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May 25,

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I Love Burnsville Week Inside this section is a special edition devoted to activities slated during I Love Burnsville Week from June 2-9.

Opinion Question the candidates Sun Thisweek wants to know the questions readers would like candidates for various elected offices to answer. Page 4A

thisweekend

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

The Minnesota Supreme Court reversed on Wednesday a murder conviction because of interference by Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom and other “state actors.” In the May 23 ruling, the Supreme Court found “multiple state actors unquestionably interfered with the legislatively mandated independence of medical

Dakota City Heritage Village becomes a battle zone during the third annual World War II re-enactment. Page 14A

Sports

examiners” and put Backstrom threatdefendant Nicole ened to withdraw Beecroft’s constituhis support for tional rights at risk. Thomas’ reappoint Beecroft, of Oakment as coroner dale, was on trial when the Dakota for murder in 2008 County Board was in the death of her James considering whether newborn baby, and Backstrom to renew her conDr. Susan Roe, then tract with the couna staff member with the ty. Dakota County Medical Backstrom was later Examiner’s Office, was pre- fined $900 and publicly reppared to testify to her find- rimanded by the Minnesota ings that the child was still- Supreme Court for attemptborn. ing to discourage medical Backstrom sent Roe’s examiners from testifying at boss, Dr. Lindsey Thomas, the trial. a series of emails opposing In the ruling, the Suany member of her staff tes- preme Court found the contifying for the defense. duct of several prosecutors In one of his emails, and certain law enforcement

officials had “fallen short of what we expect it to be.” Named were attorney offices in Dakota County, Nicollet County, St. Louis County, and Washington County as counsel for the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association “all engaged in conduct that either explicitly or implicitly undermined Beecroft’s access to the assistance of certain medical examiners.” According to the ruling, the St. Louis County attorney testified at Beecroft’s post-conviction hearing that prosecutors in her office were receiving calls from prosecutors around the country indicating dis-

pleasure that St. Louis County Medical Examiner Dr. (Janice) Ophoven was testifying for the defense. Tuesday’s ruling reversed Beecroft’s conviction and concluded Beecroft is entitled to a new trial in the interest of justice. In ruling, the Supreme Court stated medical examiners must be allowed to complete death investigations “without interference or the appearance of interference, by other state actors including law enforcement officials and prosecutors.” Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Teacher of the Year finds her place ‘GEOGRFY’ says it all for rigorous Metcalf teacher by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

War comes to Farmington

May 25, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 13

Court reverses murder conviction Backstrom’s conduct cited in ruling

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Burnsville | Eagan

Sharon Shelerud’s customized license plates, a gift from her husband, say it all: “GEOGRFY.” School District 191’s newly named 2012 Teacher of the Year is an expert in geography, a subject she’s taught almost exclusively for the last two decades. Shelerud is a statewide leader among geography educators. Lessons she’s written have been adopted by the Minnesota Department of Education and published in an international journal. An adjunct professor at Augsburg College, Shelerud co-teaches Introduction to Human Geography, a requirement for all Augsburg education majors.

At Metcalf Junior High in Burnsville, where she’s taught for the last 16 years, Shelerud’s 100-point test on locating countries has become legendary. Kids get a world map and fill in the blanks for points and bragging rights. “Every kid who’s had Shelerud,” the teacher said, “has learned where the countries are.” Ignore geography at your peril, says Shelerud, who was instrumental in making the Burnsville-EaganSavage district one of the first in Minnesota to offer a high school human geography course based on state academic and Advanced Placement standards. The course is taught in ninth grade, both regular and AP.

Photo by John Gessner

Metcalf Junior High geography teacher Sharon Shelerud has been named 2012 Teacher of the Year in District 191. “We are the most geographically illiterate country in the industrialized world,” said Shelerud, who’s teaching five sections of human geography this

year. “And with the U.S. now being part of a global economy and a global community, that will not do us well in the future.” Shelerud came to Dis-

trict 191 in 1981, as a University of Minnesota student teacher at Burnsville High School. See Shelerud, 9A

Burnsville, Eagan legislators say ‘no’ to stadium Daley, Anderson, Wardlow discuss hot button issues expressed similar sentiments saying the stadium deal The 2012 legisunfairly forces evlative session was eryone to pay for an as divisive at times amenity used by a as the Vikings staselect few. dium, bonding and “I don’t think we omnibus tax bills Diane should increase dominated the last Anderson taxes for handouts few weeks. But in for the wealthiest the end, both Demamong us,” Wardocrats and Republow said. “It’s unforlicans were able to tunate for the state.” check a few items Anderson said by off their wish lists opposing the staand in some indium bill, she folstances, meet in the lowed the wishes of middle. Ted Daley the constituents she The Vikings starecently surveyed on dium was a hot butthe issue. ton issue toward the “I support the Viend of the session. kings and didn’t Though the stawant them to leave, dium bill passed but wanted a betthis month, it didn’t ter deal where the move forward with Vikings paid more,” the blessing of area Doug she said. Republicans. Wardlow All three agreed the “I think the vast majority of people want state could have gotten a to keep the Vikings here in better deal by waiting until Minnesota,” Sen. Ted Daley next year. said. “But my concern was Daley and Wardlow preferred a measure that would the funding mechanism.” Daley said he worries have levied a 10 percent fee that tax increases and chari- on suites and parking withtable gaming revenue are in a half-mile of the stadium unsustainable ways to fund and imposed a 6.875 percent fee on sales of Vikings the stadium. State Reps. Doug WardSee Eagan, 9A low and Diane Anderson by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Blaze softball advances The Burnsville softball team is in the section final four along with Eastview, while Eagan falls to Apple Valley in first round. Page 16A

Index Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Announcements . . . . . . 10A Thisweekend. . . . . . . . . 14A Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16A Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . 18A Public Notices. . . . . . . . 22A

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Submitted photo

Rep. Pam Myhra and Sen. Dan Hall, right, both sponsored data disclosure legislation in response to the Tania Chance controversy in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191. The Burnsville lawmakers attended the signing when Gov. Mark Dayton signed the final version of the legislation. At left is Rich Neumeister, a citizen activist for greater government transparency.

Burnsville’s Hall, Myhra responded to Chance controversy by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

State Rep. Pam Myhra of Burnsville may have faced a tougher choice than most legislators when voting on the Minnesota Vikings stadium deal earlier this month. “Before I went into session this year, my mom said, ‘Pam, build a Vikings stadium,’ ” said the first-

term Republican, who represents District 40A. “ ‘You know how much your dad loved the Vikings.’ ” In the end, Myhra voted against the stadium deal, which relies first on tax revenue from expanded charitable gambling (electronic pulltabs and bingo) to fund the state’s share of the $975 million stadium. Myhra said she stuck to

her 2010 campaign pledge not to use money from the state’s general fund — including charitable gambling taxes — to fund a stadium. “My dad loved the Vikings,” said Myhra, whose father died of cancer last August, “but he also taught me to be a woman of integSee Burnsville, 24A

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Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

Education Teachers back on board District 191 softens the blow Board pares with incentive pay cut list Union vote was this week by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

After a year without it, School District 191 teachers appear to be back on board with an optional pay plan that gave most rank-and-file teachers $2,000 extra per year in performance incentives. Teachers were expected to vote Wednesday and Thursday on the plan, after Sun Thisweek had gone to press. The plan, called Pro-Pay, requires both union and School Board approval. The Burnsville-EaganSavage district launched Pro-Pay in 2006, after state lawmakers approved an alternative teacher pay law called Q Comp. But last September, the Burnsville Education Association’s executive board voted overwhelmingly against sending a rewritten Pro-Pay plan to a union vote for authorization in 2011-12. Both sides must annually authorize Pro Pay. By dumping the plan, teachers lost about $2.5 million in state aid and local levy funds to pay the incentives as well as bonuses for teaching coaches and other leadership positions. There had been a “cli-

mate of mistrust” on the committee of teachers and administrators working on the rewrite teacher leaders rejected, according to Burnsville Education Association President Libby Duethmann. But a new round of talks has been “phenomenal,” she told the School Board May 17. The new plan, which already has the state Department of Education’s approval, contains fixes teachers wanted, she said. It gives first dibs on instructional coaching positions – which carry stipends of up to $4,000 – to teachers already in the district, Duethmann said. It addresses teacher concerns about building leadership teams, whose members earn a $2,000 stipend. The BEA wanted to ensure that experienced, nonprobationary teachers are chosen for the teams, Duethmann said. The new plan also includes improved incentives for Early Childhood Family Education and Adult Basic Education teachers, she said. “I feel really great about where we are versus where we were in the fall,” Duethmann said. If teachers approve the plan, School Board approval is expected June 7. The plan gives teachers an extra $1,200 for “proficient” or “exemplary” rat-

ings on three coaching observations. Teachers must also achieve those ratings on their observations and professional learning plans to advance on the salary schedule. Another $200 is available to teachers whose schools meet a schoolwide student achievement goal. Teachers will get another $200 when their “collaborative” teaching teams meet their student achievement goals. And $400 is available for proficient or exemplary progress on teachers’ personalized learning plans, which are linked to the coaching observations. Duethmann said that link more closely binds professional development and the observation process – something the Department of Education found wanting under the old Pro-Pay plan. “We might be trendsetters,” Duethmann told the board. Each teacher’s thriceyearly observations will be done by two different observers, said David Bernard, the district’s director of instruction. With union and board approval, the new plan would take effect July 1. John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

Budget cuts in School District 191 became a little easier to take May 17 when the School Board reinstated $1.53 million that had been on the chopping block. Restorations include the equivalent of 11 fulltime positions, including three teaching positions at Burnsville High School and three at the three junior highs. Superintendent Randy Clegg has said the original budget cuts would have claimed 26 positions. The Burnsville-EaganSavage board approved the restorations 6-1, with Board Member Sandy Sweep dissenting. The board is spending down its general-fund balance by about $1 million and taking advantage of about $1.3 million in savings from new employee health care and student transportation contracts to cushion the blow of cuts. The district also learned recently it will receive $500,000 in state literacy funds. General-fund spending for 2012-13 is expected to total around $109.5 million when the board approves the budget in June. Without cuts, spending was projected to reach about $114 million, according to Lisa Rider, executive director of business

services. The district is looking for ways to cut about $15 million over the next three budgets. The board has already dismissed from next year’s budget Clegg’s most controversial proposal — a school calendar with 17 fewer but longer school days. It would have saved an estimated $776,000. The restorations include a maximum 1-mile walking distance for elementary students. Cuts of 7.5 teaching positions at the junior highs and seven at the high school had been proposed. Restoring three of the positions at each level costs $492,000. Cuts include two dean positions at the high school. The budget doesn’t increase class sizes. Average class-size targets will remain 26.47 at the elementary level and 35 at the secondary levels. Restorations also include $100,000 for supplies, $100,000 for curriculum adoptions, $46,700 for high school sports and $100,000 for co-curricular and other stipends. “We’re not taking much, frankly, out of the classroom,” Board Member Bob VandenBoom said. “We added back curriculum, we added back supplies, we added back teachers.” Sweep managed to secure restoration of 1.5 English as a second language teaching positions administrators had recommended cutting. The board

voted 4-3 on her motion to spend $124,500 on the restoration. Sweep, Paula Teiken, Dan Luth and VandenBoom voted for it. Dissenters were DeeDee Currier, Jim Schmid and Board Chair Ron Hill. Sweep said the district shouldn’t cut those positions until a district team studying new state mandates for English-language instruction gives its report. “Waiting for the report will not change my recommendation,” Clegg told the board. The English as a second language staff is comfortable with the proposed cut, he said. Luth originally opposed the restoration but changed his mind when assured that spending the $124,500 wouldn’t compromise the district’s policy of maintaining reserves totaling at least 8 percent of the general fund. The restoration would push the balance down to 8.1 percent, Rider said. “That is the lowest it will go. I expect it will increase” by this time next year, she said. Teiken tried to restore elementary resource teachers, whose funding is eliminated under the proposed budget. Her motion to spend about $485,000 failed 5-2. Sweep joined Teiken in voting for it. John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Opinion

May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

We want to know the questions voters need candidates to answer by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

With the 2012 legislative session having come to a close, our attention has turned to Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Many people already are referring to this as the most important election in recent memory. That sentiment is due in large part because of the sheer number of offices that will be on the ballot. Because of mandatory redistricting this year, all Minnesota House and Senate seats will be up for grabs. All but one Dakota County commissioner seat will be on the ballot along with several municipal and school district positions. People also will be choosing a U.S. president, one of Minnesota’s two senators and a 2nd District House representative. Voters of Minnesota, you have about five months to pay attention to who these people are and where they stand on the issues important to you. One of the frequent questions we hear from readers about this time of year is: Will the newspaper be hosting any debates? I’m happy to report that Sun Thisweek will endeavor to moderate several debates in the coming months.

