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Historic Minneapolis library to reopen after renovations
Named after a 19th century civil rights advocate and abolitionist, Sumner Library has served the community since 1915.
MINNEAPOLIS — A north Minneapolis library listed on the National Register of Historic Places is set to reopen next week after undergoing a nearly $7 million renovation.
Named after Charles Sumner, a 19th century civil rights advocate and abolitionist, Sumner Library has served the community since 1915. It closed its doors on Oct 7, 2023, for renovations.
Hennepin County Library Director Scott Duimstra said he is looking forward to the reopening. While some upgrades were made to the library, Duimstra noted that the building’s original framework and historic details have been preserved.
“When you walk through, you have these historic-looking wood bookshelves throughout the space. As a bibliophile, a lover of libraries, it just brings joy to my eyes when I see furniture like that,” Duimstra said.
The $6.9 million renovation, funded by taxpayer dollars, has brought various updates to the facility, including a new youth and teen space, larger and more flexible study areas, a dedicated wing for adults and new electrical and HVAC systems.
Summer Mattson, who teaches at an early childhood development center across the street, said she’s eager to bring her students back once the library reopens. “We do not have a library in our school, so the kids and I walk down here and they check out books and look at everything. We talk about the building itself and the kids love it,” Mattson said.
She is looking forward to bringing her class to the library next week. “I already talked to my kids about it, so they know what’s going on and they’re looking forward to it.”
The library’s doors will officially reopen on Tuesday, November 19. To mark the occasion, a public celebration is planned for Sunday, Nov 24.
This year’s 5k at U.S. Bank Stadium is set for Sunday, Nov. 24.
MINNEAPOLIS — Did you know nearly 300,000 kids and teens live with arthritis in the U.S.?
An annual event in the Twin Cities raises awareness and money for children with arthritis.
This year’s 5k Jingle Bell Run at U.S. Bank Stadium is set for Sunday, Nov. 24.
Arthritis Foundation honorees, Calvin Gerber and Rod Van Hoof joined KARE 11 News at 4 to discuss the upcoming event.
The owners argue that the city’s failure to address deterioration and crime in the neighborhood has ruined their businesses. They are asking for $30M in damages.
MINNEAPOLIS — Several business owners at the struggling corner where George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020 are suing the city to demand it take over their properties and compensate them.
The owners of the Cup Foods convenience store and other businesses operating near 38th Street and Chicago Avenue argue that the city’s failure to address deterioration and crime in the neighborhood has ruined their businesses and constitutes an unlawful taking of their property without just compensation, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported Thursday. They’re seeking $30 million in damages.
The area, now known as George Floyd Square, has become a place of pilgrimage for social justice supporters from across the country, and the store has renamed itself Unity Foods. But business owners say they haven’t benefitted, while activists and officials remain divided over how to transform the intersection while keeping it as a permanent memorial.
Floyd died after a white officer pinned his neck to the pavement outside Cup Foods for 9 1/2 minutes despite the Black man’s pleas of “I can’t breathe.” The ensuing protests, which turned violent at times, tested the leadership of Gov. Tim Walz at one of the state’s most consequential moments, and sparking a nationwide reckoning over racism and police misconduct. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was convicted of murder.
The legal action, filed last week in Hennepin County District Court, argues that the businesses have lost revenue, real estate value, reputation, and tenant and rental income. It argues that the city’s decisions led to higher crime and created a “no go zone” for police in the area. It replaces an earlier lawsuit by the businesses that was dismissed two months ago.
Michael Healey, the lawyer representing the businesses, told the Star Tribune there are two possible outcomes. The businesses “could conceivably keep the property if a settlement is reached with the city on the diminished value,” he said. The other possibility is that the city could begin the process of taking the properties and compensating the owners.
A city spokesperson said in a statement that while it can’t comment on pending litigation, the city “understands the challenges that residents and businesses have confronted in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.“
The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) says Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. employed at least 11 children ages 14-17 at its St. James plant.
ST JAMES, Minn. — A national meatpacking company will pay a fine of $2 million for alleged child labor violations at its plant in St. James, Minn.
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) announced the consent order signed by Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp., on Nov. 13, which includes the largest penalty ever recovered by the agency.
DLI conducted an investigation that covered two years between April 13, 2021, and April 13, 2023. Investigators allege that Smithfield employed at least 11 children between the ages of 14 and 17 at the St. James plant during that time, three who started working for the company when they were 14.
Among the other violations cited by DLI:
- Smithfield allowed nine of the 11 minor children to work after the hours allowed by state law – after 9 p.m. for those under 16 years old and after 11 p.m. before a school day for those 16 or 17 years old.
- All 11 minor children performed hazardous work for Smithfield, including working near chemicals or other hazardous substances, operating power-driven machinery (meat grinders, slicers and power-driven conveyor belts), and operating nonautomatic elevators, lifts or hoisting machines, including motorized pallet jacks and lift pallet jacks.
“It is unacceptable for a company to employ minor children to perform hazardous work late at night. This illegal behavior impacts children’s health, safety and well-being and their ability to focus on their education and their future,” said DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach.
“DLI’s resolution with Smithfield sends a strong message to employers, including in the meat processing industry, that child labor violations will not be tolerated in Minnesota.”
While agreeing to the $2 million fine, Smithfield made clear in the consent order documents that the company disputes the allegations by DLI and denies violating Minnesota child labor laws.
Along with the fine, the consent order requires Smithfield to conduct industry outreach related to child labor compliance, require child labor compliance from its staffing agencies and sanitation contractors, and take other steps to ensure future child labor compliance.
To submit a child labor complaint or to ask questions about child labor restrictions and requirements, contact DLI’s Labor Standards Division by calling 651-284-5075 or via email.
