I think my loyal bards will be interested to hear about the central branch library has been holding on to some delightful old blueprints and documents of how our older city looked. Besides some boring floor plans on loan to a local art gallery, there's a wealth of content with a capital "C" here for us to pore over if you know what I mean.

First up, it turns out that Your Pal's Diner on 6th Ave. has probably been lying to the city forever about their violations! I know we all love their blackberry pancakes and waiting at the counter for an hour just to get a coffee, AND I know we're been happy to overlook how they stack their bacon above their fruit in the fridge (god forbid they ever get a walk-in) AND that several probably drunk customers have reported seeing mice or rats or very intelligent large cockroaches at 5 a.m. but we have to stop giving them leeway on this point. It turns out their fire escape goes ENTIRELY into the boarded up Dankytown nightclub next door that has been closed for MONTHS. Loyal bards, you are not getting out of that one unless you come to hangover breakfast with a crowbar, believe me. Gus Pallor, owner of the diner, did not respond for comment.

Speaking of problems, there has been YET ANOTHER hit and run bicycle death on the busy street between Ward 4 and Ward 6. It has of course been reported as happening in city Ward 4 and not 6, keeping Ward 4 the most "crime ridden" part of the city, and Ward 6 "a pleasant escape from the bustle of its neighboring blocks."

Not to mention one of these old floor plans notes there used to be an old tannery located at the corner of Humboldt & Nicollet! This is a hotspot of cancer diagnoses in the city and while the former company's name is blurred out on these old photos, I WILL NOT be surprised if they have ties to an existing business! Maybe we can TIE THESE THREADS and solve it!

Always yours,
Thalia