The Elk River citizens have another chance to view and comment on the the proposed long-range plan for the greater downtown Elk River area on Monday, October 22, 2012 from 4–7 p.m., at Elk River City Hall, 13065 Orono Parkway.   To see the plan, called the Mississippi Connections Redevelopment Framework, go to www.ElkRiverMN.gov As I always say, if you don’t participate, you have no right to complain, just like voting which I hope you will also do in November! 10/19/2012

Community Aid in Elk River (CAER) is holding a spaghetti dinner at St. Andrew's Church (566 4th St.) on October 28th from 4-7.  You had better get your tickets early!  Tickets are  $6 for adults and $4 for children under 4.   This is one of CAER's biggest fundraisers during the year to help stock the food shelf and Thrivent Financial  for Lutherans is a co-sponsor.  There will be entertainment, a silent auction, door prizes and a bake sale as well.  This is a great event.  So come on down to St. Andrew's Gym and help out this great charity in Elk River.    I might even see you there!   10/18/2012

If the outside color isn’t your style, check out the Elk River Arts Alliance’s current show, “Minnesota Harvest”.  This event will be ongoing through Oct. 31.    My wife and some of her pals went to the show, but didn’t take photos.  Participating area  artists include:  Suzanne Ballweber, Kathy Brad, Bud Bullivant, Donna Jean Carver, Mark Caselius, Linda Croteau, Nancy Gongoll, Mark Haglund, Sarah Hartman, Carol Hendrickson, Steve Madore, Jean Orr, Marilyn Schroeder, Pat Soyka, Betty Stensurd, Judy Syring, and Lisa Tetzlaff. The gallery in the Government Center is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You might want to check out what some of our local talent is doing.      10/07/2012

Elk River’s finest, its own Fire Chief commanded the Honor Guard as the dedication of a new memorial that honor fallen firefighters. What could be better than having one of our own lead the Honor Guard for this dedication on Sunday, September 30, 2012?    Elk River Fire Chief T. John Cunningham was the honor guard commander and issued the orders to the honor guard at the event.   The memorial outside the State Capitol in St. Paul pays tribute to the 207 fallen firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 1881. Cunningham said the dedication was a moving experience, not only because of the attendance of several thousand people and that Governor Mark Dayton was there, but there were also about 700 firefighters. Besides Cunningham, Elk River firefighters Phil Collins, Mark Lees and... 10/06/2012

Ten new Elk River High School Sports Hall of Fame members were announced by activities director Mike Cunningham and were introduced at the homecoming game, September 28th.  The game wasn’t won by Elk River, but these ten are stars nonetheless.  I have included a link here so that you can read of their accomplishments.    Richard Belanger (1962), Jim Berg (1965), Gary Dreissig (1964), Kim (Knudson) Waters (1993), Gary Kroells (1989). Gayne Maloney (1945), Anya (Miller) Jaeger (2004), Sarah Mishmash (1997), Tom Otsby (1967), and  Rollie Ring-Jarvi (coach). 09/30/2012

The Elk River Task Force has developed the new plan for downtown Elk River.    It is too long to go into here so I have provided the link.    The most important part of the plan is that they are considering the impact of Highway 10 becoming a freeway as it passes through the downtown area.    The idea is to strengthen the downtown area and not abandon it as so many communities do once a freeway comes calling.    I believe that this is the right plan for Elk River.  There is enough commerce along the 169 corridor, and if they can make this a success, Elk River will really come into its own as a resource for the whole county.    Overall, I think that the plan is commendable and is also workable. 09/28/2012

I have been a member of the Elk River Area Toastmasters group for over 4 years now. For those of you in the area this group meets from 12:00pm-1:00pm every Thursday at the Elk River Activities Center location at 413 Proctor Avenue, Elk River, MN 55330. You can call me personally if you would like to attend a meeting or have questions on Toastmasters at 612-290-3809. If your living in another area go to www.Toastmasters.org and there is a link in the upper left of the page to find a location near you. This video below helps describes the Toastmaster Experience!! 09/27/2012

