16 | SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025 ELK RIVER STAR NEWS
At 24,000 residents, Otsego continues to grow
Otsego balancing need for new infrastructure with commitment to maintaining and improving current infrastructure
BY ADAM FLAHERTY Otsego city administrator
Otsego is off and running in 2025 and looking forward to another great year!
Newly elected members of the City Council were sworn in on January 13 and all the activity in the city keeps them busy. Having new members of the City Council is a great time for the city to renew its Strategic Plan. Last updated in 2022, an update this year allows an opportunity to develop goals and initiatives for the next two years, aligning with election terms.
With a current population approaching 24,000, Otsego continued a growth trend in the previous year with 239 new residential builds, new commercial projects, and continued industrial development, each bringing new residents, more jobs, and economic activity to the city. The stage is set for this trend to continue in 2025 with an inventory of
A RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR EXCEPTIONAL MEMORY CARE
For the first time in a long time, Guardian Angels By The Lake has rare openings in our highly sought-after Memory Care Community. If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of dementia, now is your opportunity to secure a safe, supportive, and enriching environment with expert care tailored to each resident’ s unique needs. We specialize in evidence-based
Progress
lots for residential homes, expansions to multifamily housing developments, and the initiation of construction for a Costco retail store.
While in a growing city, much of the infrastructure planning tends to focus on new development, but the City Council in Otsego has developed a commitment to maintaining and improving current infrastructure systems. One significant initiative the city is undertaking is the addition of water filtration systems at two locations for improved water quality that meets current and future guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health. This commitment is further illustrated with annual street improvement projects, park rehabilitation planning, pedestrian trail maintenance, and facilities maintenance.
The city is excited to showcase additions and improvements to the city’ s park system this summer.
Friedrich Park is the newest neighborhood park. Nestled in the trees, the park has a nature theme encouraging imaginative play with logs, rocks, and natural materials while also including more traditional aspects
memory care, designed to manage the disease process while promoting dignity and independence. Our compassionate team is trained to understand the complexities of dementia and is committed to enhancing quality of life by helping residents engage in meaningful activities, connect with their surroundings, and retain their remaining strengths. At Guardian Angels, we believe that memory care should be more than just assistance— it should be
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Carrick’ s Landing is strategically located on the banks of the Mississippi River and will offer improved access for canoes and kayaks, fishing, and relaxation.
like a playground and sport courts.
Carrick’ s Landing is strategically located on the banks of the Mississippi River and will offer improved access for canoes and kayaks, fishing, and relaxation.
A picnic shelter and a river overlook are also improvements added to the park. Watch for city communications for updates on ribbon cuttings to celebrate the new additions!
an experience of comfort, community, and purpose. That’ s why we create personalized care plans to meet each resident where they See Elk are River, providing Printing: • A Page 25 Secure & Comfortable Environment— Thoughtfully designed spaces reduce confusion and create a calming atmosphere.
• Engaging Daily Activities— Residents participate in structured and social programs that encourage cognitive function and emotional well-being.
• Expert Care & Support
The city is continuing to lay the foundation for the Fire and Emergency Services Department, set to be operational in January 2027.
Chief Rausch is excited to announce that the department’ s first two apparatus will be arriving this spring. These two trucks will be present for community events throughout the year to engage the public in fire prevention, safety education, and risk reduction
— Our dedicated caregivers provide 24 / 7 assistance, ensuring safety while promoting independence.
• Family Involvement & Peace of Mind— We believe in supporting families throughout the dementia journey, offering guidance, education, and a strong sense of community. No two journeys with dementia are the same, which is why we take a personalized approach— customizing care to maximize each resident’ s abilities and comfort. Whether activities. Construction of the Fire and Emergency Services Station will begin this June, with additional communications from the city coming soon about a groundbreaking event!
The City Council can continue improving and building the Otsego community due to strategic long-term planning aligned with the Comprehensive Plan, development and adherence to operating budgets, and a commitment to ten-year
it’ s through music, sensory therapies, or reminiscence activities, we help residents connect with their past and find joy in the present. When you choose Guardian Angels, you’ re choosing a partner who will be with you every step of the way. Memory care openings are extremely limited— learn more today!
THE EVOLUTION OF DOJO KARATE: 25 YEARS OF DEDICATION IN ELK RIVER
For the past 25 years, capital budget planning.
City staff actively seek grant funding to assist in financing city projects, and for 2025 alone, the city has secured more than $ 3.2 million in grant funding to help offset the costs of improvement projects in the city. The city continues to have the lowest property tax rate of any city in Wright County and has a strong financial position with an affirmed
See OTSEGO | PAGE 18
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS Community businesses share how much they have to offer
Dojo Karate has been an integral part of the Elk River community, shaping the lives of students through discipline, respect, and perseverance. What began as a single location with a vision to provide high-quality martial arts instruction has flourished into a thriving organization with 10 locations, each dedicated to empowering students of all ages. This milestone is not just a celebration of
See GUARDIAN ANGELS | PAGE 18