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Elk River Star News
Gift collection for Children’s Minnesota by Kiser underway
Kiser Construction, an Elk River disaster restoration and construction company, is once again collecting toys for patients and their siblings at Children’s Minnesota. This year’s drive is the third annual. It was started after Kiser officials learned Chidren’s didn’t have a toy drive partner for their patients and their siblings. Drop off locations include: •...
Elk River City Council asks for further review after questions over need for cul-de-sac
by Maggie Stanwood Contributing Writer At a meeting on Nov. 20, the Elk River City Council continued a hearing on a simple plat for Glen’s Ridge to allow staff time to explore options for the street. The property is 59.35 acres and zoned R1-a. The proposed plat consists of two buildable lots, one of which...
Free entrance to state parks on Black Friday
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving entrance fees to all 75 state parks and recreation areas on Friday, Nov. 24 – the day after Thanksgiving. This “Free Park Day” is one of four days each year when the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit at state parks and recreation areas. The goal of Free Park Days is to encourage Minnesotans to get outdoors and enjoy the health and wellness benefits of spending time in nature. Some state parks will offer naturalist...
Veterans program shines light on nonprofit Engage Your Destiny
by Jim Boyle Editor Spectrum High School has a tradition of showcasing an organization or mission benefiting veterans during its Veterans Day program. Previous organizations that have been showcased include the Elk River Chapter of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, the Patriot Riders and the Magnus Veterans Foundation as well as the Minnesota Assistance Council for...
Army captain shares his leadership journey at Spectrum
by Jim Boyle Editor The father of two Spectrum High School students gave the keynote address at the school’s annual Veterans Day program on Nov. 10. U.S. Army Capt. Jay Van Den Einde, the father of 10th grader Noah and eighth grader Sophia, spoke about leadership and his journey that elevated him from an aimless...
Gifts Anonymous rolls out 53rd gift collection campaign
Gifts Anonymous is celebrating its 53rd year of assisting families in Otsego and Elk River that are financially unable to provide Christmas gifts for their children (birth to age 18). Gifts Anonymous is a nonprofit corporation administered solely by volunteers. Working with area businesses that set up barrels inside their business to accept new, unwrapped items, Gifts Anonymous collects gifts along with cash donations to fulfill the commitment of toys requested by families in need. This program is only available to families that reside in...
District 728 gets mixed results on WBWF goals for 2022-23
by Maggie Stanwood Contributing Writer The Elk River Area School Board on Nov. 13 heard an update from three District 728 administrators on the 2022-23 World’s Best Workforce goals and the 2023-24 draft goals. World’s Best Workforce is a Minnesota law to ensure students in the state are college and career ready, and are ready...
Sheriff gives lifeguard, bystander Lifesaving Awards for Otsego incident
In all, 7 people were recognized for their involvement in saving four lives in 2023 by Joni Astrup Associate Editor Two people have been recognized with Lifesaving Awards from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office after an incident in February at Wyndham Garden Otsego. ...
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge thanks dedicated Adopt-a-Road volunteers
For more than 25 years, the Adopt-a-Road program at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge has enlisted the help of volunteers to clean roadsides that boarder and bisect refuge land. Sherburne Refuge would like to recognize all of the Adopt-a-Road volunteers for their commitment, hard work and willingness to help keep the refuge pristine, according to news release. The release stated there were two Adopt-a-Road sessions this year, one in the spring...
Elk River man claims $40,000 prize in contest for apprentices
Future electricians faced off for cash prizes In hopes of helping attract more people into the electrical trades, IDEAL Electrical hosted a national competition on Oct. 27 in Tampa, Florida, to showcase the indispensable contributions of upcoming electrical apprentices. Ten talented apprentices — including Jose Renteria, of Elk River — from across the country went head-to-head in a competition that pushed the boundaries of their skills and knowledge for the chance to win $40,000. ...
