Sewer commission still not embracing invasives removal as pressure mounts
The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District was represented by several members (remotely and in person) attending the Joint Sewer Treatment Commission monthly meeting this week. They were hoping to show support and provide expertise lighting a fire under a long delayed plan of action needed for eradication of a noxious, invasive species of weed with a foothold inside the treatment plant property.
Local districts also hoping for paper forms to be reauthorized
There is a simple wording revision pending in the legislature in House File 31 that could make up for a school funding formula change that has resulted in large, unexpected projected losses of state aid. When the legislative formula for calculating each district’s compensatory aid was re-worded in 2023. The level of compensatory aid sent out to Minnesota districts was specifically tied only to “direct” verification of eligible families for this upcoming school year.
Sunrise Township reinstates blacktop account taxing; Mears takes supervisor seat
The citizens attending the Sunrise Township annual meeting March 11 voted to reactivate a $100,000 property tax collection that had lapsed and was not levied for this year’s taxes.
North Branch school officials make the case for state apprentices
It may have been spring break time for North Branch schools, but the superintendent and school board chair were on active duty last week. The two testified in person, in St Paul in support of a measure being carried by Austin area Representative Patricia Mueller, HF 1538.
NB has council vacancy, apply now
North Branch City Council gave the green light to constructing a storage building at the public works facility and the city will use the proceeds from the sale of the old ambulance garage on Highway 61 and Maple Street to pay for the project. The building is for sale and expected to generate over $300,000. It was used by water and light utility operations most recently, but now is used for storage.
Felony charges filed in Nessel Township crash that left one child dead and six others injured
Felony charges have been filed in connection with a fatal minivan and passenger car crash Friday, March 14 about 6:18 p.m. in Nessel Township, in the north end of Chisago County.
Taylors Falls takes a look at capital projects, again
With the pre-bid meeting scheduled for the end of this week, Taylors Falls City Council again took up discussing the city hall-fire hall new roof and exterior repairs and maintenance projects.
North Branch OK’d for drones
The North Branch Police Department is on its way to incorporating drones, or unmanned aerial devices into its operations. The city council gave Police Chief Dan Meyer the okay last week to proceed on crafting a drone policy and to collect public input and comment.
Man charged in serious Stacy crash September 2024 ordered held in treatment facility
The suspect in a two vehicle crash, in Stacy last fall, that injured several people and sent a child to the hospital with life threatening injuries, has been placed under commitment through the courts.
Fatality reported February 23 in crash involving golf cart
A 91-year-old man sustained fatal injuries February 23, when the golf cart he was operating in the area of Lyons Street and 311th, west of the freeway in Stacy, crashed into a Ford F350. A spokesperson for the sheriff said the investigation is continuing and relatives are being notified. At this time it appears to not have been caused by any illegal activity or behavior and was a tragic accident. The Press will release names later.
Death in Wyoming not linked to foul play
The Wyoming Police are awaiting the medical examiner final report on a deceased male discovered in a snowbank Sunday morning, in the Foxboro Avenue area.
North Branch Council: staffing issues continue
Newly-elected Council member Jeff Goulet participated in last week’s North Branch council meeting via the Internet, while the remaining four city leaders were in person. The meeting got off to a bumpy start when a consent agenda item was singled out and discussed individually later in the meeting. Normally consent items are basic and uncomplicated and are adopted as a slate.
North Branch Police use of deadly force investigation done
A review done of the BCA investigation into the shooting death June 27 of 36-year-old Jamie Crabtree in North Branch, has concluded none of the police action that night justifies a criminal prosecution.
Fatality in fire Sunday night, at Shafer apartments
Sheriff’s officials have confirmed that a woman died, apparently in the fire that consumed a multi-unit building on Redwing Avenue in Shafer, Sunday, February 2. The unidentified female, approximately 60 years old, was recovered at the scene and her name is being withheld until relatives can be notified.
Stacy arena seeks $5 million from state
The top-revenue generator charitable gaming organization based in Chisago County, is seeking $5 million in state aid through a bill authored by Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch). The request in Senate File 312 was introduced January 21.
State charitable gaming data show highs, lows
Of the nearly 20 charitable gaming licensees operating events, pull tabs and bingo games in Chisago County— just two are five star listed, which is the optimal ranking the state awards to charitable gaming operations.
Five years; jail is still a model of collaboration
The goal behind the formation of a group called the Chisago County Collaborative Coalition is to encourage efficiencies in local government. The group brings together interested county and city officials, township leaders, department heads, school district reps and they learn about what’s going on throughout the county.
Taylors Falls City Council revises winter street parking rule; gets roofing costs
The winter overnight street parking rules were revised by the Taylors Falls City Council at the meeting Monday night Jan 27. The time when vehicles are prohibited from city streets (until April 15) is NOW midnight to 6 a.m. The former wording allowed vehicles until 2 a.m. but plow trucks were being dispatched earlier and finding it difficult to clear snow with cars and trucks still parked in their way. Taylors Falls city officials re-wrote the removal time to allow deputies to address the few vehicles that were in the way.
