North news briefs: Standard & Poors gives Anoka County strong rating

Standard & Poors gives county strong ratingThe Standard & Poor's ratings agency has reaffirmed Anoka County's AAA bond rating and raised the county's Financial Management Assessment from "good" to "strong," the highest category available.

County Board Chairwoman Rhonda Sivarajah said the rating "allows Anoka County to obtain the most favorable interest rates on bonds when financing necessary projects, achieving significant savings for the county, and ultimately taxpayers."

The county first received the AAA designation in February 2009.

Skiing opportunities at county parksCross-country ski lessons will be offered this month and next at several sites in the Anoka County park system.

Lessons are scheduled from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Bunker Hills Campground Visitor Center in Coon Rapids; from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 12 at Chomonix Golf Course in Lino Lakes, and from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 25 at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Coon Rapids.

The fee is $15 for adults and $10 for youth, and includes ski rental, instruction and skiing. No experience is necessary, but pre-registration is required. Go to www.anokacountyparks.com or call 651-429-8007.

Moonlight skiing coming to golf courseMoonlight cross-country skiing followed by dinner around the fireplace will be offered from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at Chomonix Golf Course in Lino Lakes. Cost is $12 per adult and $8 per child, and the event is open to the public.

Another moonlight skiing-dinner event will be held in March at Bunker Hills Regional Park.

Purchasing director to lead state associationJohn Sullivan, Anoka County's risk management and purchasing director, has been elected president of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing for 2012.

The professional association aims to improve the standards, ethics and administration of governmental purchasing departments and agencies.

Nominations open for new staff awardsThe deadline is Feb. 24 for the first "Above and Beyond" Awards for staff members in the Anoka-Hennepin School District who go beyond normal staff expectations to help kids learn or be safe.

Nominations can be made by students, staff, parents and community members. Forms and instructions can be found at www.anoka.k12.mn.us/aboveandbeyond.

In addition to a variety of wines, food will be provided by local restaurants. The event, which will include a silent auction, is a fund-raiser for Lions charities.

Tickets are $25 in advance at MGM Liquor Warehouse or Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Coon Rapids, or $30 at the door. Guests are invited to bring used eyeglasses and hearing aids for donation.

Teacher announces bid for state SenateJefferson Fietek, dramatic arts teacher at Anoka Middle School for the Arts, said he plans to caucus Feb. 7 to run as a DFLer to represent Senate District 49. The seat currently is held by Sen. Michelle Benson of Ham Lake, who was elected in 2010.

Fietek, an outspoken critic of the district's Sexual Orientation Policy, said his work advocating for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and their families in the district made him more aware of other issues families face, including poverty, unemployment, homelessness and more.

Wildlife refuge holds open houseThe Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota is opening its doors to human visitors from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 2530 Dale St. in Roseville.

For more information, call 651-486-9410.

STAFF REPORTS

Anoka presents Heritage Preservation awardsSeven commercial and residential properties in Anoka have received 2011 Heritage Preservation Awards from the city. The awards recognize the manner in which the owners help maintain the heritage and character of the city. The honored properties are:

The Ticknor Hill Bed and Breakfast on 3rd Avenue, built around 1867; the Beisler residence on the 1400 block of 3rd Avenue; the exterior of Mr. Mark Music on the 1900 block of 2nd Avenue, with a new brick facade; the exterior of the Anoka Shopping Center on W. Main Street, for "significant aesthetic and structural improvements to the entire property"; the Lyric Arts Theater on E. Main Street, which added a mural on its exterior wall last summer; Bobick Music Studios on the 300 block of Monroe Street; and a residence on the 700 block of Jackson Street that dates to about 1888 and is one of the 60 oldest in the city.