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Farmington | Lakeville May 25, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 13

Supreme Court reverses murder conviction

A ‘Taste’ to remember

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

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Backstrom’s conduct cited in ruling by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

War comes to Farmington Dakota City Heritage Village becomes a battle zone during the third annual World War II re-enactment. Page 12A

Eagan girl in Pippi braids Eagan middle school student to star in Twin Cities stage version of Pippi Longstocking story. Page 12A

Photo by Rick Orndorf

The weather was perfect and the wine was flowing at the 10th annual Taste of Lakeville on May 17 at the Lakeville Area Arts Center. Wine and beer samplings, food booths, silent and live auctions and musical entertainment were enjoyed throughout the night. Taste of Lakeville was organized by The Lakeville Area Rotary Club as its primary fundraising event. Last year’s Taste event raised more than $65,000 to support programs and groups all over Lakeville. More photos are at SunThisweek.com.

Rigorous program prepares students for college

Sun Thisweek

Tiger lacrosse has playoff first The Farmington boys and girls lacrosse teams are having their best seasons, and the girls scored their first playoff win in school history. Page 14A

Online Check out more Lakeville and Farmington prom photos at sunthisweek.com. While on Facebook, “like” our page at facebook.com/ sunthisweek to discuss stories and to receive updates. Tweet with us at twitter. com/sunthisweek.

Index Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Announcements . . . . . . . 8A Sports . . . . . . . . . . 14A-15A Classifieds. . . . . . . 16A-19A Public Notices. . . . . . . . 22A

General Information 952-894-1111 Distribution 952-846-2070 Display Advertising 952-846-2011 Classified Advertising 952-846-2000

See Supreme court, 22A

First AVID class graduates in Lakeville by Aaron M. Vehling

sports

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 examiners” and put defendant Nicole Beecroft’s constitutional rights at risk. Beecroft, of Oakdale, was on trial for murder in 2008 in the death of her newborn baby, and Dr. Susan Roe, then a staff member with the Dakota County Medical Examiner’s Office, was prepared to testify to her findings that the child

Jorge Hernandez of Lakeville stood proudly as he talked with a teacher. His mother, Yudmil, and sister, Ana, sat nearby beaming. The Lakeville North High School senior and 13 classmates comprised the first AVID class to graduate in the Lakeville school district, an accomplishment celebrated by district staff, the School Board and the students’ families Tuesday night, May 22, at the Lakeville Holiday Inn and Suites. Superintendent Lisa Snyder said the district had “great pride” in the students. “We want to celebrate you and your children,” she told the audience.

Though they did take classes with others throughout their four years, the students always came together for their AVID class with the same teacher and core group of classmates. This served to give the evening the air of a family gathering, as opposed to a set of 60 people celebrating an impressive accomplishment. The college-readiness program is nationally notable for its ability to take capable students and teach them some of the finer points of college preparation: note-taking, organization and accountability. Hernandez admitted File photo by Aaron Vehling to goofing off too much In May 2011, internationally-renowned artist Ta-coumba Aiken (wearing the green polo in middle school. This left him in a bind when high shirt) instructed students of one of Lakeville North’s rigorous AVID classes on the finer points of mural painting, an artistic outlet that offered the students a chance to exercise their creative instincts. Lakeville celebrated the graduation of its first AVID class May 22 See AVID, 7A at the Lakeville Holiday Inn and Suites.

Local businesses have deep roots Many Farmington graduates are shop owners

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

If Farmington High School’s 2012 graduates are like those who have gone before, many may stretch their wings during college but return to build upon their established roots. At least 23 Farmington businesses are operated by Farmington High School graduates, said Lisa Carey, owner of Town’s Edge Barber and part of the school’s class of 1989. “So many graduates have stayed,” she said. “And, they not only stay, but their roots go deeper when they have a business, too.” Graduates who return and start businesses are “vitally important” to the community, said Farmington Business Association President Clyde

Farmington attorney: Mayor’s vote for his company not conflict City’s seed purchase raises questions

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Photo submitted

Mike Bischel is one of many Farmington High School graduates who have opened businesses in Farmington. Rath. “If you’re not growing and going forward, you’re going backwards.” People who have been raised in the community and open businesses are more emotionally connected to the area and have the community’s best interest at heart, he

added. “Not to say someone from another place can’t be, but they have that history and … know all the people around town,” Rath said. “That’s important when you’re trying to See hometown, 20A

Farmington Mayor Todd Larson’s vote approving a city purchase of seed from the company Larson works for did not represent a conflict of interest, according to Farmington Todd Larson City Attorney Joel Jamnik. “He doesn’t receive a commission, and he has no personal interest in the contract,” Jamnik told Sun Thisweek. The city’s $2,458 purchase of 40 bags of grass seed from Ramy Turf Products occurred Feb. 23, and payment was approved by

