text:
Anoka, Minnesota

Anoka is a city in and the county seat of Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. Its population was 17,142 at the 2010 census. Anoka is the "Halloween Capital of the World" because it hosted one of the first Halloween parades in 1920. It continues to celebrate the holiday each year with several parades. Anoka is a northern suburb of the Twin Cities. U.S. Highways 10 / 169 and State Highway 47 are three of Anoka's main routes, and it has a station on the Northstar Commuter Rail line to Minneapolis.

History
Colonists first settled the site that is now Anoka in 1844. By the mid-1850s, Anoka had a school, a store and a flour mill. In 1856, C. C. Andrews called it a "large and handsome village" and noted that pine logs were floated down the Rum River to sawmills there. The city was formally incorporated in 1878. The name Anoka was possibly derived from two Indian words. Santee Dakota used anoka, meaning "on both sides" or "from both sides", referring to its location on both banks of the Rum River. Ojibwe used anoki, meaning "I work", referring to the town's busy local lumber sites.

Anoka has a strong claim to having provided the first Union Army volunteers during the Civil War, as noted by a small plaque at the corner of West Main Street and Park Street. Alexander Ramsey, Minnesota's governor in 1861, was in Washington, D.C. when Fort Sumter was fired upon. He immediately offered a regiment to the War Department, and telegraphed former governor Willis Gorman and Lieutenant Governor Ignatius L. Donnelly that morning. Gorman, attending a district court session in Anoka, received the note by messenger from St. Paul and called a court recess, asking for volunteers. Aaron Greenwald, who has an "island" named after him on Lake George, and five others stepped forward; Greenwald was the first to sign. He died on July 5, 1863, after sustaining a mortal wound as a member of the 1st Minnesota Regiment in defense against Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Geography
Anoka lies at the confluence of the Rum and Mississippi Rivers, approximately 20 miles (30 km) northwest of Minneapolis. According to the United States Census Bureau, it has an area of 7.21 sqmi, of which 6.70 sqmi is land and 0.51 sqmi is water. Adjacent communities include Dayton, Ramsey, Andover, Coon Rapids, and Champlin. The USGS tracks the city by the ID 639396 and the coordinates of 45°11′52″N, 093°23′14″W.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 17,142 people, 7,060 households, and 4,202 families living in the city. The population density was 2558.5 PD/sqmi. There were 7,493 housing units at an average density of 1118.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.0% White, 4.7% African American, 1.0% Native American, 1.8% Asian, 1.6% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.2% of the population.

There were 7,060 households, of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.5% were non-families. 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the city was 37.6 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.3% were from 45 to 64; and 13.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 18,076 people, 7,262 households and 4,408 families living in the city. The population density was 2,709.0 PD/sqmi. There were 7,398 housing units at an average density of 1,108.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.1% White, 4.6% African American, 0.9% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.02% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.2% of the population.

There were 7,262 households, of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.3% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.03. Age was represented as: 24.6% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median household income was $42,659 and the median family income was $55,311. Males had a median income of $37,930 versus $27,753 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,367. About 4.7% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

Top employers
According to Anoka's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, its top employers were:

Museums and other points of interest

 * Anoka County Historical Society
 * Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center
 * Anoka County Library
 * Castle Field
 * Goodrich Field
 * Peninsula Point Two Rivers Historical Park
 * Anoka–Champlin Mississippi River Bridge
 * Windego Park Auditorium/Open Air Theater
 * Anoka Nature Preserve
 * Greenhaven Golf Course
 * Anoka Aquatic Center
 * Colonial Hall and Masonic Lodge No. 30
 * Lyric Arts Theater

Government
In 2000, Anoka elected 22-year-old Bjorn Skogquist as mayor. He was reelected in 2002, 2004 and 2006. Skogquist was the second-youngest mayor ever elected in Minnesota (one year older than John Gibeau, who was elected mayor of Ceylon in 1998). He worked for open government, code reform, protection of historic housing and open space and encouraged young people to become involved in civics.

Education
Higher education institutions in Anoka include Anoka Technical College. One of the two main Anoka-Ramsey Community College campuses is in neighboring Coon Rapids.

Most Anoka elementary and secondary students attend schools in Anoka-Hennepin School District 11. District 11 secondary schools in Anoka are Anoka High School and Secondary Technical Education Program or S.T.E.P. High School. The Middle School is Anoka Middle School for the Arts, formerly known as Fred Moore Middle School for the Performing Arts. Anoka Middle School for the Arts has two campuses: Fred Moore Campus (formerly Fred Moore Middle School for the Performing Arts), and Washington Campus (formerly Washington Elementary School). The District 11 elementary schools in Anoka are Franklin Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, and Wilson Elementary School. District 11 is the largest school district in the state of Minnesota and includes parts of twelve other municipalities besides Anoka. Some students attend public schools in other school districts chosen by their families under Minnesota's open enrollment statute, or students come from places such as Brooklyn Park under the NWISD Magnet Program.

Anoka has several private schools for all ages, including St. Stephens Catholic School.

Sports
Anoka High School competes in the Northwest Suburban Conference in the Minnesota State High School League. The school mascot is the Tornadoes. They have won a combined 25 State Tournaments in its history.

Anoka is also home to two successful local baseball teams, the Anoka Bucs and the Minnoka Grays. Jim Lundeen started the Ham Lake Bucs in May of 1980. The team was officially approved by the Eastern Minney League and moved to Anoka in the fall of 1982. The first official game for the Anoka Bucs was played in May of 1983. The Bucs have been to five straight MBA State Tournaments. (2019-2023) The Minnoka Grays play baseball in the Federal League which is baseball for men 35 and older. The Grays in 2023 won Class AAA, the 35+ Minnesota State Tournament and won the 2023 MSBL World Series in Arizona - recognizing them as the 35+ National Champions. Both the Bucs and Grays play their home games at Castle Field during the summer months.

Transportation
U.S. Highways 10 / 169 and State Highway 47 are three of Anoka's main routes, and it has a station on the Northstar Commuter Rail line to Minneapolis, which opened in 2009.

Notable people

 * Flora Aldrich, physician and writer
 * Stub Allison, American college football coach
 * Dale Arnold, sportscaster, co-host of the WEEI-FM Dale & Holley (with Keefe) Show and the Boston Bruins pre- and postgame shows on NESN, resided in Anoka
 * Michele Bachmann, U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 6th District, was raised in Anoka and graduated from Anoka High School in 1974
 * Theodora Bean (1871–1926), American journalist and suffragist
 * Gretchen Carlson, former Fox News Channel anchor, 1989's Miss America, and celebrity spokesperson for March of Dimes
 * Larry Constantine, computer software pioneer and author, was raised in Anoka and graduated from Anoka High School in 1961
 * Jake Deitchler, Olympic wrestler, graduated from Anoka High School in 2008
 * Herbert Funk Goodrich, a former judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, was born in Anoka
 * Anna Arnold Hedgeman, first African American to earn a B.A. from Hamline University and the first African American woman to hold a mayoral cabinet position in the history of New York.
 * Garrison Keillor, radio host of A Prairie Home Companion and author, born in Anoka and graduated from Anoka High School
 * Ernest A. Larsen, Minnesota state legislator and educator
 * Tom Mangan, Minnesota state legislator and educator
 * Steve Nelson, son of Anoka High School head football coach Stan Nelson, linebacker for the New England Patriots in the late 1970s
 * Brandon Paulson, U.S. Olympic wrestler, 1996 silver medalist, graduated from Anoka High School in 1992
 * Briana Scurry, United States women's national soccer team goalie, graduated from Anoka High School in 1990
 * Sean Sherk, former UFC lightweight champion
 * Richard K. Sorenson, master sergeant, USMC, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Marshall Islands of the South Pacific in February 1944 Rick Sorenson Park in downtown Anoka is named for him.
 * Matt Sorteberg (born 1986), professional ice hockey defenceman
 * Robert Stewart Sparks, Los Angeles, California, city council member, 1925–27
 * Bill Tuttle, major league baseball player of the 1950s and 1960s
 * Dick Wildung, player for the Green Bay Packers

title: Anoka, Minnesota


text:
Bethel, Minnesota

Bethel is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 466 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.97 sqmi, of which 0.91 sqmi is land and 0.06 sqmi is water.

