Excelsior City Council: Banners, Snow Removal, Fire Lanes, New Bandshell

The Excelsior City Council meeting on October 3 brought in a large audience to discuss several important issues.

Congressman Paulsen Focused on Bringing Down Barriers for Small Businesses

Erik Paulsen visited several innovative Minnesota small businesses last week.

City Briefs: Hockey and Streetlights in Excelsior

Highlights from this week's Excelsior City Council meeting.

Hennepin County Passes 1 Percent Levy Increase

The Hennepin County Board approved a maximum property tax levy of $676.1 million for 2012.

Paulsen Post: 9/11, School Bill and Medical Device Tax

Congressman Erik Paulsen is back in Washington following Congress' summer recess.

Ten Tips To Make Your Voice Heard in Public Meetings

Have an idea for a letter to the editor or guest column? Write to jay.corn@patch.com.

City Antes up for New Fence in Northern Wayzata

A majority of residents on Rosswood Lane and Harmony Circle signed a petition asking the City of Wayzata for a new privacy fence.

No New Cell Phone Towers in Wayzata (For Now)

Everyone uses them, but city leaders are wrestling with where to put them.

TONIGHT: Congressman Paulsen Plans Listening Session in Mound

Event is open to the public and begins at 7 p.m.

Bailed Out Bank Receives Another $6 Million in Federal Funds

McLeod Bancshares, Inc. will use new round of federal cash to pay off TARP debt. But will lending increase?

Doepke Schedules Meet and Greet at State Fair

Your chance to talk with law makers about issues and policies important to you.

Citizens Say Keeping Cities Together is Key in Redrawing District Lines

Draw the Line Minnesota asks citizens for their input as they begin drawing maps.

Republican Fundraiser: On The Outside Looking In

Wanted: One invitation to join Bachmann and Boehner at Spring Hill Golf Club.

(VIDEO) State Sen. Gen Olson Talks Education on Capitol Report

Lake Minnetonka's state senator says $50 per student increase each year will "buffer negative impacts" of school funding payment schedule.

With State Budget Now in Place, DNR Returns to Work

Facilities across the state begin reopening. Is your favorite ready for use?

Shutdown Update: News from Around the State and Nation

Patch provides a one-stop shop for shutdown-related news from various outlets.

Done Deal: Shutdown Ends as Ink Dries on New State Budget

Rep. Connie Doepke spoke with Patch Tuesday evening about the budget deals and the government shutdown.

Legislature Called into Special Session

Governor reconvenes law makers as progress reported on major spending bills.

Special Session to End Shutdown Could Begin Today

Governor says State Capitol complex will be open to the public this morning.

Shutdown Update: Progress Reported on Key Spending Bill

Special Session won't be called on Monday, but law makers could be voting on bills this week.

Still No Ink on Key Education, Health and Human Services Bills

Nearly four days after tentative deal was reached to end state shutdown, negotiations continue on key spending bills.

Budget Deal Ends Shutdown

Governor reluctantly agrees to not raise taxes on top earners.

DEAL!

Budget deal reached Thursday ends shutdown.

Excelsior City Manager Selected as Finalist for Hopkins Position

Kristi Luger has worked for the City of Excelsior for three years.

No End in Sight to Shutdown

Governor tours state; lights on bill finds little traction.

Governor Poised to Tour State as GOP Calls for Lights on Bill

Talks slow as shutdown pushes into second week.

Local Childcare Providers Strained by Shutdown

A lingering impasse could have deep consequences.

Shutdown Update: Judge Rules on Petitions

Since June 30, more than 50 organizations have petitioned for funding and as of July 8, nine have received an answer.

Is State Shutdown Impacting You?

Patch wants to hear how you are being affected.

Met Council: Businesses Must Step Up To Stave Off Transit Cuts

While Twin Cities residents demanded consideration for the poor and disabled, council prepares for a worst-case scenario.

Committee's 'Third Solution' Centers on Across-the-Board Tax Hike

The proposed recommendations from the independent panel of Republicans, Democrats and policy experts who came together to solve Minnesota’s budget impasse has been released.

Local Metro Transit Riders React to Proposed Bus Route Cuts

Lake Minnetonka could lose public bus service under a proposed series of drastic cuts.

Lake Minnetonka Could Lose Public Transit Routes

The state's latest budget proposal would significantly impact the Met Council.

Documents: Still No Budget Deal as GOP Balks at Cigarette Tax

Republican law makers say progress is actually moving backwards.

Governor, GOP Resume Talks as Shutdown Drags Through Day Six

Negotiations resume today as state begins to feel shutdown's ripple effect.

State Likely to Continue Funding Counties During Shutdown

Hennepin County Board of Commissioners met Wednesday to discuss shutdown's potential impacts on funding.

Shutdown Won't Affect Local Boy's Care

There is no risk that the PCA program will close or that Andy Combs' care will be in jeopardy.

Update: Committee Tasked With Finding 'Third Solution' to Budget Crisis

After a holiday break, negotiations could resume today.

Doepke Wants Compromise Without Tax Hike

The representative said she has lost more than 2,000 people from her district in the last decade to tax hikes on the wealthy.

Updated: Shutdown News From Around the State and Nation

Patch provides a one-stop shop for shutdown-related news from various outlets.