Elk River Police Department Rewarded and Praised for Safety - 03/30/12 12:49 PM
There's a new sheriff in town...in a way.  Thanks to a new speed-measuring device provided by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, law enforcement officers in Elk River are better equipped to identify vehicles driving at illegal and unsafe speeds.
The Elk River Police Department is one of only nine law enforcement agencies in Minnesota being awarded a Kustom Signal, Pro Laser III, LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) unit for participating in the Towards Zero Deaths enforcement effort (formerly known as Safe & Sober) that took place during the month of October.
“It’s impossible to tell exactly … (7 comments)

SPRING Clean-Up Times Announced for Sherburne County Towns - 03/29/12 12:53 PM
It’s that time of year again.  And, even though you didn’t have to dig yourselves out of the snowbanks, there is still “stuff” in your house, garage(s) and outbuildings that needs to go….

 
Here is the information you need:
 
•Livonia Township, 8 a.m. – noon April 21at the Livonia Town Hall, 11162 265th Ave., Zimmerman
 
•City of Elk River, 4–8 p.m. April 26, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. April 27 and 8 a.m.–noon April 28 at Great River Energy’s Resource Processing Plant, 10700 165th Ave., Elk River.
 
•City of Big Lake, Big Lake Township and Orrock Township, 9 … (9 comments)

13278 Riverview Drive, Elk River, Minnesota SOLD!!!!! - 03/29/12 12:30 PM
We have sold this home twice in a year and half and gotten four transactions out of it. 
Not bad for a down market!  This beauty has been a great money-maker for us. 
The moral of the story? 
Make sure that you price correctly and have the right personnel in place to make the transaction as smooth as possible for everyone involved. 
The other bit of advice?   Open houses still work.  And, can garner you even more business. 
 

 
And, there is nothing wrong with the property.  The first sale was a short sale.  And, the second sale is a … (5 comments)

Sherburne History Center Explores Genealogy - 03/28/12 04:04 PM
The Sherburne History Center offers a wide variety of public programming throughout the year. Guest speakers have given presentations on preserving family treasures as well as on interesting stories of Sherburne County's history.
On Saturday, March 31, 10:30 am to noon there will be a new class-Genealogy Class: Searching for Those European Ancestors  Please call the History Center at 763.262.4433 to register or email Mike Brubaker.
The Center is located at 10775 27th Ave SE, Becker, Sherburne County, Minnesota 55308
There are two exhibits currently on display: 
Life on the Edge Life on the Edge is our semi-permanent exhibit featuring the … (5 comments)

Hello, I Know You Have Never Read This! - 03/27/12 04:37 PM
What posts get points.
 
More about tags
 
List my tags
 
Well, here us the information from What posts get points without all the gobbledegook they left in there (BTW, Could someone clean that up?)
 oints will only be awarded for your original content submissions. Nothing purchased or reposted with permission will be considered for point awarded. (I think they meant WITHOUT permission.  Please post if you have permission, but know that points will not be credited for reproduced content.  )I have seen people bypassing this with short urls lately, still a no-no!)
If you've created something previously and published … (12 comments)

13278 Riverview Drive, Elk River, Minnesota Price Reduced! - 03/26/12 02:58 PM
 

 
 
 
This home has a beautiful location on the Mississippi River with over 150 feet of shoreline.There is a screened “cabin” near the shore to enjoy sunrises or sunsets.
The home has a brand-new furnace, washer and dryer, nearly new refrigerator, range and dishwasher.
The kitchen boasts a beautiful bumpout window with crankouts at the top for ventilation.It also has a great island, appliance “garage” and a corner phone cubby with blackboard.New lighting gives the kitchen the attention it deserves.
There is a separate formal dining room with windows facing the beautiful front yard.
A living room … (7 comments)

Farmer's Market in Elk River is Moving to Downtown in 2012 - 03/22/12 01:15 PM
 
The market will be located in the parking lot next to Elk River Meats.   The goal is to finish the parking lot by opening day of the Farmers Market — June 28.
 
The Farmers Market had been located in the parking lot of Westbound Liquor in Elk River.
 
That should mean more traffic to downtown businesses which sometimes get overlooked with all the activity along Highway 169.  The Farmers Market will also have new hours, from 2-6 p.m. Thursdays. It will run weekly through Oct. 4 with the exception of July 5.
 
The city is still accepting … (9 comments)

Don Heinzman - Another Successful Outcome for the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program in Elk River - 03/21/12 02:35 PM
Don Henizman has been named the City of Elk River’s Volunteer of the Month for March.
According the Elk River Star News: 
"Heinzman, retired editor of the Star News, chairs the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program in Elk River. He is a board member and past president of the Elk River Rotary Club, helped organize and is a charter member of the Three Rivers Community Foundation and is a charter board member of the Elk River Boys and Girls Club. He also is a founding member of the Elk River Citizens League, served on the Community Education board, is a Chamber … (6 comments)

Eighth Annual Garden Expo to be Held April 14th in Big Lake - 03/20/12 01:04 PM
The Eighth Annual Garden Expo presented by the Sherburne County Master Gardeners will be held from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 14 at Big Lake High School.
 
