A lot happened in 2024. Below are outtakes from some top stories for 2024.

Jan. 4, 2024
K9 Officer Gunnar retired after seven years
K9 Officer Gunnar has retired. The Polish-born police dog began service with the department on Jan. 1, 2016, and logged 323 police calls for service over his tenure, along with 2,346 training hours.
Paired to Sergeant Nils Torning, K9 Gunnar took part in 42 public demos over his career, following narcotics training with the St. Paul Police Department. K9 Gunnar was recently given an official sendoff by dispatch.
Some fee increases coming in 2024, two playgrounds approved
The Cottage Grove City Council met Dec. 20 at City Hall for its regular bi-monthly meeting. With council members Monique Garza Dave Thiede, and Tony Khambata in attendance along with Mayor Myron Bailey and city staff, the night’s consent agenda was lengthy.

Jan. 11, 2024
Franke sworn in as St. Paul Park mayor
There’s a new mayor at the helm of St. Paul Park, who also happens to have held the post before.
Keith Franke, elected this past fall to succeed Sandi Dingle, was sworn in at the Jan. 2, 2024 regular council meeting, taking the seat upon being sworn in by acting mayor and council member Jeff Swenson.
Park wrestlers compete at Cambridge-Isanti Invite Jan. 6
Heading to the Cambridge Isanti Invitational Jan. 6, the Park High wrestling team placed fourth overall, with 150.5 total team points. First place finishers included Zack Carr (22-3) in the 139-pound weight class and Gunnar Mullen (26-4) in the 160-pound weight class. Carr won by fall over Brock Brown (11-10) of Cambridge Isanti, while Mullen won by Fall (3:20) over Wyatt Lease (4-1) of Elk River.

Jan. 18, 2024
Friends of Grey Cloud hold event at Park Grove Library
Meeting on the afternoon of Jan. 13, 2024 at the Park Grove Library, a local conservation group called Friends of Grey Cloud presented thoughts on the old Mississippi Dunes Golf Course, and conservation opportunities related to it. The property is currently owned by holding companies Dunes LLC and TCB Properties LLC, with a preliminary housing plat by Rachel Development headed to Plan Commission Jan. 22, after which the Cottage Grove City Council will consider the matter. The council previously used its consent agenda last fall to approve concept plans by Rachel Development.
Busy Beaver Park to get new playground equipment
Busy Beaver Park at Newport is getting some updates. Approved at the Jan. 4, 2024 regular council meeting, the new playground equipment to be located at the southwest corner of 10th Avenue and 17th Street is being made possible with partial funding help from Marathon Refinery, a fact to be reflected on park signage once complete.
Washington County Drug Task Force investigation leads to largest seizure of fentanyl pills in the state
An investigation by the Washington County Drug Task Force, in partnership with the Cottage Grove Minnesota Public Safety and other partnering agencies, has led to the seizure of 280,000 fentanyl pills—the largest in state history.
U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced charges Thursday against six individuals in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl throughout the Twin Cities.

Jan. 25, 2024
New Camel’s Hump apartment development approved
Roers Companies is looking to build a new multi-family apartment development at 6850 East Point Douglas Road in Cottage Grove. They submitted an application at the Jan. 17 city council meeting for a new site plan review, planned unit development preliminary and final plat.
CG Firefighter Kevin Zitell retires, honored by council
Longtime Cottage Grove firefighter Kevin Zittel was honored at the Jan. 17 city council meeting for his 30 years of service to the community upon his retirement.
Mayor Myron Bailey began by saying, “I’ve known this guy for a long, long time.” He continued, “This is the retirement, from a Public Safety standpoint, of Kevin Zittel. I’ll first turn it over to our Public Safety Director Pete Koerner.”
Boys hockey team rolls to third straight one-goal win
Park saved the best for last Saturday at Forest Lake, scoring two goals in the third period to edge the host Rangers in a 2-1 victory.
It was the third straight one-goal win for the Wolfpack and made it six wins in seven games for a surging Park team.

Feb. 1, 2024
It's a homecoming for Park's Delaney Young
In the waning moments of a lopsided loss to a visiting Cretin-Derham Hall B squad team, Park coach Tony Young is animatedly prowling the sidelines. Coach Delaney Young, meanwhile, is serenely watching from the bench.
Serene probably wouldn't be the words an observer would choose who watched Delaney Young star as a softball player at Park High, Augustana University, or playing basketball for the Wolfpack. She was a skilled, animated, and fierce competitor.
Proposed riverfront housing clears Plan Commission, now headed to Council
Meeting Monday, Jan. 22, the Cottage Grove Plan Commission held four public hearings, with the meeting lasting over four hours. Three public hearings were all but routine and will head to council shortly.
The fourth public hearing, a proposed housing development to be known as Mississippi Landing II, is also headed to council, while seeing a good deal more involvement from the public along its way.
Friends of Grey Cloud launch petition over Mississippi Landings II
Group asks council, developer to "Leave a Better Legacy" on riverfront area.
Showing up to the Jan. 22 Plan Commission meeting for public comment, Friends of Grey Cloud has now launched a petition asking the Cottage Grove Council and Rachel Development to reconsider riverfront housing plans.

Feb. 8, 2024
Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest Ambassador Scholarship Program Informational meeting
Learn more about the Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest Scholarship Ambassador Program at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28 at Carbone's Pizzeria in Cottage Grove. While enjoying refreshments, discover what the Ambassador Program entails, including community volunteering, lasting friendships, becoming a role model, and potentially earning a college scholarship.
Envisioning Service and Connections
Meeting Jan. 31, 2024, the Red Rock Corridor Commission approved the final draft of a new study document for ways to connect the Red Rock Corridor. With several options presented but none finalized, motion to approve the final draft of the new study for Red Rock Corridor transit was made by council member Monique Garza and seconded by council member Marvin Taylor of Newport.

Feb. 15, 2024
2024 Pavement Management public hearing
The Cottage Grove City Council held a public hearing at the Feb. 7 regular meeting to review city plans for the 2024 Pavement Management project, allotting time for public comments and discussion. Since 1994, Cottage Grove has planned and executed Pavement Management projects in specifically targeted areas of the city each year to maintain roads, infrastructure, and property values for residents.
Friends of Grey Cloud petition passes 1,130 signatures in under two weeks
Broad based response includes 302 city residents asking council, developer to reconsider proposed riverfront housing
What happens on and to the old Mississippi Dunes golf course will soon be in the hands of the landowner and Rachel Development.
In the meantime, a group including Cottage Grove area residents are making use for their First Amendment rights by petitioning the government for a change of grievances.

