November 2, 2023 - MN Spokesman-Recorder

Vol. 90

Inside this Edition...

Read about the Black and Latinx chamber orchestra on page 8.

THE VOICE OF BLACK MINNESOTA SINCE 1934

November 2 - 8, 2023

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What’s your hot-button issue this election? ful. People who commit these crimes should not be released the next day and allowed to do it again to someone else. Definitely crime!

ith the 2023 Election right around the corner on Nov. 7, the MSR took to the streets to ask prospective voters in the Twin Cities: What issue do you most want your city council representative to address? Crime seemed to dominate the sampling of voters we spoke to. The answers were compiled by MSR contributors Nikki Love, Cole Miska, and H. Jiahong Pan.

Yvette Griffea-Gray Minneapolis The issue I would like my City Council representative to address is crime. Prior to 2020, or shall I say prior to George Floyd, I felt safer in Dazhaun McClinton the city than I do now. I found St. Paul Clearing up some of these myself being fearful in a way people who are on this fentanyl. I have never experienced in They’re on this fentanyl real bad, my whole time living in Mindowntown St. Paul and downneapolis. There are tons of town Minneapolis and it’s real carjackings and assaults on disturbing. Polluting the air, it’s people. I would really love to just horrible. So, if we could get see crime addressed in a way that fixed, that would be great. that is meaningful and impact-

St. Paul’s Ward One race is wide-open

With no incumbent on the ballot, eight candidates vie for the city council seat

resort to other things to make ends meet. They say you have to rob Tom to pay Paul. If people had good paying jobs, they would not need to rob nobody. Keep your heads up and vote! Put people in office who actually care about us. Be watchful and vote always!

Katheryne Phillips Minneapolis People are having a hard time finding good paying jobs. If there could be some type of connections to some of these jobs that the city has and maybe they could coordinate with people who have idle time on their hands. I believe it would help stop crime. I feel like getting things together and getting community together would start with well paying jobs. People can enjoy financial security and not have to

Edicular Harrison Minneapolis I want my representative to address the policing in my community. They are not policing right. They are sitting ■ See WOTS on page 5

Dark horse candidate running in Ward 13 Activist “Lavish Mack” is among those challenging Council member Linea Palmisano

By Abdi Mohamed Contributing Writer

By Abdi Mohamed Contributing Writer

s Election Day nears, eight candidates are doing last-minute door-knocking and phone banking as they campaign for a chance to represent residents in St. Paul’s Ward 1. Voters will decide on Tuesday, November 7, who among them will fill this open seat. Among those candidates competing in the Ward 1 race are Anika Bowie, Omar Syed, Yan Chen, Travis P. Helkamp, Suz Woehrle, James Lo, Jeffrey J. Zeitler, and Lucky Tiger Jack Rosenbloom. Only four city council candidates in the race responded to the MSR’s request for information about their candidacy and why they believe their background and platform make them the suitable choice for voters in Ward 1. Among those who responded was Anika Bowie, a third-generation St. Paul resident who grew up in the Rondo neighborhood. She has a background in juvenile justice and a 10-year history in public policy. Candidate James Lo, a 15year educator and business owner who came to the United States as a refugee from Thailand, also responded. Another candidate, Omar Syed, the owner of Chilly Time Coffee, who holds several positions on St. Paul committees surrounding zoning and transportation, explained his agenda. And candidate Suz Woehrle, who has roughly 20 years of experience working with the state’s DFL party and is on the Party Affairs Committee State

ach Metzger made headlines three years ago when he took off on foot, on a 720-mile journey from Minneapolis to Louisville, Kentucky, to protest the police-involved killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Now, he’s back in the news as he makes a run for political office. Known in the community as “Lavish Mack,” Metzger has been a highly visible activist in the Minneapolis community on issues surrounding social justice. Often seen donning his own “Police the Police” clothing, Metzger’s main focus over the years has been to curtail violence stemming from the Minneapolis Police Department. Prior to his run for office, Longshot Zach Metzger hopes to unseat Minneapolis Ward Photo by Chris Juhn Metzger worked as a legislative 13 incumbent. aide in the Minnesota House of Representatives where he Metzger would be the first non- Metzger passes well-manicured worked on the “Beyond Bul- White city council member rep- lawns with signs planted firmly lying” bill, which ensured that resenting Ward 13. in the soil, many of them deMetzger has criticized Palm- claring that “Black Lives Matter.” schools are harassment-free, safe learning-environments for isano’s leadership and said that He uses that as a conversaher actions have not matched tion starter with voters to see students. Having seen the failures in her progressive rhetoric. “She whether their actions match the city’s leadership on the is- said racism is the biggest prob- their beliefs. The signs indicate sue of police reform and social lem that Minneapolis faces, but that these residents may be justice, and its direct impact on her voting record is literally al- more than willing to have tough residents, Metzger was inspired lowing for systemic racism to conversations. to run. In a long-shot campaign, be sustained in Minneapolis,” As a Black man, Metzger he has made a bid to represent he said. has been told by some that deMetzger believes that Palmi- spite agreeing with his platform, Minneapolis’s 13th Ward on the City Council, a seat currently sano and other leaders have he won’t fare well in the area held by City Council Vice-Pres- fallen short in their responsibil- because of his age and backity toward constituents by fail- ground. He says that won’t deident Linea Palmisano. Ward 13 is made up of the ing to connect with community ter him from representing votArmatage, East Harriet, Ful- members in need. “How can ers in this neighborhood, since ton, Kenny, Linden Hills, and these people who are so dis- Metzger’s family shares a long Lynnhurst neighborhoods. The connected make policies about history in the area. area is a predominately White people that they don’t know part of the city with a median anything about?” he questioned. On housing household income ranging “It’s almost predatory.” Both Metzger’s father and ■ See WARD 13 on page 5 While knocking on doors, around $150,000. If elected,

Suz Woehrle is a candidate for St. Paul’s Ward 1 open seat. Photos by Chris Juhn

Omar Syed believes his experience should help him win the election.

and the State Central Committee for Senate District 64, outlined her pursuit of the Ward 1 city council seat. All four of the candidates shared that they are interested in allocating resources for better infrastructure, supporting businesses, and bringing more transparency to City Hall.

sales tax and things that are hurting our businesses here, are hurting the residents here. We are spread really thin. Certain interest groups are getting their voice heard. But not the people here. That’s why I decided to run, so that our voices here can be heard.

Woehrle: Sometimes when you think about things, it makes you think, ‘Oh, and while we’re at it, here’s the Bowie: I ran in 2019, and other things that I would do during that time, it was more if I were in the city council.’ I so having a voice at the city started thinking about how I council that really reflected would like to be as a city counnot only young people, but like, cil member, if I were to run. our diverse communities. It’s been great to get out in People aren’t seeing the the community and talk to peoinvestments in our infrastruc- ple, and I’ve met a lot of other ture in terms of our roads, our elected officials, and I’ve met a parks, and how we are having lot of people who work in envia holistic approach to safety. ronmental organizations. MSR: What inspired you to run for this seat?

Lo: I think the thing that frustrates me the most is our city—as great as it is—there’s a lot of issues that our voices are not being heard. Issues like property taxes, issues like the

Syed: When I spoke to residents, most of them renters, most have an issue with our safety, with health and mental health in Ward 1. So, I said I ■ See WARD 1 on page 5

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Candidates vie to represent Uptown By H.Jiahong Pan Contributing Writer wo candidates are vying to unseat the incumbent council member to represent one of the densest wards in Minneapolis. The ward in question–Ward 10–includes the Whittier and Uptown neighborhoods. It also includes the Lowry Hill East neighborhood, known as the Wedge. The ward is generally bounded by I-35W to the east, Hennepin Avenue to the west, Franklin Avenue to the north and Lake Street to the south. West of Lyndale Avenue, the south boundary extends to 36th Street and the western boundary extends to the eastern shore of Bde Maka Ska. West of Hennepin, the northern boundary moves south to Lagoon Avenue. Community organizer Aisha Chughtai was elected in 2021. She replaced outgoing council member and city planner Lisa Bender, who decided not to run for reelection. Chughtai, who suffered health problems in October that necessitated her absence from her office, is one of two renters in the Ward

A third candidate is Bruce … 911 calls made [that] were Dachis, a landlord who has never responded to [so] they lived in Uptown for 40 years. were never recorded,” said DaAll three met for a forum host- chis. Chughtai remarks that deed by the League of Women Voters and cosponsored by creases in crime is a good thing. area neighborhood associa- She wants to work on 911 retions at the Abyssinia Cultural sponse times, which elicited Center on October 26. chuckles from the crowd since Participating in a black blaz- she pledged to defund the poer emblazoned with skulls, Da- lice. At the forum, Chughtai chis said he could do a better said she believes the city job than the incumbent. His needs fewer police officers. statement elicited chuckles “What isn’t working right now is expecting our officers to do from the crowd. In addition to personal every single thing and to be and property safety, they dis- every single thing. We expect cussed housing, traffic safety, our officers to be social workeconomic and environmental ers and mental health providissues. ers and everything in between,” said Chughtai at the forum. Both Dachis and Warsame On personal and property safety Violent crime appears to be believe we need the police, increasing in Ward 10. Assaults, and that they need to hire including domestic assaults, more police officers and have increased to 785 compared to them show up more in the the same time last year, when community, so people can assaults were at 608. Burglary, trust them to do their job. The candidates also adbreaking and entering, destruction, damage and vandalism to dressed the off-duty and buyproperty are also up. The num- back policies. The buy-back ber of homicides remains the policy allows neighborhood same compared to the same organizations to pay for extime last year. tra police patrols, while the However, some crime is off-duty policy allows small decreasing. Larceny, theft, and businesses to pay off-duty po-

(l-r) Candidates Nasri Warsame, Aisha Chughtai, and Bruce Dachis 10 race. stolen property offenses deThe other renter in the creased to 1,416 so far this race is Nasri Warsame, who is year, compared to 1,549 at the working towards becoming a same time last year. In Ward police officer. Warsame con- 10, carjackings are also down; tends that Chughtai is incom- 41 have occurred so far this petent and hasn’t responded year, compared to 67 at the to his inquiries. Warsame, who same time last year. Sex ofwas banned from receiving the fenses are also down, as are DFL endorsement after insti- shots fired calls. Dachis attributes the degating a brawl at the endorsing convention in May, defended crease in crime to the dehis lack of DFL endorsement crease in 911 call responses. “I by saying he is not a career can personally say that in my politician. office building, there were four

lice officers to act as security guards. The latter is a controversial practice that has come under scrutiny after a Minnesota Reformer investigation. Dachis is fine with the policies, as long as officers do their work. Warsame needed to do more research on the policies. Chughtai doesn’t think the policy should continue. She contends, that the city’s police officers are overworked, since those in the buy-back program are often officers work-

Warsame added he would support reducing greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging public transit use without offering specific policy ideas. On rent control and homelessness The 2021 census data shows about 80 percent of Ward 10 residents are renters. In 2021, voters approved a measure that directed the city to study possibly implementing a rent control ordinance. Rent control would restrict how much one’s rent can increase annually. Such a rule is in place in St. Paul, and the rule appears to be supported by those who want affordable housing. Some also may not want to Ward 10 incumbent Aisha Chughtai Photos by H. Jiahong Pan be vetted to get access to federal housing vouchers, which ing overtime after their police “Everyone in our community have long waitlists. Also, fedshift. “Their first priority is still should be able to safely walk, eral housing vouchers might responding to 911 calls,” said bike, take transit, or drive to not necessarily be accepted by Chughtai. “[Neighborhoods get from place to place,” said landlords, some of whom don’t who pay for the service] don’t Chughtai. “Right now, our in- want to participate in the often see a change in the level frastructure is not built to al- onerous inspections process. Dachis, who is a landlord, of service in their neighbor- low people to walk from place opposes rent control and beto place.” hood.” As for parking, Chughtai lieves vouchers are a better supports the city’s efforts to solution. He supports a bill that On traffic safety and the have business and property will be considered in the next environment Though accidents between owners share unused parking legislative session to increase people driving and pedestrians spaces in their lots as part of the number of available affordor cyclists are going up, there the upcoming Hennepin re- able housing vouchers. Warsame agrees, and believes the are fewer fatalities among city needs to hold abusive landthose walking or biking. The “What isn’t lords accountable as well as city is addressing the problem by ensuring that those who working right now make the ward safer to attract more housing construction. walk and bike have the infrais expecting our Regardless, the city appears to structure they need to do so. have considered almost triple officers to do Over the past several years, the number of building permits the city has built and expandevery single thing for Ward 10, so far this year ed sidewalks, as well as creand to be every compared to 2022. ated off-street bike trails. Both Dachis and Warsame Dachis, who is a biker, consingle thing. We are concerned about the imtends bicyclists and pedestrians are dying at record rates expect our officers pact homelessness is having because they are breaking to be social work- on homeowners in Ward 10. Somali community, who the law. (He was not aware ers and mental “The are low-income families … that the legislature passed a health providers hard workers [who] do everylaw this past session allowing people bicycling to blow past and everything in thing in their power to make sure they provide [for] their stop signs, which is commonly between.” family, are driven out of the referred to as the “Idaho Stop,” city by the encampments,” said when asked about it after Warsame. Dachis and Warsthe debate). He opposes bike lanes because he does not be- construction project, which ame agree that those who are lieve the investment is worth will rebuild the street with unhoused need help. Both believe they need drug addicit, considering the number of transit and bike lanes. Both Dachis and Wars- tion treatment. However, they people who bike. He wants to see more traffic ame believe the city needs differ in their approach: Warscalming, such as roundabouts, to provide more parking for ame believes they need access as well as “high-density” tran- small businesses that need to mental health treatment as sit lanes and electric vehicle it. “We’re not here to subsi- well, while Dachis wants to decharging stations. “That will dize businesses. We’re here to ploy shelters similar to Avivo help reduce the greenhouse provide people access,” said Village in North Loop, but with effect,” said Dachis. Dachis. “We’ve got to make an added provision that proChughtai agrees that the sure that we’re not spending a hibits drug use. Chughtai believes that city needs to have more traf- lot of money on things that refic calming, more so because ally don’t help our community,” housing is a human right and she believes everyone de- adds Warsame, who believes that the ongoing encampment serves to feel safe no matter more parking could address sweeps are inhumane. She how they decide to get around. safety more than bike lanes. ■ See WARD 10 on page 11

Judge Tanya Bransford retires By Travis Lee Contributing Writer Last Thursday, October 26, more than 100 esteemed members of the Minnesota judicial community, along with other officers of the courts, gathered on the 23rd floor of the Hennepin County Government Center to celebrate the retirement of Judge Tanya Bransford. The event was hosted by the Honorable Judge Lyonel Norris with presentations from several colleagues. There were at least three Supreme Court justices in attendance to give praise to Judge Bransford. Judge Mark Kappelhoff said that Bransford, a senior juvenile court judge, had an “amazing and legendary career.” He con- Judge Tanya Bransford

Photo by Travis Lee

tinued, “She was the first Black The skyway was filled with woman to serve as a district laughter, admiration, and rereferee in Hennepin County spect for the Honorable Judge Juvenile Court. The first Black Bransford. woman to serve as a workers Justice Gordon Moore put compensation judge in the Of- Judge Bransford’s career and fice of Administrative Hearings.” service to the community in He went on to describe Judge perspective: “She’s been a lawBransford as “someone who is yer since 1983. That means 40 passionate about justice and fair- years in law; 13,278 days served ness and improving the justice as a judicial officer; 10,709 days system. A mentor to so many as a district court judge. “That’s 36 years as a judicial judges, clerks, and many others.” During the presentations, officer and 29 years on the Judge Bransford received judicial bench. No one comes numerous gifts, awards, and close to her. Judge Tanya proclamations. Assistant Hen- Bransford is by far the most nepin County Attorney Paris senior on our bench in the Yarbrough revealed that a team state of Minnesota.” had conspired to obtain one of Bransford’s robes to redesign Travis Lee welcomes reader with Kente cloth that was pre- comments to tlee@spokesmanrecorder.com. sented to her that afternoon.

