News

With many current-generation veterans having served multiple combat tours, a large number suffer from all sorts of trauma. Some turn to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain.

A Washington County program aims to combat public assistance fraud by partnering with law enforcement and conducting ongoing investigations. Benefits were reduced or stopped in 75 percent of 201 cases during recent investigations that revealed discrepancies in the eligibility of...

The city of Woodbury has been recognized for its green initiatives after participating in a statewide sustainability program for about six months. The "GreenStep Cities" is a voluntary program put on by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that encourages communities throughout...

Theresa Constantine's education plans changed when she became pregnant at 16 and enrolled in a school program for expectant mothers. She eventually went on to hold jobs and raise her children, assuming all along she had fulfilled her high school requirements. Nearly 20 years later,...

South Washington County Schools' Community Education soon will have a new leader. District 833 officials picked Robert W. Lawrence of Litchfield, Minn., as the next Community Education director. The School Board must approve the hire. Lawrence has held a similar position with the...

ST. PAUL -- A moderate Minnesota Republican known for his work on health care legislation plans a U.S. Senate campaign. State Rep. Jim Abeler of Anoka Tuesday announced his intention to challenge Democratic Sen. Al Franken. "Minnesota needs a senator from Minnesota who has invested...

Woodbury Planning Commission approved Monday, June 3 a new multi-family development near Settlers Ridge Parkway. Eastview Place will have 74 attached units, located north of Eastview Road and west of Settlers Ridge Parkway. The property is zoned high density on the city's land-use...

May came and went, but one thing was noticeably absent - Afton May Fair. The 20-year event discontinued this year after many years of poor weather conditions. "May Fair often had rainy, difficult weather," said Lisa Damon, a member of the Afton Area Business Association (AABA),...

Afton Planning Commission came one step closer to regulating agritourism uses during its June 3 meeting. Planning commission has been discussing the topic of how to regulate agritourism businesses - such as wineries, event venues, farmers markets, apple orchards and other types of...

Afton's city administrator is looking for work in a nearby Washington County community. Ron Moorse, who was hired on full-time as Afton's top administrator in September 2012, is one of four finalists for a similar job in Bayport. Dave Unmecht, a search consultant for Bayport, confirmed...

Afton Planning Commission approves chicken ordinance amendments Afton's chicken ordinance could be receiving some tweaks. Afton Planning Commission voted during its June 3 meeting to recommend approval of three amendments to the city's ordinance regulating the keeping of chickens...

The man accused of holding a group of people hostage in 2012 during a deadly night at Woodbury's Red Roof Inn will spend at least 24 years in prison under a plea agreement reached Thursday. Demetrius Santreell Ballinger, 26, pleaded guilty to five counts, including criminal sexual...