Southwest Journal : stories

Items pertaining to Kenny neighborhood

Preliminary Lyndale Ave./Hwy. 121 realignment plan released

By Robyn Repya

New housing, retail and trails possible following crosstown reconstruction

A group of city planners and neighborhood members released a land-use plan that could realign Lyndale Avenue and Highway 121 between Minnehaha Creek and the Crosstown Highway early in the next decade.

The land-use plan would add a commercial node at West 58th Street & Lyndale, which would encourage mixed retail and housing uses. West 57th Street would be reconnected through the area, and some Kenny neighborhood streets would be connected to Highway 121. Greenspace and trail connections would also be added.

November 14, 2005
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District 63 legislators host Southwest town meetings

By Scott Russell

State Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis) and Sen, Jane Ranum (DFL-Minneapolis) will join Rep. Dan Larson (DFL-Bloomington) to host a Senate District 63 town meeting on Saturday, March 12 to get community comments on issues pending before the 2005 legislative session.

District 63 covers Armatage, Kenny and parts of Lynnhurst and Windom, as well as Richfield and part of Bloomington.

The 9:30-11:30 a.m. meeting will be held at Mayflower Congregational Church, 106 E. Diamond Lake Rd.

"We want to hear from as many residents as we can while we debate the state budget," Thissen said. "With the state running a $1.4 billion budget deficit, we're again facing some difficult choices.

March 7, 2005
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District 63: Incumbent Ranum faces two-front challenge

By Kevin Featherly

Candidate: Sen. Jane Ranum

Party: DFL

Neighborhood: Lynnhurst

Occupation: Part-time Hennepin County prosecutor; state senator

Endorsements: Sierra Club, Clean Water Action Alliance, Education Minnesota, AFSCME, Teamsters, Progressive Minnesota, Minnesota Women's Political Caucus, Planned Parenthood Political Action Fund

Education: B.S. in elementary education from East Carolina University; law degree from Hamline University

Family: Married, one grown daughter

Phone: 822-5081

Address: 5045 Aldrich Ave. S., 55419

E-mail: jranum@mn.rr.com

June 12, 2003
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Three vie for open Southwest House seat

By Kevin Featherly

Competitive race for District 63A -- the Southwest district closest to the airport and Crosstown Highway

Two lawyers will square off against a former auto repairman Nov. 5. in the race for Southwest's open District 63A House seat. District 63A covers Armatage, Kenny and parts of Lynnhurst and Windom.

DFLer Paul Thissen, 35, an attorney living in Lynnhurst, will be favored in the district now represented by DFLer Mark Gleason. However, Thissen's opponents -- Republican Tim Erlander, 61 and the Independence Party's Ron Lischeid, 54 -- are banking that Minneapolis' politically mixed 13th Ward, coupled with blue-collar Richfield residents, could push them over the top.

June 12, 2003
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Public schools, private cash

By Caitlin Pine

With budgets cut, schools turn to parents and businesses to fund basic operations.

Will schools with richer families get richer?

With state aid to Minneapolis schools down 10 percent this year, administrators are turning more to private sources -- parents and corporations willing to donate money to plug the gap.

In some cases, private cash for Southwest elementary/middle schools has become considerable;

last school year, Burroughs Community School, 1601 W. 50th St., netted $68,140.

Private fundraising no longer pays just for special trips or expensive sports activities;

increasingly, it goes towards basic operating costs -- equipment repairs, supplies such as markers and paper, even the salaries of band instructors.

Some Southwest schools can ta

May 1, 2003
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Who was Maude Armatage?
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By Caitlin Pine

A school, a park and a neighborhood were all named after her, but few know her history

This month, Armatage Community School is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. To honor the 1953 opening, the school and parent association are hosting a community Sock Hop, which will include music by an all-parent band, dancing, a dinner in "Maude's Diner," bowling, games and drawings every half-hour.

The wholesome community night in Armatage's lower gym (enter at 56th Street and Russell Avenue) is the sort of thing that the school's namesake, Maude Armatage, would have attended with glee.

January 23, 2003
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Three vie for open Southwest House seat

By Kevin Featherly

Two lawyers will square off against a former auto repairman Nov. 5. in the race for Southwest's open District 63A House seat. District 63A covers Armatage, Kenny and parts of Lynnhurst and Windom.

Gleason lost his seat earlier this year in an unsuccessful bid for state auditor, then losing his party's legislative endorsement to Thissen. Gleason declined to run in the September primary.

October 7, 2002
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DFL endorses one incumbent, rejects another in Senate District 63

By Kevin Featherly

On June 8, the DFL party endorsed incumbent Sen. Jane Ranum for re-election in Senate District 63, while rejecting House District 63A colleague Mark Gleason. The Senate and House districts include Fulton, Lynnhurst, Kenny, Armatage and part of Windom.

Ranum, a Lynnhurst resident, was endorsed for re-election on the first ballot, defeating challenger Edwina Garcia, a former state representative from Richfield.

Ranum said that Garcia may run in the Sept. 10 primary. "We also hear that she said in a screening with labor that she would abide by the endorsement," Ranum said.

Garcia did not return calls for comment.

The primary winner will face GOP endorsee Vern Wilcox of Bloomington. Ranum's district also encompasses Richfield and parts of Bloomington.

June 17, 2002
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District honors four Southwest elementary schools

By David Brauer

Four Southwest-area K-5 schools have been declared "Empowered Schools," recognizing broad-based student achievement.

The schools are:

- Kenwood, 2013 Penn Ave. S.

- Lyndale, 312 W. 34th St.

- Armatage, 2501 W. 56th St.

- Kenny, 5720 Emerson Ave. S.

A fifth honored program, Parkview Montessori, will be housed next year at Bryn Mawr Community School, 252 Upton Ave. S. after leaving leased space in Golden Valley.

December 23, 2004
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Beyond the stars

By Bob Gilbert

What the state's report cards really say about Southwest schools

Southwest schools brought home their state No Child Left Behind (NCLB) report cards late last month; Whittier, Ramsey and Bryn Mawr were beaming, while Barton, Lake Harriet, Burroughs and Windom looked nervously at their shoes.

At an Aug. 26 news conference at the Minnesota State Fair, state Education Commissioner Alice Seagren released the names of 472 Minnesota schools that did not make adequate yearly progress under federal No Child standards. That number tripled over last year, in part because it included test scores of high schools and middle schools for the first time.

September 2, 2004
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Kenny saved, Jefferson to close under latest School Board plan

By Bob Gilbert

Kenwood closing option is discarded; Bryn Mawr would absorb Golden Valley Montessori program

As a plan to close Minneapolis public schools firms up, Kenny School and Kenwood School parents have reason to rejoice while disappointment sinks in for the Jefferson Community School community.

At its Oct. 26 meeting, the Minneapolis School Board agreed to a final proposal that will close 11 schools, mostly in North Minneapolis and near the Mississippi River, beginning in fall 2005.

