 As we soak up the last days of summer and prepare for the first days of school, I hope you are finding moments to enjoy the sunshine, time with family, and outdoor recreation.
While some are sad to say goodbye to summer, I have to say I am quite excited this week because one of my favorite events of the year began: the Minnesota State Fair. Growing up in Falcon Heights/Roseville area, my family enjoyed visiting the Fair as much as possible. From the 4H displays to mini-donuts, milkshakes, and music performances, I love to celebrate the cultural richness and diversity of our state and the people who make it up. I hope you get a chance to visit the Fair and spend time soaking up your favorites. Take a rest on the green McGuire Family Bench located in the northern section of the Fair!
 Ramsey County is holding both virtual and in-person meetings. Our board meetings are taking place in the County Board offices in the Ramsey County Courthouse. My office continues to serve constituent needs via phone (651-266-8359) or email (caitlyn.duin@ramseycounty.us).
Sincerely,
Mary Jo
Board Acknowledgements/Declarations
- Maria Wetherall, Director of Veteran Services, presented with Recognition Award
- Luis Rosario, Ramsey County Assessor, proclamation and recognition
We wish them both well as they retire from Ramsey County!
County Board Workshops
Most weeks, our County Board meets to discuss specific policy issues and receive updates from County Departments and Service Teams in our Board Workshops.
Workshops and discussions are held on Tuesdays and are open to the public. These take place at the Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse in Suite 220 (2nd floor). You can find the schedule for all upcoming board meetings, workshops, and discussions sessions here.
Recent workshops include:
- Ramsey County Golf Course Update
- Housing and Redevelopment Authority Levy Program Updates
- Information and Public Records Service Team Committee of the Whole:
Voting Rights Act - Section 203 Language Requirements
- Results-Based Accountability Overview with Center for Economic Inclusion
You can access video recordings of the meetings as well as the materials shared by clicking here.
You can watch upcoming workshops live by clicking here.
Apply for an Advisory Board or Committee and share your voice with us!
 The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is currently accepting applications to serve on various citizen advisory boards and committees. The board of commissioners appoints residents to serve in these important roles that help shape policy, review programs and plans, and represent families and residents in Ramsey County.
Current opportunities include:
- Capital Improvement Program Advisory Committee.
- Community Health Services Advisory Committee (Joint).
- Corrections Advisory Board.
- Disabled Veterans Rest Camp Board.
- Extension Committee.
- Personnel Review Board.
- Ramsey County Library Board.
- Valley Branch Watershed District.
Apply today or get more information here!
Battle Creek Winter Recreation Area will feature new snowmaking infrastructure
 In 2021, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved funding in conjunction with a Legacy Amendment Grant through the Metropolitan Council and Minnesota State Legislature bonding funds, to build a snowmaking infrastructure at Battle Creek Regional Park on 4 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and a sledding hill. Battle Creek Winter Recreation Area will be the first winter recreation area with machine made snow in the East Metro! This month, the Board approved the fee schedule for ski passes and moved the project a step forward toward completion.
I am excited that Ramsey County will have this new technology available so that our cross country ski trails and sledding hill are accessible for community members regardless of the level of natural snow we have in a given period. It is also exciting that our Parks and Recreation team was able to connect with the City of St. Paul to jointly develop a ski pass so residents can easily access both Ramsey County and City of St. Paul trails.
We are committed to equitable access to our winter recreation areas. While some fees are unavoidable to cover operation costs, we work hard to keep fees reasonable and provide a variety of options so that everyone can engage in play and recreation in our parks. One way we are doing this is by keeping fees lower for the Natural Snow Pass for trails that do not use the new snowmaking infrastructure. The sledding hill will also remain free to the public and a Metropolitan Council grant-funded Learn to Ski program will be developed to provide free healthy amenities to all.
To learn more about the Battle Creek Winter Recreation Area, click here! To see the fee schedule, see page 47 of the Board Meeting packet here.
New Data Dashboard from County Attorney's Office
The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office (RCAO) recently launched its new public data interface to provide transparency and accountability to the community. This new public data interface provides access to information about adult and youth referral and charging, child support information and employee demographic information. Click here to view dashboards.
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Volunteer with SOS Sexual Violence Services
SOS Sexual Violence Services of Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health is currently seeking volunteers to staff the 24-hour crisis line during nights and weekends. Public Health provides free, extensive training to volunteers.
SOS Sexual Violence Services provides free and confidential services for victims of sexual violence, their partners, families and other concerned persons. This includes 24-hour crisis counseling and support, follow-up services, safety planning and medical and legal advocacy. View SOS volunteer responsibilities
The next training will begin October 4, 2022. Please complete the volunteer application.
For more information, call 651-266-1000 or email AskSOS@co.ramsey.mn.us.
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New! Recycle electronics for free through Ramsey County!
Ramsey County residents looking to get rid of laptops, televisions, cell phones or other electronics now have a free and easy way to recycle them. Ramsey County Environmental Health has a new collection site where county residents can drop off unwanted electronics (e-waste) which will be refurbished or recycled into new products.
Electronics (E-waste) Collection Site
Repowered
860 Vandalia Street
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Learn more about e-waste recycling now available to Ramsey County residents and to check which items are accepted at ramseycounty.us/electronics.
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District Connections
 With Optimist Club members and Ukrainian students students visiting with YouLEAD program through Global Synergy Group.
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With Anastasiia (YouLEAD Adult Leader), Roseville Area Optimist Club Member Lynne Megan, Dr. Irina Fursman (Global Synergy Group / HueLife), and Roseville Optimist Club President Patty Sagert.
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With Don Salverda and speaker Henry "Hank" Shea, former Assistant US Attorney.
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With City of Roseville staff at the Rice & Larpenteur Alliance Summer Block Party.
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Attending Rice & Larpenteur Alliance Summer Block Party was a blast! Community members enjoyed treats, good food, and information tables from groups including Ramsey County! I was glad to share my gratitude with the community for their partnership in continuing to increase walkability and more in the neighborhood.
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With Ramsey County SOS Sexual Violence Services staff.
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Upcoming Events in the District:
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