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City updates its climate action plan
Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
The City of St. Paul is methodically taking steps to reduce single occupancy vehicle commuters by 40% by 2040 and reach carbon neutrality in city operations by 2030 and citywide by 2050. Currently underway is the creation of a Downtown Streets and Sidewalks plan, which will establish a 20-year vision for a transportation network downtown that promotes walkability and reduces automobile dependency. An online survey garnering community feedback about the current network and how people travel downtown was recently wrapped up, and additional opportunities for community feedback will be given before the plan’s expected completion next year. The primary study area is between I-94/I-35E, Highway 52, Shepard Road and Kellogg Boulevard. Improving safety for drivers, transit users and pedestrians is also a primary goal.
Additionally, the City is updating its Climate Action and Resilience Plan, which was adopted in 2019. A draft is expected to be completed by the end of May, including the first in a series of action plans that can be implemented in 5-year increments. According to the 2019 plan, the biggest culprits of carbon emissions in the city are from building energy use (61%) and
Climate plan / Page 5
The St. Paul
Pumping up the Parks
New playgrounds, trails and other amenities coming soon to area parks
This architectural rendering shows the “Birds and Bugs” playground design option, one of two being considered at Prospect Park.
Jake
Spitzack
Staff Writer
The winter melt has given way to green grass, warm breezes and soft sunshine, sparking new life in parks across the city. Green spaces are important to urban areas because they help absorb traffic noise, cool neighborhoods, increase property values, improve mental health and provide room for recreation. Several improvements are now underway at parks in the St. Paul Voice distribution area, and many are funded fully or in part by the Common Cent Sales Tax, which St. Paul voters approved in 2023 and took effect last year. Here are the projects underway.
forCooking a cause
West Side restaurateur unites chefs to support local nonprofits
Leonor Villasuso Rustad
Contributor
Prospect Park playground - Located at 180 Delos St. W., Prospect Park is slated to get a new playground this summer thanks to a $710,000 community development block grant. A final plan is expected to be completed by the end of May, with construction beginning right after a bid is awarded. Proposed work includes replacing the existing playground and playground surface, improving walking paths and accessibility, installing more seating, upgrading lighting, and adding landscaping and public art. The new playground will be either “treehouse” or “birds and bugs” themed. Both options feature separate play zones for kids ages 2-5 and 5-12. Completion is targeted for this fall.
Parks / Page 3
Chef Soleil Ramírez, owner of Crasqui Venezuelan Roots restaurant at 84 S. Wabasha St., St. Paul, has organized a series of monthly events that bring together the most renowned Latino chefs in the Twin Cities to raise money for nonprofits that work with immigrant communities. Ramírez provides the staff, kitchen and space where guest chefs prepare benefit dinners. Crasqui also donates a portion of the sales from the evening to the partner community organization and holds silent auctions to raise additional funds.
Each event has a unique menu featuring cuisine from the chef’s home country. The first dinner occurred April 23 with chef Gustavo Romero of Nixta Tortillería y Oro. Proceeds benefited the organization Huellas Latinas, which uses outdoor recreation programs to promote wellbeing, connections to nature, and foster a sense of belonging. On May 28, Christian de León from Xelas/ El Sazón will use his culinary talents to support COPAL, which works in environmental justice, worker’s rights and health and wellness for Latino immigrant communities across Minnesota. Tickets are $165.
/ Page 5
West Side Cinco de Mayo fiesta returns May 2-3
Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
Clear your calendar and call your friends – the West Side Cinco de Mayo fiesta is back, and this time for two days. Cesar Chavez Street between Robert and Ada will be transformed into a colorful block party filled with lively music, mouth-watering eats and a host of family-friendly activities. Festivities take
place 5-9 p.m., May 2, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., May 3, and about 20,000 people are expected to attend. This is the second year the community-based Westside Fiestas committee has worked with the Westside Boosters to produce the regionally renowned and community favorite event, which dates to 1985. Formerly, it was organized by the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, which cancelled the
event in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and chose not to revive it.
Julián Córdova won this year’s button competition and buttons can be purchased by contacting the Westside Cinco de Mayo committee at info@westsidecincodemayo.com. However, a button is not required for admission to the fiesta. Proceeds from the fiesta support the Westside Boosters Youth Sports League, a non-
profit youth sports organization that provides athletic opportunities for youth of all abilities and financial statuses. The following events were accurate as of press time but are subject to change. Car show - A fleet of finetuned and freshly polished lowriders, hot rods, motorcycles and other custom cars will once again line the festival streets for the annual
Crasqui
Sample St. Paul Page 8
‘Parks & People’ book commemorates St. Paul parks
Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
Nineteen of St. Paul’s city parks have been memorialized in a new coloring book, set to be published by the Ramsey County Historical Society and the St. Paul Parks Conservancy on May 9. It’s not just for kids. It has de-
tailed sections that can take even the most artistic people hours to fill in. It also highlights the history and environmental “treasures” within the parks, so people can have a deeper appreciation for them the next time they visit.
“Parks & People: A Colorful History of Saint Paul Parks,” features illustrations
by Jeanne Kosfeld and informative narratives written by Kathy Berdan. Two launch events are slated for May, and each provides the opportunity to meet the contributors. Book & Brew is held 2-5 p.m., Saturday, May 10, at Waldmann Brewery, 445 Smith Ave. N. Visitors can enjoy live music and get a free beer with each book purchased, as well as join a walking tour to Irvine Park at 2:30 or 3:30 p.m. Parks Giving Day will be held noon-1 p.m., Friday, May 16, at Irvine Park. The event will feature music and food trucks, and also celebrate the
The Conservancy is also hosting The Great Park Walk 2025: Around the Parks in 80 Days, in partnership with Great River Passage Conservancy. The summerlong event challenges people to visit every park in the coloring book. Prizes are awarded for visiting the parks, or by getting friends to sponsor your “walk.” A Finish Line Celebration is slated for August 4, at either Raspberry Island or Harriet Island.
The drawing of Pedro Park is the only one that doesn’t match the site as it appears today, because the park is still being built. The
Playing
area, playground, lawn space and more. It has been called for since 2006 when the city adopted the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan.
Kosfeld is a former newspaper cartoonist and director of the design department at the University of Alaska, and for the past 18 years has been creative director at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. She paints and does a variety of other jobs in her spare time, including board game design and creating public sculptures. She also did illustrations for two other coloring books: “Irvine Park Saint Paul: Neighborhood Architecture” and “Finding RONDO: Saint Paul.” Berdan is a Minnesota native and retired journalist who worked throughout the Midwest including in St. Paul. Since leaving the newsroom she has done freelance writing for various organizations, including Minnesota Monthly and the Walker Art Center.
Overall, St. Paul’s parks system is the result of countless people who dedicated their lives to ensuring residents can enjoy green space for decades to come, and it’s continually evolving. Two years ago St. Paul residents voted to increase the city’s sales tax by one percent to raise $738 million for street improvements and $246 million for parks and recreation facility improvements for the next 20 years. Aside from costly repairs to many existing parks facilities, the park funds will support the creation of a
multipurpose community center on the city’s East Side, river-focused environmental learning space and National Park Service headquarters at Crosby Farm Regional Park, and a 1.5-mile River Balcony promenade along the downtown bluff.
