News Flash

Coronavirus Impact at City Hall

Coon Rapids City buildings closed to the public March 17, as the mayor declared a "local emergency" in response to the public health threat of coronavirus and the resulting COVID-19 disease. Find the latest status of City buildings, programs and...

First Townhome Under Construction in Port Riverwalk

Some exciting news to report regarding Port Riverwalk which has sat vacant for many years.Just weeks after the city closed on the property with Centra Homes, the first townhome has gone up and crews are already working on the second one.  Centra ...

2020 Census Arriving in Local Mailboxes

In recent days, information about the 2020 Census has started arriving in mailboxes across the region.The Census is critical in determining our representation in Congress and the amount of federal funding our state and local governments receive.  ...

Expect More Delays at Coon Rapids License Center

Expect more delays than usual if you visit the Coon Rapids License Center in the next two weeks.Due to construction, the license center is down to just four work stations.  Normally, seven stations are in use.  The center, which is the b...

Fire Department Looking for Paid On-Call Members

The fire department is hanging out the help wanted sign looking for people interested in becoming paid, on-call firefighters.There are currently 20 paid, on-call members on the department who assist the career firefighters on the scene of fires or by staf...

Community-led Mural Takes Shape

A huge art installation is in the works at Anoka-Ramsey Community College involving hundreds of students, alumni and community members.The finished product will be a 1,000 square foot mural on the Coon Rapids campus. The months-long project is funded by a...

Community Forum Addresses Mental Health

Teen suicide has touched many area communities recently including Coon Rapids.This week, District 11 held a mental health forum to inform the community on the resources that are available to those who need help.  CTN’s Steve Antus repor...

Local Cable Leaders Head to the Capitol

Cable television leaders took to the State Capitol on Thursday to talk about local programming and how it’s funded.

“We want to build an advocacy and an understanding of the work that we do,” said Mark Martinez, president of T...

City Honors Volunteers at Commission Appreciation Dinner

The city honored its volunteers at a Commission Appreciation Dinner on Thursday night.  The annual event recognizes the work the volunteers do on nine different advisory boards and commissions.  Those members provide input and recommenda...

Low Turnout for Precinct Caucuses

Precinct Caucuses were held statewide on Tuesday and turnout was extremely low in Coon Rapids.Caucuses are run by Minnesota’s political parties. It’s a chance to select delegates that will represent their neighborhoods at the state con...

Perfect Season for Adapted Floor Hockey CI Team

An exciting season for the Anoka-Hennepin Mustangs Adapted Floor Hockey CI team.  The team closed out the regular season this past Monday with another win making them undefeated in all 11 games.They now go on to the state tournament as the number...

Push Continues for 3rd Lane on Highway 10

The push continues to add a third lane to Highway 10 in the western part of Coon Rapids.On Tuesday night, the City Council entered into a Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County agreeing to fund half of the cost of the preliminary design for the project....

Apartment Project Proposed Near Post Office

At a work session this week, the City Council learned more about a proposal that would bring another large apartment project to Coon Rapids.Minneapolis-based Schafer Richardson wants to construct a four-story, 193-unit building adjacent to the Post Office...

Former Lino Lakes Mayor Wins Seat on Anoka County Board

After sitting vacant for more than eight months, the District Six seat on the Anoka County Board was filled in a Special Election this week.On Tuesday, former Lino Lakes mayor Jeff Reinert received 1,203 votes, beating challenger Cindy Hansen who received...

ARCC Students Staging 'Sweet Land, The Musical'

A sweeping musical hits the stage at Anoka-Ramsey Community College this weekend, and reminds us of who we are, and where we came from.Rural Minnesota provides the backdrop for the production of "Sweet Land, The Musical." The story takes place s...

Railroad Overpass Planned for Foley Blvd. in 2021

Dozens of people turned out Thursday night for an open house for planned improvements to Foley Boulevard between Coon Rapids Boulevard and East River Road. This is the second open house hosted by Anoka County.  The primary purpose of the project ...

Door Hangers Educate Public About 2020 Census

We are now less than two months away from Census Day and communities across the nation are working to educate citizens about the importance of the once-a-decade population count.This week, several city workers canvassed local apartment and town home commu...

