Conversations in South St. Paul

In this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul, South Metro Fire Deputy Chief Terry Johnson talks with Alicia Ward and Lindsey Sommer from Dakota County Social Services about opioid use, overdose prevention and recovery.They discuss how access to naloxone, also known as Narcan, is helping save lives, what happens when first responders respond to an overdose and where people can turn when they are ready for treatment. The conversation also covers barriers to care, medication for opioid use disorder, stigma and new overdose response kits being developed by South Metro Fire.If you or someone you know needs help, Dakota County has resources for treatment, recovery support and free naloxone.

We're doing things a bit different in this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul. Associate Planner Monika Miller sits down with Conservation Corps member Jaycie Korth to talk all things trees!They cover why trees matter in a city, how South St. Paul is rebuilding its canopy, and what residents can expect from the Regrowing Shade in SSP program. The discussion also covers early tree care, long-term maintenance, and how today’s decisions shape the health of the urban forest for years to come.Along the way, they touch on lessons learned from recent tree loss, the need for species diversity, and the impact trees have on daily life.

In this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul, Mayor Jimmy Francis talks with Beth Baumann, the new Executive Director of Town Square Television. They discuss the future of local cable, how community stories get told, and how residents can support local programming.

In this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul, Mayor Jimmy Francis talks with Tim and Jake Spitzack of St. Paul Publishing Co. They share how hyperlocal reporting works, why print still has value, and how community news reaches every doorstep.

In this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul, Mayor Jimmy Francis talks with Andrew Hoffman from Neighbors Inc.

They cover the growing need for food access, job training, and financial support, and how volunteers and donors keep these services strong. Andrew shares how Neighbors stays focused on dignity, community partnerships, and meeting people where they are.

Mayor Jimmy Francis talks with City Attorney Kori Land of LeVander, Gillen and Miller in this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul. Kori shares how she found her way into city work, what her day looks like, and how she supports staff and the City Council.

They talk about code enforcement, development challenges, public expectations, and the work that happens behind the scenes to keep the city moving.

Mayor Francis is joined by mayors from Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, and West St. Paul to talk about shared projects, small-town connections, and the value of collaboration between neighboring cities.

In this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul, learn a little bit more about Fleming Field Airport Manager, Andrew Wall. Andrew joins Mayor Jimmy Francis to talk about the airport’s history, daily operations, and its $60 million impact on the local economy. They discuss emergency response, ongoing runway and fuel system projects, and what makes South St. Paul’s city-owned airport a standout in Minnesota’s aviation network.

Mayor Jimmy Francis sits down with longtime community leader Steve Mankowski to talk about the history of On the Road Again. From its start as a block party to today’s 12,000-person celebration, Steve shares stories about car shows, booyah contests, pickle judging, live music, and the volunteers who make it happen.

In this episode, Mayor Jimmy Francis talks with Gio Rivera, a bright and thoughtful (soon to be) 7th grader from South St. Paul Middle School. They cover everything from Gio’s favorite music and hobbies to his thoughts on community, libraries, and leadership.