Newport, which recently abolished its police force, will pay nearly $600,000 to Washington County for law enforcement services this year, according to an agreement approved recently by the County Board.
As part of the arrangement, the city's five police officers were added to the Washington County Sheriff's Office roster on Jan. 12 and will patrol Newport under the supervision of Sgt. Larry Osterman, Sheriff Bill Hutton said.
Council Member Dan Lund said the city of about 3,550 people had been paying far more for policing per resident than the adjoining cities of Woodbury and Cottage Grove.
The County Board also approved an agreement with the Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local 214, which represents the county's deputies. The new deputies now are included in the bargaining unit.
KEVIN GILES
Stillwater
Valley Outreach to take on new clients
Over the next nine months, Stillwater nonprofit Valley Outreach will take over management of the Ascend Program for low-income families from the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Stillwater.
Ascend currently serves 38 St. Croix Valley families and has grown beyond the church's capacity to run it, said the Rev. Buff Grace.
"Under the direction of Valley Outreach many more clients could be served," he said. "We have maintained this program well. Now it is time to serve it better."
Since 2013, Ascend has provided intensive case management to clients, assisting first with basic needs and then addressing long-term transportation, housing, education and employment needs. Valley Outreach offers a food shelf, clothing closet, emergency financial assistance and resource advising to low-income families. Last year, the agency served more than 1,300 households.
Kevin Giles
LAUDERDALE
Open house held on two highway projects
State officials this week are inviting residents in the northeast metro area to learn more about two highway projects, including a closure of parts of Hwy. 280 and a proposed MnPass lane on a stretch of Interstate 35W. The session is on Tuesday, January 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lauderdale City Hall, 1891 Walnut St.
The Hwy. 280 resurfacing project, to begin early this summer, will cover the lanes and shoulders between Como Avenue and I-35W and will reconstruct ramps. Parts of Hwy. 280 will be closed for up to six weeks. More information is available at www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy280/.
