Denise Martin
Recent Stories
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
Time of year to get valuation, class for property tax right
In looking over the property tax statements that came in the mail recently, if you have a concern or think maybe the taxation officials are missing relevant information, this is the time of year when you can ask questions directly and potentially alter your tax bill. You may contact county offices at any time of the year— but the orderly process to review your market valuation and property class starts this month. The Board of Review calendar fires up in days and this is where your local elected officials rule if your property has been “fairly valued.”
NEWS
Louisiana Pacific project clears TIF hurdle
The to-do list to bring a massive Louisiana Pacific manufacturing facility into the North Branch Interstate Business Park is growing shorter with last week’s council action unanimously establishing a Tax Increment Financing District modification and Plan.
NEWS
Lakes Area drone fleet gets boost
The Lakes Area Police Commission last week gratefully accepted a donation of several thousand dollars from the Maranatha Church congregation in Chisago City, to be used for the new drone program. Lakes Area Chief Schlumbohm said the funds are sufficient to get four drone units and cover the related costs to license etc. The goal for the department is to have five available in the fleet. This donation puts the department “well on our way,” according to what the chief told the commission.
NEWS