Recent content from Greta Kaul
![The 2022 Union Depot tree is removed to be brought downtown.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/APGR4R6XMFE37IMNTG54LPOGFY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Live in Ramsey County? Union Depot might want your problem tree for its holiday celebrations
The tree will be lit up with more than 15,000 lights, and its family will be invited to participate in the tree lighting celebration at St. Paul's Union Depot.
Ramsey County settles lawsuit with man using walker who was allegedly pushed by deputies in Falcon Heights
Michael Torrey-White was 67 at the time of the incident and used a walker to get around. He alleged Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies mistook him for a younger crime suspect who was also Black.
![The cruise vessel Vista Star leaves for a lunchtime tour of the area and the bridge needs to rise only about 1/2 way to accomodate it.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/WHRQP5QH67XS3XN2CDNCMEEM5Q.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Duluth sightseeing boat hits breakwater; several people hurt
There were 84 people aboard when the boat struck the Wisconsin Entry breakwater. One person was taken to the hospital.
I-35 open after incident with police on scene caused temporary detour near Faribault
Motorists were detoured off of Interstate 35 in both directions at Medford near Faribault late Sunday afternoon. A police presence was visible on MnDOT traffic cameras.
16-year-old girl injured in south Minneapolis shooting
The girl was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident is under investigation.
3-year-old critically injured in Brooklyn Park dog attack
The toddler was being mauled by two pit bulls when officers arrived. One dog was killed and the other injured. The child was taken to the hospital.
![Master gardener Julie Ann Wegscheid pulls creeping bellflower as she walks around her neighborhood in St. Paul on Thursday. Wegscheid is on a mission](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/EEZ2VG3BBZBHDAG7VRUVEN2EGI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
What to know about the invasive purple flower that's taking over Minnesota yards
With bell-shaped purple blooms, creeping bellflower is pretty, but it chokes out wanted plants — and it's all over the place in Minnesota.
St. Anthony to hold special election for City Council seat
Nadia Elnagdy and Randy Stille are vying for the seat, which opened when Wendy Webster became mayor this year.
![Lineman Bobby Weber uses binoculars to inspect a high power line pole on April 24, 2024.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4QCMOBJTORCONDGABQE2C4CVQM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Xcel works to restore power in Twin Cities metro after storms
The outages are in many parts of the metro area but heavily concentrated to the west. More storms are possible Sunday night.
St. Paul's Kellogg-Third Street I-94 crossing to close for three years as bridge is removed, replaced
Traffic delays are expected and vehicles will be detoured to East Seventh Street.
Ramsey County sets February special election for vacant County Board seat
If more than two candidates file, a Nov. 5 primary will be held for the seat, which will soon be vacated by County Board Chair Trista Martinson.
![Jacinta Moss thanked the Mounds View mayor for action against existing racial covenants and said she is proud to have just bought a condo in the city,](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/DONIZ6MYMZGNRPDSQMIYPYENXM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Mounds View moves to discharge racist deed language before home sales
There are more than 500 racially restrictive covenants, which banned nonwhite people from owning and sometimes occupying homes in the city.
![Golden Valley is seeking to make its downtown area, around the intersection of Winnetka Avenue North and Golden Valley Road, more user-friendly.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/2OFDX7FAHZEDTFJJ3TAYIQ6EQY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Golden Valley seeks input as it eyes downtown enhancements
The city is hoping to revamp the character and accessibility of what it considers its downtown at Winnetka Avenue North and Golden Valley Road.
Man believed to have been stabbed, struck by car, Meeker County sheriff says
Suspects have been identified and a car believed to be involved in the Litchfield Township case has been found.
![A handicap accesible jail cell at the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center in St. Paul, Minn., photographed on Tuesday, June 4, 2013.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/XKFTIB653XZAMIAGL2OTL4E2LA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Jail nurse complaint: Man who died after time in Ramsey County jail did not receive proper medical care
Dillon Bakke's mother filed a wrongful-death lawsuit alleging his treatment in the Ramsey County jail led to his death.