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See Mayor, 22A

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the Farmington City Council at its April 2 meeting. Larson, a salesman for Ramy, said he inquired with Jamnik before voting to pay the bill. “I didn’t even know about it until I saw it in the bills,” Larson said. “I had absolutely nothing to do with it.” According to the invoice, the salesman was “TH,” identified by the company as sales representative Terry Harrington, whose sales territory includes Farmington. Larson’s sales territory is from Interstate 494 to Canada. Jamnik said City Council members may vote on

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Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

LNHS student wins art award His work will hang in Washington, D.C.

by Aaron M. Vehling

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

Sun Thisweek

Lakeville North High School student Austin Blumberg has a seemingly natural gift for art – and humility. “Ever since I was little I would draw,” he said. “I just like to be creative.” He describes his latest piece, an intricate pencil drawing of a squirrel, as a matter-of-fact occurrence in his daily experience as an artist. But the office of U.S. Rep. John Kline thought highly enough of Blumberg’s art to bestow on him an the Congressional Artistic Discovery Award. Blumberg’s piece will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel entrance to the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., where he will attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony in late June. “It feels really good,” Blumberg said. “I didn’t expect to win. I just submitted it for fun.” His formal training is centered on art classes in school, but Blumberg seems to have inherited some of his mother’s artistic tendencies. “My mom is extremely artistic,” he said. “She always pushed on me to pursue art and my creative side.” Blumberg’s dad, Derek, agrees. “There’s something natural in Austin’s art,” he

Photo submitted

Lakeville North High School student Austin Blumberg won the area’s Congressional Artistic Discovery art competition, awarded by U.S. Rep. John Kline. Blumberg’s art will hang in the U.S. Capitol. said. “He does work on his art, but it’s a God-given talent. Like a sport or anything, if you have a natural gift, you are good at it.” The nationwide art competition provides members of Congress an opportunity to showcase the talents of high school students in their districts and acknowledge gifted young artists, according to Kline’s office. Blumberg will join winners from the other Congressional districts when in Washington, D.C. The annual competition includes a variety of visual artistic disciplines. About

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, direcSee leadership, 5A

700,000 high school artists have participated in the competition since it started in 1982. Blumberg said he plans to pursue a creative field for a career, whether it is in visual arts or in music. “I just like to do things where I can be creative,” he said. “There is a sense of accomplishment in making something out of nothing.” Aaron M. Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

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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.

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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 focus 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

Sun Thisweek Columnist

Don Heinzman

Legion clubs donate services, furniture and equipment to keep veterans satisfied. 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

Letters to the editor policy Sun Thisweek welcomes letters to the editor. Submitted letters must be no more than 350 words. All letters must have the author’s phone number and address for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. Letters reflect the opinion of the author only. Sun Thisweek reserves the right to edit all letters. Submission of a letter does not guarantee publication.

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 Le-

gion 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.

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Yellow Ribbon, VFW and American Legion members of To the editor: The veterans in Lakev- Lakeville ille want to thank Jefferson Tonsager and family, owner of Wayne Metal Products Farewell, my of Lakeville, for recognition dolphin friends of giving any veteran that To the editor: came to his place of busi- As a young kid I always ness the past two weeks the liked the dolphin exhibit at pick of any potted flower the zoo. Every time I went plant free in appreciation to the zoo I made sure I saw for their service to our the dolphin show, but now country.

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 further 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

A dead chicken leads to dog restrictions County amends dangerous dog policy after animal allegedly kills bird

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,” Leslie 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. leadership, from 3A tor 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 edi-

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 fees, have them insured and Photo submitted micro chipped and keep Hazel, a whippet/Labrador them leashed. mix, is safe at home after They must also be sterilit was delcared she wasn’t a ized at the owner’s expense, dangerous dog. and the sheriff’s office is Erickson determined Ha- to be updated of the dog’s zel had been “enticed” by residence. one or more of Peter Kon- Dogs who are declared tinakas’ chickens because dangerous may be confisthey were allowed to “roam cated or euthanized if ownfreely through the neigh- ers do not comply with all restrictions. borhood.” Erickson found that the Hazel’s case and changchickens particularly gath- es in Minnesota case law ered along the rear fence prompted the county to line of Jahr and Olson’s amend its dangerous dog policy to allow owners 14 property. “In response, Hazel was days to appeal a notice of enticed to escape her yard a determination to declare through the fence to chase their dog dangerous. the Kontinakas’ chickens,” Laura Adelmann is at laura. Erickson concluded. As a result, the county adelmann@ecm-inc.com or withdrew its notice, and facebook.com/sunthisweek. Hazel will remain at home, free from the constraints

tor. 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

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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.

