Staff Directory 6370562

James Walsh

Reporter | St. Paul and St. Paul Neighborhoods
Phone: 612-673-7428

James Walsh is a reporter covering St. Paul and its neighborhoods. He has had myriad assignments in more than 30 years at the Star Tribune, including federal courts and St. Paul schools.


"A St. Paul native, Walsh lives in St. Paul with his wife and two cats. He has two adult children. He graduated from the College of St. Thomas, where he was named the top journalism graduate by the Society of Professional Journalists, before beginning his career with stops at the Mankato Free Press and the Rochester Post-Bulletin. Walsh has covered local government, local schools, local and federal courts and even spent some time writing about farming and medical technology. A former college football player and semi-pro coach, he enjoys reading history and following the Vikings, Gophers and Tommies.
Recent content from James Walsh
Carol Carey is retiring as executive director at Historic St. Paul. She stood outside a home from the 1850s that Carey helped redevelop into apartment

Carol Carey fought the wrecking ball in St. Paul. She won, a hundred times.

Carey, longtime director of Historic St. Paul, is retiring after 20 years of saving history.
Jody Vander Hart was recently chosen as the St. Paul Winter Carnival's Klondike Kate for 2024.

Meet the St. Paul Winter Carnival's 'coy' new Klondike Kate

Jody Vander Hart of Vadnais Heights fulfilled a childhood dream by being named Klondike Kate.
Kevin Washington ,center (a teacher at Walker West Music Academy)  helped music students Wesley Sims left, and Joseph Cole at Walker West Music Academ

Making sweet music: Walker West and Ujamaa Place team up to teach, digital-wise

St. Paul community-based organizations seek to give young Black men more ways to succeed.
Connie Maertz Kasella with her brother’s sled, lost decades ago, likely at Town and Country Club.

After more than a half century, St. Paul woman recovers her brother's long-lost sled

He likely left the sled on the snowy hills at the Town and Country Club decades ago.
Meet the St. Paul car guy who followed his father's repair footsteps

Meet the St. Paul car guy who followed his father's repair footsteps

Raks Pham keeps Tuan Auto Repair customers smiling.
Vikings & Goddesses Pie Co. owners Yoji Moro and Rachel Anderson.

Meet the St. Paul bakers who opened a walk-up window in Merriam Park

Vikings & Goddesses has been offering goodies through a walk-up window for a few months now.
John Wirtz, left, cleared snow on the pedestrian bridge connecting Loring Park to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden on Jan. 4, 2023. Right, a snowless

A snowless winter takes its toll on Minnesota's way of life

With only a fraction so far of a typical snowfall, annual winter events are being canceled or adjusted — and that means less social interaction.
Meet the St. Paul woman coaching companies to address racism and bias

Meet the St. Paul woman coaching companies to address racism and bias

Seena Hodges says "woke" means empathy and an openness to other experiences.
New year brings in two new millionaires, courtesy of Minnesota Lottery

New year brings in two new millionaires, courtesy of Minnesota Lottery

Two tickets scored prizes of $1 million, lottery officials said.
Early morning shooting is St. Paul's first homicide of 2024

Early morning shooting is St. Paul's first homicide of 2024

Police were looking Monday for leads.
St, Paul City Council President Amy Brendmoen spoke at the Dec. 6 meeting as the council approved the city’s 2024 budget.

As St. Paul prepares for a new City Council, three veteran council members look back

Advice from Brendmoen, Tolbert and Prince as they leave City Hall: work hard and stay humble.
Angelique McDonald Flohrs

Meet the St. Paul hockey mom working to keep girls hockey alive in the Capital City

Angelique McDonald Flohrs is on a mission: Get more girls on hockey rinks in St. Paul.
Meet the St. Paul Snow Angel who finds volunteers to shovel snow for those who can't

Meet the St. Paul Snow Angel who finds volunteers to shovel snow for those who can't

Heather Worthington's volunteer shoveling service has grown to 1,200 users in less than four years.
St. Paul officials say Xcel Energy Center is showing its age — and they want state help to fix it up

St. Paul officials say Xcel Energy Center is showing its age — and they want state help to fix it up

The city and Minnesota Wild plan to seek state funding to renovate the 23-year-old arena. The total cost is likely to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
After 40 years, St.  Paul's Listening House for vulnerable adults finally has a home of its own

After 40 years, St. Paul's Listening House for vulnerable adults finally has a home of its own

The daytime drop-in center has renovated a former pizza house on the East Side and plans an expansion in the lot next door.
Meet the St. Paul police officer who fills in the public on what's going on in the city

Meet the St. Paul police officer who fills in the public on what's going on in the city

After working in patrol and K9 units, Sgt. Mike Ernster said he loves working with the public every day.
St. Paul Winter Carnival taps Frogtown artist for new button designs

St. Paul Winter Carnival taps Frogtown artist for new button designs

Button sales are the primary fundraiser for the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
Owner Liz Murphy, right, showed customer Harriette “Cookie” Jandric a silver candle holder at Betty’s Antiques in St. Paul.