237th Avenue / County Road 24 serves as a main route in the community. Minnesota State Highway 65 is nearby.

Bethel is located in the north–central part of Anoka County. The boundary line between Anoka and Isanti counties is nearby.

Adjacent cities

 * East Bethel (east)
 * St. Francis (west, south, north)

History
Bethel was incorporated as a village in 1902, and was officially incorporated as the city of Bethel on January 1, 1974.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 466 people, 174 households, and 118 families residing in the city. The population density was 512.1 PD/sqmi. There were 192 housing units at an average density of 211.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% White, 0.9% African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 174 households, of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.2% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.11.

The median age in the city was 34.3 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 33.9% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 6.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 54.5% male and 45.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 443 people, 149 households, and 108 families residing in the city. The population density was 514.1 PD/sqmi. There were 155 housing units at an average density of 179.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.39% White, 0.23% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.23% from other races, and 2.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.26% of the population.

There were 149 households, out of which 47.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.46.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 36.1% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 39.7% from 25 to 44, 13.3% from 45 to 64, and 3.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 121.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,125, and the median income for a family was $50,500. Males had a median income of $36,406 versus $25,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,399. About 4.5% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Bethel, Minnesota


text:
Nowthen, Minnesota

Nowthen is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 4,536 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.10 sqmi, of which 33.56 sqmi is land and 1.54 sqmi is water. Nowthen is located in the northwestern section of Anoka County.

Minnesota State Highway 47 and County Road 22 are two of the main routes in the community.

Nearby places include St. Francis, Oak Grove, Andover, Ramsey, and Elk River. Nowthen is located 12 miles north-northwest of the city of Anoka.

History
In 1869, Burns Township broke off from St. Francis Township.

The city was formerly known as Burns Township until June 30, 2008, when it was incorporated as the city of Nowthen. The drive toward incorporation started at the township's annual meeting in March 2007, when residents decided to incorporate in order to prevent annexation by other nearby cities. The name originated from an unincorporated community named Nowthen near the intersection of County Roads 5 and 22 within the former township. "Nowthen" was coined by the town's first postmaster, James Hare, who had the habit of saying "Now, then" in conversation.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,443 people, 1,450 households, and 1,227 families residing in the city. The population density was 132.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,494 housing units at an average density of 44.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.2% White, 0.9% African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 1,450 households, of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.6% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 15.4% were non-families. 11.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.04 and the average family size was 3.27.

The median age in the city was 39.9 years. 28.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.2% were from 25 to 44; 33% were from 45 to 64; and 7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.1% male and 47.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,557 people, 1,123 households, and 985 families residing in the township. The population density was 105.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,136 housing units at an average density of 33.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.54% White, 0.20% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 0.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.59% of the population.

There were 1,123 households, out of which 47.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 80.3% were married couples living together, 3.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.2% were non-families. 8.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.16 and the average family size was 3.36.

In the township the population was spread out, with 32.7% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 34.5% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $63,819, and the median income for a family was $65,843. Males had a median income of $42,374 versus $31,454 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,569. About 4.1% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.0% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Law enforcement
Historically the community did not have its own law enforcement agency and instead relied on the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. In 2011, the Sheriff’s Office asked the city to pay for non-emergency law enforcement services. The city council voted 3–2 to not do this, which led to the city only having emergency law enforcement as it chose not to establish its own police force. The department's request would have meant a 27% increase in property taxes.

First responders
Nowthen built their first fire department in 2021. Ramsey wanted to charge Nowthen about $160,000 in administrative costs, the mayor thought that was too high. Nowthen will take a fire engine, tanker, rescue rig, hoses and other equipment from Ramsey and they also gain a fire station that they can now use. They will pay the city of St. Francis about $75,000 a year for the next three years to have the assistance chief, Dave Schmidt, oversee the startup and head the department.

They currently have 12 members working for the Fire Department, and are expecting eight more to join.

Parks
The city of Nowthen has two parks, Nowthen Memorial Park and Twin Lakes City Park.

Nowthen Memorial Park includes baseball, softball and soccer fields, as well as a volleyball and a basketball court. Horse shoes, a playground, picnic area, and a walking path are also at the park.

Twin Lakes City Park includes a beach, a fishing pier, a boat dock and a sand volleyball court. The park also has a playground, many walking paths and picnic shelters which all contain at least one grill. A new disc golf course is also available.

Churches
Nowthen Alliance Church is the largest church within Nowthen and is a part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. It is located at the intersection of Nowthen Boulevard and Viking Boulevard.

Nowthen Threshing Show
The Nowthen Threshing Show has been an annual event for over 40 years. It is a three-day event that takes place during the third full weekend in August. There are many attractions including tractor pulls, music, sawmill demonstrations and more. Guests can see blacksmithing, corn chopping and walking through old restored buildings including a town church, general store, train depot, log cabin and log barn, and an old one-room school house. There are many antique machines and tractors guests can walk around and look at. The theme of the Nowthen Threshing Show is “Bringing the Past to the Present.”

title: Nowthen, Minnesota


text:
Circle Pines, Minnesota

Circle Pines is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 5,025 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.97 sqmi, of which 1.78 sqmi is land and 0.19 sqmi is water.

Lake Drive / County 23 serves as a main route in the community. Interstate 35W is in close proximity to the city. Circle Pines is approximately 17 miles from the heart of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area.

Rice Creek flows through the city.

Education
Centennial Schools (Independent School District #12) serves the community of Circle Pines and the surrounding cities of Blaine, Lino Lakes, Centerville, and Lexington. Children in Circle Pines attend Centennial Elementary, Rice Lake Elementary, Blue Heron Elementary, or Golden Lake Elementary before continuing their education at Centennial Middle School and Centennial High School.

Governance
Circle Pines is a Plan A statutory city under Minnesota law. The Circle Pines mayor is elected for a two-year term and city council members for a four-year term.

The current Mayor of Circle Pines is Dave Bartholomay. Current council members include Steve McChesney, Dean Goldberg, Nici Dorner and Matt Percy. The current City Administrator is Patrick Antonen, who is responsible for running the city on a day-to-day basis.

History
Circle Pines was founded as a planned cooperative community in which homeowners owned equal shares in the cooperative association which owned and developed the community. The name was selected because the cooperative movement in the United States in the 1940s used a circle encompassing two pine trees as its symbol. Although the community is no longer governed as a co–op, a municipally–owned gas utility remains as an operational memorial to Circle Pines' community heritage.

The Gibas family were one of the original families of the Circle Pines cooperative. Their papers offer further insight into the origins of Circle Pines, Minnesota. Articles and speeches, news clippings, correspondence, and photographs are available for research use.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,918 people, 2,006 households, and 1,349 families living in the city. The population density was 2762.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,085 housing units at an average density of 1171.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.0% White, 1.8% African American, 0.4% Native American, 3.2% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 2,006 households, of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.8% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.96.

The median age in the city was 40.5 years. 21.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.5% were from 25 to 44; 32.8% were from 45 to 64; and 12% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,663 people, 1,697 households, and 1,281 families living in the city. The population density was 2,660.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,708 housing units at an average density of 974.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.01% White, 0.24% African American, 0.56% Native American, 1.74% Asian, 0.19% from other races, and 1.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.97% of the population.

