NEW: newly reported developments or upcoming opportunities. UPDATE: later substantive information on a covered story. ONGOING: continuing useful information. RESOLVED: the reported issue has ended. BACKGROUND: dated historical context, not a new development or confirmation of current availability. UNCONFIRMED: a story, continuing story or detail that could not be confirmed against its cited source on the edition date; the note under the headline says what is not confirmed. Today and countdown lines carry "(unconfirmed)" for the same reason.
Anoka County says crews removed pavement and existing concrete curb along 40th Avenue between Main Street and University Avenue during the week ending September 25.
Storm-sewer installation is scheduled throughout the project during the coming week. Construction is scheduled to continue through November.
Project corridor schematic, not to scale. Based on Anoka County project information.
Columbia Heights recently finished accepting applications for the city's second business microloan program.
The program offers eligible businesses zero-interest loans of up to $10,000 for qualifying building-related expenses such as commercial lease or mortgage payments, utilities and commercial structure insurance.
Current status: Recipient information and the total amount distributed in the latest round have not yet been announced publicly.
The September 8 Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority agenda called for consideration of the sale of 4510 Taylor Street NE to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity along with an associated forgivable-loan proposal.
The agenda also called for consideration of the EDA's 2027 budget and levy. The EDA's final action on the Habitat resolutions has not yet been posted in the cited public meeting materials.
Current status: Awaiting a public record confirming the EDA's final action.
Southern Anoka Community Assistance operates its expanded Community Market and thrift store at 3905 California Street NE in Columbia Heights.
The Community Market no longer requires appointments during its regular walk-in hours: Monday 2 to 6 p.m., Tuesday noon to 4 p.m. and Thursday 2 to 6 p.m. Friday Morning Markets run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment.
SACA says demand for food assistance continues to grow and is also seeking regular volunteers for its market, thrift store, warehouse and greeting roles.
HeightsNEXT is organizing a fall street and park cleanup for Saturday, October 3 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Volunteers will gather at the Columbia Heights Public Library, 3939 Central Avenue NE, for safety vests, collection bags and street or park assignments before heading out to pick up litter.
First Lutheran Church, 1555 40th Avenue NE, lists a community lunch at 11 a.m. Sundays following its morning worship services.
The same hour also includes children's Sunday school and adult Bible study. The church also operates a Young at Heart program for seniors with social, learning and service opportunities.
The Building Blocks of Islam, based at 3900 Jackson Street NE, operates community-assistance programs that can help with needs including rent, groceries, temporary accommodation, transportation, car repair, utilities and medical expenses.
The organization also recruits volunteers for food-shelf, outreach, marketing and administrative work.
Columbia Heights Public Schools is asking voters to approve $550 in additional referendum revenue per pupil.
The district estimates the proposal would increase property taxes by $170 per year on an average-valued home. It says the additional revenue would first reach the district in fiscal year 2028 and continue through fiscal year 2038.
| Election | November 3, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Proposed amount | $550 per pupil |
| Estimated average-home impact | $170 per year |
| First district revenue | Fiscal year 2028 |
| Duration | 10 years |
| Inflation adjustment | Begins with taxes payable in 2028 |
Three at-large seats, each carrying a four-year term, are on the November 3 ballot. Columbia Heights Public Schools lists four filed candidates: Cristin Craig, Adam Davis, Jessica Medearis and Laura Palmer.
A League of Women Voters candidate forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, October 1.
The murder trial of Columbia Heights resident Jordan Collins Sr. remains underway in Anoka County. Collins is charged with murder in the death of his 16-year-old son, Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr.
CBS Minnesota reported September 21 that Collins, who is representing himself, questioned Columbia Heights investigators who had led the effort to find his son. The court briefly excused the jury after an emotional outburst from a spectator.
Latest confirmed status: CBS reported that the trial was expected to continue for several weeks.
Columbia Heights Police and Columbia Heights Parks and Recreation have planned two programs for students during the October MEA break.
| CHPD Teen Academy | Grades 9-12 · Oct. 15-16 · Free · Register by Oct. 12 |
|---|---|
| Horseback Riding & Fall Fun | Grades 4-9 · Oct. 15 · $65 · Register by Oct. 1 |
The Heights Theater begins its Heights Centennial film series Thursday, October 1. The series runs through October 8.
Opening night: Sunset Boulevard, 7 p.m., 35mm. Tonight, September 27, the theater has Billy Wilder's A Foreign Affair scheduled for 7 p.m., with David Kearn on organ.
Bernice "Bea" Alain, formerly Bernice Staniec, died September 15 at age 107½. Her obituary says she lived in her Columbia Heights home for 62 years, until shortly before her 105th birthday.
Her Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for noon Thursday, October 1, at Immaculate Conception in Columbia Heights.
Open stories stay visible until the unresolved question is answered.
Police responded to possible gunshots in the 4100 block of Madison Street NE. Two people who may have been involved later arrived at a hospital with gunshot wounds.
Still unresolved: No later public update located for this edition.
The latest application round had closed. Eligible businesses could seek zero-interest loans of up to $10,000.
Still unresolved: Who received funding and how much was distributed.
The EDA agenda called for a sale and development agreement with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and an associated forgivable loan.
Still unresolved: Final public confirmation of the EDA's action on the two Habitat resolutions.
Applications for the developing Police Department Technology Advisory Committee closed September 20.
Still unresolved: Appointments and the first meeting have not yet been announced.
The agenda included a Youth Outreach Officer contract, insurance renewal, a clerical agreement and the preliminary 2026-payable-2027 levy.
Still unresolved: Approved minutes were not yet listed, so the agenda items are not reported as completed actions.