News Flash

Some Elementary Students Returning to Classroom

For the first time in 10 months, some elementary students will be returning to the classroom full-time starting next week.Elementary students started the school year in the hybrid model which meant two days of in-person learning each week. That changed in...

State Launches COVID Vaccine Dashboard

The state has launched a new dashboard that keeps track of the vaccine rollout here in Minnesota.The dashboard, which is updated daily, shows the number of doses promised by the CDC, doses shipped to Minnesota providers and the percentage of doses used. ...

Local Author Gets First Book Published

We have an update now to a story that aired on CTN Journal a little over a year ago.  It involves a local woman trying to get her first book published.Jennifer DeVries tried to get her novel, Charlie's Mirror, crowd funded. When that did...

Restaurants, Bars and Indoor Entertainment Venues Reopening

The New Year is ushering in changes related to COVID restrictions here in Minnesota.On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz announced the easing of some restrictions. Starting January 11, bars and restaurants are allowed to resume indoor dining at 50 percent capa...

2 New Members on Coon Rapids City Council

The New Year brings change to the Coon Rapids City Council.On Monday night, Pat Carlson took the oath of office for the At-Large City Council seat. But he's not the only new face. Kari Rehrauer was sworn in to represent the citizens of Ward Two.T...

Fogerty Arena Makes Plea for Help

A regional destination in the north metro is putting out a call for help saying the pandemic could force it to close its doors.Fogerty Arena in Blaine was constructed back in the early 1980s. The nonprofit facility is home to Blaine and Spring Lake Park Y...

Some COVID Restrictions Continue into 2021

Governor Tim Walz announced this week that restrictions on some businesses in Minnesota will continue into the New Year.Restaurants, bars and breweries will remain closed for indoor service until January 11. However, outdoor service is being allowed at 50...

Final Meeting for 2 City Council Members

The make-up of the Coon Rapids City Council will be changing in the New Year.On Tuesday night, council members Bill Kiecker and Steve Wells participated in their final City Council meeting. Wells, who didn't seek re-election, has served on the co...

VFW Donates $15,500 to Coon Rapids Fire Department

The Coon Rapids Fire Department received a big donation this week.  On Tuesday night, the Coon Rapids VFW presented a check for $15,500 to the city. The money will be used to purchase two special dryers which will help decrease wear and tear on t...

Pop-Up COVID-19 Testing Site at Nat'l Sports Center

A COVID-19 testing site popped up in the parking lot of the National Sports Center this week.This self-administered swab test is the same one which has been available at clinics for months now. Anyone who needed a test could get one, even without insuranc...

'Pizza For Heroes' at Mercy Hospital

A kind gesture is growing thanks to a local business and citizens who want to help our frontline workers.  For nearly two weeks now, Cheap Skate has been baking and delivering free pizzas to workers at Mercy Hospital thanks to generous donations ...

Seniors Participate in Drive-Thru Holiday Dinner

COVID-19 didn't stop an annual holiday tradition from continuing this year.On Thursday, the Coon Rapids VFW hosted their holiday dinner with a 2020-style, drive-thru event. The hot meal included roast turkey along with mashed potatoes and gravy w...

City Council Approves 2021 Budget, Tax Levy

The City Council adopted the 2021 city budget and tax levy this week.Next year's tax levy was set at around $29.66 million which is a less than one percent increase over this year's tax levy.The 2021 budget includes three new full-time p...

New Lighting Technology on New Fire Truck

The Coon Rapids Fire Department recently took delivery of a new fire truck to replace its Fire Engine #1.  The new truck comes with some recent advancements in emergency lights technology for improved safety.“This will be a great piece ...

COVID-19 Testing Coming to National Sports Center

The National Sports Center campus will be hosting a pop-up COVID testing event next week.  The drive-thru testing will take place in the Victory Links Golf Course parking lot December 7-11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, December 12 from 8 a...

Skaters Take to the Ice Before Statewide "Pause"

The high level of spread of COVID-19 cases across Minnesota in recent weeks has state health officials concerned. In a prime-time address on November 20, Governor Tim Walz announced new restrictions to help slow the spread, which includes a four-week paus...

Hope 4 Youth Launches 'Out of the Cold' Campaign

A local non-profit which helps homeless youth kicked-off their end-of-the-year fundraising campaign this week.This year's "Out of the Cold" kick-off event took place Thursday evening outside the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. I...

