Ariel Kozlov

Eden Prairie is looking greener these days, and it's not just the winter snow covering its landscapes. The city recently bagged another Solar on Public Buildings grant which was pre-approved to install rooftop solar panels on an Eden Prairie Liquor location on Den Road, as reported on the city's official website. Having secured half the project cost through the state grant, and another 30% through federal incentives, the city staff is now gearing up to solicit installation bids.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), in unison with the Minneapolis Parks Foundation (MPF), has laid the groundwork for a new endowment aimed at nurturing the city's green spaces, historical sites, and trails. This financial bastion is designed to bolster long-term care and maintenance across the MPRB system, ensuring that natural resources, cultural heritages, and regional park trails remain up to standard for Minneapolitans now and in the future.

A Minneapolis woman is now facing charges after allegedly supplying her juvenile son with a firearm, a move that has underscored the challenges with juvenile crime in the city. The Minneapolis Police Department shared in a social media post that multiple counts, including aiding an offender and contributing to the delinquency of a child, have been levied against the mother following a months-long investigation.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring has gone to a familiar face in the scientific community: University of Minnesota Professor Maria Gini. Recognized this week at the White House, Gini stands among just 25 individuals nationwide to take home the prestigious honor, a testament to the exceptional roles mentors play in cultivating the nation's burgeoning technical talent, said the White House.

In response to a letter expressing a vote of no confidence in Plymouth's Public Safety Director, Erik Fadden, the City of Plymouth has publicly reaffirmed its support for the public safety department's leadership. The letter, received on January 13 and originating from the police officer and sergeant unions.

In a decisive operation, Hennepin County's Violent Offender Task Force (VOTF) detectives provided immediate emergency aid to a shooting victim, showcasing their commitment to public safety. The VOTF's recent enforcement detail in North Minneapolis, aimed at curbing violent crime and auto theft, culminated not only in life-saving assistance but also in the arrests of five individuals.

In a homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been actively participating in events to honor his legacy and recommit to the values of justice and equality, especially in the field of public safety. Today, Kaleena Burkes, Director of the Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Office, and her DPS colleagues started their day at the 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast in Minneapolis. This was followed by Commissioner Bob Jacobson's presence at the State of Minnesota’s 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in St. Paul, as reported by a social media post from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Hennepin County has launched a campaign encouraging residents to cut down on plastic usage, with a month-long Plastic-Free Challenge set for February. According to a recent social media post by Hennepin County, this endeavor aims to actively involve the community in efforts to reduce waste, protect the environment, and tackle climate change.

Bringing the Plymouth community closer, the City of Plymouth has unveiled a free "Meet Your Neighbor" series, providing residents a chance to dialog and absorb diverse cultural knowledge. This initiative has three central events spanning from the end of January through February, each aimed at fostering understanding and camaraderie amongst locals.

Wright County officials gathered to bid farewell to two of its longstanding public servants as they entered retirement. In the Jan. 21 meeting of the Wright County Board of Commissioners, appreciation was expressed for County Surveyor Steve Jobe's 19 years and Assistant County Attorney Mark Erickson's 29 years of dedication to the community.