[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6263742,"mediaKeyId","3102202-add3154d79fe6893f1118cd8ca7da1b7","parentId",3102202,"title","Sheriff reports drug interdiction success; deputies monitoring Garrison area","audioSeconds",186,"startMs",2150000,"endMs",2336000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3102202-add3154d79fe6893f1118cd8ca7da1b7&start=2150&end=2336","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3102202-add3154d79fe6893f1118cd8ca7da1b7/thumbnail_2150000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6263742/Crow-Wing-County/Minnesota/Sheriff-reports-drug-interdiction-success-deputies-monitoring-Garrison-area","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263742-dbb25a8faa550a7787ab67bc530465c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122342&Signature=VRF8T2uYjfOafgoAHCvLOc1RUjYDGui68MuSASZF4zuqQSCdKO3hoEvOx~EgcacQsdSsqKwt2LHwzS~Vf3eiNr8qG79bQFIp4sQZhUn~P0IX3tYxRvjAk2zfTecANdvKtpUAJghA2QYRSoe9SJjcDUJCIeO~3JcMgs4sUusVG16oPSZEZyu29~Gkxo6QLlk2IGndnwmi0I5H0hwWgNRTRKq7DM7fu8vTEzT6kd1GnzfpSddD7V2nmZxR670eUO3C2RqQ6o0FL7uHPR871QdqO~6yUckh1Frg0-UQ0fW~-eC8lVAiKU0LgbFGxX8-Ze-b-oHXBrrwPUdEtbBC7LeaAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Crow Wing County, MN","date","2025-04-23T23:39:48.7Z","article","The Crow Wing County sheriff told the board that sheriff’s office K-9 units recently assisted in a traffic stop that led to a drug find and praised the office’s additional canine resources.

During the public‑safety update, commissioners raised concerns from Garrison residents about thefts and break‑ins. The sheriff said deputies have been visible in the area and have spent time focusing enforcement there. \"There is a definitely a perception of an uptick in crime, but I don't think it factually meets with our records management system,\" the sheriff said, adding that the office will continue proactive patrols to address resident concerns.

No formal action was taken; the update was provided for information and to invite constituents to report incidents so deputies can investigate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Crow Wing County Regular County Board Meeting 04/22/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Crow Wing County sheriff updated the board on a recent drug find using a K-9 unit and said deputies continue to patrol the Garrison area after residents reported thefts; the sheriff said recorded crime data did not show a measurable uptick but acknowledged community concerns.","taxTitle","Crow Wing County, Minnesota","taxId",58966,"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},6263747,"County authorizes RFP to explore private Minnesota PFML options",272,1875000,2147000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3102202-add3154d79fe6893f1118cd8ca7da1b7&start=1875&end=2147","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3102202-add3154d79fe6893f1118cd8ca7da1b7/thumbnail_1875000.jpg","/articles/6263747/Crow-Wing-County/Minnesota/County-authorizes-RFP-to-explore-private-Minnesota-PFML-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263747-6e81c0472cbf002425dd581cdcb78d4f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122342&Signature=UY~eYSKoUKXB71374P6l0SX3wReBgdin-IpQqCEDSmUKu3d57NxyVq~CGrHlJQ5tT4mVjrQqFXsbVwAf1IiYqM67dl1qQ4pZaOYcrLyiH1WlJnFcNGJxvT~ndVYz4NVsXJ3WJvtN5VBKzXJk9hWJcNDHg4wu10LQSVzhCGMCtLNVScPlujr~UNLsFVwmF1y2unRTkXvRZwpnGdnrMTaPkL6qVFysXF3xUGqXOJWy9yRSUNFry6To3FBmEIXQll9AmgPWJZXcAk~dmNClh-9j8VjFkaEWUUyN3YrecMZqrfyEpcHO8OYSvaCOmpcLW~RkFE9jwFcrWBNLcGzhbzdGdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Crow Wing County authorized its Human Resources department to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to solicit private‑plan options for Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, which becomes effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Amy of Human Resources told the board the statute allows employers to choose either the state‑administered plan or a private plan that meets or exceeds the state benefit standard; the RFP will gather plan designs and pricing for the county to consider. \"PFML allows employers the option to elect either the state administered plan or a private plan offered by insurance carriers that are approved by the state of Minnesota,\" Amy said.

County staff discussed early cost estimates and administrative implications. A county official noted the state plan is currently estimated at about 0.88% of annual payroll and that the law requires employers to pay at least half of that cost, which the official estimated at roughly $200,000 for the county payroll. The Human Resources presenter said there is no cost to issuing the RFP and no obligation to select a private plan.

