Silver lining in the pool
Spirit in a glass
Lakers second at Up North Invitational
Hot drinks for cold nights
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PRIOR LAKE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011
$1
www.plamerican.com
AMERICAN Women’s prison fence issue returns New state plan has college-campus look BY SHANNON FIECKE sfiecke@swpub.com
A fence with barbed wire encircles the water tower across from the state women’s prison in Shakopee. A plain chain-link fence lines the Catholic cemetery. But five years after local opposition to a prison fence made for national comedy on “The Daily Show,” the Minnesota Correctional
Facility in Shakopee continues to be protected by a hedge. “The water tower is more secure than the prison,” said John Schadl, a spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The prison’s 2006 request for a fence failed to receive funding after drawing opposition from neighborhood residents and some Shakopee City Council members. Without community support, later bonding proposals gained little traction at the Legislature.
Prison to page 3 ®
Dakota Liquors to shut its doors after 30 years Owner cites effects of intense competition BY LORI CARLSON editor@plamerican.com
A longtime member of the local business community will close its doors at the end of January. After 30 years in the liquor industry, Kevin Bresnahan said he will liquidate his stock and close Dakota Liquors due to fierce competition from “big box” liquor retailers. He anticipates that the store’s last day will be Jan. 31, but it may close sooner if the merchandise is cleared more quickly. The most immediate competition came in 2009, when the franchise MGM Wine and Spirits opened just 340 feet from Bresnahan’s store at the southwest corner of Highway 13 and County Road 42. Bresnahan appealed a Prior Lake City Council decision to allow MGM to open, saying the city should have an ordinance limiting how close liquor stores can be to one another. The state Court of Appeals affi rmed the City Council’s approval of a liquor license for MGM. This week, as he prepared for his
going-out-of-business sale, Bresnahan urged customers to buy from local shops. “Please support your small local businesses,” he said. “If you don’t, there aren’t going to be any left.” Once Dakota Liquors closes, Prior Lake will have just two locally owned liquor stores – Village Liquor near South Lake Village Mall, and Viking Liquor at Highway 13 and County Road 21. Bresnahan said he contributed to community groups over the years through fi nancial and in-kind donations. “I have been lucky and had the opportunity to build long-lasting business and personal relationships with many customers and suppliers,” he said. “I really enjoyed the daily interaction with the wonderful people who reside in our community.” In addition to 30 years of operating Dakota Liquors, Bresnahan owned a liquor store of the same name in Burnsville from 1977 until he sold that shop in 2004. The Prior Lake building has been sold to a local orthodontist.
PHOTO BY MERYN FLUKER/ REPRINTS AT PHOTOS.PLAMERICAN.COM
Sheila Mattson talks about the photo montage she created to commemorate her grandfather’s service in World War II.
Local artist donates work to VFW BY MERYN FLUKER mfluker@swpub.com
E
ight World War II veterans gathered at VFW Post 6208 on Dec. 22, but they had more than drinks and conversation on their minds. The men – all from Prior Lake, with the exception of one hailing from Lonsdale – sat around one of the establishment’s tables while local artist Sheila Mattson presented them with an original creation, “Tribute to
If you are a World War II veteran or have photos of one, e-mail Sheila Mattson at customphotomojo@gmail.com to have your images included in her re-creation of “Tribute to Grandpa – Memorial Flag.” Grandpa – Memorial Flag.” “It’s a montage of different images from Hawaii,” is how Mattson described the piece, which features
original depictions of the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial as well as an American flag, both of which can be seen at Pearl Harbor, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. P rior L a ke resident M at t son worke d wit h Club M a n ager Ed Speiker to coordinate the afternoon gathering. Mattson donated “Tribute to Grandpa – Memorial Flag” to the VFW, but Speiker said he hasn’t yet decided where he’ll hang the art.
Mattson to page 3 ®
UPDATE
Boy home after weeks in hospital BY ALEX HALL ahall@swpub.com
SUBMITTED PHOTO
As Kevin Bresnahan prepares for his going-out-of-business sale, he says he hopes people will more regularly support local businesses.
Seth Ratliff, the 14-year-old Prior Lake boy who was struck while crossing Highway 13 on his bike last month, left Hennepin County Medical Center late last week after spending more than three weeks in the hospital. Ratliff continues to undergo outpatient physical and occupational therapy, and his father Todd Voth said he expects Ratliff to possibly return to school sometime in the second week back from winter break. Voth said Ratli f f wi l l be slowly worked back into a regular schedule at school.
Ratliff, a freshman at Prior Lake High School, was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis on Nov. 28 after he was struck by an SUV traveling south on Highway 13 while riding his bike to school. Ratliff was crossing Highway 13 near Oakland Beach Avenue just before 8 a.m. when he was hit. The driver of the SUV, 76-year-old Prior Lake woman Janice Miller, suffered no apparent injuries, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The boy was wearing a bike helmet, according to paramedics. According to the Minnesota State Patrol accident report, several witnesses said that there was nothing Miller could have done to avoid the collision.
INSIDE OPINION/4 OBITUARIES/8 SPORTS/9-10 AMERICAN SLICE/13 CALENDAR/17 CLASSIFIEDS/19-21 TO REACH US SUBSCRIBE: (952) 345-6682 EDITOR: (952) 345-6378 OR EDITOR@PLAMERICAN.COM
Seth Ratliff
VOL. 52 ISSUE 14 © SOUTHWEST NEWSPAPERS
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Page 2 | December 31, 2011
www.plamerican.com | Prior Lake American
Lions wrap up a Family gets crash course in convoluted health care system charitable Christmas
Jennifer
MUSTO COMMUNITY COLUMNIST
aspect of our health care system has not been the quality of the doctors, it has been the feeling that we actually have to fight to get good care. There is a giant machine in place in the form of health insurance that controls everything. Insurance controls and inflates costs, restricts available care and basically provides a roadblock to individuals seeking a basic human need at a time that they are most vulnerable. How can anyone justify charging $20 in a hospital for a pill that you can buy 100 of for $10 in a drug store? How can anyone rationalize charging hundreds or thousands of dollars for any medication, period?
And if you do want to get a second opinion, you may very well hear: “I’m sorry, that doctor is outside of your network.” If you find yourself needing life-saving treatment, you might also get the response: “I’m sorry, that is experimental and not covered by your plan.” For a system whose sole purpose is to provide care, it seems to do quite a bit of prevention instead. Being fairly new to this whole process, I haven’t done a lot of research into legislation, etc., but I am becoming more aware of why this issue is always such a political hot button. Airline passengers are now being protected with a passenger bill of rights, yet not patients. I am reassured every time I go see the doctor that my privacy is protected when I sign the same three forms over and over. But I don’t really care about my privacy if I can’t even receive the care I need in the first place. Something needs to be done to make health care both affordable and accessible to anyone who needs it. Social standing should not be the sole determination of the quality or quantity of health care
a person is able to receive. Health care insurers pay a ridiculous amount of money to provide lobbyists in Washington who maintain a presence and protect their interests. As private citizens, we don’t have the resources to defend our rights without the support of our government. The Obama Care plans seemed to have the right idea in theory, but the execution is proving difficult. I realize that there is no easy solution to this issue, or I would think (or at least hope) it would have already been I place. At some point, I think the entire system needs to take on more of a human, rather than financial, focus. Until then, we all need to be ready to put on our gloves and prepare for the fight. Jennifer Musto moved to Prior Lake from Overland Park, Kan. 10-plus years ago. She lives with her husband and three children. She spent several years working in the insurance industry and is now a stayat-home mom and CEO of the Musto household. Her interests include traveling, writing, organizing and bargain hunting. She can be reached at j.musto@yahoo.com.
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Give us a call – 952-447-8350
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Happy New Year! Have a great 2012 from all of us at the Prior Lake VFW Downtown Prior Lake www.vfwpost6208.com 226-6208
www.priorlakeinsurance.com emily@priorlakeinsurance.com
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The 2011 senior luncheon that was put on by the VFW and the Prior Lake Lions Club was a success. We served well over 250 people, and the entertainment and food were great. The Prior Lake band and High Hats performed. We had the Lions Christmas party, and it was well attended also. The Lions gave 125 food vouchers to the needy for holiday meals, and gave Christmas presents to Safe Haven for the Youth. We are now heading up a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Saturday, Jan. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m., in the Archangels Hall at the Church of St. Michael, 16311 Duluth Ave., Prior Lake. The cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, and free for children under 5, with a $20 per-family limit. February is our 5M-2 midwinter convention, at the City Center Hotel in Mankato. In March, we will volunteer to help the Feed My Starving Children event in Eagan. Also in March, we have two teams participating in the 14th annual Bed Race for Bridging contest. This month, donations went to Can Do Canines, International Hearing
210493
Having to deal with a recent health issue has found my family fully immersed in the medical care system. So far it has been quite the experience. The first discovery we made was the variety we saw in the doctors themselves. It’s amazing to me how a group of people who receive similar education and training can be so vastly different. As with any profession, you see the good and the bad. When it comes to your health, however, it would seem that there would be more of a system of checks and balances. One doctor provides an opinion, and that’s it. That diagnosis is the basis of all your treatment going forward. The part I find interesting is that if you take the same set of symptoms to another doctor, you may come up with a completely different answer. So where does that leave you? It seems to me that there should be some kind of patient liaison who works between patients and providers to guide the process and protect the rights and interests of both the patients and doctors. But the most frustrating
Prior Lake American | www.plamerican.com
December 31, 2011 | Page 3
Dunn Bros returns to Savage BY ALEX HALL ahall@swpub.com
When the Dunn Bros Coffee on County Road 42 closed in July, many of its dedicated customers weren’t about to move on to the next-closest coffee shop. Instead, regular customers of the Savage shop flocked to the Dunn Bros next to the library in Eden Prairie. “Everybody and their brother seemed to be coming from Savage,� said store co-owner Ken Sutherland. Since then, Sutherland and co-owner Sharon Odell shut down the Eden Prairie shop and reopened the County Road 42 location on Dec. 14. Sutherland said they were forced to close the Eden Prairie location because of an influx of competition in the area, and in the weeks leading up to their last day, the hoards of customers from Savage helped them decide where to relocate.
“It was like, ‘You don’t have to hit us over the head with it that maybe this is a good idea,’� said Sutherland. “They kind of made our decision for us.� Now, die-hard customers are heading south instead of north. “We have some customers here right now that are from Eden Prairie,� said Odell. “We actually had more customers from Eden Prairie at our grand opening than from Savage,� added Sutherland. That says a lot about the owners, considering there is still a Dunn Bros on Eden Prairie Road in Eden Prairie. One might think that moving from one Dunn Bros building to another would be a rather simple process; not so, said Sutherland. “The store was not in good shape,� said Sutherland. “We closed Eden Prairie in October and worked almost daily for two months to get this
TELL US ‌
place ready.� Now that their business calls Savage home, Sutherland and Odell want to enmesh themselves in the community. “There are some owners who just own the store, but we are really hands-on, and we want to know our customers and know them by name,� said Odell. “That’s one of the biggest reasons why we do this, because the people we meet really enrich our lives. It’s amazing.� Sutherland said they will also look for ways to give back to the community through local charities or by sponsoring little league teams. “We roast our own beans every day,� said Sutherland. “Nobody else [around here] does that. It’s the freshest coffee you can fi nd every morning.� Dunn Bros Coffee is at 5801 Egan Drive (County Road 42) and is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
What’s the best book you read this past year? It’s list-mania time: Top news stories ‌ biggest newsmakers ‌ craziest celebrities ‌ best new restaurants. And, we’re piling on by asking all of you bibliophiles: What’s the best book you read in 2011? If you have a book recommendation – whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry or (heaven forbid!) reference – then send us the title, author and a couple of sentences describing why it’s great. Share your book recommendation by sending the information listed above – no more than 200 words, please – to Editor Lori Carlson, editor@plamerican.com, before noon on Friday, Jan. 6. Include your name, city of residence, and a daytime phone number. We’ll run some submissions online at plamerican.com and the best recommendations in the Jan. 14 Prior Lake American print edition. E-MAIL: editor@plamerican.com
PHONE: (952) 345-6378
PRISON continued from page 1
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Prison officials say a proposed fence would mirror those at college campuses. The fence pictured is similar to the design envisioned.
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And they say the fence is just as much about protecting the outside public as about protecting inmates from old boyfriends or associates. T here’s not hi ng to stop someone from walking onto the prison grounds, which looks like a college campus, or tossing contraband into a bush or near a building (which has happened). Each day, the prisoners leave their living quarters and walk outside to enter the dining facility, Tabke was told. “We’re worried about the safety of offenders and staff,� Schadl said. The proposed fence has brick columns with wrought ironlike bars that curve at the top. It is supposed to match the prison’s college campus look. A previous plan had two fences, sepa rated by op en space, with the inner fence constructed of chain link and wired so anyone trying to climb it would set off an elaborate
MATTSON continued from page 1
Mattson, who specializes in custom painting and photography, spoke to the veterans briefly before she unveiled the montage. She was moved to tears as she spoke about her grandfather, who served as her inspiration and the piece’s namesake. “I created it for him as a tribute,� Mattson said. “I wanted to
Call 952-445-0888
John Schadl
www.southmet.com
Minnesota Department of Corrections spokesman alarm system. (In addition to a fence, the prison is seeking funding to expand its intake and segregation areas through internal renovation.) If he lived in the neighborhood, Schadl said he would be concerned about how the fence would look. However, Schadl said the fence, similar to one surrounding the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, is nothing extreme, with no barbed wire. It’s his contention that “good fences make good neighbors.� The department, he said, intends to stick to the deal it struck with Shakopee when the current facility was built in 1986 – to keep the prison in context with the surrounding community. The prison dates back to 1919 in Shakopee. However, some neighbors believe the very proposal for a fence shows the prison is housing an inmate population that violates that deal. “They assured us, ‘Don’t worry, it won’t be dangerous people,’� said neighbor Scott Duffney. “They’ve kind of been cheating on that.� The arguments the prison
gave soon-to-be-Mayor Tabke about the need for a fence made sense, he said. However, he still wants to hear what neighbors have to say. “If the opposition is purely aesthetic, I think the DOC did a good job of addressing that,� said Tabke, who has heard from some residents already due to his online postings. “If there are other issues, I need to understand them.� Duffney is open to learning more about the prison’s rationale for a fence. However, if the reason is dangerous inmates, perhaps the question ought to be whether such inmates should be housed in the heart of a residential area and across from an elementary school in the fi rst place, he said. “Maybe now is the time to say we have to segregate and put the worst offenders in a more secure environment [outside of Shakopee],� he said. Tabke said the prison is currently required to expel any prisoner who talks about escaping, due to the lack of a fence. These inmates are sent to another prison outside of Minnesota since no other state prisons take women.
share it.� Mattson’s grandfather joined the Air Force, spurred by the Dec. 7, 1941 attack, and fought in World War II. When he died in 2009, she began thinking of a way to commemorate his service. As the 70th anniversary of the surprise bombing grew near, she got the idea to share the art with the men who made it possible. During the event, she also shared photos that her grandfather took during his time in the
service. The veterans listened attentively and also offered their own war stories. T hou g h t he mont a ge i s complete and will soon adorn one of the VFW’s walls, Mattson’s tribute to the men who fought in World War II is not over. She hopes to recreate “Tribute to Grandpa – Memorial Flag� and incorporate the images of local World War II veterans. “I want to include other people,� she said.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA The Prior Lake City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3 at City Hall, 4646 Dakota St. T he cou nci l wi l l have a workshop at 4:30 p.m. on the County Road 21 downtown plan. The workshop is open to the public. The regular meeting agenda includes: Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance Public forum Approval of agenda Consider approval of Dec. 19 meeting minutes Consent agenda A. Consider approval of invoices to be paid B. Consider approval of a major amendment to local surface
water management plan C. Consider approval of a r e s olut ion aut hor i z i n g city manager to sign grant agreement for section 319(h) r e s e a rch a nd demon st r ation funding for assessing i r on - en h a nc e d f i lt r at ion trenches Items removed from consent agenda Presentations: None scheduled Public hearings: None scheduled Old business A. Consider adopting an ordinance to amend or repeal chapter 1306, special fi re protection systems B. Consider approval of a
resolution authorizing the sale of $9.985 million general obligation capital improvement plan bonds of 2012 New business A. Consider approval of annual City Council appointments B. Consider approval of a resolution authorizing execution of the city’s standardized professional services contract for the pavement degradation analysis C. Consider approval of a report with respect to a fee-totrust application for 23 acres of land within Prior Lake O t her bu si ne s s /c ou nci l member reports A. Community events Adjournment
visit plamerican. com
210956
With an inmate count today of 559 vs. 92 when the current facility opened in 1986, and a worsening offender population, corrections officials believe the time is long past for a fence. “We feel the community is safe now, but it’s still a prison,� said Schadl.
157949
“We feel the community is safe now, but it’s still a prison. We’re worried about the safety of offenders and staff.�
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With new faces on the Shakopee City Council and the 2012 legislative bonding season fast approaching, the Department of Corrections appears to be putting its full weight toward securing $5.4 million in state funding next year for a 12-foot perimeter fence. Shakopee Mayor-elect Brad Tabke was briefed during a recent tour of the correctional facility. And state Sen. Claire Robling (R-Jordan), who supports the fence project, was also updated on the prison’s latest proposal, which calls for one fence instead of the two from an earlier plan. A community advisory panel will meet next week ahead of a neighborhood meeting scheduled for 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 12 on the proposal.
Page 4 | December 31, 2011
www.plamerican.com | Prior Lake American
opinion Contributions welcome to editor@plamerican.com, (952) 345-6378
PRIOR LAKE OPTIMIST CLUB
Usher in a new year with a positive outlook Optimism: The tendency to expect the best and see the best in all things. What a wonderful New Year’s resolution. This time of year we look back at the past 12 months and make promises to ourselves about what we will change in the upcoming year. Some of us are determined to exercise, or to be more involved or more patient. And who has not taken the vow that they will lose those unwanted pounds in the new year? To look at life optimistically is simply a mindset. It does not cost anything, and you don’t need to make any sacrifices. It is simply a decision to adjust your attitude and look at things optimistically. This attitude culminates in many positive feelings and opportunities. There are many organizations that support our youth in this community. The Prior Lake Optimist Club is one of many who would welcome your involvement. We support organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Many of these young people work hard to achieve their Eagle Scout or Silver or Gold awards. These awards require a great deal of hard work and planning, and the award benefits follow these individuals for the rest of their lives. Each year, our club grants monetary help to these youth seeking to achieve these high honors. We also recognize each Eagle Scout Award recipient of Boy
Scout Troop 333 at their ceremony. The Prior Lake Optimist Club is the proud sponsor of Boy Scout Troop 333. The boys in the troop have invited all club members to a dinner that they will make and serve in January. All members, please mark your calendars for Jan. 24. Please support these youth by accepting their invitation to dinner thanking our organization for their support. For more information, contact Amy Raetz at KitkatR@integraonline.com or check your e-mail. Give yourself a New Year’s gift; become a member of the Prior Lake Optimist Club. Meetings last approximately one hour starting with a meeting and program and followed by lunch at Fong’s in Prior Lake. Our first meeting of 2012, Jan. 11th, we host the Robotics Club from Prior Lake High School. For more information on our club, meeting topics and dates go to www.priorlakeoptimistclub.com or contact President Sue Heaton at heatonjorenby@mchsi.com. To learn more about Optimist International, visit www.optimist. org. “An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” – Bill Vaughn This column is written by Shawn Richey, who is in charge of public relations for the Prior Lake Optimist Club.
Prior Lake City Council contacts Mayor Mike Myser
Richard Keeney
Phone: (952) 341-5932
Phone: (612) 889-7114
E-mail: mmyser@cityofpriorlake.com
E-mail: rkeeney@cityofpriorlake.com
Council members
Vanessa Soukup
Warren Erickson
Phone: (612) 385-3686
Phone: (952) 440-2171
E-mail: vsoukup@cityofpriorlake. com
E-mail: werickson@cityofpriorlake. com
LETTER TO THE EDITOR EDUCATION
Writer feels misrepresented Glen Weber and I are discussing education, and in last week’s letters to the editor, he responds to my earlier letter. He calls my information false and “proves” it by converting my “more money than any other country” into a comparison of GDP vs. education. He converts “more employees per student than any other country” into teacher/student ratios. I wonder why he didn’t use the sunset time in Norway or the num-
ber of crayons used in kindergarten to “prove” my comments wrong. Then he blames false and misleading information for “driving education reform,” whatever that means. In regard to his remarks about teacher/student ratios, a Dec. 18 column in the Pioneer Press by Gareth Cook states that smaller classes and spending per student do not appear to be important according to the strategies used to turn around New York charter schools and Houston schools. The prime issues are feedback to teachers, data on individual students to guide instruction, heavy tutoring, increased instructional time and high expectations.
As far as politicians getting adequate classroom teacher input, the primary teacher organization is the union, and I have not talked to a teacher yet that knows of any union negotiations that include conditions for discipline, teaching strategies or educational reforms. It is about pay and benefits, everything from pensions to coffee breaks. I acknowledge that the union influences politicians more than any other entity, but not about education quality. I don’t question Glen’s heart for education, but I question his misrepresentations of my letter.
John A. Benedict Prior Lake
City manager Kenneth Hedberg
Frank Boyles
Phone: (612) 382-6143
Phone: (952) 447-9801
E-mail: khedberg@cityofpriorlake. com
E-mail: fboyles@cityofpriorlake.com
LETTERS POLICY All letters to the editor submitted for publication in the Prior Lake American will be verified before they are printed. In addition to the letter writer’s name, the letter should contain an address and daytime and evening telephone numbers so the newspaper staff can verify the letter writer’s identity. The Prior Lake American will not print any unverified letters, nor any letters without all the above mentioned information. Letters that are potentially libelous will not be printed or will be edited. However, letters will not be
refused because staff disagrees with their content. Letters may be edited as space requires. Not all thank you letters will be printed. Writers should keep their comments under 500 words. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters to the editor may be sent to: Prior Lake American, P.O. Box 538, Prior Lake, MN 55372 or to editor@ plamerican.com. Call Lori Carlson, editor, at (952) 345-6378 for further information. The deadline for letters to the editor is noon Wednesdays.
