Highway 8 pair of projects advance
There are two separate Highway 8 points-of-focus in the public eye concurrently. One affects the west end from Forest Lake to Karmel in Chisago City, and the other impacts the segment from Chisago City to the Wisconsin border.
North Branch council supports less intense use of old main street school block
The long vacant North Branch Main Street lot, where a vintage brick schoolhouse once stood, was approved for a quartet of proposed apartment buildings. Existing zoning did not allow for “multiple” buildings in that zone, and last week the North Branch City Council changed that part of the code, on a 5-0 vote. The amendment was sought by a developer in support of four structures, each two stories. A total of 32 units with 88 parking spaces is under planning review for the 2.4 acre lot.
Solar battery storage environmental review underway until October
Things are silent for now regarding the solar battery project proposed near the Xcel Substation, as an environmental assessment is getting underway. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission announced the environmental assessment is due sometime in October 2025 at which time public meetings will be convened.
Academy foreclosure premature, school year untouched for 2025
Normally in community journalism “news” is when something is happening or about to happen; but in this case the news is a private school operating in Chisago County since 2015 is not going defunct.
Wheelage tax going to double
County commissioners voted 5-0 to double the wheelage tax that is collected when you register a vehicle purchase or renew registration (tabs) in Minnesota. The county’s wheelage tax has been set at $10 for years and state law allows for it to go to $20 maximum, which is what the County Board enacted last week. The law also requires the amount be set by August and goes into effect the following January.
Franconia is home to Farm Family of the Year
The 2025 Chisago County Farm Family of the Year is not in its purist sense, a “farm” family. And even though their Rust Hill Ranch is not yet providing a full time living wage; members of the county Extension Committee, who select the annual Farm Family, embraced Becky and Matthew Hardy all the same.
Budget just at beginning phase for Lakes Area Police Department
A Lakes Area Police Commission subcommittee continues looking into re-use of Lindstrom City Hall for a law enforcement facility— while the Commission met in regular session last week to handle the usual department business.
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.
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.
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.
Karl Oskar Days Ambassador has a plan
Taylor Thorvaldson is an Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes candidate
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chisago Lakes Board to hold open listening session July 17
Citizens are encouraged to attend a Chisago Lakes School Board “Listening Session” July 17. The Board will be available for taking comments and questions in a 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. timeframe in the Lakeside School Media Center. The Board then meets in regular session in the Board room in a wing of the same building at 6 p.m.
Outdoor cultivation sites clear local hurdles
Outdoor cannabis cultivation proposed for two five-acre fields in Chisago County have complied with a local review as part of a state licensing process. The county is required to certify zoning and land use regulations are being met for the sites, which Environmental Services Director Kurt Schneider says has been completed.
County engineer updates Board
The roadwork approved for 2025 construction season is progressing well despite some episodes of heavy rainfall, according to County Engineer Joe Triplett. He gave the county commissioners an update at the regular meeting last week.
License plate readers in Wyoming die on a tie vote with one absent
The Wyoming City Council was missing a member last week and a vote to authorize the police to enter into a lease for license plate readers to be positioned in four locations — died on a tie vote. Mayor Lisa Iverson and Council member Brett Ohnstad voted yes and Council members Linda Nanko-Yeager and Claire Luger opposed the lease and Council member Dennis Schilling was absent.
Taylors Falls OK’s bonding for projects, fire rig; approves retail cannabis applicant
With all five members in attendance the Taylors Falls City Council Monday night this week approved moving forward on sale of $1.6 million bonding through Ehlers public financing advisors, for city hall projects and major fire department equipment purchases. The firm will now market debt and report back on the best bids and most favorable interest rates of responding interested investors. The council voted for a 20 year bond life span. The payments for a speeded up 15 year pay-off were perceived as too costly, coming in about $20,000 more annually than what the city can expect in yearly debt service over 20 years. The first payment is not until 2026.
Post legislative session, county needs ‘political courage’
Freshman State Representative Max Rymer, R-North Branch, visited the Chisago County Board last week to summarize, and take feedback on, the outcome of the legislative session. He agreed when county commissioners complained that counties should expect financial burdens due to state actions. “My concern,” Rymer said, “is we balanced the budget on the backs of schools and counties.” He continued, saying his door “is always open” and he hopes to work with local elected officials on impacts of actions taken by the state and discuss the best uses of resources.
