LOCAL
Chisago City Council accepts fire relief association audit; tree, bench honoring late mayor dedication Aug. 17
The Chisago City Council moved swiftly through its July 22 agenda.
Trial set for fatal Nessel crash
A hearing scheduled related to the case of a Nessel Township crash that killed a 4-year-old boy was called off this month. The trial date is now set for August 25 for Ashlee Klapperick, 36, of Mora.
Solar battery storage environmental review underway until October
Things are silent for now regarding the solar battery project proposed near the Xcel Substation, as an environmental assessment is getting underway. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission announced the environmental assessment is due sometime in October 2025 at which time public meetings will be convened.
Academy foreclosure premature, school year untouched for 2025
Normally in community journalism “news” is when something is happening or about to happen; but in this case the news is a private school operating in Chisago County since 2015 is not going defunct.
Stacy Daze has a ton of events
Is it just me or do these summer storms seem to be intensifying? I’m not pretending to be a scientist or a meteorologist, but every rain storm seems to turn into high winds and potential hail. What happened to the good old garden variety showers?
Straight to business for these recipes
Let’s dive right in this week!
Life Saving recognition in North Branch Police Department ceremony, held at North Branch Fire Hall
Friday, April 4, started as just another work day at Russell’s Automotive in North Branch. Owner, Jason Russell, was on family vacation leaving his lead mechanic and two assistants to handle the business. Lead mechanic, Randy Nelson, suffered a major heart attack and received immediate assistance from his co-workers who …
Shafer bust; charges filed on five suspects
The Chisago County Attorney has charged five people in connection with the July 17 and 18 search warrants that were executed by local law enforcement, in partnership with the East Central Drug Task Force, at a downtown Shafer property.
Fish Lake fire death: judge considering competency process
A district court judge is considering how to proceed in the murder and first degree assault charges against Dallas Evenstad. The 37 year old, a resident of Wright County, has been held by Chisago County since he was charged in mid-2023 in connection with an incident in Fish Lake Township …
Wheelage tax going to double
County commissioners voted 5-0 to double the wheelage tax that is collected when you register a vehicle purchase or renew registration (tabs) in Minnesota. The county’s wheelage tax has been set at $10 for years and state law allows for it to go to $20 maximum, which is what the …
LID seeks city channel endorsement
Lindstrom City Council met July 17 for a regular meeting. All members were present.
Franconia is home to Farm Family of the Year
The 2025 Chisago County Farm Family of the Year is not in its purist sense, a “farm” family. And even though their Rust Hill Ranch is not yet providing a full time living wage; members of the county Extension Committee, who select the annual Farm Family, embraced Becky and Matthew …
Wacky and fun Wannigan Days
Wannigan Days celebration was well attended over the weekend. The parade was highlighted with marching bands, tons of floats and even a visit from the Vulcans. Top right: the Chisago Lakes boys were victorious over youth from St, Croix Falls in the tug-o-war.
