[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6297502,"mediaKeyId","2509902-9e5df993c1f3f938d8ce1cd679763ed0","parentId",2509902,"title","Pine County begins update to hazard mitigation plan required by federal disaster rules","audioSeconds",56,"startMs",3154000,"endMs",3210000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2509902-9e5df993c1f3f938d8ce1cd679763ed0&start=3154&end=3210","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2509902-9e5df993c1f3f938d8ce1cd679763ed0/thumbnail_3154000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6297502/Pine-County/Minnesota/Pine-County-begins-update-to-hazard-mitigation-plan-required-by-federal-disaster-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297502-b14491bc6e75a0115b9a74e96ad9a349/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163314&Signature=TTN0vD-4b3a3HYAJ8lHDOerhDK2lA0HNHncthQyDj5rODWJ6a-NC605eGEc~WAGCD6XEnX26alGssReNH5xRssKEgWXMT398xsxQjYrRLVnKCbJAsu5wu3QBFyLJvZIgSjhe3FNmgict4N1ibDW-2jhbsCs5nQV2y4AeeNYvvkXyCi2kqs33gPflHCGRcYMQdXMEe9i7Rweuc3bGxLaWijfg0sAoUR7JaCENQ-WSK6B5NLo~kshyDnxEuWjZVEEofMafqJkOfyb0ljXZwSTYDBwh8~Fe-qtL06FY2Egrjuc4cF1pnqW93oGUxlfAea6dbW33~B-F5TD7LqyY9ceEZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pine County, MN","date","2025-03-04T17:02:42Z","article","Pine County officials said the county has begun updating its hazard mitigation plan as required by federal rules governing access to Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation funds. County commissioners were briefed on the kickoff meeting for the plan and the public-engagement steps that will follow.

A county representative explained that federal guidance requires jurisdictions to maintain an up-to-date hazard mitigation plan to be eligible for certain FEMA disaster-mitigation dollars. The plan must be updated every five years and should catalog prior hazard events, identify vulnerable infrastructure and list mitigation projects the county could pursue to be eligible for future funding.

Commissioners noted Pine County has experienced major flood events in the past decade; participants referenced large floods in 2012 and in either 2014 or 2016 during the discussion. Staff said the plan will document past flood events and infrastructure vulnerabilities, including culverts, roads and stormwater facilities. The representative explained that listing a culvert or road segment in the mitigation plan makes a future FEMA application for upsizing or replacement eligible if that feature is damaged in a qualifying disaster.

The update process will include additional meetings and public input. County staff said there will be at least one more internal meeting before the draft plan is released for public comment and that the plan's contents will guide future mitigation projects eligible for federal funding. No formal board action was taken beyond receiving the briefing and noting next steps for public engagement and plan development.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pine County Board Meeting - March 4th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County commissioners were briefed on the kickoff for Pine County's hazard mitigation plan update, a federally required five-year planning process that municipalities must complete to remain eligible for FEMA mitigation funding.","taxTitle","Pine County, Minnesota","taxId",51038,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6297506,"Commissioners briefed on proposed redetermination to separate overlapping Ditch 1 and Ditch 6; public hearing set for April",103,1205000,1308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2509902-9e5df993c1f3f938d8ce1cd679763ed0&start=1205&end=1308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2509902-9e5df993c1f3f938d8ce1cd679763ed0/thumbnail_1205000.jpg","/articles/6297506/Pine-County/Minnesota/Commissioners-briefed-on-proposed-redetermination-to-separate-overlapping-Ditch-1-and-Ditch-6-public-hearing-set-for-April","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297506-abee403f6b2c03f8253232bb6ff88e25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163314&Signature=RiAyiPLb56oBv~-6WVpvLALDd2Ues9rsrrAAf4xHTDnkuG3fszAAf-prgR~QP5KOD~5OAQTiCdb9yau7N2ICRYhlaBMtwA8amLXUMstPHWtydvTm81MBbH~rTOsznCDTNuc~gNd~5SVcHHVxfw1ExdoUHaViFkZfz45kkdZoXvZBOrmt4jiTcVH5-WeSw0kOUIoaTiR7eusyXK-u0CrLdIbkVdA~B1N1rV9s-0ZAEkpwrBGIKPXPBUOygdq1cmTfnNg~psBcVqP6s6sqh~nJh2Uj1JPff9KnCZmFoybOTtPdUOCUbAp~I7pGy8h7wkbRik9KLd~1prEcw~tcFVe5AQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County commissioners discussed a proposal to redetermine the boundaries and beneficiary assessments for two overlapping drainage ditches, identified in the discussion as Ditch 1 and Ditch 6, where the districts overlap near a place the transcript records as \"Grama.\" Commissioners said the redetermination would separate the two ditches, update benefit determinations using modern surveying technology and clarify who should be assessed for future ditch work.