Carrol Henderson, author of Landscaping for Wildlife, will be the keynote speaker at the Garden Expo and will discuss that topic.
 
Henderson is the long-time supervisor of the Non-game Wildlife Program at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
 
Other presentations include Restore Your Shore, Drying Food, Container Water Gardens, Discovering Your Roots, Garden Art, Clematis, Corrective Pruning of Trees and Shrubs, Kitchen Garden Nightmares and Entryway Gardens.
 
Cost is $25 … (6 comments)

Earth Hour - 2012 Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 8:30 PM - 03/19/12 11:41 AM
It is almost time for earth hour again.  I always try to remember to write this post because I feel it is important for every community to participate. 
 
If you are participating, drop a note here and let me know.  This is also a good marketing tool for your present and past clients to drop them a note about it. 
 
WHAT: Earth Hour 2012
WHEN: Saturday 31 March at 8.30pm in your local time zone
WHERE: Across the globe WHY: To celebrate your commitment to the planet with the people of the world
HOW: Switch off your lights, register … (14 comments)

CAER in Elk River - Serving Families First - 03/18/12 02:30 PM
Last year, CAER served 1,647 households. That was an increase of 512 households from 2010. Jennifer Gray, executive director, says the number has increased every year since 2008.
If you click on the link above, you will find a wonderful, heartwarming story of a family who needed help and found it, with dignity. 
This is one of the best ways you can help your community.  Donate to CAER: give food, give money, give time. 
This area was among the hardest hit with the housing downturn.  And, even if you think the family next door is starving, how do you know?  … (6 comments)

Zillow and the Chair - 03/17/12 03:39 PM
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, we listed a property.  Apparently, we must have at some time uploaded a picture of the chair in the house.  No one remembers doing it.  EVER. 
But, there it is.   The outside front of the property and the chair. 
Now, my question is....Why would Zillow keep that only interior shot of a chair? 
Does the chair that belonged to the former owners help sell the current home which is now listed with us as well? 
Does the chair that is no longer in the home portray anything about the current price, … (24 comments)

Local Realtor Joan Ruprecht in Elk River Arts Alliance First Annual Oil Painting Exhibit - 03/15/12 12:26 PM
Normally, I don't highlight the accomplishments of the competition, but you should check this out.
 
Elk River Area Arts Alliance’s first annual Oil Painting Exhibit features 60 works from 20 member artists.
The exhibit began March 7 and will continue through April 7, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the alliance gallery at 312-314 Jackson Avenue. The reception for the artists. open to the public, will be held Saturday, March 24, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Participating artists are Kirsten Anderson Clouse, Frieda Bruck, Joan Campbell, Mark Caselius, Linda Croteau, Amy Cunningham, Roxanne Current, Brenda Edmonson, Nancy … (4 comments)

Lon Saeger, Elk River will present "A History of Tractors" in Buffalo on March 20th - 03/14/12 02:15 PM
 
The Wright County Historical Society’s History of Tractors program focusing on Allis-Chalmers tractors will be presented Tuesday, March 20. Two identical presentations will be held at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Wright County Heritage Center Activity Room, 2001 Highway 25 N., Buffalo.
This event is free and open to the public.
 
Lon Saeger of Elk River, an avid collector, will be presenting.
 
Numerous displays and tractors will be on site for the event.
 
For more information contact Sally Stevens at 763-682-7323 or 800-362-3667, ext. 7323; online at http://www.wrighthistory.org/ or email at wrighthistory@me.com.
 
… (8 comments)

Riverfront Concert Series Schedule for 2012 in Elk River - 03/13/12 02:24 PM
The 2012 lineup for the Riverfront Concert Series in downtown Elk River has been announced. These freeperformances each Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at River’s Edge Commons Park are sponsored by Bank of Elk River and organized by the Parks and Recreation Department.
 
