Our Mission:  Providing quality services through responsible leadership, innovation and
the cooperation of dedicated people

Date:	May 3, 2022
Contact:	Yvonne Klinnert, Public Information Manager
Phone:	651-430-6026, after hours 952-807-3723
E-mail:	yvonne.klinnert@co.washington.mn.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The following actions were taken at the May 3, 2022, Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting at the Government Center in Stillwater, Minnesota

Sheriff’s Office receives donation for back-to-school Shop With a Cop
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a $1,000 donation from the Tolva family to be used for the office’s back-to-school Shop With a Cop program.
The County Board accepted the donation May 3.
The money will help the Shop With a Cop/Back-to-School community engagement event that allows each child to spend an estimated $50 to $100 on school supplies. The children's ages range from kindergarten through sixth grade and are selected each year to shop at a local store and to enjoy some snacks and food while purchasing back-to-school supplies. The Shop With a Cop events help foster positive relationships between young people and members of the Washington County Sheriff's Office. They will take place in August and December.
Contact: Laura Perkins, Law Enforcement Public Information Officer, 651-430-7994

County Board declares May as Mental Health Awareness Month
The Washington County Board of Commissioners declared May as Mental Health Awareness Month May 3.
Each May, Washington County joins the national movement in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month. Everyone has mental health, just like everyone has physical health. And just like a physical illness, anyone can experience a mental illness. About half of all people in the United States will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their lives. Communities that are targeted by racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, and other forms of systemic oppression and violence can face an even heavier mental health burden because of these harms. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. In the first year of the pandemic alone, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25%.
To support communities, Washington County strives to provide a continuum of mental health care for all residents across their lifespan. Teams across the county focus on prevention, access and treatment, and recovery. Programs are developed based on evidence-based best practices and community needs. Washington County strives to stay current and innovative in serving people with mental health challenges and reaching underserved residents.
Contact: Jennifer Castillo, Community Services Director, 651-430-6461

Forest Lake Contracting Inc. will do road project in Mahtomedi
Forest Lake Contracting Inc. will do roadway upgrades on County State Aid Highway 12 in the City of Mahtomedi, after the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $4.9 million contract with the company May 3.
The 1.3-mile project on Wildwood Road is from the county line at Century Avenue, or Highway 120, east to almost Stillwater Road, or Highway 244.
The project will include:
•	pavement replacement;
•	large culvert replacement;
•	turn lane additions;
•	trail addition;
•	pedestrian crossing enhancements; and
•	a stoplight at Wedgewood.
The design of the project has been shaped in large part by community comment from both in-person and online meetings. There was also a pre-construction open house that was conducted both in-person and online.
The project will add an infiltration basin upstream of Lost Lake, which is funded in-part by a Rice Creek Watershed District Stormwater Management Grant.
Funding for the project will come from Highway State Aid, money from the state received when the highway was turned over to the county from the state, the City of Mahtomedi, and a Rice Creek Watershed District Grant.
In addition to the construction contract, the County Board approved a number of maintenance agreements with the City of Mahtomedi and the Rice Creek Watershed District.
Contact: Kevin Peterson, Engineer III, 651-430-4330

County Board proclaims May 1-May 7 as Correctional Officers Week in county
The Washington County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May 1-May 7, 2022, as Correctional Officers Week in Washington County May 3.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan announced the first week in May as National Correctional Officers Week. “The important work of Correctional Officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves,” President Reagan proclaimed.
The week is an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the individuals who work in the Washington County Sheriff’s Office – Jail Division. Correctional Officers exemplify professionalism, integrity, and strength in the face of a difficult and often dangerous work environment. These officers play a vital role in the criminal justice system and Washington County extends its appreciation.
Contact: Laura Perkins, Law Enforcement Public Information Officer, 651-430-7994



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Government Center  •  14949 62nd Street North — P.O. Box 6, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082-0006
Phone:  651-430-6001  •  Fax:  651-430-6017  •  TTY:  651-430-6246
www.co.washington.mn.us