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Hannah Covington

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Recent content from Hannah Covington
Workers built a walkway at the main entrance to TPC Twin Cities golf course in Blaine on June 6. Thousands pour will into the Anoka County suburb come

As PGA Tour heads to town, Blaine braces for the big stage

Thousands will pour into the Anoka County suburb come July for the inaugural 3M Open, Minnesota's first regular PGA Tour stop in 50 years.
District 6 Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah. Photo provided by Anoka County.

Rhonda Sivarajah steps down as board chair, is approved as Anoka County administrator

Anoka County's Rhonda Sivarajah will begin her new job on June 12.
An abandoned manufactured home slated for demolition at Lowry Grove mobile home park Thursday, June 29, 2017, in St. Anthony, MN. Lowry Grove closed i

Judge dismisses developer's lawsuit over Lowry Grove mobile home park in St. Anthony

Developer had sued city of St. Anthony over site redevelopment project.
Aimee Ilkka, 19, of New Prague, leads an emergency response training session for lifeguards in the water park area called Breakers Bay at ValleyFair.

Minnesota teens savor best summer job market in years

Minnesota has one of the most seasonal economies in the country, and the tightest labor market in decades is bestowing a kiss of fortune on teens searching for summer work.
The DNR has denied a request from the city of St. Francis to change the state's development rules along a stretch of the Rum River designated as sceni

DNR denies St. Francis' request to change development rules along scenic Rum River

DNR denies petition to allow denser development along protected waterway.
Anoka County Board Chairwoman Rhonda Sivarajah and retiring Administrator Jerry Soma.

Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah appointed Anoka County's next head administrator

Sivarajah will take over May 31 from retiring County Administrator Jerry Soma.
FILE - In this April 5, 2016, file photo, Chris Thile speaks during an interview at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minn. Thile, who replaced Garr

'Prairie Home' spinoff moving its show headquarters to New York

Though an official schedule hasn't yet been released, it could include a few stops in the Twin Cities, with the show "exploring additional touring dates with its public radio partners."
The Anoka County Board will again consider appointing Rhonda Sivarajah to the job of county administrator following Jerry Soma's retirement June 1.

Anoka County Board Chairwoman Rhonda Sivarajah leads pack for county's top job

Three finalists are vying to lead one of the state's most populous counties.
For the past five years, the Walmart in St. Anthony Village has been closed. A potential suitor has come forth with a proposal to tear the mammoth bui

After five years sitting empty, Walmart in St. Anthony could soon give way to apartments

In St. Anthony, a developer wants to build 500 units for the village "downtown."
Rene Norton, a friend and neighbor of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, wiped away tears after leaving flowers on her memorial. "I'm so glad that there's justi

Justine Damond: A 'bright light' who came to Minnesota for love

Those who knew her say she lived guided by love and openness, a bride-to-be who once saved ducklings from a storm drain.
In May 2016, then-Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges signed the landmark earned sick and safe time ordinance at the Common Roots Cafe.

Appeals court upholds Minneapolis sick-leave ordinance

Ruling includes employers based outside city.
Margaret Langfeld, a pioneering local politician in Anoka County, died April 6. She was 76.

Margaret Langfeld, pioneering Anoka County politician, dies at 76

Bison from NorthStar Bison in Wisconsin roamed their new home in June 2018 at the University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve near

Bison herd headed back to Anoka County research station this summer

University of Minnesota examines whether animals can help restore vanishing oak savannas.
The Rum River's wild and scenic designation limits the density of development along it's banks. The City of St. Francis hoped to develop the fields an

St. Francis makes rare request to change development rules along scenic Rum River

The city is asking the state to allow denser development on smaller lots. DNR officials say they've never been faced with a request quite like this.
Women from the left Sarah Ortega, Florkime Payne, Melody Walton, Andrea Gram and Brooke Morath.

Star Tribune 'Denied Justice' series named Pulitzer finalist

A team of Star Tribune journalists was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist Monday in the local reporting category for a series of stories on Minnesota's widespread failings in the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault.
Roselyn Silvestre 2, helped shovel snow in front of her home along Penn Avenue after Saturdays blizzard Sunday April 15, 2018 in Minneapolis, MN. JERR

Weather whiplash: Twin Cities could be buried in at least 8 inches of snow

Warren Kapsner, owner of Rapid Graphics & Mailing, said new windows, signage and paint will help freshen up his store's exterior on Central Avenue.