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May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Semi driver could see prison time for crash Two women, fetus killed in 2010 accident

by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

A Minnesota man was found guilty of criminal vehicular homicide in Dakota County court May 23 for causing a crash in 2010 on Interstate 35 in Lakeville that killed two women, including one from Elko New Market. Jason Styrbicky of Buffalo was found guilty of three counts of criminal vehicular homicide, along with one count of careless driving. Pamela Brinkhaus, 50, of Elko New Market, Kari Rasmussen, 24, of St. Anthony, and Rasmussen’s 8-week-old fetus were killed in the crash. Styrbicky was driving a semi truck and trailer when he encountered halted traffic because of construction in the area. He smashed into two cars, which caused them to crash into another semi that was hauling millions of bees. According to the Star Tribune, Styrbicky admitted that he had taken his

eyes off the road to look for an energy drink. Evidence suggested he had taken his eyes off the road for between 16 seconds to one whole minute. Styrbicky testified that he did not see any construction signs, though the Star Tribune article says the first warning sign was posted eight-tenths of a mile before the construction. This would mean that he was not watching the road for a long while before the crash, the report says. The conviction carried a recommendation of up to 48 months in prison for each death, totalling 12 years, according to the Star Tribune. Styrbicky’s attorney said there is no plan to appeal but he will possibly ask for probation at the July 31 sentencing, the story said. Aaron M. Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

Farmington couple take reins of family business Saddleseat lessons can lead to competitions

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

After 40 years in business as Lear Stables, a new generation has taken the reins of the family’s legacy. Kyle and Jennefer LearTharaldson of Farmington are embarking on an adventure to teach the art of saddle seat riding to students from children to adult. Saddle seat is an Englishstyle of riding that involves standing and sitting during trots. Students learn to safely handle a horse, maintain their balance and the skills to successfully ride saddle seat. As they progress, there are opportunities to participate in various levels of competitions. Everything needed to try the sport, including the horse and riding gear, is available at Vermillion Township’s Lear Stables. The serious student will eventually purchase their own boots, helmet and stirrups, Kyle said. “It’s super fun,” he said. “I go to the stable, and it’s all

Photo submitted

Riding instructor Jennefer Lear-Tharaldson accompanies Cassidy Lewison, on Sassy, during a horse show in Cannon Falls. smiles. It seems to offer people some way to regenerate and replenish themselves.” Lear Stables students range in age from preschool to their 70s. “We’ve had some people start as late as their 60s,” Kyle said. “It really is something anybody can do.” Jennefer, who has participated in the sport since childhood, is Minnesota’s only American Riding Instructors Association certified saddle seat instructor. “It’s a tip of the hat to her expertise,” Kyle said of his wife. “It’s a strenuous testing program she had to go through. It’s like a college exam — a big one — for riding instructors.”

The process took about a year to complete, and information Jennefer had to know included the biology of horses, riding safety, locomotion and horsemanship. She said she has earned many ribbons in competitions and enjoys introducing others to the sport. “It’s always been a part of who I am and what I do,” Jennefer said. Lear Stables has horses for different levels, and students may compete with various horses as they grow in their skill level. “I like kids to be riding different horses,” Jennefer said. “It challenges you.” To allow lessons year round, Lear Stables offers an

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indoor riding arena that is heated in the winter. An outdoor ring is also available. A viewing room with Wi-Fi is available off the lounge for family members to watch lessons, which start as 30-minute individual sessions. After basic safety skills are attained, they are conducted in 40-minute small group lessons. Lear Stables was previously owned by Jennefer’s parents, Bert and Alice Lear, of Hastings. Jennefer worked for her parents for nine years without compensation with the goal of buying out the businesses. The purchase closed March 1, and the couple opened in Vermillion Township at the “Equicare” building at 4263 170th St. E., which has a Rosemount mailing address. The couple intend to expand the business and introduce more people to the sport they have come to love. “We love our customers,” Jennefer said. “They are family.” She described the atmosphere at the stables as fun and said students become close friends as they learn and grow in a sport they enjoy together. “Sometimes, kids just want to hang out at the barn,” Jennefer said. “There’s a joke that kids would rather clean the stall than clean their room. The kids at the barn are really good kids. A lot of times, people think they are older than they are. Riding is important to them, so they work hard.” Lessons are $35 each, and packages are available that will drop the cost. For more information, call (651) 438-9008 or visit www.learstables.com. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

