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Submitted photo

Jay Pivec talks to his players during a game.

By Jim Walsh

By the time you read this, Jay Pivec will, God-willing, have notched his 500th win as a college basketball coach of his squad, the Minneapolis Community and Technical College Marauders. At press time, Pivec was set to notch win number 500 on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. against Anoka Ramsey in the MCTC gym on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.

Alas, junior college basketball doesn't make for the sexiest sound bite, so forgive ESPN if they don't acknowledge the achievement. Likewise, even though MCTC is by far the most ethnically diverse community college in the state, the local sports media will likely devote more coverage to Kentucky expat Tubby Smith's 400th victory than on the story of a city kid who stayed in the city and in the game he loves in order to help other

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Robb Long

Orhan Arpinar, owner of Xerxes Market since 1997, speaks about his many years spent behind the counter at his store in Armatage.

By Anna Rockne

ARMATAGE — A Guatemalan peace worker, a Civil War hero, an Edison High School student, and the owner of Xerxes Market in Armatage all have one thing in common: heart energy.

Lisa Peterson and her husband, Hennepin County District Court Judge Bruce Peterson, got the idea to create a foundation to honor people who display heart energy when they read the famous letter Civil War General Sullivan Ballou wrote to his wife days before he was killed in the Battle at Bull Run.

"My husband read that letter to me, and it was so beautiful we decided we wanted to do something in terms of honoring people who act from the heart," Lisa Peterson said. "The feeling is that there is this immense heart energy that is always operating in the world, but in the da

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By Readers

Thank you for your touching tributes to your neighbors for our annual “Thank You” issue. This is truly one of my favorite Journal projects of the year. To submit other notes of gratitude, go to www.southwestjournal.com and submit comments at our blog,
“The Compost,” or click on the link for the “Thank You” issue.

- Sarah McKenzie, Journal editor

NEIGHBORHOOD TREASURE

Years ago, a daughter visiting from California came out of Settergrens Hardware with an elated expression. “They were so nice to me!” I knew what she meant.

Our purchases at so many places feel like a transaction, no more. It’s part of our bigness era. For a couple of months, as I drop in th

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The Massage Room Wellness Center in Armatage closed in September in the wake of a prostitution arrest.

By Mary O'Regan and Jake Weyer

"The Massage Room on 54th and Penn is a sex business," read an anonymous letter sent to the Armatage Neighborhood Association last year. "Everyone on the corner knows this — can you do something?"

In September, the parlor closed after police arrested a 23-year-old woman for prostitution and cited a 53-year-old man with loitering with intent to commit
prostitution.

Houses of prostitution, often disguised as massage parlors, are becoming more of a problem in Southwest recently, said 5th Precinct Insp. Kris Arneson. Officers began investigating four other establishments in the precinct — the names of the businesses were withheld to protect the integrity of the investigations — after receiving tips from concerned residents.

October 22, 2007
Full Article

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By Readers

Hey neighbor, please keep your dog on a leash

Whatever happened to keeping dogs on a leash while out walking them? I am an early morning walker in the Armatage neighborhood, and it has become a daily occurrence to find at least half of the numerous dog owners letting their pets roam freely while they stand several feet away, carrying the leash.

Maybe the owners think they can control their animals, but on more than a few occasions, a free dog has come running up to me, angrily barking, while the owner stands there telling me that the dog won't hurt me. Meanwhile, my heart is racing 100 mph and I'm feeling unsafe in my own neighborhood.

Sorry, but there have been too many cases in the news lately of dogs getting out of yards or off le

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Bill Brice used to jog around Lake Harriet. Now, he carries dog treats as he walks, making friends along the way.

By Kari VanDerVeen

Bill Brice is a fixture around Lake Harriet

As neighbors Molly Falk and Leni de Mik began their usual early morning walk along the tree-lined streets of the Linden Hills neighborhood, their four-legged walking companion needed a little coaxing to brave an overcast sky that threatened rain. They made their way toward the walking path that circles Lake Harriet, with Ebba — a two-and-a-half-year-old Labradoodle — plodding along next to them. But when the trio rounded a corner in the path, Ebba’s melancholy was suddenly wiped away at the sight of a tall man leaning over a small black dog.

As Ebba eagerly approached, he warmly greeted her by name and handed her a treat. After she sat and shook his hand, he rewarded her with another treat.

September 10, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood

Café Maude is the only restaurant with full bar service in the city’s 13th Ward.

By David Streier

Armatage neighborhood residents may fondly recall the down-home diner at W. 5411 Penn Ave. S. with vinyl booths, glass Heinz 57 bottles set on the table, and the smell of just-baked bread.

In recent months, though, the dwindled crowd at Connors’ Deli more closely resembled the lonely patrons in Edward Hoppers’ Nighthawks painting than that of, say, New York’s bustling Carnegie Deli. Apparently, a traditional family deli just can’t stay afloat in this part of town these days, with several nearby coffee shops and bistros offering wine and beer as well as appealing food menus. With the recent opening of Café Maude in the space Connor’s used to occupy, neighborhood residents now have the chance to enjoy a vibrant nightlife as well as Mediterranean and American cuisine — and they don’t have to go all the way Downtown to find it.

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By Dan Haugen

Autistic children tend to dart, run off unexpectedly

ARMATAGE - On a perfect spring day about one year ago, Luisa Watson brushed too close for comfort with her worst fear.

As the training bicycle and its rider, one of her sons, wobbled down the sidewalk from their home on Xerxes Avenue, Watson jogged alongside to help balance and catch.

Then, a commotion.

“Get him! Get him!” Watson remembers her husband shouting.

Their youngest son Joshua, a then-5-year-old boy who was born with autism, had darted out the front door and started sprinting.

Other siblings sprang out the door in pursuit, past their father, who was recovering from knee surgery and on crutches. Watson let go of the bike and gave chase, too.

A sister eventually sc

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By Dan Haugen

Another short skating season this winter is helping give traction at Park Board headquarters to a vision of building artificial, outdoor ice rinks around the city.

“I don't think we've gotten five good years of skating out of the last 10,” Park Board Commissioner Walt Dziedzic said. “I don't know if it's global warming or what it is, but we're not getting a lot of weeks of winter skating.”

