CCSO commends exceptional employees
Sheriff’s Office Awards and Recognition night was celebrated June 11 at the Chisago county public safety center, and numerous staff who have performed above and beyond the usual job description, were applauded for their work. Looking back over 2024 the trauma, split second decision making, and impacts from life altering …
Cindy Winger
Cindy passed peacefully at 12:41 p.m. on June 25, 2025, at her home in North Branch. She departed for her heavenly home to reunite with loved ones at the age of 70, following a lengthy battle with cancer — which she faced with more sarcasm than suffering, and enough sass …
Lindstrom Council hears from school Supt., hikes cemetery fee
Lindstrom City Council met June 18 for a regular meeting. The meeting was held at the Chisago Lakes Chamber building due to Harmony in the Park taking place at Lions Park at the same time. All members were present.
Outdoor cultivation sites clear local hurdles
Outdoor cannabis cultivation proposed for two five-acre fields in Chisago County have complied with a local review as part of a state licensing process. The county is required to certify zoning and land use regulations are being met for the sites, which Environmental Services Director Kurt Schneider says has been …
County engineer updates Board
The roadwork approved for 2025 construction season is progressing well despite some episodes of heavy rainfall, according to County Engineer Joe Triplett. He gave the county commissioners an update at the regular meeting last week.
License plate readers in Wyoming die on a tie vote with one absent
The Wyoming City Council was missing a member last week and a vote to authorize the police to enter into a lease for license plate readers to be positioned in four locations — died on a tie vote. Mayor Lisa Iverson and Council member Brett Ohnstad voted yes and Council …
Taylors Falls OK’s bonding for projects, fire rig; approves retail cannabis applicant
With all five members in attendance the Taylors Falls City Council Monday night this week approved moving forward on sale of $1.6 million bonding through Ehlers public financing advisors, for city hall projects and major fire department equipment purchases. The firm will now market debt and report back on the …
Steamy day for the coffee pot celebration
Lindstrom celebrated Midsommar with the official steaming of the coffee pot water tower.
Post legislative session, county needs ‘political courage’
Freshman State Representative Max Rymer, R-North Branch, visited the Chisago County Board last week to summarize, and take feedback on, the outcome of the legislative session. He agreed when county commissioners complained that counties should expect financial burdens due to state actions. “My concern,” Rymer said, “is we balanced the …
BULLDOGS SLAMMING THEIR WAY TO WINS
The Bulldogs pounded out 18 hits as they crushed one of the top teams in the Eastern Minny League, the Hinckley Knights, 15-1 at Brennan Field in Hinckley on Tuesday, June 17. The game was shortened to seven innings because of the ten-run rule. Every Bulldog starter had at least …
Helen Anderson
Born October 23, 1935, in St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, MN to Fred and Leona (nee Dean) Westendorf, the fourth of five children.
Midsommar was a blast (furnace)
What a weekend that was. We had the first ever Lindstrom Midsommar celebration all weekend long and had North Branch’s Midsummer Days as well. It just so happened to be the hottest weekend of the year, but that didn’t seem to deter the crowds.
Sweets and meats on 4th of July
The Fourth of July is always a time to celebrate. It’s America’s Independence Day, and it’s always a fun time!
Law Enforcement
Sheriff personnel assisted June 20 at a fatal crash in Chisago County that took the life of a St Croix Falls, WI man. The state patrol is looking into the crash on Highway 95 in Franconia, reported about 6:45 a.m.
Lindström Midsommar celebration June 19-22
Enjoy the festivities at the Lindstrom Midsommar this weekend, June 19-22
North Branch 2024 audit triggers carryover discussion
The 2024 audit of North Branch city finances raised a couple issues with non-compliance but for the most part, North Branch has a healthy fiscal situation. The city was advised the receipts needed to support credit card bills were missing in some cases and the cash reconciliation process needs improvements.
Watershed District managers confront next year budget issues
A number of local agencies and government units are embarking on their 2026 budget planning a little extra early. The fiscal ocean is shaping up to be more difficult to navigate than usual— coupled with unknown state aid.
State fire marshal: No definitive cause for Shafer blaze
The state fire marshal investigation into the cause of the fatal fire in Shafer February 2 has concluded. The report, issued June 3, arrives at no conclusive cause for the blaze that brought down a six-unit wooden structure reportedly approximately 100 years old and left one dead. The fire marshal …
Pride event began as Silver Award project
What began as a Girl Scout Silver Award project by a local teen has grown into an annual event celebrating inclusion and community. The Chisago Lakes Pride Fun Run/Walk and Vendor Fair will return for its second year on Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Chisago …
