Search autocomplete is currently not responding Earth & Arbor week is celebrated Monday, April 21 through Saturday, April 26. Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation is teaming up with Mendota Heights Natural Resources to provide exciting opportunities throughout the week to get outside connect with nature and learn about sustainability to support our home Scroll through the opportunities below for more information April 22 | 5:00-7:00 PM | Rogers Lake Park Come out to Rogers Lake Park for an evening of fun by the lake Fishing For All will teach participants the ins and outs of fishing but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment if they'd like Join Mendota Heights Natural Resources and Parks & Recreation Department for an evening of FREE Yoga in the Park Green Lotus Yoga and Healing will be leading an hour-long yoga session for all ages Participants ages 17 and under need a legal guardian present to sign a waiver Come out to Mendakota Park for a fun show displaying raptors Live raptors that could be featured are owls  This 45 minute show will show you the unique features of raptors that make them different from any other bird This is a free event and registration is not required April 26 | Market Square Park | 1:00-3:00 PM Join us for an afternoon full of sustainability and fun Market Square Park will feature local vendors that promote sustainability in our community City of Mendota Heights1101 Victoria CurveMendota Heights Staff Directory Public Works Building Hours: 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m The Mendota Heights Police Department is warning residents of raccoons in the area that appear to be sick at an alarming rate the city is having a distemper problem with its area trash bandits with a reported 14 raccoons found to be sick Last year the police said they only had four cases of distemper Signs of distemper include raccoons appearing disoriented police say the only option they have left is to “help them shuffle off this mortal coil.” “Killing the raccoon helps stop the spread to other animals,” the police department explained Anyone who sees a garbage bandit displaying distemper symptoms is asked to call the police so they can put the animal down The police say they have alerted the DNR about what they are doing “It is always possible that it is rabies,” the department said The DNR has been notified so we will find out if they want us to collect one for testing.” Residents should ensure their pets are vaccinated and avoid all contact with raccoons Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public File may contact KSTP via our online form or call 651-646-5555 the Fortune 500 company announced plans to be acquired by Patient Square Capital a private equity firm based in California's tech hub of Menlo Park The move would make Patterson Companies a private company and no longer traded on the Nasdaq Patterson shareholders will receive $31.35 in cash per share representing a premium of around 49% compared to the company’s 30-day average “Today’s announcement marks an exciting next step in Patterson’s evolution and delivers immediate and certain value for our shareholders and positions us to continue to invest in serving our customers and driving growth,” said Don Zurbay “This transaction follows a review of strategic alternatives by our Board of Directors with assistance from our independent advisors maximizing our value and enabling Patterson to continue to execute our strategy well into the future.” Energepic.com via Pexels Patterson would maintain its Mendota Heights headquarters as part of the acquisition The agreement also allows Patterson’s board and advisors to look for other proposals for a 40-day period The transaction is expected to close in April Patterson was founded in 1877 with a focus on dental and medical supplies It expanded into the animal health sector with the purchase of Webster Veterinary in 2001 and Animal Health International in 2015.  The Star Tribune reports the company has had declining profits, reporting an earnings drop of around a third in its latest quarterly results posted last week. saying he'd killed the mother of his child which features a swimming beach and splash pad in the venerable Farmers and and Mechanics Savings Bank building M&A Seminar on Preparing Your Company for Sale Presented by Maslon LLP and Northborne Partners Hospice group leases office in Mendota Heights will break ground this summer on The Dorian a 190-unit apartment complex in Lake Elmo after buying[...] The University of Minnesota plans to sell 60 acres at UMore Park for $8.1M to North Wind Test for a major aero[...] Medical office buildings in the Twin Cities are in high demand as investors seek stable assets amid tariffs BioMADE has bought a Maple Grove site for $16.5M to build a $132M biomanufacturing facility backed by the DoD [...] Twin Cities apartment vacancies fall to 7.03% as rent rises and construction slows Louis Park have new owners after about five years Sign up for your daily digest of Minnesota News Efforts to reform Minnesota zoning laws fail again as local opposition blocks a bill limiting parkin[...] a 190-unit apartment complex in Lake Elmo af[...] The University of Minnesota plans to sell 60 acres at UMore Park for $8.1M to North Wind Test for a [...] The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged despite political pressure from Pre[...] The Trump administration is swiftly remaking housing policy as the U.S Department of Housing and Ur[...] construction job openings dropped by 38,000 in March signaling slowing labor demand amid tarif[...] Trump's trade demands stretch beyond tariffs Performance contracting helps governments and schools cut energy costs is now an official city after a local vote Milwaukee Mitchell Airport will start a $95.2M