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HEAT

while in custody, the Black 22% were accidents, and the community makes a collective remaining could not be deoutcry. We call for change, termined. Black civilians were yet change has escaped our about 4.5 times as likely as grasp—the George Floyd Jus- their White counterparts to be tice in Policing Act of 2021 involved in a fatal encounter. The family of Tyre Nichols remains stagnant. In the United States, about filed an urgent appeal to the 1,000 people die at the hands United Nations. An urgent apof law enforcement annually. peal is used to seek intervenAfrican Americans are three tion to prevent the loss of life times more likely to die than a due to “imminent or on-going White person during a police damage of a grave nature.” The family statement says, encounter. According to the National Academy of Science, “Today, we filed an Urgent ApBy Dr. Dionne Hart one in 1,000 African American peal before the United NaGuest Contributor men or boys will be killed by tions asking it to condemn the tragic killing of Tyre Nichols, police in their lifetime. Last month, Tyre Nichols to demand transparency from died during a traffic stop. Five the police department, and to police officers have been crimdemand that Officer Preston inally charged in relation to his Tyre should have Hemphill and all officers that death, and one additional law participated in the incident made it home, but enforcement officer and two are criminally charged.” instead his name emergency responders were The letter has specific deis added to a list of terminated. Published reports mands including mandating Black men, women describe Tyre Nichols as a the use of body cameras for all and children who free-spirited photographer, law enforcement, the immedi- Tyre Nichols holding his son have died father and son who was “just ate release of video footage trying to go home.” during an and audio recordings follow- research into excessive policing Tyre should have made it encounter with ing incidents involving police that contributes to unneceshome, but instead his name police or in killings, and ending the provi- sary injury, morbidity, and preis added to a list of Black men, police custody. sion of military equipment to mature death; a change to the women and children who have and military training of police. standard death certificate to died during an encounter with They are demanding change include death in custody when police or in police custody. to eliminate the misuse of a death occurs during a police Policing has been recognized A Minnesota Department police, over-policing, and to encounter, while in custody by multiple medical organizaof Health report found that remove law enforcement of- or incarcerated; and an end to tions as a public health threat between 2016-2021 there ficers who violate public trust. the use of the term “excited because, like biological factors, The majority of law enforce- delirium,” a catch-all for deaths were 177 fatalities that ocsocial constructs and conneccurred during law enforcement ment are dedicated to public occurring in the context of retions affect the health, function, services calls. Of these, 45% safety and upholding their of- straint that is disproportionand quality of life of individuals. were due to interpersonal use fice. The National Medical As- ately used to explain the sudEach time a person, often of force, 31% were suicide, sociation is calling for increased den deaths of Black men during Black and male, loses their life

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ingful police reform in order to end this public health threat.

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Dr. Dionne Hart is board certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine practicing in Illinois and Minnesota. She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Mayo Clinic. In 2014, Dr. Hart was named Minnesota Psychiatrist of the Year. In 2017, Dr. Hart received the National Alliance on Mental Illness Exemplary Psychiatrist Award. Dr. Hart holds local, state, and national positions in organized medicine. Dr. Hart was the inaugural chair of the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Minority Affairs Section. She is an American Psychiatric Association delegate to the AMA House of Delegates, a member of the Minnesota Medical Association Board of Trustees, president of the Minnesota Association of African American Physicians, chairperson of National Medical Association’s Region IV, and the AMA liaison to the National Commission on Correctional Health Care Board of Representatives. In 2020, Minnesota Physician journal named her one of the 100 most influential healthcare leaders in Minnesota. Recently, Dr. Hart was recognized by the Minnesota African American Heritage Calendar Committee as an honoree for the Class of 2023 and recipient of a Certificate of Recognition by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

HEAT YOU DON'THEAT HAVE TO CHOOSE OR OR FOOD? HEAT FOOD? OR MGN

police encounters. When speaking about his photography, Tyre is quoted as saying, “My vision is to bring viewers deep into what I am seeing through my eye and out through my lens. People have a story to tell, why not capture it.” Black people have a story to tell. Only we can tell our story. I am calling for all mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers to contact at least three local, state or federal officials to tell our story to advocate for mean-

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Craft ideas for fine motor development Parenting Today presented by

f you have young children, you know that finding new activities for them daily to balance fun, learning, and family time can be a challenge. Combining all three goals into one activity is an easy way to meet your child’s needs across the development spectrum. For young children, practicing fine motor skills is vital to meeting milestones. By combining opportunities to practice this skill with fun projects like crafts, you can set your family up for success.

tor skills. Many of your family’s usual activities will provide a chance for development, including mealtimes, getting dressed, and even playing games! If you’re looking for a low-stress way to add more practice into the day, craft projects are the perfect solution. Children learn best through play, and crafting can be a playbased experience for everyone involved. Combining a fun, lowpressure atmosphere with steps requiring fine motor skills will foster your child’s development with only a few key resources.

one core fine motor skill. • Here are a few ideas for each motor skill area to get started. Cutting Learning to use scissors is hard! Fortunately, almost every craft project can involve some cutting. Choose kidfriendly scissors so that you don’t worry about cuts. Projects that allow your child to practice cutting through different materials are also beneficial. Submitted photos These flowers can be scaled in difficulty and used to deco-

Fine motor skills explained Early childhood is a time of rapid development for children. It can be hard to keep track of everything they’re learning and working towards! Fine motor skills are a crucial part of physical development since they pave the way for everyday tasks like self-care, schoolwork, and participation in hobbies. While gross motor skills refer to body movements that coordinate larger muscles and joints, fine motor skills are focused on the hands, fingers, Photos courtesy lightfieldstudios via 123RF and wrists. Activities that offer a chance to strengthen these muscles and experiment with The best crafts for fine motor rate papers and windows or different movements can help skills glued to pipe cleaners for 3D children develop their fine moIf you’d like to use crafts as bouquets. Egg carton crafts tor capacity. an opportunity for fine motor are another great option since development, look for projects they require slightly more adOpportunity for practice: that fit three criteria: vanced cutting and can be taicrafting! • They’re age-appropriate. lored to any theme. Little kids need abundant They feel fun for your paropportunities throughout the ticular child and family. Drawing day to develop their fine mo• They incorporate at least The ability to hold a pencil

and write starts with learning how to hold crayons and markers. For fine motor development, focus less on whether or not your child is drawing recognizable objects and more on whether or not they’re using

By combining opportunities to practice this skill with fun projects like crafts, you can set your family up for success.

for developing hands. The cross-body coordination necessary to make this successful is a skill that requires plenty of practice. Any craft that involves pasting and decorating will help children develop this process. Nature collage suncatchers incorporate fine motor skills with a trip outdoors—a winning combination for any kid! Projects like homemade treasure boxes are another way to personalize decorating for each child.

house or give as gifts. Adapt this rainbow lacing activity to fit any holiday or theme for more advanced practice. With some creativity, your child won’t even know they’re practicing fine motor skills; they’ll just see the fun!

MSR + Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) share a mission of protecting, maintaining and improving the health of ALL Minnesotans. Our shared vision for health equity in Minnesota, where ALL communities are thriving and ALL people have what they need to be healthy is Lacing Lacing can be one of the the foundation of our partnermore challenging activities, so ship to bring readers our feature, an age-appropriate grip. Intro- save these crafts for your older Parenting Today. Good health duce abstract art to your kids preschool children. The hand- starts with family! To view our to strengthen their grip with- eye and cross-body coordina- weekly collection of stories, go out requiring a specific scene; tion for lacing and threading to our website or scan the code. make a big poster to hang in takes time to master, so it’s a their room! good idea to start with crafts that only incorporate a tiny bit of this skill and work your way Pasting and decorating While putting a sticker onto up. Basic lacing is perfect for a piece of paper may seem like a small task, this can be tricky heart cards to hang around the

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WOTS

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community safer. [The] drug issue is out of hand. People doing drugs in front of kids these days.

around not doing what they are supposed to be doing. Do more! Police our neighborhoods correctly.

Erika Kennedy Minneapolis I would like my representative to address the safety in our neighborhoods. I think it’s important to be able to walk the streets or go shopping and feel safe. I want them to make sure we have a safe neighborhood not only for us, but also for our children.

Tre Mance St. Paul They should focus [on the] marijuana bill, help small businesses succeed a lot more by making licenses more affordable, also lower prices for application fees, and not having strict rules and regulations. I’m more into a retail marijuana-type thing, but not looking into that until 2024-2025.[Also] the drug issue we have going on. Figure out how to make the

Tyler Steir Minneapolis I would like to see better control of the drug use on the trains, for sure. It’s bad. I’m a drug addict myself. But I’m in recovery and I’ve been in recovery for a while now. I’d like to see more outreach, too, try to get some of these guys into detoxes and stuff like that, or just encourage a change in their futures. I know people do what they can already, but it just would be nice to see a little bit more of that.

Muriel St. Urbain Minneapolis Anthony Worthy I would like my representaBloomington I would like crime to be ad- tive to address on-the-job traindressed. It’s out of control. I’m ing and partnering with different

clear that most of the time I’ve been pretty excited about the Continued from page 1 decisions that the city council has made. But unfortunately, the can be a voice in City Hall. city has been really limited by our huge budget shortfall for city serMSR: What issues do you vices. Nonprofits who own land have with the way things are were paying the city money. A currently operating? church actually sued the city and said, ‘You can’t force us to pay Bowie: A lot of city coun- taxes.’ They got rid of the land cil members aren’t really well assessment. They said, ‘This is ilversed in development, particu- legal.’ And all of the money that larly for housing or even com- the city had been collecting from mercial development. In serving like churches, hospitals, schools, on the city council, what I hope all the money went away. to create is affordable housing as social equity, more than Syed: Ward 1 is a low-inprofit. The cost for us to invest come community. [Residents] to build, that is going to require depend on affordable housing. us to have a stronger table of And when we build affordable stakeholders who are invested housing, our people stay there. in that work. We want to make sure that they

Woehrle: I want to make it

WARD 13

Continued from page 1

grandfather were raised in a home located in Ward 13. But at one time, they would not have been able to purchase a home in this area because of racial covenants. Given that history, affordable housing and pathways to homeownership are a significant focus of Metzger’s campaign. “We need to utilize everything at our disposal to help our residents. Half are renters, like myself,” he said. Metzger criticized the city’s approach to housing and its 2040 plan, stating that it lacked safeguards for residents and

Marcela Selvan Minneapolis Affordable housing is what I would like my representative to address. There are so many people that want or have money and are able to help people out, but can’t for whatever reason. Housing is unaffordable and unreasonable. This is an issue that has been going on for a long time. When will it end?

Lea Scott Minneapolis I would love for my representative to address public transportation. I think we need more transportation, and it would be beneficial to everyone if transportation were a safe way to travel.

WARD 1

Lo: I really believe that our current administration right now is not prioritizing our core services—things that connect our lives every single day. For example, our road condition with our potholes, updating it and making sure it’s safe for everybody.

businesses and schools to teach people a trade and give them onthe-job training. People need to go into the workforce whether they are in school or not. There should be a commitment to continue an ongoing training. In the sixties they did on-the-job training, but did not make a commitment to train the next generafrom Detroit and I know what tions. This is why we are where crime is all about, and it seems we are—no training. Keep on like it is getting out of control showing up, writing and talking. here. It’s out of control! Things are not going to change unless we stick together and keep pushing on.

can buy homes and become homeowners.

Question 3: What makes you stand out from the other candidates? Bowie: I’m the most endorsed candidate and these endorsements were well-earned, because people are invested in work to help developers increase their profits. He also called for a change in Mayor Jacob Frey’s approach to the number of encampments across Minneapolis. “We have a mayor who is not only inhumane in his treatment of encampments but also very ineffective at what we’re doing with our most vulnerable residents,” Metzger said. “I think we need a housing-first approach for our unhoused neighbors, getting people off the streets and helping them with the care that they need. On the other end are homeowners that are literally being taxed out of their homes.” Although Metzger supports a rent-control measure, he sees it as a temporary solution

having someone who knows how to leverage areas of government to best serve people. We need leadership that is not coming in and meeting their neighbors as a candidate, but visiting their neighbors as the one who’s already been in the community and also has a prov-

and have more support. The students need to be supported too. I do appreciate my community. We need to come together to support each other. If we continue to do that and elect officials that have our same interest, we should be all right. Abdulrahman Wako Minneapolis Safety is a big thing. Right Editor’s note: Public schools are governed by local school now, we’re trying to get people boards. There are no school to come back to downtown Minboard elections in Minneapolis neapolis post-COVID, get folks to this year, but there are candi- fraternize, go to the restaurants dates running for the St. Paul and entertainment downtown, Public School Board and in oth- and start to take advantage of er school districts in Minnesota amenities here again. We’re trythis November. Tina Turner ing to get community engaged Brooklyn Center and more people involved again. We want to see progress. That’s probably the largest priorWe want to see help. A lot ity we have right now. of homeless people in the street—no food. America, from the time that [COVID] came, it’s not like before. The shelter is full, people sleeping in the streets. I live in Brookyln Center. I take the bus to come to work. This morning, John MacLean people were lying out in front Golden Valley of the transit in the cold. So, I guess safety is numberwe want the council mem- one because of the things that bers to provide more shelters, have been going on. I used to Troy Williams houses to put the homeless be a Lyft driver, now I’m doing Minneapolis people, people [who are] not something else…. I did it for a I am voting for sure. One of working, people who have couple of years. Four thousand the biggest things for me havrides and when COVID was ing a young son, one thing that health issues. over, it was like, “I’m not going has directly affected me is the back to that.” Too much risk in cost of healthcare—accessible Tyanna Ingram getting pistol-whipped or hav- care and affordable health care Minneapolis for the community. Get out and I would like my representa- ing your car taken away. And also, I think making cities vote, it is important who is in tive to address education. Education is big in Minneapolis. The more pedestrians friendly, more these seats and how they affect teachers need to be paid more bike-friendly. Even though we’re our community. tion. I know about business. Woehrle: I am far and away the candidate that is the strongest on climate change and other environmental issues. I’m the only candidate talking about pollinators. I’m the only candidate talking about rapid and radical

When I spoke to residents, most of them renters, most have an issue with our safety, with health and mental health in Ward 1.

en track record of advocating for people.

change of how we have biking in the city. Not only do I support separate protected bike lanes on Lo: I get the piece about edu- Summit, I support way more of cation. I get the piece about in- them throughout the city. vesting in our kids. I see that life Syed: I’m the only candiis not equal here in St. Paul. We have resources. Some people in date that has city government some groups have more resourc- experience. I am a city planes and more funding and more ning commissioner. I’m the vice allocations. The other piece is I’m chair of zoning for the City of also an entrepreneur. As a small St. Paul. I’m also on the transbusiness owner, I am a part-time portation committee. That licensed realtor, I know about experience gives me the most zoning. I know about negotia- qualifications. for a deeper issue in the hous- was to expand the behavioral ing market. He proposes giving crisis response team, which he tenants the option to purchase described as “wildly successful.” their homes and curtailing price-gouging from developers. On public safety Metzger put forth three policies he believes will help address MPD’s history of violating civil rights and impede more officers from deploying violent tactics and thereby bring accountability. The first policy he shared was restricting police officers from joining the city’s oversight board. Having the police investigate themselves is how systemic racism is upheld, according to Metzger. The second policy he put forth

pretty high up in the rankings of most cities, I think there’s always room for improvement in design of the cities so people feel comfortable and also want to spend time in outdoor areas in the cities.