The St. Paul Parks Conservancy was founded in 2008 to help generate support from private individuals, corporations and foundations for park enhancements, programs and facilities. The McKnight Foundation donated seed money to the City of St. Paul to get it off the ground, and the nonprofit has since raised $4 million for park projects and programming. Today, Mears Park, Rice Park and Pedro Park have specific philanthropic arms under the Conservancy’s umbrella to help garner funding and maintain the sites.
Parks featured in the book include: Rice Park, Mears Park, Como Regional Park, Summit Overlook Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, Phalen Regional Park, Newell Park, Cochran Park, Boyd Park, Swede Hollow Park, Lilydale Regional Park, Raspberry Island Regional Park, Upper Landing Park, Speak Takraw Courts, Frogtown Community Center and General Vang Pao Fields, Unčí Makhá Park, Pedro Park, Indian Mounds Regional Park and Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. To order the book, visit ramseycounty-historical-society. square.site.
Baker Park - The 6.5acre Baker Park on the West Side is currently being redesigned, with construction work scheduled for next year. Work includes combining the baseball and softball fields, installing a synthetic turf field, creating a restroom and storage facility, making a patio and concessions area near the annex building, improving the site’s water drainage, installing additional fencing and lighting, and adding trees. Drinking fountains may also be installed in some areas. The tennis courts and sledding hill will remain.
Sam Morgan Trail - Work is underway on the Sam Morgan Regional Trail between Lower Landing Park and Highway 61. It includes reconstructing the trail, erosion control, and tree removals and plantings. Trail nodes will also be made at Lower Landing Park, with benches, bike racks, lighting and trash cans. A temporary detour route has been posted, directing pedestrians and cyclists along Mounds Boulevard. Work is expected to be completed by the end of
October and is being funded with federal and local match dollars.
Mountain bike trackSt. Paul recently applied for a $200,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to build a track for mountain biking at Lower Landing Park and improve the Lower Afton intersection along Point Douglas Regional Trail.
Mendota Heights
The Mendota Heights City Council is expected to adopt its new Parks System Master Plan by the end of June, guiding improvements to its park system for the next 15 years.
Valley Park - A new segment of the River to River Greenway is being built through Valley Park this summer, in partnership with Dakota County. The baseball field was recently restored to address grading and drainage issues. The cost was $10,000.
Ivy Hills - The City Council is expected to select the design for a new playground at Ivy Hills Park in June. Installation may occur this summer. The playground will have at least five swings and two slides, a wheelchair accessible feature such as a
merry-go-round, communication board, engineered wood fiber surfacing, at least two benches and more. Approximately $160,000 from the general levy has been earmarked for the project, as well as $20,000 from the special parks fund.
Friendly Hills - The tennis courts at Friendly Hills Park were resurfaced in 2022 but repair work is needed this year to address vandalism that occurred in fall 2023. Grafitti will be removed, cracks and dents filled, and the entire courts resurfaced and painted. Work is scheduled to be completed in July. The five people responsible for damages were found guilty, and the city will receive nearly $17,000 to cover the repair costs.
Hagstrom King Park - Construction will begin this summer on a trail on the north side of Hagstrom King Park, connecting Hampshire Drive to Pond Circle West. The $77,500 project will be done in conjunction with road work in the neighborhood and be completed by the end of next year.
Par 3 - Trey Carlson was recently hired as the Mendota Heights recreation facilities coordinator. He will
The City of West St. Paul’s pool is nearing the end of its useful life. While the pool reopens May 31, the slide will not be in operation.
manage the Par 3 golf course in addition to assisting with the parks and recreation and public works departments. Carlson formerly worked in recreational programming for the Elk River School District and in golf course maintenance at the Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park.
West St. Paul
The West St. Paul City Council is expected to adopt its new Parks System Plan this summer. It will guide improvements to the parks system for the next 20 years.
Pool - The City’s pool at
92 W. Orme St., built in 1955 and significantly restored in 1999, is nearing the end of its useful life. A report recently completed by a consultant estimated that repairing it to last for another 25 years would cost $1.3 million, or $4 million for another 50 years. City staff are continuing to analyze those options and may get cost estimates for creating a new pool. This year, the pool opens May 31, and the slide will not be in operation.
Marthaler Park - The Marthaler Park Improvement Project – underway since 2018 – was recently
completed, and a grand opening celebration is scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, June 5. The $2.1 million project included installing a new playground and fishing pier, creating a pavilion with grill and restroom, a new parking lot, resurfacing volleyball and basketball courts, habitat restoration, trail reconstruction, adding a bicycle repair station, security and more. It was partially funded by Dakota County and through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Photo by City of West St. Paul
Parks / Page 12
Cinco de Mayo
from page 1
car show. It’s held 6 p.m., May 2, at 179 E. Robie St. A hop/bounce contest will take place, and prizes will be awarded to entrants in various categories.
Parade
The iconic parade kicks off at 10 a.m., May 3, at the intersection of Wabasha and Cesar Chavez, and travels down Cesar Chavez to Ada. Colorful floats, folkloric dancers, bands and members of the community will participate. Longtime West Side Boosters volunteer and
coach Danny Franco will lead the way as this year’s grand marshal.
Music and entertainment
Three stages will be on the fiesta grounds on May 3. The R&B Stage at Robert and Cesar Chavez features Twin River, noon; The Santana Project, 1 p.m.; High and Mighty, 3 p.m.; and Pepe Márquez with special guest DJ Dime, 5 p.m. The Tex-Mex Stage at State and George will feature performances by Ricardo Castillón
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo St. Paul
Friday & Saturday, May 2-3
The Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs proudly joins all Saint Paulites in the 5 de Mayo celebrations.
658 Cedar St., Suite G-56, St. Paul MN 55155 mn.gov/mcla/ | mcla.desk@state.mn.us | 651-757-1762
y la Diferenzia, Mambito y los Champs, Los Rebeldes and more. The Cultural Performances Stage at Parque de Castillo will feature local performers and groups. Additionally, a Family Zone will be set up in Parque Castillo featuring crafts and activities, and an artisan market and many food vendors.
Live pro wrestling
“Cinco Chaos at Boca Chica!” is held noon-3 p.m., May 3, at Boca Chica. It features live pro wrestling by Midwest All-Star Wrestling. General admission is free, but limited ringside tickets are $20.
Softball tournament
An adult softball tournament will take place at Gilbert de la O Field behind the Wellstone Center. Games are held on Saturday, May 3. The tournament has been organized by the Boosters since 1988.
History and background
Celebra el Cinco de Mayo San Pablo viernes y sábado, 2 y 3 de mayo El Consejo de Asuntos Latinos de Minnesota se une con orgullo a todos los habitantes de Saint Paul en las celebraciones del 5 de Mayo.
The celebration, always held the weekend around May 5, once attracted more than 100,000 attendees over a full weekend of events and had been called one of the top 10 largest Cinco de Mayo fiestas in the nation.
658 Cedar St., Suite G-56, St. Paul MN 55155 mn.gov/mcla/ | mcla.desk@state.mn.us | 651-757-1762
It was first organized by the Riverview Economic Development Association and grew from a small community festival to a regional attraction. However, it became too much for the small nonprofit to manage and in 2009 the event was transferred to the St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation, which also organizes the St. Paul Winter Carnival. The foundation eventually reduced the festival to one day then stopped organizing it after cancelling for two years because of the pandemic. In 2022, a small Cinco de Mayo event was organized on the West Side by Reis Romero, a former volunteer with the
traditional Cinco de Mayo West Side St. Paul. The West Side Boosters, established in 1970, plans to help organize the event for the foreseeable future and would like to see it return to a similar scale as it once was. The nonprofit can provide significant help because of a $1.4 million grant it received from the state’s Explore Minnesota Department in summer 2023 to fund cultural events.
