Courtney Cushing Kiernat

Courtney grew up on Humboldt Avenue in Lowry Hill and even helped deliver the Hill & Lake Press before her family moved to Karachi, Pakistan when she was 12. Like many Minnesotans, she eventually felt the pull of home and returned to Minneapolis. She and her husband raised their two children—and a lively pack of dogs—in East Bde Maka Ska before settling in Kenwood, where she now serves as neighborhood board chair.

A retired non-profit leader, Courtney devotes her time to community service, with a focus on reproductive health, affordable housing, and healthcare access. She is deeply involved at Hennepin Healthcare as a Foundation board member and a therapy dog volunteer team.

Courtney’s photos regularly appear in the Hill & Lake Press, and she occasionally contributes commentaries and articles. For her, photography is both a creative outlet and a way to celebrate the community—capturing neighbors and moments as they are, unposed and authentic.

Connect

courtneyck@comcast.net

Community Strong

The Hill & Lake Press Neighborhood Association’s 2026 Super Sale

People from all around found new treasures at the 2026 Neighborhood Super Sale! Coordinated by the East Isles Neighborhood Association, shoppers could peruse over 150 yard sales East Isles, Lowry Hill, East Bde Maka Ska, Kenwood, Cedar-Isles-Dean, and The Wedge neighborhoods.

Courtney Cushing Kiernat

October 12, 2026

Community Strong

“Fire & Ice Cream” — continued

More photos of the Fire & Ice Cream community gathering at East Cedar Beach.

Courtney Cushing Kiernat

October 12, 2026

Post Script

Embracing Summer

Explore Minneapolis summer events, from free beach activities and family programs to the Uptown Farmers Market and Uptown Art Fair.

Courtney Cushing Kiernat and Debra Van De Weghe

June 26, 2026

Local News

MARCH 2026: BLIZZARD BLISS

The Power and Beauty of the March 2026 Blizzard

Courtney Cushing Kiernat

April 1, 2026

Community Strong

Sending an SOS from Bde Maka Ska

Candlelit ice sculptures and luminaries on frozen Bde Maka Ska send a powerful message of solidarity, concern and community during a tense winter in Minneapolis.

Courtney Cushing Kiernat

March 1, 2026

Community Strong

Local Filmmakers Land National Spotlight with Jessie Diggins Documentary

Local filmmakers Torsten and Lars Brinkema bring Olympic champion Jessie Diggins’ powerful story to the screen, revealing her rise in cross-country skiing and her candid journey through mental health and recovery.

Courtney Cushing Kiernat

March 1, 2026