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Emergency crews from Andover, Anoka and Coon Rapids responded to reports affecting hundreds of homes and businesses over two nights in late December after residents reported a loud hissing noise and the odor of natural gas, prompting evacuations and a coordinated investigation involving multiple fire departments, law enforcement and utility providers. Officials say no significant gas leaks were found. The initial incident occurred late Sunday, Dec. 28, when Andover firefighters were dispatched at 11:35 p.m. to the 7th Avenue Northwest area following a report of a loud noise and pressure believed to be associated with utility infrastructure. ...

At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Blaine City Council unanimously voted to table for 60 days a conditional use permit amendment that would have expanded Minnesota Performance, an auto repair business, into an adjacent space at 1550 91st Ave. NE. The action followed complaints that the business had removed a wall between units and was storing vehicles and materials outdoors, which neighboring tenants said obstructed access and parking at the site. ...

At its Dec. 22 meeting, the Fridley City Council unanimously approved the city’s 2026 budget and tax levy, along with the 2026–30 Capital Investment Program. The public hearing for both items was held Dec. 8. Finance Director Joe Starks, in a presentation to the council, said the final tax levy includes a 5.92% increase, resulting in an approximate $139 annual increase in city property taxes for a median-value home. The 2026 budget authorizes $76,084,100 in expenditures and $61,172,700 in revenues. ...

At its Dec. 22 meeting, the Fridley City Council unanimously approved a concept proposal for a new public art sculpture at Commons Park by artist Ken McCall. Fridley launched its public art program in 2024, guided by the then newly formed Public Art Commission, Parks and Recreation Director Mike Maher said. Funding for the program is provided through the nonprofit Fridley Creative Arts Foundation, with an additional partnership with the Creative Flow Arts Center. ...

At its Dec. 22 meeting, the Fridley City Council unanimously approved a resolution establishing a new tax increment financing district for the redevelopment of a property on Commerce Lane NE. Community Development Director Paul Bolin said the project would transform the site from a vacant industrial property into a modern warehouse and distribution facility. The property is located between 73rd Avenue and Osborne Road and is zoned heavy industrial. The site was originally developed in 1970 with a 65,000-square-foot building constructed for the Totino’s Frozen Pizza factory. ...

I live in Anoka now. I can now officially announce this fact. Having resided half an hour away from the area I cover with my parents and brother and a pair of dogs, I am making the move along with my partner and her sister. This is obviously, if you can’t tell by my previous writer’s blocks, my first foray into independent adulthood past my profession. This has been a long process involving multiple college graduations, job hirings, job changes and heavy lifting and attempts to figure out how internet connections actually work. As I write, I used coin powered laundry for the first time last night. And, I will actually cook my food regularly, and not just here and there. ...

Firebird Land LLC and BDM have responded to an eviction lawsuit filed by the city of East Bethel by denying the city’s allegations and filing a countersuit alleging they did not breach their contract and were overcharged for road retrofit and sewer connection fees. The countersuit was filed Dec. 17. In a response filed Dec. 19, Firebird and BDM answered the city’s eviction action, denying “each and every” allegation and demanding the city meet its strict burden of proof. The companies acknowledged they continue to occupy the Whispering Aspen community center but argued the city lacks legal or statutory authority under Minnesota law to pursue the eviction. ...

The Grinch was spotted attempting to raid Pineapple Girl in downtown Anoka — but Christmas was safe. There was no attempt to steal holiday cheer from the Main Street boutique, which sells gifts and apparel. Instead, the visit came courtesy of the Merry Grinchmas crew, now in its sixth year overall and third year operating in Anoka. According to the group’s Facebook page, Merry Grinchmas has been operating since 2020 with a mission of promoting small businesses. One of the group’s costumed Grinches, Jon Ulness, said the effort began with just $150. ...

The St. Francis and Bethel fire departments will merge to form the Rum River Fire District after the St. Francis City Council approved a series of transition agreements at its Dec. 15 meeting. The council considered five items related to the creation of the new district, which will officially begin operations Jan. 1. The council unanimously approved the fiscal agent agreement and passed the remaining transition items on 4-1 votes, with Council Member Amy Faanes dissenting over concerns related to asset valuation, control and long-term liability. ...

The Oak Grove City Council voted unanimously to approve its 2026 budget and property tax levy at its Dec. 8 meeting. Karri Thorston of Abdo Financial Solutions said the budgeting process began in July with department head reviews and continued through the public hearing and final presentation in December. The city’s general fund property tax levy increased by $308,980, or 10.85%, compared to the 2025 general fund levy. Thorston said interest earnings are budgeted conservatively in the 2026 budget. ...