Send a Crime Tip With an iPhone App or Text

From a December 14 Hennepin County Sheriff's Office e-newsletter:

Send a crime tip with an iPhone app or text

Do you want to help the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office fight crime?  Now, there’s an “app” for that! 

The Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek announced that the Sheriff’s Office has launched an app for the iPhone and for android phones. The free apps allow citizens to send crime tips anonymously to the Sheriff’s Office. 

“When citizens get involved and provide crime tips, it helps keep their communities safer,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, “Now the new phone apps make reporting tips even more convenient.”

Community members with iPhones are encouraged to install the app by visiting the Apple App Store and searching for “HCSOTip.”  For android phones, go to Google Play and search HCSOTip. 

(*Please note that for both apps, the search term is HCSOTip – which is one word without a space. Other search terms are “Hennepin” or “Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.”)

In addition, the Sheriff’s Office announced two other new ways to send anonymous tips.

Tips can be sent through texting on cellular phones by texting 847-411 and then entering “HCSOtip” as the keyword before entering their tip.  Standard text rates apply.

Tips can be sent by logging onto the Sheriff’s Office website and completing an online form. There is an icon on the homepage.

All three methods – the phone apps, texting, and the online form – are anonymous and the tips are sent directly to the Sheriff’s Office. 

It’s important to remember that the new tip services are NOT a substitute for calling 911.  People who need a squad car or other emergency responders should call 911.

Helpful tips include information about drug activity, suspicious activity, and cold cases. The Sheriff’s Office has a long history of receiving tips from residents.  For example, tipsters have helped the Sheriff’s Office make arrests of violent suspects featured on the Hennepin County Most Wanted List.

2013 Minneapolis Park Board Budget Focuses on Fiscal Responsibility, Service Delivery and Maintaining Park System

Via a December 14 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

2013 Minneapolis Park Board Budget Focuses on Fiscal Responsibility, Service Delivery and Maintaining Park System
 
The 2013 Budget for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) focuses on maintaining park services and facilities, strategically addressing financial and operational challenges, and improving organizational efficiency and service delivery. The budget reflects a three percent increase in property taxes to continue current hours at recreation centers and provide a variety of needed services such as increased lifeguard hours and swim lessons and additional tree plantings along city streets. In 2013, of every dollar paid in property taxes by Minneapolis residents, approximately seven cents will go towards park programs, facilities and services.

“The operating budget reflects the Park Board’s commitment to sound financial management and strategic long-term planning,” explained Superintendent Jayne Miller. “In 2013, we are investing in neighborhood and regional parks, technology and equipment. We are expanding community engagement to ensure all residents have access to programs and services that are designed based on community input, participation and the diverse needs of residents.”

The Park Board’s 2013 Budget totals $64,131,151 for the general operating fund and $10,245,866 for the enterprise operating fund. Initiatives launched by Superintendent Miller in 2012 to align revenue and expenses to department activity areas are continued in her recommended budget. While the organization’s budget and personnel numbers remain similar to 2012, positions and budget accounts have been realigned in the recommended 2013 Budget to meet the needs of the community and the organization.

According to Miller, the 2013 Budget reflects the Park Board’s commitment to service delivery and incorporates organizational performance improvements.

“We are committed to assessing and improving our work processes,” Miller explained. “The 2013 Budget includes implementation of initiatives developed in 2012 to improve worker safety, internal service coordination and external service delivery.”

The approved resolution to adopt the 2013 Park Board Budget and other 2013 budget-related documents are available for viewing at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/ or by calling 612-230-6400.

The Park Board’s 2013 Budget outlines initiatives aimed at meeting the Board’s strategic goals and budget frameworks, including:

• Focus resources on maintaining the park system and address issues of aging infrastructure, especially in neighborhood parks. Use Comprehensive Plan as guidance for maintenance of natural areas and boulevard trees.
 • Become a national leader in issues of sustainability, including collaborative efforts with the City Council, Mayor, County, local business leaders, and the public, making our city greener, cleaner and energy efficient.
 • Focus on our partnerships, especially with the City and the Public schools, to focus on the service delivery and responsibilities across jurisdictions to assess what is working and what can be changed or improved in difficult financial times.
 • Focus on new strategies of community engagement, including greater transparency and information that is posted online, outreach strategies, and clarity about our processes and procedures. Enhance our communications and relationships with communities, media, agencies, and partners.
 • Focus on a financial plan that increases revenue growth with grants, new program offerings, sponsorships and foundation giving, but also plan for potential budget reductions that are the result of projected state deficits or increased costs.
 • Assure that basic services and programs remain accessible, community based, and equitable. Reaffirm the importance of outdoor activities for children.
 • Shape city character through nationally recognized park development and redevelopment strategies.
 
