Recent content from David Chanen
Hennepin County Board acknowledges land and water taken from area Native Americans
The document, part of a three-year effort put together by a diverse workgroup including Native American county elders, was read to the full board and approved last month.
Hennepin County report details racist, sexist comments by Sheriff David Hutchinson
Sheriff vigorously denies the allegations, saying he was the target of detractors.
Hennepin County Board approves $100 million for Southwest light rail budget for next year
Commissioners also approve $2.61 billion budget for 2023
Hennepin County Board approves censure of Sheriff David Hutchinson
Hutchinson is in the final weeks of his tenure after opting not to seek re-election.
![Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson presided over a Monday morning weekly planning meeting at the Sheriff's Department, Minneapolis City Hall. ] G](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ETJO5BSQHTBY7GOEQ53FKU74O4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Hennepin County committee recommends censure of Sheriff David Hutchinson
The unanimous vote came after an investigation showed the outgoing Hennepin County sheriff violated county policies.
Large fire in south Minneapolis is second at buildings owned by same landlord
The building was occupied by squatters, officials said. One person jumped from a second-floor window and was found to be in stable condition by HCMC paramedics.
Large fire in south Minneapolis is second at buildings owned by same landlord
The building was occupied by squatters, officials said. One person jumped from a second-floor window and was found to be in stable condition by HCMC paramedics.
Hennepin County receives $6.7M to prevent lead poisoning in children
The grant, one of the largest in the country, will be used to remove lead paint in homes built before 1978.
Hennepin County moves more than 300 people into permanent housing
County program, with high success rate, connects caseworkers with people struggling to find housing.
Hennepin County sheriff-elect lays out vision for the future
Dawanna Witt wants closer ties with Minneapolis, to reduce violent crime and hear "good or bad."
Newly elected Hennepin County attorney, sheriff poised for changes
A new top prosecutor and sheriff are two key players in a criminal justice system facing calls for reform and for dealing with violent crime.
Hennepin County counts bikers and pedestrians to improve roads
Volunteers fan out to 32 roadways and intersections across the county to quantify traffic.
Dawanna Witt will become Hennepin County's next sheriff
The win makes Witt the first Black person and first woman to lead the department.
Hennepin County sheriff will lose month's pay when license is suspended
The board's decision came 10 months after David Hutchinson pleaded guilty to a drunken-driving charge.
Emerald ash borer creating a crisis in Hennepin County
With trees dying off at greater rates, Hennepin County recently granted nearly $400,000 to 20 cities, organizations and affordable housing properties to remove and replace more than 435.
Hennepin County will fund grants for youth music and arts program
The county can provide more opportunities to foster creativity and self-expression and raise cultural awareness and appreciation, Commissioner Kevin Anderson said.
Hennepin County Board considering 4.5% maximum property tax levy for 2023
The overall budget is $2.57 billion
Hennepin County recently helped fund its 10,000th affordable housing unit
County milestone is two decades in the making.
Hennepin County spending $10M to boost crime response
The county is giving money to community groups as well as hiring a "safe communities" director and gun-violence prevention coordinator in its first coordinated campaign to reduce violent crime.
White House, Hennepin County promote internet discount program
Federal government partners with cities, counties to expand access to internet for low-income residents.
Hennepin County invests $10M to boost minority businesses, nonprofits
The county-backed projects will create more than 400,000 square feet of commercial and nonprofit space, support more than 550 local business owners and employ more than 1,000 people.
Task force urges Minneapolis to be more aggressive against violent crime
The city has solved just 38% of homicides and 12% of carjackings, according to a new report
Hennepin County will no longer require COVID-19 vaccines for its employees
Aug. 24 was the last day of the requirement. The vaccine mandates have been a polarizing political issue.
Tornado reported for second night as severe weather sweeps state
A weather spotter reported a touchdown in south-central Minnesota.
Hennepin County plans to build Brooklyn Park facility to convert food waste into fuel
The project is part of the county goal of being waste-free by 2050.
From homeless and addicted to advocating for the unsheltered in Hennepin County
Former drug abuser and career criminal changed his life around thanks to a devoted probation officer.
Minneapolis giving up to $2 million in partnership with Hennepin County to ease the digital divide
The county has contributed $10 million to the program
Hennepin County enlists lake lovers to help curb invasive species spread
The county developed the "Lake Pledge" website and app.
Deadly disease hits rabbits in Hennepin County
The highly contagious virus poses no risk to humans, health officials say.
Hennepin County Board chair wants to stop streaming public comments at meetings
Supporters seek to prevent spread of hate speech and misinformation. Opponents argue board needs to have complete transparency.
Hennepin, Ramsey counties brace for uptick in mortgage foreclosures after low rates during pandemic
Federal moratorium on foreclosures and strong housing market kept rates low.
Minnesota cities, counties burn through fuel budgets amid rising gas prices
From looking at hybrids to pushing carpooling, Minnesota communities are trying to find ways to handle skyrocketing costs.
