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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Bassett Creek finally will get improvements

While much of it remains hidden beneath downtown Minneapolis, Bassett Creek's upstream portions are in line for cleanup and restoration.

Updated: September 13, 2011, - 05:34 PM

Edina takes lead in state to find savings in sun

The city, which is installing solar panels at City Hall, wants to make it easier for businesses to do the same.

Updated: September 07, 2011, - 09:39 PM

Hearts and homes open for homeless youths

A network of private homes and hosts is growing to address the needs of young homeless people from outlying areas.

Updated: September 02, 2011, - 10:59 PM

Richfield takes step toward developing Lyndale Garden Center site

Although some council members are not thrilled with the developer who's handling the project, the council has agreed to set up a TIF district to subsidize the redevelopment.

Updated: August 30, 2011, - 07:09 PM

Roundabout confusion in Richfield keeps going

The city is taking steps to help flustered drivers at busy roundabout.

Updated: August 26, 2011, - 11:34 PM

Valentyna Yermolenko, proud survivor

The Ukrainian-American's instincts and education helped her overcome hardship in her homeland and become a force in her ethnic community in Minneapolis.

Updated: August 16, 2011, - 10:16 PM

7-mile Bassett Creek trail planned

First-ring suburbs in the north metro are being asked for input on a route that would link to many other trails

Updated: August 16, 2011, - 02:38 PM

Suits challenge 'green' herbicide over tree kill

The Minnesota fallout from Imprelis, a supposedly "green" lawn herbicide that is lethal to weeds but apparently can kill trees, too, has reached the courts.

Updated: August 14, 2011, - 11:26 PM