MSR: How do you plan to cul- that. I would have open hours tivate input and community at a coffee shop, so that people could ask me questions if they engagement on the issues? want. I would distribute my Bowie: I really am excited to phone number—my personal not only use social media, but cell phone number—around so leverage newsletters and have that people who want to can community dinners. I want to text me or call me. invite people and engage them I can’t always promise I’ll do in their community through everything every individual perfood, through art, and through son wants me to do. And I can’t culture. I like using this as an promise that no one will dislike opportunity to get to know what I’m doing. But people will residents, not just to open up know why I’m doing it, and I will in public spaces to speak to our be available to explain what I’m neighbors. I also want to uplift doing. community leadership and have them invested and facilitate Syed: We’ll have a meeting these conversations. each month to make sure that we are connecting with the Lo: I want to be the council community and we are repremember that I see who is in- senting the community. This is a volved in community engage- diverse community and we have ment. I’m going to cultivate an people of all ethnicities in Ward open-door policy. But the other 1. I will be a bridge-builder. And piece is, I’m going to go to them. I will be the city councilor who What makes me different is go- speaks to all of us. ing to the community. Going Responses to questions have to their grocery store. Going to their church. Going to the been edited for brevity and clarity. mosque. Going to where they live and play and interact. Abdi Mohamed welcomes reader comments at amohamed@ Woehrle: I already kind of do spokesman-recorder.com.

the city save millions according given back to residents. “We have 300 fewer ofto Metzger, who referred to the fact that his own mother uses li- ficers in Minneapolis today than we did in 2020. But the budget is up $36 million,” he said. “The money being spent How can these people who are like that is why the average so disconnected make policies officer in Minneapolis makes about people that they don’t $140,000. You’ve never seen a company in your life where know anything about? they cut employment, and the employees money goes up by 20 percent.” All 13 seats on the MinneThe third policy approach he ability insurance as a hairstylist. would take, said Metzger, is that As many look for ways to apolis City Council are up for he would like to see MPD offi- reallocate resources towards a election as voters prepare to cers required to carry their own broader public-safety approach, head to the polls on Election professional liability insurance Metzger believes that it would Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7. given the large sums paid out to be best to create a police rebate, the families of victims killed by where money not spent on the Abdi Mohamed welcomes police department can be used reader comments at amohamed@ MPD officers. This approach would help in other departments or simply spokesman-recorder.com.

6 November 2 - 8, 2023

Business

spokesman-recorder.com

InControl Wellness care for adults

Black Business SPOTLIGHT By Chris Juhn Staff Contributor “When I was 18 years old, my mom threw me into this job that I really didn’t want,” said 33-year-old Kelsey Joson. “It was my first experience really working with people with disabilities. What I found out in that job was that when you put effort into just getting to know somebody, people with disabilities are no different than people without disabilities,” she added. “I started becoming really passionate about it. I got really attached to the people who were on my route,” she recalls. “When they were turning 21, I was like, ‘Okay, where are you guys going to go once you turn 21?’ “I kept asking questions and trying to get answers, to get myself to a place where, ‘Okay, they’re going to be taken care of,’” she continued. “I never reached a point where I’ve felt comfortable with what happened with them after they turned 21. It was in that moment that I was like, ‘Well, I need to do something about this,’ because my soul could

with disabilities

InControl, a preventative wellness services company for adults with disabilities. But InControl wasn’t really up-andrunning until 2021, after the pandemic. “That was when I was like, this is what I’m going to do. And then I went to college and got the education that I needed.”

The most rewarding part of owning a business is waking up ever single day and knowing that you’re doinag what you are called to do and what you’re passionate about.

MSR: What does your business do for people with disabilities? KJ: We provide in-home preventative wellness services. I have a team of coaches that go into our client’s home. There’s physical wellness, nutrition, social wellness, and emotional wellness. And there’s a coach for each different pillar. The coaches go in and they educate first. They teach all of our clients why they’re doing what they’re doing, what they’re about to explore. And then throughout the rest of the month they give them the skills that they need to be able to build on. It’s just helping them really understand and develop the

InControl founder Kelsey Joson

Photos by Chris Juhn

requirements to actually live a healthy life is way beyond wellness enrichment curriculum. Our program provides our clients with the services that actually get them closer to

in owning a business is navigating the growing pains. We have been growing, which is great. We have a lot of people that are reaching out that want our program, which is wonderful. But how do you really grow this business to be a sustainable business that can take on the demand that’s knocking on our door, in a way that’s smart and in a way that’s slow and steady. What does that look like? I’m thankful that we’re growing, and I’d rather have growing pains than not. It’s figuring out how to grow and what and where you should lead the company, now that you have these opportunities knocking at your door. It’s deciphering what opportunities are good, which opportunity is great and which one you should go for. MSR: What has been the most rewarding part of owning your business?

have the training to actually be able to work with people KJ: The most rewarding with disabilities. Our program is specifically part of owning a business is designed to work with people waking up every single day with disabilities. It’s consistent and knowing that you’re doing and it’s every month. You see what you are called to do and our coaches about ten times what you’re passionate about. per month and it’s intense. It’s That helps me get through the tough times knowing that not designed to go anywhere. everybody is afforded the opMSR: How does your busi- portunity to completely fulfill ness impact the community? their passion. I’m working 12 hours a day for something that KJ: We just started doing I’m passionate about versus this thing every month where something I’m just doing bewe have an InControl event cause I need to do. because we recognize that the social piece was truly missing MSR: What’s your vision for from a lot of our clients’ lives. your business? We decided to add an event for KJ: We want to be the numour clients every month, where we go out into the community. ber one wellness provider for In addition to that, what I people with disabilities. We skills to be as independently what the CDC recommends would love is to get our clients want to be able to partner with not be at rest.” “At 18, I really didn’t know healthy as possible after a year. for living a healthy life. out working for these companies the existing programs that are what I wanted to do,” she said. There are a lot of wonderful that we have partnerships with already up and running and in“I’ve always been passionate MSR: How is your program programs out there that pro- and be able to get them jobs. crease our impact and expand about health and wellness. So, different from others like it? our reach by through partnervide great nutrition classes or I was asking questions just to exercise classes or things like MSR: What has been your ships. see if there was a career for We’ve never been a compaKJ: Every program that that. But they’re not frequent biggest challenge in owning a me and to find out what hap- serves people with disabilities enough. They’re not acces- business? ny that assumed that we could has a requirement for some sible enough. And they’re not meet the needs of everyone. I pened when they turned 21.” In 2019, Joson launched wellness enrichment, but the consistent enough. They don’t KJ: The biggest challenge know that we can’t. The way

that we can actually meet the needs of everyone is by creating really amazing partnerships and calling on our partners to help us meet those needs. MSR: What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? KJ: Surround yourself with a network of people who support you. It is probably the biggest thing you can do to be a successful entrepreneur, because community is so important. If you successfully build your network, you can potentially be one phone call away from anybody that can help you meet your need. I think it’s foolish to be an entrepreneur and think you can do it by yourself. You need to have the resources around you to be able to get into rooms that you can’t get into by yourself. You wear a million hats. You might put on your marketing hat, having never done a lick of marketing in your life. Why don’t you build a relationship with somebody who has devoted their career to marketing, instead of you trying to figure it out. Why don’t you call upon that relationship to help you be successful? You can leverage those connections, your community, and your relationships to help you grow and be as successful as possible. Entrepreneurship is lonely. And so creating that community of people around you who are going through the same things or have been through the same things is so important, because otherwise you can really start to feel isolated. For more information, visit the company website www.incontrolmn.com, or contact them at 8362 Tamarack Village, Suite #119, Woodbury, MN, 55125. Chris Juhn welcomes reader comments at cjuhn@spokesman-recorder.com.

St. Paul voters to decide on sales tax hike to fix roadways By H. Jiahong Pan Contributing Writer This October, all seven metro-area counties saw their sales tax increase to pay for transportation and affordable housing thanks to an act by the state legislature. There’s just one issue with that sales tax: it might not necessarily pay for all of St. Paul’s crumbling roads.

But a measure on November’s ballot might change that. In July, the St. Paul City Council voted to place a proposition on the ballot to increase the sales tax by 1 percent to fix some of its crumbling roads. The sales tax increase would also go towards enhancing the

city’s park amenities. 7th Street on the East Side. An reduced license fees. The tax won’t take effect The city says the sales tax additional $246 million would is necessary to prevent streets be used to build a new public immediately if it passes. It is from degrading to a point that balcony overlooking the Mis- expected to go into effect in they will be worse than they sissippi River in downtown St. are today. In addition, im- Paul, rebuild facilities at Crosproved roadways would help by Farms Regional Park, as well people from around the region as build a new community cenget to more than 136,000 jobs ter on the East Side. in St. Paul. Not everyone thinks the If the measure passes, it sales tax increase is a good would generate close to $1 idea. The sales tax would increase the total sales tax to close to 10 percent, and small business owners fear people would be inclined to go elsewhere for goods and services. “Raising the tax is like saying, ‘Screw the people who don’t have enough to feed themselves right now,” said Tre Mance, a St. Paul resident, echoing the argument that sales tax levies are regressive and disproportionately billion over the next 20 years. hurt low-income households. Of that, $738 million would Mance adds the city should not be used to rebuild streets raise the sales tax if they are such as Marshall Avenue in not going to repair their streets Rondo, Hamline Avenue in in the next three years, and Midway, Como and Maryland that the city needs to do more Avenues in the North End, Ce- to help the unhoused and supsar Chavez Street on the West port those who want to start Side, and Ruth, Earl and East small businesses by offering

2024, after the city gives the Minnesota Department of RevH. Jiahong Pan welcomes readenue a 90-day notice, before er comments at hpan@spokesthe sales tax can go into effect. man-recorder.com.

November 2 - 8, 2023

7

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8 November 2 - 8, 2023

Arts & Culture

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Black and Latinx chamber orchestra plays soaring symphonics

Sphinx Virtuosi’s repertoire features music by composers of color By Stephani Maari Booker Contributing Writer n Sunday, October 15, at St. Paul’s Ordway Center, I attended a concert by the chamber orchestra Sphinx Virtuosi. It was the first time I had gone to a classical music performance since the 1980s. This time, I would be attentive to every work this orchestra performed, because all the music was composed and performed by people of African and Latinx descent. Sphinx Virtuosi is a touring ensemble of virtuoso-level stringed instrument players (hence the name “Virtuosi”) presented by the Detroitbased nonprofit Sphinx Organization, which has a mission

The Sphinx Virtuosi ensemble performed the entire concert with most of the musicians standing.

Photos courtesy of Sphinx Virtuosi

of “increasing representation lo and bass. The program for music performances, most of gent blast from the orchestra of Black and Latinx artists in the Ordway performance was the members of Sphinx Vir- resumed and alternated with classical music and recognizing titled “Generations” and was tuosi stood during the concert. more mournful piano playing. excellence,” according to its inspired by the work of poet The bassists and cellists had The music then turned to low website. The chamber orches- Langston Hughes and novelist seats due to the size of their and gentle sounds and coninstruments. But all the violin- cluded with a soft fading away. tra ensemble is made up of 18 Julia Alverez. Unlike with most classical ists and violists were on their Years later, I learned more players of the violin, viola, celfeet, swaying and stepping about the composer of “Ameriwith their music and playing can Guernica,” Adolphus Hailwith dramatic flourishes of stork, an African American their bows. The ensemble’s an- composer. I also learned about imated performance brought the existence of other Black energy and excitement to their people who were classical muperformances and moved the sic composers and performaudience to cheers and mul- ers, from the 18th-century French-Caribbean prodigy Le tiple standing ovations. Chevalier de Saint-Georges to A history of Black composers 20th-century American opera In the 1980s, I was a strug- singer Jessye Norman. gling youth living hand to mouth in Ann Arbor, MI, the home of the University of Michigan. One day a buddy of mine told me that there was going to be a free classical music concert on campus and asked if I would go with Sphinx Virtuosi soloist performing in “Generations.” her. It was free entertainment and gave me an opportunity to set foot inside one of the hallowed campus halls, so of course I said yes. The only performance I remember from that concert was a work called “American Little-known classical works Guernica.” The work was in The first two musical memory of the 16th Street works Sphinx Virtuosi perBaptist Church bombing in formed, “Habari Gani” (SwaBirmingham, Alabama in 1963, hili for “What’s the news?”), that killed four Black girls and composed by Quenton Blache, injured as many as 22 other and “Abran Paso” (Spanish for people. The “Guernica” in the “Make way”) by Javier Farías, title referred to the Spanish were up-tempo, rousing works town that was aerial bombed that set the tone for a concert in 1937, by the Nazis who that was not going to be the collaborated with General stereotypical stodgy classical Francisco Franco, the Spanish performance. The rhythms of dictator who ruled the country the music had me head-noduntil his death in 1975. ding like I was grooving to a Spanish artist Pablo Picasso hip-hop beat. portrayed the deaths of civilAt the end of “Abran Paso,” ians in the bombing in his paint- violist Robert Switala introing “Guernica.” Because the duced the next work—two exmen of the town were away cerpts from “Sonata da Chiesa” fighting the civil war against (“Church Sonata” in Italian),