Comcast Opens New Retail Store in Coon Rapids

A new Xfinity Store recently opened in Coon Rapids. It’s part of an effort by Comcast to be more responsive to its customers.“What a great day, we’re glad to be here,” said J.D. Keller, regional senior vice presiden...

New Miss Coon Rapids Crowned

It’s the crowning moment of Snowflake Days, the annual pageant where a new Miss Coon Rapids is crowned.Last Saturday night, Lea Mau was crowned the new Miss Coon Rapids during a ceremony at Coon Rapids High School.  Mau is no stranger t...

Home Improvement Grants Available

After overwhelming interest from residents in 2019, the Coon Rapids Home Improvement Foundation will provide funds for Front Door grants again in 2020.

The Front Door Grant Program pays a portion of project costs to Coon Rapids property owners who will mak...

Coon Rapids Office Pool Wins Big Powerball Prize

A group of office workers in Coon Rapids who call themselves Team APG claimed a one million dollar lottery prize this week. The co-workers hit it big in last weekend’s Powerball drawing."It’s unbelievable," exclaimed Dustin U...

Homeless Count Conducted in Anoka County

Giving voice to the voiceless.  This week, volunteers and non-profits across Anoka County took part in a nation-wide effort to count how many people are experiencing homelessness on a single day.

2 Honored for Saving Another Motorist's Life

Two men who helped save the life of another motorist were honored during this week’s City Council meeting.Todd St. Hilaire and his 17-year-old son, Gabriel, both received a Citizen’s Award of Merit on Tuesday night.  Back in S...

New Luxury Apartment Building Opening in March

If you’re looking for a new luxury apartment in Coon Rapids, look no further than Lyra at Riverdale Station.Pre-leasing started this month and they are now accepting applications for move-in dates as soon as March 1.  The 180 unit build...

Gov. Tim Walz Visits Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Governor Tim Walz rolled out the third phase of his public works plan this week, targeting higher education spending.He made a stop on Monday at Anoka-Ramsey Community College to unveil his plan to the public.“We’re here and proud to p...

New Member on the Anoka-Hennepin School Board

A new member joined the Anoka-Hennepin School Board this week.On Monday night, Erin Heers-McArdle was sworn in as the District One representative.  She beat out Tom Heidemann for the seat at the last election.  Incumbents Marci Anderson ...

Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Homeless Count

The county is looking for volunteers to help with the upcoming count of the homeless population.A training session will take place Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. at the Anoka County Government Center.  You can also complete the training online.  ...

Fire Department Partners with American Red Cross

After the holidays, the supply of blood drops off for hospitals everywhere.  This week, the American Red Cross got a boost in their numbers in Coon Rapids.The Coon Rapids Fire Department sponsored a blood drive on Wednesday at the Coon Rapids Civ...

Schulte Elected Chair of the Anoka County Board

The Anoka County Board is set and organized for the new year.On Tuesday morning, Scott Schulte was once again elected to serve as the chair of the Anoka County Board.  He took over the position last May after former board chair Rhonda Sivarajah b...

Boulevard Plaza Possible Site Expansion

The Coon Rapids City Council is considering a possible recreational facility at the site of Boulevard Plaza, located near 11000 Crooked Lake Blvd.

The Coon Rapids Ice Center, located at 11000 Crooked Lake Blvd., opened in September 2011 as part of a long-t...

Heidemann Honored for 20 Years on Anoka-Hennepin School Board

Anoka-Hennepin School District officials, past and present, honored the leader of the School Board this week.On Monday evening, Tom Heidemann was presented with a special plaque and medal for his 20 years of service on the Anoka-Hennepin School Board. &am...

Holiday Show Returns to Bunker Hills Event Center

Maybe you heard about last year's great holiday musical "Snowed In: A Holiday Celebration of Song" which was performed at the Bunker Hills Event Center.  Well, if you missed it, you're in luck.This heart-warming musical has been beefed ...

Andover Landfill Cleanup Project Nearly Complete

Work to remove contaminated soil from a hazardous waste pit in Andover is wrapping up soon. The $22.3 million project has already resulted in the removal of rusting barrels that posed a serious risk to ground water.For close to 50 years, a small area of t...