international terminal project this summer after dela[...] Listen here analysis and commentary on Minnesota business We are the only independent daily newspaper dedicated to business reporting Get our free e-alerts & breaking news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions Crews work this month to address a slope failure that forced the closure of a section of State Highway 13 near Lilydale Regional Park in Mendota Heights The highway was closed after rain-saturated soil on the hillside gave way in early June.Robert Jones | Minnesota Department of TransportationGo Deeper.CloseCreate an account or log in to save stories We have added it to a list of your favorite stories A section of State Highway 13 in Mendota Heights was closed to traffic in early June, after rain-saturated ground on a hillside below the road gave way. After the Minnesota Department of Transportation studied the problem over the summer and created a plan to address it, crews started working on the highway in September. MnDOT had hoped to have the highway back open by Nov. 1 — but that’s now been pushed back to Nov. 10. MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. Crews work to address a slope failure that forced the closure of part of State Highway 13 in Mendota Heights. They've been constructing a retaining wall and installing a drainage system.Robert Jones | Minnesota Department of TransportationMnDOT maintenance operations engineer Chris Hoberg said that once repair work got underway, it took longer than expected to drill piling to build a retaining wall. “It took a little bit longer for us to get through the bedrock, and there was a lot of that piling that needed to be installed, so it kind of expanded our schedule there a little bit,” Hoberg said. “But that’s really been the only surprise that we’ve come up against.” He said crews are also adding a drainage system to prevent another slope failure. “They’re digging down below the roadway and putting in place the pipe that’s going to help prevent water from impounding in the soil mass, and divert that water away to our storm sewer system,” he said. Once the drainage system is in place, crews will backfill and grade the road bed, install curbs and gutters, and then pave the highway. Given how late it is in the season, and the cooler weather on the way, Hoberg said crews will put down temporary lane markings — then come back next year to install permanent ones. Until the repair work is finished, Highway 13 remains closed between Wachtler Avenue and Sylvandale Road in Mendota Heights. A detour is posted. The Mendota Heights-based provider of dental and animal health supplies and services had announced a review of strategic alternatives a week ago. The struggling Patterson Cos. will be sold to a health-focused private equity firm for $4.1 billion. Menlo Park, Calif.-based Patient Square Capital will pay shareholders of the Mendota Heights-based supplier of dental and veterinary supplies $31.35, the firms announced Wednesday. That’s a 49% premium on the average 30-day price of Patterson stock before last week’s announcement that Patterson was reviewing strategic alternatives. “Today’s announcement marks an exciting next step in Patterson’s evolution and delivers immediate and certain value for our shareholders and positions us to continue to invest in serving our customers and driving growth,” said Patterson Chief Executive Don Zurbay in a news release. The markets responded positively. As the Nasdaq composite opened, Patterson shares surged Wednesday to close at $31.40, up nearly 36%. The deal is expected to close by the end of April, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals and customary closing conditions. The deal includes an option for the Patterson board and its advisers to continue searching for a competing offer over the next 40 days. Patient Square has a portfolio of 11 companies and $11 billion in assets under management as of Sept. 30. Should Patient Square complete the deal, Patterson would become a private company and its shares would stop trading on Nasdaq. The news release said the company headquarters would remain in Mendota Heights. “I have closely followed Patterson for decades and long admired the value the company provides to partners and customers,” said Jim Momtazee, Patient Square’s managing partner, in a news release. “Patient Square is excited to work closely with management on the next chapter of growth for the business building on its long and proud legacy.” Patterson Companies’ annual revenue for its fiscal year ending April 30 was $6.6 billion split between its two main business segments, dental and animal health. The dental segment produced about 30% of total revenue and animal health 68%. Founded in 1877 in Milwaukee to supply dental and medical supplies, Patterson moved its headquarters to Minnesota in 1891. For much of its history, Patterson distributed dental and medical supplies and equipment, but it acquired Webster Veterinary Supply in 2001 and then acquired Animal Health International in 2015 for $1.1 billion. Patterson is unique among its dental and medical products distributor peers, such as Henry Schein and Benco Dental, which mainly supply medical and dental offices. Today, Patterson’s animal health segment, which includes supplies, equipment and services for pets and also production animals, is larger than the company’s dental business. But the company has been struggling financially, especially since the pandemic. It announced last week its second quarter earnings dropped by one-third year over year. While the go-shop period represents an opportunity for a competing bid to be found, analysts who cover Patterson think it is unlikely to find a better offer. “There is certainly potential for another bid to come, but given the recent trading valuation