The proposal goes to public meetings that begin Monday, Nov. 8 before an expected Nov. 30 final board vote.

In contrast to an Oct. 12 closing scenario that district consultants recommended, Kenny, a K-5 school at 5720 Emerson Ave. S., will remain open.

November 11, 2004
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Three SW elementary schools affected by closing scenarios

By Bob Gilbert and David Brauer

Board finalizes proposal to take to the community Oct. 26.

Kenwood or Jefferson and Kenny schools in Southwest could close in Fall 2006 under scenarios released by Minneapolis Board of Education consultants Oct. 12.

Southwest high schools are not affected in the plans, spurred by declining enrollment.

The three scenarios were produced following a summer of crunching numbers and interviewing families.

Consultants and Board members emphasize that the scenarios are only starting points; for example, at a Board discussion Oct. 19, consultant Kevin Halbach floated the idea that Kenny, 5720 Emerson Ave. S., might stay open and absorb a Montessori program now at Armatage school, 2501 W. 56th St.

November 11, 2004
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A guide to upcoming neighborhood garage sales

By Shira Kantor

It's a sure sign of summer when Southwest residents start peddling personal items out of their garages and yards. Several neighborhoods will host annual garage sales later this month and in June. Here's a snapshot of area garage sales and registration information.

Armatage

The Armatage Neighborhood Association's annual garage sale will span two days this summer, Friday and Saturday, June 2 and 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sale locator maps will be available at the Armatage Park building, 2500 W. 57th St.

The Armatage Community and Montessori School PTA will host its “Foster's Garage Sale” separately on Friday, May 19 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale, to be held at Armatage Community School at 2501 W.

May 8, 2006
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Neighborhood Events

By Southwest Journal Reporters

Find out what's going on in your neighborhood

CARAG garage sale is May 22

The CARAG neighborhood hosts its annual neighborhood garage sale Saturday, May 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sales will be held at individual homes, apartment buildings, churches and at Bryant Square Park, 3001 Bryant Ave. S.

CARAG's boundaries are West Lake Street to West 36th Street and from Hennepin Avenue to Lyndale Avenue.

Signs will mark sales and neighborhood sale maps will be distributed at each sale site. Residents can register to be part of the neighborhood sale until Wednesday, May 19. There's a $5 fee to register, which covers costs for signs, maps and advertising.

To register, contact CARAG resident Rick Pritchett at 822-3330.

April 29, 2004
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Neighborhood News
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By Southwest Journal Reporters

Kenny treasures named

At its April meeting, the Kenny Neighborhood Association (KNA) awarded 25 individuals (and one dog) with its fifth annual "Kenny Treasures Award." The award recognizes people, groups and businesses that make Kenny a better place to live.

Board member Colleen Sauber said 25-year resident Jon Wasserburger received the honor because of his diligence in distributing Kenny neighborhood welcome packets to new neighbors. Wasserburger has also enriched the neighborhood by coaching baseball, basketball and soccer at Kenny Park.

In addition, she said Wasserburger often helps neighbors by fixing leaky faucets and toilets, moving furniture and appliances, and helping to snowplow.

April 15, 2004
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Airport establishes new sound-mitigation zone; SW critics say it's too small

By Michael Metzger

Battle over projections determines which jet-noise sufferers may get help

For the first time, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has published a map projecting a new sound contour that may mean Southwest residents will get more noise insulation. However, area antinoise activists say the projection underestimates how many homes will need sound-deadening enhancements such as central air conditioning and insulation.

The map, released Feb. 4, shows how noise levels around the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are projected to change by 2007. It also establishes a new sound contour for homes falling in the so-called 60-64 DNL area. ("DNL" is a day-night average sound level.) Homeowners in that contour are eligible for mitigation steps yet to be determin

February 19, 2004
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More than 25,000 kids a day attend a free summer lunch program in Minnesota.

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Southwest freshman wins language camp scholarship

LINDEN HILLS — Southwest High School 9th-grader Grant Jolstad was selected for a scholarship to attend Concordia Language Villages this summer, Heather Vick, assistant director for enrollment and outreach, said.

J

June 16, 2008
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Submitted photo

Minneapolis Public Schools Supt. Bill Green joined Kenny Community School students planting a rain garden in May.

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Anthony celebrating 50 years

ARMATAGE — Anthony Middle School commemorated its 50th anniversary this spring with the creation of a new “welcome garden” at the school’s main entrance, the school announced in May.

Social studies teacher Paul Sommers and 6th-grade students in his Minnesota history class designed a garden incorporating plants native to the state’s woodlands. The students raised funds for its construction and were building it in late May.

Some of the funding for the garden came through a service-learning grant from Eco Education, a nonprofit environmental education organization based in St. Paul.

Sommers said the project was a part of his classes’ studies on energy

June 2, 2008
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Police warn of Southwest burglary trend

UPDATED May 23, 2008, 10:10am

By Cristof Traudes

The Minneapolis Police Department is telling Southwest neighbors to keep an eye out for burglars — or at least to prepare themselves.

A release from the city says that eight burglaries have occurred since May 12, mainly in the Kenny and Armatage neighborhoods. All were garage burglaries and involved forced entry.

To be prepared, people should write down the make, model and serial number of all valuable items, the release said.

May 19, 2008
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Finding the middle path

By Dylan Thomas

KENNY - On a warm May afternoon, Jackie Hanson, principal of Anthony Middle School, sat down to talk about a new district effort to reform middle grades education. Immediately, she was interrupted.

A student walked into the empty classroom where Hanson was meeting with a reporter and began to complain. The student was held back from a class field trip because she hadn't completed her schoolwork, and she was sick of spending the afternoon in Hanson's office across the hall.

"You need to sit on the bench," Hanson told the student, firmly. "You made a choice."

Middle-school students constantly test their boundaries, Hanson explained after the student left the room. It's how young adolescents "figure out who they are" at a

June 18, 2007
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Kenny residents band together to protect Grass Lake

By Dan Haugen

Group interested in improving lake's water quality

KENNY - A set of mucky stroller tracks trace Sam and Maggie VanNorman's path on an early evening stroll.

If they'd crane their necks up and to the left, they'd see rush-hour traffic zipping past on Highway 62.

At their level and to the right, though, is a portrait of calm, only interrupted by birdcalls and the splash and flutter of mallard ducks.

“We just love it. We're out here whenever the weather is nice,” says Sam VanNorman, who moved to Kenny with his wife Maggie and their son Miles a few months ago.

Grass Lake is prided as a hidden jewel by those who live nearby this spot, tucked in a residential area just west of Lyndale Avenue and north of the Crosstown Commons.

Abou

March 26, 2007
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Tempest in a petri dish

By Anna Pratt

KENNY - Many of the 8th graders in Ann Velander's third-period science class dressed down as part of “comfy cozy day” at Anthony Middle School, one mid-December morning.

