Belle Plaine Discover Guide 2021

Belle Plaine

2021-2022

A SMALL TOWN

WITH A LOT TO OFFER A GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND

STAYING HEALTHY FIND OUT

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Belle Plaine features

listings

ATTRACTIONS

Take the scenic route

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Belle Plaine river run is a natural beauty.

16

TRANSPORTATION

10

Continuous change Road projects keep pace with growth.

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EDUCATION

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Tradition of excellence

Belle Plaine students shine in and out of the classroom.

GOVERNMENT

18 on the cover Cover Photo by Jan Ramstad The Minnesota River crossing at Belle Plaine offers a scenic view.

lle Plaine W AG

H IN

W IN

A growing community

City leaders aim to meet residents’ needs.

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2021 - 2022 Discover Guide Publisher: Laurie Hartmann \ Regional Editor: Michael Strasburg Editorial Content: Tom Schardin Cover Design: Carrie Rood \ Advertising: Samuel Schmitt, Erin Troxel Special thanks to the city of Belle Plaine and the Belle Plaine Chamber of Commerce for their contributions.

Every effort has been made to provide an accurate directory, but if errors have occurred please let us know about them. Published by Southwest News Media, 12931 Eagle Creek Blvd. Savage, MN. Copyright 2019-2020. Printed in the USA. To submit additional information call 952-445-3333 or send an email to rminske@swpub.com.

2021 - 2022 | swnewsmedia.com

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SNAPSHOT POPULATION

HOUSING

2,277

2017

2018

2019

Housholds, 2015 - 2019

86.6%

Owner-occupied housing, 2015 - 2019

88.5%

Living in same house 1 year or more

2.94

Persons per household

$217,400

Median value of owneroccupied homes, 2015 - 2019

7,119

7,168

7.8%

5 years and under = 600

increase from April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2019

$79,513

Median household income, 2015 - 2019

2015 - 2019

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15.5%

92.7%

3.2%

Foreign born Between 2015 and 2019

workers age 16+ 2015 - 2019

26

minutes

4.2% 3%

Asian

Mean travel time to work

Bachelor’s Degree or higher, 25+

65 years and older

Hispanic or Latino*

90.1% 23.6%

Between 19 and 64 years 55.3%

White

WORK TRAVEL TIME

2015- 2019

29.2%

2019

EDUCATION

High School Graduate or higher, 25+

18 years and under

7.7%

POPULATION BREAKDOWN

$28,935

Per capita income in past 12 months, 2019 dollars

7,185

Black or African American 1.8% Two or more races American Indian and Alaska Native

0.4% 0%

*Can include people in other categories

VETERANS

387

2015 - 2019

Source: http://quickfacts.census.gov/

FILE PHOTO

The historical Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Belle Plaine is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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2021 - 2022 | swnewsmedia.com

5

WELCOME

Small town

has a lot to offer FILE PHOTO

The Belle Plaine Aquatic Center officially opened in summer 2019.

Belle Plaine has more than 7,000 residents and sits between the Twin Cities and Mankato

T

he city of Belle P l a i n e g o t it s name from the beauty of its land, but there’s much more to the small town than that.

There are 18.5 miles of prairie and trails along the Minnesota River Valley as well as in Veterans Memorial Park. The city, with an estimated popu lation of nearly 7,200 according to the 2019 United States Census Bureau, can’t be missed driving up or down Highway 169.

The 6.11 square miles of

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land sits roughly at the halfway point between the big cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and the college town of Mankato.

“I was born and raised here,” said Paul Chard, who has served in the city as a council member and on its planning commission for a combined 30 years, starting in 1991. “It has the small town feel that a lot of people love, but yet it’s still close to all the big stuff.”

Chard, who was of one the 100 graduating students in Belle Plaine High School’s Class of 1982, said the down-

COURTESY OF THE BELLE PLAINE TIGERS

Tiger Park in Belle Plaine is located in Union Square and is home to the Belle Plaine Tigers of the Minnesota Baseball Association. town scene has always been a popular gathering spot for the community. But the city is also growing to the point where it’s starting to attract larger business.

T he dow ntow n a rea serves as the city’s hub, fea-

turing storefronts that date back as far as the 1800s.

“We got a lot of amenities that people like, and that small-town atmosphere, for people to want to come to Belle Plaine,” Chard said.

“We’re hoping to get more.

WELCOME

FILE PHOTO

Several flags are presented proudly in Belle Plaine’s Veterans Memorial Park.

COURTESY OF CITY OF BELLE PLAINE

A portion of artist Lana Beck’s mural in downtown Belle Plaine is pictured. The mural features various elements of the town’s history and environment.

We’ve gone the extra mile to do that.”

The city has 16 parks, including Veterans Memorial Park, which honors those who served this country.

There’s a bike path winds

through the park and to the beginning of Flag Boulevard. That’s where 16-foot f lagpoles 10 feet apart are flying “Old Glory.”

Bar-B-Q Days happens every summer in town at

Union Square. It’s a threeday celebration held during the third weekend of July.

One of the newer parks is Hickory Park on the south side of the city. There’s a dog park there and a skating rink, which also doubles as place for residents to practice the sport of curling.

Other big events in the city include the Veterans Club Memorial Day celebration, German Days and Music on the Lawn.

A mateur baseba l l can a l so b e en se en at T i ger Park, which is also in Union Square. It’s home of the Belle Plaine Tigers, a Class C team in the Minnesota Baseball Association.

The city also offers disc golf, horseshoe pits, an archery range, a waterpark

and pickleball courts.

Minnesota State Highway 25 is the other main route through Belle Plaine.