Commissioners said Ditch 1's original determinations date to the early 1900s and Ditch 6 to the 1940s, and that the overlapping boundaries create confusion about assessments when maintenance or repairs occur. Officials described local drainage problems, including beaver dams and clogged culverts that have reduced drainage, damaged private road access and left some properties difficult to reach. The area was described as very flat — commissioners noted about a 12-foot drop over roughly seven miles — which complicates drainage and increases the need for systemic attention.

A public hearing is scheduled in April in \"Grama\" to explain proposed plans for Ditch 6 and gather public comment. Commissioners said a formal redetermination process can take nine to 12 months to complete. They also noted coordination with Minnesota Department of Transportation projects on Highway 65 where large culvert crossings — one longer than 300 feet, as discussed — may present an opportunity to coordinate work.

Commissioners cautioned that until the redetermination is complete no new assessments would be charged; the process aims to ensure that assessments are distributed to the correct landowners once boundaries and benefits are modernized. County officials encouraged landowners in the affected area to attend the April hearing to learn more about next steps and the timeline for any future construction or assessments.","Pine County commissioners discussed overlapping drainage districts (Ditch 1 and Ditch 6) near Grama, plans for a redetermination to separate the ditches and reassign assessments, and a public hearing set for April to present the plan to landowners.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6297511,"Pine County will recess March meeting to meet Mille Lacs Band Ojibwe on April 15 to discuss housing, economic development and law enforcement",300,599000,899000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2509902-9e5df993c1f3f938d8ce1cd679763ed0&start=599&end=899","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2509902-9e5df993c1f3f938d8ce1cd679763ed0/thumbnail_599000.jpg","/articles/6297511/Pine-County/Minnesota/Pine-County-will-recess-March-meeting-to-meet-Mille-Lacs-Band-Ojibwe-on-April-15-to-discuss-housing-economic-development-and-law-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297511-238c70144b8b98782026e73011f772a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163315&Signature=VfZl~UURXqjPGnEvjT8R1sRASq4QmN4-jN4rb43sRYu673WaXE9WwTJnixox-bi0HrEA8-fh9zqvtsuDT1bQJStOoo2sL4fQEYTV~sr2w1MN6Vvlu7~pnxiLEG1tbATe~RS74jxKcsrliNW5S7MFIJWP19BF7HB6gBqCnQE5nqvNXAikyfch7zdyy3x-NT--MduM20L0e2ElSCgpYWoxJmx8-MyiyxNJYQEFVxtQxutG~Krg0UMsPbjwWYV3wv3tDRKPUauZ6jwrbhnJFfKlk5xR65YDhwePwXq5s6nMvt-WfBzpTPoYkrMgczVVFMTaE9NpTWEj0tO~6pviRkwcrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pine County Board agreed to recess its regular business and reconvene at 1 p.m. on April 15 for a joint meeting with representatives of the Mille Lacs Band Ojibwe to discuss shared priorities, including housing, economic development, legislative issues and the county-band law enforcement agreement.

