Staff Directory 6370626

Kevin Duchschere

Team Leader | West | East Suburbs
Phone: 612-673-4455

Kevin Duchschere, a metro team editor, has worked in the newsroom since 1986 as a general assignment reporter and has covered St. Paul City Hall, the Minnesota Legislature and Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington and Dakota counties. He was St. Paul bureau chief in 2005-07 and Suburbs team leader in 2015-20.


Duchschere grew up in Fargo and moved to the Twin Cities in 1976 to attend the College of St. Thomas, where he graduated in 1980 with a degree in history and political science. He earned a master's degree in mass communication from the University of Minnesota in 1986, and a master's degree in American history from the University of Virginia in 1993. A longtime resident of St. Paul, he recently moved to Minneapolis after securing his green card.
Recent content from Kevin Duchschere
Activity hums on Nicollet Avenue in this winter scene from the 1890s.

Why didn't Minneapolis and St. Paul ever merge?

It was once considered "manifest destiny" that the two cities would become one.
Sen. Ernest Lundeen gave a radio address responding to a broadcast by Adolf Hitler in May 1939.

Did a Nazi sympathizer once represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate?

Ernest Lundeen's long career in Minnesota politics culminated in a fight to stay out of World War II — and came to a tragic conclusion.

Review: 'The Abyss,' by Max Hastings

Books in brief
A statue of Father Louis Hennepin outside the Basilica of Saint Mary on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.

Who was Hennepin and why did Minnesota name so many things after him?

The 17th century Catholic priest spent a short time in Minnesota, but left a long legacy.
Lindbergh accepts a medal in 1938 from Hermann Goering, a Nazi leader. Lindbergh never returned the medal.

Was Charles Lindbergh a Nazi sympathizer?

The Minnesota native drew controversy for his remarks and actions preceding America's intervention in World War II.
Dr. Allen Van Beek examined John Thompson’s arms at Van Beek’s Edina site in March. Thirty years ago, Van Beek reattached Thompson’s arms after

John Thompson survived his farm accident 30 years ago. Surviving his fame has proven harder

He doesn't dwell on what happened to him; his attitude is that stuff happens, you move on. But he's hoping for better times — maybe in Minneapolis.

John Thompson survived his farm accident 30 years ago. Surviving his fame has proven harder

A modern painting of the First Minnesota regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg by artist Don Troiani.

Why isn't Minnesota's sacrifice at Gettysburg better remembered?

Dozens of Minnesota soldiers charged to their deaths in one of the Civil War's most important battles, helping deliver a victory for the Union Army.
Review: 'Travels With George,' By Nathaniel Philbrick

Review: 'Travels With George,' By Nathaniel Philbrick

Books in brief
Five people were injured early Oct 23, 2021, after their house exploded in Cambridge, Minn.  credit: Isanti County Sheriff's Office

Five injured in early morning house explosion in Cambridge

"The fact that anyone walked out of it is miraculous."
"King Richard: Nixon and Watergate: An American Tragedy" by Michael Dobbs

Review: 'King Richard,' by Michael Dobbs

Woman killed while crossing highway in Cambridge

Woman killed while crossing highway in Cambridge

Woman killed in south Minneapolis hit-and-run early Saturday

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Review: 'American Republics,' by Alan Taylor

NONFICTION: A look at the country during a time when it was deeply divided and its continuity was not assured.
Jim Klobuchar was photographed in his living room Friday, July 31, 2015.

Jim Klobuchar, longtime Star Tribune columnist and adventurer, dies at 93

The father of Sen. Amy Klobuchar spent more than four decades in journalism.
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Review: 'Tom Seaver: A Terrific Life,' by Bill Madden

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Review: 'Growing Up Wright,' by Lonnie Lovness

Was Charles Lindbergh a Nazi sympathizer?

Years after his famous transatlantic flight, the Minnesota native drew controversy for his remarks and actions preceding America's intervention in World War II.
Nicholas A Basbanes photo by Edd Cote

'Song of Hiawatha' poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's influence extended far beyond south Mpls.

