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Elk River Star News
Thousands of sandhill cranes counted at refuge
Thousands of sandhill cranes are being observed at Sherburne National Wildlife near Zimmerman this fall. Counts are taken weekly during the fall migration. There were 9,006 sandhill cranes recorded on Oct 9, 12,933 on Oct. 16 and 12,544 on Oct. 23, according to the Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page. From mid-October to...
Halloween on the Farm coming up at Kelley Farm in Elk River
The Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River will host Halloween on the Farm from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Dress in your Halloween best and visit the farm for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. This family-friendly Halloween celebration will feature trick-or-treating on a historic 19th-century farm, chicken jack o’ lantern carving, seasonal treats, and more. For tickets visit mnhs.org/kelleyfarm.
Rogers Police Department to hire mental health coordinator
Pending final approval of the 2025 Rogers city budget on Dec. 10, the City Council agreed earlier this month to the Police Department’s request to begin the recruitment process for a mental health and wellness coordinator position. The council had included the Police Department’s request in the city’s proposed preliminary 2025 levy, adopted on Sept. 24. Rogers Police Chief Dan Wills told the council the coordinator would “assist the department with ongoing identification and intervention for individuals with mental health, medical and substance abuse needs...
Downtown Elk River will host trick or treat event
There will be a Downtown Trick or Treat in Elk River from 2-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. Elk River businesses and local organizations invite kids age 12 and under to enjoy the thrill of trick-or-treating in Halloween costumes in a safe and vibrant atmosphere. This year also enjoy a photo opportunity with the fall decorations at Rivers Edge Commons Park, feeding and visiting the animals at the petting zoo, mini donuts and corn dogs at the food truck, visiting with K9 Duke and checking out fire, police, and utility trucks. The streets downtown will be closed to ensure participant safety. A special thank you to this year's sponsors: DERBA, Star News, and Spikes and Houles.
Highway 25 PEL Study enters second phase
{span style=”font-size: 12px ”}The Highway 25 Area Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study has entered its next phase. A range of alternatives is available for public input until Nov. 12, 2024 on the project website.{/span} {div class=”content fr-view”}Wright and Sherburne counties are moving forward with the Highway 25 PEL Study, which is focused on identifying cost-effective transportation improvements for the corridor between I-94 and Highway 10. For details on how to participate, review the Phase One Engagement Summary, and to provide your input, head to the project website: https://arcg.is/1qaWPz0{/div}
The latest on screenings, risk factors and more for breast cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year there are a variety of new screening guidelines and FDA requirements related to breast cancer. Dr. Bryan Trottier, a physician who sees patients at the Princeton Cancer Center in the M Health Fairview Northland Medical Center, shared with the Union-Times what those changes are as well as tips for preventing and identifying breast cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation...
Arts grants fund Evening of the Arts, more
The Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) has awarded a total of $210,746 in support of 29 arts projects, including the following local projects: • Elk River High School, $4,450, in support of Evening of the Arts community celebration showcasing student theatrical and musical performances, photography, fashion, pottery, paintings, jewelry and student art demonstrations. The event will be held in the spring of 2025 at Elk River High School. • Rum...
Hot Dish: Spiced and sweet, make these pumpkin scones an October tradition
I’m an October girl, through and through. It’s a magical time of year, when the light takes on a sepia-toned, golden quality, the air feels so crisp and refreshing, the selection of seasonal produce is abundant with apples, pears, squash, kale, sweet potatoes and other favorites, the changing trees add warm bursts of color to the landscape, we get to pull on our cozy sweaters and favorite flannels again. And the pumpkins! Good gourd, my love for this rotund orange variety of squash runs deep....
Two area residents appointed to state panels
Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have announced the appointment of two area residents to state panels. - Abdou Manjang, of Otsego, has been appointed to the African American State Health Advisory Council. Manjang’s term runs through Jan. 5, 2026. It is a new seat. The African American Health State Advisory Council advises the commissioner of health on issues to develop specific, targeted policy solutions to improve the...
Highway 25 bridge reopens to four lanes
At long last, work is wrapping up on the Highway 25 bridge. The concrete deck surface, center median and approaches at the Mississippi River crossing are now complete, MnDOT announced last week. Crews last Friday, Oct. 18, reopened the work zone to four lanes from east of County Road 11/14 to Third Street. This entailed removing work zone devices and retiming signal systems. ...
City to design replacement for Fire Station No. 1
The City of Elk River is preparing to replace its oldest fire station located at 415 Jackson Avenue. The fire station was first built in 1971. It has been remodeled three times and had a couple of additions, according to Elk River Fire Chief Mark Dickinson. It’s in an ideal location at the center of town, and offers seven bays but not in a drive through format that has become the standard in the fire service profession. “It’s beyond updates at this point,” Dickinson told the Star News this week. “The building is failing. It’s not just the exterior, and...
Highway 169 freeway conversion project nearing completion
The Highway 169 freeway conversion project in Elk River is nearing completion, with a major development planned for this week. The project is slated for completion on Nov. 1, and work crews are expected to be one major step closer this week. Traffic will move to its respective lanes on each side on Oct. 23. Only one lane will be open in each direction as final work begins on the median. The project is on schedule as long as the weather cooperates, according to an update by the City of Elk River. The city is planning to celebrate the completion of the project with a a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 7 on the School Street bridge over Highway 169 in Elk River.
Free Grace United invites public to celebrate 20 years with its members
Free Grace United Church has been a church in Elk River for two decades, and to celebrate it is hosting a community-wide 20th birthday party on the weekend of Oct. 26-27. In October of 2004, 40 people began meeting for weekly worship as “The Crossing Church” in the Elk River movie theater. In 2019, the group became Free Grace United to more accurately describe its growing family of grace-based, interdependent local churches worldwide. There are currently 49 locations of FGU throughout Minnesota, Iowa, and globally...
Elk River's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon to host military appreciation dinner
The 2024 Elk River Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (ERBTYR) Military Appreciation Dinner is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12. The free dinner, honoring military families, takes place at St. Andrew Church, 566 4th Street in Elk River. The dinner and program are free to veterans, retirees and active, Reserve and National Guard members and their families who live or work in the greater Elk River community. Reservations are required by Nov. 8; call or text 763-528-0646. ...
Nowthen election: Mayor Pilon seeking re-election; 4 vying for 2 council seats
In the Nowthen mayoral race, incumbent Jeff Pilon is facing a challenge from Shane Hybben. Two City Council seats will be up for grabs, with four candidates running for the spots. Incumbent Mary Rainville is running alongside Ken Glaser and Sheryl Mady Olson. Council Member Jason Alders did not file for reelection. ...
Elk River City Council Ward 2: J. Brian Calva
J. Brian Calva Town: Elk River Family: 5 children, 11 grandchildren, married to Renae. Education: Graduated Golden Valley High School, attended University of Minnesota and Minnesota School of Business. Occupation: Sales Manager, Beaudry Oil and Propane. I am also a...
Elk River City Council Ward 2: Mike Niziolek
Michael Niziolek Town: Elk River Family: Parents: Ron and Carol Niziolek; Sister: Linda Niziolek; Brother: Dan Niziolek Education: Elk River High School Graduate, University of Minnesota BS degree in Biology and University of Minnesota BS in Education Occupation: Cross Country...
Zimmerman City Council: Harley Wells
Harley Wells Address: Zimmerman Family: Married to wife Leanne Wells for 57years with two grown married daughters, 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Education: Graduated from North High School, Minneapolis,St. Cloud State College. Briefly summarize your personal background. ...
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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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