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

AVID, from 1A school came around. He wanted to get into a four-year university. “I had no idea how to keep organized or take notes,” he said. “When I got to high school I got scared and talked to my deans about putting me in AVID.” Hernandez will attend Minnesota State University, Moorhead, this fall to study business. Ray Hawes, one of the district’s cultural liaisons, has been tutoring AVID students, in addition to giving talks in their classes, since he started with the district two years ago. “I encourage them to fulfill their dreams,” he said. He had a huge smile on his face as the event progressed. “These are my little ducklings,” Hawes said. “My heart is bursting with pride.” Melanie Smieja has been a high school AVID teacher since the program’s inception. She spoke at the ceremony about students like Ignacio, who started out a wallflower and by the end of high school was an assertive leader. Ignacio, she said, “had found his voice.” Another student, Autumn, became a tutor for younger AVID students. Scott Schmelzle has been teaching a high school AVID class for three years. He shared an adage he has told the students over the years. “Don’t allow yourself to be defined by a single story,” he said. In other words, each student is more than just an athlete, a Hispanic or some other single category, he said.

Expansion

Last year, the district extended its AVID program to include the middle schools. As with their high school counterparts, students learn the Cornell Notes, a system for efficient, meaningful notetaking; visit colleges; and learn organization skills, among other things. Ana Hernandez starts high school next year, and, like her brother, is also in

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 con-

cerns 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.

AVID. She also has something else in common with her brother pre-AVID. “I was really not organized,” she said. AVID students use special binders to hold all their study papers. This made all the difference. Add to that Cornell Notes and Ana said she is not only better prepared for high school but is already thinking about college. Ana’s class recently visited the University of Minnesota Duluth, an activity she said was organized in part by some classmates. She said she feels like AVID is preparing her to be a leader. The accountability portion of the program is rather holistic. It’s not just the teachers and the students’ families who are heavily involved in ensuring a future in post-secondary education for the AVID students; the students help each other as well as their cohort progresses through high school. Stacy Wells, the district’s integration and equity coordinator, said this interpersonal component is one of the program’s primary features. Though it does not get the attention of the other aspects of AVID, Wells said “the relationships they create with teachers and other students in the group is the most talked about among the kids.” Wells has been with the district for three years. She said that though she has not seen AVID through its entirety, she feels a deep connection with it. “It’s exciting to see them come through the program,” she said. “I think that a lot of them really would not have seen themselves going on post-high school had they not been a part of AVID.”

field between minority and white students. Though AVID is not exclusively for minority students, its role in closing the achievement gap between white and minority students in Minnesota – one of the highest in the nation – makes it a pivotal part of the integration philosophy. In 2011, the Legislature called for a bipartisan task force to assess how to better allocate integration funding to districts. Lakeville School Board Member Bob Erickson, a longtime AVID champion, was one of 12 people chosen to serve on the task force. Its recommendations, released in February, called for directing more spending to the classroom and allowed for only a portion to be used for administrative purposes, he said. Though the House held a hearing on the task force’s findings this year, the recommendations never made it beyond that. As a result, the dedicated funding could sunset next school year if nothing is done. This would mean integration funding would stay in the state’s general fund. This possibility makes the AVID graduation bittersweet for Wells. “We don’t know what will happen with the program,” she said. About 30 percent of the district’s $1.1 million in integration funds comes from a local levy, with the remainder from the state, Erickson said. “It would certainly be difficult to maintain the comprehensive program currently in place,” Erickson said. The Lakeville district would most likely have to find alternate ways to pay for AVID, Erickson said, a difficult prospect considering the millions in cuts the district endured a year ago. Families at the event were paying attention to a different kind of future, though. Yudmil Hernandez sat joyously at her table, flanked on both sides by her AVID-inspired children. Both have become better organized and better note-takers, adding to that

a seriousness about their future and the possibilities it could bring. Though they are originally from Mexico, they have placed their faith in the American Dream. For Jorge, he said, AVID has

helped him approach this goal by “pretty much getting my act together.”

An uncertain future Though AVID has the backing of the district’s decision-makers, its future is not set in stone. The district funds the program with a portion of its $1.1 million in “integration funds,” money set aside by the Legislature to help level the playing

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.