A newly constructed bridge crosses the Minnesota River on the north side of town, which then connects to the south side of the city.

Belle Plaine is also home to actress Beth Riesgraf, who played the role of Parker on the TNT show “Leverage” from 2008 to 2012.

Ryan Dungey, a former professional motorcross and supercross rider, is also native of Belle Plaine. He competed in the American Motorcycle Association Championships from 2006 to 2017 and was four time national cha mpion i n supercross and a three-time winner in motocross.

2021 - 2022 | swnewsmedia.com

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ATTRACTIONS

‘Seeking refuge in the refuge’ Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge getaway

S

unrise for many folks might entail waking up to a pot of fresh coffee and a morning crossword. But for some Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge fans, those early hours mean go-time.

Refuge trails open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year across its 12 units. Visitors can traverse the 40-plus miles of trails along the Minnesota River from Bloomington to Henderson, just southwest of Belle Plaine.

The refuge is a system of federal lands set aside to preserve natural habitat. The goal is binary: to conserve wildlife along the river while letting people enjoy the outdoors not far from the cities.

“You go very quickly from skyscrapers to silos. It’s just a really easy and quick way to reconnect with nature,” says Sara Blood, Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends executive director.

People of all ages use the combined 14,000 acres of its sections to walk or hike, forage for berries or mushrooms, hunt and fish, or bicycle. Parking is free and the light rail makes for near-direct access. No permits are required.

“I like to take my 6- and 3-yearold to the Louisville Swamp. The cranes this past fall were just spectacular,” says Park Ranger Cortney Solum. “Even the little ones could see them.”

Solum also takes her children to the Old Cedar Avenue T rai l head where t hey c a n climb around or build their own ‘eagle’s nests.’

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FILE PHOTO

The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters is at 3815 American Blvd. E., Bloomington.

Birdwatching is another popular refuge pastime. It’s a great area to see migrating birds — 20 0 species can be sighted and 100 of those nest in the refuge. Again, something for all ages.

“Millennials are starting to get into birding,” Solum says.

“And it can be kind of a fun competition for families, like a scavenger hunt of sorts.”

A s for water- dwel lers, Blo om i n g t on’s B a s s L a ke Ponds are stocked with fish, making it easier for families to make a catch.

Those keen on road entertainment can bike on trails through oftentimes wet conditions. Solum says it’s very different than mountain or road biking and cyclists can choose the length of their trip.

Some routes are paved, helpful for people with wheelchairs or strollers.

Beyond these hobbies, one of Blood’s favorite refuge pursuits is meeting people from all over

the country and world. It’s just across the freeway from the international airport, layovers lending to nature time.

“People are like, ‘Hey, I got 12 hours before I jump on a plane,” Blood says.

But even, or perhaps especially, locals can enjoy what the refuge offers, too.

“If you’ve been to the airport, if you’ve driven on 169, you’ve been to the refuge and half the time, people don’t even realize it,” Blood says.

Closed visitor centers amid the pandemic can’t stifle people’s determination to get closer to wildlife.

The refuge, which requires people to wear face masks on federal lands, has seen a fivefold increase in natureseekers in the past year or so, Blood says. Folks are battling emotional fatigue after a year of COVID and civil unrest and visiting is a way to release.

“One of the best and easiest ways that you can improve

Where to go Here are a few places to visit in the Minnesota River National Wildlife Refuge.

More info at www.fws.gov/ refuge/Minnesota_Valley or 952-854-5900.

Refuge Headquarters and Bloomington Education and Visitor Center  3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington Rapids Lake Education Center  15865 Rapids Lake Road, Carver Louisville Swamp Unit  3801 145th St. W., Shakopee Cedar Avenue Bridge and Trailhead  9898 Old Cedar Ave. S., Bloomington

your mood is by spending time outside,” she says. “People are seeking refuge in the refuge.”

ATTRACTIONS

Scenic Byway River Run shows what Belle Plaine can offer

O

ne of t he perks about living in Belle Plaine is the proximity to the Minnesota River, which flows north through the city.

Residents or non-community members can get an ever closer look if they participate in the Scenic Byway River Run. The annual event is held on the second Saturday in October, a time when fall colors are in full swing along the river banks.

The event is a half-marathon and a 5K, along with a half-mile kid’s run.

Two people can also join forces in relay and split the half-marathon. The 10th anniversary race was in 2020 and it had 180 total participants.

That was four more runners than in 2019, despite the challenges of put-

ting on the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a local runner, I feel it was important to try and support the race that is in the town that I live in,” said Brad Peterson, the head boys track coach at Belle Plaine High School. “From there, I have enjoyed the scenery that the course provides.

“I also enjoy the water stations competition that they have; it really gets other groups involved,” Peterson added. “Our cross country team usually sponsors two and the kids really get excited for it. I think they bring a certain understanding of what the runners are doing and try and give them encouragement that they like to get when they race.”

The race starts at Court Square

Park in Belle Plaine and takes runners on a circular loop of country pavement that encompasses the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway. That’s a 287-mile stretch of river valley where the city of Belle Plaine is the last stop.

The event also raises funds for the promotion of Belle Plaine and its location along the river, along with environmental projects for the Minnesota River Valley Cleanup Project.

The half marathon and 5K race are also USA Track & Field certified events and chip-timed. Awards go to the top man and woman in 10-year-age categories in both events.

“The course has its challenges, from not going to fast in the first couple of miles, to difficult with the downhill part,” said Peterson, who has participated in the event every year since its inception. “The rolling hills add a challenge that forces you to run a smart race the whole time.