Feb. 22, 2024
CG native injured in Sunday shooting at Burnsville
A Cottage Grove native and member of the Burnsville Police Department was among police and EMTs shot in a domestic incident Saturday, Feb. 18 at Burnsville.
Sergeant Adam Medlicott with the Burnsville Police was among those responding to a domestic incident call at Kenny Road and Burnsville Parkway East, being shot and sustaining non-life threatening injuries. He is expected to survive.
Township Day is March 12
Town residents will approve annual spending
Tuesday, March 12 is an important date for the one in every six Minnesotans who reside in a township.
Township Day is when 1,780 townships across the state and area hold their annual meetings.
CG City Council recognizes part-time retiring firefighters
The Cottage Grove City Council honored eight retiring part-time firefighters at the Feb. 7 regular meeting. Ranging in years of service from 5 to 17.5 years, Mike McCoy, Ryan Sundell, Tony Rich, Alex Weisner, Xavier Gutierrez, Kiel Kwiatkowski, Eric Morcos, and Mike Skara were recognized, with those in attendance receiving plaques presented by the council for their dedication to the community.

Feb. 29, 2024
Council approves Riverfront housing development
Deadline of March 31 to remove trees, shrubs on site
Nature lovers will soon have a chance to get even closer, following a unanimous city council vote Feb. 21 to approve new housing on the former Mississippi Dunes golf course.
Placed on the night's regular agenda, a 377-lot housing plot adjacent to the Grey Cloud Dunes SNA will soon take shape, being split into three separate neighborhoods and featuring several different types of lifecycle housing.
City issues $16 M in general obligation bonds for 2024 projects
The Cottage Grove City Council approved the issuance and sale of $16,025,000 in new General Obligation (GO) bonds at the Feb. 21 regular meeting. GOs, municipal bonds that allow the city to raise funding for projects that may not provide immediate revenue streams, are guaranteed to be paid back by the city over a period of time through available revenue sources, including special assessment and tax levies.
Wrestling team sends a record six to state
Park will send a school tying record six wrestlers to the state meet this weekend, but it took some extra wrestling to get there.
The Wolfpack had seven wrestlers make the Section 3AAA individual finals Saturday, but only one, 10th ranked sophomore Dylan Richardson, claimed a second crown. Richardson pinned Eagan’s Logan Gilbertson in 2:17 to earn the 160-pound title...also qualifying for state for Park was eighth grader and eighth-ranked Landen Brooks at 127 pounds, junior Kyler Jubinal at 133, sixth-ranked sophomore Zack Carr at 139, fifth-ranked junior Gunnar Mullen at 152 and senior Samuel Lankow at 172. The six wrestlers to state ties a record from 40 years ago.

March 7, 2024
Small plane crash in rural Washington County kills two
Two people are dead after a small plane crashed near a home in Afton Saturday morning.
Just before 9:45 a.m., the Washington County Sheriff's Office received several 911 calls from neighbors near the 15000 block of Afton Hills Blvd. S. reporting what sounded like a small explosion. Emergency crews arrived and located a small, fully engulfed aircraft that had crashed in the yard of a residence near the attached garage. Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Department extinguished the flames and located the bodies of an 85-year-old man from White Bear Lake and 68-year-old man from Bayton Township. The families of the deceased have been notified.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Proposal would tax Minnesota farmers to help pay for cleanup of nitrate pollution
A proposal to tax the fertilizer that farmers use to boost crop yields--in the hopes of treating nitrate pollution of water in southeastern Minnesota --passed its first test on Thursday in the House agriculture committee.
"We've probably done more than anybody else (to address nitrate pollution),” said Rep. Rick Hansen, DFL--South St. Paul. "But it's not working."
Nitrogen-impaired drinking water in Minnesota's farm country has been a gnarled reality for rural landowners with private wells for decades, particularly in the southeastern portion of the state with porous geography.

March 14, 2024
South Washington Watershed District seeks citizen input
Watershed plan update to be in place for 2026-2035
Do you have something you think should be in the South Washington County Watershed Management Plan?
If you do, we've got news.
The South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) is looking to update its watershed management plan as required by law every 10 years, and is looking for citizen feedback on important natural resources to include.
East Ridge wrestler makes history at state
A seventh grader at Oltman Middle School has just made District 833 history.
Danica Fuelling, who wrestles for East Ridge High School, placed sixth in the 170-pound girls weight bracket at Minnesota State wrestling March 2 at the Excel Center, becoming the first girl in District 833 history to make the podium--as a middle schooler.
South Washington County Schools busing decision fails Pine Harbor Christian Academy families
Just one year after school districts were told they would receive "historic" levels of state funding, it was maddening to learn that some local families are going to lose the opportunity to have a bus take their kids to and from school each day.
Pine Harbor Christian Academy (PHCA), which resides along Highway 61 between Cottage Grove and Hastings, has received busing services from ISD 833 (South Washington County Schools) for decades. Though it is physically closer to the city of Cottage Grove, Pine Harbor has a Hastings address. The River Oaks Golf Course, which, if you know the area, literally abuts Pine Harbor's property to the north and west, has a Cottage Grove address.
Recently ISD 833 notified Pine Harbor that it was cancelling busing to the school.

March 21, 2024
Back in town!
Taking on the riverfront by Friends of Grey Cloud, this little (eastern bluebird) likes grasslands, insects, and ground foraging, along with nesting in cavities, in town for breeding purposes. Have a bird picture you'd like to share? Send your favorites to joe@thepaperboy.news. We take them all.
Highlights taken from the March 12 Board of Commissioners meeting
Opioid Settlement Community Council established, members appointed
A new 15-member Opioid Settlement Csommunity Council was established March 12 when the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved the resolution to form the council and approved the appointments of the members.
The council comprises professional experts and community members with relevant expertise in opioids, lived experience with opioids, or both. Members will serve two-year terms on the council.

March 28, 2024
South Washington County, PHCA working on transportation options
Pine Harbor Christian Academy is hoping that dialog with the South Washington County Schools will lead to the district continuing to bus its students to the ISD 833 district boundary.
PHCA abuts the City of Cottage Grove’s River Oaks Golf Course but is located in the Hastings ISD #200 School District. South Washington County – ISD #833 – has bused students from Cottage Grove and other communities in ISD 833 to the boundary on which PCHA sits for over 40 years. In February, the district informed PHCA that as of the start of the 2024-25 school year, that will no longer happen. After many discussions and emails, ISD #833 informed Pine Harbor that it has paused a resolution to discountsd bussing to the boundary and is going to work with PHCA officials toward a solution.
City Council faces pushback over 2024 Pavement Management project, still approves
At the March 20 regular meeting, the Cottage Grove City Council took heated comments from residents of the Prestige Estates neighborhood (west of Keats Avenue and north of 80th Street South) over a comprehensive road replacement project planned there for this summer and fall. At issue is a special assessment of approximately $6,700 to each property owner due to an expected “special benefit” to their property value as a result of the pending road work.
Residents speaking at the meeting’s public forum argued that regular road/curb/ sewer maintenance ought to be solely a city cost as a public space, not treated as an individual benefit to their home values that should be borne by them via special assessment. While council members acknowledged reasons why the residents may want to reject the project, the council ultimately approved the resolution with a unanimous aye vote.