Some students were wearing flannel pants, T-shirts, sweat suits and other soft, fuzzy clothes. The rest of the week's themes included retro, wacky, sports and a twins theme wherein students come to school dressed like look-alikes. The days are part of an initiative led by the school's Student Council to celebrate school spirit.

The 1950s-era school in the Kenny neighborhood takes its name from women's right activist Susan B. Anthony. Its community program attracts a diverse student body from surrounding areas.

Anthony supporters say the sense of community it fosters is a big draw for st

January 15, 2007
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A breakdown of how Southwest schools performed on state tests

By Anna Pratt

Tougher tests led to lower scores this year

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) is a benchmark for achievement on state tests in reading and math under the federally mandated No Child Left Behind (NCLB) - a national education initiative designed to close the achievement gap between minority and white students, as well as middle class and poor youth, among other things.

To show adequate progress, students must perform well on state tests. In Minnesota, students take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA-II). Individual schools are evaluated depending on how specific groups within their student bodies performed, such as ethnic groups, English Language Learners (ELL), special education students and low-income students.

December 4, 2006
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On the Rebound

By Anna Pratt

Kenny Community School thrives after nearly closing three years ago

Like the “South Park” character with which it shares a name, Kenny Community School has been presumed to be dead or dying on several occasions. And like the cartoon boy, the school has managed to survive despite the odds.

Three years after being on the verge of closing, Kenny Community School in Southwest's Kenny neighborhood is thriving and developing a niche as an elementary school teaching students about the importance of protecting the environment.

New Principal Susan Dreves-Libson, a 27-year veteran with the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), said she's excited about her work and the level of community involvement at Kenny. Before taking the job at Kenny, she served as princi

September 25, 2006
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An unclear future

By Anna Pratt

Minneapolis Public Schools officials renew talks of schools closing to plug a budget deficit

The Minneapolis Public Schools District (MPS) faces a deficit of $15-$20 million due to rising costs and dwindling student enrollment, according to district budget predictions for next year.

At the School Board's discussion meeting on Oct. 24, interim Superintendent Bill Green stressed the need to act fast to cope with the shortfall. He said school officials might have to consider closing schools, and he urged “courageous conversations.”

Board members, however, cautioned that school leaders should proceed cautiously and consider all of their options before closing schools. They criticized aspects of the 2004 round of school closings in which 13 schools wer

November 6, 2006
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Plan for new home in Grass Lake wetland area rejected

By Robyn Repya

On Nov. 14 the Planning Commission rejected plans to build a single-family home at 5912 Girard Ave. S. Dan Radunz, of Bloomington, applied for conditional-use permits (CUP) and variances for the property, which he has under purchase agreement, contingent on the CUPs' approval.

He said the property owner has been paying taxes on the land for nearly 50 years, but is being told by the city that it's unbuildable land. Area residents call it a protected wetland, and the city agreed.

The property is located within 50 feet of Grass Lake, a protected body of water. The land is protected by a zoning designation called a Shoreland Overlay District (SOD). A SOD is an area in which building height is capped at no more than 2.5 stories or 35 feet. A CUP is needed to bypass the zoning r

December 12, 2005
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School budgets: back to basics

By Anna Pratt

Southwest schools find creative solutions for the fifth year of budget cuts

When Minneapolis Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Marj Rolland presents her districtwide budget to the School Board, she typically sets it to music, according to a theme. Her first soundtrack was "I Can See Clearly Now" (the rain is gone).

This year, Rolland decided not to use "Chain, Chain, Chain" - meant to invoke a five-year string of district budget cuts totaling over $130 million. She figured that politicians might misinterpret to whom the "chain of fools" referred.

Instead, Rolland went music-free as she explained how Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) managed the deep cuts.

September 5, 2005
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Middle schools: an endangered species?

By Anna Pratt

After they've had a few beers, Linda Jury's sons reminisce about their middle school days. They joke that when they acquire their first million dollars, they'll donate funds to Folwell Middle School, under the condition that the 3611 20th Ave. S. school immortalizes them in a statue.

Despite the humor, the Jurys cherish their middle school years - a rewarding notion for a mom who was active in a '90s reform initiative to strengthen 6th-through-8th-grade education, when her sons went to Folwell.

Such fondness for middle schools isn't common. Parents instinctively shudder at their own hormonally challenged days - but a decade ago, a sort of panic permeated Minneapolis middle grade schools, Jury recalled. Horror stories were so pervasive that people fabricated home address

May 16, 2005
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Stellar neighbors named Kenny Neighborhood Treasures

By Robyn Repya

The Kenny Neighborhood Association (KNA) awarded select residents Kenny Neighborhood Treasure certificates at the group's annual meeting. The awards celebrate the neighborhood work of Kenny residents.

KNA boardmember Colleen Sauber said this year's recipients of the award include Tom Campbell, the Philip and Betty Klint family, Jan Tolle MacDonald and Mary Schmalz.

She said Campbell has been an involved Kenny block leader, coach of his daughter's athletic teams and a friendly face on daily walks with his dog, Zeke.

Sauber said the Klint family is a Kenny Treasure because they've done so much to help a neighbor with failing health. She said these longtime Kenny residents and their four children are known for helping those in need with household tasks, such as pickin

May 16, 2005
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At Armatage Elementary, two schools in one

By Anna Pratt

How a Montessori program and a community school program coexist

Parents, teachers and administrators say that Armatage Elementary School "feels good."

When you walk into 2501 W. 56th St. building, you don't notice a separation between the Montessori and community school programs because their classrooms are located alongside each other. Kids from each K-5 program see each other at lunch or recess while Montessori and community teachers share ideas and collaborate on projects. As a bonus, Armatage boosted enrollment when they opened their doors to the Montessori program three years ago - a key to staying open amid enrollment declines. Now the school simply has more to offer.

Under a barter system, the programs share a pool of resources, including the

January 10, 2005
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Public schools set tours, open houses

By David Brauer

Because Minneapolis Public Schools extended the deadline for parents and guardians to fill out kindergarten choice forms until Feb. 28, there are a number of January and February open houses and school tours this year.

Here is a list for Southwest-area schools. One note - times sometimes change, so call the school to confirm.

January 10, 2005
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Great Balls of Fire

By Michael Metzger

Grown-up Kenny kid builds 10-foot-tall catapult with football-field range

He's at it again. The Kenny man who brought us the potato cannon, fire kite and tennis-ball mortar is back with a catapult.

Bill Gurstelle, author of the best-selling "Backyard Ballistics" (SW Journal, Feb. 19-March 3) has built the 10-foot-high, 6-foot-long catapult to publicize his latest ode to making things go boom, splat and whoosh. "The Art of the Catapult," released in June by Chicago Review Press, tells proverbial children of all ages how to build Greek ballistae, Roman onagers, English trebuchets and other siege weapons.

