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.

Key takeaways

• 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

Merry Christmas

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.