April 4, 2024
Masonic Lodge # 118 Donates fire suppression devices at St. Paul Park Council meeting
Newport Masonic Lodge #118 of St. Paul Park has just donated six lifesaving fire suppression devices to the St. Paul Park Fire Department.
Taking place Monday April 1 at the 6:30 p.m. St. Paul Park regular council meeting, Masonic Lodge #118 presented four divides to the St. Paul Park Police Department and two to the Fire Department.
Food scraps pickup program expanding to new communities
Now available to residents of Cottage Grove, Grey Cloud Island Township, Landfall, Maplewood, Newport, North St. Paul, Oakdale, St. Paul Park and Woodbury,
Ramsey and Washington counties. These are in addition to all residents of Cottage Grove, Maplewood, Newport and North St. Paul that have been eligible for the program since October 2023.
Beginning April 1, 2024, residents of the new communities can sign up for the program at no cost by visiting FoodScrapsPickup.com or calling 651-661-9393.

April 11, 2024
Cottage Grove Lions Community Service Saturday a success
The Cottage Grove Lions hosted a tri-county Community Service Saturday on Saturday, April 6 at the historic John P. Furber Farm in Old Cottage Grove. Held in the Wedding & Events barn from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lions groups from Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties came together to provide various DIY volunteer service projects for attendees to help their communities. The event was open to the public for participation and was well attended by hundreds of people from the surrounding area to volunteer their time to help others.
H.F. 2310 set aside $6 million for Dunes SNA expansion
Politics is often the art of compromise, and with that in view, we’ve got (somewhat old) news: the details on last year’s bill allocating $6 million to Grey Cloud Island and Scientific and Natural Area.
Passed in the Minnesota House May 18 of last year on a largely party line roll call vote of 72-57 after the State Senate voted 34-33 in favor (also party line), H.F. 2310 was sponsored by Rep. Rick Hansen and includes “yea” votes by several area representatives.
Park edges East Ridge in softball thriller
After a tough opening loss at Forest Lake Wednesday, Park was rolling along with a fairly comfortable 2-0 lead over East Ridge heading into the seventh inning.
Then things got a little crazy. Park eventually prevailed, winning 2-1, but it was an adventure in the seventh.
Park freshman pitcher Stella Fritsche had been sailing along, striking out 10 of the first 19 batters she faced. Fritsche had allowed just one hit and had sat the East Ridge side down in order in five of the first six innings.

April 18, 2024
Family fun, unique opportunities await at Cottage Grove Chamber’s Community Showcase
The Park High School Activities Center will be the place to be on Saturday, April 27 for the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored 19th Annual Community Showcase.
The Community Showcase will again be packed with the best in local business and community and non-profit organizations, and it’s a great place to learn what the community has to offer.
Basic Needs partners with Foundation for Essential Needs
In an effort to build community, provide community engagement opportunities and remove as many barriers to accessing fresh, healthy food as possible, Basic Needs Inc. held focus groups with shoppers in February 2024 as part of the Foundation for Essential Needs (FFEN) Capturing Community Voice in Food Shelf Decision Making.
Focus groups were facilitated by community member Kate Hoelscher and attended by Basic Needs Executive Director Vickie Snyder and Food Market Manager Christ Jungwirth.
Local governments react to new PFAS values from EPA
Spring is in the air, and with it come new enforceable standards from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in relation to per-0 and polyflouroalkyl substances or PFAs. Commonly used in manufacturing and known as “forever chemicals “due to their relative stability in the environment, several PFAs have been tied to health issues, including cancer.

April 25, 2024
Partnership drives reading and writing program at Pullman Elementary
Reading and writing are strong at Pullman Elementary, thanks to a partnership with the East Point Douglas McDonalds and general manager Accia Parker.
Started five years ago as a way to encourage a strong writing culture, the program allows students to earn a cheeseburger in exchange for reaching writing goals.
Council approves ‘Summer Valley’ neighborhood development plans
A new single-family residential subdivision was approved by the Cottage Grove City Council at the April 17 regular meeting. Just south of the Woodbury border with Cottage Grove, the planned 24.5-acre development is at Jeffrey Avenue South and 63rd Street South, east of the Northwick Park neighborhood, north of the Parkview Pointe neighborhood, and west of the in-progress Rolling Meadows neighborhood.
About 71 homes are planned to be built in “Summer Valley” by Summergate Development following the council’s approval to rezone the land from AG-2 (Agriculture) to R-3 (Single-Family Residential), along with approving the preliminary plat.
Newport Council meets to look at proposed development
April 18 council meeting follows public hearing
The Newport City Council got a look at a new townhome proposal at its regular council meeting Thursday April 18, following a public hearing before the Newport Plan Commission April 19.
Proposed by Twin Cities Land Development Holdings LLC (TCLD) for the southeast border of Nepal in an area now zoned rural estate along Century Avenue and south of Loveland Park, Cherrywood Heights would have a net acreage of 24.86 acres, being rezoned mixed use residential under their proposal.

May 2, 2024
Preserve. Play. Prosper.: Enhancing our Parks, Recreation and Outdoor Spaces
The City of Cottage Grove is committed to high-quality public services that empower our community to connect, play, and thrive. In 2022, the city embarked on a journey to reimagine recreation. We listened and learned as residents shared their desires for a wider array of recreational opportunities, preservation of natural habitat, and additional access to open spaces.
Based on this feedback, the city developed a plan to invest $36 million to elevate the quality of our parks, recreation, and outdoor spaces.
The Preserve. Play. Prosper. plan focuses on three projects, at Hamlet Park, Mississippi Dunes, and River Oaks Golf Course and Event Center.
City breaks ground on new building for city public works
Cottage Grove will soon have a new utilities and engineering building, near the water treatment plant now being built in the South Business Park.
Breaking ground April 23, the new building off Ideal Avenue north of 110th Street South will house a new utilities and public works building for the city.
The current main public works building located at 8635 West Point Douglas Drive was last remodeled and added to in 1998, dating its initial construction to 1976.
Department of Minnesota VFW recognizes Riley Symicek as VFW Scout of the Year
BSA Troop 9005 of Woodbury proudly announces the recognition of Riley Symicek from Cottage Grove as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Scout of the Year for the State of Minnesota.
Dance off fun at the Cottage Grove Community Showcase
A variety of programs were held throughout the day at the Cottage Grove Community Showcase at Park High School. Among them, the Park High School cheerleaders joined mascots in a dance-off Saturday afternoon at the Cottage Grove Community Showcase, organized by the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce. The crowd clapped their approval for their favorite dancers.

