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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
North Branch says goodbye to Flock
Back in May, the North Branch City Council authorized the police to enter into a contract for Flock brand automatic license plate readers (ALPR) to be used in the city limits. The vote then was 3-2. Council okayed seven devices, three of which were installed but had not been activated, as public pushback gained momentum. Council has since taken a second look at the ALPR system and August 12 North Branch officially backed away from using the law enforcement tool.
Chisago County names their Farm Family of the Year
The Chisago County Farm Family of the Year was probably selected by the Extension Committee to represent agriculture in this area more for their promotion of community spirit than the production of their farm.
New plan for Old Town unveiled
A stripped-down version of an infrastructure project that North Branch hopes to accomplish in the “old town” section, northwest of Central Park, will be pursued. The city’s engineering consultant was asked by council last week to return with a new plan, after council had set aside improvements that have been presented.
Wyoming OK’s site plan for fire hall
The Wyoming City Fire Hall alterations site plan came before the city council and won approval last week. The new footprint calls for a setback variance on the Felton Avenue side. The building will need minor additions and also will feature a hose drying tower, when the fire department takes over use of the whole structure, as city offices relocate south to the new city hall.
County Board tackles data center moratorium and orders cleanup of property
The county commissioners unanimously declared a property in Rushseba Township to be a public health hazard and last week they ordered the process of cleanup to begin.
Taylors Falls outlaws Flock devices for year; looking into city hall security measures
The Taylors Falls city council was confronted this week with the trifecta of hot topics—the reality of active shooter concerns, the controversy over Flock license plate reader use and persistent rumors over a potential data center in town.
Municipal, school board filings close
The filing period for municipal offices and school board positions closed at the end of day July 28 and there appears to be great interest in a couple races, but mostly the election in November will be incumbents or possibly even write-in candidates.
LAPD levy for next year kept just under 3% hike
Lakes Area Police Commission checked-off one of its to-do boxes last week when the 2027 budget was adopted. The budget numbers need to be accepted into the Chisago City and Lindstrom levy process; in time for proposed taxes to go to the county for preliminary 2027 tax statements this fall.
Hazelden Betty Ford nursing strike resolved
The nurses working at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation campus in Center City, have settled with the organization, according to the Minnesota Nurses’Association. The Hazelden nurse staff voted to join the association in January 2025 and initiated an unfair labor practices strike this July 15. (Press photo July 23)
Wyoming council to work with EDA on municipal building; lease fire storage space
The Wyoming municipal offices, fire hall remodel and associated expenses became much more real last week as the city council acted on lease revenue bonding for money to finance the work, and agreed to a lease with Hallberg storage for space to relocate the fire operations. Council also signed the construction management contract with Kraus Anderson.
County-union still no closer to agreement
The county negotiating team and the Teamsters Local 320 union representatives did not come to any terms after a mediation session called late last week at the Bureau of Mediation Services.
North Branch discusses ending leaf pick up
For nearly 30 years residents in North Branch have had their seasonal leaf debris vacuumed up in spring and fall. You rake the leaves into your property street-frontage and the city makes the leaves disappear.
Charges filed in 2025 fentanyl overdose death
Two people alleged to have provided fentanyl that caused the death of Cole Letexier, 24, a little over a year ago were before Judge Jesse Seabrooks III online Monday this week, to hear about bail terms. Both continue to be held.
Sno Barons request expanded uses of rural event site; action tabled for detail
The Hay Days event, a motorsports extravaganza held in September every year, is run by the Sno Barons Snowmobile Club, and the club has applied for a permit from the county to expand allowed uses on the 100-acres plus just outside of Almelund. Sno Barons is asking for 15 events in addition to the weekend now allowed for Hay Days. The request is termed a Commercial Recreation conditional use permit (CUP). The Sno Barons operate Hay Days under a Rural Retail Tourism permit currently.
DOWN GOES THE DINNERBEL
Razing the old Peninsula Hotel/Dinnerbel building and Meredee’s Restaurant in Lindstrom was handled last week and early this week by Gustafson Excavating; and through the eyes of the casual observer it appeared things went smoothly. After sitting empty for about eight years, subjected to smashed windows and trespassers that generated dozens of calls to the local authorities, the building is no more.
Workshop brings engineers, city to brainstorm together
Commuters heading to their weekend retreats in Wisconsin last Friday may have noticed a group of people in neon-yellow safety vests along the shoulder at the Taylors Falls-Highway and Highway 95 intersection. The group was meeting on-site, in person to share ideas and concerns on ways to address the myriad of issues the intersection presents.