From tiny desks to midcentury art, antiques alley transforms Selby/Snelling area

Betty's Antiques is the latest shop to join the growing enclave of vintage clothing and decor businesses.
Mukhtar Ibrahim

Meet the St. Paul journalist dedicated to 'laser-focused' coverage of communities of color

Mukhtar Ibrahim is stepping down from leading the Sahan Journal to spend more time with his family. But he looks forward to seeing what's next.
St. Paul officials are struggling to keep the streetlights on, as copper thieves across the city have made whole blocks go dark.

Officials seek solutions as copper thieves plunge parts of St. Paul into darkness

The city is trying everything, from gluing panels shut to installing metal bands, in an effort to keep streetlights burning.
Kayla Jackson

Meet the woman who preserves and catalogs St. Paul's Rondo memories

Kayla Jackson is an archivist at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. She describes her work as like being a road builder.
Betty and Dan Butler, co-founders of Circus Juventas.

Circus Juventas founders stepping away from Big Top in St. Paul

After 30 years and nearly 30,000 students, Dan and Betty Butler are retiring from the circus school in Highland Park.
Brenda Lamb, owner of Candyland, mixed a fresh batch of caramel popcorn on Oct. 20, 2023, in St. Paul.

Meet Brenda Lamb, the woman who makes St. Paul's Candyland both sweet and salty

Lamb has been in charge of St. Paul's iconic candy shop for more than 40 years.
Pilgrim Baptist Church is seen Wednesday, Nov. 08, 2023, in St. Paul, Minn. The church was founded by escaped slaves and has been named Minnesota's fi

St. Paul's Pilgrim Baptist Church added to Underground Railroad rolls

Genealogist Elyse Pearson-Hill's work led to the National Park Service recognizing the church. It becomes the first Network to Freedom site in Minnesota.
Alex Kempf-Schwarze, derby name "Major Threat," skates around the loop with at practice in the Roy Wilkins Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 in St.

Minnesota Roller Derby spins into its 20th year in St. Paul

On Saturday night, the club's four in-house teams will take to the track again.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter at the city’s asphalt plant in April. Carter was joined by state Sen. Sandy Pappas and other city officials to make a p

St. Paul voters pass sales tax hike to improve streets, parks

Measure to put nearly $1 billion into capital city infrastructure won with 60% of the vote.
Cerresso Fort

Meet the St. Paul boxer who hung up his gloves to share what he's learned — and save lives

Cerresso Fort's Sir Boxing Club teaches defense, discipline — and confidence.
Mim’s Cafe owner Mahmoud Shahin stood next to the electrical boxes in front of his St. Paul cafe in August.

St. Paul officials respond to cafe owner's plea, move electrical boxes they placed out front

City leaders promised better communication going forward.
Paul Maccabee

Meet the author who detailed the Saintly City's dirty deal to harbor gangsters

According to Paul Maccabee, St. Paul's fascination with its seamy history continues today.
Jasmine McBride, 24, conducted an interview at WEQY Center for Broadcast Journalism in St. Paul.

With move downtown, tiny St. Paul radio station's ambitions — and voice — have grown

The Center for Broadcast Journalism is using the community radio station to help train new journalists.
Angie Vig

Meet the St. Paul guitar shop owners keeping Twin Cities musicians well-strung

The Vigs' Midway-area shop caters to professional musicians.
Man shot, killed early Saturday in north Minneapolis

Man shot, killed early Saturday in north Minneapolis

The victim was found in an alley in the 3500 block of Penn Avenue N.
Adam Levy led with vocals and guitar with his band, Turn Turn Turn, at a 2020 concert in Hopkins’ Downtown Park.

