Fireworks light up the night sky at the Coon Rapids Tree Lighting. Original Article

Fireworks reverberate at the Coon Rapids Tree Lighting. Original Article

Frosty the Snowman had a fun time at the tree lighting. Original Article

Rocky, the Grinch and Frosty light the tree. Original Article

Santa was ready to greet visiting young ones. Original Article

The newly lit tree was paired with a fireworks display. Original Article

The tree shines fully lit on a freezing Dec. 13 evening. Original Article

The Coon Rapids Tree Lighting ceremony took place on a negative temperature-affected evening of Dec. 13. A giant warming tent was available housing those who needed shelter from the cold. Original Article

Two cannabis-related businesses along Highway 65 NE moved a step closer to opening after the East Bethel City Council on Dec. 8 approved conditional use permits for a hemp edible business and a cannabis microbusiness. The first conditional use permit was requested by Ramadan Hussein, owner of Smoke Saloon, for a hemp edible business at 18429 Highway 65 NE, City Planner Grace Gerard said. The property is guided commercial and zoned B-3 Highway Commercial. ...

A 3.8% levy increase that city officials say will add about $4 per month to the tax bill on a $400,000 home was approved Dec. 8 as the East Bethel City Council adopted its 2026 budget. The council unanimously approved the budget and levy on a 4-0 vote. Council Member Suzanne Erkel was absent. By the same vote, the council also approved the Economic Development Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority budgets and levies for 2026. ...