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board features 197 park properties totaling 6,744 acres of parkland and water. An estimated 18 million visits are made each year to the nationally acclaimed park system. Its Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, neighborhood parks, recreation centers, award-winning facilities and diversified programming have made the Minneapolis park system an important component of what makes Minneapolis a great place to live, play and work. To learn more about the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, visit http://www.minneapolisparks.org/.

This Weekend in Mill City

Above: A recent photo from the Mill City Photo Pool

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District and Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods.  Have an event to share?  Contact us...

Friday, December 14

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill at Mill City Museum

4th Annual Holiday Shindig - Benefitting Open Arms of Minnesota at Aster Cafe

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Keegan's Pub

"Triclosan Derivatives in the Mississippi River Environment" at McKnight Foundation

Holiday Open House at Solar Arts

Fall Honors Recital at MacPhail

Saturday, December 15

Childish Films at Central Library

How'd They do That Workshop at The Guthrie: The Servant of Two Masters

2012 Winter Book Celebration, Lessons for Our Time, at MCBA

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill at Mill City Museum

The Muppet Christmas Carol at the Guthrie

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Live Music at Crooked Pint

Court Sports Activity Plan Open House at MPRB

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Tasting Event at Local D'Lish

Children's Book Sale at Central Library Book Store

Ugly Holiday Sweater Bus Pub Crawl

Holiday Open House at Solar Arts

Sunday, December 16

Holiday Open House at Solar Arts

Online Survey Available for Washington Avenue Design Concept

Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis, is developing a design concept for Washington Avenue South between Hennepin Avenue and I-35W. A public meeting was held on December 4th to share the outcomes of a design charrette that generated several alternatives for a future design of Washington Avenue and also collected feedback from meeting attendees about what they would like to see in a redesigned Washington Avenue. An online survey has been created to collect additional feedback from residents, owners, tenants, users, and stakeholders interested in the future of Washington Avenue. You can take the online survey by December 21st at:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/WashingtonAveDesignConcept

Simply provide your feedback by answering the questions and then click ‘Done’to submit the survey.

Please only submit one survey per person. Any duplicate surveys will be disqualified.

Please help get the word out about this survey by:
• Forwarding the survey link to members of your organization and/or tenants of your building;
• Posting the information on your website and/or social media sites;
• Distributing the information through any e-newsletters or other publications you might have;
• Posting the information in your office or building

You can view more information and sign up for project updates by going to www.hennepin.us and searching for "Road 152" or "Washington Avenue" to link to the project website. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact:

Kristin Petersen
Zan Associates
kpetersen@zanassoc.com
(612) 423-4584

You can also reach the Hennepin County Project Contact at:

Hennepin County Transportation Department
Jennifer Lowry, P.E., Senior Design Engineer
jennifer.lowry@co.hennepin.mn.us
612-596-0353

A Walk in the Snow

With the first storm of the winter underway, we put on our big boots and went on a walkabout. 

Fun Holiday Shopping at the December 8 Mill City Farmers Market

We are absolutely loving the Mill City Farmers Market indoor markets.  The December 8 Market was especially fun with emphasis on the Holidays.  In addition to stocking up on fresh groceries, I was able to get a little Christmas shopping done too. 

Salty Tart was taking orders for their log cakes with meringue mushrooms:

 

New Year's Day Kite Flying in Gold Medal Park

Looking for a fun and unique way to ring in the New Year?  Join fellow kite flying enthusiasts for the First Annual New Year's Day Kite Flying in the Park event at Gold Medal Park on January 1, 2013.

A Mill District resident, familiar with Milwaukee's long running Cool Fool Kite Festival, thought it would be fun to start the tradition here. We see a lot people using Gold Medal Park to fly kites during the warm months, so it seemed like a perfect setting for this winter event.

Thin Ice Advisory

From a December 7 Hennepin County Sheriff's Office e-newsletter:

Thin ice advisory

Hennepin Sheriff Rich Stanek is reminding parents and caregivers to keep children away from thin ice on partially-frozen ponds, lakes, and all bodies of water. Most victims of fatal accidents on the ice in Hennepin County have been children.

