Kim Eslinger
Editor
612-321-8040
kim@millcitymedia.org

Brianna Ojard
Associate Editor

David Tinjum
Publisher
612-321-8020
dave@millcitymedia.org

Claudia Kittock
Columnist / Non-Profits
Email Claudia...

Becky Fillinger
Small Business Reporter
Producer / Milling About
Email Becky...

Michael Rainville Jr.
History Columnist
Email Michael...

Doug Verdier
River Matters

Mill City Times is a not-for-profit community service. We do not sell advertising on this site.

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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Enhancing the Minneapolis riverfront environment—for people and pollinators.

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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.

Wednesday
Jul132011

New Patient Feedback on Bierbrauer Chiropractic

Although we've published a Mill District Business Spotlight on Bierbrauer Chiropractic, and posted numerous articles from Dr. Bierbrauer under the Mill City Tmes Fitness Blog, I haven't had to seek chiropractic care - until now.  

I made an appointment with Dr. Bierbrauer hoping to get relief from neck pain, and I wasn't disappointed.  The entire experience - from getting set up as a new patient thru the initial consultation and session - was easy, efficient and relaxing. 

He sent me home with printouts of simple daily exercises that will counter the strain caused by too many hours slouched over a keyboard.  I'll also be replacing the office chair I've been using since 1996 and make an honest effort to sit up straight. 

Gone are the old days of setting up a series of follow up appointments.  With Dr. Bierbrauer, he asks that you do the exercises, take whatever other corrective action was discussed, and call him if there are follow up questions or things aren't improving. 

Another nice benefit is the Bierbrauer Chiropractic website - it's packed with scads of helpful info.  If you've been considering chiropractic care, I would highly recommend making an appointment.

Tuesday
Jul122011

Tomorrow - Minneapolis Pops Orchestra Coffee Concert at Nicollet Island Pavilion

Time:  10:30 am

Location: Nicollet Island Pavilion

That the Minneapolis Pops is populated with top musical talent will be made amply clear as our players emerge from their sectional seats to showcase their nimble fingers, flashing bows and blazing embouchures in a grab-bag of solos from the classics to contemporary. It’s a look inside the Orchestra as we’ve never seen it before. Can you spell V-I-R-T-U-O-S-O?

Free Coffee Concerts will be presented free of charge at Nicollet Island Pavilion on July 13, July 19 and July 28 at 10:30 a.m. These concerts will feature complimentary beverages, pastries, and door prizes.

The mission of the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra is to bring the power and pleasure of live orchestra concerts performed by professional musicians to the Twin Cities community, free of charge. Since 1950 the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra has been making a difference in the community by offering summertime concerts at various park locations.

Tuesday
Jul122011

CANCELED DUE TO STATE SHUTDOWN: Tonight - Minneapolis History Pub Crawl with Mill City Museum

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Location: Tour begins and ends at Mill City Museum, 704 South Second Street

Fee: $25 ($20 MHS members)

Reservations: required, call 612-341-7555

Discover the richness of Minneapolis history, and slake your thirst with some fine beverages along a single road: Washington Avenue. Travel down this busy but underappreciated street to see the importance of railroads, warehousing, flour milling,, immigration, entertainment, and vice to the story of the Mill City.  A trolley will take participants through the neighborhoods along Washington from 35W to Plymouth, with stops at significant historic places and two watering holes in historic buildings. Ages 21 and up only. Drink purchases are not included in the tour price. Drink specials will be made available at participating locations.

Tuesday
Jul122011

Tonight - Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association Board Meeting

Time: 6:00pm

Location:  Central Public Library - Room N-202

DMNAboard meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Anyone who lives, works or owns a business or property within the Downtown East and Downtown West neighborhoods is eligible for general membership in the DMNA.

The agenda for tonight's meeting is below:

DMNA Board Meeting Agenda 7 12-11 - revised 7-5-11

View more documents from Mill City Times

 

Tuesday
Jul122011

There's a New Mobile Pub in Town - City Cycle Tours

Look out, Pedal Pub, here comes City Cycle Tours!

I first learned of City Cycle Tours through an article in Finance and Commerce.  While Dave and I haven't personally encountered one on the street yet (the inaugural run in Minneapolis was June 4), the pictures reflect a sleek machine.  

Company representative Daniel O'Brien took time to educate me on how City Cycle Tours compares to Pedal Pub. 

Now, I am in no way denigrating Pedal Pub, but CCT has some really cool features - from top to bottom.