Sun Thisweek Columnist

Tad Johnson

In June, some of the 84 journalists who work for ECM Publishers Inc. will meet for an election coverage workshop during which the editors of Sun Thisweek will develop a strategy to plan such forums. At this time, it is our intention to schedule debates for House and Senate races in the Sun Thisweek coverage area. Because of the work involved in organizing such events, we haven’t gone beyond talking about those races. One of our editors recently spoke with a current officer holder in our coverage area who said during one election cycle she wasn’t invited to any debates. Frankly, that makes us look bad that we didn’t recognize the lack of a forum for that race and plan one ourselves. Seeing the candidates in a debate format where they don’t have prior knowledge of the questions is very important for voters. Debates allow you to see how well

informed the candidates are on the issues, how they handle themselves under pressure and how they articulate their message. We want the people of our area to see as many candidates in this setting prior to casting their ballots. The most important element of a good exchange is asking the right questions. That’s where you can help. We would like to hear from readers what questions they think the candidates should answer for any of the offices at the state, county, city or school board level. People may submit their questions online at SunThisweek.com by going to links from this story post for the offices for which we are seeking questions. When you add your questions, you can see what other questions people are thinking about. People also may submit their questions to my email address listed at the end of this column or mail them to our Apple Valley address listed in the staff box on this page. We’d especially like to hear from many of the undecided voters who frequently cross party lines for federal and state offices. If you are a voter who doesn’t identify themselves as a solid Democrat or a

Republican, send an email to me because we want to know what issues are the most important to you. We are interested because it is the middle that swings the controlling-party pendulum from liberal to conservative. Legislative elections in Dakota County have largely leaned Republican in much of the past two decades, though when President Barack Obama was elected in 2008, five Democrats were elected to the state House and Senate from the Sun Thisweek coverage area. Obama is back on the ballot again, but 2012 is a much different political environment and only a handful of candidates that ran in 2008 are in the race this year. So what will happen this fall is anyone’s guess. Our goal at Sun Thisweek is to arm people with as much information about the candidates as possible so voters can make educated choices. Tad Johnson, managing editor of Sun Thisweek and the Dakota County Tribune, can be reached at tad.johnson@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Recent college graduates step into the abyss by Ibrahim Hirsi special to sun thisweek

Every weekday morning as I drive to work at the Wallin Education Partners in Minneapolis, I either yield or stop for the hastening student pedestrians who have just parked their cars at the Burnsville Transit Station, crossing the road to catch buses to their early classes at the University of Minnesota. The sight of college students with backpacks, riding the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority express buses, reminds me of my years as a student at the University of Minnesota, which ended just a year ago when I graduated with a journalism degree and an African and African-American studies minor. Last weekend, some of these students walked – along with my brother and thousands of other students – across the University of Minnesota’s Mariucci Arena stage to honor and celebrate the end of many long and arduous years of studying. On one hand, I was excited to share the happiness and celebration with the graduates. On the other hand, I was deeply distraught by the lethargic econ-

Guest Columnist

Ibrahim Hirsi

omy, which increasingly victimizes the rising professionals. Despite the students’ enthusiastic desire to graduate, the nation’s work force has a poor welcome for the 2012 college graduating class. According to an April study done for and reported on by the Associated Press, one in two college graduates are either unemployed or underemployed. The study stated that many with bachelor’s degrees find low-paying jobs or employment that doesn’t require a college education, and are competing with people who never set foot in a college or university. On top of the anguish of unemployment, the new graduates will have to start repaying their student loans to the U.S. Department of Education six

months after the graduation date. The pressure to pay back loans and the need for some graduates to make financial contributions to their families have forced some recent graduates to search for any kind of jobs, even ones not in fields they hoped to work in or at the salary they expected to earn. For instance, a former classmate from the university’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication who graduated with me last May, now works at a Minneapolis McDonald’s, barely making the minimum wage. Another friend, who graduated with honors from the university’s College of Liberal Arts, still remains unemployed more than a year after he graduated. But what worries me the most aren’t the widening unemployment rates, especially among minority communities. What worries me the most is the fact that many high school students may not plan to attend college because they see college graduates working alongside them in places such as McDonald’s and Target. The consequences of not obtaining a college education are brutal. The young people without higher education

won’t have the ability to think critically and may not make good choices in life. They may not be involved in improving their own communities and neighborhoods. To avoid these consequences, the graduates who make the extra effort to attend colleges and universities should be rewarded with deserving jobs and salaries. And the White House should assuage the duress of unemployment by creating decent jobs for aspiring recent graduates. Ibrahim Hirsi is a Burnsville-based writer who graduated from the University of Minnesota with a journalism degree and a minor in African and African-American studies. Hirsi’s articles have been published in numerous publications, including the Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio’s commentary page and the Twin Cities Daily Planet. He has also lived on the East Coast, where he’s written for New York’s Long Island Newsday and the Record-Journal, a local newspaper in Meriden, Conn.

A time to salute the work of Legion, VFW posts by Don Heinzman Sun Thisweek

Strong American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War posts and their auxiliaries are valuable for enhancing the welfare of veterans, promoting patriotism and enriching the lives in their local communities. In many communities, Legion and VFW Post headquarters are the centers where many local events take place. Minnesota is fortunate to have 112,000 Legion members in 590 posts, and 66,000 VFW combat veterans in 286 posts. While the American Legion and its auxiliary and the VFW and its auxiliary contribute much in time, talent and funds to communities, their primary fo-

Sun Thisweek Columnist

Don Heinzman

cus is the welfare of veterans. Each organization is instrumental in having legislation passed that protects and enhances the lives of veterans. The American Legion has five Veterans Homes in Minnesota where the host Legion clubs donate services, furniture and equipment to keep veterans satisfied.

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Veterans Administration hospitals are the focus of the Legion and VFW, and particularly the auxiliary units who visit veterans and donate equipment and other items they may need. American Legion members throughout the state donate blood and sponsor trips to blood donation centers. Both organizations look out for the welfare of widows and orphans by protecting their benefits. Both are active in passing national and state legislation that brings benefits to veterans. Veterans organizations were largely responsible for passing the GI Bill of Rights, perhaps one of the most significant laws in the 20th century. Promoting respect and honor for the American flag and the United States is another major thrust of both organizations. They sponsor Memorial Day, Flag Day and Veterans Day observances. Honor Guards set the patriotic tone for many local observances. Members march in parades, and participate in funerals of veterans, complete with a rifle salute. The Legion and VFW instruct young people how to respect and treat the flag, and sponsor local oratory and essay contests. Development of young people is a major priority for both organizations. Both sponsor sports teams; the VFW particularly has events for disabled youngsters. The American Legion provides scholarships, sponsors Legionville where youngsters learn how to be effective

school patrol members. Boys and Girls State programs give selected high school juniors insight on how state and national government functions. Partnering and funding research to cure diseases is another American Legion priority. Millions of dollars have been donated to research cures for heart disease and the Brain Science Foundation. Because they both have many members with strong militaristic discipline, they usually are the most effective organizations in any community. Programs sponsored by both the VFW and American Legion are supported by charitable gambling proceeds. Because so many are veterans of World War II, they have the heart of what is called the Greatest Generation. Their memberships are going down because not enough veterans are joining to replace those who are leaving. Those veterans who are eligible and want to do more for their community and country should join either one of these effective organizations;. Next time you see a veteran, thank them. They deserve it and there would be no better time to do so than on Memorial Day 2012. Heinzman, a member of the ECM Editorial Board and ECM Board of Directors, is at don.heinzman@ecm-inc.com. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Letters Farewell, my dolphin friends To the editor: As a young kid I always liked the dolphin exhibit at the zoo. Every time I went to the zoo I made sure I saw the dolphin show, but

now the dolphins are done with shows. They will also no longer be at the Minnesota Zoo. I am sad that the dolphins have to go. Though they will be going to another zoo, one of the dolphins will not be doing any shows. I feel that fur-

ther generations will miss out and be disappointed since that would have been one of their favorite exhibits. JAROD ROBINSON Lakeville

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

Eagan administrator recognized as leading communicator by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

As a leading voice for the city of Eagan, Tom Hedges, city administrator, never shies away from the public, even during the most difficult times. For more than three decades Hedges has been known to go out of his way to communicate with the public, even occasionally accepting reporters’ calls at home. Those efforts were recognized this week when Hedges was named 2012 Communicator of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators. “This was a surprise to me,” Hedges said. “But it was a real honor.” Hedges received his award during the association’s Northern Lights Banquet May 21. The award recognizes individuals who help build public trust in government by effectively presenting accurate, timely and meaningful information, according to a release by the association. Hedges has been one of Eagan’s primary spokespeople for 36 years, and was the city’s only spokesperson until 1993 when Eagan hired Joanna Foote as its first communications coordinator. Nine years later, Tom Garrison came on board as the first communications director.

Tom Hedges

from his commitment to ensuring Eagan has an open government. “I’ve always felt that servitude is extremely important in local government,” Hedges said. “ ... Being open is essential so residents can be well informed.” The Communicator of the Year award is one of many awards Hedges has won. In 1985 he received the Career Development award from the International Communication Association for his efforts in mentoring aspiring city administrators. He was named the Outstanding Manager Mentor in 2000 by the Minnesota Association of Urban Management, and City Manager of the Year in 2001 by the Minnesota City Managers Association. In addition to Hedges’ award from the Association of Government Communicators, several city staffers received the Award of Merit for Special Event Planning for the grand opening celebration of the Fire Safety Center. They are Garrison; Foote; Kerry Phillips, recreation supervisor; Pat Diloia of the Fire Department and Fire Chief Mike Scott.

Both nominated Hedges for the award. “Tom Hedges really appreciates the value of strategic communications,” Garrison said. “He’s great about advising us before news, even difficult news, comes out instead of after the fact.” Though some of his prior duties now reside in the communication department, Hedges remains at the forefront of the city’s communication efforts. He continues to assist in the city newsletters and serves as a leading spokesperson at public information meetings. Reporters who have worked with Hedges over the years described Hedges in letters as “unfailingly accessible” and as “someone who never failed to return a Jessica Harper is at jessica. phone call.” harper@ecm-inc.com or face Hedges said he willing- book.com/sunthisweek. ness to be accessible stems

Sun Thisweek, Tribune welcome new leadership Two associates with combined 44 years of experience to lead Dakota County group

After general manager and editor Larry Werner announced last week that he would be moving to a new position as director of news with ECM Publishers Inc., two company associates with a combined 44 years of media industry experience will be overseeing the operations of Sun Thisweek and the Dakota County Tribune Business Weekly. Jeff Coolman replaces Werner as the new general manager and has been busy meeting with staff in Apple Valley. Coolman also serves as general manager of more than 30 newspaper flags operated by ECM-Sun Group, which has offices in Eden Prairie, Osseo, Waconia, Monticello and Stillwater. He also oversees a print plant in Hudson, Wis. Coolman has been associated with Sun Newspapers since 2001 when he was hired as group publisher and vice president. He has worked in the media industry since 1993, holding the position of publisher at the Morning Journal in Columbiana

County, Ohio, and advertising director at the Battle Creek Enquirer in Michigan. Coolman oversees a total of 36 publications with a combined circulation of nearly 375,000, including Sun Thisweek’s three publications – Apple Valley-Rosemount, Burnsville-Eagan and Farmington-Lakeville in addition to the Tribune. Coolman will be joined by Keith Anderson, director of news for ECM-Sun Group newspapers. Anderson has been in the newspaper business since 1987, holding reporting positions in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Winthrop, Minn. He was hired as a county/sports reporter by The Waconia Patriot in 1989 and within one year accepted the position of editor. He accepted the title

of publisher/editor in 1996 and remained in Waconia until June 2011 when he accepted the position of director of news with Sun Newspapers. Both Coolman and Anderson noted that Sun Thisweek is led by a solid staff that has and will continue to seek ways to promote positive community relations, help business thrive and share the stories that matter most to the people of the area. Werner was hired as the general manager and editor for Thisweek Newspapers in 2008. He played a key role in helping steer the newspaper group through a merger two months ago that brought two flags from Sun Newspapers and three Thisweek Newspapers under one heading, Sun Thisweek.

May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Anderson to defend House seat Republican to face Masin in November by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

State Rep. Diane Anderson, R-Eagan, has confirmed she will seek re-election in District 51A and is confident she can defeat Democrat Sandra Masin this November. “I feel that I take the same position as most constituents in the district,” Anderson said. The first-term House member took Masin’s seat in 2010 in a large Republican sweep in Dakota County and throughout Minnesota. Anderson said she is proud of her record over the past two years and plans to focus on many of the same issues. The Eagan resident has advocated for mental health and family law issues. Anderson authored a bill this session that, among other things, creates consistency at adult day treatment centers by changing the number of days admitted from one to two per week. The measure passed in both houses and was signed by Gov. Mark Dayton. “We’ve gotten a lot done,” Anderson said. “But there’s more to do. People are not always getting the help they need.” Anderson led several bills this session that addressed family court issues. She authored one that would have required couples with children to take parenting classes within 30 days of divorce. That bill was voted down in committee. “We’re trying to make divorce easier on families and children,” she said. She also championed a bill that would have required couples to create parenting plans during a divorce proceeding. It also was defeated. Anderson, who runs a family court mediation

Diane Anderson business from her home, is currently working on a measure that would require divorced couples to seek mediation instead of pursuing the court process. Couples would be able to dissolve their marriage in court if mediation is unsuccessful. Victims of domestic abuse would be allowed to bypass mediation. Anderson has championed provisions she says will spur job growth and boost the economy in Minnesota. “We want to make sure we are providing good, quality jobs,” she said. Anderson recently supported a bill, signed by Dayton, that will eliminate duplication in the environmental review process for new developments. She said she hopes to see additional reforms made to the permitting process for businesses.

Health care

MinnesotaCare, a program that provides state-subsidized health care for lowincome residents, and a bill that would have phased out health care provider taxes. Minnesota imposes a series of gross revenue taxes on various types of health care providers. Revenues generated from these taxes are used to pay for the MinnesotaCare program. This year, Anderson favored the two constitutional amendments and said she is confident both will be passed by voters this November. To read more about the view of Anderson and two other local legislators, see related story. Anderson points to the state’s $1.2 billion surplus as an example of a campaign promise she upheld. “We spent less and it worked,” Anderson said. Though she supported delaying state aid payments to public schools last session, Anderson said she believes the state must repay districts at a faster rate (see related story for more). Other education issues Anderson supported include alternative licensing, a basic skills test for teachers and rescinding teacher tenure. If elected, Anderson said she will continue to cut government spending and support policies that engender job growth, affordable health care and housing. Anderson said she plans to find ways to support affordable housing while maintaining a lean budget. She said she is also currently working to drive college tuition down. While on the campaign trail, Anderson said she intends to meet with constituents to hear the issues that concern them most.

