Mark Wachter
Mark Richard Wachter, age 46, passed away far too soon on July 27, 2025, in his beloved hometown of Lindstrom, Minnesota.
Motorists may encounter lane, ramp closures on Highway 36/64 St. Croix bridge
Motorists traveling across the St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin next week may encounter daily lane and ramp closures as Minnesota Department of Transportation maintenance crews remove epoxy coating that has peeled off the driving surface of the St. Croix River bridge. Maintenance activities are scheduled from 8 a.m. …
Highway 8 pair of projects advance
There are two separate Highway 8 points-of-focus in the public eye concurrently. One affects the west end from Forest Lake to Karmel in Chisago City, and the other impacts the segment from Chisago City to the Wisconsin border.
North Branch council supports less intense use of old main street school block
The long vacant North Branch Main Street lot, where a vintage brick schoolhouse once stood, was approved for a quartet of proposed apartment buildings. Existing zoning did not allow for “multiple” buildings in that zone, and last week the North Branch City Council changed that part of the code, on …
Springs Inn clean up gets three week extension
The cleanup of the Springs Inn site in Taylors Falls was granted an extension Monday this week. The property owner now has until August 22 before the city will pursue action on legally abating debris left behind after the structure burned in February.
Center City Days a great time for all
The Center City Days parade included 2025 grand marshals Bob and Barb O’Neill, riding right up front accompanied by the local veterans’ color guard and bagpiper Paul Dennison...State Senator Mark Koran and House member Max Rymer got to shake some hands...the church provided some nice shade for enjoying cotton candy, …
Chisago City Council accepts fire relief association audit; tree, bench honoring late mayor dedication Aug. 17
The Chisago City Council moved swiftly through its July 22 agenda.
Solar battery storage environmental review underway until October
Things are silent for now regarding the solar battery project proposed near the Xcel Substation, as an environmental assessment is getting underway. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission announced the environmental assessment is due sometime in October 2025 at which time public meetings will be convened.
Trial set for fatal Nessel crash
A hearing scheduled related to the case of a Nessel Township crash that killed a 4-year-old boy was called off this month. The trial date is now set for August 25 for Ashlee Klapperick, 36, of Mora.
Academy foreclosure premature, school year untouched for 2025
Normally in community journalism “news” is when something is happening or about to happen; but in this case the news is a private school operating in Chisago County since 2015 is not going defunct.
Bulldogs split two non-league games, playoff game vs NB next
Ty Escobedo drove in three runs to lead the Bulldog baseball team to a 7-2 win over the Albertville Anglers in the opening game of the Minnesota Baseball Association District 1B playoffs on Saturday, July 26 at Brennan Field in Hinckley. Jacob Mickelson started and went six innings to pick …
Adriaens and Eckhoff win Chisago Lakes Triathlon
Joe Adriaens has come close to winning the Chisago Lakes Triathlon in past years, but there always seemed to be some elite newcomer who was just passing through or using the Chisago Lakes Triathlon as a warm up that kept him from the top of the podium.
Gary Lankey
With heavy hearts and enduring love, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Gary Gilbert Lankey, on Friday, July 25, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Aaron Taylor
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Aaron Allen Taylor, who left this world to be with Jesus on July 22, 2025 at the age of 40. Aaron’s life was a remarkable testament to resilience, faith, and unconditional love.
Stacy Daze has a ton of events
Is it just me or do these summer storms seem to be intensifying? I’m not pretending to be a scientist or a meteorologist, but every rain storm seems to turn into high winds and potential hail. What happened to the good old garden variety showers?
Straight to business for these recipes
Let’s dive right in this week!
Life Saving recognition in North Branch Police Department ceremony, held at North Branch Fire Hall
Friday, April 4, started as just another work day at Russell’s Automotive in North Branch. Owner, Jason Russell, was on family vacation leaving his lead mechanic and two assistants to handle the business. Lead mechanic, Randy Nelson, suffered a major heart attack and received immediate assistance from his co-workers who …
Shafer bust; charges filed on five suspects
The Chisago County Attorney has charged five people in connection with the July 17 and 18 search warrants that were executed by local law enforcement, in partnership with the East Central Drug Task Force, at a downtown Shafer property.
Fish Lake fire death: judge considering competency process
A district court judge is considering how to proceed in the murder and first degree assault charges against Dallas Evenstad. The 37 year old, a resident of Wright County, has been held by Chisago County since he was charged in mid-2023 in connection with an incident in Fish Lake Township …