Being on the short side, my first question was regarding a minimum height requirement (PP's is 5’3", which disqualifies me from pedaling). CCT's vehicle has adjustable seats, and Daniel noted they've had riders ranging from 4'11" to 6'6" who were able to adjust their seats to a comfortable height for pedaling.  CCT is equipped with soft, cushioned Schwinn bicycle seats.

Although rental prices are the same between the two companies, with CCT you'll have two staff on board - one to drive and one to assist with refreshments.  Speaking of which,  Daniel said their vehicle has full suspension and a custom designed chassis that could support laps around a race track. Two advantages - a smooth ride, and your keg of beer won't get foamed up.  If you prefer cans, there are two 66 liter coolers under the bar floor (enough space to keep 300 cans cold and out of the way).

In addition to storing beverages under the bar, CCT features space above the riders and purse/bag hooks.  There is a lip around the outside edge of the bar plus 12 cup holders to prevent your drinks, cell phones, etc., from flying off.

What if it gets dark before you're done pubbing?  No problem - in addition to the headlights and tail lights, there are over 10 LED lights.  For music, there's an aftermarket, amp-powered 6 speaker sound system with a CD deck made for a car.  It has an iPod hook up - so bring your favorite mix.

 

Several more features exclusive to CCT are a hand rail and a standing platform under the seats.  The platform makes getting on and off much easier, and prevents injury from falling off the vehicle.  It also keeps the bar at a normal height - around the chest - when you’re standing between seats; with PP, if your not seated you'll need to stand on the ground, making the bar face level or higher.

I asked Daniel about any unique events they've been involved with so far.  He mentioned a recent 3-day Susan G Komen walk in St. Paul during which they gave free rides and raffled off a tour to support that cause.  He also mentioned they're currently checking into how CCT can be involved with St. Paul's first Zombie Pub Crawl coming up in October.

Per Daniel, "Feedback so far has been fantastic, we've had nothing but positive feedback about the vehicle and the way we run it. In our short amount of operating time, we've already had people re-book." 

Find out more about City Cycle Tours via the following links:  Main Website, Features WebsiteFacebook and Twitter

Monday
Jul112011

Park Vista Condos Demolition Has Started [Photo]

Demolition has started in preparation for construction of the new Park Vista Condos across from Gold Medal Park in the Mill District of Minneapolis.  We'll be tracking progress of this project in the Real Estate & Development Blog.

Park Vista Condo Start of Demolition

Monday
Jul112011

New Feature - The Week Ahead in Mill City / July 11-17

Monday
Jul112011

"Freegal" Music Downloads Now Available at Hennepin Libraries

You can now download three free Sony Music selections each week through Freegal, a new online music database offered by Hennepin County Library. The songs are yours until you delete them.

All you need is a MN library card that is registered at Hennepin County Library. Access Freegal on the HCL website's "Music" page. The music is in MP3 format and will work on any computer (Mac or PC) and on any MP3 player, including iPods, and can be loaded onto iTunes.

You can access Freegal on your home computer, or on HCL's internet-connected workstations that use PC Reservation sign-ups. Freegal limits customers to three downloads per week, and updates its catalog with new additions continually. You can even listen to a sample click before downloading.

For more information, visit the HCL/Freegal website.  

Saturday
Jul092011

Week 10 at Mill City Farmers Market

Click here to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest! 

NOTE - You can see MCFM Founder Brenda Langton in action on Sunday, July 10, at the Park Nicollet Move and Grove Family Fest at the Basilica of St. Mary, part of the Basilica Block Party.  This free event celebrates kids' fitness, healthy eating, and wellness in a fun, interactive environment.

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011 

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market on July 9, 2011

Friday
Jul082011

This Weekend in Mill City / July 8 - July 10

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Arch Bridge in Old St. Anthony.

Friday, July 8

Cadence Hip Hop Series at the Guthrie (2 nights)

Fine & Dirty: Contemporary Letterpress Art MCBA

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, July 9

Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour (Starts at Gold Medal Park)

Mill City Farmers Market

Dog Wash Event at Ollu benefiting Pet Project Rescue!

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum (canceled due to State shutdown)

'Mizna's New Edition' at the Loft

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Sunday, July 10

Railroad History Tour at Mill City Museum (canceled due to State shutdown)

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Weekend Brunch

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at Spoonriver
750 South 2nd St (at Chicago Ave S)
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-436-2236

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu...

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138

Until 2pm.

See the menu...

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.