November is DECA Month, Students Looking to Increase Interest

Despite the pandemic, some high school students are still taking part in after-school activities, virtually. DECA leads the way for Coon Rapids students, who are interested in business and marketing.“Today is our November 18, Wednesday DECA meet...

Anoka-Hennepin Announces Full Distance Learning

The Anoka-Hennepin School District announced Friday that elementary students will move to full distance learning on Monday, November 30. Classes are also canceled for the two days leading up to Thanksgiving break, November 23 & 24, to give teachers so...

New COVID Testing Sites Announced

The Minnesota Department of Health is expanding access to free, no barrier COVID-19 testing.  The Anoka Armory is one of 11 new testing sites opening next week across the state. The sites will replace "pop-up" style community testing ev...

ARCC Students Holding Virtual Fall Play

Students at Anoka-Ramsey Community College are gearing up for their fall production but it will look a lot different this year.  The pre-recorded performance of "The Living" will be available online starting November 20 for a limited-ti...

Theater Students Plan Virtual Production of "Almost, Maine"

The show must go on at Coon Rapids High School. Although the school has moved to full-time distance learning as the number of COVID-19 cases in the county rises, the theater department is determined to put on a live production. The cast and crew will put ...

License Centers Closing for System Upgrade

The Anoka County License Center in Coon Rapids will be closing for several days to allow for installation of a new system for motor vehicle transactions.In fact, all license center locations in Anoka County will be closed from November 11-15 to complete a...

Wienermobile Makes Stop in Coon Rapids

Here's something you don't see everyday on the streets of Coon Rapids.The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile made a stop in Coon Rapids last Sunday. Michele Berg sent us this video and some photos of the visit.Her friend is a hotdogger, one of 16 ...

Extra-Curricular Activities Approved for Now

As middle and high school students move to full-time distance learning, extra-curricular activities will continue.Dozens of students, parents and other supporters gathered outside Monday night's School Board meeting. They spoke, held signs and ch...

CRHS Gets New Ventilation System

District 11 is moving fast to add some new technology in the battle against COVID-19. This week, Coon Rapids High School got an upgrade to its ventilation system, which is thanks to funding from the federal CARES Act.The Anoka-Hennepin School District is ...

Hope 4 Youth Reopens Resale Boutique

Operations at Hope 4 Youth were hit hard by the pandemic, but the local non-profit is now celebrating the reopening of its thrift shop. Hope's Closet Resale Boutique in Champlin reopened it's doors this month for the first time since Mar...

Record Absentee Voting in Anoka County

Inside Anoka County Government Center this week, election work is underway. Wednesday was the first day absentee ballots could be opened and prepared for counting. Anoka County has already received more than 65,000 absentee ballots. With more than a week ...

Winter Storm Brings Out Snowplows in October

An early taste of winter weather is breaking records across the state this week.Tuesday's storm dumped about a half foot of snow on the north metro and up to nine inches in the south metro. That's the heaviest snow the Twin Cities has ev...

CRPD Welcomes 3 New Police Officers

A first at this week's City Council Meeting.  On Tuesday night, three new police officers were sworn in at the same time.  Austin Albers, Stephanie Schwieger, and Willem Aldrich have graduated from the police department&apos...

Coon Rapids Recycling Center Secures State Funding for Expansion

It took five special sessions but this week the State Legislature passed a $1.9 billion dollar bonding bill for roads and other construction projects across Minnesota.One such project securing funding is an expansion to the Coon Rapids Recycling Center. P...

Thousands Screened for COVID-19 at Anoka Armory

Minnesota is seeing a steady rise in the number of positive COVID-19 cases.  Part of that rise can be attributed to a big increase in statewide testing.  This week, public health officials were in Anoka for a free testing event.&ldqu...

Anoka Halloween 100th Anniversary Celebration Modified for Pandemic

It won't be the celebration they had expected, but the Halloween Capital of the World is determined to mark the 100th Anniversary of Anoka Halloween with spirit. Perhaps the biggest change this year is the Grand Day Parade, which normally draws t...

Free COVID Testing at Anoka Armory

Anyone who wants a COVID test can get a COVID test in Anoka.The Anoka Armory is one of six locations across the state offering the free no-barrier testing in partnership with the state and local health officials.The testing will take place October 13-15 f...