May 9, 2024
‘The Prom’ debuts at Park High Theater
Opening at Park High Theater this April, “The Prom” made its stage debut, playing six nights over two weekends.
Accacia Lodge donates fire suppression devices to Cottage Grove police
Local Masonic organization Accacia Lodge #51 donated six fire suppression devices to the Cottage Grove Police Department, which were presented to the city at the May 1 city council meeting. The local Accacia Lodge was founded in 1865 and is currently located in Old Cottage Grove at 11094 70th St. S., once the original First Congregational Church, which has been the lodge’s home since 1966.
Cottage Grove Post Office hosts Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
The United States Post Office in Cottage Grove is ready to fight back against hunger in the community on Saturday, May 11. Partnering with the 2024 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, postal carriers will collect non-perishable food item donations that residents can leave at their mailboxes and the Cottage Grove Post Office will bring them to Friends in Need Food Shelf in St. Paul Park. Started in 1992, Friends in Need Food Shelf is a community-funded food shelf that provides food and resources to those in need in Newport, Grey Cloud Island, St. Paul Park, and Cottage Grove.

May 16, 2024
Fire at Newport leaves charred building
All hands were on deck in Newport Wednesday, May 8 as a fire call at 2:10 p.m. at 1136 Hastings Ave. saw Newport Fire arrive on a fully involved structure fire, starting as a vehicle fire on the south side of the building.
With Newport Fire Chief Steve Wiley calling in reinforcements, response soon arrived from St. Paul Park Fire, Cottage Grove EMS, Woodbury Fire, Lake Elmo Fire, Hastings Fire Engine 4, Inver Grove Heights Fire, and M Health EMS. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was also on scene, helping with traffic control as the firefighters worked.
Cottage Grove man sentenced for 2021 shooting death of a Maplewood man
Brenden Jamel Reynolds was sentenced Thursday for the death of 20-year-old Javon Andrew Malone, Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena announced.
Judge Stacey Sorenson Green handed down a 129-month prison sentence to Reynolds, age 25, for one count of manslaughter in the first-degree (intentional cause death) (heat of passion). Mr. Reynolds will receive credit for 415 days already served and was ordered to pay $7,580 in restitution. The sentence was an upward durational departure from the Minnesota sentencing guidelines.

May 23, 2024
CG 2024 Historic Preservationist of the Year awarded
Local residents Cindy Yff and Kathy DeMarre were jointly awarded Cottage Grove’s 2024 Historic Preservationist of the Year award at the May 15 City Council meeting. Known for their previous work researching the historical Old People’s Home & Cemetery of the Northwest, Yff and DeMarre’s efforts have now been officially recognized with an award presentation and plaques from the mayor and city council.
In the balance: Decision out on Mississippi Landing Injunction
Decision hung in the balance Friday, May 17 as attorneys for three separate litigants made their cases before Judge Douglas B. Meslow of the Minnesota Tenth Judicial District in Washington County.
On one side stood Friends of Grey Cloud, a local environmental group seeking a stop order for the Mississippi Landing plat, pending further environmental review.
On the other side stood Rachel Development of St. Michael and the city government of Cottage Grove, named as respondents in the case.

May 30, 2024
Meadowgrass Community Garden opens in Cottage Grove
A new community garden in Cottage Grove opened on Thursday, May 23. The project was initiated by residents of immigrant backgrounds who recognized the need for more community garden space in the area.
Grand reopening celebration of the Historic Courthouse
After extensive renovations, Washington County is excited to unveil its cherished landmark on June 8 at the long-awaited grand opening of the newly renovated Historic Courthouse in Stillwater. The event begins at 10 a.m. with speakers and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., parks staff will provide educational programming and activities for attendees.

June 6, 2024
Students raise over $30,000 for Grey Cloud Elementary PTA
Each year Grey Cloud Elementary hosts their ThunderDASH fundraiser to collect funds for the school’s PTA. Those funds help teachers and students throughout the school year, and it is a big effort for classes to win this fun event. This year’s winning class is actually a repeat winner from last year; Ms. Samantha Ackerknecht’s third grade class raised a total of $2,110. A total of more than $30,000 was raised by the entire school. Congratulations to all involved!
Team One Life to take on Race Across America, includes CG residents
Grueling 3,063 bike journey starts June 15 in support of children with cancer and their families
Two Cottage Grove residents and members of the bicycle group Team One Life are soon to undertake a mission in support of children with cancer and their families.
Amy Hite and Dave Lundberg, a married couple, will take part in the Race Across America in support of Special Love Inc. The Race Across America (RAAM) is a 3,000+-mile bike race that starts in Oceanside, Calif. and ends at Atlantic City, NJ in just over a week, while Special Love Inc. is an organization which helps provide a strong and nurturing environment for children with cancer from across the country, as well as their families.

June 13, 2024
Park High holds commencement June 9
Tradition met modernity Sunday, June 9 as the Park High Class of 2024 walked the arena stage at Aldrich Arena in Maplewood, the 108th class to graduate from Park High School.
Strawberry Fest coming soon!
The current Strawberry Fest Ambassadors joined the city council and others to celebrate the opening of Glacial Valley Park at 9900 Ravine Parkway South in Cottage Grove June 10. Taking place off 75th Street South at Kingston Park from June 20-23, Strawberry Fest 2024 promises to pack plenty of fun. Presale carnival tickets are on sale now at www.cottagegrovestrawberryfest.com.

June 20, 2024
Sen. Judy Seeberger receives Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association’s 2024 ‘Legislator of the Year’ Award
On Thursday, June 13, the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) announced its 2024 “Officer of the Year” and “Legislators of the Year” Awards. Among the recipients was Sen. Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton), recognized as the Senate’s “Legislator of the Year” for her work supporting Minnesota’s law enforcement and first responders.
Strawberry Fest kicks off Thursday at Kingston Park
Events planned include Thursday family night, fireworks and parade Saturday
Coming soon to Cottage Grove Thursday June 20 through Sunday June 23 with a Monday coronation at Park High School, the 40th annual Strawberry Fest is set to be a blast. With this year’s theme entitled “celebrating 40 years of fun before your berry eyes” and eight contestants competing in the Ambassador contest (each with a sponsor, as other events), the annual get together will have an ongoing medallion hunt (already underway), while the fun at Kingston Park starts Thursday, June 20 at 4 p.m.

June 27, 2024
CG Public Safety Board awards 2024 scholarships
The Cottage Grove Public Safety Board announced the winners of the 2024 Craig Woolery Scholarship at the city council meeting on June 5. The awards of $1,000 or more are given annually to young community-engaged residents pursuing post-secondary schooling in law enforcement, EMS, or firefighting. The application process, due May 1 of each year, requires interested Cottage Grove residents to submit an essay and a letter of recommendation for consideration. This year’s scholarship recipients are Avery Christopherson, Colin Schmit, Peyton Taylor, and Chris Vierling.
CG resident selected as 2024 Bush fellow
Minnesota educator and Cottage Grove resident Maylee Xiong has been named a 2024 Bush Fellow. Bush Fellowships are made possible by the Bush Foundation, founded in 1953 by Archibald and Edyth Bush. Those named to a Bush Fellowship receive a grant of $100,000 to fund their leadership plan, which can last from one to two years.
A member of the Hmong ethnic group, Xiong was born in Laos before emigrating to the United States at age 4, having since gone on to become a trained educator and help co-create Hmong Studies and Hmong Dual Languages programs at Phalen Elementary in St. Paul.

