All about Pioneer Days Part 2. To listen to Part 1, go to Episode 22.

A lot of great information all about Pioneer Days!

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 hiatus
• The podcast has reached 1,040 all-time downloads with 216 listeners in November being the peak month
• Michelle returned from a vacation to Captiva Island and Disney's Epcot in Florida
• A school board meeting is scheduled regarding unresolved teacher contract negotiations with potential strike implications
• Pioneer Days planning is in full swing with vendors, food, entertainment, and fireworks all confirmed
• The softball tournament has been replaced by a volleyball tournament this year
• Spring recycling days are scheduled for April 25th in both Oak Grove and St. Francis
• Michelle's mother moved into Vista Prairie, which has removed all seed oils from their kitchen
• The 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

https://www.hometown-highlights.com/#!calendar

What's going on in Saint Francis MN?

All about the annual dinner

Key takeaways

• 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

Key takeaways

• 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

City council and School board meetings for St. Francis.

Discussion around changing state flag and election integrity.