City administrator search firm proposals sought
The search for a permanent North Branch City administrator has been somewhat derailed for a few months, but got back-on-track last week, with city council directing staff to bring forward search firm proposals. Council wants to see several pitches and find a search firm they feel comfortable with.
Soccer program approaches season under cloud of controversy
The busy season for area youth soccer teams is fast-approaching and leaders of the Lakes United Futbol program are feeling some extra pressure, in addition to the usual rush of getting schedules aligned, registering athletes and seeing that fields are in shape.
North Branch School Board settles contract, cutting edge apprenticeship program under state review
‘Agreement’ was the word of the night at last week’s North Branch School Board meeting— with action finalizing contracts for teachers that expired last July, and approving the apprenticeship program Memoranda of Understanding with teachers and support staff.
North Branch Council votes 3-1 to ask Neider to step down
At a special three hour meeting of North Branch City Council April 3 council discussed allegations that Council member Kelly Neider overstepped her authority, put the city in legal jeopardy and violated state law regulating data privacy. On a 3-1 vote council adopted a resolution to request Neider resign voluntarily. Peter Schaps was the lone opposition and when given a chance leading up to the vote for him to contribute questions or concerns he only stated “no comment.”
Taylors Falls names Fay Caneday as Steward awardee and grand marshal; tackles long agenda
Taylors Falls City Council was full strength this week for the first time in a few meetings, and everybody applauded the mayor’s choice for the Stewardship Award and Grand Marshal for this summer’s Wannigan Days— Fay Caneday. She stepped forward and put in hundreds of hours addressing a number of tasks that were piling up in the wake of staffing turmoil.
Wyoming Police Department to create officer training opportunity for 2025 hiring
If you have a four year post secondary degree and have ever given any thought to working in the field of law enforcement— you might want to look into the City of Wyoming’s Peace Officer Education Training Grant. Public Safety Director and Chief of Police Neil Bauer got the Wyoming city council okay last week to post the program opening, for June.
City of Stacy has first election for merged council
The special election for citizens of the newly-combined City of Stacy seated incumbent Mayor Mark Utecht for a temporary mayoral post (until November 2024) and four council members. Balloting was open Tuesday April 9 and took place at the Lent Town Hall.
North Branch opts to stay with no primary
The North Branch City Council has put the idea of reinstituting a municipal primary vote to bed. The matter was submitted for consideration by Council member Peter Schaps, who along with Council member Kelly Neider, supports re-establishing the primary. He stated, “I’d like to see it come back.”
Area farmer works on behalf of small farming
Modification in acres needed for ag credit being sought
Local farmer Kelsey Love Zaavedra testified at the state Capitol right before Easter break in support of a very basic thing that lawmakers can do to improve success for beginner farmers. There are bills being heard in the House and senate that will modify the wording that defines a farmer and the size of a farm eligible for property tax ag credit.
Lindstrom firefighters get go-ahead to sign onto state pension managers
Lindstrom firefighters proposed to meld their fire relief association pension account with the state PERA system and the city council agreed it would be a good move.
County Board sets fine for cannabis public use violators
Just two people spoke at the public hearing in the County Board room last week before the County Commissioners adopted a proposed enforcement ordinance, to restrict the extent of public use of recreational cannabis. Those who testified addressed the $300 maximum penalty for what the state has classified as a petty misdemeanor offense. They felt there should be a larger fine as a more serious disincentive to public use.
Wyoming hears Police Department wins grant
It’s been a situation of taking one step forward and two steps back; in getting the Wyoming Police department up to a full roster lately, and last week was no exception. Public Safety Director and Police Chief Neil Bauer presented a resignation to the city council from an officer, which was accepted. Then, Bauer reported the agency won a grant that should be helpful addressing chronic hiring issues in the law enforcement sector.
Sunrise Township votes in successor to Sup. Kaiser and still deciding on future hall uses
Sunrise Township saw four times the voter turnout last week compared to 2023 ballots cast, with 99 voters participating in the election March 12. Sunrise Supervisor Dan Kaiser was not seeking re-election and he got rousing applause from thos attending his final township meeting as a supervisor. Adam Grubove III was seated as successor with 61 votes. Jake Holzem was also vying for the seat and he got 34 votes.
North Branch continues complaint hearing due to personal issues
The drama lives on another week at least, in North Branch. City council member Kelly Neider, who was due to defend herself from unknown allegations, was a no-show for a hearing scheduled for March 19.
ARMER contract covers several hundred radios
The two-year ARMER agreement was adopted by the County Board on a 4-1 vote last week with Commissioner Ben Montzka opposed. He stated he couldn’t support the increase of $70 (from $30 to $100 and then in 2026 it becomes $125) in the surcharge for each radio. County Administrator Chase Burnham said the county is only working in the fee hikes it has been assessed for state user charges and for membership in the MESB.