There were 1,697 households, out of which 39.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.8% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.5% were non-families. 19.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $60,469, and the median income for a family was $70,670. Males had a median income of $43,008 versus $29,837 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,438. About 1.2% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Mystery Science Theater 3000 writer/actress Mary Jo Pehl grew up in Circle Pines.
 * 30 Rock actor Scott Adsit was born in Circle Pines.
 * Professional Fighters League mixed martial artist Kaitlin Young was born in Circle Pines.

title: Circle Pines, Minnesota


text:
Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Columbia Heights is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 21,973 at the 2020 census.

Minnesota State Highways 47 (University Avenue) and 65 (Central Avenue) are two of the main routes in the city.

Columbia Heights is a first-ring northern suburb of Minneapolis, which borders it on the south. Its downtown district is centered at the intersection of 40th Avenue NE and Central Avenue, and includes the Heights Theater, county offices, the Public Library, and a variety of businesses. Central Avenue forms a commercial district along its length. More businesses also line University Avenue.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.52 sqmi, of which 3.41 sqmi is land and 0.11 sqmi is water.

Columbia Heights is bordered by the city of Fridley to the north and west; New Brighton and Saint Anthony to the east; and Minneapolis to the south.

The city of Hilltop is entirely enclosed within the city.

Columbia Heights has a hilly terrain and features one of the highest points in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Anoka Counties along Stinson Boulevard between Fairway Drive and 45th Avenue NE/County Road E. There are five lakes in the city, which include Sullivan Lake, Highland Lake, Silver Lake, Hart Lake, and LaBelle Pond.

The city park system resides in mostly low lying and former swampland areas that was unsuitable for building. Huset Park is the main park in the city. Prestemon, Gauvitte and McKenna Parks were all named for members of the first city council in 1921. Ava Ostrander, first woman elected to the council in 1924, also has a park named for her. Kordiak Park is an Anoka County park in the city named after former County Commissioner Albert A. Kordiak. Other parks include Edgemoor, La Belle, Lomianki, Keyes, Sullivan, Ramsdell, and Hilltop.

History
Columbia Heights was formed as a village on March 14, 1898, when it separated from the former Fridley Township. On July 21, 1921, the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights was adopted and the city was formed.

A Polish flag and white eagle are on the sign marking the border between Columbia Heights and Minneapolis, visible when entering Columbia Heights on Central Avenue, in celebration of the suburb's early roots as a Polish–American community. In 1991, Columbia Heights joined Sister Cities International and selected Łomianki, Poland as its Sister City. In 1944, a plane of Allied flyers was shot down during the Warsaw uprising, near Łomianki. The brother of a long time Columbia Heights resident was on that mission. In 1987, the people of Łomianki erected a monument in memory of the American flyers who lost their lives. Because of this personal connection Łomianki was selected as the Sister City.

Abraham Lincoln's funeral car was bought by Thomas Lowry who restored it and featured it at a number of exhibitions throughout the country. When not in use, it was stored in Columbia Heights but was destroyed by a fire on March 18, 1911.

In 2016, Columbia Heights was honored with the All-American City Award according to the National Civic League.

In 2023, Columbia Heights formed a second Sister City with Galdogob, Somalia for its growing and significant Somali American population.

Education
Columbia Heights is served by public schools, private schools, and charter schools.

Independent School District 13

 * Columbia Heights High School (CHHS): grades 9–12
 * Columbia Academy (CA): grades 6–8
 * Highland Elementary: grades K–5
 * Valley View Elementary: grades K–5
 * North Park Elementary: grades K–5
 * Early Childhood Programs: Birth–5 years

NE Metro Intermediate District 916

 * ALC West Campus: grades 7–12

Private schools

 * Immaculate Conception Catholic School: grades K–8
 * Little Voyageurs Montessori School: grades PreK–K

Charter schools

 * Academy of Bioscience: grades 5–8
 * Prodeo Academy: grades PreK - 8

Higher education
NEI College of Technology was located in Columbia Heights until it merged with Dunwoody College of Technology in 2003. The college building was demolished in November 2004.

Notable people

 * John Alt, former Kansas City Chiefs NFL and University of Iowa football player, was raised and went to school in Columbia Heights.
 * Earl Bakken, inventor of the first external, battery-operated, transistorized, wearable artificial pacemaker, founder of Medtronic.
 * Don Carlson, professional basketball player.
 * James D. La Belle, Medal of Honor recipient, was raised and went to school in Columbia Heights.
 * Pat Proft, screenwriter and movie producer, was raised and went to school in Columbia Heights.
 * Henry Scholberg, librarian and bibliographer.
 * Edward J. Tomczyk, Minnesota state representative.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 19,496 people, 7,926 households, and 4,558 families residing in the city. The population density was 5717.3 PD/sqmi. There were 8,584 housing units at an average density of 2517.3 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 69.7% White, 13.5% African American, 1.5% Native American, 4.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 6.2% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.9% of the population.

There were 7,926 households, of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.5% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.5% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.15.

The median age in the city was 36.9 years. 22.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.2% were from 25 to 44; 24.5% were from 45 to 64; and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 18,520 people, 8,033 households, and 4,731 families residing in the city. The population density was 5,368.7 PD/sqmi. There were 8,151 housing units at an average density of 2,362.9 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 87.39% White, 3.62% African American, 1.64% Native American, 3.46% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.30% from other races, and 2.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.15% of the population.

There were 8,033 households, out of which 23.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.2% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 20.8% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,562, and the median income for a family was $50,610. Males had a median income of $35,092 versus $28,993 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,368. About 3.9% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Columbia Heights, Minnesota


text:
Columbus, Minnesota

Columbus is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 3,914 at the 2010 census.

History
The city was known as Columbus Township until September 21, 2006, when it was incorporated as the city of Columbus, in response to concerns that the adjacent city of Forest Lake was planning to annex portions of the township.

Mel Mettler, the first mayor of Columbus, was reelected in 2008. Jesse Preiner was elected mayor in 2019.

Running Aces Harness Park, a 5/8 mile harness horse racing track, opened in Columbus in April 2008.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 47.76 sqmi, of which 44.92 sqmi is land and 2.84 sqmi is water.

Anoka County Roads 18, 19, 23, 54, and 62 are the main routes in the community. Interstate 35 splits into Interstates 35E and 35W within the southeast corner of Columbus. The junction is commonly known as the Forest Lake Split, after the city to the immediate east.

Rice Creek flows through Columbus. Carlos Avery Wildlife Area is in the north-central and west-central parts of the city.

Nearby places include Forest Lake, Lino Lakes, Ham Lake, East Bethel, and Wyoming.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,914 people, 1,416 households, and 1,119 families residing in the city. The population density was 87.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,464 housing units at an average density of 32.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.6% White, 0.7% African American, 0.6% Native American, 3.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.

There were 1,416 households, of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.1% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 21.0% were non-families. 15.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.08.

The median age in the city was 45.3 years. 22.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.5% were from 25 to 44; 39.6% were from 45 to 64; and 11.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.9% male and 48.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,957 people, 1,328 households, and 1,120 families residing in the township. The population density was 88.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,358 housing units at an average density of 30.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.60% White, 0.18% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.58% of the population.

There were 1,328 households, out of which 39.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.9% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.6% were non-families. 11.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 6.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age 38. For every 100 females, there were 106.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $67,500, and the median income for a family was $71,809. Males had a median income of $42,948 versus $31,417 for females. The per capita income for the township was $24,479. About 2.2% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.2% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Columbus, Minnesota


text:
East Bethel, Minnesota

East Bethel is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 11,786 at the 2020 census.