Elk girls hockey booster club lifts up those who served
by Jim Boyle Editor Elk River High School’s home opener for girls hockey against Minnetonka fell on Veterans Day, and the team’s booster club made the most of its opportunity to recognize those who have sacrificed for the freedoms people in this country enjoy. Booster club members hope the first-time military appreciation recognition event and...
'Tis the season
Early lighting chosen to lengthen enjoyment of downtown Elk River’s festive backdrop Elk River Mayor John Dietz, with the help from one of the countless children to show up for the annual tree lighting on Nov. 15, turned on the lights to the Christmas tree in downtown Elk River. The decision was made to move the ceremony up to allow residents to enjoy the festive downtown for a longer period...
Elk River police report: Engine trouble, smell of gas, and then vehicle is on fire; and driver, 13, has close call with squad
by Joni Astrup Associate Editor Police responded to a car fire in the rear parking lot in the 700 block of Main Street in downtown Elk River shortly before 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. The owner, a 26-year-old Onamia man, said he was leaving the area after work when he experienced engine trouble and smelled...
Ask a Trooper: Can you talk about what to do to be ready for winter travel?
Ask a Trooper by Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol Question: The first snowstorm of the season seemed to catch a lot of us by surprise. Can you talk about what to do to be ready for winter travel? Answer: You are correct and it comes down to being prepared. While summer months are the deadliest on Minnesota roads, wintertime leads to the most crashes and poses safety...
Car, semi collide on Highway 10 in Elk River
One woman was taken to the hospital after a two-vehicle crash Monday, Nov. 13, in Elk River. A Lincoln Continental and a Volvo semi collided at the intersection of Highway 10 and 165th Avenue at around 9 p.m., according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The driver of the Lincoln, Latisha Smith, 34, of Houston, Texas, was taken to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids with non-life-threatening injuries, the State Patrol reported. The driver of the semi, Lyle Makela, 68, of Elk River, was not injured. Both drivers were wearing seat belts and alcohol was not a factor, according to the State Patrol.
Anoka County Sheriff’s Office gets grant to set up cold case unit
by Peter Bodley APG of East Central Minnesota/Anoka Union A cold case investigations unit is being launched by the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office thanks to a $1.15 million federal grant. The Anoka County Board Oct. 24 approved a contract with the U.S. Department of Justice to receive the three-year 2023 National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative...
Anna and Marie’s heart-warming reunion rekindles friendship
The two grew up on neighboring farms Special to the Star News At Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River, two lifelong friends, Anna Demars and Marie Corbin, found themselves reunited after an astounding number of years apart. Remarkably, Anna has celebrated her 100th birthday, while Marie has reached the impressive age of 102. Their...
Christ Church to be polling place for new Otsego precinct
by Joni Astrup Associate Editor The Otsego City Council is making changes to precinct boundaries to reflect changes in population. According to city documents, the city currently has four voting precincts and respective polling places. Precinct 3B with a polling place at Otsego Elementary School has approximately 6,000 registered voters, which is more than the recommended size. The new precinct map divides Precinct 3B and establishes Precinct 5B with a new polling location at Christ Church Otsego, 15849 90th St. NE. Precinct 5B is formerly part of Precinct 3B and a small portion Precinct 4B, which has a polling place at Guardian Angels. The Otsego City Council adopted a resolution establishing the precinct boundaries and polling places, in a vote Monday, Nov. 13.
Otsego fills street maintenance job
Jared Laumann has been hired for the Street Maintenance I position at the city of Otsego. It is an existing position and was vacant due to a resignation in the department, according to city documents. The Otsego City Council approved the hiring of Laumann at the Monday, Nov. 13, City Council meeting.
Otsego offices will close for employee recognition, training
Otsego city offices will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, for employee recognition and staff training events. There will be an effective communication and teamwork training session and the annual employee recognition potluck. The Otsego City Council approved the closure at the Monday, Nov. 13, meeting.
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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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