Northern Lights.mn Announces Northern Spark 2021: Alchemy
Monday, March 22, 2021 at 10:38AMVia a March 22 e-announcment from Northern Lights.mn:
Design by Matthew Rezac
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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.
The Hidden Threat to the Twin Cities’ Water Supply
By John Anfinson, Guest Columnist
"If the cutoff wall failed today, a million people would lose their primary water source"
St. Anthony Falls lies one tick of the geologic clock from ending a 12,000-year journey up the Mississippi River from St. Paul. When that tick slips, the Twin Cities could lose much of its water supply. Holding back the clock is a dam that stands1,850 feet long, 40 feet high and four to six and one-half feet wide, a dam no one can see. It lies under the Mississippi River, beneath the limestone and shale riverbed. For over 144 years it has withstood the relentless demands of nature to finish its task. How much longer will it last?
The St. Anthony Falls Reservoir is Key to the Twin Cities Water Supply
The Minneapolis Water Department draws 100% of its water from the Mississippi River. Their intake lies four and one-quarter miles above St. Anthony Falls and depends on a reservoir created by dams you can and cannot see. Forty percent of this water goes to some 430,000 Minneapolis residents, and Minneapolis supplies 110,000 residents of Golden Valley, Crystal, New Hope, Columbia Heights, Hilltop, New Brighton, and Edina’s Morningside Neighborhood. These suburbs take 22%. Minneapolis delivers another 38% to institutional, commercial, and industrial users. Among them, the University of Minnesota, Metropolitan Airports Commission and Hennepin Energy Recovery Center count among the largest customers and together consume 5%. Bloomington mixes its well water with Minneapolis river water. (Map)
Saint Paul Regional Water Services pulls 75% of its supply from the Mississippi nine miles above the falls. It provides water to 425,000 residents, delivering retail water service to Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Mendota, Mendota Heights, and West Saint Paul and wholesale service to Arden Hills, Little Canada, and Roseville. St. Paul sends limited retail water to Sunfish Lake, South St. Paul, Lilydale and Newport. (Map)
Nearly one million Twin Citians depend on the Mississippi River for their household water. Major institutional, commercial and industrial enterprises count on it. How much water does downtown Minneapolis consume on any given work day? What about downtown St. Paul or the International Airport or University of Minnesota or all the K through 12 schools or the many hospitals? What would happen with a sudden, catastrophic loss of the St. Anthony Falls reservoir?
St. Pauls’ water supply lakes hold 3.6 billion gallons, and the city has ten wells that can distribute an average day’s needs to its customers. These reserves would see St. Paul and its dependents through a short-term emergency, but in the long term, St. Paul must draw from the Mississippi River. Minneapolis has no wells and no lake system. Its “finished reserve” would last three days. Minneapolis relies entirely on the Mississippi River and on the reservoir created by the dams at St. Anthony Falls for its water supply, including firefighting.
The Hidden Threat
In 1869, St. Anthony Falls and the reservoir nearly disappeared. The crisis began below the Mississippi River. Workers had been tunneling through the soft St. Peter Sandstone that lies under 18 inches of shale and up to 25 feet of limestone. They ran their tunnel under Hennepin Island, then under the river, and after 2,000 feet had reached Nicollet Island, where William Eastman and his partners planned to erect a mill.
On the morning of October 4, water started pouring into the Eastman Tunnel’s upper end, eating away the sandstone walls. Within hours, the six-foot-square tunnel grew into a cavern 10 to 90 feet wide and 16½-feet deep. The next morning, the limestone riverbed collapsed, forming a large whirlpool. Volunteers hurriedly built a massive raft and floated it over the vortex, which sucked it to the riverbed. They piled on dirt, rocks and debris, but another cave-in occurred between the raft and the shore of Nicollet Island, and they built another raft, and the breach expanded again, and they repeated the triage.
A second, separate whirlpool appeared, and they built more rafts to cap it. As described in historian Lucile Kane’s excellent account, they then celebrated “the triumph of human skill and brain power over the dumb force of nature” Nature took exception, and the river devoured the feeble structures. The power of falling water had turned against the millers.
Thus began a calamity that threatened to undermine the entire riverbed at St. Anthony Falls and end its long journey. Knowing the complexity and urgency of their crisis, Minneapolis looked to the recently established St. Paul District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but navigation, not saving St. Anthony Falls, was its mission. So, the city convincingly argued that losing the falls endangered navigation above the falls. At the lower end of Nicollet Island, the limestone riverbed ends, and the digital geologic clock for St. Anthony Falls hits zero. Without the limestone, the falls would become a long, shallow, unnavigable rapids.
Between 1870 and 1874, the river foiled every fix devised by the Corps. Water flowing under the limestone’s leading edge was invading the tunnel and cutting new routes through the sandstone. While they balked at the cost and scale of the project, the Corps recognized they had to build a dam or cutoff wall under the river, under the limestone and shale, deep into the sandstone, from one bank to the other. The Corps began construction on July 9, 1874, and finished the cutoff wall on November 24, 1876. A Minneapolis Tribune article of November 20 that year reported that it extended for 1,850 feet and stood 40 feet tall. Not until 1885, however, did the Corps complete its work and leave the falls. They had to finish an apron to protect the falls’ leading edge, construct two roll dams to maintain water over the central falls and fill all the cavities.
General G. K. Warren, a Civil War hero and the first St. Paul District commander, visited falls about 1880 and offered this warning: “Only eternal vigilance will preserve the Falls of St. Anthony.” It is a testament to the Corps’ engineering prowess that their oldest dam on the Mississippi River has lasted so long without fix or failure.
One-hundred and seven years after Warren’s forewarning, the river and geology reminded Minneapolis of how fragile engineering at the falls can be. In 1987, water found its way under the deep foundation of the 90-year-old Lower St. Anthony Falls Hydroelectric Station. Reminiscent of the Eastman Tunnel, the river consumed the sandstone, forming a cavern under the station, draining the upstream reservoir in hours. Over the next few days, the station collapsed.
Why the Corps Must Stay at the Upper St. Anthony Falls (USAF) Lock & Dam
The Eastman Tunnel disaster did not steal Minneapolis or St. Paul’s water supply. Minneapolis started drawing water from the river for residential and commercial use in 1871, and for the next few decades, most people continued using household or community wells or springs. St. Paul did not begin siphoning water from the Mississippi until 1925.
If the cutoff wall failed today, a million people would lose their primary water source. Institutional, commercial and industrial users, including schools at all levels, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport might have to shut down or dramatically cut back their water consumption. Minneapolis’ reserve would run out in three days. Fire hydrants would quickly run dry. St. Paul would pivot to its emergency reserves, but how long would they last? Both cities could lose their water intakes. The Corps says if the dam at St. Anthony Falls fails, “A head cutting erosion would extend far upstream, affecting roads, bridges, homes, and other infrastructure,” and “It is conceivable that degradation could extend 30 miles upstream, …” In other words, the ensuing rapids would begin cutting down the riverbed until finding its natural slope.
How long would it take plug a breach at St. Anthony Falls and restore the reservoir? How long would it take and how much would it cost to repair the cutoff wall below the river and whatever damage inflicted at the surface? Who would do it?
The Corps of Engineers is the logical choice, and the federal interest is clear and strong. The Corps built the cutoff wall, undertook much of the infrastructure repairs caused by the tunnel collapse and constructed the two roll dams inside the horseshoe dam. They built the lock and own two short sections of the dam. The Corps, however, hopes to leave St. Anthony Falls. Because the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock closed to navigation permanently in 2015, the Corps wants Congress to deauthorize their navigation and recreation missions, allowing them to dispose of the lock and associated infrastructure. Without a new primary mission, they have no reason to stay.
Given how critical the cutoff wall and dam structures at St. Anthony Falls are to the Twin Cities, that new mission should be water supply. While the Corps portfolio includes a water supply mission, they would contend it is only for dams they have constructed. Yet, without the cutoff wall they built, the reservoir created by the surface dam above would not exist: the cutoff wall makes the reservoir possible.
While it is not clear who owns the cutoff wall, the Corps built it, and they should have a direct interest in the Twin Cities water supply. Losing the St. Anthony Falls reservoir would qualify as a federal disaster, and if, as the Corps suggests, the river would start cutting down the riverbed, “affecting roads, bridges, homes, and other infrastructure” for 30 miles upstream, imagine the economic cost of such losses. As the Corps says in its draft disposition study: “The 19th century architects of the falls recognized that loss of the falls would be catastrophic. With the upstream and downstream development along the river, the same conclusion applies today.”
The Mississippi River will only become more important to the Twin Cities’ water supply. The metro area is growing, and there is a strong push to rely more on the river and less on the already overstressed aquifers tapped by many metro area communities. So, the Twin Cities needs the Corps to remain at St. Anthony Falls, and Congress must give it a water supply mission. The Corps could then continue their already authorized recreation mission, fulfill a critical flood risk mitigation responsibility and facilitate Xcel Energy’s hydroelectric power generation as additional missions. The national economic benefits of these combined missions is immense, especially compared to any commercial navigation that ever passed through the lock, and easily outweighs the federal costs. Ignoring this threat is not an option; consider the consequences – social, economic and political - if the wall fails and no one has heeded General Warren’s portent.
