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The Blaine City Council on March 2 advanced several routine items, including approval of a new bank project, a proposed land sale tied to Highway 65 improvements and a change to city code on hazardous tree enforcement. The council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a new Magnifi Financial bank at 10903 Austin St. NE. Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said the permit allows construction of a building with a zero lot line along the north property line. The site is zoned development flex and is surrounded by similarly zoned parcels to the north, east and west, with the North Meadows development to the south in a planned business district. ...

The Blaine City Council voted 4-3 to advance a $7 million parking structure for the 105th development, approving a funding plan that relies on the Economic Development Authority levy. The split vote centered on funding, as money for the structure would come from the Economic Development Authority levy. In the past, the council has operated under a goal of avoiding taxpayer impact for the development. The 4-3 decision centers on financing, as the project would be funded through the Economic Development Authority levy. Council members have previously pledged to avoid taxpayer impact related to the development. ...

The Minnesota Special Olympics held its annual Anoka County Polar Plunge at Lakeside Commons Park on Saturday, Feb. 28. In cloudy conditions and temperatures in the 20s, many members of the community, as well as organizations such as school lacrosse teams and fitness gyms, braved the icy depths of Sunrise Lake to raise money for the Minnesota Special Olympics. Original Article

Estee Lauder announces layoff of 68 employees at Blaine Aveda facility Estee Lauder Companies, the owner of the brand Aveda, announced the layoff of 68 employees at their facility in Blaine at Pheasant Ridge Drive. The layoffs will start with a two-week period on April 24. The layoffs are expected to be permanent, according to a letter notifying the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The affected employees are not represented by a union, the letter states, nor do they have bumping rights. The affected jobs are scattered around Warehouse, Distribution and Processing roles. ...

A belly flop occurs at the Anoka County Polar Plunge at Lakeside Commons Park on Saturday, Feb. 28. In cloudy conditions and temperatures in the 20s, many members of the community, as well as organizations such as school lacrosse teams… ...

A jumper belly flops into the frigid water at the Anoka County Polar Plunge at Lakeside Commons Park on Saturday, Feb. 28. Original Article

Sin City fitness takes part in the Polar Plunge at the Anoka County Polar Plunge at Lakeside Commons Park on Saturday, Feb. 28. Original Article

The ultimate belly flop unfolded before spectators at the Anoka County Polar Plunge at Lakeside Commons Park on Saturday, Feb. 28. Original Article

A cavalcade of No. 2 pencils prepare to leap into the most freezing conditions of their wooden lives at the Anoka County Polar Plunge at Lakeside Commons Park on Saturday, Feb. 28. Original Article

This group brought donuts into the water with them at the Anoka County Polar Plunge at Lakeside Commons Park on Saturday, Feb. 28. Original Article