Juvenile tied to NBHS shooting threat to enter residential treatment facility
 | The 17-year-old North Branch male, arrested for threatening to use a firearm at North Branch High School in February, will be getting treatment in a residential in-patient facility. He must stay away from all North Branch school buildings and grounds, and write an apology to school officials for his conduct. Friday, April 13, 2018
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April 12, 2018 15:58
St. Croix-Namekagon anniversary kick-off |
Opening Day of major league baseball was playing second fiddle last week to a crowd gathered marking Opening Day of the St Croix Scenic Riverway. Friday, April 13, 2018
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April 12, 2018 12:55
| Planning Commission sends County Board two solar revisions |
The Chisago County Planning Commission couldn’t decide on one revised solar permit ordinance draft to recommend to the County Board; so members voted last week to send two ordinances. Friday, April 13, 2018
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April 12, 2018 12:53
| Center City hikes sewer and water fees; sets bond sale date | Center City Council has raised sewer and water rates effective for usage in the billing quarter starting July. The council adopted the set of city fees that it reviews annually, 5-0. Friday, April 13, 2018
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April 12, 2018 12:49
| County Board refining ag ditch concerns; including process of defining benefits, repairs, alignments | A state ditch and waters buffer law enacted to improve water quality protections in a state known for its “10,000 lakes” is having a ripple effect on local government. After taking a deep look at the network of agricultural ditches in Chisago County local officials learned that some ditch sections are long overdue for TLC. The annual inspection process hasn’t been as regular as perhaps it might have been, and the condition of some lengths of ditch is dire. Friday, April 13, 2018
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April 12, 2018 12:47
| Downsized recipes for two |
Are you cooking a meal for one or two people? Cooking a small amount of food can be challenging. It can be hard to figure out what to prepare after many years of cooking when members of your family have “left the nest” for one reason or another. Why did I make mashed potatoes using 4 potatoes for two of us? I could make cream of potato soup, potato patties or a layered casserole using browned hamburger or leftover beef, veggies, potatoes and gravy poured over the top and baked for about 20 minutes or until hot. Make a salad and have a dish of fruit sauce (canned peaches, applesauce, pudding, etc.) to round out a good meal. Friday, April 13, 2018
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April 12, 2018 12:36
| Opioid crisis in our area? It is everywhere, learn how to help |
On April 18, the entire community is invited to the Chisago Lakes High School Performing Arts Center for a seminar on an epidemic that is real and is in our neighborhoods. The seminar will teach us about the opioid crisis and will be feature speakers from Hazelden Betty Ford, Chisago County Sheriff’s Department, Lakes Area Police Department, Community Partnership and Pharmacist Dr. Brent Thompson. Friday, April 13, 2018
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April 12, 2018 12:23
| Public notice announcing the availability of an environmental assessment | Wednesday, April 11, 2018
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April 10, 2018 10:51
| Album release party for Chisago Lakes alum |
Kristine Wriding’s singer-songwriter life story began not with a shout, but a whisper and that’s fine with her, she says. She has no aim to be a one-hit-wonder. Her plan from the start was for honing her songwriting and performing skills while learning all aspects of networking and marketing. Friday, April 6, 2018
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April 5, 2018 16:47
| Abandoned cemeteries need to be paid some
attention; local government takeover proposed |
There have been a couple situations over the decades where cemeteries in Chisago County have out-lasted the church congregation or perpetual care group watching over those who lie there. When no relations remain who are interested in keeping the cemetery in good repair, or the church is dissolved, who becomes responsible? Friday, April 6, 2018
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April 5, 2018 16:42
| Comfort Lake - FL Watershed
District no longer budgeting for Eurasian Water Milfoil fight | Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District managers were prioritizing use of undesignated monies, for projects that weren’t at the very top of the list, after having established most of the district’s work plan for 2018. Friday, April 6, 2018
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April 5, 2018 16:39
| We are looking for the next Richard Hjort, clip and save |
I have written here many times before, I am a snow lover. I love to ski, snowshoe, snowmobile and ice fish. But seriously - this is getting ridiculous. Last week I was sweeping my driveway, getting rocks that the snow plows had kicked up off the drive. Yesterday I was snowblowing for the third time since Friday. Third time. Now I hear this is supposed to continue for another week or so, again, c’mon - give us a break here. I don't know I am trying to find a positive here - our lakes should be higher right? No wait, then people could have flooding issues. Our grass will be greener? Then we have to mow more. I am really grasping at straws here. Friday, April 6, 2018
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April 5, 2018 16:38
| Soup is not just for lunch |
Well, Well! I was thinking when April came we would be done with snow. According to the calendar spring started a couple weeks ago. My thinking was the meals we prepare could go from oven to table, as often happens in the colder days of winter. But then we have oven meals whether it’s 20 degrees or 70 degrees. I’m not counting on 70 degrees in the very near future. Anyway since I’m a lover of soup for a meal, crackers and a cookie or two is a full meal. One of our sons tells his wife that soup is not a dinner but should be a lunch. Sorry Paul, if you add some type of bread and a salad it becomes a full meal….so there you go. Friday, April 6, 2018
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April 5, 2018 16:32
| Hearing held, judge revises
conditions of Coleman's release | There was a court hearing March 28 in Center City on conditions of release for Eric Joseph Coleman, 45, accused of fatally injuring a boy January 26 with his snowmobile. The victim was on Chisago Lake ice fishing with his mom and dad. Friday, April 6, 2018
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April 10, 2018 10:25
| EASTER EGG HUNT! |
Paradise Park in Chisago City was filled with young Easter egg hunters eager for the annual spring event-- rain or shine, snow or ice they have a blast dashing to collect the plastic treat-filled eggs. There are also prizes for bonnets or hats, that are decorated in the spirit of the season.