While opposing federal health care passed by the Obama administration, Anderson has supported forms of health care reJessica Harper is at jesform. Last year, she voted in sica.harper@ecm-inc.com or favor of efforts to privatize facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Burnsville police call off active search for missing man Police have “No furcalled off the acther searches are tive search for a planned at this Burnsville man time; however, who’s been missBurnsville police ing for more will continue to than a month. follow up on leads Lorenzo Paas they come in,” checo-Oroz co the release said. (aka Lorenzo Lorenzo Moreno- PachecoM o r e n o - P a - Pacheco Orozco does not checo), 61, was speak English last seen at about 6:30 a.m. and suffers dementia from on Sunday, April 15, near a head injury, according to his southwest Burnsville police. home. He’s 5-foot-6, 150 Burnsville police have pounds, with a heavy black conducted several searches mustache, and he walks of the area during the past with a limp. month, including air and Agencies and others asground rescue and recov- sisting in search efforts inery operations, the depart- clude Murphy-Hanrehan ment said in a news release Park Reserve; the Hennelast week. pin County Sheriff’s Of Police say they’ve found fice, which provided bloodno signs of Pacheco-Oro- hounds; Scott County, zco or leads pointing to which provided its mounted where he might be. horse patrol; the State Pa-

trol, which provided a helicopter; the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office; the Three Rivers Park District; a private mountain bike club; Northstar K9 Search and Rescue; the Savage Police Department; the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority; the FBI; the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; the Burnsville Mobile Volunteer Network; and many local businesses. Investigators on the case continue to work with the family, keeping it informed of any new information, police said. Anyone with information about Lorenzo Pacheco-Orozco is asked to call 911 or contact Burnsville police investigator Christi Carpenter at (952) 895-4592. — John Gessner

Eagan man injured in weekend crash by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

An Eagan man was listed in critical condition after his motorcycle collided with a commercial truck last weekend. According to the State Patrol, Jeffrey Maciej, 34, was heading east on Highway 55 near Lexington Avenue in Eagan at

around 8 a.m. Saturday, May 19, when a straight truck pulled in front of his motorcycle from a private parking lot and the two vehicles collided. Maciej was transported by ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. His motorcycle was totaled in the crash. The truck driver, Ale-

jandro Ramos, 37, of Minneapolis, was uninjured. Minor damage to his vehicle was reported. The incident is under investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol. Jessica Harper is at jessica.harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Memorial Day event set at new plaza by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Area residents will be able to honor their fallen heroes this Memorial Day in a ceremony at the recently completed Eagan Tribute Plaza. The tribute will begin at 2 p.m. May 28 and will include a speeches by decorated Vietnam veteran Mark Mulvihill and 1st Lt. Jonathan Reid of the 34th Infantry Red Bulls.

“It’s going to be a very appropriate event for the day,” said Tom Mullen of the Eagan American Legion, which is organized the event. Ceremonies will include a benediction and invocation by Eagan Police Chaplain Debbie Brown, songs by the Eagan Men’s Chorus and a presentation of the colors by the Eagan Police and Fire departments. The plaza, which is in

Central Park off of Central Parkway and Pilot Knob Road, was completed last July. A statue of a fallen soldier was in place last month. This will be the second Memorial Day event at the Tribute Plaza since its completion. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

Going the extra 900 miles Bike ride raises money for Apple Valley nonprofit Kids ’n Kinship by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

Every year, John Elder pedals 900 miles for something he loves. The seventh annual Christian Elder Memorial 900, a charity bike ride that benefits the Apple Valleybased nonprofit Kids ’n Kinship, got under way May 24 and has Elder and a team of five other riders traveling country roads and trails throughout Wisconsin. The ride, which this year has a goal of raising $30,000, officially concludes with a carnival-like celebration at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at Merchants Bank, 7300 147th St. W., Apple

Valley. The event includes entertainment, appearances by local dignitaries and plenty of refreshments. This is the seventh consecutive year Elder has organized the ride, which this year loops through Wisconsin with stops in La Crosse, Beloit, and Wisconsin Rapids. Elder said the funding his annual charity bike ride provides to Kids ’n Kinship is what keeps him trekking 900 miles year after year. The local nonprofit matches youths ages 5-16 with volunteer mentors who make a one-year commitment to the program, which serves Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakev-

ille and Rosemount. “We’ve become a major source of their annual budget – I really feel we’re doing so much good for a wonderful cause and we need to stick with it,” said the 65-year-old Bloomington resident. Elder knows firsthand the benefit Kids ’n Kinship mentoring can have on a young person’s life. About eight years ago he began mentoring an 11-year-old Rosemount boy. Though the formal mentoring relationship ended with the youth’s 18th birthday, the two remain lasting friends. “We still get together at least twice a month and share a friendship,” he said.

“When I was his mentor I taught him how to play racquetball and cribbage – he now regularly beats me at both,” Elder added with a laugh. The ride is named in honor of John and wife Sherry’s son, who died unexpectedly in 2007 at age 38. To make a donation to the Christian Elder Memorial 900, visit www.cem900. com. The website includes a Road Diary and a progress tracker on Facebook. More about Kids ’n KinPhoto submitted ship is at www.kidsnkinship. This is the seventh consecutive year John Elder has organized org. his 900-mile charity bike ride, which this year loops through Wisconsin with stops in La Crosse, Beloit, and Wisconsin Andrew Miller can be reached Rapids. The ride officially concludes with a carnival-like at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com celebration at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at Merchants Bank or facebook.com/sunthisweek. in Apple Valley.

Caregiver accused of stealing $11,000 from elderly Eagan patient by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

A caregiver was charged in district court last week for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from an elderly patient at an Eagan assisted-living facility. Jenny Irene Hansen, 31, was charged May 16 with two counts of felony check

forgery. According to the criminal complaint, Hansen, of West St. Paul, forged 30 checks totaling $11,080 between September 2011 and March 2012 to support her drug habit. Hansen had worked as a certified nursing assistant and provided personal care for the woman beginning in

Compost site open for storm debris The city of Burnsville will provide a site for disposal of homeowners’ tree debris from the May 19 storm. Beginning May 21, residents may drop off storm debris at the city’s compost site, located directly behind Dodge of Burnsville on Pleasant Avenue. Residents should not put the material in plastic bags to dispose of it at the compost site. If tree debris has been placed in plastic bags for hauling

purposes, residents are asked to open bags and empty them at the compost site. Hours of operation for the compost site will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, through Sunday, June 3. Homeowners can also hire private contractors for tree removal and disposal. A list of tree contractors licensed in Burnsville is at www. burnsville.org/forestry. For more information, call (952) 895-4550.

early 2011. The woman’s finances were controlled by her son, who had power of attorney, and her daughter. Hansen wasn’t authorized to use the woman’s checkbook, the complaint said. While preparing the woman’s taxes, her son discovered the forged checks,

Memorial Day ceremony in Burnsville

A Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 28, at Bicentennial Gardens, Nicollet Avenue and 134th Street, Burnsville. Participants will include the Civil Air Patrol Valley Composite Squadron, Mayor Elizabeth Kautz and bugler Craig Sylvester. Refreshments will be served at City Hall after the ceremony. The event is sponsored by the Sweet Sioux Garden Club and the Blue Star Mothers.

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which were written to Hansen, and he notified Eagan police. During their investigation, officers confirmed that the checks were cashed at Hansen’s bank, where they found a surveillance video of Hansen cashing one of the forged checks. In an interview with po-

lice, Hansen allegedly admitted forging the checks to fund her prescription drug addiction. Hansen reportedly told police she was “glad she had been caught because she likes (the woman) and felt really bad, and didn’t know how to get help to stop taking the drugs.”

A court hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. June 25 in Hastings. If convicted, Hansen could face up to 10 years in prison for each count. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Education District 196 Community Ed classes District 196 Community Education will offer the following classes. To register or for more information, call (651) 423-7920 or visit www. district196.org/ce. • Knitting from Start to Finish, 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays, June 1 and 8, at the Yarn Garage, 2980 145th St. W., Rosemount. Fee: $29.

• Golf Level 1 (ages 16 and above), 10 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, June 2-23, at Emerald Greens Golf Course, 14425 Goodwin Ave., Hastings. Fee: $59. • Special Olympics – Young Athletes, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, June 4-27, at Black Hawk Middle School, 1540 Deerwood Drive, Eagan. Fee: $59. • Camp Caterpillar (ages 4-6), 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Thursday, June 5-7, at

Apple Valley Community Center, 14603 Hayes Road, Apple Valley. Fee: $65. • Fitness Yoga, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 7-28, at Bodyblast Studio, 2020 Silver Bell Road, Suite 26, Eagan. Fee: $39. • Zumba with Bodyblast Studio, 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays, June 9-30, at Bodyblast Studio, 2020 Silver Bell Road, Suite 26, Eagan. Fee: $39.

May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Church launches health care directive initiative St. Joseph invites public to life-planning session by Tad Johnson

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Sun Thisweek

Take any group of 10 people over the age of 18 – a gathering of friends, co-workers or family members. If one of them suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, chances are they wouldn’t have a health care directive to guide doctors in making life-saving decisions. Surveys show that about 70 percent of adults don’t have a such a directive. The lack of this information means that families are placed in the difficult position of making choices without knowing their loved one’s wishes, or being entirely shut out of the decision-making process. A new program at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rosemount aims to change all of that and start a countywide push to have all adults create a health care directive. Planning Made Easier, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, will give parish members and the public the chance to start writing a directive along with participating in other discussions about related issues. “I hope people do see the value of getting your affairs in order,” said Luke Rennie, who will be leading one of the sessions. “I think many people aren’t informed on what can

In Brief Planning Made Easier will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church social hall, 13900 Biscayne Avenue W., Rosemount. The session is free, but people are asked to RSVP by calling (651) 423-4402. Refreshments and light snacks will be served.

assistance, senior living options, protecting assets, making funeral arrangements, beneficiary planning, the church’s teaching on cremation, organ donation, and more. “These are all matters that seniors and their children or grandchildren will eventually need to address,” Jarvis said. Rennie, who has been married for 13 years and has four children, said the number of people who do not have a health care directive is not surprising. “People who are 18 or 22 years old, they are not even thinking about a health care directive,” Rennie said, but as legal adults their parents can’t make some decisions without a directive. Rennie said the sessions perform a couple of different functions. He said it’s a way for people to realize their own mortality and address issues related to that. It also is a chance to help ease the grieving process before it has arrived. He said some of the most difficult issues he’s seen after someone has died are differences of opinion among family members regarding things that could have been addressed in a will or a directive.

happen, like a spouse not being able to make decisions.” Rennie, an Apple Valley resident who has been a St. Joseph member and a Knights of Columbus field agent for the past five years, likes the idea of the church being involved in such a program. “It ends up being a form of ministry,” said Rennie, who, as a field agent, assists people after a death in the family. “The church serves the spiritual needs of people in these times, and now we are going beyond that.” The church’s lead pastor, the Rev. Paul Jarvis, helped organized such a program at his previous church in Chaska. That program was so well attended that he wanted to see one organized in Rosemount. In addition to health Tad Johnson is at tad.johncare directives, the session son@ecm-inc.com or facewill cover power of attor- book.com/sunthisweek. ney, wills, estates, medical

Klein files for rematch against Schouweiler Candidates file for Dakota County commissioner race by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

After serving 20 years on the Inver Grove Heights City Council, Bill Klein has filed to run for Dakota County commissioner against incumbent Nancy Schouweiler. “It’s all or nothing,” Klein said in an interview hours after he registered as a candidate when filings opened May 22. Klein ran against Schouweiler in 2010, losing by 755 votes, according to the Minnesota secretary of state’s website. He predicted a different outcome this time, stating that the district’s boundary change will give him a boost. Redistricting has changed District 4 to include part of Eagan and Inver Grove Heights and most of Rosemount, where Klein’s wife Rhonda Fleming grew up in a large family. Klein said he brings enthusiasm and experience to the position, and was critical of lobbying trips to Washington, D.C., Schouweiler and other commissioners have taken because they add costs to taxpayers.

Schouweiler said in an interview that the trips have resulted in millions coming to Dakota County. Klein said the county has lobbyists for that, and if commissioners want to be involved, they could accomplish the same thing with a phone call or video conference at no cost to the taxpayer. “I don’t like to spend tax dollars,” Klein said. Schouweiler said she is proud of her leadership in national organizations, including the National Association of Counties, calling it advantageous for the county. “To represent the concerns of the county at the other levels of government, that’s what commissioners are expected to do,” Schouweiler said. Other issues Klein cited include property rights, reining in spending and addressing county costs that he said are passed on to cities, Klein said if elected, he would be in frequent contact with city officials in the district. Other Dakota County Board candidates who previously announced their candidacy and filed this

week are: • District 1 – Hastings City Council Member Mike Slavik, Farmington City Council Member Christy Jo Fogarty, • District 7 – state Sen. Chris Gerlach, and • Incumbents Tom Egan (District 3), Liz Workman (District 5) and Paul Krause (District 6). Fogarty’s and Slavik’s terms on their respective city councils end in 2014, and Gerlach’s term expires this year. Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland has also announced plans to run for County Board, but as of presstime, had not filed. In an interview, Hamann-Roland said she is out of town and plans to file next week. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 5 to file for office; they have until Thursday, June 7 at 5 p.m. to withdraw their filing. Joe Harris and Will Branning, a county commissioner since 1997, have both announced they will not seek re-election. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

Shelerud, from 1A She’s taught most of the secondary-level social studies topics in a career that’s been split mostly between Nicollet and Metcalf junior highs. In the early ’80s, Shelerud led a student raffle to raise money for famine-plagued Ethiopians. Rookie mistake. A student raffle-ticket sale, she says now, was “illegal.” “I was just basically told, ‘Don’t ever do that again,’ ” Shelerud said. Her outlook on the world broadened further in 1990, when Shelerud joined the Minnesota Alliance for Geographical Education. Committee memberships, curriculum writing and conference presentations followed. “I’m probably one of the biggest proponents of geography education in the state, I’d say,” said Shelerud, who lives in Eagan.

Eagan, from 1A clothing, trading cards and other memorabilia. That proposal was dropped from the final bill. “It’s better to have those who use the stadium, pay for it, rather than the taxpayers,” Daley said. Anderson said she opposed the proposed “user fees” out of fears it would be perceived as a tax increase. The bonding bill was another issue to receive a nay vote from local Republicans. The final bonding bill, signed by Gov. Mark Dayton, included $496 million in general obligation bonding to fund road and bridge projects, maintenance of University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities facilities, asset preservation projects at various state-owned facilities, and design work for State Capitol repairs. It also set aside $50 million for economic development that will be allocated through a grant application process through the Department of Employment and Economic Development. Funds for several civic centers, the St. Paul Saints ballpark and the Southwest corridor light rail project could come from this pool. Daley said he supports funding state infrastructure, but was concerned about the local projects. “The issue is that every project in the bill should have a statewide benefit,” he said. Anderson also cast a dissenting vote out of concerns that the bill was too large. “We did one last year, even though it wasn’t a bonding year, and I felt it didn’t need to be as high as it was this year,” she said.