In addition to making sure Cinco keeps thriving, it uses some of the funds for its annual Football Fiesta in September in conjunction with Mexican Independence Day.
Cinco de Mayo (May 5) commemorates the un-
likely victory at the Battle of Puebla, in Mexico’s state of Puebla, of a struggling Mexican army over Napoleon III’s massive French army in 1862. This was the first time the French Army had been defeated in decades. Although the French regrouped and overtook Mexico City, the Puebla battle is remembered for the euphoria it created, as well as the hope and patriotism, not just in Mexico but among Mexicans living in California at the time.
To volunteer at the fiesta, call Ana at 651-230-9195. For more information, visit stpaulwestsidefiestas.com.
Have a news tip or idea for an article?
Contact Tim: 651-457-1177
tim@stpaulpublishing.com
Photo courtesy of West Side Fiestas
Climate plan
from page 1
transportation (30%). If no action is taken, emissions are anticipated to increase 50% by 2050, contributing to the significant warming being documented across the planet.
Notably, Xcel Energy is working to provide 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, which will get St. Paul buildings about 40% of the way toward carbon neutrality. This allows the city to focus more on reducing emissions from travel and natural gas. Ultimately, both will need to be decreased by 3% annually to meet the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
A major piece of the two complementary plans is determining how to make low-emission travel a legitimate choice for the general public, especially for trips of less than three miles. Creating more sidewalk and trail connections with pleasant landscaping and other amenities is expected to promote walking and biking, which in turn have mental health benefits for individuals. Providing additional light rail and bus transit options, as well as electric car-share and electric bikes and scooters, could also curb single occupancy commuters. The city’s bike plan, adopted last year, has paved the way for up to 163 miles of new off-street bike lanes to be created in the city by 2040, bringing
Crasqui
from page 1
Future events and beneficiaries include:
June 25 - Nettie Colón of Red Hen Gastrolab; Neighborhood House
July 27 - Rolando Díaz from Marna’s Eatery; Latino LEAD
August 24 - Pedro Wolcott from Guacaya Bistreaux; beneficiary to be confirmed.
September 21 - José Alarcón and Noé Lara; Pacer Center
October 19 - Jorge Guzmán from Chilango; Centro Tyrone Guzman
November 19 - Hilda Vera-Terhark of Holy Sins Bakery; beneficiary to be confirmed.
Ramírez, a Venezuelan immigrant and businesswoman, knows firsthand the difficulties immigrants face, especially those who open a business and work hard to
the network to a total of 335 bike lane miles. Notably, the next segment of the Capital City Bikeway will be constructed this summer along the north side of Kellogg Boulevard, from St. Peter Street to West 7th Street. Getting more people out on the streets will also help boost economic development, another top priority for the City. A year ago, the City adopted a Downtown Investment Strategy, outlining population growth goals, which include adding 20,000 residents, 20,000 workers for a total of 75,000, and increasing the number of annual visitors by 20% to 10 million. The report identified three ways that the public and private sectors can work together to reach the goals: convert office space into housing, invest in pedestrian-oriented streetscape improvements and advance downtown St. Paul’s most strategic redevelopment opportunities. Last fall, 10 office buildings were identified as candidates for conversion into residential units: 375 Jackson Street’s first building, Alliance Bank Building, Empire Building, First National Bank building, Gallery Professional building, Great Northern building, InterContinental building, Park Square Court, Town Square UBS Tower and U.S. Bank Center. Con-
keep it afloat.
“With everything that’s going on, politically, I feel like I need to do something for Latinos,” she said. “I am still in limbo. I have just been approved for asylum after nine years. I understand everything that immigrants have to go through to be here.”
Ramírez is looking for donors or sponsors to help pay for some of the ingredients for the benefit dinners so more money can go to the designated organizations. For more information or to donate, visit crasquirestaurant.com.
struction is underway on the former Ecolab University and Landmark Tower buildings. Regarding strategic development opportunities, a developer has been selected for the redevelopment of the light rail Central Station block. They are proposing to build a 20-story apartment tower and a 6-story building connected by a skyway over the Metro Green Line. The $130-million project features 300 apartment units and 10,000 square feet of
ground-floor retail space on the vacant site adjacent to the Green Line’s Central Station. A purchase agreement is tentatively slated for the end of 2026, with construction starting shortly after. Likewise, Ramsey County is working on schematic plans for the Park at RiversEdge, a 9-acre park on the Mississippi bluff between Union Depot and the Science Museum that is expected to feature gathering space for public events, expanded
public access to the river and more. It’s the first section of the proposed River Balcony,
calls for a slew of ambitious development opportunities.
LIVE MUSIC
Soleil Ramírez
Town Square TV names new executive director
Jake Spitzack Staff Writer
On May 12, lifelong South St. Paul resident and former city mayor Beth Baumann will take over the reins as executive director at Town Square Television. She succeeds Jodie Miller, who held the mantle for 31 years. Baumann is leaving behind a long career in the banking industry to guide the next chapter of the 5-channel nonprofit cable station. However, she won’t be treading new ground in the nonprofit arena. She has been board chair of the nonprofit Neighbors Inc., and a board member at a handful of other nonprofits, including the South St. Paul Educational Foundation and South St. Paul Futures.
The Town Square board of directors approached her about the position last fall, attracted by her background in government and finance.
“I was thinking about retiring from corporate America and wanted to do a
job that I would enjoy and have passion around,” said Baumann. “She [Miller] was great at what she did, so there are big shoes for me to fill. It’s going to be a challenge, especially in the environment we’re in right now, but I am up for it and am excited to get started.”
Baumann will oversee a 12-member team and host of volunteers working with the Northern Dakota County Cable Commission, the nonprofit’s parent organization. First and foremost, she will be focused on securing government funding, sponsorships, donations and other forms of revenue.
She’s joining at a time when the funding model for local cable stations is in flux and the threat of losing local television coverage altogether is very real.
Due to the “cord-cutting” trend – people canceling their cable TV subscriptions in favor of wireless streaming services – broadband internet companies such as Comcast and CenturyLink are paying cities less in franchise fees. Currently, cable companies are required to pay a 5% franchise fee and a 2.25% public education government fee on their video production revenue to cable commissions, which supports local programming and covers costs of staffing, equipment, and the repair and maintenance of public rights-of-ways. Those fees have supported local cable since the 1970s. While fees have already dwindled in recent years, losing them entirely would be a significant blow to Town Square and other nonprofit cable providers.
The Equal Access to Broadband Act, a bill that would restore lost franchise fees, was brought to the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives last year but no action was taken. Baumann is hopeful it will pass this year. The bill would also ensure that broadband internet service is made available to every home in every city in the state no matter how difficult it is to install. Those in opposition say the proposed fees will be passed along to streaming service consumers, which would ultimately raise internet costs.
The Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrators is heading up the bill in partnership with The League of Minnesota Cities, which represents 800 member cities. Sen. Matt Klein (District 53, DFL) and Rep. Rick Hansen (District 53B, DFL) are co-sponsoring the bill and other local legislators have pledged their support, including Sen. Sandra Pappas (District 65, DFL) and Rep. Mary Frances Clardy (District 53A, DFL). Former Town Square executive director Jodie Miller and South St. Paul Mayor Jimmy Francis both testified in support of the bill before the House Commerce Committee last year.
“We are thrilled to have found a candidate with Beth’s unique combination of deep knowledge of this community and strong experience,” said NDC4 Commission Chair Mickey Kieffer in a statement. “We thank retiring executive director Jodie Miller for her 31 years of leadership at NDC4 and Town Square Television, and broadly throughout our state and national organizations. It would be impossible to overestimate the impact of her dedication to public service on behalf of our residents and communities.”
In addition to getting creative with new funding streams, Baumann will continue to explore new ways to grow the nonprofit’s pool of volunteers, perhaps by reviving high school or college student internships. Volunteers with Town Square are trained to operate a wide array of equipment, including cameras, lights and control boards. Town Square also has a production truck for covering news in the community and has worked with clubs such as Two Rivers’ Tech Warriors to help cover school programming, and organizations like The Uptake, a nonprofit news organization, to cover meetings at the State Capitol.
“We’re going to try some out-of-the-box thinking and come up with a way to give more value to the communities that we serve and the businesses in those communities,” said Baumann. “I’m excited to work with the whole team at Town Square because I worked with them when I was mayor, and I
just love them. They’re very qualified and experienced and knowledgeable.”
Town Square TV began in 1987 to serve the cities of South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, and Sunfish Lake. Airing on channels 14, 15, 16, 18 and 19, it covers a wide variety of local programming including Game of the Week [sports], government meetings, election candidate coverage, community events, concerts and its Insight 7 news show. As a public access network, anybody can visit the studio at 5845 Blaine Ave. E. in Inver Grove Heights to use its video production equipment and create their own show to be aired. Likewise, people can edit prerecorded content at the studio or submit a completed program. Programs are accepted firstcome, first-served and aren’t discriminated against based on content.
The studio features conference and office space, a recording area with new cameras, five editing suites with the latest software, portable camera equipment, newly updated control room equipment and more. Courses and workshops are held to teach people how to create shows. For more information, call 651-3526100 or visit townsquare.tv. For more information on the Equal Access to Broadband Act, which is included in the House Commerce Committee Omnibus Bill (HF4077), visit mactamn.org/Legislation.
Beth Baumann
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” Hebrews 10: 24-25
Augustana Lutheran
1400 Robert St. S. West St. Paul 651-457-3373 augustana.com
B eth Jacob Congregation
1 179 Victoria C u rve
M endota Heights 651-452-2226 beth-jacob.org
Cherokee Park United
3 71 Baker St W., St. Paul 651-227-4275
c herokeepark u nited.org
Community Christ the Redeemer
1 10 Crusader Ave W West St Paul 651-451-6123 c credeemer.org
Crown of Life Lutheran
115 Crusader Avenue W. West St. Paul 651-451-3832 colwsp.org
Holy Family Maronite 1960 Lexington Ave. S. Mendota Heights 651-291-1116 HolyFamilyEvents.org
La Puerta Abierta UMC 690 Livingston Ave. St. Paul 651-558-1896
O ur Lady of Guadalupe 4 01 Concord St ., St. Paul 6 51 - 228-0506 o lg catholic.org
Restoration Hope Church 121 Butler Ave. W. (Heritage Middle School) West St. Paul, 612-254-480 restorationhopechurch.com
Riverview Baptist 14 Moreland Ave. E. West St. Paul 651-457-3831 riverviewbaptist.net
Salem Lutheran 1 1 Bernard St ., West St Paul 6 51 - 457-6661 s alemluth.org
S pirit of Hope Catholic 2 035 Charlton Road S unfish Lake 6 51-760-8353 s piritofhopemn.org
St. Elizabeth Orthodox 125 Congress St E St. Paul 651 - 424-0814 seocc.org
St. George Antiochian Orthodox 1250 Oakdale Ave. West St. Paul 651-457-0854 saintgeorge-church.org
S t. Matthew Catholic 4 90 Hall Avenue St. Paul 6 51 - 224-9793 s t-matts.org
St. James Lutheran 460 Annapolis St. W. West St. Paul 651-457-9232 saintjameslutheran.com
St. Joseph’s Catholic 1 154 Seminole Ave West St Paul 6 51-457-2781 c hurchofstjoseph.org
S t. Paul’s United M ethodist 700 Wesley Lane Mendota Heights 651-452-5683 stpaulsmn. org
S t. Paul Mennonite F ellowship 3 71 Baker St. W S t. Paul s aintpaul m ennonite.org
St. Stephen’s Lutheran 1575 Charlton St. West St. Paul 651-457-6541 s tstephenswsp.org
Acacia Park Cemetery
Established in 1925, the 75-acre park offers a pristine beauty and strategic location that was recognized by our state’s earliest settlers. Pilot Knob, the plateau on which Acacia Park is situated, was an early 19th Century viewing point for such frontiersmen as Zebulon Pike and Josiah Snelling.
Our beautiful cemetery is conveniently situated on the Pilot Knob plateau above the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers in Mendota Heights. We are proud of our majestic scenery and natural environment that is uninhibited by upright monuments, which creates a stunning park-like setting. We have provided quality, personal service to families since 1925. We offer the following options to our families:
• Sections specifically designed for casket or cremation burial
• Convenient no-interest pre-payment plans for three years
• No-obligation information and tour of the cemetery grounds
• Markers, vaults, vases and urns for purchase
• Newly developed cremation gardens
• Serving all faiths
Children’s Museum
10 7th St. W. St. Paul
651-225-6000 mcm.org
“Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice,” through May 11. Travel back in time and discover what life was like when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Dig for fossils, explore a swampy bog and oozing volcano, climb through icy terrain and more.
Exhibits and activities include “The Scramble,” “The Studio,” “Creativity Jam,” “Sprouts,” “Our World,” “Forces at Play,” “Shipwreck Adventures” and “Imaginopolis.” Tickets are $17 on weekdays and $19 on weekends. Admission is free the first Sunday of each month; reservations are required, and tickets are limited. The next free date is May 4.
History Center
345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 mnhs.org
“Girlhood (It’s Complicated),” through June 1.
This exhibit from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History features more than 100 objects that explore how young women have influenced politics, education, work, health and fashion.
“Reframing our Stories” is featured through October. The exhibit was created from a decades-old box of photographs simply labeled “Indians.” Inside the box were dozens of pictures of Native community members, organizations, activities, and events that are relevant today.
“Our Home: Native Minnesota” features historic
and contemporary photographs, maps and artifacts that show how Minnesota’s native communities have retained cultural practices, teachings and values.
Other exhibits include “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” “Then Now Wow,” “Grainland” and “Weather Permitting.” Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and college students, and $8 for children ages five to 17. Admission and parking are free on Thursdays, 4-8 p.m.
History Theatre
30 E. 10th St. St. Paul 651-292-4323
Historytheatre.com
“Whoa, Nellie!” May 17June 8. The whirlwind tale of a fake detective (and former child performer), whose countless criminal exploits
and penchant for male attire made her a Minnesota media sensation in the late 1800s.
From $59.
