More local news

Minnesota National Guard Medical Company Returns from the Middle East

COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. – Approximately 40 Soldiers from the 204th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) based in Cottage Grove, returned to Minnesota Wednesday, June 11 following a 10 month …

Cottage Grove VFW Post 8752 elects officers

The Cottage Grove VFW Post 8572 has elected officers for 2025-26. Shown above from left to right are Yvonne Miller, Adjutant; Dennis Mitchell, Chaplain; Melissa Phinney, Commander; Don Pelton, Senior …

Washington County Sheriff opts not to seek third term

Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry has opted not to seek a third term as Washington County Sheriff. Appointed as Sheriff in 2017 before winning election to the post in 2018 and 2022, Starry …
Staff from Washington County and Metro Transit, who worked on the METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit project, were joined by the County Board of Commissioners in recognition of receiving a WTS Innovative Transportation Solutions Award for the project.

County Board approves design contract for Jamaica Avenue improvement project

A new contract has been approved for design of the Jamaica Avenue improvement project. Approved June 3 by the Washington County Board of Commissioners for $319,316, LHB, Inc. will provide preliminary …
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

Council reviews 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

Rebecca Petersen of Redpath and Company presented the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report to the Cottage Grove City Council on June 4.

The current fiscal year fast approaching its end the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is posted on the city website for public review. Prepared by Redpath and Company and covered in summary …

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 …
Tyler Bonin aims for the green in the state meet at Bunker Hills Golf Course.

Bonin competes at state golf meet

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. …
After rolling to a perfect 10-0 regular season, and then past Sartell and Minnetonka in the first two rounds at state, the Park Wolfpack finally found a team they couldn’t handle. …
Newly named the No. 2 girls lacrosse team in the state, the Park Wolfpack showed why Monday in a hard-fought Class 1A, Section 3 semifinal against fourth-seeded St. Croix Prep. Star senior Madi …
Education

School board elects new board officers at Jan. 2 meeting

South Washington County Schools has new board officers, following a board meeting Jan. 2 at the District Service Center. “At this time we will elect school board officers for 2025,” board …

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
Car accident stress.
The Fourth of July is one of the most dangerous times to drive
Holidays are a time of celebration, but they also come with a heightened risk of car accidents. Increased travel, crowded roads, and alcohol use can all contribute to more dangerous driving conditions. Some holidays, like the Fourth of July, are particularly hazardous. Understanding how to reduce your risk and what to do if an accident happens can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
When Heroes Wear Scrubs: Nurses Go Above and Beyond with Compassionate Care
(BPT) - Nurses are experts at their craft, delivering patient care with a unique blend of expertise, empathy and dedication — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Recognizing the profound role …
How to find the best cooling sheets
Naturepedic reports that cooling sheets enhance sleep by regulating temperature; choose breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics for comfort.
Farm Bureau report: Iowa consumers worry about government-caused increases in food costs
The Iowa Farm Bureau’s latest food and farm index found that among concerns of the high cost of groceries, the overwhelming majority of Iowa grocery shoppers surveyed are concerned about increases to food prices caused by government regulations.  The annual survey, conducted by the Harris Poll, also found that more consumers are seeking locally grown […]
A relationship expert's number one tip for dating in every decade
Hims reports that each decade brings unique dating challenges and opportunities. Emphasizing honesty and self-awareness is essential for meaningful connections.