A lot of great information all about Pioneer Days!

email joseph.bruhjell@isd15.org or call Nick at 763-213-8502

• A new barber named Peter is taking over Bill the Barber's space in St. Francis
• The annual Chamber dinner is sold out, happening on Friday, January 30th
• The second annual powwow will be held on February 28th with multiple schools participating
• Cedar Creek Elementary raised $3,865.11 through their coin wars fundraiser
• Cedar Creek Ecosystem is hosting an owl encounter event on February 28th
• A new Fighting Saints fishing team is available for students from 2nd grade through high school

• Mary Jones, who set the St. Francis basketball rebound record in 1977, is attending tonight's basketball game to meet Emily Schoenrock who broke her record
• The Chamber's annual dinner on January 30th is nearly sold out with approximately 148 attendees
• Pioneer Days volunteer meeting scheduled for January 21st at 6pm at the Legion
• DECA earned recognition in their chapter campaigns and will be hosting a pop-up shop on January 16th
• A roundabout is being installed at County Road 9/Lake George Boulevard in Oak Grove
• The American Indian Education Pow Wow is scheduled for February 28th at St. Francis High School

• DECA will host a pop-up shop on January 16th from 3:30-7:00pm at the high schoolAmerican Indian Education Pow Wow scheduled for February 28th at St. Francis High School
  • St. Francis Library will host a sign language class on January 24th from 10:30-11:15am

Local government updates

• • Next St. Francis City Council meeting is on the 20th
  • Next school board meeting is on the 26th
  • Oak Grove is installing a roundabout on County Road 9/Lake George Boulevard at 181st
  • Reached out to Brian Lawrence (local representative) to potentially appear on the podcast
• • Chamber meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st at 8:30am at Vista Prairie/Eagle Point
  • Pioneer Days meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening, January 21st
  • The Chamber is collecting dinosaur-themed items for the annual dinner and Pioneer Days

Community services and recycling

Information about community services and recycling options.

• • AARP Foundation tax aid will provide free tax assistance at Ham Lake Senior Center starting in February
  • : Holiday lights and cell phones can be recycled year-round at the Public Works Department
  • St. Francis Library will host a sign language class on January 24th

Discussion around changing state flag and election integrity.

• Sarah Yannarelli is filling in for Michelle Anderson on the Hometown Highlights podcast
• The January edition of Hometown Highlights will be available on January 1st via email, with print copies available for pickup on January 2nd-3rd
• St. Francis Hardware Store has new owners and will be featured on the front page of January's Hometown Highlights
• Several New Year's Eve events are happening in the area including at Tasty Pizza, The Dugout Bar and Grill, and free ice skating at East Bethel Ice Arena
• Community events calendar information is available in the Hometown Highlights publication and on their website

• Details
  • Santa event at Meraki Chiropractic on Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm
  • Dairy Queen hosting decorate-your-own ice cream cupcakes event from 10-11am
  • St. Francis High School choir concert on December 11th
  • McDonald's fundraiser for senior all-night party on December 17th from 5-8pm
  • Garfish Brewing Company jigsaw puzzle contest on December 17th from 6:30-8:30pm
  • Tour of Trees at Vista Prairie on Tuesday from 4-6pm with Jim Lundeen playing Christmas music
  • Santa at the bowling alley starting at 6pm (same day as Tour of Trees)

hometownhighlightsinfo.com

hometownhighlightsinfo@gmail.com

ECFE for grandparents: https://district15.arux.app/courses/category/ecfe/205/early-childhood-family-education-classes-special-events-and-parents-only/grandfamilies-caring-for-young-relatives

Visit Hometown-Highlights.com

Email: HometownHighlightsinfo@gmail.com

Email us with news, events, tips, or guest requests here: HometownHighlightsInfo@gmail.com use subject line: PODCAST

Summary of Saint Francis, MN City Council Meeting (December 15, 2025)

Key Agenda Items and Discussions:

• Opening Formalities: The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the agenda and consent agenda.
• Public Comments:
  • One resident highlighted the value of city parks, noting their role in fostering social interaction, promoting health, and preventing crime.
  • Later comments praised progress with the local fire district.
• Ordinance and Code Revisions (Second Reading): Discussion and action on 2025 code updates, including zoning changes (e.g., setbacks), cannabis-related ordinances, and requirements for driveway permits.
• Fire Department Transitions:
  • Approval of a resolution to transfer the fire department pension responsibilities to the Rum River Fire District.
  • Agreements for fiscal agent services, shared space, and equipment donation involving the fire district.
  • Handling of an employee transition and separation agreement.
• Department Reports:
  • Updates from administration, parks, land use, human resources, and finance.
  • Mentions of upcoming projects, such as improvements related to Highway 47.
• Council Member Reports: Members shared updates on community events, budget considerations, and local happenings.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:04 PM. Overall, it focused on routine administrative matters, community infrastructure (especially parks and fire services), and zoning updates, with a positive tone in public input.

hometownhighlightsinfo@gmail.com