and general questions on near-term dental market demand, we see the multiple paid for the transaction as reasonable and thus view any meaningful ‘topticking’ bid as unlikely,” wrote Michael Cherney, an analyst with Leerink Partners in an investor note this morning. Business reporter Patrick Kennedy covers executive compensation and public companies. He has reported on the Minnesota business community for more than 25 years. Business The Medtronic Spark program seeks to pull 1 million low-income students into health tech careers Barry earned a larger bonus than the previous year but reduced equity payouts lowered total compensation the trio serviced client relationships worth $4 billion in managed assets before their abrupt resignations last month Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Parks Celebration 2025 will be held Friday Check back in the Spring of 2025 for more information.  is a living space that is offered for rent to visiting guests for a short period of time Short Term Rental properties are usually furnished the City Council passed a year-long moratorium on short-term rentals (E.g This moratorium gives City Staff the opportunity to study and develop appropriate ordinance provisions for this type of use The goal of the City's research is to identify performance standards and regulations that Mendota Heights could implement that would balance the concerns of residents with those of short-term rental property owners while preserving neighborhood character.  2024 at their Regular Work Session to review a staff presentation on short term rental ordinance standards and potential policy objectives staff was directed to move forward with drafting an ordinance to regulate short term rentals through a Short Term Rental License 2024 Regular Work Sessions to provide feedback and suggestions to draft versions of a Short Term Rental Ordinance.  The final draft of the ordinance was prepared and discussed by the City Council at both Regular meetings and Work Sessions Following the City Council's discussion and consensus on the ordinance provisions the Short Term Rental ordinance and establishment of a Short Term Rental License process was formally adopted for implementation at the December 3 The adopted ordinance is in effect beginning on January 1 Short Term Rentals will require an annual license and be subject to performance standards The ordinance requires Mendota Heights residents who plan to own and operate a short term rental to apply for an annual license and to: •              Maintain primary residence at the property •              Limit short-term rentals to five bedrooms or less •              Limit occupancy to 12 people or less •              Require a two-night minimum stay The Short Term Rental License Application can be found here: Short Term Rental License Application Form Short Term Rental Ordinance Current Version: Short Term Rental Ordinance - Adopted City Hall Business Hours: 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday | 7-11:30am Friday Police Department Business Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30.p.m. Monday - Friday Public Works Building Hours: 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday Rain-saturated soil on a hillside in Mendota Heights undermining a section of State Highway 13 near Lilydale Regional Park The highway has remained closed as the Minnesota Department of Transportation researched the best way to address the problem.Minnesota Department of TransportationGo Deeper.CloseCreate an account or log in to save stories But the end of the closure may be in sight The Minnesota Department of Transportation says work is set to begin this week to repair that stretch of Highway 13 in Mendota Heights “Our target is to have the roadway open by Nov 1,” said MnDOT maintenance operations engineer Chris Hoberg Hoberg said contractors will follow a plan that aims to fix the damage caused by the slope failure — and prevent another from happening MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all “We’re going to put in a trench drain system to help when water is moving downslope through the soil — that trench drain will capture that and disrupt the process that led to this particular failure,” he said “And then we need to install a retaining structure to be able to build the road back in its current place.” Hoberg said the ground beneath the highway gave way after heavy rainfalls in spring “None of them were particularly significant in their own right that added up to a whole lot of water saturating the soil underneath the roadway And it just became too much for the slope to handle,” he said After the slope failed and the highway was closed MnDOT spent much of the summer working to understand the forces at work — performing soil borings Crews inspect the site of a slop failure along State Highway 13 in Mendota Heights on June 4.Andrew Krueger | MPR News fileRelated linksEarlierSlope failure forces closure of state highway in Twin Cities“We needed to study it and understand it and make sure that we knew what had caused the issues out there before we go and spend a bunch of money to make a repair,” Hoberg said “We want to make sure that we’re solving the problems.” That was followed by design work for the retaining wall — it’ll be about 240 feet long — and the drain system Hoberg said that stretch of Highway 13 has been a problem spot in the past; this new project will connect two previous repairs But he said the work this fall “should do a great deal to stabilize it moving forward It’s intended to be a long-term repair and really address the root cause of the issue.” the highway remains closed between Wachtler Avenue and Sylvandale Road in Mendota Heights An anonymous donation is making dreams come true for a group of students and parents at Somerset Elementary School