Taxes The state Republican leadership began the session by making a reduction to business property taxes a top priority. The House and Senate passed an omnibus tax bill that would have a $72 million budget impact in the next biennium. It was a slimmer version of the first tax bill and included a one-year freeze of the statewide property tax for businesses and a onetime increase of the angel investment credit of $4.5 million. The bill also had an upfront exemption for capital equipment purchases for employers with 50 or fewer employees. The bill dubbed a “jobs bill” by Republicans, also contained several economic development incentives, including tax increment financing for the Mall of America.

Back at Metcalf, her social studies colleagues say Shelerud gives her students every shot at success. “Sharon often spends nights after school tutoring students in human geography and AP geography,” wrote teachers Terry Rusham and Lucretia Jeffers, who nominated their colleague for Teacher of the Year. Shelerud “isn’t afraid to challenge” her students, who “often come back to thank her” for the extra shove. Her teaching style has remained consistent. Cycles in teaching are easy to spot, Shelerud said, with the buddy-buddy model giving way years later to the taskmaster model. “I was never one of the warm and fuzzy teachers,” said Shelerud, a self-described teacher of rigor. “I had a professor at the U whose advice was, ‘Don’t let ’em see you smile until

Christmas.’ I’ve always adhered to that. ... If you start out lenient, where do you go from there?” Be a teacher first, she advises. “You shouldn’t be a kid’s friend,” Shelerud said. “You’re the adult. It doesn’t mean you can’t have a good relationship with kids. You saw that.” Shelerud was referring to two girls from Burnsville High School who visited their old teacher Monday afternoon to congratulate her on being named Teacher of the Year, an honor given by her peers in the Burnsville Education Association. “I don’t like a lot of attention,” she said. “I really, really don’t. But, like everybody, I do like to feel appreciated.”

Anderson, Daley and Wardlow were strong supporters of the bill. “I think it made a lot of sense to do what we could to help them stay in business,” Daley said. Dayton vetoed the bill citing its $72 million budget impact. Though the Legislature was unable to pass a tax bill, it succeeded in turning the $5 billion deficit into a $1.2 billion surplus. Wardlow points to the state surplus as Republican legislators’ greatest accomplishment this session. “Fiscal responsibility goes a long way,” he said. “And by creating a surplus without raising taxes we were able to unleash free enterprise and job creation.” Both House members were proponents of using $300 million of state surplus funds to repay the education shift. Shifts in state aid and property tax revenue over the past decade have left school districts struggling to pay their bills. As a result, many school districts, including the Rosemount-Apple ValleyEagan School District, have been forced to borrow millions to balance their books. Officials at District 196 predict the district will spend approximately $100,000 for borrowing by the end of 2013. Daley, Anderson and Wardlow voted in favor of a recent bill that would have repaid school districts using contingency funds, but it was vetoed by Dayton, who preferred the districts be repaid using new tax revenue. Daley said he is confident the state would have been able to maintain healthy reserves while paying back local school districts. Wardlow and Anderson agreed. Daley expressed pride in other education bills passed this session including one he co-authored to create a teacher basic skills exam. A companion bill garnered favorable votes by the majority of House members, including Wardlow and Anderson.

proached numerous times by election judges and residents who have complained about voter fraud. Others opponents claim the bill will prevent lowincome and elderly citizens from voting. Daley notes that a provision was added to provide free ID to those who cannot afford a driver’s license or other form of identification. Daley, Wardlow and Anderson also voted in favor of the controversial marriage amendment, which would define marriage as between a man and a woman. “I think it’s an important enough issue to not let a small group of legislators to decide,” Anderson said. “We need to let the people decide.” When asked if they thought such an amendment would be redundant considering state law already prohibits gay marriage, all three said no. If passed, the amendment would make it more difficult for justices or legislators to undo the prohibition, they noted.

John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Vetoed efforts The three legislators encountered a few disappointments along the way this session. Daley would have liked to see tax cuts passed and a measure to repeal teacher tenure. Wardlow championed a bill that would have enabled employees to opt out of a labor union, which was vetoed by Dayton. Dayton and other opponents claimed it was an effort by Republicans to weaken labor unions. Wardlow also pushed for a tort reform bill that was vetoed by Dayton. “That was disappointing, but overall it was a great session,” he said. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Constitutional amendments All three legislators favored the two constitutional amendments and are confident both will be passed by voters this November. The proposed voter ID amendment, which bypassed Dayton – who vetoed a voter ID bill last year – is aimed at reducing voter fraud, supporters say. Opponents have noted that supporters of the bill have been unable to provide evidence of voter fraud in prior elections. Anderson disagreed saying she has been ap-

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May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Eagan Foundation awards record number of scholarships The Eagan Foundation honored 93 graduating high school students from Eagan with $74,100 in scholarships – the largest annual number and amount awarded in the 21-year history of the foundation. Scholarship winners were honored at a May 22 breakfast presentation at Eagan High School. A total of 21 new schol-

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arships were added this year, including the Matt Thuente Memorial Scholarship, created by high school alumni who took up a collection on Facebook and raised almost $3,000 in their classmate’s memory after Thuente lost his battle with cancer. Scholarship recipients by school: Academy of Holy Angels: Bridget Williams.

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Burnsville Senior High School: Jonathan Castellanos-Gomez. Convent of the Visitation School: Caitlin David. Eagan High School: Yumna Akhtar, Alexander Anderson, Matthew Anderson, Alyssa Axelrod, Simon Barnicle, Anne Beck, Nicholas Bjorklund, Zachary Block, Kara Bloom, Danielle Branch, Mitchell Chrastil, Keddy Conocchioli, Andrew Cumming, Jeffrey Denmark, Daniel Duerre, Matthew Elert, Hanna Engebretson, Em-

ily Foertsch, Kendyl Folska, Rachel Gagne, Ryan Giguere, Madeline Gore, Soren Hansen, Greta Helmueller, Jason Hughes, Britta Johnson, Megan Juricko, Soden Ka, Andrew Knutson, Morgan Kuehn, Amanda Kuhn, Sarah Linder, Hannah Lukin, Joel Lynch, Joseph Malloy, Alex Mangan, Nathan Martin, Nicholas Mathiason, Rachel Meyer, Rachel Moe, Mackenzie Nelson, Vy Nguyen, Kelly Oestreich, Lauren Olsen, Kunal

Patel, Ellen Paulson, Emily Peterson, Lucas Petersen, Kathryn Peterson, Amy Post, Lauren Praska, Michael Rahman, Thomas Rahman, Elizabeth Rohlf, Leah Rolfzen, Lauren Ross, Jessica Rupp, Ellie Schaffer, Elizabeth Schroer, Sarah Schuetz, Connor Schulte, Gina Serantoni, Maryam Sharif-Abdinassir, Shannon Skelly, Brennan Spicer, Colin Sullivan, William Thomas, Tori Thompson, Cameron VanDyke, Brandon Vuong, Cassandra Wein-

berg, Morgan Wersal, David Wickard, Alissa Wigen, Kelly Williams, Carl Winge, Nicholas Wolff. Eastview High School: Lamisa Chowdhury, Nicholas Hager, Micah Huber, Michael Loher, Lindsey Ryan, Jonathan Wong, Nicholas Wong. Home School: Blake Mayes. Saint Thomas Academy: Sean Byom, Luke Mallinger and Daniel Sosa. School of Environmental Studies: Glenn Ristow and Zachary Rubenstein.

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James M. Cordes Arlaine O. James M. Cordes, 62, of Lakeville , MN and South Bend, Franzmeier

Kindem - North

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IN. He passed away peacefully at 8:40 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2012 at the Hospice House, South Bend. Jim was born on February 20, 1950 in St. Paul, MN to the late Marvin F. and Adeline ( Du n n ) Co r d e s a n d b r o t h er , Marvin 'Butch' Cordes. Jim was raised in Farmington, MN and has been a lifelong resident. On June 4, 2010 in Lakeville, MN, he married the Diane Slater. Jim is survived by, his wife, Diane Slater-Cordes and her children, Angie and Scott; mother and father in law, Jim and Pat Dean; and his four legged friends, Maggie and Lucy (the pooches); one sister, Dorothea (William) Pryor of Northfield, MN; brother, John “Jack” (Teri) Cordes of Farmington, MN; and sister-in-law, Sherred Cordes of Farmington and long time friends, Stan Fredrickson, John 'Gus' Barger and Steve Bauer. Jim was employed in management for Apple Valley Ready Mix in Apple Valley, MN. He was a 1968 graduate of Farmington High School and a 1972 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a member of the Notre Dame Hockey team for four years. A memorial service will be held at 6 PM on Friday, May 25, 2012 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 202nd St. (Hwy. 50, across from Aronson Park) Lakeville with a gathering of family and friends from 3-6 PM at church. A fellowship gathering will take place after the service at the Lakeville VFW club. Contributions in memory of James M. Cordes may be offered to any pet refuge, humane society, or food pantry. In memory of Jim, we are asked to wear Notre Dame apparel at the service. On line condolences at www.whitefuneralhomes.com

Age 67 of Coates, MN died May 19, 2012 in Farmington. Arlaine was born June 12, 1944 in Augusta, GA to Gustave and Anne (Pelach) Olson. She married Roger W. Franzmeier in St. Paul on June 22, 1968. Arlaine was a retired flight attendant who dedicated her life to children with disabilities and after retirement established Agape Acres, a therapeutic horseback riding facility. Preceded in death by her parents and husband Roger, Arlaine is survived by her two sons Craig Lee (Michelle) and Corlin Roger “Cory” Franzmeier, all of Coates; granddaughters Lokella and Maddie; brother Gene (Betty) Olson of Plymouth, twin sister Elaine (Dwayne) Sprute of Apple Valley, and sister Linda (Mark) Maines of Alto, MI; also nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service, officiated by Rev. Paul Harrington was held 10:30 AM Thursday, 5/24/12 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd., Apple Valley, MN 55124. Interment followed in St. John’s Cemetery - Rich Valley, Rosemount. Visitation was held 4-8 PM Wednesday at the Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home, 201 E. Seventh St., Hastings and 1 hour prior to the service at church. Arrangements were handled by CATURIA-SMIDT FUNERAL HOME Hastings. 651-437-9419. www.caturia-smidtfh.com

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Ronald R. ‘Ron’ Swagger Carol E. Cody

Carol E. Cody, passed away May 17, 2012, at the age of 95. Devoted wife, mother, and friend. Preceded in death by loving husband, Bob; parents, Joseph & Dora (Smith) Murphy. Survived by children, Bob (Arlene), Brian (Peggy), Keith (Marta), Kay (Ron Mohelski); brother, Joe Murphy; sister, Geneva Shannon; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Born in El Paso, WI. Carol was a county school teacher before moving to St. Paul, MN, and marrying her husband, Bob in 1947. They moved to Burnsville in 1956 to raise their family. After Bob's tragic death in 1969 Carol worked for the Burnsville School District and Data Sales Co., retiring in 1984. After moving from the family home in 1992, she enjoyed many new friendships at Eagle Ridge Sr. Apts. and Elim Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday 11 AM, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4625 W. 125th St., Savage, with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Lunch immediately following Mass. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Elim Memorial Fund, 701 - 1st St., Princeton, MN 55371. Arrangements with McNearney Funeral Home, Shakopee, 952-445-2755 www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com

Age 70, of Lakeville, passed away on May 19, 2012. Ron started his work career with Soo Line Railroad and Kloster Madsen. He owned and operated J’s Restaurant and Bonanza Restaurant, he did sales at Freeway Ford and Air Lake Ford and was a realtor for Coldwell Banker. He served on the Board of Directors at Dakota Electric for 25 years. He enjoyed golf, but most of all enjoyed his family and his 57 Chevy. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Vadine Swagger. Survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sandy; children, Cindy (John) Stevens, Connie (Randy) Aase, Bryan (Sherri) Swagger; grandchildren, Jessica, Dan and Brea Stevens, Hannah, Aurora, Athena and Tristan Aase and Cole Swagger; siblings, Jerry (Mary Anne), Ray Jr. (Kathy), Dale (Sherri), Arylce (Denis) Marek and Roger (Sharon) Swagger; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Services was held 11 AM Thursday, May 24, 2012 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 20165 Heath Ave. (Hwy 50) Lakeville, visitation was on Wednesday (5/23) from 5-8 PM at the White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Tr. (Hwy 50) Lakeville. (952-469-2723) and 1 hour prior to Service at Church. Interment Lakeville Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. On line condolences at www.whitefuneralhomes.com

Leah Kindem, daughter of Steve and Vicki Kindem of Apple Valley and Brian North, son of Dave and Mary North of Woodbury, announce their engagement. Leah is a 2000 graduate of Apple Valley High School, 2004 graduate of Winona State, and a 2010 MBA graduate of Augsburg College. Leah works in Human Resources at General Mills in Golden Valley. Brian is a 1997 graduate of Woodbury High School and a 2001 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Brian and his family own and operate the North Pole restaurant and Newport Drug in Newport, MN. The couple is planning a September 2012 wedding in Hastings, MN.

Kroeger Boisvert Lacey Kroeger and Travis Boisvert announce their engagement and upcoming marriage on Saturday, September 15, 2012 in St. Paul. Parents of the couple are Darvin and Jeanie Kroeger of Burnsville and Dennis and Jeanne Boisvert of Holcombe, WI. Lacey is a graduate from Burnsville Senior High School and Normandale Community College, receiving a degree in Nursing. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Mankato State University, Minnesota. She is a Labor and Delivery nurse at Fairview Ridges Hospital. Travis is a graduate from Chippewa Falls Senior High School in WI and the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Business with a double major in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management. He is the Senior Marketing Manager at M|A|Peterson Designbuild, Inc. in Edina. The couple reside in Savage.

