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Elk River Star News
EDA sells land to Java Companies as it investigates potential for large, neighborhood convenience store
by Jim Boyle Editor A large convenience store, gas station and a small restaurant could be in western Elk River’s future. The Elk River Economic Development Authority approved a resolution on April 15 authorizing the execution of a purchase agreement for the sale of property at 13530 and 13566 185th Ave. NW to Java Companies....
Sherburne County Auditor-Treasurer Diane Arnold will retire in July
County Board will appoint person to complete the balance of her term by Joni Astrup Associate Editor After 34 years working for Sherburne County — including the last 17 as auditor-treasurer — Diane Arnold has announced that she will retire effective July 9. ...
EDA willing to take over electric vehicle chargers in downtown Elk River
The Elk River Economic Development Authority expresssed support at an April 1 work session to take control of ownership and operation electric vehicle chargers located in the downtown area. The Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU)recently shared with the EDA its desire to no longer own and operate electric vehicle chargers in the downtown area. Rather than remove them, ERMU inquired whether the EDA would be interested in taking over ownership of the chargers. ERMU General Manager Mark Hansen and Sara Youngs of ERMU were present April 1 to share operational and financial information. There was a discussion on the costs, rates, locations, and benefits of transferring the electric vehicle chargers to the EDA. The EDA is supportive of taking on the charges and doing an evaluation in the next 18 months. City staff will work on the transition of the chargers from ERMU to the EDA.
Communications coordinator hired for city of Rogers
The Rogers City Council has approved the hiring of Jennifer Williams as the city’s communications coordinator. Williams has a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. She has worked in social media management, is a photographer, and has experience in crisis communications. She most recently worked as a marketing strategist for Pediatric Home Services.
City OKs severance pact with Hecker after 13 years of service
The Elk River City Council approved a severance agreement and waiver of claims with Recreation Manager Michael Hecker. Hecker submitted his notice of resignation/retirement. City policy provides for payment of severance when leaving in good standing based upon accrued and unused sick time, allowing for one-half of accrued time up to 960 hours. Previously, employees leaving service and eligible for severance, executed the agreement and waiver of claims with human...
DFLer Jay Reeves running for Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District
Jay Reeves, of Victoria, announced he is running for Minnesota’s 6th District Congressional seat. Reeves was born and raised in the Twin Cities. He is the father to three daughters and three sons (one currently serving in the Army) and grandfather to two grandchildren. He is married to his high school sweetheart who has been an elementary school teacher for the past 25 years. Reeves says he understands the struggles...
Motorcyclist injured in crash on 101
An Elk River man was injured in a motorcycle crash on Highway 101 in Otsego. Ronnell Shaw, 58, was taken to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids with injuries that the Minnesota State Patrol described as non-life-threatening. The Kawasaki motorcycle was southbound on Highway 101 near 90th Street NE just before 12:30 p.m. April 14 when it crashed, according to the State Patrol. Alcohol was not involved, the State Patrol said.
Downtown Elk River bookstore to open
by Jim Boyle Editor Sarah Russell’s dream of opening a bookstore in downtown Elk River is becoming a reality. Well Read’s grand opening will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at 310 Jackson Ave. next to Allison’s Addicts, a clothing boutique that opened earlier this month. (See story on page...
Allison’s Addicts adds a storefront presence to its boutique
by Jim Boyle Editor Allison McDowell saw a need and filled a need in Arizona with an online boutique that attracted nearly 5,000 customers. Now, she’s opened a storefront in downtown Elk River to take her business called Allison’s Addicts Boutique to a new level. ...
Prescription drug Take Back Day set for April 27
Wright County will be hosting a prescription drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at two locations – the Albertville Coborn’s (5698 La Centre Ave.) and the Citizens State Bank of Waverly – Montrose Office (145 Nelson Blvd.). Those bringing prescription medication are urged to leave the medication in original container if possible while blacking out identifying information. If the original container is unavailable, it is asked that the medication be sealed in a plastic bag. No liquids will...
