Washington County Watchdog

07/11/2023

Before you vote today. Be informed. Many of the levy requests and school board candidates across the county are funded by construction companies. They appear to invest tens of thousands of dollars into school board candidates and vote yes levy campaigns. For example isn't it odd that a levy request in Woodbury ISD833 is for $40 million dollars to rebuild some bathrooms? I'm sorry can't we do better? Can we get a levy request for things that will improve education? Thanks Woodbury city council woman Kim Parks Wilson for bringing much if this to light.

10/10/2023

A Washington County State Legislator representing Birchwood Village and White Bear Lake was arrested for drunk driving.

DFL Rep. Brion Curran was charged with two gross misdemeanor DWI counts Tuesday after she was arrested in Chisago County.

10/05/2023

The details of this story are disturbing to say the least. The fact he is out on bail ... wow.

David Powers is out of custody Tuesday evening despite authorities concern about apparently threatening comments he made on a recorded jailhouse phone call before his release.

13/04/2023

The Thursday evening school board meeting in Forest Lake is anticipated to be packed. The last meeting had standing room only, outside the board room full of energized people on both sides of the issue. Do you plan to attend and what opinion will you share given an opportunity?

Remaining agenda items scheduled for special meeting April 13

25/01/2023

Former Forest Lake shop teacher James Edward Carter who was criminally convicted of two counts of criminal sexual conduct in June of 2022 and subsequently sentenced in September has been released from jail. Was justice served for the victim children? Should our laws be more stringent for these criminal abusers? Should mandatory public notification exist to know if he's again living in one of our communities?

10/12/2022

Update: regarding the video of the ruthless beating of a Woodbury Highschool student in one of the bathrooms by two larger students yesterday... The principal of the school responded with a generic response that they take violence seriously and are investigating the situation. Of course we responded that sort of response is fine for a typical scuffle between two boys of equal size squaring off in a consensual match and both end up walking away. This situation is much different as it appears the two attackers jump the smaller boy and continue to beat him on the ground. We asked again if the attackers were arrested and are suspended until further notice. Her response is attached below for you to judge.

10/12/2022

A man stating he's the parent of the Child who was "Jumped by two larger boys" in the bathroom of Woodbury Highschool today says his son was beat senseless and for no reason on a popular local public forum in response to rumors he instigated the beating. The video is too graphic to share as the two larger boys repeatedly throw punches at the boys head for the duration of the video as he collapses to the ground they continue to beat him. We're reaching out to the SI to respond if this sort of violence is tolerated and what action is being taken against the attackers.

22/11/2022

Did you receive your proposed property taxes payable for 2023 in the mail? How much was your increase/decrease? Are you planning to show up to any of the public hearings for your local city, school district or the county to voice your opinion on their increase/decrease in taxes? Local officials have until the end of the year to reduce these amounts ...

07/11/2022

FOREST LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT LAWSUIT FILED. "Today, one of the students who was sexually abused by Forest Lake School District teacher James Carter, filed a civil lawsuit for damages against the District, the Lakes Center for Youth and Families and James Carter relating to sexual abuse by Carter from 2018 through 2020."

Today, one of the students who was sexually abused by Forest Lake School District teacher James Carter, filed a civil lawsuit for damages against the District, the Lakes Center for Youth and Families and James Carter relating to sexual abuse by Carter from 2018 through 2020. According to the Complai...

03/11/2022

Forest Lake Police Department and Forest Lake Area Public School District 831 have been investigating what appears to be criminal activity from a female staff member involving students and inappropriate photos shared broadly throughout the high school.

The first graphic is a screenshot of an email that Jim Caldwell, Forest Lake Area Public High School Principal sent out today.

On the Board of Education meeting agenda tonight is approval to end employment of a Special Education Paraprofessional at the Senior High, effective yesterday. There’s suspicion, and sources have informed us, this is the person linked to this investigation, however the Watchdog has been unable to confirm this with absolute certainty.

Upon receiving additional credible information, we will update this post.

28/10/2022

Should politicians follow the law?

Todd Proulx, candidate for Forest Lake School Board, running alongside Ashley Bulmer and Jill Christenson, is back in court for having violated campaign finance rules by accepting corporate contributions to fund his campaign.

In addition, it appears that Jill Christenson filed a finance report beyond the required deadline and Ashley Bulmer has failed to file one at all.

As we reported previously, these three had already been found guilty of having violated the Fair Campaign Practices Act and have since been fined for their actions.