NONFICTION: A new biography shows how Longfellow left his mark on the world — and on Minneapolis.
A pair of snow monkeys huddled together in their enclosure at the Minnesota Zoo.

Minnesota Zoo to reopen July 24 with ticket reservations, restrictions

Masks will be required, social distancing practiced and the number of visitors limited.
Juneteenth brings celebration, reflection as Walz calls for state holiday

Juneteenth brings celebration, reflection as Walz calls for state holiday

Kicking off events in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz proclaimed Friday as Juneteenth Freedom Day and called on the Legislature to make June 19 a state holiday to mark the end of slavery in the United States.
Photograph of the War in the West. These photographs are of Gen. William T. Sherman in Atlanta, September-November, 1864. After three and a half month

Review: 'Hymns of the Republic,' by S.C. Gwynne

NONFICTION: A personal and gripping account of the last months of the Civil War.
Election interns Haley Johnson (left) and Silence Marsh counted the petitions dropped off at the Ramsey County Elections Office in St. Paul.

Ramsey County to open eight early-voting sites next week

The number of locations is slightly down from the dozen sites that the county opened in 2018, when there were more elections.
Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison

Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison won't seek re-election in 2020

Former chairwoman has served on the County Board since 2008.
A person rides an electric scooter

Dockless e-scooters arrive in Edina

Rick Atkinson

Review: 'The British Are Coming,' by Rick Atkinson.

NONFICTION: A historian examines crucial first two years of the Revolutionary War.
If approved, the 2.6 million-square-foot fulfillment center would be the largest industrial building in the Twin Cities.

Developer withdraws 'Project Hotdish' megaplan for Brooklyn Park

The company said it still plans to develop the NorthPark Business Center.
This is a 1786 portrait of Thomas Jefferson by artist Mather Brown. (AP Photo) ORG XMIT: APHS118

Review: 'These Truths,' by Jill Lepore

NONFICTION: From Columbus to Trump, historian Jill Lepore examines U.S. history through the lens of rights.
Jack Lavold, a longtime member of the South Washington Watershed District, was appointed Tuesday to replace Karla Bigham on the Washington County Boar

Jack Lavold is named to Washington County Board

The longtime member of the South Washington Watershed District was appointed to replace Karla Bigham.
More than forty couples were scheduled to be married at the Hennepin County Government Center on Valentine‚Äôs Day by 19 judges from Minnesota‚�

Hennepin County courts getting ready for Super Bowl squeeze

Cases will be shifted to suburban sites if possible during Super Bowl week.

Ramsey County extending hours to handle tax prepayments

The county's Property Tax Services office will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday to accommodate the expected surge of taxpayers.
Ulysses S. Grant, photographed by Mathew Brady during the Cold Harbor campaign. National Museum of American History

REVIEW: 'Grant,' by Ron Chernow

NONFICTION: U.S. Grant, long dismissed as a brutish general and mediocre president, is convincingly rehabilitated by the biographer who made Hamilton sing.

Excelsior beaches closed again due to E. coli levels

Second water main break closes Ridgedale service center

Hannah Young, a community health worker for Hennepin County, demonstrates how water samples are collected at Wayzata Beach Wednesday, July 13, 2016, i

Hennepin County shows off focus on water quality, testing

Jury finds South St. Paul man guilty of murder in stabbing death

Hennepin County Board awards latest round of youth sports grants

Women place stuffed animals on a sign outside Dr. Walter James Palmer's dental office in Bloomington, Minn., Wednesday, July 29, 2015. Palmer reported

Woman who vandalized dental office of lion hunter will do community service

Dave Thune in his St. Paul art gallery.

St. Paul's maverick Dave Thune riding into retirement

After 20 colorful and unorthodox years on the City Council, Dave Thune is ready to hop on a Harley and play more guitar.
Mayor Chris Coleman took the stage for the State of the City address.

