South Washington County is made up of many different communities. Here’s a quick summary with more of what’s been happening or due to come soon in the area: Around the County

Of particular note with tax time upon the area are four open book meetings scheduled in weeks to come around the county. Don’t think your property valuation was right? Then listen up! Here’s are the times, dates, and places where you can go to an open book meeting and address the issue: • Thursday April 7 from 5 p.m to 7 p.m at the Cottage Grove City Hall, located at 12800 Ravine Parkway South in Cottage Grove.

• Wednesday April 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oakdale City Hall, located at 1584 Hadley Avenue North in Oakdale.

• Wednesday April 20 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Washington County Government Center, located at 14949 62nd Street North in Stillwater, and finally,

• Thursday April 21 from 5 p.m .to 7 p.m at the Woodbury City Hall, located at 8301 Valley Creek Road in Woodbury.

Miss one or all of the four above times and dates for peaceful discussion, and there’s little room to complain when the tax bill comes due.

Cottage Grove

On the dashboard at the city website for Cottage Grove is the news that there was a regular city council meeting April 6. Coming up April 12, meanwhile, is an Economic Development Authority meeting, meeting the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall. Grey Cloud Island township In civics news from Grey Cloud Island, the Planning Commission will see Monday, April 11 from 6:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. at the town hall.

Following plan Commission will be a town board meeting on Wednesday April 13 beginning at 7 p.m., also at the town hall.

Newport

Still need your shots? There will be a free COVID-19 vaccine event on Wednesday April 13 from 4 to 6 p.m at the Newport Library, located at 405 7th Avenue. No appointment is necessary to be vaccinated at this event.

On the border

Noted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources but applicable across the state line as well, is the news that April “is the start of the high risk period for oak trees to become infected with the fungus that causes oak wilt.” The note is important as the disease kills thousands of healthy oak trees each year. One way that residents can help prevent oak wilt is by using locally-sourced firewood, as the disease is spreading north from downstate Wisconsin. Together residents can help protect Washington County’s oak trees.

Woodbury

Just put on by the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce, mayor Anne Burt and others reportedly had a blast greeting residents and visitors this week at the Woodbury Community Expo.

Also of note at Woodbury is that Eagle Valley Golf Course is opening for the season. With driving range, putting green, and the course itself open as of this weekend, now is the time to book your tee time. Closing out the Woodbury update, meanwhile, is that Moksh from Mrs. Warden’s class took first place at the Metro ECSU Regional Spelling Bee on March 25. Next up for Moksh is the National Scripps Spelling Been in Washington, D. C., scheduled for June.