Catellanos Olson Patty Castellanos of Burnsville, MN and Tim Olson of Apple Valley, MN will be married in two ceremonies; one in Ocotlan, Jalisco, Mexico, on June 23, 2011, and the other on July 21, 2012 in Apple Valley, MN. Patty is a 2000 graduate of Apple Valley High School, and is nearing completion of a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Kent State University in Kent, OH. She will be interning at HCMC in Minneapolis, MN, beginning in August. Tim is a 1998 graduate of Rosemount High School, and has a Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University, Kent, OH. He is currently seeking employment in higher education.

To submit an announcement Forms for birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary and obituaries announcements are available at our office and online at www. thisweeklive.com (click on “Announcements” and then “Send Announcement”). Completed forms may be e-mailed to class. thisweek@ecm-inc. com or mailed to Sun Thisweek, 15322 Galaxie Ave., Suite 219, Apple Valley, MN 55124. If you are submitting a photograph along with your announcement, please only submit photographs for which you have the right to permit Sun Thisweek to use and publish. Deadline for announcements is 4 p.m. Tuesday. A fee of $50 will be charged for the first 5 inches and $10 per inch thereafter. They will run in all editions of Sun Thisweek. Photos may be picked up at the office within 60 days or returned by mail if a self-addressed, envelope is stamped provided.

Cherry - Anselmo Bob & Diane Cherry of Rosemount are happy to announce the engagement & upcoming marriage of their daughter Rachel to Michael Anselmo, both of Hudson WI. Mike is the son of Mick Anselmo of Bloomington & Cindy Hanson of Minneapolis. Rachel is a graduate of Rosemount High School, and Augsburg College. She is the Customer Service Supervisor for Edina Realty Home Services. Mike is a graduate of Hudson High School and Brown College. He is an Advertising Manager for Patch.com. Rachel and Mike met while working at the Minneapolis Star Tribune & will be married in Hudson, WI in June.

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Roan Franchetta Davenport Roan Franchetta Davenport was born on April 26, 2012 at Stevens Community Medical Center, Morris, to Andy and Maria Davenport of Morris. Roan weighed 7lbs 5oz and was 20 1/2” long. Grandparents are Milton and Franchetta Haupert of Herman and Griff and Nancy Davenport of Lakeville. Great grandparents are Joan Sapp of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota.

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

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May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Fire training site ailing Departments seek new facility by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

ABLE – the four-city consortium of fire departments for Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville and Eagan – plans a $1.6 million upgrade of its fire training center in Burnsville. The 25-year-old complex features two buildings. There is a burn building, used for staging training with real fires, in addition to space for dozens of other types of training. The site is becoming increasingly more difficult to use because of widespread disrepair. It was designed to last about 20 years.

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The structure is cracking, allowing water to enter the facility and cause corrosion, said Lakeville Fire Chief Mike Meyer. AEI Engineering provided an analysis that discovered other issues as well. Doors and window shutters have rusted beyond repair and the burn room tile and protective coating need replacement, among other things. Crews in the four cities have gotten their use out of the site over more than two decades, but the planned new building should not only be better for training, it should last longer, too. Plans include a three-level, 5,200-square-foot building as opposed to the dilapidated 1,200-square-foot one that stands today. It will have the ability to conduct

burn training in any room. Meyer said it should be a viable space through 2043. The taller building would provide training for some of the more complex firefighting efforts, such as attics and managing ladders amid a blaze. The four constituent cities are each poised to contribute $500,000 toward the project. Assuming all four city councils vote affirmatively, the construction project would begin this winter with a July 2013 completion date, Meyer said. The Lakeville City Council is expected to vote on the expenditure in June. Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

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Thisweekend Battle at the fairgrounds

Eagan seventh-grader enters spotlight in ‘Pippi’ by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

Still in middle school, Claire Hoffman is already a star. The seventh-grader at Eagan’s Black Hawk Middle School landed a featured role this spring in the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre Company’s production of “Pippi Longstocking,” which opened in April and runs through June 10. With about 10 shows of “Pippi” staged each week – a total of 70 shows in all – Hoffman has been logging long hours for her part as Annika in the professional-caliber production, so much so that she’s had to reduce her class schedule at Black Hawk to accommodate the demands of being in the cast. On Fridays, for example, when the show is staged twice, she attends school for an hour in the morning, heads to Minneapolis for the first show, then heads back to Black Hawk in the afternoon for two more hours of school. After that, it’s back to Minneapolis for the second show of the day. “It’s pretty tiring, but it’s a lot of fun and there’s a lot of energy there,” she said. “Pippi” marks the second big role on the Minne-

Photos by Rick Orndorf

World War II came to life at Dakota City Heritage Village in Farmington last weekend with mock infantry battles staged by historical reenactors portraying Axis and Allies troops. The third annual World War II event also featured soldier encampments, weapons demonstrations, talks by veterans, a military vehicle cruise through downtown Farmington and “home front” displays provided by local historical societies. More photos from the event can be found at SunThisweek.com.

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Photo by Rick Orndorf

“Pippi Longstocking” marks the second role Claire Hoffman has landed with the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre Company. The Black Hawk Middle School seventh-grader already has her sights set on grander acting goals. “I know it’s a long shot, but I would like to be on Broadway when I’m older,” she said. apolis stage for the young actor, the daughter of Greg and Amy Hoffman of Eagan. After trying her hand at acting for the first time in a school play in the fall of 2010, she took the leap to the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre stage last spring, scoring an ensemble role in “Annie.”

It was an audition-call email for “Annie” sent to all Minneapolis Children’s Theatre season ticketholders – Hoffman’s family has been attending plays at the venue since she was 2 – that prompted her to try out for the show at the Mall of America, singing a portion of the musical-theater standard “Tomorrow” in front of the “Annie” directors and choreographers. From that audition, she was chosen to fill one of 10 available spots in the cast, from a total of 450 girls who tried out. Hoffman hopes her roles in “Pippi” and “Annie” are just the beginning. Eventually she’d like to be a PA, or performing apprentice, with Minneapolis Children’s Theatre, which involves acting in all of the shows in the theater troupe’s season. She has her sights set on bigger goals as well. “I know it’s a long shot,” she said, “but I would like to be on Broadway when I’m older.” For show times and other information about the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre production of “Pippi Longstocking,” visit www.childrenstheatre. org. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

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family calendar To submit items for the Family Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com. Friday, May 25 Surprise benefit for Sarah (Krause) Walsh from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 15400 Buck Hill Road, Burnsville. Dinner served from 6 to 8 p.m. Silent auction closes at 8 p.m. Cost: $15/adult, $10/child, $40/family, children 3 and younger are free. Dress is casual, but wear some pink. All proceeds will go to the Sarah Walsh family and will help jumpstart Sarah’s nonprofit organization to support other moms with breast cancer. Saturday, May 26 Bike sale fundraiser for Kids ’n Kinship from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 12738 Ethelton Way, Apple Valley. Information: Rick Anderson at (952) 322-4729 or Ricka@pcgagencies.com. Friday, June 1 Summer Spectacular Fundraiser + Night of Music & Fun by the Moms and Neighbors organization from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 1, at Carbone’s in Rosemount. Music by The Prospects begins at 8:30 p.m. Includes silent auction and raffle. Proceeds will be donated to families in need in District 196. Forever Wild Family Friday: Forty Shades of Green, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lebanon Hills Visitor Center – Discovery Room, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan. Listen to music by the Forty Shades of Green band around the campfire. All ages. Free. Registration required. Information: http://www.co.dakota. mn.us/LeisureRecreation/CountyParks/Calendar.

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Saturday, June 2 Free women’s car care clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. at H&H Automotive, 21480 Keokuk Ave., Lakeville. Information: Rebecca@hh-automotive.com or Rebecca at (952) 469-1520. Blood drives The American Red Cross will hold the following blood drives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767) or visit redcrossblood. org to make an appointment or for more information. • May 29, noon to 5 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 1930 Diffley Road, Eagan. • June 1, 3 to 8 p.m., Carmike 15 Cinemas, 15630 Cedar Ave., Apple Valley. • June 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kowalski’s Market, 1646 Diffley Road, Eagan. • June 4, 1 to 6 p.m., Prince of Peace Church, Christian Life Center, 13901 Fairview Drive, Burnsville. • June 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Uponor, 5925 148th St. W., Apple Valley.

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

Camps The Allegro Choral Academy is now accepting registrations for its “Pitch Perfect” Summer Singing Camp June 18-21 at St. John’s in Lakeville for children ages 6 to 11. Find information and registration materials at www.allegroca.org or (952) 8468585, artisticdirector@allegroca. org. Concerts Feist will perform with The Low Anthem at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 2, in the amphitheater at the Minnesota Zoo as part of Subway Music in Zoo. Tickets: $45. Information: www.mnzoo. com/musicinthezoo. The First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band will perform at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 3, at Caponi Art Park’s outdoor amphitheater. A $5 per person donation is suggested. The performance will be canceled in the event of poor weather. Information: www.caponiartpark.org. Dance DAdance will present “The Three Bonnies” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets are $26 for adults, $19 for seniors and $16 for students and can be purchased at the box office or via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com. Exhibits Children’s Art Festival exhibit is on display through June 2 at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Free. Information: (952) 895-4685. World Travel Photography exhibit by artist Becqi Sherman will open June 2 at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Information: (952) 9854640.

Workshops/classes Music Together in the Valley offers classes for parents and their infant, toddler and preschool children in Rosemount, Farmington, Lakeville and Apple Valley. Information: www.musictogetherclasses.com or (651) 439-4219. The Eagan Art House offers classes for all ages. For a complete listing go to www.eaganarthouse.org or call (651) 6755521. Dan Petrov Art Studio in Burnsville offers oil painting classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced skill level painters, www.danpetrovart. com, (763) 843-2734. Teens Express Yourself with Paint, 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays at Brushworks School of Art in Burnsville, www.BrushworksSchoolofArt.com, (651) 214-4732. Drama/theater classes for ages 4 and up at River Ridge Arts Building, Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Special needs theater program (autism-DCD), ages 5 and older, Burnsville, (952) 7363644. Join other 55-plus adults at the Eagan Art House to create beaded jewelry. The Jewelry Club meets on the third Friday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Fee is $3 and includes all supplies. Bring any old jewelry you would like to re-make. 3981 Lexington Ave. S., (651) 675-5500. Savage Art Studios, 4735 W. 123rd St., Suite 200, Savage, offers classes/workshops for all ages. Information: www. savageartstudios.com or (952)

Photo by Rick Orndorf

The sound of bagpipes filled the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington last weekend at the 2012 Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games. The annual event, organized to promote and preserve Scottish traditions and heritage, kicked off with massed bands and the Parade of Scots; the day’s festivities included Celtic dance, exhibits and sporting competitions. More photos from the event can be viewed at SunThisweek.com.

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Festivals I Love Burnsville Week will be celebrated June 2-9. Information: www.burnsville.org/index. aspx?NID=742. Rhythm & Words Family

Theater The Chameleon Theatre Circle will present “A Chorus Line” at 7:30 p.m. June 1-2, 7-9 and 14-16 and at 2 p.m. June 3, 10 and 17 at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets are $20 for adults; $17 for students, seniors, and groups and can be purchased at the box office or via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com.

895-0375. Soy candle making classes held weekly in Eagan near 55 and Yankee Doodle. Call Jamie at (651) 315-4849 for dates and times. $10 per person. Presented by Making Scents in Minnesota. Country line dance classes held for intermediates Mondays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St., Farmington, $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. Beginner country line dance classes on Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Lakeville VFW, 8790 Upper 208th St. $5/ class. Call Marilyn (651) 4637833. Country line dance classes on Wednesdays at the Lakeville Senior Center, 20732 Holt Ave. Beginners, 9-10 a.m.; Intermediate, 10 a.m.-noon. $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. The Lakeville Area Arts Center offers arts classes for all ages, www.lakevillemn.gov, (952) 985-4640.

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Books Atina Diffley will be at the Apple Valley Barnes & Noble store, 14880 Florence Trail, from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 26, to sign copies of “Turn Here Sweet Corn: Organic Farming Works.” Information: (952) 997-8928. Larry Millett will be at the Apple Valley Barnes & Noble store, 14880 Florence Trail, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 16, to sign copies of “Once There Were Castles: Lost Mansions and Estates of the Twin Cities.” Information: (952) 997-8928.

Music and Book Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Free. Information: www.dakotacounty.us/ library. Farmington Dew Days runs June 13-16. Information: http:// farmingtondewdays.com. The International Festival of Burnsville will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 16, in Nicollet Commons Park, Burnsville. The free festival will feature a variety of cultural dance and musical performances, ethnic food, cultural exhibits, and children’s activities. Information: www.intlfestburnsville.org.

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To submit items for the Arts Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com.

Gathering of Scots

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Sports

May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Blaze stays alive in section softball Burnsville tops Lakeville South, 6-2

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

The Burnsville softball team remains alive in the Section 3AAA playoffs after earning the No. 3 seed. In a second-round 6-2 victory against Lakeville South on Monday, the Blaze was down 2-1 after two innings, but Abby Johnson scored to tie the game in the third. She reached base with a double. The bats came alive in the fourth inning as Burnsville scored four runs. Kelly Grove hit a two-run homer and Alyssa Wrobleski and Abby Schulberg hit RBI singles. Johnson led the way, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored. Megan Threlkeld was 2-for-4. Shannon Callanan was

the winning pitcher, allowing two earned runs, five hits and two walks. She struck out 11. Burnsville went on to play Lakeville North on Wednesday as one of the final four teams in Section 3AAA along with Eastview and Bloomington Jefferson. Visit www.SunThisweek. com for an update. Win or lose the Blaze will play Friday in Eagan. The Blaze won the Section 3AAA title in 2010 and finished second to Jefferson last year.

Lacrosse

two goals and three assists in the victory. Alexa Pearson and Emma Wittchow added two goals apiece and Megan Koski, Madison Maas, and Megan Carlson also scored. Goalie Jaclyn Hinz had seven saves. The girls went on to play top-seeded Lakeville North in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. The results were unavailable at presstime. The boys lacrosse team earned the No. 6 seed in Section 3, setting up a game against No. 11 Rochester Century on Wednesday. With a victory, the boys would play No. 3 seed Rosemount or No. 14 Hastings on Friday in the quarterfinals.

