Peter Steward Scholtes
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petescholtes.bsky.social
Peter Steward Scholtes
@petescholtes.bsky.social
980 followers 1.4K following 560 posts
I’ve written and taught. Profile photos from Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery, Mora, Minnesota, USA, 2022. He/him.
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petescholtes.bsky.social
Last two slides from same post, with petition link: www.change.org/p/ice-out-of...
‘Following up with the family: ‘Ask for permission to gather & share the following information for MIRAC so we can follow up with support: ‘Get name, phone number, and language needs of family member / loved ones that we can contact. ‘Ask if the person detained was shown a paper or told that ICE had an administrative warrant during the time of arrest. ‘Ask if there are immediate needs (getting kids from school or moving a car). ‘Ask if ICE came looking for that person specifically, or if they were just nearby.’ ‘La lucha sigue. Our fight is not over! ‘It is important to continue to show up when there is ICE activity and let them know they are not welcome in our city and they cannot continue to terrorize our community without us standing up and fighting back! And the work does not end there! ‘Join us as we continue to take to the streets and demand ICE out of Minneapolis and real sanctuary now! ‘Sign our petition: change.org/iceoutofmpls’
December 10, 2025 at 3:16 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
“Responding to ICE activity: Do’s and don’ts”

(From @miracmn.bsky.social on Facebook, 12/9)
Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) poster (in slides format): ‘Responding to ICE activity Do’s and Don’ts: Do: Document and record ICE officers and their tactics [when outside]. Send confirmed sightings to MIRAC or other immigrant rights groups. Ask the person being detained their name and emergency contact phone number. Ask ICE agents, “Do you have an administrative warrant for this arrest?” Stay on scene to gather info from witnesses and try to identify family/friends. Follow direction from immigrant rights groups on the ground. ‘Don’t: Yell or whistle that ICE is present without confirmation. Livestream any ICE interaction. Record faces of people being arrested. Escalate without the permission of the detainee / family. Follow around every car with tinted windows / report this as ICE. Send reports of suspected ICE without time, date, location. Aimlessly shout “Where is your warrant?” over and over again.’ ‘When reporting: Report possible ICE sightings to MIRAC! Include as much information as possible. Email or message us on social media. @miracmn miracmn@gmail.com ‘ALERTA: Activity: What’s happening? Location: Where is it happening? Equipment: Weapons, vehicles, etc.? Request aid: Response requested? Time & date: When did it happen? Appearance: Who? How many? Looks? ‘Spread information, not panic. We protect one another by sharing useful and actionable information, not rumors.’ ‘Documenting: ‘How to document: video (don’t livestream), voice recording, noteboook or witness report sheet. Avoid subjective language. Contact MIRAC or another immigrant rights org or the arrestee’s attorney before posting video. ‘What to document: How did the agents present themselves? What did the agents say or do to get into the house / car / business? Who was present during the arrest? How many officers were present? Were they armed? How were they dressed? Did they say they were from ICE or a different agency? Did they lie? Did they claim they had authority to enter? Did they intimidate anyone? Did they use verbal or physical force? Were children, elderly, disabled, or other vulnerable people present? Did they handcuff anyone in front of children? Did they use discriminatory language or slurs? Did they draw weapons? Did they keep residents from moving freely? Did they search the location or belongings without permission?’ ‘Responding: ‘Take direction from impacted people! ‘Focus on listening to the needs of the community, not necessarily what you think or expect should happen. Ask consent at every turn from victims and their loved ones before taking any action that would draw attention. This includes making phone calls, talking to media, errands running, etc. ‘A note on best practices for neighborhood groups: Be aware that patrolling when not asked can freak people out and cause panic. Do not shout / whistle if you see a suspicious car that is not confirmed to be ICE! Many cars in the area have tinted windows and we don’t want to spread unnecessary panic! Don’t drive in circles around schools or areas you decide ‘need protection’ if that is not being asked for. Again, this can cause panic. Again, take direction from immigrants rights groups, and families.’
December 10, 2025 at 2:38 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Our winter auction to fund school pollinator gardens in Minnesota is open through Sunday! schoolpollinators.rallyup.com/2025winterau...
December 5, 2025 at 5:01 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Heart heart heart this cause, the person it's named for, the person who put this together, and the artists and others combining their effort and works — what a great way to help students and pollinators while shopping for loved ones!

schoolpollinators.rallyup.com/2025winterau...
November 29, 2025 at 12:23 AM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Sunday reading fromJudge Sara Ellis on Nov. 20: ‘[U.S. Border Patrol senior official Gregory] Bovino appeared evasive over the three days of his deposition, either providing “cute” responses to Plaintiff’s counsel’s questions or outright lying.’ www.scribd.com/document/952...
