Minneapolis, MN
Growing encampment in South Minneapolis prompts safety concerns
Welna Hardware is a family business with deep roots in South Minneapolis.
“We’ve been on the block for seventy years,” owner Mark Welna says.
But he explains he has concerns about a new neighbor.
“We have another encampment in the old Super America parking lot,” Welna notes. “It’s just been very tough on the neighborhood.”
He says about three weeks ago, a couple of tents began appearing just across the street, at East 25th Street and Bloomington Avenue.
The encampment is now much bigger — and Welna says it’s having an impact.
“The shoplifting at the store, the panhandling, people afraid to come across Lake Street and shop at our store,” he declares. “On a daily basis, we’ve had people coming in and out that we’ve had to kick out that have been from the encampment.”
Welna, who has tenants living in a building next to the encampment, says some of them have moved out because of safety concerns.
“It’s really unsafe, and we really need something done,” says Angel Roa. “This is getting worse every time.”
Roa, a longtime employee at the store, has lived in the building since 1992.
He showed us hypodermic needles littering an alley behind his apartment — and part of a cardboard box used as an outdoor restroom.
Roa says the needles began appearing when the encampment went up.
He adds his 80-year-old mother, visiting from Puerto Rico, is afraid to leave the building.
“Every time we have to open the door, there’s people blocking the door using heroin and all kinds of drugs,” Roa says. “You see young people doing the heroin and stuff right in your face. It is sad.”
Welna says he believes police are doing what they can — there is an MPD security camera right next to the encampment.
“I feel bad that people feel like that, I don’t like it that people are scared or in fear, but I doubt that’s happening,” declares Nicole Nalewaja.
A 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS crew tried to speak with people in the encampment but were asked to leave.
But Nalewaja — who says she has friends and family there, agreed to be interviewed.
“We started in tents, teepees, and wigwams, whatever, right?” she says. “So, it’s like a community, we’re like a family, right, so why is that a bad thing?”
Nalewaja disputes that encampment residents have done any shoplifting at Welna’s store — and says there were drug issues in the area long before the encampment arrived.
She argues that people have a right to live there.
“We don’t want to live in houses, some people don’t want to live in houses, they want to live like we used to live,” Nalewaja declares. “So, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.”
City Council member Jason Chavez, who represents the area, released a statement Saturday, which says in part:
“People are going to live outside until we have enough public health infrastructure to meet their needs. If we don’t have adequate shelter space that’s effective for people and they have nowhere to go, they will be living outside in the community.”
Chavez says the city recently lost a total of one-hundred-thirty shelter beds, run by two different programs, despite a search for resources by Agate, a Minneapolis housing and services non-profit.
He says he’s also reached out to city staff to see how to address issues like more “proactively cleaning up the neighborhood and cleaning up the needles.”
On Monday, Ward 8 Council Member Andrea Jenkins is hosting a meeting to discuss the city’s unhoused community and encampment issues.
Chavez says the City Council will hold a public hearing on September 11th to discuss one of four ordinances designed to address homelessness in the city.
Still — Roa says he’s worried about the future.
“Ten years from now, what’s my neighborhood going to be?” he asks. “I work here, I go to church here, I go to the bars here, my grocery store is a few blocks away. This has been my life for over thirty years.”
Welna — who’s planning to sell the store to his children to keep the business in the family, hopes there will be a path to move forward.
“It’s very, very sad. I’m kind of at my wit’s end about this situation,” he says. “But I would hate to close down the store because of crime. That’s the part that really, it tugs at my heart.”
Minneapolis, MN
Between Minneapolis And Madison Is A Scenic Midwest River City With Camping, Tasty Eats, And Outdoor Fun – Islands
If you’re looking for a small Midwestern city that offers abundant outdoor access, camping, and delicious cuisine, you’ll want to zoom in on the scenic riverfront hub of New Lisbon, Wisconsin. Though New Lisbon’s population is only around 2,500, it punches above its weight when it comes to things to do (and eat), and makes for an ideal summertime tourist destination for anyone eager to spend time in proximity to nature. Here, you’re near the Lemonweir River and Castle Rock Lake, and have easy access to numerous state parks and wildlife conservation areas.
This idyllic city is conveniently accessible for city dwellers looking for a break from urban life. If you’re driving to New Lisbon, it’s under 90 minutes from Madison and about three hours from Minneapolis, Minnesota. If you’re flying, the closest commercial airport is La Crosse Regional Airport, about an hour away from New Lisbon, which provides connections to various domestic locations.
Once you arrive, book one of the 50 campsites at New Lisbon Riverside Park Campground, many of which (as the name suggests) face the picturesque Lemonweir River. Don’t forget to pack some durable, packable, must-have camping chairs so you can comfortably enjoy the view. Here, you’ll find both tent and RV camping areas, and amenities including a boat ramp, pavilion, and a busy calendar of events and activities. While visitors appreciate the views, amenities, affordability, and friendly vibes from staff and fellow campers, just know that this isn’t the quietest campground, as birdsong and noise from the nearby highway can carry — so if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs.