County staff asked commissioners to submit topics they want included so staff can prepare a joint agenda. Commissioners noted that both parties have new leadership and that the meeting is an opportunity to refresh mutual priorities. A county staff member said the meeting would include a review of housing initiatives, economic development efforts and a discussion of the existing law enforcement agreement so participants who are unfamiliar with the details can better understand how it works.

Commissioners discussed logistics: the board will recess its regular meeting for lunch and reconvene at 1 p.m. to host the Mille Lacs Band representatives. The county staff member said the band is expected to try to attend in person but not all members may be able to travel.

A county staff member said staff will circulate the earlier joint statement of principles from about 2012 to refresh commissioners' background before the April meeting. No formal votes were taken on policy changes; the action recorded was scheduling the joint session and directing staff to solicit agenda topics.","The Pine County Board agreed to recess its regular meeting and reconvene at 1 p.m. on April 15 for a joint session with the Mille Lacs Band Ojibwe to review topics including housing, economic development, legislative priorities and the county-band law enforcement agreement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6297516,"Royalton resident urges Pine County to revise cannabis zoning, says subcommittee ignored state guidance",142,64000,206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2509902-9e5df993c1f3f938d8ce1cd679763ed0&start=64&end=206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2509902-9e5df993c1f3f938d8ce1cd679763ed0/thumbnail_64000.jpg","/articles/6297516/Pine-County/Minnesota/Royalton-resident-urges-Pine-County-to-revise-cannabis-zoning-says-subcommittee-ignored-state-guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297516-9d0d7cdb9d9f36d82e703fecefeed682/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163315&Signature=lsU8Kg1u0grBnN0OwJwar61WLeoSQaC7ONWBwTk9ED3jinh-BpWjFfhdk~bRPMqp2LkmRFX72nIvxixz3UdjdhY5tpPZLGnosTBOsJorOXfBBdiSJ2AX-7khyWcBj96LFifdQz8sULr-JrGIn0QluYoq1dnlxdZGc8zDMIHhSxKwlCOs8BgFMZ4tZgi1JZKfiI~SXN1~8iGxR4TG3eHZpQ0sB4XQFisXFdxN-dGHGvq90bFWyu7lqIEvOrqA1I1W~RSqi1XL8Jb3DsLjMDFbUA~orOv0wMEc9s~88UGLEqF7T37loeKpUCYoTuMU5qoKwU63tz6H7sDj0tbgtcKELw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Denise Weiss, a Royalton Township resident, used the public forum at a Pine County Board meeting to urge commissioners to revisit the county's draft cannabis siting and zoning rules, saying a subcommittee rejected state guidance and had taken field trips that she described as visits to “drug houses.”

“We are not protected as residents the same way,” Weiss told the board, saying the county subcommittee did not follow what she described as Minnesota guidance and recommendations from the Association of Minnesota Counties. She referenced a planning subcommittee that produced an initial draft she called “doable for residents and for the business,” but said the main committee rejected that draft and returned it to the subcommittee.

Weiss also criticized subcommittee field trips. “In between times, the subcommittee went on 2 field trips to the drug houses. And that's what they are. It's drugs. I don't care what name you want to call it,” she said. She suggested those trips were not properly documented or authorized and said the subcommittee members should be removed from their appointments if the trips were not sanctioned.

The comments were delivered during the meeting's public forum; board members did not take formal action in response during the session. No county staff presentation or vote on cannabis zoning occurred during the portion of the meeting recorded.

