Briefs: Holy matrimony, marriages will be offered at Washington County Fair

Step right up and get married at this year's Washington County Fair.

Tenth District Judge Greg Galler will perform free wedding ceremonies during the event, which runs from Aug. 1-5 at the county fairgrounds in Lake Elmo.

Couples also will be able to renew their vows during ceremonies that will take place in two-hour time blocks each day of the fair in front of the Washington County master gardeners' Fairest Garden.

Participants will need to have a marriage license to take part in a ceremony or vow renewal. They will be done on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gate admission of $7 will apply to anybody saying "I do" or attending a ceremony. For more information, go to www. washingtoncountyfair.org and click on the "attractions" tab.

Learn two-handed CPR in citywide effort The Woodbury Public Safety Department is offering training in "hands-only" CPR at 9 a.m. April 14, as part of a citywide effort to teach the two-step resuscitation method to 7,000 people this year.

Local businesses, churches, schools and organizations are joining individual residents in taking the training, which uses instructors, videos and mannequins.

The training program takes 20 to 30 minutes. To register, send an e-mail with your name and phone number to CPR@ci.woodbury.mn.us.

For more information on the city's Take Heart Program, go online to www.takeheartwoodbury.org or call the Woodbury Public Safety Department at 651-714-3600.

Woodbury High students honored Two Woodbury High School students were honored last week as Minnesota's winners in the 2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

David Schommer was recognized for writing and producing television programs, public service announcements, educational videos, documentary films and other video projects with the goal of inspiring others and changing lives. As the state's top high school volunteer, Schommer won $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C., where he will join other state winners for national recognition events in May.

Chloe Richter was given a state-level Certificate of Excellence. She started a knitting club that made "chemo caps" for children undergoing cancer treatment.

Woodbury's ordinances require all pet owners to carry proper feces removal supplies with them when walking their dog. Those who don't follow the rules and pick up after their pet risk being cited and fined, officials said.

City officials said that citizens who help to keep areas along paths and trails free of pet feces can help prevent the spread of disease among people and their pets.

There are parasites, for example, in some dogs' droppings that are easily transferable to other pets or people, officials said.

Commission to decide on local constitution Chief Judge John Hoffman of the 10th Judicial District has named 10 Cottage Grove residents to a new commission that will examine whether the city should have a charter for the first time.

The citizens are to evaluate if Cottage Grove should be governed under a Home Rule Charter, and if so, to craft a charter document for consideration by voters.

Nominate a candidate for Volunteer of Year The city is seeking nominations for its Volunteer of the Year, an honor bestowed for long-term service to the community or exceptional service over the past year.

To nominate someone, fill out a nomination form and return it by April 6 to the City of Cottage Grove, 7516 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN, 55016, Attn: Volunteer of the Year.

Forms are available at City Hall or online at tiny.cc/f3jhbw.

The volunteer of the year will be recognized at a banquet at 6 p.m., April 24, at River Oaks Golf Course, just off Hwy. 61 in Cottage Grove.

Homes wanted for pro bikers Professional bicyclists from all over the world will compete in this summer's Nature Valley Grand Prix, and they need housing. Race organizers are looking for volunteers to host race teams during the event, which runs from June 12-17.

Officials also are looking for volunteers to help direct traffic, operate bike corrals for fans, and coordinate events that make up the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Events and races will be held in St. Paul, Cannon Falls, Minneapolis, Menomonie, Wis., and Stillwater.

For more information, call 612-309-7192 or see www.naturevalleybicyclefestival.com.

JOY POWELL, TIM HARLOW