Denise Martin
Recent Stories
NEWS
Strike intent notice draws operations revisions resulting in Unfair Labor Practice filing
The next deadline affecting the Chisago County employee unrest arrives this Friday, May 1, when the union’s notice of intent to strike expires. The timeframe will either be extended by request of the Teamsters Local 320— or there could be a counter-offer submitted and talks would resume based on actual numbers. County officials are waiting for the union response to the most recent contract terms to be submitted formally. The contract in question began January 1 2026 and would go through 2027.
NEWS
Wyoming Council awards 2026 streets bid
The vote was 5-0 last week to award the Wyoming 2026 phase of multi-year street improvements to North Valley contractors, as the low bid of six received. Bids ranged from $1,358,926 to $1.6 million.
NEWS
Fatality in I-35 crash Tuesday
The Minnesota State Patrol is reporting a single vehicle crash on I-35 near where Viking Boulevard crosses over the freeway April 28, resulted in a fatality of the passenger. The driver was injured. Wyoming police and fire assisted the state patrol at the scene.
NEWS
Old versus new state flag debate resurfaces in Taylors Falls
The hot local government topic this spring is shaping up to be ‘to fly or not to fly’ the new state flag. The issue consumed a good portion of the Taylors Falls City Council meeting Monday this week, despite members initially expressing that there are more important city concerns. It also surfaced at Wyoming.
Wyoming council meets short-handed in 15 minute council session last week
With Council member Brett Ohnstad and Mayor Lisa Iverson absent last week, the Wyoming City Council handled an abbreviated agenda. The public comment portion of the meeting was the main focus of what was a 15 minute timeframe. Public comment featured a citizen complaint about the state flag, which was adopted in 2024 in a re-design effort overseen by a state emblem design commission appointed in 2023.
NEWS
Gains in NB 2025 grad rate good news
The school year is entering its final few weeks, and the data for last year’s graduation rates have just been released by the state. There are dozens of reasons for the class of 2025 grad rates increasing, depending on who you ask; but districts are celebrating these measurements of education success however it comes.
NEWS
North Branch council delays votes on ALPR
The North Branch Chief of Police was asking for the city council to approve a policy for utilizing license plate readers, and for the authorization to contract for the $21,000 service and council just wasn’t ready to act last week. With member Patrick Meacham absent, the vote was unanimous to table the reader policy and contract for more information.
NEWS
No resolution at county impasse
Neither side in the stalled-out contract negotiations between the Teamsters 320 local and Chisago County leaders is happy with the process— and the impasse on the two-year contract has now resulted in temporary closure of the North Branch satellite HHS offices.
NEWS
North Branch county commissioner not filing for re-election
Chisago County District 1 Commissioner Jim Swenson announced this week he will not be on the ballot for re-election in November. His plan is to finish out his term which ends the last day of 2026.
NEWS