“Some of my favorite long runs have me run around the Minnesota River Valley in the fall as the colors are changing,” Peterson added. “This course gives the challenge and beautiful scenery that I think is unique to the Minnesota River.”

Peterson finished in sixth place overall in the half-marathon in 2020 with a time of 1:27.59 time. Tristan Coughlin of Chaska was the men’s overall winner (1:12.32). McKenzie Buck of Burnsville was the women’s champion (1:31.00).

FACEBOOK BOOK PHOTO BY @BELLEPLAINESCENICBYWAY

The annual Scenic Byway River Run is held on the second Saturday in October in Belle Plaine each year.

2021 - 2022 | swnewsmedia.com

9

TRANSPORTATION

CONTINUOUS

Change

Road infrastructure in Scott County keeps up with population growth

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has caused permanent changes to daily lives.

According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data from 2019, the average amount of time Scott County residents spent on a one-way commute to work was 26 minutes.

But due to the pandemic, commuters t raveling from Scott County to the Twin Cities for work are benefitting from faster-moving traffic during their morning commutes.

Ashley Asmus, a data scientist with the Metropolitan Council who researches traffic models, said when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country last spring, traffic volumes declined up to 70% across the entire freeway system. Asmus said those numbers slowly inched back up over the summer and into the fall. But traffic counts are still 10 to 20% below what she might expect.

“For people driving on the roadways during the morning peak hour, 8 to 9 a.m., traffic has been really reduced. There’s almost no congestion on the freeway system,” Asmus said.

“But midday and afternoon and evening commutes have been climbing a lot quicker than the morning commute times. That’s consistent with what we’d expect. A lot of in-person jobs start later in the day.”

Of course, one thing Asmus said she and other researchers are watching is whether traffic

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will recover back to its normal levels after the pandemic. Surprisingly, Asmus said if fewer people commute to work each day, her team fears the overall traffic counts might actually increase. That’s because people who don’t commute to work tend to be less efficient with their travel.

“People who commute to and from work are pretty efficient with their travel,” Asmus said, adding that, for example, a commuter might pick up groceries and pick up their child from soccer practice, all on their way home from work. “We’re concerned that if these trip chains become broken, you cou ld ultimately see an increase in the amount of driving through the day.”

Derek Gunderson, who grew up in Burnsville and Savage and now serves on the Victoria City Council, has long been an advocate for intra-city travel — and because of the pandemic, he believes pushing for better local transportation has never been more important. Gunderson is currently pushing for reconstruction of County Road 18, also known as 82nd Street West, just south of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

“Bedroom-heavy communities are going to see higher use on their smaller county roads, because people have more accessibility working from home instead of being fixed at an office downtown,” Gunderson said. “So the wear and tear on county roads may pick up.”

FILE PHOTO

U.S. Highway 169 underwent a road reconstruction project in Jordan in 2018.

Upcoming road construction Here are just a few of the Scott County road construction projects coming down the pipeline:  A study being conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation is looking for improvements to the Highway 13 corridor between U.S. Highway 169 and Burnsville’s Nicollet Avenue. The study will also review plans to remake the roadway at Dakota and Yosemite avenues in Savage, where trucks carrying grain and other commodities deliver their products for barge shipping.  County Road 27 in Credit River will be expanded from a two-lane roadway into a four-lane divided highway with turn lanes, a center median, paved shoulders and multi-use trails on both sides. Five intersections with local street access will be removed. The project is expected to be complete in spring of 2022.  In Jordan, Highway 282 will be reconstructed for a smoother ride between Mill Street and Highway 13, and between Lydia Road and East Street to add a trail, improve safety and slow traffic.  The city of Prior Lake is planning on full utility replacement and street reconstruction on Colorado Street, Main Avenue and Pleasant Street downtown for 2022.  In Shakopee, the stretch of County Road 83, or Canterbury Road, between Fourth Avenue and U.S. Highway 169 will undergo an estimated $15.9 million facelift in 2021 that will include added trails and safety improvements such as added turn lanes. The county anticipates starting construction this winter.

The City of Belle Plaine

Welcomes You! Discover the many great things we have to offer.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINE SCHUSTER

The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to begin construction on a grade-separated interchange at the Highway 13 and Dakota Avenue intersection. The project is part of a broader effort to plan safety improvements on the highway’s corridor through Savage.

belleplainemn.com 2021 - 2022 | swnewsmedia.com

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HEALTH

GET OUT and stay HEALTHY FILE PHOTO

Belle Plaine has more than 18 miles of trails and 17 miles of city sidewalks giving easy access to all reaches of the city.

Belle Plaine is surrounded by recreation trails

W

hether on a bike, a snowmobi le, on foot, using cross country skis or riding a horse, there are many trails to explore around the city of Belle Plaine.

The biggest one is the Minnesot a Va l ley St ate T rai l, which is a 27-mile multi-use trail that runs parallel to the Mi nnesota River and goes through the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area.

One of the longest segments starts in Belle Plaine and ends in Shakopee. It’s unpaved for 19.5 miles and runs from Belle Paine to the Gifford Lake Unit near Chaska.

Bikers can ride on six miles of paved trail from Chaska to Belle Plaine, while mountain bikers can ride on 35 miles of trail. There’s even 30 miles of trail for horseback riders.

On the trail, according to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy,

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MINNESOTA DNR PHOTO

The Minnesota Valley State Trail is ideal for hiking, biking, horseback riding, mountain biking and snowmobiling. The trail is currently available in two segments with the longest segment starting in Belle Plaine and ending in Shakopee. there’s “oak hardwood forests, oak savanna remnants and hillsides and bluffs featuring scenic overlooks of the Minnesota River below. Wetlands include floodplain marshes, wet meadows, fens and lakes. Wildlife and wildflowers abound.”

