Denise Martin
Recent Stories
NEWS
North Branch says goodbye to Flock
Back in May, the North Branch City Council authorized the police to enter into a contract for Flock brand automatic license plate readers (ALPR) to be used in the city limits. The vote then was 3-2. Council okayed seven devices, three of which were installed but had not been activated, as public pushback gained momentum. Council has since taken a second look at the ALPR system and August 12 North Branch officially backed away from using the law enforcement tool.
NEWS
Chisago County names their Farm Family of the Year
The Chisago County Farm Family of the Year was probably selected by the Extension Committee to represent agriculture in this area more for their promotion of community spirit than the production of their farm.
NEWS
New plan for Old Town unveiled
A stripped-down version of an infrastructure project that North Branch hopes to accomplish in the “old town” section, northwest of Central Park, will be pursued. The city’s engineering consultant was asked by council last week to return with a new plan, after council had set aside improvements that have been presented.
NEWS
Wyoming renews license plate reader contract, OK’s site plan for fire hall
The Wyoming City Fire Hall alterations site plan came before the city council and won approval last week. The new footprint calls for a setback variance on the Felton Avenue side. The building will need minor additions and also will feature a hose drying tower, when the fire department takes over use of the whole structure, as city offices relocate south to the new city hall.
NEWS
County Board tackles data center moratorium and orders cleanup of property
The county commissioners unanimously declared a property in Rushseba Township to be a public health hazard and last week they ordered the process of cleanup to begin.
NEWS
Taylors Falls outlaws Flock devices for year; looking into city hall security measures
The Taylors Falls city council was confronted this week with the trifecta of hot topics—the reality of active shooter concerns, the controversy over Flock license plate reader use and persistent rumors over a potential data center in town.
NEWS
Municipal, school board filings close
The filing period for municipal offices and school board positions closed at the end of day July 28 and there appears to be great interest in a couple races, but mostly the election in November will be incumbents or possibly even write-in candidates.
NEWS
LAPD levy for next year kept just under 3% hike
Lakes Area Police Commission checked-off one of its to-do boxes last week when the 2027 budget was adopted. The budget numbers need to be accepted into the Chisago City and Lindstrom levy process; in time for proposed taxes to go to the county for preliminary 2027 tax statements this fall.
NEWS
Hazelden Betty Ford nursing strike resolved
The nurses working at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation campus in Center City, have settled with the organization, according to the Minnesota Nurses’Association. The Hazelden nurse staff voted to join the association in January 2025 and initiated an unfair labor practices strike this July 15. (Press photo July 23)
NEWS