Get in the ‘Ringside’ Want to view the latest story comments, blog posts and forum comments all in one place? Visit www.plamerican.com/ringside and see what people are talking about! Log in or register to join the conversation!
Reach your representatives GOVERNOR
(202) 225-2271
Gov. Mark Dayton
-or-
Office of the Governor
101 W. Burnsville Parkway, Suite 201
130 State Capitol
Burnsville, MN 55337
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
(952) 808-1213
St. Paul, MN 55155
Web: www.kline.house.gov
(651) 201-3400 E-mail: mark.dayton@state.mn.us
SENATE DISTRICT 35 Sen. Claire Robling (R)
U.S. SENATORS
Capitol Building, Room 226
Sen. Amy Klobuchar
75 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
United States Senate
St. Paul, MN 55155
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Phone: (651) 296-4123
Washington, D.C. 20510
E-mail: sen.claire.robling@senate.mn
(202) 224-3244
Legislative assistant: Kelsy Stadsklev (651) 296-5245
-orMetro office
HOUSE DISTRICT 35A
1200 Washington Ave. S., Suite 250
Rep. Michael Beard (R)
Minneapolis, MN 55415
417 State Office Building
(612) 727-5220
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Web: www.senate.gov
St. Paul, MN 55155 Phone: (651) 296-8872
Sen. Al Franken
E-mail: rep.mike.beard@house.mn
United States Senate
Legislative assistant: Marilyn Brick (651) 296-8893
320 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510
HOUSE DISTRICT 35B
(202) 224-5641
Rep. Mark Buesgens (R)
Web: www.senate.gov
381 State Office Building 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
We welcome your suggestions
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE-2nd District
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How can we improve our newspaper? We welcome our readers’ feedback.
Rep. John Kline
Phone: (651) 296-5185
Express yourself. Call Editor Lori Carlson at (952) 345-6378 or e-mail editor@ plamerican.com. Readers can also comment online at www.plamerican.com.
1210 Longworth House Office Building
E-mail: rep.mark.buesgens@house.mn
Washington, D.C. 20515
Legislative assistant: Joyce Vogt (651) 297-8407
PRIOR LAKE
Newspaper rates: Single copy, $1; oneyear subscriptions, $30 voluntary in Prior Lake, $34 in Scott and Carver counties, $45 elsewhere in Minnesota, $50 outside (USPS 004-696) Minnesota, and $4 per month for partial subscription. Subscriptions are non-refundable.
AMERICAN
About us: The Prior Lake American, founded in 1960, is published by Southwest Newspapers, a division of Red Wing Publishing Company. We are an active member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and the official newspaper for the City of Prior Lake and School District 719. Published weekly on Saturdays; periodicals postage paid at Prior Lake, MN. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notice to Prior Lake American, P.O. Box 8, Shakopee, MN 55379. Location: The Prior Lake American is located at 14093 Commerce Ave. in Prior Lake. Its mailing address is Prior Lake American, P.O. Box 538, Prior Lake, MN 55372. For general information call (952) 447-6669; send faxes to (952) 447-6671.
Guest columns and letters to the editor: Letters to the editor and guest commentaries stating positions on issues facing the local community are especially welcome but are reviewed by the editor prior to publication. The newspaper reserves the right to edit letters for length, grammar and clarity. We will not print letters of a libelous nature. Letters should be 500 or fewer words in length. Exceptions are at the editor’s discretion. Deadline for letters is noon Wednesday before the Saturday publication date. Letters must contain the address and daytime phone number of the author, as well as a signature (except on e-mails). We prefer letters that are e-mailed to editor@plamerican.com. Editorials that appear on this page represent the institutional voice of the newspaper. Any questions or comments should be directed to the editor. Deadlines News: noon Wednesday Advertising: 4 p.m. Tuesday Imarketplace (Classifieds): 3 p.m. Thursday for paid ads; noon Thursday for Thrift ads Legal notices: Noon Tuesday
Publisher: Laurie Hartmann (952) 345-6878; lhartmann@swpub.com Editor: Lori Carlson (952) 345-6378; editor@plamerican.com Staff Writer: Meryn Fluker (952) 345-6375; mfluker@swpub.com Sports Editor: Tom Schardin (952) 345-6379; tschardin@swpub.com Advertising Sales: Lance Barker (952) 345-6371; lbarker@swpub.com Advertising Sales: Pat Vickerman (952) 345-6373; pvickerman@swpub.com Advertising Sales: Daniel Boike (952) 345-6372; dboike@swpub.com Circulation: Ruby Winings (952) 345-6682; circulation@swpub.com Imarketplace (Classified) Advertising: (952) 345-3003; self-serve at www.imarketplace.mn Composition: Traci Zellmann Ad Design: Renee Fette For breaking news and news updates, go to www.plamerican.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Find sports scores online at www.scoreboard.mn. Leave news tips at (952) 345-6378. © 2011 Southwest Newspapers (www.swnewspapers.com)
Prior Lake American | www.plamerican.com
December 31, 2011 | Page 5
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Fire Chief First Assistant Jim Larson Jr., a 22-year veteran of the Prior Lake Fire Department, recently was chosen as the department’s Firefighter of the Year. Larson will step down from his leadership position to spend more time with his family, but he will remain a firefighter with the department.
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ike most firefighters, Fire Chief First Assistant Jim Larson Jr. isn’t exactly thrilled about being in the spotlight. “I’m not really big on individual awards or achievements or anything like that,” said Larson. Still, he recently received a pretty big honor. Earlier this month at the Prior Lake Fire Department’s annual holiday party, Larson was named the department’s Firefighter of the Year. Members of the fire department vote to nominate firefighters for the award, and the officers in the department ultimately decide who is crowned. In previous years, officers in the department, such as Larson, weren’t eligible to win the award. But now that they are, said Fire Chief Doug Hartman, it made Larson an easy choice for the honor. “Had he not been an officer [for so long], he clearly would have been selected for the award years ago,” Hartman said. It wasn’t exactly easy keeping the award secret from Larson, Hartman said, as he is normally heavily involved in the process of choosing the Firefighter of the Year. This time around, however, Larson coincidentally had to miss the nomination meeting due to a scheduling conflict. “It made it easy for us to make the final decision,” said Hartman, “but ultimately I had to lie to him [to keep the award a secret].”
LIFE AS A FIREFIGHTER A member of the department since 1989 and a city of Prior Lake employee since 1988, Larson was encouraged to become a firefighter by his supervisor at the time, Ray Johnson, also a former Firefighter of the Year. By 1996, Larson had become a captain in the department, and in 2005 he was elected by his peers to be an assistant fire chief. As assistant fire chief, Larson acts as fire chief when
Hartman isn’t available and is deeply involved in the daily business of the department, such as serving on truck committees, helping to make sure equipment is working and assisting with personnel issues. When he’s not working, Larson enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering at his church, Fish Lake Lutheran, where he serves as a youth counselor. Larson has a wife, JoAnn, and three daughters: 15-yearold LeAnn, 12-year-old Emily and 9-year-old Anna. His daughters are involved in sports, particularly basketball and softball, so he loves to watch them play or even do a little coaching when he gets the chance. Larson said that while being a firefighter can sometimes put stress on a family, his loved ones have been nothing but supportive over the last 22 years. “I was a firefighter before I got married, so my wife kind of knew what she was getting into,” said Larson, “but every time I had to make a decision about whether I was going to continue to work my way up the ladder, to captain, to assistant chief, I always consulted with her, and she always encouraged me to follow through. She’s been very supportive.” Larson may have the support of his family, but that doesn’t mean having a firefighting husband and dad is always easy. “There’s disappointment there, when you have a birthday or Christmas or something like that, and then the pager goes off and you have to up and leave,”
he explained. “But after 18, almost 19 years of marriage, she’s used to it. I’m sure she doesn’t like it all the time, but she definitely understands.” Larson said there are more than enough rewarding aspects that keep him coming back: The pride he feels in serving the community, and the admiration from children. “When the little kids are running around playing with their fire trucks, then they find out you’re a firefighter, their eyes just light up,” he said. He also cherishes the extended family he’s acquired by joining the department. “The way I always say it is that I have 40 other brothers and sisters,” he said, “and we also say that there’s 35 or 36 other dads out there looking out for other people’s kids.” Larson said his wife has also enjoyed the friendships she’s made through his firefighting family. Hartman said the award is handed out each year to a firefighter who’s gone above and beyond in the past year. “He’s highly respected by his fellow department members, and he has a real passion,” Hartman added. “There hasn’t been anyone in the past that’s deserved it more than him. He clearly earned it.” When asked for an example of a call where Larson exhibited great leadership and decision-making skills, Hartman wasted no time in answering: “The Krueger barn fire.” On Feb. 26, 2006, a barn was fully engulfed in flames at the Krueger Dairy Farm in Spring Lake Township. The call was personal for Larson, as relatives of his wife actually lived on the farm. Larson was the first officer to arrive on the scene and took command. Hartman arrived shortly after, and while a superior officer often takes command upon arrival, Hartman saw the plan Larson had in place and allowed him to execute it. “The first thing Doug said to me was, ‘What’s your plan and what do you got going?’ I told him my plan and he said,
‘What do you want me to do?’” Larson recalled. “I said, ‘Go over there and take care of the drop tank and that operation,’ because we had two different attacks going on, so I stuck with mine and he stuck with another one,” said Larson. “It’s been the largest fire in my career so far. Every department from the county was delivering water to us that night.” It was also Larson’s first fire call as an assistant fire chief. “He did a tremendous job,” said Hartman. “It was our first fire together working in the command position, and we really developed a relationship from that. We developed a style that we still operate with today, and that continues with other officers as well.” Hartman said he appreciates the relationship he’s cultivated with Larson. “As serious as it gets sometimes, we still have fun,” said Hartman.
City-inspired thanks Rave: “As we near the end of 2011 and welcome 2012, I’d like to express my gratitude for all the hardworking city and county employees. Living in Prior Lake has been a blessing, and I really appreciate the small-town feel. A couple of special thank yous go out to the city employees who promptly fixed my mailbox last winter when it the snow plow knocked it down, and to the employee who returned my phone message about a broken street light; the service you have provided is impeccable. I’d also like to thank the city employee who made a special trip to my house when a relative from another country was trying to reach me but did not have my phone number. I cannot think of any other city that would have gone above and beyond as you did. Thank you!”
No-snow blues Rant: “Winter, winter where are you? While I don’t miss the snow, I know that many of my neighbors are lovingly
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MOVING ON At the end of the year, Larson will step down from his position as an officer, but he will still serve with the department. “I wanted to alleviate some of the burden off my wife, because our kids are so active,” he said, “but I also just want to spend more time with them, whether it be coaching them or watching them play ball.” Hartman said there’s likely another reason for Larson stepping down as an officer. “I’ve seen a lot of firefighters get to this point, after 20 or so years,” he said. “They like to have fun towards the end. They like to step back and enjoy the firefighting aspects.” Larson will again get to drive fire engines to calls, something he wasn’t able to do as assistant fire chief. “That’s always been my main passion on the department, operating the trucks and teaching the newcomers how to do it,” said Larson. “So I’m just going from driving the little red truck to the fire calls, to driving the big red truck.”
RANTS AND RAVES FROM READERS
14127 Vernon Ave. S. Savage, MN
5634 Luther Rd. SE Prior Lake 952-447-2117 www.spls-pl.org
eyeing their snowmobiles and wondering where the snow is. The county does a great job in marking the legal snowmobile trails; there is no need to ride around in city parks, which is not permitted. Many residents would like to use the park for snow shoeing or cross country skiing without worrying about being run over by snowmobiles. Please follow the rules to make this a safe happy winter for all – assuming we get snow.” Do you have a rant or a rave? Send us your musings: E-mail: rantsandraves@swpub.com Address: Prior Lake American, Attn: Rants and Raves, P.O. Box 538, Prior Lake, MN, 55372 Guidelines: Reader rants and raves should be no more than 200 words. The deadline is noon each Wednesday. Rants and raves that are potentially libelous will not be printed or will be edited. Submissions will not be refused because staff disagrees with their content. Anonymous submissions are acceptable; however, including a contact name and/or phone number is helpful for staff, who may have questions about the submission. Rants and raves may be edited as space requires. All publication decisions will be made by the editor.
Get connected. Go to www.plamerican.com for local news, sports, politics, photos, video, blogs and more.
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Page 6 | December 31, 2011
www.plamerican.com | Prior Lake American
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Information provided here is offered as a service through this paper in cooperation with the Scott-Carver Association for Volunteer Involvement. SAVI works to increase the effective use of volunteers to meet community needs throughout the area. Participation is open to individuals and organizations working in the volunteer sector in both counties.
Big Brothers Big Sisters The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities announces its newest program, Big Families, which engages a mentor in a relationship with a young person with a defi ned supplemental role for the mentor’s family. Contact: (6 51) 789-2490.
Scott County Historical Society Administrative assistant: Complete administrative tasks such as mailings, answering phones, greeting visitors and
BLANKETS OF LOVE
more. Assist visitors in the resea rch libra r y a nd wit h public tours, as well as assist with maintenance of museum collections and collections records. Training provided, flexible schedule. Event helper: Assist staff with hands-on activities at Kids Kraft programs, the last Saturday of each month. Training provided. Volunteer one, two or more dates. Contact: Kathy at (952) 445-0378 or info@scottcountyhistory.org.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Glendale Elementary School children made 50 blankets recently for the Ronald McDonald House. The students are part of the Kids’ Company school-aged care program.
Sexual Violence Center Sexual assault advocate: Looking for the most rewarding volunteer experience of your life? Become a sexual assault advocate and providing these services: 24-hour crisis line, medical, law enforcement or legal advocacy, community and education presentations, one -to - one cou nseli ng and support g roup facilitation. Volunteer training available; call to sign up. Contact: Kathy or Emily at (952) 448-5425.
Steve Millar
& Diamondhead
New law requires training for dock service workers Lake associations and those hiring a service provider to install their docks and boatlifts this spring can help to reduce the spread of zebra mussels and invasive aquatic species by letting their service providers know about the new law affecting providers and their workers. As of May 28, 2011, those hired to move and transport water-related equipment such as docks, lifts and boats are required to obtain a Department of Natural Resources-issued permit before they go into the waters. To receive the permit, the
Prior Lake
ASSOCIATION LAKESMARTS
provider must first complete aquatic invasive species training and pass a required
exam. The training covers information about invasive species, the impacts of infestation, current regulations and bestmanagement practices for transporting, inspecting and cleaning equipment. The 2012 winter and spring training is currently under development by Minnesota Waters, the statewide nonprofit working in conjunction with the DNR on this effort. More information will soon be available at www.minnesotawaters. org. You may also contact
Carrie Maurer-Ackerman, program director, at carriea@ minnesotawaters.org. The 2011 ice-over date for Lower Prior Lake was Dec. 16, more than a week later than Upper Prior Lake, which had an ice-over on Dec. 8, and Spring Lake on Dec. 6. With the lakes iced over, it’s time to get out and play. Join the fun at the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce’s annual ice golf event on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Captain Jack’s. Check out the Prior Lake Association online at www. priorlakeassociation.org.
CAP AGENCY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The CAP Agency, a private, nonprofit organization providing human services to families and individuals in Scott, Carver and Dakota counties, has the following volunteer opportunities available. For more information about volunteering with the Scott Carver Dakota CAP Agency,
e-mail info@capagency.org or call (952) 496-2125. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old or supervised by an adult.
CHORE Services Help with indoor and outdoor home maintenance for older adults so they can live
independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Great for com mu nit y a nd youth groups. Call Terry at (952) 402-9835.
Crisis Nursery Shakopee Licensed child care and foster care providers can provide
short-term care for children whose families are working through a crisis. Experienced social workers/crisis response workers can help to answer calls from families. Training and supervision is provided. Flexible weekdays, evenings and weekends. Call Jodi at (952) 402-9851.
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Every day BRX fitness will be offering at least one free class! So just stop by and try out one of the free classes we are offering! Offer valid January 2nd-15th.
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Monday: Yoga 9:00 a.m., Zumba 9:00 a.m., Pilates 6:15 p.m. Tuesday: Kettlebell 9:30 a.m., Yoga 5:00 p.m. Wednesday: Yoga 8:00 a.m., Kettlebell 6:00 p.m. Thursday: Kettlebell 9:30 a.m. Friday: Pilates 10:15 a.m. Saturday: Zumba 9:00 a.m. Sunday: R.I.P.P.E.D. 5:00 p.m.
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Prior Lake American | www.plamerican.com
December 31, 2011 | Page 7
Kidney donor riding float in Rose Parade Savage doctor invited to ride with Donate Life America after his gift to a stranger BY ALEX HALL ahall@swpub.com
D
r. Jim Haemmerle of Savage has made a living out of improving people’s lives through his work in the operating room. But perhaps the biggest impact he’s made was when he was on the operating table himself. Haemmerle, an orthopedic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic’s branch in Menomonie, Wis., since 1978, donated a kidney to a stranger from rural Minnesota in February 2010. As a result, Haemmerle has been invited to ride Donate Life America’s float during the 123rd Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 2. Donate Life America is a notfor-profit alliance of national and state organizations across the United States committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation. Each year, the group designs a f loat with a new theme to be displayed in the parade, and the theme of this year’s float is “One More Day.”
JIM’S STORY Haemmerle moved to Savage about six years ago to be closer to his grandchildren. He has two adult children, one whose family lives in Lakeville, and when his kids left the house many years ago to start their own lives, Haemmerle considered ways to help others in need. His career was also winding down, which added to Haemmerle’s desire to find a new way to give back. He considers himself “almost-retired,” as he now works about one weekend a month in Menomonie. But what really inspired him
to seriously consider organ donation was an article in a local newspaper about a single mother who was on dialysis and struggling to fi nd a donor, and eventually received a kidney transplant from a stranger. “That was kind of the fi nal piece,” said Haemmerle, “so I contacted the Mayo Clinic’s transplant center and asked if they accepted anonymous kidney donors, and they did.” In the months leading up to the decision, Haemmerle had discussed his intentions with his wife, Gail. “She was general ly sup portive,” he said. “She was, of course, worried about the risks that were involved, but once she learned more and we learned more about it, she became even more supportive of me.” After a full physical and psychological evaluation, he was placed on the kidney donation list in the fall of 2009. Haemmerle, an avid kayaker, hoped that the operation could take place sometime in the winter so he could have plenty of time to recover and hit the open water once spring came around. “It was basically in their hands. It wasn’t really my place to pick a recipient,” he said with a chuckle. Haemmerle did get his wish, however, and was told a few weeks in advance that a matching recipient was found and that the operation was scheduled for Feb. 9, 2010. Prior to the operation, Haemmerle knew absolutely nothing about the recipient of his kidney, and the two even had their operations on separate floors of the hospital to ensure that they wouldn’t run into each other. Haemmerle was understandably a little anxious before the
“When I did it, I did it because it just felt like the right thing to do, but what I’ve experienced since then, and part of it may be because I’m a little older … is the preciousness of life.” Dr. Jim Haemmerle Savage
PHOTO BY ALEX HALL
Dr. Jim Haemmerle will ride Donate Life America’s “One More Day” float at the 123rd Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 2, 2012. Haemmerle was invited to ride the float because of an anonymous kidney donation he made in February 2010. procedure, but his familiarity with the operating room, as well as his familiarity with the risks involved, helped keep him level. “Part of the deal is that you have the opportunity to back out at any time, even up to the moment when you’re in the operating room,” he said, “but I never considered it at all.” Haemmerle spent two nights in the hospital after the procedure, and within a matter of weeks, he was fully recovered. Si x months later, Haemmerle received a call from the Mayo Clinic asking if he would like to meet the recipient of his kidney. Haemmerle was already heading up north near where the man lived for a kayaking trip, so he gladly took the opportunity to meet the man, who Haemmerle said is a farmer, carpenter and fa-
ther of four. He spent an afternoon with the man and two of his daughters in a town near Duluth. Haemmerle described the meeting as a “wonderful experience.” “It really hit home, the impact that the donation had on their lives,” Haemmerle said.
LOOKING FORWARD In addition to riding in the Rose Parade, Haemmerle will participate in a host of other activities while in Pasadena. Participants will meet for a “getting acquainted dinner” before the parade; there will be a rose dedication ceremony where people will donate money to the organization and dedicate a rose in the memory of a donor; and the participants will take part in a parade rehearsal.
“I guess I’ll just sit on the f loat and practice waving,” Haemmerle said laughing. A family of a deceased donor has actually asked Haemmerle to dedicate a rose to their loved one during the rose dedication ceremony, and the roses dedicated will be featured on the float. While Haemmerle isn’t quite sure what to expect from the float ride, he said he is most excited to meet the others who have been invited to ride the float and to hear their stories. Even though most would say the recipient of Haemmerle’s kidney has likely benefited the most from the transaction, Haemmerle doesn’t necessarily see it that way. “When I did it, I did it because it just felt like the right thing to do,” he said, “but what I’ve experienced since then, and part of it may be because I’m a little older … is the preciousness of life. I think I’ve gained a greater appreciation of every day life, and how much of a gift it is, and also an appreciation for how fortunate our family has been.” Haemmerle said he hopes his act of kindness inspires others to pay it forward. “People will donate to their family and friends, that’s not very unusual, but I’ve come to think that what I did was just
an extension of that concept in that if a circumstance arose in which a member of my family needed something I couldn’t provide, somebody else would come forward,” he said. Haem merle said t hat i n many cases, a family member is willing to donate an organ to the person in need but is not a match, so when an anonymous donor steps up, that family member makes an anonymous donation to someone else, creating a chain of anonymous donors “paying it forward.” It didn’t work out that way in Haemmerle’s case, but he said it’s a great example of how one self less act can lead to another. Haemmerle urges anyone who is even thinking of donating an organ to collect as much information as possible about the process. “First off, I urge people to check the box on their driver’s license [to become an organ donor], or go online or contact Donate Life,” he said. “But if you’re considering becoming a living donor, seek out all the information you can … The risks to the donor are very minimal. I have zero longterm effects or symptoms of any kind. And the benefits are substantial for the recipient. Life on dialysis is a tough way to live.”
