Correction
In the story regarding Blaine’s 2026 budget, Council Member Jess Robertson shoulh have referenced $500,000 going toward capital equipment. ABC Newspapers regrets the error. Original Article
Photo: The Front Entrance Of...
The front entrance of Real Sportscards in Blaine. Original Article
Blaine Council Approves 2026-30 CIP
The Blaine City Council approved the city’s 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program at its Dec. 15 meeting, authorizing capital purchases and projects for 2026 on a 5-2 vote. Council Members Jess Robertson and Chris Massoglia voted against the measure. Finance Director Jason Zimmerman said the Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, serves as a blueprint for the city’s capital investments and reflects an assessment of community needs. He described it as a fiscal management tool used to plan the location, timing and financing of capital improvements over a five-year period. ...
Real Sportscards Opens Blaine Location
A new trading card store has opened in Blaine, offering a lounge-style retail experience where singles of football, basketball, hockey and Pokémon cards are displayed in glass cases alongside seating areas and multiple televisions showing live games and sports programming. The store, Real Sportscards, previously opened a location in Champlin and held a ribbon-cutting event for its Blaine location Thursday, Dec. 11, with the North Metro Chamber of Commerce and Sen. Michael Kreun. ...
East Bethel Sues BDM/Firebird Land for Not Obeying Eviction
Following a closed session at its Dec. 8 meeting, the East Bethel City Council voted 3-0 to proceed with an eviction action against Firebird Land and to authorize the city’s response to a complaint filed by the company. The move comes as BDM/Firebird has been accused by several elected officials in the city, including Council Members Tim Miller and Jim Smith, of failing to pay a lease and property undervaluation. ...
Photo: 2gether Productions Played Christmas...
2gether Productions played Christmas songs inside the tent. Original Article
Photo: A Coon Rapids Fire...
A Coon Rapids Fire Truck at the Christmas Lighting. Original Article
Photo: Attendees Could Write Letters...
Attendees could write letters to Santa, shown here by this mailbox. Original Article
Photo: Coon Rapids Mayor Jerry...
Coon Rapids Mayor Jerry Koch in attendance inside the heated tent during the city’s Dec. 13 Christmas tree lighting. Original Article
Photo: Fire Pits Were Available...
Fire pits were available for warming up when outside in the freezing temperature. Original Article