Coleman says mayors, businesses important in shaping green policy

The St. Paul mayor has been attending the international climate change talks in Paris as part of a delegation of mayors from the Mississippi River basin.

St. Paul City Council backs refugee resettlement

Council members unanimously backed the symbolic resolution at Wednesday's meeting.
Last summer, the team of artists did a test run and projected lights onto the steam plume at District Energy in St. Paul.

Colorful plume to frame St. Paul skyline this winter

EUREKA09xx: Twin Cities-based nonprofit Eureka Recycling is squeezing out Waste Management in a number of suburbs � first Maplewood, then Roseville,

St. Paul aims to give its recycling program a no-tubs makeover by 2017

St. Paul is seeking bids for the services, which will include wheeled and lidded carts instead of tubs.
Saint Paul DFL Chair Libby Kantner stood on a stool to address the crowd at the DFL election party at Urban Growler Tuesday night. ] (AARON LAVINSKY/S

Work to settle St. Paul council race via ranked-choice runoff starts Monday

Recount will determine who will represent Second Ward on the City Council.
St. Paul Ward 4 City Council incumbent Russ Stark. left, shook hands with supporter Karl Carter at Tuesday night's DFL election party at Urban Growler

St. Paul City Council incumbents win; Second Ward goes to runoff

Tight race for Second Ward seat will go to county to sort out ranked choices.
Shops along Grand Avenue, St. Paul were strongly opposed to parking meters on the street. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com Thursday October 29,

St. Paul dropping plan for parking meters on Grand

A controversial proposal to install parking meters on St. Paul's Grand Avenue is being dropped, a council member said Thursday.

St. Paul sets community meetings on police review board audit

Feedback collected from the three meetings will be used in making recommendations to Mayor Chris Coleman on possible changes to the board.

District Energy St. Paul aims to drop coal within five years

The year 2021 is the nonprofit's target as it eyes broader use of renewables.
September 18, 1949 Custer's First Stand -- This photo of General George Armstrong Custer, best known for his famous "last stand," is one of the 44 ori

Review: 'Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America,' by T.J. Stiles

NONFICTION: Pulitzer winner T.J. Stiles skillfully recasts the story of the legendary Boy General, focusing on a crowded life of ambitions and frustrations that would finally bring him to his fate at the Little Bighorn.
The former home of the MTC bus barn is on part of the parcel proposed for a soccer stadium in St. Paul.

Lease talks formalized for St. Paul soccer stadium

Successful lease negotiations would give the city site control should Major League Soccer officials approve the St. Paul location, at Snelling Avenue and Interstate 94, for an 18,500-seat stadium.

St. Paul's Kellogg Boulevard project won't be finished until next spring

Unexpected terrain delays reconstruction of bridges.
A customer walked into Frattelone Ace Hardware passed a sign that asked for support of no parking meters along Grand Avenue in St. Paul.

St. Paul mayor sets Monday meeting on Grand Avenue parking meters

An age-old proposal still provokes plenty of wrath.

St. Paul stadium agreement could keep much information private

The parties, expected to approve the agreement Wednesday, say the data practices language is routine; meanwhile, the city is forming a community committee to help guide planning for the stadium site.
A customer walked into Frattelone Ace Hardware passed a sign that asked for support of no parking meters along Grand Avenue in St. Paul.

St. Paul mayor to conduct community meeting soon on meters for Grand Avenue

Chris Coleman's office said he will conduct a community meeting on Grand Av. parking plan.
Forget pro soccer, parking regulations, housing teardowns and disputes over bike lanes. What City Council candidates are hearing most from voters as E

St. Paul voters in back-to-basics mood for council election

Stadiums and parking meters may get more attention, but streets, services and tax relief are bigger issues in City Council election.
The former home of the MTC bus barn is on part of the parcel proposed for a soccer stadium in St. Paul.

Parties to propel lease negotiations for potential St. Paul soccer stadium site

City Council, Port Authority and Met Council press efforts at leasing site in Midway for pro stadium.