The Burnsville girls lacrosse team advanced to the Section 3 quarterfinals with a 15-11 victory against Photo by Rick Orndorf Owatonna on Monday. Britta Nelson and Lind- Andy Rogers can be reached Burnsville’s Shannon Callanan throws a pitch against Lakeville South on Monday. The sey Coleman each had three at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com Blaze won 6-2 to move on to the Section 3AAA double-elimination bracket with Eastview, goals and Bailey Childs had or facebook.com/sunthisweek. Bloomington Jefferson and Lakeville North.

Section 3 baseball playoffs to begin Friday Burnsville, Eastview, Lakeville North, Eagan draw top four seeds by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

With single-elimination games required in the first two stages of the Section 3AAA baseball playoffs, the right to sit out a first-round game means a lot. Therefore, it probably put a smile on Eagan coach Rob Walsh’s face to see his team seeded fourth when the section pairings were announced Tuesday night. That gave the Wildcats, 1010 overall but winners of their last four games, a firstround bye. “We think we have a pretty good case (for a firstround bye),” Walsh said Monday before the pairings were announced. “We were 7-3 in our last 10 games and played some pretty competitive non-conference games.” Burnsville (18-2), Eastview (14-5) and Lakeville North (14-5) received the top three seeds. They, along with Eagan, will play

Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

Kevin Kunik of Eagan pitches against Apple Valley in a South Suburban Conference game Saturday at Alimagnet Park in Burnsville. at home in second-round games at 4:30 p.m. Monday (yes, these games will be on Memorial Day).

In first-round action Friday, 10th-seeded Apple Valley (6-14) goes to seventhseeded Lakeville South

(7-13) at 4:15 p.m., with the winner playing at Eastview on Monday. Eleventh-seeded Rosemount (5-15) plays

at No. 6 seed St. Thomas Academy (11-9) at 4:15 Friday, with the winner going to Lakeville North on Monday. Also on Monday, Burnsville plays the winner of a first-round game between Henry Sibley and Simley, both 8-12. Eagan awaits the winner of the Prior Lake (9-11) vs. Park of Cottage Grove (4-15) first-round game. The four teams remaining after Monday’s games go to Alimagnet Park in Burnsville for a doubleelimination tournament beginning June 1. The section championship game is scheduled June 5, with a second game, if needed, to be held the next day. South Suburban Conference champion Burnsville, which has been to the state Class AAA title game the last two years and won it in 2011, is the Section 3 favorite, although Walsh said,

“I think there are six teams that have a legitimate shot at it.” Eagan closed its regular season with victories over Bloomington Kennedy, Bloomington Jefferson, Lakeville North and Apple Valley. “We played with consistency, which is what we’ve been looking for all year,” Walsh said. “We’ve hit .325 on the year, which is better than I expected with the new bats. We’ve been making plays defensively, and our pitching has been very good lately.” Infielders Eric Peterson, Cole Peterson and Collin Olstad were some of the Wildcats’ hottest hitters in the second half of the regular season, Walsh said. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Clearing major hurdles

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Lakeville South’s Shaina Burns and Lakeville North’s Michaela Preachuck run at the South Suburban Conference meet at Burnsville on Tuesday along with Eagan’s Allana Lopez, Eastview’s Kathryn Eaton and Rosemount’s Rachel Schow. Visit www.Sunthisweek.com for more photos and results from Wednesday’s finals.

Blaze golf on hot streak going into sections Burnsville boys win final conference tourney by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

The Burnsville boys golf team won the last of four South Suburban Conference tournaments at Valleywood Golf Course on Monday, finishing 10 strokes ahead of No. 1-ranked Lakeville North and eight shots ahead of Lakeville South. Alex Uloth was the medalist with an even-par 71. Cole Borchardt shot a 73, Evan Munyon

a 75 and Kyle Greiger an 81. “Everyone just put it together,” head coach Larry Opatz said. “We played a practice round out there last week, which really helps as Valleywood can be tricky as far as where to position your tee shots and what to hit off of certain holes.” Burnsville is the only team other than Lakeville North to win a conference tournament

this season. The Panthers won the other three. The Blaze will participate in the Section 2AAA tournament on May 31 at Oakdale Golf Club in Hutchinson. If Burnsville makes the cut, the final round will be June 4, also at Oakdale Golf Club. Burnsville is one of the favorites along with Lakeville South, Chanhassen, Chaska, Bloomington Jefferson and Eden Prairie.

“If we play like we’re capable of we should be very competitive,” Opatz said. “I can tell you this – it won’t be from lack of effort. When the guys can start seeing a little success, that can go a long way with their confidence.” Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sports Briefs BAC scholarship winners announced Margaret Green, Dan Motl, Nathan Schmid, Matt Stemper and Adam Watson are winners of $1,000 scholarships awarded by the Burnsville Athletic Club. Each year the BAC awards five $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who are required to write an essay about “What the BAC has Meant to Me,” along with a statement about themselves and their post-high school plans.

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

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Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

Apple Valley High School junior Ben Keckeisen takes a shot during a trapshooting competition last week. Trapshooting is a first-year club sport at AVHS.

Apple Valley’s Katelyn St. Ana fires at a clay target during a trapshooting competition last week. St. Ana is one of three girls on Apple Valley High School’s club team. Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

Apple Valley’s Katelyn St. Ana reloads her shotgun during a trapshooting competition last week.

TRAPSHOOTING Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

Apple Valley High School junior Ben Keckeisen is a captain on the trapshooting team, which is a first-year club sport at AVHS.

The next high school sports sensation? Apple Valley, Burnsville, Rosemount, Eagan among those with teams

by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

Expectations were low when Apple Valley High School formed a trapshooting team earlier this year. If a handful of students signed up, head coach John Miller said he would have taken that and tried for more next year. Within about 15 minutes, though, registrations were approaching a cutoff point. “We capped it at 30 this year, and all 30 are continuing to shoot,” said Katelyn St. Ana, one of the Apple Valley team captains. “Next year we could have as many as 80 people.” Local schools, including Apple Valley, Eagan, Rosemount, Burnsville and Paideia Academy, are part of the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League, an organization that started in 2008 with three teams. Participation has doubled each year since, and in 2012 there are 57 teams representing 100 schools, with more than 1,500 students participating. Teams from Apple Valley, Edina and Jordan shot last week at Minneapolis Gun Club in Prior Lake. The WAVE (Watching Apple Valley Eagles), a faculty group that attends co-curricular events, went to the shoot and appeared to be impressed with what it saw. AVHS principal Stephen Degenaar praised the students’ dedication in a team meeting/picnic that took place during last week’s

shoot. Like Miller, Degenaar initially tempered his expectations. “When I saw 20 names, I was surprised,” he told the group. “When I saw girls on the list, I was shocked.” Although trapshooting is a club sport at Apple Valley, shooters are eligible for varsity letters and can get the team photo in the school yearbook, two things Miller said the students valued. Participation is quickly approaching the threshold for Minnesota State High School League sanctioning, but it’s unclear if the clay target league organizers will seek a spot under the MSHSL umbrella. Some teams shoot on Sundays because that’s when gun clubs have time available, but MSHSL bylaws ban Sunday practice or competition. The students also might be helping to ensure the sport’s survival. Trapshooting has an aging demographic, which caused Jim Sable, executive director of the state clay target league, to wonder if the sport would even exist in Minnesota a decade or two from now. “When I retired in 2000, I belonged to the Plymouth Gun Club,” Sable said. “I’d go to the club and see people who had been retired longer than I was. We were a small club with 100 members, and the average age was over 55.” John Nelson, a direc-

tor of the state clay target league, said an estimated 30 to 40 percent of Minnesota’s gun clubs have closed in the last 10 years. Sable said he figured the only way to revive trapshooting was to stir up interest in schools. While the league might not double in size in 2013, Sable said it is expected to grow again next year. Joining a team isn’t as easy as just showing up and saying you want to shoot. Participants must have firearms safety certification and either own or have access to their own equipment. Not many of the Apple Valley team members had clay target shooting experience before signing up; the majority were hunters or shot other kinds of targets. St. Ana, one of three girls on the Apple Valley team, said she sometimes accompanied her stepfather to shoots at the Minneapolis Gun Club. Tyler San Agustin, another Apple Valley captain, had experience in sporting clays, a form of target shooting intended to simulate hunting situations. Apple Valley is in the bottom half of its league (called Conference 5A), which Miller and the captains said was probably to be expected in the team’s first year. San Agustin said one of the attractions of the trapshooting team is it allows him to still compete in a spring sport (in his

case, track and field) while shooting once a week. Team members shoot in groups, with those involved in spring sports shooting in a later group so they can come after practice. “I would say it’s 60 percent competitive, 40 percent social,” San Agustin said. “I’m a competitive guy, so I like to have some competition in there. At the same time, it’s a great sport and a lot of fun.” If participation grows as expected, schools such

as Apple Valley will be able to make their teams more competitive. “We have five seniors on our team and one seventh-grader competing on the JV,” Miller said. “Next year, if participation increases the way we expect, we could have a competition team and a developmental team.” As word gets out about the program, a selling point might be trapshooting’s cost relative to varsity sports. Shooting vests and hats were donated, but the

students pay the remaining costs. Still, at Apple Valley those costs range from $230 to $280, mostly for facility rental and ammunition. “It’s a lot cheaper than hockey,” said Apple Valley hockey player and trapshooting captain Ben Keckeisen. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike.shaughnessy@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Hazel and the chicken: A dog’s tale County amends dangerous dog policy after Hazel allegedly kills chicken by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Hazel, a whippet/Labrador mix, escaped her label as a dangerous dog after a Dakota County hearing officer determined she killed at least one chicken only after being provoked by them. Her owners, Mary Jahr and Anthony Olson of Empire Township, successfully earned Hazel the appeal that also helped prompt a policy change, as explained by Dakota County Chief Deputy Tim Leslie during the May 22 Dakota County Board meeting. Hazel had crawled from under her fence March 19 and killed at least one chicken. “According to testimony, they saw the dog with the chicken in its mouth,” Les-

lie told Sun Thisweek in an interview. He added that breed of dog is instinctively inclined to chase chickens. Olson and Jahr appealed the Dakota County Sheriff Department’s dangerous dog notice, hand-delivered to Olson by Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Fletcher on March 23. The case landed before Jean Erickson, Public Services and Revenue Division deputy director, April 19. Erickson determined Hazel had been “enticed” by one or more of Peter Kontinakas’ chickens because they were allowed to “roam freely through the neighborhood.” Erickson found that the chickens particularly gathered along the rear fence

line of Jahr and Olson’s property. “In response, Hazel was enticed to escape her yard through the fence to chase the Kontinakas’ chickens,” Erickson concluded. As a result, the county withdrew its notice, and Hazel will remain at home, free from the constraints put on owners of dogs who have been declared dangerous. Under county policy, a dangerous dog is one that chases in an attitude of attack or bites human or domestic animals when unprovoked. The dog also may have a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack when unprovoked. Once a dog is declared dangerous, owners must register them, pay annual

Outdoor market at Buck Hill in Burnsville approved by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

nifer said in an interview. Vendors will need city licenses, such as transient-merchant permits and resellers licenses. Because of the time it takes to secure resellers licenses, which require police investigations, the market may open with mostly artists and crafters, according to Jennifer. The couple hope to open with about 25 vendors and build from there, she said. Council Member Mary Sherry voted her approval after securing a condition that vendors won’t be allowed to camp overnight on the grounds. “I’ve seen some of these places,” Sherry said. “They’re really unsightly, and I don’t want it to look like a group that has decided to occupy Buck Hill.” No overnight storage will be allowed. Vendors will be required to clear the premises at the end of business. The market will have a “low impact” on the adjacent neighborhood and is a “well-designed off-season use from the peak winter activities,” a city staff report said. To generate added income, Buck Hill already has an event center and Halloween haunted houses and leases space for a seasonal garden center. “Buck Hill provides a regional draw into Burnsville, providing an economic benefit to the community,” the report said. Increasing year-round revenue “allows Buck Hill Inc. to further reinvest” in the ski facility and “remain competitive in the industry.” For more information, visit www. stopswapandshop.com.

A Lakeville couple is launching a swap meet-style outdoor market at Buck Hill in Burnsville. The multiple-vendor business is a new venture for Vaughn and Jennifer Wallace and yet another means by which Buck Hill, the venerable ski slope, has sought to buttress its seasonal income from skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. The City Council voted unanimous approval May 22 for Stop, Swap and Shop. The council approved an interim use permit that will allow the outdoor marketplace to operate from May 1 through Labor Day in September for the next two seasons. After that, if the Wallaces plan to continue the business, Buck Hill could apply for a permanent use through a planned unit development change. Operation will be limited to Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Wallaces plan to open on July 6, according to the business’ website. Vendors will pay to rent a lot at the business, which will be in the ski area’s parking lot. The Wallaces expect to attract new and used merchandise wholesalers, artists and crafters, artisan designers, antiques dealers, area farmers, hobbyists, collectors, charitable organizations and perhaps even local garage sales. Vaughn, who used to live in San Diego, modeled the business in part on Kobey’s Swap Meet at the San Diego Sports Arena, according his wife. He quit his job to work on the business plan full John Gessner can be reached at john.gesstime, she said. “We love the Buck Hill location and ner@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunjust think it’s a fabulous use for it,” Jen- thisweek.

fees, have them insured and micro chipped and keep them leashed. They must also be sterilized at the owner’s expense, and the sheriff’s office is to be updated of the dog’s residence. Dogs who are declared dangerous may be confiscated or euthanized if owners do not comply with all restrictions. Hazel’s case and changes in Minnesota case law prompted the county to amend its dangerous dog policy to allow owners 14 days to appeal a notice of a determination to declare their dog dangerous. Laura Adelmann is at laura. Photo submitted adelmann@ecm-inc.com or Hazel, a whippet/Labrador mix, is safe at home after it was facebook.com/sunthisweek. delcared she wasn’t a dangerous dog.