Friday, March 30, 2018
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March 29, 2018 16:19
| New public safety center to open doors soon | The Chisago County Public Safety Center; at $24 million and enough square feet to carry on a nearly two-hour tour, ranks as the biggest project this generation of taxpayers will undertake. Friday, March 30, 2018
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March 29, 2018 16:18
| Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District
project reducing Moody Lake pollution by 60 percent |
When the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District (CLFLWD) worked with one farmer, to restore one wetland, that fed one small fishing lake, the result was a sixty percent reduction in phosphorous loading to Moody Lake, within six months. Excess phosphorous is the number one source of pollution to freshwater lakes and results in increased algae growth. Friday, March 30, 2018
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March 29, 2018 16:15
| Franconia Township tables vote on
halting solar permits, zoning takeover | It was Friday night and things were hopping at Franconia Township Hall. Friday, March 30, 2018
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March 29, 2018 16:12
| Locally-made film to open soon |
The movie House of Tomorrow, shot in and around North Branch, opens in limited release soon. According to the movie industry website ew.com the film; starring Ellen Burstyn, Nick Offerman, Alex Wolff, and Maude Apatow-- among others-- is slated for release April 27. It was first seen by the public a year ago, at the San Francisco International Film Festival and circulated in film festivals over the past year or so. Friday, March 30, 2018
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March 29, 2018 16:11
| County Engineer updates Board on slew of projects | When the Hemingway Avenue extension gets underway, north of County Road 14 to Highway 95; including a new round-a-bout intersection at #95 on the east side of North Branch, there will be $710,000 in outside money to supplement the local costs. Friday, March 30, 2018
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March 29, 2018 16:06
| Easter is my favorite day of the year, still time to get in the guide |
This weekend is the most important religious weekend of the year. This is the weekend that Jesus rose from the dead. It is the basis of many types of religions and churches. Easter Sunday is a day for celebration and praise. Is it a day to meet with the rest of the family and eat sweets? Of course! But speaking as one who believes in God, it is a day to give thanks and remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us - all of us. I am not trying to be preachy, just had to get it out. Friday, March 30, 2018
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March 29, 2018 15:33
| What to do with Easter leftovers? |
What’s for dinner this Easter? For millions of American families, that question is easily answered- ham of course! If you have not purchased a ham and want leftovers, it’s best to buy a bigger ham….. Oh, really! Friday, March 30, 2018
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March 29, 2018 15:31
| Shafer Council gets good news from auditor | Shafer City Council met March 20 for a regular meeting. All members were present with 12 in attendance. Friday, March 30, 2018
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March 29, 2018 15:27
| Harris area officer involved shooting death was lawful | The county attorney has closed the case on there being any criminal charges filed against officers involved in a fatal shooting in Chisago County about nine months ago. County Attorney Janet Reiter announced March 23 the actions by law enforcement were justified in the officer involved fatal shooting incident, near Harris, July 10, 2017. Friday, March 23, 2018
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March 22, 2018 15:03
| NB Liquor Store opens its second location |
Employees, managers, local business owners and dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the grand opening of the second North Branch Liquor Store near County Market on 5466 St. Croix Trail, Suite M. Friday, March 23, 2018
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March 22, 2018 12:53
| Nelson chooses not to seek re-election after long career |
John Nelson accepts some well-earned appreciation from the township, in the form of a reception/plaque presentation after the annual meeting last week. He chose not to seek re-election in Chisago Lake Township. Nelson is pictured with Supervisors Sherry Stirling and Wayne Houle. Annual meeting report is on page 4. Friday, March 23, 2018
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March 22, 2018 12:51
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