Steve Schroeder, the head coach of the Belle Plaine High School boys and girls cross country teams, uses trails around the city for team practices and summer training programs.

The team often runs out on Oakcrest Trail and Stoppelmann Road. It’s light gravel with very little traffic.

“There is a nice loop of a combination bike and walking path (asphalt), and gravel road starting at the high school, down to South Street to the west, then around past the track and back to school,” he said. “It’s a nice 3-miler. There’s little traffic and nice surfaces.”

Schroeder said one of his favorites spots to run is “a stretch of beautiful tree-covered gravel called Iago Boulevard. It is east of town. The beautiful part is very short but sometimes is worth it,” he said.

“There is a city circle bike and walking trail that crosses

Highway 169 at both bridges,” Schroeder added. “Asphalt is a nice surface, few busy street crossings and it’s mostly flat.

We use several different combinations on this path, out and backs and loops.”

According to the city, there a re 13.5 mi les of wa l kable trails in Belle Plaine, which include many beautiful prairies. There are 21.5 miles of city sidewalks.

South Creek Trail is also a popular spot. It connects to Veterans Memorial Park.

There’s pedestrian and biking access under Highway 169 that goes through Emma Krumbees Apple Orchard, before extending through the O’Brien Subdivisions east across Hickory Boulevard.

Veterans Memorial Park’s bike path winds riders through Flag Boulevard for a total of 18.5 miles. That’s where 16-foot flagpoles placed 10 feet apart fly the U.S. flag.

The Belle Plaine/Henderson Borough Riders Snowmobile Club also helps maintain many over 200 miles trails in western Scott County, including the Minnesota Valley State Trail.

HEALTH FACEBOOK PHOTO BY @BELLEPLAINEBOROUGHRIDERSSNOWMOBILECLUB

The Belle Plaine/Henderson Borough Riders snowmobile club maintains a large portion of trails in western Scott County and parts of Sibley and Carver Counties.

FILE PHOTO

T Trees border the Minnesota River in Belle Plaine, a ssource of recreation for many in the area.

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13

EDUCATION

BELLE PLAINE SCHOOLS excel in, out of the classroom

COURTESY OF BELLE PLAINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Belle Plaine volleyball team has been a Class 2A power making the state field 11 times since 1985, including winning the title in 2015.

B

elle Plaine Public Schools continues to grow and excel in the classroom and in extracurricular

activities.

With roughly 1,600 students in the district, including about 450 in grades nine through 12, Superintendent Ryan Laager said a dedicated staff has helped students thrive before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The school district is located about 35 miles from Minneapolis, and just off Highway 169.

The city is nestled within the picturesque Minnesota River Valley.

Belle Plaine Public Schools have grown about 4% each year for more than a decade. The middle school and high school are in the same building, while Chatfield Elementary is for

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grades kindergarten through second, and Oakcrest Elementary is for students in grades three though six.

“We have an incredibly supportive community,” Laager said. “That’s been even more evident during (the pandemic).

Teachers, parents and students have had to adjust and everyone has done a phenomenal job.”

The pandemic has disrupted classrooms all across the state.

Laager said when in-person learning returned, some students decided to remain at home. So teachers were pulling double duty, teaching students in the classroom while also keeping others engaged online.

Laager said different teaching models were adopted, so each student was getting what they need.

“Our goal has been to try to make everyone more comfortable, especially the students,” Laager said.

Belle Plaine Public Schools also of fers Early Learning Education for ages birth to kindergarten. The goals are to:  Help families meet the challenge of parenting by providing information, friendship and support.  Provide opportunities for children to discover and learn during the important early years of life.  Offer information about child development and parenting techniques.  Promote positive and realistic attitudes and expectations about raising children.  Provide information on community resources for families.

For extracurricular activities, Belle Plaine also had to be in sync with Jordan High School.

The two schools have cooperative programs in wrestling and Nordic skiing as well in gymnastics, along with Prior Lake.

Blaine Plaine’s volleyball team has one of the state’s top programs in Class 2A. It has made the state field 11 times since 1985, including winning the title in 2015.

Scott West wrestling has also been an elite program.

Since 2000, the Panthers earned 15 Section 2AA titles, including four runner-up finishes at state, along with six third-place showings.

This past school year, Belle Plaine and Jordan had their inaugural co-op Nordic ski season, which featured 20 skiers, 12 boys and eight girls.

EDUCATION

COURTESY OF BELLE PLAINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

College Knowledge Month at Belle Plaine High School in November of 2020 displayed what colleges seniors had applied to just a couple months into the school year.

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COURTESY OF BELLE PLAINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Concert band is one of the many activities available for students at Belle Plaine High School.

952-445-9140 • www.thoroughbredcarpets.com 2021 - 2022 | swnewsmedia.com

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BELLE PLAINE ISD 716 SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Terry Kahle

COURTESY OF BELLE PLAINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Belle Plaine High School is the home of the Tigers. The school has roughly 450 students in grades nine through 12.

Tracy O’Brien

Matt Lenz

Karl Keup

Terry Morrison

BELLE PLAINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ISD 716 Belle Plaine Public Schools serve parts of Carver, Le Sueur, Scott and Sibley counties with two elementary schools and a junior-senior high school that includes an alternative program.

The Belle Plaine District counts among its strengths a dedicated caring staff, updated and modern facilities, a safe learning environment with small classes, a comprehensive curriculum that complements state and national standards, and an outstanding extracurricular program.

