A Washington County state park could grow by 13 acres if the owners of the land ultimately decide to sell to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Briefs: More space at William O'Brien State Park?
February 20, 2011 at 5:02AM
Brian and Bonnie Jemelka of Marine on St. Croix have asked that their property be included within the statutory boundary of William O'Brien State Park. The change is a legal step that allows the DNR to negotiate a future purchase.
Under the agreement -- which requires approval by the Legislature -- the Jemelkas won't be obligated to sell to the DNR, but the agreement paves the way for a sale if they do want to sell it. On Tuesday, county commissioners passed a resolution in support of the arrangement. The Marine on St. Croix City Council did the same on Jan. 13.
The land has strategic importance because the popular Gateway State Trail someday could cross it into the state park, said manager Steve Anderson. The trail now ends at Pine Point Regional Park in May Township, about 10 miles to the southwest, but long-range planning shows it being extended to William O'Brien.
The Jemelka property is assessed at $395,000, with property taxes of $4,464 annually. It's situated between Old Marine Trail and County Road 4.
OAKDALE
Sponsors and vendors wanted for home fairOakdale still has room for vendors who want to exhibit during its annual Home Improvement Fair on March 19 at Skyview Middle School.
Early-bird registration has passed, but general contractors, window professionals, kitchen remodeling experts and landscapers can still secure an 8-by-10-foot booth by submitting an application and a nonrefundable $125 registration fee by March 4.
Forms are available at www.ci.oakdale.mn.us or by calling Logan Martin at 651-730-2721.
Grant brings exercise equipment to cityThe Oakdale Parks and Recreation Department recently was awarded a $4,000 state grant to buy recreational equipment for the Oakdale Discovery Center.
The department used the money to buy two tandem bicycles, 10 pairs of in-line skates and eight pairs of snowshoes.
It also bought safety equipment, including bike helmets, knee and elbow pads and wrist guards from two Oakdale vendors. The equipment can be checked out at no cost to city residents from the center at 4444 Hadley Av.
Alerus Financial also awarded Oakdale a $1,000 grant for a series of art exhibits and open houses held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Discovery Center.
Citywide efforts for environment honoredFour city departments -- engineering, public works, parks and community development -- have been jointly awarded an Environmental Stewardship Award by the Minnesota chapter of the American Public Works Association.
Factors that are considered for the award include community commitment and staffing, storm water management and roadway design principles.
WOODBURY
Free health screening at Woodwinds campusFree health screenings are scheduled through February at Woodwinds Health Campus, with the next one set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday. Woodwinds is located at 1925 Woodwinds Drive in Woodbury. For other screenings, go to www.healtheast.org.
SCANDIA
Firefighters host fundraising ballMembers of the Scandia Fire & Rescue Relief Association will host their 26th annual Firefighter's ball from 7:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St. North.
Tickets are two for $15. They can be purchased from any Scandia firefighter and also will be available at the door. Additional contributions should be made payable to the Scandia Fire & Rescue Relief Association.
Money from last year's ball bought extrication equipment, a positive pressure fan and two 2,000-watt generators.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Programing for kids at Hardwood CreekThe Washington County Library's Hardwood Creek branch is offering a free computer programming course for students grades 7-12 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. March 12.
Students will learn to use Scratch, a free computer program that allows users to create animation, play interactive games, create art and more.
Registration is required, and the class is limited to 12 students. To register, call 651-275-7300, go online to the library's events calendar at www.co.dakota.mn.us or sign up at the library at 19955 Forest Road North.
COTTAGE GROVE Have a short stack for a tall causeA Flap Jack Fundraiser to support the Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest will run from 8-10 a.m. Saturday at Applebee's, 8380 E. Point Douglas Road. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at Applebee's, at City Hall or at the door.
KEVIN GILES AND Tim Harlow
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