The Great Northern Announces a Special Release, T R A C K I N G: A Polyrhythm of Winter
Via a March 20 e-annoucement from The Great Northern:
Special Release
T R A C K I N G: A Polyrhythm of Winter
As the winter season thaws and Earth enters the vernal equinox, we are thrilled to announce the release of T R A C K I N G—a collective, sonic remembrance of time and place by architecture/art duo Dream the Combine, artist Isaac Gale, and 264 others.
The project was launched during The Great Northern 2021 as a series of movement prompts and multimedia responses exchanged via text message that explored the ways in which we are all bodies of water in relation to one another. Today’s release is the final output of the work, featuring a combination of participant submissions pieced together and reworked into one audio track.
Listen to T R A C K I N G in a special episode of The Great Northern Podcast following a brief conversation between Jennifer Newsom and Tom Carruthers (Dream the Combine) and Isaac Gale on how they produced this unique polyrhythm of winter.
10th Ave Bridge and Watermain Project
This project will rehabilitate the historic 10th Ave SE bridge over the Mississippi River and W River Pkwy. A new water main will be installed under the river as part of the project.
Latest Project News
Construction Update Meeting - Friday, March 19, 2021 at 10:30 am
Project staff will hold a virtual construction update meeting next Friday using GoTo Meeting. Members of the public are invited to join the online meeting and hear updates on construction progress and speak with project staff.
Please use this link to join the 10th Ave Bridge Online Construction Update Meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/784924461
You can also dial in using your phone: 1 (224) 501-3412, Access Code: 784-924-461
The bridge was closed on March 30th, 2020 and the contractor has been actively working on repairs. For more details on the repairs, schedule and bridge deck changes, please see the latest Construction Update or go to the project page 10thavebridge.com.
What's Coming Up
The 10th Ave Bridge will remain closed to all traffic including, vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians until fall 2021.
West River Parkway (roadway only) will be closed to motor vehicles through April 2021. The adjacent trail will remain open for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Work requires the use of heavy equipment that will increase noise, vibration, and dust in work areas.
Access to adjacent apartments and businesses will remain open during the construction activity.
For more information on this project contact:
Bridge Contact: Meseret Wolana, meseret.wolana@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-3527
Episode 7 of Milling About with Brianna Rose airs March 18
Article by Becky Fillinger
Brianna RoseThe March episode of Milling About with Brianna Rose will first air on March 18, 2021 at 8PM on MCN6. The show replays for a month every Thursday and Friday at 8PM and Monday and Tuesday at 5PM.
Milling About has something for everyone - from local musicians, city leaders, history of iconic Minneapolis institutions and local activists making all of our lives better.
Here's the March lineup:
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Singer/Songwriter Dan Israel describes the songwriting process through a pandemic. He treats us to a performance of Pandemic Blues.
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Audrey Liquard gives us some helpful info on getting rid of plastic storage bags. It's easy to do and you'll be making steps toward a #ZeroWasteLifestyle.
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We learn about the Mill City Commons Organics Recycling Project. Members Ellie Hand and Susan Plimpton describe how the program started and how it has grown throughout the Mill District.
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Diane Hofstede, President of the Great River Coalition, tells us about this year's 5K Bee Run - Earth Day Fun Run/Walk & River Cleanup – it can be done virtually or outside - to support our wonderful riverfront and pollinators. We have a lot to look forward to in the run and the community cleanup. Dress up and share your photos!
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Michelle Rivero, Director, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, City of Minneapolis, tells us about how her office serves immigrant and new American communities. She discusses the services the City provides to our new community members.
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History columnist Michael Rainville, Jr. discusses the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. He includes history of the central banking system of the United States. The Federal Reserve Bank has existed at several locations – Michael covers the timeline of the architects, construction and key architectural components.
Milling About with Brianna Rose is a production of Mill City Times, and we cover topics of interest to our readers. We focus on local entertainers, small businesses, neighborhood stories, Mississippi River connections, local food producers and history - and are open to suggestions! Please email Becky Fillinger, executive producer, at becky_fillinger@hotmail.com to suggest ideas or to be a guest on the show.
The Mill City Times Interview: Community Leader Jeb Myers, President, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Article by Becky Fillinger
Jeb MyersA high school with a 100% college acceptance rate? We have one in our community – Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. We talked to President Jeb Myers about the Cristo Rey model, including their innovative Corporate Work Study Program and how the community can be involved in their mission.
Q: Please tell us about the history of the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis.
A: The Cristo Rey model was developed by the Jesuits to find a way to provide quality, Catholic secondary education for the immigrant Latino population of Chicago’s Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods, resulting in the first Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. Its development faced a great challenge...funding. There was simply no way these families could afford a traditional private secondary education.
When the first Cristo Rey High School opened its doors in 1996, it started the internships to help students pay the private school tuition. Students attended classes four days a week and went to work one day a week at paying jobs in the local, Chicago business community. After only a year, they observed an unexpected benefit from the work-study program; the students themselves were earning a wage to underwrite their tuition and valuable skills and experience for their future. And in 2001, the Cristo Rey Network was established to replicate Cristo Rey-model high schools across the country.
After visiting the original school in Chicago, Ryan Companies executives decided to lead the establishment of a Cristo Rey school in the Twin Cities. Building construction was completed in June 2007 and in August of that same year we welcomed our first freshmen class of nearly 100 students. Each year an additional class was added to our student body; we now serve 500 students in grades 9 to 12.
Graduation day!
In June 2011, we celebrated our first graduation. 100% of our first graduating class was accepted to college or the military. Our student success has since been repeated every year, with 100% of graduating seniors accepted to college. We have over 760 graduates and celebrated our first college graduations in May 2015.
Q: Do you have more applicants per year than seats available?
A: Yes. We enroll 130 students in grade nine from the almost 300 applications each year. Typically, we have a 75% acceptance rate and a long waiting list. Families are encouraged to apply early.
Each student receives a Dell laptop for academic and Corporate Work Study Program work.Q: How does the Corporate Work Study Program work? How many employers work with your school and students?
A: The signature and differentiating component of Cristo Rey schools is the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). Cristo Rey Jesuit High School is the only high school in Minnesota that provides students access to college preparatory academics and professional work experience through the Corporate Work Study Program. Students largely self-finance their Cristo Rey education from which they graduate with beyond-the-classroom evidence that they are college-ready and career-prepared. In turn, CWSP supports workforce development challenges by diverse candidates with the social and technical skills to perform the jobs of our knowledge-based economy.
The Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) is independently incorporated, functioning as an employment agency within a Cristo Rey school. Cristo Rey students are employees of the CWSP, not of our business partners. Partners pay a competitive, annual service fee to the CWSP, not to the student. However, 100% of the money goes directly to the cost of each student’s education. CWSP manages employment eligibility verification, payroll, insurance, taxes, and other employer issues, with the explicit awareness and approval of relevant state agencies and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Students work in a four-person job-sharing team to fill one full-time equivalent position during standard daily business hours, Monday through Friday, for the entire academic year. Academic schedules are structured so that students work without ever missing class. Our integrated academic and CWSP experience is widely recognized as the critical component to a Cristo Rey education. Real life experience at the Corporate Work Study brings relevance to academics and belonging in the workforce.
Currently, we have 83 Corporate Partners. Pre-pandemic, we had over 120 Corporate Partners providing all 500 students with a job. Nearly 10% of Partners employ alumni post-college graduation.
Q: You mentioned the school's new Technology Lab. What is it?
A: The Ken Melrose Technology Lab will allow Cristo Rey Jesuit students to develop skills in coding, CAD, circuitry, audio/visual editing and marketing through the use of high-tech equipment such as laser cutters, CNC routers, 3D printers, drones, robots, video and photography software and other industry-related equipment. This will maximize students’ preparation for work study positions and future careers. Our fully-equipped Technology Lab will prepare Cristo Rey students for higher skilled in-demand jobs. The addition of technical skills training to our curriculum will help to meet the increase in industry demand for software developers, analysts, and employees in computer and IT roles.
Q: You had a lunch and learn program in February – the program discussed how Cristo Rey is a proven solution to upending systemic injustice. Sounds like it was a terrific webinar. Are the programs open to everyone?
A: Cristo Rey intentionally invests in people, organizations, and communities of color addressing systemic barriers and delivering real change. Our innovative Corporate Work Study Program builds a pipeline of diverse, 21st Century talent. We’re preparing students of any culture, faith, or creed for the demands of the growing knowledge-based economy. That February program was well attended.
We’re always looking for new folks to get involved with our mission! Our Lunch & Learns are hosted quarterly and open to everyone. The next one will be held in April 2021. Register here. We’re hopeful that it might be held in person at our campus at 2924 4th Avenue S.
Q: How are college acceptances proceeding for the Class of 2021?
A: Over 80% of Seniors have been accepted to one college thus far. Everyone is working towards 100% College Acceptances.
Q: How may we follow your news?
A: There are many ways!
News is posted on our website, and we are on the following social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
March 12 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman
Emergency Rental Assistance Through Hennepin County
Apply now for emergency rent assistance from Hennepin County. Households with unpaid rent and low incomes may qualify for help paying for rent and utility bills.
The deadline to apply is Friday, March 19 at noon.