Landmark Center
75 5th St. W. St. Paul 651-292-3225
landmarkcenter.org
Schubert Club KidsJam: Making Art–A Storytelling Experience, May 1-3. Hours are noon-1 p.m. Thursday; 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Three powerhouse percussive dance companies will unite in May at Park Square Theatre for the presentation of “Time Piece.”
S ample St. Paul
Friday; 10-11 a.m. Saturday; and 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Sunday. Free.
Courtroom Concerts: Elkina Piano Duo, noon-1 p.m., Thursday, May 1; PaviElle French, noon-1 p.m., Thursday, May 8. Free.
St. Paul Civic Symphony’s Mother’s Day Concert, 1-3 p.m., Sunday, May 11. Free.
Urban Expedition: Ethiopia, 1-3 p.m., Sunday, May 4. Authentic music, food, dance performances and crafts. Free.
Woodturning demonstration, 1-4 p.m., Sunday, May 18 in the AAW Gallery of Wood Art. Free.
Public Building Tour , 12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m., every Sunday. Learn about the building’s history, gangster connections and restoration. Free.
MN Museum of American Art
350 Robert St. N. St. Paul 651-797-2571
mmaa.org
“Here, Now” features 150 artworks across media from historically significant and notable new artists. All are in the M’s permanent collec-
tion. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ThursdaySunday. Admission is free.
Ordway Center
345 Washington St. St. Paul 651-224-4222
ordway.org
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts: Steven Copes plays Prokofiev’s First Violin Sonata, 7 p.m., May 2-3. Coleman’s Sandbox Premiere with William Eddin, May 16-18. Both from $16.
Minnesota Opera presents “The Barber of Seville,” May 3-18. From $46. “Girls Night: The Musical,” 7 p.m., Saturday, May 10. Follow five friends as they visit their past, celebrate their present and look to the future on a wild and hilarious night out. From $54.
Schubert Club presents Accordo with Silent Film: Women in Early Cinema, 7:30 p.m., Tues., May 13. Features six movies from the collection “Cinema’s First Nasty Women” with original live music by Accordo. From $31. The Flint Hills Family Festival, May 30-31. Headliner performances are NOOMA, an opera for ba-
bies; Japanese taiko drummers GOCOO; 2025 Grammy winners Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band; 360 All Stars and Ada Twist, Scientist. All outdoor activities at the festival are free. Indoor performances start at $8 per person. Tickets for Lucky Diaz start at $15.
Park Square Theatre
20 W. 7th Place
St. Paul
651-291-7005
parksquaretheatre.org
“Between Riverside and Crazy,” May 14-June 8. Ex-cop and recent widower Walter “Pops” Washington and his recently paroled son fight to keep their rent-controlled apartment in New York City, navigating old wounds, unexpected guests and life’s unpredictable challenges. From $25.
“Time Piece” - Three powerhouse percussive dance companies will unite in May, with performances at 7:30 p.m., May 8-10 and May 15-17 and 2 p.m. May 11 and 18. Tickets are $30. Flying Foot Forum will present “Dandelions or How to Love Your Life,” a romantic, poetic, musical
and meditative extravaganza that follows life’s seasons, and “Footfall,” a soaring and stomping assortment of soulful modern folk dances set to a Nordic, Celtic, and Eastern European folk soundtrack.
Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre will premiere “Amor de Dios,” a thought-provoking dance theater performance about Spain’s “Bebes Robados,” when newborn babies were taken and given up for adoption without the birth parents’ knowledge.
Katha Dance Theatre will present “Rhythms of the Sol: A Kathak Odyssey,” which celebrates the art of Kathak, a classical Indian dance form.
RiverCentre
175 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651- 265-4800 rivercentre.org
Minnesota Bridal and Wedding Expo , 1 p.m., Sunday, May 5. A wide selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, food, honeymoon destinations and more. Free with online
registration or $10 at the door.
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444 smm.org
“Butterfly Odyssey” through September 1. An interactive, maze-based exhibit that allows you to experience the fascinating behaviors and inspiring resilience of wild and farmed butterflies. The exhibit also examines how tropical butterfly farming can support the local community, impact the environment and protect ecosystems around the world.
Virtual Reality Transporter, through December 2026. Use the VRT to hurtle through the cosmos at fantastic speeds, scuba dive into prehistoric seas, and join the astronauts of Apollo 11 as they moonwalk for the first time. $9.95.
Museum Nights , 5-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Explore museum galleries, check out special Science Live performances, enjoy food and drink, then catch an Omnitheater show.
“National Parks Adven-
ture” Omnitheater show, through May 30. Travel back in time with President Theodore Roosevelt and conservationist John Muir as they imagine a vast national parks system.
“Stellar Tours: A Star is Born” Omnitheater show, Wednesday-Sunday. Follow the life cycle of a star through this live digital telescope show.
Tickets are $34.95 for adults and $24.95 for ages 4-17 and include an Omnitheatre show.
Xcel Center
199 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-726-8240
xcelenergycenter.com
“Rock Stars on Ice,” 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 21. Timeless rock classics fused with the athleticism and artistry of world-class figure skating. From $41.
Other
events
“Portraits of Indigenous Authors and Artists,” through June 30, at 3rd Floor Exhibit Gallery at the Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Events / Page 10
S ample St. Paul
Events
from page 9
King, Jr. Blvd. Now featured is a collection of fine art photography by John Ratzloff. This project started when Ratzloff was invited to photograph the life and natural beauty of White Earth Nation. His photography honors the voices and legacies of Indigenous leaders, offering
Volunteer In Your Community
Lutheran Social Service of MN is seeks volunteers age 55 or over in your area to provide companionship to older adults or mentor school-age children. Volunteers commit to regular weekly hours for a tax-free stipend and mileage reimbursement. Contact us at 888 205 3770, or AmericorpsSeniors@ lssmn.org for more information and to make an impact in your community.
a unique visual narrative that celebrates their contributions to art, culture and advocacy. Open weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.
“Framing Film: Painting Cinema’s Shadows,” through May 31 at Lost Fox, 213 4th St., St. Paul. Lowertown artist Richard Abraham presents paintings that interpret film frames from the 1940s and ’50s in oil paint, capturing the shadowy allure of the silver screen. Exhibit highlights include Humphrey Bogart’s weary cynicism and Bette Davis’ piercing gaze. Free.
St. Paul Art Crawl
St. Paul’s Spring Art Crawl continues in May at the following venues. For more information, visit stpaulartcollective.org.
ArT @ 967 Payne, 967 Payne Ave.; May 2, 5-9 p.m., and May 3, noon-8 p.m. Twenty artists will display paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, photographs, jewelry, ceramics and more from artist studios and wall displays. Opening reception for gallery exhibit “Our World We Live In” is May 2.
Artist question and answer panel on Friday and Saturday, and live performances expected throughout the weekend. Food trucks may be on site. Free parking in the back lot or on street.
Urban Roots, 1110 Payne Ave., May 3, 1-5 p.m. Three artists will display mixed media, handmade paper, basket weaving, handmade journals, printmaking and baked goods, from a gallery and outdoors, weather permitting. Music and crafts onsite.
E&L Bindery Building, 708 Vandalia St.; May 9, 6-10 p.m., and May 10, noon-8 p.m. Ten artists will display paintings, drawings, photography, bookbindings and stone carvings. E & L Bindery will be open on the first floor with artists, and open studios will be on the third floor. Snacks and beverages available, and a tarot card reader onsite. Park in the lot or on Vandalia Street and enter next to the loading dock.
