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.
NB to hold special meeting this week to address administrator position
The full North Branch City Council last week met just 72 hours before the final work day for the administrator, and there was no announcement on either who is being put into the interim position or how candidates for a successor will be recruited.
Conversation-filled hearing results in three percent county levy hike
Chisago County commissioners on December 6 voted 4-0, with Commissioner Jim Swenson absent, to enact an approximately 3.3 percent levy hike for 2024. This allows the county to collect $47.2 million in local revenues for the overall $87 million in projected budget expenses for next year. The difference between the two is covered through grants, local government aid, targeted tax and program monies from outside of the property tax.
Center City firefighters’ pension upped, 2024 levy/budget adopted
Center City firefighters will benefit from action by the city council last week increasing the payout for their service. Firefighters have been qualifying for $2,300 in a lump sum payment for each year of their service after they are vested and opt to “retire.” The volunteer firefighters had that payout increased to $2,500 in a unanimous vote by council.
North Branch and city administrator reach separation terms, fire chief to retire
The North Branch City Council last week approved a successor Fire Chief for Kevin Grote who retires, after a dozen-plus years as chief, at the end of this month.
North Branch School Board assigned homework to promote early learning
The COVID pandemic has been blamed for leaving behind a legacy of negative long term individual health issues but also, perhaps we are seeing a dampening effect on certain community connections.
Daycare incentives may be bearing fruit
Four new Chisago County daycare licenses are fast-approaching finalization, the result of a concerted effort by the county to increase options.
Wastewater costs planned to increase for CLJSTC in 2024
The Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission met last week just one member into a five person majority, with four absent. Marlys Dunne, Lloyd Vetter, Bob Gustafson and Claire Luger missed out on voting for a 6.9 percent budget hike for next year.
Wyoming Council briefs...
The drought of last summer may have something to do with the larger-than-normal past due bills the Wyoming City Council certified to taxes last week. Council member Linda Nanko Yeager asked if the $102,000 in seriously delinquent accounts has roots in the rates and if they are burdensome to residents. City Administrator Robb Linwood guessed the large sum is more likely due to homeowner associations and heavy irrigating of new home sod. Linwood agreed though, the past due accounts are adding up and ordinarily the city sees a total closer to $80,000. He reminded the council there are rate studies that look into expenses for the systems and revenue necessary to sustain them.
Veterans’ Memorial committee preparing fundraising campaign
North Branch council, with Kelly Neider absent, got an update on the Veterans Memorial from organizer Joe Scaramell, as part of the council meeting November 14. The group working on the memorial project is ready to start marketing for accepting donations, which will pay for all costs. A contract was also approved between the North Branch Beautification Association and the city, stating that this Capital Campaign will “fully fund” project expenses.
Water & Light meets final time
North Branch Water & Light has ridden off into the sunset with its final utility commission meeting November 15 in the rearview mirror.
Two broadband projects get funds
Two requests for financial assistance for providing Internet to under served areas of Chisago County were granted at last week’s County Board meeting. With Commissioner Marlys Dunne absent, the votes were unanimous to assist Hometown Internet with broadband enhancements in the Amador Township area, and to help Midcontinent (MIDCO) projects from Wyoming-to-Stacy-to the south corner of North Branch at 375th and Forest Blvd. An area in Chisago Lake Township, at Green Lake Trail and 250th is also in the MIDCO plan.
State aid roads reviewed, council sets new 2024 meeting day and time
Lindstrom City Council voted 5-0 last week to affirm a denial of a rezoning request. Council had expressed opposition to the application in October and asked for a worded resolution with findings to support the denial for Luke Anderson’s residential rezoning. He had sought to rezone from single family to R2 property, on Lindstrom Lane.
Decades of service on the slopes recognized
A member of the Wild Mountain Ski Patrol was recently recognized for giving 50 years of time and energy to the legacy volunteer organization.
Regular water rules return to city of Wyoming
The water usage restrictions that were in effect in Wyoming city the latter part of this summer/and early fall are now lifted. The area received sufficient rainfall amounts the last several weeks for bans to come off in urban areas of over 1,000 populations. Wyoming City Council rescinded the ban at last week’s meeting and signs posted at entryways to the city should be taken down by now.
Wiosky acquitted of murder in Wyoming death
Even when a jury can be shown videotape from a surveillance camera, showing a hit and run fatality as it happened, it is still possible the jury might not agree the offense was murder or even manslaughter. In the trial of a pickup truck driver running over a person at the freeway convenience store/gas station on Kettle River Boulevard, in Wyoming last June—the jury could not come to a verdict that defendant Mark Andrew Wiosky, 38, acted intentionally.
