Lack of snow creates opportunities, challenges for the business of snow removal

First, some good news. St. Paul hasn’t had a snow emergency yet in the 2023-24 snow season. In fact, the region has seen just over 14 inches of snow this season, well below the average snowfall of 51.2 inches. Prior to this year, the latest St. Paul had seen a snow emergency was in the winter of 2018-19, when a snow emergency wasn’t declared until January 28, though that winter ended up having seven snow emergencies and a one-sided parking ban.

Feature Business Neighborhood News

February 27, 2024February 27, 2024 Damian Goebel

Little Brazil offers a taste of home for owner, patrons

With a market full of Brazilian food and a cafe serving traditional dishes and coffee, Little Brazil is a little taste of home for owner Charles Spies. One he hopes he is bringing to his customers.“A great number of people come and thank me for opening the business,” he said. “It helps them so much feel like home here.”

Neighborhood News Arts & Culture Feature Local Culture

February 27, 2024February 27, 2024 Damian Goebel

House of Thune takes second at national snow sculpting competition

St. Paul snow sculpting collective House of Thune had a busy February, placing second at the National Snow Sculpting Championship in Lake Geneva, Wis. and third at the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition this year, despite the warm temperatures and lack of snow.

Suessical KIDS at Global Arts Plus Upper Campus

Feature Arts & Culture Family & Education Neighborhood News

February 26, 2024February 26, 2024 Global Arts Plus

“Suessical KIDS” brings together Global Arts Plus community

The Global Arts Plus (GAP) Upper after school theater program performed their own adaptation of the “Seussical KIDS” on February 1-2 for this year’s annual musical. Their production was filled to the absolute brim with colorful characters, vibrant sets and over fifteen amazingly performed musical numbers! I was astounded by what they could pull off in less than three months.

Neighborhood News Arts & Culture Feature Local Culture Public Interest

January 29, 2024February 7, 2024 Damian Goebel

“Rep who Raps” readies for album release, return to session

Better known to some by her stage name, Maria Isa, and by others as Representative Perez-Vega of House District 65B, Maria Isa Perez-Vega has a lot on her plate this February.

“The Rep who Raps” is more than living up to her nickname this year as she is releasing her latest album, “Unlock the Chamber,” on February 12, the same day that Minnesota’s legislative session kicks off in St. Paul.

Neighborhood News Business Family & Education Feature

January 24, 2024February 5, 2024 Damian Goebel

Keystone Community Food Center now open

After almost five years of planning, fundraising, construction and dreaming, Keystone Community Services has opened their new Keystone Community Food

Neighborhood News Business Feature Green Space & The River Public Interest

January 24, 2024February 7, 2024 Dave Pinto

The 2024 Legislative Session Begins

Hello neighbors! The 2024 legislative session will begin on February 12. My second column in the Community Reporter is a good chance to check in in advance, especially in light of last year’s historic session.

Caption: The Central debate team and coaches celebrate with their Challenge Cup Trophy

Neighborhood News Family & Education Feature

January 24, 2024February 6, 2024 Damian Goebel

St. Paul Students face off at Minnesota State Debate Tournament

Students from St. Paul Public Schools represented the “Saintly City” at the 2024 Minnesota State High School League (MNSHL) Minnesota State Debate Tournament, January 12-13 and the University of Minnesota.

Representing St. Paul Central and Highland Park Senior High School’s, the students participated in the two-day event, with St. Paul Central coming out on top in multiple categories.