Apply for help paying rent and utilities at www.hennepin.us/rent-help
This is an initial short-term program to get urgent help to households with high need. More help will be offered to even more households through a statewide COVID-19 Emergency Rent Assistance program opening later this month.
Emergency Assistance Programs from the State and County
ApplyMN is a simple, secure online application that connects you with Minnesota and Hennepin County services to help meet your and your family's basic needs. You can use ApplyMN to apply for:
- Cash assistance.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
- Child care assistance.
- Emergency assistance for situations such as eviction or loss from a fire. Contact the county office where you live for more information. In Hennepin County, that’s 612-596-1300.
Find more information on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.
Free and Affordable Food
There are many places to get local, affordable or free emergency food in Minneapolis this winter.
Emergency food
Find a map and hours of food shelves and food distribution pop-ups for emergency food in Minneapolis.
Free food boxes for all youths
All families are invited to pick up free meal boxes for their children. Food boxes contain a week’s worth of breakfasts and lunches that meet Minneapolis Public Schools’ high standards for nutrition and quality ingredients. In every box, children will find school favorites, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Milk is offered on the side.
- Youths do not need to be enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools.
- Youths, parents or siblings can pick up one box per child, per week.
- Pick up at any of the 15 school sites. No registration is required.
- All sites are open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Learn more and find a food box location.
Hennepin Ave South Project Seeks Your Input
This past week, planning staff held online open houses to share the draft concept designs for the reconstruction of Hennepin Avenue South between Douglas Avenue and West Lake Street.
Those plans are now available to view on the project web page. This site also offers you the opportunity to share your thoughts on the Option 1 and Option 2 design layouts. Comments and input will be accepted through Friday, April 16, 2021.
http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/cip/futureprojects/HennepinSouth
The City plans to reconstruct this section of Hennepin Avenue starting in 2024. The reconstruction project provides an opportunity to redesign Hennepin Avenue to meet the needs of current and future users of the street.
Project goals include improving the sidewalk and intersections for all users, evaluating bicycle network connectivity, providing space for enhanced transit stops for future METRO E Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, replacing aging infrastructure and maintaining and enhancing traffic flow for transit and motor vehicles.
Resources to Stay Up to Date on the Chauvin Trial
- City of Minneapolis has a special section on our web page “Trial Support and Safety”
- www.minneapolismn.gov
- Get trial updates
- See current street closures
- Report suspicious activity
- Sign up for news, updates and alerts
- www.minneapolismn.gov
- City of Minneapolis News Page
- Operation Safety Net has launched its own web page
- Watch the trial
- https://www.courttv.com
- Additional Resources/avenues to be informed/connected to information
- Follow “City of Minneapolis” on Facebook and Twitter
- Follow “Operation Safety Net” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Police Recruitment Opens; City Prioritizes Minneapolis Residency and Social Service Experience
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and Chief Human Resources Officer Patience Ferguson announced new recruitment priorities for incoming Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) recruits. Throughout every level of the hiring process, the City is assigning greater weight to applicants who have experience in social service and live in Minneapolis.
Amid a significant opportunity to recruit new officers into the department, placing a higher value on residency and social service experience will help ensure the MPD is better embedding Minneapolis’ values throughout its recruitment and hiring practices.
The changes also include assigning greater weight to volunteer experience, educational and on-the-job experience in social service, mental health work, and substance use disorder counseling. The department will also emphasize degrees in criminal justice, social work, social sciences (psychology, sociology, criminology), counseling and other related fields. These new recruitment priorities will begin with summer class recruitment.
Find the job postings and more information on the City website.
How to Become a Firefighter
The City of Minneapolis is recruiting firefighters. The firefighter cadet application window is April 19-30. Come to an information session to learn more.
Find more information about becoming a City of Minneapolis firefighter on the City website. Explore job qualifications, steps for getting hired, training and tests. You can even take a video tour of a fire station.
COVID-19 Situation Update as of March 10, 2021
Situational updates: Minneapolis
- As of March 10, there are 33,266 cases in Minneapolis and 394 deaths. The total number of cases and hospitalizations increased by less than 1% over the previous week. ICU admissions increased by slightly more than 1% over last week. Minneapolis-specific data are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
- Over the past week, there have been about 44 new cases per day on average. The seven-day rolling average case rate for Minneapolis is just under 10 cases per 100,000. These rates have decreased significantly since the beginning of the year and are now plateauing.
- This month marks two milestones in the pandemic – one year has passed since the first COVID case in Minneapolis (March 11, 2020) and the first COVID death in Minneapolis (March 27, 2020). We are exploring ways to acknowledge COVID's impact on our community including supporting a Mayoral proclamation, special lighting of the 35W bridge, and recognition of community-nominated COVID heroes.
- Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation 2020-17, which banned seating at bar counters in Minneapolis businesses, was lifted on February 18. Current rules for Minneapolis businesses are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.
- Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.
Situational updates: Minnesota
- As of March 10, there are 493,013 cases in Minnesota out of over 7.6 million tests completed. There have been 6,705 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 102,270 cases and 1,621 deaths in Hennepin County.
- The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of March 2, Minnesota is reporting 13.3 cases per 100,000.
- The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct surveillance of newly identified strains of COVID-19 in Minnesota. To date, 78 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant (first found in the U.K.) and two cases of the P.1 variant (which first emerged in Brazil) have been detected in Minnesota.
- The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
- Governor Walz’s Executive Order 21-01, and subsequent modifications in Executive Order 21-07, regulating COVID operations at bars, restaurants, gyms, and other businesses, remain in effect.
- With the pace of vaccinations accelerating, the Governor recently expanded vaccine eligibility for new priority groups. These include people with certain high-risk health conditions, workers at food processing plants and other essential workers, and adults over age 50 who live in multigenerational households. Sign up at the State’s Vaccine Connector website to receive updates when you are eligible for vaccination.
Health Department Incident Command updates
- The Health Department is offering more than a dozen testing and vaccination clinics every week. We are seeking volunteers (City employees only) to help at these community events. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment, including COVID vaccination for those volunteering at multiple events.
Case investigation/Contact tracing
- We continue to conduct contact tracing and case investigation activities. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 66% have been interviewed and 2.5% have refused. Thirty-two percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and less than 1% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed. We are conducting about 20% of interviews in languages other than English.
- Approximately 8% of interviewed cases have completed their interview online. Fourteen percent of those interviews required additional follow-up by a Minneapolis staff to ensure appropriate contact tracing was completed.
- We have 41 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. Case investigators are interviewing an average of 30 cases per shift and making an average of 80 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
- We continue to conduct case investigations and contact tracing for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) and are providing advice to school leaders as cases and exposures occur. We also assist other schools in Minneapolis with contact tracing and related questions as needed.
COVID-19 vaccination planning and distribution
- To date, we have given out over 7,900 doses through 85 vaccine events. Last week we hosted 13 clinics and provided 2,125 vaccinations to educators, school staff, assisted living residents, Blue and White taxi drivers, and MPD. We have not yet received our first shipment of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but hope to access doses shortly.
- This week, we are hosting 17 clinics and have begun to provide vaccinations to Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) residents living in 39 MPHA high-rise buildings. Buildings with large concentrations of senior residents are being prioritized. First doses were administered on March 8 at Horn Towers. Interpretation services are provided and the Minneapolis Fire Department is providing on-site post-vaccine observation support.
- The CDC has issued new guidance for fully vaccinated (FV) people. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their second dose of the Pfizeror Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after receiving their Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine.
O FV people can be indoors with other FV individuals without wearing a mask or physically distancing.
O FV people can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household without masks (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together), unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
O In addition, FV people don’t need to quarantine or get tested if exposed to the virus as long as they don’t have symptoms. This does not apply to those living in congregate group settings.
COVID-19 vaccination education
- We have given 19 virtual presentations to community organizations and neighborhood groups regarding COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and virus mitigation. An additional thirteen presentations are scheduled with MPHA high rise resident councils and neighborhood groups this week and beyond. To request a presentation, fill out a request form on the Minneapolis Vaccine webpage—see link below (forms are available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong).
- We invite you to use the new Minneapolis COVID Vaccine webpage. This site provides the public with information about vaccine safety, a timeline for local vaccine distribution, and answers to frequently asked questions. Visitors can use the Google Translate function located on the left side of the page to view the information in multiple languages. It is also linked to information from the CDC, and the State’s Vaccine Connector tool. Please help us promote this resource widely.
- The State’s COVID-19 Vaccine Connector helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Those unable to sign up online can call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone. Interpretation is available by phone in all languages.
- We are hosting vaccine briefings for City Enterprise leaders every other Monday from 2:00 –3:00p.m. The next briefing is scheduled for Monday, March 22. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.
COVID-19 testing
We continue to offer regular community testing events, which are free and open to everyone. In the past week, we provided 40 COVID-19 saliva tests at a community event and School Based Clinic staff were able to continue testing athletes and coaches at Roosevelt High School. Last week we provided MPS with 1,000 Zoom saliva tests to for MPS students, their families and staff.
Local and state testing rates have decreased significantly. Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is still important to get tested to help stop the spread of the virus. In particular, we encourage young people and their families to get tested every two weeks from now until the end of the school year.
Please help us promote the following Minneapolis Health Department free saliva testing events (no preregistration required):
- Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E., March 11, 18, and 25 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
- Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, March 13 and 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Conducted with Power of People Leadership Institute.
- Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave N, March 27 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
The State also offers free testing at the following locations (visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register):
- Minneapolis Convention Center - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
- Brooklyn Park Starlight Center – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
- We are offering free saliva testing kits and on-site testing for schools, community partners, organizations, and businesses. To date, we have received 131 requests and provided more than 10,500 test kits. Please use this form to submit a request for testing kits or onsite testing.
- Any person in Minnesota can order a free at-home saliva test kit from the State’s COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
- The City's testing web page offers information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms.
Businesses
- Health inspectors continue to follow up on all COVID-19 complaints at licensed businesses, including completing night inspections at three bars/restaurants over the weekend. Inspectors are also investigating positive COVID clusters at businesses as they occur, however no new outbreaks were reported during this past week.
- The majority of our inspectors have returned to the field to perform routine health inspections in addition to reviewing COVID preparedness plans and protocols. However, some inspectors will continue to help out with contact tracing and other emergency response activities.
- Inspectors continue to distribute COVID testing kits to businesses upon request and are promoting free community testing events to employers and their staff.
Responding to community needs
- This past week, we delivered 5,000 surgical masks to NCR staff to re-distribute to community groups around the Derek Chauvin trial and 500 N-95 masks to Minneapolis Animal Care and Control. We also continued to fulfill requests for saliva testing kits from schools, businesses, and other groups.
- We are able to provide personal protective equipment, including masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves, to community groups (including those organizing events related to the Chauvin trial), businesses, and individuals. Please submit requests using the COVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form on the City’s website.
- We are receiving close to100 emails per day from community members to our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov inbox. Questions are mostly related to vaccine distribution and scheduling, but all COVID-related questions are welcome.
The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.
March 11 Third Avenue Bridge Photos from Doug Verdier
Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project. He has also been documenting the Third Avenue Bridge rehab project.
The construction scene on and under the Third Avenue Bridge is constantly changing. Work is currently underway on the base of the bridge pier nearest West River Parkway. Work is quite visible from the pedestrian and bike path where these photos were taken.
Two workers with pneumatic tools are removing deteriorated concrete from the pier base. They are standing on a section of the base that was repaired a few years ago. The gravel area was put in place where water used to flow to allow heavy equipment to access the area more easily.
This machine is grinding off deteriorated concrete from the base of the pier.
A worker chisels off pieces of concrete with a pneumatic tool.
A large section of the upstream end of the base has already been removed in preparation for repairs.
The timbers that were stacked next to the canal were used to form a ramp to allow large machines to enter and exit the area next to the base of the pier.
A lift was employed to enable this worker to power wash the exterior of the new brick on the Water Works pavilion building.
Small Business Spotlight: Yasameen Sajady, CEO & Co-Founder Maazah Chutney
Article by Becky Fillinger
The Food Network recently published a list of 30+ Women-Founded Food Businesses We Love to Stock From. Locally owned Maazah Chutney was on this list! We talked to Yasameen Sajady about her chutney business and the importance of savoring food and life.
Yasameen Sajady
Q: Yasameen, we love to tell the immigration stories of our local entrepreneurs. Please tell us about your family’s journey to Minneapolis.
A: Mother, Fatima and Father, Muchtar emigrated from Afghanistan in the 1970s. Our grandfather Dr. Akbar Sajady was the pioneer of our family, arriving in 1961 to specialize in open heart surgery.
Q: You’ve said that your mother is the inspiration for your chutneys. Please tell us more about her “magic green sauce.” Was it popular at family meals?
A: Maazah is a bright, bold, and balanced Afghan-style chutney. We can’t remember a meal growing up that didn’t include Mom’s famous “Magic Green Sauce." A phenomenal cook, her secret blend of cilantro and peppers was the universal condiment that made everything more flavorful and delicious. We put it on everything — from rice and korma to tacos and pizza.
We had to go through a surprising number of test batches until our version of “Mom’s Magic Green Sauce” got Mom's approval. Made with only whole ingredients, it's packed with flavor — perfect for dipping, spreading or drizzling on your favorite foods.
Traditionally chutney is eaten with rice, korma, dahl and kabobs, but you can dip, spread or drizzle it on almost anything. There are many styles of chutney they can be sweet, savory, tangy, spicy as well as many uses. Chutney doesn’t just need be used to flavor traditional dishes. Top off eggs, sandwiches, grilled meats, vegetables, or grain bowls. Add as a marinade to chicken, fish or shrimp. Mix it in soups or salads. Pair it with a cheese plate. Mix into guacamole or just eat it with chips or pita bread.
Q: What is your earliest food memory?
A: My earliest memory of food was watching my mom cook in the kitchen. My mom is an amazing cook. She would work all day then come home and whip up the most delicious meal you ever tasted in 20 minutes or less.
I learned at a young age that food is the epicenter of everything, it's nourishing, it gives you energy, brings people together and that’s the whole reason we started Maazah.
Q: Please tell us about being in the Lunar Startups second cohort in 2019. How did it benefit your business?
A: Lunar Startups was an amazing experience! Lunar was an amazing resource with a wide network to leverage. Outside of food, it introduced me to a broader startup landscape here in the Twin Cities.
Q: Why did you name your company Maazah?
A: Our family and culture is the most important elements in our business, which is why we’ve proudly named our company Maazah, meaning ‘flavor’ in Farsi.
In Farsi this word is used to describe great tasting food, or can be used to describe a beautiful summer night. It is how we express something that satisfies your soul or something that hits the spot. Just like our chutney.
Q: If you were to advise an up and coming food entrepreneur, what would you tell them?
A: There is no such thing as the perfect business when you start. There is so much you don’t know - but can’t know - until you start. Sometimes you have to just go for it and take the leap knowing that it could easily fail or it could be your greatest adventure yet!
Q: Do you have a favorite Minneapolis restaurant?
A: So, so many favorites - right now it’s Chimborazo, Gardens of Salonica and Lisu’s Thai Taste.
Q: For customers new to using chutneys, what do you recommend for their first purchase? How will they use the chutney?
A: Please try it on eggs and avocado, fish tacos, roasted potatoes and grain bowls.
Yasameen at Mill City Farmers Market, 2019
Q: Where may we find your products?
A: You’ll find us at local neighborhood co-ops, Mill City Farmers Market and online at maazah.com.
Q: What’s next for Maazah?
A: We are hoping to add additional flavors and expand outside of the Midwest.
Q: How may we follow your news?
A: Please follow us on Instagram @maazahchutney.
Welcome Back The Herons - March 27
Great blue herons start returning to their rookery on the Mississippi River toward the end of March. The Mississippi Park Connection invites you to join Park Ranger Sharon at Marshall Terrace Park in Minneapolis to watch them rebuild nests and do a little flirting.
Open Eye Theatre presents DIARY OF A MADMAN
Via a March 9 e-announcement from Open Eye Theatre:
Master Storyteller and Open Eye favorite Kevin Kling collaborates with celebrated composer/musician Victor Zupanc to dramatize Nikolai Gogol’s DIARY OF A MADMAN in a radio/audio play. Audiences can listen for free during March as part of the OPEN EYE @ HOME series. Visit openeyetheatre.org for more info and to register. All donations will support the artists.
“I’m drawn to Gogol's short stories,” Kling says. “The frustrations, loves and desires of office clerks and service workers are as profound as those of any king, queen or mythic hero. DIARY OF A MADMAN is bizarre, heartbreaking and very funny. I also find that stories such as these are occurring now, to any number of individuals searching for connection and creating new and sometimes disturbing realities.
“The soundscape and music are composed by my dear friend, the superbly talented Victor Zupanc. He and I have collaborated on many children’s plays, orchestral and theatrical productions. Victor's ability to compose for the spoken word is a rare gift and I'm excited for listeners to experience this masterful work.”
A long-time performer at Open Eye, Kevin Kling is known for his hilarious recounts of true events on NPR's All Things Considered. Kling's autobiographical tales are as enchanting as they are true to life: hopping freight trains, getting hit by lightning, performing his banned play in Czechoslovakia, growing up in Minnesota, and eating things before knowing what they are. He has performed regularly at Open Eye, including GREATEST HITS & JUICY BITS, CHICKEN SHIP, TENDER MERCIES, FOUR DIRECTIONS, and many more. Read more about Kevin at kevinkling.com.
Victor Zupanc has been one of the most prolific theater artists in America involved in nearly 300 theatrical productions as composer, musical director, sound designer and performer. He has worked at some of the most respected theaters in America, including the Guthrie Theatre, Mixed Blood, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Children’s Theatre Company, and Open Eye Theatre in Minneapolis. Read more at victorzupanc.com.
Since spring of 2020, Open Eye has offered free viewing of popular productions for audiences to watch at home through the OPEN EYE @ HOME series, with donations supporting the artists who created the productions. In the last year, more than 5000 audience members have viewed performances that spark our imaginations, bring a smile to our faces, and remind us that we’re all in this together.
About Open Eye Theatre
Open Eye Theatre is nationally recognized as a vibrant home for artists who create imaginative and profound experiences that open eyes, hearts, and minds through the power of amazing stories and unforgettable performances. Experience a thrilling array of original theatre, inventive puppetry, live music, and world-class storytelling from local, national, and international artists year-round in our cozy 90-seat theater in South Minneapolis, or find us in neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities with our summer Driveway Tour! More information is available at openeyetheatre.org.
