Minong board flags three town culverts after state inspection; Lakeside north bridge posted at 6 tons

Dean Patrick, a Minong town board member, told the board on Feb. 9 that a state-funded inspection covered five culverts in town and identified three that need attention.

"St. Croix Trail was graded as a three so that needs to be addressed sooner than later," Patrick said, referring to the inspection's 1–10 grading scale. The inspection, paid under a state 6/20 program, evaluated two culverts on Shell Creek Road and one each on Nancy Lake Road, St. Croix Trail and Narrows Trail. The town has one culvert needing repair and two others placed on a watch list; the Narrows Trail and Nancy Lake Road culverts were graded a five, indicating moderate damage.

Clerk/Treasurer Susan Conaway said the board had just received the report and had not yet discussed specific repair options or funding sources. When resident Sally Dahlby asked during Citizens Comments about the timeline, Patrick said the culvert rated a three would likely be considered for repair or replacement in the next year’s budget or possibly during the current year depending on further findings.

The meeting also included a separate infrastructure update: Conaway reported the Lakeside north bridge is now posted with a 6-ton weight limit. Road Superintendent T. Conaway will perform monthly inspections under state guidance and report results back to the state, she said.

Board members did not take formal action on repairs at the meeting; they noted the inspection results and placed the items on future agendas for budgeting and follow-up.