More local news

Build a museum in a shoebox for county’s Micro Museum exhibition

From towering dinosaur fossils to modern masterpieces, museums spark curiosity and bring stories to life. Now, it’s your turn to become the curator. Washington County Parks invites you to …

Sorgaard promoted to sergeant

Cottage Grove Police Officer Matt Sorgaard was promoted to sergeant at the June 18, 2025 city council meeting. The badgepinning ceremony opened with a brief review by Cottage Grove Public Safety head …

On to Newport Council

Sent on to the Newport City Council by the July 8 Plan Commission, the Red Rock III apartments are set for final consideration by the Newport Council. No public comment was made at the July 8 Plan …
The Washington County Board of Commissioners recognizes K9 Jake and his handler, Washington County Deputy Chris Majeski, upon K9 Jake’s retirement from service.

Jen Sterner is the 2025 Washington County Child Care Provider of the Year

The Washington County Board of Commissioners met July 8 for their regular board meeting at the Government Center in Stillwater. Prominent on the agenda was recognition of Jen Sterner of Lake Elmo as …
Crime
Michael Dennis Jerry.

A St. Paul Park man was taken into custody after leading police on a 28-minute pursuit at speeds up to 100 mph on Dec. 12.

Michael Dennis Jerry, 55, St. Paul Park, was charged with fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, a felony carrying a maximum sentence of three years in cancelation and a fine of up to $5,000. A …
On the calendar
Business

Next Step Pathways moving to 70th and Jamaica

District plans for the new Next Step Pathways property including a 9,000 square foot expansion and remodel to include a learning space and horticulture learning lab. Above is a model of the school entry. All design concepts are drafts and subject to change.

Next Step Pathways is moving to a new place next summer. Now housed at 7155 80th Street South off East Point Douglas, the District 833 transition program will move to the southwest corner of 70th and …

Government

Strong month for job growth

Minnesota saw another strong month of job and labor force growth in May, according to new data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota added 6,600 jobs …

Community News
Obituaries
EPSON MFP image
Lois Larson (Johnson)
Lois Joanne Larson (Johnson), age 96, was called to her heavenly home on Wednesday Dec. 4, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family who sang to her and prayed for her as she was slipping from …
Michael Kriel
Michael R. Kriel Age 81, of Newport passed away on Aug 19, 2024. Survived by wife Linda, children Kelly (Angela) Christopher (Tracy), step-son Theodore Sitz, grandchildren and canine companions. …
Earnestine Watson
Earnestine Watson, aged 73, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Her life began on May 19, 1951, in …
Bill 'Billy' Rhode
Bill (Billy) Rhode passed away at his home in Hastings, MN on June 8, 2024, at the age of 64. He is survived by his loving wife, Kristi, son, Matt Doublin of Minneapolis, MN, and his furbaby, …
Lynette Shablo
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother, Lynette Ann Shablo (Schinke), who departed this world on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 82 years …
Local sports

Park LAX state bound after dramatic win

Park's players celebrate a wild 11-10 win in triple overtime against Cretin-Durham Hall in the section finals Wednesday.
After four straight seasons of heartbreaking near misses, the Park Wolfpack fought their way to state Wednesday. Park senior Josie Leonard powered in the game winner with 2:04 left in the third …

Boys volleyball fires up in District 833

Boys volleyball is taking off in Minnesota—and that includes South Washington County. With the 2025 State Boys Volleyball Tournament held June 10 through June 12 at the University of St. Thomas …
It was a hot and windy morning for a race, but the basket of fresh strawberries for the finishers helped ease the pain a bit. An even 100 runners participated in the 2025 Strawberry Fest 5K …
Park senior Tyler Bonin carded a 156 to finish tied for 53rd in the 2025 MSHSL Class AAA golf state tournament Wednesday at Bunker Hills Golf Club. Bonin finished the tournament seven over par. …
Perhaps it wasn’t the perfect ending to an otherwise perfect season the Park players might have been dreaming about. But it was pretty darn close. Second-seeded Park dominated fifth-seeded …
Led by senior Rainna Jameson’s second-place finish, Park’s trio of high jumpers went out in style Tuesday and Thursday at the boys and girls track and field championships at St. …
Education

Summer reading tips shared by SoWashCo Schools

School may be out for now, but learning is always in season. Serving over 18,700 students across seven cities with an area of 84 square miles, South Washington County Schools shared the following …

Features

Police and Fire Departments to face off at ‘Battle of the Badges’ Fundraiser

Cottage Grove, MN — First responders from across South Washington County will lace up their sneakers and hit the hardwood in the ultimate community showdown: Battle of the Badges 2025, a …

Opinion

The "Turtle" Flambeau Flowage

Hello friends, This week I spent three days camped on an island on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage with my golden retriever Red. This trip was a bit unique as I hit some pretty harsh weather but still …

My View: The path to excellence

One morning each week, my alarm goes off much earlier than usual, and I leave the house early for work. The best thing about getting going at that time is the great AM radio that you can dial in from …

My View: There’s only one of me

I think I’m actually being too good of a husband. I may have gone above and beyond my husbandly duties. Problem is, I’m hoping I don’t have a hard time getting things back to the …
Web Extras
African women are key to fighting climate change – these are the green skills they will need
There’s a long list of green skills that women across Africa need so that they can get jobs and start businesses that help the world adapt to climate change.
The scoop on America’s ice cream preferences, according to Instacart
Instacart reports that vanilla remains America's top ice cream flavor, while adventurous choices like pistachio and tropical flavors are on the rise.
What your first phone says about you and your generation
Spokeo reports your first phone reveals generational tech preferences, shaping how you interact with technology today.
Your cortisol is probably fine. Here’s what TikTok gets wrong about the “stress hormone”
Thriveworks reports that cortisol, often labeled the "stress hormone," plays vital body functions and isn't solely the cause of stress-related issues.
How moving companies can satisfy arbitration requirements
Business Consumer Alliance reports moving companies must implement arbitration programs to resolve disputes fairly, meet legal requirements, and enhance customer trust.