The Mill City Times Interview: Erin Horne McKinney, CEO, WomenVenture
Article by Becky Fillinger
Erin Horne McKinneyMeet the new CEO of WomenVenture – Erin Horne McKinney. She is passionate about social impact, equitable entrepreneurship, and inclusive innovation - and brings all of that to bear in her leadership at WomenVenture. We talked to Erin about the history of WomenVenture, success stories and how we all may participate in their important work.
Q: Congratulations on your appointment as CEO of WomenVenture! Please tell us the history of WomenVenture.
A: WomenVenture is the result of the 1989 merger of CHART and Women’s Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO), the former founded in 1977 to provide training for women re-entering the job market or negotiating career transitions, and the latter founded in 1981 to help women develop and expand entrepreneurial ventures. In 2012, WomenVenture streamlined its strategic vision to focus solely on supporting women entrepreneurs as they start and expand businesses.
WomenVenture has been empowering women in the Twin Cities metro area to achieve economic success through small business ownership for 44 years, providing more than 106,000 women with the tools and resources they need to run a profitable business. Although all are welcome in our programs, we focus on BIPOC women and women from low-income households.
WomenVenture is one of only three Women’s Business Centers in Minnesota, as designated by the US Small Business Administration (SBA). We are part of a network of more than 100 centers across the country designed to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs who face unique obstacles in the world of business. We ensure that critical resources are available to all women entrepreneurs, and specifically those who are economically or socially disadvantaged.
The secret to an entrepreneurial woman’s success lies in WomenVenture’s four pillars: training, 1:1 business advice, access to loan capital and a community of support.
WomenVenture’s comprehensive training programs serve small business owners of all types, from those running part-time side hustles to robustly profitable owners positioned for exponential growth.
We have several business consultants on staff to help clients overcome hurdles, and have a network of more than 200 committed, skilled professionals who volunteer to provide business advice and mentorship tailored to women business owners.
WomenVenture is a microlender, with $2,000 to $50,000 in loan capital available for small business owners who want to start or grow a business. Throughout the life of the loan, clients can access WomenVenture’s mentorship program and business advice services free of charge.
Q: Why do you believe that supporting women and their small businesses is important?
A: Women-owned businesses are the fuel that fires the US economy. We are increasingly reliant on the work and devotion of these women who are providing the jobs and services that their local communities need, yet female founders still face unique challenges. Women own 40% of small businesses in the US today but are only able to access 4% of small business loans through banks, 4% of government contracts, and 7% of venture capital. Last year, 1,821 women-owned businesses were opened every day, and 64% of those were started by women of color. Women, particularly women of color, don’t have the same support networks or assets that their male counterparts have.
It is vitally important to us that we help women succeed as business owners. We exist to provide the education, support and access to funding business-owners need to run profitable businesses that pay living wages.
Q: Do you have partners in your important work?
A: We have a variety of wonderful partners. We partner with libraries and community centers to deliver training, we partner with MN Deptartment of Employment & Economic Development and MnDOT, as well as the City of Minneapolis, counties, foundations, corporations, banking partners and other women’s organizations. Each one contributes to our mission, whether they are hosting training sessions, donating resources or contracting with us for services. We also work with the other economic development organizations in the Twin Cities, partnering on loans for small businesses and referring clients to each other to ensure the business owner is served by the organization that is the best cultural fit for them.
Q: Has the SBA noticed what you're doing?
WomenVenture is fortunate to have a strong relationship with the SBA district office. We represent SBA as a primary resource partner.
As a designated Women’s Business Center, we are funded in part by the SBA. We are also an SBA microlender, which means we can lend up to $50,000 to new and existing businesses within the 16-county Twin Cities Metro Area.
The SBA relies on us to provide help and guidance to SBA loan clients, so we partner with them regularly and speak to our local Minneapolis office often! Last year, we were fortunate enough to win SBA’s Women’s Business Center of Excellence for the Midwest Region award.
Q: Could you please tell us a few success stories?
A: I’m pleased to tell success stories.
Hour Kids Child Care
Kristinah DvorakBetween motherhood and being a full-time student at a university, Kristinah Dvorak knew there was a need for flexible, reliable childcare in the Twin Cities. Her solution was a center that took children in on a walk-in basis with availability by the hour, and with that Hour Kids Walk-In Childcare was born. When she began voicing her doubts, WomenVenture client and past award winner Angel Rogers gave her the boost of confidence she needed and referred her to WomenVenture.
At WomenVenture, Kristinah took the Guided Business Plan course and later received a loan from WomenVenture in December 2017, which allowed her to purchase the Hour Kids location in Eagan. Since then, Hour Kids has found immense success and popularity with parents in the Twin Cities metro. Kristinah has trademarked the phrase ‘walk-in childcare’ and is planning to provide after-school programming in the future.
Lisa Lounsbury (right)
Art Lab Rx
Certified marriage and family therapist Lisa Lounsbury believes art is for everyone. As a professional artist and group art facilitator, she understands the power art holds. Combine art with therapy, and transformation can happen – but only if clients can get to their art therapy appointments. That’s where Art Lab Rx and Lounsbury’s art therapy bus come in.
Lounsbury combined her artistic skills and experience as a certified therapist to create an art therapy practice, Art Lab Rx. In November 2018, with the help of a business loan from WomenVenture and Cherokee Bank, art bus Maggie, a mobile art studio housed in a specially designed coach bus, was funded. Shortly thereafter, Maggie’s design was completed, and the art bus was open for business. “One of the barriers for clients was getting to the appointment. Many people had trouble with transportation. Now we can bring art therapy to where our clients need it,” says Lounsbury.
Scrapbusters
Devi JamesDevi James, owner of Scrapbusters and daughter of an entrepreneur in her home country of Guyana, always knew she would be a business-owner eventually.
After she finished college and worked in accounting for a few years, she decided it was time to follow her dream. That’s when she bought Scrapbusters, a demo and junk removal company. Devi was up for the challenges of business ownership: learning new skills, becoming a project manager, and successfully making in-roads into a male-dominated world.
With the help of WomenVenture’s classes and a small business loan, Devi’s business expanded from a staff of 2 to 20, and she recently moved into a new, larger location.
We have so many stories of client successes on our website, where you can watch their videos: https://www.womenventure.org/success-stories.html.
Q: Does your organization have a need for volunteers? If so, how may we participate?
Yes! In order to run our programs each year, we rely on a strong group of 200 professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to help emerging and existing entrepreneurs be successful. There are three main volunteer opportunities at WomenVenture:
If you are interested in volunteering, check out our website. Join a Volunteer Information Session to find out more. If you choose to volunteer with us, we will provide volunteer training and orientation.
Q: How may we follow your news?
A: You can sign up for our newsletter on our website and choose “Join our Mailing List” at the bottom of the home page. And you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for regular updates.
Great River Coalition Announces 2021 Earth Day Events
Fun, family friendly event hosted by:
• Great River Coalition
• Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
• The National Park Service
• St. Catherine University
• Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
• Mill City Running/Saint City Running
Participants receive a tech t-shirt. Donation is $25. A portion of the proceeds go to pollinator plantings.
This link is for virtual options to Run/Walk/Bike: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks_destinations/trails_pggarkways/pedestrian_and_bike_trail_distancesBring family and friends to Virtual 5K Bee Fun Run/Walk/Treadmill/Bike. Bee creative with pollinator costumes and post pics to our Facebook or Instagram sites!
Pick up race swag at Mill City Running, 411 E Hennepin Avenue on Friday, April 17–24. (20% off any purchase at Mill City Running that week for all registrants.)
For more information, visit the Great River Coalition Facebook page, website, or contact diane@greatrivercoalition.com. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Facebook Event Pages:
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“Our bees (all of them, honey and wild bees), need good clean food (flowers)! Lots of flowers that grow over the growing season will help bees have good nutrition, immunity, and health.”
Dr. Marla Spivak, Entomologist, Distinguished McKnight University Professor Apiculture/Social Insects.
MSP Film Society Announces 12th Annual Cuban Film Festival, March 24 - April 1
The Minnesota Cuba Committee, in partnership with MSP Film Society and the Cuban Film Institute (ICAIC), presents the Minnesota Cuban Film Festival, March 24 - April 1, 2021.
The full 2021 lineup of films is available here.
Website Launched for Updates and Related Info re: Chauvin Trial
Via a March 5 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:
A new web resource launched today offers information and updates around the upcoming trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder in the death of George Floyd.
City information and links to partners in the new web section will help residents, businesses and others:
• Find current street closures.
• Sign up for trial updates from MN District Court.
• Report suspicious activity.
• Look up mental health and well-being resources for support during traumatic times.
You can also explore ways to prepare and stay informed, learn about security preparations and updates during the trial, follow impacts to traffic and transportation, and find public data on the officers involved.
The web pages will be updated as new information becomes available and as situations change.
For questions, contact:
Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
renee.allen@minneapolismn.gov
(612) 673-5163
March 5 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman
Good afternoon Ward 7 residents and friends. The trial of Derek Chauvin will begin on Monday and I know that this topic and the uncertainty of the outcome is weighing heavily on our community. The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police officers was a tragic event that occurred in our city, and the manner of his death and the unrest that followed ignited trauma as well as an important discussion on race and the police throughout the entire City of Minneapolis and our nation.
