Minnetonka Fire Department celebrated firefighters at an awards banquet, with six receiving Shared Values Awards for their contributions, dedication, and embodying the goals of city employees in public service.

Retired Fire Chief John Vance was honored as Minnetonka's Firefighter of the Year at the annual awards banquet, receiving the Chief Kenny Johnson Award for his dedication and leadership.

Minneapolis is seeking local businesses to provide internships for its Step Up program to fill nearly 400 open positions for trained youth. Mayor Frey and the Chamber of Commerce CEO endorse the program's value in creating a skilled future workforce.

City Minneapolis sets a garden tool swap event for May 11 at seven parks, encouraging the community to exchange gardening tools at no cost, with a focus on sustainable practices and fostering community spirit.

The Blaine Police Department reaffirms its commitment to fight sexual violence during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, advocating for awareness, victim support, and assailant accountability.

Mankato seeks Seasonal Facilities Recreation Workers for park maintenance and event support, offering community work experience to those 16+ with customer service skills. Applications are open until April 28.

Bloomington police engaged with students at a college event, finding humor when a Jon Bon Jovi lookalike and others didn’t recognize the rock star, highlighting a generational culture gap.

The AASD and DSD eliminated outdated forms to improve operations, are offering training webinars for providers, and released an online Elderly Waiver course.

Minnetonka's 'Step to it! Challenge' is a free four-week activity program designed to encourage community fitness, with participants logging exercise to win prizes.

Village Bank in Blaine has been named "SBA 504 Lending Partner of the Year" for 2023 by the CMDC for its success in helping small businesses through the SBA 504 loan program.

Mayor Jeff Wosje of Plymouth will host a 'Walk with the Mayor' event on May 1 to promote community bonding and fitness as part of the Step to It Challenge.

Minnetonka introduces an organic recycling program and a new law requires all residents to pay for it. The city also plans a hazardous waste collection event and a reuse swap to promote sustainability.

Minneapolis is offering $50,000 per event for organizers to run two major Open Streets festivities on Central Avenue Northeast and Franklin Avenue in 2024, with a May 10 deadline for proposals.