The tree debris drop-off site opened by St. Louis County following the powerful windstorm that knocked down hundreds of trees in and around Gilbert, Aurora and Hoyt Lakes will remain open through October 9, two weeks longer than originally announced.

St. Louis County Public Works continues to develop plans and get public feedback on proposed improvements to the Rice Lake Road corridor, from Ridgeview Road to north of Martin Road in Rice Lake. County engineers are hosting an open house to provide an update on plans and hear from interested citizens. The open house will be Thursday, Sept. 21, 5-7 p.m., at Rice Lake City Hall, 4107 W. Beyer Road. Anyone who lives in or travels through this area is encouraged to get involved by attending the meeting or providing input through the county's project website. More information can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/rice-lake-rd-corridor.

St. Louis County is seeking volunteers to serve on the Local Mental Health Advisory Council serving Duluth and surrounding communities in the southern part of the county. Ideal candidates include anyone who has lived experience of their own or through a loved one, anyone with professional training related to mental health, and those who are passionate about improving services in our community. The application deadline is October 20. The Local Mental Health Advisory Council meets on the third Thursday of each month from 5-6:30 p.m. Advisory council members are asked to commit to serve on the council for two years. A stipend is available for people with lived experience who serve on the advisory council. More information about the work of the Local Advisory Council and a link to apply can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/lac.

St. Louis County is looking for ideas on how to prevent the introduction or limit the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. Projects should focus on the protection or maintenance of aquatic resources, and social or economic impacts of AIS. Applications, instructions and other details can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/ais. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 17. Grant awards will be announced in January 2024, and projects are expected to begin in the spring of 2024.

County engineers are hosting a kickoff meeting to discuss an Intersection Control Evaluation Study and to gather feedback from the public for the intersection of 24th Avenue West and Piedmont Avenue in Duluth. The meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m., at Denfeld High School in the West Commons area.