At this time, city leadership is tasked with striking a critical and important balance of protecting everyone’s constitutional right to free speech and right to assemble with our equally important responsibility of protecting our people and infrastructure from violence and potential destruction.
Our police chief and other public safety departments and staff have been working with local, state and federal entities for the past eight months to create what is being called Operation Safety Net. This operation has focused on safety, security, and community outreach. Our mutual aid partners have all received special training in preparation with a focus on de-escalation.
Multiple city departments have been involved in the planning and trail preparation including the Office of Violence Prevention, neighborhood and community relations, and our communications team. These groups were involved in the planning to ensure that information is disseminated when needed and those who have assembled peacefully to protest are safe and have the full ability to express their right to free speech. Our partners in neighborhoods, the clergy, nonprofits and others have been focused on keeping our community safe and connected.
I want you all to know that I remain optimistic that we are prepared to face whatever lies ahead. We are well positioned for more peaceful outcomes as we go through this trial that will be viewed across the nation and throughout the world. Many ask what they should be doing as this trial unfolds and my advice is to stay informed and aware but to also go on with your daily life and activities. We need to maintain a sense of normalcy as this monumental period unfolds. Jury selection begins on Monday, this process will take time and the actual trial isn’t scheduled to start until March 29. The peak time will come once we enter the closing arguments which will happen mid to late April.
In closing, please know that I will continue to pass along information and resources as I receive them. My hope is to help keep you tuned into what is happening and I’m always here to answer questions you might have on this topic or any other city related item.
Lisa
City Leaders Provide Briefing on Preparations for Derek Chauvin Trial
Mayor Jacob Frey and other City leaders held another briefing March 4 to share updates on preparations for the upcoming trial of former MPD officer Derek Chauvin. Jury selection for the Chauvin trial is scheduled to begin Monday, March 8.
Briefing highlights
- The Minneapolis Police Department, along with its Operation Safety Net Partners, are committed to honoring First Amendment rights as demonstrations are scheduled to begin this weekend. MPD has held de-escalation training in preparation for the upcoming trials.
- The City’s Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) plans to fund a network of community-based groups that can be activated during periods of heightened tension during the remainder of 2021, including during the trials of the former officers involved in the killing of George Floyd.
- How to contact the City:
- Call 311 for non-emergency City information.
- Call 911 for life safety emergencies requiring police, fire or emergency medical services.
- Call the MPD Tips Line at 612-692-TIPS (8477) to report suspicious activity not requiring an immediate response.
- Businesses and property owners can call 612-673-2499 with questions about advanced preparation before the trial, business operations during the trial and general information about regulations and resources.
Reminders
- Sixth Street South (the street and both sidewalks) is closed between Third and Fourth avenues next to the Hennepin County Government Center. Currently, other streets will remain open. The City will provide updates when other closures are anticipated.
- The City of Minneapolis is committed to working with the community to reconnect 38th and Chicago after the conclusion of the Chauvin trial. The City has sent out surveys to residents and businesses near the intersection to determine a preferred option to preserve the memorial and art while ensuring delivery of critical services in the area. Learn more.
- Follow the City of Minneapolis on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for the City Update newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest news and information. Stay tuned to news from Operation Safety Net on Facebook and Twitter.
The City plans to hold regular briefings throughout the trial.
Minneapolis Downtown Council Provides Additional Resources Surrounding the Chauvin Trial
We encourage you and your organization to follow the official Operation Safety Net social media channels for additional timely and accurate information. Here are the handles to follow:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Sign Up for Updates from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on the State of MN vs. Chauvin Case
Everyone is invited to sign up for updates on the State of MN vs. Chauvin case from the Minnesota Judicial Branch webpage.
The webpage includes all public documents filed in the case and other information. This case was filed in Hennepin County District Court May 29, 2020.
Hennepin Ave South Reconstruction Project Seeks Your Input
This past week, planning staff held online open houses to share the draft concept designs for the reconstruction of Hennepin Avenue South between Douglas Avenue and West Lake Street.
Those plans are now available to view on the project web page. This site also offers you the opportunity to share your thoughts on the Option 1 and Option 2 design layouts. Comments and input will be accepted through Friday, April 16, 2021.
http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/cip/futureprojects/HennepinSouth
The City plans to reconstruct this section of Hennepin Avenue starting in 2024. The reconstruction project provides an opportunity to redesign Hennepin Avenue to meet the needs of current and future users of the street.
Project goals include improving the sidewalk and intersections for all users, evaluating bicycle network connectivity, providing space for enhanced transit stops for future METRO E Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, replacing aging infrastructure and maintaining and enhancing traffic flow for transit and motor vehicles.
Minneapolis Property Owners Can Buy a $25 Tree this Spring
Minneapolis property owners will soon be able to order a 5- to 8-foot tree for $25 each to plant on their private property. This year, Minneapolis property owners in Green Zones, rental property owners and property owners who haven’t gotten a tree in the City Trees program in the last two years will get a chance to order a tree earlier.
The 2,000 trees in 24 varieties this year include large and medium shade trees, fruit trees, evergreens and smaller flowering trees. Comparable trees cost about $125 at a nursery.
Tiered purchasing windows
- Green Zones property owners can order up to three trees starting at 8 a.m. Monday, March 8. Just fill out a separate order for each tree.
- Rental property owners citywide can order one tree per property, maximum of 10 properties, starting at 8 a.m. Monday, March 8. Just fill out a separate order for each tree.
- Minneapolis property owners who haven’t received a tree from the Minneapolis tree sale in the last two years, who aren’t in a Green Zone, can order one tree per address starting at 8 a.m. Monday, March 15.
- All Minneapolis property owners can order one tree per address starting at 8 a.m. Monday, March 22.
Purchasing will close April 16 or when the trees run out, whichever is first.
- Low-cost trees are available first-come, first-served.
- People will need to pick up their tree May 15, 16 or 17 (subject to change). Location is to be determined and will be emailed to people who bought a tree. Volunteers onsite will help load each new tree and a complimentary bag of mulch into vehicles on request.
Order
People can find more information and order their tree through Tree Trust.
More about City Trees
In the past 16 years, the City Trees program has provided approximately 20,000 trees for planting on private property. Since 2006, the City of Minneapolis has funded the City Trees program, a low-cost way for folks to help the city’s tree canopy grow and enjoy all the benefits of trees.
Trees help filter pollutants out of the air and reduce the heat island effect in a city. They save energy by providing shade in the summer and protecting against wind in the winter. Trees reduce the amount of stormwater runoff into lakes and rivers. They even help reduce stress. Larger trees provide more benefits than smaller trees.
Interested in Rooftop Solar for Your Home?
If you’re considering the benefits of going solar, make sure to look into these options. The City of Minneapolis has a 10% local solar goal as part of its climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gases, and we are at 6%.
Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op
Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op launched to help Minneapolis homeowners get rooftop solar. The solar co-op is neighbors joining together to get the best price and service from a solar installer, tap into the expertise at Solar United Neighbors and learn about solar incentives. The City of Minneapolis is partnering in this effort.
Membership is open through May 1. Learn more at www.solarunitedneighbors.org/twincities.
Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards
With Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards program, if you produce more energy than you need, the extra energy is added to the grid, and any excess energy will be credited to your bill.
Learn more on the Xcel Energy website.
$15 Online Workshops: Creating Resilient Yards
Ready to spend more time in your yard? Do you want to improve it but don’t know where to start? Learn with experts to plan and create beautiful, functional spaces that also protect the local ecosystem whether you want a raingarden and native prairie, or a low-maintenance lawn that also helps pollinators.
Workshops
This spring, webinars feature experts in landscape design, pollinator habitat, soil health, native plants and yard maintenance. Presentations are followed by a Q&A, or discussions in small groups or one on one with a Blue Thumb landscape designer and UMN Extension Master Gardener volunteer – Hennepin County.
Scholarships are available on request. Space is limited. For more information and to register, go to bluethumb.org/events or call 651-699-2426.
COVID-19 Situation Update as of March 3, 2021
Situational updates: Minneapolis
- As of March 3, there are 32,950 cases in Minneapolis and 389 deaths. The total number of cases and hospitalizations increased by less than 1% over the previous week. ICU admissions increased by slightly more than 1% over last week. Minneapolis-specific data are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
- Over the past week, there have been about 44 new cases per day on average. This rate has decreased significantly and is now on par with September 2020 levels.
- The seven-day rolling average case rate for Minneapolis is just over 10 cases per 100,000. This rate has now plateaued after decreasing for several weeks.
- Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation 2020-17, which banned seating at bar counters in Minneapolis businesses, was lifted on February 18. Current rules for Minneapolis businesses are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.
- Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.
Situational updates: Minnesota
- As of March 3, there are 486,434 cases in Minnesota out of over 7.3 million tests completed. There have been 6,507 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 100,913 cases and 1,586 deaths in Hennepin County.
- The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of February 22, Minnesota is reporting 13.7 cases per 100,000.
- The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct surveillance of newly identified strains of COVID-19 in Minnesota. To date, 78 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant (first found in the U.K.) and two cases of the P.1 variant (which first emerged in Brazil) have been detected in Minnesota.