Recycling Center Launches Styrofoam Pilot Program

On a trial basis, the Coon Rapids Recycling Center is now accepting "food grade" Styrofoam in addition to the "rigid" Styrofoam the Center has always accepted. 

Food grade Styrofoam refers to the type of material used for food ...

Fire Prevention Week Highlights Kitchen Fire Safety

It is Fire Prevention Week which is a time for all of us to think about fire safety.  COVID-19 cancelled in-person events this year, but the Coon Rapids Fire Department still has some important information to pass along.When it comes to teaching ...

Purple Lights Put Domestic Violence in the Spotlight

Purple lights are shining around town to recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, including the Coon Rapids Police Department and City Hall. The city buildings will shine purple for all of October to raise awareness of domestic violence in ou...

Secondary Students Return to the Classroom

Middle and high school students in the Anoka-Hennepin School District returned to the classroom in the hybrid learning format this week.  It's the new normal for students and staff due to the pandemic.“Kids were saying it was w...

Family Promise in Anoka County Marks 10th Anniversary

An organization in Anoka County that helps families experiencing homelessness is marking its 10th anniversary this year.Family Promise in Anoka County started back in 2010 with Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids hosting homeless families. Today, a netwo...

Football, Volleyball Returning to Fall Sports Schedule

A reversal this week from the Minnesota State High School League.  On Monday, the league's Board of Directors voted to move football and volleyball from the spring back to the fall.CTN's Steve Antus has reaction from Coon Rapids...

Coon Rapids Veteran Receives Donation of New Roof

Another veteran in Coon Rapids has a new roof this week thanks to some special volunteers.Stephanie Vanderbijl, who served in the Air Force for more than nine years, received a new roof Wednesday as part of the Owens Corning National Roof Deployment Proje...

Local Woman Launches Philanthropy-based Pageant Company

You could call it a pageant with a purpose.  A Coon Rapids mom and business owner recently launched a philanthropy-based pageant company, Gloss Pageantry. 

Founder Amy Ann Dixon held Gloss's very first pageant in August. Each par...

Early Voting Begins for General Election

With just a month and a half to go until Election Day the focus on the 2020 Vote is heating up. Today marks the first day Minnesotans can cast a ballot in the General Election.There were people waiting in line on Friday at Coon Rapids City Hall, when the ...

Elementary Schools Start Hybrid Learning

Elementary students returned to all Anoka-Hennepin Schools this week, including Sand Creek Elementary. For now, the schools will follow a hybrid learning model, which puts fewer kids in the school buildings each day. Planning for a safe return to school d...

Seniors Take Part in Parking Lot Bingo

Here’s something you don’t see everyday.  A drive-in bingo session!On Monday, local seniors took part in Parking Lot Bingo at the Coon Rapids Soccer Complex.  They tuned into a special FM station to hear the bingo cal...

Coon Rapids High School Holds Orientation Week

It’s back-to-school for students - but not the return to classes that families are used to.  This week students in the Anoka-Hennepin School District stepped back inside school buildings for the first time in nearly six months. It was o...

Federal Grant Secured for New Rum River Bridge

A local construction project has secured a big federal grant of its own.  On Thursday, Governor Tim Walz announced that the state is receiving $15 million for the Highway 10 Rum River bridge replacement project.  Beginning in 2022, MnDOT...

A Tribute to the Victims of the 9/11 Attacks

Today marks a somber anniversary in our country. 19 years ago, terrorist attacks killed nearly 3,000 Americans in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. And to this day those victims are not being forgotten.On top of the Main Street Bridge, as truck...

CARES Act Funding for Election Safety

The city is receiving some money to help administer a safe election in the era of COVID.

The money comes from the federal CARES Act which is being funneled through the Secretary of State’s Office.  Coon Rapids is getting about $31,000. &...

Resurfacing Project on Coon Rapids Blvd.

Expect some delays if you travel Coon Rapids Boulevard in the coming weeks.Starting September 8, Anoka County will begin a mill and overlay project from 111th Avenue to just east of Hanson Boulevard.  Traffic will be reduced to just one lane in e...

CTN Wins 16 National Awards

A record haul for CTN at a national video awards ceremony this week.  On Thursday night, CTN took home 16 awards at the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors annual conference.  Here’s a list of the w...

