We’re just 24 days away from the 2026 Pioneer Days!Special guest Sammie Olson joins Michelle to walk through all the exciting events and activities planned for this year’s celebration. From can’t-miss highlights to the full schedule of events, this episode is your go-to guide for everything happening at the 2026 Pioneer Days!

• Episode 21 of the podcast was recorded after nearly a month hiatus
• The podcast has reached 1,040 all-time downloads with 216 listeners in November being the peak month
• Michelle returned from a vacation to Captiva Island and Disney's Epcot in Florida
• A school board meeting is scheduled regarding unresolved teacher contract negotiations with potential strike implications
• Pioneer Days planning is in full swing with vendors, food, entertainment, and fireworks all confirmed
• The softball tournament has been replaced by a volleyball tournament this year
• Spring recycling days are scheduled for April 25th in both Oak Grove and St. Francis
• Michelle's mother moved into Vista Prairie, which has removed all seed oils from their kitchen
• The deadline for Pioneer Days sponsors to be included in the history book is this week

For more info on the St. Francis Middle School Career Exploration Conference

email joseph.bruhjell@isd15.org or call Nick at 763-213-8502

https://www.hometown-highlights.com/#!calendar

What's going on in Saint Francis MN?

All about the annual dinner

Key takeaways

• A new barber named Peter is taking over Bill the Barber's space in St. Francis
• The annual Chamber dinner is sold out, happening on Friday, January 30th
• The second annual powwow will be held on February 28th with multiple schools participating
• Cedar Creek Elementary raised $3,865.11 through their coin wars fundraiser
• Cedar Creek Ecosystem is hosting an owl encounter event on February 28th
• A new Fighting Saints fishing team is available for students from 2nd grade through high school

Key takeaways

• Mary Jones, who set the St. Francis basketball rebound record in 1977, is attending tonight's basketball game to meet Emily Schoenrock who broke her record
• The Chamber's annual dinner on January 30th is nearly sold out with approximately 148 attendees
• Pioneer Days volunteer meeting scheduled for January 21st at 6pm at the Legion
• DECA earned recognition in their chapter campaigns and will be hosting a pop-up shop on January 16th
• A roundabout is being installed at County Road 9/Lake George Boulevard in Oak Grove
• The American Indian Education Pow Wow is scheduled for February 28th at St. Francis High School

• DECA will host a pop-up shop on January 16th from 3:30-7:00pm at the high schoolAmerican Indian Education Pow Wow scheduled for February 28th at St. Francis High School
  • St. Francis Library will host a sign language class on January 24th from 10:30-11:15am

Local government updates

• • Next St. Francis City Council meeting is on the 20th
  • Next school board meeting is on the 26th
  • Oak Grove is installing a roundabout on County Road 9/Lake George Boulevard at 181st
  • Reached out to Brian Lawrence (local representative) to potentially appear on the podcast
• • Chamber meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st at 8:30am at Vista Prairie/Eagle Point
  • Pioneer Days meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening, January 21st
  • The Chamber is collecting dinosaur-themed items for the annual dinner and Pioneer Days

Community services and recycling

Information about community services and recycling options.

• • AARP Foundation tax aid will provide free tax assistance at Ham Lake Senior Center starting in February
  • : Holiday lights and cell phones can be recycled year-round at the Public Works Department
  • St. Francis Library will host a sign language class on January 24th