Denise Martin
Recent Stories
NEWS
Lead service lines not major issue here, so far
Cities in Chisago County have submitted their statistics for a comprehensive state-wide lead service line inventory. The collecting of information was part of a program to address health impacts resulting from exposure to lead via community water systems. The good news is there does not appear to be any widespread issues with lead lines here.
NEWS
Election turnout 90%
In researching the precinct-specific data from the election day voting results for Chisago County, one is left with no doubt the region is heavily Republican; even to the point of nearly zero support for Minnesota’s incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar.
NEWS
Wyoming City Council brings inspector on-board
The City of Wyoming hired a building inspector last week but accepted a police officer resignation, and council learned of 24-year firefighter JJ Hastings’ immediate retirement. Wyoming is also looking for a skating rink warming house attendant for the coming season, which pays $15 to $17 an hour, so if you like fresh air, and can get along with youth, inquire at city hall.
NEWS
Jan. 6 Capitol breach defendants’ trial continued
The quartet of local men who are charged with criminal activity during the January 6, 2021 capitol breach have had their trial delayed, yet again. Defense counsel for Jonah, Isaac and Robert Westbury and Aaron James, all of Lindstrom, was granted a motion to continue the expected start of the men’s trial for 60 days. The continuance is permitted due to the defense attorney being activated for National Guard service during a recent hurricane.
NEWS
Personnel shuffle precedes new administrator arrival in North Branch
Life at North Branch City Hall doesn’t pause just because officials are awaiting the arrival of a new administrator at Chisago County’s largest city. North Branch expects their new hire to be on-board inside of a couple weeks; but personnel matters continue to require attention and the recent resignation of the elections official —who also provided I.T. expertise—has made the situation in North Branch urgent.
NEWS
Public comes out to comment on plan for hundreds of house lots in North Branch
Meadows Ridge, a housing development of over 300 homes proposed on the north edge of Meadows North, a finished sister neighborhood, was not exactly welcomed with open arms at last week’s North Branch City Council hearing. Over an hour was devoted to taking comment on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet. It was made clear in open comment that North Branch is at the point of pushback on “growth at any cost.”
SCHOOLS
Chisago Lakes School Board gets update on new school year
The participation rate of students eating breakfast at Taylors Falls School has increased this year to the point where the Chisago Lakes School Board approved hiring an additional food service assistant for three hours each day to help with the program. The Board heard at least 75 percent of all Taylors Falls students participate in free breakfasts; and because service of the morning meal is not staggered, like lunch is, there’s heavy demand at one time.
NEWS
Early voting shifts to direct machines
The early voting activity at the Chisago County Government Center switched over to “direct” balloting. This means early ‘absentee’ votes from now until just before Election Day, will be entered into and counted in a physical election machine. The hundreds of local paper ballots cast before Friday were sealed and retained in a secure space and these were to go to the Absentee Ballot Board for day-of tallies, explained Chisago County Auditor-Treasurer Bridgitte Konrad.
NEWS
Short Term Rental ordinance action delayed by council
Taylors Falls is a destination for out-of-towners looking to enjoy winter and summer seasons in the presence of the national scenic riverway and state park areas. The drafting of a city code to regulate short term rentals in Taylors Falls was a stated priority of a mostly new city council, but it‘s proving to be quite the endeavor.
NEWS