Columbia Heights expands effort to spruce up storefronts

The city has announced that more Central Avenue businesses will be eligible to apply to the grant program started last year.
From left Michigan State students Andrew Turnbull, Joey Kardynal, Sean Lammy, Kyle Turnbull get their picture taken in front of the Final Four logo be

Final Four makes Minneapolis center of the sports world

Fans from across the country go big for the big event as the action at U.S. Bank Stadium takes over.
Many of the homes in Lowry Grove were too old or costly to move and were torn down to make way for redevelopment.

St. Anthony Lowry Grove site will soon revert to mobile homes

Anoka County Administrator Jerry Soma is retiring May 1 after 52 years as a county employee.

Anoka County Board poised to vote on internal search for top job

Commissioners will vote on the search process at Tuesday's board meeting.
Anoka County Administrator Jerry Soma is retiring May 1 after 52 years as a county employee.

Anoka County Board split over filling its top job

Board Chairwoman Rhonda Sivarajah, who is interested in the job, plans to recuse herself from Tuesday's discussion.
Boat operator Bill Chelmowski navigated his airboat out of Camp LaCupolis on the south end of Lake Pepin on Thursday. The airboat has a strengthened h

Mississippi River gets primed for traffic still stuck downstream

Latest start on record may be in store for Twin Cities river navigation season, even with the ice now retreating.
Anoka County Administrator Jerry Soma is retiring May 1 after 52 years as a county employee.

Search or no search? Anoka County Board hits stalemate on picking new top staffer

The impasse could prompt a special meeting on the topic in the coming weeks as the board weighs what to do next.
Anoka County Administrator Jerry Soma is retiring May 1 after 52 years as a county employee.

Outside search or inside hire? Anoka County Board debates options for top job

Some are pushing for a more formal process in appointing Soma's successor.
Catie Lonergan, a senior at St. Francis High School, on Monday made parts for MnDOT that will be used on street light fixtures.

St. Francis students score big by turning out parts for MnDOT

They're rethinking the bounds of high school shop class.
Brad Hardin, took a selfie in front of a 3-D sculpture of the Final Four bracket on the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. The crowd downtown will be large

March Madness bracket sculpture draws fans on Nicollet Mall

The sculpture will be up through April 8.
People were having to decide if they invite their stepmom or their biological mom, and if their brother or sister get to come see them graduate.

Indoor or outdoor? Budget pinch drives St. Francis graduation to the gym

The decision has touched off a thorny debate, spurring pleas from some students for the board to reconsider.
Nick Becchetti drove his snowmobile out of Rob Scheffler's yard. ] COURTNEY DEUTZ • courtney.deutz@startribune.com on Friday, March 8, 2019 in

Record snow drives banner year for snowmobilers visiting local businesses

Anoka locals say it's tough to remember a time when area snowmobile trails have been so busy, and the snowmobilers have boosted bars, resorts and more.
Mcaad Hussein Abdalla, of St. Cloud, was traveling from Morocco to Kenya when he was killed along with 156 others in the plane crash, his family said.

St. Cloud man among victims of Ethiopian Airlines plane crash

Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks to the audience during a stop on her book tour for "Becoming," in Washington on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. (AP Pho

Hype train has long left the station as Michelle Obama's book tour stops in St. Paul

Some seats for Obama's Twin Cities stop have sold for upward of $800 and $1,000. It's a price thousands have been willing to pay to hear Obama speak about her bestselling memoir, "Becoming," published in November.
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Police arrest sex offender found on school bus with St. Paul kindergartners

The 61-year-old suspect was discovered sitting on the back of the bus during the return drive, prompting the driver to call police, authorities said Monday.
Anita Ewald dropped off some containers to her storage unit in Coon Rapids, Minn., on Friday, March 1, 2019. Ewald keeps her holiday decorations, pres

As developer interest rises, Coon Rapids hits brakes on new self-storage

Some cities reassess locations and numbers.
Debutantes prepared to have their group photo taken a few hours before the start of Saturday's winter cotillion.

