen. The gardens are provided at-cost …
Sid Triantafilou of Greco Linden Hills Painting paints houses in residential neighborhoods, including East Isles, near Lake of the Isles. (Photo by Lulu Jaeckel)
Homeowners experiment with paint colors, say local painters
Whale gray, dry sage and french press are some of the popular names of interior paint colors right now at Benjamin Moore, a paint company.  Sid Triantafilou, a local painter and owner of …
They wanted to save the boulevard trees along six blocks of 29th Ave. and they came together to do just that. Then they celebrated together at Arbeiter Brewing. (Photo by submitted)
Motivated by a common goal
Residents along six blocks of 29th Ave. S have banded together to save 40 ash trees. “These are public trees that the whole community benefits from,” observed Loey Colebeck. “Many …
Minnesota back in a drought
The weather here in Minneapolis has been extreme recently, and drought is something we’ve experienced every year. Although the 2024 drought was not as severe as previous years, rainfall …
Extension programs to keep you busy this winter
If you’ve been following this column the past few years, you will know that I’m a Master Gardener Volunteer through the University of Minnesota Extension. It’s a wonderful program …
Rebuild Repair Recycle
Have you ever been frustrated seeing recyclable or compostable items in the trash bin? Or maybe you yourself have hesitated over whether an item can be recycled or not. Those feelings are what led …
Frustration is growing over the Rethinking I-94 project proposal to drop two at-grade options. The Rethinking I-94 Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) Jan. 17 discussed recommendations to eliminate …
The Twin Cities Meteorological Society’s 4th Annual Minnesota State of the Climate event, held at the Anpétu Téca Education Center in Roseville, had a special focus on …
Living 50+
With warmer weather coming, I have been able to get outside and walk more. Walking more is causing me to be aware that it is so easy for me to take my feet for granted. So, in this column, I am …
A rally was held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 outside the VA at E 54th St and Minnehaha Ave. Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey spoke to about 400 protesters about Trump's threats to VA staff and medical care.
With three grandchildren of their own, confronting climate change is more than a worldwide imperative for Jan and Richard Sutton, it is also a very personal family matter. “We are thinking …
AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPERS

11 AWARDS FOR TMC PUBLICATIONS IN 2025

At the 158th annual Minnesota Newspaper Association Convention, TMC Publications earned 11 wards. Accepting them in person were (left to right) Tesha M. Christensen, Jan Willms and Terbuto Ochothow. …
Voices Against Violence
Dr. Catherine Barrett
‘Oppressive’ experience:’ 57 hearings, 80 court orders, 12 parenting time schedules
What do you do when 11 judges and referees, 20 therapists, 12 mediators, two parenting consultants (with 37 directives), one custody evaluator, and one guardian ad litem haven’t been able to …
Police officer Paul Elmstrand, officer Matthew Ruge and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth
Violence Free Minnesota issues statement on Burnsville Police and EMT domestic violence homicides
Violence Free Minnesota issued the following statement on Tuesday, Feb. 20 to call attention to the full circumstances around Shannon Cortez Gooden's murder of two police officers and an EMT in …
Christmas Eve luminary supports Domestic Abuse Project
For 25 years, the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries have lit Dupont/King’s Highway on Christmas Eve. The annual event not only brings neighbors together, but it has raised over $50,000 for …
Dani's daughter sent her teddy bear with her mom on Oct. 2, 2023. “I couldn’t stop thinking about how my daughter would take the news that her mom wasn’t coming home for a month,” said Dani.
Domestic abuse victim jailed
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a Minnesota judge ordered a victim to jail for not forcing her daughter to see her father. Dani* was ordered to serve 30 days in jail on Oct. 2, 2023 or …
Thi Synavone works as the executive director at Standpoint.  (Photo submitted)
FROM THEIR STANDPOINT
Thi Synavone came to the U.S. in 1979 as a Laotian refugee. After living in many states, her family settled in Minnesota in 1988. Synavone said that growing up, domestic and sexual violence was never …
Arts
The opening film of the festival is “Free Leonard Peltier,” a documentary about the struggle to free Peltier, who was charged with murder in a shootout with FBI agents.
