University Avenue Elementary has been named one of the top 24 magnet schools in the entire nation by Magnet Schools of America.

From the deep freeze to the great thaw – Minnesota’s weather rollercoaster has been on full display this winter. The recent string of above average temps has been a good news/bad news scenario for outdoor rinks in the North Metro.

Most of us have been enjoying balmy winter weather recently, but there is a caveat. Mild temps, combined with snow and rain have created a perfect pothole storm, which means Twin Cities roads are getting bumpy.

Last spring the Blaine High School orchestra applied to perform at one of the most exclusive high school orchestra performances of the year. Then just before this school year started the director learned that they were one of two orchestras from across the state selected to perform at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Convention.

The north metro housing market continues to shine. One city trending up is Spring Lake Park, which the Minneapolis Star Tribune ranks fourth on the newspapers 2023 hot housing index.

When Minnesota’s thermometer takes a polar plunge, SBM Fire Chief Dan Retka knows his department will deal with cold weather issues.

And as the temperatures plummeted, some people got their highest gas bill they’ve ever received. The Anoka County Community Action Program can help pay for gas and electric bills for those who are struggling.

The Spring Lake Park Police Department is able to continue a homelessness outreach program, thanks to a generous donation from a member of the city council. The police will soon have more of what they call interaction kits – some basic supplies and resources that could be helpful to someone experiencing homelessness.

Not everyone can escape the sub-zero temps we’ve had in the Twin Cities recently. That includes crossing and traffic control guards at local schools. Even on the most frigid days, they bundle up and show up.

Anoka is known as the Halloween capital of the world. But now Anoka is getting attention for another reason – a unique snow sculpture created by one of its residents.