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Elk River Star News
Sherburne County honors foster care providers, child
Foster care providers and a foster care child have been recognized by Sherburne County. Merry Bakken is the Adult Foster Care Provider of the Year, Amanda and Matt Bost are the Child Foster Care Provider of the Year, and Tarekech Fischer is the Foster Child of the Year. They were recognized at the May 21 Sherburne County Board of Commissioners meeting in Elk River. May was Foster Care Month. See photos of the foster care award winners online at www.erstarnews.com.
Rotary Club of Elk River recognized
Rotarians from District 5960, which covers southeast and east metro Minnesota and western Wisconsin, met May 4 in Hudson, Wisconsin, for the 2023-2024 District Awards Celebration. Clubs were recognized for their efforts in various categories and based on the size of the club – large, medium plus, medium, or small – as part of the district’s awards program. The club was responsible for submitting examples of its efforts against a checklist for up to six categories – Club Service, Community Service, International Service, Public Image,...
Sherburne County’s Dave Lucas to address Rotary
The Rotary Club of Elk River’s next guest speaker will be Dave Lucas, Sherburne County solid waste administrator, on June 6. He will provide a presentation on the current waste management practices for Sherburne County. The Sherburne County solid waste department oversees the management and transportation of all household, industrial, and commercial wastes (garbage) generated within the county. This includes the licensing and regulation of all solid waste facilities, as well as the development and administration of the county’s solid waste plan and ordinances. The club meets each Thursday for an hour beginning at 12:05 p.m. at Rockwoods in Otsego. Guests are welcome to join and attend meetings.
Artists invited to design library card
Great River Regional Library invites local artists of all ages to participate in a contest to design the next library card. This contest, which will run throughout June, offers an opportunity for your design to be printed and available to library users across Central Minnesota, spanning GRRL’s 32 locations, including Elk River. GRRL staff will decide on each age group’s winners. The artwork will be judged on creativity, design, and...
Upcoming Elk River Rotary speakers include owner of two Twin Cities Indian Motorcycle dealerships and solid waste administrator
Rotary schedule The Rotary Club of Elk River has a strong lineup of guest speakers scheduled for upcoming weekly meetings. The club meets each Thursday for an hour beginning at 12:05 p.m. at Rockwoods in Otsego. Guests are welcome to join and attend meetings. On May 30, Lloyd Greer owner of Lloyd’z Garage and Twin Cities Indian Motorcycle dealerships in Rogers and St. Paul. Mr. Greer was mentored in dyno...
Ask a Trooper: What should you do if steam or smoke is coming from your vehicle?
Ask a Trooper by Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol Question: While traveling I see a lot of vehicles pulled over on the side of the road with either steam or smoke coming from the vehicle. Can you talk about what a person should do in these situations? Answer: When dealing with a vehicle that is overheating, most vehicles have dashboard gauges or lights that indicate the engine...
Pitch to close, repurpose school off the table
by Jim Boyle Editor Elk River Area School District Superintendent Dan Bittman issued a statement to ISD 728 staff, families and students on May 23 to let them know the topics of repurposing an elementary school in Elk River and having fifth grade students move to middle schools in Elk River have been pulled off the table. ...
Otsego resident offers fresh-cut flower bouquets
by Jessica Charpentier APG of East Central Minnesota/Crow River News A year ago, St. Michael-Albertville alumni and Otsego resident Maggie Barthel officially launched Lily Bee Collective, which is named after her daughter Lily Barthel. Her husband, Joe Barthel, has farming in his heritage, so after they built their home on generational land, they began planting vegetables and gardening. ...
Nature photographer spots bald eagle
Photo by Kate Hansen Kate Hansen shot this photo on May 16 along the Mississippi River in Elk River. “It was a thrill to see this magnificent bald eagle perched above its nest containing three eaglets,” she said. Hansen submitted the photo to the Star News, stating a moment like this is meant to be shared.
