Council proclaims Night to Unite for Aug. 5; city details registration, community campaigns

COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. — The Cottage Grove City Council on July 16 proclaimed Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, as Night to Unite, the statewide crime‑prevention and community‑engagement program that brings neighbors together with police and other public safety staff.

Councilmember David Thiede, who has been active with Night to Unite planning, described the event as a community engagement effort that builds trust between neighborhoods and public safety personnel. He told the council that Night to Unite has expanded in Cottage Grove and includes public safety stops, Noon Outs at specified neighborhoods and charitable campaigns, including a Fill the Bag campaign (to donate personal‑care items to Friends in Need food shelf) and a Fill the Backpack school‑supply drive.

Thiede asked residents to register neighborhood events by Tuesday, July 29 to ensure visits from police and fire personnel; he noted that requests received after that date remain on a longer list but cannot be guaranteed. The proclamation recited by Thiede lists the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association and AAA of Minnesota and Iowa as statewide partners and encourages residents to participate in the August 5 events.

Mayor Myron Bailey moved the proclamation to the council and Councilmember Garza seconded; the council approved the proclamation by voice vote. Thiede said the city’s public safety board and parks department are partners in the neighborhood events and that winners in neighborhood sign‑up receive small prize packages from city staff (e.g., outdoor family fun kits). Thiede also noted the city coordinates multiple neighborhood Noon Outs and that community participation often produces large amounts of donated supplies for partner food shelf organizations.