He'd like to see the Park Board eventually build about half a dozen refrigerated, outdoor rinks that could be flooded and frozen even when temperatures are above freezing. The artificially chilled rinks could extend the city's outdoor skating season from five weeks to five months, Dziedzic said.

It's not the first time the idea has come up, but with in

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By Anna Pratt

First-year teacher rewards students with class pet, Jesse the snake

Room 116 at Armatage Montessori School has adopted a class pet - Jesse, a 15-year-old ball python.

The snake belongs to the classroom's teacher, Ralph Sievert, who goes by “Ralph” to the children. The 23-year-old teacher has had the snake since he was in 3rd grade.

While it might seem surprising, the 3rd and 4th graders in Sievert's class welcome their new reptilian friend. They say Jesse is “really nice.”

A reserved animal, Jesse dips into her water bowl and slinks around the cage only when the students aren't in the room - a sure sign that they “semi-earned” the privilege of getting the dark-colored leathery creature, Sievert said.

He made

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By Jake Weyer

New CPSs eager to get to know Southwest communities

For the first time since March, the Minneapolis Police Department's 5th Precinct has a full crime prevention specialist (CPS) roster.

CPSs are civilians who work with residents, neighborhood organizations and businesses to identify crime trends, develop crime-prevention strategies and resolve complaints about problem properties, among other duties. The 5th Precinct has three CPS positions, but recent staff turnover left one of the spots open for months. It was filled in October, providing needed relief to police staff and increased support to Southwest neighborhoods.

“It affords lieutenants and CPSs a little breathing room,” said Lt. Marie Przynski of the 5th Precinct. “Now th

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By Anna Pratt

Observations of a rookie Southwest elementary school teacher

Editor's note: This is the first story in an occasional series shadowing Ralph Sievert, a first-year teacher at Armatage Montessori School. Sievert, 23, is among the youngest teachers working for Minneapolis Public Schools.

On a recent September afternoon, Ralph Sievert performed a science experiment for his 24 students who crowded around him on a blue-cushioned platform in room 116 at the Armatage Montessori School.

When he placed a jar over a set of candles in the middle of a plate, the flame went out. Nearby, a hot plate heated another plate that contained water and a bottle filled with water with a balloon stretched over the top.

Steam blew up the balloon, revealing a “Happy

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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

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By Anna Pratt

School district struggles to find teachers trained in the specialized teaching method

Minneapolis teacher Ralph Sievert, 23, is taking a class at the College of St. Catherine this summer to become certified to teach the Montessori method. Pursuing the two-year degree could cost him as much as $10,000.

But Sievert, a recent college graduate, says it's worth it in exchange for a job teaching at a Minneapolis school, especially as a young teacher wanting to work in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). In the fall, he'll teach 3rd grade at Armatage Montessori School, 2501 W. 56th St., which shares a building with a community school program.

Sievert first became familiar with the Montessori philosophy as a substitute teacher at Armatage. He praised the hands-on, ind

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By Anna Pratt

Armatage 1st-grade teacher Jane Sasaki has been at it for 40 years, imparting lifelong lessons and making lifelong fans

When Armatage Community and Montessori school 1st-grade teacher Jane Sasaki asked her class what they're thankful for, they listed warm clothes, this class, new shoes, and you (Ms. Sasaki).

Sasaki was taken aback by her students' complimentary responses. She instantly cooed and leaned backwards in disbelief while her hand rested gently across her heart.

The 1st-graders who sat on the floor in a “U” around Sasaki in early November aren't the only ones thankful for the longtime teacher who teaches kids how to read and offers lifelong lessons.

Past students, parent-volunteers, fellow teachers and other school officials sing

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By Anna Pratt

Realignment redux: public school Montessori classes don't always receive certified Montessori teachers

Liz Conway painstakingly sought the best educational setting for her kids. Having attended a Montessori school as a youngster, she chose the Montessori program at Armatage Community School, 2501 W. 56th St.

Conway was disappointed when she learned earlier this year that her son would be in a class with a non-Montessori-certified teacher. She described it as a bait-and-switch by the school district.

"There's the expectation that a teacher should know Montessori and be trained in the method," Conway said.

Montessori is a teaching philosophy based on a hands-on approach to academics. Problem-solving that students might learn on paper become thr

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By Robyn Repya

An air quality study is underway in throughout the city to measure pollutants such as car exhaust, manufacturing and chemical fumes, even cigarette smoke.

The data is being collected through Organic Vapor Monitors, small badges placed throughout Minneapolis on select days throughout the year. The air was measured on three days in May and will be measured in August, October and January.

In Southwest, the badges are along the I-35W corridor and near Lake of the Isles, Calhoun and Harriet, as well as in the Armatage neighborhood.

City Councilmember Dan Niziolek (10th Ward) said city staff discovered the new 3M technology used in the study. The badges measure toxins that are not always calculated and can be put in places other monitors can't.

"It's a good star

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By Anna Pratt

Later this year, a giant, colorful U.S. map and grids for math problems and word play games will be spray-painted on a freshly paved "Peaceful Playground" at Armatage Community and Montessori School, 2501 W. 56th St.

Armatage's existing playground looks more like the pockmarked driveway it also is. Potholes and major water drainage buckle the battered surface. The wear-and-tear is partly due to kids' tough play and Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycle. However, cars that regularly roll through deepen the crevices and create safety risks for students.

Reducing the human stress is what $80,000 in grant money ($55,000 from the school district's foundation and $25,000 from the Armatage Neighborhood Association) is supposed to buy.

The school will pad its noisy lunch

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood

By Robyn Repya

Fifth Precinct Crime-Prevention officials have issues warnings after February robberies in the Armatage and Stevens Square neighborhoods.

In Stevens, Crime-Prevention Specialist Jennifer Waisanen issued a crime alert after three very similar robberies at gunpoint near East 19th Street & Stevens Avenue between Feb. 3 and Feb. 6.

The robberies all happened between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. The suspect is described in the alert as a black male, roughly 20 to 30 years old, between 5'1" and 6'3", with a "prominent brow area." The suspect fled on foot following the robberies.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood

By David Brauer

Three Southwest schools are among the 16 Minneapolis public schools that will be able to buy new equipment thanks to a $750,000 gift from an anonymous donor.

