Delivery driver who stopped would-be murderer recognized

What would you do if you were an uninvolved passer-by who encountered a man holding a hammer who is presumably assaulting a female, who you obsere bleeding from obvious head trauma? If you are the type of person who would intervene, take control of the weapon and confront the apparent …

County board supportive of agency expanding efforts

This time of year the numbers being discussed in council chambers, school board meetings and special agencies have a bearing on property taxes but are only suggestions. The special funding needs of government units begin at a maximum level; by December the FINAL tax needs are adopted. The early tax …

Activity at 243/St. Croix bridge going into pre-con mode

The approximately $30 million bridge replacement at Osceola and Franconia on County Highway 243 is officially underway—with dive teams having recently relocated rare mussel species inhabiting the water in the work zone. This was one of several early steps being taken to reduce impact on wildlife and the riverway environment, …

County board OK’s AFSCME contract; park controlled burns

In addition to the initial 2027 budget request for the county HRA/EDA (see other story) the County Board of Commissioners tackled an agenda last week that included:

Shafer looks at manganese issue again and well status

Shafer City council met August 18 for a regular meeting. All members were present.

Lindstrom council handles full agenda, moves 2027 street projects forward

Lindstrom City Council met August 19 for a regular meeting. Council member Greg Krueger attended virtually.

Why is the trail closed now?

What an absolutely spectacular weekend Chisago City had for Ki Chi Saga Days. We got a reprieve from the blistering summer-long heat and you could see the effect in the sheer number of visitors to the celebration. Moberg Park was packed the entire time and there were people everywhere. The …

Law Enforcement

August 23 A toddler was reported unresponsive at an address in the township, north of Center City, about 5:37 p.m. Caller said the girl had been found in a pool. Deputies administered CPR and the 3 year old regained consciousness and was taken for medical care. No official update was …

My favorite summer food is always corn!

Man, have I been enjoying the corn harvest this summer. There’s been some great stuff that I got from a local farmers market, and it just hits different.

CL looking to replace middle school parking lot; online numbers exploding

The Chisago Lakes School Board took a step toward a major round of parking lot improvements, while also hearing encouraging enrollment numbers and an update on the district’s strategic plan at their latest school board meeting on Thursday, August 20.

Anita Herring

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Anita (Romleski) Herring, on August 19, 2026.

Thomas Alldritt

Thomas R. Alldritt of Chisago City went to be with the Lord on Monday August 17 while at home surrounded by his family after a 21 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born October 10, 1961 to Forrest and Alma Alldritt and grew up on a farm in Woodbury, …

Wyoming renews ALPR contract

The use of license plate readers in the confines of the City of Wyoming is continuing for at least another year. After hearing a glowing recommendation about the devices and their usefulness, the city council last week voted to authorize Public Safety Director and Chief of Police Neil Bauer to …

North Branch says goodbye to Flock

Back in May, the North Branch City Council authorized the police to enter into a contract for Flock brand automatic license plate readers (ALPR) to be used in the city limits. The vote then was 3-2. Council okayed seven devices, three of which were installed but had not been activated, …

Chisago County names their Farm Family of the Year

The Chisago County Farm Family of the Year was probably selected by the Extension Committee to represent agriculture in this area more for their promotion of community spirit than the production of their farm.

Three cheers for The Three Musketeers at Festival Theatre

Festival Theatre’s production of The Three Musketeers in St. Croix Falls is a fast-paced, swashbuckling adventure that leans into everything that makes the classic story fun. There are heroes and villains, sword fights, romance and plenty of laughs packed into a two and a half hour production that rarely slows …

North Branch Stuffs the Bus!

Members of the North Branch Area Community Education brought school supplies to the annual Stuff The Bus event August 11 in Central Park. The supplies will be given to students and families for children in need for the upcoming school year.

Law Enforcement

The Chisago County Attorney’s Office has filed a juvenile delinquency petition in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred October 25, 2025, in Chisago City.

Upcoming statewide vote could positively impact school funding

State lawmakers in the last session in St. Paul found at least one method to increase funding for public schools without raising taxes, and it was approved nearly unanimously. The increase can be achieved through a hike in the distribution amount from the School Trust Lands Fund, but it will …

New plan for Old Town unveiled

A stripped-down version of an infrastructure project that North Branch hopes to accomplish in the “old town” section, northwest of Central Park, will be pursued. The city’s engineering consultant was asked by council last week to return with a new plan, after council had set aside improvements that have been …