Denise Martin
Recent Stories
NEWS
Investigation reaches search, seizure stages in Shafer
The East Central Drug Task Force has released few details about two days of search warrants that authorities executed in and around a property in downtown Shafer, July 17 and 18. No names for people detained have been provided and charges are pending. As of Friday afternoon there had been no injuries or incidents attributed to this activity and law enforcement safely and effectively executed their searches, according to the task force command.
NEWS
Taylors Falls hit with a slew of repairs, emergency expenses
City watermain, storm sewer, street sweeper and other repairs coming in close to $100,000 had to be handled this week at the regular Taylors Falls City Council meeting, minus the mayor who was excused for a work commitment.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
County addressing evidence room issues, SWAT needs
Anyone who has ever dealt with a leaky roof can relate to what the sheriff’s office is dealing with right now, only multiple times the magnitude of importance. The evidence storage area in the public safety center has a problem with some kind of condensation seeping in and it has the potential to cause damage to an area of the evidence storage room where criminal case items are kept.
NEWS
Karl Oskar Days Ambassador has a plan
This time, last year, Taylor Thorvaldson was just stepping into one of the roles of the Chisago Lakes’ 2024 Karl Oskar Days Ambassadors; and although the whirlwind of experiences may be coming to an end this week as the 2025 Ambassadors takeover — her calendar is far from empty. The local ambassador involvement led to her becoming involved in the Minneapolis Aquatennial and after that, who knows?
NEWS
Wyoming street work bid awarded
The 2025 street improvements bid was awarded by the Wyoming City Council last week to Bituminous Roadways, one of four bids the city received. City Engineer Mark Erichson commented that he hasn’t seen bituminous prices this favorable in quite awhile.
NEWS
Second round of county opioid grants selected
The Chisago County Opioid Action Council has selected its second round of grant winners to be dispersed next month, with $200,000 available to four winners.
NEWS
County commissioners express concern over levels of funding
The Chisago County Board is taking a wait and see attitude for now, on sounding the alarm about ripple effects from the actions tied to state and federal budgeting. It’s a sure bet there will be implications to face but without specifics there is nothing to base any statements on—yet. The County Board last week discussed drafting a position paper on the across the board reductions taking place in various federal programs, and what will trickle down.
NEWS
Cradle rocking celebrates new church leader at FUMC
First United Methodist in Lindstrom will welcome its new pastor by bringing a unique tradition back to the service, July 13 at 9 a.m. which is being held outdoors.
NEWS
North Branch council briefs...
In the world of public policy you want to be known for having your ducks-in-a-row and last week the North Branch City Council tackled doing just that. Members officially went on the record voting 5-0 approving an interchange (extension of 400th Street over I-35) and a Highway 95 bypass, for a new east-west route. The entire project could run $40 to 50 million and the city needs to put together something that will help in leveraging outside funding. The project appeal for funding needs a concept design and the support resolution is part of that process.
SCHOOLS