Staff Directory 6370442

Richard Meryhew

Team Leader | Region
Phone: 612-673-4425

Richard Meryhew is editor for the Star Tribune's regional team. He previously was editor of the east bureau in Woodbury and also covered state news, playing a key role in team coverage of many of the state's biggest stories. In 2006, he authored an award-winning series on Kirby Puckett's life.


Meryhew is a native of St. Paul and a 1977 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where he worked as a writer and editor for the Minnesota Daily. He later he worked as a staff writer at the Worthington Daily Globe before joining the Minneapolis Star in 1980.
Recent content from Richard Meryhew

June 16, 2002: Abuse at Crosier school detailed

At least six members of the Catholic order were accused of sexually abusing boys at its school in Onamia in the 1970s and '80s. An outside investigation is underway.
Michele Kelm-Helgen has been appointed chairwoman of the new Vikings stadium authority and was photographed in her office in the Capitol Friday, June

June 16, 2012: New stadium head has deep political roots

Michele Kelm-Helgen grew up in a family that lived, breathed politics.
Brian Fitch (left) and Scott Patrick

Cop-killing suspect got drug treatment, not longer sentence

As Brian Fitch Sr. faces first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of veteran officer Scott Patrick, some law enforcement officials are questioning whether a judge treated him too leniently.
Former Minnesota State head football coach Todd Hoffner

Dec. 22, 2012: Hoffner gets 20-day unpaid suspension

Todd Hoffner's status as Minnesota State, Mankato's football coach remains unclear. The unpaid suspension might be over his use of university cellphone.
Jennifer Haselberger, seen in a Sept. 10, 2013, photo, was canon lawyer for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis until her resignation in April

Church lawyer turned whistleblower named 'person of the year'

Jennifer Haselberger, 39, of St. Paul was honored in an editorial by the National Catholic Reporter for her courage in speaking out against Archbishop John Nienstedt.
It's lights out for Metrodome

It's lights out for Metrodome

Well-behaved Metrodome fans say goodbye to an era. Hometown heroes of all stripes helped build memories.
Prior Lake Marine receives Silver Star for rescuing wounded comrade

Prior Lake Marine receives Silver Star for rescuing wounded comrade

Cpl. Ethan Nagel was cited for rescuing a comrade from capture in Afghanistan by the Taliban while firing on the enemy and doing so while being wounded himself.
No. 6: New Vikings stadium: Big, bold and glassy

No. 6: New Vikings stadium: Big, bold and glassy

The stadium will have giant pivoting glass doors that open to the downtown Minneapolis skyline. Seven stadium decks will surround a field of artificial turf with two giant high-tech scoreboards at each end zone.
Fraud case, militia ties shock Maplewood vet's neighbors

Fraud case, militia ties shock Maplewood vet's neighbors

Keith Michael Novak, an intelligence analyst with the Minnesota National Guard, awaits a Monday court hearing after being accused of stealing information so he could make fake IDs for militia members.
Dec. 8: Vikings, Wells Fargo resolve sign issue

Dec. 8: Vikings, Wells Fargo resolve sign issue

The disagreement over 2 large signs had threatened the $400M project near the new stadium.
Kathy Lauwagie, of Maplewood, braved the cold and wind along with more than 100 other protesters to march for the resignation of Archbishop John Niens

Abuse scandal to persist, even after naming priests

Minnesota's Catholic dioceses under pressure to make public the names of additional accused clerics.
Dec. 5, 2013: Archdiocese names 32 priests accused of abusing minors

Dec. 5, 2013: Archdiocese names 32 priests accused of abusing minors

The archdiocese's publication of a list of metro priests deemed to have abused kids is unprecedented in Minnesota.
Dec. 4: Now real work can begin on stadium

Dec. 4: Now real work can begin on stadium

As time runs out for the Dome, fans and dignitaries broke ground on new home.
Diane Plocher, of Mayer, braved the cold and wind along with other protesters to march for the resignation of Archbishop John Nienstedt across the str

Archdiocese alerts parishes about naming clergy accused of abuse

An e-mail from the vicar general says 92 of its churches had at least one of the priests assigned to them over the years. The list will be posted online and printed Thursday.
Zygi Wilf, Gov. Dayton turn the dirt on new Vikings stadium