Ang Lee kicks off MSPIFF
Highlighting the 44th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) this year is a conversation with Ang Lee, the award-winning director of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” …
Patrick Scully
‘The Dance is Not Over: The Patrick Scully Story’
The most challenging part of making a movie about Patrick Scully was editing it down to 93 minutes, according to director Mark Wojahn. Scully is an internationally known dancer, choreographer, …
John Noltner
A 'Peace of my Mind' lands in St. Paul
Photographer and storyteller John Noltner has settled into his new work space at 550 Vandalia Street, suite #170, in Hamline-Midway’s Creative Enterprise Zone. He shares the multi-use …
Former Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Ryback buying signs during the Minneapolis Craft Fair at Sunnyside Gardens in 2016. Credit: Photo by Jaime Chismar
As Trump’s second act begins, a Minnesota symbol of inclusivity takes a break
*This story was originally published by MinnPost. Shortly after the 2016 presidential election, rainbow lawn signs inscribed with a heart and the message “All Are Welcome Here” began …
Jane Curry’s One-Woman Show
On May 18, 2025, the Minnehaha Food Shelf is proud to present Nokomis East resident Jane Curry in her acclaimed, one-woman show, “Samantha ‘Rastles’ the Woman Question.” Curry …
Opinion
Amy Mrozek, The Odd Couple Team
We're proud to advertise in a trusted source, with values that align with ours
“Real estate is more than just buying and selling homes – it’s about being part of a community. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Monitor and Messenger, a …
Dean Ridings
What Google's monopoly ruling means for local newspapers
Not that many years ago, the best way you could find out about businesses in town would be through your local newspaper. Your local newspaper is still a great source of advertising information, but …
Dean Ridings
The start of something big for local news. Congress must follow New York's lead.
The state of New York, led by a powerful coalition of local publishers, has just approved game-changing legislation in the fight to preserve local news outlets and community journalism. By including …
Informative and nice-looking
The Longfellow Nokomis Messinger is a nice-looking newspaper with informative articles. Thank you. - John Schnickel
Valerie Fitzgerald
In the beginning
(Disclaimer: This information is accurate to the best of my knowledge, but I am not a historian, archaeologist, or any other kind of expert.) As I considered how humans developed a racial hierarchy, …
Longfellow
There are some neighbors near the light rail site that are advocating for the closure of the access point to the light rail station at E. 45th St near 35th Ave west of Hiawatha from the neighborhood street, and they've put up signs supporting that viewpoint. Others believe that access to this public infrastructure and space is important to continue making a more livable, walkable city.
What will make Hiawatha/46th intersection safer?
MnDOT is making $2.6 million in pedestrian safety and accessibility improvements to the intersections of H wy 55/Hiawatha Ave. and 46th St. E . and 45th St. E. in Minneapolis. MnDOT held a community …
A community meeting was held to discuss a possible name change to Edmund Boulevard.
Last chance to share your voice on the Edmund Boulevard Community Engagement Survey
For the last few years, a community-led coalition has been working to connect with their neighbors to educate them on the namesake of Edmund Boulevard. Edmund Boulevard is a magnificent tree-lined …
Artists Natchez Beaulieu (left), Daniela Bianchini (upper middle), Pablo Kalaka (bottom middle) and Greta McLain (right).
Large mural planned for Hiawatha-Lake underpass
As part of the Hiawatha-Lake intersection redesign, the City of Minneapolis is working with artists Natchez Beaulieu (left), Daniela Bianchini (upper middle), Pablo Kalaka (bottom middle) and Greta …
It's been almost five years since the fencing, jersey barriers, and barbed wire around the former 3rd Precinct building at 3000 Minnehaha has blocked the sidewalk and looked blighted.
When will fencing around former 3rd Precinct site be removed?
