LOCAL
Montzka to chair; citizens' boards get lots of new faces
The Chisago County Board unanimously elected Ben Montzka to be Chair for 2023. The Vice Chair is Commissioner Marlys Dunne. The Board’s organizational meeting for each year is held the first Tuesday of January. This is also when elected office holders are administered their oaths of office. District 5 newly …
Wages for elected officials set for 2023; NB to Harris trail bids being sought
Chisago County Commissioners gave themselves a zero raise for 2023 in action last week setting salaries for officeholders, non-union posts and the rate of pay for citizen appointees and committee attendance. This compensation has been $50 for many years and was increased to $65.
Katie's Glen plat tabled; firefighters payout increased
Four of the five Wyoming City Council members had a discussion at the most recent meeting about a proposed 39-lot housing development called “Katie’s Glen,” and decided to await full council attendance to act on a permit and plat. The actions needed will be on a council January meeting agenda.
Sunrise family keeping of rescue dogs not compatible in quiet, nature setting
A family in Sunrise Township, keeping nine dogs on their just-under-10-acre parcel, is facing the prospect of having to shed at least six of the animals. County commissioners directed staff last week to draft a resolution denying the kennel application with language for factual findings supporting denial.
Water & Light: sale proceeds to go into debt escrow
Four of the five Water & Light Commissioners met to proceed on action tied to the pending electric assets sale to ECE. Commission member James Baxter was absent.
Taylors Falls City Council meets despite being short-handed
The three city council members who are exiting city government were on-hand last week for the last council session of 2022 at Taylors Falls. Troy Aanonsen and Larry Julik Heine were absent.Mayor Mike Buchite acknowledged some losses of friends and colleagues at the outset of the 15 minute meeting: Steve …
Vikings freed up my afternoon, get your raffle tickets today
What an absolute clunker the Vikings put up over the weekend. We were so looking forward to a good competitive game to enjoy on our Sunday afternoon. In a matter of no time, I found myself puttering in the basement finding anything that kept me from watching the rest of the …
Holidays are over, so lets go low and slow
I hope New Year’s Eve was festive and safe for all, and I hope everyone enjoyed any extended time they got off over the holidays.
The accidental author: North Branch's Dan Rehm
Dan Rehm never set out to be an author. He never had dreams of writing a book, and he was never terribly interested in publishing his own work.
Lindstrom trying to find best route for Swedish Immigrant trail
The blinding white blanket covering our landscape is not making it any easier right now to envision bike trail layouts; but that’s exactly what was on peoples’ minds recently during discussions about seeking grant monies for the portion of the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail on Highway 8. Does more study …
Shafer Council discusses lettering
Shafer City Council met December 20 for a regular meeting. All members were present with city finance officer Drew Hill being absent.
County announces comment period open for County Road 17 extension
Chisago County is proposing to extend CSAH 17 (Athens Trail) as a two-lane rural roadway from CSAH 30 (Forest Boulevard) on the west to CSAH 14 (Lincoln Road) on the east in Lent Township, Chisago County. The project will also construct single-lane roundabouts at the CSAH 17 (Athens Trail) intersections …
Spirit is still alive in our community
Despite the happenings of the world, including rising numbers of respiratory cases that once again threatened gathering for holiday celebrations, the volunteer spirit remained alive here Christmas Day. More than 50 volunteers stepped-up to plate more than 190 meals for local individuals seeking a warm meal and some social time. …