Board action and vote: Commissioner Franzen moved to authorize Human Resources to conduct the RFP; Commissioner Lubcke seconded. The board approved the motion by roll call with all members voting Aye in the transcript.

Implementation questions raised during the discussion included how PFML applications will coordinate with existing county FMLA processes, whether employees will use paid time off to supplement benefits and how much internal administration the county will need to perform even if a private vendor is selected. Amy described the state plan and private‑plan difference primarily as a design and vendor choice and said staff will return with cost comparisons and plan details after the RFP responses are evaluated.

The RFP process is intended to satisfy Minnesota Statute 471.6161 as cited by staff; the county will use the responses to determine whether a private plan would be beneficial before making a plan election.","Crow Wing County authorized Human Resources to issue an RFP seeking private-plan proposals for Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program, with staff noting the employer may be required to cover at least half the state plan cost and that implementation will require in‑house administration work.",{"_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},6263752,"County approves Tip Top First Edition preliminary plat with conditions",280,1578000,1858000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3102202-add3154d79fe6893f1118cd8ca7da1b7&start=1578&end=1858","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3102202-add3154d79fe6893f1118cd8ca7da1b7/thumbnail_1578000.jpg","/articles/6263752/Crow-Wing-County/Minnesota/County-approves-Tip-Top-First-Edition-preliminary-plat-with-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263752-6ab30935f57e0dba4349714ef6796e5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122342&Signature=fajkOA9F0fepOI9gcvfaeGbpaK50ZA4~g~dH7Lea0Rh8NEYWWTFor-DAiKd~N-Z2UMtacX9LjXVzXmfdLhm4GWS6MbgfcvvBFTimjtzzIQiygrW5LgIbWPOmTCDVag5PUb4jL5OdmpoMxUGgmrAZ8adEIJQpP5BnDUivWuqkvQ5QZc1aCwZRQ4jeISNXfsGour8~2tIR0T-2AzbS97NrKjMtlKOZEIYJbgsFoXJFplTVdCnN28cbeUar9RcwyJgNsDUeKrNNVHgfqUWgITn4WqcNjmqSI5jhifaYXOwWgCPBS7HNqf1oJaB86zifu3DpKt61sRzeuuUO9a8V1OFpxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners approved the preliminary plat for Tip Top First Edition, a two‑lot replat of parcel 68210711 in Section 21 of Ideal Township, following a staff presentation and a planning commission recommendation.

Land Services staff told the board the planning commission and board of adjustment granted a variance for lot size and build area but added conditions: the old lodge on the property must be removed within 24 months to reduce impervious coverage, and two existing cabins on the site are legal nonconformities that may not be enlarged or raised without returning to the board of adjustment for a variance. The staff report said the proposal meets the minimum standards of the Minnesota rule cited in the packet (transcript: “Minnesota SHORON rule 61 20”) for lot size and lake frontage.

Why it matters: The change splits the former Tip Top resort property into two lots while preserving existing cabin footprints and imposing conditions intended to reduce shoreline and impervious impacts.

Board action and vote: Commissioner Luebke moved to approve the preliminary plat per the staff finding of fact; Commissioner Lee seconded. The board approved the motion by roll call with the following votes recorded in the transcript: Commissioner Lee—Aye; Commissioner Coring—Aye; Commissioner Franzen—Nay; Commissioner Lubcke—Aye; Commissioner Barrows—Aye. The motion passed.

Supporting details from the packet and discussion included that the planning commission held a public hearing on March 20, 2025, produced findings of fact, and recommended approval 3–1. Staff noted the site contains two existing cabins and the lodge; the cabins are legal nonconforming structures that can be rebuilt in their current footprints with a permit but cannot be enlarged under the conditional variance. Ideal Township initially did not support the request but, according to staff, Commissioner Luebke later spoke with township officials and the township changed to supportive.

The board’s approval included the conditions described in the planning commission’s findings of fact, including the requirement to remove the lodge within 24 months and the restriction on enlarging the cabins without further board of adjustment review.

