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Hill & Lake Press Annual Appeal: Support Our Local Businesses During Challenging Times

1:22 PM CST on December 1, 2024

Santa's helper, Carla Pardue, at the winter wonderland display at Red Cow restaurant on Hennepin Avenue

Santa’s helper, Carla Pardue, at the winter wonderland display at Red Cow restaurant on Hennepin Avenue (Photo: Red Cow staff)

This year, our Uptown businesses are facing unprecedented challenges due to ongoing road construction along Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street.

As the outreach coordinator for the Hill & Lake Press, I connect with local businesses each month — delivering papers, discussing ads, and hearing their stories.

Many owners share the daily struggles they face, from the impact of road closures and extended construction projects to the lingering effects of social unrest, the pandemic and rising crime, and the ongoing shift from physical storefronts to online shopping. It’s a perfect storm, with many businesses on the brink.

As a gesture of appreciation and support, the Hill & Lake Press offered free advertising to our local businesses in our December issue.

We need your help to support local businesses.

Your gift this year will not only help us cover our expenses; it will send a message of appreciation to our friends in the business community who are struggling to get through this unprecedented time.

Please consider giving generously.

Thank you for being part of our community and supporting the Hill & Lake Press and our local businesses.

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October 2026 Issue

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Uptown’s Worst Block Gets a Do-Over

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Renters Organize as Building Violations Pile Up

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October 12, 2026

Letters to the Editor

Our goal is to offer readers diverse perspectives on newsworthy events or issues of broad public concern to the Hill & Lake community. Our copy limit is 300 words (750 words for a commentary or as space permits), and we reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. We do not publish submissions from anonymous sources; all contributor identities must be verified.

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School Board Election Matters

Quick, name a School Board candidate. Chances are you can’t! With a deficit of more than $39 million and school closings on the table, the two at-large seats on your November ballot deserve a closer look.

October 12, 2026

Dear MPS: “Trust Me, Bro” Is Not Good Governance

The district’s plan closes 14 to 16 schools, only saves about $700,000 and asks parents to take the rest on faith. A parent who has dated this guy before says: Show your work, bro.

October 12, 2026