Local education leaders discuss Workforce Readiness at chamber luncheon
On Tuesday, April 29, more than 35 local business and community leaders gathered at the Wyndham Garden Hotel for the State of Education: Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow luncheon, hosted by the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce. The event featured a panel of local education leaders discussing how their schools are preparing students to thrive in today’s workforce—and how the business community can play a vital role. Panelists included Andy Almos, Superintendent of ISD 728; Dan DeBruyn, Executive
At historic Kelley Farm, a new season begins to unfold
Joni Astrup Associate Editor, Elk River Star News At the historic Oliver Kelley Farm, tucked away along the banks of the Mississippi River in Elk River, visitors can immerse themselves in a working farm of the 1860s — complete with barnyard animals, fields of crops, activities in the farmhouse and interpreters wearing historic-looking clothing. There’s also a modern Farm Lab, where visitors can explore Minnesota agriculture, present and future. The Kelley Farm will open for the season on June
Downtown Elk River Master Plan
THE PURPOSE OF THIS DOWNTOWN PLAN The purpose of this Plan is to create a vision and series of action steps for the Downtown Area of Elk River — a vision that responds to the needs of today, and prepares for the desires of the future. Downtown is of particular importance to the community because it is the psychological center of the community. Comprised of small and medium sized properties, it is in many ways a place of opposites - a place of pride and community gatherings; a core separated from the rest of
Northstar phase-out leaves riders with uncertainties
Metro Transit is planning on phasing Northstar service out of the north metro. As service plans to shift from rails to new bus lines, Metro Transit held an informational open house on April 29 at Anoka City Hall — but the session left visitors frustrated with unanswered questions. “We were notified back in March and told that buses will be the solution,” said Sara Otto, a Wright County resident who frequently rides the Northstar out of the Big Lake station. “There’s been no detail for those of us
School district seeks members for new Facilities Task Force
The Elk River Area School Board is looking for people to serve on a new Facilities Task Force to develop recommendations for the School Board to review. The task force will consist of up to 40 members from Elk River Area School District communities and will work in collaboration with the School Board and staff to chart the course for classroom spaces, building needs, and more over the next several years. Over the past 10 years, the Elk River Area School District has consistently engaged in this process.
John Babcock Receives Prestigious Award for Transformative Contributions to Anoka Technical College
During the annual Anoka Technical College Foundation fundraiser on April 17, John Babcock, board chairman, CEO, and president of The Bank of Elk River, was honored with the Howard Rosenwinkel Humble Service Award for decades of outstanding dedication to the college. Babcock is the second recipient of this award, which recognizes prior board members for their exemplary board service and embodying the key characteristics of Anoka Tech’s founding director, Howard Rosenwinkel.“I am truly honored to receive this
Walmart plans to remodel 22 stores in Minnesota, including Elk River location
Walmart announced plans on April 23 to deepen its commitment to Minnesota by investing in local stores, empowering associates and enriching the communities it serves. This includes plans to remodel 22 stores this year, including the one in Elk River at 18185 Zane St. NW. Some of the other area stores getting revamped include Princeton, Andover, Brooklyn Park and two in Blaine. The new investments are focused on enhancing the associate experience and community engagement, the company said. “Our stores
Main Street Family Services adds Family Resource Center
Main Street Family Services held a grand opening for its Family Resource Center with a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny event inside and on the grounds outside the center located at 400 Jackson Street NW in Elk River. The event attracted about 300 children and adults who were treated to breakfast and a chance to tour the facility and meet up with a few of the businesses’ many partners, including Milestones, Hope in a Hopeless World and You’re Not Alone. The Elk River Police and Fire Department was also
16th Annual 5K Walk for Mental Wellness May 17
Anoka County’s 16th annual 5K Walk for Mental Wellness is 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17 at Coon Rapids Regional Park, starting at pavilions No. 2 and 3. The event is family friendly and includes live music and snacks. The cost for participating is $15 for an individual; $12 for students; $30 for families of up to six people; and $125 for a group of up to 25 people. The event is organized by the non-profit Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County (MWCAC). Its mission is to erase
Wings Credit Union and Ent Credit Union Announce Merger of Equals: Partnering to Deliver Even More V
April 23, 2025APPLE VALLEY, MN — Minnesota-based Wings Credit Union announces today a merger of equals with Ent Credit Union out of Colorado Springs, CO. Together, the newly formed credit union will now serve nearly one million members, predominantly in Minnesota and Colorado. This announcement comes after thoughtful consideration between both credit unions in terms of service, sustainability, and growth. The two credit unions share a similar history, values, culture, and growth path. This merger of equals
Call for Artists – 2025 Sherburne Area Visual Arts Showcase
For Immediate Release Event Date: June 10-14, 2025 Event Time: varies Event Location: Sherburne History Center Contact Information: Emma Hoard, Programs Coordinator ehoard@sherburnehistorycenter.org Phone: 763.261.4433 (Becker, 11 April 2025) -- Call for Artists – Sherburne Area Visual Arts Showcase The Sherburne Area Visual Arts Showcase (SAVAS) committee is issuing a call for artists for our 2025 show! The show is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, through Saturday, June 14, 2025. It will be hosted
