CMMA Announces Central Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing Week: Oct. 1-4, 2025
Manufacturing facility tours at 24 locations across Central Minnesota St. Cloud MINN. (Sept. 9, 2025) — The Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association (CMMA) announces its 14th annual Tour of Manufacturing, set to take place Oct. 1 – 4, 2025, which includes manufacturing facility tours at 24 companies across the region for students, parents and the public to help inspire and recruit the next generation of manufacturing talent. The in-person tours provide a first-hand look at how Central Minnesota is a
Spotlight on Opioids and Overdose Event Oct. 4
Come and see how Anoka County is responding to the opioid epidemic at a free event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Spring Lake Park High School, 1100 81st Ave. NE, Spring Lake Park. This event aims to raise awareness about overdose prevention and provide support for individuals and families who are or may be affected by substance misuse. Hosted by the Anoka County Opioid Solutions Initiative (ACOSI), the day will be filled with insightful education, discussions, and
Gateway Fiber Expands Into Elk River and Otsego, MN, With 100% Fiber-Optic Internet Service
ELK RIVER, Minn., September 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gateway Fiber announced today that it is bringing its ultra-fast, 100% fiber-optic internet service to Elk River and Otsego, MN, joining other Twin Cities communities, including Blaine, Coon Rapids, Maple Grove, Plymouth, and others, as the company expands its footprint in the area. Construction on the new network is set to begin in September, with the first customers scheduled to come online later this fall. Most residents will see service available in
County Highway 37/137 Construction Begins
ROAD CLOSURE BEGINS SEPTEMBER 15th! Construction of the CSAH 37/CR 137 Project began on Sept. 2, 2025. This will coincide with construction on the new Costco site and construction on MacIver Avenue. Construction Phases The project is being constructed in two primary phases: Stage 1 Construction of MacIver Roundabout. CR 137 will be closed to through traffic beginning the week of September 15th. Stage 2 Construction of Improvements from I-94 Ramp Terminals to East of Lymon Avenue. The I-94 Ramp
Celebrate Wildlife at the 30th Annual Wildlife Festival!
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the Friends of Sherburne, invites families, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate the 30th Annual Wildlife Festival on Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Oak Savanna Learning Center. This free, family-friendly event celebrates National Wildlife Refuge Week (Oct. 11–18), Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day (Oct. 11) and National Public Lands Day (Sept. 27) while showcasing the incredible wildlife and habitats
Elk River Walmart unveils remodeled supercenter
By Jim Boyle, EditorElk River Star NewsAug 26, 2025 The Elk River community joined local and regional Walmart officials on Aug. 15 to celebrate the newly remodeled Elk River Walmart Supercenter with a program and ribbon-cutting ceremony in the store’s garden center. The morning event included check presentations to local nonprofit organizations, food trucks, vendor mascots and free samples for customers. Store manager Adam Luck emceed the 9 a.m. ceremony. He used the moment to thank his management team,
Janet McCarty named Elk River’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year
By Jim Boyle Editor July 29, 2025 Updated Aug 4, 2025Elk River Star News Janet McCarty has been named the 2025 Elk River Volunteer of the Year. She joins Dave Anderson and Donita Grell, who received the honor in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Elk River Mayor John Dietz, who founded the Volunteer of the Year Award, announced McCarty as the winner during Elk RiverFest at Orono Park, shortly before Audio Circus took the stage for the final concert on July 26. The selection committee included Debbi
Citizen's Academy Application
Citizen's Academy is designed to help strengthen the partnership between public safety professionals and the community by sharing information and promoting a better understanding of public safety services. Applications are now being accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.Fall 2025 SessionTuesday eveningsSeptember 30 - October 286:00 - 9:00 p.m.For adults 21 years or older Topics include: Use of force, investigative functions, firearms and range shooting, ride-along, patrol functions,
Enterprise Academy for Sherburne/Wright Counties
Sherburne/Wright County Entrepreneurs: Apply Now! The Initiative Foundation is accepting applications for a September-December Enterprise Academy cohort in Sherburne/Wright counties. Enterprise Academy is the single-largest early-stage entrepreneur training program in Central Minnesota. At the heart of the program is a 12-week business course that provides training and individualized advising to help underserved entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses.What You Will Learn Enterprise Academy is the
Cyclists pedal 500 miles for River of Life Church expansion
Elk River Star News A group of cyclists pulled into River of Life Church in Elk River on Aug. 3, having just completed a 500-mile trek from the church to Duluth and back to raise money for the church’s “Expand the House” initiative. Each rider trained and raised funds to support the first phase of a three-part expansion project, which will begin with new space for children’s ministries, including classrooms, an indoor playground and sensory room. Ten cyclists, including seven who completed the entire
Living Waters Church has opened an expanded restroom
Elk River, MN – Living Waters Church in Elk River has opened an expanded restroom featuring a public universal changing table for both children and adults with disabilities—the closest facility of its kind is 38 miles away. According to the Changing Spaces Campaign, fewer than 20% of public buildings in the U.S. offer adult-sized changing tables. The restroom is open to the public Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and during Sunday services. Church leaders say the project aims to raise awareness of a
