First House Bill Would Repay Borrowed School Funds

House members introduced 54 bills on Thursday, including several that appeared to have strong DFL support.

Kathy Lohmer Sworn in for Second Term in Minnesota House of Representatives

“I ran on the platform of limited government, fiscal responsibility, economic freedom, and keeping our community safe," Lohmer said, "... I intend to continue to fight for those principles.”

Report: Stillwater Native Denis McDonough is Front Runner for Obama's Chief of Staff

McDonough has been a member of Obama’s “tight inner circle” since the 2008 campaign, the National Journal reports, and has a much closer personal relationship with the president than Ron Klain, another front-runner for the job.

MN Leg: DFL Leaders Discuss Plans for Budget Challenges Ahead

House Speaker Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) outlined a list of priorities, including the early framework of a plan to eliminate a $1.1 billion state budget deficit. Republicans defend their management of the debt crisis.

Karin Housley Takes Oath of Office in Minnesota Senate

Housley represents the Stillwater area in the new Minnesota Senate District 39.

Stillwater May Avoid Eminent Domain Proceedings, Gain Fire Station Access to CR 12

The Garleys proposed a deal to sell the city land it needs to provide the new Fire Station and Armory site to County Road 12 at fair market value in exchange for two homes that will be relocated to new lots they would create on their property.

Stillwater City Council Open to Discussing Deal for Aiple Property

“It’s an opportunity for the city to significantly expand its riverfront,” Stillwater Mayor Ken Harycki said. “Even if not for today, for future generations."

Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, Washington County Select 'Newspapers of Record'

Washington County estimates that placing legal notices in "official newspapers" will cost about $30,000 in 2013. Do you think government entities should be mandated to publish legal notices in newspapers, or be allowed to publish on their own

Washington County Board Members Sworn In

Stillwater's Gary Kriesel was re-elected to serve as representative of District 3. Lisa Weik was selected as this year's board chair.

UPDATE: Walmart Faces Suspension of Liquor License After Clerk Allegedly Sells Alcohol to Minor

The Oak Park Heights Police Chief will ask the City Council tonight to impose a $1,000 fine and a five-day suspension of Walmart’s liquor license after an employee allegedly sold alcohol to underage person for the second time in two years.

Oak Park Heights Swears In New Mayor, City Councilman

Mary McComber will be sworn in as mayor of Oak Park Heights tonight. Chuck Dougherty and Mike Runk will be sworn in as Council Members.

Two New Stillwater City Council Members Sworn In

Ted Kozlowski was sworn in as the Ward 2 representative on Tuesday night. Tom Weidner was sworn in as representative of Ward 3.

Minnesota House Session's Opening Day Streamed Online

The 2013-2014 House Session begins Tuesday at noon. This year, legislators must constitutionally complete their work by May 20.

Applications Being Accepted for Opening on Stillwater Planning Commission

The Planning Commission acts as the city’s planning agency. It conducts public hearings on applications for special use permits, conditional use permits, variances to the zoning ordinance, subdivision and other areas that are covered by the city’s zonin

Sen. Al Franken to Celebrate Art & Science at Stillwater's Da Vinci Fest

DaVinci Fest—a collection of more than 500 art, science and technology projects displayed by students in grades 4 through 12—takes place from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5 at Stillwater Area High School.

Hilton Trail Renumbered to Head Off Confusion Before Construction Starts in 2013

The Washington County Public Works Department renumbered Hilton Trail from CSAH 36 to CSAH 29 for its entire length from Highway 36 in Pine Springs to CSAH 12 (Stillwater Road) in Mahtomedi.

What's on Tap for the St. Croix River Crossing Project in 2013

Construction on the new St. Croix River Crossing in Oak Park Heights is expected to begin in May 2013.

Pen Used to Sign Wild & Scenic Rivers Act Finds a Home at St. Croix River Visitor Center

President Johnson presented the pen to then Senator Walter Mondale on Oct. 2, 1968 after the signing ceremony for the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

PHOTO: Getting Ready for the 2013-2014 Minnesota House Legislative Session

Legislative Clerk David Surdez places the names of the 2013-2014 House members on the voting board in the House Chamber. The legislative session is scheduled to begin Jan. 8.

New Laws Take Effect in Minnesota

Below is a list of selected new laws that take effect Jan. 1, 2013.