Citizens push for ALPR backtrack
Are automated license plate readers a nefarious tool that makes it easy to abuse private information — or should ALPRs be embraced by law enforcement especially when seeking out bad actors?
Wyoming city remodel projects awarded
With one city council member opposed, the Wyoming city hall and law enforcement/fire hall facilities plan took a giant step forward last week with contractors being awarded bids to get started on renovation tasks.
Louisiana Pacific project gets underway in North Branch
Bringing Louisiana Pacific’s largest finishing facility to North Branch was a group effort, and there was indeed a group that celebrated in a groundbreaking Tuesday this week. The plant is LP’s fourth finishing process location, where building materials are colored using a palette of 22 shades and special finishes are applied to siding etc. The materials then are ready to install, don’t need painting and, according to the LP spokespersons are basically carbon neutral and store more carbon than the processing emits. There will be 125 jobs created at a living wage.
Taylors Falls Mayor not seeking re-election
The big news out of the Taylors Falls City Council meeting Monday this week is the mayor’s announcement he is not seeking re-election. Brandon Wieberg waited until the very end of Monday’s meeting to briefly declare he has been honored to serve the community but he thinks it is time to step aside. Filing for municipal offices begins in about two weeks.
County Board briefs...
It was impossible to ignore the fact there is an employee strike underway at Chisago County; as overflow crowds spilled out of the County Board meeting room last week, and streetcurbside and parking lot spaces were filled at the Government Center.
Highway 8 comments needed by July
The Minnesota Department of Transportation hosted an open house last week to bring citizens up to date on plans being drafted for future projects on Highway 8.
Chisago Lakes school board gets early look at critical deferred projects
The Chisago Lakes School Board got some details last week on proceeding with projects which have been deferred with the exception of major work needed at the middle school. The middle school will be a stand alone referendum in the near future, Supt. Brian Dietz stated.
Taylors Falls gets visit from state lawmaker
State Representative Max Rymer R-North Branch attended the Taylors Falls city council meeting last week to review two requests he was asked to push in the latest session of the legislature. One was successful and Rymer said it was a great feeling to be able to directly assist the city in accomplishing this. The city will get funds for a key sewer system repair through a $1.5 million grant from the state infrastructure bonding bill. “Constituent service is my favorite part” of the job, Rymer told council.
Pastor’s passion for peony plants prompts public picnic
When Pastor Kevin Schumann moved into Taylors Falls a little over 30 years ago he was not sure which plants would work best in his yard; but the dilemma was easily resolved. It didn’t take long to realize the city had a deer problem. He observed the deer ignoring peony plants while mowing down gardening favorites, like Hostas and phlox and thus began a relationship with the peony.
Wyoming City Council okays cannabis requests, hires Community Service Officer
Two applications related to recreational cannabis businesses came before the Wyoming City Council and were approved. The grow operation approved earlier for 269th Street was allowed to add two greenhouses. No retail is being allowed on this site.
NB council hears everyday heroes need to be celebrated
Nearly all of last week’s North Branch City Council meeting was dedicated to discussing a possible Tax Increment Financing plan for a senior housing project, but council did give time to a proclamation marking this as the 100th year of the Midsummer Days celebration and declaring a week to honor local heroes.
When purpose, passion are behind the uniform
Over the course of decades with Lakes Area Police Department Detective Mike Merchlewitz received numerous personal letters of thanks, career awards and other recognition which he truly valued, he explains. His motivation to wear the uniform was founded on helping others and then, as a detective, in “bringing a measure of closure in challenging circumstances.”
Taylors Falls gets sewer project aid
The inspection of the Taylors Falls standpipe reservoir system for the municipal water supply came back with a few recommendations for maintenance needs— but overall the long overdue once-over was positive. Council member Tim Grote, public works liaison, reported to city council last week no follow-up inspection is recommended for another five years, adding this outcome “makes me very happy.”
County ARMER radio users, subscribers to be signing up soon
If you think the physical first responder and emergency radio system is complex, how about the process of setting a fee the county needs to charge to implement the looming equipment upgrade and replacement plan. Support for existing equipment phased out in 2019, and the slow fade when parts are still somewhat available is at its end.