District 716 Offices

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Amanda Gregory, clerk 507-995-1221 Term expires December 2022 Terry Morrison, director 952-873-4355 Term expires December 2024 Matt Lenz, director 612-201-8417 Term expires December 2022

Facilities District 716 Offices 130 S. Willow St., Belle Plaine 952-873-2400 Chatfield Elementary School 952-873-2401 330 S. Market St., Belle Plaine

130 South Willow St., Belle Plaine 952-873-2400 www.belleplaine.k12.mn.us

Oak Crest Elementary School 952-873-2402 1101 W. Commerce Drive, Belle Plaine

Superintendent Ryan Laager 952-873-2400

Belle Plaine Jr.-Sr. High School 952-873-2403 220 S. Market St., Belle Plaine

Belle Plaine School Board

NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Terry Kahle, chair 612-756-4384 Term expires December 2024

Amanda Gregory

Karl Keup, treasurer 952-457-3429 Term expires December 2022

Tracy O’Brien, vice chair 612-968-0763 Term expires December 2024

Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic School Grades Pre-K through 6th 200 E. Church St., Belle Plaine 952-873-6564 www.ourladyoftheprairie.com

Our Lady of the Prairie School continues building excellence by being top in academics while equipping children for a lifetime of faith. Our Lady of the Prairie provides an exceptional education focusing on each individual child. The school offers academic excellence, multi-age classrooms, strong core curriculum, small class sizes, paraprofessional support, faith in action and virtues woven into daily instruction.

Trinity Lutheran School Grades K through 8th 500 W. Church St., Belle Plaine 952-873-6320 www.school.trinitybelleplaine. org At Trinity Lutheran, small class sizes provide an empowering learning environment for your child to reach higher academic standards. The school’s test scores demonstrate that commitment to excellence, and our students routinely score in the 70th percentile and higher in standardized testing.

Trinity Lutheran School is also an accredited school by the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association. At Trinity we feel called to enrich and fortify your child daily with the true word of Christ. The school incorporates the Word of God as an integral part of our curriculum.

BUSINESS

GROWING BUSINESS COMMUNITY DRAWS

visitors to Belle Plaine

A

s the city of Belle Plaine continues to grow, so does its downtown.

T h e r e’s s t i l l room to grow, which is the hope of Mayor Christopher Meyer and Paul Chard, who has served as a city councilman and on the planning commission for a combined 30 years, starting in 1991.

Both Chard and Meyer are also Belle Plaine High School graduates in 1982 and 1985, respectively. They’ve seen and helped the the city grow over the years, including the business community.

Chard is hoping for more growth to keep the city competitive with other growing cities and the nearby larger suburbs.

“We have a great downtown, but we are always looking to bring more to it,” Chard said.

Meyer said marketing and community development has greatly expanded over the year, which has helped the city plan for more expansion in all areas, including businesses.

“We have been fortunate to continue to see modest growth, which allows us as a (city council) to bring on this development much more planned and timed rather than the flurry of growth that we had prior to 2008,” Meyer said. “We are in a good situation in our land usage planning for many years to come.”

Belle Plaine has two large employers — Cambria and RES Specialty Pyrotechnics.

Cambria is the leading, family- owned, American-made

PHOTO BY JOSH TOWNER

Cambria is an American-made producer of engineered quartz and natural stone surfaces for kitchens, bathrooms and work spaces with a facility in Belle Plaine.

COURTESY OF BELLE PLAINE FARMERS MARKET

The Belle Plaine Farmers Market is held every summer from May to October. producer of engineered quartz and natural stone surfaces for kitchens, bathrooms and work spaces with a facility in Belle Plaine.

Sourced from a unique mine, designs range from bold marble and oceanic patterns to classic quarry designs with vibrant specks of color.

R ES Specialty Pyrotechnics makes everything from traditional fireworks displays to synchronized multimedia shows and indoor pyrotechnics, for use in theaters and concerts. The company’s products have been seen in the sky across the metro area, ranging from community fairs and festivals to professional sports inside Target Field and outside of U.S. Bank Stadium.

The company’s displays have also been seen around the world in countries including Austria, Japan and Thailand.

Downtown Belle Plaine has many locally owned business, from restaurants to on-the-go dining, bars, cof fee shops, nail shops and salons, fitness centers, local merchants for all different kinds of shopping and more.

Bar-B-Q Days is held every July in Union Square, and the Belle Plaine Farmers Market starts in May and ends in October every year in the downtown area.

Belle Plaine debuted its new downtown plaza in the fall of 2018. The plaza is located in the intersection of Meridian Street and Main Street and its now the host of many local events like regular open mic nights.

Tiger Park, where the Belle Plaine Tigers play amateur baseball, is located at 221 South Eagle St., which is just a few blocks near downtown.

The Belle Plaine Chamber of Commerce is also there to help promote the business side of the community. Go to bp-chamber. com for a list of member businesses.

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GOVERNMENT

GROWING IN SIZE,

Belle Plaine aims to meet the needs of the community

B

elle Plaine’s population has more than doubled the last 20 years and the city continues to grow to meet the needs of the community.

Christopher Meyer has been the city’s mayor since 2016 and he also grew up in the Scott County town, which is about 40 miles south of Minneapolis down Highway 169.

Meyer is a 1985 graduate of Belle Plaine High School, so he’s experienced the city from multiple perspectives. Now as mayor, his goal is to continue to expand the city’s appeal.

“As we all know, public engagement has changed dramatically over the years with the evolution of the internet,” Meyer said. “Belle Plaine went from mainly a weekly newspaper coverage for community engagement to much more on Facebook, the city’s website, mont h ly newslet ter s b ot h printed and mailed as well as electronic formats.