Josh Richardson Foundation gives $11,500 to RHS shop class
Brad and Robin Richardson donated $11,500 to Rogers High School’s construction class through the Josh Richardson Foundation. The donation was used to purchase industry standard tools and equipment. “It is more than just a financial contribution; it is an investment in the future,” said Amy Lord, ISD 728 CTE coordinator. “By equipping students with the necessary tools and resources, the Richardson family is empowering the next generation of builders and tradespeople. Their generosity and commitment to CTE serves as an inspiring example of how community support can drive positive change and help students achieve their full potential.” Brad and Robin were able to watch students use the new tools to build three sheds in Dirk Udee’s construction class. Brad talked to the class on May 21 about career opportunities and shared his story about starting out sweeping floors to co-owning a successful construction company, Christian Builders. The students applauded the Richardsons to show their appreciation.
District 728 finance department. earns national certificate of excellence
The finance department at Independent School District 728 has earned accolades from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) again in 2024. The Elk River Area School District was awarded the ASBO’s certificate of excellence for financial reporting for the fiscal year ending 2023. While the district’s finance team has already celebrated one local award this year, earning the Minnesota Department of Education certificate of excellence in April for its excellence in school finance, this award recognizes the district amongst the best in the nation. ...
Central Minnesota Arts Board awards $30,000 in scholarships
The Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB) has awarded $30,000 in arts scholarships to 15 students. The Student Arts Scholarship Program is designed to support individuals entering or enrolled in an accredited institution who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in the arts. Applicants are eligible to receive up to four Student Arts Scholarships in a lifetime. This program is made possible by funds appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature from its general fund. ...
Students recognized at juried art exhibition
Several Elk River High School students had their artwork selected for the 2024 Annual High School Juried Art Exhibition, and three of them received special recognition at an awards ceremony held April 26 at the Paramount Center for the Arts in St. Cloud. Earning the top honor Best-in-Show at the exhibition was Senior Olivia Riewe with her glazed stoneware sculpture titled “Greed.” She also received a check for $500. Senior...
About 200 people turn out for spring celebration at refuge; ground broken for amphitheater
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge welcomed about 200 visitors on Saturday, May 18, to the spring celebration event, a celebration of World Migratory Bird Day and the spring season. This year’s theme was insects and their importance to people and wildlife. The spring celebration event was at the Oak Savanna Learning Center and included several booths to highlight all things birds, bugs and blooms. Visitors were able to learn about the...
Golden Angels perform musical
Impromptu choir has struck a chord with singers, audiences alike by Jim Boyle Editor Guardian Angels Care Center residents, their families and staff continue to enjoy the fruits of a new twist that was introduced this past year at the center’s annual end-of-summer get-together. ...
Memorial Day services planned for Monday in Elk River
The Elk River American Legion Davis-Darrow-Meyer Post 112 will kick off this year’s Memorial Day services of remembrance on Monday, May 27, starting at 6 a.m. with the Elk River American Legion Honor Guard performing honor ceremonies at Veterans Memorial on Highway 10 and nine cemeteries across the local community. The schedule is located at right. The city of Elk River and Elk River Beyond the Yellow Ribbon are once again hosting a Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 27, at 10 a.m. to honor...
Zimmerman American Legion to honor fallen
The Zimmerman American Legion, Kriesel-Jacobsen Post 560, will honor members who have died in the past year at a ceremony after touring several local cemeteries, U.S.S. Liberty Park and Kriesel Jacobson Post 560. Tentative times are: Bellwood.......................... 8:45 a.m. St. Pius Catholic Cemetery.... 9:40 a.m. ...
Column: Middle schoolers teach Minnesota – and the country
Twelve-year-old Stillwater Middle School students David Markowiz and Alex Temali-Smith summed up their national award-winning science project beautifully: “It feels great that we are helping spread the word about this problem. … It also feels great to be helping to create the solution.” These wise students also summarized an approach to learning that has huge research support: combining classroom work with some form of community service. Due to some dedicated people, this now has significant financial and policy support. ...
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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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