County Chief Financial Officer Honored as ‘Champion of Public Service’

Cory Kampf, Anoka County’s chief financial officer, was recently honored by the LocalGov250’s Champion Initiative as a “champion of public service.” Local Gov 250 is a national effort led by a group of local governments and government associations to honor and elevate the role of government as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. As part of this effort, the National Academy of Public Administration and its partners created an awards process to honor 250 public servants who have had exceptional impact on their communities. The board recognized Kampf for this achievement. 

County’s Dental/Health Facilities to be Combined into One Location

Currently, Anoka County’s Well at Work Health Clinic and it’s Well at Work Dental Clinic are in two separate locations. The board approved a contract with RAK construction to have the health clinic moved from the first floor of the Anoka County Government Center to county’s 2150 building, which houses the dental clinic. Relocating the health clinic will free up valuable space on the first floor of the Government Center, which will be repurposed to improve the experience for Anoka County residents and enhance accessibility to essential services. 

Grant Accepted for Women, Infants and Children Program

The board approved an agreement to apply to accept grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Health for the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program and the Peer Breastfeeding Support Program (PBSP). The board has approved participation in the WIC Program since 1978 and the PBSP program since 2010. 

Donation Accepted for Sheriff’s Office Training

The board adopted a resolution accepting $2,400 from Axon for the flight, hotel accommodations and conference fees for a Sheriff’s Office lieutenant to attend an approved training event April 7-10 in Nashville, Tenn. 

Donation of Ammunition Accepted

The board adopted a resolution from Scott Mehl accepting new factory ammunition to be used for Anoka County Sheriff’s Office firearms training purposes. 

Plans Finalized for Reconstruction of Mississippi Street

The board approved entering into a contract with the City of Fridley for corridor improvements along Mississippi Street, from East River Road to Highway 47.  Construction is scheduled to begin in May. 

Traffic Control System to Be Replaced at Intersection in Blaine/Shoreview

The board approved entering into a contract with Ramsey County for the replacement of the traffic control system at the intersection of Highway 32/85th Avenue/County Road J and Highway 17/51 (Lexington Avenue) in the cities of Blaine and Shoreview. Construction is scheduled for 2026. 

Roundabout to be Constructed in Andover/Oak Grove

The board approved entering into a contract with WSB for the environmental documentation and design services associated with intersection improvements at Round Lake Boulevard NW/Lake George Boulevard NW and County Highway 58 and 181st Avenue NW in the cities of Andover and Oak Grove. The project will convert the all-way, stop-controlled intersection into a single-lane roundabout. Construction is planned for 2028. 

Mike McFadden Hired as Director of Economic Assistance

The board approved an employment agreement with Mike McFadden, appointing him as the department director of Economic Assistance. McFadden most recently served as the public assistance manager in the Economic Assistance department and has more than 15 years of leadership experience in Human Services. 

Sheriff’s Office Raises Money for Special Olympics

During commissioner reports, Commissioner Julie Braastad noted that the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office raised $5,194 for Special Olympics. Fourteen employees from the Sheriff’s Office took part in the event. In total, 865 people participated, raising $219,234. 

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny in Lino Lakes

Commissioner Jeff Reinert said during commissioner reports that the Post 566 American Legion, 7731 Lake Dr. Lino Lakes, will be hosting its annual “Breakfast with the Easter Bunny” event 9 a.m. to noon March 29. There will be free gifts for all kids and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. The all-you-can eat buffet is $12 for adults $6 for kids 5 and under and free for children under 5. 

Highway 65 Construction Work Starting in April

During commissioner reports, Commissioner Julie Jeppson noted road construction on Highway 65, to transform the thoroughfare into a roadway that can handle increased traffic volumes, will begin next month and last approximately four years. 

The full County Board meeting is available for viewing. 

Update Provided on Haven for Heroes

Bart Ward, co-director of Haven for Heroes, provided the board with an update on the work of the nonprofit. Haven for Heroes was founded in 2018 and is a nonprofit, substance and alcohol-free board and lodging facility that provides recovery and transitional housing to service members and veterans. The restored cottages at Haven for Heroes have housed dozens of veterans—men, women, and families—offering stable shelter, peer support, trauma-informed care, and a steppingstone back into society.

Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Recognized for Receiving Award

The board and Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise recognized Lieutenant James Schilling for receiving the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association’s Supervisor of the Year award. This award recognizes Lt. Schilling’s exceptional leadership during the joint investigation into the disappearance of Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr., a 16-year-old resident of Columbia Heights who went missing last May. The search for Collins Jr., represented the largest search in Anoka County law enforcement history and ended with Lt. Schilling leading law enforcement to the Waste Management Landfill in the City of Elk River in search of evidence and human remains. As part of this case, Lt. Schilling managed the nearly 500 different search personnel across more than 40 agencies that helped at the site where Collins Jr.’s remains were ultimately found. Lt. Schilling coordinated the assembly, operation, maintenance, and final disassembly of the command post and campsite. Without all the assistance on this case and Lt. Schilling’s effective leadership, Collins Jr.’s family may still be waiting for answers to this day.

Contract with Workday Human Resources Management System Renewed

The board approved renewing a contract with Workday, which provides Human resources management systems for Anoka County employees. The new contract lasts until March 22, 2033. 

Traffic Control Signal System to be Replaced in Blaine, Shoreview

The board awarded a contract to JL Theis for the replacement of the traffic control signal system at the intersection of 85th Avenue and County Road J and Lexington Avenue in the cities of Blaine and Shoreview. 

40th Avenue to be Reconstructed in Columbia Heights

The board approved a contract with TKDA for construction administration services related to the reconstruction of 40th Avenue, from Main Street to University Avenue, in Columbia Heights. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer. 

Mississippi Street to be reconstructed in Fridley

The board approved a contract with TKDA for construction administration services related to the reconstruction of Mississippi Street, from East River Road to Highway 47 in Fridley. Utility relocation for this project will begin in early spring 2026. 

Van Buren Street Acquired for Anoka County Jail Project

The board adopted a resolution authorizing the county to acquire a segment of Van Buren Street for the Anoka County Jail Project. The county owns the land on both sides of Van Buren Street between Third and Fourth Avenues, and the jail project requires a larger footprint than the current facility, making it necessary to incorporate Van Buren Street to meet Department of Corrections standards, support increased capacity,ensure safe inmate movement and maintain efficient operations.

Board Approves Operating Procedures and Guidelines for its Members

The board approved a set of operating guidelines and procedures that addresses several areas, including board meetings, a rotating chair and vice chair procedure, role of the County Board Chair, Public Participation at meetings, and more.

Informational Report Given on Parks Items

Commissioner Jeff Reinert provided an informational report to the board on several Parks items. He noted the recognition of Julie Teske, senior administrative assistant, Anoka County Parks –– Teske is retiring after 28 years with the county. Reinert also said Bunker Beach water park is 38 percent ahead of the pace it was last year in selling seasonal passes –– 690 passes have been sold; the Bunker Hills Regional Park boardwalk reconstruction is scheduled to be finished in June; and recruiting is underway for seasonal Parks positions. Bunker Beach needs about 180 staff members, 40-50 are needed at Chomonix Golf Course, and 80 to 100 are needed for general Parks positions. 

The full County Board meeting is available for viewing.

Board Hears Update from Opioid Prevention Manager

Patti Constant, senior program manager-opioid prevention, attended the board meeting to give commissioners an update on the prevention efforts of the Anoka County Opioid Solutions Initiative (ACOSI). She also noted there will be a free screening of the Faces of Hope documentary, which is a deeply personal and locally produced documentary featuring the real-life journeys of Anoka County individuals impacted by opioid misuse. The screening will take place Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. Doors open at 6 p.m. for refreshments and resource tables. The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. A presentation and panel discussion will follow at 7 p.m., giving attendees the opportunity to hear directly from those working on the front lines of the opioid crisis — and those who have lived it. Several prizes will be given away to attendees, including an Anoka County Parks season pass, Target gift cards, a Kwik Trip gift card, a Caribou Coffee gift card, and body care gift baskets.

Medicolegal Death Investigation Week Recognized 

The board adopted a resolution recognizing all the county’s death investigators as part of Medicolegal Death Investigation Week  Jan.  25-31. The medicolegal death investigation community is composed of a diverse and highly skilled group of experts, including medical examiners, coroners, medicolegal death investigators, forensic pathologists, forensic autopsy technicians, and administrative support staff. These professionals play an essential role in the administration of justice and public health by investigating sudden, unexpected, and violent deaths to determine the cause and manner of death with accuracy, scientific rigor, and integrity.