The rhythms of the music had me headnodding like I was grooving to a hip-hop beat.

tuosi, along with “Herencia” (“Inheritance” or “Heritage” in Spanish) composed by Andrea Casarrubios. This work differed from all the others in the program because it included a vocal part in which some of the players sang a wordless choral tune that lent an ethereal quality to music that rolled with wide crests and troughs like waves in the sea. Bassist Xavier Foley introduced his own composition entitled “Galaxy, Concertante for Two Double Basses and String Orchestra.” Foley named the work “Galaxy,” because he said, “a lot of composers, way back, like Mozart and [Gustav] Holst, would name their own pieces after stuff in space. So I thought, ‘Now it’s my turn,’” he explained, eliciting laughter and applause from the audience. Foley’s bass and that of Kebra-Seyoun Charles acted as lead instruments in the work, an unusual arrangement for classical music. After a soaring and lilting introduction, the music focused on a dueling-bassists exchange between Foley and Charles, with the former’s firm fingering and bowing contrasting with the latter’s more fluid playing of his instrument. The final work of the concert was a 20-minute sinfonietta—a small-scale version of a symphony—by Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, a 20th-century African American composer named after late 19th-early 20thcentury Afro-British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. The sinfonietta, entitled “Generations,” mixes European and African influences with the American folk lullaby “Mockingbird” (“Hush, little baby, don’t say a word/mama’s gonna buy you a…”) woven throughout the

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Franco, women and children were most of the victims. The performance of “American Guernica” started with a loud cacophony of strings, horns and percussion from the full orchestra, punctuated by the sound of an actual mechanical siren turned by one of the musicians. Suddenly, the orchestra went silent. Then an African American woman played a slow gospel tune on a grand piano. After that, the ur-

composed by Adolphus Hailstork. When Switala said the name, I was reminded of the first African American classical composer I had ever heard of (or heard). A recording of the full 20-minute sonata is part of my personal music collection, among other works by Hailstork. “Habari Gani” and “Abran Paso” are both works commissioned specifically for performance by Sphinx Vir-

composition. The grand, passionate performance of Sphinx Virtuosi should be heard, seen and felt by audiences of all ages and races, no matter their tastes in music. For more information about Sphinx Virtuosi, go www.sphinxmusic.org. Stephani Maari Booker welcomes reader responses to rbooker@spokesman-recorder.com.

2 January 26 - February 1, 2023 spokesman-recorder.com

Arts & Culture

November 2 - 8, 2023

9

spokesman-recorder.com

Richard Roundtree: the passing of a cinematic icon with a Minnesota connection By Tony Kiene Contributing Writer

60 years. He would collaborate with “Shaft” director Gordon Parks again, a year later on n Tuesday, October the sequel, “Shaft’s Big Score,” 24, Richard Roundtree, before starring in the third film known for his roles on in the trilogy and the subsescreen, television, and stage, quent television series on CBS. passed away in his Los Angeles home at the age of 81, after “Richard was recently being diagnosed with not only cool pancreatic cancer. A native of New Rochelle, and grace New York, Roundtree was a personified. standout on his nationally ranked high school football He was equally team before matriculating to gracious to Southern Illinois University on an athletic scholarship. He left everyone school to pursue a career in starring Samuel L. Jackson as he met.” both modeling and acting, and John Shaft, Jr. Memorable telesoon began to distinguish himvision appearances include self with the Ebony Fashion Over the next half-century, Alex Haley’s “Roots,” sitcoms Fair and as a member of the Roundtree starred in over 70 “A Different World” and “Roc,” historic New York City-based motion pictures and even more and series “413 Hope Street,” Negro Ensemble Company. TV shows. Among his most no- “Desperate Housewives,” “HeRevered as the world’s “first table films were “Earthquake,” roes,” and his critically acBlack action hero,” stemming “Se7en,” “Original Gangstas,” claimed five-season run on from his iconic role in 1971’s and reprising his role as John one of BET’s highest-rated seBlack-film classic “Shaft,” Shaft in the 2000 and 2019 ries, the award-winning drama, Roundtree’s career spanned editions of the Shaft franchise “Being Mary Jane.”

often said, ‘I’d do anything for Gordon.’” Hickman-Winfield could have never imagined the indelible impact that Roundtree’s visit that autumn would leave on the both of them. One of the first things he asked when she picked him up at the airport was, “Robin, isn’t this where the Mall of America is?” And, when she responded affirmatively, he followed with, “Can we go?” During their side trip, they encountered two women visiting from Africa. “They were simply mesmerized,” laughs “These It is Roundtree’s connection sure that the local tribute Hickman-Winfield. to Minnesota, and in particular had to include a screening of women couldn’t believe what one of the state’s most accom- “Shaft,” which was arranged for they were seeing. They actuplished artists Gordon Parks, the St. Anthony Main Theater. ally remembered him from “I called Richard and asked “Shaft in Africa” (1973). that many, including Park’s great Still, it was watching Roundtree niece, Robin Hickman-Winfield, him to be a part of the celeare remembering today. bration,” she remembers. “This walk in her great uncle’s footsteps Parks, who passed away in was the first time we’d ever that she remembers most. “Rich2006, was again memorialized spoken. But he would later tell ard wanted to see and experience in 2012, the year that would me that he knew almost in- everything he possibly could that have marked his 100th birth- stantly that he’d soon be mak- had to do with Uncle Gordon,” day. Hickman-Winfield made ing a trip to Minnesota. And he ■ See ROUNDTREE on page 10

AMERICA’S INDEPENDENT ROBERT QUIGLEY - WANTS YOUR VOTE!

Robert Quigley, born in Lexington KY, currently residing in Washington, DC, America’s Independent announces his run for the White House in the 2024 elections. Campaign formation started April 1, 2022, and Mr. Quigley has raised $25 million in donation pledges so far. The Robert Quigley For President Campaign is seeking 500 local Campaign Directors in every city across America. Pay is $50,000 and 25 percent of all funds raised. They are actively recruiting entrepreneurs and volunteers to help staff the campaign, to help staff leadership positions and donors that want to solve America’s problems.

If you have come to the realization that 175 years of Democrat & Republican rule has brought catastrophe to most of the U.S. population with 162 million working adults living paycheck to paycheck, with millions striving to own businesses, with global warming, with inadequate homeownership opportunities, with burdensome student loans, with crushing inflationary prices and/or with crippling medical care then join the cause. Together let’s make America work for all citizens. America is at a crossroads. Extremism and authoritarianism are not acceptable. Independents are problem solvers, centrist, negotiators and team builders. We succeed with deep analysis, compromise and listening. 44% of recently polled voters plan to vote independent or 3rd party in 2024. 75% of voters hate democrats and republicans. 49% of all voters are registered independent. Quigley is on the ballot in 44 states as a write-in candidate. 5 states will print his name on the ballot so far. This gives him access to 506 Electoral College votes with 270 needed to win. The status quo is coming to an end. Note that Robert Quigley is available for Radio, TV, Podcasts, Google, Zoom and in-person live events and fundraisers when needed. We have 240 videos on our website. News articles are available upon request. Look for Quigley at a venue near you as he travels the country in his national stump speech campaign tour; Robert Quigley For President On The Road To The White House. Please register your support on Quigley’s website. All donations will be greatly appreciated. Thanks a million! Robert Quigley Robert Quigley For President, 142 Webster St NE,Washington, DC 20011.

Cell 202-578-8390

www.RobertQuigleyForPresident.Com robertquigleyforpresident@gmail.com robertq1215@gmail.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-quigley-217a12a

10 November 2 - 8, 2023

Arts & Culture Get Out: the Concert

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A one-night-only performance of Jordan Peele’s horror classic set to classical music

By Farah Habad Contributing Writer

concert is no small task. The soundtracks have to be translated into sheet music for the entire run of the film. And because the soundtrack is stripped from the film’s audio, this involves technical challenges that must be overcome to make the film-in-concert a success. Siblings J.D, Fred, Jearlyn, Jevetta and Billy make up The Steeles. From recording with Prince, Donald Fagen, George Clinton, Mavis Staples, Sounds of Blackness and many others, The Steeles have been an integral part of the “Minnesota Sound” and have traveled the world in the acclaimed musical “The Gospel at Colonus,” performing a Broadway run as well as national and international tours. They’ve provided vocals for various soundtracks Minnesota Orchestra’s principal conductor, Sarah Hicks, is a specialist in the film-in-concert genre. Photo courtesy of Minnesota Orchestra including “Graffiti Bridge,” “Blankman,” “Hoop Dreams,” Sarah Hicks served as the PaviElle French, Kevin Kling, “Corrina,” and “Meantime” on genre box. Originally, I set out of music together to create to make a horror movie. I end- new sounds and experiences principal conductor of the Peter Rothstein, Robert Elhai UPtv. Referred to as the “First ed up showing it to people and using strings, harps, drums, Minnesota Orchestra’s “Live and The Moving Company. A Family of Twin Cities Music,” hearing, you know, it doesn’t and the human voice to bring at Orchestra Hall.” Since 2006, specialist in film-music and the The Steeles have performed even feel like horror. It’s in this new textures to the film’s Hicks has led a broad range film-in-concert genre, Hicks at the 150th anniversary of thriller world. So, it was a so- score. The main title track, of programs and has earned premiered “Pixar in Concert” the Mayo Clinic, a tribute to wide acclaim as a guest con- and Disney’s “Pixar’s Coco in Prince at the Viking’s inaugural ductor across the U.S. and Concert.” Her live concert re- game at the U.S Bank Stadium, abroad. Her notable projects cording of “A Celebration of and a program with the Minnesota Orchestra and Charles Lazarus titled “Our Love Is Here to Stay.”

The soundtracks have to be translated into sheet music for the entire run of the film.

The Minnesota Orchestra continued its popular “Movies and Music” series, with a live rendition of the original soundtrack of Jordan Peele’s genre-bending 2017 blockbuster film, “Get Out,” last Friday, October 27. The filmmusic concert version of “Get Out” first premiered in 2018, with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Principal Conductor Sarah Hicks led the orchestra in a reimagined version of the film’s award-winning soundtrack by Michael Abel, along with the acclaimed “First Family of Twin Cities Music,” The Steeles. The film “Get Out” follows a young black photographer named Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), and his white girlfriend Rose Armitage (Allison Williams), as they visit Rose’s family in upstate New York. What begins as a series of uncomfortable but relatively benign interactions, slowly morphs into something far more ominous. At its core, the movie deals with the idea of humanity—ultimately begging the question of when does fascination become consumption? Among its many awards and nominations, “Get Out” “Get Out” live-in-concert notably won the 2018 Acadwill take place Friday, October emy Award for Best Original 27, at 7 p.m. at Orchestra Hall, Screenplay, with Peele becom1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. ing the first Black screenwriter Ticket prices range from $33 to to win the award. Jordan $73. The concert run-time is two Peele’s career first began as a hours, including a 20-minute Cast of Jordan Peele’s movie “Get Out” comedian, best known as one intermission. This film is rated half of the comedic duo Key R. Children under the age of 17 and Peele. But the Hollywood cial thriller.” Since then, Peele “Sikiliza Kwa Wahenga,” inwill not be admitted to this conForeign Press Association’s has gone on to create more cludes voices meant to reprecert, unless accompanied by a decision to classify the film as genre-defining hits including sent the ancestors calling out parent or guardian. Tickets and a comedy at the 2018 Golden “Us,” “Candyman,” and “Nope.” in Swahili, trying to save the subscription packages can be Globes was met with backlash purchased at minnesotaorchesAmerican Composer Mi- characters from their potenPhotos courtesy of Universal Studios tra.org or by calling 612-371across the internet—includ- chael Abels’ soundtrack for tial fate. In an interview with Daniel Kaluuya in “Get Out” ing a tweet from Jordan Peele “Get Out” stands out as a re- Crack Magazine, Abels notes 5656. For groups of 10 or more, himself saying “Get Out is a markable debut project for the importance of having the have included co-creating the the Music from Coco” at the call 612-371-5662. The Music documentary”. the California-based artist, voices speak in Swahili, “We “Inside the Classics” series, and Hollywood Bowl can be seen & Movies series is sponsored by According to an interview winning the 2017 Black Reel hear an African language in the “Sam & Sarah” series with on Disney+ and her work on U.S. Bank. conducted with Indiewire prior Award for Outstanding Origi- their tone. Yet we don’t hear orchestra violist Sam Berg- “The Little Mermaid Live!” was to a launch event, Peele notes, nal Score. Abels was specifi- the exact words they’re saying, man. Hicks has since gone on broadcast on ABC. In an inter- Farah Habad welcomes reader “The problem is, it’s not a mov- cally chosen by Peele for his because the dead speak to us to lead original productions view with Hicks, she said the comments at fhabad@spokesie that can really be put into a unique ability to bend genres through imagery and emotion.” with collaborators such as process of creating a film-in- man-recorder.com.

ROUNDTREE

High School. too,” says Hickman-Winfield. “The students were just in “He just wanted to spend time Continued from page 9 awe of Richard,” she recalls. with everyone he met. I’m “And he had the chance to see telling you, Richard just wanta young man play the piano, as ed to hang. We spent time at says Hickman-Winfield. That included visits to his he said, ‘Just like Gordon used Rudolph’s, the St. Paul Grille. He just loved it. Richard was former home, one of his fa- to.’ It brought him to tears.” The tears would also flow not only cool and grace pervorite stores (Heimie’s Haberdashery), and the site where when Roundtree spoke be- sonified. He was equally graParks took his very first fash- fore the special screening of cious to everyone he met.” Over the last decade, ion photographs. Roundtree “Shaft,” and at other centeneven stayed at the St. Paul nial-related events including Roundtree and Hickman-WinHotel, where Parks once a gathering at the Minnesota field kept in touch, most recently worked as a waiter, and of History Center. “He was truly catching up this past spring. “Evcourse, Hickman-Winfield moved by the experience.” ery time we spoke, he wanted to took him by Gordon Parks “But he had so much fun talk about his trip to Minnesota.

Richard was such an extraordi- “elegant, old-school gentlenary human being. And he and man. A mentor. And a friend.” Uncle Gordon meant so much In Billboard magazine, Patto one another.” rick McMinn, Roundtree’s Roundtree, who was al- manager since 1987, said, ready slated to be honored “Working with Gordon was a at the 2024 Gordon Parks highpoint in Richard’s career. Foundation Awards next May, He often spoke about the fondly referred to Parks as an lasting influence Gordon had

on him. Not only as an actor, but as a man.” Roundtree is survived by four daughters, a son, and his grandchildren. Tony Kiene welcomes reader responses to tkiene@spokesman-recorder.com.

