Mankato announces a new animal impound facility opening on January 1, with an alert system for lost dogs, providing timely pet recovery updates to residents who register online.

Coon Rapids announces its Tree Lighting Festival on Dec. 14 featuring Santa, live music, and fireworks. It's free and includes activities like ornament crafting and letter writing to Santa, with a food and donations drive for local support.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office participated in the 3,000 Acts of Kindness event, offering support and resources to the unhoused community in Minneapolis.

Chanhassen, MN celebrated the holidays with a boutique, tree lighting, and food shelf donations, garnering community praise and highlighting local collaboration.

Maple Grove residents donated care packages to U.S. troops abroad, receiving heartfelt thanks via social media from grateful soldiers deployed in Iraq. The donations, including various items and personal messages, deeply touched the service members.

Coon Rapids, MN is offering skating lessons for all ages this winter, with sessions starting in January. The Skating School program includes both Saturday and Monday classes.

The Maple Grove Police celebrated the graduation of their latest Citizens Police Academy class, emphasizing community engagement and law enforcement education.

Ramsey County requests public input on a new Hazard Mitigation Plan aimed at reducing damage from natural disasters. The draft plan, ranking potential hazards, is available in PDF format and feedback can be submitted via a survey until December 22nd.

Ramsey County opens Winter Warming Spaces for the homeless until March 31, offering separate facilities for women, single men, and families with youth, including free shuttle service and warming supplies.

The Northern Starz Center in Ramsey is staging "The Sound of Music" in December, with tickets available at northernstarz.org. The production fosters community and cultural vitality.

Chanhassen, MN residents can have their Christmas trees picked up by a local scout troop for a $10 fee on January 4, supporting youth activities. Sign-up ends December 27 via email.

Ramsey County has opened the lobby of its Law Enforcement Center overnight as a refuge for the unsheltered during extreme cold, and plans to launch official Winter Warming Spaces later in the week.

The City of Ramsey has set up extra recycling options for cardboard waste post-holidays, available until January 24, 2024, at the old Public Works site.