Costco eyes late 2025 opening in Otsego
by Joni Astrup, Associate Editor Plans for a Costco in Otsego have cleared the last significant hurdle, setting the stage for the store to possibly open as early as late 2025. The Otsego City Council voted 4-1 at its July 8 meeting to approve several items related to the development. “Costco has all their approvals to proceed with the development,” Otsego City Planner Dan Licht said in an email following the meeting. “The only remaining step is approval of a development contract that provides for
CATHOLIC CHARITIES ANNOUNCES THE 15TH ANNUAL PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE
CATHOLIC CHARITIES ANNOUNCES THE 15TH ANNUAL PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE St. Cloud, MN (February 27, 2025) — Did you know that a record-breaking 9 million visits were made to food shelves during 2024 in Minnesota? This March, as part of the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, Catholic Charities will hold its 15th annual Pack the Porches food and fund drive, benefitting Catholic Charities Emergency Food Shelf. On Friday, March 28, from 7am to 1pm, Catholic Charities Food Shelf will accept
Anoka County Senior Expo April 5
Anoka County Senior Expo April 5 Seniors and their families are invited to Anoka County’s Senior Expo, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 5. The event is handicap accessible and will take place at Lord of Life Church, 14501 Nowthen Blvd., NW, Ramsey, MN, 55303. It will include information booths, a free pancake breakfast, blood pressure checks, mini massages, a visit from Todd “Elvis” Anderson, other entertainment, and eyewear repair and cleaning. The event is sponsored by Anoka
Anoka County License Centers Partner with Granny’s Closet for Donation Drive
Anoka County License Centers Partner with Granny’s Closet for Donation Drive Anoka County License & Passport Centers are partnering with Granny's Closet for a donation drive during the month of March. Donations of clothing, personal care, and household items can be dropped off during normal business hours at any of the five Anoka County License & Passport Centers in Blaine, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Ham Lake, and Ramsey. All locations are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays,
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Staff Cut, Services Imperiled
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Staff Cut, Services Imperiled Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Contacts: Sue Hix, past president and advocacy team lead Friends of Sherburne NWR Myrna Krueger, past president and campaign chair Friends of Sherburne NWR Contact: friendsofsherburne@gmail.com Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge—one of four refuges in a refuge “complex” managed at Sherburne NWR, Zimmerman, Minnesota—lost two essential staff members, a biologist and a park ranger, in the
Highway 10 Ramsey Gateway Construction Resumes this Spring
Highway 10 Ramsey Gateway Construction Resumes this Spring To share information with the public about Highway 10 Ramsey Gateway construction continuing this spring, Anoka County, MnDOT and the City of Ramsey are hosting an open house 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at Ramsey City Hall, 7550 Sunwood Dr. NW. This two-year construction project includes two grade-separated interchanges at Ramsey Boulevard and Sunfish Lake Boulevard that will replace existing signalized
Elk River Plans to Open Municipal Cannabis Business
ELK RIVER — Under Minnesota’s new recreational marijuana laws, local municipalities are able to own and operate their own retail cannabis stores, much like municipal liquor stores. While the City of Monticello has opted not to pursue its own dispensary at this time, a neighboring community is planning to do just that, with Elk River Mayor John Dietz saying his city would be foolish not to look into such an endeavor. Elk River plans to open a municipal cannabis store in 2026. “I have had a lot of people
Covenant Christian Academy Updates!
Meet Our Headmaster, Dr. Carol KuhnWe are thrilled to announce Dr. Carol Kuhn as our new Headmaster. With over 20 years in Christian education and a deep passion for classical Christian teaching, Dr. Kuhn brings a wealth of experience and a heart for serving central Minnesota’s students and families. As Headmaster—a role that serves as both spiritual and academic shepherd—Dr. Kuhn will guide our school in fostering a love for the true, the good, and the beautiful while nurturing academic excellence,
Johnsville Library Closing March 2 Until Summer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Johnsville Library Closing March 2 Until Summer Johnsville Library, 12461 Oak Park Blvd. NE, Blaine, is closing Sunday, March 2, and will reopen this summer once renovations are finished. Feb. 17 is the final day to place holds at Johnsville. Holds placed Feb. 18 or later can be picked up at Northtown Library, or a different branch can be selected when placing a hold. Locker holds will be available for pickup at Northtown lockers. Key fobs for the
Monticello nuclear plant cleared to run through 2050
Monticello nuclear plant cleared to run through 2050Xcel receives federal approval to extend operations for another 20 years Monticello’s nuclear power plant will continue to provide the region with energy while helping to support the local economy over the next two decades, pending state sanction. Xcel Energy received federal approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on Dec. 30, 2024, to extend the operation of its carbon-free Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant through 2050, the
