Special Lindstrom meeting held to get consensus on apartments
A Lindstrom City Council thumbs-up will give an apartment complex the support it needs to advance in a competitive housing tax credit program the developers will be applying for.
Taylors Falls Council awards facade improvement funding
Two owners of downtown Taylors Falls landmarks were approved at Monday night’s city council meeting for use of city facade improvement funds to do repairs and painting.
Osceola Bridge meeting; updated timeline and graphics
The lecture hall at Osceola High School was standing room only for a public presentation June 25, to offer the newest information on the #243 St. Croix River Bridge replacement project. Instead of a high school instructor holding the attention of 75 or so in the audience it was MNDOT East Area Engineer Dmitry Tomasevich who controlled the powerpoint screen and took questions.
It’s roadwork time in the county
The road construction season has entered its peak, although this year it’s been progressing in fits and starts with the amount of rainfall we have experienced lately. Project updates from the county engineering staff include, not least of all, the multi-million Highway 8 improvements package.
On tax forfeiture issue; County is in state fund
Chisago County commissioners voted unanimously last week to participate in the state program developed during the just-finished legislative session, that makes the county eligible to get funds from the state to resolve issues arising from dealing with tax-forfeited properties.
Grand jury indicts North Branch man
A cold case concerning a sexual assault that allegedly took place in Stacy 14 years ago, was brought back to life last year with DNA matching reported to local authorities by state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension labs. The suspect tied to the genetic evidence was first charged with lesser severity of criminal sexual offenses in December 2023— but he has more recently been indicted for two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree by a grand jury in Center City.
Chisago Lakes adding to Taylors Falls kindergarten; early budget reviewed
The Chisago Lakes School Board authorized adding a section (class) to the Taylors Falls kindergarten for the coming year. The district had planned on 50 entering kindergarten and the Board heard there already are 49 students with a number of additional anticipated, if historical enrollment trends are any indication. Between end of the year and start of the next, kindergarten numbers generally see growth from established numbers, the superintendent told the School Board last week.
Midsummer Days to highlight beautification boosters, vets’ memorial
This year’s Midsummer Days Grand Marshal selection highlights an ideal— and not an individual— in calling attention to work being done to bring a new veterans’ memorial to the City of North Branch. The non-profit North Branch Beautification Association was chosen by celebration organizers as Grand Marshal for this weekend’s Midsummer Days Parade.
Sheriff gets county board to authorize plate readers
A fugitive female from Illinois, traveling with minor kids that she was not supposed to have custody of, was located and apprehended in Chisago County just last week, thanks to a Wisconsin license plate reading device detecting her sought-after vehicle being driven into Taylors Falls. St. Croix Falls authorities contacted local squads and the swift arrest avoided any number of bad outcomes.
Janet Johnson WMA to grow by about 20 acres
The Janet Johnson Memorial Wildlife Management Area is growing to become just shy of 800 acres, with the latest acquisition nearing finalization. A parcel of 20 acres is transferring from the Catholic Church to the program administering wildlife management areas (WMA.)
Center City Council accepts supervisor resignation
Center City Council members accepted the resignation of the public works supervisor at a special meeting Monday this week. Eric Garner has been with the city for 11 years. His last day at work is July 12.
North Branch schools looking at cellphone restrictions to adopt for coming school year
As the wording now stands, North Branch schools will likely not allow any use of cellphones in school during the entire day starting next fall, for students in grades K-5.
SWIRT land purchases ok’d
A partnership between the MN Parks & Trails Council and Chisago County will facilitate an immediate purchase of about 22 acres of property to fill in a gap on the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail route. The acquisition was formalized in a unanimous vote by the County Board after closed sessions took place the past few weeks, finalizing the negotiations for the purchase.
Ziemer resigns from North Branch
The North Branch City Council had scheduled a work session for Tuesday night this week— but the status was changed to a “special’ meeting so there could be action taken on a resignation. North Branch Interim City Administrator Jason Ziemer is stepping down. His last day is planned for Friday, June 28.
County Board briefs...
Chisago County Commissioners spent the most time and effort on a Franconia Township wedding venue permit status in their meeting last week, which is covered in a separate story on page one this week.
