FHWA, Mn/DOT Approvals Launch "Monster" Interchange Project
Anoka County Preparing To Seek Design Proposals
ANOKA - It's (almost) offcial. The letter isn't yet in the mail, but Anoka County Engineer Doug Fischer reports that the county has received verbal approval of the proposed I-35E/CSAH 14 interchange layout from Mn/ DOT and the Federal Highway Administration.
PHOTO BY GREG GRANGER
It's a "monster" 6-legged interchange, Fischer says, with "four ramps and two loops" - a partial cloverleaf. And it's just what weary Hugo, Lino Lakes and Centerville drivers have been dreaming of.
... MoreKendall Howard Not Coming To Centerville
Delays, Better Offer Lead Company To Move On
CENTERVILLE - Kendall Howard will not be moving its corporate headquarters to Centerville after all, and the City Council isn't happy about it.
After City Administrator Dallas Larson told council members that the company's relocation to Centerville was "off the table," council directed him to draft a letter to Gerald Rehbein, the owner of the property the company was interesting in purchasing, telling him that the city won't spend any additional staff time facilitating the sale of his land until he resolves issues with his property that delayed the sale and ultimately forced Kendall Howard to relocate elsewhere.
... MoreArea Restaurants, Bars Adapt As Minnesota "Butts Out"
Smoking Ban Now In Effect
On October 1, smoking became illegal in all workplaces in Minnesota, including bars.
This is certainly good news for non-smokers who work in bars and bar patrons who are bothered by smoke.
On the other hand, for those who can't imagine going to the bar without puffng a few cigarettes, October 1 may have marked the beginning of an era of road trips to Wisconsin for outings where imbibing and smoking can still go hand in hand.
Photo by Bruce Cochran
... MoreLino Lakes Adopts Preliminary Budget For 2008
City Tax Rate To Remain At 2007 Payable Levels
LINO LAKES - Following a series of animated budget workshops, at its meeting of September 10 the Lino Lakes City Council unanimously adopted its 2008 preliminary general operating budget in the amount of $9,932,236, a 3.36% increase over last year's budget.
The preliminary $8,866,956 2007 tax levy, collectible in 2008 and adopted by resolution at the same meeting, will remain virtually the same: at 38.994% in 2007, it is 38.991% in 2008.
"The proposed levy would result in a tax rate which is basically level," city Finance Director Al Rolek said at the council's budget workshop on September 4.
... MorePilgrims In A World Of Color
Following The Three Rivers Wine Trail
In Minnesota, autumn is a season of pilgrimages.
Even with current gas prices, we celebrate life and color by taking those traditional autumn weekend drives in late September and early October. (Perhaps this is because, as Minnesotans, we know what happens after that.)
PHOTO BY DEB BARNES
Some of us journey as far as the North Shore; some take a stroll in the apple orchard.
And some of us have discovered the grape.
... More