Two Eastview students identified in pepper spray incident Two Eastview High School students who were involved with the release of an over-the-counter pepper spray irritant at the school on Wednesday face possible charges and school discipline, according to an email sent to parents from Principal Randall Peterson. Peterson reported the two students were identified immediately, and the incident was reported to Apple Valley Police. A small amount of pepper spray was released in the

area of the main office and in a hallway called C2. Although the release caused irritation to some individuals eyes and throat, there were no medical injuries, according to Peterson. Apple Valley firemen were on the scene as a safety precaution. At the conclusion of an exceptional student awards ceremony, some students and adults felt irritation to their eyes and/or throat as they entered the hallway, according to Peterson.

Peterson said school safety and security is a priority at Eastview along with reasonable communication to support parent understanding, while not perpetuating inaccurate information. Peterson noted that pepper spray can result in temporary inflammation to breathing tissues causing coughing and watering eyes, but causes no lasting after effects. – Tad Johnson

Business Briefs Blue Cross promotions

Cross’ provider strategy. She previously served as director of provider transactions Scott Johnston has been at Blue Cross. promoted to vice president, associate general counsel, Local artist to and assistant secretary, and Lori Nelson has been introduce new promoted to vice president print at Deck of network management at Eagan-based Blue Cross The Walls Blue Shield of Minnesota. Local artist Rick Kelley Johnston has been with will introduce his new print, Blue Cross for 18 years, “The Home Coming,” from holding different positions 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 27, within the law department, at Deck The Walls, 2026 most recently as principal Burnsville Center. attorney. He will serve as Kelley will offer a free liaison to the Blue Cross medium-sized print to all veterans who visit Deck The board of trustees. Nelson is responsible Walls on May 27. Veteran for the overall development visitors may choose one of and implementation of Blue five prints: “On Freedom’s

Wings,” “The Patriot,” “Coming Home,” “Liberty’s Flight” or “Reflections of Freedom.”

Frontier Communications offers security programs Burnsville-based Frontier Communications offers Frontier Secure, leadingedge cyber security programs that give adults peace of mind about their Internet experience for themselves and their children. For information, contact Holly Dahl, general manager, at (952) 891-7714 or Holly. Dahl@ftr.com.

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

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May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

�� PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS PROJECT IDENTIFICATION: Sealed Bids will be received for the Burnsville High School Main Entry located at 600 East Highway 13, Burnsville, MN 55337, for Burnsville Eagan Savage Public Schools, Independent School District No. 191, in accordance with the Bidding Documents prepared by Armstrong, Torseth, Skold & Rydeen, Inc., Architects and Engineers, 8501 Golden Valley Road, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55427-4414, Phone 763-545-3731 and their consultant Clark Engineering Corporation, Structural and Civil Engineers. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Project consists of the construction of a 920 square foot exterior canopy and associated structural members including roofing, steel roof decking, concrete, precast architectural concrete, aluminum and steel panels, unit masonry, exterior signage, lighting, storm sewer piping and site work. TYPE OF BIDS: Single Lump Sum Bids will be received for the total Scope of the Work for the Project to include general, mechanical, and electrical construction. BID DATE: Bids must be received on or before June 14, 2012 at 1:00 P.M., local time. DELIVERY AND OPENING OF BIDS: Bids shall be delivered to and opened at Independent School District No. 191 Administrative Services Center, 100 River Ridge Court, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337. Bids will be opened publicly and read aloud immediately after the specified time of closure for bidding period. Interested parties are invited to attend the bid opening. PROCUREMENT OF BIDDING DOCUMENTS: Bidding documents and plan holders list may be procured from: ARC (American Reprographics Company), 3005 Ranchview Lane North, Plymouth, Minnesota 55447, Phone Number: 763-694-5900; Fax Number: 763-694-0216. BID SECURITY: Bids shall be accompanied by a certified check, cashier's check or Bid Bond in the amount of 5 percent of the Base Bid submitted, made payable to the Owner, as a guarantee that the Bidder will, if awarded the Contract, enter into a Contract with the Owner in accordance with Bid submitted and the Contract Documents. TIME OF COMPLETION: Owner requires Substantial Completion of Contract Work on or before September 21, 2012. OWNER'S RIGHTS: Owner reserves the right to reject a Bid which is incomplete or irregular, the right to waive informalities or irregularities in a Bid received, and the right to accept a Bid which in the Owner's judgment is in Owner's best interests. WAGE DETERMINATION REQUIREMENTS: Contract is subject to compliance with the applicable Schedule of Prevailing Wages issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. BIDS REQUESTED BY: Burnsville Eagan Savage Public School Independent School District No. 191 Administrative Services Center 100 River Ridge Court Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 3023901 5/25-6/1/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDINANCE NO. 503 2ND SERIES AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EAGAN, MINNESOTA, AMENDING EAGAN CITY CODE CHAPTER SEVEN ENTITLED "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS GENERALLY" BY ADDING SECTION 7.13 REGARDING STREET NAMES AND NUMBERS; AND BY ADOPTING BY REFERENCE EAGAN CITY CODE CHAPTER 1 AND SECTION 7.99. The City Council of the City of Eagan does ordain: Section 1. Eagan City Code Chapter Seven is hereby amended by adding Section 7.13 to read as follows: Sec. 7.13. Street names and numbers. In accordance with the statutory authority set forth in Minn. Stat. § 412.221, the names and numbers of streets under the City's jurisdiction shall be determined by the City by and through City personnel as directed by the City Administrator. Section 2. Eagan City Code Chapter 1 entitled "General Provisions and Definitions Applicable to the Entire City Code Including 'Penalty for Violation'" is hereby adopted in its entirety by reference as though repeated verbatim. Section 3. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its adoption and publication according to law. ATTEST: /s/ Christina M. Scipioni ________________ By: Cristina M. Scipioni Its: City Clerk

CITY OF EAGAN City Council /s/ Mike Maguire _______________ By: Mike Maguire Its: Mayor

Date Ordinance Adopted: May 15, 2012 Date Ordinance Published in the Legal Newspaper: May 25, 2012 3022562 5/25/12

PUBLIC NOTICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 196 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools Educating our students to reach their full potential CALL FOR BIDS Wireless LAN Cabling Infrastructure Notice is hereby given that BIDS will be received for the purpose of securing a contract for installation of Category 6e cabling for a wireless LAN infrastructure by Independent School District 196 at the District Office, 3455 153rd Street West, Rosemount, MN 55068, until 2:00 PM, Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read. Complete instructions on how to obtain Bidding Documents from Elert & Associa t e s c a n b e f o u n d a t : http://www.district196.org/District/LegalNotices/ index.cfm. If you should have any questions regarding this bid you may contact Sandi Parr at (651) 705-1221. Joel Albright, Board Clerk Independent School District 196 3025254 5/25-6/1/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDINANCE NO. 506 2ND SERIES AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EAGAN, MINNESOTA, AMENDING EAGAN CITY CODE CHAPTER THREE ENTITLED "MUNICIPAL AND PUBLIC UTILITIES-RULES AND REGULATIONS, RATES, CHARGES AND COLLECTIONS" BY AMENDING SECTIONS 3.05 AND 3.20 REGARDING RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AND WATER SERVICE; AND BY ADOPTING BY REFERENCE EAGAN CITY CODE CHAPTER 1 AND SECTION 3.99. The City Council of the City of Eagan does ordain: Section 1. Eagan City Code Chapter Three is hereby amended by changing Section 3.05, Subdivisions 5, 6 and 8, to read as follows: * * * Subd. 5. Right of entry. The city has the right to enter in and upon private property, including buildings and dwelling houses, in or upon which is installed a municipal utility or connection therewith, at all times reasonable under the circumstances, for the purpose of reading utility meters, for the purpose of inspection, repair, and replacement of meters or a utility system or any part thereof, and for the purpose of connecting and disconnecting service. * * * Subd. 6. Utility meter maintenance. A. Meter Test. Whenever a consumer shall request the city to test any utility meter in use by him, such a request shall be accompanied by a cash deposit for each meter to be tested. If any such meter is found to be inaccurate, the same shall be replaced with an accurate meter and the deposit thereon refunded. If the meter shall be found to be accurate in its recordings or calculations, it shall be reinstalled, and the deposit shall be retained by the city to defray the cost of such test. B. M e t e r I n s p e c t i o n , R e p a i r a n d Replacement. The owner or occupant of any property within the City that is connected to the municipal water utility shall permit the City's designated utility employee onto the property and within the structure, at all times reasonable under the circumstances, for purposes of the inspection, repair or replacement of the water meter. The owner shall allow the City's designated utility employee to complete the inspection, repair or replacement within 30 days of written notice from the City that an inspection, repair or replacement of the meter is required. Upon a property owner's failure to permit the City onto the property for an inspection, repair or replacement as required in this paragraph, a monthly surcharge in an amount duly adopted by city council and set forth in the City's fee schedule shall be imposed against the property on which the meter is located. The monthly surcharge will be imposed for every month during which compliance with this paragraph is not met and charged on the property's municipal utility billing statement, whether the non-compliance has existed for the entire month or a portion thereof. * * * Subd. 8. Municipal utility services and charges a lien. A. P a y m e n t f o r a l l m u n i c i p a l u t i l i t y services and charges, including the monthly surcharge assessed under Subd. 6 herein, shall be the primary responsibility of the owner of the premises served and shall be billed to the owner unless otherwise contracted for and authorized in writing by the owner and the tenant, as agent for the owner, and consented to by the city. The city may collect the same in a civil action or, in the alternative and at the option of the city, as otherwise provided in this subdivision. * * * Section 2. Eagan City Code Chapter Three is hereby amended by changing Section 3.20, Subd. 10, to read as follows: Subd. 10. Water meters. All water meters shall be purchased from the city and installed and maintained by the property owner. All new water meter installations and replacements shall be installed with an outside remote reader which shall be purchased, installed and maintained by the property owner. All water meters shall remain under the control and shall also remain the property of the city. All required repairs to faulty water meters and/or outside remote readers shall be performed by the city, with the exception that whenever a meter or outside remote reader has been damaged due to negligence on the part of the user, all costs associated with the replacement, removal, repair and installation of a meter shall be the responsibility of the owner of the property on which the meter is located. Section 3. Eagan City Code Chapter 1 entitled "General Provisions and Definitions Applicable to the Entire City Code Including 'Penalty for Violation'" and Section 3.99, entitled "Violation a Misdemeanor" are hereby adopted in their entirety by reference as though repeated verbatim. Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its adoption and publication according to law. ATTEST:

CITY OF EAGAN City Council /s/ Christina M. Scipioni /s/ Mike Maguire _________________ _______________ By: Christina M. Scipioni By: Mike Maguire Its: City Clerk Its: Mayor Date Ordinance Adopted: May 15, 2012 Date Ordinance Published in the Legal Newspaper: May 25, 2012 3022618 5/25/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY PROJECT NO. 11-104

Sealed proposal bids will be received by the City of Eagan, Minnesota, in City Hall at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, until 10:30 A.M., C.D.S.T., on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud for the furnishing of all labor and materials and all else necessary for the following:

BLACK DOG ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT BRIDGE NO. 19564

FOR THE CITY OF BURNSVILLE DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the City of Burnsville until 10:00 a.m. CST, Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at the Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337, for the making of the following described local improvements under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429 and will be publicly opened and read at said time and place by representatives of the City of Burnsville. Said proposal for the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction, complete in place of the following approximate quantities: 200 1 3,350 100 380 40,000 1,200

SY LS SF CY LF LBS LF

Bridge Approach Panels Remove Existing Bridge Bridge Slab Concrete (3Y36) Structural Concrete (3Y43) Prestressed Concrete Beams 36M Reinforcement Bars (Epoxy Coated) Steel H-Piling

The bids must be submitted on the Proposal Forms provided in accordance with the Contract Documents, Plans, and Specifications as prepared by WSB & Associates, Inc., 701 Xenia Avenue, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55416, which are on file with the City Clerk of Burnsville and may be seen at the office of the Consulting Engineers or at the office of the City Engineer. Complete digital Proposal Forms, Plans, and Specifications for use by Contractors submitting a bid are available at www.questcdn.com. You may download the digital plan documents for a nonrefundable fee of $25.00 by inputting Quest project #2078571 on the website's Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information. An optional paper set of Proposal Forms, Plans, and Specifications may be obtained from the Consulting Engineers, WSB & Associates, Inc., 701 Xenia Avenue South, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55416, for a nonrefundable fee of $75.00 per set, check payable to WSB & Associates, Inc. Bids will only be accepted from Contractors who purchase digital or paper Bidding Documents as specified above. No bids will be considered unless sealed and filed with the City Clerk of the City of Burnsville endorsed upon the outside wrapper with a brief statement or summary as to the work for which the bid is made and accompanied by a cash deposit, cashier's check, certified check, or bid bond payable to the City of Burnsville in the amount of five percent (5%) of the amount bid, to be forfeited as liquidated damages in the event that the bid be accepted and the bidder fail to enter promptly into a written contract and furnish the required bond. The City of Burnsville reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities, and to award the bid in the best interest of the City. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of forty-five (45) days from the date of opening of bids. The Council will consider such bids in the Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2012. BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL s/s Macheal Brooks__________ City Clerk, City of Burnsville, Minnesota PUBLISHED IN THE: Burnsville Sun Thisweek: May 25 and June 1, 2012 Finance & Commerce: May 25 and June 1, 2012 5/25-6/1/12