Zygi Wilf, Gov. Dayton turn the dirt on new Vikings stadium

The 2½-year mission to build a $1 billion new home for the Minnesota Vikings ceremonially kicked off Tuesday morning with a long-awaited groundbreaking outside the Metrodome.
Man who sued archdiocese for abuse turns anger into change

Man who sued archdiocese for abuse turns anger into change

Nearly 37 years after Rev. Jerome Kern sexually assaulted him, Al Michaud plans to file a report with St. Paul police documenting the assault in hopes that it will lead to criminal charges.
The Rev. Francis Hoefgen

Abuse suit filed against St. Luke clergy treatment center

A lawsuit involving a Minnesota priest claims St. Luke Institute and the archdiocese concealed threat to minors.
Ray Stumpf, posed as the model for "the lone sailor" in one of Charles Kapsner's military paintings.

Obituary: Ray Stumpf, teacher, Navy veteran

Activists organize march and rally to protest 'Redskins' nickname

Activists plan rally against nickname before Vikings game
Effort to ban Redskins name, logo during Nov. 7 game at Dome fails

Effort to ban Redskins name, logo during Nov. 7 game at Dome fails

As the Nov. 7 Vikings-Washington game approaches, American Indian activists had hoped to persuade officials that the Redskins nickname is offensive.
The new Vikings stadium, shown in an artist's rendering.

New Vikings stadium in the running for college football title game

Minneapolis bidding for major college football title game
$17 million deal to buy plaza takes heat off Vikings stadium talks

$17 million deal to buy plaza takes heat off Vikings stadium talks

The Vikings, meanwhile, reportedly are "alarmed" that the project cost estimates have soared by $45 million and are talking with a "separate contractor" to explore pricing options and estimates.

Fight to ban NFL 'Redskins' name and logo goes to stadium board

Fight to ban 'Redskins' name and logo goes to stadium board Friday

State picks eight firms to underwrite Vikings stadium bond issue

State picks eight firms to underwrite Vikings stadium bond issue.
The new Vikings stadium, shown in an artist's rendering.

Oct. 10: $975M isn't enough for everything in stadium

As groundbreaking nears on a new stadium, the team finds it may have to trim some amenities like a parking garage and a skyway.
Abdullahi Hassan, 18 months, waited patiently while holding the hand of his father, Bashir Farah, after a Friday afternoon prayer service at the Islam

St. Cloud mosque on hold

Opposition in St. Cloud centered on the location but was underlined by some nasty e-mails.

Twenty-two firms bid for underwriting work on Vikings stadium

Twenty-two firms bid for underwriting work on Vikings stadium
The new Vikings stadium, shown in an artist's rendering.

Minneapolis, new Vikings stadium among finalists for 2018 Super Bowl

With no name and no concrete yet poured, the nearly $1 billion Vikings stadium has Minneapolis on shortlist with two other cities to host the game.
Vikings fans digest new seat license fees of up to $10,000

Vikings fans digest new seat license fees of up to $10,000

Season-ticket holders face license cost of up to $10,000 in new stadium.
Vikes fans to pay hefty seat fees - $2,500 average - at new stadium

Vikes fans to pay hefty seat fees - $2,500 average - at new stadium

Those fees -- raising $100 million of the Vikings contribution for the new stadium -- will range from a low of $500 per seat to a high of $10,000, per seat, with an average of $2,500 per seat.
The new Vikings stadium, shown in an artist's rendering.

Sept. 27: Doubts, controversy persist over stadium deal

A plan to fund part of construction with revenues from untested electronic gambling games was officially declared a bust last week. Potentially hefty fees for stadium seat licenses have again angered the governor and threaten to alienate loyal season-ticket holders.
The new Vikings stadium, shown in an artist's rendering.

Vikings, stadium authority close to completing agreements

Vikings, stadium authority close to completing agreements
Gerad Cafesjian

Obituary: Gerard Cafesjian helped save carousel

Minnesota Somalis united against terror group Al-Shabab

Minnesota Somalis united against terror group Al-Shabab

Five years after bitter debate over an upstart terror group divided their Minnesota community, Somalis stand against Al-Shabab.
A rendering of the new Vikings stadium design, done by HKS Sports and Entertainment Group.

Stadium authority postpones vote on key agreements

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority was expected to vote on the agreements Friday, but rescheduled the meeting for Oct. 3.
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf (left) and team vice president Lester Bagley.

