The St. Francis City Council indicated support for reverting to Minnesota’s pre-2023 state flag during its Jan. 6 meeting, following a suggestion from Mayor Mark Vogel. The Minnesota Legislature adopted the current state flag design in 2023 after recommendations from the State Emblems Redesign Commission. The previous flag, last redesigned in 1957, has drawn criticism for its depiction of a Native American riding into the sunset while a white settler plows a field. ...

A planned in-person community meeting moved online Jan. 17 as more than 300 people joined a Zoom call following city facility closures amid reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. The event, originally scheduled for the Fridley Community Center, was sponsored by United Front and focused on connecting volunteers with organizations providing support to communities affected by immigration enforcement. Several elected officials attended, including Rep. Erin Koegel, Anoka County Commissioners Mandy Meisner and Mike Gamache, State Sen. Mary Kuenesh, Columbia Heights Mayor Amada Marquez Simula and New Brighton City Council Member Grahame Allen. ...

“Today we have learned the power of community.” These were the words of Nolawi Gibe amidst a walkout staged by several Blaine High School Students on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 13. The walkout was in opposition to recent immigration enforcement activity around the county and state, as well as the shooting death of Renee Good at the hands of an ICE officer. Jonathan Ross is the officer accused of the shooting. ...

Pancho’s Taqueria in Circle Pines, which temporarily closed earlier this month after an employee was reportedly detained by federal immigration officers, has reopened with limited hours. Original Article

Pancho’s Taqueria has reopened with limited hours after temporarily closing following the detention of one of its employees by federal officers earlier this month, according to the restaurant. In a Facebook post dated Jan. 16, Pancho’s said it had resumed operations from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering dine-in, takeout and pickup service. The restaurant said hours could change depending on staff and customer safety. Doors are currently controlled access only, and the post stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are barred from entry. ...

The East Bethel City Council unanimously voted to deny a concept plan that would have added 33 new homes at the Cedarwood Estates manufactured home park, while giving the applicant the opportunity to return with revisions addressing council concerns. Kendra Lindahl, a planner with Landform, presented the proposal, which would expand the park onto two adjacent parcels through a Planned Unit Development and establish standards for both the existing park and the proposed expansion. ...

Recent immigration enforcement activity has prompted a public response from First Lutheran Church after pastor Nathan Roberts attended and spoke at a vigil last week for Renee Good at the site of the fatal shooting of Good along Portland Avenue in Minneapolis. Susan Debner, head pastor of First Lutheran, said the congregation has supported immigrant families in Columbia Heights for more than a century. The church began as an outreach Sunday school and tutoring program for Norwegian immigrant children, Debner said. ...

At the Jan. 12 meeting, the Columbia Heights City Council unanimously approved the sale of Bond Series 2026A for a planned redevelopment at 4300 Central Ave. NE. The proposed development includes 20,000 to 60,000 square feet of retail space, 400 to 600 market-rate apartments above the retail on the east side of the site, a park, infrastructure upgrades, underground parking, low-density single-family housing on the west side and environmental features such as solar panels and rain gardens. ...

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reportedly conducted enforcement activity in several Anoka County communities in recent days, prompting concern and widespread discussion on social media as of Jan. 9. Unverified reports circulating online have cited ICE presence at retail locations including Walmart in Andover, multiple locations in Columbia Heights, Menards and Home Depot in Fridley, and a trailer park in Fridley where agents were allegedly knocking on doors. Other reports described officers shopping at a Target in Fridley, activity near the Walmart off Ball Road in Circle Pines, and activity on a residential street in Blaine. ...

The Blaine City Council voted 6-1 to accept quotes for new playground equipment from Landscape Structures and for installation by Flagship Recreation at Jefferson Park. Council Member Chris Massoglia cast the lone dissenting vote. Parks and Recreation Director Jerome Krieger said the park is located off Jefferson Street, north of Main Street and east of the nearby high school. The city acquired the park in 1974, and the first playground equipment was installed in 1976. ...