Government - Cottage Grove Journal

Rep. Tom Dippel announced a bill that would allocate $45.7 million from the Clean Water Fund towards Hastings’ water treatment plants at a press conference on Monday, Feb. 17.

Dippel seeks to use clean water fund for Hastings PFAS WTPs

From the Hastings City Hall, Rep. Tom Dippel (R-Cottage Grove) held a press conference to announce a new bill that would allocate funds from the Legacy Fund’s Clean Water Fund towards … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 2/20/25

Senator Judy Seeberger appointed to serve on Public Safety Advisory Council and Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council

On Thursday, February 6, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-Saint Paul) appointed Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton) to two Advisory Councils - the Public Safety Advisory Council and the … more

2/19/25

Shown above (from left) are Council Member Justin Olsen, Sabrina Thuringer and family, Mayor Myron Bailey, Council Member David Thiede, Joseph Pavel, Council Member Monique Garza, Angie Schaffer, Ashley Thompson, and Council Member David Clausen. Below are each photographer’s entry and name.

Council recognizes photo contest winners Jan. 22

The Cottage Grove Council recently recognized winners for the 2024 annual photo contest at its Jan. 22 City Council meeting. Those submitting photos had to live in the city and take their photo in … more

2/3/25

State Representative Tom Dippel sworn into office

State Representative Tom Dippel (R-Cottage Grove) began his first term in office Tuesday as he was sworn in as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. "It is such an honor to serve as … more

1/22/25

Mayor Myron Bailey takes the oath of office from Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham as Bailey’s grandson Easton holds the microphone.

CG Council meeting swears in mayor, council members

It was a short one Wednesday, Jan. 8 as the Cottage Grove City Council met to conduct city business. Chief on the night’s agenda was oaths of office. Mayor Bailey took the oath following … more

By Joseph Back | 1/19/25

Newly elected Washington County Commissioner Bethany Cox (right) takes the oath of office Jan. 7. Cox was elected to a four-year term to represent District 3, consisting of Afton, Bayport, Baytown Township, Lake Elmo, Lake St. Croix Beach, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Oak Park Heights, St. Mary's Point, Stillwater, Stillwater Township, and West Lakeland Township.

County commissioners take oaths of office, board elects chair and vice chair

Newly elected and reelected county commissioners took oaths of office before the Washington County Board meeting Jan. 7. Newly elected Bethany Cox was sworn in for a four-year term as County … more

1/19/25

The St. Paul Park City Council met Jan. 6 at city hall for its first meeting of the new year.

St. Paul Park council appoints interim PWD

The St. Paul Park Council held its regular council meeting Jan. 6. at 6:30 p.m. in the city council chambers. With all council members present at roll call but no one speaking in open forum, the … more

By Joseph Back | 1/19/25

Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry (right) shared words as Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Bill Harrell (front left) was recognized for seven years of service to Newport at the Jan. 2 Newport Council meeting.

Newport Council members sworn in Jan. 2

The Newport City Council has a new council member. Sworn in to replace Kevin ChapdeLaine on the council was new member Josh Schmidt, elected this past November along with returning members Mayor … more

1/8/25

Laws coming into effect in Minnesota in 2025

Jan. 1, 2025 saw several new laws take effect across Minnesota ranging from protections for ticket buyers to stricter laws regarding PFAS to mandatory salary ranges and an increase to … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 1/8/25

Commissioner Gary Kriesel holds a plaque in recognition of his 20 years of service on the Washington County Board of Commissioners. (From left): Stillwater City Council Member Larry Odebrecht (Ward 3), State Sen. Judy Seeberger (District 41), Stillwater City Council Member Mike Polehna, Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham (District 5), Lake Elmo Mayor Charles Cadenhead, Commissioner Gary Kriesel (District 3), State Sen. Karin Housley (District 33), Commissioner Fran Miron (District 1), Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski, Commissioner Michelle Clasen (District 5), and Commissioner Stan Karwoski (District 2).

County Board approves 2025 levies and budget

The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved the county’s 2025 budget Dec. 17, and the property tax levy that will support it. The approved amounts are: • $140,479,200 for the … more

12/23/24

County acquires right-of-way, easements for road improvement projects in Cottage Grove, Stillwater

The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved the acquisition of necessary right-of-way and easements for two road construction projects in Cottage Grove and Stillwater at its meeting Dec. … more

12/23/24

City Finance Director Melody Santana-Marty gave a quick budget summary Dec. 2, the full presentation being given earlier this fall.

St. Paul Park passes 2025 budget and levy

It’s that time of year again, when local governments decide what their budgets will be for the ensuing year. Approved Dec. 2 at St. Paul Park is a 2025 total levy totaling $3,021,332, … more

By Joseph Back | 12/23/24

City Finance Director Brenda Malinowski explained budget details at the Dec. 4 City Council meeting.

Cottage Grove Council passes 2025 budget

Cottage Grove has an official 2025 budget. Approved at the Dec. 4 Council meeting after a presentation and public hearing, the 2025 city budget is $28,446,310, and includes $26.128 million from … more

By Joseph Back | 12/18/24

Comment on the Nelson Mine Backwater Project as shown above is open now through Jan. 17, 2025, with full EIS on the city website. A public meeting will be held Dec. 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the HERO Center in Cottage Grove to gather citizen input.

Proposed expansion of Larson Quarry pit to potentially reroute County Road 75

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 … more

By Joseph Back | 12/14/24

Bailey makes history

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 … more

By Joseph Back | 11/13/24

Mississippi Dunes Park, Hamlet Park , and River Oaks Golf Course will have to wait for improvements, after voters rejected a half percent sales tax for park improvements at the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election. Mississippi Dunes received the smallest margin of difference in votes for and against a sales tax, River Oaks Golf Course receiving the largest.

Voters reject city parks referenda

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 … more

By Joseph Back | 11/13/24

The council approved an item in its consent agenda for a no parking zone on the north side of 90th Street South, meant to increase pedestrian safety in the absence of sidewalks.

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. On the agenda for the night were several items, including … more

By Joseph Back | 10/29/24

Election Day arrives Tuesday, Nov. 5

The fall election is here. With Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 5, polls open in South Washington County at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. In person absentee voting meanwhile is already happening in … more

By Joseph Back | 10/29/24