Tulips, generosity net $76K for families of fallen first responders
101 Market officials pay visit to Burnsville Police, Fire and Rescue to present checks that will go to families of fallen first responders by Jim Boyle Editor The tulip sales at 101 Market that touched a nerve in the communities of Otsego, Elk River and far beyond have now warmed the hearts of those closest...
Fine art, photography sought for showcase at history center
The Sherburne Area Visual Arts Showcase (SAVAS) committee is issuing a call for artists for the 2024 show. The show is scheduled for Monday, June 10, through Saturday, June 15. It will be hosted at the Sherburne History Center in Becker. SAVAS features fine art and photography by adult artists from the local area. There...
Power plant structures at old Anoka State Hospital to be demolished
by Peter Bodley Contributing Writer Power plant structures, including a tunnel system, that were part of the old Anoka State Hospital when it opened in 1900, will be demolished. The Anoka County Board has awarded a contract to Fridley-based Morcon Construction in the amount of $2.529 million, plus $500,000 in contingencies, to remove not only...
Novotny endorsed, Emmer speaks at Senate District 30 BPOU Convention
by Jim Boyle Editor Rep. Paul Novotny, R-Elk River, was endorsed Saturday, April 6 at the Senate District 30 2024 BPOU Convention at the Elk River American Legion. Delegates in attendance also heard from Sixth District Congressman Tom Emmer and U.S. Senate candidate Joe Fraser, who will challenge Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, and Sherburne County...
Les Schwab Tire Center plans to build store in Otsego
by Joni Astrup Associate Editor A Les Schwab Tire Center is coming to Otsego. The company intends to construct a 10,745-square-foot building at the southwest corner of Parrish Avenue and 87th Street. The vacant site is located just south of Aldi. ...
Rep. Novotny comments following shooting involving officers
State representative and House Republican Public Safety Committee lead Paul Novotny, R-Elk River, issued the following statement regarding an incident in Minnetonka on April 10 where a Hennepin County sheriff’s deputy was shot and another injured while serving a warrant. “I am grateful to hear that both deputies involved in today’s incident are expected to make a full recovery,” said Novotny. “Every day, law enforcement officers put on their uniforms, say goodbye to their families, and step into a world that has become increasingly hostile...
Pet Vaccination Clinic set for May 4
The Elk River Police Department will team up with Barrington Oaks Veterinary Hospital for the annual Pet Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m. to noon. This event is open to both Elk River residents and non-residents. It will be held at the Elk River Police Department garage, 13065 Orono Parkway. Here are the details: • Cats must be in a carrier and dogs must be leashed. ...
19-lot single family lot plat approved
The Otsego City Council has approved the final plat of Prairie Pointe 3rd Addition, consisting of 19 single-family lots. The lots will be on a cul-de-sac — 79th Court — off 80th Street. DR Horton Minnesota received preliminary plat approval for the site in 2022.
Salk magnet school celebrates eclipse
Salk Middle School students in all science classes learned and celebrated the April 8 eclipse, even though it was obscured by cloudy skies. Students participated in different activities across grade levels and viewed livestreams of the eclipse. “Not only is the eclipse an exciting astronomy event, it’s also something that students are genuinely curious about,” STEM curriculum coordinator Megan Heitkamp said. “Students wondered about so many different scientific topics that are taught across grade levels and content areas, from modeling to safety to survival to...
Dolan found competent to stand trial in criminal case
by Jim Boyle Editor Former Sherburne County Commissioner Tim Dolan, who was criminally charged with invasion of privacy and stalking in October of 2022 and charged in June of 2023 with a host of financial crimes, has been found competent to stand trial. Attorneys for the state continue to work on a plea agreement, but...
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Elk River Star News serves the Elk River, Otsego, Rogers and Zimmerman communities dating back to 1872. Published Saturdays by APG of East Central Minnesota. 24/7 local coverage found online at www.erstarnews.com
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