Thursday
Jul072011

MILL CITY LIVE CANCELLED TONIGHT DUE TO STATE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

From the Minnesota Historical Society:

July 7, 2011 - Tonight's first concert in the popular "Mill City Live"
outdoor music series has been cancelled. "Chris Osgood & the Mill City
Rockers" had been slated to open the 8th season of the series which can draw
as many as 550 people per concert to the dramatic open air ruin courtyard.
As soon as the shutdown is resolved and Mill City Museum reopens, the series
will resume. Concerts are held every Thursday from July 7 through Aug. 18.
This year the program is curated by music critic Jim Walsh who selected
bands which represent five decades of Minneapolis music history from 1960
through the present.

In addition, the Minnesota History Center's popular "9 Nights of Music"
series in St. Paul held on Tuesdays in July and August, is cancelled until
the state of Minnesota government shutdown ends.

The Minnesota Historical Society, its museums, historic sites and library
are closed temporarily, and all programs and special events are suspended
due to the State of Minnesota government shutdown. Funding from the state
comprises more than half of the Society's operating budget.

Historic sites and museums affected in the Twin Cities include: the
Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, Mill City Museum, James J.
Hill House, Alexander Ramsey House and the Minnehaha Depot. Society-led
tours at the Minnesota State Capitol also are suspended.

Other sites closed statewide during the shutdown are: Split Rock Lighthouse,
Two Harbors; Birch Coulee Battlefield, Morton; Charles A. Lindbergh Historic
Site, Little Falls; Comstock House, Moorhead; Folsom House, Taylors Falls;
Forest History Center, Grand Rapids; Fort Ridgely, Fairfax; Harkin Store,
New Ulm; Historic Forestville, Preston; Jeffers Petroglyphs, Comfrey; Lac
qui Parle Mission, Watson; Lower Sioux Agency, Morton; Marine Mill, Marine
on St. Croix; Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post, Onamia; North West
Company Fur Post, Pine City; Oliver H. Kelley Farm, Elk River; Sibley House
Historic Site, Mendota; Traverse des Sioux, St. Peter; and the W.W. Mayo
House, Le Sueur.

Information is available on the Society's website at
www.mnhs.org<http://www.mnhs.org>, which will continue to function. However,
web-based services enabling the public to order historical documents,
photographs, tickets and merchandise will not be operational during the
shutdown. The public may still make charitable donations and membership
payments through the Society's secure website.

All historic sites and museums as well as the library at the History Center,
will reopen and all programming will resume when the state government
shutdown concludes and funding is available to operate the Society's
programs. Reopening information will be available at
www.mnhs.org<http://www.mnhs.org>.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural
institution established in 1849 to preserve and share Minnesota history. The
Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota's past through
museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational
programs and book publishing. For more information, visit
www.mnhs.org<http://www.mnhs.org>.

Thursday
Jul072011

Tonight - Twin Cities River Rats Show on the Minneapolis Riverfront

7:00 PM tonight.

The 2011 Twin Cities River Rats season kicked off Thursday, June 2.  Shows are scheduled for 7pm Thursday nights through August 25, and take place at 1628 West River Road (between the Plymouth and Broadway).

The Twin Cities Rivers Rats describe their show as an aquatic Broadway musical featuring multiple water ski acts choreographed to music and built around a theme.

If you haven't already enjoyed a River Rats show, their website is loaded with fun videos to give you an idea of what to expect.  These are free events.

Wednesday
Jul062011

State Shutdown Impact - People Serving People

WCCO story on our neighbors:

Wednesday
Jul062011

Laura Salveson, Director of the Mill City Museum, on the State Shutdown and Mill City Live

From a TV appearance last night on KSTP:

Wednesday
Jul062011

Spider-Man Among Runners in the Red, White & BOOM! TC Half Marathon 

Watch for Spider-Man about 1:25 minutes into the video!  (Superman also ran, but unfortunatley we didn't get a shot of him.)

july 4, 2011, Red, White and Boom Half Marathon

july 4, 2011, Red, White and Boom Half Marathon

Red, White & Boom Half Marathon 2011

july 4, 2011, Red, White and Boom Half Marathon

july 4, 2011, Red, White and Boom Half Marathon

july 4, 2011, Red, White and Boom Half Marathon

Red, White & Boom Half Marathon 2011

july 4, 2011, Red, White and Boom Half Marathon

july 4, 2011, Red, White and Boom Half Marathon

Red, White & BOOM 1/2 Marathon

Red, White & Boom Half Marathon 2011

Red, White & Boom Half Marathon 2011

Red, White & BOOM 1/2 Marathon

july 4, 2011, Red, White and Boom Half Marathon

Wednesday
Jul062011

July 22 is the Deadline for Submitting "The Future of Nicollet Mall Poetry Contest" Entry

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District(DID) has announced their "The  Future of Nicollet Mall Poetry Contest".