Source information can be viewed here: https://mn.gov/oah/assets/0325-38759-burrell-proulx-campaign-complaint-prima-facie-order_tcm19-545553.pdf and https://www.flaschools.org/Page/2033

27/10/2022

Forest Lake is currently reviewing a concept proposal from Gaughan Companies that would significantly alter its downtown. It would remove the entire block south of the roundabout at Broadway & Lake, including the Lone Oak Grill. The development is anchored on each end with business space although most of the 5 story complex would be dedicated to high density residential use. Immediately to it's east over what is currently 1st Street SE, is conceptualized as a parking ramp, although it is unknown at this time if that would be taxpayer or developer funded.

11/10/2022

Forest Lake Area School District: A judge has found probable cause that 3 candidates running for school board have violated the Fair Campaign Practices Act.

You can read the full document here: https://mn.gov/oah/assets/0325-38681-st-martin-bulmer-christenson-proulx-campaign-violation-probable-cause-order_tcm19-542962.pdf

08/10/2022

Congressman Pete Stauber, representing the 8th district (northern 1/3rd of Washington County) and State Auditor candidate Ryan Wilson were both here today knocking on doors. Do you believe the suburban Washington County is slated to be a deciding factor in the Minnesota elections this year?

29/09/2022

Stillwater Public Schools Teachers Union asked candidates for school board a few questions - about what they'll do for the unions, about race and topics some consider to be 'woke'. Zero questions about academics, student achievement, parental involvement... you know, the stuff most voters care about. The article links to the candidates answers for all those that responded, including those the organization selected to not endorse or when the candidate specified on the response they didn't want it.

Their former leader, Josiah Hill, is running for the state house seat 33B against Mark Bishofsky in what is certain to be one of the most competitive races in the east metro.

The Stillwater teachers’ union, known as the St. Croix Education Association, is doing the voters of Stillwater a favor with their outrageous questionnaire for prospective school board candidates. First, the questions they ask (and don’t ask) tell voters a lot about the priorities and values of ...

16/09/2022

"A Washington County judge sentenced Carter to one year in jail — the maximum time allowed because of Carter’s lack of any prior criminal record and other state guidelines impacting his conviction on 2nd and 4th-degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charges."

Two years after he was accused of sexually abusing two teenage boys and three months after he was convicted of those crimes, James Edward Carter, 58, is going to jail.

16/09/2022

A Forest Lake Area School Board candidate is under criticism for this portion of a TikTok posted. Do you believe parents should have a say in the lesson plans taught to their children?

15/09/2022

"A man convicted of sexually assaulting two children under the age of 10 will serve the next 12 years of his life in prison, Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson announced.
26-year-old Lorenzo M. Rodriguez of Maplewood was sentenced on Friday, Aug. 19 by Judge Douglas B. Meslow to the presumptive sentence of 144 months in state prison, rejecting his plea for a probationary sentence. Rodriguez previously entered a guilty plea in May for first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
According to the criminal complaint, Rodriguez engaged in sexual pe*******on of two girls between the ages of 9 and 10 from November 2015 to October 2016. The assaults occurred at multiple locations including an apartment in Oakdale. The conduct was reported to the Oakdale Police Department in September of 2019."

Full press release available here: https://www.co.washington.mn.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2032

15/09/2022

A pastor in Forest Lake is apologizing to the community for seeking “clemency” for a former public school teacher convicted of sexually abusing two teenage boys.

11/09/2022

James Carter (aka Jim) of Forest Lake, a former shop teacher at the public middle school was convicted of sexually abusing teenage boys whom he had over to his home to work on projects for cash.

Court records have numerous letters authored to the judge asking for leniency in sentencing, including from a librarian and church pastor. The link provides letters for your review.

What do you think the judge should do with this convicted criminal?

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fbsbx.com%2Fv%2Ft59.2708-21%2F301779521_3189305657951476_8494606897547061927_n.pdf%2FMCRO_82-CR-20-3266_Other-Document_2022-09-09_20220910105500.pdf%3F_nc_cat%3D100%26ccb%3D1-7%26_nc_sid%3D0cab14%26_nc_ohc%3DA8r13IHuNH0AX9qLcM0%26_nc_ht%3Dcdn.fbsbx.com%26oh%3D03_AVKM-v2Zlt0iocXB3-leAkOzB_bcHBOXoy-UrlOvuKl92g%26oe%3D6325117B%26dl%3D1&h=AT3148nPOSDldbI_bCaC0KeVxruzZdSv-iwg1vChXKso-HeKbVvM45MQaUSdgd2FkzIVA8aRAkNm8s4TEL9t1OswDpcASG6M69lS_y7HGtwrXHGH18896xNI21B4SAoX-NGcc0Vz9VdFWUI3LsnRXbdiQ-lKFQ&s=1

31/08/2022

Have you taken a look at how your local public schools are trending? Will this data help you decide to vote for incumbents or their allies on your local school board?

