LOCAL
‘Tis the season for Sankta Lucia
The Chisago Lake Lutheran Church hosted the celebration of a Scandinavian tradition last Saturday, honoring a saint in Norse culture. Youth will rehearse for weeks, and don costumes for playing tomtes, sugar-bakers, and Lucia attendants in this long running pageant. This year the main role of Sankta Lucia was portrayed …
Uncertainty over federal share of social services, part of commissioners’ split 2026 levy vote
The county commissioners had much discussion when reviewing next year’s levy number early this month. When all was said and done the approval came on a 3-2 vote (story Press Dec. 11.) The no votes were tied to fear of going too low on revenues and anxiety about what the …
North Branch schools’ audit, levy, and single polling place adopted
Over the past several years the North Branch Area school district did see a growth in student population of six percent— but there were a couple of years when enrollment dipped, which happened again for fiscal year 2025 and became apparent in the audit presented to the School Board.
CL has healthy balances, levy going up by $66,000
The Chisago Lakes School board met on Thursday, December 11 for their last meeting of the 2025 calendar year. The short meeting covered a few major topics – Truth in Taxation, the certified final levy and the 2025 final audit.
Watershed District purchases 238-acre conservation property for Comfort Lake- Forest Lake Watershed District
The Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District was recently awarded Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage and MNDNR Conservation Partnership funds to purchase 238-acres of property south of Bone Lake, Scandia. These state grants provide funding for restoration, protection, and enhancement of wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife, and …
His personal journey gives rise to business at age 18
This is the time of year when people take stock of their lives. Maybe there is a new direction awaiting you in 2026?
Chisago City levies $4.1 million, tax rate decreases; Santa to visit Moberg Park December 21
With Council Member Nicole Battles attending remotely, the Chisago City Council on Dec. 9 unanimously passed resolutions setting the 2026 levy and budget unchanged from the preliminary numbers presented in September. The final tax levy $4,117,373, making the final tax rate 35.628 percent, down 2.71 percent from 2025.
Stacy council meets new patrol deputy; sees interstate bridge layout
Stacy City Council met December 9 for a regular meeting. Mayor Mark Utecht was excused.
Wildcat boys hockey splits two
Jason Cook scored at 3:03 of overtime to give the Gentry Academy Stars a 3-2 in over the Wildcat boys’ hockey team Thursday, December 11 at Aldrich Ice Arena. The Wildcats outshot the Stars 39-26 for the game, but Stars’ goalie Gavin Grose stopped 37 of the 39 shots he …
Santa makes one last stop Sunday
We are so very close to Christmas. If you have young children, you know focus is non-existent in their lives right now. Our kids are in their 20s now, but I vividly remember trying to get them outdoors, to do anything to burn up that nervous energy. I remember being …
It really is a wonderful life this time of year
This is the last column you’ll likely read before your Christmas meal plans are done. We do have an issue that comes out Christmas Eve, but if you’re still looking for recipes and ideas that night, you might be in some trouble when it comes to food prep!
How’s that for a welcome?
Students at Taylors Falls Elementary School met their fundraising goal of 12,000 dollars. Principal Jason Riebe slept on the roof of the school the night of November 24 (it rained that night). As the other part of the deal was Riebe had to wear a turkey costume.
