Midway Como Frogtown Monitor

This biomass illustration, which compares 2019 (left) with 2020, shows the improvement in eliminating curly-leaf pondweed (which is red). (Courtesy of Capitol Region Watershed District)

Proof: Como Lake water quality getting better

The herbicide that Capitol Region Watershed District used in 2020 to battle invasive curly-leaf pondweed in Como Lake, and the alum it used to battle excessive phosphorus, both are showing amazing … more

By Michael Kuchta | 4/14/21

Trent Bowman is the president of NAREB, a coalition of Black real estate professionals. He said, “Throughout history, people of color have been left out of the homeownership game. It’s about leaving a legacy. It’s about building wealth in our communities. We have to understand the history of housing discrimination, so we can work in the present to leave something for our kids in the future.” (Photo courtesy of NAREB)

Part II: The Twin Cities housing market

In last month’s article about the Twin Cities housing market during COVID-19, real estate professionals characterized the market as “frenzied.” A picture emerged of Minneapolis and … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 4/14/21

Como’s State Swim Meet qualifiers at the U of M (left to right): Kai Sackreiter, Ethan Napierala, Gabe Napierala, Sig Isaacson, Soren Sackreiter, and Mark Remuto.

Successful winter sports seasons

As students returned to in-person learning on April 14, the spring sports season was already entering its third week. During distance learning, Como winter sports teams kept competing with many … more

By Eric Erickson Social studies teacher | 4/14/21

Kelly Smith of the Star Tribune will be speaking during the Old Media Navigate New Era event on Sunday, May 2, from 1-2:30 p.m.

Vote by April 20 for district council reps

Tuesday April 20 is the last day to vote in the 2021 board elections for the Como Community Council. Once again this year, District 10 community members can vote from home using a secure online … more

By Michael Kuchta, Executive Director district10@district10comopark.org | 4/14/21

Is Round Two coming?

Minneapolis and St. Paul are braced for civil unrest as the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin commences. City councils in both cities have been receiving updates on plans to … more

By JANE McCLURE | 3/10/21

{ Monitor in a Minute } March 2021

Midway Center site of fireMidway Center at 1544 university Ave., which was extensively damaged during civil unrest in May 2020, again had a fire Feb. 15. The St. Paul Fire Department was called to … more

By JANE McCLURE | 3/10/21

(Left to right) Alex Le, Nayblut Kasuh, Jesiah Mason and Sophia Moore display their certificates for achievement in the JROTC Leadership Academic Bowl. They advanced to the second round of national competition. (Photo by Sgt. Major James Kirkland)

Schedule changes

While the youngest students in the St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) returned to in-person learning during February, the majority of high school students continue with distance learning.On Feb. 22, Como … more

By Eric Erickson Social studies teacher | 3/10/21

Volunteers Joanne Swanson and Annie Huidekoper wrangle with some of the donations from Como residents.

Nine seats up on D. 10 council board

Here’s your chance to have a bigger voice in the decisions that affect your neighborhood: Nine seats are up for election in April to the District 10 Como Community Council board. Most do not … more

By Michael Kuchta, Executive Director district10@district10comopark.org | 3/10/21

Co-owners Rekik Abaineh (left) and Solomon Hailie (right) said, “We have experienced an outpouring of love from around the world.” (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Bolé Ethiopian moves to Como

When Midway’s Bolé Ethiopian Cuisine burned to the ground last May, the owners were preparing to open an expansion of their restaurant that was two years in the making. The grand opening … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 2/11/21

Housing issue hits close to home

Finding, creating, and maintaining safe, affordable housing for all residents in Saint Paul is not getting easier, especially in a pandemic and recession. But in a conversation Jan. 27 with the Como … more

By Michael Kuchta, Executive Director district10@district10comopark.org | 2/11/21

Debate to State!

The Como Park debating duo of Chikamso Chijioke and Sam Skinner concluded their junior year of competition as participants in the Minnesota State High School League Tournament. They’ve made … more

By Eric Erickson Social studies teacher | 2/11/21

St. Paul COAST Unit members include (left to right) officer Lori Goulet, social worker Sally Vanerstrom, and officer Jen Hale. They respond to mental health calls, as well other crises. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Police officers, social workers ride together on crisis calls

While communities everywhere are calling for a changed model of policing, a small unit within the Saint Paul Police Department has been taking a different approach for almost three years. In March of … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/14/21 | 1 comment

Student Engagement and Advisory Board Member Kalid Ali said, “I take every opportunity that comes my way as if it were the last one, for the betterment of myself and for others.” (Photo submitted)

Achievement gap growing

The first quarter grades for this year are in for St. Paul Public School students, and it appears that racial disparities are growing worse with distance learning.In 2019, Minnesota ranked 50th when … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/14/21

Keystone expands

Soaring demand for food has strained Keystone Community Services’ food shelves, including its longtime space at 1916 University Ave. A new community food site, which will house an expanded food … more

By Jane McClure | 1/14/21

{ Monitor in a Minute } January 2021

Homeless camps to closeThe push to close homeless encampments and relocate people goes on this month. St. Paul and Ramsey County officials are trying to get the homeless into shelter and out of the … more

By JANE McCLURE | 1/14/21

This is what I’m focusing on

Happy New Year! My heart is with you as we all continue to make it work in the pandemic. I’m looking to 2021 with determination to recover and rebuild.COVID has demonstrated even more clearly … more

By Mitra Jalali ward4@ci.stpaul.mn.us | 1/14/21

In Brief JANUARY 2021

Dale St. work pausedRamsey County’s Dale Street reconstruction project in Saint Paul All I-94 entrance and exit ramps at Dale St. and Interstate 94 opened to traffic on Nov. 19 at the … more

1/14/21

Banfield to open site on Larpenter

Banfield Pet Hospital has purchased and plans to expand an existing veterinary clinic on Larpenteur Ave. just west of Lexington. Banfield has acquired Larpenteur Animal Hospital, 1136 W. Larpenteur. … more

By Michael Kuchta, Executive Director district10@district10comopark.org | 1/14/21

Niqui, April and Sean of St. Paul Camp Support with just some of the supplies they bring to the encampments. The group collects supplies at 2161 University Ave. W., on Wednesdays and Fridays, 3-7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. They always looking for clothing, camp stoves, towels or tents. (Photo by Jan Willms)

How will homeless weather winter?

Whether working for the state, the city or on the front lines, workers addressing the homeless situation in Minnesota strongly agree on two things: affordable housing is desperately needed, and the … more

By JAN WILLMS | 12/9/20 | 1 comment

Trash fees increasing

What St. Paul’s residents pay for trash collection will increase in 2021. But the usually contentious issue of organized collection drew fewer than half a dozen public comments during a … more

By JANE McCLURE | 12/9/20