Enjoy delicious cuisine in New Lisbon
For a small city, there’s no shortage of good food in New Lisbon. For delicious fare in a welcoming setting, head to the highly-rated eatery Corner Kitchen, which describes itself as “your hometown diner.” Here, you’ll find local ingredients, food made from scratch, and a slice of local flavor. Originally named the Corner Cafe, this establishment has been a staple in the New Lisbon area for generations. Under the ownership of Jena Southworth, a lifelong New Lisbon resident, this cornerstone bistro has been given a fresh update — now serving dinner and cocktails in addition to breakfast and lunch — but remains true to its history as a gathering spot in the community. Don’t miss the mouthwatering weekly specials, which include Tuesday tacos and a Friday fish fry, among other delights.
For easygoing and yummy Sunday brunch vibes (even if it’s not actually Sunday), grab a table at Oscar’s Bar & Grill. Country-cooking classics are the name of the game at this restaurant, which visitors describe as fun and friendly. Opt for steak and eggs (sourced locally from Wisconsin River Meats in nearby Mauston) if you’re hungry and looking for protein. Or go for pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and other perennial American favorites — or branch out with a breakfast burrito, avocado toast, or even a breakfast burger.
And for outdoor dining with a view, look no further than family-owned Pine Cove Lakefront Resort and Bar, which is situated just a 12-minute drive outside of town, right on the shores of Castle Rock Lake. Snag a table on the lake-facing deck and order a tasty smash burger: a house specialty. Check the restaurant’s website or Facebook page to stay in the loop on their frequent live music performances, comedy nights, karaoke, and other events.
Have some outdoor fun
A unique way to experience the stunning scenery and spend time in the great outdoors in and around New Lisbon is to book an ATV tour with Adrenaline Rush Sports. Don’t be scared off by the name: while this is a thrilling activity, you’re in safe hands here, as all tours come with an experienced guide who will supervise to ensure you’re following safety protocols and staying on the designated trails. Know before you go: to drive an ATV, you must 18 or older (teens aged 16 and older are permitted to drive as long as a guardian is also present), and kids must be five and up to ride in one. If you’re traveling as a family or in a group, a great option is to book a private tour for two to four hours. Or join in on an ATV loop that leads to a rollicking trail ride near Castle Rock Lake on scenic trails ringed with pines and wildlife.
For a day of fun out on the lake, you can rent vessels of all sorts from Castle Rock Lake Watersports, headquartered in neighboring Mauston. Go paddling on single or double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or canoes to explore the lake that New Lisbon overlooks. Or, rent a pontoon (by the day or by the week) to kick back and relax with your group (maximum capacity is 13 people).
Pack up a picnic and some drinks in this stylish backpack cooler you can find at Costco for just $20, and get ready for a day of lake fun. No matter what aquatic activity you choose to partake in, one thing is for certain: this scenic lake escape is well worth exploring during your time in New Lisbon.
The man known as Billy Sushi is hosting four youth hockey players and two coaches 6,000 miles from home.
The popular Minneapolis restaurateur was visiting his home country, Mongolia, when he saw something that reminded him of his current home.
“Driving through this tiny mining town and I saw this old Soviet Union era hockey rink,” he said. “So, I go over and I saw there was a couple people hanging around. I said, ‘You guys play hockey?’ and they said, ‘Yeah, we do play hockey.’ And I’m like, ‘Show me!’”
That was the start.
“Minnesota is so crazy. It’s good,” said 13-year-old Gerelt Dulguun, who they affectionately call “G-Man.”
The outdoor rinks in Baganuur, Mongolia, are only open three months a year, so this trip to the State of Hockey is a hockey culture shock.
“They come out, they’re skating, they are like ‘Oh my god this is so flat, so clean!’” said Billy, on the first time the kids, ranging from ages 15 to 13, stepped on a Minnesota sheet of ice. “They come back and they’re like, ‘I can go fast,’”
The players have been practicing and playing tournaments with the local Pro Hybrid development program.
“Their passion is they’re looking to learn the game and see what it is here in our communities, where hockey is such a big part of the fabric of our communities here, and getting a chance to showcase that has been awesome,” said coach Brendan Cook.
The players have been practicing twice a day. They even took third place at a tournament held at Minnetonka High School.
When the Wild were still in the NHL playoffs. They got to meet Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy at Grand Casino Arena and watch a playoff game.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A man is dead after an overnight shooting in Minneapolis’ Bryant neighborhood.
What we know:
Minneapolis police responded just after midnight to the area of East 41st Street and Columbus Avenue South for the report of multiple shots fired.
At the scene, they found a man in the street with gunshot wounds. Officials say officers moved the injured man to 42nd and Columbus to provide medical aid but say the man was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.
What we don’t know:
Investigators are now working to piece together what led up to the shooting. No one has been arrested for the death.
What you can do:
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.CrimeStoppersMN.org.
-
Sports4 minutes agoEx-MLB star Wander Franco granted judicial pardon despite being found guilty of sexual assault
-
World15 minutes agoRussia slams US for not granting visa to diplomat for UN meeting
-
News45 minutes agoTrump-backed redistricting plan is rejected in the South Carolina Legislature
-
New York2 hours agoHow a Family of 4 Lives on $225,000 a Year in Washington Heights
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoKoreatown apartment fires spark within minutes of each other, injuring 1
-
Detroit, MI3 hours agoTeen Charged As Adult In Detroit Shooting That Injured 14-Year-Old: Prosecutor
-
San Francisco, CA3 hours agoThis Week: S.F. management, Board Meeting, Pride Bike – Streetsblog San Francisco
-
Dallas, TX3 hours ago
Mailbag: Impact of Lawrence not signing yet?
