Hull’s Narrows on Lake Minnetonka: A Historic Choke Point with Lasting Impact

Hull’s Narrows, also known as the old Narrows. It’s located on County Road 19 a little bit south of the new Narrows, or as it referred to now, The Narrows, on Old Channel Bay.

Back in 1853, Stephen Hull took possession of a couple of lots in Excelsior Township from Joseph McCloud and through the property ran a small stream that up until 1884 was the only connection between the upper and lower lakes, hence, “Hull’s Narrows” was named.

Up until 1873 Hull’s Narrows was described as a mud bottomed swamp and bog, 15 to 20 feet wide with the depth ranging between 18 inches and two feet and very crooked and winding. It was used by dugouts and rowboats, and after 1860, flat bottom steamers, most notably the Governor Ramsey.

continue https://cdrewry.substack.com/p/hulls-narrows-on-lake-minnetonka

#History #LakeMinnetonka #TonkaBay

Tonka Bay plans to move sacred soil in June

The city of Tonka Bay finalized plans on May 19 to repatriate the 5,300 cubic yards of sacred Indigenous soil to its proposed site adjacent to Lilah Lane and Pleasant Avenue.

The 11.3-acre site is half woodland-half wetland, of which many trees are emerald ash borer-infested ash trees surrounded by buckthorn, the city says.

The site was a fallback option from the very beginning, but its proximity to the original location of the soil made it a feasible option for the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, from which the city needed approval.

continue https://archive.ph/wJMCH

#TonkaBay

Suspects target South Lake homes for viral social media prank

Police in the west metro are investigating a social media prank that’s putting some homeowners on edge.

South Lake Minnetonka Police serve the Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood and Tonka Bay areas. They confirm detectives are investigating at least three instances of what’s called the ‘Door Kick Challenge’ on social media. Continue https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/suspects-target-homes-lake-minnetonka-viral-social-media-prank/89-f82cda6c-678c-4988-a11b-91927d62838d

#Excelsior #Greenwood #Shorewood #TonkaBay

Tonka Bay still grappling with sacred soils’ future

The 5,000 cubic yards of sacred Indigenous soil sitting outside Tonka Bay City Hall is expected to be moved sometime in May.

First, the city will host a public hearing at its City Hall at 7 p.m. on May 13.

#TonkaBay