LOCAL
School bus driver facing charges after Thursday morning crash
The driver of a Rush City school bus carrying 49 students, which went off the road about 8:30 a.m. Thursday Feb 15, has been charged. Kara Ffrench, 59, of Harris, was in court Friday, February 16 to face two gross misdemeanors, one alleging DWI commercial vehicle and DWI driving school …
Lemonade stand in February?? Only in 2024
Trevelle Bird saw an opportunity with the warm weather and decided to sell lemonade on the corner of Hayes and Old Towne Road in Chisago City. The seven year old sold over 40 cups before the sun started to set and it got chilly. Way to go Trevelle!
Administrator complaints investigation leaves unanswered questions
According to an outside investigator who has looked into complaints related to North Branch’s former city administrator; the city’s operations throughout part of 2022 and 2023, were not being sustained thanks to any warm fuzzy city hall culture.
Double your donation month
The Chisago Lakes Masons' Thirteenth Annual Fund Drive to Combat Local Food Insecurity with "Double Your Donation"is in February
Westbury trial rescheduled to March 4
The trial scheduled to begin Monday this week with jury selection, for the four Lindstrom men accused in the January 6, 2021 Capitol breach incident has been continued again.
Donations celebrate 150 years
Zion Lutheran Church, Chisago City, collected 150 rolls and/or boxes of paper goods (paper towels, tissues, toilet paper) in January for the Family Pathways Domestic Violence Shelter. Zion members are doing a collection each month in honor of the church’s 150th anniversary. Pictured is Pastor Sarah Kerkes with products collected.
North Branch Council vote on comp plan delayed; pickleball coming
North Branch is accepting bids on a four-court pickleball complex and associated parking and a trail, for Northwood city park, on Cherokee Trail.
Still plenty of fun to be had
Okay, the Celebration of the Lakes is still on. We have had plenty of calls inquiring about the event so I am here to shed some light.
Law Enforcement
Friday, February 2 reports of an individual tipping trash cans, yelling and banging on residential doors a little after midnight. Subject was located, detained and brought in by deputies, Lakes Area and Wyoming Police personnel in the area of Forest Boulevard and 314th Street.
The Great Conundrum was solved for me
I wrote on this last year for the first time, but it’s tough to focus on which recipes I want to share this time of the year. It’s the last, biggest, best football game of the year this weekend, but then just a few days later, Valentine’s Day is on …
North Branch man killed in pickup head-on crash February 4
The Minnesota State Patrol reports a two vehicle head on crash in Koochiching County, reported at 11 a.m. Sunday, February 4, left a 27 year old North Branch man dead.
Area pastor brings personal story to spread message there’s mental health help
Zion Lutheran Church, Chisago City held its second Mental Health Wellness Day Saturday, Jan. 27. It was a simple title for what proved to be a powerful event.
County Fair not going anywhere
The offer to pay the Chisago County Fair Ag Society Board one million dollars to relocate the fairgrounds and free-up the Rush City site for redevelopment has been rescinded.
Legislative request for interchange design
Recently the Minnesota senate capital investment committee paid a visit to Wyoming and Lindstrom to see firsthand the local aid requests for a couple public safety projects. (Story Press Jan. 25)