Minnesota State Highway 65 and Anoka County Road 22 are the main routes in the city. Highway 65 runs north–south, and County Road 22 (Viking Boulevard) runs east–west.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 47.97 sqmi, of which 44.80 sqmi is land and 3.17 sqmi is water.

East Bethel is in the northern part of Anoka County. The city contains the primary site of the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve

Central Minneapolis is 26 miles (42 km) to the southeast, along the Mississippi River, with the nearest international airport at Minneapolis–Saint Paul, 34 miles (52 km) southeast.

Adjacent cities

 * Columbus (southeast)
 * Ham Lake (south)
 * Andover (southwest)
 * Oak Grove (west)
 * St. Francis (northwest)
 * Bethel (northwest)

The neighborhood of Coopers Corner is in northern East Bethel, and the neighborhood of Coon Lake Beach is in southeastern East Bethel.

History
Linwood Township split from Bethel Township in 1871.

East Bethel was incorporated as a village on June 7, 1957, and was incorporated as the city of East Bethel on January 1, 1974.

The current boundaries of the City of East Bethel belonged to the Chippewa Indians until 1837, when the United States bought their lands east of the Mississippi River in what was later to become the State of Minnesota. Settlers began arriving in the area in the 1850s and the area was incorporated as a Township in 1858, the same year Minnesota was admitted to the Union. The Township was originally incorporated as the Township of Bethel, the name derived from the Bible and meaning the "House of God."

Situated in the northeast portion of Anoka County, the Quakers were the first settlers in Bethel in 1856. The group quickly established a school and a church, but left the area following the Indian Massacre of 1862. The Quakers took their families to Anoka and Minneapolis and never returned to the area. Other settlers that left during the Indian Wars did return to the area and became farmers, tradesmen, and merchants. The Township of Bethel exhibited a slow but steady growth from 423 in 1880 to 1,286 in 1957.

In spring of 1957, a local committee was formed to take the necessary legal steps to incorporate. On May 3, 1957, the petition was presented to the Anoka County Board of Commissioners and, as a result of the required election, incorporation was approved by 232 to 161 vote. This vote was challenged and the matter eventually was sent to the Minnesota Supreme Court and finally to the State Legislature for validation. East Bethel was officially incorporated as a Village on April 27, 1959 and as a City on January 1, 1974.

The City is approximately 48 square miles, which makes it the third largest City in the metro area in terms of size. As of the 2010 Census, there were 11,626 people residing in the City, comprising 4,060 households and 3,221 families. The population density is 259.5 inhabitants per square mile and there are 4,237 housing units at an average density of 94.6 per square mile.

City Leadership
Current leadership of the city includes the following people:

City Administrator - Matt Look

Mayor - Kevin Lewis

4 Council Members listed below:

Bob DeRoche

Tim Miller

Jim Smith

Brian Mundle

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 11,626 people, 4,060 households, and 3,221 families living in the city. The population density was 259.5 PD/sqmi. There were 4,237 housing units at an average density of 94.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.9% White, 0.4% African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.6% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 4,060 households, of which 39.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.9% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 20.7% were non-families. 14.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.15.

The median age in the city was 38.6 years. 26.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.8% were from 25 to 44; 31.9% were from 45 to 64; and 7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.2% male and 47.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,941 people, 3,607 households, and 2,936 families living in the city. The population density was 243.9 PD/sqmi. There were 3,718 housing units at an average density of 82.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.55% White, 0.19% African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.32% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population.

There were 3,607 households, out of which 47.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.6% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.6% were non-families. 13.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03 and the average family size was 3.33.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 32.1% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 36.9% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 4.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $57,880, and the median income for a family was $62,004. Males had a median income of $40,599 versus $27,377 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,087. About 2.2% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.1% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

 * [[Image:MN-65.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 65
 * [[Image:Anoka_County_22.svg|20px]] Anoka County Road 22

title: East Bethel, Minnesota


text:
Fridley, Minnesota

Fridley is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. Its population was 29,590 at the 2020 census. It was first settled as a place named Manomin where Rice Creek flows into the Mississippi river and the Red River Oxcart trail crosses the creek. Fridley was incorporated in 1949 as a village, and became a city in 1957. It is part of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area as a northern "first-ring" or "inner-ring" suburb. Most of the growth in Fridley occurred between 1950 and 1970. Fridley borders Minneapolis to the southwest. Neighboring first-ring suburbs are Columbia Heights to the south and Brooklyn Center to the west, across the Mississippi River.

Geography and climate
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 10.89 sqmi, of which 10.17 sqmi are land and 0.72 sqmi is covered by water.

The city lies within a narrow portion of the southernmost part of Anoka County. It is longer north–south along the path of the Mississippi River, and the highways that follow the river. It is narrower east/west in the portion between the Mississippi River and Spring Lake Park.

Fridley borders the cities of Coon Rapids and Blaine to the north; Spring Lake Park to the northeast; Mounds View and New Brighton to the east; Columbia Heights to the southeast; Minneapolis to the southwest; and Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center to the west.

Fridley is at the southern edge of the Anoka Sand Plain. Lakes in Fridley include East Moore Lake, West Moore Lake, and Locke Lake. Rice Creek flows through the central part of the city, Springbrook Creek through the northwest section, and the Mississippi River borders Fridley to the west. Parts of islands in the Mississippi River, including the Islands of Peace and Banfill Island, are within the city.

Climate
Fridley shares its climate with nearby Minneapolis. It has a hot-summer humid continental climate zone (Dfa in the Köppen climate classification), typical of southern parts of the Upper Midwest, and is situated in USDA plant hardiness zone 4b. As is typical in a continental climate, the difference between average temperatures in the coldest winter month and the warmest summer month is great: 60.1 F-change.

19th century
Fridley's post-European/American settlement history began with the construction of the Red River Trails Woods trail for the Red River ox carts in 1844. The trail traveled through Minnesota Territory from St. Paul to Pembina in present-day North Dakota. It was used to transport furs to the south and other supplies to Red River Valley settlers in the north. The East River Road (Anoka County Highway 1) follows this route today within Fridley, from the border with Minneapolis to the border with Coon Rapids. In 1847, John Banfill became the first settler in the area, which was known at the time as Manomin. Manomin is a variant spelling of manoomin, the Ojibwe word for wild rice, a staple of their diet. It comprised the modern-day municipalities of Columbia Heights, Fridley, Hilltop, and Spring Lake Park. The Banfill Tavern was built in 1847.

The area soon grew quickly in size. In 1851, Banfill platted the actual town of Manomin. There, a general store and sawmill were built next to Rice Creek, named after Henry Mower Rice, a settler who two years earlier had acquired land in the area. In 1853, the first town post office was in operation, and a year later, a ferry crossing the Mississippi River was established.

In 1855, Abram M. Fridley, for whom the city is named, was elected as the first territorial representative for the area.

In 1857, the area separated from Ramsey County; Manomin County was established, and it became the smallest county in the nation, with only 18 sections. This distinction was short-lived, after it was annexed by Anoka County in 1870 and became a township with the same name.

The Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad, which joined St. Paul to St. Anthony across from Minneapolis in 1862, began extending rail to Anoka, reaching it through Fridley in 1864.

In 1879, the Minnesota State Legislature, of which Abram Fridley was still a member, changed the township's name to bear his name.

20th century
In 1949, Fridley Township was incorporated as the Village of Fridley. The Fridley Free Press was also established. A lawsuit that challenged the village's incorporation caused the funds to be frozen. Minnesota state law allowed cities to operate municipal liquor stores after Prohibition ended. Fridley's liquor store proceeds were the primary funding for daily city operations until the lawsuit was resolved in 1950. Minnesota has both private liquor stores and city-owned municipal liquor stores. Fridley is the location of the headquarters of the Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association (MMBA), a lobbying coalition for municipalities with city-owned liquor stores. In conjunction with the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, it lobbied against Sunday liquor store sales in Minnesota until they were finally permitted in 2017.