State Announces $1.3 Billion Budget Surplus

A big budget surplus will greet lawmakers when they return to the State Capitol for the 2020 session.  On Thursday, Minnesota Management and Budget announced a more than $1.3 billion surplus for the 2020-2021 biennium.  State officials c...

Community Mural Coming to ARCC

Anoka-Ramsey Community College will be more colorful next spring when the campus unveils a 1,000 square foot community mural.The college received an arts learning grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board back in August.  They recently completed ...

Japanese Film Crew Spotlights CRPD

It's pretty unusual to hear Japanese in the halls of the Coon Rapids Police Department, but this week a team of journalists and filmmakers from the other side of the globe brought their cameras to the city.

The television crew, led by senior producer Taku ...

Hundreds of Coats Donated to Kids in Need

Coon Rapids and Minneapolis firefighters teamed up on November19th to make sure kids at the Head Start facility have a warm winter coat.“Operation Warm” has provided coats to more than two million children in the U.S. but this was the ...

Send-off Party for Miss Minnesota

Miss Minnesota received a hero's send off from the Coon Rapids Fire Department last weekend.Kathryn Kueppers was crowned Miss Coon Rapids in January, and then became Miss Minnesota in June. She now heads to the Miss America pageant in December.A large cro...

ACBC Food Shelf Seeking Donations Following Unexpected Expense

The heat is back on late this week at the ACBC Food Shelf in Anoka.A recent maintenance inspection discovered a problem with two of the five heating units which left the store and sorting room in the cold the last few weeks.  Repairs were made to...

Special Veterans Day Ceremony at CRHS

Coon Rapids High School students and staff held a special celebration on November 11, recognizing local military veterans and their families. It had been several years since the school had held a Veterans Day event but Assistant Principal Curt Wallrath sa...

Senior Bazaar Raises Money for Local Charities

A big turnout Thursday for the annual Bazaar put on by the Coon Rapids Super Senior Club.  There was plenty to choose from including items in the Flea Market and Christmas Market.  Many items were donated by crafters, quilters and wood c...

Weather Delays Reopening of Hanson Blvd.

The finish line keeps getting pushed back for construction along Hanson Boulevard. The reopening of the road at the railroad tracks, which has been closed since March, is delayed once again. Wet weather followed by colder than expected temperatures create...

School Board Chair Loses Reelection Bid

One of the three incumbents running in Tuesday's General Election was ousted from the Anoka-Hennepin School Board.In the District One race, Erin Heers-McArdle came out on top beating school board chair Tom Heidemann by more than 220 votes.  Heide...

Local Church Offers Free Burial Service for Cremated Remains

For the second year, the Church of the Epiphany has provided a final resting place for cremated remains in one of its cemeteries for free. After a November 5th funeral service in Coon Rapids seven names will be added to a marker stone near 37 names added ...

Groundbreaking for New Apartment

Developers broke ground on a new 168-unit apartment complex in the Port Evergreen area near 94th Avenue and Springbrook Drive Thursday, November 7, 2019. The complex, named Spring House Apartments, will be developed by St. Paul-based Real Estate Equities....

Mercy Offering 3D Mammograms

New technology could soon save lives at the Mercy Hospital campus.  Starting October 31, the Mercy Women's Health Clinic will be offering 3D mammograms.  Installation of the new advanced device is part of an Allina Health system-wide eff...

Fire Hydrant Covers

Starting this week, public works crews will begin covering fire hydrants throughout the city with red plastic bags. Approximately 200 hydrants along county roads, plus a few high-traffic city roads, will get covers. The plastic bags protect the hydrants d...

Students Staging Fall Production at ARCC

Close to 20 Anoka-Ramsey Community College students are working to bring “The Way of the World” to the campus’s Performing Arts Center in November.Theater Instructor Lisa Weaver says the 300-year-old romantic comedy offers ma...

City Employee Earns Award for Diversity Group Work

A City of Coon Rapids employee has been recognized for her work in the community off the clock.Last week, Lori Anderson was given the "Friend of the League" award from the ABC Chapter of the League of Women Voters.  The award was given ...

500 Pumpkins Given Away at Inaugural Event

The Inaugural Rocky’s Pumpkin Patch event at Sand Creek Park on October 19 connected children with organizations that serve youth in Coon Rapids.Athletic organizations, the Boys & Girls Club and other groups offered games, candy and informat...