Wyoming approves after-the-fact ball practice facility
The Wyoming City Council, minus member Dennis Schilling, sanctioned a conditional use permit for a baseball instructional facility on 250th and Fallbrook, inside of an accessory structure on a residential lot. The building has already been used by its owner, a retired Forest Lake coach, for honing youth ball playing skills. When the city informed Tal Gravelle he needs a permit for a home occupation he applied immediately, council heard.
North Branch School Board applies for grant for apprenticeship planning; revises last days of week 2024
The regular North Branch School Board meeting was moved up a week due to spring break over the second week of this month, and the Board voted its official approval (with member Grovender absent) to move forward with pursuing a grant for an apprenticeship instructor program to be offered in the areas of early childhood and special education licensure, and to work with U of MN Mankato on a masters degree initiative for existing teachers.
Fentanyl fight has local roots
You can’t tell from how somebody appears on the outside, but there are thousands of people going about their lives and circulating in their communities, whose souls are under reconstruction. Their time on earth was rolling right along until a best friend, a loved one, son or daughter, sister, or parent or spouse was taken by the deadly street version of the drug fentanyl.
Election 2024 starts soon
Minnesota holds a Presidential Primary March 5. Absentee voting ends March 4 for this primary involving the major state parties. The absentee (early) vote can still be cast at the Chisago County Government Center at the auditor’s office during business hours, which will also be open March 2, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Taylors Falls public hearing on business aid continued to March 18
The public hearing for the City of Taylors Falls to get input on a plan to facilitate Hursh Ironworks in relocating to the Taylors Falls industrial park, opened and closed in about five minutes Monday night this week. There were no details drafted yet and the issue of the city subsidy— in the form of “sale” of practically free land— was not discussed pending more details.
New ARMER radio contract discussed County Board decides fees next month
A gathering of some of the local public safety players was held in the government center Friday afternoon, February 16, to review upcoming contract issues having to do with how Chisago County responding departments and agencies are able to communicate. The emergency services contract for radio equipment and systemwide expenses is in the midst of a one year extended time period this year.
North Branch Council not ready to revise urban service area, or reinstate primary balloting
Developer Larry Beach saw his request to have the North Branch City Council revise the urban service area and amend the Comp Plan tabled last week, due to a council member being absent. Mayor Kevin Schieber recommended the votes be delayed until Kelly Neider could participate. The actions should have a full five members present, the mayor argued.
North Branch council sets public hearing on more complaints about Neider
North Branch City Council met for about an hour in closed session February 20 to consider setting a public hearing to review complaints alleging a fellow council member had violated the council code of conduct. The council entered open session and agreed the allegations constitute a legitimate complaint under the current standards, and that the allegations were lodged “in good faith” as required. The council member facing the allegations, Kelly Neider, was absent.
Wyoming Council gets complaint on exterior lights
The bright lights illuminating the newly-built Gregory Contracting facility on Hwy. 8 are too bright and are on for too many hours, the city council heard last week.
Bike trail lots stay zoned for business, for now
Members of the Center City Council last week were not eager to take parcels off the tax rolls, which are situated where a bike trailhead project may be developed someday. A measure to rezone the lots from business district to public open space failed on a split vote.
Taylors Falls Council fully supports Ironworks; other industrial park concepts tabled for now
Taylors Falls Council members this week, fully supported proceeding on the sale of lots the city owns in the business park, west of downtown, to Hursh Ironworks. The east side of the area laid out for business/industrial uses is sought by the company, which is seeking to move from the edge of Center City. Its iron fabrication practices there are situated on small acreage within a residential area, and neighboring properties have expressed complaints about operations. Plus the business growth plans call for a larger site.
Racism behind student bullying, North Branch Board hears
The agenda and presentation item for North Branch Superintendent Sara Paul last week covered the development of policy. It may not be an invigorating topic, but in today’s world, maintaining policy is at the top of to-do lists for schools. School districts in Minnesota have extensive policy mandates and additional requirements for updating the wording and issues addressed in policy. North Branch school board members select a few policies every year for review, and completely cycles through all its policies every three years to make sure they are relevant and that mandatory rules are current.
School bus driver facing charges after Thursday morning crash
There were 49 students on the Rush City school bus when it went off the road
The driver of a Rush City school bus carrying 49 students, which went off the road about 8:30 a.m. Thursday Feb 15, has been charged. Kara Ffrench, 59, of Harris, was in court Friday, February 16 to face two gross misdemeanors, one alleging DWI commercial vehicle and DWI driving school bus. Her next court appearance date is in mid-May.
Administrator complaints investigation leaves unanswered questions
According to an outside investigator who has looked into complaints related to North Branch’s former city administrator; the city’s operations throughout part of 2022 and 2023, were not being sustained thanks to any warm fuzzy city hall culture.
Westbury trial rescheduled to March 4
The trial scheduled to begin Monday this week with jury selection, for the four Lindstrom men accused in the January 6, 2021 Capitol breach incident has been continued again.
North Branch Council vote on comp plan delayed; pickleball coming
North Branch is accepting bids on a four-court pickleball complex and associated parking and a trail, for Northwood city park, on Cherokee Trail.