Grass-roots group urges St. Paul candidates to back its call for more responsive City Hall

With St. Paul elections less than a month away, a group of community leaders frustrated by what they say is a lack of transparency at City Hall.
Forget pro soccer, parking regulations, housing teardowns and disputes over bike lanes. What City Council candidates are hearing most from voters as E

Grand Avenue businesses to host community meeting on parking meters

The St. Paul City Council is expected to vote on the mayor's proposal this month.
Forget pro soccer, parking regulations, housing teardowns and disputes over bike lanes. What City Council candidates are hearing most from voters as E

Merchants decry plan for parking meters on St. Paul's Grand Avenue

Merchants in the St. Paul shopping district say parking meters will hurt business.
Protesters will demonstrate at but not interfere with marathon

Protesters will demonstrate at but not interfere with marathon

Black Lives Matter officials said Thursday that city officials listened to their concerns about the police, which was the group's goal.
An eastbound Green Line train passed through St. Paul at the 10th Street Station on Friday night.

A dozen projects near Green Line win $600,000 in Knight Foundation grants

The Knight Foundation judged them best for neighborhoods.
Jane Eastwood

Eastwood named director of St. Paul library system

She will take over next week from Kit Hadley, who had served as the city's library head since 2009.

St. Paul OKs metered evening parking for downtown

A controversial metered pilot project for Grand Avenue starts next year.

East metro counties agree to buy Newport garbage processing plant

Public ownership will mean more control over technologies and costs, commissioners say.

Hennepin, Ramsey county boards approve tax levy ceilings

The two counties raised their maximum property tax hikes to 4.5% and 2.8%, respectively.
The former home of the MTC bus barn is on part of the parcel proposed for a soccer stadium in St. Paul.

MLS chief praises St. Paul soccer site, but says no deal yet

The soccer league's commissioner offered praise for St. Paul's Midway area, but stadium details remain.

MLS chief says St. Paul soccer site 'really makes sense'

Garber said he likes potential St. Paul soccer stadium site, but details need to be finalized before anything is done there.
Lower town St. Paul has seen a revitalization that marks its as an increasingly popular oasis that celebrates art, music, good food. One of the newer

St. Paul expected to approve sale of Lowertown apartment building

The Lofts at Farmers Market would be put back in private hands.
The former home of the MTC bus barn is on part of the parcel proposed for a soccer stadium in St. Paul.

Ramsey County Board backs tax break for soccer stadium site

Commissioners said a stadium could prompt development of the Midway shopping district.
Minnesota United owner Bill McGuire looked around CHS Field in St. Paul Tuesday with team president Nick Rogers, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and MLS

Minnesota United owner looked at 30 stadium sites, had 3 finalists

Bill McGuire told a St. Paul group of community leaders that they "will like" the kind of potential development being discussed in conjunction with construction of the 18,500-seat stadium.
Todd L. Tennin

Maplewood man suspected in wife's fatal shooting arrested in Illinois

Todd Larry Tennin had been missing for nearly two weeks since the Aug. 23 shooting that killed his wife, April.
The former home of the MTC bus barn is on part of the parcel proposed for a soccer stadium in St. Paul.

Major League Soccer team owners close in on stadium deal for St. Paul

St. Paul appears to be the choice of Minnesota United team officials as home for a new Major League Soccer team and $150 million stadium, sources told the Star Tribune.
The morning of Dec. 7, 1963, T. Eugene Thompson walted in the prison reception room for the processing of his internment in Stillwater State Prison.

T. Eugene Thompson, attorney who hired hit man to kill his wife, dies

Carol Thompson's murder and her husband's trial captured national attention and the case was said to have been an inspiration for the move "Fargo."

Obit: St. Paul attorney T. Eugene Thompson, convicted of hiring hit man to kill his wife

Carol Thompson's murder and her husband's trial captured national attention and the case was said to have been an inspiration for the move "Fargo."