Share your vision for Nicollet Mall by incorporating one or more of the following words into a poem:  Change, Vision, Community, Future, Gather, Vibrant and Commerce. You could see your winning poem displayed in public or win gift cards to down town establishments.

The deadline for submitting your original poem is July 22nd.  Click here for all the details.

Tuesday
Jul052011

9 NIGHTS OF MUSIC CANCELLED TONIGHT DUE TO STATE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

From the Minnesota Historical Society:

Tonight’s first concert in the Minnesota History Center’s popular free outdoor music series “9 Nights of Music” has been cancelled. The performance by the Afro-Caribbean group “Salsa del Soul” is cancelled due to the ongoing State of Minnesota government shutdown. As soon as the shutdown is resolved and the History Center reopens, the series will resume. Now in its 15th year, “9 Nights of Music” celebrates the vibrant sounds of Minnesota’s multicultural community. Concerts are held every Tuesday in July and August and are free to the public. In total, the concerts are enjoyed by over 12,000 people each summer.

In addition, the first concert in the “Mill City Live” series, which kicks-off its 8th year this Thursday at Mill City Museum with Chris Osgood & the Mill City Rockers, will be cancelled if the government shutdown continues. This year the program is curated by music critic Jim Walsh who has selected bands which represent five decades of Minneapolis music history from 1960 through the present. Each concert in the popular series draws as many as 550 people to the historic ruin courtyard.

The Minnesota Historical Society, its museums, historic sites and library are closed temporarily, and all programs and special events are suspended due to the State of Minnesota government shutdown. Funding from the state comprises more than half of the Society’s operating budget.

Historic sites and museums affected in the Twin Cities include: the Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, Mill City Museum, James J. Hill House, Alexander Ramsey House and the Minnehaha Depot. Society-led tours at the Minnesota State Capitol also are suspended.

Other sites closed statewide during the shutdown are: Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors; Birch Coulee Battlefield, Morton; Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site, Little Falls; Comstock House, Moorhead; Folsom House, Taylors Falls; Forest History Center, Grand Rapids; Fort Ridgely, Fairfax; Harkin Store, New Ulm; Historic Forestville, Preston; Jeffers Petroglyphs, Comfrey; Lac qui Parle Mission, Watson; Lower Sioux Agency, Morton; Marine Mill, Marine on St. Croix; Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post, Onamia; North West Company Fur Post, Pine City; Oliver H. Kelley Farm, Elk River; Sibley House Historic Site, Mendota; Traverse des Sioux, St. Peter; and the W.W. Mayo House, Le Sueur.

Information is available on the Society’s website at www.mnhs.org, which will continue to function. However, web-based services enabling the public to order historical documents, photographs, tickets and merchandise will not be operational during the shutdown. The public may still make charitable donations and membership payments through the Society’s secure website.

All historic sites and museums as well as the library at the History Center, will reopen and all programming will resume when the state government shutdown concludes and funding is available to operate the Society’s programs. Reopening information will be available at www.mnhs.org.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849 to preserve and share Minnesota history. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. For more information, visit www.mnhs.org.

Tuesday
Jul052011

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge [Photos] [Video]

We watched the fireworks from our balcony this year.  There was a big turnout to see an awesome finale.  Notice the crowd on the Stone Arch Bridge in the first picture - the hill at Gold Medal Park is in the foreground. Video at the end of this post.

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

Fireworks Over the Stone Arch Bridge

The Red, White & BOOM Fireworks over the Stone Arch Bridge in the Mill District of Minneapolis.

View the whole set of 84 photos on Flickr...

Tuesday
Jul052011

Tonight - Music in The Park at Father Hennepin Bluffs

Time: 7:00pm

Barbara Meyer  "Midwestern Roots Rock & Reggae"

Brought to us by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Tuesday
Jul052011

Nice Turn Out for Inaugural Hot Dam 5K Fun Run

Funds raised from the inaugural Hot Dam 5K Fun Run will benefit future Red, White and Boom Celebrations in Minneapolis. 

Hot Dam 5K on the Stone Arch Bridge

Hot Dam 5K on the Stone Arch Bridge 

July 3, 2011, Hot Dam 5K

July 3, 2011, Hot Dam 5K

July 3, 2011, Hot Dam 5K

Hot Dam 5K on the Stone Arch Bridge