Briefs: 75 from Washington County get FEMA training on disasters

Seventy-five people -- including city and county officials and those from the private sector -- recently took a course on responding to disasters. The course was offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Emmitsburg, Md.

The delegation included 25 employees from several Washington County agencies and County Commissioner Lisa Weik. County Administrator Jim Schug told the County Board recently that the training was both intensive and valuable, and included very realistic disaster simulations that will be helpful if the county ever has to confront the real thing.

The cost of the training and other associated expenses, aside from the time involved, was funded by FEMA.

$606,000 dividend received by county Washington County has received a dividend of $605,998 from the Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust (MCIT).

It's the 20th consecutive year the county has received a dividend, said County Commissioner Dennis Hegberg, who sits on the MCIT Board of Directors. Hegberg added that the county has reduced its workers' compensation costs by 2 to 3 percent this year.

MCIT is an insurance cooperative among Minnesota counties that allows them to self-insure for workers' compensation and other insurance costs.

Along with the $20 million in dividends disbursed to members, MCIT also announced that insurance premiums will drop an average of 4.5 percent next year, largely a reflection of declining property values.

Child care providers honored by board A recent Washington County Board meeting was nearly taken over by a group of toddlers as commissioners recognized outstanding child care providers in the community.

Historically, the county has recognized two family care providers in conjunction with the Minnesota Licensed Family Care Association's annual conference for family care providers. At the same time, the county has sought to recognize those who care for children in preschools, schools or Head Start programs.

This year, the Washington County Board recognized Jane Dicken of Stillwater, Family Child Care Provider of the Year; Anita Larson of Cottage Grove, Family Child Care Provider of the Year; Priscilla Lalime of Oakdale Head Start Center, Caregiver of the Year; and Dorann Sinclair of Paidea Child Development Center in Oakdale, Caregiver of the Year for 2010.

The children joined the board in celebrating the awards, filling the board meeting room with balloons and fidgety giggles.

The Washington County licensing staff and the Child Resource and Referral Baseline/Anoka County Community Action Council Program sought nominations to recognize caregivers who care for children in a child care center or at Head Start programs. Then a committee reviewed the nominations and made recommendations regarding the caregivers to recognize.

Police warn of vehicle break-ins and thefts The Woodbury Public Safety Department is warning of a recent spike in thefts from motor vehicles.

"Thefts are occurring at area residences from vehicles parked in the driveway, parking area or street," said Woodbury police Sgt. Sue McMahon. "Consistently, these vehicles are unlocked with personal property in plain view. The perpetrators also are entering unlocked vehicles in garages that are easily accessed through an overhead door that has been left open."

Most of the recent thefts are occurring during overnight hours, when homeowners and their families are sleeping. Citizens are urged to call Washington County dispatchers at 651-439-9381 about anything that may appear suspicious. In an emergency, dial 911.

Artists sought for upcoming fall fair Artists are being sought to participate in the upcoming Afton Art Fair.

The fine arts and traditional craft fair is held in downtown Afton in the city park on Sept. 25 and 26. Up to 70 artists, food vendors and entertainers are expected to participate each day.

Saturday will feature an MG car show and live music, including Kenzie Joy at 11 a.m. and Joel Summers at 1 p.m.

Sunday's music will be provided by Patchouli at noon.

For a vendor application, go to aftonartfair.com.

jim anderson