County sets up 2025 road projects
The Chisago County Board contracted with a couple of firms last week to consult on projects that are in the pipeline; such as worn out weirs in the lake lowering system and County Road 16 outside of Taylors Falls, and final touches on County Road 19 —from the new proposed round-about at Lofton Avenue east to Lincoln Trail.
North Branch Council ok’s HR help; bodyworn cameras get required audit; city building put on market
The five city council members in North Branch discussed their shared readiness to move forward last week on resolving city hall work environment issues. But, two members, Peter Schaps and newly elected Jeff Goulet, differed from the other three on the best way to go about this.
Unexpected Company tuning up for adventure overseas; express your support and attend Valentine’s weekend fundraiser shows
This May a few dozen people are off to Scandinavia on a mission that’s been 40 years in-the-making. In 1984 a community adult choir came together in the Chisago Lakes Area organized by a former local high school instructor, Jim Iverson. And ever since then, the Unexpected Company Chorale has never wavered from its goal to be a welcoming place for those who love to sing and want to keep learning and refining their vocal skills. Decades ago as the original 20 or so chorale members set out on this endeavor, who could have predicted the group would develop into a diplomatic force.
State convention puts NB program front and center
Minnesota school board association members are gathering Jan 16 and 17 this week in Minneapolis, at the convention center— and this year North Branch is a featured district in the “Schools of Excellence” showcase. The district six area is represented on the MSBA Board of Directors by Heather Naegele, of North Branch.
Old ‘OJ’ juice plant demo on-deck
A blighted property in Lindstrom is coming down. The old “OJ” juice factory demolition has been awarded to Carl Bolander and Sons. The property is under ownership of Prelude Holdings, its president Phil Dommer said demolition is expected to occur in early 2025.
Chisago Lakes Schools 2025 levy adopted, last year’s audit completed
There were no changes made to the spending and revenue numbers proposed for the 2025-2026 school year, as Chisago Lakes Board members adopted the budget and levy. The estimated increase for the levy that will be billed as property tax in 2025 is 1.6 percent. The local levy collected $11.3 million for this year and goes to about $11.5 million for pay 2025.
US Capitol breach defendant OK’d to travel out of country
One of the defendants in the January 6, 2021 United States Capitol Breach case, Jonah Westbury of Lindstrom, was granted a revised condition of release by the federal judge overseeing his case. He has been on conditional release since his arrest in 2021.
North Branch resident to be sentenced in March for causing girl's death
An incident in the area of Lakeside Memorial Park in Forest Lake last July, where a 17-year-old girl from Stacy died at the scene — has ended in a conviction of Dylan Simmons, 21, of North Branch. He was prosecuted on charges of operating the car that struck the victim.
St. Croix Bridge public comment on EAW goes until December 26; project on track for 2027
Attendees at a public meeting last week held to gather input on the St. Croix River Osceola to MN bridge project, learned an estimated cost to replace the circa 1953 span is estimated from $30 to $45 million. The extremely complex undertaking is slowly making its way through environmental and “constructibility” review aiming to stay on track for a bridge closure in spring 2027 and a new bridge opening in fall 2028. Associated clean-up and related restoration tasks in and around the riverway would happen in 2029.
Lake associations splitting last of recovery funds
With unanimous action last week in awarding nearly $92,000 to several county lake associations— the County Board zeroed out what remains of the American Recovery Program Act funding that had been dedicated to lake water quality.
Wyoming City Council briefs..
The 2025 budget-setting for the City of Wyoming was pretty uneventful last week, with no questions arising during the public taxation hearing held by city council. One business owner questioned her property tax situation during an open forum, but she learned her concerns would be better addressed by the county assessor, who handles market valuation tasks.
Proposed propane tank site approved by County Board
A bulk product facility for LP gas storage has been given the go-ahead unanimously by the County Board. The site proposed by Federated Co-ops Inc. offers tanks on parcels, at Highway 95 and 375th.
North Branch gives major plat the green light
Two thirds of a meeting at North Branch City Hall last week, that exceeded three hours, was dedicated to a preliminary plat and planned unit development (PUD) approvals for a 120-acre housing project; expected to be phased in over the next eight or nine years. The city council previously held a meeting to review the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (story Press October 21) It was explained that the earlier session generated suggestions that were worked into this latest plan and the city continues to meet with the developer on cost sharing for local road improvements needs. Mayor Kevin Schieber said the comprehensive plan itself, and other auxiliary zoning issues, need continued conversation. These will require future meetings and the session last week was just to act on specific Meadows Ridge plat requests.
Wyoming staff see wages adjusted after salary survey
In a less than half-hour long meeting, officials approved a pay adjustment last week for non-union staff in the City of Wyoming.
North Branch budgeting talks go into overtime
Budget woes continue to vex the North Branch City Council. The preliminary tax statements were recently mailed out by Chisago County – based on existing early maximums set in September – and the North Branch 2025 hike is showing up as close to 30 percent. Council member Kelly Nieder made it crystal clear at last week’s budgeting session she is “really struggling with this.”
