Oklahoma Tornado Carnage 'Reopens Wounds' of Fridley Tornadoes for 1965 First Responder

In an opinion article in the Brainerd Dispatch, the deadly storm in Moore, OK brings back memories of 'a community shredded by tornadoes' in Fridley.

  Mike Holst of Crosslake was a first responder when tornadoes struck Fridley 48 years ago this week. In an opinion article in the Brainerd Dispatch, Holst warns that rescuers who responded to the deadly twister in Moore, OK will long "remember a day that was—as if it was yesterday." An excerpt from Holst's Brainerd Dispatch article: Every natural tragedy, like the tornadoes this week in Oklahoma, bring a floodgate of memories to all of the people, who once worked or are still working as first responders. I know for me it was Fridley, Minn., in 1965. How well I remember the eerie darkness that night as it fell over a community shredded by tornadoes. It was the hopeless feeling of where to start when it came to finding and helping the …

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Fridley Resident Planning "March Against Monsanto"

Citing concerns over corporate ag giant's practices, blogger Shawn Aune organizing Saturday rally.

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They Did What? MN Legislature's Actions You Like ... or Dislike

What's your take on Minnesota's higher cigarette and income taxes, same-sex marriage law, all-day kindergarten funding, gun control measures, minimum wage and more?

What do you like—or dislike—in what the Minnesota Legislature did or didn't do? Leave a comment below. The Star Tribune posted a handy list of issues the Minnesota Legislature did and didn't tackle in the session that ended Monday at midnight. Love 'em? Hate 'em? Leave a comment below. DID: DIDN'T DO: See the full post at startribune.com. Which actions the Minnesota Legislature took do you support or oppose? Leave a comment below.

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Teachers Bring More Than Academics in Time of Tragedy: Parents Talk

As you give your child an extra hug, send out your thoughts to Oklahoma and share what makes the educators in your child’s life special.

Last week, I had the opportunity visit with a few children at the Excelsior Farmers Market. Not surprising, they knew the exact number of days left until summer break. While many of our kids in Minnesota are eyeing the calendar with anticipation for summer break, I was reminded this week how much we owe our educators. As parents, we send our children off to school each morning expecting another typical school day until we pick them up. It becomes a parents worst nightmare when unexpected tragedies and circumstances hit a school – situations that seem to have been all too common nationwide during the 2013-2013 school year. Yet, time and time again, we hear about educators that put their life on the line to save those students they are …

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How Should Twin Cities Suburbs Respond to Increasing Poverty?

A Brookings Institution study found that the number of poor in the Minneapolis-St. Paul suburbs more than doubled over the past decade.

If the stressed food banks and increasing demand for social services weren’t enough proof, Twin Cities residents now have further evidence that poverty is part of the suburban landscape. A Brookings Institution study released Monday reports that the number of poor in Minneapolis-St. Paul suburbs more than doubled between 2000 and 2011. The 127.9 percent increase in the suburbs was well above the 47.7 percent increase in urban areas. Click on the PDF to the right of the article to see a summary of the Twin Cities data. This is a trend providers have been well aware of for some time. Hennepin County's Human Services and Public Health Department is in the process of creating “social services hubs” in the suburbs specifically to create one-…

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Orono

4:53 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Mike B. The liberal belief system puts the job of caring for the needy on the government. Jesus said, love thy neighbor as thy self. I do a very poor job of loving my neighbor but the one thing I do try and do is give back. My wife and I give between 15 and 17% every year. We have been blessed with financial success and try keep that in mind every day. Also though, we give ourselves. Giving …   more ›

Fridley to Host Public Meeting Monday on E. River Rd.-694 Site

Hear about and comment on the city's Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the former JLT/Tiro site at Fridley City Hall on May 20, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.

Have a look at the City of Fridley's report on the former JLT or Tiro Industries site here or at the City of Fridley website. Then attend a public information meeting Monday evening: On May 10, 2013, The City of Fridley submitted an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) to the State Environmental Quality Board for Publication. This EAW is associated with the redevelopment of 27 acres of the former Tiro Industries Site (5601 East River Road). The EQB will publish in their EQB Monitor on May 27, 2013. There will be a public information meeting at the Fridley Municipal Center, 6431 University Avenue N.E. on May 20, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of: Providing information on and allowing comments on the EAW Document prepared in …

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Pain at the Pump is Only the Beginning

Reader and blogger Shawn Aune says we should prepare for even more expensive gasoline—and more.

Getting Organized: Choosing the Right Business Structure

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development gives tips for starting a business.