Taylors Falls had full Monday agenda
The applicants for a cannabinoid business license for the Old Jail Bed & Breakfast, withdrew their request at the Taylors Falls City Council meeting Monday night this week, saying the non-intoxicating low dose products are being treated unrealistically and the whole process feels like “over-reach” by town officials.
Commissioners not in support of day meetings
The majority of county commissioners have expressed little support for changing meetings to daytime sessions.
NBMS site of new pollinator habitat
When you drive or walk past the middle school campus in North Branch next summer and notice a colorful myriad of sprouting plants, enjoy the moment and appreciate what caused this beneficial oasis to appear.
North Branch High School gets grant for STEM program
It used to be that when a portable computer used by a student attending North Branch Area Public Schools needed repairs— the unit was taken out of circulation and shipped to wherever Chromebooks go for TLC.
Opposition to Fish Lake dog business fills meeting room; more to come
A public hearing for an after-the-fact kennel permit authorization filled the government center planning commission meeting room with people Nov. 2, to express opposition.
Former sheriff pleads guilty, to be sentenced in February
Former Chisago County Sheriff Rick Duncan entered a guilty plea November 7 to one count of third degree criminal sexual conduct and a total of three other counts of third and fourth degree offenses will be dismissed. District Court Judge Jesse Seabrooks accepted the plea and set sentencing for February 16, 2024.
CL Schools referendums fail, Aadland elected to the school board
In North Branch, Water & Light to be abolished
In the Chisago Lakes School District a special vote was held to fill an open seat on the school board from Cory Spencer's resignation in March.
Code of Conduct complaint dismissed
The majority of North Branch City Council found no basis for a complaint filed against the mayor, by fellow council member Kelly Neider, and voted 3-0 to not take any action last week. The North Branch Council members agreed the complaint was insufficiently substantiated, and there was nothing to penalize as far as alleged Code of Conduct violations. Council also directed staff in its motion to schedule a facilitator for a work session on relationships and conflict resolution in the near future.
Paranormal adventures, midwest style
In the course of a lifetime many people put in the work personally in search of their spirituality, understanding the importance of being an enlightened human being and a repository of positive energy in the physical universe.
Chisago County braces for impact from delinquent property tax court ruling
Every decision the Supreme Court hands down affects somebody or something— and officials working within the county property tax system are anticipating an impact to their workload due to a portion of the tax delinquent response process recently being ruled unconstitutional.
Utility referendum info campaign declarations are scrutinized by council
With just days remaining before the utility commission’s future physical existence goes to voters in North Branch— city officials last week were still getting a handle on the facts behind the plan.
Lindstrom cannabis business permits on-hold
Lindstrom has joined the list of cities banning any processing, or submittal, of applications for cannabis related businesses. Council voted 5-0 October 19 for a temporary moratorium. The halt gives the city time to review business regulations and develop operations standards for retail sales, manufacture and even for profit cultivation, of cannabis.
Levies shaping up
During this month and next local governing entities are discussing amounts they have adopted for preliminary maximum 2024 levy. They will need to once they have held the Taxation public hearings, and have to adopt a final budget and levy impacting next year’s property taxes.
County Board OK’s rural business permits
The Chisago County Board last week authorized two home businesses in the countryside. One is a motorsports outlet, applying for an after-the-fact Conditional Use Permit for a parcel in Nessel Township on Rush Lake Road, and the other is described as a landscaping services/contractor on Kost Trail, in Sunrise Township, on a parcel owned by William and Beverly Payne.
Hearing date set for complaint in regards to councilmember complain against mayor
The North Branch City Council met early last week to first deal with a complaint filed by Kelly Neider against the mayor, as the sole topic for a special meeting just prior to the regular session.
Taylors Falls city hall has unbudgeted HVAC cost
The Taylors Falls city council, minus Mayor Brandon Weiberg and Council member Troy Aanonsen, acted on an emergency HVAC unit replacement Monday night this week. There were three quotes for the work and the vote was unanimous for Aerotek.
Wyoming sets road assessment hearing
The assessment roll for the East Viking and other 2023 street improvements is prepared and Wyoming City Council set the hearing for November 7, acting during the regular city council session. Notices to affected property owners will be sent.
Center City to present trailhead details Oct. 14
Center City Mayor Jill Behnke at last week’s council meeting, announced an upcoming opportunity for residents to learn more about a proposed trailhead for the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail corridor, near the highway in downtown Center City. There will be details shared Saturday, October 14 on the site of the trailhead, next to Marine Dock and Lift. The event is from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and business owners in town are invited to share their specific concerns/suggestions starting at 9:30 a.m.