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Page 8 | December 31, 2011
www.plamerican.com | Prior Lake American
LIVESREMEMBERED
Escape winter with armchair travel series
Donovan P. Streed
Deputy Jon Niemann
Donovan Streed, 86, of Jordan, died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011. He was born March 8, 1925 in Preston, MN, the son of Daniel and Esther Streed. Donovan was preceded in death by his wife, Monica, this past June. He is survived by 03/02/66 - 12/30/03 daughter, Barbara L. (Butler) of River Falls, WI; sons, Donovan A. Streed of Rockford, IL, Peter Axel Streed of Waterville, Daniel H. Streed of Easton Rapids, MI; 12 Your smile, laugh and sense of humor grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. will forever be missed. Donovan flew with Northwest Airlines several years before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943, where he Your commitment and dedication to your family served in the Pacific during World War II. While onboard and friends, community and country are an the U.S.S. St. Lo as an aviation mechanic, his ship and aviexample left for all of us to follow. ation squadron heroically engaged against numerically superior enemy forces in the Battle of Samar. For those We miss you terribly but are comforted knowing actions he received the Presidential Unit Citation and that you are watching over us and guiding earned several other combat ribbons and medals. us along life’s path. He was married to Monica E. Venne on June 21, 1946. Both he and Monica lived in Minnesota for most of their Our hearts will always be filled with lives, and in the Jordan area for more than 50 years. He memories and love for you. and his wife owned and operated Sievert’s Jewelers in Waseca from the 1980’s until last last year. We love you, your family & friends. Donovan was an avid farmer, building contractor, pilot, inventor, and master watchmaker. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012 at Wagner’s Funeral Home in Jordan. Visitation will begin at 8 a.m. Burial services with full military honors will John Rauch, 86, of Shakopee died be held afterward at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011 at his home. lieu of gifts, the family asks that you donate to the National Visitation was at the McNearney Funeral Home, Kidney Foundation or another charity in Donovan Streed’s Shakopee Thursday, Dec. 29 from 5-8 p.m. and Friday, name. Dec. 30 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial was Wagner Funeral Home, 952-492-3366. Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Mark's Catholic Church, Shakopee. McNearney Funeral Home, 952-445-2755. www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com
Scott County libraries will help residents make their escape with a series of “armchair travel” presentations this winter. The schedule includes: I Thursday, Feb. 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m. : “Around the State in 1,000 Days” at the Belle Plaine Library, 125 W. Main St. Lisa Jamison presents a pictorial review of a crazy family adventure involving hiking and geocaching in all 71 of Minnesota’s state parks in less than three years. I Saturday, Feb. 18, 1-2 p.m.: “European Vacation” at the Jordan Library, 230 S. Broadway St. Take a virtual vacation to Europe with local Jordan residents and tour guides Matt Dolan and Diana Lowry. They will share the history and sights they experienced on their journey around Europe. I Saturday, Feb. 25, 10:30 a.m.: “Hidden Scandinavia”
at the Shakopee Library, 235 Lewis St. Travel agent/world traveler Alyssa Schulke presents the unique and relatively unknown wonders of the Scandinavian countries (Minnesota not included). No lutefisk will be served. I Tuesday, Feb. 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: “Tanzania/Mt. Kilimanjaro” at the Prior Lake Library, 16210 Eagle Creek Ave. After a trek to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, join Allie Hafez as she goes on a safari to recuperate. Allie will show a PowerPoint presentation of her trip. I Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m. : “Kenya Circle Tour” at the Shakopee Library, 235 Lewis St. Wildlife photographer and Shakopee resident Todd Jacobs will take you on a circle tour of central Kenya from Nairobi to Mount Kenya to Lake Nakuru (home of pink flamingos) to the large game in the Maasai Mara.
John J. Rauch
William C. Randall
If you would like to print a Memorial or Tribute
To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die.
for a loved one, please call the Memorial Line: 952-345-6880
William Randall, 62, of Chaska, died unexpectedly Sunday, Dec 25, 2011, at Abbot Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis. A memorial service was held Friday, Dec 30 at 11 a.m. at Bertas Funeral Home, Chaska. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Bill was born Oct. 29, 1949, in Lake City, MN to Howard and Ardis (Fick) Randall. He was a graduate of Lake City High School and Mankato State University. Bill worked for Aeration Industries International for 33 years, currently as Vice-President. On Dec 19, 1981, Bill married Jill (Karwoski) in St Paul. They had one son. Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, including archery. He was very involved in Boy Scout Troop 174 in Chaska. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ardis; brothe,r Wayne; niece, Nadine; father-in-law, Eugene Karwoski. Survivors include his wife, Jill of Chaska; son, Joe of Chaska; sister-in-law, Mary K Randall of Lake City; mother-in-law, Lillian Karwoski of Cottage Grove, MN; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements were with the Bertas Funeral Home of Chaska. 952-448-2137.
CHURCH NEWS
Friendship Church offers support groups New sessions of support groups begin in January at Friendship Church. The list includes: Celebrate Recovery, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays, Prior Lake campus, 17741 Fairlawn Ave. This is a Christian support group for those seeking healing from life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups. Issues include addictions (such as drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, pornography, etc.) anxiety, grief, co-dependency, stress, various types of abuse and all other issues. For more information, e-mail celebraterecovery@friendship-church.org or call (952) 447-0546. DivorceCare, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, beginning Jan. 9, Prior Lake campus. DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. This group is led by someone who understands what you are going through and wants to help. For more information contact Ron Brist at ronb@friendship-church.org or (952) 447-0532. GriefShare, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Feb. 2, Prior Lake campus. This is a weekly group for people grieving the death of someone close. It’s a place to be around others who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. If you’ve lost someone close to you, GriefShare will help you to fi nd hope. For more information, contact Ron Brist at ronb@friendship-church. org or call (952) 447-0532.
January 2nd throu gh Ja nuary 31st
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Prior Lake American | www.plamerican.com
December 31, 2011 | Page 9
scoreboard Breaking news at Scoreboard.mn. Contribute sports news to tschardin@swpub.com or call (952) 345-6379
BOYS HOCKEY
SPORTS EXTRA
No upset this time
What’s on Tap for the Lakers BOYS BASKETBALL Jan. 3: at Apple Valley, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 6: vs. Rosemount, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 7: vs. Cedar Falls at Target Center 3:30 p.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL Jan. 3: vs. Apple Valley, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 6: at Rosemount, 7:15 p.m.
Lakers melt down in second period in 8-3 conference loss
Jan. 3: at Lakeville South, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 6: at Moose Lake, 7 p.m. Jan. 7: at Grand Rapids, 2 p.m.
BY TOM SCHARDIN tschardin@swpub.com
Jan. 3: vs. Hopkins, 7 p.m. Jan. 5: at Lakeville South, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7: at Rosemount, 2:30 p.m.
The Prior Lake boys hockey team melted down in the second period Dec. 22. The Lakers were hoping to notch a big early season win over one of the top team’s from its section (2AA), as well as the state. But instead, the game turned into a blow out. Seventh-ranked Burnsville scored six goals in a span of 5:27 in the second period en route to an 8-3 South Suburban Conference road win over the Lakers. Sophomore Jack Murphy tied the game a 1-1 with a goal 2:43 into the second period. About seven minutes later, the Blaze’s scoring frenzy began in electrifying fashion. The Blaze took a 4-1 lead scoring two goals just 12 seconds apart.
GIRLS HOCKEY
BOYS HOCKEY
MORE ONLINE FOLLOW THE LAKERS ON THE ICE AT
WRESTLING Jan. 6: at Burnsville, 7 p.m. Jan. 7: Cambridge-Isanti Invitational, 10 a.m.
www.scoreboard.mn
GYMNASTICS Burnsville led 7-1 after two periods, before the Lakers scored twice in the third period on goals from junior Gavin Smith and sophomore Jef f Pieper. Burnsville tacked on one more goa l 2 : 0 4 a fter P rior Lake’s fi nal score. The Lakers will meet the Blaze again on the road Feb. 2 with hopes of a better result. There’s also the potential for a playoff matchup as well. Prior Lake was outshot 4127. Senior Kyle Krueger had two assists, while Murphy, Pieper, junior Joey Kleven and
Jan. 7: at New Prague Invitational, 11 a.m.
BOYS SWIMMING PHOTO BY TOM SCHARDIN
Prior Lake senior Dane Block tries to control the puck in the Lakers’ 8-3 home loss to Burnsville Dec. 22 in a South Suburban Conference game. sophomore Blake Busch each had one. Senior Kyle Miller started in goal for the Lakers and made 33 saves. The game was pretty even for a period and a half. Burnsville scored with 46 seconds left in the fi rst period to take a 1-0 lead. The Blaze is a dangerous
offensive team that if you let get rolling, it can score in bunches. The Blaze had 40 goals in its fi rst six wins and 46 goals overall through eight games. Me a nwh i le, t he L a ker s dropped to 3-3 overall with the loss (1-2 in the conference). P rior Lake was back on the ice in the Kiwanis/Wells
BOYS SWIMMING
Fargo Festival Invitational in Rochester, which ended Friday (results not available at press time). The Lakers faced Eastview in the quarterfi nals, which also counted as a conference game. Prior Lake will begin the New Year at home versus Hopkins in a non-conference game Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.
NORDIC SKIING
Lead the way Ornes in the top five again for PL girls BY TOM SCHARDIN tschardin@swpub.com
PHOTO BY TOM SCHARDIN
Prior Lake junior Alex Jenness took second in the 200 individual medley at the Up North Invitational in Grand Rapids Dec. 27. The Lakers were also second in the team standings.
Silver lining in the pool Robrock, Jenness lead Lakers to second at Up North invite BY TOM SCHARDIN tschardin@swpub.com
The Prior Lake boys swimming team didn’t have enough depth to keep up with perennial power Minnetonka at the Up North Invitational in Grand Rapids Dec. 27. But the Lakers had more than enough to earn silver in the 12-team field. Led by senior Kyle Robrock and junior Alex Jenness, the Lakers finished second with 389 points, well ahead of thirdplace Grand Rapids (298). Andover was fourth (263), followed by Duluth (151.5), Blaine (143) and Burnsville (140.5).
Mi nnetonka won wit h a whopping 611 points. Robrock easily won both the 100-yard freestyle and the 100 backstroke. His time of 47.57 seconds in the 100 freestyle was more than three seconds ahead of the runner-up fi nisher. He took the backstroke by nearly two seconds with a time of 52.39. Meanwhile, Jenness was second in the 200 individual medley (2:04.25) and third in the 100 backstroke (55.65). Jenness, Robrock, eighthgrader Marshall Heskin and sophomore Austin Nichols made up the winning 200 medley relay with a time of 1:42.61.
Prior Lake’s 400 freestyle team of Robrock, Jenness, senior Zach Kleist and ninthgrader Matt Anderson was third (3:26.63), while the 200 freestyle team of Anderson, Heski n, K lei st a nd sopho more Alec Robrock was fi fth (1:37.38). Heskin and eighth-grader Craig Robrock each had one runner-up fi nish. Heskin was second in the 100 butterfly (55.38) and also fi fth in the 200 freestyle (1:55.40). Craig Robrock was second in the 500 freestyle (5:21.20), while sophomore William Bragg was fourth (5:26.62).
O t her top -10 i nd iv idu a l fi nishes for the Lakers came from Alec Robrock in the 100 butterfly (10th, 59.81) and the 100 breaststroke (7th, 1:10.73), Craig Robrock in the 200 freestyle (10th, 2 : 0 0.14), junior Josiah Torvik in the 200 individual medley (9th, 2:21.52), Bragg in the 200 individual medley (2:22.63), Nichols in the 50 freestyle (8th, 24.31), sophomore Mitchell McGahan in diving (7th, 200.85 points), K leist i n t he 10 0 freest yle (9th, 53.62), senior Nate Gillies in the 500 freestyle (10th, 5:40.76).
Swim to page 10 ®
The Prior Lake boys and girls Nordic ski teams were in the middle of the pack in a South Suburban Conference freestyle race Dec. 21 at Elm Creek Park Reserve. The boys team ended up fourth in the team standings with a score of 86. Bloomington was the winner (136), fol lowed by Independent School District 196 (135) and Lakeville North (111). Sophomore Mick Lu ndquist had the Lakers boys’ best fi nish, taking 12th overall on the 5,000-meter course with a time of 14 minutes, 5.68 seconds. Senior Connor Anderson was 15th (14:27.27) for Prior Lake, followed by senior Brian Lafrance in 19th (14:32.87), senior Nake Vikeras in 25th (15:05.49), junior Zach Dietz in 33rd (15:38.71), sophomore Josh Fisher in 34th (15:44.87), sophomore Adam Babcock in 38th (16:11.34), eighth-grader Marco Van Heteren-Freeze in 44th (16:50.64), sophomore Jacob Olson in 50th (17:38.40) and sophomore Zach Wright in 51st (17:38.81). Meanwhile, the Prior Lake girls team ended up sixth with 89 points. Burnsville won the (136), followed by ISD 196 (105) and Bloomington (96). Ninth-grader Kaija Ornes led the Lakers taking fourth overall with a time of 15:18.52, while senior Megan Lundquist was 16th (17:01.83). Senior Sarah Anderson was 22nd (17:15.49) for the Lakers, followed by senior Alex Fasking in 27th (17:30.90), junior Amber Tieman in 28th (17:31.87), eighth-grader Mckenzie Lundquist in 29th (17:36.21), sophomore Macy Violett in 32nd (17:46.14), junior Leigh Braun in 39th (18:20.95) and sophomore Tessa Rykken in 43rd (18:59.04). Both Laker teams will be back on the trails Tuesday, Jan. 3 in a conference classical and freestyle race at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage at 3:30 p.m.
Jan. 3: at Bloomington Kennedy, 6 p.m. Jan. 6 at Lakeville South, 6 p.m.
NORDIC SKIING Jan. 3: at Murphy-Hanrehan Park, 3:30 p.m.
ALPINE SWIMMING Jan. 5: at Meet at Buck Hill, 3:30 p.m. Note: Prior Lake competes in the South Suburban Conference with nine other schools: Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville South, Lakeville North, Eastview, Rosemount, Bloomington Jefferson, Bloomington Kennedy and Eagan. For more on the second-year league, go to www. southsuburbanconference.org.
Winter Sports State Polls GIRLS HOCKEY CLASS AA 1. Roseville Area 2. Benilde-St. Margaret’s 3. Hill-Murray 4. Minnetonka 5. Anoka 6. Edina 7. Elk River/Zimmerman 8. Blaine 9. Stillwater 10. Mounds View
BOYS HOCKEY CLASS AA 1. Duluth East 2. Minnetonka 3. Maple Grove 4. Eagan 5. Edina 6. Eden Prairie 7. Burnsville 8. Benilde-St. Margaret’s 9. Blaine 10. Grand Rapids
GIRLS BASKETBALL CLASS AAAA 1. Hopkins 2. Edina 3. Lakeville North 4. Bloomington Kennedy 5. Wayzata 6. Eden Prairie 7. Minnetonka 8. Roseville 9. Mounds View 10. Robbinsdale Cooper
BOYS BASKETBALL CLASS AAAA 1. Eastview 2. Hopkins 3. Osseo 4. Lakeville North 5. Eden Prairie 6. Apple Valley 7. Wayzata 8. Tartan 9. Minnetonka 10. Rochester Century
WRESTLING CLASS AAA 1. Apple Valley 2. St. Michael-Albertville 3. Hastings 4. Forest Lake 5. Coon Rapids 6. Albert Lea Area 7. Cambridge-Isanti 8. Owatonna 9. White Bear Lake Area 10. Anoka 11. Prior Lake 12. Centennial
Scoreboard.MN You can also follow Prior Lake High School sports online at www.scoreboard. mn. Catch all of the breaking news, browse photo galleries and keep up with your favorite Laker teams, plus more via the Web.
Facebook & Twitter Did you know Prior Lake High School sports are also available on two popular social networking sites, Facebook and Twitter.
Contact us To contact Prior Lake American sports editor Tom Schardin send an email to sports@swpub. com or call (952) 345-6379.
Page 10 | December 31, 2011
www.plamerican.com | Prior Lake American
scoreboard BOYS BASKETBALL
SPORTS BRIEFS
YOUTH PHOTOS
Babe Ruth Baseball League is offered There will be a parent information meeting Jan. 17 at the Dan Patch American Legion in Savage at 6 p.m. regarding a Babe Ruth Baseball League for players 12 years old or younger. The team will travel across the state with the opportunity to compete in the National World Series. For more information, contact Pete at (612) 730-0999 or email him at arrowheadcycles@hotmail.com.
Winter mountain bike racing available Do you have what it takes to be a mountain bike racer – in the wintertime? Dust off your bike for a series of three winter mountain bike races at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage. You can race 10 miles of challenging single track through the trees and over the snow. Warm up at the trailhead building with hot drinks and prizes. Studded tires are approved. Helmets are required. Co-sponsored by Freewheel Bike. Races are Jan. 7, 15 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Compete in one race or all three! The cost is $10 per race or $25 for all three if you preregister. Race day registration is $15. Race-day registration begins at 10 a.m.; races start at 11 a.m. Call (763 )559-6700 to pre-register.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
First and third The Prior Lake seventh-grade boys basketball team recently took third place in the Farmington Classic Tournament and won the Lakeville North tourney. The team members are, front row, from left: Trey Blanshan, Michael Feragotti, Jack Nusbaum and Kaden Kalton. Second row: Chris Johnson, Jeremy Schlitz, Jacob Fredrickson, Jack Colvin and Jack Schoeller. Not pictured: Coaches Dave Johnson, Joel Kalton and Brad Blanshan.
Spring turkey hunt applications accepted
PHOTO BY TOM SCHARDIN
Prior Lake sophomore guard Jon Sobaski had 19 points in the Lakers’ 66-40 home win over New Prague Dec. 22.
Cagers end losing skid Sobaski scores 19 in Lakers’ 66-40 route of New Prague BY TOM SCHARDIN tschardin@swpub.com
The Prior Lake boys basketball team snapped its threegame losing streak Dec. 22 in convincing fashion. T he L a ker s dom i n ate d from start to fi nish in their 66-40 non-conference home win over New Prague (ranked No. 9 in Class 3A). Sophomore point guard Jon Sobaski led the Lakers with 19 points, helping the team get a game closer to the .500 mark (2-3 overall). The Lakers led 33-22 at the break and continued to set the pace in the fi nal 18 minutes. “Great win,” Lakers coach Alex Focke tweeted after the game. “We came out and took care of business.” Two of the Lakers’ three losses are to ranked Class 4A teams – No. 3 Osseo (70-67 in overtime) and at No. 4 Eden Prairie (66-49). The Lakers returned to the court in the Granite City Classic in St. Cloud, which finished Thursday (results not available at press time. Prior Lake played two games at the classic. Mea nwhi le, senior forwards Jack Harrison and Evan Kotchevar were also in double figures against New Prague with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Ju nior c enter Ca rson Sha n ks chipped i n seven
SWIM continued from page 9
Other finishes included: eighth-grader Jack Dessler in the 50 freestyle (15th, 25.12) and the 100 breaststroke (15th, 1:12.98), Anderson in the 50 freestyle (11th, 24.78), Kleist in the 2 0 0 freestyle (11th, 2:00.55), Torvik in the 100 butterfly (14th, 1:03.40), Nichols in the 100 backstroke (15th, 1:05.12) and junior John Baker in the 100 breaststroke (14th, 1:12.66). Other relays that scored points for the Lakers included
MORE ONLINE FOLLOW THE LAKERS ON THE COURT AT
www.scoreboard.mn points, while senior Jake Hansen had six and senior guard Matt Dysthe scored five. Through five games, Sobaski led the Lakers at 14.6 points per game, while Shanks was averaging 10.4. The Lakers will open South Suburban Conference play Tuesday Jan. 3 at No. 6 Apple Valley at 7:15 p.m. It will be the Lakers first look this season at Tyus Jones, one of the top guards in the state, who was averaging 25.8 points per game in the Eagles’ first four games. P rior La ke wi l l retu r n home Friday, Dec. 6 to take on Rosemount in league play at 7:15 p.m. The Lakers are also playing in the Minnesota Timberwolves Shootout Jan. 7, facing Cedar Falls, Iowa at the Target Center in Minneapolis at 3:30 p.m. Other Shootout games include: St. Thomas Academy versus Benilde-St. Margaret’s at 11 a.m., Rice Lake, Wis. against Duluth East at 12:30 p.m., Pelican Rapids versus Minnetonka at 2 p.m., Sioux City East, Iowa against Hopkins at 5 p.m., and Onalaska, Wis., facing Apple Valley at 6:30 p.m. the 200 medley team of Anderson, Dessler, Alec Robrock and eighth-grader Jonas Lemke in 12th (1:56.17), the 200 freestyle team of Dessler, Torvik, Bragg and Craig Robrock in ninth (1:41.01) and the 400 freestyle team of Bragg, Nichols, Torvik and Craig Robrock (9th, 3:42.18). Prior Lake will be back in the pool Tuesday, Jan. 3 in a South Suburban Conference dual meet at Bloomington Kennedy at 6 p.m. The Lakers will stay on the road Friday Jan. 6 for a league dual at Lakeville South at 6 p.m.