DOW Gallery, 2242 University Ave. W.; May 9, 5-9 p.m., and May 10, noon-8 p.m. Forty artists will showcase painting, sculpture,
Temporary Wentworth Library
Northern Service Center — 2nd floor 1 Mendota Road W. West St. Paul, MN 55118 M–F 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sat & Sun ................... Closed
Wentworth Library closed for renovation
photography, mixed media, wood working, notecards and jewelry. Complimentary refreshments. Free parking on the street and in the Wright Building lot. Not handicapped accessible.
House of heART 2, 763 Holly Ave.; May 9, 4-9 p.m.; May 10, noon-8 p.m.; and May 11, noon-5 p.m. Find 28 artists displaying paintings, photography, ceramics and mixed media across three floors of an Airbnb home, and outside, weather permitting. Complimentary refreshments and solo music performances throughout the weekend.
Midway Clay, 1708 University Ave. W.; May 9, 4-8 p.m.; May 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and May 11, noon-5 p.m. More than a dozen artists will showcase ceramics as well as some 2D art from a gallery and studio space. Light refreshments available. Street parking.
Open Art Space, 2147 University Ave. W.; May 9, 6-9 p.m.; May 10, noon-8 p.m.; and May 11, noon-5 p.m. Ten artists in gallery, hallway and studio spaces will showcase wax paintings, photography, collage
and mixed media, ceramics, pastel drawing, greeting cards and more. Light refreshments available and a family friendly art activity will be held Saturday and Sunday. Parking in the lot behind the building.
Spatial Effects, 1759 Selby Ave.; May 9, 4-6 p.m.; May 10, noon-6 p.m.; and May 11, noon-5 p.m. Nearly 30 artists in two gallery spaces will display paintings, drawings, photography, stone and metal sculpture, ceramics, glass paintings, mixed media, carved gourds and more. Also showing furniture by Third Street Studios. Refreshments available all days and live music by the Joel Shapira Jazz Trio 2-4 p.m., Saturday.
Springboard for the Arts, 262 University Ave. W.; May 10, noon-4 p.m. More than 40 artists with prints and printmaking art in the first floor community hall and on the front lawn. OG Za Za Pizza Trailer will be onsite and interactive artist led activities from Street Corner Letterpress will take place. Free street parking.
St. Paul Neighborhood
Network, 550 Vandalia St.; May 9, 6-8 p.m.; May 10, noon-4 p.m.; and May 11, 1-5 p.m. Short documentary screening from first-time filmmakers on Friday, with food available. Photography, art and storytelling exhibits, including works by 10 youth, on Saturday and Sunday. Park in the lot. University of Minnesota Goldstein Museum of Design, level 2 of McNeal Hall (room #241), 1985 Buford Ave.; May 9-10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and May 11, noon- 5 p.m. An exhibit featuring historical and contemporary letterpress prints, advertising posters, wood type artifacts and graphic design pieces created using traditional printing techniques. Includes an interactive 2-color block printing installation Virginia St. Church, 170 Virginia St., May 9-11. More than 20 artists will exhibit paintings, mosaics, quilting, ceramics, art glass, collages and drawings. Live music by Blues Stratum and other bands, and Liz Zini will play waltzes and tangoes – and the chicken dance – on her accordion. Food available.
TPAC
Unless noted, all activities take place at Thompson Park Activity Center, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul. Events are for ages 55 and older. To register, call 651403-8300.
Healthy Aging Expo, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday, May 14. Get expert advice from senior service providers. Music, giveaways and prizes. Free.
Hearing Health Including Aids, 10-11 a.m., Thursday, May 1. $3.
Bocce Ball, 9:45-10:45 a.m., Mondays, May 5-19. $5.
Card Creations , 9:30 a.m.-noon, Monday, May
5. Create three handmade greeting cards. $25, includes supplies.
Constitution Stress Test, 9:30-11 a.m., Tuesday, May
6. Explore challenges facing the U.S. Constitution. $9. Tai Chi Chih For Health, 9:15-10 a.m., Wednesdays, May 7-June 25. $56.
Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026 - 250 Years!, 10 a.m.-noon, Thursday, May 8. A brief summary of our history and a discussion on how we can commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial in Dakota County. $5.
Write Your Own Living Will or Healthcare Directive , 9:30-10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 15. $5. Registration required.
Spring Birding, 9-10:30 a.m., Tues., May 20. Join fellow bird enthusiasts on a guided hike at Thompson Park. $10.
Author Marcie Rendon: Reading and Q&A , 11 a.m.-noon, May 20. Rendon, a member of the White Earth Nation and author of several notable works, will share insights from her literary journey, discuss the im-
portance of representation in storytelling, and explore the intersection of culture and creativity. $9. Registration required.
Muffins with the Mayor, 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, May 27. Join a lively chat with West St. Paul Mayor David Napier. $3. Registration required.
(Grand)Parents with Littles: Your Tech Safety Toolbox, noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, May 27. Tips for managing technology use, protecting privacy and fostering a safe digital environment for young children. $29. Registration required.
Discover Your Roots: A Family Tree & Ancestry Workshop, 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, May 27. $9. Registration required.
Experience the Adventure: Joe Schmidt’s LifeChanging Trip to Uganda, 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, May 28. Local sports broadcaster Joe Schmidt will share the unforgettable story of his family’s African safari adventure. $9. Registration required.
“37 Postcards” production at DayTrippers Dinner Theatre, 10:45 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, May 29. $92, includes play and buffet. Register by May 1.
Watercolor Painting , 9:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesdays, May-August. Paint with other artists while enjoying music and conversation. Registration required.
Create with Colored Pencils Group , 1-3 p.m.,
Community CALENDAR
first and third Wednesday, May-August. All levels welcome, from novice to skilled.
Foot Care, second and third Thursday. Experienced nurses provide a foot assessment, trim toenails, thin overgrown nails, file corns/ calluses, and care of fungal toenails. Appointments required. $65.
Cribbage , 1-3 p.m., Wednesdays, May-August. $15.
Hand & Foot, 9:30 a.m.12:15 p.m., Wednesdays, May-August. $15.
Union Depot
The following events are held at Union Depot, 214 4th St. E. For more information, visit uniondepot.org/ event-calendar.
Station Sounds, 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 8 and 22. Live music at 1881 Eating House.
Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, May 15.
Free yoga classes are offered 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9-10 a.m., Saturdays.
Games galore, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. each Wednesday. Giant-size games are available or bring your own. Free. All ages.
Public tour of Union Depot, 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, May 31.
Robert Street
MnDOT is hosting new monthly “office hours” on the planned reconstruc -
tion of Robert Street on the West Side. This series offers a chance to meet with Project Manager Chris Bower at a local coffee shop to learn more about the project and ask questions. The plan calls for significant improvements to Robert Street between Annapolis Street and Kellogg Boulevard, likely occurring in 2026-2028. Meeting dates, more information and future events will be posted at dot.state.mn.us/metro/ projects/robertstreet/index. html.
Ward 2 Annual Meeting
The Ward 2 Annual Meeting is scheduled for 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 1, at the Wellstone Center, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul. Learn about upcoming projects
and volunteer opportunities, celebrate the past year’s achievements, and connect with neighbors and city staff. Light refreshments will be served, and activity packs provided for children.
