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 City clears path for 9,000 square foot addition to Brink’s Market
The Chisago City Council on June 24 approved variances and a design review for a 9,000 sq. ft. building addition to Brink’s Market to be constructed this summer. The addition will accommodate new frozen food and dairy sections, a sushi station and a break room for the store’s staff.
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 [email protected] or call 651-213-2005.
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.
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.
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.
North Branch moves clean up day disposal to township hall west of freeway
The North Branch City Composting Site opens April 26 and the citywide “cleanup day” is also happening that same date— but this year the disposal location for cleanup day items is being moved to west of the freeway, at North Branch Township Hall. The township and city share the same recycling services provider, so the cleanup day location was consolidated to the roomier parcel at North Branch Township Hall.
Chisago County man hurt in Highway 65 crash April 9
State Patrol reported a man from Rush City, driving a Toyota Corolla southbound on Highway 65, April 9, was hit by a northbound Ford pickup truck that crossed over the center. The crash was reported about 3:50 p.m.
If it’s April, it’s time to set your valuation right
This may seem like any other normal springtime in Minnesota, but there are certain people for whom 2025 will stand out, as the year Chisago County reached a market valuation of $10 billion. Staff from the county assessor’s office recently shared their enthusiasm about this major milestone. For those keeping track, there are also 30,000 individual taxable parcels in the county now. There were about half that 25 years ago.
Chisago Lakes Schools referendum information
Another middle school bond vote tour April 12
Only about 12 people took the Chisago Lakes School District up on its offer to tour one of the project sites slated for some of the $64 million in districtwide referendum capital projects being proposed. The Chisago Lakes School District seeks voter approval May 13 to borrow $63.7 million for a host of upgrades, replacements, and repairs of several school district facilities.
Inmate who fled county jail early April 10 back in custody
An internal review has been initiated by the sheriff’s office and county jail staff to determine what may have contributed to the escape of a jail inmate very early Thursday morning April 10. The Chief Deputy said preventive measures will be implemented to avoid future incidents.
Man killed in single car crash in Nessel Township
A male driver appears to have been killed in a single car crash in Nessel Township on Rush Point Drive. Sheriff’s investigators report the man is identified as 27 year old Ethan Dawson of Rosemount. He was alone in his car.
Study on reuse of Lindstrom City Hall shifts to subcommittee review
The four Lakes Area Police Commissioners met last week and set a new start time for their every-other-month meetings of 5:30 p.m. (They have met at 6:30 p.m.) The meetings rotate between Chisago City Hall on even-numbered years and Lindstrom City Hall on odd-numbered years. Because their meeting schedule is every-other-month the commissioners decided a subcommittee should be formed to look over the study on re-using Lindstrom City Hall. The committee members can walk the site with officers, drill deeper into costs and materials. Committee participants were not announced yet, but they will meet with more frequency than the LAPD commission does. Meanwhile, Chisago City Council scheduled a workshop just for city council to hash out its issues, next week. (See Lani Freeman’s report on page 4.)
Five apply for council vacancy
North Branch received names of five people interested in being considered for a vacant city council seat. Travis Miles stepped down when he was hired to be the city human resources generalist, a new position created this year. Council accepted applications until March 28 and there will be a review process, to select an appointee for a little over a year left in Miles’ term.
Online classes for 9-12 grades OK’d in Chisago Lakes
While Chisago Lakes Area School District has previously considered offering a remote learning option — harkening back to the era of stay at home learning during Covid-19 — it took some recent state educational licensing revisions to clear the way.
Chisago Board makes 2025-26 budget revisions
With very little discussion of the proposed budget revisions before them, members of the Chisago Lakes School Board agreed last week on fiscal year 2025-2026 budget revisions. About $880,000 is being trimmed to better align the upcoming year’s budget with enrollment revenue projections and expenditures.
County grants property tax abatement to Stacy power sports business
A new power sports business is going to be built on the west side of I-35 in Stacy, near the Kwik Trip. Acknowledging this is under an ambitious schedule, proposer Nick Simpson says if all goes according to plan the Polaris service and sales could move out of Simpson’s hardware store and into the stand alone site by fall 2025. Site work will get underway to prep the land soon.
County-led projects may see federal funding impacts
The Chisago county engineer and staff are herding a number of long range road designs, and more imminent projects along paths towards completion, like a possible Stacy interchange, right. For the most part things are going well. But one concern has popped up tied to the rebuild of Highway 8.
DRE is timely, productive post
It would be safe to have guessed that the help-wanted ad running when John Hodgkins’ County Deputy position was open, could have sent most job seekers running in the opposite direction.
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