Twelve expanded permit areas will offer wild turkey hunters more flexibility and opportunity when they apply for the 2012 spring wild turkey hunt, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. “Wild turkey permit areas have been consolidated into 12 new, larger areas from 77 smaller ones,” said Steve Merchant, DNR wildlife population and regulation program manager. “While Minnesota’s overall turkey range remains the same, larger geographic areas in which to hunt provide more choice within a single permit area.” Applications for the spring season are being accepted now through Friday, Jan. 13, wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold and online at www.mndnr.gov/buyalicense. The hunt will consist of six five-day and two seven-day seasons. All adult resident and nonresident wild turkey hunters interested in hunting during one of the fi rst four time periods must apply electronically. Licenses for the last four time periods will be sold over- the-counter only. Youth hunters 17 and younger can purchase a permit overthe-counter for any time period. All hunters must pay a nonrefundable $3 application fee at the time of application. Nonresident hunters may apply online or by telephone at 888-665-4236 (MNLICENSE). A nonrefundable $3.50 transaction fee will be charged for online and telephone applications. Hunters who are not successful in the drawing may purchase surplus turkey permits, which are sold on a fi rst-come, fi rstserved basis in mid-March. They also may choose to purchase a license over-the-counter for any of the last four time periods. Unsuccessful applicants retain their preference points. Hunters who are successful in the drawing for one of the fi rst four hunts and choose not to purchase a tag will lose the current year’s preference point for future drawings, but not accumulated preference from past years. For more information, call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367.
Tourney champs The Prior Lake-Savage Peewee A boys hockey recently won the Eden Prairie and the Spirit of Duluth Tournaments. The team members are, front row, from left: Luke Beer and Kyle Nelsen. Second row: Carter Collins, Cole Wagner, Jake Stathopoulos, Joe Stathopoulos, Tanner Burggraaff and Justin Underhill. Third row: Ryan Murray, Kevin Fellows, Brian Arnold, Jake Cohn, Chase Gackle, Scott Reedy, Brandon Leitz, Preston Underhill and Jack Harris. Coaches are: Tony Bianchi, Jesse Murray, Todd Underhill and Matt Sartor.
Hyland Nordic Ski Club has spots open The Hyland Nordic Ski Club meets Wednesday mornings, from 10-11:30 a.m., Jan. 4 through Feb. 22, at Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington. This is for Classic skiers only. Ski rental equipment is available. Cost is $90 and reservations are required. Call (763) 559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #123111-01. The club is for ages 18 years of age and older. The club explores new trails and practices classic technique as you breathe in the fresh winter air and discover the snowcovered beauty of the park. This ski club is geared towards both newer and intermediate skiers with an emphasis on exploring all of the park’s trails.
First place The St. Michael eighth-grade girls basketball team recently won the Prior Lake Athletics for Youth tournament. The team members are, front row, from left: Grace Meidl, Tia Neuharth, Sophie Langdon, and Maria Vallez. Second row: Jamie Fonder, Meghan McWilliams, Becca Brinkley, Maddie Juell and Sarah Spanier. Third row: Nicole Kelly and Mare Vasquez.
YOUTH PHOTOS
Hockey winners SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Second place The Prior Lake Blue six-grade girls basketball team recently took second in the Prior Lake Pre-Holiday Tournament. The team members are, front row, from left: Abby Simpkins, Jocelyn Kirk, Hannah Caldwell, Cassandra Flaata and Claire Houle. Second Row: Sydney Briggs, Rachel Bezdicek, Lindsey Swensen, Kristyn Arends and Sydney Trees.
Tourney winners The Prior Lake Peewee B2 boys hockey team recently won the Bloomington Winter Classic. The team members are, front row, from left: Zach Puterbaugh, Bailey Gryting-Gerlach, Jacek Kujawski, Max Valek, Ethan Derks, Danny Long (Goalie), Alec Gaffney, Mason Fischer and Tanner Anderson. Second row: Sam Goetsch, Seth Nelson, Curt Murphy, Trevor Vitters, Harrison Burns and Nate Kero.
The Prior Lake Peewee B1 Navy boys hockey team recently won the Fergus Falls and Rochester Invitationals. The team members are, front row, from left: Jayden Sheffield, Grant Edwards and Jack Hansen. Second row: Jack Renfroe, Sammy Zak, Brock Penton, Preston Reese, Jackson LeJeune and Ben Halstrom. Third row: Cody Kashmark, Max Vathing, Jake Martin, Bennet Holst, Ben Rohne and J.D. Ludowese. Not pictured: Coaches, John Zak, Steve Vathing, Tom Penton and Brian Hansen.
First and second The Prior Lake Gold fifth-grade boys traveling basketball team recently took first place in the Osseo Tournament and second in the Maple Grove Tournament. The team members are, front row, from left: Kole Greene and Cade Lund. Second row: Cole Buelow, Brett Nusbaum, Nathan Jacob and Carter Taney. Third row: Trenton Herubin, AJ Lattery, Jack Plaisted and Matthew Frederickson. Not pictured: Coaches John Buelow, George Nusbaum and Brookes Taney.
Prior Lake American | www.plamerican.com
December 31, 2011 | Page 11
POLICE CALLS
FIRE CALLS
The Prior Lake Police Department responded to the following incidents Dec. 21-28. This is not a comprehensive list of all incidents to which the department responded. Crash Dec. 26: An 18-year-old Prior Lake man was driving southbound on Eagle Creek Avenue just north of 140th Street when a deer darted out of a ditch and ran in front of his vehicle. The man swerved to avoid the deer and went into a ditch on the west side of the road, struck a small tree and crossed a concrete washout area before coming to a stop. The man was not injured but his vehicle sustained substantial damage. DWI Dec. 26: A 49-year-old Apple Valley man was arrested and jailed for fourthdegree DWI after he was pulled over on 140th Street near Eagle Creek Avenue for speeding and failing to drive in a single lane. His blood alcohol content (BAC) was later registered at .17. Mischief Dec. 23: A man from the 16300 block of Park Avenue reported that his property had been toilet papered. Dec. 24: Police received a report of two teenage boys walking down the middle of the road on McKenna Road
for fifth-degree near North Berens drug possession Road refusing to MORE ONLINE and fifth-degree move for vehicles. KEEP UP WITH sale of a conPolice were unBREAKING NEWS trolled subable to locate the AND LISTEN TO POLICE, FIRE stance. boys. AND SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Dec. 23: A Dec. 24: A CALLS 24/7 THROUGH OUR 32-year-old St. man from the ONLINE POLICE SCANNER AT Paul woman was 4900 block of plamerican.com/crimebeat cited for possesMinnesota Street sion of drug parreported that aphernalia while someone dumped at Mystic Lake Casino. a single tire on his front lawn. Suspicion Narcotics Dec. 22: A woman reported that Dec. 21: Police received a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 17100 someone from an apartment building block of Sunrise Avenue. The officer was aiming a laser pointer at her while who responded approached the vehicle she was at a business in the 4700 and observed marijuana smoke inside block of Park Nicollet Avenue. It was of the vehicle. A glass pipe was also in determined that the subject was just plain view of the officer. As a result, a playing with a cat and the laser 19-year-old man from Savage was pointer. Theft cited for possession of drug parapherDec. 24: Police received a report of nalia and a 19-year-old Prior Lake man was cited for possession of a small a car prowler in the 14400 block of amount of marijuana in a motor vehi- Castlegate Way. The witness saw a man park a vehicle across the street, exit cle. Dec. 22: Police received a report of the vehicle and enter another, unlocked a woman in possession of metham- vehicle in the area. The man, a 30-yearphetamine being detained at Mystic old from White Bear Lake, was eventuLake Casino, 2400 Mystic Lake Boule- ally found by a Scott County K-9 unit vard. The woman, a 22-year-old from under the deck of a nearby residence. Minneapolis, was arrested and jailed He was arrested and jailed for fifth-
degree drug possession, possession of stolen property, motor vehicle tampering and theft. His vehicle was towed. Dec. 27: A woman reported that she left her purse somewhere at Little Six Casino, 2354 Sioux Trail, and when she returned it was gone. The total value of the purse and its contents is listed at $25. Trespassing Dec. 22: A 51-year-old Golden Valley man was cited for trespassing at Little Six Casino. Dec. 25: A 20-year-old Lakeville woman was cited for trespassing at Mystic Lake Casino. Warrants Dec. 24: A 39-year-old Shakopee woman was arrested and jailed on a Scott County felony warrant for failing to appear on a fifth-degree drug possession charge after being pulled over on Panama Avenue near Village Lake Drive. Dec. 25: A 26-year-old Bloomington woman was arrested and jailed on a Dakota County warrant after she was pulled over on Ridgemont Avenue near Hope Street. Dec. 26: A 27-year-old California man was arrested and jailed on a Hennepin County warrant for hit and run after he was pulled over on 154th Street near Orion Road.
Texas Avenue in Credit River Township at 4:34 p.m. The alarm was set off by burnt food. Dec. 26 Firefighters responded to: A possible house fire in the 17200 block of Panama Avenue in Spring Lake Township. It was determined that the fire was coming from two plastic garbage bins outside of the house which damaged some vehicles in the driveway. The fire was likely caused by ashes from a fire or a cigarette butt. A fire alarm in the 16600 block of Five Hawks Avenue at 8:58 p.m. It was a false alarm. A motor vehicle accident at Eagle Creek and Texas avenues in Credit River Township at 9:42 p.m. A single car was in the ditch and one person was transported to the hospital by Allina. A motor vehicle accident on County Road 21 just north of County Road 42. No injuries were reported. Dec. 27 Firefighters were called to a grass fire in the 3000 block of Limerick Street at 2:17 p.m. The fire appeared to have been caused by embers from a fire pit.
The Prior Lake Fire Department responded to the following fire and medical calls Dec. 21-28: Dec. 21 Firefighters responded to report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries at County roads 81 and 82. The injuries were minor and firefighters were cancelled en route. Dec. 22 Firefighters responded to: A fire alarm in the 3300 block of 203rd Court in Spring Lake Township at 4:09 p.m. Firefighters were cancelled en route by the alarm company. A smell of smoke in a residence in the 21400 block of Wagon Wheel Trail in Credit River Township at 5:41 p.m. It was determined that the smell was likely coming from a Crayon that had been dropped in a furnace duct. A smell investigation in the 2800 block of Fox Run at 6:44 p.m. It was determined that natural gas was leaking from a gas meter. CenterPoint Energy was requested. Dec. 25 Firefighters responded to a fire alarm at a home in the 19700 block of
DISTRICT 191 MAGNET SCHOOLS
Take your car search for a spin.
Gifted & Talented Individualized Education, Enhanced Opportunities Harriet Bishop Elementary and Eagle Ridge Junior High, both located in Savage, meet the needs of highly gifted students by providing rigorous curriculum, unique learning opportunities such as drama and orchestra, and targeted, leveled instruction for all students.
Attend a Parent Information Night in January to find the right fit for your child. Eagle Ridge Junior High - Jan. 5, 6:30 p.m. Harriet Bishop Elementary - Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m. www.isd191.org facebook.com/isd191 209989
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Page 12 | December 31, 2011
www.plamerican.com | Prior Lake American
AUTO • LIFE • HOME BUSINESS JULIE MUELKEN AGENCY
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COOL JOBS: BRENT DUNCAN, INDEPENDENT FILMMAKER
Lights. Camera. Action. Editor’s note: This is an occasional series focusing on area residents’ interesting, unusual or even oddball occupations. BY KRISTIN HOLTZ kholtz@swpub.com
T
he dining room of Brent Duncan’s traditional farmhouse is less a place for family dinners than storage of movie props. A green screen is tucked up against a curio cabinet displaying Star Wars memorabilia. On the floor sits a makeup kit beside packedaway lights and camera bag. Multitasking is the life of an independent filmmaker. Duncan started Knucklehead Films in March 2006. In May, he and his wife, Amanda, started Steep Hill Films, which focuses solely on commercial client and feature film work. The Duncans, who lived in Shakopee for 10 years before moving this summer, run their filmmaking businesses out of their rural New Prague house. Tucked in the country, the farm has even been the backdrop for Steep Hill’s concept trailer of its newest project, a feature film, “The Unknown.” While Duncan, 34, has always loved movies, particularly Halloween horror films and realistic 1970s’ dramas, he never really imagined himself as a filmmaker. Fed up with the stress of working in a collection agency, Duncan intended to become a tattoo artist, partially moving out to California to start his own studio. But after being injured in a pedestrian-car accident in 2005, his body couldn’t handle the tension of being hunched over for hours. So, facing a career crisis, Duncan sat down and made a list of all his favorite things. At the top: Movies. The film business isn’t always as glamorous as it sounds. A short day for Duncan is 10 hours, and when filming, days run 15 to 20 hours. His short film, “La Petite Femme,” an official selection at the 2008 Solstice Film Festival, was edited in just 18 days. It’s an incredibly laborintensive and stressful job, said Duncan, noting the bottle of Tums next to his cell phone. “There’s a reason why more people don’t do this for a living. It’s by far the best job in the world. I get to play. I get to create things. I get to work with beautiful people all the time. I get to learn new things,” Duncan said. “But it’s
PHOTOS BY KRISTIN HOLTZ/ REPRINTS AT PHOTOS.SHAKOPEENEWS.COM
Independent filmmaker Brent Duncan is raising funds for his newest project, “The Unknown,” a full-length feature film he wrote and is directing. Duncan, 34, who recently moved to New Prague from Shakopee, has been in the film business since 2005. Rarities Inc. in Bloomington, from the first color RCA TV to rare concert posters to Judith Leiber luxury handbags. Duncan has directed one feature film and is in preproduction for a second. He’s made other short films, as well as a TV pilot and feature film, “Cortland,” for another director. Duncan directed Knucklehead’s first feature film, “The Mix-In,” in 2009. He plans to release it to theaters this spring, including Marcus Theatres in Shakopee. “Brent pretty much lived in his computer chair for nine months,” Amanda said about Duncan’s post-production work on “The Mix-In.” Steep Hill Film’s newest project is a feature film the couple is producing with Chris Sias, called “The Unknown.” Written by Duncan, the movie is a psychological thriller about a man whose wife and kids have been kidnapped. The Duncans would like to raise $300,000 for the project through Indi Go-Go crowd funding. Those interested in learning more about the film can check out a concept trailer at indiegogo.com/ The-Unknown and contribute toward the project through the end of the month. (Think $300,000 sounds like a lot of money? The average Hollywood film budget is more than $139 million, according to Duncan.) Steep Hill has already casted for “The Unknown,” which it hopes to start filming this spring. The Duncans would like to release the movie in September 2012. While a man of many skills, Duncan’s favorite task
Online Watch the trailer for Steep Hill Film’s latest project, “The Unknown,” or contribute to the company’s crowd funding efforts at indiegogo. com/The-Unknown. Learn more about Steep Hill Films at www.steephillfilms.com.
also the most stressful job I’ve ever done in my whole life.” Duncan is responsible for nearly every aspect of filmmaking: writing, lighting, shooting, casting, setting up, editing, special effects, color grading, marketing/ advertising and postproduction. “It takes a world of people to make a project and essentially we do all those jobs,” said Amanda, who helps out on the business side, as well as casting, lighting, script supervision and managing locations. Even the couple’s three daughters — ages 15, 11 and 8 — assist occasionally. In fact, the Duncans do pretty much everything but sound, a highly technical field of work Duncan prefers to hire out. “It makes you appreciate the film all that much more when you understand everything that goes into it,” Amanda said. Duncan balances corporate and independent work. His current corporate project is creating web videos of a Minnesota businessman’s memorabilia collection, called “Treasures of the 20th Century.” Duncan has made 18 films so far, showcasing the eclectic collection of James Cook, who owns Investment
is directing. He loves pulling a genuine performance from his actors — something that can be missing in indie films, which often feature overacting, he said. Having performed theater in high school and some work since, he understands the process and isn’t afraid to get personal with his actors. He also loves that moment in every project that while shooting, the words on the page finally come to life. “It’s such a cool feeling,” he said. “But when it goes wrong, it so frustrating.” Duncan’s least favorite part of his job is working with other producers, especially those unfamiliar with the film business, he said. While Duncan can usually imagine the final product in his head early on, translating that to others isn’t as easy. Duncan’s toughest critic is usually himself. He has high expectations and knows a film can always be improved, pointing to famous filmmakers, like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, who return to their work years later. Thankfully, independent filmmaking gives him chance to be constantly learning and trying new things. “If I was just editing or just directing, I would get bored. I need to do a lot of things,” Duncan said.
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Prior Lake American | www.plamerican.com
December 31, 2011 | Page 13
americanslice Contributions welcome to editor@plamerican.com, (952) 345-6378
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon to meet Beyond t he Yel low Ribbon South of the River will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3 in the lower level of the Prior Lake VFW, 16306 Main Ave. All meetings are open to the public. For more information, call (952) 440-5011 or visit www. btyrsouthoftheriver.org.
First responder courses offered The Mdewakanton Emergency Services department will present seven courses starting in January for emergency medical services and health care providers. Classes are open to the public and will be in the training room at the tribe’s fi re station across from Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake. An EMT initial class will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 3-March 29; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every third Saturday. The cost of this class is $1,320. A fi rst responder initial class will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and every other Friday, Jan. 9-Feb. 8. The cost of this class is $440. Three EMT refresher courses will be offered for those 18 and up (cost is $275): I 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb, 17, 18 and 19 I 6 to 10 p.m. March 5-16 I 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 27, 28 and 29 Two fi rst responder refresher courses will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 20-29; and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 10 and 11. The cost for the class is $176. This class is open to people age 17 and up. CPR and AED classes are also available. For more information about classes, contact Training Coordinator Malissa Radanke at Mdewakanton Emergency Services at (952) 233-1077 or register at www.mdfi re.org.
Shooting sports kickoff scheduled The Scott County Shooting Sports program is open to youth in grade three through one year posthigh school and meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at the SCALE facility, 17706 Valley View Drive, Jordan. A sign-up meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5. Shooting sports is a game of skill, knowledge, practice and concentration. In the 4-H Shooting Sports Project, youth gain skills such as decision making, teamwork, self-discipline, building self-confidence and problem solving. The program is taught by nationally or state-certified 4-H instructors. Shooting disciplines include archery, muzzle loading, pistol, rifle, shotgun and hunting. For more information, visit www.terrywerm.com/4H.htm or call the Scott County Extension Office at (952) 492-5410.
FACES IN THE CROWD | A WEEKLY PROFILE OF PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY
Family says ‘adios’ to exchange student BY MERYN FLUKER mfluker@swpub.com
One-word answers
T
hree months ago, Juan Diego Gabriel had never been sledding. He’d never gone deer hunting, had a Wendy’s Frosty or been to the Mall of America. A family from Savage made sure to change all of that. The Korkowskis hosted Juan Diego, who lives in Guatemala, for 11 weeks through the Friendly Exchange program. Sue, the matriarch of the Korkowski family, saw an ad for the program in a spring newsletter from St. Michael’s Catholic School, where her son Jacob and daughter Grace attend second and fourth grades, respectively. “I guess I just thought it would be a great experience for our family,” Sue said. “I thought it would be a lot of fun, and it was.” The Korkowski family has always been a welcoming unit, regularly setting extra place settings for friends at dinner. “Usually, our van is full,” said Sue about anytime the family goes anywhere, referencing the honorary Korkowskis invited along for the ride. “I’ve always wanted four children.” After a few months and some confusion – Juan Diego was matched with the Korkowskis after another student had to be reassigned – the Korkowskis were on their way to the airport in the middle of the night to pick up the newest addition to their family. “From that second, we know he was part of us,” Sue recalled. “He fit right in. There really has not been an adjustment.” Understandably, Juan Diego – who had been to the United States many times but never to Minnesota – had some initial apprehension. “First, I was scared because I didn’t know too much of my family,” the 14-year-old said. “By the second day, I wasn’t scared anymore.” Juan Diego, who speaks clear, emphatic English, said two words came to mind as he arrived in Minnesota: “It’s awesome.” The phrase has become a refrain for the foreign exchange student to discuss his time here. While it took some adjusting to the school structure and schedule – which are much more rigid than in his home country – and the people, after about a week Juan Diego succumbed to that potent
In the 11 weeks Juan Diego Gabriel lived with the Korkowski family, they all got really close. On the eve of his return to Guatemala, here’s how some of the members of the family described Juan Diego:
PHOTO BY MERYN FLUKER/ REPRINTS AT PHOTOS.PLAMERICAN.COM
Juan Diego Gabriel stops at his Hidden Oaks Middle School locker during one of his last days as a student at the school. He spent 11 weeks living in Savage with the Korkowski family and attending seventh grade at Hidden Oaks. He went back to Guatemala, his home country, on Dec. 10. Minnesota nice. “It was easier here than in Guatemala,” he said about making new friends. “They’re really friendly here.” Juan Diego is in eighth grade in Guatemala, but he was given a schedule almost identical to that of the Korkowskis’ oldest son, 13-yearold Mason, who is in seventh grade at Hidden Oaks Middle School. Juan Diego was the first exchange student at the middle school in recent memory, something he thinks is “awesome.” Hidden Oaks teachers encouraged Juan Diego to share his culture, including speaking Spanish – his first language – in front of his
MORE ONLINE READ MORE ABOUT LOCAL FAMILIES’ EXPERIENCES HOSTING FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS BY SEARCHING “FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS” AT
www.plamerican.com
class. His favorite class is math, but his favorite thing about school didn’t have anything to do with coursework or classmates. Juan Diego was mesmerized by the school’s SMART Boards. “We don’t have that in
I
“Loving” – Sue Korkowski
I
“Crazy” – Mason Korkowski
I
“Boisterous” – Ron Korkowski
I
”Loud” – Grace Korkowski
Guatemala,” he said. McDonald’s and soccer are just two of the things they have both in the United States and Guatemala, and according to Juan Diego, they are both better in Central America. “He says everything in Guatemala is better,” said Mason, ribbing Juan Diego as brothers are prone to do. Juan Diego really did become a Korkowski. He helped the family cut down a Christmas tree – another “awesome” first – and Sue and Grace made him a detailed birthday cake featuring the logo of the Futbol Club Barcelona, Juan Diego’s favorite soccer team. “I’ve been making them for the kids since they were born,” Sue said. Grace, Juan Diego and Mason fought like lifelong siblings – snatching toys from each others’ hands, poking and prodding each other. “He’s been stealing all my stuff,” Grace complained. “I steal it but I always give it back,” Juan Diego replied. He’s been a shot in the arm for the Korkowskis. “Everything’s been livelier,” Sue says. With four kids in the house, there’s not a whole lot of downtime. “It’s been very busy,” says father Ron. “We haven’t had one second of quiet.” Much of that noise is Juan Diego: stomping as he thunders through the Savage house, whistling at a tone bordering the frequency only dogs can hear and then there’s the teasing. “He’s a very big teaser,” Ron said. Juan Diego lives with his mother in Guatemala and is the youngest of three brothers. In the Korkowski household, the roles are flipped with a sister in the mix and Juan Diego is the oldest, a “cool” development that
Student to page 18 ®
Do you know someone who would make a good Faces in the Crowd candidate? Call the editor at (952) 345-6378 or e-mail editor@plamerican.com.