North Branch 2024 audit triggers carryover discussion
The 2024 audit of North Branch city finances raised a couple issues with non-compliance but for the most part, North Branch has a healthy fiscal situation. The city was advised the receipts needed to support credit card bills were missing in some cases and the cash reconciliation process needs improvements.
Watershed District managers confront next year budget issues
A number of local agencies and government units are embarking on their 2026 budget planning a little extra early. The fiscal ocean is shaping up to be more difficult to navigate than usual— coupled with unknown state aid.
Wildcat Academy to open in September
Chisago Lakes School District opened up enrollment a few weeks ago for a new distance education opportunity, dubbed Wildcat Academy, and the roll was to be close to being finalized by the end of May. The district reports 20 students have signed up for the first session this fall. Director of Teaching and Learning Sarah Schmidt said any families who may still be considering remote classes for students in grades 9 to 12 can still contact her. The e-mail is sschmidt@isd2144.org or call 651-213-2005.
County opioid grants entering second round
It’s time for the second round of grant funding to be dispersed by the Opioid Action Council through final recommendations that will be approved by the Chisago County Board. There‘s $200,000 available for this total round.
Sentence handed down in dual-death crash
The 64-year-old driver of a vehicle that crossed the centerline on Pioneer Trail, rural Wyoming in 2024 resulting in two fatalities—was sentenced last week to perform community work service.
North Branch trail out for bids; more info needed on zone issue
The North Branch City Council did some lengthy review last week of a development that has single family homes included into a denser multiple residential zone (R3) and whether or not to revise city code to allow for this— or clarify the city’s guiding document be revised to not allow for this.
Ice arena to partner with district, use grant
Someday soon there could be a space created inside of the unfinished hockey arena in Stacy, where an active caring environment will be open for youngsters, while their parents and guardians are earning a living. A $500,000 grant funneled through the Minnesota Department of Education has been earmarked and is “moving along’ according to a spokesperson at MDE. She said policy is that the department is unable to provide details until the grant is in the awardee’s hands — in this case the North Branch Area Hockey Association.
Lindstrom preps for midsummer festivities
Lindstrom City Council met May 21 for a regular meeting. Council member David Waldoch was absent.
Active year for SBDC in county
Calling it “one of the best things we do for business” Chisago County Small Business Development Center presenter Nancy Hoffman gave the County Board a yearly summary last week. She explained who the center serves and what they are looking for.
County board gets update on digital permit system, latest on road projects
The county environmental services director told the county commissioners last week there’s a few kinks in the new digital building permits and zoning applications system, but efficiencies are being experienced even at this partial level of implementation. Kurt Schneider said the electronic inspection appointments function has been turned off for now, because it isn’t functioning as he’d like.
LAPD project second analysis
Little progress to report — This about sums up any news out of last week’s Lakes Area Police Commission meeting.
Taylors Falls tables cannabis license action
What do you do when one advisory body recommends action on a decision pending before you, and a second advisory group wants a delay? Taylors Falls city council this week unanimously chose the directive from the Economic Development Commission (EDC) to delay voting on two cannabis licenses being made available in ordinance. At least for six months.
Taylors Falls raises sewer and water rates immediately
A couple of action items did come out of the Taylors Falls city council session this week, in addition to prolonged discussion about a cannabis related issue. (See story starting on page 1.)
North Branch wants more detail on 75 house plan
A preliminary plat for 75 single family homes, potentially 167 apartments in a collection of buildings and seven future commercial lots, tied to a request to amend a portion of residential development code, were both tabled at last week’s North Branch City Council meeting. Council agreed 5-0 they need more information.
Government center expansion to proceed
The County Board made a huge decision relatively quickly last week and a project proposed to add space to the current government center is advancing. The commissioners were advised this is a fork in the road and it’s time to opt to either remain in the existing Center City building, on the lake in Center City, or launch a major new construction project elsewhere. They chose the former.