North Branch’s new city administrator oversees first meeting
The new North Branch city administrator Matthew Hill attended his first city council meeting last week and the council thanked interim city administrator Linda Woulfe for her skill and enthusiasm in helping to run the city while the search went on.
Rush City bus driver sentenced
The Rush City Schools bus driver who drove her morning load of students into a ditch the day after Valentine’s Day last year is ordered to report to jail on the anniversary of the incident. Kara Ffrench, 60, was charged with two counts of DUI and when she entered her guilty plea earlier this year, one count was dismissed. Ffrench has been cooperating with court recommendations.
Lead service lines not major issue here, so far
Cities in Chisago County have submitted their statistics for a comprehensive state-wide lead service line inventory. The collecting of information was part of a program to address health impacts resulting from exposure to lead via community water systems. The good news is there does not appear to be any widespread issues with lead lines here.
Election turnout 90%
In researching the precinct-specific data from the election day voting results for Chisago County, one is left with no doubt the region is heavily Republican; even to the point of nearly zero support for Minnesota’s incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Wyoming City Council brings inspector on-board
The City of Wyoming hired a building inspector last week but accepted a police officer resignation, and council learned of 24-year firefighter JJ Hastings’ immediate retirement. Wyoming is also looking for a skating rink warming house attendant for the coming season, which pays $15 to $17 an hour, so if you like fresh air, and can get along with youth, inquire at city hall.
Jan. 6 Capitol breach defendants’ trial continued
The quartet of local men who are charged with criminal activity during the January 6, 2021 capitol breach have had their trial delayed, yet again. Defense counsel for Jonah, Isaac and Robert Westbury and Aaron James, all of Lindstrom, was granted a motion to continue the expected start of the men’s trial for 60 days. The continuance is permitted due to the defense attorney being activated for National Guard service during a recent hurricane.
Personnel shuffle precedes new administrator arrival in North Branch
Life at North Branch City Hall doesn’t pause just because officials are awaiting the arrival of a new administrator at Chisago County’s largest city. North Branch expects their new hire to be on-board inside of a couple weeks; but personnel matters continue to require attention and the recent resignation of the elections official —who also provided I.T. expertise—has made the situation in North Branch urgent.
Public comes out to comment on plan for hundreds of house lots in North Branch
Meadows Ridge, a housing development of over 300 homes proposed on the north edge of Meadows North, a finished sister neighborhood, was not exactly welcomed with open arms at last week’s North Branch City Council hearing. Over an hour was devoted to taking comment on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet. It was made clear in open comment that North Branch is at the point of pushback on “growth at any cost.”
Chisago Lakes School Board gets update on new school year
The participation rate of students eating breakfast at Taylors Falls School has increased this year to the point where the Chisago Lakes School Board approved hiring an additional food service assistant for three hours each day to help with the program. The Board heard at least 75 percent of all Taylors Falls students participate in free breakfasts; and because service of the morning meal is not staggered, like lunch is, there’s heavy demand at one time.
Early voting shifts to direct machines
The early voting activity at the Chisago County Government Center switched over to “direct” balloting. This means early ‘absentee’ votes from now until just before Election Day, will be entered into and counted in a physical election machine. The hundreds of local paper ballots cast before Friday were sealed and retained in a secure space and these were to go to the Absentee Ballot Board for day-of tallies, explained Chisago County Auditor-Treasurer Bridgitte Konrad.
Short Term Rental ordinance action delayed by council
Taylors Falls is a destination for out-of-towners looking to enjoy winter and summer seasons in the presence of the national scenic riverway and state park areas. The drafting of a city code to regulate short term rentals in Taylors Falls was a stated priority of a mostly new city council, but it‘s proving to be quite the endeavor.
Alford plea in Fish Lake fatal shooting
Sentencing will take place January 22, 2025 in connection with an Alford Plea to two felony counts, entered in a plea hearing before Judge Seabrooks II held October 18.
Fire concerns return with dry fall
Several area fire departments held their annual open house events last weekend and used the opportunity to educate the public about their operations and fire safety mission. Fire Safety Week is also a good time to take a look at local drought factors and the wildfire threat being posed this fall.
North Branch city administrator contract approved
North Branch welcomed its new city administrator October 8, as the full council adopted Matthew Hill’s employment agreement making his start date effective as of November 12. Hill is currently city administrator for Crosby, a town of about 2,000 to 3,000 in Crow Wing County. He was one of three finalists who interviewed for the opening at North Branch. He starts at $150,000 and after the first year the wage goes to $160,000.
Two local cadets participate in ICPOET
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Justice Programs dedicated a $2.5 million line item for two phases of grants meant to attract additional candidates into law enforcement, and from most accounts this program is turning out to be popular.
‘Story coats’ take wearable art to a whole new level
The lower level of the Hallberg Center for the Arts features an exhibit of “story coats” created by rural Stacy resident Carolyn Cagle.
STR owner gives Board assurances
Four of five county commissioners handled a short agenda last week with Commissioner Jim Swenson absent.
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