in Mendota Heights 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS first reported back in April that the community was raising funds for new playground equipment They wanted something more inclusive for students who use wheelchairs and those with other challenges Students voted on a design with ramps and a rubberized surface to increase accessibility they expected it to take years to raise the funds… But then came an anonymous donation of $200,000 and she wanted kids to experience the playground Her one request was that it be built by summer,” said Anne St a parent and one of the project’s organizers Because this is suddenly happening so fast, they are scrambling to find skilled volunteers to help with the playground. They need donations ranging from tools to manpower for a community build that begins July 31st. For more information CLICK HERE please let us know if you are not satisfied with a print or product Please direct any issues to support@limitlessproductiongroup.com Include a thorough description and if possible a photograph of and defects We will work with you to find a resolution we collect personal information from you to fulfill the order Details relating to your purchase (for example We share this information with Squarespace so that they can provide website services to us this site may auto-complete your shipping and billing address by sharing what you type with the Google Places API and returning suggestions to you to improve your checkout experience.When you subscribe and purchase a membership on this website we collect personal information from you to enable your member areas access We may email you with messages about your order or account activity Your customer account password has been reset or updated It\u2019s not possible to unsubscribe from these messages We share your contact information with Squarespace so they can send these emails to you on our behalf.We may send you marketing emails which you can unsubscribe from by clicking the link at the bottom of the email so they can send these emails on our behalf Select \u201CAccept all\u201D to agree to our use of cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience Select \u201DManage cookies\u201D to make more choices or opt out MENDOTA HEIGHTS - Around 1:37 AM on Tuesday the Mendota Fire Department and South Metro Fire Department were dispatched to a home in the 1300 block of Knollwood Lane in Mendota Heights the caller reported seeing smoke coming from the roof outside the home and they were also reporting smelling smoke from inside the home following a lightning strike that occurred near the home but the occupants of the home evacuated the residence the police arrived on the scene and reported a large amount of smoke within the structure The first fire unit arrived at the scene soon after the update from the police and confirmed seeing smoke coming from the front of the home very heavy rain was falling as a cluster of storms was actively working through the Twin Cities area According to the Mendota Heights Fire Department Chief Dave Dreelan the cause of the fire was likely due to a lightning strike as fire crews battle the first alarm attic fire at the residence in the 1300 block of Knollwood Lane Fire Chief Dreelan also confirmed that there were no injuries to report from the incident to either residents of the home or firefighters Fire crews remained on the scene for a few hours checking for hot spots in the attack with the scene officially being terminated around 4:34 AM Follow our social media accounts for the latest breaking news updates Email: contact@limitless-news.comPhone: 507-301-6001 Privacy PolicyTerms of Service ©2025 A Limitless Production Group LLC Company Keep informed with the latest news & highlights City Hall:7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday7-11:30 a.m. Friday Police Department:8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday Public Works:7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday A stretch of State Highway 13 in Mendota Heights was closed Tuesday as crews inspected the site of a slope failure.Andrew Krueger | MPR NewsGo Deeper.CloseCreate an account or log in to save stories The closure that started late Monday affects part of State Highway 13 in Mendota Heights which traverses bluffs above the Mississippi River and Lilydale Regional Park The Minnesota Department of Transportation said Tuesday that crews were still assessing the damage and figuring out a plan to repair the roadway — and determining how long the closure would last There was no immediate word on whether the slide that’s affecting the road was related to recent heavy rainfall Highway 13 is closed between Sylvandale Road and Wachtler Avenue in Mendota Heights Mendota Heights police said the department will deploy extra resources in the area to address speeding and other traffic issues One other possible, unofficial detour — Lilydale Road and Water Street along the Mississippi River — won’t be available. It’s closing late Wednesday due to rising river levels The Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course is a 9-hole par 27 golf course with a forgiving layout that caters to golfers of all ages and abilities the Course is a self-supporting enterprise so revenues from each round of golf are retained to cover all operating expenses.  