![Onlookers take in the scene as rising water from the Mississippi River floods the Clarence W. Wigington Pavilion at Harriet Regional Park in St. Paul](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OLUFFPH7BNHZRH5LNERH7URJUY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Rising waters a threat to summer fun in Twin Cities metro
Swollen rivers in the area are likely to crest in the coming days, and rising waters have put the kibosh on some summer recreational opportunities.
Ramsey County commissioners vote to give themselves a raise
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, commissioners will get a 3% raise, a move some said is needed to attract good candidates to run for office.
![A flooded pathway in a St. Paul park is closed due to high water.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/FM3BBA7SYVDZXIY7UZEKWOV63U.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Mississippi River reaches major flood stage in St. Paul
The Mississippi River is forecast to keep rising in St. Paul until it crests over the weekend.
As effects of flooding continue, Gov. Walz authorizes Guard to support communities
Communities across southern and northern Minnesota are dealing with the fallout of heavy rains. In St. Paul, the Mississippi is forecast to reach minor flood stage Sunday night.
BCA investigating Brooklyn Park Police use of force in shooting
The man involved, who police said carried a gun, was expected to survive.
One dead, one arrested in Prior Lake assault
The incident occurred on Saturday on the 16000 block of Brunswick Avenue in Prior Lake.
![Navy veteran Trista Matascastillo](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/IEBLTE3XWRXCU2TM2CHTASDB64.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Ramsey County Board chair will step down to helm multi-county Recycling and Energy program
Martinson's departure means there will be three new faces on the Ramsey County Board in 2025, in addition to a new county manager. A special election to fill her seat will be held at a to-be-determined date.
![Many homes in Edina's Country Club District, shown here in 1940, are at least 100 years old.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/Z72NFLMRVBCZHIRXCGRYXAQZ3Q.png?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
'Century Homes' program recognizes some of Edina's oldest houses
Homes that are at least 100 years old are eligible to participate; those in the program are marked with a bronze plaque.
Mounds View's mayor targets racial covenants on homes
Mayor Zach Lindstrom will announce a draft ordinance Saturday at Mounds View's Juneteenth celebration. There are more than 500 properties in Mounds View with such covenants on their titles.
Maplewood 12-year-old recognized for saving her family's home from fire
Bella George was recognized this week by the Maplewood Fire Department for her quick thinking when a pizza box on a cooktop caught fire.
MPD officer Jamal Mitchell memorialized as 'very best of our city'
Thousands attended the Maple Grove service and viewed the 30-mile processional for the police officer killed in the line of duty.
Live: MPD's Jamal Mitchell posthumously given medal of honor, Purple Heart during 85-minute service
'Jamal was the epitome of a guardian of our community,' Chief Brian O'Hara said.
![A handicap accesible jail cell at the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center in St. Paul, Minn., photographed on Tuesday, June 4, 2013.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/XKFTIB653XZAMIAGL2OTL4E2LA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center worker hit youth, investigation finds
It was the second time in a year that a staff member at the detention center physically abused a young person staying there.
![Hopkins Police issued an alert for a missing 4-year-old Sunday morning. He was last seen in Hopkins around 7:30 a.m.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/RM5C6NTJMBF6TMK3FBE7EPENXU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Hopkins police issue emergency alert in search of missing nonverbal 4-year-old boy
The boy was last seen around 7:30 a.m. Sunday in Hopkins.
![A memorial for Minneapolis Police officer Jamal Mitchell outside the Minneapolis Police Fifth Precinct headquarters, a day after Mitchell was shot and](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4DJ3WU6S7VBN5H7R3YUPNW3IQQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Fourth man dead after shootings that led to Minneapolis Officer Jamal Mitchell's death
Mohamed Bashir Aden, 36, of Columbia Heights, was shot and critically wounded inside an apartment and died of complications from multiple gunshot wounds more than a week later.
Albert Lea man killed in crash with semi on I-90
Oscar Antonio Ramirez, 24, died early Saturday in Freeborn County.
Loons-themed playground to open at St. Paul's Allianz Field this month
Crews have also begun work on the park at University and Snelling avenues, which will include a 33-foot loon statue slated to land late-summer.
