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Recent immigration enforcement activity has prompted a public response from First Lutheran Church after pastor Nathan Roberts attended and spoke at a vigil last week for Renee Good at the site of the fatal shooting of Good along Portland Avenue in Minneapolis. Susan Debner, head pastor of First Lutheran, said the congregation has supported immigrant families in Columbia Heights for more than a century. The church began as an outreach Sunday school and tutoring program for Norwegian immigrant children, Debner said. ...

At the Jan. 12 meeting, the Columbia Heights City Council unanimously approved the sale of Bond Series 2026A for a planned redevelopment at 4300 Central Ave. NE. The proposed development includes 20,000 to 60,000 square feet of retail space, 400 to 600 market-rate apartments above the retail on the east side of the site, a park, infrastructure upgrades, underground parking, low-density single-family housing on the west side and environmental features such as solar panels and rain gardens. ...

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reportedly conducted enforcement activity in several Anoka County communities in recent days, prompting concern and widespread discussion on social media as of Jan. 9. Unverified reports circulating online have cited ICE presence at retail locations including Walmart in Andover, multiple locations in Columbia Heights, Menards and Home Depot in Fridley, and a trailer park in Fridley where agents were allegedly knocking on doors. Other reports described officers shopping at a Target in Fridley, activity near the Walmart off Ball Road in Circle Pines, and activity on a residential street in Blaine. ...

The Blaine City Council voted 6-1 to accept quotes for new playground equipment from Landscape Structures and for installation by Flagship Recreation at Jefferson Park. Council Member Chris Massoglia cast the lone dissenting vote. Parks and Recreation Director Jerome Krieger said the park is located off Jefferson Street, north of Main Street and east of the nearby high school. The city acquired the park in 1974, and the first playground equipment was installed in 1976. ...

At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Blaine City Council unanimously approved both a preliminary plat and a conditional use permit for the third addition of the North Meadows development at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 109th Avenue. Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said the proposal covers 18.36 acres and includes one lot and two outlots. The conditional use permit allows for general retail and office space, an animal hospital and restaurants, including two with outdoor dining. The plan also includes a zero-lot-line configuration with shared access and parking on the northern portion of the property. ...

At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Blaine City Council approved an order for improvement and authorized the preparation of plans and specifications for a street reconstruction project in the Meadowbrook area. Council Member Jess Robertson cast the lone dissenting vote, objecting to the use of bonding to fund the project. Public Works Director Daniel Schluender said an open house for the project was held Dec. 17, with several property owners in attendance. The project area includes streets in the 126th Avenue and Madison Street neighborhood, connected to 126th Avenue and Jackson Street Northeast. ...

The St. Francis City Council indicated support for reverting to Minnesota’s pre-2023 state flag during its Jan. 6 meeting, following a suggestion from Mayor Mark Vogel. The Minnesota Legislature adopted the current state flag design in 2023 after recommendations from the State Emblems Redesign Commission. The previous flag, last redesigned in 1957, has drawn criticism for its depiction of a Native American riding into the sunset while a white settler plows a field. ...

At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Blaine City Council approved a project for reconstruction and improvements in the Quincy Street area on a 6-1 vote. Council Member Jess Robertson cast the lone dissenting vote, citing opposition to using bonding to fund the project. Public Works Director Daniel Schluender said the city conducted pavement condition indexing three years ago and developed a long-term plan aimed at improving pavement integrity throughout the community. Streets rated in the worst condition were placed into the city’s five-year capital improvement program. ...

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. ...