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When will I-494 construction be finished?
Construction on I-494 started last spring, and it still has a way to go before completion.
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — I-494 is an important path for many motorists, but with construction now in its second year of causing congestion and slowdowns, drivers are probably wondering when the work will be wrapping up.
Construction on the $377 million project started in the spring of 2023, going from East Bush Lake Road to Highway 77 in Bloomington, by the airport and Mall of America. Immediately east of that roadwork is the $62 million Minnesota River bridge project, happening in Bloomington, Eagan and Mendota Heights.
MnDOT is constructing E-ZPass lanes on I-494 from Highway 100 to I-35W in both directions. Crews are also adding a new ramp at the I-35W and I-494 interchange. Bridges at Portland Avenue, Nicollet Avenue, and 12th Avenue will be replaced, and MnDOT says a new pedestrian bridge is being added at Chicago Avenue.
So when will it all be complete? According to MnDOT, the construction in Bloomington is scheduled to be done in the fall of 2026. Construction on the Minnesota River Bridge portion should be done a little earlier in the summer of 2026.
MnDOT says the E-ZPass lanes and new ramp should address traffic congestion on the interstate, and new bridges at Portland, Nicollet and 12th will be wider and better able to accommodate traffic. Plans are also in the works for building noise and retaining walls, replacing lighting and signage, and repairing bridges at France and Penn Avenues.
As for I-494 over the Minnesota River, MnDOT says the 43-year-old bridge is in need of “major repairs” and once work is done, travelers will “enjoy a smoother safer road.”
Anoka County prosecutors say 26-year-old Kyle Anthony Pekula showed a group of children his genitals at a park in Blaine.
BLAINE, Minn. — A youth gymnastics coach is charged with criminal sexual conduct after police claim he exposed and rubbed his genitals in front of children at a park in Blaine.
Prosecutors detail the charges against 26-year-old Kyle Anthony Pekula in a criminal complaint filed in Anoka County District Court this week.
Blaine police officers were dispatched to Carrara West Park at 1495 132nd Ave. NE just before 5 p.m. on Sept. 20 on reports of a man exposing himself. The mother of a 12-year-old boy told police that a man – later identified as Kyle Pekula – walked up to a picnic table where a number of children were, sat down and began talking to them.
During the conversation, the boy told police Pekula took his genitals out of his shorts and began rubbing himself with a Cheeto and then placed the food on the table.
At one point, the witness said, Pekula invited the children to attend his gymnastics class if they got permission from their parents, and proceeded to walk towards Jam Hops Gymnastics studio. Police went to the studio and met with Pekula, who matched the witness description.
The criminal complaint says Pekula admitted to being at the park and talking with children but denied exposing himself. Police then collected his clothing and found orange coloring like the kind used on Cheetos inside the defendant’s boxer shorts, the complaint stated.
Brenda Nolby, President of Jam Hops Gymnastics Studio, sent a message home to families informing them of Pekula’s arrest, and saying the coach had been fired and barred from entering the facility or making contact with students.
“This incident is deeply troubling. We know this has shaken trust and created concerns among parents and the community, and we are heartbroken this happened. Jam Hops was founded on a passion not only for gymnastics and dance, but also for inspiring kids to be life champions,” the statement read.
Nolby said Jam Hops is cooperating with Blaine police on the investigation and has reported the incident to SafeSport, the safety governing body that oversees gymnastics. She also told parents that Pekula was subject to a background check, which the studio does every two years.
Fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison and a $3,000 fine.
Cesar Jeff Cervantes-Montoya pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2022 incident, which left his 68-year-old neighbor dead.
ELKO NEW MARKET, Minn. — An Elko New Market man will spend more than 26 years behind bars after being sentenced for an altercation that led to the death of his neighbor.
Scott County law enforcement officials say 27-year-old Cesar Jeff Cervantes-Montoya received a 40-year sentence for stabbing his 68-year-old neighbor in January 2022.
Minnesota law calls for a convicted person to serve at least two-thirds of their sentence, which in Cervantes-Montoya’s case is 26.5 years.
Elko New Market police were dispatched to a residence on Main Street the morning of Jan. 5 after Cervantes-Montoya called 911 and told dispatchers he had struck his neighbor with a hammer. Law enforcement arrived and found the victim lying at the bottom of the stairs suffering from severe head trauma.
“Our office is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all residents of Scott County,” said Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar. “We will continue to prosecute cases of violent crime to the fullest extent of the law. The outcome of this case should serve as a reminder that we will not tolerate acts of violence in our communities.”
The ball will take place at the JW Marriott at the Mall of America.
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Urban League Twin Cities is offering a chance to connect with local leaders, support a good cause and get dressed up fancy – a Unity Ball.
The time-honored community group advocates for African descendants to access employment, education and wealth accumulation opportunities in the area.
As for the ball, the event will be held at the JW Marriott at the Mall of America in Bloomington. Proceeds will go to fund the Urban League’s programs and advocacy.
Tickets are $250 and can be purchased at this link. For those interested in sponsoring the event, there are a variety of donation options ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.
As of Sept. 27, the Unity Ball had raised $19,600.
