St. Paul Mayor Highlights Downtown Safety Efforts; Pedestrian Critically Injured; Fly Expo Opens

Mayor to Spotlight Downtown Safety Operations

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is visiting the Downtown Improvement District Safety Communications Center today as the city gears up for increased foot traffic ahead of St. Patrick’s Day next week.

The operations hub, located on Robert Street, serves as a central coordination point for downtown safety and outreach teams. During her visit, the mayor is expected to tour the facility and highlight the city’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety and cleanliness in the downtown core.

City officials say outreach ambassadors working through the district have logged nearly one million contacts over the past year. Those interactions include helping residents, visitors, and business owners connect with services, navigate downtown resources, and address quality-of-life concerns. Leaders describe the program as a key part of broader efforts to maintain a welcoming and orderly environment, particularly during large events and seasonal celebrations.

Woman in Critical Condition After East Side Crash

St. Paul police are investigating a serious crash that left a woman in critical condition Wednesday night.

Officers were called around 8:15 p.m. to the intersection of White Bear Avenue North and Maryland Avenue East. When they arrived, they found the woman in the roadway after she had been struck by a vehicle.

She was transported to a local hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Authorities say the driver involved stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. No additional details have been released as the investigation continues.

Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo Underway

The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo opens today at Hamline University’s Walker Fieldhouse, running through Sunday.

Organizers describe the event as the largest fly-fishing gathering in the Upper Midwest. The expo features dozens of seminars, hands-on demonstrations, and presentations led by regional and international experts.

Programming begins Friday afternoon, with full-day schedules planned for both Saturday and Sunday. Attendees can expect instruction, demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with others in the fly-fishing community throughout the weekend.

The annual event draws anglers of all experience levels and marks one of the area’s signature outdoor recreation gatherings each spring.