 
June 7 – Brat Pack (pop, 80’s) June 14 – Deuces Wild (dueling pianos) June 21 – Church of Cash (Johnny Cash tribute) June 28 – Sound of Simon (Simon & Garfunkle tribute) July 12 – Mooseknuckle Bros. (local band, blues rock) July 19 – Rockin Hollywoods (rock and roll) July 26 – The Medicine Show … (8 comments)

Elk River Area School Board Considers Adding an Election District - 03/11/12 03:05 PM
The Elk River Area School Board will consider adding an election district once the city and county have finished drawing their new wards and districts.
The way it stands, the district has two election districts and the rest of the seats are decided by an at-large vote. The election districts were added after a citizen got a petition circulated to force the question onto a ballot question for District 728 voters.
Now that there has been a redrawing of the  congressional, legislative, county districts and city wards, the Elk River Area School District must alert the state if they have any … (8 comments)

Luxury Real Estate Marketing: The Luxury of Homemade Pizza Dough - 03/11/12 02:30 PM
This one made my mouth water.  I really enjoy homemade pizza.  And, Ron and Alexandra have taken all the guesswork out of it with a great crust.  I am going to try this one, although I think I still have a pretty good crust myself. 
Via Ron & Alexandra Seigel (Luxury Real Estate Marketing) (ra@napaconsultants.com):
Three mushroom pizza with shallots and topped with green spring onions
We like our pizza dough made from scratch.  For several years I have been experimenting with many recipes from such luminaries as Emeril, Mario Battali and Wolfgang Puck.  Battali's was one of our favorites, because … (0 comments)

Can I Qualify for a Mortgage with a Large Collection/Derogatory Debt on My Credit? - 03/11/12 02:16 PM
This is an interesting take on debt.  I think Steve knows what he is talking about.  But, none of the lenders I have worked with recently have let this "slide". 
Thank Steve for his post.  And, have a great week!
Via Steve Kappre | NMLS# 217008 NJ Mortgage Loan Officer | 856-419-3561 (Treasury Mortgage | Mortgage Company - New Jersey):
Can I Qualify for a Mortgage with a Large Collection/Derogatory Debt on My Credit? Can a home buyer qualify for a mortgage with a large collection-type account on their credit, such as a car repossession or a judgment? And if so, does the buyer have to pay … (4 comments)

Parade of Homes runs through April 1 - 03/06/12 11:38 AM
 
Parade of Homes runs through April 1, 2012
 
 
 
The Builders Association of the Twin Cities Parade of Homes begins now and runs through April 1.
 
Several area model homes are part of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities Parade of Homes, which runs through April 1.
 
Models are open noon-6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays during the event.
 
There are five model homes in Rogers, three in Otsego, and one each in Dayton and Ramsey featured in the Parade. There are none in Elk River this year.
 
An Energy Efficient Home Tour is … (8 comments)

Woman's Day Gives Bad Real Estate Advice - 03/05/12 06:52 AM
Leslie Ebersole and her commenters give Woman's Day and Sarah Stebbins some great advice. 
I just cannot believe that the magazine gave this writer carte blanche to write this without insisting on fact-checking. 
Thank Leslie for her featured post.  And, if you have any questions, feel free to call me for straight and correct answers. 
Via Leslie Ebersole, REALTOR® Chicago's Western Suburbs (Baird&Warner Fox Valley):
I just came across an article called 10 Things Your Real Estate Agent Won't Tell You published on womansday.com. Ms. Sarah Stebbins, a free lance writer, seems to have cobbled together negative bits and pieces from other … (4 comments)

Elk River Minnesota Hosts Major Snocross Race Featuring Some of the Best Racers in the World - 03/04/12 01:03 PM
I plan to attend this event.  It will bring about 10,000 people to the Elk River area next weekend so be prepared. 
The ERX Motorsports Track is located just north of Elk River on Highway 169 if you plan on attending.  There will be on-site parking with shuttles available for those needing assistance. Parking and shuttles are free.
My son has just started racing, but there will be no snocross in his future.  It is just too hard on one's body. 
 
The ERX Motorsports track in Elk River will host its first national snocross event March 9–11, 2012.
… (7 comments)

New Program Allows Homeowners to Short Sale and Buy Back Home - 03/04/12 11:28 AM
This is for my clients and people they might want to refer to Sabinske & Associates.  Thanks to the author, and he deserves all the credit for this great post, so I have disabled comments. 
 
 
Via Brian Bean, Dream Big Real Estate & IE Short Sale Pros, SoCal, 951-778-9700 (Dream Big Real Estate):
Homeowners facing a foreclosure may now be able to lease back and eventually buy back their home after a short sale.
A newly launched program provides another option for homeowners who can’t afford their mortgage payments or have been rejected for a loan modification.
Until recently, the … (3 comments)

Fish - A Political Issue? - 03/01/12 04:11 PM
We are big fish fans in our home.  I enjoy fishing summer or winter.  So, we eat a fair amount actually.  But, when the freezer is empty, we rely on the supermarket to supply our appetites. 
I recently came across a great website....http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_recommendations.aspx
This site will give you recommendations as to what to buy that is sustainable that you can purchase in your area. 
Did you know, for instance, that farm-raised Atlantic salmon is a bad choice? 
And, that the smaller the fish, the less likely mercury contamination is in the fish you serve to your family? 
When you buy fresh … (13 comments)