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It is always impressive looking back over the previous year’s news — the extent  of what was accomplished in the local community and how so many people managed to do remarkable things...

One topic affecting probably the most people in 2025 was the failure of the Chisago Lakes School bond referendum in May 2025.  The district asked for authority to borrow $65 million for use in two project questions. The measures were defeated by a total vote of 1,874 in support and 2,385 opposed.  The district has opted to downsize the debt and try again in February 2026.

A City of Wyoming project gets on track early in 2025 with the city council okaying a purchase agreement to buy an existing building on Forest Blvd. and re-model the interior for use as police and city offices.  The plan continues to advance with the budget for 2026 inclusive of expenses for new utilities and other expenditures next year.  The plan also calls for expanding the fire department space into where city hall functions are sharing the fire hall building now.  

A county facility improvement is finished and a ribbon cutting celebration is celebrated at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in North Branch. Storage was added, a recycling yard was set up and other improvements to administrative space were some of the improvements.

The old Sunrise Township Town Hall is vacated with the completion of the new hall and the former structure is moved to the Almelund Threshing Grounds, east on Highway 95.  As a former schoolhouse it will become part of the collection of local historic structures being preserved by the threshing show organization.

Trinity Church in Lindstrom is marking year 125 and the stained glass is slated for a facelift.  The rehabbing of the beautiful art is accomplished and the congregation welcomes the stunning collection back for another 100 years.

Lindstrom also is in the news for bringing steam back to the water tower/ coffee pot in downtown.  The mechanism is repaired and the crowds show up for activation on a hot day in June.

The county wraps up  acquisition of the last three segments of the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail, following decades of effort negotiating with parcel owners.  The trail from Taylors Falls to the west is a partnership with the MN Parks & Trails Council.  

In July the City of Wyoming won a City of Excellence Award through the League of MN Cities.

The Farm Family of the Year is announced as Matt and Becky Hardy, from Franconia.

Stacy Days is held in July and the Grand Marshal is Bernice Woods.

In the Karl Oskar Days festivities the entire downtown committee is honored as grand marshals.

MidSummer Days in North Branch is a chance for the community to honor local businessperson John Dolin.

Ki Chi Saga Days Grand Marshal is Dave Hoefler, former owner of the waste hauling business that serves Chisago City among other locales.

The City of Taylors Falls celebrates its Royal Lady of the Village during the holiday Lighting Festival at the end of November. This year it’s Cindy McLane.

The Board of Soil and Water Resources for Minnesota recognizes “conservationists of the year” and this year the Pleasant Valley Orchard outside of Center City is celebrated for its advanced environmentally friendly practices and for the owners’ activism.

The big announcement is the federal funding coming to the City of Harris.  The municipal water system looping and enhancements are funded with $1.37 million.

The MN Public Utilities and Dept of Commerce are presenting a solar array    energy storage project just north of the Xcel substation, off County Road 14.  The agencies are moving through the process of environmental review and public input. An administrative law judge is considering evidence and the Environmental Assessment that has been submitted to determine if it provides sufficient detail, and the battery site can move to the next approval phase. The ALJ decision is due by January 20.

License plate readers begin being installed at numerous locations in the county. The county puts up several in areas all around county road routes. Cities like Wyoming install a handful, while some cities consider the devices. They run on solar power and wirelessly can analyze license plate numbers as vehicles pass-by and match them through a database.  Local officials have supported the license plate reader use for the most part— but a  few lawsuits have been filed in states other than Minnesota, contesting the constitutionality of surveilling people without their consent. 

European Ash Borer or EAB is a noteworthy pest in Chisago County by 2025.  The Ki Chi Saga County Park is chosen for a pilot project aimed at eradicating EAB by dispersing a borer larva predator.  There are 55 test locations in Minnesota that will be assessed next year for how well the control program worked.

The homecoming season arrives and North Branch and Chisago Lakes districts provide week-long festivities. Homecoming King and Queen in North Branch are Allen Everett and Jade Knoepsel.  Chisago Lakes choses Jacob Grabow and Elliot Aadland as royalty.

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