Sports & Studies

State graduation rate reaches historical high

ROSEVILLE — The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) released the class of 2020’s graduation rate data on June 10. Overall, Minnesota high school seniors reached another historic graduation rate high of 83.8% (56,684 students) who graduated in 2020. This continues an upward trend for Minnesota’s statewide four-year graduation rate, which has increased by 1.3 percentage points in the last five years. Additionally, 3,490 students from earlier classes also earned their diplomas in 2020, graduating five, six or seven years after beginning high school.

“The class of 2020 graduated while we were all just learning how to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a time of great uncertainty, and the perseverance of our students, educators and families demonstrates their commitment to rise to this moment and reach the end of their pre-K through grade 12 journey,” MDE Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller said. “While we have so much to be proud of in Minnesota, we know that we still have work to do to close gaps and increase access, participation and representation to ensure every single student graduates from high school. Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan’s Due North Education Plan will continue to guide us in eliminating barriers and building out the systems and structures we need to center our students so that every student is seen, valued, heard and represented throughout their entire educational experience.”

While graduation rates increased statewide for most racial and ethnic student groups, the graduation rate for Black students declined slightly from 2019 to 2020. American Indian students saw a significant increase of 4.9 percentage points for a graduation rate of 55.7%. In the previous five years, the four-year graduation rate for American Indian students had remained between 49% and 51%.

Fewer students are dropping out of high school. From 2019 to 2020, the overall statewide high school dropout rate decreased from 4.4% to 3.7%, and it also dropped for every major student group. This continues a trend from 2019, which had also seen a decrease in dropout rates statewide and in every major student group compared to 2018.

“Seeing dropout rates continue to decrease is incredibly promising,” Mueller said. “When our school communities rally around students to help them complete high school, we can make a real difference. Dropout prevention begins the moment students walk in the door of our elementary schools and continues until they make it to graduation. I am excited to continue working with school leaders to share effective practices in this critical area.”

FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Minnesota high school graduation rates from 2016 to 2020.

From press release

Pratt’s legendary Stillwater career ends

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Alexis Pratt closed out a prodigious career as a Stillwater High School athlete at the state track meet on Saturday, June 19.

Pratt placed second in both the 100 and 200 meter dashes, after winning both in the Section 4AA meet. She earned her seventh and eighth state sprint medals and her two highest individual finishes.

Also a Miss Basketball finalist this winter, she will continue her athletic career in basketball at University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Pratt got under 12 seconds in the 100 dash for the first time as she and Edina’s Maddie Dahlien each hit the tape 11.9 seconds with Dahlein winning by an eyelash. In the 200, Pratt ran a 24.88 and again finished behind Dahlien. Pratt’s school records are the 11.99 and her 24.71 set earlier this year.

As a sophomore, Pratt placed fourth in the state 100 dash, fifth in the 200 and second in the 4x100 relay. There was no state meet last year. She anchored state champion 4x100 and 4x200 teams with North St. Paul as an eighth-grader. She had an eighth-place finish in the 100 as a freshman.

In basketball, Pratt, a 5-foot-5 guard, scored 1,980 points in four seasons with the Ponies, averaging 18, 16, 18 and 19.9 points, She previously notched 663 points in 7th and 8th grades at North, for a career total of 2,643 points.

She ranks second in points for Stillwater behind Sara Scalia’s 2,610. All opponents were forced to play a fast-paced game because of Pratt, also a tenacious defender.

The Ponies were 90-21 in her tenure here, and 73-10 with three state trips the last three seasons, with a Class 4A runner-up finish her sophomore year. Pratt was named Pioneer Press East Metro Player of the Year as a senior.

BRUCE STRAND | SUBMITTED

Alexis Pratt (right) and Edina’s Maddie Dahlien each hit the tape at 11.99 seconds in the 100 at state Friday. Dahlien won in a photo fi nish.

Become a monthly subscriber! We are excited to continue to refi ne our products to meet the needs of our readers and advertisers, specifi cally in Washington County. The area continues to grow in arts and entertainment, tourism, and the prospect of exploring the great outdoors. We are excited to deliver our new and improved news-magazine monthly. You will notice expanded content including THE Lowdown arts and entertainment features and outdoors articles. The Lowdown will expand its page content and circulation by being published monthly. As always, our website will still provide daily and weekly updates online. As people in Washington County look for shopping, dining and outdoor activities, we become the ‘feet on the street’ on what’s happening. We continue to hear people say they look to The Lowdown to plan their weekend, whether its a happy hour special, dinner date, night out, bird watching, hiking, biking, boating, fi shing or activities with the kids or grandkids. To continue receiving The Lowdown monthly, please submit your subscription below: Thank you for your support. Please send payment and this form to: Press Publications | 4779 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | or contact us at: (651) 407-1200 | presspubs.com

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OUTDOOR EVENING YOGA

When: 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, through Sept. 30. Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, north picnic pavilion, County Roads 10 and 19. Details: Guided yoga for all levels. $8/person; reservations required. Contact: 651-430-8370 or co.washington.mn.us, search “outdoor yoga.”