3026504

NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC Notice of Public Sale: SS MNRI, LLC INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 196 doing business as Simply Self Storage intends to enforce its lien on certain personal property belonging to the following, at the facility. The sale will take place (unless otherwise withdrawn) on Wednesday June 6, 2012 on or after 9:30am at the Simply Self Storage location at 4025 Old Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan, MN 55122 Phone 651-894-5550. This public sale will result in the goods being sold to the highest bidder. Certain terms and conditions apply. J. Ato #179 Furniture, Rugs, Luggage P. Pitchford #188-189 Weight Equipment, Sofa, Leather Jacket M. Robinson #521 Gas Grill, Television, Furniture D. Bruce #422B Chairs, Bookshelf, Luggage D. Cooper #451 Desk, Chairs, Exercise Equipment A. Davis-Mbakwe #530D Microwave, Luggage, Household Items D. McGovern #607 Chairs, Television, Luggage R. Harney #613 Tools, Tool Box, Folding Chairs B. Braun #614 Furniture, Card Table, China Cabinet N. Anderson #929 Bicycle, Sports Equipment, Childrens Toys 29928136 5/18-5/25/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing will be held on May 29, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible by the Burnsville Planning Commission, 100 Civic Center Parkway, in the Council Chambers on the application of Burnsville Surgical Properties LLC, for a Planned Unit Development Amendment for a 27,000 square foot expansion to the existing surgery center located at 1000 140th Street. The application will be scheduled for the next appropriate City Council meeting following the Planning Commission meeting. All persons desiring to speak on this application are encouraged to attend. For more information concerning this request, please contact Planner Chris Slania (952) 895-4451 at the City of Burnsville. Chris Slania On Behalf of the Chair of the Burnsville Planning Commission 3014710 5/18-5/25/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF THE CITY OF EAGAN POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities will be provided upon advance notice of at least 96 hours. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City of Eagan will attempt to provide such aid. Telephone: (651) 675-5000; TDD: (651) 454-8535. 3026602 5/25-6/1/12

PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing will be held on May 29, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible by the Burnsville Planning Commission, 100 Civic Center Parkway, in the Council Chambers on the application of JPT Industries Inc., for a Planned Unit Development Amendment to allow exterior changes to the existing building located at 14141 Aldrich Avenue. The application will be scheduled for the next appropriate City Council meeting following the Planning Commission meeting. All persons desiring to speak on this application are encouraged to attend. For more information concerning this request, please contact Planner Chris Slania (952) 895-4451 at the City of Burnsville. Chris Slania On Behalf of the Chair of the Burnsville Planning Commission 3014696 5/18-5/25/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF BURNSVILLE PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on June 5, 2012 or as soon thereafter as possible, by the Burnsville City Council at the Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway, on the application of Burnsville Restaurant Group LLC d.b.a. Burnsville Ale House, for an On-Sale/Sunday On-Sale Liquor License at 3809 Hwy 13 All persons desiring to be heard on this item will be heard at this time. Tina Zink City of Burnsville 3018469 5/25/12

CITY OF BURNSVILLE PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on June 5, 2012 or as soon thereafter as possible, by the Burnsville City Council at the Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway, on the application of Steak America Inc. d.b.a. Steak America, for an On-Sale/Sunday On-Sale Liquor License at 2400 Cliff Rd. All persons desiring to be heard on this item will be heard at this time. Tina Zink City of Burnsville 3018492 5/25/12

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Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools Educating our students to reach their full potential CALL FOR BIDS Dairy Products Notice is hereby given that BIDS will be received for Food and Nutrition Services' Dairy Products by Independent School District 196 at the District Office located at 3455 153rd St W, Rosemount, MN 55068 until 9:30 a.m. on June 8, 2012, at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Complete instructions on how to obtain Bidding Documents can be found at: http://www.district196.org/District/LegalNotices/ index.cfm. If you should have any questions regarding this bid you may contact the Food and Nutrition Department at (651) 683-6959. Joel Albright, Board Clerk Independent School District 196 3025232 5/25-6/1/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following is the official summary of Ordinance No. 504 as approved by the City Council of the City of Eagan on May 15, 2012. ORDINANCE NO. 504 SECOND SERIES AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EAGAN, MINNESOTA, AMENDING EAGAN CITY CODE CHAPTER SEVEN ENTITLED "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS GENERALLY" BY AMENDING SECTIONS 7.05 AND 7.08 REGARDING OBSTRUCTIONS IN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND DUTIES TO MAINTAIN STREET RIGHTS-OF-WAY; AND BY ADOPTING BY REFERENCE EAGAN CITY CODE CHAPTER 1 AND SECTION 7.99. Sections 7.05 and 7.08 regarding obstruction obligations in the rights-of-way and the duties to maintain street rights-of-way were modified by removing from each Section the procedures for abatement and assessment and by referring to the procedure established in Chapter 10. A printed copy of the ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at the office of the City Clerk at the Eagan Municipal Center, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122. Effective date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication. 3022603 5/25/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing will be held on May 29, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible by the Burnsville Planning Commission, 100 Civic Center Parkway, in the Council Chambers on the application of Menard Inc. for a Planned Unit Development Amendment for outdoor display and storage and exterior remodel of the existing building located at 3100 Highway 13. The application will be scheduled for the next appropriate City Council meeting following the Planning Commission meeting. All persons desiring to speak on this application are encouraged to attend. For more information concerning this request, please contact Planner Chris Slania (952) 895-4451 at the City of Burnsville. Chris Slania On Behalf of the Chair of the Burnsville Planning Commission 3014719 5/18-5/25/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ISD #194 Lakeville Child Nutrition Program Milk Products Bid ISD #194 Lakeville Area Schools will receive sealed bids at the District Office, attention Patty Streiff, Purchasing Coordinator, 8670 210th Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044, on June 11, 2012until 10:00 a.m., at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for the Child Nutrition Program -- Milk Products. Specifications may be picked-up on or about May 25, 2012 at the office of the Purchasing Coordinator, at ISD #194, 8670 210th Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044. ISD #194 Lakeville Area Public Schools 8670 210th Street West Lakeville, Minnesota 55044 Kathy Lewis, Clerk Publish: May 25, 2012 June 1, 2012 3026188 5/25-6/1/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF BURNSVILLE PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, by the Burnsville City Council at the Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway, to consider the renewal of Off-Sale, On-Sale, Sunday On-Sale, 3.2 Percent On-Sale, Wine, and 3.2 Percent Off-Sale liquor licenses within the City of Burnsville for the period of 7/1/12 through 6/30/13. All persons desiring to be heard on this item will be heard at this time. For more information concerning this request, please contact the City of Burnsville. Telephone (952) 895-4460, TDD: (952) 895-4567. Tina Zink, Licensing Specialist CITY OF BURNSVILLE 3022710 5/25/12

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NORTHVIEW PARK PARKING LOT/TRAILS Overlay

RAHN PARK PARKING LOT/TRAILS Overlay

GOAT HILL PARK PARKING LOT/TRAILS Overlay

CLEARWATER PARK/SO. WATER TREATMENT PLANT/LEXINGTON WATER FILLING STATION Overlay

City Project No. 1092/ City Contract No. 12-09 Involving Approximately: 6,800 11,000 700 400 3,600 1,000

S.Y. Mill Bituminous Pavement S.Y. Remove Bituminous Pavement C.Y. Common Excavation L.F. Concrete Curb & Gutter Removal & Replacement TON Wear Course Bituminous SP Mixture (Parking Lot/ Trail) TON Base Course Bituminous SP Mixture (Parking Lot) Together with Miscellaneous Structure Adjustment & Site Restoration

Complete digital contract bidding documents are available at www.questcdn.com . You may download the digital plan documents for $20.00 by inputting Quest project #2051676 on the website's Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information. Complete contract documents may also be seen at the offices of the City Clerk and City Engineer, Eagan, MN, at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122, Phone (651) 675-5646. Contractors desiring a hardcopy of the complete bidding documents may obtain them from the office of the City Clerk, Eagan, MN upon payment of $50.00. No money will be refunded to any person who obtains plans and specifications. Each bid proposal shall be accompanied by a bidder's bond naming the City of Eagan as obligee, a certified check payable to the Clerk of the City of Eagan or a cash deposit equal to at least five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, which shall be forfeited to the City in the event that the bidder fails to enter into a contract. The City Council reserves the right to retain the deposits of the three lowest bidders for a period not to exceed forty-five (45) days after the date and time set for the opening of the bids. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of forty-five (45) days after the date and time set for the opening of bids. Payment for the work will be by cash or check. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and technical proposals, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and further reserves the right to award the contract to the best interests of the City. Christina M. Scipioni, Clerk, City of Eagan 3025121 5/25-6/1/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following is the official summary of Ordinance No. 505 as approved by the City Council of the City of Eagan on May 15, 2012. ORDINANCE NO. 505 SECOND SERIES AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EAGAN, MINNESOTA, AMENDING EAGAN CITY CODE CHAPTER TEN ENTITLED "PUBLIC PROTECTION, CRIMES AND OFFENSES" BY AMENDING SECTIONS 10.01, 10.02, 10.21, 10.43, 10.51, 10.53 AND ADDING SECTION 10.60 REGARDING THE REGULATION OF PUBLIC NUISANCES AND THE ASSESMENT OF COSTS THEREFOR; AND BY ADOPTING BY REFERENCE EAGAN CITY CODE CHAPTER 1 AND SECTION 10.99. Sections 10.01, 10.02, 10.21, 10.43, 10.51 and 10.53 regarding various obligations of property owners and the declaration of public nuisances have been modified by removing from each Section the procedures for abatement and assessment and by referring to the procedure established in Section 10.60. Section 10.60 has been added to establish a consolidated procedure for abatement and assessment of the costs therefor. A printed copy of the ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at the office of the City Clerk at the Eagan Municipal Center, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122. Effective date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication. 3022610 5/25/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following is the official summary of Ordinance No. 502 as approved by the City Council of the City of Eagan on May 15, 2012. ORDINANCE NO. 502 SECOND SERIES AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EAGAN, MINNESOTA, AMENDING EAGAN CITY CODE CHAPTER TEN ENTITLED "PUBLIC PROTECTION, CRIMES AND OFFENSES" BY AMENDING SECTION 10.40 REGARDING ADOPTION OF CURRENT STATE FIRE CODE AND RECREATIONAL FIRE REGULATIONS; AND BY ADOPTING BY REFERENCE EAGAN CITY CODE CHAPTER 1 AND SECTION 10.99. Section 10.40, Subd. 1 of the City Code has been amended by adopting the current edition of the Minnesota State Fire Code. Further, Subd. 6 has been amended to add outdoor fireplace provisions to recreational fire regulations and deleting allowed use of electric or gas grills on balconies of multi-family buildings. A printed copy of the ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at the office of the City Clerk at the Eagan Municipal Center, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122. Effective date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication. 3022538 5/25/12

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May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Burnsville, from 1A rity and to keep my word.” Myhra had plenty of company. A majority of Republicans, who control both the House and Senate, voted against the stadium in both chambers. Among legislators in the all-Republican, south-of-the-river delegation, only Rep. Pat Garofalo of Farmington voted for the stadium, the signature issue of the recently completed 2012 legislative session. “First off, there’s gambling,” said Sen. Dan Hall of Burnsville, a first-termer representing District 40. “There’s what we call the 3-to-1 rule with gambling. For every dollar that a government makes, you lose 3 dollars in the ills that it brings to your society. ... I’m not in favor of an expansion of gambling.” The stadium passed on the strength of majority DFL votes in both houses. Hall said he’s received “a lot of kudos from a lot of Minnesotans” for his stand against the bill. “I was really surprised that the Vikings (issue) brings out as much passion as it does,” said Hall, who is seeking re-election in the newly drawn Senate District 51. “You’d think the marriage amendment, prolife issues — they certainly bring out passion. But I certainly saw another view that I’d not expected. I got a lot of mail to keep the Vikings, to vote ‘yes.’ Most of that was outside my district.”

Response to Chance controversy Myhra and Hall both chief-sponsored legislation aimed at expanding disclosure of information behind public-employee buyout deals. They were responding to the Tania Chance controversy in Burnsville-EaganSavage School District 191. The district paid its former human resources director nearly $255,000 in a settlement agreement under which she left the district with 18 months left on her contract. At first, the district, on the advice of its attorney, concealed parts of the buyout agreement showing that Chance had initiated charges with state agencies against the district and Superintendent Randy Clegg. The district sought an opinion from the state Department of Administration on whether it had properly concealed that information under data-privacy law. It hadn’t, the department said in April, weeks after many residents first expressed outrage. “I got a lot of emails, and there was a lot of outcry at the School Board,” said Myhra, who is seeking re-election in the newly drawn House District 56A. Myhra said she didn’t get everything she’d sought in disclosure requirements for settlement agreements and agreements involving more than $10,000 of public money, which by law already required disclosure of “specific reasons.” The biggest change shepherded by Myhra and Hall, both said, is an expansion of the public officials to whom the language explicitly applies. It now includes not only high state positions, but also a number of management positions in cities with more than 7,500 people, counties with more than 5,000 and school districts. “There’s more that we could do, but it is a huge improvement over what we had before,” Myhra said, calling the expanded definition of public official “90 percent of the reform.” “It was the kind of bill that nobody liked and everybody agreed to,” Hall said, noting everyone from school board and school principals associations to the Minnesota Newspaper Association had their say. “How far do you go in transparency without hurting people? We aren’t here to hurt people, but we are here to represent the public’s interest in payouts.”

Other legislation Both lawmakers voted

against a $496 million bonding bill signed by Gov. Mark Dayton. Myhra said she voted for a $221 million Capitol building restoration bill and a general $280 bonding bill as a member of the House Capital Investment Committee. The final bonding bill included only $44 million for the Capitol project and “just got a little too fat, so I voted ‘no,’ ” Myhra said. “It was too big,” Hall said of the final bill. Myhra, who serves on

the House education and reform committees, said legislation she successfully authored includes a number of measures to define and promote digital learning in Minnesota schools. Both lawmakers criticized the DFL governor for vetoing what they said was a bipartisan tax bill that included property tax relief for business. John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Mentoring program activity Almost 100 Kids ’n Kinship mentoring program participants enjoyed a fun-filled day at the Minnesota Valley YMCA in Burnsville on April 22. Mentors, mentees, children on the waiting list, and their families enjoyed swimming, playing floor hockey, and devouring a meal donated by the Noodles & Co. Burnsville and Eagan locations and cook-

ies from the Girl Scouts Farmington Troop 22301. Donated boxes of Girl Scout cookies, along with spring plants, were also given to volunteer mentors in appreciation of their weekly service and dedication to the children they mentor. The Southern Dakota Scott Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans sponsored the event.

Event volunteers included members of the Girl Scouts and Single Volunteers of the Twin Cities. The next information session for those interested in mentoring a child will be 6 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, at Wescott Library in Eagan. For more information about Kids ’n Kinship, visit www.kidsnkinship.org.