State legislators joined college dignitaries for a ceremonial groundbreaking May 26 at Anoka-Ramsey Community College to mark the start of a yearlong renovation of a building housing the school's business and nursing programs.

The $16.3 million makeover is expected to be completed by next summer, and it "will be an important asset to the college as we prepare the workforce for tomorrow," said Don Lewis, vice president of administration and finance.

The project will allow the school to expand its nursing program, and business students will get new spaces for group learning and access to more course offerings with the college's four-year university partners.

Tim Harlow

Richfield

City adopts organized trash collection

Richfield became the latest metro city to enact organized trash collection despite some residents' objections.

In public hearings leading up to the vote last Tuesday, residents were split over organized collection, with many concerned about not having the freedom to choose their own hauler. Many were in favor of the single-hauler option, though, because it would reduce the number of trucks on roads and improve sustainability efforts through education on proper disposal..

City leaders were on deadline to make the switch to single-hauler, with Hennepin County requiring residential organics collection starting in January. Officials combined that change with organized collection and assured residents their rates would not rise.

Other metro cities, including St. Paul, Bloomington, Maplewood and St. Anthony, have transitioned to single-hauler systems in recent years. Anoka considered bringing the issue to a vote in the 2022 general election, but recently decided not to pursue a single-hauler system.

Kim Hyatt

Plymouth

Expansions planned for two fire stations

A $21 million construction project will enable two Plymouth fire stations to accommodate more 24/7 staffing.

Station 2, at 12000 Old Rockford Road, will be rebuilt, and Station 3, at 3300 Dunkirk Lane, will be expanded and renovated. Phased construction will minimize service disruptions.

In recent years, the department has moved to hybrid staffing that combines paid-on-call with full-time firefighters, significantly reducing response times.

KATY READ

South Metro

MVTA adds new summer bus route

The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) has added a new summer bus route to transport riders to south metro sites offering recreation and entertainment on weekends.

MVTA's "4FUN Bus" started service June 5 and will run Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 12, traveling to Valleyfair and Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake and the Mall of America in Bloomington, an MVTA news release said.

On Saturdays and Sundays, service runs hourly in both directions with fares of $2.50 for adults and $1 for seniors and youth ages 6 to 12. Children ages 5 and younger can ride for free. Children under 10 must ride with an adult.

Erin Adler