LIBRARY IN THE PARK

When and where: 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays in Forest Lake, July 7 at Fenway Park; July 21 at Cedar Park; Aug. 4 at Beltz Park; and Aug. 18 at Lakeside Memorial Park. Details: Outdoor library events meet residents in their local spaces and include books, activities, take and make projects, and more. Weather permitting; check website for updates. Contact: washcolib.org/events.

SING AND PLAY AT THE LIBRARY

When: Mondays, July 12, July 19, & July 26 from 10 to 11 a.m. Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road North in Forest Lake. Meet at Hardwood Creek library's courtyard on their yoga mats to sing and act out songs, rhymes, and stories. Stick around after for outdoor play. Recommended for children ages 0-6 years old. Registration is required. Register online at WashCoLib. org or call 651-275-7300.

MAHTOMEDI FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 2. Where: Veteran's Memorial Park, Mahtomedi Avenue and Stillwater Road. Details: Vegetables, flowers, and other goods from local vendors. Community Resource table.

Contact:

mahtomedifarmersmarket@ gmail.com.

MINNESOTA BOOK CLUB

When: Wednesday, July 14 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road North in Forest Lake. The Minnesota Book Club meets monthly to discuss books set in Minnesota or books written by Minnesota authors. Our book this month is “The Lager Queen of Minnesota” by J. Ryan Stradal. We will meet outside in the courtyard, weather permitting. Please bring a chair if you can. No registration required.

TEEN ART CART

When: Wednesdays, July 14, July 21 & July 28 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Where and details: Drop by Hardwood Creek Library and try a self-guided craft in the teen area. Projects allow teens to expand on their own design though creativity and imagination. For ages 11-18 only. No registration required. This program is brought to you in part by the Clean Water and Land Legacy Amendment.

LIBRARY IN THE PARK

When and where: 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays in Hugo, July 14 at Hanifl Fields Park; July 28 at Oneka Lake Park; Aug. 11 at Arcand Park; and Aug. 25 at Val Jean Park. Details: Outdoor library events meet residents in their local spaces and include books, activities, take and make projects, and more. Weather permitting; check website for updates. Contact: washcolib.org/ events.

KNITS AND KNOTS FIBER ARTS GROUP

When: Monday, July 19 from Noon to 2 p.m. Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road North in Forest Lake. Details: Knitters, quilters, crocheters, and spinners meet the third Monday of every month. All crafts and abilities welcome. Bring your current project to work on and ask questions about next steps, share your expertise with others, or simply come to get inspired and converse with this growing group. No registration required.

GAMMELGÅRDEN’S KURBITS PAINTING CLASS WITH DIANE EDWARDS

When: July 19 – 21. Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $175 member, $200 nonmember. Details: This three-day Kurbits painting class is designed for students of all skill levels. You will paint traditional and fun designs in the Swedish tradition appropriate for your skill level. Instructor, Diane Edwards, has studied folk art for 30 years and is the author of eight books on Swedish and Norwegian Folk Art — painting primarily on wood and traditional objects made from wood such as plates, bowls, trunks, boxes and other handmade wooden pieces. Her books are written for the beginner to intermediate painters who would like to learn traditional painting techniques. Reservations are required. To register call (651) 433-5053 or email gammelgardenlynne@ frontiernet.net (a list of supplies will be provided upon registration). Tor & Tilda Family Tours Explore the Gammelgården with your family as Tora & Tilda, our beloved tomte and cat, have created fun tours of the museum’s historic buildings buildings for all to enjoy. Experience the daily life of early immigrant families in Minnesota through a Swedish lens. Dates: July 9,10, August 13,14, September 10, 11. Time: 10 a.m. to Noon. Cost: $25 per family (limit 6), children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations Required: (651) 433-5053. Recommended Ages: 7 years and older.

