Recent content from Kelly Smith
Preservationists lose last-ditch effort to save Terrace Theatre; demolition to resume
Preservationists were unable to muster the $6.3 million required to halt the process.
From Facebook Live to a farmers market, Minnetonka residents weigh in via new ways
It's part of the city's new planning process, "Imagine Minnetonka," launched earlier this year.
Robbinsdale preservation group appeals decision on Terrace Theatre demolition
Preservationists make a "last stand" to save the 1950s Robbinsdale icon.
Taxpayers in Hennepin, Ramsey counties can brace for a rate hike next year
Leaders in the state's most populous counties get their first look at 2017 budgets.
Hennepin County judge denies request to save Robbinsdale's Terrace Theatre from demolition
The theater will be replaced by a Hy-Vee supermarket.
More senior housing in west metro sparks clashes with residents
New suburban buildings too big for some neighbors.
Covanta sues Hennepin County over downtown Minneapolis garbage burner
At stake is a $25.5M contract with facility's current operator.
Minnetonka rejects Total Wine, saying the suburb has enough liquor stores
City Council vote follows Target liquor license defeat.
Hennepin, Ramsey counties hold first input meeting on plans for joint juvenile treatment center
The counties are exploring merging juvenile treatment centers.
Judge hears arguments in lawsuit that aims to save Robbinsdale's Terrace Theatre from demolition
A Hennepin County judge is expected to rule this week on a suit seeking a temporary restraining order to block the demolition of Robbinsdale’s Terrace…
Road closures of County Road 101 along Lake Minnetonka slated to reopen this month
Construction began in 2014 and has rerouted thousands of motorists — until this month.
Minnetonka's Bushaway Road poised to reopen after two years
Construction began in 2014 and has rerouted thousands of motorists — until this month.
U launches first-of-its-kind program for elections officials
Unique course of study responds to growing need.
Water Patrol unit grows to one of biggest, busiest in Minnesota
Boats puttered by slowly in a Lake Minnetonka channel Saturday as Deputy Shawn Eberle flipped on blue and red emergency lights. “Do you know why…
High water prompts no-wake rules on Twin Cities-area lakes
Experts hope the new-wake rules decrease the chance for boating deaths, which so far are at an 11-year high.
Obituary: At NASA or Land O'Lakes, Arlene Stansfield was an industry leader
When astronauts landed on the moon in 1969, Arlene Stansfield’s family members watched the big moment on their Golden Valley TV set while the mother…
Hennepin Co. might close historic Greenway bridges to save money
Closings could be more common than updates as the historic stretch ages.
Rare Lake Minnetonka wreck from 1879 storm makes historic register
The Wayzata Bay wreck, a barge from 1879 that was owned by railroad tycoon James J. Hill, is the oldest known that an archaeological research team has found on the bottom of the metro area's largest lake.
Robbinsdale to consider Terrace demo with or without Hy-Vee
The retailer delayed its plans, but Terrace Theatre demolition is still on Robbinsdale's docket.
Police: Foul play suspected in July death of 74-year-old Eden Prairie man
Eden Prairie police say foul play is suspected in the July death of a 74-year-old Eden Prairie man discovered in his home one day before…
Plymouth residents raise concerns about discolored water
Thoughts of Flint, Mich., make some folks uneasy.
Plymouth golf center has an unusual home at corrections facility
Hennepin County looks to spread the word and boost attendance at Parkers Lake facility, located outside the county workhouse.
Plymouth reassuring residents that discolored water is still safe
Plymouth is reassuring residents that discolored, brown-tinted water is safe and the result of routine hydrant flushing this summer. The city sent a notice to…
Some big shoes to fill on Hennepin County Board as Randy Johnson retires
After a 38-year run, the commissioner is stepping down.
Minnetonka approves first Islamic community center
Al-Amaan plans to move from Eden Prairie space.
Teen Wayzata trap shooters compete against Plymouth police
Each side learned something from the other during the friendly competition, which could become an annual event.
Lake Minnetonka has global dreams for tourism
To drum up interest and support, leaders are showing off the lake area this weekend to organizers of the World Match Racing Tour, a sailing series likened to the PGA Tour for golfers. It hosts races around the world. Wayzata wants to host a tour stop in 2018.
Underdog team brings baseball dreams to Minnesota
This weekend, a team from Benin is playing in the very tournament that for three years has raised money and equipment for them.
Robbinsdale gives early OK to raze Terrace Theatre for new Hy-Vee store
First step to final approval by Robbinsdale City Council fraught with divisiveness.
Students gain rare look into old, handwritten Minn. murder records
It's the second year of a research project sifting through data from the past 110 years to add the homicides and suspicious deaths to electronic records.
Hennepin County employee groups help workers love their jobs
It's the state's first public-sector entity to use employee resource groups.
New tactic in fight vs. zebra mussels will be tested on L. Minnetonka
Pesticide could slow spread of invasive larvae.
Bushaway Road on Lake Minnetonka sees construction delays, costs rise $2.4M
The redesign, rerouting of Bushaway Road will now cost nearly $60 million.
Looking ahead to the next 20 years, Minnetonka hires a futurist
City leaders also plan to collect community feedback in new ways and considering rebranding itself to draw newcomers.
Libraries across the country look to Hennepin County Library for response to Black Lives Matter
Libraries may seem an unlikely place to go in the search for answers after the police shooting of Philando Castile and Black Lives Matter protests…
Robbinsdale unveils plans for Hy-Vee grocery
Plans for the store to replace Terrace Theatre have divided the suburb.
Wayzata is moving forward with plans for its first public parking ramp
New businesses drawing people downtown are making parking difficult.
Less trash, fewer mishaps reported on Lake Minnetonka over holiday weekend
After last year's July 4th fiasco on the metro area's largest lake, patrols curbed trash and serious incidents.
