Minneapolis, MN
Veterans restore headstones at Minneapolis’ oldest cemetery
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery in the Phillips neighborhood is so old, it even pre-dates Minnesota’s statehood.
“We’re here because they were here, and I think that’s really important,” said Sue Hunter Weir, Chair for Friends of the Cemetery.
On the grounds are 22,000 unmarked graves. The few with headstones date back to the 1860s.
“Just over 200 veterans were laid to rest here,” Weir said. “Including roughly 180 Civil War soldiers and four from the War of 1812.”
Veteran headstones were the focus Saturday. Wounded Warrior Project invited veterans to help restore the headstones of those who served. The veterans went to work, using a chemical solution known as D/2 to help clear off the lichen that’s built-up over time.
“It’s a fun activity. It’s very contemplative and people tend to become very curious about who it is they’re cleaning up,” said Weir.
Among those lending a hand is Air Force veteran Kristie Keppel, who said activities like this give her a sense of purpose.
“I think nowadays, people need to know that they are needed and they can donate some of their time to a worthy cause like this,” said Keppel.
It’s all in an effort to restore history, while paying respect to Minnesota’s storied past.
“It feels like you’re respecting somebody who maybe who hasn’t gotten the care and attention that they’ve needed for awhile,” said Weir.
Minneapolis leaders are divided over whether to keep paying for ShotSpotter as the city weighs a new contract for the gunfire detection system.
A public hearing at City Hall focused on the technology as Minneapolis negotiates a new contract with SoundThinking, the company that provides ShotSpotter. Deputy Chief of Investigations Travis Riddle told the council the system supports gun violence strategies and can alert police no later than 60 seconds after shots are fired.
Critics at the hearing said the technology is not proven enough and argued the money could be spent in other ways. The proposed deal would cost $3.7 million through 2029 and would expand ShotSpotter into new areas of Minneapolis.
“We have actually had a contract with SoundThinking for their ShotSpotter services since 2014, and even with this technology for over 12 years now, MPD’s solve rates for homicides and non-fatal shootings were some of the worst in the country,” Council member Robin Wonsley said.
Council members pushed back on the long-term proposal and said they want a one-year deal instead. Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw disagreed with concerns raised by her colleague during the debate.
“In my opinion, and in folks I’ve heard from the North Side who have shown up here time and time again to say that we want this technology, we believe that ShotSpotter is a tool that the police use to save lives,” LaTrisha Vetaw said
City Council is set to take up the issue again on June 17. Minneapolis police are expected to return with a one-year contract instead of the three-year contract brought forward at the hearing.
Premiere vocal ensemble, Cantus is bringing the songs of Dolly Parton to the stage with fresh interpretations. The show will cover her classics like “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Cantus Presents, COVERS: Dolly & Friends runs through June 7th at the Luminary Arts Center at 700 N 1st St. in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis police are investigating a hit-and-run that left a man seriously injured Tuesday afternoon.
The crash happened near Oliver Avenue North and Lowry Avenue North just before 2 p.m., according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
Investigators say an SUV struck another vehicle, which then collided with a motorcyclist. The driver of the SUV then fled the scene.
The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. Police say the driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday night.
-
Los Angeles, Ca31 minutes agoMan claiming to be armed robs Culver City bank, gets away with $10,000
-
Detroit, MI51 minutes agoFired Detroit TV anchor Taryn Asher files sex discrimination lawsuit against old station, claims new GM protected men
-
San Francisco, CA1 hour agoSan Francisco family devastated as they face nearly 90% rent increase
-
Dallas, TX1 hour agoWings’ top pick Azzi Fudd hosts clinic as Cash App donates to Dallas nonprofit
-
Miami, FL1 hour agoPatients left scrambling for care after Miami-Dade woman accused of operating an unlicensed surgery recovery center
-
Boston, MA1 hour agoClover plans to reopen some locations after sudden closure, thanks to an anonymous investor
-
Denver, CO1 hour agoNew report finds Denver metro home buyers and sellers experiencing ‘unattainability fatigue’
-
Seattle, WA1 hour agoSeattle mayor grilled over public safety, affordability, CCTV