New Medical Examiner Contracts Approved

The board approved medical examiner services contracts with Roseau County and Lake of the Woods County and authorized tentative agreements with Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Red Lake and Polk counties. 

Federal Lobbying Contract Approved

The board approved a contract with Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies to provide federal lobbying services to accomplish county policy objectives. 

Master Data Privacy Policy Approved

The board approved updates to the County Master Data Privacy Policy. Anoka County has a new platform for managing public records request that went live last year. The updated policy reflects changes to this data-request process and consolidates the former private and public request policies into a single document. 

Gifts Accepted for Human Services 

The board accepted donations from several organizations to support the county’s Human Services division. These donations came from Bundles of Love, Medica, HealthPartners, CarePortal, and Safe Haven Foster Shoppe. 

Contract Approved with BCA Violent Crime Reduction Unit

The board approved a three-year contract with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Violent Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU). The VCRU aids in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of violent crimes, including murder and assaults, the trafficking of illicit drugs and firearms, carjacking, and other violent crimes.

County Seeking BUILD Funding for Highway 65

The board adopted a resolution seeking $25 million in Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program funding to construct an interchange at the intersection of Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard NE and associated improvements. 

Roundabout to be Constructed at Crosstown Blvd./161^st Ave., Constance Blvd. 

The board approved a contract with the City of Andover for plans to improve the intersection of Crosstown Boulevard and 161^st Avenue/Constance Boulevard. The proposed improvements include construction of a roundabout, pedestrian accommodations, and drainage improvements. This project is scheduled for construction this summer. 

Jessica Leth Hired as Deputy Director of Human Services 

The board approved an employment contract with Jessica Leth to hire her as the deputy director of Human Services. Leth brings more than 20 years of Human Services experience to the position and was most recently the director of Economic Assistance for Anoka County. 

The full County Board meeting is available for viewing. 

Anoka County Parks will host its annual Earth Day Cleanup (10 am – 12 pm) and Earth Day Celebration (1–3:30 pm) in partnership with the City of Lino Lakes and Anoka County Libraries at Wargo Nature Center on Saturday, April 18.

In the morning cleanup, participants will be able to choose between two different project sites, and all registered volunteers will also receive a free lunch. 

The cleanup will include various projects such as removal of invasive species, trash clean up, and more. The main Earth Day Celebration in the afternoon is a free, family-friendly event with activities for all ages that will include booths from community partners, a spring scavenger hunt, a visit from local author Sandra Hiusakuni, a performance by CLIMB Theatre, and much more.

Visit anokacountyparks.com for more information and to register for the cleanup.

– Additional April Activities –

Lunch with a Naturalist: Be a Better Birder

Wednesday, April 1; 11:30 am – 1 pm

Wargo Nature Center

Ages 16+; FREE Once Upon a Story Time: Sticks and Stones

Tuesday, April 7; 9–10 am

Wargo Nature Center

Ages 2+; FREE

Fat Tire Biking

Thursday, April 23; 4–6 pm

Bunker Hills Campground Visitor Center

Ages 13+; $15/participant +tax

Early Migration Bird Walk

Saturday, April 25; 9–11 am

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park

Ages 12+; $10/participant +tax To learn more and register, visit anokacountyparks.com or scan the QR code.

Bring your organics, yard, and tree waste to either of the two Anoka County compost sites in Coon Rapids. The sites are convenient and low-cost options for yard waste disposal. Organics and tree waste, 6 inches or less in diameter, up to 2 cubic yards, are accepted at no charge for Anoka County residents. Keep materials separate. For more information, including the disposal costs for larger amounts of yard waste, click HERE. 

Anoka County License & Passport Services is now offering an online tab renewal option. When renewing online through us, you can choose to have your tabs mailed directly to you or you can pick them up at any of our five License Center locations during business hours without having to wait in line! Pick-ups are available next business day after 2 pm.

Don't know how much your tabs will be? Call us during business hours and one of our service center specialists will be happy to assist!

Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Statements and Valuation Notices are mailed once per year, typically mid to late March.  If you purchased or sold property after January 1^st this year the tax statement will be mailed to the previous owner. Statements are not automatically resent due to a transfer in ownership or taxpayer responsibility. Duplicate statements will be available on our website after they are certified.  

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