In gowns and gloves, black debutantes make royal comeback in Twin Cities

The cotillion, recently revived in the Twin Cities, serves as a rite of passage exalting black culture, community.
I-35, I-90 fully reopened in southern Minnesota

I-35, I-90 fully reopened in southern Minnesota

Emergency workers rescue hundreds of stranded motorists.
Twinkie the corgi has been one of the regulars at Rosedale on Sunday mornings for the past year. Owner Shannon Granholm said she's going to miss the e

Tired of mess, Rosedale Center scraps indoor dog-walking hours

Rosedale says as the event grew more popular, the cleanup became too much.
Mad Hatter tea room in Anoka

Anoka's Mad Hatter owners look to buy historic house

Liz and Tim Koch want to buy the storied property.
Ida-Lorraine Wilderson, a longtime Minneapolis educator and child development expert, died Jan. 25 in Minneapolis. She was 86. ORG XMIT: E_dRzX_c0-rtD

Ida-Lorraine Wilderson, Minneapolis civic leader and educator, dies at 86

Her home became a meeting ground for minds interested in civic and social change.
Anoka County hired Jacquel Hajder last summer to spearhead its economic development efforts.

Anoka County works to attract businesses with new website, economic development leader

The goal, officials said, is to offer a regional tool in an area — economic development — that typically is handled by each city independently.

Why Rep. Omar's tweet on Israel is viewed as offensive

From 2014 to 2018, Chomonix Golf Course in Lino Lakes lost nearly $642,000 and needs $1 million in capital investments over the next five years, accor

Anoka County works to get Chomonix Golf Course out of the rough

Anoka County officials say Chomonix needs about $1M in upgrades.
Todd Stein looked at fresh coyote tracks at the edge of a slew where he and Josh Anthony began hunting late Wednesday night near Montrose.

Twin Cities turf war: Residents take on new coyote neighbors

Predators learn to survive in cities, sparking fears about chance encounters.
St. Francis High School students JP Krage, 14, and Tyler Forcier, 15, cross Hwy. 47 after school in December, near where two middle school students we

MnDOT accelerates fixes to Hwy. 47 near troubled St. Francis crosswalk

The state hopes to begin the project in 2021, which is about twice as fast as usual.
A bicyclist travels through light snow Tuesday morning along Portland Avenue South near downtown Minneapolis.

Twin Cities brace for snow, bitter cold

The metro area's barren landscape could get 2 to 5 inches, and temps are going to plummet.

Sparks fly on Spring Lake Park City Council

Mayor and member who ran against her spar over annual appointments.
The expansion could add spaces for teens and seniors to gather, more meeting rooms, a sports court, an elevated walking track and a new arena for ice

Andover residents push for referendum on community center expansion

The $18.9M project left some with sticker shock.
Puppies wait to be taken out for exercise at Four Paws and a Tail so that they could get exercise in before the shop opened in the Northtown Mall, Tue

Puppies, protests and a clash of beliefs at last Twin Cities pet shop

Stores often banned in animal-welfare crackdown
The new car wash, shown here in a rendering, is expected to open later this year.

Rain, recycled water will be used to wash cars at New Hope business

It's among a growing number of local projects focused on water reuse.
University of Minnesota Researcher Caitlin Potter showed volunteers one of the many cameras that are being used to document what kinds of animals are

Armchair naturalists help Minn. researchers classify more than 1 million nature photos

Researchers say the images capture the kinds of secret moments in animals' lives that humans rarely see.

Minneapolis offers free kits for radon testing

State health officials say too few Minnesotans test for the cancer-causing gas.
FILE- In this Nov. 20, 2018, file photo an American flag flies outside New York Stock Exchange. The stock market hasn't been this dizzying in years, a

What's a nervous investor to do in volatile market? Not much really

Squelch the urge to retreat amid wild stock market swings, financial advisers say.
Patrons talked with one another as it started to get busy at Danno's bar on a recent Friday night.

Brawls lead to an earlier 'last call' at late-closing Anoka bars

Fights, including one involving up to 40 people, have broken out near an on-street parking ramp around the closing time for downtown bars.

Washington County OKs budget driven by public safety, state mandates

And in Anoka County, the approved 2019 budget includes the biggest tax levy hike in nine years.

Three injured in north Minneapolis shooting

A video shared on social media appears to capture the chaotic aftermath.

NAACP fields community ideas for report on Twin Cities economic inequalities

Civil rights group will release an economic inclusion plan to combat racial disparities.
St. Francis High School students JP Krage, 14, and Tyler Forcier, 15, cross Hwy. 47 after school Wednesday, near where two middle school students were

In St. Francis, a crash is spurring pleas to change a school crosswalk

Thousands sign petition after student pedestrians are hit in St. Francis.
Father and son Al, left, and Jim Kordiak talked together at the tax business they ran together for decades as Al reached for a weathered photo of his

After 32 years in office, Kordiak savors a first on Anoka County Board — at least for a couple weeks

Commissioner Jim Kordiak to chair County Board, like his father did, on Dec. 18.
Police are asking for help in finding two suspects in hoods that stole the Salvation Army red kettle Tuesday at a Cub Foods in Blaine.

