Denise Martin
Recent Stories
NEWS
Outdoor cultivation sites clear local hurdles
Outdoor cannabis cultivation proposed for two five-acre fields in Chisago County have complied with a local review as part of a state licensing process. The county is required to certify zoning and land use regulations are being met for the sites, which Environmental Services Director Kurt Schneider says has been completed.
NEWS
County engineer updates Board
The roadwork approved for 2025 construction season is progressing well despite some episodes of heavy rainfall, according to County Engineer Joe Triplett. He gave the county commissioners an update at the regular meeting last week.
NEWS
License plate readers in Wyoming die on a tie vote with one absent
The Wyoming City Council was missing a member last week and a vote to authorize the police to enter into a lease for license plate readers to be positioned in four locations — died on a tie vote. Mayor Lisa Iverson and Council member Brett Ohnstad voted yes and Council members Linda Nanko-Yeager and Claire Luger opposed the lease and Council member Dennis Schilling was absent.
NEWS
Taylors Falls OK’s bonding for projects, fire rig; approves retail cannabis applicant
With all five members in attendance the Taylors Falls City Council Monday night this week approved moving forward on sale of $1.6 million bonding through Ehlers public financing advisors, for city hall projects and major fire department equipment purchases. The firm will now market debt and report back on the best bids and most favorable interest rates of responding interested investors. The council voted for a 20 year bond life span. The payments for a speeded up 15 year pay-off were perceived as too costly, coming in about $20,000 more annually than what the city can expect in yearly debt service over 20 years. The first payment is not until 2026.
NEWS
Post legislative session, county needs ‘political courage’
Freshman State Representative Max Rymer, R-North Branch, visited the Chisago County Board last week to summarize, and take feedback on, the outcome of the legislative session. He agreed when county commissioners complained that counties should expect financial burdens due to state actions. “My concern,” Rymer said, “is we balanced the budget on the backs of schools and counties.” He continued, saying his door “is always open” and he hopes to work with local elected officials on impacts of actions taken by the state and discuss the best uses of resources.
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.
NEWS
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.
SCHOOLS
Wildcat Academy to open in September
Chisago Lakes School District opened up enrollment a few weeks ago for a new distance education opportunity, dubbed Wildcat Academy, and the roll was to be close to being finalized by the end of May. The district reports 20 students have signed up for the first session this fall. Director of Teaching and Learning Sarah Schmidt said any families who may still be considering remote classes for students in grades 9 to 12 can still contact her. The e-mail is [email protected] or call 651-213-2005.
NEWS
County opioid grants entering second round
It’s time for the second round of grant funding to be dispersed by the Opioid Action Council through final recommendations that will be approved by the Chisago County Board. There‘s $200,000 available for this total round.
NEWS