Aaron M. Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek. ��

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May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Memorial Day schedule Farmington Briefs

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The Lakeville VFW Color Guard, Lakeville VFW Women’s Auxiliary and Lakeville North High School band schedule for Memorial Day is as follows: Orchard Lake Cemetery, 8 a.m.; West Christiania Lutheran Cemetery, 8:25 a.m.; New Market Catholic Cemetery, 8:50 a.m.; St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Webster, 9:15 a.m.; Solor Lutheran Cemetery, Webster, 9:35 a.m.; Annunciation Cath-

olic Cemetery, Hazelwood, 10 a.m.; Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Hazelwood, 10:20 a.m.; East Christiania Cemetery, 10:45 a.m.; Highview Lutheran Cemetery, 11 a.m.; Greenwood Presbyterian Cemetery, 11:25 a.m.; All Saints Catholic Cemetery, 11:45 a.m.; Lakeville Grove Cemetery, noon; Lakeville Veterans Memorial, 12:30 to 12:45 p.m.

Pooh’s playground Farmington Parks and Recreation will offer Pooh’s Playground for children ages 4 to 6. Cost is $45 per session and includes a T-shirt. Children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite princess, hero or make-believe character one day, otherwise, dress children in play clothes and gym shoes. Pooh’s Princesses & Heroes will be offered Mondays and Wednesdays June 18 through July 11 and Tues-

days and Thursdays June 19 through July 12. Program time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. No programs will be held the week of July 2-5. Registration deadline: June 5. Pooh’s World of Make Believe will be offered Mondays and Wednesdays July 16 through Aug. 1 and Tuesdays and Thursdays July 17 through Aug. 2. Program time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration deadline: July 3. For more information, visit www.ci.farmington. mn.us or contact Missie Kohlbeck at (651) 280-6971.

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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

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.

Lakeville man charged with arson, burglary Suspect says he was retrieving his personal property by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

A Lakeville man is in the Dakota County jail after a May 12 altercation with police at a house he alleged burglarized and set on fire. Eric E. Contonikolas, 31, faces second-degree arson and second-degree burglary charges after Lakeville police responded to a report of a house fire and ended up in a tussle with Contonikolas amid allegations that he stole property from the home and set the stove on fire, according to police. Contonikolas allegedly told police he gained access to the home by unlocking the front door with a credit card. Contonikolas claimed he was actually trying to put out the fire, which was contained to a picture on the stove, police said. According to the criminal complaint, police arrived during a fight between Contonikolas and a woman, whom they identi-

fied as the homeowner. She told police Contonikolas started the fire; in response, Contonikolas was acting belligerently and told officers to “cuff him.” Police attempted to restrain him with handcuffs, but during the struggle one officer fell to the ground, causing pain to the right side of his body. While on the ground, Contonikolas allegedly grabbed another officer by the leg, which brought that officer to the ground. The officer sustained a cut to his hand. A witness reported seeing Contonikolas gain entry to the home by prying the door open, then enter the kitchen and leave the home toting a backpack and carrying two white garbage bags filled with goods. About a half-hour later, the same witness saw smoke coming through the windows. Contonikolas told police he did not call 911 or notify neighbors of the fire, but instead tried to put it out himself with a “cup.”

Regarding the items in the backpack and garbage bags, Contonikolas told police he was retrieving his personal property from the home of his former girlfriend. The homeowner told police she had argued with Contonikolas prior to the fire, the criminal complaint said. She told them she did not place anything on the stove recently, and that the knobs for the stove were removed as a childsafety precaution. An officer found that the left-rear stove gas initiator was set to the “on” position at a 45-degree angle, and that removed knobs were on the counter. There was light to heavy smoke damage. If convicted of all charges, Contonikolas faces up to 20 years in prison and $40,000 in fines. Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

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May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Prom marches on Lakeville

Photos by Rick Orndorf

Michael Koloski and Gracia Bonesho of Lakeville North (above photo) showed off their attire during the grand march May 15 at the school’s gym. Jordan Krentz and Tanner Nieson of Lakeville South (right photo) enjoyed their school’s grand march on May 19 in the auditorium.

Prom, Vegas style, at FHS

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Students were betting on a fun night ahead as Farmington High School kicked off prom night with the grand march on May 19. The “Las Vegas” theme was the prevalent decor in the gym with lighted dice and signs in the style of the old hotels on the Vegas Strip.

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

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May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

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

Farmington lacrosse blooms into two winning programs After struggling for two years, Tigers break out by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