The Totino's frozen pizza company opened a factory in Fridley in 1970 as they were growing to a national business. The business was sold to Pillsbury in 1975.

Growth
In 1957, the village became the City of Fridley, a "home rule charter city". City Hall, at 6431 University Avenue Northeast, has a fire station, city services and council meetings. A newer fire station was built in 1964. Fridley's population grew past 15,000 in the 1950s and peaked over 30,000 by the 1970s.

1965 flood and tornadoes
Two of Fridley's worst disasters happened within weeks of each other. In April 1965, Minnesota was affected by a "500-year flood". The spring flood on the Upper Mississippi is still the flood of record for from about 100 miles north of Minneapolis to Hannibal, Missouri. The crests that April exceeded previous records by several feet at many river gauge sites. Those record crests still exceed the second-highest crest by a foot or more at many of those sites. An ice jam rising 24 feet over the river broke up when it rammed a series of ice breakers above the Sartell Dam. The Riverview Heights area where Springbrook creek enters the river was severely flooded. On May 6, 1965, Fridley was hit by two F4 tornadoes. One out of every four homes in the city was destroyed or damaged. The second twister to hit was the deadliest storm in Twin Cities history, killing 13 people. Parts of City Hall and the fire station were damaged.

Post disaster recovery
In 1967, a new Civic Center Building opened at the City Hall location, with a plaza to the south. This building was remodeled in 1989 and demolished in 2019. The acreage around 73rd and (old) Central was purchased by growing Minneapolis-originated companies, Medtronic, Inc. and Onan Corporation, for manufacturing facilities.

Springbrook Nature Center and tornado
In 1970, Fridley began purchasing land that would become the Springbrook Nature Center. On July 18, 1986, a widely photographed tornado spent 16 minutes in Springbrook Nature Center, destroying thousands of century-old trees and extensive areas of mature forest habitat. Well-known aerial footage of the tornado was filmed by a KARE 11 television news helicopter passing through the area.

21st century

In 2001, Medtronic opened its new World Headquarters on the site of the 100 Twin Drive-in at Interstate 694 and Minnesota Highway 65. As of 2019, it is still the Operational Headquarters for Medtronic, PLC, which reorganized as an Irish company in 2015.

On June 19, 2003, President George W. Bush visited the Micro Controls company in Fridley. He was promoting one of the tax relief changes made during his administration.

In the early 2000s, the Minnesota Sports Cafe was a notable venue for mixed martial arts competitions. Fighters who have claimed victories in Fridley include Sean Sherk, Nick Thompson, Brock Larson, Marcus LeVesseur, Brian Ebersole, and Harry Moskowitz.

On September 21, 2005, Fridley was struck by straight-line winds exceeding 80 mi/h, toppling many old growth trees as large as 2.5 ft in diameter and destroying dozens of homes and several vehicles. Cleanup efforts took a week, leaving hundreds of residents stranded in their homes without power, unable to drive until streets were cleared of debris. The storm also affected Brooklyn Center, New Brighton, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and other communities in the surrounding North Metro area.

Fridley has one of the first six stations of the Northstar Commuter Rail line connecting the northwest suburbs and downtown Minneapolis; the line opened in November 2009.

On July 17, 2011, heavy rains caused a washout of the BNSF rail bridge over Rice Creek. A train derailed there and sent hopper cars containing corn into the creek. Traffic was rerouted for several days. In 2013, a jury awarded damages from BNSF to the engineer and conductor of the train.

The Columbia Arena, filming location for the Disney Movie D3: The Mighty Ducks, was demolished in 2016 to make way for a new City Hall. This was controversial because it was expected to cost $50 million and increase homeowner taxes by 19%. The Fridley Civic Campus dedication at 7071 University Avenue NE was held on November 17, 2018. The staff had moved from the previous city hall over Veteran's Day weekend and began working there on November 12. The city council approved the project in December 2016 after nearly three years of studies, meetings and workshops. The council raised the levy to pay for the project, increasing city taxes about 16% for the average homeowner. A number of other Twin Cities suburbs updated their civic facilities during a 2018 "building boom of sorts", including Eagan, New Hope, Minnetonka, and Burnsville.

Fridley received an allocation of $1.52 million from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). The money was used to upgrade and repair its water distribution system and wastewater and storm water infrastructure. The city plans in 2022 to use the next allocation of $1.52 million to improve security at water treatment plants, rebuild its water distribution system, and on sanitary sewer and water quality projects.

President Joe Biden visited the Cummins plant in Fridley on April 3, 2022, as part of his "Investing in America" tour. Cummins had announced a US$1 billion initiative to produce clean energy technology, including electrolysers for hydrogen cells in Fridley.

Economy
Fridley is home to the Operational (formerly World) Headquarters of Ireland-based Medtronic plc. Medtronic also has a substantial Rice Creek business campus. Other major employers in Fridley include BAE Systems (formerly United Defense), Cummins, Unity Medical Center, part of the Allina Healthcare system, part of the Mercy Hospitals, Minco Products, Inc, Kurt Manufacturing Company, and Park Construction Company. Fridley is also home to a Target Stores retail distribution center. Magnum Research, a company that produces the Desert Eagle firearm, had its headquarters in Fridley until 2010.

Minneapolis and Saint Paul draw their municipal water supplies from the Mississippi River at Fridley, which is upstream. The City of Minneapolis Waterworks plant and Fire Department training facility are in Fridley.

In the 2000 census data, there were 11,542 more jobs in Fridley than the number of workers age 16 and over. But most Fridley residents work outside Fridley, most commonly in other cities in Hennepin County and in Minneapolis. Only 21% of the 15,221 Fridley residents in the workforce in 2000 worked in Fridley. Fridley saw a decline in the number of jobs from 26,763 in 2000 to 23,845 in 2006, according to the city economic plan report.

Largest employers
According to the City's 2021 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the largest employers in the city are:

Education
Fridley's public schools are governed by Fridley Independent School District 14. Fridley High School, Fridley Middle School, Hayes Elementary School, and Stevenson Elementary School comprise the district. In 1978, Fridley closed three elementary schools due to declining enrollment: Gardena, Riverwood, and Parkview. Riverwood Elementary was demolished and single-family homes were developed. Parkview Elementary became the Fridley Community Center. Gardena Elementary became the Al-Amal School. Rice Creek Elementary closed later and was demolished, with single-family homes developed in its place. After the 1965 tornado, students at Parkview had to double up at the Riverwood school while it was being rebuilt.

Totino-Grace High School, a private Roman Catholic high school, Calvin Christian High School, a private Christian high school, and Al-Amal School, a private Islamic K-12 school, are also in Fridley.

A small portion of the northern part of Fridley is within Anoka-Hennepin School District 11. Students living in an area of eastern Fridley are in Columbia Heights School District 13. North Park Elementary is in Fridley. Most of the students living in the north-northeastern part of the city are in Spring Lake Park School District 16. A District 16 elementary school, Woodcrest Spanish Immersion, is in Fridley.

Parks and recreation
Fridley is home to the 127 acre Springbrook Nature Center park and nature reserve on its northern border with Coon Rapids. The total Fridley city park space is 316 acres. There are baseball and softball diamonds, football and soccer fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts for sports. In the winter there are outdoor ice skating rinks with warming houses. The western border of Fridley comprises the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Parts of islands in the recreation area are within Fridley's city limits.

