Dakota County
Tribune
Farmington | Rosemount and the surrounding areas www.dakotacountytribune.com
NEWS Outdoor rinks open It’s been either too warm or too cold to skate at outdoor skating rinks in Rosemount and Farmington. Page 2A
OPINION Student needs are priority Changes are needed at Minnesota Office of Higher Education to make sure students and parents know of dual enrollment options. Page 4A
THISWEEKEND
January 8, 2015 • Volume 129 • Number 45
Juvenile charged in homecoming incident Fifteen others offered diversion program in lieu of disorderly conduct charges by Andy Rogers SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
The 17-year-old female driver of a vehicle involved in a hazing incident in Farmington in September 2014 will be charged with a gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor, Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said on Wednesday. “She was the driver of the car in which two juniors were tied up and placed in the trunk of a car,” Backstrom said in an interview. “She was driving the car in a reckless manner and endangered the lives of the two girls in the trunk. She was the one taking the action behind the wheel.” She will be petitioned to court for the gross misdemeanor offense of criminal vehicular operation (gross negligence resulting in bodily harm) and fifth-degree misdemeanor assault (intent to cause fear). Backstrom said if the 17-year-
attending a safe driving and victim empathy course, she wouldn’t have a criminal record. Her name was not released since she is a juvenile being charged with misdemeanors. Fifteen other individuals between the ages of 16 and 18 associated with the incident will be offered diverDakota County Attourney James Backstrom said sion from prosecuhe hopes this is a learning experience. (File Photo) tion for the offense of misdemeanor old accepts responsibility and disorderly conduct pleads guilty, he would offer a stay through the juvenile and adult acof adjudication. countability program in the CounIf she completes the require- ty Attorney’s Office. If they don’t ments of probation, which may accept it or fail to complete proinclude six months of probation, gram requirements, a disorderly four hours of community service, conduct charge will be filed. issuing an apology to the victims, “We want this to be a learning
experience,” Backstrom said. “Not something that will follow them the rest of their lives with a criminal history.” The Farmington Police Department did a thorough investigation into the matter, Backstrom said. “We’re with (Farmington Chief of Police Brian) Lindquist on this,” Backstrom said. “We want them to know this is unacceptable and it’s dangerous and it needs to stop. Our goal is to hold all of the individuals involved accountable in an appropriate manner.” The charges are the result of a Sept. 28 incident during homecoming week. A Farmington patrol officer was investigating a one-vehicle accident during the early morning hours and spoke with the 17-yearold female driver and her parents, who were present at the scene. She was driving a 2009 Pontiac south on Flagstaff with another vehicle See CHARGES, A
The power of the Force on display ‘Star Wars’ Extravaganza returns to Rosemount’s not-so distant galaxy by Tad Johnson SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
Laughter is the best medicine Burnsville comic Rod Blanchard brings a unique perspective to his performances at Twin Cities comedy venues. Page 15A
SPORTS
Tigers notch first SSC win Farmington boys edge Rosemount in the South Suburban play; leading scorer playing through injury. Page 10A
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PUBLIC NOTICE The Dakota County Tribune is an official newspaper of the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District. Public notices are published online at SunThisweek.com.
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Darth Vader famously said: “Don’t underestimate the Force.” Organizers of the second annual “Star Wars” Extravaganza are heeding that advice this month as they prepare for the 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, event at the Rosemount Community Center. After an estimated 1,450 people descended like waves of Stormtroopers on the Steeple Center in 2014 for the first event, organizers have moved the event to the community center where they will have five or six times the amount of space to accommodate all the little and big Yodas, Luke Skywalkers and Princess Leias. “We were hoping for a crowd of 300 maybe up to 500, which other libraries had achieved,” said John Loch, a member of the Rosemount Area Arts Council, which has organized the events along with the Robert Trail Library and the Friends of Robert Trail Library. “When we ended up with 1,450 people coming for the three-hour event, we weren’t able to do some of the things we had planned because the crowd was so big.” Organizers are hoping the free event will be able to handle the masses this year. Loch said people from all over the Twin Cities attended last year’s event. That was due in large part to the appearance of members of the Wolf Pack Squad of the Central Garrison of the 501st Legion –
Children and even adults will have a chance to get up close and personal with characters during the second annual “Star Wars” Extravaganza on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Rosemount Community Center. Last year’s event was held at the Steeple Center. (File photo by Andrew Miller) a group that has members regaled in costumes very much like the “Star Wars” movie series characters. Loch said about 12 members of the group adorned last year’s event, and he hopes more will be there this year. The biggest interest for both young and old was a chance to have pictures taken with the Wolf Pack Squad members. But that won’t be the only activity. In addition to a cos-
tume and trivia contest, people will have a chance to vie in a “Star Wars” themed video game contest, testing their digital skills on a 70-inch television screen. The game was judged to be the best created among students in the Intermediate School District 917 Game Development Class, which meets at Dakota County Technical College. Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes, most correct answers and the
highest score in the respective contests. District 917 students will also give Lego Robotics demonstrations. In another area, Lego blocks will be provided for children to make their own creations, sans the electronic components. At other craft and activity tables, attendees can make a droid, Yoda ears, a “Star Wars” button, or try their hands at other word and drawing activities. Participants are en-
couraged to bring “Star Wars” Lego or action figures to be included in what is hoped to be a large display. Those who bring items for the display will be entered in a prize drawing. To highlight the way in which “Star Wars” has encouraged some young people to take an interest in reading, the Robert Trail Library will display its “Star Wars” books where See STAR WARS, 6A
Recently elected council members take their seats Pitcher joins Farmington City Council by Andy Rogers SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
Two Farmington City Council members — incumbent Jason Bartholomay and newcomer Tim Pitcher — were sworn in during Monday’s meeting at City Hall. Bartholomay won a second term during the election last November and thanked his family for allowing him to serve another term and surviving a grueling election season.
“I appreciate them putting up with me,” he said. “I’d also like to thank everybody who ran because it’s not easy to run.” He acknowledged the next four years will be challenging, but felt comfortable with the strategic plan to guide the council and stated there is room for tweaks. Bartholomay also recognized he was sitting in Christy Jo Fogarty’s chair, a former three-term council member who did not seek re-election in the fall. “I appreciate everything you’ve taught me,” New City Council Member Tim Pitcher was sworn into office during Monday’s council meeting at Farmington City Hall. Jason Bartholomay was also sworn in and begins his See FARMINGTON, 6A second term on the council. (Photo by Andy Rogers)