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612-321-8040
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Associate Editor

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Claudia Kittock
Columnist / Non-Profits
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Becky Fillinger
Small Business Reporter
Producer / Milling About
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Michael Rainville Jr.
History Columnist
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Doug Verdier
River Matters

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Community Partners

Thanks to our community partners, whose support makes Mill City Times possible:

MILL CITY FARMERS MARKET

With over 100 local farmers, food makers and artists, MCFM strives to build a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace.

Visit their website...

HENNEPIN HISTORY MUSEUM

Hennepin History Museum is your history, your museum. We preserve and share the diverse stories of Hennepin County, MN. Come visit!

Visit their website...

MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Maximizing the visitor experience of Minneapolis for the economic benefit of our community, making Minneapolis the destination of choice among travelers.

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MSP FILM SOCIETY

Promoting the art of film as a medium that fosters cross-cultural understanding, education, entertainment, and exploration.

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GREAT RIVER COALITION

Enhancing the Minneapolis riverfront environment—for people and pollinators.

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Minneapolis Riverfront News

Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share?  Contact us.

Tuesday
Sep242013

Tonight - Help shape the future of the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park at the Mill City Museum

When: Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Mill City Museum ground-floor lobby, 704 South 2nd Street, 55401

Staff contact: Andrew Caddock, Project Manageracaddock@minneapolisparks.org

More info:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/public-meeting-gathering-input-on-a-master-plan-for-central.html

Monday
Sep232013

Block Party This Sunday - RAMEN ATTACK! at Zen Box

Time: Noon – 5 pm

Location: Portland Avenue between Washington Avenue South and Second Street South

To celebrate their second anniversary, Zen Box Izakaya will host a block party featuring three chefs; Surly taps, Asahi tap and sake; Mu Performance Arts Taiko Performance and a special guest appearance. Admission $2; 16 and under free.

Zen Box Ramen Attack Poster 2013

Monday
Sep232013

Public Meeting - Gathering Input on a Master Plan for Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park

Central Riverfront

(click here for full size image)

When: Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Mill City Museum ground-floor lobby, 704 South 2nd Street, 55401

Staff contact: Andrew Caddock, Project Manager acaddock@minneapolisparks.org

The Water Works Design Team Will Be Featured Presenters

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will host the first in a series of public meetings to gather input on a master plan for Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park. The agenda for this meeting will include the “Water Works” area bounded by 3rd Ave. S., Portland Ave. S., 1st Street S. and the Mississippi River.

Subsequent public meetings will be held through early 2014 and will address other focus areas, so there will be plenty of opportunities to weigh in! Please go to the MPRB project page to learn more about the plan and to sign up for email updates: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1396

Central Riverfront 2

(click here for full size image)

Sunday
Sep222013

Week 20 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

What a day at the September 21 Market.  In addition to the continually expanding variety of produce, Mark Wheat of The Current 89.3 emcee'd the 3rd Annual Bread Contest, and a crop art activity table gave kids an opportunity to explore their artistic side. Look for separate postings on these events this week on our Farmers Market blog.  Some new items available this week included raw peanuts in the shell, butternut squash, Magnesium Oil from Olsen Naturals and Pumpkin Spice granola from Bliss Gourmet Foods.

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 21, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

Saturday
Sep212013

City of Minneapolis Seeks Election Judges for Nov 5 Elections

Are efficient, fair elections important to you? You can help protect voters' rights, serve your community, and be paid to do it.  The City of Minneapolis is seeking election judges to assist with the
November 5 elections.

Click here for more info or to apply online.

Friday
Sep202013

Tonight - Art Opening at Verve

Figurative Work by Gary Korlin:

Verve

Thursday
Sep192013

Fall Cooking Classes with Brenda Langton of Spoonriver

Brenda Langton of Spoonriver and licensed nutritionist, Carolyn Denton, will be joined by additional Center for Spirituality & Healing faculty to teach "Healthy Eating, Healthy Living".  Register online.

Thursday
Sep192013

Tonight: First Annual NE Ladies Night Out

Ladies Night Out September 19th 2013

Celebrate with your favorite gals at neighborhood bars and restaurants this year at the first annual NE Ladies Night Out! Great specials,  group photos available, and fabulous “sneak-peek” ideas for the upcoming holiday season.

Special offers available starting 5pm at the following participating neighborhood businesses:

Bone Adventure - Bring your dog and drop while you shop! Complimentary playcare at Bone Adventure from 5:00 to 8:00pm with any $40 purchase at a participating merchant, otherwise just $5 an hour.

Parc Boutique - Featuring a Fall Trunk Show featuring a local clothing designer. Everything in store will be 20% off and we’ll also have drinks & appz.

Look & See Total Eyecare & Stylish Eyewear - Offering $100 off Rx glasses or sunglasses during the event.