“This has given us as city council and staff much better coverage and more timely information,” Meyer added.

“Communication is vital in all aspects of our life and information sharing from your city is at the top of the list. Providing timely and clear and correct information as a government also helps build trust and relationships with our community members.”

Near the end of Meyer’s first term as mayor he developed “Community Conversations.”

It was a way for community members to come out during the summer months to meet him, council members and city staff.

“These events have also

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FILE PHOTOS

Downtown Belle Plaine is home to many of the town’s shops, bars, restaurants and offices.

The Belle Plaine Fire Department has been serving the city and surrounding townships since 1894. The department is made up of 30 members, nearly half of whom are certified first responders. been a great step forward in our relationship and communication efforts with our citizens,” Meyer said. “We continue to be as transparent as we can to share information on projects, issues and ongoing city operations.”

Belle Plaine is rich in natu-

ral resources, including its location on the Minnesota River, its many prairies and scenic views on the river bluff.

But there’s still room to grow, another hope for Meyer.

“In my look back over the years, I can say that our city government has had to grow

and adapt to all of the changing needs, wants and requirements of a growing city,” Meyer said. “ T here is much more pro gramming and recreational offerings than there had been in the past. Many more amenities have been added in terms or parks, trails, courts and aquatics that take much more staff and a much larger budget to manage.

“We have also had to increase our budgets in public safety in terms or additional staffing, more equipment and fulltime coverage in areas that previously were handled much differently,” Meyer added. “We have always had a staff that has done great things when it comes to planning and budgets, but this area also required much more attention in terms of staffing, planning and execution. We are very regimented in planning of our capital purchases for years to come into the future which requires a large amount of management.”

City of BELLE PLAINE BELLE PLAINE CITY HALL (218 N. Meridian St., Belle Plaine, MN 55315)  www.belleplaine.com  hkreft@ci.belleplaine.mn.us  TTY: 925-873-5553

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Christopher Meyer MAYOR

Paul Chard COUNCILOR FILE PHOTO

City Hall in Belle Plaine is located at 218 North Meridian Street.

Cary Coop COUNCILOR

Renee LeMieux COUNCILOR

BELLE PLAINE CITY COUNCIL

Renee LeMieux 952-356-4126 Term expires December 2022

Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month.

The mayor and council members serve as the Belle Plaine City Council. The mayor serves a two-year term and council members serve fouryear terms. Belle Plaine City Council elections are held concurrently with the state and federal general elections in the even-numbered years.

Patricia Krings 952-836-4302 Term expires December 2024

Park Board Council Chambers Meetings are held at 5 p.m. the third Monday of the month.

Mayor Christopher Meyer 612-756-0662 Term expires December 2022

Council Members Paul Chard 612-685-8873 Term expires December 2022

Patricia Krings COUNCILOR

Cary Coop 612-964-1008 Term expires December 2024

MEETINGS For more information about city boards and commissions, visit www.belleplainemn.com.

City Council Council Chambers Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month.

Design Committee Council Chambers Meetings are held at 5:15 p.m. the first Monday of the month.

FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS Police and fire emergency 911 Belle Plaine Government Center 952-873-5553 Police (non-emergency) 952-873-4307

Economic Development Authority Council Chambers Meetings are held at 5 p.m. the second Monday of the month.

Fire (non-emergency) 952-873-6820

Planning & Zoning Commission Council Chambers

Scott County Sheriff 952-496-8300

Water and sewer billing 952-873-4644

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GOVERNMENT

SCOTT COUNTY SCOTT COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

Scott County Government Center 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee 952-445-7750 www.scottcountymn.gov

SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

COURTESY PHOTO

Scott County Government Center.

SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Barb Weckman Brekke

Dave Beer

Tom Wolf

Michael Beard

The Scott County Board of Commissioners holds meetings and workshops on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m. at the Scott County Government Center in Shakopee. You can visit the website, www. scottcountymn.com, for up-to-date schedule information.

Residents are encouraged to keep current on county news through viewing County Board meetings available live and on demand on the county’s Youtube channel, visiting the website, tuning in to local government access cable for meeting coverage and other programming, following the county on social media, and reading the award-winning resident newsletter, The Scott County SCENE. Barb Weckman Brekke, District 1 Commissioner 612-616-1086 bweckmanbrekke@co.scott.mn.us Term expires December 2022 Tom Wolf, District 2 Commissioner and Vice Chair 952-440-6805 twolf@co.scott.mn.us Term expires December 2022

Jon Ulrich

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Michael Beard, District 3 Commissioner 952-583-7090 mbeard@co.scott.mn.us Term expires December 2022

Emergency Numbers Medical/Police/Fire 911 Switchboard 952-445-7750 Scott County Dispatch, Animal Control 952-445-1411 Court Administration 952-496-8200 Dave Beer, District 4 Commissioner 952-393-5296 dbeer@co.scott.mn.us Term expires December 2022 Jon Ulrich, District 5 Commissioner and Board Chair 612-716-6724 julrich@co.scott.mn.us Term expires December 2022

ELECTED OFFICIALS Ron Hocevar, Scott County Attorney 952-496-8240 rhocevar@co.scott.mn.us Term expires December 2022 Luke Hennen, Scott County Sheriff 952-496-8300

