Second million vaccine series completed in 1/3 of the time of first million series completed

Roads took center stage at the May Township Board of Supervisors meeting on May 6. Staff presented a report of roads across the township identified by Supervisors and staff during the annual road tour. The two-page list identified areas in need of patching and crack filling, culvert damage, …

The annual Forest Lake FFA Chapter Awards Program looked different this year due to COVID-19 precautions. The chapter still, however, took time to recognize students and install new officers in an after school ceremony that was streamed online.  

The second annual Best of the Valley contest returns May 5.

Temp farm dwellings to be allowed

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 – Morrissey Hospitality announces that Brookside Bar & Grill will re-open April 29 to welcome patrons, starting at 11:00 am for dine-in and take-out.

Aviat Networks will work on phase two of an upgrade to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office radio towers in the county’s public safety radio system, after the County Board approved a $128,300 contract with the company March 23.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners endorsed the President of the United States’ proclamation that April 2021 is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month March 23.

Washington County will sell fuel to the City of Oak Park Heights for use in law enforcement vehicles through the county’s state contract, after the County Board approved an agreement with the city March 23.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a 2021 collective bargaining agreement with the Minnesota TEAMSTERS Public and Law Enforcement Employees Union Local No. 320 Probation Officers March 23.

With no substitute for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are essential for hospital patients in need of transfusions. During National Volunteer Month this April, the American Red Cross is celebrating the blood, platelet and plasma donors who help fulfill its lifesaving mis…

The League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area invites the public to join Peter Wattson, attorney and expert on redistricting in Minnesota, for an online discussion of redistricting in Minnesota 5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 22. Wattson served for many years as the Minnesota Senate Govern…

Governor Tim Walz has ordered all Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota immediately Monday until sunset on the day of the interment of former Vice President Walter Frederick Mondale, to honor his life and legacy.

 Governor Tim Walz has directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, April 19, 2021. He has directed flags to fly at half-staff on the 19th of every month to remember, mourn, and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners recognized the Community Involvement Award recipients April 13, and acknowledged the contributions that volunteers make to the community.

As fire season deepens and expands, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has added the following counties to the burn restriction list: Aitkin, Carlton and Pine.

Internet expansion added to long-term capital plan

Today, Governor Tim Walz announced that the State has received $135 million in federal relief funding to support child care in Minnesota. The new funding will support child care providers and improve access to child care for low-income families disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Former Brooklyn Center Police Officer Kimberly Potter was charged with second-degree manslaughter, Washington County Attorney Peter Orput announced Wednesday.

The Marine City Council has some busy months ahead, with City workshops planned for a variety of committees and projects. 

The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced last month the Energy Assistance Program administered by the Department would increase the maximum annual crisis benefit for qualifying households from $600 to $1,200, following the February arctic blast. Crisis benefits can be used for covering…

 Governor Tim Walz announced April 8 Minnesota has administered more than three million COVID-19 vaccine doses. The milestone comes exactly three weeks after the state announced two million doses administered on March 18. The state announced the first million doses administered on February 19.

Dr. Greg Seftick was an Afton, Minn., native, Stillwater High School alumnus and lifelong outdoor enthusiast who died at 31 in an avalanche in Grand Teton National Park (WY) in 2011. On April 16, 2021, the 10-year anniversary of his death, family and friends will honor his life – via a “Nigh…

Because severe weather can threaten the lives and property of Minnesotans at any time, April 12 - 16 is designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week. This week is intended to increase awareness and education about steps individuals, businesses, and families can take to better prepare for emer…

After identifying an outbreak of COVID-19 cases associated with a Minnesota youth wrestling tournament held in South Dakota, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) have alerted schools around the state to watch for potential cases and to doub…

The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the county’s Community Development Block Grant March 2, to account for the additional funds the Community Development Agency received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act, funding.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners accepted the 2020 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Agreement between the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office March 2.

Although the proposed new Marine Elementary School isn’t planned to open until fall of 2022, it’s got a critical deadline looming at the end of this month. That’s when the school’s Board of Directors needs to submit proof of enrollment interest to the charter school authorizing agency. 

The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved conveyance of tax-forfeited land in the county March 2.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $240,000 contract with Stepping Stone Emergency Housing to provide services through Jan. 31, 2022.

In appreciation for 24 years of service on the Board of Supervisors, April 1 was proclaimed Bill Voedisch Day in May Township. John Adams now fills the role Voedisch held for 23 years as Board Chair. 

People have through Sunday, April 11, to submit comments on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ proposed waterfowl hunting regulations and seasons. Comments may be submitted by completing on online comment form through Sunday, April 11.

The Washington County Board of Commissioners made several appointments to county citizen boards and commissions March 2.

Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz has ordered all Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota effective immediately until sunset on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021, to remember, mourn, and honor the life of Congressman Alcee Hastings.

The American Red Cross is calling for donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, to race to give blood and help refuel the blood supply.

No one was injured in a fire at a Wild Mountain building March 30. 

Warm temperatures and dry conditions in northwest Minnesota mean increased wildfire risk, so the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is restricting open burning in the following counties effective immediately: Beltrami (north), Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Penning…

Joe Kohler of Joseph’s Restaurant on Highway 36 in Stillwater is quite clear about the impact of assistance that Joseph’s received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act, funding. “Without grants, we are done, we are absolutely done,” Kohler said about the grants.

The following is from St. Croix County Public Health: 

Washington County Attorney Pete Orput and Woodbury Department of Public Safety Chief Lee Vague last week announced an alarming increase in sextortion cases involving juveniles. Multiple cases are currently under investigation by the Woodbury Department of Public Safety. Sextortion is the act…