Denise Martin
Recent Stories
NEWS
County board denies expanded uses at Hay Days site
In a rare move, September 16, the Chisago County Board unanimously turned a recommended permit approval from the planning commission, on its head— and voted 5-0 to deny the SnoBarons snowmobile club request to intensify use of their Hay Days Motorsports event grounds. The planning commission had recommended approval 4-3 of a downsized request from 15 annual events to eight.
NEWS
ARMER contract to be renewed
Agreements put in place years ago to create a comprehensive emergency communications network of several hundred devices, under a system called ARMER, are due to expire in December. The county commissioners adopted wording for a new agreement, which will be distributed to agencies and government units. Fees and conditions in the agreement are for one-year only, effective in 2027.
NEWS
Wyoming watering ban put into effect
Two actions of major consequence came out of the Wyoming City Council meeting last week. Council adopted an outright ban on outdoor watering, which will last until the state’s water resources are recharged with significant rainfall. Newly installed sod and seed may be watered. Violations can result in a daily fine or water service shutoff in aggravated circumstances.
NEWS
Planning commission sends expanded use of Hay Days site to Board
A request for a permit to expand uses of the Hay Days property outside of Almelund was approved by the county planning commission Sept 3 on a split vote, and will be on the Chisago County Board’s September 16 agenda for final action.
NEWS
Chisago County strikers return to work after agreement
With nearly everybody back on the job in Chisago County offices— there’s some wiggle room being allowed for basic re-familiarization.
NEWS
North Branch City Council delays leaf pickup program action, wants more use data
In a meeting last week that ran about three hours, the North Branch City Council heard from a number of citizens in the public comment period who opposed eliminating the leaf pickup service. Council also heard from automated license plate reader opponents — but first things first.
NEWS
Delivery driver who stopped would-be murderer recognized
What would you do if you were an uninvolved passer-by who encountered a man holding a hammer who is presumably assaulting a female, who you obsere bleeding from obvious head trauma? If you are the type of person who would intervene, take control of the weapon and confront the apparent assailant to aid the victim— you share something with Leo Lyons. The Amazon delivery service partner had a moment in the community’s embrace as he accepted the City of Wyoming’s Public Safety Lifesaving Medal from city officials August 18. (See photo.)
NEWS
Activity at 243/St. Croix bridge going into pre-con mode
The approximately $30 million bridge replacement at Osceola and Franconia on County Highway 243 is officially underway—with dive teams having recently relocated rare mussel species inhabiting the water in the work zone. This was one of several early steps being taken to reduce impact on wildlife and the riverway environment, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
NEWS
Wyoming renews ALPR contract
The use of license plate readers in the confines of the City of Wyoming is continuing for at least another year. After hearing a glowing recommendation about the devices and their usefulness, the city council last week voted to authorize Public Safety Director and Chief of Police Neil Bauer to renew the contract with the device provider Flock.
NEWS