GOVERNMENT lhennen@co.scott.mn.us Term expires December 2022

FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS Lezlie Vermillion, Scott County Administrator 952-496-8100 lvermillion@co.scott.mn.us Danny Lenz, Deputy County Administrator and CFO 952-496-8100 dlenz@co.scott.mn.us Michael J. Thompson, Scott County Assessor 952-496-8115 propertytax@co.scott.mn.us Tony Winiecki, Scott County Engineer 952-496-8346 twiniecki@co.scott.mn.us Julie Hanson, Property and Customer Service Manager 952-496-8150 jhanson@co.scott.mn.us Daniel Wormer, Scott County Surveyor 952-496-8325 dwormer@co.scott.mn.us Building Inspections 952-496-8160 Customer Service 952-496-8150 Elections 952-496-8560 Employee Relations 952-496-8103 Environmental Services 952-496-8177 Facilities Management 952-496-8063 Economic Assistance 952-496-8686 Health and Human Services 952-445-7751 Mental Health Center 952-445-8481 Parks & Trails 952-496-8752 Planning & Zoning 952-496-8653 Public Health 952-496-8555 Veterans Services 952-496-8176

LIBRARIES Belle Plaine Branch Library 125 West Main Street, Belle Plaine

952-873-6767 www.scottlib.org The Belle Plaine Branch Library is part of the Scott County Library System, which allows library card-holders access to libraries in seven communities, including Savage, Prior Lake, Elko New Market, New Prague, Shakopee and Jordan.

In addition, the county-wide system is part of the greater metropolitan system — Metropolitan Library Service Agency — which allows library cardholders access to nearby Hennepin, Carver and other metropolitan county libraries, as well as Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Libraries.

Law Library Scott County Government Center 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee 952-496-8713

METROPOLITAN COUNCIL Metropolitan Council Main Office 390 Robert Street North, St. Paul, MN 55101 www.metrocouncil.org The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. The council advocates for vital communities and a competitive region.

It runs the regional bus system, collects and treats wastewater and manages water resources preservation, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

The council serves a region encompassing 188 cities and townships and a population of 3.11 million. It is divided into 16 districts.

The governor appoints a representative for each district, as well as the council chairperson.

The council’s website provides information about the region and regional services.

The site has current data on aviation, demographics, the economy, housing, land use, parks and open space, transportation and water quality and supply. Forecasts of population, employment and households are available, as are city and township data, regional plans, water resources, and transportation information.

LICENSES & DOCUMENTS Motor Vehicle Plates/Tabs, Boat and Motor Licensing, Title Transfers Scott County Government Center, 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee 952-496-8150 Driver’s License Renewals Scott County Government Center, 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee 952-496-8150 Driver’s Exams Chaska Exam Station 418 Pine Street Chaska MN, 55318 651-201-7900

Liquor and Tobacco Licenses, Charitable Gambling Permits Scott County Government Center, 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee 952-496-8150 Passports, Birth and Death Certificates, Marriage Licenses Scott County Government Center, 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee 952-496-8150

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT Watershed management organizations and watershed districts in the Twin Cities metropolitan area participate in water planning and implementation.

Scott Watershed Management Organization 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee 952-496-8177 The SWMO Planning Commission meets on the fourth Monday of every month at 4 p.m. in the County Board Room at the government center.

Agendas and minutes from prior meetings are available online at www.scottcountymn.gov/ AgendaCenter.

STATE OF MINNESOTA Senate Senator Rich Draheim (R-20) 95 University Avenue West, 3227 Minnesota Senate Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-5558 sen.rich.draheim@senate.mn Term expires January 2023 House Representative Brian Pfarr (R-20A) 213 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-7065 rep.brian.pfarr@house.mn Term expires January 2023

UNITED STATES U.S. Senate Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) 425 Dirksen Senate Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-3244 www.klobuchar.senate.gov Term expires January 2025 Senator Tina Smith (D) 302 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-5641 www.smith.senate.gov Term expires January 2027 House of Representatives Representative Angie Craig (D-2nd District) 1523 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-2271 www.craig.house.gov Term expires January 2023

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HISTORY

A brief history of Scott County From fur traders to lavish lake resorts, area boasts diverse landscape, economy

About the Scott County Historical Society

THE SCOTT COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

D

akota people have lived along what is now the Minnesota River for more than 10,000 years.

They settled here presumably for the same reasons European Americans did later — fertile soil, abundant food, and fresh water. This area was home to the Santee or Eastern band of Dakota. The Minnesota River also provided transportation for the Dakota, and later for fur traders. In what is now Scott County, fur trading posts popped up close to Dakota summer planting villages starting in the early 1800s.

The decline of the fur trade in the mid-1800s led, in part, to the treaties of 1851. These treaties allowed European American communities to spring up in Scott County. Shakopee, Belle Plaine and Jordan were plotted in 1854, New Prague in 1856, Savage in 1857 and New Market in 1858.

For these communities, the Minnesota River provided the most important source of early transportation. Steamboats were also an important part of the economy. The towns along the river depended on shipments of flour and other foodstuffs. Later, flour milled and crops grown in the county would be shipped out. By the 1870s, river travel was beginning to be phased out, replaced

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COURTESY OF THE SCHS COLLECTIONS

Tom O’Connor delivering mail in Belle Plaine, 1905. by rail lines that crossed the county.

Roads were already well established by the Dakota along the river. These roads have proven themselves — we still use them today. Those early roads are now parts of highways 13, 169, and 101.

Many people came to Scott County to become farmers, but over time industries sprang up as well. By the end of the 1800s, Scott County was home to several brickyards. Ice was cut on county waters and sold worldwide. Flour grown and milled in Scott County was shipped out along the railroad. Shakopee Stove Company and Jacob Ries Bottling Works employed workers and sold consumer products around the region. Scott County was also home to large breweries that fueled neighborhood watering holes until they were shut down by Prohibition.

