Local news briefs: August 2026

By Jake Spitzack | Staff Writer | August 2026

Dakota County releases PFAS groundwater data
A new dashboard with data on wells that have been tested for PFAS between 2018 and 2025 is now available at dakotacountymn.gov (search PFAS). PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment, were widely used for decades for their ability to resist water and grease. PFAS stay in the human body for many years and build up, which may lead to health problems. Sampling found PFAS in all 27 environmental wells and in 94 of 114 private drinking wells tested. Eighteen types of PFAS were detected, some at levels above state and federal drinking water guidelines. The dashboard map shows the locations and results for each well sampled. To learn more about PFAS sources and contamination, visit pca.state.mn.us. For details about health impacts of PFAS exposure, visit health.state.mn.us. For questions about a private well, contact Dakota County Environmental Resources at environ@co.dakota.mn.us or 952-891-7000.

Downtown St. Paul

City of St. Paul soliciting feedback on proposed budget

New skyway art series coming
This fall, underutilized spaces in downtown’s skyway system will be enlivened with public art through the Skyway Creative Corridor Project, a collaboration between artist Anthony T. Eaton and the nonprofit Friends of the Skyway. The project begins in September with The Skyway Poetry Walk, a self-guided literary experience featuring the work of poets who live in downtown St. Paul. In October, the Skyway Artist Video Series will bring a collection of video presentations to the skyway system to spotlight the work of local artists. In November, a vacant storefront will feature artwork curated by a local artist.

“The mission of this project is simple: connecting the community, downtown businesses and artists,” said Eaton. “The skyway system is one of downtown St. Paul’s most unique public spaces. By bringing art directly into the places people already pass through every day, we can create meaningful experiences while supporting local artists and encouraging people to engage more deeply with downtown.”

Eaton, a St. Paul native, has curated numerous public art installations throughout the city. Recent projects include multiple rotating exhibits and public installations, including four ongoing exhibitions at Wells Fargo Place. The initiative is seeking sponsors to support artist stipends, installation costs, printing, promotion and programming. For more information, contact Eaton at 903-946-3545 or stpdowntownart@gmail.com.

Skyway Walking Group
The Skyway Walking Group meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays at US Bank skyway level, 101 5th St. E. The group travels a mile and a half through the skyways at a casual pace.

Ward 2 updates
St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker hosts the Downtown Action Series to keep residents informed about issues facing downtown St. Paul. All are held 4:30-6 p.m. on Thursdays at Union Depot, 214 4th St. E. Upcoming dates are: August 27, October 15 and December 10. RSVP at https://forms.office.com/g/BnTA0F52Bq.

Crime tracking
Local police departments use a tool through LexisNexis online that allows residents to track crime incidents in their neighborhood or city. To view recent crime reports, visit communitycrimemap.com.

The Downtown Street Team welcomes feedback from downtown residents in their ongoing work to improve safety and aesthetics in the city. Team members are on the streets daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and are available to escort people to their car or downtown destination, give directions and provide other assistance. They also take reports of troubling behavior, garbage spills and graffiti, and address those issues themselves or contact the proper authorities. The team, which is easy to spot on the street in their bright yellow clothing, is a program of the St. Paul Downtown Alliance’s Downtown Improvement District. For more information, call 651-236-0284 or visit spdid.org.

U.S. Bank Center sale completed
The St. Paul Downtown Development Corporation (SPDDC) has completed the purchase of the U.S. Bank Center building at 101 E. 5th St. The transaction, which closed June 30, marks the next step in SPDDC’s efforts to redevelop the property after acquiring its distressed mortgage from First Interstate Bank in December 2025. The building was purchased with the St. Paul Downtown Investment Fund, which supports commercial, residential and mixed-use real estate development projects. The property includes 361,000 square feet of commercial space across 26 floors and a 348-stall parking ramp. Existing tenants will remain in the building and continue normal operations while SPDDC develops a long-term strategy for the building.