It was a tough go for a while in Farmington in terms of winning lacrosse games. The girls team went 3-20 during its first two years and the boys team won just once. But in 2012, both have made major improvement. This season the girls were 8-4 in the regular season, making this their first year above .500. The girls also got some revenge on a lot of teams that had beaten them. “Just getting wins, plural, was satisfying,” coach Dan Pickens said. “Both Chaska wins were awesome. The Lakeville South one this year was great since we lost to them in double overtime last year. We beat them 12-10 this year.” Two years ago, the Tigers lost to Bloomington Kennedy 20-3 in the section playoffs. They met again on Monday, but this time Farmington had the higher seed in Section 3. “They are excited and believe in their ability now,” Pickens said. “We are not walking in to an eventual butt-whooping.” The girls got another first, beating Kennedy 13-11 for their first ever playoff victory. The Ti-

yet. The previous two years Farmington went 1-25. The biggest difference between now and then is experience. No one had any when the sport became a varsity activity three years ago. Now lacrosse is part of the culture in Farmington. “We just had our first grade three and four team this spring with plans to have a beginner team comprised of kindergarten through second-graders,” coach Paul Sorensen said. “Our enrollment is up 150 percent overall year over year at the youth level. It’s very exciting. Our first couple of years we would literally be working with the guys on passing and catching, and now they are coming ready to be fine-tuned with those skill sets in place.” It has translated to several wins over teams that used to beat Farmington. The Tigers got some revenge on nearly everyone this season except Lakeville North, Rochester John Marshall and Holy Angels. “(Against) everyone else we showed that we can play a little lacrosse in Farmington as well,” Sorensen said. “Let’s say we are on the map now.” Sorensen said perhaps the most satisfying victory came on April 21 against Lakeville South, a close Boys rival. The Tigers finished the regular The Tigers lost co-captain season 7-5, by far its best season Mitch Collier to a broken leg in

gers went on to play Bloomington Jefferson in the quarterfinal on Wednesday. The results were unavailable at presstime. The current group of seniors is the first Farmington group to grow up with lacrosse starting at the youth program, which has grown into a fifth- and sixthgrade team and a full seventh- and eighth-grade team with the Farmington Youth Athletic Association. It’s allowed Pickens to focus on strategy and in-game adjustments rather than introducing newcomers to the sport at the varsity level. “While I still invite any and all athletes to come play, it is always a plus to not have to spend a bunch of time at the beginning of the year teaching rules,” Pickens said. “We still focus much of our practices on the basics like passing, catching and cradling, but that will never go away.” Leading scorer Haley Bradshaw (42 goals, 10 assists) has started since she was a sophomore along with Jess Erchul (23 goals). Adrienne Jolicoeur (32 goals) and Ally Midboe (28 points) have grown up playing lacrosse. “Over the last few games they have really started to work together,” Pickens said. “All of them have improved a lot.”

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Farmington’s Adrienne Jolicoeur (1) cradles the ball during a Section 3 girls lacrosse playoff game Monday against Bloomington Kennedy. Farmington, which had a playoff game at home for the first time, won 13-11 to advance to the quarterfinals. that game. Collier was on pace for more than 40 points this season. Still, Farmington rallied to beat South 10-9. Trevor Howard (18 goals, 38 assists), Matt Ackerman (22 goals, 10 assists) and Brandon Berg (25 goals, seven assists) led the Tigers to wins against Rochester Mayo, Owatonna, East Ridge, Rochester Century, Chaska/Chanhassen and Simley. Goalie Charlie Weierke had seven wins, tied for 14th in the state.

It translated to the Tigers’ firstever home game in the playoffs. The boys played host to Rochester John Marshall on Wednesday as the No. 8 seed. With a win, Farmington would move on to play top-seeded Eastview on Friday. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Tigers baseball pumped for playoffs Cougars golf second After up-and-down season, seniors focused on section by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

Photo by Andy Rogers

Farmington’s John Stibal throws a pitch against Lakeville South on Monday.

Photo by Andy Rogers

Farmington’s Ryan Schoening takes a swing in the regular-season finale against Lakeville South on Monday.

After beating Lakeville South on Monday, the Farmington baseball team is heading into playoffs hungry for more. The Tigers jumped ahead early and held off a late rally to defeat the Cougars 9-5 on senior night in a nonconference match between the neighboring school districts. “This was a big one for us,” head coach Mike Winters said. “It was one of the bigger crowds we’ve had here in years. This could have moved us from 10 seed to eight.” The Tigers have played better during the second half of the season. After starting 1-5, the Tigers won six of 13. “We’ve been up and down all year,” Winters said. “The days we play well we throw strikes. It’s that simple. The big key to our victories is pitching.” Johnathan Hinks, Drew Hegseth, Jonathan Ellis, and Spencer Merle have had moments to shine on the mound this season. With several seniors on the team, the Tigers wanted to succeed. “We had high expectations for ourselves, and it felt like a snowball when one person did something bad,” Hegseth said. “We’d get down on ourselves and take it super hard. The next day we just stayed with a positive attitude and had fun at the ball park. Even though we lost some tough ones, we had some fun. “We felt like we were never completely out of a game and that helped us during the second half.” The players are embracing the chance to redefine their season in the playoffs. The Tigers finished seventh in the Missota Conference and went 7-12 overall. Farmington plays in a section filled with winning programs. Red Wing comes in as the favorite after winning the Missota Conference title. The Big 9 Conference’s Rochester John Marshall, Rochester Century, Owatonna and Rochester Mayo all have winning percentages of .646 or more. Winona, Albert Lea and Northfield also have winning records and high hopes for the playoffs. The only sub-.500 teams are Austin, Faribault, Hastings and Farmington. “There’s a lot of quality teams, but if we go in and throw strikes, we should be able to compete,” Winters said. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy. rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

in conference

Boys team wins Albert Lea invite by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