Art & more
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 700 Wesley Lane, Mendota Heights, will host a pop-up concert by the Bach Society at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 24. Cellist Charles Asch will be the featured performer. Free.
Books and Bars will present a discussion of “Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 27 at Urban Growler, 2325 Endicott St.
The downtown St. Paul Farmers Market will hold a Mother’s Day event on
Sunday, May 11. Children will be given a pot to paint, with a flower already placed in the pot.
Bike Rodeo - The City of West St. Paul is hosting a Bike Rodeo 1:30-3 p.m., Sunday, May 18 at the West St. Paul Sports Complex, 1650 Oakdale Ave. The event includes simple bike repairs, bike safety instruction, youth helment giveaways (while supplies last) and a short bike ride. Free. Registration requested. Visit wspmn.gov.
Art & Craft Supply Swap, 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 8 at West St. Paul City Hall, 1616 Humboldt Ave. Bring gently used creative supplies you no longer want and bring home items that are new to you. Items must be in a fair and usable condition. No item donation is necessary to shop the swap. Free.
Ramsey County Historical Society History Revealed program will feature Hmongfellows 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 22 at Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St.
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Student notes
Nichols College dean’s list: Gabriel Smith
Normandale Community College dean’s list: Melissa Boelter, Jacob Zeis, Hayley Britt, Mara Mulhern, Gabriel Drew Buaron, Natalie Goetsch, Amanda Nelson
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire dean’s list: Charlie Rogers, Katie Schlinger, Danica Kellogg, Ash Rundquist
Minnesota State College Southeast president’s list: Ethan Hawkins-Espelien
Loras College dean’s list: Emily Rosen, Margaret Rosen
University of Wisconsin-
Oshkosh honor roll: Zachary Dietsch
Milwaukee School of Engineering honors list: Megan Overell
Endicott College dean’s list: Charles Killian
University of WisconsinLa Crosse dean’s list: Allyse Schletty, Olivia Tomassetti
University of Alabama dean’s list: Sydney Birk Carthage College dean’s list: Amarie Hill
St. Cloud State University dean’s list: Austin Grzywinski
Bemidji State Univeristy dean’s list: Liam Joyce, Zoe Lennon
Northern University dean’s list: Ava Turino
College of Charleston president’s list: Charlotte
Barry Hamline University dean’s list: Audriana Yang, Brenda Del Campos Mendez, Ciara O’Shea, EJ Alemayehu, Frankie Witham, Colin Renner
St. Mary’s University dean’s list: Isabella Griffin, Cecilia Flores
University of Minnesota
Duluth dean’s list: David Benz, Gabrielle Kirchner, Alanah Merta, Joseph Elskamp, Justin Ciletti, Camilla Millett, Serena Nelson
Miami University graduate: Nolan Andres, bachelor of science in business
University of WisconsinMadison graduates: Kerry Salisbury, bachelor of arts, communication arts; Myrissa Zoff, bachelor of arts, communication arts; Elizabeth Dreelan, bachelor of arts, psychology; Miguel O’Neill, bachelor of science, microbiology
Minnesota State Mankato honor’s list: William Anderson, Lainey Pick, Sofia Braun, Kevin Chu, Kyle Conney, Katy Lyford, Jonathan Youness
College of William & Mary dean’s list: Lauren Ho University of Wisconsin-Stout graduates: Ian Brown, bachelor of science,
computer science; Ella Lentz, bachelor of science, criminal justice & rehabilitation University of Minnesota Twin Cities dean’s list: Caroline Casserly, Edward Cina, Isabella Costello, Victoria D’Zurilla, Kira DuPaul, Mary Khalil, Anne Killian, Kevin Murphy, Finn O’Brien, Patrick O’Brien, Ashley Olson, Lillian Schifsky, Roman Schifsky, Ashlyn Stone, Julia Taurinskas, Caroline Weier, Marwa Abdullahi, Brady Altier, Aida Broshar, Andrea Carter, Jens Henrickson, Miles Hill, Nicolas Leon, Cyrus Martin Risch, Ezra Mogelson, Enock Moindi, Jonathan Neumann, Maik Nguyen, Rachel Sechter, Kiran Sharma, Ava Strohoffer, Brenna Templin, Sophia Watts, Tucker Weldon, Molly Altier, Nara Anderson, Alexander Bursey, Catherine Bursey, Miles Dunn, Nico Ferraro, Ella Hansen, Mayeli Hernandez Chavez, Natalie Meyers, William Millner, Alyssa Newfield, John O’Connell, Grace Pierce, Croix Raney, Jonathan Stamman Gustavus Adolphus dean’s list: Brooke Foley, Finley Gustafson, Meg Murphy, Owen Watson, Kira Woods, Anna Hoppe
Kennedy Park - A new nature-themed playground is expected to be installed at Kennedy Park this summer. The site will also get a picnic shelter, new trails, about 40 trees and a bench designed by father-son artists Jim and Ryan Pedersen, dubbed
“Embrace.” A $20,000 community challenge grant from AARP Livable Communities and AARP Minnesota received last summer is helping fund the approximately $450,000 project.
Albert Park – The park will be expanded this summer in conjunction with the realignment of the Smith and Dodd intersec-
tion. A concept plan for its new design is expected to be selected this year, with formal improvements taking place next year. All designs call for seating, landscaping and walkways, and a new memorial for Mendota Heights police officer Scott Patrick, who was shot and killed near the Smith-Dodd intersection in 2014. There
are also expanded versions of the concept plans for if the adjacent Doddway shopping center is redeveloped into a mixed-use building. Those plans allow for public art and more gathering spaces.
Former YMCA property
- Plans are in the works to create a “town center” in conjunction with Greco
Properties’ redevelopment of the 9.5-acre former YMCA property at 150 Thompson Ave. E. The city is expected to sell the land to Greco by the end of the year, with construction beginning as soon as next summer.
Greco is planning to build 475 market-rate apartments, 27 townhomes, a retail or
event center, restaurant on the nearby former AutoZone site, and connections to the regional trail system. The approximately $134 million project will include creating a new 2.5-acre city-owned park featuring a plaza, playground, lawn space with pavilion or stage, and hardscaping by the pond.
P ostscript
The tornado My friend Wally and I have a fractious relationship. This is no secret.
Wally has said he thinks optimistic people like me are self-deluded, always looking for reasons to be happy when there is a lot to worry about and not much to celebrate.
Wally used the metaphor of a tornado. He said people like me would be down in the storm shelter right beside him but would ignore the destruction the tornado left behind.
“Do perpetually positive people even hear themselves?” he asked. “How nice that must be! To see the world in ways it might or should be while ignoring how it is. To look for the rainbow while ignoring the flood!”
Wally got me so irritated that I wrote a whole book about a character he inspired. Since I didn’t figure I could ever change Wally’s mind, I wanted to create someone just like Wally who believed
he had the world’s worst luck and that looking for things to be grateful for was an act of willful ignorance. I wrote the book and shared it with him and, to his credit and my astonishment, he wasn’t angry with my depiction of him at all. He was tickled that something he’d said inspired me. Wally keeps on inspiring me. He has some interesting observations about life and thoughts about how optimism might fall short. It’s taken me much longer than it should have to realize that Wally makes some very good
points.
