Council approves Chisago County Digital Memories Trail signpost in Wyoming

The Wyoming City Council voted Jan. 20 to approve participation in the Chisago County Historical Society's Digital Memories Trail, a county-funded initiative that will install signposts with QR codes linking to rotating historical slideshows for communities across Chisago County.

City staff told the council the county historical society has proposed signposts that would link to a slideshow of historic photos and short stories; staff recommended the city participate and suggested Railroad Park or Goodview Park as potential signpost locations. "We did receive a letter that's in your packet from the Chisago County Historical Society," a city staff member said at the meeting.

Neil Gazzo, who identified himself as a long-time Wyoming resident and current president of the Chisago County Historical Society board, described the project and the society's role. "Digital memory trail across Chisago County will create a new point of interest for tourists and residents alike," Gazzo said, reading from a funding summary the society submitted to the county. He said the site content would rotate among six messages and could be updated over time.

The society provided a timeline in the materials the council received: initial introductions in January and February, signpost installations in July and August, and a launch promotion in September. Gazzo and staff said the historical society would handle content, research and installation; the council was asked for input on signpost location and content.

Council members praised the proposal as complementary to local plans. Member Anstead moved to approve the request; Member Schilling seconded. "All in favor? Aye," the council responded; the motion carried.

Staff will coordinate with the Chisago County Historical Society on final signpost siting and content and return any further updates to council as they are received.