Weiss closed by asking the commissioners to relook at the draft to “really protect the residents because that's who you serve.”","During public forum, Denise Weiss of Royalton Township criticized the county planning subcommittee's draft cannabis siting rules and said the committee failed to follow state and Association of Minnesota Counties guidance; she also alleged field trips were improperly conducted and urged commissioners to protect residents.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6297521,"Pine County adopts 2025 aquatic invasive species grants totaling $197,348",193,973000,1166000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2509902-9e5df993c1f3f938d8ce1cd679763ed0&start=973&end=1166","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2509902-9e5df993c1f3f938d8ce1cd679763ed0/thumbnail_973000.jpg","/articles/6297521/Pine-County/Minnesota/Pine-County-adopts-2025-aquatic-invasive-species-grants-totaling-197348","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297521-53f3b99c7c6896da267bb20e07d5a860/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163315&Signature=L94TdO7QxoQwhVIKUGZGPBjKKI9VRg21KZv4Fl6MQkjriXDK2mWTUt3jFe6SBxQbAyNXjs2n-vgoteE~ueSOfV41KkpXEsJBNz~~rWu3scoZzOLDyKm8PGTq2G7Uil2FGDWvBUpe1A0YsmTXvkjgfswwJgAwDl~k-Al008wgg7EAoxNyV4Id9xCERWhW9Dtegiz2X0-CGyuJBCk5M2CWkovtlkb9eJ7X637vY82KmA2ZptjuyakJEr3m01~vtOezec3MQ8~ds48Xax~G2Pspjg~9sc8OFDPS7vtsTtlUaSAiweTlIKymHHmbgHqVeXN4HNBEGB7fQ4Q-wiNPrNq4GQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pine County Board of Commissioners on Thursday adopted Resolution 2025-09 to approve the county's 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) grant program and associated spending, totaling $197,348.

The resolution authorizes grant awards to local lake associations and partner organizations and funds five watercraft inspectors and a portion of the county AIS coordinator's salary. David Banta, Pine County Land and Resources Manager and AIS director, told the board the county received seven grant applications and recommended allocating funds to all applicants.

Banta said the recommended awards are: Big Pine Lake Association, $581; Cross Lake Association, $32,300; Pakegama Lakes Association, $22,400; Wild Rivers Conservancy, $16,915; Windermere Lakes Association, $60,000; “How Well Do You Know” campaign, $2,000; and Mississippi Headwaters Board, $2,000. The recommended budget also includes $38,506 for five watercraft inspectors and $28,546 toward the AIS coordinator position, for a total of $197,348. Banta said the county's 2024 plan budgeted about $220,000 and actual 2024 spending was approximately $173,000.

County Auditor-Treasurer Kelly Schroeder confirmed the available 2025 AIS revenue is about $209,000 and that the annual revenue stream is relatively static, roughly $118,000 per year from the county's funding sources.

A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded. The board approved the measure by roll call: Commissioner Roger Nelson — yes; Commissioner Waldham — yes; Commissioner Ludwig — aye; Commissioner Holland — yes; Chair Josh Moore — aye. The resolution passed unanimously.

The adopted budget covers association projects, inspection staffing and coordination intended to prevent new aquatic invasive species from entering county waters. Banta said the county accepted all applicant recommendations and will submit the consolidated application for the program year.

The board did not request amendments to the awards during the meeting. The county will proceed with the grant application and implement the 2025 inspection and coordination plan under the adopted resolution.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 2025-09, “2025 Aquatic Invasive Species Program” — adopted unanimously; total program allocation $197,348.","The Pine County Board adopted Resolution 2025-09 to approve $197,348 in grant awards and program spending for the county's 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program, funding lake association projects, watercraft inspectors and part of the county AIS coordinator's salary.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pine County begins update to hazard mitigation plan required by federal disaster rules

Commissioners briefed on proposed redetermination to separate overlapping Ditch 1 and Ditch 6; public hearing set for April

Pine County will recess March meeting to meet Mille Lacs Band Ojibwe on April 15 to discuss housing, economic development and law enforcement

Royalton resident urges Pine County to revise cannabis zoning, says subcommittee ignored state guidance

Pine County adopts 2025 aquatic invasive species grants totaling $197,348