Biologist to talk about Asian carp

The latest information related to the movement of Asian carp into local waters will be reviewed Jan. 21 by Byron Karns, a National Park Service biologist.

"Asian Carp: Responding to a Problem Leaping our Way," will be presented at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the St. Croix River Visitor Center, 401 N. Hamilton St., in St. Croix Falls, Wis.

Karns will talk about the four species of fish known collectively as Asian carp - Grass, Black, Bighead and Silver. Although Bighead and Silver have been captured in small numbers for several years, recent monitoring efforts appear to have detected Silver carp in the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers.

Karn, in addition to highlighting species biology and the ecological consequences of the introduction of Asian carp, will address the ongoing actions of a task force formed to slow or stop the carp from spreading.

Presentations are free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged because of limited seating. To reserve a seat, call 715-483-2274. Callers can reserve up to four spots.

Learn how to not get duped by Internet fraud, scamsCottage Grove police, warning that senior citizens are among the most frequent targets of thieves, are sponsoring a free fraud and identity theft-prevention seminar at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Cottage Grove Senior Center, 8400 E. Point Douglas Road S. Speaking will be James Arlt, acting director of the Alcohol and Gambling Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. He and his staff help victims and prosecute thieves.

Campground improvements on tap for county parksDespite the lack of snow, all isn't lost for the new lighted trails built for cross-country skiing at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Hikers have been using the trails for night walks, the county tweeted @WashCtyTrails.

The county plans campground improvements this year at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park Campground in the southern portion of the county. The Lake Elmo park will see group camp improvements and more amenities for winter recreation.

The county also manages the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater and the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail through Hugo and Forest Lake.

Crashes, DWI arrests reach four-year lows in 2011The number of accidents and people arrested for drunken driving on Washington County roads dropped to a four-year lows in 2011 according to preliminary data released Wednesday by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Office of Traffic Safety.

Authorities reported 2,352 crashes last year. That's down from the 2,531 recorded in 2010 and from 2,733 in 2008. The preliminary data show that six people died on county roads in 2011.

Fewer people also were cited for drunken driving in Washington County. Authorities ticketed 862 motorists for driving while impaired in 2011, which is a significant drop from the 1,114 reported in 2010. That continued a downward trend. More than 1,300 motorists were arrested for drunken driving in 2008 and 1,260 were tagged in 2009.

Hegberg will chair 2012 county boardThe Washington County commissioner with the most seniority, Dennis Hegberg of Forest Lake, will lead the county's governing board in the coming year. Lisa Weik, a relative newcomer to the board, was elected vice chair at last week's meeting.

Hegberg replaces Gary Kriesel, who represents Stillwater and other cities along the St. Croix River.

The five-member board selects new leadership every January, but results are predictable because of a traditional rotation.

In related action, Weik was chosen to chair the Washington County Regional Rail Authority, the same body as the county board but with a different mission. Hegberg will be her deputy.

In December, the county board approved a minor decrease in the 2012 net property tax levy from 2011, so Hegberg will lead the board during a year of tight budgeting. The board also will select a new administrator to replace Jim Schug, who is retiring.

Deputy Vuepao "Vue" Thao will provide those who register with a self-guided, CD-based course. Once they complete the course, deputies will hold a class at the Sheriff's Office in Stillwater on Sat., Jan. 28, from 8 a.m. until noon. The cost is $10, which is paid to the state Department of Natural Resources for course materials.

To register, e-mail vuepao.thao@co. washington.mn.us or call 651-430-7892 before Jan. 21 and leave your name, address, date of birth and phone number.

History museum plans annual holiday dinnerThe Afton Historical Museum is now selling tickets for its Annual Holiday Dinner on Jan. 19. The evening will include a "name that historical photo contest," said Stan Ross of the Afton Historical Society.

"Throughout the evening we will be displaying various historical photos from in and around the Afton area," he said. "This year we're going to be doing something a little bit different, and it should be fun."

Ross and his volunteers have collected about 25 photos from Afton, dating from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, he said. They will be displayed on a screen throughout the dinner. Prizes will be awarded for the most correct answers, he said, inviting the public "to come to the museum and brush up on Afton's history."

The event will be held in the Memorial Lutheran Fellowship Hall in Afton, overlooking the river. Tickets are $25 in advance and may be ordered by e-mail at info@aftonhistoricalmuseum. com. They will cost $30 at the door. Ross asks that those interested in attending RSVP no later than Thursday at the e-mail address or at www.aftonhistoricalmuseum.com, or by calling 651-436-3500.

KEVIN GILES,