COUNTY BRIEFS

County board approves building naming policy

The Washington County Board of Commissioners has approved a policy for naming county-owned buildings. The policy provides a description of what facilities will be affected by the policy and outlines a process for considering names for facilities. The policy also sets out criteria for names, saying facilities should be given names that reflect the surrounding geographical and natural features, and the historical significance of the county. Facilities will not be named for individuals or cities.

County will participate in DNR snowmobile trail program

Washington County Parks will participate in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) snowmobile trails assistance program. The county administers the program for the Star Trail Association. The board entered into an agreement with the Star Trail Association in 1991, whereby the county agreed to sponsor the snowmobile club and act as a pass-through agency for funds from the DNR snowmobile trail maintenance and grooming grants-in-aid program. The snowmobile club cannot receive the grant funding directly. The grant varies from year to year, but averages around $42,000.

Board conducts public hearing on county development code

The Board of Commissioners conducted a public hearing earlier this month to consider amendments to the Washington County Development Code to enable coordination of membership between the Planning Advisory Commission (PAC) and the Board of Adjustment and Appeals (BAA) as recommended by the Planning Advisory Commission.

In 2018, a significant amount of land use authority was assumed by townships, resulting in a reduction in the volume of work for the PAC and BAA, with less frequent meetings. That created practical challenges for the efficient functioning of the committees and for making effective use of the time of residents who serve as members. The county board has reviewed the potential changes and set the public hearing to receive public comments on the changes.

To implement the changes, sections of the development code that set out the makeup of the two boards need to be repealed and replaced. The board referred the issue to the PAC for its study, report, and recommendation.

Under the merger, the county will maintain the two boards, with identical membership, with seven members each. Meetings will be conducted on the same date, one after the other.

The transition to the new configuration of the PAC and BAA would occur as individual appointments expire or resignations occur, and no current member will be asked to relinquish an appointment.

County will participate in DNR snowmobile trail program

Washington County Parks will participate in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) snowmobile trails assistance program. The county administers the program for the Star Trail Association. The board entered into an agreement with the Star Trail Association in 1991, whereby the county agreed to sponsor the snowmobile club and act as a passthrough agency for funds from the DNR snowmobile trail maintenance and grooming grants-in-aid program. The snowmobile club cannot receive the grant funding directly. The grant varies from year to year, but averages around $42,000.

Participation in Performance Measurement Program

Washington County will continue to participate in the Performance Measurement Program and submit the report on the 11 standard measures created by the Council on Local Results and Innovation to the Office of the State Auditor. This is the 11th year that the county has participated.

In 2010, the Legislature created the Council on Local Results and Innovation, tasked with creating a standard set of 10 measures for cities and 10 measures for counties. Participation in the standard measures program is voluntary. A county that elects to participate in the program may be eligible for a reimbursement of 14 cents per capita in county program aid, not to exceed $25,000.

The county will report the results of the 10 adopted measures to residents on the county website at www.co.washington.mn.us/performancemeasures, as well as including the report in its budget documents and filing a copy with the Office of the State Auditor.

County will receive funds to help decrease auto theft

Washington County will receive $116,200 in an auto theft prevention grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The money will be used over the next two years. The Washington County Attorney's Office has received this specific grant since 2005. The grant amount fluctuates with each grant cycle.

Historic courthouse expanding guided tours

The Washington County Historic Courthouse is expanding guided tours to three tours a day Wednesday through Sunday, and evening tours Thursday and Friday. Tours at the Historic Courthouse will be at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Tours will also be at 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

Visitors will enjoy a short introductory video before viewing the courtroom, 1900s county jail, and exhibitions, and hear stories of the building’s construction, offices, and the people who worked at the courthouse. The tours are free; donations are accepted. To ensure the best tour experience, public tours are limited to 10 participants per tour guide. Large groups will be divided for a tour rotation. Those visiting with a large group of 10 or more may call 651-275-7075 to make arrangements. Unscheduled tour groups may be asked to tour the building without a guide.

The Washington County Historic Courthouse is at the corner of Pine and Third streets in Stillwater. See the county website at co.washington.mn.us and search “Historic Courthouse” for more information about the building and activities planned in it, or call 651-275-7075 or email historiccourthouse@co.washington.mn.us for more information.

Spot mowing, spraying for noxious weeds begins

Washington County staff will be spot mowing and spraying for noxious weeds along the more than 220 miles of rural roadsides through July 30, and again in October. This is being done to help comply with Minnesota noxious weed law administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Mowing will be used to prevent seed set and the following herbicides will be used to spray mowed area: Escort XP, Milestone VM and Liberate.