July 4, 2024
Severe river flooding leads to bridge and causeway closure in Cottage Grove
Due to recent heavy rainfall and rising river levels, the City of Cottage Grove has announced the closure of the bridge and causeway to Lower Grey Cloud Island to ensure public safety. This closure includes prohibiting vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The affected areas include:
• Grey Cloud Trail bridge over the Mississippi River (closed June 26)
• Grey Cloud Drive causeway on the Mississippi River (closing June 28 at noon)
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Mississippi River as water levels continue to rise.
Christian Meyer receives Eagle Scout award
Cottage Grove resident Christian Meyer was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America. The city council publicly recognized his achievement by presenting him with an official plaque from the mayor and the city council at the June 26 regular meeting.

July 11, 2024
CG resident welcomed as executive director of the Minnesota Academy of Science
The Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS) is excited to announce that Kristen Barry of Cottage Grove has been selected as its new executive director. Barry is an experienced leader in the educational sector with a long history of fostering partnerships between schools, community organizations, and government agencies. MAS is a statewide nonprofit organization committed to connecting Minnesotans of all backgrounds with resources and opportunities to engage in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning, research, and communication - and to recognize excellence in these areas.
MPCA targets PFAS in draft wastewater permit for 3M’s Cottage Grove facility
Facility to remove certain ‘forever chemicals’ to below detectable levels
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)’s draft wastewater permit for the 3M facility at Cottage Grove, released July 1, adds new water quality protections for the Mississippi River and improves accountability through monitoring and reporting requirements. The draft permit is one of the most rigorous in state history and mandates the removal of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to levels below detection. An advanced PFAS treatment system will be used to achieve this.

July 18, 2024
Friends in Need Food Shelf receives donation from Marathon Petroleum Refinery
Gift of $98,750 will pay off building, continues long partnership
The building for St. Paul Park Friends in Need Food Shelf is all paid for.
Located at 535 Fourth St. in St. Paul Park and serving a core area including Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, and Grey Cloud, Friends In Need saw visitors from Marathon Petroleum Refinery Thursday come to present a $98,750 check for the last payment on the building’s mortgage, accepted on behalf of the pantry by Executive Director Jill Hughes and Assistant Director Crystal Schneider.

July 25, 2024
Plan Commission reviews request for comprehensive plan amendment
Holding an official public hearing to review and take feedback on plans for a new neighborhood Monday, July 22, the Cottage Grove Planning Commission sent a request for a comprehensive plan amendment relating to a new 162-lot neighborhood plat by Pulte Homes onto the council for review. Pending approval of a comprehensive plan amendment, the neighborhood to be called Preserve at Prairie Dunes would be rezoned R-4, up from its current designation as AG-2. The site is currently guided in the city’s comprehensive plan as a mixture of low and medium density residential along with industrial use.

Aug. 1, 2024
City of Newport asks residents to fill out water and meter line survey
Live in Newport, Minn.? If so, we’ve got news: there’s a water and meter line survey the city needs you to complete ASAP, the survey aim being to help Newport with a service line inventory required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following lead and copper rule revisions from 2021.
South Washington County resident headed to 2024 Master CrossFit Games
Denise Carlson is going to the 2024 Masters CrossFit Games.
A Woodbury resident who works out at Kôr Fitness & Performance in Newport, the 5 foot 2-inch 60-year-old will soon compete Aug. 29 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Ala. for the title of “Fittest on Earth” in the 60- to 64-year-old age group. Kôr Fitness & Performance in Newport is a group fitness-based gym that focuses on functional fitness, CrossFit being a fitness program led by a trained coach meant to produce measurable outcomes through lifestyle changes, centered on training and nutrition.

Aug. 8, 2024
Lightning strikes CG home, ignites attic
A Cottage Grove house in the northwest end of the Pine Summit neighborhood was struck by lightning on Wednesday, July 31 around 5:55 p.m. The strike pierced the roof of the home at 6596 Clover Circle S. and ignited a fire in the attic.
A neighbor saw the lightning strike and called 911, and then went over to inform the homeowner, Ronney Im, that his roof was on fire and smoking. Quick fire and police response, coupled with continued heavy rain from the storm, allowed the fire to be contained to the attic where it was quickly extinguished, ultimately saving the home.
Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham appointed to NACo committees
The National Association of Counties (NACo) announced on Thursday that Washington.. County Commissioner Karla Bigham, District 4, has been appointed to four of the association’s committees. These appointments are:
• Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee: Vice Chair of Law Enforcement Subcommittee.
• Arts and Culture Commission.
• Resilient Counties Advisory Board.
• Rural Action Caucus (RAC).
NACo President James Gore stated that Bigham was chosen because of her dedication to NACo. He mentioned that her active participation and leadership help NACo represent America’s counties effectively.
Newport man sentenced in transit center murder
Sylvester T. Jones, 39, Newport, pleaded guilty to intentional second-degree murder and was sentenced to over 30 years in prison for the murder of his cousin in 2023. On July 30, the Honorable Siv Mjanger sentenced Jones to 367 months in prison. The sentence was the result of a plea agreement that requires Jones to serve the maximum presumptive sentence called for by the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines.

Aug. 15, 2024
County Board begins reviews of 2025 budget recommendations
The Washington County Board of Commissioners, in a live-streamed and recorded workshop, began its review of the county’s 2025 recommended budget Aug. 6.
The board will hear presentations from each county department between Aug. 6 and Sept. 3. The board will follow a budget calendar through early December, which will include:
• Sept. 24: Set a preliminary levy.
• Oct. 15: Review the county’s five-year capital improvement plan
• Nov. 12: Conduct a public hearing on the five-year capital improvement plan
• Nov. 26: Conduct a public hearing on the proposed budget and levy; the public hearing will occur after 6 pm.
• Dec. 17: Adopt a budget and property tax levy, and the capital improvement plan.
Washington County Commissioner Stan Karwoski appointed to NACo committees
The National Association of Counties (NACo) announced last week that Washington County Commissioner Stan Karwoski, District 2, has been pointed to three of the association’s committees. These appointments are:
• Environment, Energy, and Land Use Steering Committee
• Membership Standing Committee, and
• Rural Action Caucus (RAC).