- The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
- Governor Walz’s Executive Order 21-01, and subsequent modifications in Executive Order 21-07, regulating COVID operations at bars, restaurants, gyms, and other businesses, remain in effect.
Health Department Incident Command updates
- The Health Department is offering more than a dozen testing and vaccination clinics every week. We are seeking volunteers (City employees only) to help at these community events. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment, including COVID vaccination for those volunteering at multiple events.
Case investigation/Contact tracing
- We continue to conduct contact tracing and case investigation activities. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 65% have been interviewed and 2.4% have refused. Thirty-two percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and less than 1% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed. We are conducting about 20% of interviews in languages other than English.
- Approximately 8% of interviewed cases have completed their interview online. Fourteen percent of those interviews required additional follow-up by a Minneapolis staff to ensure appropriate contact tracing was completed.
- We have 41 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. Case investigators are interviewing an average of 30 cases per shift and making an average of 80 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
- We continue to conduct case investigations and contact tracing for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) and are providing advice to school leaders as cases and exposures occur among staff and students. We also assist other schools in Minneapolis with contact tracing and questions as needed.
COVID-19 vaccination planning and distribution
- We are partnering with Hennepin Healthcare to provide vaccinations in Minneapolis. To date, we have given out over 6,000 doses through 73 vaccine events. Last week we hosted 14 clinics and provided 1,300 vaccinations to educators, school staff, assisted living residents, and Metro Transit drivers who are often at high risk.
- This week, we are hosting 13 clinics to provide 2,000 vaccinations to some of the same groups listed above, along with childcare workers, second doses for Blue and White Taxi drivers, and MPD. This week we will partner with the University of Minnesota to hold our first mass vaccination event at TCF Stadium for childcare workers and older adults working at the University.
- We are partnering with the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) to offer vaccinations for public housing residents living in 39 MPHA high rise buildings. Buildings with large concentrations of senior residents will be prioritized. First doses will be administered starting March 8 at Horn Towers. Interpretation services will be provided, and the Minneapolis Fire Department will provide on-site post-vaccine observation support.
COVID-19 vaccination education
- We invite you to use the new Minneapolis COVID Vaccine webpage. This site provides the public with information about vaccine safety, a timeline for local vaccine distribution, and answers to frequently asked questions. Visitors can use the Google Translate function located on the left side of the page to view the information in multiple languages. It is also linked to information from the CDC, and the State’s new Vaccine Connector tool. Please help us promote this resource widely.
- The State’s COVID-19 Vaccine Connector helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Minnesotans unable to sign up online can call 833-431-2053 for assistance signing up over the phone. Interpretation is available by phone in all languages.
- We are providing virtual presentations to community organizations, City boards and commissions, neighborhood organizations, and other groups interested in learning more aboutCOVID-19vaccination, testing, and virus mitigation. For example, over 16 presentations have been completed, scheduled, or requested by MPHA high rise resident councils. To request a presentation, fill out a request form on the new Vaccine webpage (forms are available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong).
- We are hosting vaccine briefings for Enterprise Leaders every other Monday from 2:00–3:00 p.m. The next briefing is scheduled for Monday, March 8. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.
COVID-19testing
- We continue to offer regular community testing events, which are free and open to everyone. In the past week, we provided 96 COVID-19 saliva tests at two community events.
- In addition, our School Based Clinic staff have tested 28 athletes and coaches at Washburn and Henry High Schools. Roosevelt will begin to offer testing this week.
- To date, we have provided MPS with 1,850 Zoom saliva tests to distribute to families so that they can take the test at home.1,200 of these same tests have been provided for teachers.
- Six community testing events have been held at MPS Davis Center for all community members, including MPS students and families (emails went out to all district parents advertising these events). Additional events are scheduled for March—see below for dates and times.
- Local and state testing rates have decreased significantly. Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is still important to get tested to help stop the spread of the virus. In particular, we encourage young people and their families to get tested every two weeks from now until the end of the schoolyear.
- Please help us promote the following Minneapolis Health Department free saliva testing events:
- Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E., March 4, 11, 18, and 25(4p.m. to 7 p.m.). No pre-registration required.
- Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, March 13 and 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). No pre-registration required. Conducted with Power of People Leadership Institute.
- The State also offers free testing at the following locations:
- Minneapolis Convention Center-10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.
- Brooklyn Park Starlight Center –11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport -7 a.m. to 7p.m. seven days a week. Visit the State’sCOVID-19 testing web page to register.
- We are offering free saliva testing kits and on-site testing for schools, community partners, organizations, and businesses. To date, we have received 115 requests and provided more than 10,500 test kits.
- Any person in Minnesota can order a free at-home saliva test kit from the State’s COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
- The City's testing web page offers information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms.
Businesses
- While the past year has been difficult for business owners, there are positive developments happening. Currently, there are 173 Food Plan Reviews in flight. These are either new businesses, remodels, or businesses ready to open under new ownership.
- This past week, health inspectors investigated two complaints related to restaurants/bars violating the City’s mask ordinance and staying open past 11pm.Weareworking with Business Licensing on appropriate enforcement actions to address these violations. Staff also followed up on COVID case clusters among employees and customers at three restaurants.
- Inspectors continue to distribute COVID testing kits to businesses upon request and promote free community testing events to employers and their staff.
Responding to community needs
- We have a good supply of personal protective equipment (cloth and surgical masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves) available for community groups, businesses, and individuals. Requests can be submitted using the COVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form on the City’s website.
- We are supplying NCR staff with 5,000 surgical masks to distribute to the community during the upcoming trial of Derek Chauvin. If you plan to participate in a public gathering or protest event, please wear a mask to help reduce the spread of the virus.
- We are responding to an average of 40 emails per day to our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov inbox. Questions are primarily about vaccine distribution and scheduling.
The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.
HCL Special Collections - March Highlights
Via Hennepin County Library
Greetings Local History Friends,
Check out what’s new and noteworthy this month in Special Collections. And don’t forget, our department may be closed to in-person visitors, but we are still here to assist with your remote research needs. Contact info below. If you’re having trouble viewing this email, see the attached PDF.
Events
Researching the History of Your Home
Thursday, March 25, 10:00AM – 11:30AM (Virtual)
Learn about the historical resources at the library and across the county that will help you piece together a history of your Minneapolis house, neighborhood or property. We will explain and demonstrate resources, emphasizing online resources that will allow you to jump-start your research from home—including permit records, maps, city directories, photos, newspapers, and more.
Register online to receive a link to join the meeting.
Discover more online events at Hennepin County Library
Digital Collections
NEW! House Plan Collection Nearly 30 house plan books published by Minneapolis architects from the early 1900s to 1950s. Stock plan books may include architectural drawings and floor plans, sample interiors, tips for building a home, and ads for carpentry services, building materials, and supplies.
NEW! Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Collection Maps, plans, and architectural drawings related primarily to Minneapolis parks from the early 1900s to 1960s. Most were produced by the MPRB.
Browse all of the Hennepin County Library Digital Collections: https://digitalcollections.hclib.org/
News from the Archives
Web Archives on Archive-It Search and explore local websites as they existed in the past. COVID-19 in Hennepin County Collection captures the pandemic response through websites of schools, restaurants, places of worship, non-profit organizations, and more. Check back often for more new content. https://archive-it.org/home/hclib
Featured Finding Aid – People for Parks Eleven boxes of newsletters, minutes, project files, correspondence, and more documenting the work of this non-profit group that has supported the Minneapolis parks since 1977.
New and Noteworthy Donations Building on our substantial neighborhood archives, last month we received the archives of the Nokomis East Neighborhood Association. The meeting minutes, event files, photographs, and other records from the neighborhood organization represent Minneapolis' Keewaydin, Minnehaha, Morris Park and Wenonah neighborhoods. Search for more neighborhood archives in our online finding aids: https://archives.hclib.org/
From the Blog
Tour Minneapolis in 1948 The Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce created this “Greetings from Minneapolis” booklet to encourage out-of-town visitors to tour the manufacturing plants, museums, and other attractions of our fair city. The booklet contains descriptions and contact information for over 45 local institutions ready to open their doors to tourists. The Doors Open of its day.
Visit our blog for more cool local history tidbits https://hclib.tumblr.com/
Remote Research
Don’t forget, even though the Special Collections department is closed to in-person visits, we can still help you with your research needs remotely. Need a scan of a book chapter from the Minneapolis History Collection? Looking for newspaper articles on a topic? Need a city directory look-up? Want access to an archival collection? We are here to help.
Email specialcoll@hclib.org or call 612-543-8200.
Modist Brewing Announces "The Fix: IWD 2021" - a Zero IBU IPA Brewed in Celebration of International Women’s Day
Via a recent e-announcement:
MODIST BREWING COMPANY, MICHELLE P. KING, & AND NOW SHE RISES ANNOUNCE RELEASE OF THE FIX: IWD 2021, AN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BEER
Brewed by the women of Modist, The Fix: IWD 2021 is a beer that is bringing tangible impact and action for International Women’s Day 2021
The women of Modist Brewing, Michelle P. King, & And Now She Rises are thrilled to announce the arrival of The Fix: IWD 2021, a Zero IBU IPA brewed in celebration of International Women’s Day. The Fix: IWD 2021 is named after equality thought leader Michelle P. King’s award-winning book about gender inequality in the workplace, The Fix, and proceeds for the beer will be donated to Twin-Cities Metro non-profit, And Now She Rises (ANSR), whose mission is to help domestic abuse survivors change their narratives, from victimhood to victory. The Fix: IWD 2021 will release on tap at Modist’s North Loop Minneapolis taproom on Saturday, March 6th and in liquor stores on Tuesday, March 9th.
