Denise Martin
Recent Stories
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
Wyoming opts for fire truck rehab, OKs cannabis business
The ladder truck used by the Wyoming Fire Department will be in the shop for an extended stay, come a few months from now. Council approved spending over a quarter of a million on refurbishment. Member Schilling was absent, as council voted 4-0 last week to spend $296,882 on an engine rebuild and associated body, seals and equipment needs rather than spend about $2 million for a replacement.
NEWS
Emergency radios early contract talks on-deck
The county commissioners have asked staff to write a leasing plan to go out for review by local emergency response departments and government entities on the ARMER network.
NEWS
North Branch gets go-ahead on ALPR
The North Branch Police hope to subscribe to the automated license plate reader service that the other law enforcement agencies in Chisago County currently utilize. The devices are installed by and linked to the “Flock” data system. They communicate with a database of license plate numbers identified for various reasons. The list is generated from license revocations, cancellations, suspensions, vehicle theft, vehicles used in suspected abductions, warrants sought on registered owners, and other triggers.
NEWS
Taylors Falls council tackles full agenda
The luck of the Irish was with Taylors Falls City Council at their meeting on the day before St. Patrick’s Day. Council learned the insurance premium is below-budget and the city got a grant from the National Association of Realtors that will save expenditures for finalization of an on-going city branding effort.
NEWS
County HHS employees do not accept latest contract
Workers in the Teamsters union group with Health and Human Services for Chisago County informed the County Board of a strike vote. Numerous union supporters with signs, (see photo) attended the Board meeting March 18. Local 320 Union Business Agent Amy Perusse spoke during an open microphone at the end of the meeting. She gave a statement and the audience members held signs high and exited silently.
NEWS
County Board will record meetings, minus open mic
The meetings of the Chisago County Board will be recorded and likely available on the county website in archive materials. The county commissioners have treaded very deliberately on recording meetings in numerous discussions over the last few years, and as about 50 percent of Minnesota counties moved ahead creating recorded databases, Chisago remained reluctant.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Cartel connection with area man facing sentencing
A Chisago County man is among several drug traffickers being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in connection with arrests tied to methamphetamine and illegal narcotics networks connected to the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel.
NEWS