A total of 371 public schools in Minnesota have been identified as needing additional support.

30/08/2022

The speed limit on Hwy. 36 is 65 miles an hour. Some residents and business owners are worried encouraging pedestrians to cross Hwy. 36 will put them in danger.

10/08/2022

Legislative Primary Election Roundup:

Democrat John Thompson, who infamously threatened to burn down Hugo, had his political fire put out by challenger Liz Lee in Saint Paul. Races with at least some area in Washington County:

House 33B: Republican endorsed Mark Bishofsky shredded his opponent and will face Josiah Hill in the general election.

Senate 33: DFL endorsed Nancy McClean absolutely destroyed her opponent (91/9%) and will face Sen. Karin Housley in the general election.

Senate 41: Republican endorsed Tom Dippel easily won (61/39%) and will face Judy Seeberger in the general election.

Senate 44: DFL Tou Xiong easily won over two opponents (48 / 26-27%) and will face Paul Babin in the general election.

Congressional races in the county were absent any noteworthy surprises.

10/08/2022

Following the rejection of more funding, South Washington County Schools said it will explore using portable trailers at some school sites.

01/08/2022

Primary races to be decided on August 9 for state legislative seats have recently released campaign finance data. We are providing their 'cash balance minus loans' as self-reported.

Some races have candidates that if they make it through next Tuesday’s election to be placed on the general election ballot in November – they will have significant cash differences when compared to their general election opponent. Is this something you, as a primary election voter, consider?

House 33B – Forest Lake, Scandia, Stillwater.
Republican primary has 2 candidates:
Endorsed Mark Bishofsky - $18,589.82
Not Endorsed Tina Reihle - $406.22 cash when subtracting $1000 loan
Democrat Josiah Hill has no primary - $34,692.05

Senate 33 – Northern Washington County.
Democrat primary has 2 candidates:
Endorsed Nancy McLean - $29,294.37
Not Endorsed Brian Baber – No campaign finance report found
Republican Karin Housley has no primary - $86,018.43

Senate 41 – Lake Elmo, Afton, Cottage Grove.
Republican primary has 2 candidates:
Endorsed Tom Dippel – NEGATIVE $25,785.64 when subtracting $50,000 loan
Not Endorsed Tony Jurgens - $16,636.30
Democrat Judy Seeberger has no primary - $43,851.33

Senate 44 – Oakdale.
Democrat primary has 3 candidates:
Endorsed Tou Xiong - $3,819.75
Not Endorsed Leslie Lienemann - $7,799.08
Not Endorsed Nancy Livingston - $2,199.34
Republican Paul Babin has no primary - $5,222.51

20/07/2022

M**h dealer from Hugo, busted.

Brannen Michael Stafford pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

19/07/2022

DATE: 7/11/2022
DEFENDANT: Naveen Todd Fitterer
DOB: 6/26/1987
CITY/RESIDENCE: Lakeville, MN
AGENCY: Washington County Sheriff's Office
JUDGE: Helen R. Brosnahan
CONVICTION: Prostitution- Hires/offers/agree to hire; individual believes age 13 to 16; pe*******on or contact
STATE REQUEST: Stay of Imposition for 5 years. Serve 30 days on Sentence To Serve with credit for time served of 3 days.
SENTENCE: Stay of Imposition for 5 years. Serve 30 days on Sentence To Serve with credit for time served of 3 days. Submit to DNA sample when directed, maintain suitable residence, polygraph testing as required by treatment and Probation Officer. Notify spouse, immediate family members, significant others, or sexual offending history if directed by therapist or probation officer, electronic devices subject to random inspections and searches, monitoring software, Psychological-Sexual Evaluation and John School, individual therapy, no unsupervised contact with minor females unless approved, no use of mood altering substances, including random testing. Pay $750 assessment fee. Follow all standard terms of probation:
1) Follow all State and Federal criminal laws.
2) Contact probation officer as directed.
3) Tell probation officer within 72 hours if there is contact with law enforcement.
4) Tell probation officer within 72 hours if charged with any new crime.
5) Tell probation officer within 72 hours if there is a change of address, employment or telephone number.
6) Cooperate with the search of person, residence, vehicle, workplace, property and things as directed by probation officer.
7) Sign releases of information as directed.
8) Give a DNA sample when directed.
9) Do not use or possess any fi****ms, ammunition, or explosives.
10) Do not register to vote or vote until discharged from probation and civil rights are fully restored.

01/07/2022

Woodbury man has been found guilty of murder and was sentenced to life in prison Friday morning in Washington County District Court.
A jury of eight men and four women found McKinley J. Phillips, 40, guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree murder in connection to the fatal stabbing of his wife on June 25, 2021.