Fridley has the following Anoka County parks:
 * Manomin County Park (Rice Creek where it enters the Mississippi River and Locke Lake)
 * Rice Creek West/Locke Park and Regional Trail (Rice Creek)
 * Islands of Peace County Park (Mississippi River)
 * Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park (Mississippi River)

Infrastructure and transportation

Interstate 694 and Minnesota State Highways 47 and 65 are three of the main automobile routes in the city. East River Road is one of the oldest roads in the state as a Minnesota Territorial road. It was part of the Red River Trails Woods trail. The I-694 Bridge, joining Fridley to Brooklyn Center, is the only crossing of the Mississippi River within the city.

The BNSF Railway main Northern transcontinental Twin Cities to Portland/Seattle double track line passes through Fridley as part of the Staples Subdivision. The Fridley Station is served by the Northstar Commuter Rail line running on the BNSF tracks into Minneapolis. The Amtrak Empire Builder passes through Fridley twice daily on this line, but does not stop in the city. The massive BNSF Northtown Classification Yards are in the city. The Minnesota Commercial Railway also serves Fridley, with a terminal warehouse there.

The Mississippi River is non-navigable for barge traffic north of the Canadian Pacific Camden Place Rail Bridge, but small boats can travel upstream to the Coon Rapids Dam without a portage. There is a landing for small boats in the river near Interstate 694 at the Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park.

The Anoka County–Blaine Airport serves the area and is in neighboring Blaine.

Nickname
Fridley has the nickname "Friendly Fridley". The nickname was spread further by a long-running series of advertisements on various radio stations for a local car dealer. The announcer directed people to "Friendly Chevrolet up in Friendly Fridley".

The city festival is named "49'er" days, which commemorates the 1949 incorporation. It is usually held in mid-June.

Sister city

 * 🇫🇷 Fourmies, Nord (France) - Medtronic plc has an assembly plant in Fourmies.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 27,208 people, 11,110 households, and 7,057 families residing in the city. The population density was 2675.3 PD/sqmi. There were 11,760 housing units at an average density of 1156.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 75.2% White, 11.1% African American, 1.2% Native American, 4.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.4% from other races, and 4.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.3% of the population.

There were 11,110 households, of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.4% were married couples living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.5% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.99.

The median age in the city was 37.1 years. 23.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.9% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 14.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 27,449 people, 11,328 households, and 7,317 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,701.3 PD/sqmi. There were 11,504 housing units at an average density of 1,132.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.65% White, 3.42% African American, 0.82% Native American, 2.89% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.23% from other races, and 2.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.56% of the population.

There were 11,328 households, out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $48,372, and the median income for a family was $55,381. Males had a median income of $38,100 versus $29,997 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,022. About 5.3% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.9% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.

Politics
Fridley has a council-manager government. Scott Lund is the mayor, first elected in 2000.

Fridley is in Minnesota's 5th congressional district, represented by Ilhan Omar, a Democrat.

Notable people

 * Joe Alt, National Football League offensive lineman
 * Mikey Anderson, National Hockey League player
 * Bill Antonello, Major League Baseball player
 * Gordon Backlund, politician
 * Connie Bernardy, politician
 * Don Betzold, politician
 * Satveer Chaudhary, politician
 * L. Joseph Connors, politician
 * Chris Dahlquist, National Hockey League player
 * Ducky DooLittle, sex educator
 * Brooke Elliott, actress
 * Mike Erlandson, businessman
 * Abram M. Fridley, politician and namesake of the city
 * Thomas E. Greig, politician
 * Larry Hosch, politician
 * Warren Johnson, NHRA drag racer
 * Jon Melander, NFL player
 * Donald Savelkoul, politician and lawyer
 * Don Simensen, NFL player
 * Wayne Simoneau, politician
 * Tom Tillberry, politician
 * Rose Totino, businesswoman
 * Cory Wong, guitarist

title: Fridley, Minnesota


text:
Ham Lake, Minnesota

Ham Lake is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. It is a suburb in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. The population was 15,296 at the 2010 census. It is in the Anoka-Hennepin School District, one of Minnesota's largest school districts.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 35.71 sqmi, of which 34.39 sqmi is land and 1.32 sqmi is water.

Ham Lake is in central Anoka County.

Adjacent cities

 * Bethel (north)
 * East Bethel (north)
 * Columbus (east)
 * Lino Lakes (southeast)
 * Blaine (south)
 * Coon Rapids (southwest)
 * Andover (west)
 * Oak Grove (northwest)

The community of Soderville is in northern Ham Lake.

Transportation
Minnesota State Highway 65 serves as a main route in the city.

History
The earliest record of settlers in the Ham Lake area goes back to 1855, and in 1856, settlers established a town just south and west of a lake shaped like a ham. The settlers platted and sold lots for a community they named Glen Carey, a Scottish name meaning "beautiful valley". The location was widely advertised as a future city. In 1857, all the houses were destroyed by a prairie fire. Some of the inhabitants barely escaped with their lives, saving only a few household goods. The settlers soon left the area as they had nowhere to live.

There was no more settlement until 1866, when a Norwegian man settled in the area. He was soon followed by other Scandinavians. The Scandinavian settlers found it difficult to pronounce "Glen Carey". Since no official name had been chosen by the people, the commissioners named it Ham Lake.

Early settlers found the soil well-suited to farming as it was not as rocky as Scandinavia's. Dairying became an important industry. The pioneer farmers soon found the soil suited to growing potatoes and this became an important commodity for both cash sales and trading. Ham Lake Township split from Grow Township (Andover) in 1871. In 1872, immigrants built the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church.

From the early 1900s through the 1930s, potato farming was at its peak in what was then Ham Lake Township. Some of the farms remaining today are the sod farms in southeastern Ham Lake, where the ground is low and the soil black and heavy, making it well suited to this crop, as well as corn and potatoes in some places.

In 1894, when the population was over 400, a group of farmers formed a cooperative and built a creamery. Several general stores were built there shortly afterward. What became the main store in town, Soderquist's, was built on land sold to the Soderquist family by the Olson family, who had extensive landholdings along what later became Highway 65. As in many small American communities, over time all the "old" families became related through marriage. Although many of the establishing families have since moved out of Ham Lake due to increasing property taxes and crowding, these familial connections remain, and many members of the families are still in close contact.

In 1922, a service garage opened in northern Ham Lake.

A Fire Department was established in 1969, with Eldon Hentges as the first fire chief.

Ham Lake officially became a city on January 8, 1974, with Hentges serving as the first mayor.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 15,296 people, 5,171 households and 4,228 families living in the city. The population density was 444.8 PD/sqmi. There were 5,378 housing units at an average density of 156.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.4% White, 0.7% African American, 0.4% Native American, 2.5% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 5,171 households, of which 40.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.3% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 18.2% were non-families. 13.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 3.25.

The median age was 40.1 years. 27.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.4% were from 25 to 44; 33.1% were from 45 to 64; and 8.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.1% male and 48.9% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 12,710 people, 4,139 households and 3,472 families living in the city. The population density was 368.9 PD/sqmi. There were 4,208 housing units at an average density of 122.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.70% White, 0.50% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.14% of the population.

There were 4,139 households, of which 45.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.0% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.1% were non-families. 11.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.07 and the average family size was 3.33.

31.0% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 33.8% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 4.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.2 males.

The median household income was $67,750 and the median family income was $71,905. Males had a median income of $44,462 and females $31,239. The per capita income was $24,329. About 1.2% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.3% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Ham Lake, Minnesota


text:
Hilltop, Minnesota

Hilltop is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 958 at the 2020 census.

The city is a small enclave within the city of Columbia Heights and consists of 16 city blocks. Minnesota State Highway 65 (Central Avenue) serves as a main route, running on the town's eastern edge.