No. 1 fastest growing city in Minnesota? It's the not-so-small town of Rogers
The city is the fastest growing in the state, thanks in part to merging with a township in 2012, but it's struggling to meet suburban needs.
Patrols on Lake Minnetonka boosted for busy July 4 weekend
At least 40 officers are being deployed across the lake, including, for the first time, the party hot spot of Big Island.
Robbinsdale's dilemma: Save Terrace Theatre or open new grocery store
While the city has longed for a grocery store, it could now mean tearing down a historic theater.
Minnesota steps up drunken-boating patrols ahead of July 4th
Extra enforcement is planned as July 4th weekend approaches.
Senior housing proposal pushes the envelope in Excelsior
"Fear of change" could inhibit approval of what could be the city's first four-story building.
Hennepin County joins fight to preserve affordable housing
Hennepin County joins initiative to counter gentrification trend.
In wake of tragedy, Minnesota boats must now have CO detectors
As Minnesota's celebrated boating season ramps up this month, one Edina family's loss has propelled them to lead a small but sweeping change to the state's big boating industry.
Database of deaths after police use of force in Minnesota since 2000
More than 140 people have died in forceful encounters with law enforcement in Minnesota since 2000.
Hennepin County attorney defends decision not to charge Plymouth officer
Mike Freeman said that the case for a lawsuit against the department is "groundless."
Lawsuit shows battle in Airbnb era for homeowners groups
Many groups don't have rules to address short-term renting and usually require rentals to be at least for a year.
No charges for Plymouth officer in fatal shooting of man in mental crisis
Derek Wolfsteller had called his family and police asking for help.
Police being forced to front lines of growing mental health crisis
At a time when police are facing intense scrutiny over the use of force, more law enforcement officials agree with Beckie O'Connor that officers need more training. Yet no one is taking charge.
Part 2: Fueled by grief, mom tries to reform mental health calls
At a time when police are facing intense scrutiny over the use of force, more law enforcement officials agree with Beckie O'Connor that officers need more training. Yet no one is taking charge.
Hennepin County approves new mental health crisis program, doubling number of crisis beds
There's a growing need for county crisis beds.
Minnetonka is the latest city to enlist goats to clear invasive plants in parks
A herd of 22 is feasting away on invasive plants in Minnetonka's Purgatory Park.
Hundreds of west metro fish may have been killed by disease
Boaters flocking to Lake Independence near Maple Plain over the Memorial Day weekend found an estimated 500 to 1,000 dead fish washed ashore.
Hundreds of dead fish wash ashore in west metro lake
An estimated 500 to 1,000 dead crappies were reported at the boat access on Lake Independence in Maple Plain over the long Memorial Day weekend.
Excelsior, with its increasing popularity, is turning away events
To keep the problems that come with large crowds under control, some events are being rejected.
Henn. Co. Gov't fountain to stay dry this summer, undergo $3.5M repair
The Hennepin County Government Center's distinctive but problematic pool and waterfall fountain will remain dry this summer, as crews again repair and replace parts of it.
Review of 14,000 Minnesota criminal convictions finds no exonerations
Two cases, including Billy Glaze's, are still being checked.
Minnetonka OKs cutting down hundreds of trees for project despite protests
Scores of decades-old trees are being cut down this week in Minnetonka, after residents lost efforts to fight the city’s plan to remove trees for…
Critics: Wayzata lakefront plan could cost too much, kill vibe
Some Wayzata residents are calling for a public referendum on the city's plans to revamp its lakefront on Lake Minnetonka.
Minnetonka residents protest city tearing down trees for road projects
A group of residents are upset water main and sewer work will cost neighborhood's mature trees.
State aid boosts mental health crisis services
Minnesota will boost the number of mental health professionals who can respond to someone in crisis, enabling for the first time all 87 counties to offer crisis services for children and adults.
Family of slain man urges better police mental health training
Family is urging training after fatal police shooting.
Eden Prairie officer who accidentally shot motorcyclist blamed 'muscle memory'
A motorcyclist accidentally shot by an Eden Prairie police officer is pursuing a lawsuit against the department. Matthew Hovland-Knase, 22, of Bloomington, led police on…
Eden Prairie police officer returns to work after shooting investigation
The Eden Prairie police officer who shot and wounded a fleeing motorcyclist last year is back at work, following a seven-month Hennepin County investigation. Sgt.…
Hennepin, Ramsey move toward plan for joint treatment of teen offenders
Ramsey, Hennepin move toward plan to share a facility.
Lake Minnetonka ruins listed in National Register
The Schmid Farmhouse Ruins in Lake Minnetonka Regional Park were officially listed in the National Register last month.
Council rejects Old Log patio plan after neighbors object
Residents living near historic theater raised objections with the Greenwood City Council, which voted 3-2 to reject the plan.
Minnesota ends 2015 with 10-year high for boating fatalities
Warm weather through the spring, summer and fall, along with cheap fuel prices, drew boaters out in droves.
Minneapolis, Victoria take a fresh look at how to deal with flooding
It's considered part of a trend of more extreme weather events that are increasing across the country.
Police end investigation into Lake Minnetonka quadruple murder-suicide
Lake Minnetonka father shot wife, three children.
Lake Minnetonka boat rescue has officials urging all to stay off ice
After a Lake Minnetonka rescue, authorities are urging people to stay off Twin Cities lakes and rivers due to thin ice.
BLM protest at MOA, airport mostly peaceful; 13 arrested
After filling the mall rotunda and getting warned about arrests, demonstrators moved the protest to nearby light-rail trains, taking the Blue Line to the Humphrey Terminal.
Hennepin County approves new sports grants
Hennepin County approved the west-metro youth projects, thanks to money from the Target Field tax levy.
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