![German American dancers celebrated Volksfest in Highland Park in 1973.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/QEQR3LQ3JJCJNOT4KDRNKABQ6A.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Why did Minnesota erase much of its German culture?
Despite its "uff da" reputation, the state has more German than Scandinavian ancestry.
![A swan can be seen in the Sucker Lake channel behind a box installed in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to collect lead tackle](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/FFX6AHEKHZDU5LX624JVMILPNQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
After swan deaths in Vadnais Heights, Ramsey County won't ban fishing — for now
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation will focus on educating anglers about how lead-containing fishing tackle can kill birds in Sucker Lake Channel.
![Ramsey County Library Director Pang Yang](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/7G5WPI72SRER5GLO2COYWCWMPE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
New Ramsey County Library director Pang Yang was once a 'library kid'
Yang spent 17 years with the St. Paul Public Library before joining the Ramsey County library system; she was named Ramsey County Library director earlier this month.
At least six wounded in two separate St. Paul shootings
The incidents occurred at Crosby Farm Park in St. Paul's West 7th neighborhood and at a residence on the Greater East Side.
With scattered storms, forecasters urge southern half of Minnesota to watch the sky Memorial Day afternoon
Scattered thunderstorms moving into the metro and southern part of the state could wreak havoc on outdoor plans.
![A Stillwater prison guard who made a supportive remark about former officer Derek Chauvin during a moment of silence Tuesday for George Floyd was esco](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/M4T5XCRMGBFQYSSQ5CGUY6FAKY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Stillwater prison on lockdown after 2 corrections officers injured in assault
The officers were treated at a hospital and released.
Police looking for information about North St. Paul park shooting that injured four
A group gathered at Casey Lake Park in North St. Paul on Saturday night and shots were fired, injuring four.
Driver not wearing seatbelt dies in St. Paul rollover
The 38-year-old Minneapolis woman was killed in the crash on Interstate 94 early Sunday.
Morrison County Sheriff's Office asks BCA to investigate use of force in DUI stop
A struggle began after a deputy told the driver he was under arrest on suspicion of DUI.
Man who robbed woman at gunpoint in Arden Hills found guilty of kidnapping, bank fraud, theft
Raphael Raymond Nunn held up two women and stole from another, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
![Angela Woosley, a mortician, waited a couple hours to get a whiff of the corpse flower named Horace at it bloomed at the Como Conservatory in St. Pau](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/IRBC6SJ5TZCHDFSHKUHHV5TYKI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Does Como Conservatory's blooming corpse flower really smell like a corpse? The experts weigh in.
"Horace," the St. Paul conservatory's corpse flower, has finally bloomed after keeping spectators guessing for days.
![First grader MinJoong Hauck 6, celebrated Chuseok (a Korean harvest holiday) at Sejong Academy in 2021. The St. Paul charter schools is planning to re](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YCPE5UORRVDM5KEFO53P672NIE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Korean immersion school plans move from St. Paul to Maplewood
Sejong Academy charter school, currently located in St. Paul's Hamline-Midway neighborhood, must first be approved for a conditional use permit from the city of Maplewood.
![Jamie Yxa, Richfield, observes the corpse flower before it blooms Tuesday afternoon. The corpse flower named "Horace" was beginning to emit a smell li](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/2SOGFLJ52NCZRDAVE2AWKSNN3I.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Como Park's corpse flower is starting to stink — here's how to watch it bloom
A livestream trained on the foul-smelling flower at Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul has attracted hundreds of people waiting for signs it will bloom. As of Wednesday afternoon, it still hadn't.
![Michael McGee, the former chief medical examiner in Ramsey County, conducted Gabriela Romo’s autopsy and testified in the trial that led to the conv](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/PPBL2JXNANB6NOL4HMDHDPJ2UA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Judge grants Minnesota Innocence Project access to records in case involving Ramsey County medical examiner under scrutiny
The nonprofit law firm is reviewing the case of Michael Sontoya, convicted of sexual assault and first-degree murder and sent to prison for life without parole in the murder of Gabriela Romo of Inver Grove Heights.
