CCX Media

1 week ago | ccxmedia.org | Delane Cleveland

For the past two years, Yvette Hoffman has worked alongside Fernbrook Elementary’s kindergarten students as an educational support professional. “She’s kind of like everybody’s favorite neighborhood mom, auntie, grandma, all rolled into one person,” said Jeff Zastrow, Fernbrook’s principal. Zastrow is the man who hired her. “She listens to every story about every loose tooth, every pet, every vacation, every birthday party,” Zastrow said.

1 week ago | ccxmedia.org | Delane Cleveland

One year after a devastating storm tore through the Arbor Lakes Art Fair in Maple Grove, event organizers are excited for another year of showcasing the work of local artists. “We have jewelry, we have leather, we have metal work, woodwork, paintings, acrylic, oil, you name it, we have it. So don’t miss out,” said Lise Spence-Parsons, president of the Maple Grove Arts Center. The 23rd annual Arbor Lakes Art Fair kicks off this Saturday at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes.

2 weeks ago | ccxmedia.org | Delane Cleveland

A vacant plot of land in Golden Valley could soon be developed into a single-family home through the city’s “HOPE” program. “Home Ownership Program for Equity. It’s a city-run program where we purchase vacant lots,” explained Jacquelyn Kramer, a Golden Valley senior planner at a recent planning commission meeting. “So far, it’s just been vacant land that [the Minnesota Department of Transportation] had for highway projects that they never used or needed.

2 weeks ago | ccxmedia.org | Delane Cleveland

A Brooklyn Center woman is celebrating a crowning achievement, and now she hopes to inspire others. “This crown and sash means responsibility, making sure I show a good face to all those young kids out there and being a good role model out there for all those girls,” said Jailynn Brown, 24, the newly-crowned Miss Juneteenth Minnesota. The Brooklyn Center resident earned the title on June 9 in Minneapolis at the second annual Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant.

2 weeks ago | ccxmedia.org | Delane Cleveland

Some crucial decisions are on the horizon regarding the future of Highway 252 in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. At issue is whether to turn it into a freeway or keep things as they are. “Safety is the primary driver,” said Amber Blanchard, a major project manager at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). “There’s up to 400 crashes a year just along 252 alone, and we average one fatality a year, which obviously is far too much.