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by CHARLES DICKENS adapted by LAVINA JADHWANI directed by ADDIE GORLIN-HAN based on the original direction by JOSEPH HAJ

November 2 - 8, 2023

11

spokesman-recorder.com more parking. Chughtai believes the city should help small business owners purchase their storeContinued from page 2 fronts, and touted her record investing in technical assistance to help local business owners do drafted an ordinance that would only allow what they need to do to keep their businesses sweeps if there are available shelter beds. “The afloat. She also supports a dedicated revenue city has invested nearly $200,000 per individ- stream to support the city’s commercial corridors. ual just … playing whack-a-mole with [the unhoused]. That’s not working for anybody,” said On the most important challenges in Ward 10 Warsame: “Public safety. If a Somali person Chughtai, who believes the encampments need tells you, ‘Hey, you got to do something about sanitation services in addition to shelter. Longer term, Chughtai believes rent control the safety,’ that tells you how bad this is.” will help preserve housing affordability and that Chughtai: “Safe and affordable and dignified the majority of Ward 10 residents support rent control. “It is one of the strongest tools to keep housing. We are one of the youngest communities in the city, made up in large part by fronttenants in their homes,” said Chughtai. She also said she drafted an ordinance that al- line workers [who] walk, bike and take public lows renters to be given the first right of refusal to transit to get from place to place. We need to buy the building they live in before their landlords invest in holistic public safety and urgently address our climate crisis as well.” offer their building for sale on the open market.

WARD 10

On supporting small businesses Businesses at the intersection of Lake and Hennepin have closed in recent years, annual festivities canceled for a time, because of the pandemic and quality of life issues that arose from the killing of Winston Smith and the protests that followed. Dachis and Warsame believe business owners looking to locate in the area should pay lower taxes. They also believe the neighborhood needs

Dachis: “I want safe and affordable housing for the Ward 10 residents. But I also want them to be able to leave their house because they feel safe to go to the businesses that I hope will return. I want to help the opioid crisis, which I believe fuels the unhoused population. It’s critical for the livability in the city and in our ward.” H. Jiahong Pan welcomes reader comments at hpan@spokesman-recorder.com.

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Obituary

Gertrude Johnson Foster

Sunrise: January 24, 1930 — Sunset: October 17, 2023

B

orn on January 24, 1930, in Duluth, Minnesota, Gertrude Honora Johnson was the fifth of six children born to Everett and Anna Lee Johnson. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1947, and as a young woman she worked in the Oreck’s boutique on Superior Street. In 1950, she met Walter Foster, Jr. through her brother Robert (“Bunky”). Due to Walter being on active military duty, much of their courtship consisted of the letters they wrote to each other. They were married at St. Mark AME Church in Duluth on September 15, 1951, and they were blessed with three children. Gertrude and Walter were married for 60 years until Walter’s passing in 2012. Gertrude had a wonderful flair for fashion, be it in the sketches she drew, her ward-

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robe, and her expertise in the art of “press and curl.” She loved gardening, specializing in the care of African violets. She was a member of the Friday Night Out Club, a social club for Black women in the Twin Cities. In service, Gertrude sang in the St. James AME (St. Paul) choir, and she served in its kitchen ministry, as well as her ties to St. Peter’s AME. And let us not forget her sense of humor as she regaled us with stories of growing up in Duluth. Gertrude Johnson Foster made her peaceful transition at sunset on October 17, 2023. She is preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Anna Lee Johnson; her husband Walter Foster, Jr.; her brothers Everett Johnson, Jr. (Joanne), Robert “Bunky” Johnson (Doris), and Maxell Johnson; and her sister Maxine Johnson Taylor (Paul). She is survived by her sister Anna Johnson McClinton; her sons W.D. Foster-Graham (Edward) and Arthur Foster (Shelly); her daughter Ruth Foster; her grandson Walter Foster-Graham; her sister-in-law Ellen Dorsey Johnson; and a host of nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, and family friends. Her celebration of life will be held at St. Peter’s AME Church, 401 E. 41st Street, Minneapolis. Visitation is at 10 a.m.; the service is at 11a.m. To honor her flair for fashion, the family is requesting that everyone wear red. Rest in peace, rest in power. May your creativity, positivity, and love continue on in us.

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12 November 2 - 8, 2023

Opinion

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The danger is inside—just like in the horror movies

By Ben Jealous

The plot twist in the horror movies we love to watch at this time of year (including 1978’s “Halloween”), is used so often it’s no longer surprising. The danger is inside the house, not coming from outside. It plays off the idea that we consider our homes to be the safest place we can be, that we can lock out what’s harmful. But when it comes to air pollution from burning fossil fuels, the horror movies have it right—the damage is done inside buildings and gets pumped outdoors. The outcome can be just as deadly. The Green and Healthy Homes Initiative in Maryland estimated that burning fossil fuels in heaters, furnaces, boilers, and water heaters results in 163 premature deaths in a year as niBut there are now new fi- trogen oxide, carbon monoxide, nancial tools that every person dioxide, and fine particles of polcan use to begin retirement lutants escape from homes and savings. Recently, the financial buildings. The pollution leads to industry recognized this issue 3,500 cases of respiratory issues and started to rollout new and asthma and costs the state products that will open up 6,500 lost workdays and $1.3 bilaccess to professionally man- lion in public health spending. aged retirement vehicles at “The utilities have positioned a lower cost and without the gas as a clean-burning fuel. It’s need for a workplace-based not,” said Christopher Stix, who retirement plan. volunteers with one of more Such strategies are often than 100 Maryland organizations in line with initiatives such working on the air pollution comas Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Wall ing from homes. Street Project, which encourAcross the country, half of our ages the financial industry to homes rely on gas as their priopen up and reach out to com- mary heating fuel. Two-thirds of munities that may not neces- the greenhouse gas coming from sarily be aware of alternatives buildings comes from heating to their personal savings that they may need from day to day. PERSPECTIVES FROM WITHIN “If Corporate America could see the vast potential within our underserved minority communities, would Wall Street But why are we on modified lock- in the unit, pepper spray in hand provide access to opportuni- By Keith Hapana Crow ties for economic growth and down on Fridays and Saturdays saying, “Get off of him!” It is sad that trained DOC staff could not stability?” Rev. Jackson said in The Minnesota Department with no visits? a statement. I have written asking whether differentiate between a medical of Corrections staff shortage is All of these retirement tools contributing to prison conditions Friday and Saturday visiting hours emergency and a fight. are built off of the idea that in that are unacceptable and more are coming back now that Covid Mental health is desperately order to encourage more re- dangerous. is over. The [response from Rush needed here at Rush City, as 80 I have been incarcerated City administration] cited staffing percent of the population is on tirement saving, we need to make it as easy as possible for since 2004, my last five years at shortages and that we have video special housing unit status. Being people to build their nest egg. Minnesota Correctional Facility— visits available. locked in with another person for Video visits with inmates are 22 hours a day is unacceptable Retirement tools like these Rush City. When I first arrived, I are for the people that don’t was given an overnight job within available, However, if a family and inhumane. have workplace retirement a week. I was grateful for that cannot afford a laptop, they canThe only help is the handout plans, those looking to com- opportunity to work and earn not schedule a visit from a mobile packets from mental health staff. plement their existing 401(k), money. phone. Additionally, any restric- A prisoner-mentor job position Then, Covid hit the prison tions on prisoner visitations—no could add two jobs in every unit. or people that just want to boost their confidence in their shortly afterward. I was given a contact with individuals or mi- Mentors could do basic mental job in the kitchen and worked in nors—essentially restrict many health checks with fellow prisretirement potential. Most Americans are ner- the kitchen throughout the en- prisoners from video visits. oners. vous—even stressed—about re- tire pandemic. Now it takes more The limit of $40 on canteen Free calls per state law, (Public tirement, savings, and finances than eight months to obtain a job purchases has been in place for 18 Safety Omnibus Bill 2023), effecin general. This is especially true at Rush City. How is this accept- months and is due to staff short- tive July 1, was a massive accomfor the Black community. These able for rehabilitation? ages at Minnesota Correctional plishment for Minnesota prisonproducts may be the first of Religious programs are almost Facility—Oak Park Heights, ac- ers. It feels good to be able to call many from Wall Street aimed nonexistent, especially for the cording to officials. The $40 can- mom, dad or grandma to check at further providing transfor- Native American faith. However, teen limit has contributed to over- in and not worry about whose mational solutions to the retire- I do follow the Native cultural weight prisoners, diabetics buying nickel it is on. ment burdens many have been ways of my Indigenous ancestors. unhealthy food items, and highHowever, it appears there is There have been five sweat lodg- stress levels in the population. feeling over the years. an unwritten policy or exception For equitable economic es in four years here at Rush City. Thankfully, education pro- to the rule. Lawmakers gave incontributions to family and to To add insult to injury, a sched- grams are slowly returning, be- mates free calls, but we are on American society, regardless uled pipe and drum ceremony cause of Restorative Justice, lockdown because of staffing of race or age, retirement sav- was set for Indigenous Peoples House of Healing. However, the shortages. It may be just a ploy ings and income must become Day on October 9, but was can- classes at Rush City are limited to to lobby for more funds for the straightforward and possible celed. The prison chaplain stated one time a year, with 20-25 par- Minnesota Department of Corfor everyone. that the “executive team directed ticipants at most. rections in the next budget. They “The road to shared eco- him to cancel Native services, There is no gym for 2- East, do not need more funds. They nomic security travels through since no outside volunteer.” Pre- which is an all-workers unit that need a change in leadership and two-way trade, where all are viously, the chaplain had been hasn’t had yard in a month. There culture. included, and none are left facilitating. is no consistent barber, as we New leadership, more jobs in the margins of the marketBefore Covid, visiting days are allowed only one haircut per and programs for prisoners, place,” Rev. Jackson states. “In- were Thursday through Sunday, month. There have not been any medical care, and simply treating dustry by industry, the quanti- with 30 hours per month for all college classes offered in over inmates with dignity and respect fiable gaps in opportunity and prisoners. Prisoners who receive 18 months. We haven’t been to will go a long way. Ninety-five percent of Minnein access to capital for people visitors have substantially lower the chow hall in over three years. of color-owned businesses de- recidivism rates and it affects Why? Staff shortages. sota prisoners will return to your Medical needs to be over- community. We should all want prisoners’ MnSTARR (DOC’s refine our agenda.” cidivism risk-assessment system). hauled. It takes years to see a pro- people coming out of prisons to Hazel Trice Edney is presi- Visits are also beneficial for men- vider. I personally waited three be better off, not worse off than dent and CEO of Trice Edney tal health. Getting out of the unit years to renew my eye prescrip- when they went in. Communications. She is the and visiting family and friends of- tion. I waited 16 months to see In strength and spirit. former editor-in-chief of the Na- fers relief for a few hours. the doctor for a routine checkup. tional Newspaper Publishers The Twin Cities Incarcerated In October, a prisoner had an Currently visiting days are Association News Service and only Thursdays and Sundays. It is epileptic seizure in 2 East. The Workers Organizing Committee is Blackpressusa.com and former understandable that there is not staff sat back and watched as a union of prisoners, ex-prisoners, interim executive director of the enough staff to cover the visiting prisoners jumped in to assist the families, and communities working NNPA Foundation. room on Thursdays and Sundays. man. One staff member even ran to transform the justice system in MN.

Black community’s retirement woes lead to new ways to save money By Hazel Trice Edney

cess to retirement plans. And although we know well what the gender gap is, what isn’t talked about enough is the retirement gap. Generally, studies on savings show that the average Black family has lower savings than the disparity between the average U.S. family. It’s unsurprising, then, that 54 percent of Black Americans don’t have enough savings to retire—whether it be from system inequalities or otherwise. All studies and reports on retirement are saying the same thing: People are worried about outliving their retirement savings. The retirement crisis is hitting all of the country, but as usual, disproportionately impacting Black and other racial minority communities.

A recent study has outlined a disturbing trend across the nation. Increasing retirement woes among Black people, coming from several angles that indicate some could choose to work longer or seek more palatable options for savings and income. Either people aren’t feeling on-track to retire, they’re worried about outliving whatever savings they are able to accrue, or their jobs don’t offer fair retirement plans for people of color. These being common fears in the Black community, some just breeze over the thought of retirement as a pipe dream. “Black and Hispanic workers have significantly less access to employer-sponsored re“The road to shared tirement plans than do White counterparts, exacerbating economic security economic inequity and hamtravels through twopering the ability of people of way trade, where color to build financial security all are included, and later in life, according to researchers,” AARP reports. none are left in the “Among private sector emmargins of the marployees ages 18 to 64, more ketplace.” than 53 percent of African Americans and about 64 perNearly 40 percent of indecent of Latinos do not have access to a workplace retirement pendent savers, specifically, plan, compared with about 42 aren’t feeling on-track to repercent for White workers and tire. Independent savers are 45 percent for Asian Ameri- individuals who do not have cans,” a July 2022 report from access to a retirement plan the AARP Public Policy Insti- through their employers. Many in the Black and Latitute found. According to the latest U.S. no communities fall under the Census data, more than 55.8 independent saver category. million adults are older than Therefore, for many in these 65. That is nearly 17 percent communities, retirement planof America’s population that is ning gets put on the backburn“retirement age.” Yet only half er as more urgent expenses of Americans even have ac- and matters arise.

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make a significant contribution to making electrification for lowand moderate-income families a possibility,” but they won’t cover all the costs. Stix and other advocates want the state to pay any incremental amount beyond the federal aid for low-income households. Because the heating improvements may uncover other home repair issues like roof leaks and lead paint, those families also need a one-stop process that allows them to tap all the assistance they may need. If we’re going to offer incenBurning fossil fuels tives, the federal government in heaters, furnaces, needs to take the next step with boilers, and water a benchmark for what we want to heaters results in 163 replace. More than a year ago, 26 premature deaths in a climate and health groups called on the Environmental Protection year as nitrogen oxide, Agency to set limits on pollution carbon monoxide from household appliances. Unand dioxide, and fine like other sources of greenhouse particles of pollutgases across our economy that ants that escape from are regulated by the Clean Air Act, homes and buildings. buildings filled with appliances that burn gas, oil, or propane are Federal incentives in the left unaccountable. This dangerous omission makes historic clean energy and jobs package approved by President even less sense today than ever. Biden and Congress last year We’re rightly reimbursing Amerigive homeowners and landlords cans’ investment in readily availthe chance to switch to electric- able electric heat pumps and other powered heating. appliances to address nearly 15 “As we electrify buildings, we percent of net greenhouse gas polhave to do it in an equitable way,” lution. Putting limits on those emisStix said. “Community advocates sions should be part of the solution.” in various parts of Maryland are testing air in homes to show the Ben Jealous is executive director people who live there the impact of the Sierra Club, the nation’s largof burning gas.” est and most influential grassroots The federal programs “will environmental organization.

spaces and water. The good news in Maryland is that half of homes will have zeronitrogen oxide heating by 2030. The challenge is where those homes will be. “The homes that use heat pumps tend to be in wealthier communities,” Stix noted. But buildings in low-and moderateincome neighborhoods tend to have less weatherization and less efficient appliances, so they consume more energy and pollute more, he said.