Meet the St. Paul music star who teaches high school history while still playing gigs

Adam Levy started teaching during the pandemic, at his daughters' suggestion. Now he gets to make music and also talk about the world.
Council President Amy Brendmoen attended a “Raise the Roof” event last month at the construction site of the North End Community Center in St. Pau

Four newcomers aim for St. Paul seat vacated by Council President Brendmoen

Brendmoen, who has served three terms, chose not to seek re-election this year.
Karen Boros

Karen Boros, pioneering TV reporter and longtime journalism instructor, dies at 82

Her enthusiasm and drive for journalism was infectious, a former student said.
Mary Leonard

Meet the St. Paul chocolatier whose bonbons make life a little sweeter

Mary Leonard admits her life has, indeed, been like a box of chocolates.
Boe Boe

St. Paul refugee went into real estate rather than policing — after realizing he didn't like sight of blood

Boe Boe hopes to help other families navigate the home-buying process.
A block of homes on Dayton Avenue in the Merriam Park area of St. Paul.

Crowded field seeks Ward One Council seat in St. Paul

Candidates have wide-ranging backgrounds, priorities.
Sara Aegerter and Nura Ahmed

Meet the women who aren't just 'Feeding Frogtown' — they're making sure it's good

Two Frogtown moms have stepped forward to help their neighbors get enough good, healthy food to eat.
Despite criticism, St. Paul City Council incumbent says she's ready to lead in Ward Two

Despite criticism, St. Paul City Council incumbent says she's ready to lead in Ward Two

If re-elected, Rebecca Noecker will be the council's most experienced member.
Feeding St. Paul, a group of volunteers that includes Kevin McAllister, right, that’s been around nearly three years, was shut down by police nearly

Volunteers fed hundreds in St. Paul — until police shut them down

Police say persistent traffic issues, litter prompted action against Feeding St. Paul.
Sheila Leventhal

Meet the St. Paul deli matriarch who works seven days a week and still finds time for yoga

Sheila Leventhal started at Cecil's peeling and dicing potatoes as an 8-year-old. The 82-year-old is still there every day, alongside her grandkids.
Maureen Hartman

Meet the new boss in charge of keeping St. Paul libraries evolving, relevant — and safe

Maureen Hartman says she's "a library person."
Owner Stephanie Wright talks with State Rep. Samakab Hussein (DFL) while working at Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe in St. Paul on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2

Golden Thyme owners stepping down after leading Selby rebirth in St. Paul

Rondo Community Land Trust to make Golden Thyme a cooperative engine for Black innovation.
Scott Wolter, owner of St. Paul-based American Petrographic Services.

Meet the geologist-turned-TV host who connects the Vikings to the Knights Templar and the Founding Fathers

Scott Wolter never intended to become so controversial.
Como Park officials have confirmed plans to install wheelchair ramps in place of the spotty custom lifts that seemed to be out of order more than in.

Wheelchair ramps will finally make Sunken Garden at St. Paul's Como Park fully accessible

Officials had worried ramps would take up too much space in the St Paul landmark. An architect says they won't.
“Sweet Martha” Rossini

Meet 'Sweet Martha' Rossini — the woman who makes the Minnesota State Fair gooey and sweet

Sweet Martha has been churning out her cookies since 1979.
Mim’s Cafe owner Mahmoud Shahin stood next to electrical boxes in front of his cafe in St. Paul on Aug. 8.

St. Paul cafe owner convinced city officials are trying to hurt his business

Mahmoud Shahin said officials have been unwilling to consider his concerns about light poles and electrical boxes in front of his restaurant.
Barbara Metzger

Meet the self-described 'lesbian provocateur' whose activism is grounded in faith

Despite health challenges, Barbara Metzger is itching to get back into the fight.
The Montreal Hi-Rise at 1085 Montreal Av. in St. Paul.

St. Paul public housing residents waited three weeks for elevator repair

Officials say repairs were delayed because the elevator contractor needed to manufacture a part.
Officials are exploring ways to expand and improve Como Lakeside Pavilion.

After 118 years, is it time for a revamped Como Lakeside Pavilion?

St. Paul City Council President Amy Brendmoen is gauging the public's appetite for an expanded and renovated dining and entertainment venue.
Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason

Meet the Irish ambassador to the U.S. who spent a weekend in (very Irish) St. Paul

Geraldine Byrne Nason visited the Twin Cities for the first time.
Tommy “TD” Mischke

Meet the irreverent St. Paul radio host who set his writing chops on Minnesota's favorite season

After years as a radio and podcast host, TD Mischke has written a book about the enduring power of winter.
Lee Nelson

Meet the St. Paul guy who traded dreams of the law for life on the water

Lee Nelson has made a career of connecting the capital city to the world through the Mississippi River.
Brothers D.J. ,13, left, and Dkhi Tinnel, 11, played a game of Connect 4 during a National Night Out event in Prospect Park at Bridal Veil Gardens Tue

