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.
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.
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.
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.
Fatality in I-35 crash Tuesday
The Minnesota State Patrol is reporting a single vehicle crash on I-35 near where Viking Boulevard crosses over the freeway April 28, resulted in a fatality of the passenger. The driver was injured. Wyoming police and fire assisted the state patrol at the scene.
Old versus new state flag debate resurfaces in Taylors Falls
The hot local government topic this spring is shaping up to be ‘to fly or not to fly’ the new state flag. The issue consumed a good portion of the Taylors Falls City Council meeting Monday this week, despite members initially expressing that there are more important city concerns. It also surfaced at Wyoming.
Wyoming council meets short-handed in 15 minute council session last week
With Council member Brett Ohnstad and Mayor Lisa Iverson absent last week, the Wyoming City Council handled an abbreviated agenda. The public comment portion of the meeting was the main focus of what was a 15 minute timeframe. Public comment featured a citizen complaint about the state flag, which was adopted in 2024 in a re-design effort overseen by a state emblem design commission appointed in 2023.
Gains in NB 2025 grad rate good news
The school year is entering its final few weeks, and the data for last year’s graduation rates have just been released by the state. There are dozens of reasons for the class of 2025 grad rates increasing, depending on who you ask; but districts are celebrating these measurements of education success however it comes.
North Branch council delays votes on ALPR
The North Branch Chief of Police was asking for the city council to approve a policy for utilizing license plate readers, and for the authorization to contract for the $21,000 service and council just wasn’t ready to act last week. With member Patrick Meacham absent, the vote was unanimous to table the reader policy and contract for more information.
No resolution at county impasse
Neither side in the stalled-out contract negotiations between the Teamsters 320 local and Chisago County leaders is happy with the process— and the impasse on the two-year contract has now resulted in temporary closure of the North Branch satellite HHS offices.
North Branch county commissioner not filing for re-election
Chisago County District 1 Commissioner Jim Swenson announced this week he will not be on the ballot for re-election in November. His plan is to finish out his term which ends the last day of 2026.
Time of year to get valuation, class for property tax right
In looking over the property tax statements that came in the mail recently, if you have a concern or think maybe the taxation officials are missing relevant information, this is the time of year when you can ask questions directly and potentially alter your tax bill. You may contact county offices at any time of the year— but the orderly process to review your market valuation and property class starts this month. The Board of Review calendar fires up in days and this is where your local elected officials rule if your property has been “fairly valued.”
Louisiana Pacific project clears TIF hurdle
The to-do list to bring a massive Louisiana Pacific manufacturing facility into the North Branch Interstate Business Park is growing shorter with last week’s council action unanimously establishing a Tax Increment Financing District modification and Plan.
Lakes Area drone fleet gets boost
The Lakes Area Police Commission last week gratefully accepted a donation of several thousand dollars from the Maranatha Church congregation in Chisago City, to be used for the new drone program. Lakes Area Chief Schlumbohm said the funds are sufficient to get four drone units and cover the related costs to license etc. The goal for the department is to have five available in the fleet. This donation puts the department “well on our way,” according to what the chief told the commission.
Wyoming opts for fire truck rehab, OKs cannabis business
The ladder truck used by the Wyoming Fire Department will be in the shop for an extended stay, come a few months from now. Council approved spending over a quarter of a million on refurbishment. Member Schilling was absent, as council voted 4-0 last week to spend $296,882 on an engine rebuild and associated body, seals and equipment needs rather than spend about $2 million for a replacement.
Emergency radios early contract talks on-deck
The county commissioners have asked staff to write a leasing plan to go out for review by local emergency response departments and government entities on the ARMER network.
North Branch gets go-ahead on ALPR
The North Branch Police hope to subscribe to the automated license plate reader service that the other law enforcement agencies in Chisago County currently utilize. The devices are installed by and linked to the “Flock” data system. They communicate with a database of license plate numbers identified for various reasons. The list is generated from license revocations, cancellations, suspensions, vehicle theft, vehicles used in suspected abductions, warrants sought on registered owners, and other triggers.
Taylors Falls council tackles full agenda
The luck of the Irish was with Taylors Falls City Council at their meeting on the day before St. Patrick’s Day. Council learned the insurance premium is below-budget and the city got a grant from the National Association of Realtors that will save expenditures for finalization of an on-going city branding effort.
County HHS employees do not accept latest contract
Workers in the Teamsters union group with Health and Human Services for Chisago County informed the County Board of a strike vote. Numerous union supporters with signs, (see photo) attended the Board meeting March 18. Local 320 Union Business Agent Amy Perusse spoke during an open microphone at the end of the meeting. She gave a statement and the audience members held signs high and exited silently.
County Board will record meetings, minus open mic
The meetings of the Chisago County Board will be recorded and likely available on the county website in archive materials. The county commissioners have treaded very deliberately on recording meetings in numerous discussions over the last few years, and as about 50 percent of Minnesota counties moved ahead creating recorded databases, Chisago remained reluctant.
Cartel connection with area man facing sentencing
A Chisago County man is among several drug traffickers being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in connection with arrests tied to methamphetamine and illegal narcotics networks connected to the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel.