Mona Williams – Choose a handmade Ross Sveback soap as our gift with any $100 purchase.

Surdyk’s Liquor and Cheese Shop – 4 for $40 from 5:00pm- 9:00pm so jumpstart your weekend with four (4) bottles of wine from a special selection for just $40. Also, 20% Off ALL Sparkling Wines so come and enjoy Free Chair Massages and complimentary cheese and wine tasting.

The Bibelot – 20% off entire store as a special preview for our “NE customers.” The Anniversary sale at all Bibelot locations will be September 20, 21.(This includes all regular priced merchandise). Don’t forget to stop by for a hibiscus flower tasting and their special drawing for merchandise

Keegan’s – $2.00 any drink.

Pacifier  – 20% off Regular Priced Fall Clothing.

The Mill City Running - Offering 15% off of Women’s apparel.

Red Stag – 2 for 1′s on select wine & taps, and rail cocktails, available 5pm-close.

Whitey’s World Famous Saloon – Stop in for a Cosmos for only $2.00

Wednesday
Sep182013

Feral Cat Hearing at City Hall [Video]

The public comment segment of the September 11 hearing at which the measure was approved.  A look at the research calls some of the rhetoric into question:

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/224151211.html

 

592433 Tweet

Tuesday
Sep172013

MPRB Appoints New Director of Safety and Security

Via a Sept. 17 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller and newly sworn in Park Police Chief Jason Ohotto

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) recently appointed Jason Ohotto as the new Park Police Chief and was sworn in by Superintendent Jayne Miller in front of full crowd in the Board Room at the MPRB Headquarters on September 11.

In this new position, Chief Ohotto will be responsible for the overall management and direction of all services, functions and operations of the Park Police Department. Additionally he will plan, coordinate and direct year-round, citywide Park Police activities and services to ensure that the mission, goals, policies and priorities of the MPRB are incorporated into the department activities and services.

“As a decorated member of the Minneapolis Park Police Department, Jason has over 17 years of committed experience to protecting our communities and keeping our parks safe,” said MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller. “Jason is a proven leader with a clear vision and a high-level of understanding of what it takes to ensure safe parks, facilities and recreation programs throughout Minneapolis. It is through his hard work and tireless efforts that Jason has been able to establish authentic relationships with park staff, elected officials and community members to solve – and prevent – crime and safety issues in our parks.”

Ohotto first joined the Minneapolis Police Department as a Park Patrol Agent in 1995, serving in that role through 1998. From 1998 through 2004 he served as a Minneapolis Park Police Officer and as a Park Police Sergeant from 2004-2012. In 2012, Ohotto was promoted to Park Police Lieutenant and has served as Captain of the Minneapolis Park Police department since February of this year. Ohotto holds a Master of Public and Non-Profit Administration Degree with a concentration in Law Enforcement Organizations from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. During Ohotto’s career with the Minneapolis Park Police Department he has received the Award of Merit, the Lifesaving Award and twice has received the Medal of Commendation from the Minneapolis Police Department.

“It is my great honor to accept this position and continue my work for the greatest park system in the country. In my view, people are what make Minneapolis parks so special,” said Chief Ohotto. “I truly appreciate all the support I have felt from staff, Commissioners and residents over my career and especially the last six months. Please know that I believe my job is to support the work being done in the field and I am thankful each day that I am able to serve alongside this dedicated staff!”

Tuesday
Sep172013

Mpls Beard and Moustache Club Members Win Gold at National Championships

A lot of people in the neighborhood recognize Michael "MJ" Johnson from Sorella Wine & Spirits.  But what you might not know is that he's the Founder of The Minneapolis Beard and Moustache Club.

MJ and a fellow member recently won Gold Medals at The National Beard and Moustache Championships in New Orleans.  He won in the Imperial Partial Beard category and Marc McShane won Gold in the Amish Beard category.


MJ also made the top 4 for Best in Show.  Check out this video!

Monday
Sep162013

Tomorrow Night - Nicollet Mall Redesign Presentation at the Guthrie Theater

Email reservations to megan@mcfarlandcomm.net, using “Nicollet Mall RSVP” in the subject line.

Monday
Sep162013

Day Block Brewing - New Brewpub Opening in the Mill District This Fall

Day Block Brewing Co.

Day Block Brewing Co., a "pizza based" brewpub is preparing to open this fall.  They are currently renovating the former Spill the Wine space at 1105 11th Ave S next door to Grumpy's in the historic Day Block building and hope to open in 2013.  They will be brewing craft beers in the refurbished basement of their new digs.

We're eager to welcome our new neighbors, so we'll be tracking this one closely.

Visit them on the web at http://www.dayblockbrewing.com/

Day Block Brewing Co.