Armatage Community and Montessori School, 2501 W. 56th St., will receive $55,000 to buy sound-absorbing panels, wall carpet and ceiling tiles for the lunchroom, plus playground drainage improvements and the "Peaceful Playground" program. "Peaceful Playgrounds" maps out new games on playground surfaces that are designed to maximize activity and minimize idleness that can lead to fighting.

Ramsey International Fine Arts Center, 1 W. 49th St., will have $55,000 to buy 69 instruments, a copy machine and 500 cases of copy paper.

Anwatin Middle School, 256 Upton Ave. S., will have $23,000 to buy new

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By Bob Gilbert

Armatage Community and Montessori School, 2501 W. 56th St. is looking for community volunteers to donate an hour a week to help kids read. The school's Reading Partners program has been revived because budget cuts cost the school its full-time No Child Left Behind teacher.

According to Armatage parent Margaret Richardson, "We need the help of our parents and community to continue our excellent record of reducing the achievement gap and giving all of our students the opportunity to believe they can read and achieve success in school and beyond."

Volunteers are paired with 1st- through 5th-grade students for two 30-minute reading sessions. Volunteers meet with the same students each week. Volunteers do not need to be education professionals but do need to be willing

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By Robyn Repya

A Southwest family organizes a new fund-raiser to keep other families from experiencing the loss they did

Sheena Driscoll was an active teen who liked playing soccer and painting in her Southwest High School art class. Her parents, Armatage residents Tom and Shirley Driscoll, describe her as a "gentle spirit and an artist" and liken her to a flower -- her favorite was a yellow rose.

Sheena would have been a college junior this year, but she succumbed to depression and took her own life in August 2001 at 17.

While the Driscolls have survived this unimaginable loss, they're still grieving and want to help others like Sheena get through the dark.

"I've spent some sleepless nights thinking that someone's in the same position Sheena was,&quo

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By Bob Gilbert

Deep budget cuts force some teachers into unfamiliar subject areas - is their seniority valued over kids' education?

Teacher realignment" was not a phrase most Minneapolis parents and teachers had heard of until a few weeks ago, when it became the latest panic button pushed in the Minneapolis Public Schools.

Following a projected 3,000-student enrollment decline for the coming school year, the Minneapolis district eliminated 520 teaching and school staff positions; including part-timers, 622 teachers and staff got pink slips. The cuts were so deep that 144 teachers with tenure (enhanced job protection) were laid off.

Those layoffs set off a seniority-driven chain reaction; teachers with more experience bumping less-senior colleagues from their expected

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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

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By Bob Gilbert

Armatage resident John Vereb's craftiness has helped him crack big cases, but he's not above shutting neighbors' garage doors

Detective Sgt. John Vereb's trenchcoat is not as wrinkled as the TV sleuth Columbo's, but it's as distinctive a trademark. At the end of May, the Armatage resident will hang it up after 20 years of investigating crime on the Minneapolis Police Force.

During Vereb's career, he's been pinned down by gunfire, had an assailant try to gouge out his eyes and another who sent him through an Uptown storefront's plate glass window. Each incident happened during what he calls "the Ides of March," so the slightly superstitious Catholic cop makes sure he gets palm leaves the week before Easter to ward off bad luck.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood

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

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By Michael Metzger

Northside Councilmember and Southwest activist try to build bridges while dodging political flak

Sometimes it seems as if North Minneapolis is closer to an Iraqi battlefield than it is to Southwest. All too often, bullets fly, bodies fall and mothers cry on the Northside, while families to the south watch the news in the safety of big, comfortable homes.

Councilmember Don Samuels, who represents the North's 3rd Ward, wants to stop the violence in his part of town -- in part by ending Southwest's passive observation of it.

With Armatage resident Michelle Martin, Samuels has created the PEACE Foundation, a group dedicated to stopping street violence by "bringing together people who live in poor and affluent neighborhoods," he said.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood

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

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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

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By Southwest Journal Staff Reporters

Political snapshots

Jila Nikpay, adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota, is coming to Linden Hills' Geesu Art, 2720 W. 43rd St., to discuss issues of identity in her work for "Freedom, Identity and Gender: A Cross Cultural View."

Nikpay, also a photographer and filmmaker is an "Iranian diaspora[n]," and will talk about the effect of the politicization of Iranian women as it relates to her new workshop, "Body Image: An Exploration for Women."

The free event is March 15, 6-7 p.m.

SW High dons Dreamcoat

Linden Hill's Southwest High School, 3414 W. 47th St., is taking on Andrew Lloyd-Weber and Tim Rice's breezy Broadway hit "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" for

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood

By Robyn Repya

Jean McGrath's efficiency and strength help Joyce food shelf serve a wider range of people in need

From shoveling the walk, to unloading heavy boxes of food, senior citizen Jean McGrath is known among workers and volunteers at the Joyce Emergency Food Shelf, 3041 Fremont Ave. S., for pushing the limits to help those in need. "Most people that age wouldn't think of doing (physical labor,)" said Carah, a volunteer (who preferred her last name be withheld.)

However, McGrath, longtime director of the food shelf, is known for her dedication and exhibiting energy and strength that belies her petite stature. Like McGrath, the small food shelf exceeds expectations, too.

Cramped into the side of a house owned by Joyce United Methodist Church, 1219 W. 31st St., just

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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

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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

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By Bob Gilbert

Motivated families plunk down thousands to get the edge on admissions and financial aid

So you've got a child whose grades are good enough to get into a four-year college. How do you, as a parent, navigate the maze that is the college application process?

Ann MacKinnon's business is preparing high school students and their parents for just that. The Armatage resident is the local representative of Washington-based College Funding Solutions, which -- for $1,695 to $1,945 -- offers tips on how and when to apply for admission, how colleges score applications and how to best position a student for financial aid. They also have a data bank detailing what financial help

colleges typically offer.