Anyone who has stepped on the course knows that controlling emotions is crucial in golf. Adalsteinsson studied sports psychology at John F. Kennedy University and is co-creator of The Sport Brain mental conditioning program, so he brings a cerebral style to the course. “His No. 1 priority: One shot a time,” Doeden said. “I know that sounds simple, but he always says, don’t look too far ahead. Hit fairways and greens and keep it simple. “Try to eliminate the bigger numbers. He calls it simple golf.” It’s helped Doeden eliminate those double and triple bogeys. He hopes to qualify for state for the second straight year and improve on his 28th-place finish in 2011. Haukoos, Garrett Emond, Mack Farley, Jason Lehmann and Redetzke give the Cougars several other players who can score in the low 70s at any point. Lakeville South will participate in the Section 2AAA tournament May 31 and June 4 at Oakdale Golf Club in Hutchinson. The Cougars are one of the favorites along with Chanhassen, Chaska, Bloomington Jefferson and Eden Prairie.

The Lakeville South boys golf team finished the regular season playing as well as anyone. Last weekend the boys won the 21-team Albert Lea Invitational, which included teams such as Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Chaska and Chanhassen. Justin Doeden was the team’s lowest scorer in the 36-hole tournament, shooting 153. He also was second in the long-drive. Anders Haukoos had a 73 in the first round Friday, the lowest score of the day. Max Redetzke won the putting contest. The Cougars also finished second at a South Suburban Conference tournament at Valleywood on Monday, securing a second-place finish in the conference overall. The Cougars are averaging around 310 this season with five players averaging below 80. The Cougars have broken the school team scoring record twice this season. Lakeville South had its best season yet in 2011, but with a new coach (Tomas Adalsteinsson) coming into 2012, expectations were up in the air. “This coach has brought a different mindset to golf,” Doeden said. “The expectations are a lot higher. We all know we can play well. Andy Rogers can be reached We’ve been showing it the at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek. last couple meets.”

Sports Briefs Cutshall receives lacrosse award The Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association named Regis University sophomore Danica Cutshall to the All-South Region first team. Cutshall, a Lakeville resident, had 122 draw controls in 2012, shattering her previous school record of 52. She led the Rangers in goals (36) and assists (17). Her 53 points ties her own school record that she set last season. Cutshall has twice been named to the All-Western Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association first team. Cutshall will now be on the IWLCA All-America ballot. The IWLCA honored 64 student-athletes in Division II with selections on one of the All-Region teams. These athletes are now eligible for the IWLCA All-America teams, which will be announced May 24.

Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

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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.

Cougar girls win True Team title Lakeville South sees four school records fall at state by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

The Lakeville South girls track and field team proved it had the most depth and talent across the board in Friday’s state True Team finals in Stillwater. South won the Class AAA title, scoring more points (880) than the previous five state champions and edging South Suburban Conference rival Prior Lake for the top spot. “They truly deserve the title of best girls track and field team in the state,” head coach Andrew Hilliard said. “For us as coaches and for all of the family and friends that were at the meet, it was a true blessing to be able to see the girls experience a night like Friday. I hope they never forget it and also hope our returners maintain the desire to get

after it again next year.” The True Team state meet differs from the Minnesota State High School League meet in June, which features the top individuals in Minnesota. Teams are allowed three entries in every individual event at True Team, and all of them score points. “Depth is just as important as top-end talent,” Hilliard said. South had 16 seasonbest marks, 10 personal records and 15 changes to its top 10 all-time list. The Cougars also set four school records. Rachel Mickelson set a school record in the 400-meter run, finishing fourth in 59.47 seconds. Shaina Burns was the champion in the 300 hurdles in 44.99, which was also a school record. Burns wasn’t done there. She won the long

jump with a leap of 17 feet, 11.25 inches, which was farther than any other Cougar in school history. Burns also finished second in the 100 hurdles. Kayt Larson was second across the finish line in the 800 in 2 minutes, 19.09 seconds, the fastest time in Lakeville South history. She also was fourth in the 1,600. The high jump was all Lakeville South. Morgan Pieri won, Caraline Slattery was second and Burns was third. Jordyn Thorton won the shot put and was second in the discus. Rose Cozad, Slattery, Haley Lubow and Larson ran the third fastest time in school history in the 4x400, placing fourth in 4:03.30. Other top finishers included Kaitlin VanWinkle, fifth in the 200; Andrea Brekken, fourth in the