After reading The Fix, On-Premise Sales Manager for Modist, Katie Muggli, was inspired to contact the author. “For the past two years, we partnered with ANSR to throw charity concerts at Modist, garnering the resources local domestic abuse shelters needed, like bras. This year is all about maximizing impact in spite of COVID, and going beyond a single event to the entire month!” Katie says.
The can artwork features a QR code that goes beyond telling the beer’s genesis story, linking to Michelle’s 100 Actions for Equality campaign of tangible actions every person can take to become an ally to women. Proceeds from The Fix: IWD 2021 will be donated to ANSR, for their biggest initiative yet – a scholarship – because the greatest way to empower a survivor is to give her an education.
The beer will be available throughout the Twin-Cities Metro and will also be distributed in select locations throughout New York and New Jersey, through our distribution partner Sarene. Sarene will be making donations to local domestic abuse shelters in each of their distributed areas. Twin-Cities Metro owned Brewers Supply Group donated the malt bill to create the beer, resulting in an additional $3,900 donation that will be made on top of the proceeds raised from beer sales.
Additionally, Michelle has donated 500 copies of her best-selling book for local shelters, fellow brewing industry friends of Modist, and the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild to share as a resource with other Minnesota breweries.
“Together we can fix our corner of the world and help women thrive in very real ways. We are hopeful that this will be our most impactful year yet, and that we can continue to inspire change well beyond the month of March – and that’s what The Fix: IWD 2021 represents,” says Katie Muggli.
About Modist Brewing Co.
Modist opened in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis in April of 2016 aiming to modify beer and how it is perceived by defying rules and expectations. Utilizing the region’s first mash filter powered craft brewing system, they push past traditional brewing by embracing creativity and unconstrained experimentation. Modist showcases their innovative spirit via the creation of a wide array of beers that the world has never seen before. In their first year of business, Modist was named both the Best New Brewery in Minnesota by Growler Magazine as well as one of “The 50 Best Breweries in the United States” by BeerAdvocate. In the time since, they’ve received continuous accolades including recently being named Minnesota’s Most Innovative Brewery, as well as a multitude of individual beer awards.
About Michelle P. King
Michelle King is a globally recognized gender equality and organizational culture expert. Based on over a decade worth of research Michelle believes that to tackle inequality we need to fix workplace cultures so that they work for everyone. She is the host of a popular podcast called The Fix. Michelle is the author of the bestselling, award-winning book: The Fix: Overcome the Invisible Barriers that are Holding Women Back at Work. Michelle has been featured in The Economist, Harvard Business Review, CNBC, CNN Business, Fortune, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Time, Business Insider, The Times, Daily Mail and LinkedIn Editors. Michelle is the founder of Equality Forward, a global consultancy that provides leaders with the assessment, development and inclusion coaching needed to build cultures of equality at work. In addition, Michelle is a Senior Advisor to the UN Foundation’s Girl Up Campaign, where she leads the Next Gen Leadership Development Program, which enables young women to navigate and overcome the barriers to their success. Prior to this Michelle was the Director of Inclusion at Netflix, and before that she was the head of UN Women’s Global Innovation Coalition for Change, which includes managing over 30 private sector partnerships as well to accelerate the achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Michelle has two decades of international experience working in the private sector and in each of her roles, Michelle lends her expertise to advance gender equality and to enhance opportunity and achievement for women globally. In 2019 Women Tech Founders, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to advancing women in the tech industry, awarded Michelle with the 2019 Inspiring Innovator Award, for her outstanding achievements in the sector and in 2020 Michelle was recognized as LinkedIn’s Top Voice for Equity in the Workplace.
About And Now She Rises
Cofounded by survivors, Amy Matthews and Nina Orezzoli, And Now She Rises is an events-based 501(c)3 non-profit working to break the silence around domestic violence and provide support to women in emergency abuse shelters.
March 3 Third Avenue Bridge Renovation Photos from Doug Verdier
Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project. He has also been documenting the Third Avenue Bridge refurbishment project.
Progress continues on the Third Avenue Bridge project. With the removal of equipment and the sandbag barrier surrounding the pier near the middle of the bridge, the remaining Caterpillar excavator rests on a small gravel island awaiting lift by crane to the bridge above. Three workers joined the Cat on the island to attach lifting equipment to the machine. The removal of the barrier surrounding the pier was well coordinated to remove the barrier materials up to the bridge by crane, while gradually reducing the size of the area beneath the tracks of the excavator. This allowed the water level flowing around the base of the pier to rise to normal level.
The photo above shows the lifting device attached to the excavator prior to being lifted from the small “island” in the river.
And we have liftoff! The Cat is being hoisted up by crane while two of the workers watch from the island below. Another worker can be seen on the ladder behind the lift just above the Cat.
After a brief ride, the Cat is about to be safely lowered onto the bridge.
Following the Cat’s extraction from the “island” a clamshell was used to remove the remaining gravel from the area near the base of the pier to restore the water level to normal. Restoration work on the pier surface will continue using the wooden platform attached above the base of the pier.
Meanwhile, beneath the bridge next to West River Parkway and the pedestrian and bike path, another excavator is preparing a work surface in a channel where river water formerly flowed. Some of the timbers that were delivered on site earlier in the week have been laid over the walkway to protect the surface from damage by machinery as work proceeds.
Ice had to be chopped in order to put the gravel into the channel. Some of the deterioration of the pier can be seen in this image. Visible below the deteriorated section is evidence of a previous restoration done some years ago on the base of this pier.
The photo above shows another section of the bridge where sections of the deck have been removed.
When the Aster Cafe starts putting out its patio furniture and umbrellas, can Spring be far behind? Fingers crossed!
Small Business Spotlight: Minnesota Native Landscapes
Article by Becky Fillinger
We’re right on the cusp of Spring in Minnesota. Do you have a yard that needs some new ideas? Are you an apartment dweller who would like to do more to help the pollinators? Do you work at a large corporation with acres of land planted solely with turf grass? We talked to Bre Bauerly, Customer Support Specialist at Minnesota Native Landscapes (MNL) about some new ways of looking at our green spaces.
Q: Spring will officially start this month. Many homeowners are starting to think about their lawns. Do you have ideas for lawns that go beyond turf?
A: There are so many wonderful options for turf lawn alternatives here in Minnesota! For those looking to maintain an area with a turf-like appearance, consider switching to a bee lawn with a blend of low grow (low maintenance!) fescues and short statured flowering species. Or, keep some turf lawn to play on but shrink the area and add a small native prairie around the perimeter! Anyone can add native plants to their yard - whether it’s in traditional garden beds with mulch, or a larger native seeded area to attract pollinators and songbirds.
MNL created our My Pocket Prairie kit to encourage homeowners to get started with native plants on their property in an easy and fun way! Any little bit of habitat can help, and My Pocket Prairie allows someone to start from scratch with a full garden kit of locally sourced materials including 27 native plants. The kit comes with a guide booklet, edging, a weed suppressant mat, a pre-designed layout, and of course - the plants!
Q: You mention native seeds and your company name includes the words native landscapes. How do you define native landscaping?
A: We define native landscaping as growing, installing, and maintaining plant communities natural to Minnesota pre-settlement. We have origin data traced back to the county level for the various seed and plant species we grow and sell. Using native plants in landscaping here in Minnesota, means using plants that are well adapted to our unique growing conditions and beneficial to our local wildlife.
Q: Our local pollinators are suffering from loss of habitat, chemical misuse, the proliferation of invasive plants, disease and parasites - some even suggest that bright city lights can lead to pollinator decimation. How can we as individuals help pollinators survive? Can condo and apartment dwellers do anything to help in our limited spaces?
A: By adding more local-origin native plantings to the landscape, we can create pollinator sanctuaries. Places where our pollinators can find nutrient-rich foods, ample shelter, and no neonicotinoids. Native plants and our local pollinators have co-evolved to each other’s benefit, native plants have pollen and nectar resources available when native pollinators need them and native pollinators help native plants produce seeds for new growth. By using a diverse mix of native species, we can provide a vast array of resources. Those that are not able to help in their own backyards can get involved on a community level - what's going on in your local parks, or other local open space - do corporate campuses really need to be mowing all of that turf grass around their building, or could they replace it with a native pollinator seed mix?
Pollinator see packet from the 2019 growing season
Bre Bauerly Photo credit: Wendy Caldwell, Monarch Joint Venture
Q: How can we learn more about these topics? How may we follow your news?
A: There are a lot of great resources for learning more about native plants, pollinators, and other wildlife here in Minnesota! Join your local Wild Ones group or Audubon Society chapter, attend a Blue Thumb workshop, check out one of the Landscape Revival native plant sales, tune in to educational webinars, or join a pollinator advocacy group. MNL is on most of the major social media platforms, follow us to learn more about native plants! You can also check out our website and use code MCT10 for 10% off your order (including My Pocket Prairie)!
