Denise Martin
Recent Stories
NEWS
City administrator search firm proposals sought
The search for a permanent North Branch City administrator has been somewhat derailed for a few months, but got back-on-track last week, with city council directing staff to bring forward search firm proposals. Council wants to see several pitches and find a search firm they feel comfortable with.
NEWS
Soccer program approaches season under cloud of controversy
The busy season for area youth soccer teams is fast-approaching and leaders of the Lakes United Futbol program are feeling some extra pressure, in addition to the usual rush of getting schedules aligned, registering athletes and seeing that fields are in shape.
SCHOOLS
North Branch School Board settles contract, cutting edge apprenticeship program under state review
‘Agreement’ was the word of the night at last week’s North Branch School Board meeting— with action finalizing contracts for teachers that expired last July, and approving the apprenticeship program Memoranda of Understanding with teachers and support staff.
NEWS
North Branch Council votes 3-1 to ask Neider to step down
At a special three hour meeting of North Branch City Council April 3 council discussed allegations that Council member Kelly Neider overstepped her authority, put the city in legal jeopardy and violated state law regulating data privacy. On a 3-1 vote council adopted a resolution to request Neider resign voluntarily. Peter Schaps was the lone opposition and when given a chance leading up to the vote for him to contribute questions or concerns he only stated “no comment.”
NEWS
Taylors Falls names Fay Caneday as Steward awardee and grand marshal; tackles long agenda
Taylors Falls City Council was full strength this week for the first time in a few meetings, and everybody applauded the mayor’s choice for the Stewardship Award and Grand Marshal for this summer’s Wannigan Days— Fay Caneday. She stepped forward and put in hundreds of hours addressing a number of tasks that were piling up in the wake of staffing turmoil.
NEWS
Wyoming Police Department to create officer training opportunity for 2025 hiring
If you have a four year post secondary degree and have ever given any thought to working in the field of law enforcement— you might want to look into the City of Wyoming’s Peace Officer Education Training Grant. Public Safety Director and Chief of Police Neil Bauer got the Wyoming city council okay last week to post the program opening, for June.
City of Stacy has first election for merged council
The special election for citizens of the newly-combined City of Stacy seated incumbent Mayor Mark Utecht for a temporary mayoral post (until November 2024) and four council members. Balloting was open Tuesday April 9 and took place at the Lent Town Hall.
NEWS
North Branch opts to stay with no primary
The North Branch City Council has put the idea of reinstituting a municipal primary vote to bed. The matter was submitted for consideration by Council member Peter Schaps, who along with Council member Kelly Neider, supports re-establishing the primary. He stated, “I’d like to see it come back.”
NEWS
Area farmer works on behalf of small farming
Local farmer Kelsey Love Zaavedra testified at the state Capitol right before Easter break in support of a very basic thing that lawmakers can do to improve success for beginner farmers. There are bills being heard in the House and senate that will modify the wording that defines a farmer and the size of a farm eligible for property tax ag credit.
NEWS