NEWS
North Branch 2024 audit triggers carryover discussion
The 2024 audit of North Branch city finances raised a couple issues with non-compliance but for the most part, North Branch has a healthy fiscal situation. The city was advised the receipts needed to support credit card bills were missing in some cases and the cash reconciliation process needs improvements.
Watershed District managers confront next year budget issues
A number of local agencies and government units are embarking on their 2026 budget planning a little extra early. The fiscal ocean is shaping up to be more difficult to navigate than usual— coupled with unknown state aid.
State fire marshal: No definitive cause for Shafer blaze
The state fire marshal investigation into the cause of the fatal fire in Shafer February 2 has concluded. The report, issued June 3, arrives at no conclusive cause for the blaze that brought down a six-unit wooden structure reportedly approximately 100 years old and left one dead. The fire marshal …
Pride event began as Silver Award project
What began as a Girl Scout Silver Award project by a local teen has grown into an annual event celebrating inclusion and community. The Chisago Lakes Pride Fun Run/Walk and Vendor Fair will return for its second year on Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Chisago …
Long distance runners pace ‘Cats; vaulters propel Vikings at state
In an incredible 3200-meter race at last week’s Class AA state meet at St. Michael-Albertville high school, Monticello junior Isabel Mahoney outkicked Wildcat freshman Annika Hall near the end of the last lap to win the race in 10:34.50, just four seconds ahead of the Wildcat phenom.
Girls highlight excellent finishes at state golf meet
North Branch senior Ashley Bistodeau ended her career at North Branch on a high mark, shooting a personal best 78 after an opening round 90 at The Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan at the Class AA state meet last week.
Lax team has great experience at state
Despite their sterling record on the year, the Chisago Lakes girls lacrosse team drew the eighth seed in the state tournament, and that meant they had to play unbeaten eventual state champions Prior Lake in the first round on Tuesday, June 17.
Bulldogs finding their groove at the right time
The Chisago Lakes Bulldogs town baseball team played some of the best teams in the state to get ready for the Eastern Minny League season. Even though they lost all four games, the experience prepared them well. The Bulldogs have started the league season 6-1, including two exciting comeback wins.
Delores Achenbach
Delores Mae (Peterson) Achenbach, 95, was the embodiment of a life well-lived. She passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025 in St. Cloud, MN, surrounded by her family.
We have lost our marbles.....
From time to time, I have been accused of being too negative in my columns. Hard to believe I know, but if you happen to be one or more of those individuals who have told me this before, I suggest you try back here next week.
Who doesn’t love strawberries?
Hot temperatures in June can only mean one thing: it’s strawberry season!
