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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No mowing at Edina city building draws complaints

A 'sustainable' area of native grasses around the new Edina Public Works building is riling the neighbors.

Updated: July 13, 2011, - 04:26 PM

Is this heaven? No, it's St. Louis Park

Residents of the city are some of the happiest to be found anywhere in the metro area, according to the surveyors.

Updated: July 05, 2011, - 02:50 PM

Innovative public health program faces the ax

The state program, created in 2008, tackles smoking and obesity at the community level.

Updated: July 03, 2011, - 12:36 AM

Hennepin County: Don't light up around here

The county started its expanded ban on tobacco use Friday, shooing smokers off popular outdoor spots downtown.

Updated: July 01, 2011, - 11:05 PM

Surf's up (in Edina)

A new $1 million surf pool should add some excitement for teens at the city's aquatic park next summer.

Updated: June 29, 2011, - 12:13 AM

Edina to broadcast fewer public meetings

The change should encourage more candid discussion, officials say.

Updated: June 28, 2011, - 01:34 PM

Bloomington balks at Old Cedar Avenue bridge renovation

Bloomington says it will not spend almost $10 million to rehab the historic bridge. Another option? An earthen berm.

Updated: June 23, 2011, - 10:39 PM

State shutdown could slow work on I-494/169

Liquor licenses and big road projects, including a long-awaited freeway interchange redesign, would be affected if the state shuts down July 1.

Updated: June 19, 2011, - 12:14 AM

Golden Valley tries a new model for a farmers market

A citizen-run market is about to sprout, opening on Sundays beginning June 26.

Updated: June 14, 2011, - 03:01 PM

Golden Valley turns 125

Built on agriculture, Golden Valley, which is celebrating its 125th birthday this year, has seen its pigs and cows give way to corporate headquarters.

Updated: May 31, 2011, - 11:18 PM