No permit or final recording steps were taken at the meeting; the board approved the preliminary plat subject to the stated conditions and the easement/exhibit and survey materials referenced in the staff report.","The Crow Wing County Board approved a two‑lot preliminary plat for Tip Top First Edition with conditions including removal of an old lodge within 24 months and limits on enlarging two existing cabins; the planning commission recommended approval 3–1 and the board approved the plat by roll call.",{"_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},6263757,"Minnesota Power outlines route changes, timeline for Northland Reliability Project",1556,144000,1700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3102202-add3154d79fe6893f1118cd8ca7da1b7&start=144&end=1700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3102202-add3154d79fe6893f1118cd8ca7da1b7/thumbnail_144000.jpg","/articles/6263757/Crow-Wing-County/Minnesota/Minnesota-Power-outlines-route-changes-timeline-for-Northland-Reliability-Project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263757-cabec1fe441298b4ee0148fcbcadd5f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771122342&Signature=IXwGBFEMLmetAeDlXtVMEyK9eCCtFyasrz3k601DX6UlGZKoXR0ejVfnQZ8Cvw7Oad7KQ0DK214uKEEcA8c2PRY3uYMeIDHc32mO48zIvL2WDAtQNQH4tYwdhCD0sT87YFEE~c~2R-SDySOeFJ5~doNpFVidGx4L74xam~SwRbhiVJ5z68l~e3UJLKvhCawqC0xcYUTOfa-8yiU3SW6wRGBxjkc4yzdsVAxZVJH22Dnu9LjvglBvZwtZ6oRgLcGb-bu--uzZPdKFQsslQOLUuCZJUvDmZ9KonB5qXtNspWGJ3QcZZpKb26E987KdXvl6ArqDKM9xpfU~Nt20UQeR4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Zach Okalski, a senior environmental compliance specialist with Minnesota Power, updated the Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners on the Northland Reliability Project, an 80-mile transmission line stretching from the Grand Rapids area to the Big Oak Substation near Becker.

Okalski said the project is a Midcontinent Independent System Operator–approved regional plan that will be a double-circuit 345 kV transmission line and that roughly 90% of the route will follow or parallel existing transmission corridors, reducing the need for new right-of-way. “We did increase the consolidation and the paralleling of existing lines from 85% to 90%, with the reduction of new right of way needed,” Okalski said.

The presentation described two new substations and a series compensation station in the Riverton area. Okalski said engineers are reconfiguring several existing local lines so the new line can occupy existing corridors rather than adding a third, wider corridor in many places. That consolidation includes stacking two smaller circuits on one set of structures so the Northland line can take the space of an existing circuit, a design change Okalski said reduces private land impacts. “We were able to utilize an existing right of way by consolidating two lines,” he said.

Why it matters: Minnesota Power and other utilities are building higher‑capacity transmission to move power from distant wind and solar generation as older, local coal‑fired plants are retired. Okalski and Mike Putney, a company real estate services representative, described the work as part of modernizing the grid to deliver power from farther‑away generators.

Key technical and schedule details in the update:
- Route and permit: The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the route on Feb. 20, 2025, with conditions including alignment adjustments to avoid residences and increased co-location of lines.
- Local design changes: In the Crow Wing County area, the plan consolidates two existing lines (called the 92 and 11 lines in the presentation) on shared structures for multiple miles near Coal Lake Way, Riverton and Long Lake to reduce new private property crossings.
- Structure height and FAA: Okalski said new structures will be taller—“just under 160, 100 and 40 to 180 feet”—and the company has been coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration.
- Permitting and surveys: Field surveys, cultural resources and wetland delineations will continue; Minnesota Power said it is working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on crossing permits and will pursue road‑use and driveway agreements for construction access.
- Real estate and easements: Putney said the company is obtaining rights of entry for surveys and will negotiate easement compensation, including timber value, with taxing authorities when the route crosses tax‑forfeit or public land.
- Construction timing: Clearing and work on southern segments are expected to begin in late 2025 in Sherburne and Benton counties; exploratory borings and local work in Crow Wing County could begin in winter months, with larger construction in the 2026–2027 timeframe and an overall in‑service goal around 2030.

Putney told the board the company has generally received voluntary cooperation from landowners and that condemnation is an option only if negotiations fail. On compensation for county property, Putney said the county will be involved in setting the easement price and Minnesota Power offered a third‑party appraisal if needed.

Board members asked about visual impact, structure height, tax implications and the project’s purpose. Okalski and Putney said the line is intended to strengthen the regional grid so power from distant generation can reach load centers as local coal units retire. \"As we move away from base load generation, we are having to rely more on far‑reaching generators of power,\" Putney said.

The presentation concluded with an invitation to landowners to use the project website and hotline for maps and questions; Minnesota Power officials offered to continue stakeholder meetings as the design and permitting work proceed.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation; it was provided for information and public record.","Minnesota Power officials told the Crow Wing County Board the Northland Reliability Project will largely follow existing corridors, reduce new right-of-way need, begin localized work in 2026 and aim for in-service around 2030; the company described consolidation of existing lines, new substations and ongoing permitting and surveying.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sheriff reports drug interdiction success; deputies monitoring Garrison area

County authorizes RFP to explore private Minnesota PFML options

County approves Tip Top First Edition preliminary plat with conditions

Minnesota Power outlines route changes, timeline for Northland Reliability Project