The program accepts high school students from their freshman year to Dec

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By Bob Gilbert and Matt Modrich

Armatage author releases prize-winning book

"Where No Gods Came," a new novel written by Armatage resident Sheila O'Connor takes place on the hardscrabble streets of South Minneapolis. It's the story of Faina McCoy, a young girl uprooted from her father's home in San Diego and brought to Minneapolis to live with her mother, who once abandoned her.

"Where No Gods Came," published by University of Michigan Press, was the first winner of the Michigan Literary Prize for fiction, which is earmarked for second novels. O'Connor currently teaches writing in the Master's of Fine Arts Department at St. Paul's Hamline University.

The book is available at local bookstores.

Southwest grad debuts musical work Southwes

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By Bob Gilbert

'Tellebration!' showcases resurgent narrative tradition - and can help you tell your stories

Andre Heuer knows a good story isn't only for kids. The Armatage resident offers a little bit of tale-telling for everybody at "Tellebration! 2003," a day-long storytelling event Saturday, Nov. 15 at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S.

The event features all storytelling aspects, with educational workshops, stories for families and children, and from many local ethnic communities. The daytime program, beginning at 10 a.m., is free. An evening concert featuring six accomplished storytellers for adults begins at 8 p.m. and costs $12.

What's there The Minneapolis Tellebration! features a different storyteller for kids and families every half hour from

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By Bob Gilbert

Margo Abdo O'Dell said her Lebanese-American mother downplayed the family's Middle Eastern roots to help protect her children from discrimination. Abdo O'Dell said her mother's decision to embrace all-things-American allowed her to more easily fit into the South Minneapolis neighborhood where she grew up.

For many years, O'Dell followed her mother's lead. She studied dance at the University of Minnesota, took a corporate job with Xerox, married, bought a house in Lakeville and had a child.

However, O'Dell said, she felt like something was missing. She decided to focus on one of the most enjoyable aspects of her life: the belly dancing she performed at local restaurants and Middle Eastern celebrations.

Seven years ago, she let go of middle-class convention. She a

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By Southwest Journal Staff

Park Board considers marina The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board plans to ask the State Legislature for $3 million to build a new 150- to 200-slip marina on the upper Mississippi River -- in front of its new headquarters building, 2117 W. River Road N.

The marina is number two on the Park Board's borrowing priority list -- behind a $5 million request for continued Lake of the Isles restoration.

A marina may seem a frivolous expense at a time when the Park Board is closing beaches, reducing mowing and cutting other basic services. Commissioner John Erwin said marina funding would come from long-term borrowing and would not affect the annual operating budget. A key issue for moving ahead would be guaranteeing that the marina did not further drain park fu

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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

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood

By Caitlin Pine

Armatage's Will Shapira is the go-to guy for Twin Cities peace activists, but has made a career of giving -- to special needs kids and minority businesspeople

Armatage resident and retired public relations specialist William Shapira won a $1,000 volunteer award from his 17-year employer, 3M, for volunteer work at Southwest's Armatage School and the Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers. The monetary award goes to Shapira's charity of choice.

But for Shapira, volunteering has been part of his life since long before he retired. He credits an incident in 1968, just after Rev. Martin Luther King was assassinated, for beginning what he calls "a career in volunteerism."

At the time, Shapira was working for Honeywell, which like 3M has a tradition of community involv

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By Caitlin Pine

After a series of late-2002 incidents at Armatage Park -- including intimidation, fights, sexual activity and possible drug use -- park staff and police have stepped up safety efforts.

Plans include increased lighting and more visible police presence, said Lt. L.A. Evenrud of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board police. Park Director Jerry Peterson said more youth programming is needed to get kids involved in more positive activities.

Armatage Park, 2500 W. 57th St., has seen problems with large groups of kids congregating in front of the building, said Peterson. From August through November 2002, around 40 to 50 youths ages 11 to 16 gathered at and around the park building's front entrance, according to Peterson.

Armatage Neighborhood Association President Dian

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood

By Scott Russell

The Park Board voted Nov. 6 to close five ice rinks and the Armatage speed skating track -- and to eliminate some full-time jobs and replace them with seasonal workers -- to save $290,000.

The Board's vote cuts a number of full-time Park Keeper jobs, said Jim Fagrelius, director of park operations. Those workers staff the warming houses and maintain the ice sheets during the winter and have other duties during the rest of the year. They make roughly $20 an hour, plus benefits.

The Park Board will use seasonal Park Maintenance Workers to do some of the Park Keepers' job during the rest of the year, he said. Seasonal workers make $10 to $11 an hour with no health benefits.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

By Scott Russell

The ice rinks at Lyndale Farmstead and Armatage Park appear to be off the chopping block, though Armatage may still lose its speed-skating rink, and Lake Harriet's rink is still slated for closing.

Staff at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board had proposed closing eight rinks in an effort to save more than $400,000 in 2002 and 2003. The Park Board discussed rink-closing at its Oct. 23 meeting but took no action, said Michael Schmidt, assistant superintendent for operations. The board is expected to act Nov. 6.

Lake Harriet is still on the list of proposed closings. It has a short season because the lake is slower to freeze, Schmidt said.

Park Board staff developed its recommendations based on rink attendance and geographical distribution and maintenance problems,

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood

By Caitlin Pine

Citing rowdy behavior, Armatage Park's daily open gym hours have been cut. Jerry Peterson, the building supervisor, said he decided to limit the hours in order to regain control of the building. "It was kind of a free-for-all; there would be 40 to 50 kids hanging outside and in the main entrance of the building," said Peterson.

Peterson listed problems with teenagers smoking (banned on all Park Board sites), swearing in the Tot Lots, stealing food and trashing the building. He also said kids coming in from other neighborhoods caused fights.

The increased trouble at the park comes from the neighborhood's changing demographics, Peterson said: "There's a lot of transition in the neighborhood. Kids move in and out from the apartments, and the gym attracts kids

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood

By Julie Swenson

Forsaking Sebastian Joe's for boiled bananas, three Southwest students find satisfaction working with Central and South Americans for a summer

Last summer, Peter Hepburn, Brian Ignaut and Emily Kerben, all 17 years old and seniors at Southwest High School, traded Lake Harriet, Sebastian Joe's and a reliable supply of hot water for a few weeks of worrying about amoebic dysentery, wild monkeys and a house with a dirt floor.