St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation names new leader
The St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation, organizer of the St. Paul Winter Carnival, recently named Patrick Klinger as its new president and CEO. He succeeds Lisa Jacobson, who led the organization since 2021. Klinger, who has lived in downtown St. Paul for 15 years, has more than three decades of experience in marketing and nonprofit leadership. Most recently he ran Agile Marketing Partners, a strategic consulting firm that he founded. His work there included advising corporations, sports organizations, and nonprofits on sponsorship strategy, brand development, community engagement, and partnership marketing. Before launching his consulting practice, Klinger spent 14 seasons with the Minnesota Twins, serving as vice president of marketing. During his tenure, he helped guide the organization through a period of significant growth, including the opening of Target Field, and led award-winning marketing and fan engagement initiatives that earned regional and national recognition. He is a recipient of seven regional Emmy Awards and a Silver Effie Award, which recognizes excellence in marketing campaigns.

Ramsey County has new Emergency Management director
Kendall Bobula has been named director of Emergency Management for Ramsey County. In this role, she oversees emergency preparedness, disaster response, recovery and mitigation efforts. She has extensive experience in the field, most recently serving as director of planning and preparedness for the City of Boston’s Office of Emergency Management. She succeeds longtime director Judd Freed, who has retired.

Thomas hired to lead History Theatre
Rob Thomas has been tapped to lead the History Theatre as its next executive director. He succeeds Karen Mueller, who retired on June 30 after 16 years with the theater. Thomas, who co-leads with Artistic Director Laura Leffler, is no stranger to the organization. Before the promotion, he was its development director, where he was instrumental in establishing strong relationships with donors and securing financial support for programming. He has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising.

South St. Paul

The following events are held at Kaposia Library, 131 7th Ave. N., South St. Paul. For more information, visit co.dakota.mn.us/libraries or call 651-480-0900.

Monday Art, 1:30-3 p.m., August 3, 17 & 31. Crafts and activities for ages 2 and older with a caregiver.

Rock Your Vibe: Kindness Stones & Affirmations, 1-3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 5. Transform ordinary rocks into works of art using inspiring words, uplifting quotes or peaceful imagery. All ages.

Storytime for Babies, 10:30-11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 7 and 14. Stories, songs and play activities for ages 2 and under with their caregiver.

Storytime for 2-6s, 10:30-11 a.m., each Thursday in August. Stories, songs, and activities that help develop early literacy skills. Ages 2-6. Siblings welcome.

Baby Play, 10:30-11 a.m., Friday, August 21 and 28. Activities and socialization opportunities for ages 2 and under with their caregiver. Siblings welcome.

STEM activities, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 10 and 24. STEM activities for ages 2 and older.

Kaposia Book Club, 7-8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 10. The title is “Pineapple Street” by Jenny Jackson. For adults.

Garden to Table: Cooking your Harvest, 5:30-7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 11. Learn how to clean, prepare and store fruits, vegetables and herbs. Explore simple recipes that highlight the flavors of fresh produce and gain confidence in adding fresh ingredients to everyday meals. For adults.

Central Square
The following events are held at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N., South St. Paul. For more information, visit communityed.sspps.org or call 651-306-3632.

Free Take & Bake Meals – Free meals (single serve or to feed a family of four) are available to all South St. Paul residents on Mondays after 3 p.m. through 2 p.m. Saturday, while supplies last.

Senior Center activities for ages 55 and older
Woodcarvers Group, 9-11 a.m. each Tuesday. Bring your own tools and supplies.
Craft Day, 1-3 p.m. each Tuesday. Socialize with other crafters or learn a new hobby.
South St. Paul Buzz, 8:30-11 a.m., Monday-Friday. Enjoy a conversation of what’s happening around the community.

Clothing Exchange
First Presbyterian Church, 535 20th Ave. N., South St. Paul, is hosting a Clothing Exchange event August 7-8. All items are free. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday. Donations of new and gently-used clothing are accepted until August 7. You don’t need to donate to shop at the event.

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