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.

Maple Grove invites residents to its festive ice skating event with Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 14, featuring music, photo opportunities, and a charity drive for CROSS Services.

The Saint Paul Police Department celebrated the 25th anniversary of its "Shop with Cops" program, recognizing its founders with the Chief’s Award for Merit. The program has helped over 4,000 kids and raised over $500,000 to date.

The Women's locker room at the local Community Center will be closed for maintenance on Dec. 10 from 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the Family Locker Room will be available as an alternative.