Hometown Highlights - Saint Francis MN and Surrounding Communities

We’re just 24 days away from the 2026 Pioneer Days!Special guest Sammie Olson joins Michelle to walk through all the exciting events and activities planned for this year’s celebration. From can’t-miss highlights to the full schedule of events, this episode is your go-to guide for everything happening at the 2026 Pioneer Days!

Episode 21 of the podcast was recorded after nearly a month hiatusThe podcast has reached 1,040 all-time downloads with 216 listeners in November being the peak monthMichelle returned from a vacation to Captiva Island and Disney's Epcot in FloridaA school board meeting is scheduled regarding unresolved teacher contract negotiations with potential strike implicationsPioneer Days planning is in full swing with vendors, food, entertainment, and fireworks all confirmedThe softball tournament has been replaced by a volleyball tournament this yearSpring recycling days are scheduled for April 25th in both Oak Grove and St. FrancisMichelle's mother moved into Vista Prairie, which has removed all seed oils from their kitchenThe deadline for Pioneer Days sponsors to be included in the history book is this week

For more info on the St. Francis Middle School Career Exploration Conference email [email protected] or call Nick at 763-213-8502

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What's going on in Saint Francis MN?

All about the annual dinner

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

Key takeawaysMary Jones, who set the St. Francis basketball rebound record in 1977, is attending tonight's basketball game to meet Emily Schoenrock who broke her recordThe Chamber's annual dinner on January 30th is nearly sold out with approximately 148 attendeesPioneer Days volunteer meeting scheduled for January 21st at 6pm at the LegionDECA earned recognition in their chapter campaigns and will be hosting a pop-up shop on January 16thA roundabout is being installed at County Road 9/Lake George Boulevard in Oak GroveThe American Indian Education Pow Wow is scheduled for February 28th at St. Francis High SchoolDECA 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 SchoolSt. Francis Library will host a sign language class on January 24th from 10:30-11:15amLocal 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 podcastChamber meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st at 8:30am at Vista Prairie/Eagle PointPioneer Days meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening, January 21stThe Chamber is collecting dinosaur-themed items for the annual dinner and Pioneer DaysCommunity services and recyclingInformation 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 DepartmentSt. Francis Library will host a sign language class on January 24th

City council and School board meetings for St. Francis. Discussion around changing state flag and election integrity.

Key takeawaysSarah Yannarelli is filling in for Michelle Anderson on the Hometown Highlights podcastThe January edition of Hometown Highlights will be available on January 1st via email, with print copies available for pickup on January 2nd-3rdSt. Francis Hardware Store has new owners and will be featured on the front page of January's Hometown HighlightsSeveral 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 ArenaCommunity events calendar information is available in the Hometown Highlights publication and on their website

Check out the Merry Grinchmas Facebook Page 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.

Upcoming community eventsDetailsSanta 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 6:30-8:30pmTour 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)

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Weekend stories, AI class recap, Library class on tutoring using AI, County Market recipes from this weeks ad, recipes on Hometown Highlights Facebook page, School board meeting and election, Bus fire, Fire Department new name, Sports updates,, Community Education Advisory Council, Halloween activities in St. Francis, . Visit Hometown-Highlights.com Email: [email protected]

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