Aug. 22, 2024
Washington County Attorney’s Office concludes that police acted lawfully in shooting incident in Woodbury
A Woodbury police officer and a Washington County sheriff’s deputy lawfully used force when they shot a man who pointed a high-powered pellet gun that appeared to be a firearm at police, Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson announced. The incident occurred on April 22, 2024, and the man was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, one count of financial transaction card fraud, and one count of third-degree burglary by Washington County on May 3, 2024.
Injunction denied: Judge throws out lawsuit by Friends of Grey Cloud
The verdict is in, and it’s negative.
First filed May 17, 2024, Case No. 82-CV-24-1270 seeking a temporary injunction at Mississippi Dunes golf course pending environmental review, has been denied. Answering the request for an injunction by Friends of Grey Cloud on Aug. 15, Tenth District Judge Douglas Meslow denied the request, explaining why in 14 pages.
SPP Heritage Days delivers
Rain may have threatened to spoil the fun at St. Paul Park’s 2024 Heritage Days Festival on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 17, but the skies eventually cleared and the community celebration kicked off in style anyway. Boy Scouts, a marching band, gymnasts, fire/police, local leaders, and local business floats braved the early deluge in preparation for the 10:30 a.m. parade down Broadway Avenue and Summit Avenue to Heritage Park.

Aug. 29, 2024
Washington County Commissioner Michelle Clasen appointed to NACo committee
The National Association of Counties (NACo) announced this month that Washington County Commissioner Michelle Clasen, District 5, has been appointed to the association’s Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee.
“Being a member of this national steering team is a serious commitment that I’m ready to make,” said Commissioner Clasen. “I look forward to using my voice and insights to advocate for topics like affordable housing and workforce development that are vital for Washington County and so many other counties across the U.S.”
CG Police respond to disturbance
Cottage Grove Police responded to an incident at Allina Health Clinic on West Point Douglas Road at approximately 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22. Officers responded to the scene after multiple 911 callers reported they were being attacked, with staff members reporting an upset male accompanying a young man that was assaulting others stating, “I am armed.” This caused them to fear that the upset male had a gun.
Upon responding, it turned out there was no weapon as had been initially reported.

Sept. 5, 2024
County Board receives GFOA Triple Crown awards
The Washington County Board of Commissioners took many actions at its regular monthly meeting Aug. 27.
Among them, the Board of Commissioners reappointed Celia Wirth of Grant to a third term as manager of the Brown’s Creek Watershed District.
Created to manage water resources along natural (hydrologic) boundaries, the Brown’s Creek Watershed District is one of eight such watershed districts within the county, located over 28 square miles or approximately18,000 acres northwest of Stillwater, emptying into the St. Croix River via Brown’s Creek. Wirth’s third term as manager of the Brown’s Creek Watershed will begin on Oct. 23 of this year and last for three years, expiring Oct. 22, 2027.
Storms decimate parts of Cottage Grove
Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, will be one of those days to remember for many Cottage Grove residents. While parts of Dakota County to the south saw an F0 tornado, Cottage Grove faced straight line winds that up rooted dozens of large trees and damaged several houses in the area. The damage was so severe, Mayor Myron Bailey and the city council declared a State of Emergency on Friday morning and the city called in all available resources to clear roads the night of the storm.

Sept. 12, 2024
Friends of Grey Cloud plan potluck, business meeting at Park Grove Library Sept. 15
Friends of Grey Cloud is making plans. Formed in part to oppose what it considers overdevelopment along the riverfront, the group will hold a potluck and business meeting at Park Grove Library Sept. 15. Located off 80th Street South at 900 Hemingway Ave., the event scheduled from 2-4 p.m. will decide the future course of the organization.
City completes long running East Point Douglas and Jamaica Avenue project
Cottage Grove residents will have an easier time getting around town, following completion of a long running project on East Point Douglas Road South and Jamaica Avenue north of Highway 61.
Completed in two phases over two years, the $8.592 million project was awarded in March 2023 to Meyer Contracting Inc. of Maplewood…As to road improvement details, the two-phase project saw a roundabout installed on East Point Douglas Road along with removal of a signal intersection. Jamaica Avenue modifications included the installation of dual left turn lanes and street reconstruction along with utility installation and repairs.
Park High School searched for weapons after overheard threat
On Sept. 6, the Park High School administration office received a call from the parent of a student who said they overheard that another student on the bus had a weapon in their backpack.
The Cottage Grove Police Department’s School Resource Officer (SRO) was called into the administration office and this information was shared. The SRO immediately requested assistance from on-duty patrol officers and detectives. The entire school was placed in a hold while responding units and school officials investigated the allegation. No weapons were found.

Sept. 19, 2024
City unveils Cottage Grove puzzle commissioned from Eric Dowdle
People. Places. Things. Put them together, and you’ve got the building blocks for a community. Unveiled in the cafeteria of Cottage Grove Middle School on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 9 a.m., the new Cottage Grove puzzle is now official.
Commissioned by the city to showcase Cottage Grove and enriched with a total of 57 specific references to local people, places, and events both past and present, the puzzle created by Eric Dowdle of Dowdle Studios lets residents dive into Cottage Grove’s history, each piece and image holding a lesson to be learned.
County recognized with award for opioid settlement planning
Washington County Public Health and Environment received a national award for Excellence in the Application of the Opioid Litigation Principles. The county is the first jurisdiction in Minnesota selected for this award. The principles were developed by a coalition of organizations across the substance use field as well as faculty and staff from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to guide states and localities in spending opioid settlement funds.

Sept. 26, 2024
CG man arrested, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, illegal possession of a firearm
A Cottage Grove man is in police custody on drug and weapons related charges, following the carrying out of a search warrant July 16 in Cottage Grove.
Jonathan Henry Valencour, 44, is charged in an indictment from the U.S. District Attorney’s Office with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm as a felon. Valencour was arraigned Sept. 9 in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty and has been ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings. Considered to be a pretrial flight risk, he faces 40 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

Oct. 3, 2024
Food scraps program expanding to 19 new communities
Ramsey and Washington counties’ Food Scraps Pickup Program is now available to 19 new communities. This includes all residents of
• Afton
• Bayport
• Baytown Township
• Birchwood Village
• Dellwood
• Denmark Township
• Grant
• Lake Elmo
• Lake Saint Croix Beach
• Lakeland
• Lakeland Shores
• Mahtomedi
• Oak Park Heights
• Pine Springs
• Stillwater
• Stillwater Township
• St. Mary’s Point
• West Lakeland Township
• Willernie
These are in addition to all residents of Cottage Grove, Grey Cloud Island Township, Landfall, Maplewood, Newport, North St. Paul, Oakdale, St. Paul Park and Woodbury, where the program has already been available. Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, residents of the new communities can sign up for the program at no cost by visiting FoodScrapsPickup.com or calling 651-661-9393.
Hamlet Park to host inaugural ‘Run Like Laura’ event Oct. 19
A local foundation named Live Like Laura will host an inaugural 5K run and one mile walk as well as a kids run and walk at Hamlet Park Oct. 19. Named for Cottage Grove resident and elementary speech pathologist Laura Schrankler who passed away in 2022 from complications following cardiac arrest, the Live Like Laura Foundation seeks to help students succeed, thus continuing Laura’s legacy.
Schweisguth new Executive Director at SWCTC
Ann Schweisguth has been named the new executive director at the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission, which produces video content for the communities of Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, Woodbury and Grey Cloud Island Township and operates the community media channels (Xfinity 18/859, 16/799, 14/798).

