Minnesota is not exactly a pro soccer hotbed. But that is slowly changing. In the December MLS SuperDraft, four players from the Land of Lakes were selected – including one who grew up in Blaine.

Nominations for 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year came out recently and two of the educators work at Blaine High School. Both bring special qualities to their job.

The snow, totalling up to 14 inches in Anoka County, caused closures or schools, businesses, and cities, while plow crews worked to get roads back open as quickly as possible.

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.