Longtime journalist and educator passes
On May 18, Norman Walter Larson passed away at the age of 90. The U.S. Navy veteran grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and lived in the Twin Cities for the bulk of his life. He worked at the Minnesota Daily and the Minneapolis Morning Tribune, and was an educator at the Universities of Kansas and St. Thomas. In 2015, alongside other Edison High School graduates, he helped publish “Class Backwards: Growing Up in Nordeast Minneapolis in the ’40s and ’50s.” He is survived by his son Eric; his wife Ruth; their daughters Candela and Chloe; his brothers David and Glenn; and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Memorials may be made to the Endowment Fund at St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, 1701 5th St. NE.
Construction on St. Anthony Parkway
If you live in Northeast, you may have noticed that St. Anthony Parkway has closed for construction. The City is resurfacing the stretch from Central Avenue to Johnson Street. Parkway traffic has been detoured to 33rd Avenue and trail traffic has been detoured to 32nd Street. The project is estimated to end in early July.
Shootings at Boom Island Park
On May 30, police officers found evidence that an individual was shot in Boom Island Park’s parking lot. On June 1, officers returned to the island to find one person killed and five people injured: four people from gunfire and one from being run over with a car. According to Council Member Michael Rainville, they found “well over 100 [shell] casings.” In a statement, Rainville said he has “requested that the parking lot be closed daily at 8 pm until it is determined to be unnecessary.” He continued: “During that period, I will continue to work with park officials on long-term safety strategies. Our parks should be a safe and welcoming space for all, not scenes of violence.”
North Park School for Innovation receives honors
On May 22, Columbia Heights Public Schools (CHPS) announced that North Park School for Innovation has been recognized as a 2024-2025 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. (Project Lead The Way is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.) Per CHPS, the title “honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement” in their PLTW programs.
Valley View Elementary Principal named Columbia Heights Public Schools’ Employee of the Year
Jason Kuhlman has been named CHPS’s Employee of the Year. The Valley View Elementary Principal said of the honor: “I’m truly humbled to receive this recognition. Being named Employee of the Year means a great deal to me — but it’s really a reflection of the amazing people I get to work with every day. Our teachers, staff, students, and families make Valley View a special place, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this community. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and I’m excited to keep working toward a future where every child feels seen, supported and inspired. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this honor.”
Congrats to Dean’s list honorees
Congratulations to recent Dean’s List inductees. Matthew Carder, who attended Columbia Heights High School, earned a spot on Drury University’s Dean’s List. Ian Shimek, who attended St. Anthony Village High School, was named to the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s list at Marquette University.
Gabriel Eduarte, also of St. Anthony, earned the same honor at Emmanuel College.
Heights High School names 2025 Alumni of Distinction
In the last bit of CHPS news, Trevor Major — Columbia Heights High School class of 2000 — has been named the high school’s 2025 Alumni of Distinction. Major has played a part in donating nearly $1 million to “Columbia Heights athletics and activities” over the past ten years. Todd Wynne, CHHS’s principal, explained that “When I first arrived at [school], I had to ask the athletic director who Trevor was. I thought he was an employee of the school district because he was at every sporting event and at the school so much. […] He is Heights through and through; he loves this district and this community so much that he has it tattooed on his arm! I am thankful for all that Trevor does.”
Schools appoint interim Principals
St. Anthony Village High School has appointed Dr. Joel Leer as interim principal for the remainder of the school year. Leer currently works in the education department at Minnesota State University-Mankato and he was principal of Northfield High School from 2006-2022. Wilshire Park Elementary School has appointed Dr. Tom Lee, a retired teacher, school administrator and district leader, to serve as their interim principal. He served as an interim principal at St. Anthony Middle School in 2022.
MPRB opens fall youth sports registration
Have a budding athlete in the family? The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board’s fall youth sports registration is now open. Flag football, tackle football, soccer and volleyball are all available. Everyone who signs up is guaranteed team placement. Visit https://www.minneap
olisparks.org/activities-events/sports_leagues/youth_sports_leagues/ to register.
Northeast Zen Center celebrates 25 years
Compassionate Ocean Zen Center recently announced a series of events celebrating their 25th anniversary. Events include “Flowing Like a River,” an “evening of music and poetry” slated for June 20; a screening of “The Wizard of Oz” at the Heights Theater; and a gala on October 4. For more information, visit oceanzen.org.
National Night Out registration open
The City of Minneapolis has opened registration for National Night Out 2025. The annual event presents an opportunity for neighbors to mingle and build relationships. To apply for a permit, visit https://apps.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/blockeventapp/. The deadline for submissions is 5 business days before Tuesday, August 5.