Michele Bachmann Introduces Legislation to Rescind Congressional Pay Raise

"We have a spending problem in our country and we should be looking for areas to cut spending," Bachmann said ... "we should not increase government spending and add to the debt burden by giving members of Congress a pay raise."

Michele Bachmann: Minnesota's Pain at the Gas Pump is Real: No. 3 Post of 2012

One of the most read posts of the 2012 included when Rep. Michele Bachmann wrote an opinion piece about how high gas prices affect everything – from the price of goods and services to business investments and leisure travel.

McCollum: National Rifle Association Response 'Madness'

Minnesota Rep. Betty McCollum called the NRA's idea of guards on playgrounds and in schools a "preverse vision for life in America."

Parents suing Stillwater, State after Lily Lake Fatality

A preliminary hearing is set for Friday as the family of Jack Ariola Erenberg seeks more than $1 million in damages.

Newtown School Shooting: McCollum Urges Immediate Congressional Action to End 'Epidemic of Gun Violence'

Do you agree with Rep. Betty McCollum? What do you think is at issue in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting? Is it gun control? Addressing mental health? Both? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

The Impact of the Fiscal Cliff on Stillwater Area Schools: Talk of the District

Our community strives to do more with an ever-smaller set of resources, and our hard work and success should not be jeopardized because politicians are incapable of assembling a responsible, balanced and bipartisan approach to avoid the fiscal cliff.

Bachmann Doubles Down, Claims Obama is Determined to 'Lift Up the Islamists'

She said on a radio show that Americans must study Islamist texts just as those who studied Adolf Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' in World War II.

REMINDER: Stillwater Winter Parking Rules in Effect

Make sure to know the winter parking rules in Stillwater.

Stillwater Lift Bridge: It's Open

The Stillwater Lift Bridge opened Friday afternoon, just in time for the evening commute.

Bachmann on Unemployment Numbers: 'We are Not Creating Jobs Quickly Enough'

Sixth District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann released a statement on the latest unemployment numbers today saying" President Obama’s tax and spend policies continue to explode the debt and cloud the country with uncertainty."

Plans for Stillwater's New Fire Station Move Ahead

The Stillwater City Council on Tuesday approved the special use permits and rezoning needed to construct a $6.9 million fire station alongside the new National Guard Armory.

City of Stillwater Workers Protest Stalled Negotiations: At Odds Over Wages, Health Care Costs

“It is impossible for the city to have an accurate budget without knowing the labor costs,” Union Representative Brad Junker told the Stillwater City Council Tuesday night. “Today, all but one of the city’s union contracts remain open.”

Holiday Gift Idea: Stillwater Street Signs for Sale

The city is in the process of replacing all of its street name signs in order to comply with federal rules—which require larger lettering and increased night time reflectivity. That means you may be able to buy your favorite street sign for $10.

City Council Denies St. Paul Church's Request to Demolish Two Homes

The Stillwater City Council on Tuesday night denied St. Paul's Lutheran Church's request for permits to demolish homes at 604 South Fourth Street and 216 West Willard Street to make room for green space.

City Council to Consider Extending Moratorium on Events in Stillwater ... Until Further Notice

The resolution would extend the moratorium the council enacted in March on new community-wide events until the new City Council is sworn in and the city gets feedback from event survey that will be sent to residents next week.

Stillwater Alcohol Amendment Passes, Penalty Will Be 'Pretty Draconian,' Police Chief Says

The Stillwater City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved an amendment to the city's liquor ordinance.

Stillwater City Council, School District Consider Partnering to Webcast Public Meetings

The Stillwater City Council on Tuesday will hear a proposal for the city and the school district to share the cost of webcasting public meetings.

When Will the Stillwater Lift Bridge Open? MnDOT Says Friday, Dec. 14

The Stillwater Lift Bridge will reopen to vehicle traffic on Friday, Dec. 14.

Volunteers Needed: AARP Tax-Aide Program

Volunteers are being sought to help taxpayers prepare and file 2012 tax returns.

Bachmann on Petraeus Hearing: Americans Deserve to Know What Happened in Benghazi Attack

"Two months after the terrorist attacks in Benghazi with an Ambassador and three other Americans dead, we have little knowledge of what the President knew and what his actions were," Bachmann said. Americans "deserve answers.”