Pine City contract deputy warns of fast e-bikes, outlines education-and-enforcement push

Deputy Kino, the Pine City contract deputy, opened his update by introducing himself and describing local enforcement priorities. He said the biggest recent incident was a past shooting referenced as occurring near St. Croix but that daily calls have been limited. He reported a few transient/homeless camps that deputies can find empty when they check them but said contact and outreach remain priorities.

The deputy and council spent most of the update on safety concerns about electric bikes and scooters operating at high speeds in town. Kino said deputies have been provided updated statutes and that many newer vehicles are classified by speed and power (some models are treated like mopeds rather than low-speed recreational e-bikes). "I can get it up to 35," a deputy recounted when describing a stopped youth's statement about top speed for a device. Kino said enforcement will include stopping and citing riders who violate ordinances, notifying parents and focusing on education to ensure riders and guardians understand registration, licensing and where devices can be operated.

Council members requested handout materials and suggested office staff print notification cards to distribute during contacts; staff agreed to prepare flashy informational cards. The sheriff's representative also said truck-route signage will be installed at main entrances to help keep heavy trucks out of residential areas; enforcement will start with education then proceed to citations once signage is in place.

The deputy also addressed a recent multi-car juvenile disturbance at the beach and said the response involved juveniles and a local conservation officer; no arrests resulted.

Council thanked deputies for the proactive outreach and emphasized continuing education alongside enforcement.

The city will proceed with informational outreach and route signage to address both scooter/e-bike safety and heavy-truck complaints.