County Board considers date, day or time change
The Chisago County Board is the only group of county commissioners that meets in the evenings, throughout the state, and the Board is going to take a look at changing that in an upcoming discussion.
NB Council acts on approximately nine percent hike
Attention property tax payers: when you attend the North Branch city taxation hearing later in November be advised that council members understand residents are dealing with inflated costs for everyday items, but so too is the city. Plus, North Branch has in the past either been “kicking the can down the road” or has been “conservative” in its budgeting making and 2024 is being eyed as the year for financial catch-up.
Arrowhead Transit goes to D.C. over driver pay issue
Transportation officials across the State of Minnesota are hoping attention given to transportation needs, as part of the Transportation Alliance’s annual D.C. Fly-In, will help cultivate friends on multiple transportation related needs.
Lindstrom green-lights fire hall occupancy
Lindstrom City Council September 21 handled imposing a fine for a liquor sales violation, passed a 2024 preliminary levy and heard a presentation from Superintendent Brian Dietz on the upcoming schools referendum. But these all took a backseat to the long anticipated announcement that firefighters can finally move into the new fire station.
Closed Wyoming landfill to become pollinator habitat
Minnesota is embarking on a program to transform empty spaces atop five unused landfills into pollinator habitat. The closed landfills are in Pipestone, Mower, Stearns, Hennepin counties and Chisago County, at the Wyoming Pine Lane site.
Wyoming has nine percent hike in mind for next year
Wyoming city council members voted 3-1 with member Ohnstad absent, September 5 to adopt a maximum preliminary levy for next year projected to reflect a little over a nine percent hike compared to what’s being collected this year.
North Branch School Board hears supt. is Fulbright Fellow
At the first school board meeting since the start of the 2023-2024 year, North Branch School Superintendent Sara Paul had a couple of newsworthy announcements for the School Board.
LAPD facility to get ‘study’
The Lakes Area Police Commission members crafted a compromise last week to address at least one of the many hurdles impeding unanimous support behind a future new, expanded department facility.
North Branch Council agrees Neider violated code of conduct
Approximately half of a two hour North Branch city council meeting was devoted to considering a complaint alleging council member Kelly Neider has violated the council code of conduct.
County dive team is a cooperative gem
In Chisago County an underwater emergency will trigger the call-out of a hybrid group. They hail from a number of area fire departments and are all first responders, who have seen a need for their skills. With the support of their departments, they’ve built their own Unit. The Dive Team goes out on frozen waters, in fast-moving rivers and even water filled ditches. When an underwater submersible vessel failure that proved fatal, shook the world recently; you can bet there local dive team members had more than a passing interest in that turn of events. Chisago County Dive Team members agonized with what searchers were going through responding to that ill fated, heart-stopping excursion to view the Titanic
Franconia internet system enhanced funding is approved
Another chunk of broadband enhancement financial aid was approved by the County Board last week. The commissioners have divided up the millions of dollars in economic recovery funds the county received, for certain uses and a pot of about $2 million was established for helping to install costly equipment in “under served” internet areas. The plan was that local governing units would work with broadband providers for local projects.
Taylors Falls Council OK’s cabinet shop; 6 p.m. start
The former industrial use building, in Taylors Falls on Chisago Street, just a block or so out of downtown, heading north on #16 along the river, has found a new life. The Taylors Falls City Council approved a Conditional Use Permit for Lakes Area Cabinets to set up shop. Owners MaryAnn and Shawn Morley say the business has outgrown a pole building they’ve been using for over a dozen years in Chisago City, and this structure fits their needs ideally.
Stacy store changes hands after 52 years
Anyone with an imagination would be forgiven for describing the interior of Stacy Do It Best Hardware Store as giving off a church vibe; with its hypnotically long center aisle leading past a symmetrical, but mind-boggling, display of merchandize. A small office space, off to your left, is where timecards were tabulated, orders finalized and the day’s deposits created. So efficiently-sized it requires a visitor to turn sideways to seat themself at the one desk. Dark plywood-covered walls are the backdrop for multiple plaques recognizing the store’s sales records for Stihl, Snapper, Polaris, Husqvarna and other brands. And the obligatory trophy walleye mount guards the door.
North Branch Police searching for vandal in disturbing graffiti case
A disturbing message appeared spray painted on a residential garage door early this week, and North Branch authorities are looking for leads.