Southwest Connector

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

TMC Publication's three newspapers earned a total of 20 awards at this year's Better Newspaper Contest. Congrats to the winners! NEWS1) First Place, Sports Story - Eric Erickson, “Unforgettable … more

1/28/23

Heather Fisch’s son wears the He-Man Halloween costume that was created with items obtained from her Buy Nothing group. (Photo submitted)

Buy Nothing groups encourage people to buy less, share more

They say one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. That’s one of the leading philosophies behind a movement taking off in southwest Minneapolis.The “Buy Nothing” … more

By Allie Johnson | 1/19/23

Twin Cities chocolatier Mary Leonard of Chocolat Céleste puts together a box of freshly-made truffles. Leonard battled breast cancer in 2020, but didn’t miss a day of work. She had chocolates to create, after all. Each chocolate is hand made with fresh whipping cream, small batch butter and the finest fair trade cocoas. The company that she started at age 46 was named after her beloved Bichon Frise. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

A sweet journey

The Twin Cities’ beloved chocolatier Mary Leonard of Chocolat Céleste didn’t take a day off work when she was being treated for breast cancer. Not even when she was dealing with … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 1/19/23

24 strategies, 64 actions

The city council is set to vote early this year on a groundbreaking racial equity framework that could guide city transportation planning and investment decisions for years to come.The draft Racial … more

By Cam Gordon | 1/19/23

Under the Hood columnist, Susan Schaefer, shares her spectacular view of the Mississippi River. (Photo by Susan Schaefer)

Gifts of season give reason to reflect

HyggeCertainly, the long, cold, dark Minnesota winters can spark a melancholia for some. Yet frigid temperatures and spare daytime hours can also create the mood to hibernate, as other creatures of … more

By Susan Schaefer | 1/19/23

Dr. Saida Abdi, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota School of Social Work is the CIRCLE project director. (Photo submitted)

Bridging community and culture

Refugee and immigrant children in the U.S. often face trauma and systemic barriers including a lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate services, affordability, and stigma. These compounding … more

By Jessica Torres Estrada | 1/19/23

Tips to help kids struggling with social media

Social media is a big part of young people’s lives. It has its benefits, and being able to keep in touch with friends and family remotely was one of the saving graces in the early stages of the … more

1/19/23

Tenants win with new set of agreements

After over two years of tenants organizing together, the Minneapolis City Council passed a comprehensive list of agreements entered into by Progress Residential, the manager for Front Yard … more

1/19/23

Luminaries lit on king’s highway for dap

This year marked the 24th annual Dupont (King’s Highway) luminary lighting on Christmas Eve. The six blocks between 42nd and 47th Street participated, as well as 46th Street down to Lake … more

1/19/23

Want to be a trolley driver in linden hills?

Have you ever wanted to do something totally unique? How about operating a trolley car? The Minnesota Streetcar Museum, one of the few “living history” museums in the Twin Cities, needs … more

1/19/23

Exploring purpose for health and wellness

Did you know that living with a clear purpose can improve your resilience, health, and relationships? The beginning of 2023 may be a perfect time to reflect on what gives you direction, why you get … more

By Michele Rae | 1/19/23

Art shanty projects initiates plan beach due to poor ice conditions

Due to rapidly deteriorating ice on Bdé Umáŋ / Lake Harriet, Art Shanty Projects’ annual program will be presented as “Plan Beach” this year instead of … more

1/19/23

Neighborhood news

PLASTIC FREE CHALLENGEBe part of the solution to reduce waste, protect water and wildlife, address climate change, and look after the health of ourselves and future generations by joining the … more

1/19/23

East Harriet is hiring

East Harriet Neighborhood Association (EHNA) is seeking a Neighborhood Coordinator.• Part time (10-15 hours a week)• Flexible hours that include day meetings (with the city and/or the … more

Megan Nolan, coordinator | 1/19/23

City briefs

Public school superintendent searchThis year, the Minneapolis Public School Board will be hiring a new superintendent who is expected to start working in July. The school board is seeking community … more

1/19/23

Lowry Hills getting more police patrols thanks to private funding of public workers

Lowry Hills will be getting more police patrols next year thanks to a nonprofit that will pay the city $112 an hour. Some are questioning this buyback program while there are staffing shortages.On … more

By Cam Gordon | 12/13/22

Madison Weissenborn holds three-month-old Llasa prior to a free adoption day event on Dec. 9, 2022 meant to clear out the shelter before Christmas. Weissenborn is the volunteer and community partnership coordinator at Minneapolis Animal Care and Control. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Not the pound you think you know

The Minneapolis city animal control facility isn’t the grim place many picture.“For a long time, this place would have been called a pound with all the negative aspects that … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 12/13/22

Author Erin Soderberg hikes on the Superior Hiking Trail with her then-13-year-old son Henry in 2021 while researching and writing “Just Keep Walking.” Henry previously delivered copies of the Southwest Connector and Southwest Journal.

Inspired by the north woods

Erin Soderberg Downing never wanted to be a writer when she was a kid. In fact, she didn’t really like writing all that much. But she did love the adventures books could take her on, and her … more

By Chloe Peter | 12/13/22

Something under the hood is not immediately apparent or obvious. This column will uncover stories that span the neighborhoods covered by TMC Publications. | Susan Schaefer is a widely published independent journalist, creative writer, and poet. Her articles appear in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, PBS’ online magazine, Next Avenue, Next Tribe, and beyond. She was columnist and features writer for Minneapolis’ Southwest Journal and Minnesota Good Age magazine.

Warming up for winter

Ever been accused of having a thin skin? When it comes to maintaining proper body temperature, this old adage is no joke. As we age, our metabolic rate decreases and our skin literally thins. Often, … more

By Susan Schaefer | 12/13/22

Wedge resident Dave Whorton talks to community members before a neighborhood public safety walk. (Photo by Eric Ortiz)

It’s time to learn to walk again

Walking is one of those big early milestones in life. When you’re a kid, you have to walk before you can run. As you get older, walking is how we move through the world from task to task each … more

By Eric Ortiz | 12/13/22