East news briefs: Public forum will discuss Washington County libraries of future

A third and final community forum to discuss the future of Washington County libraries will be held from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at the Forest Lake Headwaters Service Center, 19955 Forest Road N.

"I know the community highly values its libraries as a resource important to the quality of life for its residents, so I hope people take the time to voice their ideas about what's working and where they'd like to see it go in the future," said Commissioner Fran Miron, who represents the district that includes Forest Lake.

Earlier forums were held May 27 in Cottage Grove and June 4 at the Washington County Government Center.

Information can be found by searching for "Library Strategic Planning Process" on the county's website or by going to www.co.washington.mn.us/libraryplanning.

In the third installment of the "Hay Lake Speaker Series," local author Robert Goodman will talk about life during the Civil War, as told by people from Washington County. His presentation is free to the public and will be held Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m. at the Hay Lake School Museum at 14020 195th St N., Marine on St Croix.

Goodman also will sell and sign copies of his book, "In Their Own Words: The Civil War As Seen by Washington County Soldiers."

Company B of the First Minnesota Volunteer Regiment, 101 men from Washington County, was sworn into the Army of the United States on April 29, 1861. It was the first regiment to answer President Lincoln's call for volunteers. The First Minnesota lost 82 percent of its men at Gettysburg.

Anyone unable to attend the public meeting, but still wishing to comment, can contact Peter Mott, park planning manager, at 651-430-4328 or by e-mail at peter.mott@co.washington.mn.us.

The county has reviewed an application from the St. Paul East Parks Lions Club to conduct bingo July 29 through Aug. 2 at the Washington County Fair in Baytown Township. It's now been sent to the State Gambling Control Board for approval.

The fair, held annually since 1871, will be held July 29 to Aug. 2.

Hardrives, Inc., will construct a new north frontage road intersection in Oak Park Heights after the Washington County Board approved the $769,225.13 contract on July 7.

The project will move the intersection with Osgood Avenue a few hundred feet north to increase the distance from Hwy. 36. The current intersection results in traffic jams.

MnDOT will pay for the project.

Arcola Mills will offer an old-fashioned Quilt Turning program and a tour during its open house Sunday, July 19, from noon to 4 p.m.

Quilt Turning will be featured at 2 p.m., conducted by Wynn Martin, past president of the Minnesota Quilters Association. The history and architectural tour will start at 1 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public.

Quilt Turning showcases a collection of quilts that are layered on a table or bed and turned up one at a time to reveal and discuss patterns and designs of a historical era. The event will take a journey through time starting in the 1880s. Some quilts will be historic and others, the work of local artists.

Arcola Mills, at 12905 Arcola Trail N., is about six miles north of Stillwater on the east side of Hwy. 95. For more information call 651-439-1652.

• Child Protection Citizen Review Panel: LaJuan McIntyre and Dawn Hyland of Woodbury and Gina Kuchenmeister of Oakdale.

• Workforce Development Board: Peg Killen of Woodbury, Rehabilitation Services, and Jim Wrobleski, Job Services.

• Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program Citizen Advisory Committee: Peter Katzung, Woodbury.