Farmers in Scott County experienced hardship during the Great Depression. The selling price of butter dropped alarmingly during the 1930s, and sales of cheaper margarine increased. Scott County had a prominent dairy industry, and farmers wrote newspaper articles and urged stores to only purchase local butter.

Scott County also played a

prominent role in the New Deal.

In 1934, land around Shakopee and Savage was purchased for a series of “transient camps,” providing shelter for unhoused people. Over the next four years, hundreds of men from around the nation would be housed in these camps. In 1938 the transient camps closed, but some of the land was used for a National Youth Administration camp.

This unique facility gave housing, education, and job training to young men between the ages of 18 and 25.

As World War II loomed, the National Youth Administration Camp shifted its focus to airplane mechanics skills. Savage also played an important part in the conflict. In 1942, the city was selected as the site for a new naval shipyard. In order to handle massive naval vessels, the Minnesota River had to be dredged. The shipyard’s original contract stipulated that just six ships would be built at the site. By 1945, however, Savage Shipyard employed 3,500 men and women, and workers had built 18 ships and four tugboats. Most of the ships built at the yard were Patapsco-class auxiliary oil and gas carriers.

Scott County is a historic destination for entertainment.

Throughout the late 1800s and

A short walk from scenic downtown Shakopee, the Scott County Historical Society, 235 South Fuller St., features four rotating exhibitions, a historic house from the turn of the century, and an extensive research library that documents the history and genealogy of generations of Scott County residents.

Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for students and seniors and free for children 5 and under. To contact the society, call 952445-0378 or email info@ scottcountyhistory.org.

For more information, including hours of operation, visit scottcountyhistory.org. early 1900s Prior Lake was famed for its lake resorts which ranged from rustic to lavish.

For more than 50 years, Mudbaden, in Jordan, offered sulfurous mud health treatments in a luxurious atmosphere.

Today Scott County continues to be an agricultural and business hub, and is one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota. Many of the oak forests that used to cover the county were cut down to fuel industry and farming, but you can still get a taste of Scott County’s natural environment at many parks and on regional trails. Scott County is also still an entertainment destination.

Among many opportunities for family fun, you can visit ValleyFair amusement park, Canterbury race track, the Minnesota Renaissance Fair, Hocokata Ti Museum, and (of course) the Scott County Historical Society.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY BUSINESS SERVICES Shakopee Chamber and Visitors Bureau 1801 County Road 101 Shakopee, MN 55379 (952) 445-1660 www.visitshakopee.org

DENTAL Babcock & Morgan Family Dental 16670 Franklin Tr. SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 (952) 447-4611 www.mypriorlakedentist.com

Bluff Creek Dental

600 Market St #130 Chanhassen, MN 55317 (952) 937-5200 www.bluffcreekdental.com

Michael King Orthodontics 2687 W 78th St Chanhassen, MN 55317 (952) 470-2627 www.michaelkingortho.com

DINING Turtles Bar & Grill

132 First Ave. E. Shakopee, MN 55379 (952) 445-9668 www.turtlesbarandgrill.com

GOVERNMENT City of Shakopee

485 Gorman St Shakopee, MN 55379 (952) 233-9300 www.shakopeemn.gov

HEALTH Complete Family Eyecare, Dr. Steve Reinders

14120 Commerce Ave NE #100 Prior Lake, MN, 55372 952-562-8116 CompleteEyeCareMN.com

Lakeview Clinic

110105 Pioneer Trail Chaska, MN 55318 (952) 556-0120 lakeviewclinic.com

Ridgeview Medical Center 500 S. Maple St. Waconia, MN 55387 952-442-2191 www.ridgeviewmedical.org

St. Francis Regional Medical Center 1455 St. Francis Ave. Shakopee, MN 55379 952-428-3000 www.stfrancis-shakopee.com

HOME SERVICES Shakopee Public Utilities 255 Sarazin St. Shakopee, MN 55379 (952) 445-1988 www.shakopeeutilities.com

MEDIA Southwest News Media 12931 Eagle Creek Parkway Savage, MN 55378 (952) 445-3333 www.swnewsmedia.com

RETAIL Anchor Iron Company 12358 Boone Ave. Savage, MN; 55378 952-445-3030 www.anchoriron.com

Thoroughbred Carpet & Floors 8745 W. Highway 101 Savage, MN; 55378 952-445-9140 www.thoroughbredcarpets.com

SCHOOLS/EDUCATION Shakopee Public Schools

917 Dakota St. Shakopee, MN 55379 (952) 496-5000 www.shakopee.k12.mn.us/PELC

St. John the Baptist Catholic School & Preschool 12508 Lynn Avenue Savage, MN; 55378 952-890-6604 www.stjohns-savage.org

St. Michael Catholic School 16280 Duluth Avenue SE Prior Lake, MN, 55372 952-447-2124 www.saintmpl.org

SENIOR LIVING Benedictine Living Community 1705 Windemere Way Shakopee, MN 55379 952-373-0728 www.blcshakopee.org

TRAVEL Custom World Travel

PO Box 163 Shakopee MN 55379 952-212-8317 www.customworldtravel.net

WORSHIP Friendship Church

17741 Fairlawn Avenue Prior Lake, MN, 55372 952-447-8282 www.friendshipmn.org

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church West 125th Street; Savage, MN; 55378 952-890-9465 www.stjohns-savage.org

St. Michael Catholic Church 16311 Duluth Avenue SE Prior Lake, MN, 55372 952-447-2491 www.stmichael-pl.org

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23

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