Do they regret it? Kerben, who lives in Armatage, speaks for all three when she says, "I wouldn't trade this summer for anything."

Kerben spent six weeks living with a family thousands of miles away from the chaos of American daily life in a community called Pau D'Oleo (oily wood), two hours by car from the city of Natal in rura

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood

By Scott Russell

A quarter-million-dollar ball-field improvement project has begun at Pershing Park, including better drainage and grading and new safety fences for the baseball and softball

diamonds.

Work has also begun on a $312,000 project to upgrade Lyndale Farmstead Park, including a new tot lot and resurfaced paths.

To make way for a dual soccer/football-practice field, Pershing will lose a hockey rink and ball field in the park's southeast corner, said park planner Cliff Swenson. The move will keep the high-impact football practice off of the park's center, preserving the turf on the other two soccer fields.

The bids came in under budget, allowing the park board to add a batting cage, pedestrian lights and benches, Swenson said. Work should be completed by fall.

Th

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood

By Caitlin Pine

The Southwest Community Education office will be located in Armatage Community School through most of the summer, due to construction at Southwest High School, 3414 W. 47th St. Following the high school's Aug. 19 re-opening, the Community Education office will re-open in a new location within the building.

The Community Education office will move to consolidate the high school administrative offices at the building's front entrance. The Community Education office will move from the front to the east end, with an entrance off the parking lot.

Residents who want quick and easy access to the Community Education office shouldn't worry said Michael Hohmann, a member of the Southwest Community Education Advisory Council. "We will make sure to reserve several parking spots

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood

By Lynnell Mickelsen

Welcome to Tom Neiman's world, where kids love to learn and parents skip down sidewalks

Last month, I wrote about the virtues of boredom, especially for kids, especially during the summer. That turned out to be a big mistake. Because then I actually had to practice what I'd preached.

The first day out of school, my three kids planned nothing. We walked to the library. Read books. Hung out with friends.

The 14-year-old and 12-year-old took to this like ducks to water; like existentialists to nothingness. I mean, they seemed alarmingly French, they were that languid. Our days passed slowly. Aimlessly. Snail-like.

Did I mention slow?

That was why my 9-year-old and I were so happy five days later when Southwest Community Education's Super Summer Pr

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood

By Anjula Razdan

Advocates for farm animals employ education, investigation and exposs

Eric Zakis sits at a table surrounded by hundreds of photos of animal suffering -- sows raised in total confinement, hens crammed in battery cages and various sick or injured animals left to die slowly in below-freezing temperatures.

Despite his radical appearance -- he wears a t-shirt sporting an illustration of a rare steak in a pool of blood, with the word "Death" below it-- Zakis, a Southwest High School graduate who was raised in Armatage, is soft-spoken as he talks about Defending Farm Animals, Inc., a non-profit organization made up of himself and four other people dedicated to reducing the pain and suffering of farm animals through investigations, exposs and public education.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood

By Southwest Journal Staff

DQ negotiating to run Harriet, Calhoun concession stands Dairy Queen would take over the operations of the concession stands at Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun under a deal the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is negotiating in an effort to boost revenue.

The board's Administration and Finance Committee voted 3-1 Feb. 20 to give staff the go-ahead to finalize terms of the Dairy Queen deal. Committee chair Jon Olson abstained because he owns a Dairy Queen franchise in north Minneapolis.

The issue is expected to go to the full board on March 6. If approved, Dairy Queen would begin operations May 1, said John Rose, vice president of lease management for American Dairy Queen Corp.

The Park Board could make more money if someone with more business exper

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood

By Brent Killackey

The city of Minneapolis and VoiceStream Wireless are near settling a lawsuit that will allow the company to build a cell phone tower in Armatage.

In June, the City Council denied VoiceStreams' application for a conditional use permit to erect a 60-foot cell phone tower at the Citgo gas station, 5400 Penn Ave. S.

VoiceStream sued in federal court saying the city's action violated the law. The federal

government regulates the telecommunications industry and has limited cities' powers over such things as cell phone tower placement, it said.

At a Dec. 28 meeting, the City Council directed the city attorney's office to seek a settlement. Accepting the settlement will require council action.

The proposed settlement would give VoiceStream a conditional use pe

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood

By Mary O'Regan, Jake Weyer and Dylan Thomas

ARMATAGE

PARK THEFTS: Jerry Peterson, Armatage Park director, noted that there has been an increase in thefts from cars in the parking lot at Armatage Park. Incidences have occurred mostly from 2–4 p.m. when parents are picking their kids up from school.

FESTIVAL: Board members voted to hold the Armatage Summer Festival on July 22.

GARAGE SALE: The board has agreed to hold a garage sale event over Memorial Day weekend with Kenny neighborhood.

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood

By Dylan Thomas

Armatage meeting on busy intersection

ARMATAGE — Principal Joan Franks was working with district and city officials to head-off what she termed “an accident waiting to happen” near Armatage Community and Montessori School in February.

Franks said traffic near the intersection of Sheridan Avenue and West 57th Street was becoming a safety hazard. In February, she appealed to parents for suggestions to solve the problem.

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

By Dylan Thomas

Armatage principal honored by peers

ARMATAGE — Armatage Community and Montessori School Principal Joan Franks was up for two awards in February recognizing her skills as a school leader.

Franks received the Division Leadership Achievement Award at the 2008 Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) Institute in February.

“Certainly, it’s a great honor,” Franks said, adding that she has “the utmost respect” for the other principals of MESPA’s Minneapolis Division, who selected her for the award.

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Kenny neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Kenny neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: Kenny neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Kenny neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: Kenny neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Kenny neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

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.

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.

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.

Read more stories about: Kenny neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Kenny neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

By Dylan Thomas

District speaks through MPS Communicator
A new source for information on contract talks between the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) and Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) drew a mixed reaction after its debut in early December.

Board of Education Chair Pam Costain said The MPS Communicator would be published “as needed” to report information on ongoing negotiations for a 2007–2009 teachers’ contract.

“We’re in a really important time, and it’s important to have the facts,” Costain said.