Rush City prison in shambles

spokesman-recorder.com

November 2 - 8, 2023

Bulletin

13

Metro Transit seeks mechanics, vehicle technicians, with bonus for new hires By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer

a Metro Transit instructional designer who works on training and recruits meMetro Transit’s ridership is chanics and vehicle technirebounding after a drop dur- cians. Metro Transit is seeking ing the pandemic. That’s why the public tran- workers to do the important sit system is in urgent need of jobs of diagnosing, repairing more mechanics and vehicle and performing preventatechnicians needed to keep tive maintenance on Metro the buses, light rail and com- Transit buses, light rail and muter trains running for the commuter trains and other vehicles. Metro Transit is also community. Metro Transit is hiring me- hiring maintenance-of-way chanics and it’s an opportu- technicians for tracks and nity that comes with top tier railway systems. “Applicants can choose if wages, competitive benefits and a guaranteed pension, all they want to go into light rail sweetened by a hiring bonus or bus maintenance. Whichof up to $4000. ever they choose, it’s easy “These are technically to move from one division oriented jobs, puzzles and to another,” Richardson said. problems to solve. When a “Both are needed right now.” bus has an issue, you find The positions are stable out what’s wrong with it; ones, with no worries about it’s engaging, detailed work,” layoffs that mechanics may explained Ken Richardson, face in the private sector,

a lot to the organization.” Some of what Richardson called “very nice perks” of the job include a bus/rail pass, (valued at over $1200 per year) fitness centers and parking at many job locations, an Employee Assistance program and extensive health and wellness resources. Metro Transit employees can choose between two or more medical plans that also provide dental, life and vision insurance. There’s also the benefit of being in a career that is helpful to the community. “I’ve relied on public transit for many years. I feel like this where there are slowdowns plies to all positions, with found the work to be right job helps me give back,” said at auto shops. The jobs are $2,000 after 30 days of up his alley. Richardson. ideal for candidates with a employment and the sec“Not to make an overly To learn more about pursuhigh school diploma or GED ond $2,000 bonus delivered broad stereotype, but folks ing a career with Metro Transit, and background experience after six months, when the like myself excel and are a go to https://www.metrotranor education in mechanical probationary period is com- good fit in these positions,” sit.org/mechanic-hiring. or automotive services or pleted. he said. “Those of us who trouble shooting. Metro Transit is an equal have analytical minds and Sheletta Brundidge welStarting pay ranges from opportunity employer. Rich- attention to detail in the comes reader comments at $29.72 to $41 an hour. The ardson, who identifies as way our brains work can be sbrundidge@spokesman-re$4,000 hiring bonus ap- “an autistic individual,” has strong employees that add corder.com.

Election Day marks expanded voter eligibility for those with criminal records By Sheletta Brundidge Contributing Writer This is what’s called an “odd year” in elections. For Minnesotans, that means no balloting for Senators, Congressional representatives, state office holders or state legislators. But Nov. 7 is still Election Day in Minnesota. In some communities in the Twin Cities-metro area, there are no races to vote on at all. In communities that do have contested races, citizens will be voting for municipal candidates like city council members or school board representatives. While these elected officials can make a big difference in the quality of a citizen’s life, the profile of these races tend to be low, with few yard signs, major ad buys of commercials on radio or television and candidate de-

Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

passed by the Minnesota Legislature in July, the voting eligibility of some Minnesotans with criminal records has expanded. “People who are on probation or parole can now vote,” explained McComas. “In the past they had to wait but now if they are not incarcerated on a felony sentence, they can vote. In Hennepin County alone this means that up to 16,000 people had their rights restored thanks to this new law.” Next year will be a busy year for voters and election officials. In 2024, Minnesotans will have the opportubates that are less publicized County Elections. “We want place, hours for early voting nity to go to the polls three and well attended. them to be able to see who and more on the candidates different times and will have the chance to vote for vari“We want people to feel will be on their ballot and they will choose between. For thousands of Minne- ous local, state and federal prepared, to know where to what it will look like.” go to vote on or before ElecMcComas refers voters to sotans, this November’s elec- office holders. There will be a presidention Day,” said Lydia McCo- the website, mnvotes.com/ tion will represent a return to mas, voter engagement divi- myballot, where they can exercising their right to vote. tial primary on March 5, Under a new state law the state primary election sion manager for Hennepin find out about their polling

Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church

Bethesda Baptist Church

Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor

Dr. B.C. Russell, Pastor 2600 E. 38th Street. Mpls., MN 55408 612-827-7928 fax: 612-827-3587 website: www.greatfriend.org email: info@greatfriend.org Sunday Church School: 8:30 am Sunday Worship: 9:30 am

“Winning the World with Love” Grace Temple Deliverance Center

Dr. Willa Lee Grant Battle, Pastor 1908 Fourth Ave. So. Mpls., MN 24 Hour Dial-A-Prayer: 612-870-4695 www.gtdci.org Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Prayer Daily 7 pm Evangelistic Service: Wednesday & Friday 8 pm

Rev. James C. Thomas, Pastor 451 West Central St. Paul, MN 55103 651-227-4444 Church School 9:30 am Morning Worship 8 & 10:45 am Prayer Service: Wednesday 7 pm "Welcome to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church" Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Doctor Charles Gill 732 W. Central Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 Sunday Worship Service: 9:45 AM Sunday School: 8:45 AM

At the Old Landmark 1118 So. 8th Street Mpls., MN 55404 612-332-5904 www.bethesdamnonline.com email:bethesdamn@prodigy.net

Service Times: Early Morning Service 9 am Sunday School 10 am Sunday Worship 11:30 am Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6 pm Adult Bible Class 7 pm Children's Bible Class 7 pm

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on August 13 and the general election will be held on Nov 5. These races promise to attract large numbers of voters. Casting a ballot in this year’s election can help voters prepare for next year’s voting. “When people vote this year, they can get prepared and make sure their registration is current or updated,” said McComas. “We do encourage people to vote in all of the elections they are eligible to vote in. We do see lower turnouts in odd years, but these races are important. Let your voice be heard.” If you don’t vote this year or don’t have an election to vote in, you can register online at mnvotes.gov. Sheletta Brundidge welcomes reader comments at sbrundidge@spokesman-recorder.com.

14 November 2 - 8, 2023 2 January 26 - February 1, 2023

Employment & Legals

spokesman-recorder.com spokesman-recorder.com

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

IN DISTRICT COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Case Type: Condemnation Court File No.: 27-CV-23-15163

State of Minnesota, by its Commissioner of Transportation, Petitioner, vs. Carver Property Management A & K LLC Respondents. IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LANDS FOR TRUNK HIGHWAY PURPOSES NOTICE To the Respondents hereinabove named: You, and each of you, are hereby notified that on January 16, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard, before Judge Susan N. Burke, in the Courthouse at Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, via remote hearing, the Petitioner will present an Amended Petition now on file herein for the condemnation of certain lands for trunk highway purposes. This hearing will not be in person at the Courthouse. Instructions for attending the remote hearing may be obtained from Hennepin Court Administration. The remote hearing may be access by video at https:// Zoomgov.com/join, or by phone at 833-568-8864. For either method, the Meeting ID is 160 466 6423 and the Meeting Password is 786814. A copy of the Amended Petition is attached hereto and incorporated herein. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, that Petitioner will also move the court for an order transferring title and possession to Petitioner of the parcels described in the Amended Petition in accordance with Minn. Stat. §117.042, as of February 20, 2024. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, that all persons occupying the property described in the Amended Petition must VACATE THE AREA BEING ACQUIRED AND MOVE ALL OF YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY FROM THE AREA BEING ACQUIRED ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 20, 2024. All advertising signs or devices located in the area being acquired must be removed by February 20, 2024. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, that (1) a party wishing to challenge the public use or public purpose, necessity, or authority for a taking must appear at the court hearing and state the objection or must appeal within 60 days of a court order; and (2) a court order approving the public use or public purpose, necessity, and authority for the taking is final unless an appeal is brought within 60 days after service of the order on the party. Dated: October 11, 2023 KEITH ELISON Attorney General State of Minnesota s/Erik M. Johnson ERIK M. JOHNSON Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 0247522 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400 St. Paul, MN 55101-2134 (651) 757-1476 (Voice) (651) 282-2525(TTY) ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

DISTRICT COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Case Type: Condemnation

----State of Minnesota, by its Commissioner of Transportation, Petitioner, vs. Carver Property Management A & K LLC, Lakeside Capital Holdings, Inc., City of Plymouth, County of Hennepin, Lancaster Village Apartments Limited Partnership, L.L.P., Jones Lang LaSalle - Minnesota, Inc., formerly known as The Staubach Company-Minnesota, Inc., Fannie Mae, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, also

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF SCOTT

Mustaf Mohamed Abdi, Plaintiff, vs Antwain Dwayne Scott, Defendant.

CASE TYPE: PERSONAL INJURY DISTRICT COURT FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NUMBER: 70-CV-23-14243

SUMMONS

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED the above-named Defendant: 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiffs have started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiffs’ Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this Summons. 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: Brantingham Law Office 2200 E. Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55404 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiffs’ Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiffs should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case.You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiffs everything asked for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the Complaint. 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. Dated: September 22, 2023

BRANTINGHAM LAW OFFICE Jeremy L. Brantingham, MN #0299558 2200 E. Franklin Ave. Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 339-9700 ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF

all other persons unknown claiming any right, title, estate, interest or lien in the real estate described in the Petition herein, Respondents. ----IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LANDS FOR TRUNK HIGHWAY PURPOSES ----AMENDED PETITION ----To the District Court above named the State of Minnesota brings this Petition and respectfully states and alleges: I. That Trunk Highway numbered 005, being Route numbered 169, and Trunk Highway Legislative Route numbered 383, which has been renumbered 169, have been located according to law and passes over the lands herein described. That it is duly covered by Right of Way Plat Order numbered 100073 and Graphic Order numbered 100115. II. That the Commissioner of Transportation deems it necessary that the State of Minnesota for trunk highway purposes obtain the lands herein described in fee simple absolute, together with the following rights: to acquire all trees, shrubs, grass and herbage within the right of way herein to be taken, and to keep and have the exclusive control of the same, and to acquire a temporary easement in those cases which are herein particularly mentioned. It is the intention of the above-named Petitioner to move the court for an order authorizing the Court Administrator to accept and deposit payments, in an interestbearing account, from the Petitioner to the court pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 117.042. Further, it is the intention of the above-named Petitioner to move the court for an order transferring title and possession of the parcels herein described, prior to the filing of an award by the court appointed commissioners, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §117.042. Further, it is the intention of the above-named Petitioner to move the court for an order requiring the parties to exchange any appraisals at least 14 days prior to a commissioners’ hearing, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 117.036. The Petitioner reserves its right to recover costs of clean up and testing and all other damages arising from the presence of pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous materials on the property described herein, from all potential responsible parties, including respondents herein where appropriate, in a separate legal action to the extent permitted by law. III. That the following described lands in these proceedings taken are situated in Hennepin County, Minnesota; that the names of all persons appearing of record or known to your Petitioner to be the owners of said lands or interested therein, including all whom your Petitioner has been able by investigation and inquiry to discover, together with the nature of the ownership of each, as nearly as can be ascertained, are as follows: FEE ACQUISITION Parcel 221 C.S. 2772 (169=383) 901 S.P. 2772-125RW All of the following: That part of Lot 15, Block 2, GLEN ERIE ADDITION, shown as Parcel 221 on Minnesota Department of Transportation Right of Way Plat Numbered 27-245 as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota; together with other rights as set forth below, forming and being part of said Parcel 221: Temporary Easement: A temporary easement for highway purposes as shown on said plat as to said Parcel 221 by the temporary easement symbol, said easement shall cease on December 1, 2026, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no longer needed for highway purposes. Names of parties interested in the above-described land and nature of interest: Carver Property Management A & K LLC Fee Lakeside Capital Holdings, Inc. Mortgage City of Plymouth Claimant of an Interest

STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURT 6 columns x 8" COUNTY OF HENNEPIN FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT From Classified 1st run: $18.10 PCI = $868.80 Case Type: Civil-Other 2nd run: Department/MN $12.06 PCI = $578.88 Court File No.: 27-PA-FA-23-337 Spokesman-Recorder 3rd run: $12.06 PCI = $578.88 In The Matter of Total: $2,026.56 Amelmal Abera PHONE: Endalw 612-827-4021 vs. SUMMONS FOR BILLING Anthony Roger Protho INQUIRIES and Francios Junior Telamir

& TEARSHEETS PL E A SRESPONDENTS: E C O N TAC T TO THE ABOVE-NAMED AC C OIMPORTANT U N T I NG DEP T NOTICE: @ B I L L I NG @S P OK E S The Petitioner has filed a lawsuit against you to have the Court determine the M A N -R E C OR D E R .C O M

Sr. Cloud Data Engineer:

Open to telecommuting from anywhere in the U.S. Mult. positions avail. Req. Master’s deg. in Computer Science, Comp. Information Systems, Statistics, Biomedical Engr., Applied Mathematics, or rel. engr. or technical fld. & 2 yrs. exp. as a cloud engineer or any occupation in data engr. or data science; or a Bachelor’s deg. & 5 yrs. exp. Must poss. 2 yrs. exp. w/each of the following: developing of on-premise & cloud-based software architecture systems; relational & NoSQL database design & optimization; development for production grade analytical systems using Python & Java; developing ETL tools & logic to connect data pipelines; real-time streaming data & processing; developing analytical algorithms, reporting tools & dashboards for research, product strategy & business intelligence; developing, designing, debugging & deploying Devops pipeline components rel. to technical infrastructure; developing designs for multilayer infrastructure access mgmt., security & system health; monitor app. performance & provide technical software solutions to isolate & resolve issues w/ the code, network & infrastructure; & SDLC processes & tool chains. Apply at https://jobs.medtronic.com/, Req. #23000GFT. No agencies or phone calls. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workplace. All individuals are encouraged to apply.

