Denise Martin
Recent Stories
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
Facade grant OK’d for North Branch business
If you notice some building improvement work happening at the former taxidermy business site on main street in North Branch, it’s all part of the facade grants the city offers businesses in the core. The program was begun with $75,000 and the structure at 6354 Main Street is the third project to have received some funding.
NEWS
Remodel projects awarded for ISD 138
The plans to free-up classroom space for growing enrollment in Sunrise Elementary School, by relocating first graders to the education center facility, are closer to reality.
NEWS
North Branch seeks percentage of charitable gaming for parks, rec
The first meeting of North Branch Council on their new night and time, (second and fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m.) was called to order last week by the vice mayor, Robert Canada with Mayor Kevin Schieber absent.
NEWS
Carp harvest part of invasives program
The ice fishing scene in the south end of the county took on a whole new look, as researchers and water resources staff late last week implemented a box net carp harvest on North Lindstrom Lake.
NEWS
North Branch renewal of levy up for vote
The taxpayers in the North Branch Area Public Schools District will be going to the polls Tuesday, February 10. The voters are asked to renew an existing levy that is slated to expire in 2027. The district got this special approval in 2017, and the property tax collected has been used to fund dedicated technology needs. The district will continue to earmark proceeds towards technology and security systems and devices.
NEWS
Chisago Lakes referendum vote Feb. 10
Chisago Lakes District 2144 taxpayers will be voting February 10 on authorizing financing in order to pay for a list of projects the district hopes to complete over the next two to three years.
NEWS
Cannabis ordinance revisions debated; multiple items acted on
The North Branch City Council engaged in a lengthy discussion last week on possible revisions to the city cannabis retail ordinance. The topic was accredited to Council member Robert Canada and subcommittee review. Matthew Hill, city administrator, said the added scrutiny stems from the city’s earlier discussion about a location for a cannabis retailer, on Isanti Trail. Referencing a state law that requires consideration of one cannabis site for a city up to 12,500 population, council noted North Branch could hit 12,501 in a relatively short timespan, possibly generating a second request to sanction a chosen location for cannabis sales. The actual license is issued by the State of Minnesota.
NEWS
County asking to raise sales tax
Chisago county currently has a half-cent sales tax in effect and last week the County Board agreed to ask the state for enabling legislation to bring this to a full cent. The county has collected around $3.6 million from the half-cent tax revenues and staff told the commissioners this would go to $7.2 million if doubled. Revenues would continue to be designated for road and bridge expenditures.
NEWS