News | Southwest Connector

Then and now: J.D. Fratzke. “While I won’t deny that all of those nights behind a stove helped me discover what I was capable of, what I could work through and persevere, what I wanted more than anything has never changed: As often as I’m able, I simply want to savor the life I share with those I love the most,” he said. (Photos submitted)

For most of my 30-year career as a professional (I use the term loosely) chef, it was a rare occasion for my wife, Lisa, and I to attend a social function together. Both of us worked in restaurants … more

By J.D. Fratzke, Savoring the 612 | 11/30/23

"I don't have a traditional art upbringing and did not go to school for art," said Forrest Wozniak, "but I was inclined to do art my whole life growing up."

The sign painter

The Great Depression was over long before Forrest Wozniak was born. But that time period serves as a backdrop to his career as a sign painter. Wozniak, who was born and raised in South … more

By Jan Willms | 11/30/23

Potter Bob Arnoldy is behind @potteryinthegrotto and free items in his curbside pottery grotto.

Pottery in the Grotto: Building Community

Potter Bob Arnoldy has created a treasure in Linden Hills with his curbside pottery grotto. He explains the concept of the grotto and how the community has embraced it. Q: So, tell us what pottery in … more

By Suzie Marty | 11/30/23

Homegrown talent rocks the Cedar

When I heard that Dial Tone was having an album release party at The Cedar Cultural, I was like, “What? Didn’t these kids just meet? How can they have an album already? And how can they … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 11/30/23

Dancer Performs at State Theatre

“Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy,” Minnesota Dance Theatre’s (MDT) cherished holiday tradition, returns to the State Theatre Dec. 16-23, 2023. Geneva Higgins Whiteside of … more

11/30/23

New plan for the mall includes woonerf, removal of some roadway

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is planning work at The Mall Park next year in coordination with an ongoing Met Council sewer project in the area. Metropolitan Council Environmental … more

11/30/23

Community solutions markets coming to South Minneapolis

The Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation is running community solutions with youth markets at Ella Baker School in the Lower Hill East neighborhood of Minneapolis, or the Wedge. These markets are part … more

11/30/23

City Briefs - Nov 16, 2023

New liquor licenses approved The city council approved several liquor licenses in the area. This includes the HUGE improv Theater, in a a new location at 2728 Lyndale Ave. S, that will … more

11/30/23

Neighborhood news - Nov 30, 2023

BLAISDELL Y RENOVATIONS The Blaisdell Y is excited to share that they will undergo renovations to improve member experiences. The renovations will began the week of Monday, Nov. 27 and are … more

11/30/23

Airport noise commission holds special meeting Nov. 29

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) will hold a Special meeting this week on November 29 at 10:15 A.M. at the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) … more

11/27/23

Southwest Connector launches 'Let's Connect,' a new community speaker series

Minneapolis is filled with great local people doing great things in the world. The Southwest Connector will showcase them with "Let's Connect," a new community speakers series. Every month, the … more

11/27/23

Ward 12 Council Member Andrew Johnson announces he isn’t running again.

Farewell from council member Andrew Johnson

Well friends, my time in office has come to an end. I want to thank you, the people of Ward 12, for giving me the opportunity to serve you over the past decade, and for your tremendous support along … more

11/21/23

City budget: Southwest residents weigh in

There is still time to comment on the city of Minneapolis 2024 budget before it is approved in early December. Council members will be drafting amendments this month, and their last chance … more

By Cam Gordon | 11/16/23

KingDemetrius Pendleton (left) brought in the artwork of Nedahness Rose Greene to Listen 2 Us Studio at 38th and Chicago. On display is a selection of images – Black men standing together in George Floyd Square, the headstones at Say Their Names Cemetery, a crowd during a rally – taken nearby. “To have my work that I’ve done here, it’s powerful. Because it happened here, and to be showcasing it right here, it means a lot,” Greene said.

At GFS:

Through the end of November 2023, visitors can view the photography of Nedahness Rose Greene alongside KingDemetrius Pendleton’s work at his new place, Listen 2 Us Studio (3730 Chicago Ave.). … more

By Jill Boogren | 11/16/23

Carnage the Executioner transitioning to Terrell X

Terrell Woods, who goes by the stage name of Carnage, the Executioner, took some time recently to reflect on his career as a beat box artist and rapper. The Saint Paul musician has built a … more

By Jan Willms | 11/16/23

Arnée Martin said that as a Black, queer artist that their art is for everyone, but does not tailor towards a White audience.

Guaranteed income for artists

Arnée Martin wanted 100 rejections. “The worst they can say is no,” Martin said. As an artist applying for grants and scholarships, the TikTok trend of … more

By Talia McWright | 11/16/23

How can we support our children?

In America, the avenue to achieving economic mobility is not unilaterally obtainable by every person in our society. This is a truth that is especially evident in our communities throughout … more

By Brett Buckner | 11/16/23

WACSO: Sonny’s ice cream

Sonny’s ice cream should absolutely be on every list of best patios in the city… and they serve wine. more

11/16/23

Issues at uptown transit station

Having access to safe, reliable, and clean public transit is crucial for so many Ward 10 residents and visitors. Multiple deep societal crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the housing and opioid … more

Minneapolis Council By Aisha Chughtai | 11/16/23

John Wilson lives in south Minneapolis and pays attention to transit issues.

Service changes coming in December

The next Metro Transit service change is in effect Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. Changes that affect the Southwest Connector readership area are: • Routes 17 and 25 will have minor schedule changes … more

By John Wilson | 11/16/23