North/East news briefs: Washington County Board to call special election to fill vacancy

Because more than one year remains in Bearth's term, Minnesota law requires that a special election be held to fill the seat until the next general election in 2018.

County officials said the board has no authority to fill the seat before the special election, so it will operate with four members until Bearth's successor is elected.

Candidate filings for the special election will be accepted May 17-31. If more than two candidates file, a primary will be held Aug. 9; the general election will be Nov. 8.

The winner of the special election can be sworn into office once the canvass board has met and the election is certified in mid-November.

Bearth, 77, was a longtime Oakdale politician and civic activist known for forging strong ties between the county and city governments, particularly in economic development.

The Second District includes Oakdale, Birchwood, Pine Springs, Willernie, Landfall, and portions of Woodbury, Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake.

Kevin Giles

"Do you want more parks? Streets repaired more often? We need to know what you most value about this community and what goals the city should aspire to achieve," according to a city staff announcement.

Residents are invited to attend one of a series of community meetings in the next few months, where they will be able to talk with city staffers. The meetings will be held at different locations throughout the city.

Residents can also comment through a feedback form that will be on the city's website, brooklynpark.org/.

Shannon Prather

The Washington County Historic Courthouse is creating an exhibit on the history of Prohibition in the county.

Anyone with items they're willing to offer for display should call Historic Courthouse at 651-275-7079, or send an e-mail to historiccourthouse@co.washington.mn.us/. Items for display will be chosen the week of April 30 and returned to their owners in December.

Kevin Giles

North St. Paul this spring will showcase its "Living Streets" plan, intended to promote physical activity and encourage more people to walk and bike to schools and parks.

In December, the City Council approved two demonstration projects — one on Margaret Street from downtown to Silver Lake Park, and the other on First Street between Richardson Elementary School and the high school.

The Margaret Street project features a bike lane on either side of the road, and the First Street project features a temporary sidewalk between the schools.

North St. Paul is a city of about 12,000 in Ramsey County and separate from the city of St. Paul.

Kevin Giles

Hwy. 8 near Taylors Falls will be closed at times this spring for a resurfacing project.

Crews will work from the west intersection of Hwy. 95/Tern Ave. in Franconia and Shafer townships to the St. Croix River bridge in Taylors Falls.

A new roundabout also will be built at the west intersection of Hwys. 8 and 95.

For more information, go to tinyurl.com/hrgzaxl/.