Briefs: St. Croix Riverway park rangers offer weekly evening boat tours

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a unit of the National Park System, is offering weekly programs via pontoon boat on the St. Croix River every Wednesday evening this summer.

Presentations will explore the interactions that people through time -- from Native Americans, loggers, artists, writers and recreational users -- have had with the Stillwater Islands area. This stretch of river features narrow, tree-covered sand islands lined by steep limestone bluffs.

These are free programs but reservations are required because of space limits. Call the St. Croix River Visitor Center at 715-483-2274 to reserve a seat.

In June and July, the programs begin at 7 p.m. In August, they begin at 6:30 p.m. Each program lasts 1 1/2 hours. Life jackets will be provided and their use required, rangers said. The programs will begin at the Boomsite Wayside on Hwy. 95 north of downtown Stillwater.

Partnership Plan has new executive director Former board member Laura Fredericks has been named executive director of the Partnership Plan.

Her move to the position was effective Friday.

"We are extremely excited to have Laura leading our organization into this important next chapter. Laura is passionate about our district and our kids," said Brian Gunderson, incoming board chair.

Nominations sought for senior volunteers Nominations are open for this summer's Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award that will be presented at the Washington County Fair in Lake Elmo in August.

Lauren Cran and Lyla Davies received the 2011 award.

Nominees for the 2012 award must be residents of the county; have worked as volunteers after reaching age 65, and must reach age 70 by June 1. The award will be presented during the fair's free senior citizen program on Aug. 3 at 1 p.m.

The volunteer nomination form and additional information can be found at www.mnstatefair.org under the "Recognition Programs" link at the bottom of the home page, at libraries and senior centers in Washington County or by calling Patricia Scott at 651-621-3536 or 651-734-5599.

Well drilling complete but city keeps blasting Drilling of Well No. 18 at Settlers Ridge Parkway and Valley Creek Road in Woodbury was completed the week of May 14 but explosions will continue for the next month to create a cavity at the bottom of the well.

Levels of vibrations will be monitored to ensure they cause no damage to residences, the city said.

Final performances set for spring musical Students from Math and Science Academy in Woodbury will give the final performances of their spring musical "Footloose" at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Av., Maplewood. Under the direction of Rob Sutherland, about 57 students in sixth through 12th grades comprise the cast, crew and musicians. Tickets, at $10, are available at the door or at www.ashlandproductions.com.

Communications coordinator is lauded Julie Lehr, who retired from the city of Woodbury in December, was one of two people who received the 2012 Communicator of the Year award from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators during its annual banquet last month. The award recognizes work in building public trust in government by presenting accurate, timely and meaningful information.

Lehr had worked for Woodbury for 18 years. Jason Egerstrom has been appointed as the city's new communications coordinator.

Water tests show no contaminants Woodbury officials are inviting residents to review the 2011 water quality report available on the city's website.

Residents can view the report at www.startribune.com/a1316

For questions or a printed copy of the report, call Public Works at 651-714-3720.

Tartan students raise $129,500 during relay Tartan High School students and faculty members raised more than $129,500 for the American Cancer Society during its recent Relay for Life. Nearly 800 students collected pledges and took turns walking around the Oakdale school's track for 12 hours. This marked the 10th year for the event, and cumulatively the school's efforts have raised more than $1 million.

Tartan musical wins 10 Spotlight Awards Tartan High School's spring production "Once On This Island" picked up 10 Spotlight Awards from the Hennepin Theatre Trust. The trust gives awards in support of Minnesota high school musical theater students and programs. This year, 56 high schools participated in the Spotlight program.

Tartan won for Outstanding Performance by a Chorus or Ensemble, Outstanding Achievement in Dance, and Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role. The school also picked up honorable mentions in the overall performance and performance by a student orchestra categories, along with five honorable mention awards for performance in a supporting role.