LOCAL
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 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.
North Branch Old Town street improvements assessments being reviewed December 6
North Branch City Council is hosting a public hearing concerning a multi-million dollar project covering the northwest old town area of the city December 6. The public has an opportunity for input and will learn about the proposed projects with the hearing beginning at 7 p.m. at city hall.
North Branch council briefs....
The North Branch City Council meeting began last week with a swearing in and badge-pinning for two new police officers. One, Jason Sievert, has years of experience with a sheriff’s department and the other, Isabel Linnerooth, is new to law enforcement.
TF levy hearing productive, city seeking sales tax
After patiently fielding comments and questions from the half dozen or so people attending the council meeting last week, the Taylors Falls City Council adopted the 2026 budget and levy. Several residents over the span of 75 minutes described their concerns about the proposed city property tax, which was shown …
Wild River Audubon Society celebrates 50 years of local Christmas Bird Count
At this time of year, holiday traditions abound. For many that means shopping, baking, sending greeting cards and wrapping gifts. But for a hardy group of local nature-lovers, Christmas means it’s time to count the birds.
Light up the night!
Taylors Falls Mayor Brandon Weiberg easily stood out on his “float’ in the Lighting Festival Parade last weekend.
