Township ballot filings underway
The area townships will be filling seats this election cycle. The annual elections come on the same day as township annual meetings— March 10. Election is in the daytime and upon closing polling, township annual meetings can convene. Most start at a little after 8 p.m. (Nessel is the only …
Commissioners weigh in on sound walls
The Chisago County Board will be expected to weigh in on locations and heights of proposed noise barriers to be included alongside the Highway 8 project; but the Board lacked sufficient information to make that vote last week.
Local library branch to hold 20 year anniversary event
The East Central Regional Library system is putting on a party to mark 20 years of serving the community in the library facility in Chisago Lakes. The event is January 13, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Vikes lose two at holiday tourney
The North Branch boys hoops squad failed to grab a win at the Granite City Classic in the two days after Christmas.
Doris Greene
Doris Mae Osen Greene, age 97 of Center City, Minnesota, passed away on December 24, 2025.
Vincent Azure
Vincent Leroy Azure, age 78, of Chisago City, MN passed away peacefully at his home in Chisago City on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Laura Beilke
Laura Lynn Beilke, 55, of Shafer, MN passed away from complications of her 28 year battle with Crohn’s disease on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Happy New Year to you and yours
As you read this the calendar years has changed once again. And, once again I would like to take this time to personally thank you. Thank you to our readers for keeping a small town newspaper relevant in an ever-changing industry. Thank you for supporting the County Press and realizing …
Rush City man facing trial on pornography possession
There was a hearing held December 16 and another has been scheduled for February 17, in Center City district court, both related to charges arising from an investigation by the State Bureau of Criminal Apprehension into a Rush City man.
Law Enforcement
Local officers were called to many domestic-related incidents over the holiday week. License plate reader devices posted on area roads are successfully identifying suspended and revoked drivers on area roads, which law enforcement is addressing. A minor damage crash reported at Sven Shoes in Chisago City when an eastbound vehicle …
Alleged assault at Fairview in Wyoming results in death of security guard
There was an alleged assault at Wyoming Fairview Emergency Department Christmas night, called in about 5:20 p.m. and a security guard for Fairview reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained in encountering the subject.
Shafer City Council gets status report on fire site
Shafer City council met December 16 for a regular meeting. Mayor Paula Hanson was absent.
County solid waste program has re-use opportunity in region
The East Central Solid Waste Commission celebrated the grand opening last week of the Re-use Store, a recycling destination constructed between North Branch and Cambridge. Before you search out building materials or any number of unique finds— swing by on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. …
North Branch council hears grievance from firefighter
A three-hour city council meeting at North Branch City Hall concluded with an agenda item that could have filled an entire session itself. The full council was presented with a “step three’ grievance tied to issues with how fire department officers are selected.
Lindstrom Council adopts 9.7% hike
Lindstrom City Council met December 17 for a regular meeting. All members were present.
County board to get 3% pay hike
The Chisago County Board agreed to set their 2026 salaries at the same level of increase as what they adopted for non-union staff, three percent. The county commissioners will be paid $35,786 in 2026, plus mileage and any per diem claims they are allowed to submit.
It’s a magical time of the year...
Chisago City held its Lighting Festival Sunday evening at Moberg Park. The event was cancelled a few weeks back due to cold weather. People came out this time to enjoy all the festivities including spending time with the most popular man Santa.
So far, so good on sewer privatizing
The first five years of privatizing the Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission holdings seem to be proving the originally contentious decision to go with Veolia was a good one. Chisago City, Lindstrom, Wyoming, Stacy and Center City contracted with a national wastewater firm, Veolia, when maintenance, operations and personnel …
