Wetterling to appear at wilderness safety fundraiser

An evening with Patty Wetterling, whose 11-year-old son was abducted in 1989 and never found, will raise money for a wilderness safety foundation established after the mountain hiking death of Jon Francis.

The event will be held from 7-10 p.m. June 2 at Chilkoot Cafe, 826 4th St. in Stillwater.

Wetterling, founder of the Jacob Wetterling Foundation, will be recognized at the event for her support of the Jon Francis Foundation, said board chair Sheila-Marie Untiedt. Wetterling and her husband, Jerry, helped David and Linda Francis when their son Jon disappeared in the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho on July 15, 2006. His remains were found the next summer.

The fundraiser will include dinner and information on the mission of the foundation. Tickets are $50 per person, limited to 50 people, and can be purchased online at www.jonfrancis.org or via mail at Jon Francis Foundation, P.O. Box 2235, Stillwater MN 55082.

Sheriff plans annual Memorial Day eventA Washington County ceremony in recognition of correctional and peace officers will be held at noon Tuesday in front of the Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St. in Stillwater.

Sheriff Bill Hutton said the observance of the Law Enforcement Memorial Day Ceremony will include Washington County Board members, 10th District judges, local government officials and representatives from law enforcement agencies throughout Washington County.

The Sheriff's Office is inviting the public to attend the ceremony and enjoy cake and refreshments during the gathering afterward.

City gives awards to residents, businessesMayor Mary Giuliani Stephens and others on Thursday honored a number of local businesses and organizations for helping the city to maintain sound environmental practices, and for investing millions of dollars.

Officials presented the city's Environmental Excellence Awards to businesses, non-profits, schools and residents.

Those honored included Harvey Vogel Manufacturing Co., South Washington Watershed District and Great River Greening, an environmental nonprofit organization, for sustainable practices; New Life Academy students Rachel Breiholz and Sierra Ross for a waste reduction and recycling project; and residents Bob and Catherine Glunz for innovative storm water management practices in their yard.

The city also honored 22 companies and organizations that collectively invested more than $15 million, with 110 permits taken out last year, said Janelle Schmitz, economic development manager for the city. Project amounts recognized had ranged from about $150,000 to nearly $3 million.

In addition to the remodeling of those 22 firms and organizations, McDonald's built a new restaurant to replace one on Weir Drive, Schmitz said.

Water-testing clinic on tap at City HallA free nitrate water testing clinic for owners of private wells is planned from 4-7 p.m. June 5 at the Scandia Community Center.

To participate in the testing, to be conducted by Washington County, collect at least half a cup of water in a clean plastic or glass container.

Participants should run the water for five to 10 minutes before filling the container, and do it within 24 hours of the testing, then keep it refrigerated.

Homeowners with water treatment equipment, other than a softener, should take two water samples -- one before and one after the treatment process. They should label the containers with their name, phone number, whether the sample was drawn before or after treatment, and with a well identification number if more than one well is being sampled.

Samples will be analyzed at the testing -- usually in less than five minutes -- and results will be given to homeowners.

Those with questions about the clinic or how to take a water sample, can contact Wendy Griffin at 651-275-1136, ext. 24.

County library board needs a new memberThe Washington County library board that advises elected county commissioners is looking for a member to represent District 2, which includes Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Landfall and Woodbury precincts 3, 12, 14 and 15.

The library board consists of seven members. One is appointed from each of the five commissioner districts, and two residents are appointed at large. A county commissioner also serves as an ex officio member.

Members are appointed for three-year terms. Among other things, the board accepts donations and gifts on behalf of the County Board, reviews physical and building needs, and studies legislation. Members are reimbursed for mileage expenses and per diem at the rate currently in effect for county employees.

For more information, call library director Patricia Conley at 651-275-8501.

Lions Club plans annual plant saleThe Maplewood/Oakdale Lions Club will hold its annual spring plant sale Thursday through next Sunday at Richard Walton Park Pavilion at 15th Street and Hadley Avenue in Oakdale.

The sale will run from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. next Sunday.

KEVIN GILES AND JOY POWELL