In addition to hosting golfers for more than 16,000 rounds each year the course serves as the location for dozens of programs lessons and events – including the signature Trick-or-Teeing event each fall the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) closed Highway 13 between Wachtler Avenue and Sylvandale Road in Mendota Heights due to a significant slope failure This unexpected closure is projected to last until at least August 3 as emergency maintenance activities are underway to address the issue The Mendota Heights Police Department announced the road closure via a Facebook post urging residents and commuters to avoid the area "Please be prepared for confused drivers in the Ivy Falls area," the department noted adding that extra patrols will be on duty to manage the situation Location of road closure in Mendota Heights The slope failure is likely a consequence of the unusually heavy rainfall the region has experienced this spring Observations indicate that across this region we have received between 12.50 and 14.55 inches of rainfall since January 1 which is about 3-3.5 inches above the average for this time of year the first four days of June have already seen precipitation levels about half an inch above average Total rainfall across the region since January 1 While MnDOT is still investigating the exact cause of the slope failure the excessive rainfall is a primary suspect Workers inspecting the drainage systems in the area are currently assessing the situation The additional rainfall expected tonight could potentially exacerbate the slope failure further complicating the maintenance efforts We have contacted MnDOT for more information on this incident and await a reply We will provide an update once more information is available residents and commuters are advised to seek alternative routes Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation Drivers are once again able to use the westbound lanes of I-494 in Mendota Heights after a piece of construction equipment fell off a trailer being hauled by a semi early Tuesday The State Patrol says the equipment fell off around 6:50 a.m as the vehicle was going over the river bridge The 23-year-old man driving the truck wasn’t injured there were no secondary crashes as a result of the incident The westbound lanes were then temporarily closed at I-35E which is where traffic was diverted to during the morning rush hour An interactive traffic map showing current conditions can be found below It is important to plan ahead when submitting your permit Typically the busiest time of the year is in the spring Plans and applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received The review process will not start until all required information is submitted.  Residential construction hours are strictly enforced in the City of Mendota Heights Licenses protect the public and advance broad social goals that benefit everyone.  Business licensing improves safety and liability select a license type below to expand the section Planning applications will be scheduled for consideration by the Planning Commission and/or City Council only after all required materials have been submitted by end of business day of the deadline Late or incomplete applications will not be put on the agenda The Planning Commission meets at 7:00 PM and City Council meets at 7:00 P.M  Application submittal deadlines and meeting schedule dates for the year 2023 can be found here:  Applicants are encouraged to schedule a meeting with city staff prior to submitting an application.  To schedule an appointment or questions, contact Community Development Director at (651) 255-1142 or email. The City's ice rinks are open during winter months and are flooded, swept and maintained by the Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments, weather permitting. Bring your own skates.Friendly Hills Park2360 Pueblo Lane Marie Park1780 Lilac Lane Wentworth Park739 Wentworth Ave For updates, call the weather hotline at 651-255-1174 or follow along at Facebook.com/MHParksandRec The MRCCA program provides land use planning and zoning regulations for the 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi River   The MRCCA became a state critical area in 1976 to protect its natural  It also includes river-related industry and transportation More information on the MRRCA program and it's purpose, go to the DNR MRRCA Page A MRCCA permit is required for the construction of any new structure After completing an Engineering and Traffic Investigation on Minnesota Highway 62 - from the junction with Highway 55 to the junction with Interstate 494 - MnDOT is increasing the speed limit in this area from 55 to 60 miles per hour Siberian Squill is a lesser-known invasive plant that emerges early in the spring and blooms very early as well (April-May) bell-like flowers (1-inch-wide) and can tolerate cold as well as shade Pollinators are one of our planet’s most ecologically and economically important group of animals They are a crucial link to every terrestrial ecosystem in the world One of the biggest differences you can make in protecting pollinators is what you do in.. One of the interviewees in our group conversations suggested that we talk to Mendota Heights police chief Kelly McCarthy who has been part of the ongoing STOP [Services STOP grants are supported at state levels by the Department of Justice to strengthen the criminal legal system’s response to violence against women The team looks at what works and what doesn’t to support victims of intimate partner violence including interventions and healing circles I was one of those dumb kids who at five years old knew I wanted to be a cop had the opportunity to come to Mendota Heights in 2016 and was named the chief of police here in 2017 I think law enforcement has a role in stabilizing any violent or potentially violent situations we have to have an honest conversation about what the role of police is What makes police officers unique to any other profession is that we are authorized to use violence on behalf of the state A community service officer can do all the things I can do with the exception of actually physically arresting you So what we bring to the table is that we can physically stabilize a violent situation and hopefully prevent it from escalating — and