News Flash

Anoka County Libraries Reopen to the Public

All Anoka County libraries, except for the Mississippi Library in Fridley, reopened to the public this week after being shut down for the past three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Anoka County is the first library system in the metro area to reopen w...

More Development Coming to Gateway Commerce Center

More development is planned in the Gateway Commerce Center off Highway 10 and Hanson Boulevard.The Planning Commission recently approved a site plan for a 7,900 square foot multi-tenant commercial building on property just to the north of the Taco Bell. &...

Grant Funds Two Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Two new electric vehicle charging stations will put Coon Rapids on the map. This week, Coon Rapids installed charging stations in the parking lot of the Coon Rapids Ice Center and at the City Hall campus, outside the Civic Center.

Locally-based Cedar Creek...

Construction Resumes at CRHS

The impressive new entrance completed at Coon Rapids High School last year was just the beginning. A second phase of construction is underway thanks to the Fit for the Future referendum voters approved in the Anoka-Hennepin School District in 2017. This r...

Students Design Logo for CRPD Drone

Police work in Coon Rapids is getting a lift thanks to the department’s latest tool. The city bought a unmanned aircraft system, or what’s more commonly known as a drone, to help with police work.“Anytime that the UAS is flyi...

No Spectators Allowed at 3M Open

The 3M Open returns to Blaine next month but due to the pandemic fans won’t be allowed at the tournament.Tournament officials, who made the announcement on Monday, say the decision was made in accordance with current Minnesota guidelines which l...

Restaurants Reopen for Outdoor Dining

A welcome sight at restaurants across the state this week after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz loosened restrictions to allow for outdoor dining as of June 1. But some business owners are getting creative to stay competitive.On the outdoor patio at Chanticle...

J.C. Penney Closing Coon Rapids Location

We learned late this week that a major retailer in Coon Rapids is closing its doors as it restructures after filing bankruptcy last month.On Thursday, J.C. Penney announced that it is shuttering 154 stores across the nation including four here in Minnesot...

CRHS Seniors Honored with Signs on Northdale Blvd.

The Class of 2020 officially bids farewell to Coon Rapids High School this weekend.  And they are being recognized in a unique way due to the unusual circumstances of their senior year.For the last week, signs have lined Northdale Boulevard in fr...

Small Retail Businesses Begin Reopening

Many small retail businesses started reopening this week after being closed for nearly two months due to the coronavirus.CTN’s Steve Antus visited shops in downtown Anoka where owners are happy to be back in business.

ARCC Students Participate in Drive Thru Graduation Celebration

Covid-19 may have cancelled their in person graduation ceremony but students at Anoka-Ramsey Community College still received special recognition for their achievements.  On Friday, the college hosted a drive up recognition event for graduates. &...

Surprise Wedding Parade for Local Couple

A lot of plans are being altered by the coronavirus including wedding ceremonies.  But that didn’t stop a local couple from tying the knot at home this week.And they got a few surprise guests in the form of a wedding parade on Thursday ...

Mercy Hospital Prepares for Restart of Elective Surgeries

Governor Tim Walz is allowing elective surgeries to resume in Minnesota next week.  The new order covers hospitals and surgery centers along with dental and veterinary clinics.Mercy Hospital officials say they are prepared for elective surgeries ...

Demand Up at ACBC Food Shelf in Anoka

Local food shelves are seeing spikes in demand amid the pandemic but there’s also a bright spot: more donations.The ACBC Food Shelf has switched to a drive-up model of service.  Families pop the trunk and staff members load up their car...

Saturday Night Cruise on Coon Rapids Blvd.

For the past few weekends, Coon Rapids Boulevard has been filled with more traffic than usual.  Car enthusiasts have been taking part in a "Saturday Night Cruise."  CTN’s Steve Antus takes us there.

Bunker Hills Golf Club Reopens

Golfers are excited to once again be hitting the greens.  Late last week, Governor Tim Walz lifted restrictions on golf courses in Minnesota, allowing them to reopen while keeping social distancing guidelines in mind.  And it didn&rs...

Distance Learning Ordered for Rest of School Year

It’s not the news students and parents wanted to hear but this week Governor Tim Walz confirmed students won’t be returning to the classroom this school year.  His announcement Thursday is an especially difficult one for this ...

Construction Crews Busy on Hanson Boulevard

Construction crews have been busy in recent weeks working to make Hanson Boulevard safer and better for commuters.The $4.6 million project is happening north of Highway 10 between Northdale Boulevard and Main Street.  This week, grading crews hav...

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...

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....

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:...