Saturday
Sep142013

Week 19 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14 was Sweet Corn Day at the Market.  It was celebrated with piles of sweet corn at vendor stands, and corn recipes at the Mill City Cooks demo and Meet Your Veggies booth.  Time to start filling the freezer with those sweet little yellow kernels for savoring this winter.  

Simply amazing - still no rain, yet the farmers continue to out do themselves each week.

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

Yoda the squash! :)

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

Braucher's Sunshine Harvest Farm was one of the Mill City Farmers Market vendors featured in the Minnesota Cooks calendar.

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

Darrold from Sunrise Flour Mill demonstrates the pizza dough toss:

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

Saturday
Sep142013

Got a Story to Tell (that includes an eclipse)?

The Loft and Minnesota Premiere Publications (Southwest Journal, The Journal, and Minnesota Good Age) have teamed up to offer the Loft's Fall Writing Contest.   

Last year's winner, Sally Franson, will judge the entries and one winner will receive a $150 Loft gift certificate, $100 in gift certificates to Parasole restaurants, and publication in the Southwest Journal, The Journal, and Minnesota Good Age. Deadline is Thursday, October 3 at 11:59 p.m.
 
Contest Details: Eclipse
A good portion of the world will experience a total solar eclipse on November 3, 2013. Write a story, 800 words or less, that incorporates an eclipse.

Details and Entry Info

Friday
Sep132013

The Creation of the Mill City Museum / Happy 10th Birthday MCM [Video]

Mill City Museum's 10th Birthday Party runs Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.  This video describes how it came to be:

Friday
Sep132013

Parkway Closure for September 14-15, 2013 

The following parkways will be temporarily closed September 14-15, for these events and designated times:

September 14 – Mill City Suds Run:  Historic Main Street Parkway, West River Parkway Plymouth Avenue North to Portland Avenue 10:00am to 2:00pm

September 15 – Minneapolis Bike Tour:  Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.  All Lake Harriet Parkway All Lake Calhoun Parkway, All Lake Nokomis, All Theodore Wirth Parkway, Webber-Victory Memorial, All West River Parkway/Road, All Lake of the Isles Parkway 7:00am to 2:00pm

Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times. 

A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online. 

Thursday
Sep122013

Visit These Mill City Farmers Market Vendors and Sponsor at the 2013 Minnesota Cheese Festival September 14 and 15

The 2013 Minnesota Cheese Festival takes place September 14 and 15 at the MN State Fair Grounds. It is one of the country's largest celebrations of regionally produced cheese and cheese-related products. Look for the following three MCFM Vendors, along with Market Sponsor Organic Valley at this years Festival.

Rochdale Farms was named in honor of the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, home to the original consumer cooperative launched in 1844 in England. Rochdale Farms thinks that the pioneers had the right idea, which is why all Rochdale Farms products support local farmers and help local food cooperatives - all part of the effort to grow local communities.

 

The folks at Shepherd's Way Farms believe in hard work, creativity, respect for the land and animals, and a focus on family and friends. The small, family farm is located 7 miles outside of Northfield, across from the Big Woods State Park. They have a small flock of approximately 200 dairy ewes and is an active part of the local food community.

Singing Hills Goat Dairy is a small artisan goat cheese dairy farm near Nerstrand that produces fresh chevre, feta, curds and yogurt from its on-farm certified cheese plant. Their goat herd can be found on 25 acres of rolling grassland that border Big Woods State Park.

 

Organic Valley Co-op was created 25 years ago by a handful of farmers from southwestern Wisconsin who shared the belief that a new, sustainable approach to agriculture could help family farms and rural communities survive. Once pioneers of organic agriculture, Organic Valley Co-op is now an established leader, producing only organic products and building a future for sustainable family farming across the country.

NOTE: Tickets are limited - advanced sales only.  You can save $2 on an Adult Session ticket by entering code ILOVECHEESE when buying tickets online.

Thursday
Sep122013

Now Open in the Mill District: Magna Health and Fitness

Magna Health and Fitness announced yesterday that construction is complete and their location at 616 South 3rd Street (in the American Trio building) is now open.

With more than 7,400 square feet, their full-service facility is equipped with six treatment rooms, an industrial fitness center, group training, private fitness, meditation and an expansive yoga studio.  For more information, call 612-424-6840 or visit the website.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Magna!  :)

Wednesday
Sep112013

3rd Ward Minneapolis City Council Debate at Ritz Theater [Video]

zzz DSC01360 (4)

Sponsored by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, the first debate of the general election featuring all Minneapolis Third Ward City Council candidates was held last night at the Ritz Theater.

Participating were: Jacob Frey (DFL Endorsed Candidate), Kristina Gronquist (Green Party Endorsed Candidate), Diane Hofstede (DFL Incumbent Councilwoman), Michael Katch (Libertarian Endorsed Candidate).