Oct. 10, 2024
Random Runners celebrate 10th anniversary
Cottage Grove Random Runners (CGRR) was started in fall of 2014 with the creation of a Facebook page and a call to the local paper. The group has grown from three people, who started it to share their love and support of the running community, to over 800 followers / runners on the page. A 10-year celebration was held on Sunday, Sept. 29 at Hamlet Park in Cottage Grove, the original starting place of the group. The celebration events included a silent auction, raffle, potluck, gear exchange and shoe drive - all to benefit the local community – and of course a run! A 5K with a twist where the runner predicted their time before the run and won by being the closest to their predicted time without going over it. No watches allowed on the run! The 5K was put on by Athena Clydesdale Racing out of Woodbury at no charge to the CGRR group.
Newport seeks input on proposed trail network
Live in Newport and have a preference on where to put new trails moving forwards?
The city wants to hear from you. Now in the process of developing a Trail Network Plant to guide it in the future development of walking and bike trails, the City of Newport is currently seeking residents’ feedback as it seeks to create a place where all can better get around. Listed in alphabetical fashion are eight proposed future trail routes along with their details…Residents can rank which they prefer in descending order, with ‘1’ being the most important and ‘8’ least important.
Park High to host Shakespearean theatre
Park Theater will soon treat Cottage Grove residents to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”—in the fall!
Penned by William Shakespeare during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in England, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will arrive in town Friday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Park High School Auditorium.

Oct. 17, 2024
St. Paul Park resident to celebrate 100th birthday at Tinucci’s Oct. 19
A longtime resident of South Washington County will soon celebrate her 100th birthday. The family celebration, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19 at Tinucci’s in Newport, will recognize Dolores “Dots” Ruth Cornwell, born Kitzhaber. Longevity is said to run in the family, with Dolores having a brother who is 96, a sister who is 94, and another sister who is 92.
Looking back on a century of activity, Cornwell has had an eventful life. Born at Greenwood, Wis. in Clark County on Oct. 15, 1924 to Lawrence and Mabel Kitzhaber as the fifth of 10 children, Cornwell lived and worked at Greenwood before going to Evanston, Ill. at age 17 for work.

Oct. 24, 2024
Officer Sorgaard and K9 Odin recognized with Terrance Patrick Cahill Award
The Cottage Grove City Council met in the St. Croix Room at City Hall for its regular bimonthly meeting Wednesday, Oct. 16, taking time to recognize Officer Matt Sorgaard and K9 Partner Odin for their performance at the 2024 USPCA National Field Trials in Baton Rouge earlier this month, earning the Terrance Patrick Cahill Award, a prestigious traveling trophy named for a Baltimore police officer who started his career at Scotland Yard. The top possible score is 460.
Basic Needs to hold first annual PIT Stop at Cottage Grove Armory
Basic Needs Inc. is hosting the first South Washington County “PIT Stop.” Sponsored by Van Meter, it is a one-day event to serve individuals and families in need. PIT Stop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Cottage Grove Armory, 8180 Belden Blvd., Cottage Grove.

Oct. 31, 2024
Council holds three public hearings Oct. 16
The Cottage Grove City Council met Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m in the St. Croix Room at City Hall for its regular bimonthly council meeting.
Council member Justin Olsen pulled consent agenda item D to acknowledge a $2,000 donation made by Chris Gehrman towards a memorial bench for Cole Gehrman. The memorial bench program through the Cottage Grove Parks and Recreation Department allows for individuals to donate towards park benches in the name of loved ones.
Including in the public hearings for Oct. 16 meanwhile, were a tall weeds assessment, drainage and utility easement vacation near Oltman Middle School, and assessments related to a 2024 pavement management at Prestige Estates.

Nov. 7, 2024
Washington County commemorates 175th anniversary with resolution, board meeting at Historic Courthouse
The Washington County Board of Commissioners marked the county’s 175th anniversary with a special board meeting at the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater Oct. 29.
During the meeting, Board Chair Stan Karwoski, District 2, thanked county staff for their continued commitment to public service, spoke about the historical significance of the Historic Courthouse, and honored Commissioner Gary Kriesel, District 3, for his 20-year tenure on the county board. The county board passed a resolution that proclaims Oct. 27, 2024, as the 175th anniversary of Washington County and celebrates the county’s long and enduring legacy of service. The resolution notes that Washington County has provided key services to its residents since its establishment in 1849, including elections administration, record keeping, road maintenance, parks, law enforcement, probation supervision, social services, courts, libraries, public health programs, services to residents, and more.
Live rail and river cams debut at Newport
It’s a small world, but for those interested in watching, there’s a new rail cam at Newport, courtesy of Northern Transcon Railcams Otter Tail Channel on YouTube. Going live Jan. 2, 2024, the rail camera was joined by a crosstown river camera Oct. 1, allowing viewers to keep an eye on traffic both to the east and west in Newport. The two cameras together join others from across the state and up or downriver that give viewers live insight into what’s happening by river and rail.

Nov. 14, 024
Bailey makes history: CG mayor elected to fifth four-year term, surpasses Roger Peterson’s tenure
Election results are in for the fall election, with many winners.
Winning a fifth term to make history, Mayor Myron Bailey took 94.87 percent of the vote with 18,174 votes to 983 write-ins. The victory sets Bailey to become the longest serving mayor in Cottage Grove history, surpassing Roger Peterson.
Also in results from Cottage Grove, Justin Olsen and David Clausen were elected to council seats. Olsen received 41.4 percent of the vote or 12,112 votes total, while Clausen received 9,310 votes or 31.82 percent of the three-way vote split. Polling third was Tony Khambata with 7,320 votes total or 25.02 percent of the total, with 512 write-ins also cast. Finally for Cottage Grove, Monique Garza won her special election council seat with 15,058 or 97.28 percent of total votes to 421 write-ins.
Voters reject city parks referenda: City will review, work park improvements into capital expense program over next 25 years
The city called its plan Preserve. Play. Prosper. The voters appear to have disagreed.
Heading to the polls Nov. 5, Cottage Grove voters rejected all three parks referenda questions, the greatest opposition being shown to a sales tax funding improvements for River Oaks Golf Course, followed by Hamlet Park. Voters rejected a half percent sales tax for River Oaks by 16,535 or 71.87 percent against to 6,472 or 28.13 percent in favor.