MFT President Robert Panning-Miller dismissed Costain’s claim that the newsletter was unbiased.

“It definitely has skewed the information and has misinformation in it,” Panning-Miller said.

The district began posting The MPS Communicator on its website (www.mpls.k12.mn.us/) in early December. Its communications office expected to have a space on the website where parents could sign up to receive The MPS Communicator by e-mail later in the month.

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Kenwood neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Kenwood neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Kenwood neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Kenwood neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Kenwood neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

David Fields, community development coordinator for Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc., stands outside the neighborhood's Band Box Diner. NRP funds were used to help give the diner a facelift.

By Michelle Bruch, Mary O'Regan, Dylan Thomas, Jake Weyer and Kari VanDerVeen

Neighborhoods brace for more cuts to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program

Like struggling neighborhoods across Minneapolis, Whittier battled urban blight through the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP).

"Particularly to a neighborhood like Whittier that was pretty desolate, pretty delinquent, NRP really gave it back its dignity," said Marian Biehn, executive director of the Whittier Alliance, a neighborhood organization.

Since the early '90s, when the first NRP dollars flowed into neighborhoods, the program has funded home-improvement grant programs, extra police patrols, even million-dollar community centers — all planned by neighbors, for their neighborhoods.

Then, in September, it looked as if the NRP tap was running dry, two years before the program's scheduled end date in 2009.

Read more stories about: Kingfield neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Southwest Journal Staff

Injured at school? Minneapolis district says it doesn't have to pay

Claiming immunity from negligence suits, the Minneapolis schools are saving money -- but alleged victims cry foul

By Scott Russell

For the past two years, the Minneapolis School District has eschewed insurance coverage against liability for negligent acts -- leaning heavily on the belief that a decades-old state law gives it immunity from paying damages.

At least two pending suits -- one from a woman claiming she was hit by a school bus, another from two kids hurt in gym class -- challenge that interpretation. If the district loses, it could cost thousands of dollars in unanticipated damages during a school funding crisis.

Read more stories about: Kingfield neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Windom neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, West Calhoun neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Dylan Thomas

Principal named Area C assistant superintendent

Marianne Norris, principal of Bethune Community School in North Minneapolis since 2002, was named assistant superintendent for Southwest-area public schools Oct. 3.

Norris will oversee the 24 schools in Area C, which includes all of Southwest and parts of South Minneapolis. During her first few days on the job, Norris was meeting with school principals and leadership teams across Area C.

"We want to bring all the resources that we can to each individual school … and support them to increase student achievement," she said.

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood

By Staff report

ARMATAGE

COMPETITOR WEBSITE: Noah Schuchman, president of the Armatage Neighborhood Association, wrote a letter to Jane Paulus of Edina Realty, asking her to stop publicizing armatagenews.com, a website that provides information about the neighborhood. “Given the absolute lack of actual information about the Armatage neighborhood,” he wrote, “your self-promotional mailing and website are incredibly misleading.” He asked her to find other ways to participate in the neighborhood and leave distributing information up to the neighborhood association, which has a site at armatage.org.

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood

UPDATED September 23, 2007, 9:53pm

By Sarah Phemister, Dylan Thomas and Mary O’Regan

ARMATAGE
COMPETITOR WEBSITE: Noah Schuchman, president of the Armatage Neighborhood Association, wrote a letter to Jane Paulus of Edina Realty, asking her to stop publicizing armatagenews.com, a website that provides information about the neighborhood. “Given the absolute lack of actual information about the Armatage neighborhood,” he wrote, “your self-promotional mailing and website are incredibly misleading.” He asked her to find other ways to participate in the neighborhood and leave distributing information up to the neighborhood association, which has a site at armatage.org.

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood

Walker Library’s iconic metal letters at Lagoon & Hennepin.

By Mary O'Regan and Dylan Thomas

ARMATAGE

FESTIVAL: The annual Armatage Summer Festival will take place from 6–8 p.m. on July 17. Attendees will be able to enjoy ice cream, a skateboard competition, a 5k fun run, music by the Lynn Deichert Trio and a silent auction. ANA members will also be on hand to pass out free “Slow Down” yard signs.

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

File photo

Council Member Ralph Remington (10th Ward) agreed not to pursue the removal of the traffic light at Dupont Avenue and 24th Street.

By Cristof Traudes & Dylan Thomas

ARMATAGE

BULBS GALORE: In preparation for the annual neighborhood festival and this year’s drive to sign up people for the Minnesota Energy Challenge, neighborhood coordinator Jennifer Swanson contacted Xcel Energy to see if she could get a light-bulb donation.

She was successful, receiving more than 300 bulbs a week after making
her request. The donation amounted to more than $700.

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Lynnhurst neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Scott Russell

Thirteenth Ward City Council independent cites family reasons; biggest achievement might be long-term city budgeting

City Councilmember Barret Lane (13th Ward) says he will not seek another term, citing family reasons and saying it was a family decision.

"My 7-year-old came home one night and said, 'Daddy, you need a job with fewer night meetings,'" said Lane.

Lane, 41, made his announcement during a Sept. 27 interview with the Southwest Journal. The 13th Ward covers the city's Southwest corner. It includes Fulton, Linden Hills, West Calhoun, Armatage, Lynnhurst and Kenny neighborhoods.

Read more stories about: Lynnhurst neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, West Calhoun neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

By Jayne Solinger

Looking to buy? Sell? Chances are, if you live in Southwest, you need not travel far to do either. Southwest neighborhood sales have become popular "destinations" when garage sale season gets hot and heavy. With the help of the neighborhood organizations, what follows is a listing of the garage sales currently planned by SW neighborhoods in the coming months. Included is a contact number if you'd like to take part in a sale in your neighborhood. In case of rain, call the contact number for a rain date.

Read more stories about: Lynnhurst neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood

By Mary O'Regan, Jake Weyer and Dylan Thomas

ARMATAGE

HOME LOAN PROGRAM: The Armatage Neighborhood Association has sent out a mailer to residents, letting them know that the neighborhood’s revolving home loan program is about to start. Applications for the 4-percent simple interest loans, which range from $2,000-$10,000, will be accepted beginning Apr. 11. The funds are for exterior improvements like painting, driveway work or roofing and only homes within the boundaries of Armatage are eligible.