CROSSING CULTURES
Sheriff’s Citizens Academy planned The annual Sheriff’s Citizens Academy is set to begin Jan. 23 and run on Monday evenings for nine weeks. Applicants should be at least 18 and live, work or attend school in Scott County. All applications must be submitted by Jan. 6. Participants must agree to allow the Sheriff’s Office to run a background check. The academy aims to increase citizens’ awareness of law enforcement and provide information so people can make informed decisions about police activity. The academy is designed to dispel suspicions and misconceptions and to promote relationships between the Sheriff’s Office and the community. For an application or more information, visit www.co.scott. mn.us or call (952) 496-8833.
Deadline The deadline for community happenings items for this section is noon Wednesdays. For more information, e-mail editor@plamerican.com.
PHOTO BY MERYN FLUKER / REPRINTS AT PHOTOS.PLAMERICAN.COM
Hidden Oaks Middle School geography teacher Lorinda Welch (far left) shows off a Hidden Oaks Lakers T-shirt to Natalie Latzka (far right) in the school’s media center. Welch gave Latzka the T-shirt to bring to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Latzka, a Prior Lake resident and director of Kilisummit Adventure and Safari, brought her 16-year-old twin daughters Allison and Megan Woldstad to the school to join her for presentations about the Tanzanian peak, which she has climbed many times. Her daughters joined her most recent journey to Mt. Kilimanjaro earlier this year. Welch and her students will work on raising money and collecting school supplies for Latzka to bring to a school in Tanzania.
Page 14 | December 31, 2011
www.plamerican.com | Prior Lake American
americanslice COMMUNITY HELP AND SUPPORT (Editor’s note: Listings of organizational meetings and events are free but are not guaranteed in the Prior Lake American. Send information that includes the organization’s name and meeting times/locations and a contact’s name and telephone number. Deadline is Wednesday at noon. E-mail information to editor@plamerican.com, mail to Prior Lake American, P.O. Box 578, Prior Lake, MN 55372, or fax to (952) 447-6671.)
WEEKLY
Young Life Scott County Young Life is part of a worldwide, nondenominational Christian organization for high school students that of fers fun, adventure, friendship and a sense of significance. The club meets from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at the Young Life Office, 13845 Highway 13, Savage. For more information, call (952) 402-9123 or visit www. scottcountymn.younglife.org.
Co-Dependents Anonymous Co-Dependents Anonymous group support meets at 4646 Colorado St., Prior Lake. I Men’s C o -D ep endent s Anonymous meets at 6:30 p.m. every Monday. I Co-Dependents Anonymous (for men and women) meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday.
Overeaters Anonymous The group Overeaters Anonymous meets from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Christ Lutheran Church, 1053 Jef ferson St., Shakopee. There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins. Everyone is welcome. The group has a step format with a monthly open topic. For more information, call Nancy at (612) 250-0075 or Steve at (612) 845-2672.
Emotions Anonymous A 12-step program called Emotions Anonymous meets 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Anne’s parish center, 411 N. Fourth St., LeSueur, in the south end of St. Anne’s parking lot.
For more information, call Kathleen at (507) 665-2644.
Gamblers Anonymous/ Gam-Anon Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other. The g roups meet weekly on Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road, Prior Lake. For more information, call Charlie at (952) 884-9417 or Michael at (952) 607-8619.
Moms in Touch International Moms in Touch International (MITI) is a prayer group that meets weekly to pray for children and schools. Moms pray one hour each week for their children, their individual schools, administration, PTA/PTC groups, staff, students and every aspect of the school. For information on your child’s individual school, visit momsintouch.org and click on “group locator.”
T.O.P.S. T.O.P.S., Take off Pounds Sensibly, meets at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday in the community room at Prior Lake State Bank, 16677 Duluth Ave. For more information, call June at (952) 454-6579 or Mikki at (952) 457-1306.
PowerNet business Savage PowerNet, a business referral group, meets every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Davanni’s, at County Road 42 and Highway 13 in Savage. For more information, call Kelly at (612) 861-8300.
Savage Network Plus Savage Network Plus, a Business Network Inter national group, meets at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays at Savage City Hall, 6000 McColl Drive. The group of small business owners seeks to grow businesses by generating referrals for one another. For more information, call
(952) 440-5261 or e-mail bprimeau@summitwealthadvocates. com.
or visit www.momsclub.org.
MONTHLY/ SEMIMONTHLY
Scott County WyldLife is part of a worldwide, nondenominational Christian organization for middle school students. The club meets every other Friday and offers a high-energy, interactive evening fi lled with games, fun and music. For more information on the schedule and location, call Jennifer Schroeder at (952) 402-9123 or visit the website at www.scottcountymn.wyldlife. org.
Prior Lake Parent Resource Group The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota provides support groups to help parents discover resources to meet the challenges of raising a child with mental illness, learn coping skills and develop problem-solving skills. Parent resource groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has been trained to lead support groups. A parent resource group meets on the fi rst Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The LINK Event Center, 2200 Trail of Dreams, Prior Lake. For more information, call NAMI at (651) 645-2948.
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Beyond the Yellow Ribbon South of the River, an organization that supports military personnel and their families, meets the fi rst Tuesday of every month in the lower level of the Prior Lake VFW, 16306 Main Ave. The group can be reached by calling (952) 440-5011, or emailing btyrsouthoftheriver@ gmail.com.
American Legion The Prior Lake American Legion meets the third Monday of each month at 8 p.m. at the Prior Lake VFW, 16306 Main Ave., Prior Lake. For more information, call Bob Roe at (952) 447-5811.
MOMS Club MOMS Club of Prior Lake (Moms Offering Moms Support) will have its monthly membership meeting the third Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at Harbor Community Church, 5995 Timber Trail, Prior Lake. To join the group or find out more information, contact Mandy Reinert Nash at (952) 226-2410 or Sharlene Czajkowski at (952) 447-1780, e-mail momsclubofpriorlake@yahoo.com
WyldLife
Savage Unity AA A handicapped-accessible Alcoholics Anonymous meeting open to men and women takes place Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Bridgewood Church, 6201 W. 135th St., Savage. For more information, call (952) 297-4777.
Winner’s Circle The Winner’s Circle Chapter of Business Network International meets from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursdays at 1101 Adams St., Shakopee. For more information, call Darren Kurilko at (952) 9470323.
Gamblers Anonymous Gamblers Anonymous, a support group for those struggling with addiction to gambling, meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 5634 Luther Road, Prior Lake.
Alanon Alanon meetings with the “Island of Serenity” group will take place at 7 p.m. Mondays at 16150 Arcadia Ave., Prior Lake.
AA Other meetings take place at Lakers Alano, 4646 Colorado St. on the following days: I Mondays: AA meets at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. I Tuesdays: AA meets at 6:30 p.m. I Wednesdays: AA meets at 6:30 p.m. I Thursdays: AA meets at 6:30 p.m. I Fridays: AA meets at 6:30 and 8 p.m.
TAWAYS! BACKYARD GE
I Saturdays: AA meets at 9:30 a.m. On the third Saturday of each month, there will be a 6:30 p.m. potluck followed by the 8 p.m. speaker meeting. NA (Narcotics Anonymous meets at 6:30 p.m. I Sundays: A A meets at 10:30 a.m., the AA Big Book Study meets at 6:30 p.m. All people in recovery are welcome to attend.
Domestic violence Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women offers ongoing weeknight and weekday support groups for women who are currently experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. On-site childcare is provided. For location and more information, call (952) 873-4214.
National Alliance for Mental Illness The Scott County chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the fi rst and third Wednesdays of the month at the Valley Green Workforce Center, 752 Canterbury Road, Shakopee. The meetings are open to al l who are interested (including those living with the illness). For more information, call Janet Williams at (952) 890-1669 or Kevin Wineman at (952) 4968513, or visit www.nami.org/ namimn.
Marine Corps League The Marine Corps League meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Dan Patch American Legion, 12375 Princeton Ave., Savage. For more information, call Pete Williams at (612) 730 0999.
Suicide grief support A suicide grief support group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Queen of Peace Hospital, 301 Second St., New Prague. The meeting location is the Jameen Mape Room. Enter through the emergency room doors; use the southeast elevators to the lower level. For more information, call Sally at (952) 758-4735.
Spring 2011
{travel}
DISCOVER Split Rock at night
To advertise in Dockside Minnesota Magazine contact Dan at dboike@swpub.com or 952-345-6372
5
Sampling Sweet Treats In Your Neighborhood
TRAVEL
Five hot tipss for cool tripss Story and photos by Stacey Wittig
Tanzania: Safari; Zanzibar: Beach Holiday Experience the wonders of Africa’s wildlife by hot-air balloon. Get an up-close view of wildebeest herds pushing across the Serengeti, zebras zigzagging through endless grasses and elephants bathing in wadis. Go wild on a walking or vehicle safari and then sleep tight in your deluxe safari tent.
Tanzanian safaris take you deep nto African into landscapes.
After witnessing the largest mass movement of mammals on the planet (say that five times), fly to Zanzibar, Tanzania’s “Spice Island” (see photo, page 10). Here on the Indian Ocean’s white sands, cultures have collided for centuries. Stay in exotic Stone Town where Arab harems danced for sultans, Indian spice merchants left splendid architecture and Dr. Livingstone (I presume) began his last journey into the Swahili mainland. Or stay at a beach resort for some of the world’s best scuba diving. www.adventuresinafrica.com.
Support for RSD/CRPS A support group for anyone affected by Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome meets from 10 a.m. to noon the fourth Saturday of each month at the Savage Public Library, 13090 Alabama Ave., Savage. T he g roup encou rages a positive, caring group and has a variety of topics. The group is facilitated by Bonnie Scherer, but all members decide on all aspects of the meetings. For more information, call (952) 457-7586.
River Valley Toastmasters The Minnesota River Valley Toastmasters will meet on the second, third and fourth Mondays of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. The group now meets at the Prior Lake fi re station, 16776 Fish Point Road. All visitors are welcome. For more information, call Shirley at (952) 447-4621 or visit www. mnrv.freetoasthost.org.
Widows and widowers Widows’ a nd Widowers’ Circle of Friends is a social group for those who have lost a spouse. The group meets at 5 p.m. the second Saturday of the month. For more information, call Ethel at (952) 888-1035.
La Leche League La Leche League offers support and encouragement to mothers who wish to breastfeed their babies. Join the group for a meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., and bring your nursing baby. Pregnant women are encouraged to attend before the birth of their babies. For more information on the meeting or breastfeeding questions, call April at (952) 4406320, Michele at (952) 447-6182 or Traci at (952) 226-2052.
Sign up p to receive recei e our o r quarterly Dockside Minnesota Magazine for FREE and be entered for a chance to WIN a weekend getaway at the historic St. James Hotel in Red Wing, MN.
Distinctive Destinations Looking for an exotic travel adventure, or at least an uncommon vacation destination? Here are five top picks for 2011 from Stacey Wittig, who writes the travel blog Vagabonding Lulu.
Minnesota Valley Mothers of Multiples will meet at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Apple Valley Community Center, 14601 Hayes Road, Apple Valley. For more information, email info@mvmom.org.
Win a Weekend Getaway!
minnesota Living life steps from the water
Mothers of Multiples
Hike Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
High Li Living Along Peru’s Ancient Pathways Adventure travelers love the trek to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” for its blend of action, rugged beauty and lavish pampering. What do you call a four-day backpacking trip where l polite porters carry your pa pack, learned chefs prepare exotic local foods, and hot wine is served at an alpine viewpoint 11,742 feet fee above sea level? Vagabonding Lulu calls it “Gucci Camping.”
A BOAT SHOW DOWN!
UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be reached by train, but the hardy – may The remote ruins, a UNE th road less traveled, the Inca Trail. Acclimate for altitude in Cusco I add fool-hardy? – prefer the with a three-day stay at the lavish Hotel Monasterio, a former monastery dating from 1592. As the oldest inhabited city of the New World, Cusco will charm you with its Spanish Colonial churches, artisan selling crafts from arcades full of history. www.mayuk.com. Inca ruins and sweet artisans
8 Dockside Minnesota ◆ Spring 2012
Dockside Minnesota ◆ Spring 2012
minnesota
Spring 2011
9
Accommodations include a Friday and Saturday night stay in a suite at the St. James Hotel, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, $20 voucher for Jimmy’s Pub and a voucher for dinner on Saturday night at The Port Restaurant.
To sign up for a free subscription to Dockside Minnesota Magazine call 952-345-6682 or email circulation@swpub.com.
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Prior Lake American | www.plamerican.com
December 31, 2011 | Page 15
americanslice
‘Divas’ head for state honor choir M
onday marked the annual VH1 Divas concert and though the slate of performers included Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan and Kelly Clarkson, two notable songstresses were left off the list: Kathryn Rupp and Cassidy Wall. “We refer to ourselves as the divas,” says Wall, a sophomore at Prior Lake High School. “We kind of stick together in choir,” adds Rupp, also a sophomore from at the Savage high school. “Sticking together in choir” now extends outside the women’s chorale Rupp and Wall both sing in at school. The two Prior Lake residents were selected from almost 900 freshmen and sophomores from across the state to sing in the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota’s (ACDA-MN) 2012 grades nine and 10 honor choir. The girls will rehearse alongside 128 of their peers on Thursday, Feb. 16 before the choir’s 5:15 p.m. concert in the sanctuary at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The synergy of Wall and Rupp is something that Tom Hassig, their women’s chorale director and the presidentelect of ACDA-MN, has already picked up on after directing the girls for only a few months. “They’re always open and receptive to new ideas, are not easily satisfied with ‘same old, same old’ and want to improve their talents,” Hassig says. “They help lead the choir and provide a nice challenge for me to stay on top of my game.” Rupp and Wall may be finishing each other’s sentences and making beautiful music together now but they started out as dueling divas. “We kind of got really jealous of each other,” Rupp says. “We were each other’s competition,” Wall adds, though this didn’t stop them from performing Beyoncè’s “Halo” at both the Twin Oaks
Read more about the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District’s ties to the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota by searching “ACDA-MN” at www.plamerican.com
To go What: Choral concert featuring the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota (ACDA-MN) 2012 grades nine and 10 state honor choir
Middle School talent show and at Laker Showcase when they were in seventh grade. “Once we reached high school we realized, ‘This is kind of dumb,’” Wall says. “Now we’re best friends.” “I think it was natural,” Rupp says. The singers share a lot more than friendship. Both have been singing since they were very young and this is the second ACDA-MN stint for both. Wall sang in the organization’s grades seven and eight choir when she was in seventh grade while Rupp made the choir the following year. “I encouraged all of our freshman and sophomores to audition,” Hassig says of the choir. “The chance to work with outstanding talents from across the state under the leadership of a director with a national reputation for excellence will only help the singers to grow musically and personally. That growth will benefit them personally and can help our program improve.” Rupp and Wall share opportunities with each other and the pair practiced the honor choir audition music together earlier this year. Both of them were a bit under the weather and though they are both the highest sopranos in the women’s chorale, Rupp decided to audition for the honor choir as an alto, “to change it up,” she says. “I convinced her,” Wall chimes in. These kinds of suggestions are characteristic of the duo’s friendship. No longer resigned to competing against each other – “It’s better to be friends than to try and one up each other,” Wall says – the two now collaborate to improve their own vocal abilities.
PRIOR LAKE
When: 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 Where: Central Lutheran Church, 333 S. 12th St., Minneapolis
PHOTO BY MERYN FLUKER
Prior Lake High School sophomores, best friends and self-described “divas” Kathryn Rupp (left) and Cassidy Wall sit at a piano in one of the school’s practice rooms on Monday. The 15 year olds were both selected from almost 900 students to join the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota (ACDA-MN) 2012 grades nine and 10 honor choir.
“We’re both very fortunate to have the talent that we have.” Kathryn Rupp Prior Lake High School sophomore and member of ACDA-MN’s 2012 grades nine and 10 honor choir “We critique each other,” Rupp says. “We encourage other,” Wall follows. When asked if they make each other better singers, both sopranos nod enthusiastically, the same way they responded when asked if it was nice to make the honor choir together – instead of separately, like they did in middle school. “We’re both very fortunate to have the talent that we have,” Rupp says. Despite that confidence,
they weren’t worry free as they waited to find out if they’d make the honor choir’s cut. Wall tried out as a soprano last year and didn’t make the cut, so she was determined to show growth and progress. “You’re kind of nervous just because of how many amazing singers there are across the state,” Rupp says. “They select, I don’t know, 100? You could be 101 and not make it and be so close. You never know.” They recorded their
auditions in mid October and the good news came on Nov. 6. Now she and Wall are anticipating Feb. 16. They have five pieces of music to learn and memorize before that day, which will be a marathon of rehearsals before the early evening performance. “’It’s less than two months for honor choir,’” Wall recalls telling a classmate. “I wasn’t even talking to someone in choir. I’m so excited.” The singers are not only excited about the chance to perform and rehearse under the baton of guest conductor Bruce Rogers of Mt. San Antonio Community College in Walnut, Calif. They are looking forward to the differences they’ll hear from their fellow singers, who all bring unique tone, sound and
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Let Your Business Be Known...
Online O li Church Ch h Directory Di t — place l your newspaper worship hi ad d on our online li worship directory www.plamerican.com. For more information call 952-447-6669
The People of the United Methodist Church Welcome You
Prior Lake Baptist Church Loving God, Exalting Christ, Revering God’s Word, Building Christ’s Church - together
1026 E 205th St, Jordan (952) 492-2249 www.lydiazionchurch.com
Pastor Ron Groschel 952-447-2824 SUNDAY SERVICES
Morning Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School/ Adult Bible Fellowship 10:40 a.m. Evening Service 6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY SERVICES
Bible Study Awana Club (Oct. - Apr.)
Sunday Worship ..................................9:00 AM Sunday School ....................................10:15 AM Youth Group Meets Sunday 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Pastor Larry G. Kasten 952.217.1113 lzumc.pastor@frontiernet.net
Home of Prior Lake Christian School (Preschool - 12th grade) visit us at: www.priorlakebaptist.org Join us for Worship Sunday at 8:45 & 10:45 a.m.
(2 blocks W. of Hwy. 13 on Dakota)
LCMS
Pastor Rance Settle County Rd. 42 & Pike Lake Trail (952) 445-1779
Sunday Worship 9:00 AM Sunday School & Adult Bible Class 10:20 AM
952.230.2988
Seek, Share and Serve our Savior
www.sollc.org
www.holycross-pl.org
One block West of Cty. Rd. 21 on Cty. Rd. 42
Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church
St. Michael Catholic Church 16311 Duluth Avenue SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 952-447-2491 www.stmichael-pl.org
Weekend Mass Times: Saturday 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Nursery available during 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Mass St. Michael Catholic School
Southwest 127751
NEWSPAPERS
Call 952-447-6669
read. new stuff every day.
register. once. you’re done!
Grades PreK-8 952-447-2124
We have a Worship Directory in each of these publications: Eden Prairie News Shakopee Valley News Chanhassen Villager Jordan Independent Prior Lake America Chaska Herald Savage Pacer
16840 Highway 13 S, Prior Lake, MN faithlutheranpriorlake@yahoo.com
103753
You Can Reach People Throughout The Southwest Area!
Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study 10:15 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 10:15 a.m.
952-447-6955
AMERICAN
www.htumc.org 16150 Arcadia Ave SE 952-447-2990
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Growing in Faith, Living to Serve
Call Lance, Dan or Pat Today at 447-6669
HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST
L.O.R.D. Love Others Rejoice Daily
7:00 p.m. 6:45 p.m.
advertise PRIOR LAKE
Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m Sunday, January 1st
Join us for Family Worship
pronunciation to their music. “To see what it sounds like,” Rupp responds when prompted about what she’s most looking forward to come Feb. 16. “You sound so good even though you’ve never sung together.” “I’m personally all about the experience,” Wall says. “I’m excited to go there and see what it’s like … We can learn how it is to interact with other people.” Hassig says those experiences can yield lessons that can benefit singers beyond the honor choir. “Those students admitted to an honor choir are given the chance to raise the ceiling of possibilities for choral performance,” he says. “This experience is brought back to the local level and can be used to help choirs all over the state grow and excel. It gives them a ‘mountain top’ experience to share and energize themselves and their peers.” Rupp, who wants to study music and become an opera singer, and Wall, who hopes to be a music teacher – “Both of us want to share our music. I just want to share it with children and you want to share it with the world,” Wall says – are both looking forward bringing the state honor choir lessons back to Savage. “I share what I learn with everyone I can,” Rupp says. “When we come back as better singers, we want to make our choir better,” Wall adds. “We say [to our peers], ‘There are so many great singers out there and you can be one of them.”
