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

Afton

Taking place April 2 in Afton was a celebration of and with skier Jessie Diggins, a native who also happens to be a Olympic gold medalist. Speaking in Town Square Park, Diggins shared some of her story, including learning to ski at age 4 and starting to compete against older kids at age 11. But while she won’t make promises past 2026, Diggins says she is going to train for Italy in 2026. Readers can learn more about Diggins and her accomplishments and adventures at https://jessiediggins. com.

Cottage Grove

Due to take place Thursday April 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m, the City will be hosting an Open House at the Cottage Grove Service Center related to coming road construction for the Logistics Park and exit to Highway 61 by trucks. The new construction will both widen an existing stretch of 100th Street South as well as build a new access to Highway 61, the Cottage Grove Service Center being located at 13000 Ravine Parkway South in Cottage Grove.

Also on tap for the city later this summer and highlighted by Dave Thiede in the March Council update is the return of Strawberry Fest after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Taking the theme “Berry Good to see You Again,” StrawberryFest is coming to town June 16 – 19. Those interested in volunteering to help make the festival a success can send an email to [email protected] com. “Make sure to send an email if you’re interested,” Dave Thiede invites residents. With many opportunities to serve outside Strawberry Fest on civic organizations and commissions as well, the opportunities to get involved are many at www.cottagegrovemn. gov.

Denmark township

Taking place April 12 from 4:30 p.m. top 5:30 p.m., the Town of Denmark Local Board of Appeal and Equalization met at the Denmark Town Hall to determine whether taxable property in the township had been correctly assessed, with the outcome potentially affecting 2023 property taxes. Those who believe the classification of their property was incorrect were “strongly encouraged” to contact the assessor’s office at 651-430-6175, with an appeal to the local board necessary before appealing to the county board of appeal and equalization.

Also of note in Denmark with spring, meanwhile— but also elsewhere—is the subject of burning permits. Many wildfires happen in the spring from careless handling or other circumstances. Although a burn permit is not required in Denmark for fires that don’t “exceed 3 feet in diameter and are properly attended to,” those seeking permits for bigger fires may contact fire wardens Steve Herman at 651-436-7614 or Don Schneider at 651-436-4402, remembering that it only takes one spark in dry tinder to set a forest or prairie ablaze. More information is available at www.denmarktownship. org.

Lakeland Shores

Coming in for note from Lakeland Shores is an upcoming Spring cleanup on May 7. Taking place in the Valley Baptist Parking lot at 860 St. Croix Trail South, from 8 a.m to Noon, the cleanup is open only to residents of Lake St. Croix Beach, Lakeland, or Lakeland Shores on the St. Croix. A fee schedule does apply, with more information at https://lakelandshores. govoffice.com

Newport

Taking place at the Newport Public Library and Community Center Wednesday April 13 beginning at 6 p.m., historian Robert Vogel presented on “The Forgotten History of the Red Rock Camp Revival Meetings,” which took place from 1869 – 1937.

Also of note for Newport is the ongoing elementary school issue, with the school board for Independent School District 833 in South Washington County due to vote on a proposed long-range facilities plan April 21. Stretching back to pre-consolidation and the old District 36 school house, Newport education is due to be carried out elsewhere if both the board and voters approve the plan, a referendum taking place later this fall. Ranked fifth of 16 elementary schools in the district by U.S. News and World Report as of 2021, Newport Elementary’s days could be numbered, the site to become an early learning center under the district’s long-range facilities plan.

St. Paul Park

If you’re a resident of St. Paul Park behind on the water bill, we’ve got some bad news. Starting in May the City will reinstate water shutoffs of delinquent utility accounts. Should you be unable to pay your account due to financial difficulties, you may be eligible to set up a payment plan that can prevent an interruption in your water service as well as additional fees pertaining to disconnection. The utility clerk for St. Paul Park can be contacted at 651-403-5961 or [email protected] stpaulpark.org for questions.

South Washington County Sheriff’s Office

Announced from the County Sheriff’s Office is the news that an intensive two-week training for D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) was held for 16 law enforcement candidates beginning on April 4. Following a pause in training due to COVID, Minnesota D.A.R.E. is hosting the April session along with one in July that will train officers in Pre-K through 4th grade, along with later elementary, middle school, high school, and enhancement lessons. Enhancement Lessons touch on emerging threats and old ones as well, including Vaping, Opiates and Other Drugs, Suicide Prevention, Bullying/Cyberbullying, Gangs and Violence, Role Models, and “soon to be released Social Media.”

Minnesota D.A.R.E. just celebrated its 32nd anniversary, with the program looking to get current programming back up as well as expanding to area that lost programming due to the pandemic and its challenges.

Woodbury

The news out of Woodbury is that ALL outdoor athletic fields are open as of Monday April 11. Due to some fields still being wet (this is Spring), park users are asked to stay off the wet ones “for safety and field maintenance reasons.” Should inclement weather encroach fields may still close, while lines on soccer and lacrosse fields will be painted “when conditions improve” with reference to moisture.

As to the April Scoop, Megan Beck reports that seasonal employment is now available with the city, applications being available at www.woodburymn.gov. At the same time, Woodbury residents are being asked to provide feedback on a proposed remodel of Central Park, with feedback able to be submitted online through April 22. The annual Spring cleanup, meanwhile, will take place May 16th through the 19th.

Lastly, I-94 will be resurfaced from Century Avenue to the St. Croix River in July—not exactly great for getting places quickly, but part of keeping up good roads. Traffic will be reduced to one lane during the project.