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Appeal filed against nature retreat, Silver Creek residents speak out

Owners of 27 properties in Silver Creek have signed on to an appeal request in filed in Lake County District Court on May 15th, saying they believe the county’s planning commission approved the conditional use permit for Maji ya Chai Land Sanctuary “based on erroneous and insubstantial evidence.”On April 15th the county planning commission voted unanimously to approve the conditional use permit for Maji ya Chai, a nature retreat for people of color, after reducing the maximum allowed visitors and stipulating they meet all requirements for septic, runoff, fire safety and noise limitations.Dan Snowdon, whose home is directly across the road from Maji ya Chai, says his reasons for the appeal against the retreat are about not wanting more people in the area he lives.“Collectively, we understand the societal value of the project, however, believe this 30-person resort/retreat will be too large and disruptive to the rural lives we have chosen,” said Snowdon in a written statement to the Press.Snowdon says that many of the property owners who signed the appeal request are outside of the quarter mile notification area required by the conditional use process.

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Love Life brings Suicide Awareness Walk to Two Harbors

A grassroots effort calling their group Love Life held the first annual Suicide Awareness Walk and event this past Saturday, with a turnout of about 100 people despite the rainy weather.Participants walked in memory of loved ones lost to suicide, with the hope that raising the conversation into the community space others might get the support and resources they need.After the walk the group shared stories, and were able to access resources from informational tables about mental health from Lake County Mental Health Group, Lake County Veterans Services, and Lake County Public Health.Love Life has announced they have already scheduled next year’s walk for May 17, 2025.

Read MoreLove Life brings Suicide Awareness Walk to Two Harbors