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Elk River Star News
Plants and Things USA sponsors Elk River Youth Athletic Complex
The city of Elk River has announced a new partnership with Steve and Jeff Hickman, owners of Plants and Things USA Inc. In a letter of intent, Steve and Jeff Hickman expressed their interest in supporting Elk River’s recreational facilities. The proposal outlined a collaboration to rename the Youth Athletic Complex to the Plants and Things Recreation Complex and a financial commitment to enhance its amenities. The company is contributing...
Sherburne Board adopts budget, levy on 3-2 vote
A 2024 budget and property tax levy were approved by the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners in a 3-2 vote Tuesday, Dec. 19. The county budget was set at $130.358,515. The property tax levy for 2024 will be $60,355,133, a 3.25% increase over 2023. Commissioners Lisa Fobbe, Raeanne Danielowski and Gary Gray voted for the...
County wins award for Grams Park
Sherburne County received the Blazing Star Award from Conservation Minnesota at the County Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 19. The award acknowledges exceptional local government projects that advance conservation, climate resilience, environmental protection, or outdoor recreation opportunities. Sherburne County received the award for enhancements to and management of Grams Park in Zimmerman. These improvements help at-risk pollinators thrive and provide a platform to teach the public about the importance of native landscapes and pollinators.
Grant helps fund enhancements at park in Sherburne County
People who enjoy outdoor recreation in the Sherburne County area will soon have their experiences enhanced, once recommendations are approved to fund $1,985,875 of improvements for Two Inlets at Bdé Heháka, Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park. The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission recently completed its application review process and chose that park and 13 other parks and trails around the state for $16.3 million in funding for fiscal year 2025. The commission will now recommend that the Minnesota Legislature approve funding through the Parks...
Otsego city facilities project stalls after citizens balk at idea
by Joni Astrup Associate Editor A proposal for an Otsego City Campus Facilities Project — including a new city hall and a public works facility expansion — has stalled, after a crowd packed an Otsego City Council meeting and expressed strong opposition to the idea. Early in the meeting on Monday, Dec. 11, resident Gabe...
Two injured in crash on Highway 169
Two people were injured in a three-vehicle crash in Elk River on Friday, Dec. 15. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, at approximately 6:40 a.m., Travis Grbich, 35, of Milaca, was traveling south on Highway 169 in a 2006 Chevrolet Impala, while Lawrence Kaas, 47, of Milaca, was also traveling south on Highway 169 in a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. At the same time, Kenneth Koehnen, 62, of Oakdale, was traveling west on 225th Avenue and crossing Highway 169 in a 2023 Mack semitruck with trailer. ...
728 School Board votes to censure Freiberg, Anderson
by Jim Boyle and Maggie Stanwood APG of East Central Minnesota The Elk River Area School Board voted 5-2 Dec. 11 to censure two of its members after an investigation into allegations that were made against Board Members John Anderson and Mindy Freiberg. Michael Waldspurger, legal counsel for ISD 728 and many other Minnesota school...
Local lawmakers see censure as continued effort to stifle voices
by Jim Boyle Editor Local lawmakers are not happy with the Elk River Area School Board following its vote to censure Board Members John Anderson and Mindy Freiberg. Rep. Paul Novotny, R-Elk River, who was in attendance at the meeting, said he was extremely disappointed by the conduct of the ISD 728 School Board after...
Two men, dog rescued after falling through ice
Two men and a dog were rescued after falling through ice in Nowthen. Emergency personnel responded to a report that people had fallen through the ice while ice fishing and were unable to get to shore near the 22400 block of Garnet Street NW in Nowthen on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3:34 p.m. After the men had been in the water for an extended period, a passerby was able to...
Ask a Trooper: Can I stop and stretch my legs along the freeway?