Hennepin County is no longer requiring volunteers to be vaccinated for COVID-19
Officials recently reversed course because of lower case numbers.
Hennepin County on verge of electing first sheriff of color
The three candidates say they understand the significance of the achievement
Hennepin County approves largest financial commitment to affordable housing
The $27 million funding initiative will provide and rehab more than 1,900 housing units.
Veteran Hennepin County prosecutor receives $190K discrimination and retaliation settlement
Attorney Amy Sweasy Tamburino will no longer report to County Attorney Michael Freeman.
Hennepin Sheriff Hutchinson out on paid leave for health reasons
He will continue to get pay and benefits.
Hennepin County job training program pays people on probation to learn construction skills
Hennepin County's program is only in the state that pays for job training.
Hennepin County gun violence rising, despite extra resources
Enhanced prevention measures have been developed in past several months.
Steady population growth means only slight changes in Hennepin County district lines
State demographer says such stability in an urban area over a decade is unusual.
Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Duluth selected for first-of-its-kind climate change grant
They were three of 22 cities and counties that will receive technical assistance to reduce gas emissions in disadvantaged areas
Hennepin County says 22 staffers have not met vaccine deadline
A disciplinary process will start Monday for staffers who fail to prove they are vaccinated. That could range from everything up to termination.
Hennepin County could suspend or fire more than 100 employees not vaccinated for COVID
The County Board mandated the vaccine in November. The deadline for compliance is Monday, and the workers have exhausted their latest legal challenge.
Hennepin County hands out $1.1 million in another round of youth sports grants
County has awarded more than $29 million for such grants since 2009.
Hennepin sheriff's peace officer license under review after drunken driving crash
Investigation stems from guilty plea in case.
Homeless veterans' group plans to build affordable housing for vets in north Minneapolis
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) wants to expand options for minority vets.
Minnesota courts, Hennepin County lift mask mandate for employees, visitors
The Duluth school district is lifting its mask mandate for students and staff.
Hennepin County expected to commit $10 million to gun violence prevention
The initiative includes a coordinator and a focus on youthful offenders.
Hennepin County to spend $860K on security improvements at Target Field Station ramp
County and Metro Transit officials have discussed making changes for several years.
Hennepin County Sheriff Hutchinson won't run for re-election after crash
David Hutchinson heard numerous calls to resign following allegations of drunken driving in a high-speed December crash.
Patricia Avery, a top human services official in Hennepin County, dies
She also was an innovator in community programs and racial equality in Iowa
2 teens charged in alleged metrowide carjacking wave
The defendants reported linked to nearly two dozen incidents across three metro counties.
State Patrol: Hennepin sheriff driving over 120 mph while drunk in crash
The State Patrol said Hennepin County sheriff had a loaded gun, didn't have his seat belt on and initially claimed to "absolutely not" be the driver. Gov. Walz said Dave Hutchinson should step down.
Minneapolis police chief serves his last day
Medaria Arradondo announced he was stepping down last month
![Snow removal equipment operates on a runway at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis, MN.]](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/RKS4GA6NGUVYBPX5UFWIDCCBF4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
MSP Airport Teamsters who plow snow reach tentative agreement
The union had filed a notice to go on strike.
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman defends work of his office
He also discusses 4 major initiatives he wants to implement in his last year.
Hennepin County reaches out to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
More than 700 businesses have taken advantage of free consulting services.
Majority of Hennepin County Board calls for Hutchinson to resign
Sheriff says he plans to stay on after pleading guilty to drunken driving charge in December.
Carjackings sweep through Twin Cities communities
Police struggle to keep with the latest crime trend.
Hutchinson says he has no plans to step down after DUI
Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson was charged with four misdemeanor drunk driving charges, but pleaded guilty to fourth-degree driving under the influence of alcohol. He received two years of probation and a fine after guilty plea.
Roger Cersine, popular teacher and Minnesota Hall of Fame swimming official, dies at 86
Washburn High teacher was known for challenging students with dramatic classroom scenarios.
Three juveniles charged in carjackings in Edina and St. Louis Park that injured five
Several victims were violently attacked.
![Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson presided over a Monday morning weekly planning meeting at the Sheriff's Department, Minneapolis City Hall. ] G](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZGS5XRVVIVYEF5CMKZGEGEBLFI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Hennepin County sheriff sentenced to two years probation on DUI charges
He also was fined $610 after he crashed his SUV.
Suspicious package found at Ramsey County Courthouse
Item was made to look like an explosive device.
Hennepin County will no longer charge to stay at family homeless shelters
Cost is often a barrier for the homeless to gain permanent housing.
Hennepin County sheriff charged with drunken-driving offenses
He crashed his vehicle at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday on I-94 near Alexandria after attending a state sheriffs convention. His blood alcohol level was 0.13%, which is over the legal limit.
Gun found on student at St. Paul school
The student was arrested on suspicion of felony possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
Sheriff David Hutchinson 'lucky to be alive' after alcohol-related crash
His attorney said test results from Wednesday's wreck are pending, but he expects they will show he was too intoxicated to drive.
