The March 28 “No Kings” protests drew demonstrators in the cities of Anoka and Columbia Heights as part of a broader wave of rallies held across Minnesota in opposition to actions taken by President Donald Trump. In Anoka, residents lined Main Street holding signs and chanting. In Columbia Heights, residents gathered on the pedestrian bridge at Central Avenue and 47th Avenue. The Anoka rally began at 10 a.m., and the Columbia Heights rally began at 1 p.m. ...

The Columbia Heights City Council approved first readings of two city code amendments at its March 23. One amendment would expand alcohol licensing options for certain businesses and give tenants more time to leave properties deemed unlawful to occupy. The other would update land use regulations to align city code with state law and recent council actions. According to a staff report from Community Development Director Mitch Forney, the first amendment adds an on-sale malt liquor license to city code and allows hotels, restaurants and theaters to obtain one if at least 30% of their gross receipts come from food or nonalcoholic beverages. ...

The basement of the historic town hall in Ramsey. Original Article

The stairs going down to the basement-steeper than nowadays due to much older building design. Original Article

A sign for the restoration project at the historic town hall in Ramsey. Original Article

The back of the historic Town Hall in Ramsey. Original Article

The former Ramsey Town Hall and District 28 schoolhouse stands along Highway 47 in Ramsey. The 1892 building is the focus of a long-running preservation effort now moving into its final planning stages. Original Article ...

The historic Ramsey Town Hall as it appears in the front. Original Article

The interior of the historic Town Hall, once a classroom for students. Original Article

The old chalkboards used for school purposes. Original Article