Nov. 21, 2024
Cottage Grove man celebrates 104th birthday
As of 2021, a study of US records showed that out of 336,996,624 people in the US, 89,739 were Centenarians or someone who is 100 years old or older. At that time, Don Tietz was part of that special club at 101. Now, he can claim the title of “oldest living Cottage Grove resident” at 104 years old.
Tietz was the oldest of his 16 siblings with his youngest sibling being 19 years younger. He grew up in Iowa and lived with his parents until he was six. At that point, he lived with a variety of other family members who had less kids to help balance the cost of living. The families were mostly farmers, a trade that Tietz worked until he turned 21 when he was drafted for World War II.
“I got a call, we want you, and I took training for about four or four to six weeks, which wasn’t much in Texas. He sent us to California where I was supposed to get on a boat there to go to Japan. The boat never showed up. So, since I was there, we walked guard along Long Beach for about three, four weeks. Then they pulled us out and we went to Camp Booker, Alabama. When we went down there, that’s where we got the training. That’s where they put a 67-pound pack on my back, a nine-pound rifle and army boats. They did that, and we had to walk eight hours and 25 miles at a 10-minute break every hour,” explained Tietz.
County officials break ground on Emergency Housing Services Building
Officials from Washington County and the Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) broke ground on the Emergency Housing Services Building (EHSB) Nov. 12.
The $12 million project located on the south end of the county’s Government Center campus in Stillwater will be the county’s first permanent short-term emergency housing facility for adults without children, who are experiencing homelessness.
Park girls skate past Mounds View/Irondale
Park ended an up-and-down week with a big win Saturday, knocking off Mounds View/Irondale 5-1 at the NSC Super Rink.
The game was tied 1-all after the first period, but the Wolfpack won the next two periods by identical 2-0 counts to earn the victory.
Park improved to 2-1-1 on the season and to 2-0 in the Suburban East Conference. Mounds View/Irondale fell to 0-3 in the league and 1-3 overall.

Nov. 28, 2024
CPKC Holiday train rolls into town Wednesday, Dec. 11 for 22nd anniversary
The CPKC Holiday Train returns to the communities of Cottage Grove, Newport and St. Paul Park for the 22nd anniversary of the Cottage Grove Area Stop, on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024.
The brightly lit train will arrive with a trainload of fun and entertainment at 5:15 p.m. Performances by The Lone Bellow and Tiera Kennedy will be featured from the train stage, beginning at 5:30 p.m. All cash and donations of personal care items collected at the “Cottage Grove Stop” go directly to our local Friends in Need Food Shelf, serving the residents of Cottage Grove, Grey Cloud Island, Newport and St. Paul Park.
Washington County school nurse receives national immunization award
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that Tara Goebel, a health services coordinator and licensed school nurse from South Washington County Schools, has been named Minnesota’s 2024 Immunization Champion for her incredible effort and leadership with increasing immunization rates in children. Each year, the national Immunization Champion Awards honor one person in Minnesota for their exceptional work in encouraging immunization for children or adults in their community.

Dec. 5, 2024
Environmental study for Grey Cloud Island quarry expansion available for public comment
An environmental study for a proposed new Larson Quarry expansion is now available for review. Washington County ordered preparation of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) to assess the potential for environmental impacts of the proposed project. Holcim-MWR, Inc. proposes to expand their existing limestone quarry, known as the Larson Quarry (in Grey Cloud Island Township), to the east onto an adjacent 148-acre property. No change in quarry operations or production levels are proposed.

Dec. 12, 2024
County Board holds public hearing on adoption of county’s proposed cannabis ordinance
The Washington County Board of Commissioners met Dec. 3, covering much business, including a public hearing on the adoption of Washington County Cannabis Ordinance #219.
Economic Development Authority holds public hearing on HRA tax levy
Commissioner Tschida expresses concerns as Resolution 2024-13 passes Dec. 3
Cottage Grove is about to have a new itemized tax line, but without a corresponding tax increase for 2025.
Meeting Dec. 3 in a special meeting at the St. Croix Room in City Hall, the Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved a new HRA levy via Resolution 2024-13, split off and set apart from the current EDA levy, with each levy amount of $137,500 together representing half of the old EDA levy of $275,000.
Proposed expansion of Larson Quarry pit to potentially reroute County Road 75
Nelson Mine Backwater Project on Lower Island also in view, public meeting Dec. 19 at HERO Center
Increased mine operations could soon be coming to Grey Cloud Township, pending comment and action on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) application. The Responsible Government Unit (RGU) for the EAW for Larson Quarry Pit is Washington County, designated as such under chapter 7 of the Development
Code for undeveloped areas of the county.
A public meeting on the Larson Quarry EAW will be held 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 at the Grey Cloud Township Hall at 9910 Grey Cloud Island Drive South. There will be no formal presentation, with the EAW for the proposed Larson Quarry pit expansion available via weblink at www.WashingtonCountyMN.gov/LarsonQuarrry EAW or in hard copy at Park Grove Library, located at 7900 Hemingway Ave. S. in Cottage Grove.
Also up for review meanwhile is a proposed move of the mine on Lower Grey Cloud Island to prolong its useful life, owned by the same company and within Cottage Grove city limits.
Known as the Nelson Mine Backwaters Project, the area in question has a project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with link on the city website at https://www.cottagegrovemn.gov/598/Nelson-Mine-Backwaters-Project-EIS
Designated as RGU for the Nelson Mine Backwater Project is the City of Cottage Grove.

Dec. 19, 2024
$10,000 to alleviate area hunger
Tiera Kennedy and the Lone Bellow provided music for the CKPC Holiday Train stop Dec. 11, with Mayor Myron Bailey of Cottage Grove and Mayor Keith Franke of St. Paul Park accepting a check along with Friends in Need Food Shelf Executive Director Jill Hughes for $10,000 to help Friends in Need Food Shelf. The total brings to $2 million the funds raised to alleviate area hunger over the years the train has stopped in town.
Public Safety Board presents at Dec. 4 Council
Fresh off adopting the agenda Dec. 4, the Cottage Grove City Council saw a presentation from the Public Safety Board. A non-profit citizens board that works with the city’s public safety department through the police liaison officer and fire chief, the Public Safety Commission works to help promote the partnership between the department and citizens to ensure a safe community. Recognized Dec. 4 were Kent Ripplinger and Panamint Capital, otherwise known as LSP. Located near 3M and donating repeatedly over the past decade, Panamint has helped the Public Safety Board purchase several K9 dogs, including Blitz, Gunnar, and Scout.
“So all of our K9 dogs have come from the help of generous donations of LSP,” Rice said of donations. For K9 Odin, Panamint donated towards the purchase of a ballistic vest.

Dec. 26, 2024
County Board approves five-year Capital Improvement Plan
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a capital improvement plan (CIP) Dec. 17 which will oversee projects throughout the county through 2029.
Capital improvement planning is one of the fundamental building blocks in the county’s budget and financial management. The CIP establishes a guide for making capital investment decisions logically and in a deliberate and accountable fashion. The plan covers five years, with the first-year projects included in the county’s adopted budget.
The 2025-2029 CIP includes just more than $399 million in community investment across 90 projects or programs. The CIP outlines plans to maintain current infrastructure and includes projects for new roadways, buildings, and park facilities to address a growing county population and service demands.

And that’s the year in review for 2024!