"It's not like crazy stuff in here," Gurstelle said of the book. "It's all stuff that you could give to your nephew or son

June 24, 2004
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Legislative gridlock means fewer High Fives in SW

By Bob Gilbert

A legislative stalemate between the Republican-led House of Representatives and DFL-controlled Senate means three of six Southwest schools will lose the popular High Five prekindergarten program for 2004-05.

Minneapolis Public Schools officials announced May 19 that half-day High Five sessions would be canceled at Armatage Community School, 2501 W. 56th St.; Kenny Community School, 5720 Emerson Ave. S.; and Bryn Mawr School, 252 Upton Ave. S. On May 25, district officials said they would probably save three of 11 closed programs but did not specify if Armatage, Kenny or Byrn Mawr would be among them.

High Five will still be offered at Lyndale School, 312 W. 34th St.; Whittier Community School for the Arts, 2620 Grand Ave. S.; and Jefferson School, 1200 W. 26th St.

The

May 13, 2004
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Barton edges out Lake Harriet and Burroughs as top kindergarten choice

By Bob Gilbert

District says 96 percent of parents received first choice for '04-'05 school year

Of the 2,283 parents who submitted their Minneapolis kindergarten school choice cards on time, 96 percent got their first choice, according to district officials.

Parents can submit two or three kindergarten choices, depending on whether they live in an area with a designated community school. So far, parents have registered 2,600 kindergarteners for 2004-05 -- 200 more than this year. Minneapolis officials have budgeted for 3,200 kindergarteners for the coming school year.

That's good news for the district where declining overall enrollment has worsened a serious budget problem. Still, Minneapolis Student Placement Coordinator Jackie Turner said no one knows the actual kinder

April 29, 2004
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Auto thefts prompt crime alert south of 46th Street

By Robyn Repya

A string of auto thefts and theft attempts prompted Minneapolis police to issue a crime alert May 4 for Southwest residents living south of 46th Street.

Community Crime-Prevention Officer Jabra Kawas wrote that since April 13, six auto thefts were reported in the Fulton, Kenny, Windom and Armatage neighborhoods. In each incident, the car was parked on the street or in a lot.

No suspect information is available, but Kawas offered these tips:

- Lock vehicles when parked and driving.

- Always report suspicious behavior by calling 911.

- Park in well-lit areas.

For more information about safety tips or for questions, contact Kawas at 673-2867 or his partner, Crime- Prevention Specialist Jennifer Neale at 673-2819.

April 29, 2004
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Southwest to get nearly 1,000 new boulevard trees

By Scott Russell

Fills gaps left by blow-downs -- but city-parks turf war complicates mom-and-apple-pie effort

This spring, the Armatage neighborhood will get 137 new boulevard trees and the Kenny neighborhood 131, an effort to rebuild the tree canopy lost to last summer's windstorm.

An infusion of city money is paying for more than 25 percent of the new trees.

Last fall, Mayor R.T. Rybak sought to salt an otherwise austere budget with what he called a few "legacy" projects; one was to borrow an extra $200,000 to boost the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's traditional tree planting program. That would add approximately 2,000 new trees at $100 per tree.

The mayor made boulevard trees a priority after noticing tree gaps in some neighborhoods, particularly poorer o

April 1, 2004
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Kenny closing postponed, but bitter medicine is coming

By Bob Gilbert

Southwest School Board directors say closings are inevitable when they vote again in October

Ask Minneapolis School Board Director Dennis Schapiro about his job and he'll tell you that it's not as tough as guarding the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, but it comes close these days.

Schapiro and the rest of the Minneapolis School Board postponed a decision to close nine city schools, including Kenny, 5720 Emerson Ave. S., in the wake of public outcry. Interim School Superintendent David Jennings proposed the fall closings to cut an estimated $2.8 million from a projected $20 million deficit.

Schapiro, a Linden Hills resident, is ready to face the fire when closings come up for a vote this fall. "We are not putting this off indefinitely. By October, there is going to be a

March 4, 2004
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They killed Kenny

By Bob Gilbert

Southwest elementary school targeted to close and merge with nearby Armatage

Kenny Community School, 5720 Emerson Ave. S. celebrated its 50th birthday this year, but on Feb. 10 discovered that it may be its last. That's when Interim Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent David Jennings announced a proposal to close nine school buildings, including Kenny, at the end of this school year.

Jennings said the move is necessary to address the fourth straight year of budget deficits that will total $20 million next year. If the Board of Education approves the plan Tuesday, Feb. 24, Kenny, a K-5 school, will be closed and merge with another K-5, Armatage Community School, 2501 W. 56th St., for the 2004-05 school year.

With the exception of Kenny, other Southwest schoo

February 19, 2004
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Southwest principal does double duty

By Bob Gilbert

Parents worried when Armatage principal Joan Franks picked up the top job at nearby Kenny, but there are no complaints now

When Kenny Community School saw Principal Wendy Weimer retire at the end of last school year, the Minneapolis School District replaced her with Armatage Community School Principal Joan Franks. However, Franks did not relinquish her stewardship at Armatage; she took the helm of both.

Franks is currently the principal at Armatage, 2501 W. 56th St., a job she has held for the past six years and at Kenny, located less than one mile away at 5720 Emerson Ave. S.

Both K-5 community schools have similar demographics. Most students come from the same area of Southwest. Kenny has 367 students, while Armatage has 386. Kenny has about 32 percent of students wh

February 5, 2004
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Schools

By Bob Gilbert & Scott Russell

Various Local School Stories

State may force city schools to end High Five program

High Five, a Minneapolis Public Schools readiness program for kids who turn 5 shortly after the Sept. 1 kindergarten cutoff date may be canceled after this school year, according to a school district letter sent to parents.

Spokespersons for the state of Minnesota said earlier this month that they could not spend state funds on the

Minneapolis program, as they have done for 15 years.

January 22, 2004
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Schools need new superintendent -- just not right away

By Bob Gilbert

Search on hold, but what do leaders want?

The search to replace Minneapolis School Superintendent Carol Johnson whose six-year tenure ends this month, has been put on hold. Will the Board of Education conduct a national or regional search or hire someone they already know? The board has agreed to wait until late September before discussing what they want in a superintendent, and by what process they will look.

In 1997, the last time there was a vacancy, board members simply went out and hired Johnson, a former Minneapolis teacher who was superintendent in St. Louis Park.

David Jennings, Chief Operating Officer of the district, will serve as the interim superintendent until a replacement is found. He recently wrote a memo to the school board stating that he wil

August 7, 2003
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Kenny, Windom to clean up Lyndale Avenue

By Robyn Repya

The Lyndale Avenue Clean-up will be held May 17 from 8 a.m. to noon, organized by members of the Lyndale Avenue South Renewal- from Creek to Crosstown (LASR-CC) group.

Residents who want to help are meeting in the Kenny neighborhood at Coldwell Banker Burnett, 5516 Lyndale Ave. S., where coffee, juice and muffins will be provided for clean-up volunteers. For more information, contact Ron Lischeid at 869-6362.

