North/east metro briefs: Anoka County Record's low bid wins business from the county

The Anoka County Board voted unanimously last week to run its public notices in the Anoka County Record, despite objections from several commissioners in years past.

The Record, a free weekly publication, will be the county's official legal newspaper for the third consecutive year. It's published by John Kysylyczyn, a former mayor of Roseville.

Commissioners have described Kysylyczyn's publication in the past as more of a newsletter or blog than a newspaper. But fielding sealed bids and picking the lowest bidder, Commissioner Scott Schulte said Tuesday, "took politics out of this process 100 percent."

The Record submitted prices that were in some instances about a third of its competitors. Anoka County received three bids this year.

In 2016, Anoka County paid about $23,000 to the Record to print notices through early December, said Dee Guthman, deputy county administrator.

Hannah Covington

Oakdale |

Council members chose Reinke because of his experience on that elected body since 2005 and because he finished second in the 2014 mayoral election.

He will serve as mayor until a special election is held.

A new member, Kevin Zabel, will be sworn in Tuesday.

Kevin Giles

Women will fill leadership roles on the county boards of Ramsey and Washington counties this year.

Commissioner Blake Huffman was re-elected chairman of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and Commissioner Rafael Ortega was re-elected chairman of the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority.

The Washington County Board on the same day designated Commissioner Lisa Weik as its chairwoman, replacing Commissioner Fran Miron. Commissioner Karla Bigham was elected vice chairwoman. The Washington County Board typically rotates leadership assignments each year.

Kevin Giles, DAVID PETERSON

Friends of the St. Croix Boom Site will host a public meeting Wednesday to discuss the future of the site, a 26-acre park in five segments along the St. Croix River on Hwy. 97.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Water Street Inn, 101 Water St. S.

Kevin Giles

After seven years on the Fridley police force, Nitro the German shepherd is kicking back into retirement.

Nitro came from the Czech Republic and began work in October 2009 as one of the city's first two police dogs. Over the course of his career, he caught 45 suspects and sniffed out drugs 150 times.

The 9-year-old German shepherd has been recognized nationally for his work. He was honored along with his handler, Sgt. Chris McClish, at a recent City Council meeting where Mayor Scott Lund declared Dec. 27 "K-9 Nitro Day."

Nitro will spend the rest of his days at home with McClish, who adopted him. "He's going to be one spoiled dog," McClish said, adding that Nitro enjoys watching the show "Cops."

Anoka County is seeking volunteers to help tally the area's homeless population over a 24-hour period on Jan. 26.

Volunteers will visit shelters, city streets and other places known for homeless encampments. This year's count is especially focused on homeless youth.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires a point-in-time count of homeless individuals each January.

Volunteers are encouraged to attend one of two training sessions, held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 18 and at 3 p.m. on Jan. 23. An online training option is also available.

To sign up, go to anokacounty.us/homelessness.