Road construction season full speed ahead
The proposed newly aligned intersection for Pleasant Valley Road at Highway 95 in Franconia Township is moving forward with a big financial boost from the LRIP fund. Chisago County Engineer Joe Triplett shared a notice with the county commissioners that the county had won the Local Road Improvement Program funds of $500,000, appropriated through the state legislature.
Budget workshop scrutiny of county Teamsters contract terms
The county commissioners get together in a monthly work session every second Wednesday to devote an entire informal discussion to budgeting and capital needs. No action is taken, but if there’s sufficient information and consensus the item goes to a regular County Board business agenda. (Regular business meetings are the first and third Wednesdays at night.)
North Branch inks three year contract with Superintendent
The North Branch Area Schools Superintendent contract was adopted for another three years, by the school board, last week. The vote was 4-0 with members Naegele and Trampe absent.
Attempted murder alleged in Wyoming assault
The Chisago County Attorney’s office is pursuing first degree attempted murder charges against a 73 year old Wyoming male, arrested by Wyoming Police on May 11.
Building materials company to locate in North Branch
Louisiana Pacific’s new facility in North Branch will be welcomed and celebrated with a groundbreaking hosted by the company, June 23 on the new plant site site in the Interstate Business Park.
North Branch okays Flock license plate readers on split vote
The North Branch City Council split 3-2 on approving the use of automated license plate readers and contracting with equipment and service provider Flock for $3,000 per camera for seven devices at various well-travelled routes. Exact sites for the readers are still being worked out, council was advised.
Two tragic deaths: two defendants await day in court
Two local cases are making their way through the courts, both involving loss of life and alleged perpetrators who are in various states of mental disorder. The criminal proceedings are set aside while the civil system clarifies the best way to proceed.
County board welcomes new HHS Director; accepts water patrol grant for PWC
The newly-hired Health and Human Services Director for Chisago County attended the May 6 Board meeting after just a few days on the job. Vickie Goulette succeeds Robert Benson, who retired at the end of January. She introduced herself and her mission was to observe the HHS portion of the regular agenda, she added. Most Minnesota county social services departments are in a stand-by mode until the state legislature completes its work and funding levels and local program assistance can be finalized.
Wyoming resolves state flag controversy, will facilitate Liberty Ponds septics loan
The gathering storm over whether to accept or reject Minnesota’s new state flag has been calmed in Wyoming. The city council voted 5-0 last week simply to not fly any state symbols. City owned parcels and flagpoles will display only an American stars-and-stripes flag and a city flag.
Old jail site sold
With Commissioner Jim Swenson participating online to avoid conflict with picketing union employees — the full Chisago County Board agreed last week to terms for the sale of the old jail site. All along the street leading to the Government Center union members involved in the Teamsters strike had launched a presence, with vertical message pennants lining the access to the courthouse, roadside signage about unity, and the unmistakable giant inflatable “fat cat.”
County strike in work-stop phase
Monday, May 4 was the first full workday impacted by the effects of a county employee strike. Teamsters Local 320 has previously entered mediation, issued intent to strike press releases and union representatives have spoken during public forum at County Board meetings, but the actual work stoppage started Friday, May 1 at 4:25 p.m.— the end of the regular work week for the Health and Human Services and Government Center Professionals.
Access granted
You can find grocery stores and gas stations providing their goods all hours of the day and night, ATM locations can put cash in your hand 24/7 So, why not libraries? The notion of extended access to the atmosphere and inventory of public libraries actually got its start overseas in Denmark, more than 10 years ago. Extended hour access has been offered in select library systems in the Twin Cities metro region since 2021. And now, the Wyoming Giese Memorial Library is on the list.
The sky’s the limit for high school elective
Not only does North Branch High School offer one of only three Junior ROTC Air Force programs in the state; this year the district is wrapping up its first full slate of aviation curriculum, which none of the JRROTC groups offer.
Strike intent notice draws operations revisions resulting in Unfair Labor Practice filing
The next deadline affecting the Chisago County employee unrest arrives this Friday, May 1, when the union’s notice of intent to strike expires. The timeframe will either be extended by request of the Teamsters Local 320— or there could be a counter-offer submitted and talks would resume based on actual numbers. County officials are waiting for the union response to the most recent contract terms to be submitted formally. The contract in question began January 1 2026 and would go through 2027.
Wyoming Council awards 2026 streets bid
The vote was 5-0 last week to award the Wyoming 2026 phase of multi-year street improvements to North Valley contractors, as the low bid of six received. Bids ranged from $1,358,926 to $1.6 million.
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