Article

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. ...

The Andover City Council unanimously approved a code change related to hemp-derived THC and cannabis at its Dec. 16 meeting, replacing existing ordinances with a new chapter governing cannabis and lower-potency hemp business registration. City Administrator Sarah Cotton said the action repeals two existing chapters of Andover City Code governing cannabinoid products and adult-use cannabis business operations. The new Chapter Nine replaces both ordinances. Cotton said the existing ordinances had become outdated and inconsistent with Minnesota state law. The City Council discussed the proposed changes at a recent workshop, and the new chapter simplifies regulation by establishing a single registration framework aligned with state law. ...

The Blaine City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Coon Creek Watershed District and a contract for construction of monitoring wells at its Dec. 15 meeting. The council unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding for Project U2513. Engineering Director Dan Schluender said the watershed district recently completed work on Knoll Creek, also known as Anoka County Ditch 39, and identified elevated phosphorus and E. coli levels along portions of the ditch system, which serves Blaine, Coon Rapids and Anoka County. ...

The Blaine City Council unanimously approved annual zoning code updates and several land-use and development actions at its Dec. 15 meeting. The council approved a package of annual zoning code revisions intended to keep regulations current, clear and effective, according to Community Development Director Sheila Sellman. Sellman said city staff tracks zoning issues throughout the year and compiles an annual update each fall. The revisions address conflicts with current standards and best practices, respond to feedback from the City Council and the public, clarify unclear language and address situations not previously covered by code. ...

In the story regarding Blaine’s 2026 budget, Council Member Jess Robertson shoulh have referenced $500,000 going toward capital equipment. ABC Newspapers regrets the error. Original Article

The Blaine City Council approved the city’s 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program at its Dec. 15 meeting, authorizing capital purchases and projects for 2026 on a 5-2 vote. Council Members Jess Robertson and Chris Massoglia voted against the measure. Finance Director Jason Zimmerman said the Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, serves as a blueprint for the city’s capital investments and reflects an assessment of community needs. He described it as a fiscal management tool used to plan the location, timing and financing of capital improvements over a five-year period. ...