PRIOR LAKE
AMERICAN
plamerican.com
BY MERYN FLUKER mfluker@swpub.com
remark. comment. blog.
Page 16 | December 31, 2011
www.plamerican.com | Prior Lake American
let'sgo!
Discover Minnesota music, art, theater & family fun at www.letsgo.mn
Mulled wine 3 cups red wine ¼ cup brandy 3 cups water 12 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 1 lemon peel 1 cup sugar Simmer cloves, cinnamon, sugar, water and lemon peel for 10 to 15 minutes. Add the wine and warm to the temperature of hot coffee. Take off the heat and add brandy.
Holly Berry Martini 1 oz. white cranberry juice ¼ oz. simple syrup 3 oz. sparkling wine Splash of lime juice Place two scoops of ice into a martini shaker. Pour white cranberry juice, simple syrup and lime juice into shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour from shaker into martini glass and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with cranberries (previously rolled in simple syrup, then sugar and frozen).
Winter Frost Martini 1 oz. Van Gogh Dutch chocolate vodka 1 oz. vanilla vodka ½ oz. simple syrup ½ oz. white crème de cocoa ¼ oz. white crème de menthe PHOTOS BY LORI CARLSON
Eggnog (left) and mulled wine were among the drinks customers learned to make at Wildfire’s recent Candy Cane Cocktail Class. The restaurant offers cocktail classes for $30 per person; the next one is in March.
Raise a glass Drinks to warm the belly and the heart BY LORI CARLSON editor@plamerican.com
S
ometimes, the holidays just go down better with a warm, cozy cocktail. Luckily, the southwest metro area has plenty of establishments proffering winter warmth in a glass – from cake-like cocktails to the fuzzy-sweater-in-a-mug that is mulled wine. At Wildfire in Eden Prairie, customers can even take classes to learn how to whip up celebratory beverages with ease. This year’s Candy Cane Cocktail Class included recipes for hot drinks – like the aforementioned wine mulled with brandy, cloves, cinnamon and lemon peel – and frosty drinks sure to warm the cockles of the coldest winter hearts. In addition to the traditional eggnog – a blend of milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, ground nutmeg and dark rum that should come with a “don’t eat for a day before imbibing” warning – the course also highlighted three holiday-themed martinis that range from sprightly to choco-licious. The holly berry martini is not named after a smoking-hot Oscar-winning actress, but rather the frozen, sugar-coated
cranberries that float in the glass. Jackie Stetter and Brooke Kennington of Wildfire developed the recipe and perfected the art of rolling cranberries in simple syrup and sugar, then freezing, for a pretty adornment. With white cranberry juice, simple syrup, lime juice and sparkling wine, the drink is perfect for New Year’s Eve, with or without alcohol. Those looking to replicate the atmosphere of the chilly outdoors should try the winter frost martini – a decadent mix of Van Gogh Dutch chocolate vodka, vanilla vodka, simple syrup, white crème de cocoa and white crème de menthe. On the other end of the south metro is Axel’s Bonfire in Savage, which introduced its “Winter Warmers” menu in early December. The surprisingly good Three Olives Cake vodka brings sweetness to two of the recipes – the molten chocolate cake and coffee cake martinis – without curling one’s teeth, though the molten cake drink is far sweeter than the coffee cake, in which hot coffee replaces the cocoa. Of course, you could stick with a traditional Irish coffee or Bailey’s and coffee, but why not branch out when local bars offer things like almond truffle and French vanilla martinis?
Rim glass with vanilla frosting and crushed candy canes. Place two scoops of ice into a martini shaker. Pour all ingredients into shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour from shaker into martini glass.
French vanilla hot cocoa ½ oz. Kahlua ½ oz. Absolut Vanilia vodka ½ oz. peppermint schnapps Hot cocoa Whipped cream Place shots into glass mug; top with hot cocoa and whipped cream.
Almond truffle ¾ oz. Bailey’s Irish cream ¾ oz. Desaronno amaretto Hot cocoa Whipped cream Place shots into glass mug; top with hot cocoa and whipped cream. Recipes courtesy of Wildfire and Axel’s Bonfire
The coffee cake warmer at Axel’s Bonfire features Three Olives Cake vodka, hot coffee, whipped cream and sprinkles.
LET’S GO! BEST BETS 1. MAKING TRACKS Improve powers of observation and get exercise by taking a long hike down into the valley. Come prepared for two hours of fast-paced walking with short breaks. Snowshoes optional and will be provided for those who need them. Led by Park Ranger Judy Geck. Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6 Cost: Free Location: Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington Info: (952) 854-5900 or fws.gov/midwest/minnesotavalley
2. MURPHY MOUNTAIN BIKE FRIGID TIME TRIAL Dust off the bike for a winter mountain bike time trial. Race through the trees and snow, then warm up at the trailhead building for awards and door prizes. Studded tires are approved; helmets required. For ages 18 and older. Pre-register online for activity 123735-00. PHOTO CREDIT THOMAS NORTHCUT
Get outside and get fit by trying a new winter sport.
Time: Registration begins at 10 a.m.; race starts at 11 a.m.; racing until 2 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 7, 15 and 22 Cost: Pre-registration $10; registration day of event $15 Location: Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, 15501 Murphy Lake Road, Savage Info: (763) 559-6700 or threeriversparkdistrict.org
3. WOMEN IN WINTER: SNOWSHOEING Bring your mother, sister or friend and enjoy the beauty of nature on snowshoes. Learn the basics, don snowshoes and watch and listen for wildlife. Dress for the weather with warm boots, hats and gloves. If there is too little snow, the group will hike instead. Led by Volunteer Master Naturalist Marcia Lewis. Time: 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 Cost: Free. Snowshoes available at no charge; call (952) 858-0715 to reserve. Location: Bloomington Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd. E., Bloomington Info: (952) 854-5900 or fws.gov/midwest/minnesotavalley
BUNDLE UP AND START IN ON THOSE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS. FIND MORE OUTDOOR FITNESS ACTIVITIES AT LETSGO.MN.
Prior Lake American | www.plamerican.com
December 31, 2011 | Page 17
let'sGo!Calendar WE WANT YOUR LISTINGS! Listings are printed free but not guaranteed, although we do our best to include them. Submit your events through our www.LetsGo.mn website, where you can find many more local and regional fun things to do. You can also send an e-mail to editor@plamerican. com. Deadline is noon on the Tuesday prior to publication. For information call (952) 345-6378.
Saturday
DEC. 31 JACK FROST’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Shakopee Parks and Recreation and Shakopee Lions are hosting the third annual Jack Frost’s New Year’s Eve party featuring sledding, ice skating, music, horse-drawn wagon rides, cocoa, cider and cookies. Time: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 Cost: Free Location: Lions Park, 1103 Adams St., Shakopee
WYNONNA AND THE BIG NOISE Since exploding onto the scene as a solo artist in 1992, Wynonna has made herself into a preeminent female country music performer. Backed by The Big Noise, Wynonna will make her sixth appearance in the Mystic Showroom at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel with a pair of shows on New Year’s Eve. Time: 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 Cost: $44-$55 Location: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake Info: mysticlake.com or (952) 4459000
NEW YEAR’S EVE SPARKLE-RAMA
Dance the night away to live music from Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade, create your own sparkly hat, take the stage with inflatable guitars, countdown to a magical 8 p.m. ball drop and explore the Museum’s galleries. Enjoy a pre-party meal for additional cost. Time: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 Cost: $10 per member, $14 per nonmember, which includes snack, free parking admission Location: Minnesota Children’s Museum, 10 Seventh St. W., St. Paul Info: (651) 225-6000 or mcm.org
NEW YEAR’S EVE COMEDY The MinneHaHa Comedy Club is hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner and comedy show. Comedian Dennis Ross will headline, and special guest Paul Dillery will also perform. Preregistration is necessary to attend this event. Time: 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 Cost: Dinner and show $40; show only $20 Location: MinneHAHA Comedy Club, 1583 First Ave., Shakopee Info: minnehahacomedyclub.com or (612) 860-9388
Sunday
JAN. 1 CHAN LIONS POLAR PLUNGE The Chanhassen Lions will host the 2012 Chan Lions Polar Plunge at Lake Ann. There will be a warm changing tent and hot coffee available. Members of the Chanhassen Fire Department will help with a plunge. Advance registration online ensures a T-shirt. People may also sign up to plunge at the event but may not be guaranteed a T-shirt depending on the number of same-day sign-ups. Time: 9 a.m. Jan. 1 Cost: $30 per plunger (includes T-shirt) Location: Lake Ann, Chanhassen Info: chanhassenlions.org
CRITTERS CLOSE UP Meet animals that live in the nature center. See a snake, salamander and turtle up close. Learn what they eat and watch as they are fed. Figure out what makes each of these animals
unique. For all ages. Time: 3-4 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 1 and Feb. 19 Cost: Free Location: Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E. Bush Lake Road, Bloomington Info: (763) 559-9000 or threeriversparkdistrict.org
‘A DON’T HUG ME CHRISTMAS CAROL’ “A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol” is the sequel to the award-winning musical comedy “Don’t Hug Me.” It’s Christmas Eve in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota and cantankerous bar owner Gunner Johnson gets in an argument with his wife, Clara, tells her he’s skipping Christmas, he storms out of the bar, goes snowmobiling across the lake, falls through the ice, and goes into a coma. He comes back in his dream where he’s visited by folk legend, Sven Yorgensen, who plays the ghost of Christmas past, present and future. Sven takes Gunner on a journey similar to that in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” only very different. The musical features17 original songs including “Gramma Cut the Christmas Cheese,” “Gunner Fell Into an Ice Hole” and “The Wheel is Turnin’ but the Hamster is Dead.” Time: Evening and matinee showtimes through Jan. 1 Cost: $30 Location: New Century Theatre, 615 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis Info: hennepintheatredistrict.org or 612-373-5600
Monday
JAN. 2 LEARN TO SKI JUMP No previous skiing experience is necessary for this learning camp. Skis, boots, instruction and lunch are provided by USA ski team coaches. Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26, Jan. 14 and Jan. 28 Cost: $25 Location: Bush Lake ski jumps at Hyland Park Reserve, 8401 E. Bush Lake Road, Bloomington Info: minneapolisskiclub.com (must RSVP)
PRESCHOOL AND ME CLASS: MILK MUSTACHE Promote physical activity through play and experiment with farm-fresh recipes that inspire healthful eating. Each class will include games, play and a meal children and caregivers create together. Maximum three children per adult. Program is for ages 1-5 and is part of the My Preschooler & Me: Eat, Play, Grow program. Reservations required; reference activity 137403-38. Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2 Cost: $8 Location: Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Road 110 W., Minnetrista Info: (763) 559-6700 or threeriversparkdistrict.org
More than 155 breeds of dogs will compete for the honor of “Best in Show” at the Land O’Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show Jan. 6-8 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.
LAND O’LAKES KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW
M
ore than 2,000 purebred canines will compete for American Kennel Club (AKC) awards at St. Paul’s RiverCentre Jan. 6-8. Highlights of the show include obedience and rally competitions, more than 155 breeds of dogs competing for the honor of “Best in Show,” AKC Canine Good Citizen-
ship test, Therapy Dog Testing, and more than 70 vendors showcasing canine apparel and accessories. The show runs 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 and 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8. Admission is adults $8, children 4-12 $4.50 and children 3 and younger free. For more information,
production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” a production co-directed by Karen Welch and Francie Madden. Auditioners will sing, dance and read from the script; they should bring a prepared song (accompanist will be provided) and come dressed for movement. Auditions are first-come, first-served (no appointments necessary). Roles are available for females age 13 and over and males age 15 and over. Volunteers are needed for set construction, costumes, lighting and other backstage areas. Musicians are needed for the pit orchestra. Performances will be in March. Time: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 3 and 4 Cost: Free Location: Twin Oaks Middle School, 15860 Fish Point Road, Prior Lake Info: plplayers.org
Thursday
JAN. 5 SALSA DEL SOUL DANCETERIA
Tuesday
JAN. 3
Friday
BOOK CLUB FOR SENIORS
JAN. 6
‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’ AUDITIONS The Prior Lake Players will have open auditions for the spring 2012
EVENT
visit www.onofrio.com, rivercentre.org.
Salsa Del Soul, a multi-piece orchestra, will perform various styles of dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean while professional dancers will teach steps. Light refreshments will be provided. Time: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5 Cost: Free Location: Club Prior, 16210 Eagle Creek Ave., Prior Lake Info: (952) 447-9783
Join a book club for seniors the first Tuesday of each month. Date: Tuesday, Jan. 3 (“The Florist’s Daughter” by Patricia Hampl) Time: 10 a.m. Cost: Free Location: Club Prior, in the Prior Lake Library, 16210 Eagle Creek Ave. Info: (952) 447-9783
Spotlight
‘EXPLORE, EXPERIENCE, REMEMBER’ PHOTO SHOW “Explore, Experience, Remember” is the theme of the Arboretum Photographers Society juried photography show and sale. Visitors will warm their winter souls with images of butterflies, rose petals, tulip gardens and more. Time: Jan. 6-May 27 Cost: $9 for adults; free for ages 15 and younger; free to Arboretum members
Location: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska Info: www.arboretum.umn.edu or (612) 626-3951
Upcoming BIRD WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS Learn how to enjoy bird watching from a professional birder. Those attending will learn how to find birds in their different habitats, learn how to use a field guide and look for identifying features of birds such as eye rings, wing bars and other distinctive markings. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars. Led by Volunteer Refuge Naturalist Craig Mandel. Time: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 Cost: Free Location: Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center, Carver Highlands Lot, 15865 Carver Highlands Drive, Carver Info: (952) 361-4500 or fws.gov/ midwest/minnesotavalley
WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY 101 Winter offers amazing benefits to photographers as they can access areas that are inaccessible during other seasons due to swamps, lakes and brush. During the session opening the group will learn how to set a camera for winter shooting, winter photography techniques, preferred locations and how to stay warm. After the presentation, the group will practice along the Refuge trails. Led by Volunteer Refuge Naturalist Don Tredinnick. Time: 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 7 Cost: Free Location: Bloomington Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd. E., Bloomington Info: (952) 854-5900 or fws.gov/ midwest/minnesotavalley
MOUNTAIN BIKE RACING Dust off your bike for a series of winter races. Studded tires approved; helmets required. Age 18-plus. Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 Cost: $10 in advance; $15 day of race Location: Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, 15501 Murphy Lake Blvd., Savage Info: (763) 559-6700
WEEKEND FAMILY FUN: PREHISTORIC PLANTS Meet some living fossils and prehistoric plants from the days of the Diplodocus. What kind of plants did the dinosaurs munch on? Create a fern print, hunt for prehistoric plants in the greenhouse and pot a prehistoric plant to take home. Time: Noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Jan. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29 Cost: $9 for adults; free for ages 15 and younger; free to Arboretum members Location: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska Info: www.arboretum.umn.edu or (952) 443-1422
CROSS COUNTRY SKI BEGINNER BASICS This class will cover cross-country skiing basics including putting on equipment, falling down and getting up, diagonal stride, stopping, turning and a brief introduction to small hills. For novice skiers and those who want to review. This class is designed for ages 13 and older; reference activity number 124688-01. Time: 12:30-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 Cost: $18 or $26 with ski rental Location: Cleary Lake Park, 18106 Texas Ave., Prior Lake Info: (763) 559-6700 or threeriversparkdistrict.org
REMARKABLE REPTILES Touch a scaly snake, feel a turtle’s shell and watch these reptiles move. Find out what makes reptiles special animals. Cameras welcome. For all ages. Time: 3-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 Cost: Free Location: Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E. Bush Lake Road, Bloomington Info: (763) 559-9000 or threeriversparkdistrict.org
GOING WILD: RAIL TO REFUGE Ride with a park ranger on the Hiawatha Light Rail and discover how easy it is to access one of the Twin Cities wildest natural areas via mass transit. Meet at the Bloomington
Visitor Center and come prepared for a guided ride and hike to the Bass Ponds. Led by Park Ranger Judy Geck. Time: 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 Cost: Weekend fares are $1.75 Location: Bloomington Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd. E., Bloomington Info: (952) 854-5900 or fws.gov/ midwest/minnesotavalley
SENIOR SURF DAY Seniors 55 and up are invited to learn how to use computers and the Internet. Time: 8-10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12 Cost: Free Location: Prior Lake Library, 16210 Eagle Creek Ave. Info: (952) 447-3375 (registration required)
WINTER JACKETS READING PROGRAM Winter goes a lot faster with a good book … or 10. Adults can sign up at any Scott County Library and get a bookmark and pen, then read (or listen to) library books and fill out a short book review for a chance to win prizes. Time: Jan. 17-Feb. 29 Cost: Free Location: Prior Lake Library, 16210 Eagle Creek Ave. Info: www.scott.lib.mn.us
ADULT WRITING GROUP Join this group, with a kick-off session facilitated by writing teacher and coach Roseanne Bane, and learn key writing tips. Time: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 Cost: Free (no registration necessary) Location: Prior Lake Library, 16210 Eagle Creek Ave. Info: (952) 447-3375
ELVIS EXPERIENCE: ST. JUDE FUNDRAISER Experience Elvis like never before during the “Hope is Alive” Elvis Tribute and Silent Auction to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This event features award-winning artists performing all eras of The King’s hits. Time: 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 Cost: $21 Location: Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville Info: (952) 895-4685 or burnsvillepac.com
letsGo.mn discover minnesota music, art, theater & family fun
Page 18 | December 31, 2011
www.plamerican.com | Prior Lake American
REAL ESTATE
Professional Services Directory
Associated Realtors & Associated Lenders Roy Clay
For advertising in this directory
John Clay
call Lance, Pat or Dan at
“One Stop Shop” 447-6066
952-447-6669
105048
FINANCIAL
REAL ESTATE 134734
Fax 447-6051
HELPING SECURE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE • Insurance • IRAs • Fee Based Planning • Bonds • Mutual Funds • Stocks • 401K Rollovers “Do you have a loan with another financial institution? You could save money by bringing your loan to South Metro FCU. Ask me how!”
PHOTO BY MERYN FLUKER/ REPRINTS AT PHOTOS.PLAMERICAN.COM
The expanded Korkowski clan poses in front of the family’s Christmas tree in their Savage home. Back row, from left, are 13-year-old Mason, 14-year-old Juan Diego Gabriel, mother Sue and father Ron. In front, from left, are 7-year-old Jacob and 10-year-old Grace.
STUDENT SUE JACOBS 952-746-2033
SueJacobsSells.com
continued from page 13
952-445-0888 Ext #19 • 2573 Credit Union Dr. • Prior Lake
www.southmet.com Investment Product and Services offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS) are not NCUA/NCUSIF, not credit union guaranteed, and may lose value. Financial Representatives are employed by South Metro Federal Credit Union and registered through CFS. South Metro FCU is affiliated with CFS. (Member NASD/SIPC) 157266
MORTGAGE
ADVERTISING
For Advertising in this Directory Call Lance, Pat or Dan at the
has kicked his teasing into high gear. Unfortunately, the visits to Sever’s Corn Maze – a family favorite – and Grand Slam had to come to an end. On Dec. 9, his last day at Hidden Oaks, Juan Diego received treats and T-shirts from his teachers, plus 25 hugs from girls – he counted. “The girls are very
attracted to Juan Diego,” Sue said. Even though Juan Diego kept in touch with his parents while he was here and even received a visit from his brother, who is studying at The Ohio State University, it was still hard to face going back home. “I’m very sad,” he said about his time in Minnesota ending. “I wish I could live here. It’s so much better than Guatemala.” The feeling was mutual for Sue, who said it was going
to be difficult to let her new son leave home. Both she and Mason agreed that the 11 weeks flew by. The Korkowskis are planning to visit Juan Diego in Guatemala at some point and likewise, he is already plotting his return. “I’m coming back in May,” Juan Diego said. “It’s the first communion of my little brother in my host family, and I promised my host family that I’d come back.” “Someone’s got to keep an eye on him,” Sue said.
read.
register. remark.
(new stuff every day)
(once. you’re done!)
PRIOR LAKE
AMERICAN
(comment. blog.)
Go to www.plamerican.com
952-447-6669
Pause for Applause! Thanks from CDT
Presented by
50% OFF Friday, January 13 – Sunday, January 22 ONLY 50% off ALL shows of Hairspray — evenings & matinees • Use promo code: Chan50 Limit of six tickets only. Not valid with other discounts or offers, on-line purchases, on previously purchased tickets, group tickets of 12 or more, or show-only tickets.
952-934-1525
800-362-3515
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Prior Lake American | www.plamerican.com
December 31, 2011 | Page 19
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Services
Rentals
Do you have a water leak? Need some landscaping? Looking for a painter? Find a professional in our home services directory.
HENNEPIN COUNTY
CARVER Chaska COUNTY
Find your new rental home – whether it’s an apartment, condo, townhouse or singlefamily home – in our print listings or at imarketplace.mn/homes.
Chanhassen Eden Prairie Savage
Shakopee
N
Jordan Prior Lake SCOTT COUNTY
Place your ad online at imarketplace.mn | CALL 952-345-3003 | FAX 952-445-3335 | E-MAIL classifieds@imarketplace.mn SERVICES
Firewood Fireplace/Fuel
Child Care
Dry Red Oak. $130/ row (4'x8'x16”). This isn't a short stack. $390/ full cord. 612-220-6283
Becky's Daycare: Two openings, 1+, Shakopee. Food program, licensed. 10 years experience. 952445-2908 Licensed Daycare relocating to Shakopee. One block from Jackson Elementary. Openings for all ages. 952-4059994.
