Liquor Stores Next To Churches, And More This Week

Can Supermarkets Be "Farmers' Markets?"

On Monday, the City Council's Regulatory, Energy, and Environment Committee is asking residents to weigh in on a proposal to limit and clarify the definition of a public market. Boosters of the measure say it will prevent for-proffit companies, like supermarkets, from creating "faux-farmers markets" and give more official support to the idea of local food systems.

Why we're paying attention: If passed, this would be a significant victory for Soutwest's local growers and growers' markets. Watch for our story Monday morning.

Liquor Stores Next To Churches?

On Monday, the council's Regulatory, Energy and Environment Committee is setting a hearing date for a measure that would eliminate the required minimum distance between liquor stores and churches and religious institutions.

Why we're paying attention: We hope that, in this day and age, congregants at two different houses of worship can be trusted to pass each other in the street without fighting or disrupting the peace. If this passes, it will be a victory for religious tollerance. 

No 'Ole And Lena' Jokes Allowed.

Southwest Minneapolis' will be getting some distinguished visitors on Tuesday—specifically some distinguished Swedes from that country's school system. They're part of a regular exchange of teachers between Lake Harriet and schools in Sweden (although the American teachers must pay their own way when crossing the pond).

Why we're paying attention: What do the Swedes think of American schools? And do Lake Harriet's teachers get taught better Swedish Chef impressions while visiting Sweden? Watch for our interview with some of the Swedish teachers on Wednesday.

Halloween!

Patch is putting together a list of the best All Hallows' Eve fun—for grown-ups as well as for kinders—in Southwest Minneapolis. Send in your tips to Local Editor James Sanna at James.Sanna@Patch.com

Also, we want to remind you that Patch is running a nationwide Halloween costume contest, judged by the ever-glamorous Heidi Klum. . Send in photos of your childrens' costumes, and Klum (creator of the TV show "Project Runway" and a former supermodel) will pick the most creative one. Grand prize includes a $1,000 donation to a charity of your choice and a trip to either New York or Los Angeles for you and your family.

Why we're paying attention: Pure venality. We want to know the best houses to trick-or-treat on Monday night.