Wyoming Council approves road projects to go to bid
The road improvement project list for 2024 has advanced to the stage where Wyoming City Council approved going out for bids and finalized specifications. There’s been a couple of neighborhood meetings based on preliminary planning and feasibility study of the project, a public hearing held and last week the city engineer asked for a council vote to seek bids.
Taylors Falls Council tackles weeds, Wannigan Days and wall
The calendar shows the environmentally friendly movement known as “no mow May” is in the rear view mirror; and urban properties are going to have to start to comply with weed ordinances in Taylors Falls. It was explained in discussion at the city council meeting Monday this week, the rule is being published and once this is done city staff can start sending out formal notices and the 10 day clock to abate the tall grass starts ticking.
North Branch Council opts to interview three search firms
The North Branch City Council meeting last week started off with presentations of honors to police staff for outstanding public service, for valor in the line of duty and a letter of commendation from Chief Dan Meyer. The plaques and certificates went to: Randy Coe, Jesse Zajak, Tyler Lawson, Kyle Lund and to three members of the police reserves. Their service was met with audience applause and congratulations and the council meeting moved on into regular business.
Wyoming City Council rezones parcel on Hwy. 8; emergency radios purchase OK’d
A rezoning that was begun years ago when the property was in Wyoming Township, was approved to be officially designated by the Wyoming City Council last week 4-1. The township allowed the residential to commercial designation but it was explained the owner did not complete the process with mandatory filing with the county.
Land use decisions laid over to June 6
A couple of items that the Chisago County Board most likely would have had on their agenda last week, but which need additional information are going back on the planning commission agenda for more review June 6.
Taylors Falls grants Iron Works’ request to use all lots in city business park
They say a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, and the Taylors Falls City Council acted right along those lines Monday night this week when a request from Hursh Ironworks, to acquire the whole city business park site, was granted.
Opioid Action Council taking applications now for distributing grants, up to $60,000 per grant
People involved in the Chisago County Opioid Action Council have put out the word, calling for proposals from programs, agencies or organizations in need of funding. As of last week council members are just waiting applications to be submitted.
Wyoming presented with major concerns
Wyoming City Council was hit with a couple of critical concerns last week in the open microphone portion of the regular council meeting.
Police Commission talks technology
In this day and age it is impossible to ignore the role technology plays in our lives; and there’s nowhere this is more obvious than in the operations of local first responders. Area police, sheriff, medical teams, firefighters all have to keep up with advances in an amazing array of tools meant to enhance successful outcomes. The tough part is deciding which technology is most cost-effective and yet, is relatively inobtrusive into peoples’ privacy.
North Branch asks residents to check service lines for lead
The City of North Branch has a couple ways for residents to get involved in determining how extensive lead water service lines are within the city. One method is to have the city staff set up an appointment for someone to come to your home and check if the water service line is made of galvanized, copper, or of lead.
Activity workers get a pay bump in North Branch
The activities area of school life was in the spotlight at last week’s North Branch School Board meeting. The next year flat event rate of pay for workers at various extracurricular events was approved, 5-0, with member Lavalla absent and member Naegele attending by internet. The action was requested to bring the pay into line with other Mississippi 8 conference districts, the Board was advised. Workers and officials’ pay is reimbursed by the region.
County Board adopts rebrand recommendation
The recognizable outline of Chisago County is gone as an official logo for county departments and vehicles. A cheery script with a sunshine graphic, calling to mind the visual for a Days Inn motel, is taking its place (see example lower left).
North Branch pushes out Neider censure action to next month
Due to a fairly congested council agenda last week the North Branch City Council members tabled a few pending issues until May 14.
SWCD leverages outside funds
The Chisago County Soil and Water Conservation District is looking forward to putting extra boots on the ground in the upcoming first phase of a three-phase soil health promotion effort the agency has gotten special money to implement.
Wyoming Council straightens out precinct misinformation
With member Brett Ohnstad out of town participating in the city council session remotely, Wyoming City Council approved a resolution to officially correct city precinct information that was distributed incorrectly for the presidential primary back in February.
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.