“When your child is near the ice or the water, you should be near your child,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, “I urge you to provide clear rules about ice safety throughout the winter months.”

No ice should ever be considered safe.

Small bodies of water such as ponds are especially a hazard now since they are the most likely to have a thin layer of ice.  A dusting of snow or frost may give thin ice the appearance that it is safe when it is not. 

Remember, the recommended minimum thickness for ice is four inches for walking and small group activities. Weather conditions have not allowed for adequate freezing to meet this minimum requirement.

Please keep your dog on a leash this time of year. The Sheriff’s Office has responded to incidents involving pet owners who put themselves in jeopardy chasing after a dog that wandered onto thin ice.

For more information about ice safety, the DNR has tips online.

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul's December Offerings

Friday December 7 thru Thursday December 13, Wuthering Heights. Academy Award-winning director Andrea Arnold's Wuthering Heights is an excitingly fresh and distinct take on the classic novel by Emily Brontë. It screened at the 2012 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival following its US Premiere at Sundance. The Film Society's exclusive theatrical engagement runs Fri Dec 7 thru Thu Dec 13.

December 9, 10, 13 at 7pm Barrymore. Three special engagement screenings only! Christopher Plummer and John Barrymore, two outstanding acting legends of their time, become one in Barrymore, a new film based on William Luce's Tony award-winning play, adapted and directed for the screen by Érik Canuel. This captured-live theatre performance stars Academy Award-winner Christopher Plummer in the tour de force film performance of his career. Set in 1942, Barrymore follows acclaimed American actor John Barrymore, a member of one of Hollywood's best-known multi-generational theatrical dynasties. Screens with the "making of" documentary Backstage With Barrymore. A must-see for stage and screen fans alike! Special engagement ticket prices are $15 General, $12 Senior/Student, $10 Film Society Member.

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Upcoming Film Society Programming

Tonight - Washington Avenue Redesign Project/ Public Meeting at Open Book

Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Location: Open Book - Target Performance Hall, 1011 Washington Ave S

Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis are hosting a public meeting for the Washington Avenue Design Concept Project on December 4th, 2012, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., in the Target Performance Hall at the Open Book (1011 Washington Ave South).

For more details download the flyer using the link below:

https://www.box.com/shared/static/ilseghlrpwuck5qzo6ob.pdf

Movember Officially Ends with Moustache Run

A hairy crowd of runners gathered on Main Street for the Moustache Run Saturday morning, December 1.  A portion of the proceeds will go to prostate cancer research.

There was a post-run party at Aster Cafe.

Tomorrow Night: Sounds Like Home Concert to Benefit People Serving People

Who Benefits Watch this KSTP news clip to find out. Buy Tickets $35/Ticket $50/VIP Tix $300/Ten Tix Who Benefits Watch this WCCO news clip to find out. Critics say... Read what Star Tribune Music Critic says about Sounds Like Home. FRIDAY, NOV. 30   CONCERT TO BENEFIT HOMELESS CHILDREN   AT GRAINBELT BOTTLING HOUSE 79 13TH AVE NE, MPLS, MN   DOORS/7   MUSIC/8   $35/TICKET 21+   CONCERT EMCEE TOKI WRIGHT WITH DJ ESPADA OF WANTS VS. NEEDS   COME CELEBRATE PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY BY SUPPORTING PROGRAMS THAT BRIGHTEN THE FUTURES OF HOMELESS CHILDREN.   TICKETS ARE LIMITED. BUY TICKETS HERE.   SPONSORED BY: Vita.Mn W Marketing 89.3 the Current Cub Foods Corset Styling Bond & Devick Financial Network Northstar Bartenders Guild Slamhammer Co. Red Stag Supperclub Artspace Haus Alpenz Culligan Water Eureka Recycling Shamrock Group Summit Brewing Co. JJ Taylor 2 Gingers Alison Scott Watch her video MaLLy Watch his video Melismatics Watch their video Villa Rosa Muja Messiah & Maria Isa Listen to their recording

614 S. 3rd Street | Minneapolis, MN 55415 US

Izzy's Treats Bridgewater Residents to Ice Cream Social

Our soon-to-be new neighbor, Izzy's Ice Cream, treated Bridgewater residents to 100's of free pints of their famous ice cream on November 27. In addition to ice cream production, their building will have a scoop counter. It may be hard to imagine now with winter setting in, but the scoop counter will surely be a popular destination for neighborhood residents, workers, and Gold Medal Park visitors come Spring.