Emergency homeless shelter won't move to Luther Seminary in St. Paul's St. Anthony Park
Seminary cited neighborhood opposition to the proposal to move the shelter to a vacant dorm on campus in its decision to cease negotiations.
![Steve Piragis of Ely MN portages his canoe around roaring Curtain Falls on Crooked Lake along the Minnesota-Ontario border during a late-summer bounda](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/5CN5JXZDVXZBKIDA4IR66MH3OM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Two missing after canoes went over Boundary Waters waterfall
A rescue squad is searching for two missing people after two canoes went over Curtain Falls in the BWCAW.
![Fans line up Sunday to see Como Conservatory's corpse flower, which is expected to bloom later Sunday or days after that. The corpse flower, one of th](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/L2CRQAW5WZENPKTLGY64FMA5RM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Como Park's stinky corpse flower could bloom anytime. Here's how to watch.
Como says it's on "bloom watch" for Horace, its large, rancid-smelling corpse flower that blossoms on its own schedule.
Man shot and killed in north Minneapolis Friday identified
Da'Vonte Jovan Adams, 28, was one of three people shot dead within a 17-hour span last week in city neighborhoods.
First-ever Parks Giving Day asks St. Paul to support its public parks on their 175th birthday
Donors and volunteers of park nonprofits help provide everything from free community events to concerts, free and reduced access to sports for kids and park revitalization.
![A black bear estimated to weigh 200 pounds stands on its hind legs Thursday, July 30, 2009 and surveys a northside neighborhood in Eau Claire, Wis. Th](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HXOIBCWQE5WILUYXHBLJUBWPKE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Two vehicle-vs.-bear collisions in one night in Chisago County
The Sheriff's Department noted that responding to two bear-vehicles in one night is unusual.
Canadian wildfire smoke lingers in Minnesota
Air quality across the state will be at unsafe levels into Monday morning as the first statewide red alert of 2024 is issued.
Andover motorcyclist dies after hitting deer in Aitkin County
The collision occurred after midnight Sunday in Aitkin County.
Driver suspected of DUI collides with Green Line train in St. Paul
Collision occurred near the line's Dale station. Service was supplemented by buses for several hours Sunday morning but has been restored.
![Sean Gulbranson commutes home to Roseville along a bike path on Como Avenue in St. Paul.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/VAJDU4YNOFBRLO2LQYSSU2NIVI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Twin Cities suburbs aim to expand bike infrastructure
Roseville will join a growing number of metro area cities that have plans addressing bike needs, according to the Metropolitan Council.
Two teens wounded, one seriously, in north Minneapolis shooting
The shooting occurred Thursday evening on Irving Avenue N. in the Jordan neighborhood.
Myon Burrell arrested on probable cause of narcotics violation
Burrell had not been charged as of Thursday, and more details were not available.
Three killed, at least three injured in alcohol-involved head-on Cass County crash
Three northern Minnesotans died and at least three people were hospitalized with critical injuries.
![Crowds gather Friday to see the historic steam train The Empress at Union Depot in St. Paul, Minn. The train's arrival coincided with Choo Choo Bob's](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/GTASAPLZSBCHRPRHY3DRL4WW5M.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Could a big week for St. Paul's Union Depot hint at a brighter future?
This week, Union Depot celebrated the announcement of a second daily Amtrak train to Chicago and the opening of Choo Choo Bob's Train Store in the quiet landmark.
![Surveillance footage shows an armed man pointing a handgun at police following a standoff outside the Target store in Woodbury.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/UYSS3YN65BDIPKEQAH7SD3LTRU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Woodbury Target standoff suspect charged with multiple felonies
Donald Eugene Roche, who was shot by law enforcement, faces felony charges after he allegedly pointed a pistol-style BB gun at officers in the Woodbury Target parking lot.
Alexandria armed bank robbery suspect arrested in West Fargo
A 49-year-old man was arrested in West Fargo, N.D., Friday, after he allegedly robbed the Bremer Bank in downtown Alexandria.