Police: Two thieves snatch Salvation Army Kettle in Blaine

Blaine police are looking for the public's help.
"Special Angel," Andy Hofer, who had the only speaking part, made his way to the stage so he could learn his part, before the pageant performance at M

'It's a gift': Twin Cities nativity pageant gives adults with disabilities chance to shine

For 25 years, the Rev. Don Anderson and his wife, Mary, of Anoka, have joined a committed troupe of volunteers to put on the pageant.
Helen Marie Rider, who died Nov. 14 at age 82, was one of the first single parent foster parents in Hennepin County.

Trailblazing Minneapolis foster parent Helen Marie Rider dies at 82

Students from iMatter, a youth-driven organization focused on climate change, posed with signs after recording a message at Rep.-elect Dean Phillips'

From city halls to State Capitol, Minnesota youths lead the charge on climate

Across Minnesota, students are springing into action to combat climate change — and pushing their local governments to do the same.
If approved, the 2.6 million-square-foot fulfillment center would be the largest industrial building in the Twin Cities.

In Brooklyn Park, all eyes turn to mystery 'Project Hotdish'

As fulfillment centers take root, suburbs fret over traffic.
Walt Fehst, 71, the departing city manager, is retiring Dec. 31 after 22 years with the city.

Amid debate, Columbia Heights chooses next city manager

Some criticize council's process as rushed.

Plane makes emergency landing at MSP after nose gear fails

None of the six people aboard the plane were injured, an MSP spokesperson said.
The first Latina mayor elected in Minnesota, Maria Regan Gonzalez, greeted students after she spoke to students at Richfield STEM Elementary Veteran's

From Richfield to Anoka, women of color made history in this year's election

Newly elected leaders bring diverse voices, backgrounds and experience to local offices.
Brooklyn Park officials are parking a snow plow around town to spread the word about the city's new winter parking rules.

Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center tighten winter parking rules

They are spreading the word: Make way for the plows.

Mayoral battles in Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, and a change on the Anoka County Board

Mandy Meisner of Fridley will become the first person of color on the Anoka County Board, defeating Sean Broom.
The Andover community center expansion could add spaces for teens and seniors to gather, more meeting rooms, a gym, an elevated walking track and a ne

Andover pushes for lower cost on community center expansion, now priced at $18.9 million

After estimates come in at $18.9 million, some are pushing for a referendum.
Project rendering of new apartments under construction near the Northstar Commuter Rail station in Coon Rapids.

'It never really blossomed': Coon Rapids property finds new life as apartment development

Coon Rapids apartments are among several new housing projects near the train line.
For years, Marti Estey has donated her long, thick hair to charities that make hair pieces for those suffering from hair loss. Here, bangbang Salon st

For cancer patients, synthetic wigs are growing in popularity

As synthetic wigs win more admirers, a hugely popular national program that offers real-hair wigs for free is winding down efforts to collect donations.
An early rendering of the dome, which would offer turf space to soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball and golf.

Blaine City Council sets groundwork for new sports dome

Council alters city code, but height is still up in the air.
The view from one o fetch three driving decks of the new TopGolf in Brooklyn Center. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ ï cgonzalez@startribune.com ñ Septemb

With state's first Topgolf in town, Brooklyn Center works to reshape image

Rep. Keith Ellison at a press conference in August 2018.

Judge denies Ellison's petition to keep divorce file sealed and redact 'sensitive' information

The file is expected to be made public Wednesday.
Dr. Josie Robinson Johnson reacted as University President Eric Kaler read the description of her that will be posted in the community room that was b

U fellowship honors civil rights leader

A community room at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs will also soon bear Josie Robinson Johnson's name.
Debris scatters an area Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, at the site of yesterday's fatal crash Schoharie, N.Y.

Minnesota safeguards aim to keep unsafe limos, drivers off the road

State-issued decals show which for-hire limos have been registered with MnDOT and passed an annual safety inspection.
Evening rush hour on Hwy. 10 in Coon Rapids (2016).

Anoka County looks for relief from longest metro commute

County and city leaders say their commuting woes are at long last being taken seriously.