Lischeid, a Windom resident and LASR-CC member, has done plenty of clean-up on his own, said Dan Quirk, outgoing president of the Kenny Neighborhood Association and Kenny representative to LASR-CC. Quirk said Lischeid had, with some help, removed brush and weeds overgrowing greenspace at businesses along Lyndale. Quirk said Lischeid has also worked with the city and the

May 1, 2003
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Six people named "Kenny Treasures"

By Robyn Repya

The Kenny Neighborhood Association recently honored six residents nominated by their neighbors as "Kenny Treasures." KNA president Dan Quirk said the winners reflected the criteria of being good neighbors and making Kenny a good place to live.

Board member Colleen Sauber said all six are long-time neighborhood residents, for a combined 188 years. Residents were honored with certificates, kind words and presented with a small bag of Nestle Treasures chocolates.

Kenny Treasures Vic and Mary Erdmann have lived in the neighborhood for 46 years and have both been active in the community. Sauber said Vic Erdmann puts out "Recycle" reminders in his block and Mary Erdmann volunteers at the Walker Southview Senior Center, 3737 Bryant Ave. S., assisting in Catholic

May 1, 2003
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Kenny tree's demise reveals 'eyesore' sign

By Robyn Repya

A Kenny neighborhood tree that was cut down has exposed a large overhanging mast-arm sign that has nearby homeowners upset.

The tree was on the west side of Lyndale Avenue as it converges into the on-ramp for Highway 62 West. The sign directs drivers to the highway. Kenny resident Bill Libbey calls the sign an "eyesore," and he and his neighbors hope the Kenny Neighborhood Association can beautify the area after state officials refused.

Libbey contends that the sign has a negative effect on property values of the 56 homes that can now see it. He and others tried to get Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) officials to remove the sign. Libbey argued that there are other, smaller signs that mark the highway entrance and fit in better with the neighborhood.<

April 3, 2003
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Schools

By Caitlin Pine

School budget cuts force bigger classes

K-2 classes will get 16 percent bigger; high school vo-tech programs take hit

Citing a $28 million budget shortfall, Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Carol Johnson and Chief Operating Officer David Jennings presented proposed cuts to the School Board Jan. 21 and Jan. 28. The proposal cut salary costs, cut individual school funding, cut central administrative support and, most noticeably, increased class size.

The preliminary plans assume that state funding -- 83 percent of the District's revenue -- will remain the same.

Class size The plan would increase class sizes above those established in the 2001 school-funding referendum. Johnson's proposal raises K-2 classrooms from 19 to 22 stude

February 6, 2003
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Instead of busing, moving

By Caitlin Pine

A new program finds poor families housing near their schools

This year, if Kim Carson's elementary school children -- Marc and Steve -- are running late, it doesn't mean they'll miss a full day of school. School is no longer several miles away; instead, they can walk two and half blocks to Armatage Community School, 2501 W. 56th St.

The Carson family is literally close to education because of a public-private program to move poor kids and families -- including Marc and Steve -- closer to their school.

The program, "It's All About the Kids," finds homes for families who qualify for subsidized housing, but its goal isn't to create more affordable housing -- it's to boost student achievement by improving school attendance.

In the program's

October 21, 2002
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Kenny Park repairs could fall to city's budget axe

By Scott Russell

The Kenny Park building was slated for a $420,000 upgrade in 2003 -- not an expansion, but routine repairs to the roof, mechanical and electrical systems.

It is one of the less glamorous line items in the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board capital budget. It is one of many low-profile items the board said would get cut if the city's current budget fix goes forward.

The Park Board had begun a phased increase in its capital (building) budget in 2001 and 2002, under a deal cut with former Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton. The current city budget-tightening plan takes back those increases.

Park Board President Bob Fine said the board already promised to fund such projects as the Northeast Water Park. The city's plan would eliminate any new capital projects in 2003, includin

July 29, 2002
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Surprise surplus causes Kenny confusion

By Robyn Repya

The Kenny Neighborhood Association has run into a unique difficulty -- it has a budget surplus.

For years, the KNA board had mistakenly paid for Neighborhood Revitalization Program items out of their own neighborhood association funds. That means KNA has spent less of their neighborhood funds over the years to sustain their organization.

KNA's new NRP coordinator and treasurer discovered the misappropriation, leaving the group with an unexpected $8,000 surplus. In addition to the neighborhood-fund surplus, the group has $200,000 of unspent NRP money.

KNA board president Dan Quirk said because of the twin surpluses, the board was unprepared for an avalanche of community requests, including Kenny Community School, 5720 Emerson Ave. S.

KNA had been operating on a f

June 17, 2002
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Kenny gets a big green chair

By Robyn Repya

The Kenny Community School, 5702 Emerson Ave. S., installed a green, 12-foot tall Adirondack chair on their lawn Friday June 7, as part of the Green Chair Project (GCP).

Kenny resident Lisa Griebel, an independent consultant with the GCP, helped with the project and has a green chair in her own yard. She said the idea to put a chair at the school came a year ago when she recognized the chair's popularity in the neighborhood.

The Kenny School chair installation was made possible with the help of residents, teachers at the school, and the Kenny Neighborhood Association, which donated $750.

June 3, 2002
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Pay it forward

By Anjula Razdan Photos Rich Ryan

Two years ago, Kenny resident Karen Hall decided she wanted to be a "Soup Lady."

It began when her father was diagnosed with colon cancer, she said. While thinking about his future -- and the stress and heartache that her mother could face during his treatment -- it came to her.

"I could be the "Soup Lady" for others in the same situation," she said. "I could make homemade soup and deliver it."

The opportunity came in the fall of 2000 when she met Gary Hoover in Kenny Park. She learned that Gary's wife, Mary Ellyn, had lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) for almost 40 years and had been wheelchair-bound for more than 15 years.

After the meeting, she said she lay awake that night unable to fall asleep. She w

February 11, 2002
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How Southwest schools were saved

By David Brauer

After a tense year, all area sites will stay open -- but minor attendance-boundary changes are possible

At various points in Minneapolis' yearlong school-closing saga, Kenny, Jefferson, Emerson and Kenwood schools had targets on their backs.

In the end, however all were left standing.

On Nov. 30, the School Board approved a plan to shutter 17 city schools between now and fall 2006 -- but none in Southwest.

The uncertainty for Southwest parents hasn't completely evaporated. School Board member Joseph Erickson said that closing any city schools would alter community-school attendance boundaries throughout the city.

December 9, 2004
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Crime reports

By Christopher Greising

Editor’s note: Alleged crimes against persons (assault, rape, murder, etc.) will feature the + symbol. Note, this compilation of crime reports provides highlights of area criminal activity. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive overview of Southwest crime.

Armatage

+ July 1, 6:45–7 p.m., 5400 block of Penn Ave.

