News Story

Mosquito Control District Gives Annual Report

Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) Executive Director Daniel Huff and MMCD Public Affairs Manager Alex Carlson were present at the meeting to talk about MMCD’s services, a review of last mosquito season, and what they expect for the upcoming mosquito season. For information on mosquito control measures in the metro area and to sign up for email alerts about mosquito mitigation efforts, visit MMCD.org. To watch the video on this item, click HERE. 

April is National County Government Month

Mike Gamache, chair, Anoka County Board of Commissioners, noted that April is National County Government Month. This annual celebration recognizes and appreciates the role county governments play in the communities across the United States. For instance, the 

Anoka County Sheriff’s Office protects and serves our growing population of more than 360,000, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The county’s 8 libraries provide access to more than 1.3 million items. County Parks maintain nearly 12,000 acres of open space available to all. The Highway Department manages more than 413 miles. 911 staff answer nearly 400,000 calls for assistance very year. Veteran Services helps veterans and dependents obtain the benefits they’ve earned. The Attorney’s Office works to preserve justice and advocate for citizens’ rights, and the county’s Human Services staff work with people to improve lives and protect our most vulnerable residents. To watch the video on this item, click HERE. For more information on National County Government Month, click HERE. 

Improvements to be Made on County Road J in Lino Lakes 

The board adopted two resolutions authorizing the preparation and acquisition of right of way for improvements to the intersection of Centerville Road and County Road J/Ash Street and along County Road J/Ash Street from Centerville Road to Otter Lake Road, in the City of Lino Lakes. This project, scheduled for construction in 2025, will include reconstruction of the bridge over I-35E, addition of a new I-35E off-ramp, addition of a new northbound I-35E on ramp and various intersection improvements. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video, click HERE. 

Viking Boulevard to be Reconstructed in St. Francis

The board awarded a contract to Shafter Contracting Co. for the reconstruction of Viking Boulevard NW, between St. Francis Boulevard NW and Kiowa Street NW, in the cities of Nowthen and Oak Grove. For more information on this item, click HERE. 

Design Services Approved to Address Intersection with Safety Concerns

The board approved a contract with Michael Baker International for design, permitting and environmental documentation services associated with intersection improvements at 7th Avenue NW and 165th Avenue NW, in the City of Andover. In recent years, there have been two fatal crashes at this intersection. To address this issue, Anoka County submitted a Highway Safety Improvement Program application and was awarded federal funding to construct a new roundabout at the intersection in 2026. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video, click HERE. 

Rum River Tunnel System to be Demolished 

The board approved a contract with Morcon Construction for the Rum River Campus tunnel system/power plant/old coal bin and maintenance/carpenters shop demolition. Demolition is estimated to commence May through November of this year. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video, click HERE.  

Fourth and Fifth Floors of Government Center to be Remodeled 

The board approved a contract with Jorgenson Construction for the Community Social Services/Behavioral Health (CSSBH) 4th and 5th floor Anoka County Government Center renovation. The Government Center will become the primary work location for CSSBH, with its former location, Rum River Campus Cottage #9, becoming shuttered. For more information on this item, click HERE. 

 Donation Accepted for Sheriff’s Office

Pheasants Forever donated $200 to support the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office K-9 program. For more information on this item, click HERE. 

Contract Approved to Upgrade Outdoor Warning Sirens

The board approved a contract with Embedded Systems to upgrade the county’s existing outdoor warning sirens. The estimated cost for each city in the county is $1,000 per siren. For more information on this item, click HERE. 

Rights and Obligations Agreement Terminated with Fogerty Arena

The board voted to terminate a rights and responsibilities agreement with Fogerty Arena, which releases the county from any future liability in connection with Fogerty Arena. The county had been in a real estate lease agreement with the arena since 1982. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video, click HERE.