Anoka County License Center in Coon Rapids Expanding

After years of overcrowding, the Coon Rapids License Center is set to double in size by early next year.  CTN’s Dan Carpenter tells us what it means for those looking to renew a passport or driver’s license.

Hanson Blvd. Reopening Delayed Once Again

The reopening of Hanson Boulevard at the railroad tracks has been pushed back once again.  The roadway is not scheduled to reopen until November 27 which is the day before Thanksgiving.  Last week's weather delayed work on the railroad b...

CRHS Bringing Back Veterans Day Program

After about a 10 year hiatus, Coon Rapids High School is bringing back its Veterans program.  Students will gather for an assembly on Veterans Day to honor those who've served our country and also the families that are impacted.  The Vet...

New Main Entrance Opens at Coon Rapids High School

After months and months of construction, work is nearly complete on the first phase of renovations at Coon Rapids High School.On Thursday morning, the new front entrance opened to students.  The new entrance has been under construction for more t...

CRHS Students Take Part in Respect Retreat

Thanks to a generous partnership between the Coon Rapids Rotary Club and the High School, students are paying closer attention to how they respect themselves and their classmates.  CTN's Jennifer Anderson was there as students participated in a d...

Students Get Lesson from Coon Rapids Firefighters

Hundreds of Coon Rapids elementary school students were visited by the Coon Rapids Fire Department and Sparky the Fire Dog between October 7^th and 11^th.Every year, the fire department works to share important fire safety messages during Fire Prevention we...

David Law Named 'Superintendent of the Year'

A big honor this week for Anoka-Hennepin Schools superintendent David Law.  On Monday, Law was named "Superintendent of the Year" by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators during the organization's annual fall conference. It...

Chili Fundraiser Helps Local Food Shelf

The Coon Rapids Lions Club held a chili fundraiser for the ACBC Food Shelf last weekend.The event at Alloy Brewing filled nearly every seat as local lions served red and white chili along with hot dogs.  A total of 126 pounds of canned and dry go...

Crooked Lake Water Testing

The City of Coon Rapids has begun testing for bacteria at Crooked Lake (13180 Crooked Lake Blvd.) as part of a new initiative to ensure water safety. The City began this new testing program Monday, July 29.

The new water testing is being conducted because:...

Honoring Anoka County Judge Tammi Fredrickson

Some sad news this week as we learned of the death of Anoka County judge Tammi Fredrickson, who previously served as Coon Rapids City Attorney.Fredrickson died at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer.  CTN's Jennifer Anderson has more on...

Contracts Awarded for Andover Community Center Expansion

After months and months of discussion and debate, plans for a big expansion to the Andover YMCA Community Center are moving forward.This week, the Andover City Council awarded contracts for the project which is expected to break ground in July.  ...

Preparations Underway for Inaugural 3M Open in Blaine

Preparations are in full swing for the inaugural 3M Open at the TPC Twin Cities the first week of July.It will be the first regular stop in Minnesota for the PGA Tour in five decades and large crowds are expected.  Tents and other facilities are ...

Paulson Inducted Into National Wrestling Hall of Fame

A big honor last weekend for 1996 Olympic silver medalist Brandon Paulson.  Paulson was inducted into the "National Wrestling Hall of Fame" during a special ceremony at Oklahoma State University.  Paulson was born in Coon Rapid...

Schulte Named Chair of the Anoka County Board

There's a few changes on the Anoka County Board following the appointment of board chair Rhonda Sivarajah as county administrator.   She stepped down as board chair on Tuesday and begins her new duties on June 12th.Scott Schulte, who's been vice ...

Mother Baby Center Opens 'Milk Depot' at Mercy Hospital

New mothers now have a local option for donating excess breast milk.  The Mother Baby Center at Mercy Hospital is now an official milk depot.Mercy Hospital began accepting donated breast milk from mothers one month ago.  As a milk depot,...

Community Ed. Department Offers Summer Programs for Kids

The Anoka-Hennepin Community Education Department is gearing up for a busy summer of programming for area youth.The programs are for students in preschool through eighth grade.  There's lots to choose from including sports and recreation, robotic...