ICE SKATING: Over 5,000 people visited Armatage Park’s ice skating rink this season.

FESTIVAL: Volunteers are needed for the neighborhood’s summer festival, which will take place Jul. 22 from 6–8:30 p.m.

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

UPDATED December 31, 2007, 9:12am

By Dylan Thomas and Mary O'Regan

ARMATAGE
ONLINE STORE: The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) has created an online store at www.cafepress.com/armatagegear where residents can purchase sweatshirts, T-shirts, coffee mugs, mouse pads and other items featuring two different Armatage logos. Apparel runs from $10.99 for an infant bodysuit to $43.99 for a full tracksuit. Ten percent of the proceeds will go to the neighborhood organization — an attempt to boost funds in the wake of NRP cuts.

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

By Jake Weyer

ARMATAGE — Concerns about mobile drug dealing and problem properties have riled residents in what is typically one of Minneapolis’ safest neighborhoods.

Roughly 40 community members showed up at the Armatage Neighborhood Association’s (ANA) September crime and safety committee meeting to talk about the trends. The neighborhood hopes to stop the problems before they worsen.

“We want to take care of it when it’s at this level, we don’t want it to bring in more drug dealing, more weapons, more violence, so we want take care of it now,” said ANA board member Tina Erazmus. “We’ve got a great neighborhood and really involved neighbors.”

The large showing at the meeting was unusual for Armatage, which consistently ranks among the safest neighborhoods in the city, according to crime statistics from the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). And recent statistics aren’t alarming compared to other neighborhoods; Armatage saw one theft from a vehicle, two larcenies, six burglaries and one aggravated assault throughout the month of August. That’s less than a quarter of the total reports in some of Southwest’s more crime-prone neighborhoods.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood

By Cristof Traudes & Jake Weyer

ARMATAGE

FUN WALK FUNDING: The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) voted to not donate $500 to organizers of the Armatage Family Fun Walk.

The board’s decision came after a late request from Fun Walk chairperson Tina Erazmus — also an ANA board member — for the board to provide the event with the same amount of money it did last year.

At the ANA’s Aug. 19 meeting, Erazmus said the board’s donation kick-started last year’s event and that another $500 donation would be critical for the Fun Walk to get a second go-around.

But other ANA board members disagreed with the idea that the board had to make a donation simply because it did so last year. Several said ANA has a more fiscally conservative mindset in the face of impending Neighborhood Revitalization Program changes and thus can’t afford to simply give away another $500. Plus, the Fun Walk raised more than $25,000 last year.

“I have serious doubts about a fundraising group that raises $25,000 but can’t hold $500 to start itself back up,” ANA President Noah Schuchman said.

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, West Calhoun neighborhood

By Mary O'Regan, Dylan Thomas, Jake Weyer

ARMATAGE

VOTE ON BYLAWS: Armatage residents are invited to attend the Nov. 20 neighborhood association meeting to vote on changes made to the association's bylaws. The amendments include extending term lengths for board members from one to two years, allowing board members to take actions without a meeting, and requiring each board member to serve on a standing committee and help with the annual festival.

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

By Staff

ARMATAGE

MASSAGE ROOM: The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) sent a letter to William O'Neill, the owner of the building that houses The Massage Room, 5410 Penn Ave., a parlor that has been under suspicion of prostitution. In the letter, president Noah Schuchman asked for the business to be evicted. "Residents of the Armatage neighborhood do not tolerate prostitution and we have great concerns about properties and property owners who do," he wrote.

Around this time, the Massage Room closed and O'Neill wrote back, "We share your concern for keeping the Armatage neighborhood safe, and wholeheartedly agree that what took place at the Massage Room was completely unacceptable."

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Jake Weyer, Mary O'Regan, Dylan Thomas

Editor’s Note:The Southwest Notes section provides a snapshot of neighborhood issues and activities. Reporters and contributing writers include summaries of important actions at neighborhood organization meetings, but this section is not limited to neighborhood group activities — other community events and noteworthy issues are also included. If you have neighborhood news to share, please e-mail us at swjournal@mnpubs.com.

ARMATAGE
GAS STATION REMODELING: The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) has agreed to write a letter stating they do not oppose the remodeling of the BP gas station on 60th Street and Penn Avenue. The station is attempting to turn from a gasoline and repair shop into a full-fledged convenience store. They’re adding more fuel pumps, eliminating the repair shop and revamping the carwash. The store will sell hot dogs, nachos, sandwiches, lottery tickets and other items typical of a convenience store.

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

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."

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, West Calhoun neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Cristof Traudes, Dylan Thomas and Brian Voerding

ARMATAGE

FUN WALK: The Armatage Family Fun Walk is back for a second go-around.

The fundraiser for Armatage Community and Montessori School has students collect pledges to walk around Armatage Park. Last year, it raised more than $25,000, which organizer Tina Erazmus said went toward new computers for teachers.

This year’s walk will be from 9 a.m.–noon Oct. 11. A kick-off spaghetti dinner, featuring food from donors such as Noodles & Co. and Lake Harriet Pizza and music by neighborhood staple Armatageous will be held from 6–9 p.m. Oct. 10. Tickets for that event are $7 for adults and $5 for children at the door.

For advance tickets, e-mail Erazmus at mrsraz1999@yahoo.com.

TRAFFIC TALK: The Armatage Neighborhood Association will host transportation officials at its next board meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 21.

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Andrew Newman

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

+ Oct. 3, 7:32–7:40 p.m.,
6000 block of Penn Ave. S.

A gas station attendant said the suspect entered the store and asked if they had a certain auto part for his car. The attendant went to check and heard the cash register open.  He returned and saw the suspect taking money. The suspect said he had a gun and ran out of the store with an unknown amount of money. The attendant was not harmed.

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Mary O'Regan, Dylan Thomas and Jake Weyer

ARMATAGE
ANNUAL MEETING: The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) will hold its annual meeting on March 18 at 6:30 p.m., with speakers Congressman Keith Ellison and Council Member Betsy Hodges (13th Ward).

