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. The event featured a tree lit up by the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman and the city’s mascot, Rocky the Raccoon. There was also a fireworks show that went forward along with the tree lighting. Inside the tent, hot cocoa was served, and kids made different crafts and meet Santa Claus. ...

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. ...

The Columbia Heights City Council unanimously approved the renewal of a currency exchange license for SJB Enterprises at its Dec. 8 meeting. Council Member Laurel Deneen was absent. Community Development Director Mitch Forney said the item is an annual approval. Currency exchange businesses are licensed by the state under Minnesota Statute 53A.04, rather than by the city. Forney said the state reviews applications for background checks, bonding and fees, then forwards them to the city to confirm compliance with zoning and city code. City staff reviewed the complete application and found no discrepancies or legal issues with the business. ...

A $667,000 sewer-lining project aimed at extending the life of Fridley’s sanitary sewer system moved forward Dec. 8 as the City Council unanimously approved a bid for work scheduled to begin in 2026. Assistant City Engineer Brandon Brodhag said bids were opened Dec. 4, with Visu-Sewer Inc. of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, submitting the lowest bid at about $667,000, out of the five received. The project will be awarded with a 5% contingency. ...