According to the complaint, officers from the Woodbury Public Safety Department discovered the body of Phillips’ wife Sha-Von, 42, in the basement of their Woodbury home after receiving a 911 call from a woman reporting to be Phillips’ mother. The woman told police her son had called her to confess he killed his wife and left her body in the house with six children, ranging in ages 5 to 15. Phillips fled after the stabbing and was located by law enforcement near Tomah, Wis. the following day on a Greyhound bus headed for Chicago.

Press release:

30/06/2022

2 of the top 9 rated lakes are in Washington County. Any guess? (before you read the article!)

With over 10,000 lakes, Minnesota offers beautiful, relaxing, yet unique lake living options. Which are the best lakes to live on in Minnesota? Let's find out!

29/06/2022

One man was taken to the hospital after a shooting that forced law enforcement to clear out the Marcus Oakdale Cinema Tuesday night.

28/06/2022

DATE: 6/14/2022
DEFENDANT: Curtis Michael Walker
DOB: 7/22/1970
CITY/RESIDENCE: St Paul, MN
AGENCY: Oakdale Police Department
CHARGE: I: Predatory Offender - Intentionally provides false information

DATE: 6/14/2022
DEFENDANT: Curtis Michael Walker
DOB: 7/22/1970
CITY/RESIDENCE: St Paul, MN
AGENCY: Oakdale Police Department
CHARGE: I: Predatory Offender - Knowingly commits act or fails to fulfill registration requirement

24/06/2022

With today’s ruling from the US Supreme Court shifting abortion law from the federal courts to the states, will your decision on whom to support in legislative seats be emphasized on the issue?

One legislative candidate in Washington County – Hanna Valento, an extremist on the abortion issue and self-proclaimed Super Activist and Community Ambassador for Planned Parenthood has issued a statement calling the ruling ‘unbelieveable’.

*Hanna is running in the new 33A house district against former State Auditor Patti Anderson. Neither has a primary challenger.

22/06/2022

Who's got information on the owner so they can go bail this guy out?

***UPDATE - MADDIE IS HOME! OWNER LOCATED! ***

This sweet pup was running into traffic near the Old Log Cabin. Can you help us find it's owner??

21/06/2022

DATE: 6/13/2022
DEFENDANT: Thomas John O'brian
DOB: 5/20/1981
CITY/RESIDENCE: Columbia Heights, MN
AGENCY: Washington County Sheriff's Office
CHARGE: I: Prostitution-Actor Hires or Agrees to Hire and Reasonably Believes Under 18 but at least 16

21/06/2022

DATE: 6/15/2022
DEFENDANT: Augustin Garcia Lorenzo
DOB: 5/27/1990
CITY/RESIDENCE: Saint Paul, MN
AGENCY: Washington County Sheriff's Office
CHARGE: I: Prostitution-Actor Hires or Agrees to Hire and Reasonably Believes Under 18 but at least 16

21/06/2022

DATE: 6/13/2022
DEFENDANT: Chong Toua Vang
DOB: 5/2/1955
CITY/RESIDENCE: Hugo, MN
AGENCY: Washington County Sheriff's Office
CHARGE: I: Prostitution-Actor Hires or Agrees to Hire and Reasonably Believes Under 18 but at least 16

21/06/2022

DATE: 6/13/2022
DEFENDANT: Alex Galvez Fuentes
DOB: 11/8/1990
CITY/RESIDENCE: Saint Paul, MN
AGENCY: Washington County Sheriff's Office
CHARGE: I: Prostitution-Actor Hires or Agrees to Hire and Reasonably Believes Under 18 but at least 16

21/06/2022

DATE: 6/9/2022
DEFENDANT: Antony Spears
DOB: 2/11/1991
CITY/RESIDENCE: Woodbury, MN
AGENCY: Woodbury Police Department
CHARGE: I: Criminal Sexual Conduct - 2nd Degree - Contact under 14 - Actor > 36m older

15/06/2022

DATE: 6/6/2022
DEFENDANT: London Lamar Vernon Kellogg
DOB: 4/8/1990
CITY/RESIDENCE: Saint Paul Park, MN
AGENCY: Cottage Grove Police Department
CHARGE: I: Predatory Offender - Knowingly commits act or fails to fulfill registration requirement

15/06/2022

DATE: 5/24/2022
DEFENDANT: Jason Todd Hawley
DOB: 12/8/1974
CITY/RESIDENCE: Bayport, MN
AGENCY: Bayport Police Department
CHARGE: I: Predatory Offender - Fails to Mail Verification Form w/ 10 Days or Report During Month of Birth