Sewing TILLIE'S ALTERATION, Zippers, patches, alterations, leather, etc. 952-445-0358
Firewood: mixed hardwood, 2 yrs dry, 4'x8'x16”. $120 dlvd/ stacked. 612-486-2674 Firewood: Mixed, cut & split. 10'x5'x2' trailer load $160. Free delivery & stacking 952-2121536, Ross
Health Supplies Diabetic test strips wanted. Most brands. Will pay cash. Local pick up. Call Ted at 612-216-6266
FARM/GARDEN ANIMALS
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
Dry Firewood: Mixed Hardwood, ½ cord 4'x12'x16”: $165, 4'x8'x16”: $120. Free delivery. 952-445-5239, Steve
Auctions HUGE Antique Auction (Martin Luther H.S. Gym) Northrop, MN. Sat. 1/7/12, 9:45am. 4 miles north of Fairmont. Many collections, unusual items, Bull windmill weight, Mayo instrument case, 1909 Wing & Sun concert piano, toys, dishes, furniture, advertising items, 1940 Standard Twin walking tractor. Pictures and details at: www.martinlutherhs.com
8th annual saleLARGEST EVER!
RENTALS
Purebred Beagles, AKC & UKC. Mother Registered. Males, $250. Females, $300. Wormed & first shots. Born Oct. 30th 2011 952- 454-1057
Office/Commercial
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL Drive-In's & Docks Available Immediately Intersections of 41/ 169. 952-484-9675 Office/ Business space for rent. West 2nd St., Chaska. 952-448-2577
Chaska Rentals
Shop/ warehouse space Jordan, 3,450 s.f. $5.00/ s.f. 952-492-6960
2 BR apartment from $795 1 BR from $695 Heat & water paid 1 cat OK. Garage/Storage inc. 952-361-6864
Roommates M/F share 3 BR Chaska home. $400/ month, all utilities included. 612309-1251
Jordan Rentals
Belle Plaine Rental Large 1 BR apartment, heat/ water/ garbage included. $575/ month. 612-386-5559 Newer, 3 BR split entry, range, refrigerator, microwave. 3 car garage on huge lot. $1100.+ utilities. Mike 952-2501796 Small efficiency apt., garage included, quiet. $575/ mth+ utilities. 612-203-0355
Carver Rentals Office/Commercial
Pets
Firewood Fireplace/Fuel
GARAGE SALES AUCTIONS
Cute Carriage House, 1 BR. Secluded, W/D, $575+ utilities. Pets ok. 952-442-6242
Chaska Rentals
1 & 2 BR apartments, (heat, hot/cold water, garbage included) $600$675, no pets. 612-5996245
New Townhomes Rents - $927/month* 3 BR Townhomes, 1,600-sq. ft. Private entry w/covered front porch. Double car garage w/opener. Washer/dryer in each unit, central heat & air conditioning. Range w/self cleaning oven, refrigerator, dishwasher & breakfast bar. Children's play area w/equipment. Jordan Valley Townhomes
375 Augusta Court Jordan, MN 55352
952-492-5330 *Income Restrictions Do Apply
2/ 3 BR townhomes, garage included, $795 & $950. 952-448-6549
Prior Lake Rentals
Shakopee Rentals
2 BR condo, garage. Pet OK. Includes water, sewer, $925. Available now. 952-440-4112 2 BR+ Den, 2 car W/D. Utilities included, $850. 952-210-9732 2 BR, large apartment. Quiet, non-smoking, 4plex. $755, 612-2024676 2BR in quiet 4-plex. No pets, $700. 952-4963485 3 BR, 2 BA, attached double garage. Across from park. Fireplace. $1,300. 612-240-5560 3BR 1BA apartment. Detached garage. $895. Randy 952-270-9221 Prior Lake- Lg 1 BR, $595/ mo. 2 BR. $765/ mo. Available now. Patio/ balcony, cats OK, please call 952-6532105, 952-594-1791, or 651-470-4017
Shakopee Rentals Sandalwood Studiosfull kitchenettes, nightly/ weekly/ monthly rates available. 952-277-0100
1 BR APARTMENT Section 8 project Low income rent to qualifying persons. Age 62 or older. 30% of income Smoke-free units available
Shakopee Housing 952-403-1086
Shovel Away the Winter Time Blues It’s a great time of year to start cleaning out things that you don’t need or want!
Savage Rentals 1BR $635, 2BR $735. Pets ok. 952-356-0611
Shakopee Rentals
Call us to place your ad. 952-3345-33003
3BR/ 2BR off Marshall Private patio playground remodeled, 722 Garden Ln. January $750/$800 612-325-7954
To learn more about these businesses, go to www.imarketplace.mn Call (952) 345-3003 to place an ad
BUILDING Quality Work
651-503-3038
BUILDING
DRAPERIES
Value & Trust!
Drapes, Blinds, Fabrics, Upholstery, Bedspreads. Lakes Interiors. 38 yrs. 952-447-4655.
imperialmn.com
Savage, MN
~ PARAMOUNT REMODELING, INC. ~ Where Your Dreams Are Paramount *Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling *Distinctive Hardwood Flooring
*Lower Level Finishing *Decks & Exteriors
NO JOB TOO SMALL *** Mention this ad for a 10% discount. Call today for a free consultation (952) 607-6726 MN Lic. 20483289, Fully Insured
MAGNUM CONSTRUCTION CO.
Over 19 Years Experience Licensed and Insured
Basements • Room Additions Complete Home Remodeling Decks/Porches
ELECTRICAL #Priority Electric Inc. Licensed- Bonded- Insured. No job too small. 952-403-9200 A Licensed Master Electrician at your service Scheffler Electric, Inc. 952-758-3561 POWERTECH Electric. Local. Owner operated. Licensed, insured, clean. Rich: 952-292-8683
Big Enough To Help~Small Enough To Care
952-461-4540
www.magnumconstructioncomp.com
Highland Home Services Inc.
FLOORING
Remodeling ...Repair ... Design www.highlandhomeservices.com
30 years experience
Steve Jenness
cell 612-418-2277
fax 952-447-1211
sjenness@integraonline.com
lic#20628802
CABINETRY
Additions Remodeling Basements Porches Fireplaces Kitchens, Baths New Construction Concrete/Blockwork 952-445-6604
Free Estimates Locally owned since 1979 MN lic#4327
www.fandbconst.com
BUILDING
Builder's Edge Remodeling, Windows, Basements, Additions, Cabinets. Licensed. 952-492-3170
Decks, porches, additions, remodeling. Great ideas/ prices. Fred Hartgerink, 952-4473733
KB Custom Cabinets Kitchens, Entertainment Centers, Bars, Built-ins Vanities, Counter Tops. 952-445-7790
CLEANING
ABOVE ALL HARDWOOD FLOORS & CARPET Floor Installation Sanding & Refinishing Carpet, Tile & Vinyl Installation Exceptional Quality Great Service
952-440-WOOD (9663)
! 952-239-4110 Bumble Bee Services Housecleaning. Insured
Duffy’s
www.bumblebeeservices.com
HARDWOOD FLOORS
! Country Touch Clean. Several years in business. Reliable/Trusting 612-483-1092 A Clean House= Big smiles. Experienced, Responsible, References. 952-361-6237 Aliene's Clean & Shine Home Cleaning. I'm hardworking, reliable, honest, bonded. 612250-4602 Expert Cleaning: I am a hard worker, reliable, trustworthy. I use my own supplies & vacuum. Very flexible scheduling. What works for you, works for me. 952-406-2478
•Floor refinishing & sanding •Real wood floors •Dustless refinishing •Water damage specialists •Board patching •Custom staining •Best quality •Best pricing •Most experience in your area •Family owned, 28 years •Free Estimates
952-469-5713 952-426-2790 www.duffyshardwoodfloors.com
HEATING/AIR COND Heating, plumbing, remodel and repair, and replacement, new construction. 952-492-2440
MOVING/STORAGE
MOVING? You Call - We Haul
Completely Enclosed Truck Very Reasonable Rates
952-758-2552
We Haul Moving New Prague
ODD JOBS Quality Remodeling and Home Repairs A Minnesota Greenstar Qualified contractor
References, Lic & Ins Mn Lic. 20632058 Kevin Hayes
(612)867-8287 kevin@hmwhome.com www.hmwhome.com
NEED HANDYMAN? Little Job Expert! For all the odd jobs needing Attention!!! Painting: • Interior & Exterior Finish Carpentry: • Basements • Bathrooms • Ceramic Tile • Sheet Rock & Taping Dennis 952-334-1755 952-445-9034
PAINT/WALLPAPER
PAINT/WALLPAPER
Buckets of Color
Interior/Exterior V Storm/Water Damage VTextured Ceilings/Walls VInsurance Repairs VCustom Faux Finishes/Murals VFully Insured/References VFriendly, Honest Service FREE ESTIMATES 952-8 873-4 4679 612-3 366-2 2739 Paul V
*A and K PAINTING* Schedule your Holiday & Winter painting now!
Ext/Int Paint/ Stain ~Carpentry/ Repair~
MJ Painting Interior/ Exterior painting & staining. 952-445-2904 Marvin Jeurissen
PLASTER/DRYWALL
ROOFING
SNOW REMOVAL
KREUSER ROOFING, INC. 952-492-3842 952-412-4718(cell) Storm damage repairs Defective shingle claims Family owned & operated Thousands of satisfied customers Professional and Courteous Lic# 20632183
Free Estimates Ins/ Bonded Major credit cards accepted
Best Drywall LLC 18 yrs. exp. Insured. Commercial/Residential. Interior/Exterior. Wood finishing, Enameling, Custom Texturing, Water Damage, Wallpaper Removal. Deck Refinishing. Quality conscious perfectionist! Estimates/Consultation
Steve Ries, 612-481-8529
PAINT/WALLPAPER Breimhorst Painting. Interior/ Exterior. Insured. Albie: 952-261-2234
ODD JOBS
Serving SW Metro 18 yrs. Small crew/no subs/ painting. New Const/ Basements/ Repair. BBB Reg/Ins/Free Est. All work guaranteed Mic 612-685-0476
Any Task... Just Ask
612-201-6316, bgmach3_3@hotmail.com www.handyhomerepairservice.com
ODD JOBS
PAINT/WALLPAPER
Ken's HANDYMAN SERVICE Repairs, Installations & Home Improvements. Call Ken: 952-445-1836
Greg Anderson Painting 4 generations experience. Painting, staining, enameling. Taping repairs. 952-445-6816
Offering best extended manufacturers warranty! Tear-offs, Re-roofs, Siding & Gutters, New Construction Insurance Specialist Over 18 years experience FREE ESTIMATES Rodney Oldenburg Cell # 612-210-5267 952-443-9957 Lic. ID-20156835
bestdrywallminnesota.com
SNOW REMOVAL
952-237-9605
UPHOLSTERY Discounted fabrics... drapes, bedspreads, residential/ commercial. 38 years' experience. 952-447-4655
Use Classifieds to STRETCH your budget 952-345-3003
952-448-3761 No wall too small
PLUMBING/SEPTIC Father/ son plumbing company. Licensed, bonded, insured. Working for you! R&D Plumbing952-237-0115
Handy Home Repair Service, Inc. Insured, References, Licensed #20374699
Reasonable rates. Available 24/7
Why Wait Roofing LLC
952-474-6258
S.R. PAINTING:
Residential Snow Plowing & Shoveling
Plumbing, heating, remodel and repair, new construction. 952-4922440
#1 Schieber's Outdoor Services. Commercial Residential. Senior Discount. Joe: 952-2924445, landscapesos.com Kerchner Outdoors Now offering snow removal. Serving the Lakeville, Savage, Prior Lake, and Shakopee area. Call today for a free estimate. 612-3859010 Dependable, on time. Flexible & efficient!
MISC HOME SERVICES
MISC HOME SERVICES
CERTIFIED Home Inspections Radon & Mold Testing 952-994-4771 www.moldtesting.Pro
Page 20 | December 31, 2011
www.plamerican.com | Prior Lake American
Full-Time
Full-Time
EASY PHONE JOB, earn $8/hr. guaranteed. Up to $15/hr with bonuses. Work SunThurs, 3pm-9pm. Part time work, full time pay. Call 952-856-2230. Start immediately! Chaska Mill building, 500 Pine St., Ste 202, Chaska, MN 55318. Accepting applications Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm.
Jordan Kids Company/ Early Adventure Coordinator. Send letter of application to: Jordan Community Education 500 Sunset Dr. Jordan, 55352. Application deadline: January 6th 2012.
Full-Time
Full-Time
Part-Time
Boats/Motors
Motorcycles
REAL ESTATE Houses 3BR, 2BA, 3 car garage. Contract for deed terms with 5% down. $177,900. Randy Kubes, Realtor 612-599-7440
Lots/Acreage 90+/- Ac. Land for Development, farming or horse farm! Owner/ Agent 612-756-1899
Licensed Dental Assistant. Hours needed; days, evenings, weekends, heatherr@ smilecenterus.com
Farmland for Sale & Wanted. Randy Kubes, Realtor... 612-599-7440
Lots/Acreage
FARMLAND SALE FAXON TOWNSHIP, SIBLEY COUNTY The Hartung Family, LP is offering for sale 310.49+/Acres of prime land in Faxon Township, Sibley County, Minnesota, located NW of Belle Plaine or E. of Green isle on CR 25. Parcel #1: 117.99+/- Acres located in Section 26, T114N, R25W. Parcel #2: 192.5+/- Acres located in Sections 23 & 26, T114N, R25W. (Exact legal descriptions to govern to be provided by Seller @ closing). 1. Written bids will be received up to 12:00 noon on January 9, 2012 at Northland Real Estate, 122 SE 1st St., PO Box P, Fairfax, MN 55332. All bids must be accompanied by an Earnest Money Check in the amount of 10% of your bid, made payable to Northland Real Estate Trust. 2. Bidders may submit a bid on either parcel or a combination of both parcels. The (5) highest bids on each parcel or combination thereof that are submitted, will be invited to attend a bidding section at the Americinn of Belle Plaine (Next to Emma Krumbees on I-169) on January 11, 2012 @10:30 AM. Bidders will be given the opportunity to raise their bids at that time. The highest bid will be submitted to the Sellers for acceptance. 3. The successful bidder shall sign a Purchase Agreement immediately after the Sealed-Bid sale on January 11, 2012 and the balance shall be paid on or before March 30, 2012. 4. Sellers reserve the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bidding and to accept a bid in a manner which will be in the best interest of the owners. For more information concerning the property, contact Richard Beltz of Northland Real Estate, 122 SE 1st St., PO Box P, Fairfax, MN 55332 (Phone: 612-7561899). Or Lowell Schwitters @ 320-894-7337.
Full-Time EMPLOYMENT Full-Time ASSOCIATE TRAINEE Real Estate Career Excellent Potential Fast Growth
Busy, client focused practice needs an upbeat, positive person with superior customer service skills, + the ability to handle multiple phone lines. Ideal candidate is passionate about pets and their people. Schedule flexibility important. E-mail resume to
AA/EOE WEB Developer for ecommerce: 3+ yrs experience IIS, ASP, XML, JAVA, HTML, CSS, ISAPI, .NET, PCI; BS-Computer Science; Send resume to brianw@ precisesoftware.net
Carver County office: Are you fun and outgoing? Take the real estate style test and find out if a real estate career is right for you.
Beautician & Nail Tech Openings- Busy Salon. Commission or Rental. FT/PT. 952-445-3300, 952-215-9904, Debi
Client Service Vet Asst
www.thomasalleninc.com
www.askwyn.com
Wyn Ray 952-556-1750
Framing, Siding and Window Carpenters
TOP JOB LIGHT EQUIPMENT MECHANIC RMS Rentals is seeking a Construction Equipment Technician to join our service department. This is a shop position. Experience on Construction Equipment or Technical Schooling preferred.
FLORAL DESIGNER All occasion design and retail sales at Emma Krumbee's Floral in Belle Plaine. D/N/W. Submit resume:
Please send resume to Patti Sather psather@rmseq.com or 5633 W. Hwy 13 Savage, MN 55378 EOE
See this & other employment ads in this week’s Classifieds
Summit Place Senior Campus in Eden Prairie has an opening for a 32 hour/week housekeeper, Monday through Friday with occasional holidays. Primary responsibilities are keeping community areas of the building clean and orderly and cleaning apartments. Must be flexible, possess a good attention to detail, and be a team player. Experience preferred. Excellent benefits. Email resume to chansen@summitplacecampus.com or fax to 952-995-1288.
Property Caretaker Accessible Space, Inc. a national non-profit provider seeks experienced Part-Time caretaker (up to 25 hrs/wk) for apartment building in Shakopee, MN. General caretaker duties include - apartment turns, cleaning, painting and minor maintenance. Competitive Wage + PT benefits. Apply online at: www. Accessiblespace.org or fax resume to HR (651) 645-0541. Ref job code 73111 when applying. EOE/AA
Palmer Bus Service is looking for persons with a good driving record to drive school bus in the Shakopee School District. Activity routes and Substitute driver routes available. Requires School Bus license. Will train eligible applicants. Excellent salary, annual bonus, paid training. Palmer Bus Service 952-445-1166
Kathy@rivervalleyveterinary.com
This is a great opportunity for someone looking for a rewarding and challenging career. All inquiries can be kept confidential. Please stop by for an application or forward your resume to:
Ag Power Enterprises 1051 Old Hwy 169, Belle Plaine, MN 56011 Or email to paulmurphy@agpowerjd.com
From all of us in Classifieds!!!!!!!!! Kathy, Tara, Janet
2000 Harley Davidson 883 Sportster, wife's bike, never rode, must go. 1300 miles, Lots, lots of extras, mint! $7000. 952-890-0905
Campers Travel Trailers
www.southmetrotutors.com
2003 Harley Softtail Deuce Anniversary model. 5500 miles. $13,000. 952-447-4280
2005 black Yamaha R6, 6,000 miles. Yoshimurd customized exhaust. With OEM cover & tank bra. $5,500. 952-3610142
for more information We welcome you to submit your application to a friendly, progressive optometric office! 20+ hours/week. Optician/Technician experience preferred. Crossroads Optometric 952-447-2020
1991 Fleetwood Southwind Motorhome, Class A, 33ft. Only 38k miles! Smooth runner, fully loaded, sleeps 6, hydraulic leveler, $10,500, 612-669-4172
2005 Kawasaki 1600 Vulcan Classic with Vance & Hines pipes. New tires. 10,895 miles. Mint condition. $5900 Call (952) 934-7358
Start a thriving career in Inside Sales with a Fortune 500 company. Contact allie.duchene@tchek.com
TRANSPORTATION
1998 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 36' motorhome, great condition, sleeps 6, 60,000 miles, $31,900 or best offer. Call Gary at 952492-1129.
Boats/Motors
1998, Bayliner Capri Fish & Ski boat, 19 ft. 135HP. Inboard, stored inside. Excellent condition $6900. 952-4126417
2002 Larson 19' FishNSki, SEI 190, 135 HP Outboard, stored indoors. $11,900.00 or BO, NADA guide suggested $13,945.00, Jon 612-730-8116
School Bus Drivers
Lawn @ Garden Service Technician Responsibilities include: Must be able to independently perform basic/complex diagnostics & service repairs. Must be able to assemble/setup new equipment and attachments Must be able to diagnose both gas and diesel engines Must have electronic diagnostic ability Must be able to diagnose and repair hydrostatic systems and transmissions Must have computer skills
Hydro Stream Vegas. 20'. 200 HP+++. Complete restoration. 5 passenger. A real head turner! $6,900 or all trades welcome. 952215-5421
kbennett@tutordoctor.com
2001, 17ft. Starcraft, 90HP, Mercury. Excellent condition. $9,000 952-890-2630
RMS Rentals is seeking a Construction Equipment Technician to join our service department. This is a shop position. Experience on Construction Equipment or Technical Schooling preferred. Hydraulic & electrical experience a plus. Must have own tools and clean driving record. Please send resume to Patti Sather psather@rmseq.com or 5633 W. Hwy 13 Savage, MN 55378 EOE
Diesel Engine Service Technician Responsibilities include: Perform complex diagnostics and repairs on agricultural equipment Participate in Service EDUCATE Training programs required for the development of skills and knowledge Perform diagnosis and repair in the field as required Maintain current knowledge of John Deere and competitive products Maintain a clean work area and perform work in a neat and orderly fashion Follow all safety rules and regulations in performing work assignments Complete all reports and forms required in conjunction with work assignments Accounts for all time and material used in performing assigned duties
TUTORS Wanted! Leader in in-home tutoring company looking for experienced tutors for middle school and high school subjects including math/science. Flexible hours and competitive pay. Please email your resume to
1994 Harley Heritage Softtail, 26300k, all service records avail, extra set of pipes. $7500. Call Mike @ 612-309-6737
bsehlers3242@gmail.com
Sales Positions
LIGHT EQUIPMENT MECHANIC
Service Manager (Ag Dept.) Job Function: Responsible for safe, efficient and profitable operation of the service department. Advise and makes recommendations to the general manager with respects to the best interest of the service department. Responsible for customer and employee satisfaction. Qualified candidates will have the following skills: 5+ years work related experience. Previous management experience preferred but not required. Ability to speak effectively one on one or before groups of customers or employees. Ability to interpret department financial statements. Working knowledge of computers. Strong organizational skills. Knowledge of agriculture equipment. Be able to work flexible hours to meet customer needs.
Jordan Kids Company has an opening for a part time Group Leader. Hours will be 2:00pm6.00pm. Mon-Fri. Call Lori at 952-492-4312 for application. Position open until filled.