Property owners who do not want their roadside sprayed or mowed and are willing to take responsibility for controlling and eradicating noxious weeds on the adjacent roadside may visit the Washington County North Shop at 11660 Myeron Road in Stillwater Township to obtain signage, or call 651-430-4300. Be prepared to provide an address, the nearest cross street, and a description of where “do not spray” signs will be located.

READ • REUSE • RECYCLE

Chamber welcomes TrainTrax Snacks

BOO CREATIVE | SUBMITTED

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce welcomed The Zephyr Theatre expansion business, TrainTrax Snacks to the chamber with a ribbon cutting celebration on June 16. Calyssa Hall, executive director of The Zephyr Theatre, cut the ribbon. TrainTrax Snacks of the Zephyr Theatre and partners Valley Friendship Club, The Goodery, Bridge City Roasting Co, Lift Bridge Brewing, Gateway Brown’s Creek Trail Association, Hoppel Poppel Breads, Candyland, Xssant, and the chamber members and staff were there to join in the celebration. The event took place outside by the Brown’s Creek Trail at 601 Main Street N. in Stillwater.

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Please visit websites for details on upcoming events!

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JULY EVENTS

*Note: Events are subject to change or be cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis. Please call or visit the websites or Facebook pages, for the most up-to-date information. DATE EVENT TIME Vineyard/Brewery

July 1 Captain Dan’s Music Jam 5-8:30 pm Roma Restaurant July 3 Yoga at Winehaven 11am Winehaven Winery July 3 Live Music Saturday 1-4 pm St. Croix Vineyards July 3-4 Red, White and Sangria 12-5 pm St. Croix Vineyards July 4 Two Dollar Tight Blues 3-6 pm Roma Restaurant July 4 Yoga in the Vines 10-11 am St. Croix Vineyards July 6 Live Music: Tuscany Trio 5:30 7 Vines Vineyard July 7 Live Music: Redpath 5:30 7 Vines Vineyard July 8 Captain Dan’s Music Jam 5-8:30 pm Roma Restaurant July 10 Live Music Saturday 1-4 pm St. Croix Vineyards July 10-11 Wine Meets Art Festival 11 am-5 pm St. Croix Vineyards July 10 Flower Pop-up with T and Nae 1-5 pm Rustic Roots July 10 Bazaar 12-6 pm Dancing Dragonfly July 10 Annual Rhubarb Frenzy! 10a to 5p Winehaven Winery July 11 Music with Jeff Brooks 3-6 pm Rustic Roots July 11 Yoga in the Vines 10-11 am St. Croix Vineyards July 11 Live Music: The Flannel Brothers 1p-4p Belle Vinez Vineyard July 11 Live Music: Mississippi Mud 1p-4p 7 Vines Vineyard July 11 Vintage Car Show 12p 7 Vines Vineyard July 13 Live Music: Becky Rae Dalton 5:30 7 Vines Vineyard July 15 Farmers and Artisans Markets 4-7 pm Rustic Roots July 15 Music with The Swongos 4-7 pm Rustic Roots July 15 Captain Dan’s Music Jam 5-8:30 pm Roma Restaurant July 16-17 Tony Ortiz Duo 5-9 pm Roma Restaurant July 16 Art at the Winery – Paint & Sip 6-8:30 pm Dancing Dragonfly July 16 Live Music: Matthew Griswold 5p-8p Belle Vinez Vineyard July 17 Live Music Saturday 1-4 pm St. Croix Vineyards July 17 Yoga in the Vines 10-11 am St. Croix Vineyards July 18 Music with Tyler Herwig 3-6 pm Rustic Roots July 18 Two Dollar Tight Blues 3-6 pm Roma Restaurant July 18 Yoga by the Vines 11 am Dancing Dragonfly July 18 Live Music: Garret Mcphae 1p-4p Belle Vinez Vineyard July 18 Live Music: DJ Greg 1P 7 Vines Vineyard July 20 Farmers Market 2p 7 Vines Vineyard July 20 Live Music: Gary LaRue 5:30 7 Vines Vineyard July 22 Captain Dan’s Music Jam 5-8:30 pm Roma Restaurant July 24 Dinner & Comedy 6:30-9 pm Dancing Dragonfly July 25 Music with The Riverside Hitmen 3-6 pm Rustic Roots July 25 Toast, Taste and Paddle 9 am-3:30 pm St. Croix Vineyards July 25 Yoga in the Vines 10-11 am St. Croix Vineyards July 29 Captain Dan’s Music Jam 5-8:30 pm Roma Restaurant

Take Comfort. Drink Well.

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