The Washington County Board of Commissioners has been busy, making a slew of decisions that touch upon everything from workforce development to honoring the impactful work of local child care providers. In a meeting detailed by Washington County's official announcements, new appointments and contracts were among the docket's highlights. Conner Sager has been tapped as a business representative, and Cynthia Larson as a DEED representative, to join the Workforce Development Board, both serving terms through the end of 2028.
Meanwhile, a new contract has been greenlit with Mount Olivet Rolling Acres, Inc., to provide essential case management services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A competitive proposal process with 17 submissions led to this contract, which is not to exceed $40,000 from county funds through December 2026. Ensuring vital services to those who need them most, both Sager and Larson's appointments kick off fresh chapters in workforce and community development.
While county officials focused on adult and children's services, Jen Sterner's Sunrise Nature Preschool dawned on the recognition front. Awarded as the 2025 Washington County Child Care Provider of the Year, Sterner's dedication to young minds and the environment has blossomed into an outdoor classroom experience next to Lake Elmo Park Reserve. "She wants every child that leaves her program to feel empowered by and grounded in the idea that they are capable, lovable, and worthy just as they are," the report highlighted Sterner's educational philosophy.
In other revealing insights, a survey conducted by Polco and the National Research Center and presented to the Board of Commissioners showed residents rating their quality of life highly at 80 on a 100-point scale. Coupled with positive feedback on county services like libraries and snow removal, the survey, which gathered responses from 673 households, painted a largely optimistic picture. It also spotlighted concerns about affordable housing and taxes, a sentiment that drives further conversations about local governance and community needs.
Not forgetting those who maintain law and order, the board proclaimed July 20-26 as Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week. In the proclamation, the heroes who operate beyond the limelight were acknowledged for their transformative efforts in community safety and rehabilitation. And offering a fond farewell, K9 Jake was given a ceremonious retirement, transferring to a life of leisure with his handler, Deputy Chris Majeski, after nearly a decade of service to the community. His contributions to safety were capped off as a national champion twice.