Many National Night Out events put police at the forefront

The event, started in 1984, has goals beyond positive relationships between communities and police. It seeks to help forge neighborhood camaraderie.
Hoping to prod Mayor Melvin Carter back to the table for — among other things — increased staffing levels, off-duty members of Firefighters Local

After 200 days without a contract, frustrated firefighters to picket in St. Paul

Union members are hoping to prod Mayor Melvin Carter back to the table for — among other things — increased staffing levels.
Michael Noyes

Meet the St. Paul restaurant vet bringing connection — and a killer breakfast bowl — to Cathedral Hill

Michael Noyes learned to cook, wait tables and run the business at restaurants across St. Paul.
St. Paul City Council approved changes to the Highland Bridge master plan that will allow St. Thomas to build two new stadiums, an indoor practice fac

University of St. Thomas baseball, softball moving to Highland Bridge

The St. Paul City Council voted 6-0 to approve the teams' move to new stadiums 2 miles south of campus.
Joseph Bier scraped stickers and graffiti from lampposts and bicycle racks along St. Paul’s W. 7th Street on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Businesses alo

St. Paul's Downtown Improvement District won't include W. 7th after all

A group of property owners questioned assessments, fairness of the district that they previously asked to join.
Ashley Borud

Meet the cheerful boss of those neon-clad workers on the streets of downtown St. Paul

Ashley Borud oversees a team of about two dozen who aim to make downtown more welcoming.
St. Paul Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez spoke to community members during an unveiling event for the new “LightWave” LED display Wed

'Trial by fire': St. Paul parks director concludes packed first year

Andy Rodriguez is developing a reputation for listening — and responding — to the community.
LeeAnn Larson

Meet the East Sider who rallies her St. Paul neighbors to help those in need

Through a Facebook page, LeeAnn Larson connects struggling community members with those who can help.
Officials broke ground Tuesday on the Heights, the 112-acre former Hillcrest Golf Course on St. Paul’s East Side.

St. Paul golf course begins transformation into 112-acre redevelopment

The former Hillcrest Golf Course will become the Heights.
Dr. Charles Crutchfield III

Dr. Charles Crutchfield III, Minnesota's first Black dermatologist, dies at 62

Crutchfield worked to expand opportunities for physicians of color, improve patient care and fight fear and misinformation about medical conditions.
Noel Nix

Meet the St. Paul Bush Foundation Fellow who knows public officials need mental health support, too

Noel Nix wants to find ways to help the helpers.
Adam Swanson’s 21,000-mile bicycle trip included the Himalayas.

St. Paul teen bikes 21,000 miles crisscrossing the globe

"Fiercely independent" Adam Swanson, 19, first dreamed of the ambitious trip at age 10.
72-year-old man drowns in Minnetonka pool

72-year-old man drowns in Minnetonka pool

Swimmers flocked to Lake Nokomis Beach in Minneapolis to deal with the extreme heat in July 2021.

Hottest day yet of 2023 on the way for Twin Cities

Temps could reach 95 on Monday, the National Weather Service said, with the weather a little cooler on the holiday.
Ron Anderson started as a helper at District Energy St. Paul 40 years ago.

Meet the Patrick Henry grad who grew up with the company that powers downtown St. Paul

After high school, Ron Anderson had no idea what he wanted to do with his life. Forty years later, he helps keep downtown humming.
After 39 years, North End grocery store owners are finally taking a break

After 39 years, North End grocery store owners are finally taking a break

The recently sold Kamp's Food Market has been open 365 days a year since its owners took it over as newlyweds.
Pat Owen is a Como Park volunteer.

Meet the St. Paul woman who thinks pulling weeds can be meditative

Pat Owen volunteers to beautify Como Park.
Jasmine Amacher, holding her 2-month-old daughter Elora, and son Roman, looked at the a wall displaying the history of the Rondo neighborhood at the J

Juneteenth celebration in St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood looks to the past — and future

The governor and mayor were among those insisting history should not be hidden.
St. Paul preservationists lay groundwork for new home for Justus Ramsey House

St. Paul preservationists lay groundwork for new home for Justus Ramsey House

Many want to rebuild the deconstructed cottage in the W. 7th St. neighborhood.
Eight days, four cities, six games: Ballpark bus tour hits the road for 40th year

Eight days, four cities, six games: Ballpark bus tour hits the road for 40th year

Julian Loscalzo says this year's Bleacher Bums Ballpark Tour is his last. Maybe.
Michael Houston, a math teacher at Harding High School in St. Paul, gives an acceptance speech after being named 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year in

Meet the Teacher of the Year who makes math matter to his St. Paul students

Michael Houston has spent 19 years at Harding Senior High School.