News | Midway Como Frogtown Monitor

St. Paul asks for new sales tax

St. Paul’s proposed sales tax could be directed to several West Midway streets that are in need of repair. But the tax, which is pending action from the 2023 Minnesota Legislature, has a long … more

by Jane McClure | 3/9/23

10 guidelines for a strong, long and happy life

Some time ago, after suffering the shocking and unexpected loss of my still young husband, Martijn, while we were living in Europe, I experienced what is called traumatic grief. In addition to a year … more

By Susan Schaefer | 3/9/23

Citizens rally outside the Hamline Midway Library to express support for saving the historic building on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. (Photo submitted)

Library earns national register designation

The Hamline Midway Library’s newly won spot on the National Register of Historic Places doesn’t guarantee its future. The building could still be demolished. But the decision, announced … more

By Jane McClure | 3/9/23

In the individual category, Frosty12814 won for their build, King Shiver’s Castle. It was selected by judges for its creative use of the environment and show of remarkable technical skill.

They won 2023 virtual ice castle contest

On Jan. 29, 2023, 14 Minecraft players descended upon the Victoria Theater Arts Center for their Ice Palace Building Competition, as part of the St. Paul Winter Carnival, and two winners emerged … more

3/9/23

Como swimmers celebrate a great night at the Section 4A Meet where six Cougars qualified for the state meet.

Como swimmers return to state meet

Swimmers return to State Meet The success and depth of the Cougar boys’ swim team was evident in the pool and on the podium at the Section 4A Meet held on Feb. 24. Beyond the individual events, … more

By Eric Erickson, social studies teacher | 3/9/23

Local business Your HR Navigator was presented with the Midway Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year award at the annual gala on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023. Shown are Kara Sime of Your HR Navigator (center) with Tetra Constatino of Elsa's House of Sleep (left) and Christine Noonan of the Minnesota State Fair (right). From the chamber: "With over 20 years’ experience in helping companies with human resources, Your HR Navigator founder Kara Sime has worked with a variety of industries, from Fortune 500 companies to solo operators. Your HR Navigator has been very generous in lending expertise to the Chamber this year through programming, membership recruiting, and the contributions of its owner Kara Sime to the Board of Directors." Other Finalists: JB Vang, TST Creative Catering

And the award goes to…

On Feb.25, 2023, the Midway Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Celebration. The event is always a fun night and this year’s theme, “Music & The Midway,” meant it would … more

By Chad Kulas, Midway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, chad@midwaychamber.com | 3/9/23

The Midway neighborhood, highlighted in blue, scores high in priority for advancing environmental justice through tree planting and canopy preservation compared to other neighborhoods in St. Paul, points out local environmentalist Molly Codding.

Trees can help poor air quality

“We all have angels guiding us… They look after us. They heal us, touch us, comfort us with invisible warm hands… What will bring their help? Asking. Giving thanks.” ~ Sophy … more

By Melvin Giles, peacebubbles@q.com | 3/9/23

Plan it

HMONG AMERICAN PLAY OPENS MARCH 31 Local Hmong American playwright and theater artist Katie Ka Vang returns to Theater Mu for the world premiere of her and Melissa Li’s musical, … more

3/9/23

Changing of the guard at state fair

After more than 50 years with the Minnesota State Fair and 27 as CEO, Como resident Jerry Hammer will retire this spring. Stepping in as CEO will be Renee Alexander. Alexander has more than 20 years … more

3/9/23

Hmong center 30 years old

The Hmong Cultural Center celebrated its 30th anniversary in December at its new storefront museum (375 University Avenue West). The center has recently hired two new tour guides, Pa Kou Vang and Pa … more

3/9/23

Keystone President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mary McKeowen will retire on June 2, 2023.

Food drive for Keystone as need increases locally

March is Minnesota FoodShare Month. Area food shelves are struggling to keep up with growing demand.Hamline Church United Methodist, 1514 Englewood Ave., is hosting a food drive for Keystone … more

3/9/23

Let Light Shine Through celebrates Hamline Methodist

Let the Light Shine Through is a celebration and rededication of Hamline Church United Methodist’s sanctuary windows. The windows, which were central to the church’s successful National … more

3/9/23

They made the Como Park Honor Roll

In December and January, we accepted nominations for the 2022 Como Neighborhood Honor Roll, our board members voted to select honorees among the nominations, and the winners were honored at a recent … more

By Shevek McKee, Executive director, district10@district10comopark.org | 3/9/23

Help wanted

Businesses are struggling to find people to fill positions at all levels and departments with qualified staff who will be reliable and show up. “If you are an employer struggling to find … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 3/9/23

Care packages for Street Works

For their January volunteer project, Murray Middle School National Junior Honor Society students heard guest speakers from Street Works, a local organization that works with homeless youth. The … more

2/9/23

Free programs for seniors

• Chair Yoga (Thursday 10:30 a.m.) and Arthritis-Friendly Exercise (Tuesday and Thursday 1:30 p.m.) meet until March 9. Join any time, in-person and on Zoom.• Solo Seniors Resource Group - … more

By Laurel Collins, laurel@hmelders.org, 651-209-6542 | 2/8/23

Come out to clean up Como, Orchard Rec

The D10 Como Community Council would like to thank everyone who came out to our Feb. 4 Blizzard Breakfast at North Dale Rec Center. We couldn’t have done it without our partners at the Parks … more

By Shevek McKee, Executive director, district10@district10comopark.org | 2/8/23

Attending the Minnesota Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest award banquet on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 were freelancer Eric Erickson, owner and editor Tesha M. Christensen, and photographer Terry Faust. The trio holds the 20 awards earned by the three newspapers of TMC Publications CO.

20 AWARDS EARNED IN 2023

TMC Publication's three newspapers earned a total of 20 awards at this year's Better Newspaper Contest through the Minnesota Newspaper Association. Congrats to the winners! NEWS1) First Place, Sports … more

2/8/23

A focused effort by the Como girls’ basketball team resulted in a 88-63 victory over Central and extended the program’s conference remarkable winning streak. (Photo by Eric Erickson)

Como girls set St. Paul City record

With another undefeated season in the St. Paul City Conference in the books, the Como girls basketball team earned their ninth consecutive conference championship.The last time the Cougars lost a … more

By Eric Erickson, Social studies teacher | 2/8/23

Volunteers clean and package native seeds for distribution at a MN SEED workshop in January. Cleaning and packaging the seeds is just one step in the process. (Photo submitted)

Seeds of change and beauty at Little Free Libraries

Over the past few summers, you may have noticed an increase in blooming wildflower gardens in our neighborhoods. Have you wondered where people get some of the seeds they need to make those gardens … more

By Mae Macfarlane Frogtown Green | 2/8/23