Hundreds Attend Public Works Open House

The city of Coon Rapids kicked off National Public Works week with an open house Saturday, May 18. The annual event at the Department of Public Works is an opportunity to educate both adults and children about a wide range of city services.“I look at it a...

6 Coon Rapids Homes Showcased on Home Remodeling Tour

Six Coon Rapids homes opened to the public this past weekend for the annual Home Remodeling Tour.  CTN's Jennifer Anderson visited a few to find out what inspired the homeowners and their projects.

MN United Continue Training at National Sports Center

Despite a new stadium, the Minnesota United will continue training at the National Sports Center for years to come.  Both entities made the announcement on Thursday.  The Minnesota United have a world-class locker room and training facil...

Sivarajah Named Next Anoka County Administrator

Anoka County Board chairwoman Rhonda Sivarajah will become the next county administrator.  On a 4-2 vote at the Anoka County Board meeting Tuesday morning, Sivarajah was appointed to the position effective May 31.  She was one of three f...

Fallen Officers Honored During Police Week Service

Communities across the country paused to remember all law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during National Peace Officers Week. At the Anoka County Government center on May 15, fallen Anoka County officers were honored for the 23^rd year.&...

Jell-O Cookoff Showcases Colorful Creations

Naked Jell-O thumb wrestling at fire station three in Blaine last Saturday kicked off the first ever Anoka County Historical Society Jell-O Cookoff.The fundraiser also tested Jell-O tossing skills and trivia.  A Jell-O historian from North Dakota...

Cleanup of Hazardous Waste to Begin at Andover Landfill

After 47 years in the ground, hazardous waste in an Andover landfill will be removed this summer. Final funding for the $22 million dollar project was secured last month.The Waste Disposal Engineering Landfill just south of Andover Boulevard and west of H...

Construction Work Ramps Up on Hanson Blvd.

Construction work is ramping up on a project that will put a bridge over the railroad tracks on Hanson Boulevard.On Thursday afternoon, we found crews working on the underground utilities along Hanson Boulevard.  They are removing the existing wa...

Firestoppers Installed in Coon Rapids Apartment Buildings

The Coon Rapids Fire  Department took steps this week to prevent kitchen fires in some local apartment buildings without sprinklers.Fire inspector Robert Erickson installed the stovetop firestoppers in all 192 kitchens at Heritage Heights Apartme...

Passing Train Sparks Several Grass Fires

A spark from a passing train is believed to have ignited several grass fires in the area Tuesday afternoon.The flames were first reported around 3:20 p.m. near 85th Avenue and the railroad tracks.  Moments later another fire was reported in the a...

High School Graduation Rates Hit Record High

High school graduation rates hit a record high last year in Minnesota.83.2% of the Class of 2018 graduated across the state.  In the Anoka-Hennepin School District, 86.6% of high school seniors graduated, up more than three percent from the previ...

Families Celebrate 'Gift of Life' at Mercy Hospital

Mercy Hospital hosted a special ceremony this week to celebrate the "Gift of Life."Dozens of people gathered Thursday night to honor family members who died last year and donated their organs, tissue and eyes to others in need.  Their n...

Session Teaches Parents About the Dangers of Teen Vaping

The Anoka-Hennepin School District is working to reverse a dangerous trend, teens using electronic cigarettes.The district’s director of student services says “vaping” by youth has increased more than 50% in the last three ye...

District 11 Holding Information Session on Teen Vaping

There's a growing problem parents need to be aware of: teen vaping.  According to the FDA, vaping among high schoolers has increased 78 percent in just the last year alone.Parents are invited to learn more about the problem at an informational ev...

Despite Snow, Some Thinking About Gardening Season

A few days before an April snowstorm blanketed Coon Rapids in snow, close to 150 people were learning how to prepare for the growing season.The 13^th annual Home Landscaping and Garden Fair returned to the Bunker Hills Activity Center on April 6^th with mor...

DECA Members Hold Kickball Marathon at CRHS

A group of 20 Coon Rapids High School students working to attend out of state leadership events have a story to tell for the rest of their lives.For 24 hours straight, students with DECA played a continuous game of kickball.  The game kicked off ...