Mary Jane Smetanka

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Mary Jane Smetanka

Reporter | Hennepin County

Phone: 612-673-7380

Mary Jane Smetanka covers trends in Hennepin County and the cities of Bloomington, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Richfield and St. Louis Park. She also blogs for Greengirls.
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Obituary: Charley Hillger, flower arranger, chef, hugger

After giving up on college, the witty and caring big man took a job at Bachman's and stayed for 43 years.

Updated: December 08, 2011, - 09:08 PM

'Bea and I started the war'

An Edina woman who was at Pearl Harbor with her Navy husband recalls the "date which will live in infamy" 70 years later.

Updated: December 06, 2011, - 10:02 PM

Edina leads way on new state energy initiative

The city wants to help businesses make energy upgrades that they would pay for at the same time they pay their tax bills.

Updated: December 06, 2011, - 03:59 PM

Seeing history gets more expensive

Admission to most Minnesota Historical Society museums and historic sites is going up by $1 because of state budget cuts.

Updated: December 03, 2011, - 09:26 PM

Gifts for needy families are stolen, replenished

A theft of Christmas gifts for needy families is drawing a heartfelt community response.

Updated: December 02, 2011, - 08:12 PM

Bloomington’s South Loop plan nearing approval

The plan, which would guide development around the Mall of America area, could bring 3,000 new residents and 14,000 new jobs to the city by 2030.

Updated: November 29, 2011, - 02:56 PM

Too many trees at an Edina intersection?

Edina says a homeowner must remove 30 evergreens to improve safety, but the city itself suggested the planting.

Updated: November 29, 2011, - 02:54 PM

Edina's Veterans Memorial approved

The city has joined a growing list of localities where memorials are planned.

Updated: November 22, 2011, - 11:49 PM

Edina to convert wood-burning park fireplaces to gas

A city commission recommended the change, saying wood smoke is harmful to health. One resident warned restrictions on burning wood at home could be next.

Updated: November 19, 2011, - 07:44 PM