East Metro
December 13, 2019
Joseph Gomm

Inmate ruled competent to stand trial in death of Stillwater correctional officer

Edward M. Johnson's ability to understand and participate in the criminal case against him had been at question since last year.
East Metro
December 12, 2019

Lawsuit: Washington County jail ignored red flags before inmate's suicide

Richard Bild died when he jumped from a jail balcony rail in June 2018.
East Metro
December 12, 2019
Bethel University is seeking to expand.

Declining enrollment prompts staff, budget cuts at Bethel University

Specific cuts to faculty, staff and academic programs will be announced in 2020.
East Metro
December 12, 2019

Washington County Administrator Molly O'Rourke to step down next month

The County Board will discuss a process to replace O'Rourke at its meeting next week.
East Metro
December 10, 2019
The calendar may say fall is close but it felt like summer in July as boats clogged the St. Croix River and temps soared into the 90s in places and se

Rowing club pushes Stillwater to kick-start riverfront park plans

Stillwater owns riverfront land, but doesn't yet have a master plan for it.
East Metro
December 10, 2019
Pedestrians came out to view the flooding at Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul and the flowing Mississippi River on March, 26, 2019.

Buying up floodplains could save billions, researchers say

In places where land is relatively cheap and the population is expected to grow rapidly, such as St. Louis County and central Minnesota around the Mississippi headwaters, the savings would be far greater — up to five times more — than allowing that land to be developed.
East Metro
December 9, 2019
East Metro
December 9, 2019
The Falcon Heights department, with one firehouse and a $185,000 annual operating budget, has no full-time staff. It provides fire services for neighb

Falcon Heights to contract with Roseville for fire department leaders

Instead of replacing a chief, the council will vote on whether to hire Roseville to administrate services.
East Metro
December 9, 2019
The 2020 St. Paul Winter Carnival souvenir buttons Credit: Provided by the St. Paul Winter Carnival

2020 Winter Carnival souvenir buttons are unveiled

St. Paul's 134th annual embrace of winter runs from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2.
Variety
December 7, 2019
A scary Santa, played by actor Justin Betancourt, spooked Tylyn Page, a patron of the Haunted Basement's spooky Christmas-themed haunted house, "The W

Rest in peace, ye merry gentlemen: Horror isn't just for Halloween anymore

The Twin Cities haunted house known as the Haunted Basement has created a holiday-themed nightmare before Christmas show this December.
South Metro
December 7, 2019

Twin Cities metro police blotter, Dec. 8

East Metro
December 7, 2019

Ramsey County uses tax-forfeited property for affordable housing

Ramsey County effort has created about 110 more affordable homes and apartments since 2013.
East Metro
December 5, 2019
Gideon Erhabor Credit: Bethel University

Bethel responds after ex-athlete charged with raping 3 students last year

Two of his victims were assaulted after passing out at house parties, according to the charges.
East Metro
December 4, 2019
Water Gremlin employees made their way into the lot as its doors reopened for production after being shut down for more than a week over lead concerns

Walmart will stop selling Water Gremlin items

State now says that up to 24 children may have been poisoned by take-home lead dust.
East Metro
December 4, 2019
Deondre Cush Credit: Ramsey County jail

Charges: Burglar hit about 80 Twin Cities coffee shops, restaurants, other retailers

He hit establishments in Edina, White Bear Lake, St. Paul and as far away as Mankato, according to a criminal complaint.
East Metro
December 3, 2019
The website, created in partnership with St. Paul and the county's suburbs, was designed to replace a stack of papers typically provided to prospectiv

Ramsey County weighing $10 million in new property taxes to fund more affordable housing

New funds would be directed at affordable housing, redevelopment.
East Metro
December 3, 2019

Free Christmas lights display in Lake Elmo

Rockpoint Church on Kelvin Ave. N. in Lake Elmo is presenting a free holiday light display they're calling Valley Lights. The 120,000 light display is synchronized to music that viewers can listen to as they drive through in their vehicles, or during wagon rides offered on Friday and Saturday evenings.
East Metro
December 3, 2019
Homeless women and children eat lunch at day shelter The Family Place Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in St. Paul, MN.

St. Paul day shelter for homeless families gets county funds

Interfaith Action took over the day center after it closed abruptly.
East Metro
December 2, 2019
A four-story addition to American Indian Magnet School is one of two projects that could get a green light from the St. Paul School Board. Above, seco

East Side elementaries top pared-down list for St. Paul school overhauls

With falling enrollment, board to scrutinize list of renovations.
South Metro
November 30, 2019

Twin Cities metro police blotter, Dec. 1

Twin Cities East Metro

News coverage of the Twin Cities eastern suburbs, including Afton, Lake Elmo, Maplewood, Oakdale, Roseville, Stillwater and Woodbury.