KINGFIELD
LIVING ART: Work from Kingfield’s third annual community art show is on display now at Anodyne Coffee House at 4301 Nicollet Ave. S.
The Kingfield Neighborhood Association (KFNA) partnered with the Lyndale Neighborhood Association (LNA) for the event, called Living Art.

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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

+ Nov. 30, 2:27 p.m., W. 60th St. and Xerxes Ave.

Two unknown suspects assaulted a 20-year-old man and a second person. The two suspects assaulted the victims with an aluminum bat while two other suspects sat in a vehicle watching. All suspects fled the scene in the vehicle. Both victims received medical attention at the scene and were released.

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Mary O'Regan, Dylan Thomas and Jake Weyer

ARMATAGE

MASSAGE ROOM: On Aug. 29 police arrested a 23-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man for loitering with intent to commit prostitution at the Massage Room at 5410 Penn Ave. According to Crime Prevention Specialist Chelsea Adams, police have requested that the business close. The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) plans to send a letter to the parlor expressing their concern about any illegal activities.

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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 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.

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Lila Bolke

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. This rundown of police reports is from July 24–30.

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.

Read more stories about: Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Dylan Thomas

Enrollment figures impact budget process

Minneapolis Public Schools lost only 379 students from last school year to this school year, less than one quarter of the predicted enrollment decline, Chief Financial Officer Peggy Ingison said.

Ingison presented the revised enrollment figures to the Minneapolis School Board Nov. 18, confirming what school principals already knew from this fall's unexpectedly crowded classrooms: The district's ongoing decline in enrollment slowed significantly this school year.

"That makes a pretty big difference in the financial situation of the district," Ingison told the board.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood

By Andrew Newman

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.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, West Calhoun neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Andrew Newman

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.

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Emily Stickler

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

Oct. 28, 2:25 a.m.,
5600 block of Xerxes Avenue South

Two suspects broke into the Holiday station and stole two trays of lottery tickets. The suspects fled before police arrived. There is no description of the suspects.

Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, West Calhoun neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood

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
+ June 15, 5 p.m., W. 55th St. and Washburn Ave.
An unidentified suspect allegedly robbed an 18-year-old woman. The victim had been walking down an alley when the suspect approached and demanded she hand over her purse. The victim complied. Officers searched the area for the suspect but could not find the person.

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Jake Weyer

The Minneapolis Police Department has hired Kingfield resident Sarah Mahmud as a crime prevention specialist for the 5th Precinct's first sector, which includes the Cedar Isles Dean, Kenwood, Lowry Hill, Lowry Hill East, East Isles, Whittier, Steven's Square and Loring Heights neighborhoods.

Mahmud started Sept. 18, replacing Jennifer Waisanen, who now works in North Minneapolis.

Civilian crime prevention specialists work with neighborhoods to inform them of crime trends, reduce fear of crime, enhance community cooperation with police and improve the quality of life in Minneapolis.

Mahmud said she is looking forward to being a resource for the third sector community of the 5th Precinct.

“I want to become as involved as I possibly can,” she said.

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Scott Russell

The fall campaigns for the Minnesota House of Representatives' seats in the Southwest area firmed up as the July 20 filing deadline passed.

The 2004 elections include the president, U.S. Congress, the Minnesota House of Representatives, and state judicial candidates.

Six state House districts include all or parts of Southwest. All incumbents are DFL party members. All races are contested. They are:

House District 60A: Incumbent Margaret Anderson Kelliher of Bryn Mawr will face challenges from Republican Tom Gromacki of Loring Park and Sigrid Hutcheson of the Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, an Independence member. District 60A covers Bryn Mawr, Lowry Hill, Lowry Hill East, East Isles, Kenwood, CIDNA and parts of Lyndale and CARAG.

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Calhoun Square Redevelopment, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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.

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

By Andrew Newman

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.

Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

By Michelle Bruch

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.

CARAG

Sept. 6; 8 p.m.–Sept. 7, 5:53 a.m.; 3400 block of Dupont Avenue South

A vehicle stolen overnight from the above location was taken to 2512 Humboldt Ave. S. and torched. The car was locked and the victim had the vehicle’s only set of keys.

Windom

+ Sept. 6, 9–10 p.m., Blaisdell Avenue & Diamond Lake Road

Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

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 27, 4:30 a.m., address
not available

An unknown suspect burglarized the home of a 34-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man. The victims had very little, unspecified, information on the suspect.

Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

UPDATED January 8, 2009, 10:34am

By Jake Weyer

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Photo by Dylan Thomas

A donation to Minneapolis Public Schools will fund more visits by elementary school students to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts over the next three years.

By Dylan Thomas

Group funds museum visits

WHITTIER — Every second-grade student in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) will have an opportunity to visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) during the next three years thanks to a $60,000 gift to the district.

The gift from the Friends of the Institute volunteer group was intended to cover bus transportation costs to the museum for approximately 3,000 MPS second-graders each year through 2011. The initiative is supported by the Friends Children's Fund, which was established in 2007.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

UPDATED October 13, 2008, 2:33pm

By Dylan Thomas

Minneapolis Public Schools will welcome more than 30 community members into schools Tuesday for the annual Principal for a Day event.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood

By Danielle Nordine & Dylan Thomas

Editor of acclaimed jazz magazine dies

ARMATAGE — Leslie Carole Johnson, founder and publisher of jazz magazine the Mississippi Rag, died earlier this year after a three-and-a-half year battle with cancer. She was 66.

Johnson, a longtime resident of the Armatage neighborhood, had been publishing the Rag for 35 years, a widely circulated monthly magazine focusing on jazz musicians and traditional jazz and ragtime music.

The publication, dubbed the "voice of traditional jazz and ragtime," covered the history of jazz, ragtime, swing and similar styles of music, and focused on current musicians performing those kinds of music as well. The newspaper and its website featured calendar listings of jazz performances and meetings, book and CD reviews, history of jazz and columns.

According to its website, the rag boasted subscribers in all 50 states and in 26 countries. Almost 100 freelance writers and photographers regularly contributed to the publication.

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood

Photo by Kathleen Stoehr

Property values in Kenwood are up 22 percent.

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.

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood, Windom neighborhood