This weekend (September 21st-23rd, 2012) is the annual Wapiti Historical Re-enactment in Elk River. Maybe perhaps one of the more hidden and unknown events of the area... definitely worth the time to explore.Wapiti Historical Re-Enactment is next weekend, Sept. 22-23, 2012 at 7415 Old Viking Blvd, Nowthen MN, 55330 Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 9-3Paying a mere pittance to enter ($2/person Friday and $3/person on the weekend) we will spend hours watching, learning and participating in the past.I honestly learned more than my children last year, but I can guarantee that this is one event that we will make a point to attend every year.From the viewpoint of an early settler into Minnesota or an Indian already here... we learned about fur trading, black smithing, fire starting, weaving, rope mak... 09/17/2012

There was important information in the Elk River Star News this week.  And, you will want to attend some of these forums so that you are aware of the issues that face Elk River Minnesota in the coming years.  The Elk River Area Citizens League will sponsor two forums at the Elk River City Hall, The September 15, 2012 forum will focus on the Elk River Area School Board candidates and the Elk River City Council races from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The candidates will answer questions from the League and the public.  I would imagine that you can submit your questions ahead of the forum, too. Candidates for School Board include incumbents Sue Farber, Janelle Henry and Holly Thompson as well as Jane Frazier, Dan Hunt and Tom McAuley. Elk River City Council candidates include Barb Burandt and Michae... 09/09/2012

Sherburne County Health and Human Services, the City of Elk River and the Elk River Fire Department are sponsoring a car seat check-up and car seat recycling drop-off clinic on Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 9 a.m. to noon at Elk River Fire Station #2 located across from City Hall at 13073 Orono Parkway.   This is an important service that parents can use and whether they can afford it or not, we want to make sure that the kids are protected.  We still have a booster seat in the car because the youngun isn’t quite tall enough or old enough for a regular seat belt just yet.   Free car seat check appointments are available. Call 763-765-4000 to schedule your time.   There is a suggested donation of $10 for recycling of car seats.   09/07/2012

After a year of developing plans to support active military service members and their families, the City of Elk River will be officially certified as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon city at a ceremony Thursday, August 23, 2012 starting at 6:15 p.m. The ceremony will be at River’s Edge Commons Park in downtown Elk River and will take place before a concert by the Belfast Cowboys. Gov. Mark Dayton will present the certificate to Elk River Mayor John Dietz, who initiated the organization after a suggestion from veteran Ralph Donais.  This will be the first time a sitting Governor has visited Elk River, too, since Jesse Ventura addressed some of the Elk River students. To mark the occasion, Dietz has proclaimed next week as Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Week, which will begin Sunday with a special pr... 08/17/2012

  Check out the Oliver Kelley Farm near Elk River, Minnesota for something fun, different and (educational) to do with the kids this weekend.  The farm is run as it was nearly 160 years ago and is operated by the Minnesota Historical Society.    Visitors will see — and may help — costumed staff members going about the tasks of mid-19th century farm   Livestock representing the breeds of Kelley’s day inhabit the farm. Lambs and piglets have already been born this year and kittens are expected any day. Chicks will also be hatching, Bercher said.   The farm is already home to oxen Toby and Colter, who are fully trained and often seen in the fields. Another pair of oxen has been trained and is ready to be sold.  And a new team of calves has been acquired and will be trained to work the fiel... 08/02/2012

The Elk River School Board has tentatively scheduled a vote on ballot questions for its August 30, 2012, business meeting. There are a number of options on its agenda.  They are considering a proposal to add all day, every day kindergarten, which is one of its strategic plan’s primary goals. All day, every day kindergarten is being considered for more than just its educational merit. It’s also being considered to help prevent the district from losing families to other schools for such program options. While I, personally, think that this is a crucial step to keep and attract families to the area, there are tax considerations with this along with other areas that the School Board considers essential such as adding computer technology to assist the district with staying viable.  There are... 08/01/2012

Elk River Area Toastmasters are hosting a Summer Open House tomorrow July 26th from 11:45am-1:00pm at the Elk River Activity Center. (413 Proctor Ave, Elk River MN 55330) There will be a FREE LUNCH provided so come find out about Toastmasters! Do you feel uncomfortable speaking in public? Do you want to be able to present your business more professionally? Do you need to sharpen your leadership skills? Come find out how Toastmasters provides an atmosphere of encouragement and support to build your confidence!   More information on Toastmasters at: http://www.toastmasters.org Elk River Area Toastmasters: http://elkriver.toastmastersclubs.org   413 Proctor Ave, Elk River MN 55330 Directions: From Twin Cities HWY 10 North (west) to Proctor Ave, take left, go two blocks and building is on y... 07/25/2012

