LOCAL
North Branch renewal of levy up for vote
The taxpayers in the North Branch Area Public Schools District will be going to the polls Tuesday, February 10. The voters are asked to renew an existing levy that is slated to expire in 2027. The district got this special approval in 2017, and the property tax collected has been …
County asking to raise sales tax
Chisago county currently has a half-cent sales tax in effect and last week the County Board agreed to ask the state for enabling legislation to bring this to a full cent. The county has collected around $3.6 million from the half-cent tax revenues and staff told the commissioners this would …
Highway prep starts
There is a powerline pole-structure on Highway 8 that has to be relocated before the highway improvements begin in earnest. If you notice activity at Juno Court/James Avenue in coming months the powerline is not being affected, but the pole must be moved. Xcel does not expect to have to …
Wyoming street projects going to bid on-schedule
The Wyoming City Council was assured last week the police department is not having anything to do with immigration control and enforcement operations.
CL Spelling Bee crowns new winners
The Chisago Lakes School District held their annual Spelling Bee competition for fifth and sixth graders during the frigid temps on Thursday, January 22. Carly Serwa (middle with the trophy) got first place with the winning word being ‘almanac’. In second place was Michael Christopherson (far left) and third place …
Fentanyl Forum focus is on knowledge and useful resources
In the past 10 years more and more opioids used and abused by people who are not under the care of a physician, have been known to contain fentanyl. The fatal outcomes of overdosing on fentanyl became all too common in headlines and obituary notices— but now there is a …
Going crazy for cauliflower
I get that cauliflower is a polarizing vegetable. Some people love it, a lot of people hate it, and there isn’t much in between. I’m here to be your liaison and connect the cauliflower haters with some recipes that I think even they’ll like. Give them a try!
Celebration of Lakes is upon us
As I wrote here last week, the Celebration of the Lakes version 2026 is still on. While the Chamber is not spearheading the event, the good folks at Chisago City and a bunch of great volunteers have stepped up so our community can continue to enjoy the event we have …
Old town road improvements tabled by North Branch City Council again
North Branch has moved the northwest old town road improvements project to the proverbial back burner, again. Council voted unanimously to have WSB engineering look into some concerns that have surfaced on costs, re-evaluating size of pipes, stormwater handling issues and more— and the city council decided to wait on …
Where to caucus in 2026
Local political caucus sites are open February 3, from 7 p.m. until the action wraps up. The participation is guided by your polling precinct, and small groups gather to discuss who to endorse for candidacy in the party that is holding the caucus. There is also opportunity to introduce resolutions …
Stacy City Council buying new street signs, POS equipment for municipal bar
Stacy City Council met January 13 for a regular meeting. All members were present.
Township election candidates file for March
The deadline for filing to run for a township elected position was last week and there will be candidates to select from in a couple of locations.