It's been almost five years since the fencing, jersey barriers, and barbed wire around the former 3rd Precinct building at 3000 Minnehaha has blocked the sidewalk and looked blighted. Six months ago, …
Demolition of mills
After a hearing held and recommendation made at a council committee, on March 14 the city council voted 12-0 to deny the appeal by Joel Alders, of the newly formed Save Minneapolis from the Wrecking …
Nokomis
Nokomis Yoga at 2722 E. 50th St. was started by Solveig Corbin 17 years ago. (Photo by Sarah Friedman)
Nokomis Yoga: A journey of healing and transformation
Seventeen years ago, Solveig Corbin opened Nokomis Yoga (2722 E. 50th St.), a sanctuary dedicated to bringing the transformative power of yoga to people of all ages and backgrounds. Her journey to …
Minnehaha Food Shelf seeks community support during Minnesota Food Shelf Month
As Minnesota marks the 44th Annual Food Shelf Month this March, Minnehaha Food Shelf is calling on the community to step up and help address food insecurity. Designated by the Minnesota Council of …
Grande Sunrise is a family-run business. (Photo submitted)
Grande Sunrise: A family’s journey from El Salvador to neighborhood staple
When I arrived at Grande Sunrise, I found Roberto Grande-Perez in the parking lot, fixing his car with a confident, self-taught ease. Within minutes of meeting him, his hard-working spirit and …
Brandon Long
Brandon Long leaves NENA, interim director appointed
Following the termination of Brandon Long, the Nokomis East Neighborhood Association (NENA) has appointed Amy Arcand as interim executive director. Upon being told of his termination on Monday, Jan. …
NEBA donates to PTA
On behalf of the Nokomis East Business Association, treasurer Tesha M. Christensen (right) presents $500 to the Lake Nokomis Community School PTA. Accepting were LNCS Keewaydin Community School …
Longfellow Business Directory articles
Ekta Prakash moved to Minneapolis 20 years ago as an immigrant from India and has served as CAPI’s CEO for the last 14 years.
A BETTER BUSINESS AS USUAL
Since we last printed the Longfellow Business Directory in early 2020, our business community, landscape and daily rhythms have been substantially and irrevocably changed. COVID-19 has presented a …
Ruhel Islam at the Gandhi Mahal site. Photo by Jan Willms
LONGFELLOW RISING
The year 2020 was challenging for the Longfellow business community, particularly in the main commercial intersection of Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue referred to as Downtown Longfellow. The COVID …
As we heal the Coliseum, 
it is a sign that the 
broader community 
along Lake St. is healing. 
Taylor Smrikarova, Redesign
RESTORING THE COLISEUM
The Colisum, a community commercial center since 1917, was almost destroyed following the civil unrest after the murder of George Floyd. In order to restore this historic 80,000 square-foot building, …
Mother Earth Gardens
COMMUNITY VOICES
1) “We are asking questions about what our community needs, trying to use our space and resources to meet those needs, and trying to hold onto connections and awakenings that have been made …
A LONGFELLOW PARTNERSHIP
The Longfellow Business Directory has been an important part of the Longfellow community going back to the 1990s. It was started to help foster better communication within the business community, and …
Web Extras - Contact us to sponsor content
11 iconic mother figures across TV history
Stacker compiled a list of 10 of the most unforgettable maternal figures in television history using information from IMDb and various media outlets.   
The number of 18-year-olds is about to drop sharply, packing a wallop for colleges—and the economy
The Hechinger Report reports on how America is about to go over the "demographic cliff."
How to purify your home's water
Long's EcoWater Systems discusses the various ways to purify water regardless of your budget, water test results, space and maintenance requirements.
The most and least hospitable states for electric vehicle ownership
Using data from the Department of Energy and Tax Foundation, Stacker ranked states from the least to most hospitable for electric vehicle ownership.  
Must be accompanied by an adult: Why teens are turning to online gaming for social connection
Stacker spoke to teens and experts to investigate why and how teens are using online gaming as a means of connecting with each other.
MESSENGER CELEBRATES 40 YEARS
Cal deRuyter and Tim Nelson began and ended their careers in neighborhood journalism. In 1977, their office was at Thomas and Fairview in St. Paul. (Photo submitted)
How a newspaper business developed
When I was chosen to be co-editor of our high school paper, it was exciting to learn the ropes of planning a publication, assigning stories, cleaning them up and eventually putting them on the page …
At Uptown Bill's, the coffeeshop, bookstore and performance venue in Iowa City which Tom Gilsenan managed for almost 10 years.
SO MANY STORIES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
Our neighborhoods are full of wonderful stories. And for more than a dozen years, I got to tell those stories right here in the Messenger. It was grand. Minnehaha Falls is full of stories. It has …
20 years with neighborhood newspapers
It has been nearly 20 years since I handed in my first story to the Longfellow Messenger, and it is hard to believe the time has passed so quickly. I had arrived in Saint Paul from Montana with two …
Lewis Duemke
THE MOVERS AND THE SHAKERS
The Longfellow-Nokomis Messenger is not only one of Minneapolis’ oldest neighborhood newspapers, it is part of a long tradition of such Minneapolis and St. Paul publications.Coverage of city …