County Board embraces pilot project to make library open access, automated
There’s self-driving cars, automatic bank tellers in the form of ATMs, and you can buy a movie ticket without talking to a live person, so why not a pilot project for automating libraries? Numerous services and activities provided through a library, can be made available to the public 24-7 with no staff necessary; so Chisago County is considering “open access’ options for containing personnel costs while not negatively impacting library use.
Wildcat Woods open
Players may have already been enjoying the Wildcat Woods Disc Golf Course, and once-per-week league action is already pretty well developed — but the official ribbon cutting event last weekend was still a celebration. Morning rain showers didn’t deter a crowd that gathered for the opening of the volunteer-built and community backed course. The course has baskets for the discs to land in, concrete tee-pads to throw from, hole numbers and a parking area, which is accessed from the gravel drive to the compost site. The layout includes woods and prairie vistas. It is cleared and mowed, and fortunately it wasn’t much of a burden to haul away the organic debris, because the property is a hundred feet from the regional compost site.
North Branch Council briefs...
The North Branch City Council observed the swearing in of the city’s newest police department hire, Officer Lausen at the start of last week’s council session.
Make attendance a priority this school year
The 50 or so people gathered in the county Public Safety Center last week were there for one shared purpose...keeping students in school. Their professional lives have been dedicated to kids showing up for the school day, and connecting them with assistance where there is a need.
Sentence declared on four year old home invasion beating
North Branch Police have finally seen resolution on a serious assault case from four years ago— as felony suspect Derrick Hoff was recently sentenced to 108 months in St. Cloud State Correctional Facility.
Rush City bus driver accepts guilty plea agreement, sentence in November
A Rush City school bus driver who drove her bus off the roadway and struck a basketball hoop support pole last February, has entered a guilty plea to a gross misdemeanor count of DUI. None of the students on the bus were injured and a second bus was dispatched to deliver them to school. The crash was reported about 8:30 a.m. and an outdoor residential camera captured the incident on videotape.
Primary numbers provide food for thought
Some of the precinct-specific primary balloting results illustrate a not- terribly-overwhelming mandate for candidates laying down a challenge for their name to be on the GOP side of the ballot in November.
Wyoming Council awards second phase of park projects
The newest Wyoming city park project is headed into phase two of development, with a bid awarded last week to JL Theis LLC for the lighting and history walk portion of Railroad Park improvements. There were seven bids submitted. This was for a total of $201,435, including an alternate package for a retaining wall.
County budgeting being tailored to new legislative mandates
As the county’s budgeting process for 2025 heads into the final stages, the county commissioners are carving out one-time expenses now that can be eliminated from costs for next year. The remaining federal America Recovery Act (ARPA) monies were being allocated with gusto, so they’ll be spent (dedicated) by the end of the year as required. Some of these dollars are going to replace 30 year old carpeting at the government center and to complete a remodel creating more effective use of space in the county administrative area.
Taylors Falls fix up funds distributed
Taylors Falls City Council, minus members Larry Julik Heine and Lee Samuelson, approved distribution Monday night this week of two $10,000 exterior fix-up loans; to Marge Alden, for the Croix Property Management building on main street doing the roof and painting, and for adding outdoor patio space and making room for more diners inside at Tangled Up In Blue restaurant. Owners of the property Jeff and Kathleen Halverson explained they have about $27,000 in improvements they hope to do, and site work on the outdoor space will get underway as soon as possible. This was also awarded for $10,000.
Cell phone, internet restrictions detailed for #138 district families
With the start of school in Minnesota fast-approaching families with kids enrolled in North Branch Area Public Schools District 138, should be receiving notices about the new devices policy. The new rules will be in effect at the start of this 2024-2025 year.
LAPD project workshop leans toward two options
The special workshop convened by the Lakes Area Police Commission ran about two and a half hours last week. It was a good exercise in venting frustrations and sharing war stories about the years-long process creating a new facility plan. But, it didn’t accomplish much in moving a new facility forward.
North Branch 2025 budget, levy to be a challenge
The city budget for North Branch general fund could go from $8 million to $12 million next year— if the city council adopted all the departments desired, and acted immediately. But, as Mayor Schieber said during last week’s budget workshop, it isn’t realistic to think the budget will jump by 50 percent in one year. The $12 million is just an ideal, in a world where money is no object. Schieber added, however, the council does need to address a budget sum that “gets departments back on track.”
Lindstrom wants LAPD to stay put
The city of Lindstrom needs to confront some potentially costly operational concerns and discussions began in earnest last week during a workshop on the 2025 budget and debt. The main questions are: does the city council tolerate borrowing to address looming capital needs and will the council grant approval to start an in depth analysis of priorities?
Chisago County Board approves much-discussed events venue in Franconia Twsp. on 3-2 vote
On a split vote the county commissioners last week approved a controversial wedding and events venue in Franconia Township.
Lakes Area P.D. budget up 8.8%
The Lakes Area Police department’s budget is proposed to need an increase of $174,000 in operating and non-operational expenses for 2025. If the city councils adopt the budget as-is, taxpayers residing in Lindstrom and Chisago City would be covering an approximate $79,000 each with additional revenues coming in through non-property tax sources.
Stacy Daze Grand Marshals are familiar faces
Stacy Daze is August 2-4 and the community is paying tribute to longtime, much loved local businesspersons Donna and Jim Keacher as parade Grand Marshals.
Vocational skills training site gets early ok in North Branch
The application for the city of North Branch to review and consider a training facility for construction laborers, got the okay to move forward from the city planning commission in a special session Monday this week. The planning commission was supportive of having a locally-based training site for those going into careers that call for skills in heavy equipment use, wind turbine and solar repair and installation and many other vocational-related fields.
North Branch Council ok’s water billing expense; SRO contract is revised
The North Branch City Council meeting last week got off on an official foot, with the swearing in of a city administrator, Linda Woulfe, hired until a permanent full time administrator has been secured. City Clerk Ragini Varma administered the oath.
Unmanned aerials -- drones -- coming to Lakes Area P.D.
Unmanned aerial vehicles—more commonly known as drones, are soon becoming part of the arsenal of investigative equipment used by Lakes Area Police.
Cannabis rules coming soon
Rules are starting to take shape for the fast-approaching marijuana industry in Minnesota. Local officials have opted for either; pacing their jurisdiction to not accept applications (moratorium) for retail until the end of the year (see Wyoming City Council story this week) or townships mostly are waiting for the county to take the lead.
Wyoming City Council enacts moratorium on cannabis-based businesses to year’s end
Hemp-derived businesses and cannabis based enterprises are going to have to wait a while longer to set up shop in the city of Wyoming. The city council members voted at their July 2 council meeting to halt applications for permit consideration at least into November.
First round of Opioid Action Council grants approved
The Opioid Action Council for Chisago County recommended a half-dozen grants to be awarded from pharmaceutical company lawsuit settlement funds, and the county commissioners unanimously supported the group’s advice. In total this round of grants distributes $229,000.
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).