Two juvenile males were leaving a park when a male suspect began following them. One of the victims was talking on his cell phone when the suspect allegedly approached and demanded the phone.

July 14, 2008
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Crime reports

By Christopher Greising

Editor’s note: Alleged crimes against persons (assault, rape, murder, etc.) will feature the + symbol. Note, this compilation of crime reports provides highlights of area criminal activity. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive overview of Southwest crime.

Armatage

Between July 10, 7 p.m., and July 11, 8 a.m., 6000 block of Russell Ave.

A 58-year-old man parked his vehicle in front of his home overnight. When he returned in the morning he found the vehicle missing. He told police that the vehicle had been unlocked and the keys left under a floor mat.

July 28, 2008
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Map Quest

By Bob Gilbert

Kenny man collects 150 years worth of maps that chart the march of humanity through Southwest Minneapolis

Collecting antique maps of Minneapolis has been Bob Gosselin's hobby since 1996. The oldest of his approximately 40 maps are from 1839, and his anthology runs through the 1850s to all the way to 1997.

Individually, they are quaint documents of what Minneapolis once was. Collectively, they are mile markers tracing the history and economic development of the city -- especially of the Kenny neighborhood where Gosselin resides.

Gosselin's Sunrise Drive home was built in 1953, but the 51-year old researcher did not move in until 1986.

July 22, 2004
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New Southwest legislators energized, realistic

By Jim Chase

State Representatives Frank Hornstein and Paul Thissen are freshmen at the state legislature, but savvy about working the system -- and surviving being in the minority

"Did he do his Wellstone?" asked Margaret Anderson Kelliher. Kelliher -- a Bryn Mawr state representative just elected Minority Whip, the number-two House Democrat -- was talking about one of her newest colleagues, Rep. Frank Hornstein.

Indeed, Hornstein had done his Wellstone -- and his Jesse Ventura. A cheerful, outgoing man, the Southwest Minneapolis legislator does impressions for his guests and colleagues, and occasionally for visiting journalists. "I can't quite get Pawlenty," he lamented. "Not distinctive enough."

February 20, 2003
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Less SAFE? Fewer crime-prevention teams to cover neighborhoods

By Robyn Repya

In response to proposed state budget cuts, the Minneapolis Police Department sliced its Community Crime Prevention/SAFE teams in 5th Precinct (Southwest) neighborhoods from five to three -- meaning fewer civilian-officer teams covering 20 area neighborhoods.

SAFE teams serve in pairs of sworn officers and civilian crime prevention specialists (CPS) and are the primary contact for Southwest residents to the police department in responding to crime trends, assisting in block club training, providing business and home security checks and workshops and focusing on problem properties.

Citywide, 25 SAFE teams were reduced to 14.

May 15, 2003
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Neighborhood notebook

By Sarah McKenzie, Jake Weyer and Dylan Thomas

CARAG

Plant swap: The Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG) Plant Swap is set for April 26 at 9:30 a.m. at Urban Earth Cooperative, 910 W. 36th St. The event provides an opportunity to for area green thumbs to trade plants and gardening knowledge.

Crime walk: The CARAG Stroll Patrol is teaming up with the Lyndale Walkers for a spring kickoff walk April 27. The details were not finalized at press time. For more information contact CARAG at 823-2520 or the Lyndale Neighborhood Association at 824-9402.

April 7, 2008
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Crime reports

By Christopher Greising

Armatage
Between Aug. 24, 11 p.m., and Aug. 25, 8 a.m., 6000 block of Sheridan Ave.
A 58-year-old woman parked her vehicle in the driveway of her residence overnight. The next morning she discovered that an unknown suspect(s) had stolen the vehicle. The victim also found her garage door open but is unaware if any items are missing.

September 24, 2007
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Crime reports

By Lila Bolke

Armatage

Between July 25, 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., 5539 Richmond Ct.

A 40-year-old male parked his car in front of his house. His car was left unlocked and was entered while the man slept. The unknown suspect rifled through his belongings, taking a laptop and several other items. The other items were discarded and later found in an alley across the street. These were returned to the man.

August 13, 2007
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Representing the 'hoods

By Cristof Traudes

T-shirts and merchandise give neighbors a common bond

Neighborhoods provide people a relatively small bond, certainly not one as recognized as being a Minneapolitan or a Minnesotan or an American. Yet they somehow still succeed at bringing a sense of unity to their regions.

While demographics aren’t always that different from one neighborhood to the next, each has its own stories to tell and its own unique interests.

One way that’s reflected is in merchandise — mainly, in T-shirts. They represent the stories of relatively small East Harriet wanting to build a strong brand, Kenny feeling like one mind, Linden Hills going green.

August 25, 2008
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Primary election roundup: Dibble defeats Roche in DFL fight

By Kevin Featherly

Scott Dibble, the freshman District 60B state representative who is hoping to make the quick leap to the Senate, easily survived a challenge from former Massachusetts Rep. Rick Roche in the Sept. 10 primary.

In an unusual state Senate primary featuring metro-wide TV ads from Roche, Dibble outpolled Roche 5,830 votes to 1,061, an 85 percent to 15 percent margin.

According to the state Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, Roche spent $15,375 on the campaign as of Aug. 19; however, most of his TV ads accusing Dibble of favoring stadium financing aired after that date, driving his expenses higher. Dibble spent $14,778 as of Aug. 19, the latest available date for expenditures.

September 9, 2002
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Block parties will challenge neighbors to reduce energy use

By Alison Fiebig

A series of block parties this fall will focus not only on getting to know your neighbors, but getting to know how much energy they use.

The goal of the Energy Challenge block parties is to get neighbors together to share ideas about ways to save energy and the environment. The parties will encourage neighborhoods to track their yearly energy use and pledge to take certain actions to reduce that use. The block club with the highest number of participating households will be personally recognized with a visit by Mayor R.T. Rybak and be featured on the WCCO evening news.

September 24, 2007
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Lyndale Avenue renewal group to host May 24 open house

By Robyn Repya

The Lyndale Avenue South Renewal - Creek to Crosstown (LASR-CC) group, which is working to create a master plan for pedestrian amenities, safety improvements, transit and future development on the street, will host a Tuesday May 24 event to get public input for their plan.

The group is made up of four Southwest neighborhoods that border Lyndale Avenue from West 46th Street to the Crosstown Highway. The open house is 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Richfield United Methodist Church, 5835 Lyndale Ave. S.

In December, the City Council approved funding for a request for proposals costing no more than $75,000 to retain a land use firm to craft a plan. The city chose consultants Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. (HKGi).

May 16, 2005
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Lyndale streetscape plan near creek goes to neighborhoods

By Robyn Repya

A conglomerate organization of four Southwest neighborhoods -- Windom, Kenny, Lynnhurst and Tangletown -- has finished its Lyndale Avenue streetscape-improvement plan.

