Government - Cottage Grove Journal

County Board sets public hearings for November 18 and 25

The Washington County Board of Commissioners met Oct. 21 at the Government Center in Stillwater. Among the items covered were three public hearings, donations to the Sheriff’s Office, and third … more

By Joseph Back | 10/30/25

Above, a graphic showing the monthly tax impact of the proposed 2026 property tax levy on a median home in Cottage Grove.

Property tax notices to be sent out in November

Like to plan ahead? We’ve got news. The 2026 preliminary budget is in for Cottage Grove, and tax notices are coming. Approved Sept. 3, the 2026 preliminary Cottage Grove budget includes a … more

By Joseph Back | 10/23/25

Understanding city government

Above, an organizational chart of the Cottage Grove city government, sourced from the 2026 preliminary city budget. Image courtesy City of Cottage Grove. more

10/23/25

Above, fire trucks at the fire station on 80th Street South. The Cottage Grove City Council declared Fire Prevention Week at its Oct. 1 Council meeting, including details on lithium ion batteries.

Council declares Fire Prevention Week

Thermal runaway from lithium ion batters can be a bummer. As such, the Cottage Grove Council took time to educate on lithium ion batter dangers in its Fire Prevention Proclamation, made Oct. 1 for … more

By Joseph Back | 10/11/25

Senator Judy Seeberger announcement of Re-election campaign, kickoff event

AFTON, Minn. ─ On Tuesday, October 7th, Minnesota Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL- Afton) announced that she will run for re-election to the Minnesota Senate in 2026. Seeberger released the following … more

10/11/25

Shown to the back of Camp Galilee on Lower Grey Cloud, the proposed Nelson Backwater Mine seeks to mine a portion of Grey Cloud Island submerged beneath Pool 2. Camp Galilee is home to Indian mounds and the Schilling Archaeological District.

Cottage Grove Council authorizes publication of Final EIS for Nelson Backwater mine

The Cottage Grove City Council has officially resolved to publish the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for a proposed backwater mine, to be located off Camp Galilee and south of the … more

By Joseph Back | 10/11/25

Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson presented on Crime statistics at the Oct. 1 Cottage Grove City Council.

CG Council given crime stats by county attorney

Cottage Grove has a new thermal drone, courtesy of the Cottage Grove Public Safety Board (PSB). Presented to the Public Safety Department at the Sept. 17 Council meeting, the new DJI Matrice 4 Series … more

By Joseph Back | 10/10/25

St. Paul Park Council approves Geneva Meadows final plat

The City of St. Paul Park has a new 2026 preliminary tax levy. Meeting Sept. 15 in council chambers at city hall, the St. Paul Park Council approved a maximum city property tax levy of 13.5 percent, … more

By Joseph Back | 10/1/25

Entries open for 2025 Mayor for a Day

The City of Cottage Grove is hosting its annual Mayor for a Day contest, with entries due by Friday, Oct. 17. Open to city residents aged 8 to 12, the annual contest calls on entrants to write a … more

10/1/25

The Washington County Board of Commissioners recognized staff from the county’s Safety Committee for receiving a silver achievement award in the Minnesota Safety Council’s 2024 Minnesota Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards.

County Board sets preliminary levy, proposed budget for 2026

County Board sets preliminary levy, proposed budget for 2026 County receives Minnesota Governor’s Workplace Safety Award The Washington County Board of Commissioners set a preliminary … more

10/1/25

Commissioner Karla Bigham announces re-election

Cottage Grove, Minnesota- Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham announced today she is seeking re-election to the Washington County Board of Commissioners for District 4. Bigham is in her sixth … more

9/26/25

Public Safety Board Chair Julie Rice (left) holds the new DJI Matrice 4 drone as Mayor Myron Bailey speaks at the Sept. 17 city council meeting.

Cottage Grove Public Safety Board donates thermal drone to city

Cottage Grove has a new thermal drone, courtesy of the Cottage Grove Public Safety Board (PSB). Presented to the Public Safety Department at the Sept. 17 Council meeting, the new DJI Matrice 4 Series … more

By Joseph Back | 9/26/25

Senate District 47 on ballot for November

Two area residents will face off this November for an open Minnesota State Senate seat. Dwight Dorau (Republican) and Amanda Hemmingen-Jaeger (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) will face off to become the … more

By Joseph Back | 9/17/25

St. Paul Park reviews into joint powers agreement with Cottage Grove, Grey Cloud Township

Intergovernmental cooperation was in view Sept. 2 at St. Paul Park, as the council considered a joint powers agreement with Cottage Grove and Grey Cloud Township. “The portion of Grey Cloud … more

By Joseph Back | 9/14/25

Cottage Grove council member David Clausen read a proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month at the Wednesday, Sept. 3 city council meeting.

City passes $29.855 million preliminary property tax levy for 2026

The 2026 Cottage Grove City Budget calendar just passed its latest milestone. Meeting Sept. 3 in the St. Croix Room at City Hall, the Cottage Grove Council passed a preliminary 2026 property tax levy … more

By Joseph Back | 9/10/25

Newport Fire Chief Steve Wiley gave the Fire Chief’s update at the Sept. 4 Newport City Council meeting.

Newport sets 2026 preliminary levy

Booya is coming to the Newport Fire Station. Taking place on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and preceded by a parade the night before, the annual Booya includes kids games, a bounce house, … more

By Joseph Back | 9/10/25

Included in city based streets projects this year in Cottage Grove is the 80th Street rehabilitation, a separate county funded project for improvement at the intersection of 80th Street and Keats Avenue also in view.

Cities explain street replacement project costs

Roads are infrastructure, and sometimes they pass through neighborhoods. With several city based road projects planned and in progress across South Washington County this year, the question is … more

By Joseph Back | 9/3/25

Agreement finalized to protect, expand park land in Woodbury

Washington County and the city of Woodbury have partnered to protect land that will expand La Lake Park in the future. The permanent conservation easement to protect 3.23 acres of La Lake is part of … more

By Joseph Back | 8/27/25

Beck announces campaign for Minnesota House 41B

HASTINGS – William Beck announced Monday that he is running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 41B, which includes Cottage Grove, Hastings, Denmark Township, and Nininger … more

8/27/25

Jim Eichten of LB Carlson presented the annual City of Newport financial audit at the Aug. 7 city council meeting.

Newport Council hears audit report

The Newport City Council heard its annual financial audit at the Thursday, August 7. Giving the audit presentation was Jim Eichten from LB Carlson. “My name is Jim Eichten with LB … more

By Joseph Back | 8/20/25