State will move drivers’ test from Lindstrom to Chisago City in 2027; Kendall Howard seeks $1.7 million subsidy to expand
Discussion of the proposed location of the Lakes Area Police Department headquarters was not on the agenda but, nevertheless, played a part in Chisago City’s Feb. 24 council meeting.
Design services OK’d for Old Town
The North Branch Northwest Old Town area projects— that have been on and off the work plan for over 20 years; and recently put on the back burner again, will see some more research done and a couple property owner meetings will be held in coming weeks.
Joint sewage treatment officials looking to reduce chloride in discharge
The Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission discussed the chloride limits contained in its treatment plant permit last week in light of data that exceeded the allowed amount— before fines began to be imposed.
North Branch leads permit activity, Wyoming in second
New construction activity in Chisago County in 2025 came to well over 2,000 permits issued from the county alone, with another several hundred from North Branch and Wyoming— which provide their own municipal building permitting and inspection services.
Facade grant OK’d for North Branch business
If you notice some building improvement work happening at the former taxidermy business site on main street in North Branch, it’s all part of the facade grants the city offers businesses in the core. The program was begun with $75,000 and the structure at 6354 Main Street is the third project to have received some funding.
Remodel projects awarded for ISD 138
The plans to free-up classroom space for growing enrollment in Sunrise Elementary School, by relocating first graders to the education center facility, are closer to reality.
North Branch seeks percentage of charitable gaming for parks, rec
The first meeting of North Branch Council on their new night and time, (second and fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m.) was called to order last week by the vice mayor, Robert Canada with Mayor Kevin Schieber absent.
Carp harvest part of invasives program
The ice fishing scene in the south end of the county took on a whole new look, as researchers and water resources staff late last week implemented a box net carp harvest on North Lindstrom Lake.
North Branch renewal of levy up for vote
The taxpayers in the North Branch Area Public Schools District will be going to the polls Tuesday, February 10. The voters are asked to renew an existing levy that is slated to expire in 2027. The district got this special approval in 2017, and the property tax collected has been used to fund dedicated technology needs. The district will continue to earmark proceeds towards technology and security systems and devices.
Chisago Lakes referendum vote Feb. 10
Chisago Lakes District 2144 taxpayers will be voting February 10 on authorizing financing in order to pay for a list of projects the district hopes to complete over the next two to three years.
Cannabis ordinance revisions debated; multiple items acted on
The North Branch City Council engaged in a lengthy discussion last week on possible revisions to the city cannabis retail ordinance. The topic was accredited to Council member Robert Canada and subcommittee review. Matthew Hill, city administrator, said the added scrutiny stems from the city’s earlier discussion about a location for a cannabis retailer, on Isanti Trail. Referencing a state law that requires consideration of one cannabis site for a city up to 12,500 population, council noted North Branch could hit 12,501 in a relatively short timespan, possibly generating a second request to sanction a chosen location for cannabis sales. The actual license is issued by the State of Minnesota.
County asking to raise sales tax
Chisago county currently has a half-cent sales tax in effect and last week the County Board agreed to ask the state for enabling legislation to bring this to a full cent. The county has collected around $3.6 million from the half-cent tax revenues and staff told the commissioners this would go to $7.2 million if doubled. Revenues would continue to be designated for road and bridge expenditures.
Highway prep starts
There is a powerline pole-structure on Highway 8 that has to be relocated before the highway improvements begin in earnest. If you notice activity at Juno Court/James Avenue in coming months the powerline is not being affected, but the pole must be moved. Xcel does not expect to have to halt power for the project.
Wyoming street projects going to bid on-schedule
The Wyoming City Council was assured last week the police department is not having anything to do with immigration control and enforcement operations.
Old town road improvements tabled by North Branch City Council again
North Branch has moved the northwest old town road improvements project to the proverbial back burner, again. Council voted unanimously to have WSB engineering look into some concerns that have surfaced on costs, re-evaluating size of pipes, stormwater handling issues and more— and the city council decided to wait on ordering final specifications to go out for bid this winter.
LAPD commission sends new recommendation to cities
An obstacle was cleared last week, but many still remain in the Lakes Area Police Commission’s seemingly endless quest for a new public safety facility. The police commission consisting of two officials from each member city took years to analyze possible locations and then develop a preferred plan, ending up with a new facility in the central part of the police response service area on Karmel Avenue, in Chisago City.
Local federal charges filed against male who cyberstalked North Branch High School students
An indictment announced by the U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen has local connections; and investigators are asking for North Branch High School students who may have encountered suspicious on-line behavior to get in touch with federal authorities. There is an FBI tipline at 1-800-225-5324.
Highway 95 projects set for this summer
The Chisago County Board signed off on an agreement with the state January 6, finalizing cost-sharing for a spring 2026 project to re-align Pleasant Valley Road at Highway 95 in Franconia Township.
Taylors Falls acts on fees, names Steward awardee
The full Taylors Falls City Council met to organize for the year on Monday night this week and fees were addressed for the first time in a few years. The increases reflect actual costs better, and staff said a couple fees needed to be eliminated for being obsolete or covered by another revenue source. The full listing is available at city hall. Fees range from the new $10 license (was $5) to hunt deer in city limits to hundreds of dollars for land use permits.
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