From the November 20 district court ruling by judge Sara L. Ellis: ‘Turning to [U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory] Bovino, the Court finds his testimony not credible. Bovino appeared evasive over the three days of his deposition, either providing “cute” responses to Plaintiff’s counsel’s questions or outright lying. When shown a video of agents hitting Rev. [David] Black with pepper balls, Bovino denied seeing a projectile hit Rev. Black in the head.’
November 23, 2025 at 3:42 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
New New Words tomorrow in Minneapolis! Come make or hear some!
Poster (headline in blackletter font): New Words at the Black Forest Inn, Sunday November 23rd, an Everything Open Mic! 26th St. and Nicollet Ave., 5:30 p.m. Message newwordsopenmic on Instagram to sign up in advance — or sign up after 5 pm.
November 22, 2025 at 7:39 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
A protester with a Wu Tang Clan flag (“because they’re for the children”) blasted Black Sabbath and James Brown at an anti-kidnapping protest at ICE headquarters early Wednesday morning in St. Paul.
Man in toothy, blank-eyed horror mask waving Wu Tang Clan flag in front of group of peaceful protesters on easement near light rails station with red, white, and blue sign reading “Restore rule of law” in the distance.
November 20, 2025 at 6:10 AM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Had a great time at this — and @jakerudh.bsky.social’s set was a treat!
Me and Jenny smiling in coats outside Parkway Theater in Minneapolis, with John Waters and Jake Rudh on marquee in back, at night, with showtime of 7 p.m.
November 3, 2025 at 1:03 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Happy Halloween!
Smiling, glowing Jack-o-lantern in carved red pumpkins giving off steam on paint-pealed front step next to furry tarantula toy.
October 31, 2025 at 11:53 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
New New Words open-mic Sunday at 5:30 in Minneapolis — come make some!
Photo of poster on bulletin board by Kevin Dewey, 2025: "OPEN MIC! NEW WORDS: A LITERARY, COMEDY, AND VARIETY OPEN MIC / BLACK FOREST INN 26th St. and Nicollet Ave. 5:30 pm on the fourth Sunday of every month. 2025 Dates: October 26th, November 23rd, December 28th. Come do stand-up or read poetry. Bring a friend and do a skit — or tell a story. Do what you want to do — it's your stage. Message newwordsopenmic on Instagram to sign up in advance — or sign up after 5pm."
October 25, 2025 at 9:37 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Preparation for @stereolabgroop.bsky.social @first-avenue.com — la resistance!
‘Resistance, Rebellion, and Death’ by Albert Camus, translated by Justin O’Brien, a 1961 book held in sun by window overlooking blanket flowers, and nuzzled by shorthaired black and gray striped kitten.
October 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
If you've never considered adopting 2 or 3 kittens, I met 9 sweet ones yesterday who've been rescued and are looking for forever homes in Minnesota — sharing the Facebook link here! In the third photo, the 6 sibs are wrestling in pairs — this could be your life! www.facebook.com/share/p/1B2P...
Three kittens cuddling and looking at the camera in a scratching bowl.
October 5, 2025 at 7:12 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
New New Words Sunday! Make this the kind of world where what you love happens!
Poster graphic: “Open mic! New Words: a comedy, literary, and variety open mic at the Black Forest Inn. Sunday, September 28th, 5:30 in the banquet hall. Come do stand-up — or read poetry. Bring a friend and do a skit — or tell a story. Do what you want to do — it’s your stage. Message newwordsopenmic on instagram to sign up in advance or sign up in person after 5 pm. 2025 calendar: The fourth Sunday of every month. October 26th, November 23rd, December 28th.
September 25, 2025 at 10:49 AM
petescholtes.bsky.social
This weekend’s ’O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ episode of ‘Blank Check’ happily coincided with the Laughing Waters bluegrass festival on Labor Day at Minnehaha Falls — a reminder that the scene is still alive and pickin’ a quarter century after the fluke hit soundtrack of all fluke hit soundtracks!
Four children and two dancers look on as a circle of lock-armed clog dancers twirl each other around, some with their feet in the air, and the Wild Goose Chase bluegrass band plays at the pavilion at Minnehaha Falls. Me, Jenny, and our smiling in front of the falls.
September 3, 2025 at 12:28 AM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Marched with Minneapolis neighbors today for gun reform!
Green and blue ribbons on a tree along the march route today, put up in support of the Annunciation community impacted by the mass shooting. Families with children and dogs march for gun reform around Lake Harriet ahead of us. Written on one person’s calves: “Fuck” and “Guns.” Chalk drawings and writing at Lake Harriet bandshell: “Love wins.”