The majority of the town's residents live in the 263 mobile homes, across four trailer parks, that sit within the city's borders. Hilltop is one of only two incorporated cities in Minnesota that consist primarily of manufactured housing; the second is another Twin Cities suburb, Landfall.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.12 sqmi, all land.

Hilltop is an enclave within Columbia Heights.

History
The land where Hilltop exists was originally an unincorporated part of the former Fridley Township, a civil township next to the city of Fridley. The land had a dairy farm and later was the Oak Grove Riding Academy and Stables. The first trailer park, Trailer City, opened on the land in the 1940s; another park, Sunnyside, soon opened next door. Residents of two trailer parks became concerned that the township was planning to remove the mobile homes. In 1956, led by Trailer City Park owner Les Johnson, they approached neighboring Columbia Heights and requested to be annexed by the city. Columbia Heights turned down their request, so Johnson circulated a petition to have the residents vote on incorporation. The petition for incorporation passed smoothly, 137 to 34, and Hilltop was created. The city was named after a nearby drive-in cinema.

Columbia Heights soon annexed all the land surrounding Hilltop, and began to make antagonistic moves towards the young town, at one point threatening to halt Hilltop's water and sewer service for punitive reasons. Another item of conflict was Hilltop's plan to issue liquor licenses, which would compete with Columbia Heights' own municipal liquor store that accounted for a third of the city's operating budget. Instead of initially contracting with Columbia Heights, Hilltop opted to contract its fire protection from Fridley and establish its own police department by hiring a retired highway patrolman as police chief and three part-time officers. By 1959, tensions rose to the point where the Metropolitan Municipalities Commission, a predecessor of the Twin Cities-wide Metropolitan Council, asked the then-State Attorney General Walter Mondale to contest the Hilltop charter to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Hilltop's first mayor was William Wychor, who instituted ordinances prohibiting activities such as "fortune tellers and other such like imposters"; "a person known to be a pickpocket, thief, burglar, yeggman, or confidence man and having no visible or lawful means of support"; and anyone "procuring or attempting to solicit money or any other thing of value by falsely pretending and representing himself to be blind, deaf, dumb, without arms or legs, or to be otherwise physically deficient".

By 1961, Hilltop was growing in population and tax revenue after attracting construction of a strip mall including a supermarket, drugstore, and liquor store, in addition to a bowling alley (with liquor license) and motel. Media in Columbia Heights began insinuating that Hilltop's liquor licenses were illegal, but were unable to provide evidence. The town constructed its own water tower in the mid-1960s, which allowed it to tap the Minneapolis water supply and end its conflict with Columbia Heights. In 1967, the town's population had doubled from inception to 1,039. Tension between the rival cities began to abate in 1968, when Hilltop mayor Vivian Caesar and Columbia Heights mayor Bruce Nawrocki met alongside their respective city councils to discuss mutual issues. The city's police department closed in 1972, when one of its officers drove the town's only squad car into a tree and ruined their only source of transportation. Unable to afford a replacement, the police department was disbanded and the town instead paid the Columbia Heights Police Department for service; rescue services were also contracted to Columbia Heights on a per-incident fee.

The city led the Twin Cities area in population loss during the 1970s, going from a high of 1,015 to 817 in 1980. Due to the town's small size and the fascination with the trailer park stereotype, what were sometimes smaller incidents caused major headlines in the media of the area. In 1970, then-mayor George Reiter attempted to replace the female village clerk because he believed men were temperamentally better suited for the position, a view held by many of his supporters in the city. Murders were especially troubling for the residents. In 1976, there was a triple homicide in the city, perpetrated by Edwin Clay Hull and Ronald D. Gilbert – both received life sentences. In 1980, three prison escapees were captured hiding out in the trailer of one of their mothers; and in 1987, there was a murder-suicide involving a brother and sister.

In 1991, city manager Karen Danz, who had stood in the position for 20 years, was arrested and convicted of embezzling over $200,000 from the city treasury. Her son’s band, Fortress, which had made a “best up and coming MInnesota bands” list in Rolling Stone magazine never played another gig after the arrest. With an annual budget of only $250,000 at the time, the crisis nearly drove the city to bankruptcy and jeopardized its police protection agreement with Columbia Heights. The city was ultimately saved by insurance and a fidelity bond. In 1995, the city received more unwanted attention when the Star Tribune carried a headline that "Tiny Hilltop is Crime Capital" due to its 131 serious crimes in 1994, which worked out to one for every six residents.

Government
Hilltop's government consists of a mayor and a four-person city council. The city manager is the town's only full-time employee. As of 2003, the mayor's salary was $300 a month, and council members received $250 a month.

Police services are contracted to Columbia Heights Police Department based on an annual fee; rescue services are also handled by Columbia Heights on a per-incident fee. Fire department services are contracted to the Columbia Heights Fire Department.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 744 people, 380 households, and 151 families residing in the city. The population density was 6200.0 PD/sqmi. There were 414 housing units at an average density of 3450.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 71.0% White, 11.3% African American, 1.6% Native American, 2.7% Asian, 6.9% from other races, and 6.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.9% of the population.

There were 380 households, of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 17.9% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 60.3% were non-families. 47.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.96 and the average family size was 2.82.

The median age in the city was 42.7 years. 20.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.4% were from 25 to 44; 35.9% were from 45 to 64; and 10.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.2% male and 46.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 766 people, 400 households, and 165 families residing in the city. The population density was 6,111.3 PD/sqmi. There were 426 housing units at an average density of 3,398.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 82.64% White, 6.66% African American, 3.00% Native American, 3.39% Asian, 0.65% from other races, and 3.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.35% of the population.

There were 400 households, out of which 23.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 17.8% were married couples living together, 19.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 58.8% were non-families. 51.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.89 and the average family size was 2.69.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.9% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 35.0% from 25 to 44, 26.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,528, and the median income for a family was $32,875. Males had a median income of $28,295 versus $25,652 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,576. About 17.7% of families and 21.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.9% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over. For those 85 and older (4.29%), they accounted for an average of income $6,693 and were 96.4% Caucasian, 1.5% African American, 0.4% Hispanic and 0.3% Indian.

title: Hilltop, Minnesota


text:
Lexington, Minnesota

Lexington is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States, and is a northern suburb of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The population was 2,248 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.69 sqmi, all land.

Lake Drive / County 23 serves as a main route in the community. Other routes include Lexington Avenue and Lovell Road. Interstate 35W passes near the city.

The city of Lexington borders Blaine, Circle Pines, and Lino Lakes. The landscape in the area is uniformly flat because the city sits entirely on the Anoka Sand Plain.

Public service
The city of Lexington is served by the Centennial Lakes Police Department, the Lexington Fire Department and the Centennial School District.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,049 people, 787 households, and 519 families living in the city. The population density was 2969.6 PD/sqmi. There were 861 housing units at an average density of 1247.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 87.8% White, 2.7% African American, 1.1% Native American, 3.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.6% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.7% of the population.

There were 787 households, of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 15.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.1% were non-families. 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.13.

The median age in the city was 34.6 years. 25.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.9% were from 25 to 44; 29.1% were from 45 to 64; and 6.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.0% male and 48.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,214 people, 847 households, and 553 families living in the city. The population density was 3,196.1 PD/sqmi. There were 879 housing units at an average density of 1,268.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.36% White, 1.49% African American, 0.95% Native American, 1.36% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.99% from other races, and 1.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.53% of the population.

There were 847 households, out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 36.9% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 5.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,618, and the median income for a family was $48,047. Males had a median income of $35,903 versus $27,147 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,944. About 9.6% of families and 10.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.0% of those under age 18 and 12.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lexington, Minnesota


text:
Lino Lakes, Minnesota

Lino Lakes is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 21,399 at the 2020 census. Interstates 35W and 35E are two of Lino Lakes's main routes. It is an outer suburb north of the Twin Cities.

