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Minnesota high school opens first-of-its-kind smudging space for students
SHAKOPEE, Minn. — A Minnesota high school is the first in the state with an on-campus space for a native cultural practice.Smudging is the burning of sacred herbs meant to ground oneself, and reset the energy in a space. The ribbon was officially cut Thursday afternoon at Shakopee High School, for the project designed by, and for, native students."It's been something that's been in the works for a number of years," said Justyne Vogel, American Indian Education Coordinator for Shakopee Public Schools.Vogel works in a district with more than 200 native students, who represent 28 tribal nations.The first-of-its-kind smudging space was funded...
Mound mulls plan for proposed Halstead Bay development
Pine Financial Group Inc., a property investment company based in Colorado, has put forth a concept plan for a proposed development called “Halstead Estates” that straddles Mound and Minnetrista. The proposed development site occupies a 1.66-acre parcel located at 6639 Bartlett Boulevard. During the May 15 Mound City Council meeting, Rita Trapp, the city’s planning consultant, detailed the proposal, which comprises eight row houses, two duplexes, and one single-family home, totaling 13 units on the Mound side of the project. Additionally, the concept plan encompasses...
Councilmembers call out Jason Franzen over ‘offensive’ social media posts
City councilmembers confronted fellow Councilmember Jason Franzen earlier this week over what one of them said was another “offensive” social media post, leading him to complain that his colleagues “ambushed” him. At the end of Tuesday’s City Council workshop meeting, Councilmember Jeremiah Hawkins said he needed...
Maple Grove native serves aboard U.S. Navy flagship in Japan
(Editor’s note: The following was provided by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar, Navy Office of Community Outreach) Seaman Thomas Furnish, a native of Maple Grove, serves in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge. Furnish graduated from Maple Grove Senior High in 2020. The skills and values needed to succeed...
Eden Prairie's Drinking Water Surpasses Federal Standards, City Report Reveals
Eden Prairie residents can toast to their health as the city's drinking water has once again passed with flying colors, the results of the latest round of water quality tests have confirmed. According to the 2023 Drinking Water Report, published by the City of Eden Prairie, the drinking water supplied to the city’s households between January 1 and December 31, 2023, not only met but also surpassed federal standards.
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