Teachers' Rally as School Board Approves Plans for Fall

Dozens of Anoka-Hennepin teachers rallied before Monday night’s School Board meeting demanding more of a voice in the discussions surrounding Back to School plans this fall.Nearly 200 teachers stood, socially distant, around the block of the San...

Community Mural Unveiled at ARCC

We have an update now on a story we brought you back in March involving a one-thousand square foot community mural at Anoka Ramsey Community College.The college posted these photos on Facebook Thursday night showing off the finished product.  Doz...

Remembering Officer Greg Koss

Coon Rapids Police are mourning the loss of one of their own this week after the sudden death of a 30-year member of the department. Officer Greg Koss, 53, passed away of natural causes at his home on Monday morning. This week, Coon Rapids flags flew at h...

Teachers Share Concern Over Back-to-School Plans

The Anoka-Hennepin School District is pushing back the start of classes by one week. The week of Labor Day will now be used for orientation for students. Meanwhile, as preparations for the new school year kick into high gear teachers still have some conce...

Hanson Blvd./121st Ave. Intersection Reopens

Some good news for commuters who use the intersection of 121st Avenue and Hanson Boulevard.  Earlier this week, crews activated the new traffic signal at that corner, once again allowing all turning movements at the intersection.  New tu...

New Program to Help Parents of School-Aged Children

Parents who need to work during the coming school year face challenges to keep their kids busy while making time for shifting school models. Now there’s help for families with children who will be learning virtually this fall.Summer fun is in fu...

AMC Coon Rapids Reopening August 20

Starting next week, the world’s largest movie theater chain will begin reopening locations across the US that have been shuttered since the start of the pandemic.The AMC here in Coon Rapids will be one of the first to reopen on August 20. &n...

Bunker Hills Hosts 'Tee It Up for the Troops'

It isn’t about making par when Tee It Up for the Troops comes to Bunker Hills Golf Club. The annual charity tournament, which raises money for veterans’ causes, celebrated its tenth anniversary in Coon Rapids on Friday. Each year at th...

Celebrating the Completion of Hanson Blvd. Overpass Project

Local and state officials gathered this week on top of the new railroad overpass on Hanson Boulevard to mark the completion of the project which has been years in the making.It took two construction seasons to complete all of the work on what can be descr...

New Traffic Signal for Busy Roadway in Riverdale

Another busy area of town is about to get some safety improvements.On Tuesday night, the City Council approved plans and specifications and ordered advertisement of bids for a new traffic signal in the Riverdale area.  The signal will be installe...

Families Consider Hybrid vs. Distance Learning

Families with school-age children are debating whether or not to send their students back to the classroom. The Anoka-Hennepin School District would like parents to share their intentions for fall by next week. The options before parents right now are to ...

Anoka-Hennepin Schools Opt for Hybrid Model for Fall

UPDATE AT 5 P.M. ON JULY 31: The Anoka-Hennepin School District announced late Friday afternoon that they will use a hybrid model for fall.  Students in grades K-12 will go to school two days a week and do distance learning three days a week. &am...

Splash Pad at Boulevard Plaza Reopens

Exciting news for families in the area.  The splash pad at Boulevard Plaza is now open.  But there are some changes due to the coronavirus.  Splash pad users must take turns and observe social distancing, staying within family g...

'Home for Generations II' Program Helping Local Homeowners

Homeowners looking to take on a remodeling project have a leg up in Coon Rapids. The City offers a variety of incentives to help get the job done, including the Home for Generations II program.  

CTN’s Jennifer Anderson met with a partic...

CRPD Welcomes 2 New Police Officers

Coon Rapids has two new police officers patrolling the streets of the city.  On Tuesday night, Officers Andrew Olson and John Ormston were given the oath of office by Mayor Jerry Koch.  The two were hired as trainees earlier this year an...

Bunker Beach Getting New Wave Pool, Other Improvements

If you’re a fan of waterparks, you’ve no doubt heard Bunker Beach is closed due to COVID-19. Now, the popular summertime destination is getting a major construction upgrade, courtesy of Anoka County.

“They are under constructi...

Local Woman Named 'ATV Safety Instructor of the Year'

A Coon Rapids woman has been named the 2019 ATV Safety Instructor of the Year.  The announcement was made by the DNR on Monday.  Janelle Secord has taught two classes per year for the past 12 years.  She’s also an acti...