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The final order has been issued approving annexation of all of Lent Township into the City of Stacy.  Administrative Law Judge Jessica Palmer Dening filed the order August 30 and the dissolution of the township and blending into the city will be effective as of December 29, 2023. Lent Township, organized in 1870, will cease to exist as of that date.

The order acknowledged the elected officials’ waiver of the 30 day decision timeframe usually prescribed under state law, with the judge stating that the parties voluntarily extended the window to address transition issues.  The city council and township board first submitted the orderly annexation request May 23 and then an amended resolution was locally enacted and submitted.

The Stacy City Council remains seated until election April 9, 2024 determines the makeup of the council, the judge decided.  (Watch the Press for notices of filing, etc.)

Palmer Dening commended Stacy and Lent,  and secondary parties North Branch and Chisago City (1,099 acres went to the north and 3,638 into Chisago City) saying,  they worked well together and “avoided potentially divisive litigation.”

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