Week in Review: July 10 Edition

Make sure you didn't miss anything! Here's what made news this past week in Oakdale:

• The Oakdale City Council started talking about its 2012 budget. The city spent about $100,000 less in 2010 than it did in 2009, and is on track to be $50,000 under budget in 2011.
• In its first year at Walton Park, Oakdale’s Fourth of July event was packed.
• John Nelson, who has been an Oakdale city commissioner for 20 years, stepped down at the end of June. In an interview with Oakdale Patch, he reflected on his time in the city.
• Representatives from Washington County nonprofit organizations say they might have to cut back on their services if the state government shutdown drags on.
• An Oakdale woman who is an adult foster care provider said she’s worried about how state budget cuts will affect people with developmental disabilities.
• With beautiful weather and state parks shut down, Lake Elmo Park Reserve had record attendance on the Fourth of July.
• Washington County WorkForce Centers could lose four employees, grant money to families of people with disabilities could be cut and non-essential human services such as providing life skills to the mentally ill could be de-funded if the state government shutdown lasts 30 days.
• Oakdale’s legislators said they expect the state government shutdown to last two to three more weeks.
• The Washington County Board approved putting in a request with the state of Minnesota to establish a training and habilitation center for adults with autism in Oakdale.
• Metro Transit bus routes into the city of Oakdale, including routes stopping at the Park and Ride lot at Walton Park would be cut under a concept plan created by Metro Transit in response to threatened state funding cuts. An Oakdale city official said the legislature is working against local officials who are trying to improve transit.
• Soon-to-be graduates of Oakdale's Nail Tech and Beauty School say they could be prevented from getting their licenses to work professionally if the state government shutdown doesn't end soon.
• Representatives from one Oakdale hotel are questioning the city's plans to lease land at Oak Marsh Golf Course for a new hotel.