County Fair not going anywhere
The offer to pay the Chisago County Fair Ag Society Board one million dollars to relocate the fairgrounds and free-up the Rush City site for redevelopment has been rescinded.
Legislative request for interchange design
Recently the Minnesota senate capital investment committee paid a visit to Wyoming and Lindstrom to see firsthand the local aid requests for a couple public safety projects. (Story Press Jan. 25)
NB offender gets stayed sentence for September 2022 incident
A North Branch man who was injured when police discharged firearms while apprehending him as he ignored admonitions to drop a large knife, has been given a stayed sentence and five years’ probation. If Erik Hammer, 32, remains law abiding, participates in random substance and alcohol tests, has no contact with a woman whose protection order he violated, and follows through on what healthcare professionals advise— he won’t serve the 28 month stayed sentence.
Taylors Falls gets business park nibbles
The city of Taylors Falls hasn’t had much interest expressed by anyone wanting to locate in its business/industrial park, situated west of downtown; until Monday night this week, when three enterprises seeking more feedback from council members were on the agenda.
Wyoming hosts senate group tour
Members of the State Senate Capital Investment Committee visited two Chisago County locations January 17. Their coach bus made stops at Wyoming and Lindstrom—where the senate received applications for public safety-related facilities seeking funding from the state bonding bill.
ARMER contract getting attention
The mayor for the City of Wyoming, Lisa Iverson, spoke during public comment at last week’s County Board meeting, advising the commissioners it’s time to get started on the emergency radio contract language soon.
Memorial podcast online
It’s been stated the more often that a person who has passed is talked about, in a good natured way, the stronger the positive memories become of him or her.
North Branch has interim administrator in place, search process next thing to resolve
After a motion to table action naming Jason Ziemer as North Branch interim city administrator failed; motion supporters City Council members Kelly Neider and Peter Schaps then voted with three members of the council to have Ziemer serve until a full-time, permanent administrator comes on board.
Staff visit North Branch Board as officers, wages set
A few dozen North Branch schools staff members filled the school board meeting room last week to call attention to the unresolved contract talks. The visitors wore red T shirts and carried small signs with “196 days” (without a contract from July 1) printed on them. No one from the contingent spoke.
Fish Lake burn death defendant declared incompetent
A district court judge has ruled Dallas Raymond Evenstad to be incompetent to stand trial. He was facing trial on first degree murder charges in the death of one person, and serious injury sustained by another, both of whom were set on fire June 4, 2023 inside their Fish Lake Township residence.
Police hire; new outreach program get council okay
As the City of Wyoming strides into 2024 the city leaders met to assign city council members to posts and adopt fees and handle a host of other city organizational measures, January 2. Council meetings remain the first and third Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Claire Luger continues as vice mayor for another term in the event Mayor Lisa Iverson has a conflict.
Suspect arrested in a pair of cold case sexual assaults
Investigators seeking to identify additional victims
A Chisago County man has been arrested and charged in connection with a pair of sexual assaults that took place seven years apart in the cities of Stacy and Lindstrom. Investigative leads were developed based on DNA that was initially collected at the time of each offense.
North Branch waste facility contamination costs defined
There was a surprise expense approved by the county commissioners, for the Household Hazardous Waste facility the county runs in North Branch.
Dunne named 2024 Chisago County Board chair
The chair for the Chisago County Board in 2024 will be Marlys Dunne, Chisago City. She got a unanimous vote this week at the annual organizational Board meeting and succeeds Ben Montzka as Chair.
Lent supervisors meet for the last time ever
The final meeting December 19 of the Lent Township Board of Supervisors was no swan song of a half-dozen obsolete policymakers. Following the public 6 p.m. open house of refreshments, reminiscing and reconnecting— the 7 p.m. full Township Board meeting notably concentrated on a list of things needing attention.
North Branch Council brings short term administrator on board
The Community Economic Development Director for North Branch has been named short term interim city administrator, in the wake of the former city administrator resigning. Renae Fry’s final day was December 15. Jason Ziemer agreed to accept $600 more per week, to takeover the duties and fill the post until January 9, 2024 —- when the city council will be able to look at the situation a little more in-depth.
Commissioners OK 10 dog max at Fish Lake kennel address
A permit to allow for 10 dogs maximum on a property on Badger Boulevard in Fish Lake Township got a unanimous okay from commissioners last week. The application had been reviewed a couple times and was revised to exclude the “commercial” operations.
Manufacturing forum spotlights recruiting, retaining staff
The message at a forum for manufacturing in North Branch held last week, was that manufacturing in Minnesota is relatively healthy at this time, but industry owners and operators are still concerned about “economic stagnation” on the horizon. They expect Minnesota laws mandating sick time and family leave and other benefits to become obstacles in the path-to-profits.
Taylors Falls Council adopts budget, puts out call for vacancies
In wrapping up his first full budgeting process of his first-ever mayoral term— Brandon Weiberg commented at last week’s council session the Taylors Falls council has done a good job, and dynamics seem to have settled into an ability to continue working on what needs attention within the city, plus he is happy to see city offices finally fully staffed and also working cooperatively.
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