Today: Public Hearing on Appointment of Janeé Harteau as Police Chief

On Wednesday, the City of Minneapolis will hold a public meeting on the nomination of Assistant Police Chief Janeé Harteau to be the next police chief of Minneapolis. The hearing will be held at the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Health Committee.

Public Safety committee public hearing
1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28
City Council Chamber, Room 317 of City Hall, 350 S. Fifth Street

Mayor Rybak nominated Assistant Chief Janeé Harteau to be the city’s next police chief in late October. This public hearing is being held to take public input on that nomination. Following the public hearing, the nomination will be forwarded to the full City Council for a vote, which will be held Nov. 30.

Harteau joined the Minneapolis Police force as an officer in 1987. She has worked on the street in north, south and downtown Minneapolis, and has served in the narcotics, organized crime and license investigation units, among others.

From 2006-2009, Harteau led the 1st Precinct in downtown Minneapolis, where she helped launch public/private partnerships that led to the very successful Downtown SafeZone Collaborative and the Downtown Courtwatch program. In the same role, she also helped dramatically improve relations with the Cedar-Riverside Somali community and created the position of Somali Liaison Officer.

Show Us Yer 'Stashe 2012 - Vote For MJ!

Our local purveyor of wine at Sorella Wine & Spirits is up against 4 other 'staches for the Show Us Yer 'Stashe 2012 award!

Vote Here  * * Hurry - voting closes 5:00pm this Friday, November 30.

U of M School of Music & MacPhail Center for Music Kick Off New Chamber Series with ‘An Evening of Collaborative Percussion’

The University of Minnesota School of Music and MacPhail Center for Music will present the first of four concerts in a new chamber series with An Evening of Collaborative Percussion on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 8 p.m. at MacPhail’s Antonello Hall. The evening will feature U of M School of Music Professor Fernando Meza, MacPhail President, COO and Teaching Artist Paul Babcock, the U of M Percussion Ensemble, and the MacPhail Rimshots! Percussion Ensemble. Events in this series are free and open to the public.

The program will be an eclectic mix of percussive works, including Emmanuel Séjourné’s Akadinda Trio, Ney Rosauro’s Concerto for Marimba and Percussion Ensemble, Mvt. 4, Bob Becker’s Mudra, for prepared tom-tom and percussion ensemble, John Cage’s Third Construction, Edgar Varése’s Ionisation, and Ney Rosauro’s Samba.

Upcoming concerts in the series: Guitar Concert: Six Strings Valentine with Maja Radovanlija (SOM professor) and Alan Johnson and Jean Seils (MacPhail teaching artists) and MacPhail students on February 14, 2013; Collaborative Brass concert with performances by David Baldwin (SOM professor), Allison Hall and Timothy Bradley (MacPhail teaching artists) on March 8, 2013; and Voice Concert: Songs of Spring with Adriana Zabala (SOM professor) and MacPhail teaching artists and students on April 3, 2013.

Over 16,000 Particpate in 2012 Turkey Day 5K

Sunny and 50 degrees - perfect conditions for the 2012 Turkey Day 5K.  According to an article in the StarTrib, the race drew a record 16,500 participants.  Numerous 5K's run through the Mill District throughout the year, but the Turkey Day 5K is my favorite.

An added bonus in our neighborhood this year was entertainment by River City Rhythm.

Road Closures on Thanksgiving, November 22

Time: 7:00am - 11:00am

Certain streets and West River Parkway will be temporarily closed Thanksgiving morning for the Turkey Day 5K.

Here's the race course:

Starts on North 4^th Street, turns left on Portland Avenue, turns right on South 2^nd Street, turn left on 11^th Avenue South, turn left onto West River Parkway, turn left on North 4^th Avenue, turn left on North 1^st Street, turn right on 1^st Avenue North to the finish line.

A complete list of parkway closures through December 2012 is available online.

Mill City Commons Announces 5th Annual Turkey, Dressings and Extra Helpings Drive

Check out the ways you can participate in Mill City Commons' 5th Annual Turkey, Dressings and Extra Helpings Drive:

 

Stonebridge Lofts is new Name for Former Park Vista Condo Project

Jim Stanton of Shamrock Development revealed the new name for the Park Vista condo project in a discussion with me on Friday.

The project, now underway across from Gold Medal Park in the Mill District of Minneapolis, will be called Stonebridge Lofts.

Below - pictures of excavation from last Friday: