Apple Valley residents are urged to check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and use approved extension cords for holiday decorations, while maintaining clear escape routes.

Maple Grove and CROSS Services are holding the Toys for CROSS drive, urging locals to donate toys and gift cards for children and teens. Donations are accepted at various city locations and through CROSS's Amazon toy list until December 19, 2024.

A University of Minnesota family therapist, Tai Mendenhall, provides advice on managing holiday stress by planning ahead, simplifying traditions, maintaining healthy habits, and setting boundaries.

Wright County seeks applicants for the Great River Regional Library Board of Trustees, with duties including policy adoption, financial oversight, and strategic planning, starting January 2025.

Plymouth is ready for winter with snow emergency protocols; 2-inch snowfall triggers citywide plowing and a parking ban enforced from 2-5 a.m. Plow progress can be tracked online, and residents must clear hydrants and mailboxes.

Mankato, Minnesota's city offices will close for Thanksgiving on Nov 28-29, affecting garbage collection and bus schedules. Residents can find more details on the city's website.

The Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park is a Certified Net-Zero Energy building focusing on sustainability and environmental education, featuring a passive solar strategy and self-guided tours highlighting its green features.

The Bloomington City Council will discuss the Safe Routes to School Improvement Project on December 2, 2024, focusing on the area around Valley View Schools.

Minneapolis faces a stretch of cloudy skies with chilly temps and possible snow as Thanksgiving nears. Weekend will see highs of 37-38°F with calm winds, while early next week might bring a 20% chance of snow and brisk winds.

Zebra mussels in Minnesota lakes have been linked to increased mercury in fish such as walleye and yellow perch, according to a study involving the University of Minnesota and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Manuel Garcia of Aurora, IL, redirected his life from addiction and crime to a career in cement finishing with the Minnesota DEED and MnDOT’s training programs.

Police seek public help in identifying a suspect grabbing women on a trail in St. Louis Park using an electric scooter. The Black male suspect is described as about 5'7" with a thin build, in his late teens to early twenties.

Minneapolis parks offer festive activities, including family nights, pottery sales, and scavenger hunts, with special events for seniors and holiday camps for kids during school closures.