New regent Tadd Johnson makes Minnesota, university history
The University of Minnesota, founded on tribal land with a history of injustices against Native Americans, is now finding ways to reckon with that past.
by Region
Small towns near Rochester hope — and plan — for DMC-fueled growth
“We want to make sure that if and when that growth hits us that we are prepared for it,” said Beth Carlson, the mayor of Lewiston.
As renovated Ye Old Mill readies for State Fair action, ex-owners look forward to just enjoying the fair
This year, the third generation of Old Millers — John and Marna Keenan, who are in their 70s — enjoyed their first truly relaxing summer ever, after the family sold the historic ride in January to the State Fair.
Rocky beginning, growing acceptance: The Somali experience in Faribault
Over time, an estimated 4,000 Somali residents have put down roots in Faribault. Some of those families have now lived in the Rice County city for more than two decades.
Minnesota wineries are locked in a battle over legitimacy
The state’s oldest winery fights its upstart competitors over what constitutes a Minnesota wine.
How University of Minnesota Extension provides a window into the state’s modern rural economy
As the rural economy has evolved, so too has the University of Minnesota Extension, the public agency charged with “extending” the university’s expertise and knowledge into every corner of the state.
How one Minnesota town leveraged its proximity to Fargo-Moorhead while keeping its small-town feel
Since 2000, Barnesville has been attracting new residents at a steady pace, growing 18 percent to today’s population of about 2,500. Many have easy commutes to jobs in Fargo-Moorhead, just 25 miles away.
How broadband helped a small town in Greater Minnesota land a high-tech business
The presence of a new business along the main drag of this Sibley County town – and a high-tech one, at that – has generated some buzz in the community.
Why so many Twin Cities immigrant organizations are branching out to Greater Minnesota
Nonprofit leaders usually hear three main reasons for immigrants moving to Greater Minnesota: access to jobs, affordable housing and desire to have a slower pace of life.
Minnesota Orchestra names new president and CEO
Michelle Miller Burns will arrive in August and will officially join the orchestra on Sept. 1; her initial contract is for five years.
Wilhelmina Holder: ‘This is why I have a passion now to help Liberia’
Wilhelmina Holder left war-torn Liberia to become a University of Minnesota scholar, a mother to four U graduates, and an advocate for women, girls, immigrants, and refugees. For her next act, she wants to go back to Africa to help the country that assassinated her father.
The Bemidji State bump: How one small-town university buoys the local economy
Bemidji benefits not only from the money BSU pumps into the local economy but also from its cultural impact, which includes plays and concerts, athletic events, workshops and speeches.
Last resorts: The slow disappearance of a northern Minnesota tourism institution
The number of resorts in Minnesota has dropped by nearly half since 1985.
Chisago County has become a case study in the possibilities and politics of solar energy in Greater Minnesota
Farmers and other landowners in Chisago County have put up a dozen solar gardens, with another four now in the planning stages.
‘I want to send this picture to my family’: New program in Anoka gives homeless folks a [head] shot
“I’ve been here for six years, and we’ve never done this before, and after today, we’re never not gonna do it again,” said Julie Jeppson, executive director of Stepping Stone.
Hmong Lucy goes to China
On Feb. 10, Hmong Lucy — a statue created by St. Cloud-based artist Kao Lee Thao (aka Inner Swirl) – will be the main attraction at a reveal party in St. Paul.
Life lesson: Don’t burn the tank
How almost burning down a small part of Aitkin helped David Gillette become the man he is today.
Minnesota’s rural interests look to build on recent gains at the Legislature
Rural priorities include the passage of another bonding bill; another increase in LGA funding; money for street repairs in small towns; broadband expansion and bolstered child care options.
Is it even possible to become a farmer in Minnesota today?
There are thousands of acres of farmland across Minnesota, but there is little room for young people who want to make a living on the farm.
The optimist: Longtime Granite Falls mayor, in an age of discontent, shares his faith in civic life
“What I really hope to do is demonstrate, educate and just encourage others to take the plunge and get involved,” said Dave Smiglewski. Of the lack of civic involvement, he said: “It’s a real threat to community life.”