The group -- known as Lyndale Avenue South Renewal Creek to Crosstown (LASRCC) -- is designing ways to enhance the pedestrian experience and safety on Lyndale Avenue. Participating neighborhoods border Lyndale from West 46th Street to the Crosstown Highway.

Group chairwoman Mary Ubl said the project offers broad recommendations for the large Lyndale thoroughfare, such as adding community gardens and greenspace.

Ubl said it also offers specific suggestions.

June 10, 2004
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City could hook ladder truck

By Scott Russell

Fire Station 27, 5410 Nicollet Ave. S., could lose a fire truck and three firefighters in 2004, part of a plan the Minneapolis Fire Department said would more efficiently use resources.

The Minneapolis Fire Department's union, Local 82, opposes the move, saying it would increase response time and reduce services to some Southwest

neighborhoods.

Assistant Fire Chief Uly Seal said the ladder truck at Station 27 and another truck at Station 15, 27th and Johnson Street N.E., have the fewest calls in the system. The department is considering a plan to eliminate those trucks and move personnel to higher-demand areas around the city, Seal said.

"We are not eliminating positions, we are distributing those personnel to different rigs," he said.

September 9, 2002
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Government notes

By Brent Killackey

Sen. Myron Orfield says he won't seek re-election Sen. Myron Orfield (DFL-Minneapolis) announced March 5 that he would not be seeking re-election this fall.

"I have served for 12 years in the Legislature and I felt I had made a good contribution in terms of working on land use and metropolitan equity issues, education and health care and environmental issues," Orfield said. "I have another busy job that I have to work on and I have two young boys that I'd like to spend some more time with."

Orfield said upcoming redistricting was not a factor in his decision. Some of the proposed redistricting scenarios would pit Orfield against Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL-Minneapolis) or extend Senate District 60 into the suburbs.

March 11, 2002
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Neighborhood notebook

By Cristof Traudes

FULTON

ELECTIONS SOON: The Fulton Neighborhood Association will hold elections at its annual meeting, set for Sept. 10. Six current board members will be up for reelection.

Anyone interesting in joining the board should call neighborhood coordinator Tara Kumar at 922-3106 or e-mail info@fultonneighborhood.org.

FESTIVAL SOON: The Fulton Neighborhood Association is looking for more volunteers for its neighborhood festival, which will be 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sept. 13 at Pershing Park.

Anyone interested in participating can call 922-3106 or e-mail info@fultonneighborhood.org.

August 25, 2008
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Crime reports

By Christopher Griesling

CARAG
Feb. 26, 5:49 p.m., W. Lake St. and Girard Ave.
Police officers stopped a vehicle for having illegally tinted windows. The officers found that the passengers, two 26-year-old men, had warrants out for their arrest. The passenger allegedly had an unidentified narcotic in his possession. Hennepin County Jail refused to book the suspect due to an unknown medical reason and he needed to be transported to Hennepin County Medical Center.

March 24, 2008
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Photo by Robb Long

Bill Gibbs, Kenny’s new school leader, was chosen for his ability to lead teachers’ professional development.

A turnaround year at Kenny

By Dylan Thomas

Parents welcome new principal and district support

KENNY — Kenny Community School parents want you to know this: Kenny is not going to close.

That persistent rumor — based on a massive school-closing plan from 2004 that, ultimately, the Minneapolis school board declined to act on — has dogged the school and its tight-knit community ever since.

“That still lingers,” Tim Keehn, the parent of two Kenny students, said. “It’s like that … black cloud that follows you around.”

This year, Kenny parents and staff members aim to banish that black cloud for good. They’re off to a good start with what some at the school see as a major vote of confidence from the district.

September 22, 2008
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Copper thieves strike Kenny

UPDATED September 30, 2008, 2:37pm

By Brian Voerding

September 22, 2008
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Copper thieves strike Kenny

By Brian Voerding

Southwest residents should be on the lookout for copper thieves clipping ground wires from power-line poles.

Xcel Energy recently reported that someone had cut about six feet of grounding wire from an alleyway pole in the Kenny neighborhood. That comes on the heels of police notifications earlier this month of similar activity in Kingfield near 38th Street & Pleasant Avenue South.

Stealing grounding wires “is an isolated thing,” said Tom Thompson, a crime prevention specialist for Kingfield and other Southwest neighborhoods. He added, though, that thieves are consistently taking copper piping and other valuable materials from abandoned or vacant houses.

Missing grounding wires won’t interrupt power, but could cause problems during storms, Thompson said.

Dramatic increases in the value of copper and other building materials in recent years have led to similar thefts citywide. Thieves typically sell the materials to recycling centers.

October 6, 2008
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DFL sets March 1 precinct caucus sites

By Scott Russell

The Minneapolis DFL Party is holding new precinct caucuses March 1 to elect ward and city convention delegates who will decide City Council and mayoral endorsements.

In the past, the DFL delegates selected during the presidential election year served the next year to make city endorsements.

All caucuses begin at 7 p.m.

The Southwest-area precinct caucus locations are:

6th Ward (Stevens Square, Whittier)

- Precincts 1-2 and 4 (Whittier): Whittier Community School, 2620Grand Ave.

- Precinct 3 (Stevens Square): Van Dusen House, 1900 LaSalle Ave. 7th Ward (Bryn Mawr, Lowry Hill, Kenwood, most of Cedar-Isles-Dean)

- Precincts 1-4: Bryn Mawr Community School, 252 Upton Ave. S. 8th Ward (north and east Kingfield)

- Precincts 6-7: Martin Luther K

February 21, 2005
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Crime and Safety and Police Reports

By Southwest Journal Staff

Police accepting nominations for community award

The Minneapolis Police Department is accepting nominations for the third annual Teresa Ruhland Youth Award, which recognizes an exceptional volunteer for his or her work involving youth and block club activities. The award is named after Teresa Sheehy Ruhland, a longtime SAFE crime-prevention team employee who died in May 2000.

Nominations forms are available online, or the department will accept a one-page essay that details a nominee's work involving youth and block club activities. The deadline for award nominations is Oct. 24.

October 2, 2003
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Photo by Robb Long

A group from Windom Spanish Dual Immersion and Open School install a wood duck house on the edge of Grass Lake.

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Principal recognized for community engagement

BRYN MAWR — Principal Beth Russell of Anwatin Middle School was recognized for her community engagement work in April with a national award from the MetLife Foundation.

The MetLife Foundation Ambassadors in Education Award is given annually to a public school teacher or principal who excels at building community partnerships in each of 25 cities, including Minneapolis. Anwatin received a $5,000 grant in honor of Russell’s achievement.

The Ambassadors in Education Award is a program of the National Civic League. Awards are given to teachers and principals on alternate years.

May 19, 2008
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Minnesota Reading Corps volunteer Joshua McKeever assesses the reading skills of a Kenny Community School student.

