Alexis Johnson

As the winter chill sets in, Plymouth residents can find solace and stay active at the Plymouth Community Center, with options ranging from a lively indoor playground to complimentary walking tracks that beckon individuals and families alike. According to recent announcements, the facility at 14800 34th Ave. N offers diverse amenities that cater to varying age groups and preferences.

In response to a worrying rise in hostility and brutality against transgender individuals in Minneapolis, local government representative Jason Chavez has emphatically denounced these acts and called for immediate action. Addressing the situation in a recent social media post, Chavez, representing Ward 9, described the rise in hate crimes against the trans community as "disheartening and intolerable," with a significant number of these incidents occurring on Lake Street, Powderhorn, and throughout Downtown Minneapolis.

City crews are hitting the streets today, December 19, as they embark on the daunting task of plowing after a notable snowfall. The city has not declared a snow emergency, but residents are being asked to lend a helping hand for a smoother plowing process. Anyone with the ability to move their cars off the street is encouraged to do so voluntarily. This cooperative gesture can significantly enhance the efficiency of the plow operation and result in cleaner roads for all. For those without alternative parking options, the advice is to steer clear of parking directly opposite another vehicle—to give the plows sufficient room to maneuver.

Calling all skating aficionados and disco darlings, the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota is reviving a cherished winter tide tradition: Disco Ball Ice Skating. Glide and groove this Friday under a canopy of glittering lights as DJ Bob spins a nostalgic mix, teleporting everyone back to the age of disco, as reported by the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Winter enthusiasts and families looking for a cheerful outdoor experience can mark their calendars for the upcoming "Snowshoes & S’mores" event. Set to unfold on a brisk Sunday afternoon, December 29, from 1 PM to 3 PM, the event will be hosted at Cleary Lake Regional Park, according to Scott County. For those interested, the Outdoor Recreation School instructors are gearing up to provide an instructive yet accessible exposition into the world of snowshoeing.

The Eden Prairie Firefighter Relief Association has donated $10,000 to fund fire sprinkler installation at LuAnn's Place, an assisted-living facility in northwestern Eden Prairie. The donation, sourced from the association’s 2021 fundraising campaign, aims to improve safety for residents, as reported by the

Rice County Sheriff's Office has issued a scam alert to the local community, with reports of numerous incidents involving fraudulent calls by impostors posing as law enforcement officers. The con artists have been dialing up residents, falsely claiming they have missed jury duty and have a bench warrant issued against them. According to the Sheriff's Office, these scammers have attempted to intimidate individuals by staying on the line with them, even falsely identifying themselves as Capt. Paul LaRoche in recent cases.

Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) had a moment of quick action last week when their Late-Night Safety Plan (LNSP) led to the disarmament and arrest of an armed suspect. According to a social media post from MPD, officers were able to prevent an escalation in violence following an altercation that was caught on city cameras on December 14th.

A judge in Blue Earth County has granted a civil commitment hold for a level 3 predatory offender, preventing his release into the Mankato community, according to the City of Mankato, Minnesota Government. Dwayne Qutez Irving, who was subjected to this order, will continue to be held at the Moose Lake Correctional Facility pending further court decisions.

In a move aimed at tackling the housing disparity issue in the Twin Cities metro region, the Met Council has earmarked a total of $3 million for the development of new affordable homeownership opportunities. The funding, distributed through Livable Communities grants, is set to benefit economically disadvantaged populations in eight cities.