Sept. 13: Wilfs can finance their share of stadium

Minnesota Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf have more than enough money to pay for their share of their team's new stadium, even if a New Jersey judge orders them to pay hefty punitive damages in a bitter real estate case, a top stadium official said Friday.

State moves forward with plans for Vikings stadium bond issue

State moves forward with plans for Vikings stadium bond issue.
Gov. Mark Dayton

Sept. 16: Dayton wants Vikings to put up more equity

He wants to ensure Wilfs don't pass on stadium costs.
Gov. Mark Dayton

Dayton wants Vikings to pony up 'significant equity' in new stadium

Gov. Mark Dayton, a leading supporter of the Vikings stadium project, said in a letter Monday that he wants the team owners to use their own money and not rely heavily on seat licenses in the financing.
Vikings President Mark Wilf and principal owner of the Minnesota Vikings Zygi Wilf addressed the crowd during Minnesota Vikings stadium presentation a

Stadium authority to release findings on Wilf audit

Stadium authority to release findings on Wilfs
Mark and Zygi Wilf.

Vikings stadium official: Wilfs can pay their share

It's not necessary to wait for a New Jersey court ruling on the Wilf family finances for the authority to move forward with stadium, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Authority Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen said.
A sketch of the new Vikings stadium.

Aug. 27: Fight over Wilfs' data may stall stadium plan

Vikings officials have agreed to provide analysts with more financial information on team owners Mark and Zygi Wilf, but fears continue to grow that construction of the new football stadium in downtown Minneapolis is falling behind schedule.
From left, Zygi, Mark and Leonard Wilf listened to a New Jersery judge’s decision Aug. 5 in a 21-year-old lawsuit.

Vikings owners look to keep their family finances from public

Lawyers for the Vikings owners will ask a New Jersey court next week to seal documents with the family's net worth.
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf

Aug. 28: Wilfs' info kicks state review into high gear

Despite substantial progress on audit, stadium construction could still be delayed, an official warns.
Seen from the Star Tribune building, looking south, southwest a portion of the light rail station block owned by local real estate developer Bob Lux i

Aug. 30: Fight over land near stadium gets bitter

Authority accuses plaza's owner of overstating value.
Andrew Joseph Dikken identified as a person of interest in the apparent homicide in Granite Falls.

'Person of interest' wanted in connection with Granite Falls shootings

Seen from the Star Tribune building, looking south, southwest a portion of the light rail station block owned by local real estate developer Bob Lux i

Authority fires back in dispute over land near Vikings stadium

A nasty dispute over a key piece of land near the $975 million Vikings stadium site got stickier Friday when the public board overseeing the project charged the property owner with "grossly" overstating its value.

Minneapolis City Council signs off on Vikings stadium design

The nearly $1 billion Vikings stadium project cleared another hurdle Friday when the Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved design recommendations
Vikings owners Zygi Wilf, right, and brother Mark Wilf.

'Substantial progress' made on audit by Vikings, stadium authority

Stadium Authority chairwoman Michele Kelm-Helgen said Wednesday that representatives for the team and the Wilfs turned over a "substantial amount of information" Tuesday dealing directly with the Wilfs' financial interests.
A sketch of the new Vikings stadium.

Vikings deliver Wilf financial data to stadium authority

Michele Kelm-Helgen, the authority chairwoman, said that attorneys and representatives for both sides planned to meet well into Tuesday night to review the financial data.
Rendering of the new Vikings stadium. Image courtesy of Vikings.

Aug. 18: Wilf inquiry adds pressure to stadium timeline

Any delays caused by a review of his finances would ripple through the construction schedule.

Stadium authority to ask Vikings and Wilfs to pay for extra legal work

The stadium authority plans to bill the Vikings and its owners for some of the due diligence work on the $975 million stadium project.
A sketch of the new Vikings stadium.

Vikings stadium deal is put on hold for probe of Wilf family finances

A racketeering specialist will be looking into finances of Vikings' owners after New Jersey case.
A sketch of the new Vikings stadium.

