Some examples of deserts available at Chimney Cake House in Columbia Heights. Original Article

When people think of chimneys, they typically think of a passage for fireplace smoke. They do not typically think of a croissant-like dessert that can be filled with fruit, ice cream and other sweets. But owner Adam Almasri has brought that dessert to Chimney Cake House, 4110 Central Ave. NE in Columbia Heights, introducing customers to a treat popular in Hungary and other parts of Eastern Europe that takes its name from the household structure. ...

The Columbia Heights City Council unanimously approved a sustainable purchasing policy at its March 23 meeting, moving the city to Step 3 in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program. City Planner Ursula Brandt said the policy was developed with the Sustainability Commission. Bri LaPlante, a member of the Sustainability Commission ,said that advancing Columbia Heights in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program had been one of the commission’s goals. The program, run through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, gives cities a framework for improving infrastructure, policies and other practices with sustainability in mind. ...

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Sgts. Killian and Grow lower the flag at Blaine’s Veterans Memorial Park. Original Article

The Sgt John Rice VFW Color Guard posts flags at the Blaine Veterans Memorial Park on March 29. Original Article

The Vietnam War memorial in Blaine on March 29. Original Article

Veterans Memorial Park during the memorial to Vietnam veterans held on March 29. Original Article

On a crisp spring afternoon, veterans, families and community members gathered on Sunday, March 29, at Blaine’s Veterans Memorial Park for what organizers hope will become an annual National Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony honoring those who served and the 1,566 Americans still missing from the war. The ceremony included a wreath-laying, a rifle volley and a flag presentation. “By serving their country in its time of need, they have helped preserve the very freedoms that all of us here today hold special and dear in our everyday lives,” honor guard commander Bob Wiltse said during the service. ...

The Columbia Heights City Council on March 23 approved sending a comprehensive plan amendment for the former Rainbow Foods site to the Met Council, advancing plans to redevelop the property as a transit-oriented development. The vote was 4-0, with Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula absent because of illness. City Planner Ursula Brandt said the item had been reviewed by the Planning Commission at its previous meeting. The 13-acre site, on Central Avenue between 43rd and 44th avenues, is currently designated in the city’s comprehensive plan for commercial use, with part of the property set aside as park space for stormwater. The proposed amendment would redesignate the site for transit-oriented development, Brandt said. ...