Optimism can be clumsy. It can be ham-fisted. Disappointment, grief, setbacks, bad news and failures are all very real, and the optimist’s impulse is to sweep them under the rug in record time.
“Where is the upside? What is the lesson? How can I learn from all this?” the optimist asks. Wally finds this annoying, perhaps with good reason because somewhere between the time the tornado strikes and the optimist goes looking for the rainbow, maybe there’s a moment that optimists tend to forget.
We forget to say we’re sorry.
Wally is worried about his future and the future of his children and grandchildren.
When I tell him all this worrying isn’t getting much done he gets angry and, really, I don’t blame him. Because I skipped a step. I skipped the step between the tornado and the rainbow.
Today, for a change, I remembered.
“Oh, Wally,” I said, “you always seem to think I’m scolding you when I try to cheer you and encourage you. I care about you. Do you not get that? I worry
about you and want you to be happy.”
“Thank you,” Wally said. “Thank you so much.”
And I realized that he really didn’t know this.
I get impatient with Wally’s ruminating and doomsaying and daily dose of gloom. I want to remind him of all the things he has to be grateful for.
But I forget to tell him that I care. I forget to say I’m sorry he is troubled. I don’t
acknowledge how he feels. I jump right from the tornado to the rainbow.
I’m pretty sure Wally will continue to regularly irritate me, and I will do the same for him. I’ll continue to remind him that things might not be as bad as he assumes and he’ll remind me, in my endless quest for sunshine, that it’s important to recognize the hurt and fear that come with the tornado. Till next time.
Mother’s Day Bouquets
Floral arrangements to show Mom how much you care
OPEN MOTHER'S DAY
Sunday, May 11
Delivery and in-store pick-up
Keeping Dakota County safe Emergency response,
Security updates
This month I want to highlight an exceptional emergency response that averted a potential disaster in Dakota County, provide an important update on immigration and homeland security enforcement, and share a list of the top 10 county road intersections with the highest crash rates – along with the proactive steps we are taking to make our roads safer.
Emergency response prevents disaster on Highway 52 - If you ever wanted to see the top-notch training and collaboration of our Dakota County first responders in action, look no further than the major propane leak that occurred along Highway 52 in Rosemount on March 19. Initially reported as a pos-
sible brush fire, emergency crews quickly identified the true hazard – a dangerous propane leak from a pipeline. Officials from multiple agencies, including Dakota County Emergency Management, the Sheriff’s Office, the Dakota County Special Operations Team and Dakota 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators, sprang into action to protect public safety. To minimize risk, authorities immediately shut down Highway 52 from Highway 42 to Coates, while
Dakota County’s specialized teams worked with Flint Hills Resources to contain and depressurize the leaking propane line. Two nearby families were swiftly evacuated as a precaution and Dakota County authorities deployed a tethered drone and an air monitoring system to closely track the situation. Dakota 911 telecommunicators coordinated all emergency communications, ensuring seamless response efforts. Within six hours authorities deemed the area safe and the highway was reopened. While we hope to avoid crises like this, it is good to know that when the most challenging emergencies occur we have the personnel, skills, training and partnerships in place to effectively respond and protect public safety.
Immigration & Homeland Security enforcement in Dakota County - A constituent recently reached out with concerns about unmarked vehicles con -
ducting surveillance in their residential neighborhood. Such activity can be unsettling, especially in a neighborhood with many young families and seniors. After looking into it, I confirmed that the law enforcement presence was part of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of ICE that targets transnational crimes like drug smuggling and human trafficking. When operating in Dakota County, HSI notifies our Dakota 911 dispatch center of their general location but does not disclose specific addresses or operational details. Currently, their focus is on individuals with violent criminal offenses who face deportation, and they prioritize surveillance and controlled arrests, often outside residences. While these operations are now drawing more media attention, they are not new to our area. Importantly, if any situation poses a risk to public safety, the Sheriff’s Office and local law enforce-
ment will take appropriate action to inform and protect residents.
Making our roads safer: top 10 crash locations in Dakota County - Each year our Dakota County traffic team carefully reviews crash data to identify safety concerns and guide road improvements. A key part of this effort is calculating the Crash Rate Index (CRI), which considers crash frequency, traffic volume and comparisons to similar intersections statewide. This data-driven approach helps us determine where safety improvements are needed most. The most recent list of the top 10 crash locations includes some of the busiest intersections in the county. Our traffic safety team is actively working on solutions for these high-risk areas. Additionally, intersections are ranked based on the severity of crashes, with injuries and fatalities being the key factors. I was pleased to see that not a single intersection
Service Directory
in my commissioner district (South St. Paul-West St. Paul-Inver Grove Heights) cracks the top 10 for severity anymore. Only the intersection of Oakdale (County Road 73) and Lothenbach in West St. Paul comes close – at #13 – and we have a fix on its way for that location.
Staying vigilant, staying safe - From emergency response and law enforcement to road safety, Dakota County remains committed to protecting residents and improving our communities. If you have concerns, questions or suggestions, I encourage you to reach out. Your input helps shape the decisions that keep our county safe and thriving.
Joe Atkins represents District 2 on the Dakota County Board, which includes South St. Paul, West St. Paul, and Inver Grove Heights. He welcomes feedback. To share comments, concerns, or questions, contact him at Joe.Atkins@ co.dakota.mn.us or 651-4384430.
Joe Atkins Dakota County Commissioner
Neighbors, Inc.
Dawn Wambeke Executive Director
Cinco de Mayo
On May 5, 1862, Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla. This victory strengthened Mexico’s resistance movement against the French. Since then, Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated across Mexico and the United States. In the United States,
Cinco de Mayo has morphed into a celebration of the rich culture that Mexican Americans have contributed to this nation.
The United States and Mexico share a 2,000-mile
border. In 2023, Mexico was the United States’ top trading partner of over $800 billion. Here in Minnesota, we see the positive impact the Mexican culture has had on our state through their strong economic impact, rich traditions and delicious cuisine.
According to MN Compass, Minnesota is home to more than 370,000 Hispanic or Latino residents – about 7% of our total population. After Minnesota’s White and Black communities, Hispanic and Latino Minnesotans make up the third largest popu-
lation group. While Mexican Minnesotans make up more than two-thirds of this group, it also includes people from other heritages, backgrounds, and ancestries, including Puerto Rican, Ecuadorian, Salvadorian, Guatemalan, Cuban and Colombian.
The Hispanic and Latino community is the highest single demographic served by Neighbors, and we strive to provide culturally relevant services including culturally specific foods, hiring bilingual Spanish speaking staff in our food shelf, thrift store and financial empowerment
center, and partnering with Prepare and Prosper to provide free onsite tax services at Neighbors with bilingual staff and volunteers.
In May, our boutique thrift store will celebrate Cinco de Mayo. There are many benefits to thrifting, including finding high quality items at a fraction of the retail price, helping the environment and saving money all while supporting Neighbors’ mission.
Wonderful Cinco de Mayo festival celebrations are happening throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul’s Fiesta on the West
Side, starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 3 on Cesar Chavez Street between Robert Street and Highway 52. Festivities include a parade, car show, softball tournament, live music, an authentic “placita” market and delicious Mexican food. Local restaurants will also host specials and entertainment throughout the weekend. As always, I would love to connect. You can reach me at dawn@neighborsmn.org or 651-272-1135. Stay connected with Neighbors at neighborsmn.org, Facebook and Instagram.