Taxes and Special Assessments

TEMPORARY EASEMENT ACQUISITION Parcel 202 C.S. 2772 (169=383) 909 S.P. 2772-125RW The right to use that part of Tract A described below for highway purposes, which right shall cease on December 1, 2026, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no longer needed for highway purposes; Tract A Lot 5, Block 1, Plymouth Plaza 4th Addition, according to the plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota; the title thereto being registered as evidenced by Certificate of Title No. 1071130; which lies easterly and southerly of the following described line: Beginning at a point on the south line of Tract A hereinbefore described, distant 123 feet westerly of the southeast corner thereof; thence northerly at a right angle for 14 feet; thence easterly parallel with said south line to an intersection with easterly line of said Tract A and there terminating; containing 1738 square feet, more or less. Names of parties interested in the above-described land and nature of interest: Lancaster Village Apartments Limited Partnership, L.L.P. Fee Jones Lang LaSalle - Minnesota, Inc., formerly known as The Staubach Company-Minnesota, Inc. Mortgage Fannie Mae City of Plymouth Mortgage U.S. Bank Trust National Association Mortgage County of Hennepin Taxes and Special Assessments WHEREFORE, Your Petitioner prays that commissioners be appointed to appraise the damages which may be occasioned by such taking, and that such proceedings may be had herein as are provided by law. Dated: October 11, 2023 KEITH ELLISON Attorney General State of Minnesota s/Erik M. Johnson ERIK M. JOHNSON Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 0247522 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1800 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2128 (651) 757-1476 (Voice) (651) 297-1235 (Fax) erik.johnson@ag.state.mn.us ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER 100947 MINN. STAT. § 549.211 ACKNOWLEDGMENT The party or parties on whose behalf the attached document is served acknowledge through their undersigned counsel that sanctions may be imposed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 549.211. Dated: October 11, 2023 KEITH ELLISON Attorney General State of Minnesota s/Erik M. Johnson ERIK M. JOHNSON Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 0247522 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1800 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2128 (651) 757-1476 (Voice) (651) 297-1235 (Fax) erik.johnson@ag.state.mn.us ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder October 19 26, November 2,2023

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF RAMSEY

CASE TYPE: PERSONAL INJURY DISTRICT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NUMBER:62-CV-22-6451 The Honorable: Mark Ireland

From Classified Department/MN Reginald Hart, AMENDED SUMMONS Spokesman-Recorder Plaintiff, v. Dashiema Miller and Latara Lashawn-Monique Miller, Defendants.

PHONE: 612-827-4021

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED the above-named Defendant:

FOR BILLING INQUIRIES & TEARSHEETS 2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must ASE TACT give or mail to thePLE person who signedCON this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your ACCOU N T I NG DEP T Answer to the person who signed this summons located at: @Brantingham BI LL ILaw NG @SPOK ES Office 2200 E. Franklin Avenue, 202 .COM M A N-R ECORSuite DER

1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiffs have started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiffs’ Complaint against you is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this Summons.

paternity of the following minor child: Protho, BORN 03-08-2022 SU MAdonay MONS A COPY OF THE COMPLAINT TO X ESTABLISH AND F L AT R AT E: $110 3 W EEKPATERNITY RU N CUSTODY IS SERVED ON$320 YOU WITH THIS TOTAL: PREPA I DSUMMONS. THIS SUMMONS IS AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTS YOUR Minneapolis, MN 55404 RIGHTS. READ THIS SUMMONS AND ATTACHED COMPLAINT 3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the proof, respond with email CAREFULLY. Please IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT, confirmation CONTACT AN to SUMMONS Plaintiffs’ Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each ads@spokesman-recorder.com ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL ADVICE. paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiffs should$110 not be given everything asked PREPAID FLAT RATE: for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer. 1. The Petitioner has filed a lawsuit against you asking the Court to adjudicate the X 3 WEEK RUN TOTAL: $300 The MSR handles billing digitally. 4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE legal father of a minor child(ren). This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invoices TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you 2. You must serve upon Petitioner and file with therequest Court a written Answer to the do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case.You will not get to tell your side of the unless you specifically a hard copy. story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiffs everything asked for in Complaint, and you must pay the required Court filing fee. If you do not serve the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not and file an Answer, the Court may adjudicate paternity and give the Petitioner proof, confirmation to need to respond. APlease default judgment can respond then be enteredwith againstemail you for the relief requested in the Complaint. everything he or she is asking for in the attached Complaint. ads@spokesman-recorder.com 3. If you do not have a lawyer, you can get the Answer to the Complaint at the 5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal Ramsey County Family Court Self Help Service Center, 25 W. 7th St., St. Paul, assistance. Even ifThe you cannot legal help, you must stilldigitally. provide a written Answer to MSRgethandles billing Minnesota 55102. protect your rights or you may lose the case. This means you will get e-tears and e-mailed invo 4. You must serve your Answer upon the Petitioner within twenty-one (21) days 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered of the date you were served with this Summons, not counting the day of service. Dated: May 15, 2023

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder November 2, 9, 16, 2023

Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN.

County of Hennepin

/s Amelmal Endalw Amelmal Endalw 1601 S 4th St. Minneapolis, MN 55454 651-334-4116

unless you specifically request a hard copy.

to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. Dated: May 19, 2023

From Classified

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder October 19,26, November 2, 2023 Department/MN

BRANTINGHAM LAW OFFICE Jeremy L. Brantingham, MN #0299558 2200 E. Franklin Ave. Suite 202 Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 339-9700 ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder October 26, November 2, 9, 2023

Spokesman-Recorder

PHONE: 612-827-4021

SOE

of the year.

it. I believe this year it will be us.

Continued from page 16 FOR BILLING MSR. What is your main INQUIRIES emphasis in your preseason & TEARSHEETS Tom Andreae (6-foot junior preparation? E Acaptain S E C Ofor N TAC guard) is PL team the T AW: We talk a lot about AC C O U N Tseason: I N G D Eplaying PT second consecutive discipline on both BILLING@SPOKESMAN-RECORDER.COM “One of the best offenders in ends. Last year, I felt we took

MSR: You are going into your sixth season at Macalester as the MIAC’s only Black head basketball coach and longest-tenured Black male coach at Minnesota colleges the conference.” a lot of OK and maybe shots and universities. Minnesota’s Noah Shannon (6’5” soph- but not enough great shots. Ben Johnson is the second EMPLOYMENT DISPLAY omore forward): “He started Defensively, we want to be longest-tenured Black coach ZE: 2 COL X 4.5 H for us as SI a freshman. He’s likeI NC aggressive in passing lanes going into his third season. R AT E $44.60 PER COL NC H a Swiss Army knife—does a but. Iwith But unlike Johnson, your job some discipline. TOTAL: $401.40 little of everything.” currently seems secure. Are Badou Ba (6’7” junior for- MSR: Since St. Thomas left the you under any pressure to ward): Perhaps the team’s Division III MIAC for Division I produce a winner? most improved player; Ba led in 2019, there have been three AW: I would not say presthe MIAC in blocks and was different league champions. sure. I [do] feel I have a rePlease proof, respond with email confirmation to ad@ the league’s defensive player gotexposure: to go out and spokesman-recorder.com.AW: For We more Wedo are sponsibility to perform well. also inviting our clients to advertise on our web site for 2 weeks for a flat fee of $150 per position with purchase of

Not just for myself and my career but for my players. Ffor my AD, president, and parents of our players. The alums. MSR: Macalester’s 202324 regular season begins on November 8 at home against UW-Superior. AW: All our home games [at Leonard Center in St Paul] are free admission. Maybe you can’t attend other [area] sporting events… We encourage people to come see us play. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

2 January 26 - February 1, 2023

November 2 - 8, 2023

spokesman-recorder.com STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

IN DISTRICT COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Case Type: Condemnation Court File No.:27-CV-23-15736

State of Minnesota, by its Commissioner of Transportation, Petitioner, vs. Jason White, et al.. Respondents. IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LANDS FOR TRUNK HIGHWAY PURPOSES NOTICE To the Respondents hereinabove named: You, and each of you, are hereby notified that on February 14, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard, before Judge Patrick D. Robben, in the Courthouse at Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, via remote hearing, the Petitioner will present a Petition now on file herein for the condemnation of certain lands for trunk highway purposes. This hearing will not be in person at the courthouse. The hearing in this matter will be held remotely via a Zoom call. You must contact Court staff to receive the Zoom link or call-in number in order to appear at this hearing. The hearing before yours may run long. You may be placed on hold in the “waiting room” before Court staff is ready to begin the hearing. Please remain on the line until Court staff permits you to enter the hearing. Each party MUST: · Contact Court staff a minimum of 3 days before the hearing date to receive the link or call-in number to appear at this hearing and provide a valid telephone number and email. The Court’s contact information is below. · Notify the Court if your address, email, or phone number changes. · Be fully prepared for the remote hearing. · Contact the Court if you have concerns about the format for this remote hearing. Visit the Court’s website at www.mncourts.gov/Remote-Hearings for more information on remote hearings. Court contact information: · Phone: 612-348-0198 · Email: 4thJudgeRobbenChambers@courts.state.mn.us Instructions for attending the remote hearing may be obtained from Hennepin Court Administration. A copy of the Petition is attached hereto and incorporated herein. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, that Petitioner will also move the court for an order transferring title and possession to Petitioner of the parcels described in the Petition in accordance with Minn. Stat. §117.042, as of March 20, 2024. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, that all persons occupying the property described in the petition must VACATE THE AREA BEING ACQUIRED AND MOVE ALL OF YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY FROM THE AREA BEING ACQUIRED ON OR BEFORE MARCH 20, 2024. All advertising signs or devices located in the area being acquired must be removed by March 20, 2024. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED, that (1) a party wishing to challenge the public use or public purpose, necessity, or authority for a taking must appear at the court hearing and state the objection or must appeal within 60 days of a court order; and (2) a court order approving the public use or public purpose, necessity, and authority for the taking is final unless an appeal is brought within 60 days after service of the order on the party. Dated: October 26, 2023 KEITH ELISON Attorney General State of Minnesota s/Jeffery Thompson JEFFERY THOMPSON Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 027107X 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400 St. Paul, MN 55101-2134 (651) 757-1312 (Voice) (651) 282-2525(TTY) ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

DISTRICT COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Case Type: Condemnation

----State of Minnesota, by its Commissioner of Transportation, Petitioner, vs. Jason White, Leah White, United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., County of Hennepin, Kimberly A Sisak, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Steven R. Brachman, Debralynn Geary, Melanie Wolf, also all other persons unknown claiming any right, title, estate, interest or lien in the real estate described in the Petition herein, Respondents. ----IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LANDS FOR TRUNK HIGHWAY PURPOSES ----PETITION

----To the District Court above named the State of Minnesota brings this Petition and respectfully states and alleges: I. That Trunk Highway Legislative Route numbered 187, which has been renumbered 101, and which has been located according to law and passes over the lands herein described. That it is duly covered by Temporary Trunk Highway Order numbered 99766, Supplemental Temporary Trunk Highway Order numbered 100186, and Supplemental Temporary Trunk Highway Temporary Order No. 100187 II. That the Commissioner of Transportation deems it necessary that the State of Minnesota for trunk highway purposes obtain the lands herein described in fee simple absolute, together with the following rights: to acquire all trees, shrubs, grass and herbage within the right of way herein to be taken, and to keep and have the exclusive control of the same and to acquire a temporary easement in those cases which are herein particularly mentioned. It is the intention of the above-named Petitioner to move the court for an order authorizing the Court Administrator to accept and deposit payments, in an interestbearing account, from the Petitioner to the court pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 117.042. Further, it is the intention of the above-named Petitioner to move the court for an order transferring title and possession of the parcels herein described, prior to the filing of an award by the court appointed commissioners, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §117.042. Further, it is the intention of the above-named Petitioner to move the court for an order requiring the parties to exchange any appraisals at least 14 days prior to a commissioners’ hearing, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 117.036. The Petitioner reserves its right to recover costs of clean up and testing and all other damages arising from the presence of pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous materials on the property described herein, from all potential responsible parties, including respondents herein where appropriate, in a separate legal action to the extent permitted by law. III. That the following described lands in these proceedings taken are situated in Hennepin County, Minnesota; that the names of all persons appearing of record or known to your Petitioner to be the owners of said lands or interested therein, including all whom your Petitioner has been able by investigation and inquiry to discover, together with the nature of the ownership of each, as nearly as can be ascertained, are as follows: FEE ACQUISITION Parcel 37 C.S. 2736 (101=187) 901 S.P. 2736-46RW That part of Tract A described below: Tract A. The South 126.2 feet of the following described property: That part of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 7, Township 116 North, Range 22 West, Hennepin County, Minnesota, described as beginning at a point on the West line of said Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter distant 113.50 feet North from the Southwest corner of said Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; thence North along said West line a distance of 374.20 feet; thence East, parallel with the South line of said Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, a distance of 245.00 feet; thence South, parallel with said West line, a distance of 374.20 feet; thence West, parallel with said South line, a distance of 245.00 feet to the point of beginning; the title thereto being registered as evidenced by Certificate of Title No. 1525315; which lies within the right of way of Trunk Highway No. 101 as now located and established; containing 4178 square feet, more or less, which is encumbered in its entirety by an existing prescriptive road easement; also a right to use the following described strip for highway purposes, which right shall cease on December 1, 2026, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no longer needed for highway purposes: A strip being that part of Tract A hereinbefore described, adjoining and easterly of the above described strip, which lies westerly of a line run parallel with and distant 7 feet easterly of the easterly line of said strip; containing 886 square feet, more or less. Names of parties interested in the above-described land and nature of interest: Jason White Fee Leah White United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC Mortgage Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. County of Hennepin Taxes and Special Assessments FEE ACQUISITION Parcel 39 C.S. 2736 (101=187) 901 S.P. 2736-46RW That part of Tract A described below: Tract A. The North 124.00 feet of the South 250.20 feet of the following described tract: That part of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 7, Township 116 North, Range 22 West, Hennepin County, Minnesota, described as beginning at a point on the west line of said Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter distant 113.50 feet north from the southwest corner of said Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; thence north along said west line a distance of 374.20 feet; thence east, parallel with the south line of said Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, a distance of 245.00 feet; thence south, parallel with

said west line, a distance of 374.20 feet; thence west, parallel with said south line, a distance of 245.00 feet to the point of beginning; the title thereto being registered as evidenced by Certificate of Title No. 1193524; which lies within the right of way of Trunk Highway No. 101 as now located and established; containing 4081 square feet, more or less, which is encumbered in its entirety by an existing prescriptive road easement; also a right to use the following described strip for highway purposes, which right shall cease on December 1, 2026, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no longer needed for highway purposes: A strip being that part of Tract A hereinbefore described, adjoining and easterly of the above described strip, which lies southerly and westerly of the following described line: Beginning at a point on the easterly right of way line of said Trunk Highway No. 101, distant 177 feet northerly of its intersection with the northerly right of way line of Valley View Road (both as now located and established); thence easterly at a right angle for 7 feet; thence southerly parallel with said easterly right of way line to the south line of said Tract A and there terminating; containing 353 square feet, more or less. Names of parties interested in the above-described land and nature of interest: Kimberly A Sisak Fee Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Mortgage Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. County of Hennepin Taxes and Special Assessments Parcel 27 C.S. 2736 (101=187) 902 S.P. 2736-46RW The right to use that part of Tract A described below for highway purposes, which right shall cease on December 1, 2026, or on such earlier date upon which the Commissioner of Transportation determines by formal order that it is no longer needed for highway purposes: Tract A. Lot 10, Block 2, LOCHANBURN, according to the plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Hennepin County, Minnesota; which lies westerly of the following described line: Beginning at a point on the northerly line of Tract A hereinbefore described, distant 2 feet easterly of the northwest corner thereof; thence southerly parallel with the westerly line of said Tract A to an intersection with the southwesterly line thereof and there terminating; containing 299 square feet, more or less. Names of parties interested in the above-described land and nature of interest: Steven R. Brachman Fee Debralynn Geary Melanie Wolf Lessee County of Hennepin Taxes and Special Assessments WHEREFORE, Your Petitioner prays that the Court grant this petition, that commissioners be appointed to appraise the damages which may be occasioned by such taking, and that such proceedings may be had herein as are provided by law. Dated: October 9, 2023 KEITH ELLISON Attorney General State of Minnesota s/Jeffery S. Thompson JEFFERY S. THOMPSON Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 027107X 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1800 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2134 (651) 757-1312 (Voice) (651) 297-1235 (Fax) jeffery.thompson@ag.state.mn.us ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER 100949 MINN. STAT. § 549.211 ACKNOWLEDGMENT The party or parties on whose behalf the attached document is served acknowledge through their undersigned counsel that sanctions may be imposed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 549.211. Dated: October 9, 2023 KEITH ELLISON Attorney General State of Minnesota s/Jeffery S. Thompson JEFFERY S. THOMPSON Assistant Attorney General Atty. Reg. No. 027107X 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1800 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2134 (651) 757-1312 (Voice) (651) 297-1235 (Fax) jeffery.thompson@ag.state.mn.us ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder November 2, 9, 16, 2023

