LOCAL
Doing the Cabbage Patch
OK, so I’m not really going to do the Cabbage Patch dance, as I’m a terrible dancer! But, I’m going to learn to be a better dancer this school year, because our exchange student, Guglielmo, is an Italian Junior Champion dancer. He’s going to teach me a thing or two, …
Law Enforcement
Fun fact: The national incident based reporting system or NIBRS data show that for 2021, Chisago County got 613 reports of incidents, (there was no population estimate provided) Lakes Area Police recorded 409 incidents (for a population of 10,026) North Branch 366 total offenses (of a population of 10,908) and …
Stacy-Lent annexation issued; takes effect December 29, 2023
The final order has been issued approving annexation of all of Lent Township into the City of Stacy. Administrative Law Judge Jessica Palmer Dening filed the order August 30 and the dissolution of the township and blending into the city will be effective as of December 29, 2023. Lent Township, …
MN DNR offers free entrance to state parks, recreation areas Sept. 9
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 75 state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, Sept. 9. This “Free Park Day” is one of four days each year on which the Minnesota DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit at state parks and …
Stacy store changes hands after 52 years
Anyone with an imagination would be forgiven for describing the interior of Stacy Do It Best Hardware Store as giving off a church vibe; with its hypnotically long center aisle leading past a symmetrical, but mind-boggling, display of merchandize. A small office space, off to your left, is where timecards …
Law Enforcement
A loss of power in Chisago City September 3, created a bunch of extra hours and reports for local law enforcement, not to mention work for Xcel Energy crews. The power went out to 3,125 customers Sunday, according to the Xcel Energy spokesperson. Loss of power triggers security and medical …
North Branch Police searching for vandal in disturbing graffiti case
A disturbing message appeared spray painted on a residential garage door early this week, and North Branch authorities are looking for leads.
Annual in. Art Show boasts talented artists
The Wyoming Area Creative Arts Community had hundreds of entries for the eighth annual In.Art show. Winning entries were presented their awards Thursday Aug 17 at a gala reception at the Hallberg Center for the Arts, on East Viking Boulevard in Wyoming. Some of the winning works are shown on …
Pigskin season is just around the corner
A sure sign of fall...North Branch football program holds a free ice cream fun night in Central Park right before school starts, to say thanks to the community for their support and to give the players a chance to mingle with fans, young and old.
Chisago City zoning, land use changes made
The Chisago City Council on Aug. 22 moved quickly through an agenda dominated by planning and zoning matters. This included approval of updated zoning and land use maps as part of the city’s comprehensive plan.
State releases test scores, grad rates
This is the time of year when the MN Department of Education releases a report card announcing scores of individual schools arising from testing done of students in the prior school year. The tests assess proficiency in math, reading and science in grades 3 to 8 and also grade 11 …
Dietz excited for school year to start as Chisago Lakes’ new superintendent
Chisago Lakes’ search for a new superintendent earlier this year led them to Brian Dietz, and now Dietz is hoping to lead Chisago Lakes to new heights, including passing a new levy in the fall.
Good weekend for a paddle
This weekend is Labor Day. A nice long weekend to end the inferno that has taken what summer should be and thrown it in the frying pan. I love warm weather, but this summer has been ridiculous. It has dried and withered most all of our lawns. Lakes are incredibly …
Labor Day begins a new adventure
Labor Day is going to take on a special meaning for Aly and I this year. We decided to host an exchange student for the whole school year, and he’ll be arriving this week, just in time for Labor Day weekend.