Elk River Student Anessa DeMers aced her ACT test with a 36 of 36 score….just as her sister, Mara did a few years ago.    Anessa will graduate in 2013 and plans to study creative writing.  Her sister Mara graduated in 2010 and is a sophomore studying plant biology at the University of Minnesota.    These two smart girls are the daughters of Sue Lavenz and Robert DeMers.   Nationally, while the actual number of students earning a composite score of 36 varies from year to year, roughly one-tenth of 1 percent receive a top score. Among test takers in the high school graduating class of 2011, only 704 of more than 1.6 million students earned a composite score of 36.   I just wanted to give Anessa and her sister Mara a big congratulations!  I hope that they both find great success in their c... 07/25/2012

The Sherburne County Fair in Elk River will begin on July 19th and continue through July 22nd.  No matter the size of your family or the fair food you crave, there’s something for everyone at the Sherburne County Fair. For more information visit www.sherburnecountyfair.org.   Musical entertainment at the Sherburne County Fair will consist of two performances by Twin Cities bands along with three contests for local singers and musicians. Iron Horse The Iron Horse Band, which plays modern country and classic rock, will perform at Lions Garden Friday, July 20, beginning 8 p.m. Boogie Wonderland Boogie Wonderland, a six-piece 1970s disco dance band with multiple lead singers, will perform Saturday, July 21, beginning 8 p.m. Battle of the Bands Battle of the Bands will be held Thursday at 7 ... 07/15/2012

  18327 Tyler St NW Elk River, MN 55330   Description Great family home in Trott Brook Farms neighborhood in Elk River.   Home features 4 BR's on upper level, large master suite, main floor laundry, formal dining, family room and living room all on the main level. Good sizeed back yard with a large deck!  Walkout basement is unfinished for future expansion.  This home is also available for rent at $1800.  Rent to own an option for buyers looking to find a home soon but still working on their financing.  Clean home and ready to move into!  Call or email to set up an appointment! $239,900 Year Built 2003 Sq Footage 2,240 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Lot Size 68x169x136x130 Rooms Bedroom 1 15x11 Bedroom 2 15x11 Bedroom 3 12x11 Bedroom 4 11x10 Deck 16x16 Dining Room 14x11 Family Room 16x15 Kitch... 07/13/2012

Let’s give Sue Kostanshek a big round of applause!  She has been the Elk River Senior Center Coordinator for 27 years!   That is a long run!    She was honored at the June 18 Elk River City Council meeting, where Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hecker thanked her for 27 years of service and her effect on many lives and Mayor John Dietz said she has done a tremendous job.  I would say so! She said that many retirees are younger than in previous generations and that even older seniors like to gather and keep in touch and take classes which is easier for them now that the Senior Center is located very centrally in the old library.  The new libray is near Lake Orono.   She and her husband plan to volunteer together for Elk River Senior Dining and she intends to volunteer in Princeton,... 07/06/2012

  The Elk River Farmers Market will open for the season Thursday, June 28, in a new location in downtown Elk River on Main Street near the Bank of Elk River’s main branch in downtown.   The farmers market will be located in a newly built parking lot next to Elk River Meats. In recent years the farmers market has been held in the parking lot of Westbound Liquor.   Hours will be 2–6 p.m. Thursdays, June 28–Oct. 4. There will not be a market on July 5.   There will be 21 vendors this year, according to RaeAnn Gardner, marketing coordinator for Elk River Parks and Recreation.   Besides a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, vendors will have a variety of products for sale including hanging baskets, honey, soaps, mozzarella cheese, herb plants, edible flowers, popcorn, baked goods, jams a... 06/23/2012

The Elk River Lions are hosting their seventh annual Elk River Lions Memorial Day Car Show on Monday at 10 a.m.  to 3 p.m. Monday at the Sherburne County Fairgrounds. There will be an automotive swap meet coinciding with the event that will be held regardless of the impending rain. There is a chance to vote on your favorite cars, too, since there is a People’s Choice Award, and a President’s Choice Award with three awards per class. For more information on the car show, contact Lion Neil Anderson (763 441-0033). For information about the swap meet, contact Lion Jim Swanson (763 355-2784). The Lions ask for a free-will donation from spectators for admittance into the car show. Money raised will go toward the Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation. The gate opens at 9 a.m. for participants.   05/25/2012