Out and about in the community
This group of hard-workers were located at Stacy Lions Park last week, as the North Branch School District activated its annual Community Service Day. Students pictured are with the education program in the Brooker Building. Students from all the district buildings go by bus or walk, to age-appropriate locations in …
Election filings close, many ballots uncontested
The filings for the federal, state and county offices that are up for election this fall closed June 2. The county commissioner seat being vacated by Jim Swenson, representing the city of North Branch on the county board, has only Tim MacMillan running unopposed.
Chisago City accepts authority for retail cannabis sales; open mic question on data centers
The Chisago City Council on March 26 worked its way through topics ranging from the annual audit to Emerald Ash Borer, and a resident seeking a moratorium on data centers.
Pastor’s passion for peony plants prompts public picnic
When Pastor Kevin Schumann moved into Taylors Falls a little over 30 years ago he was not sure which plants would work best in his yard; but the dilemma was easily resolved. It didn’t take long to realize the city had a deer problem. He observed the deer ignoring peony …
Wyoming City Council okays cannabis requests, hires Community Service Officer
Two applications related to recreational cannabis businesses came before the Wyoming City Council and were approved. The grow operation approved earlier for 269th Street was allowed to add two greenhouses. No retail is being allowed on this site.
NB council hears everyday heroes need to be celebrated
Nearly all of last week’s North Branch City Council meeting was dedicated to discussing a possible Tax Increment Financing plan for a senior housing project, but council did give time to a proclamation marking this as the 100th year of the Midsummer Days celebration and declaring a week to honor …
Chisago Lakes hires Stavig for high school principal, as Yackley retiring
Chisago Lakes has made their choice for the next principal in the high school building, and it’s Brent Stavig.
Minke and Melvin conquer The Quarry, headed to state
North Branch will be represented on Minnesota’s biggest high school golf stage next week after Nick Melvin and Jenna Minke earned trips to the Class AA State Golf Tournament at The Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan.
Girls lax keeps unbeaten season rolling, heading to state!
A dominant first half helped top-seeded Chisago Lakes roll into the next round of the Section 7A playoffs with a convincing 19-5 victory over No. 8 seed Anoka in the quarterfinals on Thursday, May 28.
CL girls claim section crown, many state berths
At the Section 7AA track and field championship meet, six Wildcat girls and two Wildcat boys earned spots at the MSHSL State Track & Field Championships, which will be held June 4 through June 6 at St. Michael-Albertville High School in St. Michael.
Thorsen shines for NB
Several North Branch athletes earned trips to the Minnesota state track and field meet at the Section 7AA Championships at Rock Ridge on Saturday, May 30.
Baseball makes a spirited run in section 7AAA
Lucas Weinzetl allowed one unearned run in six innings to lead the fifth-seeded Wildcat baseball team to a 6-1 win over the fourth-seeded Hibbing Bluejackets in the opening game of the Section 7AA playoffs Wednesday, May 27 at Hibbing High School. Trent Travis doubled in two runs to give the …
Bulldogs outlast Braves in high scoring affair
With the baseball game against the Osceola Braves tied 7-7, Reed Marquardt hit a bases clearing double with two outs in the top of the tenth to give the Bulldogs a 10-7 lead, then shut down the Braves 1-2-3 in the bottom of the tenth to give the Bulldogs a …
Joyce Spence
Joyce A. Spence, of Chisago City, MN died peacefully in her room at Isabelle’s House at Parmly on the Lake on May 28, 2026 at the age of 92.
Barbara Piehl
Barbara Lucille Piehl, 72, of North Branch, MN, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Ecumen Assisted Living in North Branch. Barb was born on July 28, 1953, to Elmer and Cecilia Karas and grew up on the family farm in Pine City. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School …
Nancy Oberg
Nancy Louise Oberg, age 78 of New Ulm and formerly of Lindstrom was born on December 3, 1947 in Rush City, MN to parents, Ernest and Wanda (Onasch) Anderson. Nancy passed away on May 24, 2026 at United Hospital in St. Paul from complications of hip surgery on March 18, …
Confused about Highway 8?
Many people have inquired where the Highway 8 reconstruction project sits right now. It just so happens there is a community informational meeting on Tuesday June 9 at the Lindstrom Community Center. The meeting will run from 5-7pm and will feature the recommendations made by MnDOT for improving Highway 8 …
Congrats to the class of 2026!
Congratulations to all the graduates out there this year! Both the Chisago Lakes and North Branch seniors are getting to the end of their high school career and are off to bigger and better things.
