Canosia Road will close near Esko

Esko residents learned that Canosia Road North of Highway 61 will be closed starting July 1 and into the fall for replacement of a bridge over the Midway River.

The news about what is also known as Carlton County Road 1 came at Tuesday night’s Thomson Township annual town meeting, where a handful of residents joined township officials and employees reviewed the annual financial statement, heard from department heads, and discussed other town business. It was a 40-minute meeting at Thomson Town Hall.

The road closure will last until October, according to township officials, which will not only affect travel around town but will also change the popular Esko Fun Day parade route in August. Esko Community Education director Michelle Carlson, who coordinates the event, said they will configure a new route for the parade, but it may be much shorter. She said other Esko Fun Day events will be moved to the school, as Northridge Park, where many of the events were held, will be difficult to access with the road closed.

The bridge construction will mean that most of Northridge Park will be closed for the summer.

Attendees at the meeting voted to approve a $2,000 donation to Fun Days in addition to $2,000 already budgeted for Community Ed.

Rob Lucas, the township’s dedicated Carlton County Sheriff’s Department deputy reported he is getting more involved within the schools as a way to engage with the students and community. He also mentioned that he appreciates calls and texts from residents, even when he is at home or off duty.

“If residents are out walking and notice something suspicious, then text me. It’s a great way to combat crime,” he said.

Residents at the meeting carefully reviewed the proposed 2021 tax levy of $1,642,246, which is an increase of 2.5 percent from this year’s levy. The levy increase passed unanimously.

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Comp plan meeting March 31

A public comment session regarding the proposed 2040 Thomson Township Comprehensive Plan is scheduled 6-8 p.m. March 31 at the Thomson Town Hall, 25 E. Harney Road, Esko. The session is open to all. Each speaker or group representative will be provided five minutes to share their thoughts related to the comprehensive plan update.

The public comment session will be immediately followed by a Comp Plan steering committee Meeting. The steering committee meeting is open to the public but public comments will not be entertained during the meeting. The revised comprehensive plan will be presented to the town board for approval the April meeting, officials said.

To review the full draft plan, visit thomsonesko 2040.wordpress.com.