Aug. 12: Mpls. Planning Commission OKs stadium design

Despite some sharp criticism from one of its members, a Minneapolis commission approved the plan.
Vikings fan Larry Spooner, who attended countless legislative hearings on the stadium posed with Governor Dayton and Mark and Zygi Wilf at a private r

Aug. 11: Doubts about Wilfs complicate stadium talks

The governor and the Sports Facilities Authority are poring over the final details of the deal.
Metrodome demolition won't be a blast

Metrodome demolition won't be a blast

Wayne Enger of the Metrodome grounds crew outlined the Vikings endzone letters with a spray painter, during the first painting of the field Tuesday fo

Metrodome demolition won't be much of a blast

Builders of the new Vikings stadium plan to demolish the Metrodome piece by piece, possibly starting in February, instead of using explosives because it's close to many downtown businesses.
On the day of the shooting, Charlotte Bacon, 6, wore a brand new pink dress and shoes to school. She loved animals almost as much as she loved the col

Minnesota family to honor memory of girl who died in Newtown shooting

Minnesota family to honor memory of Newtown shooting victim
Architect’s rendering of the new Vikings stadium, with a prow that will rise 272 feet above the sidewalk.

Mpls. city committee has lots of ideas for Vikings stadium

Recommendations include protecting birds and encouraging bikes.
Vikings tailgaters set up camp in lots near the armory in downtown Minneapolis.

Vikings push to add tailgating options in time for new stadium

With some prime tailgating lots near the new stadium targeted for development, the NFL team is working to fill the void and preserve a gameday tradition.

Stadium builders, architects to showcase project outstate

Stadium builders, architects to showcase project outstate
One of the Metrodome pitching mounds and field machines photographed on 7/19/13. In the market for a 10-year-old batting cage with more than a few scu

Metrodome is ready to sell off its parts

As the Metrodome enters its final months, the venue's operators are making plans to sell off everything from the seats to the scoreboards.
Nadia and Michael Karkoc, wife and husband, taken in 1982, from a publication called "Survivors. Political Refugees in the Twin Cities."

2013: Michael Karkoc's story stuns Minneapolis, launches global inquiries

For decades, Michael Karkoc has lived a quiet life in Minneapolis. Now he stands accused of being a Nazi collaborator. All want to know — who is this 94-year-old Ukrainian immigrant?
Son disputes report that Mpls. man was Nazi commander

Son disputes report that Mpls. man was Nazi commander

The Associated Press reported Friday that a 94-year-old retired carpenter and father of six living for decades in northeast Minneapolis is a former Nazi SS officer.
Bob Sadek, obit story ORG XMIT: MIN2013061514462921

Obituary: Bob Sadek, longtime teacher and coach

No decision yet on stadium parking deal

Decision on stadium parking contract delayed
Lucky find: ‘‘I knew it was worth money, but I had no idea how much,” said David Gonzalez

Man of steel is good as gold for Minnesota man

A 75-year-old comic book plucked from the walls of a western Minnesota house sold at auction for $175,000.
$400 million plan would reshape downtown east

$400 million plan would reshape downtown east

The five-block area would become home to two, 20-story office towers spanning 1.2 million square feet of space.
June 1: Architects see stadium site as unique urban park

June 1: Architects see stadium site as unique urban park

Planners are hoping people will gather there even when the Minnesota Vikings aren't playing.

Three local firms bid on Vikings stadium parking

Three local firms make bids on parking for Vikings stadium deal
Neighborhood residents weigh in on new Vikings stadium design

Neighborhood residents weigh in on new Vikings stadium design

Neighbors shared mixed reviews on the new Vikings stadium design, but welcomed its neighborhood impact.
Colts punter Pat McAfee (1) punted from the end zone at Lucas Oil Stadium in the third quarter. Indianapolis beat Minnesota by a final score of 23-20.

Retractable features an open question on Vikings stadium

Much-anticipated design is more likely to feature a movable wall or window than a retractable roof.
Choice of designer opens window on Vikings stadium

Choice of designer opens window on Vikings stadium

Dallas firm behind new homes for Cowboys, Colts will design Vikings stadium. HKS plans to solicit public input in coming weeks.
In this file photo, he five architectural firms bidding to win the design job for the new Vikings stadium showed some of their past projects in the Me

Choice of Vikings stadium designer likely 'soon'

Sports authority now debating its five options, chairwoman says.

Vikings stadium: Taller than Metrodome, sloped roof, maybe sliding walls

Potential details emerge for Vikings' $975 million new home.