Denise Martin
Recent Stories
NEWS
North Branch gets go-ahead on ALPR
The North Branch Police hope to subscribe to the automated license plate reader service that the other law enforcement agencies in Chisago County currently utilize. The devices are installed by and linked to the “Flock” data system. They communicate with a database of license plate numbers identified for various reasons. The list is generated from license revocations, cancellations, suspensions, vehicle theft, vehicles used in suspected abductions, warrants sought on registered owners, and other triggers.
NEWS
Taylors Falls council tackles full agenda
The luck of the Irish was with Taylors Falls City Council at their meeting on the day before St. Patrick’s Day. Council learned the insurance premium is below-budget and the city got a grant from the National Association of Realtors that will save expenditures for finalization of an on-going city branding effort.
NEWS
County HHS employees do not accept latest contract
Workers in the Teamsters union group with Health and Human Services for Chisago County informed the County Board of a strike vote. Numerous union supporters with signs, (see photo) attended the Board meeting March 18. Local 320 Union Business Agent Amy Perusse spoke during an open microphone at the end of the meeting. She gave a statement and the audience members held signs high and exited silently.
NEWS
County Board will record meetings, minus open mic
The meetings of the Chisago County Board will be recorded and likely available on the county website in archive materials. The county commissioners have treaded very deliberately on recording meetings in numerous discussions over the last few years, and as about 50 percent of Minnesota counties moved ahead creating recorded databases, Chisago remained reluctant.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Cartel connection with area man facing sentencing
A Chisago County man is among several drug traffickers being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in connection with arrests tied to methamphetamine and illegal narcotics networks connected to the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel.
NEWS
State will move drivers’ test from Lindstrom to Chisago City in 2027; Kendall Howard seeks $1.7 million subsidy to expand
Discussion of the proposed location of the Lakes Area Police Department headquarters was not on the agenda but, nevertheless, played a part in Chisago City’s Feb. 24 council meeting.
NEWS
Design services OK’d for Old Town
The North Branch Northwest Old Town area projects— that have been on and off the work plan for over 20 years; and recently put on the back burner again, will see some more research done and a couple property owner meetings will be held in coming weeks.
NEWS
Joint sewage treatment officials looking to reduce chloride in discharge
The Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission discussed the chloride limits contained in its treatment plant permit last week in light of data that exceeded the allowed amount— before fines began to be imposed.
North Branch leads permit activity, Wyoming in second
New construction activity in Chisago County in 2025 came to well over 2,000 permits issued from the county alone, with another several hundred from North Branch and Wyoming— which provide their own municipal building permitting and inspection services.
NEWS