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The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office received an unusual message from an Oak Grove resident this month after a deputy helped track down two runaway animals. According to the email, the resident was out of state when a security-camera alert showed a sheriff’s squad in the driveway. A mini horse and mini donkey had slipped out of their enclosure overnight while a family member was house-sitting. A passerby reported the pair after spotting them near the roadway and worrying they could be hit. ...

Residents of Columbia Heights raised concerns about possible police involvement in a suspected immigration enforcement action on the morning of Nov. 24. Resident Brenna Zeimet told the City Council that she and several neighbors were standing in support of immigrant community members when, according to her account, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrived. Zeimet described what she believed was improper conduct by both enforcement personnel and officers with the Columbia Heights Police Department. ...

At its Nov. 24 meeting, the Columbia Heights City Council unanimously approved a fourth amended loan agreement for the redevelopment site at 4300 Central Ave. NE. The redevelopment plan includes between 20,000 and 60,000 square feet of retail space, 400 to 600 market-rate apartments above retail on the east side, a central park amenity, significant infrastructure upgrades, underground parking, low-density single-family housing to the west, and environmental features such as solar panels and rain gardens. ...

At its Nov. 24 meeting, the Columbia Heights City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that will end the sale of flavored tobacco products by Jan. 1, 2028, and begin phasing out all tobacco licenses through attrition. The ordinance takes effect July 1, 2026. Two provisions—the ban on flavored tobacco sales and a one-time succession transfer option—take effect Jan. 1, 2028. A motion to move the flavored tobacco sales ban up one year to 2027 failed on a 3-2 vote. Council Members Justice Spriggs and Connie Buesgens supported the change; Mayor Amada Marquez Simula and Council Members Laurel Deneen and Rachel James opposed it. ...

As I write this, Vikings quarterback and former Michigan darling J.J. McCarthy has entered concussion protocol, which likely means Max Brosmer will start against a Seattle Seahawks defense ranked fifth in EPA per play, seventh in points allowed and ninth in yards allowed. That might be a good thing. Not because I’m spiteful — I actually think it’s good for McCarthy long-term. A lot of people, including a fellow AMM sports reporter, have written about how we need to be patient with the kid and let him keep being the guy. And I don’t want what I’m about to write — about his ability to sling a football with force and velocity — to come across as a personal slight. By all accounts, he seems like a grounded person, a good teammate, engaged to be married, a father, and a personality I genuinely enjoy listening to. ...

Original Article

Original Article

Original Article

Original Article

The BPM Motorcycle Club, alongside the Vigilant Guardians and Toys for Joy, held a rousingly successful toy drive, as well as fundraiser. The event featured food and bakery treats cooked by BPM, as well as a live band, Griff and the Grifters, who played a set heavy on classic rock such as the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and other similar bands. There was also a silent auction that gave away items that included Ed Sheeran tickets, a handmade frame by BPM member James Hathaway and other miscellaneous items and gift baskets. ...