North Branch Board reviewing firearm incident response, teen petitioned to juvenile court
The North Branch School Board May 8 had a chance to briefly discuss a high school lockdown that happened just two days before the regular Board meeting.
North Branch council initiating review of city comprehensive plan
North Branch is embarking on a process to review and update the city Comprehensive Plan. In his first few months at the helm at city hall North Branch, Administrator Matthew Hill advised council in their special meeting April 29, that the comp plan is approaching the usual point where plans benefit from being looked at, which is at least every 10 years. North Branch’s existing plan is from 2018.
Taylors Falls audit gives detailed look at 2024
Taylors Falls is catching up on addressing simple accounting findings that audits have partially attributed to staffing turmoil in city hall a few years ago. The last two yearly audit reports, contrary to main street rumor, have not revealed any deep concerns about funds, their use or the city’s fiscal security. The city did overspend its budgeted $802,000 by about $60,000, however.
Update from school board on North Branch high school replica firearm incident
It’s never good when the superintendent starts off her remarks to the School Board saying, “I wish we didn’t have to do this.” May 8 North Branch Supt. Sara Paul gave Board members a brief rundown and summary of what has come out of the debriefing on the active shooter threat at the high school May 6 that resulted in a lockdown.
Court date is June 4 in connection with drug bust in early April
A 37-year-old Wyoming woman is due back in court June 4 on four felony charges of possessing two handguns that she is prohibited from having, and authorities allege 9.5 grams of fentanyl, 47 grams of cocaine and 25 grams of meth were found in her residence and vehicle, as the result of a traffic stop and search warrant executed April 8. She has been released on bail.
Taylors Falls council deliberating number of cannabis licenses
Entrepreneurs interested in purchasing the “MINNDOT LOT” on main street in Taylors Falls have basically stayed on the sidelines for years – that is until recreational adult use cannabis became legal in Minnesota. The proximity of Taylors Falls to what developers look at as a clamoring Wisconsin market, now makes investment in Taylors Falls much more attractive. One buyer hoping to acquire the parcel, Aaron Boshart of Cannabis and Glass or “C&G” explained at this week’s city council meeting his experience has been that locating cannabis retail shops on border sites is very lucrative for this industry. C&G has outlets or “dispensaries” in Oregon and Iowa and is hoping for a projected five sites max in Minnesota.
Projects tour exposes cobbled nature of the high school
To the casual observer, Chisago Lakes High School doesn’t look like it needs about $29 million worth of TLC, but people taking a tour of the site last week were advised many issues to be addressed are hidden in building systems and structure. Pipes, air handlers, wiring, alarms, lighting, rooftops, are priorities for this upcoming May 13 ballot asking taxpayers to allow the district to borrow $63.7 million.
Lindstrom tax credit apartments move forward on city owned lot
Lindstrom City Council met April 16 for a regular meeting. All members were present.
Wyoming cannabis muni gets green light
The City of Wyoming is going into the retail adult use cannabis business.
County aid and industrial arts make for productive partners
Students put new skills to work using real time manufacturing technology
“What goes around comes around.” The Chisago Lakes High School industrial arts program gave back to the county recently, in a nice full circle moment. Chisago Lakes was one of several educational grant recipients, a couple years ago as Chisago County dispersed a portion of American Recovery Act/Covid 19 funding.
CL School Board report
Chisago Lakes School Board at their meeting April 17, approved the contract for Local 284 service staff, retroactive to July 1 2024 and running through the end of June 2026. The Human Resources Director commented that the total increase, with enhancement to insurance and other considerations, is 10.86 percent over the two years.
CLJSTC takes first step towards pond, phragmites remediation
Is a bird in the hand really worth two in the bush, or in this case, the reeds? For the Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission the answer, after lengthy discussion about using a trusted engineering firm versus somebody new, was yes.
Council: Motel debris enforcement; bond package for fire truck
Taylors Falls council adopted a resolution Monday night this week on a 5-0 vote officially designating the burned-down Springs Inn as a “hazardous building.” This starts the clock ticking on abatement of piles of debris remaining at the site, and notifies the property owner the city has set a deadline for seeing a demolition/cleanup application, by April 28.
Prev Next