Briefs: Scammer poses as Washington County sheriff's deputy

A man pretending he's a law enforcement officer has been contacting Washington County residents telling them they must obtain a prepaid credit card to pay for fines for outstanding speeding tickets.

The scammer poses as a Washington County sheriff's deputy and even created a voice mail greeting to suggest callers had reached the Sheriff's Office, said Investigations Commander Cheri Dexter.

"The scammer warns of a warrant and how immediate payment will prevent arrest," Dexter said.

The Sheriff's Office, city police departments and the courts never call residents and demand they pay outstanding fines or tickets by phone, Dexter said, asking that victims of the scam report it to their local police agency.

Washington County will receive an additional $47,000 from the Metropolitan Council for the Hardwood Creek Trail through Hugo.

The project involves the construction and repair of the asphalt surface of the regional trail from 145th Street in Hugo to the county's north border in Forest Lake. The project, which began this fall, will be completed in 2015.

The county originally received $45,000 from the Metropolitan Council to do the work. The additional grant extends the term of the agreement to June 30, 2017. The money comes from the state Parks and Trails Fund.

The proposed 2015 county net property tax levy is $90.7 million, an increase of 3.45 percent from 2014. This includes the levy to support the voter-approved Land and Water Legacy Program. The proposed budget includes non-levy revenue of $88.2 million. Operating expenditures are budgeted at $152 million, an increase of 2.6 percent from 2014, with capital expenditures at $24.6 million. The county also plans to issue a bond in 2015 with a potential of $37.5 million in proceeds to fund road projects, building improvements and technology.

The board will vote to adopt the levy and budget at its meeting Dec. 16.

Moonwalks, obstacle courses, laser tag, ice skating, open field play, bingo, door prizes and a kid-friendly DJ are all part of the New Year's Eve family celebration on Dec. 31 at Bielenberg Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive.

The event, designed for families with children 12 and younger, will take place from 6-9 p.m. Preregistration costs a discounted rate of $8 per person before noon on Tuesday, Dec. 30. Tickets will be available at the door for $10 per person. Tickets must be purchased for children ages 2 and up.

Concessions, including pizza, will be available for purchase. Door prize drawings will take place at 7:30 p.m. followed by a New Year's countdown at 8:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.WoodburyRecreation.com and click on the "special events tab" or call Parks and Recreation at 651-714-3583.

"Many people in our neighborhoods are surrounded by sadness as families and youth have lost parents, as well as suicides and tragic accidental deaths," said Lead Pastor Mike Carlson. "This is a way for us as a community to gather together and receive tools to support one another."

The event is free and open to all ages and faiths, and it will feature a large gathering as well as breakout sessions, individual counseling, prayer, literature and other tools. It is sponsored by St. Andrew's, Lutheran Social Service, and Bradshaw Celebration of Life Centers. Nursery is available.

St. Andrew's is situated at 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi. More information is available at www.saintandrews.org or by calling 651-426-3261.

Forest Lake's planned dog park, Ranger's Romp, is featured on the crowdfunding site Fund Your Park to raise $30,000. Money raised will be spent to create trails both inside and outside the park as well as a fence around a portion of the park, named after the city's canine officer, Ranger.

The location for Ranger's Romp will be just north of the Washington County Service Center off Forest Road.

The campaign for Ranger's Romp can be found at http://fundyourpark.org/campaign/detail/3681.