94 Starcraft, 17ft. Aluminum. Walleye, Bass ½ Console 75hp. Mariner & 8hp. Kicker. $6500. 612-554-6725 or
or visit our website at
Wanted with all levels of experience. Positions are full time and benefits eligible. Must have valid D/L, reliable transportation and be able to pass background check, drug screen and physical. Call our job line at 952-380-3720 or send resume to: jobs@carpentrycontractors.com
Start the New Year with a new career at Ag Power Enterprises Service Department
2006 Crestliner Lsi Angler 2285. Lots of extras. 60 HP Mercury 4 stroke and dual axle trailer. 763-360-6251
Driver Warehouse Part time. Parts Delivery Warehouse No experience required. Clean driving record. Auto Plus Hourly based on experience. EOE 952474-3162
info@emmakrumbees.com
Sleepover Counselor/Program Counselors/Shakopee 4 bed grp home w/4 women w/DD. Exp. w/Alzheimer's & DD preferred. Additional hours recently added caused reorganization of the staff schedule, creating new immediate job openings: 1) FT Sleepover Counselor position 40 hr wk w/ competitive benefits/paid training. Mon Thur 10:30 PM to 8:30 AM. (30 hr sleep, 10 hr awake per/wk) 2) PT Weekend: Sat/ Sun. 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM every other w/e 3) PT Weekend: Sat. 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM every other w/e. $7.28hr/sleep, $14.01hr/ awake. Contact: MichelleL@ thomasalleninc.com or 651-789-5104
A New Career
Coldwell Banker Burnet Eden Prairie Irene: 952-949-4759 Rolland: 952-949-4724 EOE
Chaska company experiencing HUGE growth needs 40 good people to join their team! Applicants should have: Assembly experience Able to work in a fast paced environment Have HSD or GED $10.00+ 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts We will be taking applications on Wed Jan 4th at 9:00am at 124 Columbia Court Chaska, MN 55318 Call with any questions 952-915-2000
Residential subcontractor for new home construction is looking for 15 Window installers immediately to work on Window installation crews. Work sites are Mpls/St. Paul metro wide. Positions are full time, year round and benefits eligible. Must have valid drivers license and pass a drug test/background check and physical. Please call 952-380-3720.
Open Systems business software powers the companies that are bringing the economy back to life. We are seeking a Quality Assurance/Tech Lead who will be responsible for ensuring that our quality standards are implemented, analyzing requirements, participating in review meetings for a team and their clients, executing test cases, and writing bug defect reports along with user documentation based on customer requirements. 1+ years of experience with quality assurance and testing of software projects, knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, exposure to defect tracking systems and knowledge of SQL Server are required. A Bachelor's degree in CS, MIS, Accounting or related field or IIST Certified would be preferred. Experience with automated testing software is a plus. This position requires a highly motivated candidate with strong communication skills (verbal and written), analytical and technical skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment. Please send resume and salary requirements to Open Systems, Inc. Attn: HR, 4301 Dean Lakes Boulevard, Shakopee, MN 55379 or email to HR@OSAS.com. EOE.
Custodial / Maint. Ice Rink P.T. Seasonal $9.00/hr weekday evening and weekend hours avail. Includes ice resurfacing, run skate shop, general maint. Apply at Chaska Community Center Front Desk, 1661 Park Ridge Dr, Chaska MN 55318
Honda style 2007 JMST 250cc Scooter. 1329 miles, original owner, 80 mpg, 4 stroke 2 passenger, $2900.00, call Ray 952-402-9110
Sporting Goods
2001 Camper, 32', 5th wheel 2 slideouts, golfcart, shed $14,500. Excellent condition. Parked on beautiful wooded lot in Zumbrota, 612-720-8683/ 612-5990184
CASH$$ We buy guns SPORTS STOP Shakopee 952-445-5282
Cars $$ Paid for Junkers/ Repairables FREE TOW. Immediate pickup. Serving Carver/ Scott counties. 952-220-TOWS, 24/7 $$ Wanted $$ JUNK CARS Viking Auto Salvage 651-460-6166
2004 41' SportsCoach Elite. Fully equipped. 23,000K. Well-maintained. 3 slides. $100,000. 952-797-6264
2007 27' Colorardo RL 5th Wheel, 2 Slide $29,500 or best offer. 507-934-4834 M-F after 5:30
Prior Lake American | www.plamerican.com
December 31, 2011 | Page 21
publicnotices
Spring Lake Township NOTICE OF HEARING ON IMPROVEMENT
FOR BLAKE ROAD, LILA LANE AND VICTORIA ROAD Thursday January 12, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Notice is hereby given that the Board of Spring Lake Township will meet: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2011 at the Town Hall 20381 Fairlawn Avenue Prior Lake, MN 55372 to consider the making of an improvement of Blake Road, Lila Lane and Victoria Road by grinding the existing bituminous, reclaiming the base, grading and re-paving the roadway, and replacing culverts. The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is all abutting property. The estimated cost of the improvement is $204,000. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting. Kathy Nielsen, Clerk Spring Lake Township 20381 Fairlawn Avenue Prior Lake, MN 55372 kathynielsen@springlaketownship.com
(952) 492-7030 (Published in the Prior Lake American on Saturday, December 31, 2011 and January 7, 2012; No. 7618) Credit River Township Board Meeting Tuesday, January 3, 2012, 6pm Agenda Call Meeting to Order, Pledge of Allegiance 1 Approve or Amend Agenda 2 Consent Agenda 1) November 7, 21, & December 5, 2011 Board Meeting Notes 2) November 2011 Treasurer’s Report 3) December 2011 Developer’s Escrow Statements 3 Open Forum 4 Old Business 1) 2012 CSTS Budgets 2) Gopher State One Call Update 5 New Business 1) Liberty Creek Development Update 2) Creekwood Lane/Creekwood Road Intersection
3) 2012-2021 Transportation Improvement Plan 4) MPCA – Connection to CSTS 1 Update 5) FEMA Update 6 Technology Report 7 Road Report 8 Engineer’s Report 1) Lynn, Monterey and 207 th Street Update 2) Seal Coat Project 3) Park Fees 4) 19555 Oak Grove Avenue Update 5) 2012-2013 Rates 9 Treasurer’s Report 1) Transfer Funds 2) Audit Update 3) Escrow / LOC Update 10 Clerk’s Report 1) March 2012 Election Update 2) Clerk Appointed Position Update 11 Review and Pay Bills 12 Adjourn (Published in the Prior Lake American on Saturday, December 31, 2011; No. 7619)
Public Notice deadline for the Prior Lake American is at Noon on Tuesday for the following Saturday edition. Faxes are not accepted.
We’ll help make the move easier. • packet of helpful information including maps, civic and county resources • hundreds of $$$ in local merchant gift certificates • answers to your new-to-the-area questions Welcome Neighbor! has helped new residents learn about their new community for over 20 years.
Carol Local Greeter
Call 952-442-9000 or EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE PACKET. www.welcomeneighbormn.com welcome@welcomeneighbormn.com 186275
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Assumed Name/Certificate Of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 File Number: Date Filed: November 14, 2011 The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required as a consumer protection, in order to enable consumers to be able to identify the true owner of a business. 1. List the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: John Paul Damiani Foundation 2. Principal Place of Business: 26715 Woodcrest Drive – Elko, MN 55020 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address. Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary: Matthew Damiani – 26715 Woodcrest Drive, Elko, MN 55020 & Lisa Damiani – 26715 Woodcrest Drive, Elko, MN 55020 4. I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. Signature: Matthew Damiani Contact Person 651-203-7734 Date: October 13, 2011 (Published in the Prior Lake American on Saturday, December 24 and 31, 2011; No. 7617)
New to the area?
tell that special someone
HAPPY BIRTHDAY with a greeting ad in the
PRIOR LAKE AMERICAN call our advertising department
SERVING: CARVER, MCLEOD, SCOTT, WRIGHT & WESTERN HENNEPIN COUNTIES. Business owners interested in building your customer base – call us for more information.
447-6669
Job Opportunities
with these great companies and others are advertised in CLASSIFIEDS located in the back of this newspaper Find more local JOB openings in the CLASSIFIEDS. To see your company listed here, or to place your employment ad, call 952-345-3003.
952-345-3003
Get connected. Go to www.plamerican.com for local news, sports, politics, photos, video, blogs and more.
Now you can post an unlimited number of ads to Thriftmart, our free-ads marketplace. Go to www.imarketplace.mn/thriftmart to place your ad, or call (952) 345-3003. (A telephone surcharge applies if you call.) And now businesses can use Thriftmart, too!
1/2” plywood, attic air chutes. Free, Prior Lake. 952-447-3784 Advantium conventional oven, never used. $500. 612-619-3694 Blanket, 102"x90" queen, 100% polyester. Provincial rose print, $8. 952-447-4961 Booth, Subway, oak/ green formica, $200, 952-239-4329 Bowflex Xtreme 2 $400/BO 320-469-7629 Entertainment cabinet L62-H70-W20. Regular Price $1000. Selling for $150. 952-368-9004 Fish house furnace, sink, 3 burner cooktop. $100. 612-619-3694 Foosball Table. Length 54 Width 29. Excellent Condition $50. 952270-1224 Insulation bats, $50. Prior Lake, 952-4473784
German Shepherd Female 4yrs Black $100 AKC High Drive. 952873-6567 German Shepherd Male 2yrs. AKC Black. High Drive, $400, 952-8736567 Kenmore refrigerator, side-by-side, 20 cf, $100, 952-649-7936 Lowrey Organ. Floor Model. 1970's. Good Condition. $100. 952270-1224 Medela Breast Pump. Includes extras. Nonsmoker. $200, 952-4845431 Mission Armoire/ TV Media stand, like new condition $300. 651398-2614 New black credit card case. $10. 952-2401025. New black G.E. flattop stove, 30"X22". $650, now $250. 952-3689004
New black genuine leather billfold. $10. 952-240-1025. Office chairs (2) swivel, on rollers, sturdy, $40, 952-445-9797 Pet Porter medium. Great Shape. $35. 952-941-5816 Piano, Wurlitzer with bench. Good tone. $300. Can deliver 952445-4177 Printer, Canon, Pixma. IP1700 photo printer. New, $10. 952-4017597 Printer, scanner, fax, All in one. HPC4280, new, $25. 952-401-7597 Refrigerator, Whirlpool, 20.1cf, white, very good condition. $100 cash, 952-496-9413. Rocker video game chairs. Great condition. $60. 952-949-2128
Single box spring, mattress, great condition. No stains, $25. 952447-6905 Ski boots, 27.5 Salomon Sport 6.0 952-334-5585 $75 OBO Sofa Sleeper, Tan color, great shape, $50.00 or B/O 612-817-3800 Sofa, loveseat in medium blue. Very good condition. $100. 952-4403072 Stadium blanket, 56"x72", 100% virgin wool, new, $10. 952447-4961
ThriftMart Discovery Booth, Subway, oak/ green formica, $200, 952-239-4329
Starting Jan. 5, 2012, our publications will be featuring a Tax Directory. If you are an accountant or tax preparer, and would like to advertise your service, please call the classified dept. @952-345-3003 or email classifieds@iMarketplace.mn
Trombone Conn 18 H, good condition, w/accessories, $200 OBO, 952-334-5585 Twin bed mattress & frame, $150, Cash. Prior Lake. 952-847-0627 Whirlpool electric stove/ oven, nice, $75, 952649-7936
Happy New Year from all of us in Classifieds! powered by Print/online package can be renewed until auto sells, all for the best deal price of $39. To place your ad, go to www.imarketplace.mn/autos or call (952) 345-3003.
Cars
Cars
1968 T-Bird, 429 automatic, new gas tank, tires, fuel pump, sending unit, brakes. Runs. Needs Restoration. Asking $1200. 952-4482015
1976 Chevy Nova hatchback, 305 AT, new tires & exhaust. Runs/ drives great, fun car to drive! $3,000/BO. 952447-8169
Cars
Cars
1997 Mercury Cougar, 30th Anniversary Limited Edition, 4.6 Liter, 140K Miles, $1,000. 952-220-8325
2009 Chev Cobalt LT. Purchased/ driven locally, like brand new, 21,000K. Black, Spoiler, PW, PL, Cruise, CD, non-smoker, more! $11,700. 952-215-5421
Trucks
1993 Ford F150, 4x4, new motor, 35k, lift kit, dual tanks. ARIZONA TRUCK, NO RUST, $6000 OBO, Chanhassen, 505-803-8232
Trucks
2004 Chevy Silverado Z71 Ext. Cab. 77,XXX perfect cond. Loaded, leather, Bose, 6Disc, Topper and many xtras. $15,700 B/O 612-2030804
Sport Util Vehicles
'10 Infiniti QX56, $35,000, Black Ext on Gray Leather, 5.6L V8, low mileage, pristine condition, loaded. 612486-2566
Sport Util Vehicles
2002 Ford Expedition, original owner, 4.6 liter, A/C, 6CD, third row seat, no accidents, runs, looks very good. $5,700. 952-270-8292
Vans 1972 rare triple black 'Cuda, with high compression 340 HP. 727 slapstick tranny. Posirearend, PS, bucket seats, Recession reduced!! $42,500. 612804-4074
1999 Chevrolet Malibu, Blue 108K miles $3500 or BO call 952-496-1428
1976 Classic Cadillac Convertible. Low mileage. 8 cyl. 440 engine. Complete facts available by calling. 559-435-3751
1994 Toyota Camry 163k miles, 4 cylinder, 4 door. Maroon, 30 + mpg, sunroof, new brakes, good condition. $2750. 952-466-2129
Trucks 1993 Ford Ranger XLT. 215M. New clutch/ battery, 4 cyl, 5 sp. $1,300. 952-426-5657, Lou
2000 Jaguar XJR. Well maintained. $9700 Silver and black interior, 83,000 miles. Call 612655-6680
1964 Chevy C20, 350 engine, 350 auto tranny, every bolt, nut, part replaced, or sandblasted and painted. 8K. REDUCED- $12,500. 952913-7808
2000 Chevy Silverado 4x4, regular cab, long box, am, fm, cd. A/C electric locks, windows, good tires. 142,385 $4,700 612-237-9750
2008 Chevrolet Silverado, 1500 Ext Cab 4X4. $10,000. More at: daverub@att.net or call, text. 612-851-6728
BUY IT SELL IT FIND IT
2002 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4, 5.4L V-8. Rear bucket seats, new motor. One owner. Great condition, very clean. $5,199. 612-5542405
1997 Ford Conversion, 244,000 well maintained miles, HD tow package, $1,200.00 OBO, lots new, email for details scottlacher@ hotmail.com 612-2107303
Page 22 | December 31, 2011
www.plamerican.com | Prior Lake American
Winter without snow in the animal world
186625
So far this is turning out to be the winter without snow all across the United States. As of Christmas, we still didn’t have any snow on the ground. Oh sure, a few places in the west are enjoying a bit of snow, but here in the Midwest and East Coast, forget about it! Of course, the lack of snow means everyone is asking me, “What does the lack of snow mean for the animals and birds?” Well, here’s the best explanation I can come up with. Snow is a blessing and a curse all wrapped up into one frozen package. In nature, rarely is a single event or condition just a good or just a bad thing. It’s usually a mixed bag of good and bad, and the lack of snow is no exception. First, the blessings of no snow: A blanket of snow does much for a lot of wildlife. Take snowshoe hares or jackrabbits, for example. They turn white in winter to blend in and hide from predators. So take away a white landscape of snow, and these critters stand out like a sore thumb. They are easy pickings for predators. Having no snow is a bad thing for them. Mice, voles, shrews and other small critters depend upon a nice, thick blanket of snow to hide or live underneath during winter months. These small animals
Visit our website for more Inventory www.DehmlowAuto.com AUTO SALES & SERVICE
HOME OF DEM•LOOOOW PRICES
* New Year *
* Have** a Blessed*and Happy * * ** * *
03 Lexus RX 300 AWD
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08 Volkswagen Passat
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• Tune Up • Brakes • Oil Change
Happy New Year from all of us at Dehmlow’s!
Larry Call Larry in our service department for an appointment. Master Tech Hwy. 13 @ Dakota St.
952-440-2277
Downtown Prior Lake
Rocky
952-440-2277
210970
WINTER SERVICE SPECIALS
Stan
TEKIELA NATURALIST
depend upon a blanket of snow for a level of visual protection. They actually move about on the ground underneath the snow, where temperatures are moderately warm compared to normal winter air temperatures. The snow also helps to hide them from view while they go about their daily or nightly activities. However, predators such as hawks, owls, foxes and coyotes gain a benefit from the snow. These predators are able to hear the small critters
under the snow and pounce or punch through the snow to capture their next meal. So the snow works both ways in this scenario. Take away the snow, and the small critters remain underground, which means they stay away from the predators. Snow also protects many plant species. A blanket of snow acts like a down comforter and will help insulate the ground from extreme cold air temperatures and deep frost. Not that we’ve had any extreme cold temperatures, but you know what I mean. A blanket of snow stops the frost from penetrating deep into the ground and killing the roots of wildflowers, shrubs and trees. When snow is covering the ground, it gives an advantage to animals such as rabbits that travel on the surface of the snow. The deep snow allows the rabbits to reach the stems of bushes that they normally can’t reach. It also allows for
the small critters that burrow in the snow to reach the base of young trees and shrubs and chew off the tender bark while remaining hidden by the snow. These are just a few examples of the Yin and Yang of a winter without any snow. Personally, I’m OK with the lack of snow. Other than the fact that we can really use the soil moisture, I find it a pleasant change of pace and it makes my job as a wildlife photographer a lot easier. But then again, it makes it a lot harder, because at this time of year it’s hard to capture winter images. On the other hand, the images I’m taking right now look like fall or autumn, and that is good, too. Until next time... Stan Tekiela is an author/ naturalist and wildlife photographer from Victoria who travels the United States to study and photograph wildlife. He can be followed on twitter and Facebook. He can also be contacted via his web page at www.naturesmart.com.
!
Have a Safe and
www.velishekautosales.com to view a our complete inventory '08 Suzuki Reno Hatch Hatchback back 2.0 4 Cyl., AT, AC, $ Car Start, 35,000 Miles
9,995
'04 Ford Ranger Stepside, XLT, Fx4, 4x4 4.0 V6, AT, AC, $ Loaded, 53,000 Miles
'06 Chevrolet Ch l t HHR LT
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16661 HWY. 13 S., PRIOR LAKE, MN 55372 • 952-447-2237
CAR RENTAL
Car Rentals • Day • Week • Month
952-440-2400
PHOTO BY STAN TEKIELA
A snowy owl usually relies on a snow-white landscape to conceal its movements.
ALL72INCENTIVES END JAN 3RD!
0
ON SELECT VEHICLES
ALL REBATES & DEALER CASH
ENDS 1-3-12
ENDS 1-3-12
% MONTHS
'11 CHEVY MALIBU
ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT!
USED CARS, TRUCKS & VANS (PARTIAL LISTING) 03 BMW 3 Series 325i
05 Buick LeSabre Custom
11 Buick Lacrosse CXL
AWD
Gray, 86,916 Miles, #16073C
$
10,995
Tan, 90,811 Miles, #1583A
9,995
$
Silver, 11,417 Miles, #5821
$
25,995
07 Chevy Impala LT
Was $28,064
Black, 72,312 Miles, #16148A
#15540
$
#16328
22,592
$
'11 CHEVY IMPALA
Was $41,444
$
37,797
'11 CHEVY ½ TON
12,995
Silverstone, 43,217 Miles, #5797
$
14,695 11 Chevy Malibu LTZ
Summit White, 6,042 Miles, #5869
$
Was $26,033
#15598
20,797
$
Fully Loaded! Incl. Leather!!!
Was $44,859
06 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew SLE Z71
#16372
$
21,995
'11 CHEVY SUBURBAN
CXL
$
Was $30,274
#16094
25,689
$
Was $55,309
$
08 Chevy Impala LT
Gray, 47,734 Miles, #16279A
13,995
$
08 Chevy Malibu Hybrid
Gray, 29,983 Miles, #5399
14,995
$
Black, 25,577 Miles, #16226A
20,995
$
08 Chevy Impala LT
5yr/100,000 mi. Powertrain. 2yr/30,000 mi. Car Care
10 Chevy Impala LT
Gold, 35,060 Miles, #5852
$
15,995
06 Chevy Monte Carlo SS
Silver, 79,622 Miles, #16151B
$
05 Volkswagen Touareg AWD
#16350
47,797
*All rebates and Incentives incl. in price. 0% Financing up to 72 mo. in lieu of rebates. All incentives End Jan. 3, 2012.
25,995
Gray, 89,692 Miles, #5877
13,995
$
07 Pontiac G6 GT
Silver, 43,611 Miles, #5798
Ivory White, 60,962 Miles, #15611A
LT 4x4
Heated Leather Seats, 20" Whls., Rear DVD
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08 Pontiac G6
$
4 Dr., Group #5 W/ Pwr Pass/Dr. Seats, Sunroof, More!
11,495
12,995
Gold, 64,155 Miles, #16040A
13,995
$
10 Chevy Impala LT
White, 16,496 Miles, #5864
11 Chevy Malibu LT
Black, 24,361 Miles, #5803
17,995
$
10 Ford Edge LTD AWD
08 Ford Escape XLS 4WD
$
Gray, 25,274 Miles, #15603C
$
08 Pontiac Grand Prix
28,995
18,995
Gray, 58,722 Miles, #15603A
14,995
$
04 Pontiac Grand Am SE
05 Buick Lacrosse CXL
36,999 White, 48,672 Miles, #16271A
'11 CHEVY BUICK REGAL
White, 71,609 Miles, #16347A
$
12mo./12,000 Bumper to Bumper.
08 Chevy Impala LS
CREW LTZ
4 Dr. DT
10 Honda Accord EX-L Navi
'12 BUICK ENCLAVE
2 LT
Heated Seats, Sunroof
03 Cadillac CTS
16,495
15,995
$
Gray, 93,972 Miles, #16019A
$
13,995
04 Chevy Suburban Z71 4WD
Gray, 64,206 Miles, #16221A
$
11 Chevy Traverse LT AWD
Black, 111,092 Miles, #15545B
$
14,995
10,995
$
Red, 41,361 Miles, #5856
9,495
$
06 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Z71 4x4
Red, 13,241 Miles, #5863
Pewter, 63,234 Miles, #16335A
29,995
$
20,995
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SALES OPEN MONDAY 8:30AM-4:00PM