A benchmark program for reading success

By Dylan Thomas

KENNY — Reading tutor Joshua McKeever and Kenny Community School student Abigail Wilfahrt sat side by side at a desk outside the school’s 3rd-grade classroom.

“When I say, ‘Begin,’ I want you to start reading,” McKeever told Wilfahrt. “Ready? Begin.”

Wilfahrt quietly but confidently read a passage about autumn weather, hardly stumbling at all as she described the change of seasons. After a minute, McKeever told her to stop.

“You did very well,” he said encouragingly.

October 8, 2007
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Photo by Dylan Thomas

Middle grades students at Ramsey Fine Arts Center completed a large mural in November promoting peace and unity at their school. Students (from left) Alicia Anderson, Madison Baker, Shakeeya Kelly, Keeyonna Kelly (kneeling), Annalisa Kimmel and Parmeshri

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Ramsey mural celebrates peace

TANGLETOWN — Middle grades students unveiled a new mural celebrating peace, individual identity and unity in a hallway at Ramsey International Fine Arts Center Nov. 25.

The large mural, which the students titled "Understanding and Expressing Identity," was designed using ideas and artistic contributions from about 180 students in grades 6–8. Ramsey artist-in-residence Greta McLain led students in designing and painting the mural.

The colorful mural depicts students of different backgrounds and abilities against the backdrop of the Twin Cities skyline. The words "we are sharing our gifts with the world" run in a ribbon through the middle of the image.

December 15, 2008
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Neighborhoods get reduced NRP allotments

By Scott Russell

The Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Policy Board has approved the final neighborhood Phase II allocations -- including a new $537,000 American Indian set-aside program.

The overall pot of money the Board earmarked for neighborhoods is estimated at $47.7 million, according to a memo posted on the NRP Web site.

Southwest neighborhoods will receive the following through 2009:

Armatage, $375,682

Bryn Mawr, $270,080

CARAG, $636,557

Cedar-Isles-Dean, $261,420

East Harriet $218,316

East Isles, $387,253

East Calhoun, $334,613

Fulton, $387,229

Kenny, $266,533

Kenwood, $85,600

Kingfield, $770,934

Linden Hills, $530,161

Lowry Hill, $448,754

Lowry Hill East (Wedge), $747,852

Lyndale, $643

April 15, 2004
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Schools ready for budget blows

By Anjula Razdan

Extracurricular busing, school choice among cuts

When the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) school board voted Feb. 26 to approve more than $30 million in budget cuts for the upcoming school year, district budget director Marj Rolland said she began panting.

"I was having this horrible asthma attack," Rolland said. "I kept using my inhaler, and I couldn't get it under control."

Two weeks after the board vote, Rolland and many others in the district - staff, parents and students alike - are still trying to catch their collective breath.

March 11, 2002
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Photo by Dylan Thomas

Kenny Community School’s gardens are dormant, for now. When the blooms return in May, the school gardens will be the site of the 2009 Minneapolis Garden Awards.

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

District tests upgraded network

Minneapolis Public Schools officials were expecting two firsts on Jan. 20, and the swearing-in of President Barack Obama as the nation's first black president was just one of them.

The other was the first big test of the district's upgraded internal computer network. The Information Technology Services Department planned to transmit a video stream of Inauguration Day festivities directly into district classrooms, showcasing the network's expanded bandwidth and new capabilities.

District computer technician Mike Williams said upgrades made to the district's computer network over the last two years made the feat possible. In the future, the network upgrades also could allow for video conferencing among classrooms.

January 26, 2009
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Photo by Robb Long

Students at Whittier International Elementary School worked with the Belgium-born street artist and designer known as Chase to paint a stairwell in their school Jan. 28. Now based in Los Angeles, Chase has worked with children in that city to paint about

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

City honors MLK essay contest winners

KENNY — The City Council honored top finishers in the city's 2009 Martin Luther King Essay Contest at its Jan. 23 meeting.

Students in Southwest-area schools penned the 10 best essays chosen from more than 200 submissions. Students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade were asked write about a human rights issue in current events.

Winners in eighth grade were: Madeline Hillyer, first place; Stephen Jacobs, second place; Megan Lucas, third place; and Marissa Nicol, honorable mention. All are students at Anthony Middle School.

Winners in seventh grade were: Liam Smith, first place; Mackenzie Martin, second place; and Benjamin Weil, third place. All three are Anthony students.

February 9, 2009
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File photo

Burroughs Principal Tim Cadotte helps students put their lunch waste into a bin that will be composted as part of a school program.

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

State art award winners announced

WHITTIER — Four high school students from two Southwest-area schools were awarded the top prize in the Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards hosted by Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD).

Taylor Lindgren and Isaac Pollak of Southwest High School and Caroline Ricard and Zoe Sponsler-Hoehn of The Blake School were to be presented Gold Key Awards in a Feb. 22 ceremony at MCAD. Gold Key Award winners advance to national competition in New York.

This year, the jury for the state competition reviewed 1,147 individual artworks and 121 portfolios submitted by Minnesota students in grades seven though 12. The judges, art educators from around the United States, awarded 54 Gold Key Awards in the individual competition and eight Gold Key Awards in the portfolio competition.

The Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards exhibition at MCAD closed Feb. 22.

February 23, 2009
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City's 311 info line has tips for homeowners falling behind on mortgage payments

By Michelle Bruch

With the number of foreclosures in Minneapolis running 79 percent higher than last year, the city's main hotline is stepping in with assistance for people who fear they may fall behind on mortgage payments.

Residents can now call 311 for a referral to agencies who will give them financial counseling, explain the foreclosure process and help them negotiate with their mortgage companies.

“The key for preventing a home from going into foreclosure is early intervention,” said Marc Dronen, an analyst for Minneapolis 311. “If people think they will miss a payment or are missing one payment, it is not too early to call.”

Since mid-November, 311 has received 68 phone calls from residents regarding foreclosure.

December 18, 2006
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Photo by Kathleen Stoehr

Property values in Kenwood are up 22 percent.

Home values up in parts of Southwest

By Moira Kenny

On average, Twin Cities home values have dropped nearly 10 percent since last year, but some neighborhoods in Southwest have beat the odds.

Kenwood, Linden Hills, Fulton, Lynnhurst, East Calhoun and Whittier all showed an increase in property values the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2008, according to a recent report from Zillow.com, an online real estate service.

The areas have been less impacted by lender-mediated activity, such as short sales and foreclosures, as other areas in the city — particularly neighborhoods in North and South Minneapolis.

"The biggest differentiating factor between areas that have done well and areas that have faltered is due to less or more lender-mediated activity in those regions," Mark Allen, CEO of the Minnesota Association of Realtors, said.

Areas that have seen increases in home values tend to have older residents that haven't leveraged as much as homeowners in other parts of the metro, Allen said. Areas that have decreased in value struggle with lender-mediated activity in the down market. Transactions have fallen, and median prices are down.

March 9, 2009
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