County asking to raise sales tax
Chisago county currently has a half-cent sales tax in effect and last week the County Board agreed to ask the state for enabling legislation to bring this to a full cent. The county has collected around $3.6 million from the half-cent tax revenues and staff told the commissioners this would …
Highway prep starts
There is a powerline pole-structure on Highway 8 that has to be relocated before the highway improvements begin in earnest. If you notice activity at Juno Court/James Avenue in coming months the powerline is not being affected, but the pole must be moved. Xcel does not expect to have to …
Wyoming street projects going to bid on-schedule
The Wyoming City Council was assured last week the police department is not having anything to do with immigration control and enforcement operations.
CL Spelling Bee crowns new winners
The Chisago Lakes School District held their annual Spelling Bee competition for fifth and sixth graders during the frigid temps on Thursday, January 22. Carly Serwa (middle with the trophy) got first place with the winning word being ‘almanac’. In second place was Michael Christopherson (far left) and third place …
Fentanyl Forum focus is on knowledge and useful resources
In the past 10 years more and more opioids used and abused by people who are not under the care of a physician, have been known to contain fentanyl. The fatal outcomes of overdosing on fentanyl became all too common in headlines and obituary notices— but now there is a …
Wildcats mop up on two South Suburban schools
The Wildcat boys’ hockey team has been playing its best hockey of the season in the past few weeks. They had a seven-game unbeaten streak (6-0-1) going before they lost 4-1 to the fifth-ranked Mahtomedi Zephyrs 4-1 this past Tuesday.
Wildcat wrestlers brave cold temps to compete at a high level last week
The Wildcat wrestling team competed in a triangular at Mahtomedi on Wednesday, January 21. They lost to Class AAA Eastview 61-11, before falling to the host team, Mahtomedi, 42-33. The Wildcats sent a nearly full lineup against both teams. Only two Wildcat wrestlers scored against Eastview. Corbin Pearl (107) won …
Donna White
Donna Eileen (Meyer) White of Osceola, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully and gracefully from an unknown heart condition while wintering along the Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Mississippi. She was 66.
Lee Nelson
Lee Vitalis Nelson, age 93 of Lindstrom, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 18, 2026.
Mary Mork
Mary L. Mork, age 74 of North Branch, MN passed away Friday, January 23, 2026 at Ecumen North Branch surrounded by friends, family, and the love of Christ.
Vivian Kick
Vivian Eileen (Vork) Kick, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Chisago City. She was born August 16, 1925, in Pine County Minnesota. She’s survived by her daughter Virginia (Mike) Devereaux of Elgin SC; sons Scott Kick of Monticello, Dale Kick of Golden Valley, daughter Vicki (Larry) Schultz of Chisago …
James Stoltzman
James Frederick “Jim” Stoltzman, age 75, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026. Born October 26, 1950, to Albert and Grace (Garen) Stoltzman, Jim lived his life with quiet strength, dedication, and deep love for his family.
Going crazy for cauliflower
I get that cauliflower is a polarizing vegetable. Some people love it, a lot of people hate it, and there isn’t much in between. I’m here to be your liaison and connect the cauliflower haters with some recipes that I think even they’ll like. Give them a try!
Celebration of Lakes is upon us
As I wrote here last week, the Celebration of the Lakes version 2026 is still on. While the Chamber is not spearheading the event, the good folks at Chisago City and a bunch of great volunteers have stepped up so our community can continue to enjoy the event we have …
Law Enforcement
January 23 a suspected incident of carbon monoxide inside of a residence was called in for an address on Ivywood Trail, about 10:20 a.m. A person was transported in a personal car. Chisago City Fire responded and Xcel but there was no injury or property damage.
Old town road improvements tabled by North Branch City Council again
North Branch has moved the northwest old town road improvements project to the proverbial back burner, again. Council voted unanimously to have WSB engineering look into some concerns that have surfaced on costs, re-evaluating size of pipes, stormwater handling issues and more— and the city council decided to wait on …
Where to caucus in 2026
Local political caucus sites are open February 3, from 7 p.m. until the action wraps up. The participation is guided by your polling precinct, and small groups gather to discuss who to endorse for candidacy in the party that is holding the caucus. There is also opportunity to introduce resolutions …
