Paying water and sewer bills is expected to soon get easier for Oakdale residents, who will now have the option of paying their bills online, over the telephone or on a smartphone app, city officials said.

Utility customers can pay their bills by logging on to the city's website, www.ci.oakdale.mn.us, by downloading the PSN (Payment Service Network) app or by calling PSN's toll-free automated service line at 877-885-7968.

"Our customers can now pay by credit or debit card as well as make electronic payments from checking or savings," finance director Suzy Warren said in a news release. "Customers can pay immediately, schedule payments, or set up Auto Pay for the amount of the bill or a set budgeted amount."

Mayor Carmen Sarrack added: "It's great to do something that benefits our residents while, at the same time, is kinder to the environment."

Customers still have the option of having their bills sent by mail, officials said.

For more information, contact the city at 651-501-5309, 651-730-2710 or 651-730-2714 or PSN at 866-917-7368.

Woodbury

Community Expo set at East Ridge High

The fifth annual Woodbury Community Expo, the largest event of its kind in the east metro, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury.

One hundred sixty businesses and exhibitors will be on hand, including home improvement services, health and medical businesses, sports/fitness operations, nonprofits and officials from schools and local government. The free event will also include many activities and entertainment.

In conjunction with the expo, Memorial Blood Centers and the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to host a blood drive. All blood types are needed, especially O-negative and O-positive.

Soccer training facility to open this summer

Minnesota United FC, the state's only professional soccer team, will move into its new training facility at the soon-to-be-completed Bielenberg Sports Center this summer, team officials said.

United FC, which plays in the North American Soccer League, announced its partnership with the city of Woodbury last fall. Their agreement calls for the construction of a 7,500-square foot soccer-specific practice facility, which will be connected to the new 90,000-square foot multipurpose fieldhouse being built off Radio Drive. The training facility is being funded by the team, officials said.

Washington County

Police chief, attorney named to YSB board

Woodbury public safety director and police chief Lee Vague has joined the board at the Youth Service Bureau (YSB), along with an attorney with the Washington County attorney's office.

The YSB announced the additions of Vague and Susan Harris, who works in the Juvenile Division of the county attorney's office, earlier this month, bringing its board to nine members.

"We are delighted to invite Lee and Susan to join our board," Mary Planten-Krell, the organization's executive director, said in a news release. "It's always exciting to have board members who have seen firsthand the benefits that our programs bring. Their knowledge, compassion and energy are a great addition to our board."

The organization, which has three locations in Washington County, provides programs and services aimed at helping young people and families "learn the skills they need to be more successful at home, in school and throughout the community," according to the release.

County parks plan prairie land burns

In an effort to control weeds, Washington County parks officials will conduct controlled burns in prairie land across the county between April 22 and May 20.

The burns will be in four county parks: Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Pine Point Park, Square Lake Park and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, officials said.

The burns, which will be overseen by the county, the state Department of Natural Resources and local fire departments, will occur on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., depending on weather conditions.

For further information, contact Washington County Parks at 651-430-4328.

Meanwhile, the National Park Service is planning its own version of the spring ritual, with burns in three locations in the Riverway corridor, including the Arcola Prairie — south of the historic Soo Line High Bridge — between April 29 and May 10.

Bayport

Dog walk benefits cancer awareness

The American Cancer Society is holding the annual "Bark for Life of Stillwater," a one-mile walk for dog owners and their pets to raise cancer awareness and funding for the Stillwater Relay for Life/American Cancer Society.

The event will be held on May 17 at Barker Alps in Bayport. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and costs $20.

"Bark for Life is a great opportunity to involve those four-legged family members in the fight against cancer," said Sue Baldwin, coordinator of Bark for Life in Stillwater. "It gives us the chance to honor survivors, remember those lost and those who are still fighting, whether they are friends, family, or pets."

For more information or to register online, visit www.relayforlife.org/barkstillwatermn.

Libor Jany, Jim Anderson