One dead, one injured in Minneapolis gunfight
Shots are believed to have been fired at a group of people in the parking lot behind the former Whiskey Junction bar.
![Michael McGee, the former chief medical examiner in Ramsey County, conducted Gabriela Romo’s autopsy and testified in the trial that led to the conv](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/PPBL2JXNANB6NOL4HMDHDPJ2UA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota Innocence Project seeks records in murder case that hinged on embattled medical examiner's testimony
The Great Northern Innocence Project cites "rising concerns" over testimony in other cases involving former Ramsey County Medical Examiner Michael McGee.
![A Roseville employee shows a lift station pump clogged with wipes. The city has seen an increase in sewage backups as a result of "flushable" items th](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HULH2TE3ERECLMPNBT6S4NMGVU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Roseville to residents: Stop flushing those 'flushable' wipes
The city is warning that baby and personal hygiene wipes advertised as flushable are actually clogging up city sewer systems — and could lead to big bills for homeowners.
![Friends Maureen Smith, left, and Constance Gruen, both of Roseville, look over the notes and flowers near the site where Philando Castile was fatally](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/53OK6CS2JCNYEO7MIVNWJIZ6SM.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Falcon Heights, St. Anthony nearing police partnership severed after Philando Castile's killing
The vote was unanimous in Falcon Heights but not St. Anthony, where one council member expressed concern about cost, quality of service and culture.
State Sen. Nicole Mitchell off committee assignments while case under review
The Minnesota DFLer was arrested earlier this month in an alleged burglary attempt. She also will be removed from caucus meetings although she is expected to vote in the meantime.
North Oaks withdraws request for density exemption from Met Council
Met Council staff members said the planned development didn't meet density requirements and that granting North Oaks an exception could set a bad precedent.
![Good Samaritans rescue a driver from his burning SUV on Interstate 94 in St. Paul on Thursday.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/2LMED5FQ6JHLXN3ZBCO4K7PAFU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Good Samaritans rescue driver from fiery I-94 crash in St. Paul
No injuries were reported in the wreck, though the driver was taken to Regions Hospital for evaluation.
![Tomatoes grow in raised beds.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/SW55MKPZ2J35NYYFURVGPCZNYI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
What St. Paul gardeners need to know about the city's new boulevard garden rules
Raised boulevard planters have long been common in St. Paul — but not technically permitted until this year. As gardening season begins, a look at the new rules.
![The business district along 3rd Street in White Bear Lake, pictured in 2019.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/VE3REE5DWFCATLHW5UGCZFDPYE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Shop the curbs for free on Trash to Treasure Day in White Bear Lake
City and White Bear Lake Township residents are encouraged to put items they don't need on the curb on April 27 for others to take for free.
![Five takeaways from this year’s Ramsey County assessor’s report.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/JXPFNXFMB6VQNAOMDMSSLA3JDI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Downtown St. Paul property values down, residential values up
Four takeaways from this year's Ramsey County Assessor's report.
![Sonya Hesse and Silvio Pardron take a selfie together on the Stone Arch Bridge on Sunday, the final day before half the bridge closes for construction](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/PFEX5WNJDNADZH3F55AGA6YRGE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Sunday is the last day to cross Minneapolis' Stone Arch Bridge for a while. Here's what to know.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use half the Stone Arch Bridge at a time during the two-year construction process of one of Minneapolis' most distinct landmarks.
Two dead in Benton County after UTV crashes with pickup
The two vehicles had been driving in opposite directions on Ronneby Road. Witnesses said the UTV had been driving in the middle of the road at highway speeds.
![Nicolae Miu makes his way out of the courtroom after the verdicts at the St. Croix County District Court in Hudson, Wis., on Thursday.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/2GDWAIL5SVCH3GYINK2JV6FNYQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Jury: Nicolae Miu guilty of reckless homicide in Apple River stabbing
The St. Croix County jury convicted Nicolae Miu, 54, of reckless homicide for fatally stabbing Isaac Schuman, 17, at the popular recreation spot in western Wisconsin. He was also convicted of recklessly endangering the safety of four other people he stabbed.