September 1, 2025 at 11:41 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Poster from Minneapolis: “We rise again. Labor Day march at noon. Harriet Bandshell to Annunciation. Join us for a day of unity. A day of community. A day of hope. Together, we stand against gun violence and demand real reform. Join us as we rise again.”
Poster from Minneapolis: “We rise again. Labor Day march at noon. Harriet Bandshell to Annunciation. Join us for a day of unity. A day of community. A day of hope. Together, we stand against gun violence and demand real reform. Join us as we rise again.”
August 30, 2025 at 12:54 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
New ‘New Words’ open mic Sunday in Minneapolis!
Poster photographed by Kevin Dewey: “New Words: a literary, comedy and variety open mic night at the Black Forest Inn - 1 E 26th St. and Nicollet, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, August 24th, in the banquet hall AND the fourth Sunday of every month. Come do stand-up — or read poetry! Bring a friend and do a skit — or tell a story. Do what you want to do — it’s your stage. Message newwordsopenmic on instagram to sign up in advance or sign up in person after 5 pm.
August 23, 2025 at 2:06 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Time for chores and three hours of @blankcheck.bsky.social on 1996’s ‘Fargo’! (Photo from 2019 anti-Trump protest in Minneapolis, by my friend Chris Valenty.)
Anti-Trump protest sign at a bar table in downtown Minneapolis in 2019, the night of the president’s visit to the Target Center, sign showing still of Frances McDormand looking somber from the 1996 movie ‘Fargo’ and the handwritten line: “And for what? For a little bit of money. There’s more to life than a little money, you know.”
August 22, 2025 at 12:23 AM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Loved our July 4 weekend in Winona with these humans and dog — love to you all in Milwaukee!
Me and family members smiling in selfie in front of a farmhouse yard. Bearded brother sitting with smiling mom. Bearded brother standing with dog looking up at him lovingly. Me and Mom against Winona landscape, smiling, with silvery clouds.
August 9, 2025 at 12:04 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Verified:
Screen capture showing congressional website with Article I ending at Section 8, leaving out 9 and 10.
August 6, 2025 at 3:51 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Had a magical time with family at the latest Circus Juventas show in St. Paul, one of the wonders of this city — catch ‘Lumiere’ through August 10!
Me and family smiling in crowd at the circus, including my cousin Chimgee Haltarhuu, a coach there! Circus performer balances inside a giant spinning metal hula hoop, flanked by others balancing on top of giant metal wheels! Acrobats hang from circus ceiling by their legs entwined with sheets!
August 4, 2025 at 2:34 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
New new words Sunday! Freedom — use it or lose it!
Poster for Minneapolis event: “New Words: a literary, comedy, and variety open mic night at the Black Forest Inn, 1 East 26th St. and Nicollet, 5:30 in the banquet hall, Sunday July 27th. Read, do standup, or magic. Juggle. Dance. Sing. Do. Your. Thing! Message newwordsopenmic on instagram to sign up in advance - or sign up after 5pm”
July 27, 2025 at 12:12 AM
petescholtes.bsky.social
@hcnoel.bsky.social‘s rendering of @jamesgunn.bsky.social’s ‘Superman’ (2025), which was such a jolt of joy.
July 24, 2025 at 5:34 AM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Stood with people who love family and hate kidnapping yesterday!
Signs at Minneapolis march down Minnehaha against the supreme court’s ruling against universal injunctions protecting birthright citizenship: “No more deportations”; “I like my ice crushed”; “Silence = violence”; “Overturn SCOTUS ban on universal injunctions.” People marching with bicycles, baby strollers, rolling water stations, ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ costumes, and Palestinian flag. Signs at Minneapolis protest against the supreme court’s ruling against universal injunctions protecting birthright citizenship: “Born in the USA = citizen”; “Hands off workers, students, immigrants”; and mine: “You can’t disappear us unless you close your eyes.” Group on sidewalk in Lake Street, Minneapolis.
July 1, 2025 at 1:25 PM
petescholtes.bsky.social
Had a joyous time last Sunday at the New Words open mic at the Black Forest — thank you, Elliot, for making this space, and to all the performers (not all pictured)!
Jenny laughing as Kevin scratches his chin skeptically. Jed, Sarah, me, and Jenny, sitting and smiling for, I think, Kevin at the Black Forest, under a vined canopy. Jed told of growing oak trees in his fridge. Elliot hosts after nearly being allayed by an allergic reaction. He crowd-sourced 6 more ways to leave your lover. A speaker told amazing stories of what might be your body’s fate after you’re done with it.
July 1, 2025 at 3:15 AM