Ask a Trooper by Minnesota State Patrol Sgt. Jesse Grabow Question: I do a lot of over-the-road traveling for work. Can I stop and stretch my legs along the freeway? Answer: Do not stop on the interstate or along the roadway. The only time you can stop on the freeway is for emergencies. Use the freeway exits/off-ramps and pull off onto the shoulder and park. If you are in need,...
Rogers approves middle, high school after-school programming
by Sue Webber Contributing Writer The Rogers City Council has approved a rental agreement with Thumbs Up, an Elk River organization, to provide middle and high school after-school programs from 2:15-5 p.m. each Wednesday at the Rogers Activity Center. The no-cost activities will include Willow the Therapy Dog from You’re Not Alone, plus painting classes,...
Attorney general’s office joins Holmberg prosecution team
by Jeffrey Hage APG of East Central Minnesota/Union-Times The Minnesota State Attorney’s Office has joined the prosecution team in Benton County’s case against Karl T. Holmberg. Holmberg, 64, of Glendorado Township, faces six counts of first-degree attempted murder of a police officer and six counts of first-degree assault against a police officer stemming from a...
Elk River police report: Woman suffers smoke inhalation after house fire; fire in roof of garage; and man is homeless and stranded
by Joni Astrup Associate Editor Authorities were called to a house fire in the 13000 block of 195th Avenue in Elk River at 11:31 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. When police arrived, a male was outside with a 55-year-old woman, who was suffering from smoke inhalation, according to the police report. She was transported to Mercy...
Dayton looks to repurpose land for regional fire training
by Alicia Miller APG of East Central Minnesota/Crow River News The Dayton Fire Department may use tax forfeiture land for fire training. The Dayton City Council heard from Fire Chief Gary Hendrickson Nov. 28 on the possibility of constructing a regional facility. The land adjacent to 18070 Territorial Road would be repurposed from its current...
Rogers approves utility rate hikes
Sewer rates in Rogers, proposed to increase by 40% in 2024, have been approved by the Rogers City Council. Finance Director Bridget Bruska said the new rate means that the owner of an average residential home using 5,000 gallons of water per month would see an increase in 2024 of approximately $14.90 monthly over the 2023 utility rates. “Sewer revenues are not keeping pace with the increased operating expenses,” Bruska...
Sherburne County hears people’s concerns about property taxes
by Joni Astrup Associate Editor For 45 years, Roger Page has lived in a home on Riverview Drive in Elk River. “I built the house with my own two hands, and we’re being taxed out of it,” he told the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners during a truth-in-taxation meeting Nov. 30 at the Sherburne County...
Grab-and-go craft kits are available through District 728 Community Education
District 728 Community Education is offering holiday grab-and-go kits. To register for a kit, go to www.728communityed.com or call 763-241-3520. Kits are available for pick up through Dec. 22. Available kits include: • Holiday ornament gift tag kits. The handmade wood gift tags double as ornaments. The wood slices feature vinyl words such as “cheer” and “peace.” Twine and beads complete the design. Cost: $29. • Holiday gnome kits. The kits include all fabric materials needed to make a holiday gnome. No sewing involved. A hot-glue gun is needed and available to borrow if you do not own one. Cost. $35.
Salvation Army still needs bell ringers; local spots available
With just a week left in the annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign, the Twin Cities Salvation Army reports that it still needs more ringers. The Red Kettle campaign is scheduled to run through Dec. 23. Bell ringers play a critical role as they collect anywhere from $60-$90 an hour in their kettles, all of which will provide relief to struggling Twin Cities families. As an example, $25 collected in a kettle will feed a family of four for a week. ...
Refuge asks people to fill bird feeders
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge’s Christmas Bird Count will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 21 starting at 7:15 am at the Oak Savanna Learning Center. A nationwide activity organized by the National Audubon Society, the Christmas Bird Count is held from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 annually, with tens of thousands of volunteers participating in this citizen science project. Sherburne’s refuge volunteers will survey within a 7.5-mile radius from the intersection of Sherburne County Road 9 and County Road 5. ...
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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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