The wins will take care of BJ: There’s a lot of tal1st run: $18.10 PCI = $1,194.60BJ: These guys and what VIEW they went through last year, ented coaches across the themselves. Finding ways to

Continued from page 16

season. “For us to have a chance to play at Williams Arena and to be on that stage—what it’s going to do for our [Macalester] community. It is a great gift for us,” said Woldeslassie.

(l-r) Rudy Gobert, Rachel Banham Photos courtesy of MN Timberwolves/Lynx

spokesman-recorder.com

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MACALESTER

New Hospitality House court unveiled Last week, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, in partnership with U.S. Bank, unveiled a renovated court at Hospitality House in North Minneapolis as part of the “Our Courts. Our Future” program, now in its sixth season. The program’s mission is to unite communities through the power of sport, while also supporting youth development programs on and off the court. “I think this is really significant for us,” Tru Pettigrew, Timberwolves and Lynx Chief Impact Officer told the MSR prior to the unveiling ceremony. Pettigrew, Wolves Center Rudy Gobert, Lynx Guard Rachel Banham, and others participated in the ceremonial

15

Tru Pettigrew

2nd run:from $12.06 PCI Continued page 16= $795.96 you can tell the dividends 3rd run: $12.06 PCI = $795.96 Total: $2,786.52that it is paying right now. You next year and where we are can’t replace the experience trying to go with the program. they got, even though they’re The way I look at it, each year, young. I think the confidence you have to be as competitive they have… has really been as you have to be. This is the positive for the program, and year where we take a step… exciting for me to see. This is the first time we have guys returning. [We] are not to- MSR: The Gophers play Matally teaching it to a new roster. calester on Thursday, November 2, in an exhibition contest. MSR: Minnesota for the first Then they open the 2023-24 time in your tenure, your regular season on Monday, team has depth—15 healthy November 6, versus Bethuneplayers on the roster, includ- Cookman, an HBCU. Gopher ing Parker Fox and Isaiah Ih- fans will see consecutive nen back after two consecu- games of Black coaches leadtive years of knee surgery. ing their squads. You also play Sophomores Pharrel Payne, home games versus Missouri Braeden Carrington, and (November 16), and ArkanJoshua Ola-Joseph all played sas-Pine Bluff (November 21), at least half a game each sea- teams also coached by Black son as freshmen. head coaches.

ribbon-cutting on October 23, and a short basketball clinic for local youth in attendance last week. “To be able to do this, to give back to this community in which we all live, work, and play is great. Our players come from communities such as this,” Pettigrew added. The new Hospitality House court is the fourth court unveiled so far. The East Side Boys and Girls Club, Jerry Gamble Boys and Girls Club, and Southside Village Boys “Community Conversation,” and Girls Club also received focusing on the Restore the refurbished indoor courts. Vote bill on Friday, November “We have been given a huge 3, at All Square (4047 Minplatform in sports,” Pettigrew nehaha Ave. in Minneapolis) said. “There is a lot of respon- from 5 to 6 p.m. sibility that comes with that. The Timberwolves will I’m so happy we get to do this.” host the ACLU, which will Restore the Vote returns The Timberwolves and Lynx annual Pack the Vote initiative, a nonpartisan voter education platform aimed at increasing voter registration by supplying voter resources and inspiring civic engagement, will kick off this week. The teams will host a special

share voter registration information and educate fans on the Restore the Vote bill on the arena’s main concourse during their games leading up to Election Day, on November 1, 4, and 6. Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@ spokesman-recorder.com.

PREP

win games… I think that is what we are looking for. We know we have experience, and we know we have the talent to make us competitive. We have to learn how to win. I’m really excited about the state of where we are at. You want to win every game and you want to be as competitive MSR: Your prospectus on as you can. I know everybody wants it right away. But the the 23-24 Gophers? BJ: We feel like we have a hard part is taking it in stages. team where we are going to I’m really happy with where put ourselves in the position we’re at and the progress that to be competitive each game— we were able to make. Now [I] feel we can go toenon-conference or conference—and find ways to close to-toe with everyone in our out games. The last couple of league from a competitive years we have been able to standpoint. be competitive to a certain Charles Hallman welcomes degree and put ourselves in position to win games but reader comments at challman@ spokesman-recorder.com. haven’t been able to. country, whether it’s at an HBCU or at a Power Five, or a mid- or lower-level that do a phenomenal job. I think we [as Black coaches] always try to use our platform in every single way possible to expand diversity, whatever that diversity might look like.

coach and mentor. I use what I learned from him in my evContinued from page 16 eryday life. It was a privilege to play for him.” playing the game of basket“I didn’t realize it at the time, ball, but he also was about but Coach Portis was preparbusiness,” said Mark Wingo, ing me for life after basketball a power forward on the state when I started playing for championship team. “When it him,” said Hargrow. I was 15 was time to have fun, we did. years old. He allowed me to When it came game time, he be myself and his guidance was serious about the players helped me believe I could giving their best effort. play at the University of Min“Most importantly, Coach nesota as well as professionPortis prepared us for life. He ally. He had a sign on his door didn’t just want us to be great that read ‘The main thing is to basketball players,” continued keep the main thing, the main Wingo. “He wanted us to be thing.’ I laughed every time he great men. He was a great said it while playing for him.

But it still resonates with me today. It was about more than basketball with Coach Portis. He was the perfect storm for me.” While Portis’ career will be remembered for his accomplishments, Howell noted two memories of his mentor that will never fade away. “Coaching basketball is about more than the sport,” said Howell with a smile. “And he was the best-dressed coach in the state of Minnesota.” Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader comments at mcdeezy05@gmail.com.

16 November 2 - 8, 2023

Sports

spokesman-recorder.com

he MSR recently sat down with the state’s longest-tenured Black men’s college basketball head coaches. One leads a program on the rise and seemingly has job security. The other, however, is on the proverbial hot seat going into his third year, as his job is now being seen as shaky at best. Both Black men are making history this week. This week’s Another View and Sports Odds and Ends talk to each coach in separate conversations, each edited for space.

Black coaches face-off in Macalester-Minnesota exhibition game By Charles Hallman Sports columnist

it the right way,” Johnson said For the first time ever, the of Woldeslassie. two schools will play an exhibiWoldeslassie pointed out tion game on November 2, at the similarities, “I think us both t’s been over a century since Williams Arena. Unlike the prebeing Black head coaches at the last time Minnesota vious 11 meetings, Minnesota our alma mater. We both grew and Macalester played each and Mac are currently led by up in Minneapolis. We both other in men’s basketball. Min- the two longest-serving Black are young head coaches… and nesota leads the series (from male coaches in Minnesota colboth of us are building pro1896 to 1922) all-time by a 7-4 lege basketball. margin, but the Scots won their Ben Johnson and Abe grams. It’s a great story.” last meeting between the two Woldeslassie have both sucLast season Macalester was clubs, 12-11. All games were cessfully forged parallel ca15-11 and qualified for the played before The Barn was reers: Johnson played at De MIAC playoffs for the second built and opened in 1928. year in a row. La Salle and Woldeslassie at St. “I think it’s a credit to Abe,” Thomas Academy. Johnson added. “He does a reThe two prep players moved on to college—Johnson, first at ally fine good job. I have a ton of Northwestern then at Minnesorespect for him and his program.” Minnesota was 9-22 last ta, and Woldeslassie started at Williams Arena court Photo courtesy of Macalester Athletics St. Thomas and then transferred season and returns seven to Macalester. Both went into year at the St. Paul school and to him about starting an exhibi- [Assistant Coach] Dave Thorson players from last year’s team, coaching and now lead their re- Johnson’s third year at Minnesota. tion game. Finally, this year we who really made it happen.” including four that saw signifi“It’s always cool to have a cant time during the 2022-23 “When Ben got hired about were able to do it,” the Scots HC spective alma maters. This is Woldeslassie’s sixth three years ago, I reached out noted. “I give credit to him and guy that I’ve known that does ■ See MACALESTER on page 15

“It’s always cool to have a guy that I’ve known, that does it the right way.”

Johnson remains focused on the positives

t age 42, Ben Johnson is the youngest head coach in the Big Ten. He is one of four alums coaching their alma mater in the league along with Michigan’s Juwan Howard, Purdue’s Matt Painter, and Indiana’s Mike Woodson. Johnson, Howard, and Woodson are also the league’s only Black men’s head basketball coaches, down one from last season. Last season, the Gopher coach also had one of Ben Johnson the league’s youngest squads in the veteran-laden Big Ten. But at the same time, none of his players checked out despite all the defeats on the court and wins off it (the team posted a program record 3.36 GPA). That’s a great telltale sign of good coaching and a tribute to At times, the young Gophs, Johnson and his coaching staff. whose average age was 20.38 However, it isn’t being fully recyears, with three freshmen all ognized as too many Gopher averaging at least 20 minutes fans and local media have takper game in ’22-’23, looked en a win-or-gone posture and overmatched. have instead focused on the As a result, losses mounted, losses, as well as Johnson’s age and Minnesota finished 9-22. and inexperience (in their eyes),

“The wins will take care of themselves.”

Photo by Charles Hallman even though the Minneapolis native began coaching in 2005. A couple of websites recently listed Johnson among several DI HCs on the hot seat this season. This elephant-inthe-room question began our one-on-one conversation with Coach Johnson (BJ). MSR: Is your third season as Gopher coach a win-or-else scenario? BJ: I don’t look at it as makeor-break. This season is just the ■ See VIEW on page 15

Correction: In last week’s Another View column, the names of the Gopher coaches were incorrectly identified. We apologize for the error. Pictured from left to right were Dawn Plitzuweit, Aaron Horn, and Ariel Braker.

Woldeslassie likes the Scots chances this year

wo seasons ago, Macalester made a surprising run and finished as MIAC runners-up. That was Abe Woldeslassie’s third season as head coach at his alma mater. Woldeslassie has led Mac since his hiring in 2018 and has increased the team’s winning percentage in each of his first five seasons at Macalester. The Scots’ 15 wins last season were the school’s third-most victories over the past 40 years. Abe Woldeslassie

“I believe this year it will be us.”

the D3hoops.com top 25 national preseason poll, receiving votes as one of two MIAC schools [Carlton, last season’s league champs is the other] to receive votes. During our sit-down interAfter graduating from Macalester in 2008, Woldeslassie view, Abe Woldeslassie (AW), began coaching in 2010 and was very optimistic about his has held coaching positions at squad going into his 2023-24 Siena College, Davidson Col- season: lege, Dartmouth, and Bowdoin College before taking over the MSR: What is your overall Scots program, which only had outlook on this year’s team? AW: We finished fourth 35 wins in its previous 10 seasons as his first head coaching in our conference last year [15-11 overall, 11-9 MIAC]. opportunity. Last week, the Scots made We have… all five starters its first-ever appearance on back. We feel we have a great

Photo by Charles Hallman chance to win the conference this year. MSR: Briefly give us a thumbnail prospectus on some of your returnees. AW: Caleb Williams (6’2” junior guard) was third in the MIAC in scoring (21.5 PPG): “He has a great chance of being player of the year in the conference.” Coby Gold (6’2” junior guard) joined Williams as AllMIAC last year: “We feel that he’s got a chance to not only be all-conference, but also an all-region player.” ■ See SOE on page 14

Portis inducted into the Hall of Fame

harles Portis, regarded as one of the top boys’ basketball coaches in state history, was recently inducted into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association HOF during a banquet held last week at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. Portis’ coaching career began in the spring of 1980, at Ramsey Jr. High School in St. Paul, where he also served as a guidance counselor.

His first coaching job at the high school level was at Como Park in 1983, where he coached Cougar legends Donald West, Frank Shaw, and Tony Smith. In 1988, he moved on to Highland Park, and the rest, as they say, is history. Portis remained at Highland for the next 22 seasons leading the Scots to the Class AAA state championship with players Mark Wingo, Terrance Stokes, Maurice “Moe” Hargrow, Tom Miley, and Joe Mathew. “That team was very special,” said Portis after his induction. “It was quite an accomplishment, but my career was about more than basketball. It was about helping them become men and contributors to the community.” That theme resonated from the interviews of Portis’ former players, whose comments were read during the induction ceremony. Charles Portis 2023 MBCA Hall of Fame inductee St. Paul Central boys’ basketball coach Scott Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald

Howell, who played for Portis at Ramsey Jr. High from 1980-81, said Portis is an important person in his life to this day. “Pops came into my life at a critical time,” said Howell, who is also the school’s head football coach. “My parents passed away when I was in eighth grade. During that time, he was the counselor and the new boys’ basketball coach. I played for him,” he continued, “and he has been my father figure ever since. Coaching against him was like coaching against my father.” “The one thing I remember about Coach Portis is how he communicated and interacted with his players,” said Stokes, the point guard on the state championship team. “We won state and all, but it was about way more than just basketball. Playing for him changed my life.” “Coach Portis was about having fun while ■ See PREP on page 15