Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

Library services are limited at Hennepin County Libraries, but they are open to visits. East Lake Library Supervisor Sarah Connolly answers questions and helps folks find materials. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

The East Lake Library has reopened.The library had been closed since fires and unrest tore through the neighborhood during the last week of May 2020. Prior to that, the library had only been open for … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/27/21

Nokomis Tattoo owner Mike Welch (left) is joined by Ward 11 Council member Jeremy Schroeder, Nokomis Surplus owner Raul Morales, and Grande Sunrise Restaurant owners Javier (front) and Roberto Grande to launch the bilingual Little Free Library on Jan. 20, 2021. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Free bilingual books

Get a book in Spanish or English at the Little Free Library in front of Nokomis Tattoo (4933 S. 34th Ave.). It is now bilingual.Through an informal partnership with other local business owners, … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 1/27/21

Local pharmacist and Longfellow resident Joel Albers is working on a five-part Virtual Community Tour of the George Floyd Uprising. The films can be viewed by Googling his name on Youtube, followed by “George Floyd Uprising.”

Documenting past to inform future

Longfellow resident Joel Albers is compiling a Virtual Community Tour of the George Floyd Uprising that rocked the world last May. The first two installments can be watched on YouTube, along with a … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/27/21

Northeast Minneapolis artwork on display at airport

Travelers spending time at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport will enjoy viewing art by hundreds of Northeast Minneapolis Arts District-based artists. Part of the Airport … more

1/27/21

LEGENDARY AL MIGROM

The whirlwind life of legendary film enthusiast, professor, writer, photographer, filmmaker, and founder of the University Film Society ended Dec. 20, 2021 when Al Milgrom, 98, succumbed to a … more

By JAN WILLMS | 1/27/21

Floyd Williams' father was the first Black police officer in the Metropolitan Airports Commissioner, where he worked from 1968-98. (Photo by Jan Willms)

Origin of Racism

Floyd Williams describes himself as a student of life, a revolutionary on many different levels: mentally, spiritually and socially. “I am definitely a person who is about my roots, and … more

By JAN WILLMS | 1/2/21

The Creative Enterprise Zone’s new executive director is Nokomis resident Angela Casselton. The 18 murals that now grace the mostly industrial spaces of the CEZ are a great way to experience art, especially during the pandemic when museums are closed. View the map of where they are located on the CEZ website at www.creativeenterprisezone.org. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Creative Enterprise Zone hires new executive director

Nokomis resident Angela Casselton was recently named executive director of the Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ), a non-profit organization that attracts and supports creatives … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/1/21

Selma Petterson in the FastFest show. (Photo submitted)

Lost ‘n’ Found Theater goes digital

It’s no secret that Covid-19 has kept local theaters and audiences away from one another with no return in sight. Two weeks into the pandemic, Classics Lost ‘n’ Found Theater … more

10/30/20

'Nightwatchers:' New mystery novel by local author Vincent Wyckoff coming in September

Catch former Nokomis mail carrier Vincent Wyckoff talking about his new book during a virtual interview on Saturday, Sept. 19, noon to 1 p.m. It is hosted by Once Upon a Crime. Signed … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 8/28/20

Lola’s Superpower: Book by Nokomis resident features resilience of girl who loses a leg – echoing her own life after amputation at age six

Leslie Pitt’s life changed forever on the first day of summer vacation when she was six years old. After playing with her best friend, she hopped onto her bike for a short ride but … more

By Elena Vaughn | 8/28/20

Community healing mural is first to go up at George Floyd Memorial site on Chicago and 38th Ave.

When artist and community activist Christopheraaron Deanes heard about George Floyd’s death, he went right to 38th St. and Chicago Ave. – but he didn’t show up empty handed. He came … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 6/30/20

Art heals the soul

When artist and community activist Christopheraaron … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 6/27/20

Songs for Singing’

“Keep that Hope Machine running strong,” urge The Okee Dokee … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 5/26/20

Family bonds over games

The Bodkin family at play. (Photo submitted) Standish resident Joel Bodkin has loved fish since he was three and won a goldfish at the state fair. That combined with a love of making things … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 5/26/20

Games, music & art >> Connect

Kristi Anderson, at right holding Barney, appreciates seeing her neighbors at least once a day from a distance while they come together to sing. With her, from left to right, … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 5/4/20

Five years of trash transformed into art

Artist Sean Connaughty (at left) worked with Healing Place Collaborative and several dedicated community members and organizations to create a comprehensive exhibit of Lake Hiawatha, a critical … more

12/1/19

Summer reading: new novels by local authors

By JILL BOOGREN Girl Gone Missing Marcie R. Rendon Cash Blackbear is back in Marcie R. Rendon’s second crime novel, “Girl Gone Missing.” Still driving trucks and running pool tables for money, … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 8/11/19