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The Nowthen City Council voted 3-2 Feb. 10 to continue flying the current Minnesota state flag, rejecting a motion by Council Member Ken Glaser to remove both the current and former versions from city property. Mayor Shane Hybben and Council Members Mary Rainville and Dan Swenson voted against the motion. Glaser, who previously raised the issue in November 2025, argued the redesign process was partisan and said the city should not fly a state flag unless a bipartisan process produced a new design. ...

Lake George water customers will see a 7.5% rate increase in 2026 after the Oak Grove City Council unanimously approved the hike Feb. 9, along with a $200,000 interfund loan to support the utility’s finances. The loan, approved at 3% interest over 10 years, will come from the city’s Economic Development Authority fund. Council members postponed a proposed sewer rate increase pending additional information. According to the meeting packet, projections assume annual water rate increases of 7.5% for five years and sewer rate increases of 3% annually over the same period. Supplier costs for both utilities are projected to rise 3% annually. The five-year forecast runs from 2026 through 2030 for the water fund and 2023 through 2028 for the sewer fund. ...

The Blaine City Council on Feb. 18 approved two conditional use permits and awarded a $236,957.50 contract for the city’s 2026 crack sealing project, but delayed a proposed Public Works equipment purchase after funding questions were raised. The council unanimously approved a conditional use permit allowing Park Construction Company to continue concrete crushing operations at 10101 Naples St. NE. Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said surrounding properties to the north, south and west are zoned heavy industrial, while the property to the east is zoned Planned Business District. ...

The Blaine City Council on Feb. 20 unanimously approved three items related to a proposed 32-lot single-family development at Lexington Avenue and Flowerfield Road NE. The approvals included rezoning the 31.92-acre site from Single-Family Residential to Development Flex, a preliminary plat subdividing the property into 32 lots and four outlots, and a conditional use permit allowing construction of the homes. Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said 18 of the 32 homes will be villas on the west side of the development, offering low-maintenance living with a homeowners association responsible for snow removal and common-area upkeep. ...

The Blaine City Council unanimously approved a resolution Feb. 18 authorizing permanent and temporary easement acquisitions along 105th Avenue for a planned roundabout involving land owned by the Metropolitan Airports Commission. City Attorney Eric Larson said the city is proceeding through a condemnation “quick take,” explaining that one method of acquiring or expanding city right of way is to seek court approval through a condemnation process. He added that most acquisitions are typically handled through negotiation. ...

Residents of Coon Rapids who were attending a next-door vigil for victims of ICE shootings held this sign up while people entered city hall. Original Article

Alanna Calio, of Fridley,held up a photo of Victor Diaz as she spoke, who had been detained at a Coon Rapids business and died in ICE custody. Original Article

One resident held up a sign that was pointed toward remarks that Mayor Jerry Koch had made to the New York Times. Original Article

Public comment at the council meeting featured people lining up to contest Mayor Jerry Koch’s remarks to the NYT, as well as ICE activity in the city. Original Article

Residents stand in front of Coon Rapids City Center. Original Article