Denise Martin
Recent Stories
NEWS
Pastor’s passion for peony plants prompts public picnic
When Pastor Kevin Schumann moved into Taylors Falls a little over 30 years ago he was not sure which plants would work best in his yard; but the dilemma was easily resolved. It didn’t take long to realize the city had a deer problem. He observed the deer ignoring peony plants while mowing down gardening favorites, like Hostas and phlox and thus began a relationship with the peony.
NEWS
Wyoming City Council okays cannabis requests, hires Community Service Officer
Two applications related to recreational cannabis businesses came before the Wyoming City Council and were approved. The grow operation approved earlier for 269th Street was allowed to add two greenhouses. No retail is being allowed on this site.
NEWS
NB council hears everyday heroes need to be celebrated
Nearly all of last week’s North Branch City Council meeting was dedicated to discussing a possible Tax Increment Financing plan for a senior housing project, but council did give time to a proclamation marking this as the 100th year of the Midsummer Days celebration and declaring a week to honor local heroes.
NEWS
When purpose, passion are behind the uniform
Over the course of decades with Lakes Area Police Department Detective Mike Merchlewitz received numerous personal letters of thanks, career awards and other recognition which he truly valued, he explains. His motivation to wear the uniform was founded on helping others and then, as a detective, in “bringing a measure of closure in challenging circumstances.”
NEWS
Taylors Falls gets sewer project aid
The inspection of the Taylors Falls standpipe reservoir system for the municipal water supply came back with a few recommendations for maintenance needs— but overall the long overdue once-over was positive. Council member Tim Grote, public works liaison, reported to city council last week no follow-up inspection is recommended for another five years, adding this outcome “makes me very happy.”
NEWS
County ARMER radio users, subscribers to be signing up soon
If you think the physical first responder and emergency radio system is complex, how about the process of setting a fee the county needs to charge to implement the looming equipment upgrade and replacement plan. Support for existing equipment phased out in 2019, and the slow fade when parts are still somewhat available is at its end.
NEWS
Road construction season full speed ahead
The proposed newly aligned intersection for Pleasant Valley Road at Highway 95 in Franconia Township is moving forward with a big financial boost from the LRIP fund. Chisago County Engineer Joe Triplett shared a notice with the county commissioners that the county had won the Local Road Improvement Program funds of $500,000, appropriated through the state legislature.
NEWS
Budget workshop scrutiny of county Teamsters contract terms
The county commissioners get together in a monthly work session every second Wednesday to devote an entire informal discussion to budgeting and capital needs. No action is taken, but if there’s sufficient information and consensus the item goes to a regular County Board business agenda. (Regular business meetings are the first and third Wednesdays at night.)
SCHOOLS
North Branch inks three year contract with Superintendent
The North Branch Area Schools Superintendent contract was adopted for another three years, by the school board, last week. The vote was 4-0 with members Naegele and Trampe absent.
NEWS