Dakota County
Tribune
Farmington | Rosemount www.dakotacountytribune.com
SPECIAL SECTION
and the surrounding areas June 9, 2016 • Volume 131 • Number 15
Two referendum questions finalized Farmington citizens will have the chance vote this fall on funding for parks proposals by Andy Rogers SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
Summer returns With Farmington Dew Days locked in for another run, it’s time to officially say summer has returned. See special section
The Farmington City Council unanimously approved during Monday’s meeting placing two park and recreation referendum questions on the November election ballot. Question 1 would fund about $10 million in park development within the city. An additional $2.3 million question, contingent on the first question being approved, would essentially complete all of
the projects. “As a council and a community, we’ve been pondering this for many years and we’ve never got to this point,” Council Member Terry Donnelly said. “This is a way for the people to vote and decide whether they want to pay the money for these extra amenities. It’s their choice. We’re not dictating anything.” The first question would allow the city to authorize the issuance of about $10 million in general obligation bonds to pay for the
development of Jim Bell Park and Preserve, build an outdoor ice hockey arena at Schmitz Maki Arena and the completion of the North Creek Greenway trail. If it passes, the plan to develop Jim Bell Park and Preserve includes basketball, tennis and pickleball courts; a baseball and softball complex; soccer and lacrosse fields; picnic areas; trails; playgrounds; a parking lot; and landscaping. The plan also includes a pool complex, with a lazy river, a zero-
entry pool area, watersides, lap pool and a play area with fountains within Jim Bell Park and Preserve. After discussing the issue last month during a work session, City Council members and city staff recognized the initial plan was incomplete and added an additional question. A second question would authorize another $2.3 million to complete a second phase of the See PARKS, 8A
2nd District primary a foursome
Until we meet again
OPINION
Erickson formed Minnesotans for Trump
It’s not about wins, losses The youth sports culture needs to change as most athletes say the main reason they stop playing is that sports cease being fun. Page 4A
by Tad Johnson SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
THISWEEKEND
Summer events at Caponi Caponi Art Park in Eagan is offering a host of concerts, theater performances and arts workshops this summer for guests of all ages. Page 17A
SPORTS Dakota United claims title The Dakota United softball team has overcome adversity to emerge as state champions. Page 10A
PUBLIC NOTICE The Dakota County Tribune is an official newspaper of the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District.
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More than 500 students graduated from Rosemount High School on June 4. The ceremony was moved inside the high school gym due to weather. Andrew Nelson gave the graduate message and teacher Brian Trussel gave the message to the Class of 2016. The choir sang “If You’re Out There” by John Legend and an “Irish Blessing.” It was the 99th class to graduate from the school. More photos are on Page 8A. (Photos by Andy Rogers)
There are four people vying in the 2nd District Republican primary after Matthew Erickson, a Minnesota spokesperson for presidential candidate Donald Trump, Matthew entered the Erickson race last week. Erickson, a sales consultant, owner and founder of Minnesota Snow Angels snow management service, held a press conference at the State Office Building on May 31, when See ERICKSON, 8A
Stop and smell the roses for art’s sake ArtBlast aims to entertain, engage residents in the arts by Tad Johnson SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
Rosemount area residents will have a blast from June 18-28 when more than 20 art-related events are slated during ArtBlast 2016. Rosemount Area Arts Council members have been working with several community groups and organizations over the past several months to assemble the activities that aim to appeal to young and old during the third annual summer festival. Joanne Johnson, ArtBlast lead organizer, said bringing together local residents under the arts umbrella is natural. “Art is manifested in so many ways and interpreted and felt by everyone differently,” Johnson said. “I think with the pace of our society, it’s hard to stop and smell the roses sometimes. An event such as ArtBlast offers an easy, local way to take in a week-plus of artistic events with friends, families and the community, with most events being free. Community members can attend events right in their hometown, evoking a sense of pride in their community and not to mention enjoying some great community entertainment.” There are several new events this year covering interests such as computer games, painting and looming.
ArtBlast 2016 will take place June 18-28 in locations throughout the city of Rosemount. Most events are organized by the Rosemount Area Arts Council with others set up by the city of Rosemount, the Robert Trail Library and local businesses. (Photo by Tad Johnson) Johnson said she is most excited for RAAC’s new event – the Rosemount Art and Book Fair, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 18, in Central Park. More than 30 local authors and artisans will participate. Authors of children’s books, young adult, romance, historical fiction, humor and nonfiction, will be represented. Artisans representing
woodworking, jewelry, basketmaking, face-painting and more will be at the event. Visitors can enjoy ice cream floats, too. Johnson is excited about other new events. RAAC members have long sought to have a social event centered around painting and have accomplished it with the Wine & Canvas Night, 6-8 p.m., Monday, June 20, at
Fireside Restaurant. Participants can learn to paint with a palette knife in what aims to be a fun, relaxing acrylic class. There is no artistic experience required for the session taught by local artist Tina Sheppard. As a kicker, Fireside is offering happy hour pricing during the event. Tickets for the event cost $30 each and are available at www. rosemountarts.com. The fabric of the community is one image that is often conSee ARTBLAST, 2A