Twin Cities north metro town briefs: Anoka County residents urged to test well water

Dan Wrobleski has been named the new principal of Columbia Heights High School. Wrobleski, who was the assistant principal, had been filling in on an interim basis. He officially took over the permanent role on April 23.

Wrobleski, who was selected from among more than 40 applicants, has 18 years of experience in public education, working as both a business teacher and an administrator.

Anoka County residents who rely on private wells are urged to test the safety of their water supply.

The county and participating cities and townships are sponsoring the 15th annual "Well Water Wise" (3W) event.

County residents may pick up a well-water test kit at participating city and township offices or at the Environmental Services Unit, Suite 360 of the Anoka County Government Center, 2100 3rd Av., Anoka.

Water samples can be submitted to the county's Environmental Services Unit for analysis every Monday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon.

During 3W week, May 5-9, samples can be submitted from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.

The testing of private wells used for drinking water is the responsibility of individual owners. There are an estimated 25,000 private wells in service throughout Anoka County. Annual testing is recommended.

Participating cities, townships and agencies are: Andover, Bethel, Blaine, Centerville, Columbus, East Bethel, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Linwood Township, Nowthen, Oak Grove, Ramsey, St. Francis and Anoka Conservation District.

For more information about well-water testing, call the Environmental Services Unit at 763-422-7063.

An upcoming class will give people a chance to learn how to attract and nurture butterflies and moths in their gardens and why it matters. Master Gardener Dave Knapp will host the class from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Blaine City Hall.

Knapp will explain how both butterflies and moths are important in nature and the garden, and the roles they play as pollinators and as predator and prey. By understanding these roles, gardeners can help these insects and benefit their own gardens and landscapes. The session costs $7 and will be held in Cloverleaf Room A.

Cost is $30. Registration is due by May 7. Registration forms are available online at www.coonrapidsmn.gov.

Coon Rapids will host a home remodeling tour to showcase houses that have benefited from the city's Home for Generations grant program. The tour, from noon to 4 p.m. May 18, will feature several homeowners who received city remodeling grants. For more, go to www.coonrapidsmn.gov.

The Ham Lake Fire Department is accepting applications for volunteer firefighters.

No experience is necessary. Training and equipment are provided. Applications are available in the lobby of City Hall, or online at www.ci.ham-lake.mn.us. For more information, contact Fire Chief Don Krueger at (763) 235-1665 or dkrueger@ci.ham-lake.mn.us.

Lino Lakes will host a recycling day on Saturday, May 3. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the city public works building, 1189 Main St. For a fee, residents may drop off major appliances, household goods, scrap metal, old tires, mattresses, box springs, fluorescent bulbs, car batteries and electronics. For a completed list of accepted items and fees, go to www.ci.lino-lakes.mn.us.

Dr. Christopher Weight, a urologist from the university, will speak to the group, and a question and answer segment will follow. Wives, family and friends are welcome to attend. There is no charge, parking is free, and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 612-388-3588.

Minnesota Department of Transportation crews will repair the pavement along 4 miles of Hwy. 65 in Fridley and Spring Lake Park this summer.

Construction will start in June and stretch from 53rd Avenue NE., in Fridley to County Road 10 in Spring Lake Park.

Crews also will make pedestrian and bus stop safety improvements, drainage improvements, and guardrail replacements and upgrades.

MnDOT will host two open houses on the projects. The first, aimed at businesses, will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on April 30 at the Fridley Community Center, Room 109, 6085 7th St. NE. The second, for the public, will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on May 21, also at the Community Center.

Ten alumni of Robbinsdale High School will be honored on Saturday evening, May 3, as the inaugural members of the RHS Hall of Fame. The high school closed in 1982 after 48 years. The building now houses Robbinsdale Middle School, site of Saturday's event.

The honorees are: Dr. Barbara J. Johnston, Class of '47 (medicine & science); Ronald N. Handberg, Class of '55 (arts & entertainment); Carmen Warner-Robbins, '59 (humanitarian & service); James Lukaszewski, '60 (business & professional); Michael B. Fiterman, '66 (business & professional); Barry Morrow, '66 (arts & entertainment, humanitarian & service); Richard M. Hagstrom, '69 (business & professional); Ember Reichgott Junge, '70 (lifetime recognition); Dennie Gordon, '71 (arts & entertainment); and John Jacobson, '79 (arts & entertainment).

The evening will begin with a 6 p.m. re-dedication of the high school and placement of a marker identifying the building as a historical landmark. At 6:30 p.m., the Robbinsdale City Band will play and tours of the building will be available. The hall of fame ceremony will take place at 7 p.m., followed by a reception in the cafeteria. Community members, former students, staff and teachers are welcome to attend. The school is at 3730 Toledo Av. N., Robbinsdale.