create official documentation of what happened we just hopefully stop things from getting worse in the moment then step away and let other services do what is in their lane of expertise We have a great model with mental health: Travis’s Law If you call 911 and are having a mental health crisis there needs to be an alternative rather than me showing up with a gun we were able to reduce law enforcement response to mental health calls by 70 percent in Dakota County Editor’s Note: Travis’s Law was enacted in 2018 after two years of efforts by loved ones of Travis Jordan who was killed by Minneapolis police who responded to a 911 call after Jordan had threatened suicide It is part of a new Minnesota public safety bill that requires 911 operators to refer mental health calls to crisis teams where available If dispatchers and telecommunicators are trauma informed they know what questions to ask: “Are you in danger right now Then we will have an advocate come to your home.” There is no connection between mental illness and violence but there is a strong connection between intimate partner [conflicts] and violence but there’s nothing to stop cops from stabilizing a scene we haven’t asked the victim what they want If she just wants him out of the house for the night It is about acknowledging the agency of people who have been victimized and working with them to figure out the best solution — being able to have a conversation in situations even when the offender is in the room We also have to know in that situation that if the wrong decisions are made there is liability that comes back to the cops involved I would like to see these cases prioritized so they are resolved within a week There should really be instant resolution with services as soon as possible with a focus on actually repairing the harm we are currently nowhere in terms of gender-based violence calls having the same new intervention options as mental illness calls results of the Minneapolis Domestic Violence Experiment were published based on work that started in Duluth in 1980 that started to set policy around the country One group of Minneapolis cops did mandatory arrests of at least one person in a domestic violence call — so we wouldn’t just leave with no resolution — and another group did not They concluded mandatory arrests were the right thing to do Minnesota state statute now says that under certain conditions a police officer is required to make an arrest We do not have discretion when it comes to domestic violence I understand that policing as a profession misused our discretion about whether or not to arrest someone in the home for a domestic violence call — that is why we have mandatory arrests today there are many times that we go into a situation and arrest is not what is going to make the situation better So sometimes we arrest one or both of the parties involved in a call because otherwise we tended to sweep it under the rug as a private family matter but I think the pendulum has swung enough that we could have a different conversation with victims and impacted communities and families to consider a state statute change But good luck finding legislators who want to be seen as soft on domestic violence We also have to acknowledge the human bias that can creep into situations as sensitive as sexual assault Imagine a victim who tells a cop that she passed out at a party and could tell that someone she was with had sex with her while she was unconscious A male officer sitting across from her might be thinking and I’m not a rapist.” Or you might have a female officer sitting across from her thinking The more we talk openly in society about the human responses that go into these situations the more we can create checks and balances People who have never been in the situation don’t understand why a victim would let him back in the house if violence has occurred Then you think about how under-reported intimate partner violence is You have to tell some stranger who comes into your house what happened — who might simply suggest you move out It’s a complex situation that needs experts at the helm My immediate thinking is to bristle when I hear that hurt people hurt people But why can most women figure out not to abuse everybody around us My aunt Amy is the smartest person I’ve ever met and having very open conversations with her she said the only thing that ever made her reflect on her situation was when police officers treated her kindly So we have an emphasis at the Mendota Heights Police Department: Just don’t be a dick I can’t think of any other crime where we punish the victim to the extent that we do in domestic violence We tell victims of gender-based violence that if you want to feel safe If we’re going to exert any force or pressure it needs to be on the offender and not on that victim We often talk about the fact that the people who need us the most are the people it is hardest to serve How do we dial into that piece of us that understands that we’re all connected How do you want your sister treated when she’s here for a DUI How do you want your brother treated when he’s arrested I think compassion and empathy are the two most important skills in a police officer I think it’s how we see our way out of the issues we’re in right now Our 2025 Minnesota Newspaper Awards Winner of three photography and two writing state media awards in 2024 including  coverage about housing and mental health we also won two national awards related to our gender-based violence coverage Minnesota Women’s Press has been sharing the authentic voice and powerful vision of women since 1985, as one of the longest running feminist platforms (print and digital) in the U.S. Please donate to support our story sharing and free distribution to hundreds of 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