History
When European settlers arrived, Native Americans already lived in and around the cluster of lakes that are now called Baldwin, Rice, Reshanau, Marshan, George Watch, Centerville, Peltier, and Rondeau. The Dakota people found this to be a land of plenty, with abundant wild rice and small game. Several Native American burial grounds are in the area. White hunters and trappers began coming to the area from both Canada and the eastern states around 1850. Those who settled on the lake's west side had names like Ramsden, Speiser, and Wenzel. The east side was settled by families including the Cardinals, LaMottes, Houles and Dupres. Many of their descendants still live in the area.

Several names were suggested for the new village, most containing the word "lakes". The origin of the word "Lino" is unknown. A Lino post office operated for about 10 years in the late 1800s. The town board decided to name the new village Lino Lakes. On May 11, 1955, the Village of Lino Lakes was incorporated. It covered the original Centerville Township except the Village of Centerville, and comprised 21,000 acres of land and 1,800 citizens. In 1972, the state legislature changed all Minnesota villages to cities.

The area's first unit of local government was the township of Centerville, organized on August 11, 1857, and encompassing 36 square miles. The population of just under 300 was organized into three loosely knit communities known as the "German settlement" west of the lakes, the "Swede settlement" south of the lakes, and the "French settlement" east of the lakes. In the 1950s neighboring villages started annexing land from Centerville Township. To protect the boundaries and allow for the financing of public improvements, the township residents voted to incorporate into a village.

On July 26, 2010, the Lino Lakes City Council voted 4–1 to establish English as Lino Lakes's official language. The resolution stated that all official documents would be prepared in English and that the city would not pay for translation of its documents into any other language. Proponents argued that expenses related to translation of governmental expenses were unnecessary. On the other hand, the resolution has been perceived as connected to the English-only movement. MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce president Lori Higgins said, "it makes the area appear unwelcoming."

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 33.21 sqmi, of which 28.22 sqmi is land and 4.99 sqmi is water. A total of 44% of the city's land was developed in 2010, compared to 37% in 2000.

Rice Creek flows through the city. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve is in Lino Lakes.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 20,216 people, 4,174 households, and 3,683 families living in the city. The population density was 516.4 PD/sqmi. There were 5,323 housing units at an average density of 214.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.14% White, 1.1% African American, 2.03% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7% of the population.

There were 6,174 households, of which 48.1% had children under age 18 living with them, 73.2% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 16.1% were non-families. 12.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.4% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 3.05 and the average family size was 3.37.

The median age in the city was 37.44. 28.8% of residents were under 18; 7.8% were between 18 and 24; 27.1% were from 25 to 44; 31.6% were from 45 to 64; and 4.8% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.8% male and 46.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 11,791 people, 3,857 households, and 3,162 families living in the city. The population density was 475.1 PD/sqmi. There were 4,021 housing units at an average density of 174.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.56% White, 0.9% African American, 1.0% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population.

There were 3,857 households, of which 55.9% had children under 18 living with them, 77.6% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.3% were non-families. 10.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.1% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 3.20 and the average family size was 3.44.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 33.7% under 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 39.8% from 25 to 44, 16.7% from 45 to 64, and 3.3% who were 65 or older. The median age was 33. For every 100 females, there were 118.3 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 124.8 males.

The median income for a household was $75,708, and the median income for a family was $79,183. Males had a median income of $56,088 versus $37,220 for females. The per capita income was $25,419. About 1.1% of families and 2.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.6% of those under 18 and 1.4% of those 65 or older.

Parks and recreation
The Lakes Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the development and maintenance of the parks and trails system. Development of the parks system includes installing playground equipment, and benches, irrigation, and landscaping projects. Staff maintains 11 softball/baseball fields, 12 soccer fields and three ice rinks, and about 30 miles of trails. The 5,500-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve is one of the seven-county metropolitan area's largest parks and contains some of the most significant native wildlife habitat and water resources in the region.

Education
Public education in Lino Lakes is provided by the Centennial School District and the Forest Lakes School Area. Schools in Lino Lakes include Blue Heron Elementary, Lino Lakes Elementary, Pine School and Rice Lake Elementary.

Notable People

 * Gabbie Hughes — Professional Women's Hockey League and United States women's national ice hockey team player
 * Tyler Pitlick — National Hockey League player with the Dallas Stars, selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2nd round (31st overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft
 * Pat Shortridge — former chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota

title: Lino Lakes, Minnesota


text:
Linwood Township, Anoka County, Minnesota

Linwood Township is a township in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 5,123 at the 2010 census. The township contains the census-designated place of Martin Lake and the unincorporated village of Linwood. Linwood Township is the only area of Anoka County that is not an incorporated city.

History
Linwood Township was organized in 1871 from Bethel Township. It took its name from Linwood Lake.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.0 sqkm, of which 86.1 sqkm is land and 6.9 sqkm, or 7.42%, is water. County Road 22 serves as one of the main routes in the community.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,668 people, 1,578 households, and 1,292 families residing in the township. The population density was 139.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,662 housing units at an average density of 49.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.45% White, 0.30% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.13% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.

There were 1,578 households, out of which 44.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.8% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.1% were non-families. 13.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the township the population was spread out, with 30.0% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 35.3% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 4.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $58,596, and the median income for a family was $60,000. Males had a median income of $43,373 versus $30,568 for females. The per capita income for the township was $23,690. About 2.5% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over. The original homesteading families were the Broadbents, Carlisles, Clarks, and Browns.

Historic site

 * Crescent Grange Hall No. 512 in Linwood Township is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.


text:
Oak Grove, Minnesota

Oak Grove is a city in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States. It is north of Minneapolis. The population was 8,929 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.16 sqmi, of which 33.85 sqmi is land and 1.31 sqmi is water. County Roads 7, 9, 13, 22, and 78 are the main routes in the community. State Highway 47 (MN 47) passes briefly through the northwest corner of Oak Grove.

Lake George is located within the city of Oak Grove.

Adjacent cities

 * St. Francis (north)
 * East Bethel (east)
 * Ham Lake (southeast)
 * Andover (south)
 * Ramsey (southwest)
 * Nowthen (west)

History
Oak Grove first became an organized township in 1857, and was so named because of the large groves of oak trees in the area. The village of Oak Grove was founded in 1854, and a post office operated from 1857 to 1901. The township incorporated as the city of Oak Grove in 1993.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,031 people, 2,744 households, and 2,237 families residing in the city. The population density was 237.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,882 housing units at an average density of 85.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.8% White, 0.5% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 2,744 households, of which 39.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.6% were married couples living together, 4.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 18.5% were non-families. 13.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.21.

The median age in the city was 40 years. 26.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.6% were from 25 to 44; 33.3% were from 45 to 64; and 8.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.3% male and 47.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,903 people, 2,200 households, and 1,883 families residing in the city. The population density was 204.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,232 housing units at an average density of 66.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.20% White, 0.51% African American, 0.68% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.59% of the population.

There were 2,200 households, out of which 45.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.3% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.4% were non-families. 10.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.11 and the average family size was 3.33.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 32.0% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 33.8% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 3.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $70,169, and the median income for a family was $73,728. Males had a median income of $44,855 versus $29,009 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,693. About 1.0% of families and 1.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.9% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Sean Sherk – retired mixed martial artist and former UFC Lightweight Champion, is from Oak Grove

In popular culture

 * Golan the Insatiable, an animated television series that first aired in Fox's Animation Domination High-Def programming block in November 2013, is about "a menacing godlord from another dimension" who becomes trapped in a small Minnesota town, and is set in Oak Grove.

title: Oak Grove, Minnesota