3,200; Allison Mosser, fourth in the triple jump; the 4x200 relay, which finished third; McKell Anderson, fifth in the pole vault; and Monica Turner, third in the shot put. The girls ran at the South Suburban Conference meet at Burnsville Tuesday and Wednesday. “Now the challenge for us is to not crash coming off an emotional high,” Hilliard said. “We bounce back and have the South Suburban Conference Championships on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, where we’ll be battling Prior Lake as well as several other strong conference teams again.” Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

One last push

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Lakeville South’s Mike Shaw sprints out ahead of Lakeville North’s Landon Johnson at the South Suburban Conference meet in Burnsville on Tuesday. Visit www.SunThisweek.com for more photos and results from Wednesday’s finals.

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May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Outdoor market at Church launches health care directive initiative St. Joseph invites public to life-planning session Buck Hill approved by Tad Johnson

by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

A Lakeville couple is launching a swap meetstyle 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 time, she said. “We love the Buck Hill location and just think it’s a fabulous use for it,” Jennifer said in an interview.

Vendors will need city licenses, such as transientmerchant 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.

Sun Thisweek

Take any group of 10 people over the age of 18 – a gathering of friends, coworkers 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

Blue Cross promotions

Scott Johnston has been promoted to vice president, associate general counsel, and assistant secretary, and Lori Nelson has been promoted to vice president of network management at Eagan-based Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Johnston has been with Blue Cross for 18 years, holding different positions within the law department, most recently as principal attorney. He will serve as John Gessner can be reached liaison to the Blue Cross at john.gessner@ecm-inc. board of trustees. com or facebook.com/sun- Nelson is responsible for the overall development thisweek. and implementation of Blue Cross’ provider strategy. She previously served as director of provider transactions at Blue Cross.

Those interested in applying should request a bioform at: Mrs. Minnesota International Pageant, P.O. Box 240537, Apple Valley, MN 55124-0537. An online application can be found at www.mrsminnesota.com. Call (952) 432-6758 for more information.

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.

and Circle of Connections Networking Group.

“Liberty’s Flight” or “Reflections of Freedom.”

Stavros joins Showcraft

Appelquist’s book wins award

American Cancer Society. Fees will be $150 per golfer or $600 per foursome, which includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, dinner following the tournament and a chance to win hole prizes. Shotgun play will begin at noon. Individual and corporate hole sponsorships are available. The registration deadline is July 1. For more information, contact Corey Dardis at (612) 710-9905, cbdard7@gmail.com or Jamie Belzer at (952) 4696865, jamiebelzer14@yahoo.com.

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) 4234402. Refreshments and light snacks will be served. 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 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

Tad Johnson is at tad.johnson@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Business Briefs

Search is on for Mrs. Dakota County Married women living in Dakota County can apply for the title of Mrs. Dakota County. The winner will represent the county in the Mrs. Minnesota pageant March 16-17, 2013, in St. Cloud. Competitions in the pageant are personal interview, aerobic wear and evening gown.

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 care directives, the session will cover power of attorney, wills, estates, medical 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.

In Brief

Friedrich joins Abbott Glass Scott Friedrich has joined the sales/marketing staff at Abbott Glass, 1129 E. Cliff Road, Burnsville. He is responsible for client development. Friedrich is a member of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce

Mark Stavros has joined Burnsville-based Showcraft as project graphic production manager. He has more than 20 years of experience in design, production and client relations and will help continue to develop, among other things, Showcraft’s trade show program.

Local artist to introduce new print at Deck The Walls Local artist Rick Kelley will introduce his new print, “The Home Coming,” from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 27, at Deck The Walls, 2026 Burnsville Center. Kelley will offer a free medium-sized print to all veterans who visit Deck The Walls on May 27. Veteran visitors may choose one of five prints: “On Freedom’s Wings,” “The Patriot,” “Coming Home,”

Apple Valley businessman Jeff Appelquist’s latest book, “Wisdom is Not Enough,” was one of three finalists in the business book category of the 22nd annual Midwest Book Awards and it won the competition for best hardbound cover. The book motivates people to take a closer look at their leadership style.

Auto dealership to sponsor inaugural golf tournament Lakeville automobile dealership Jeff Belzer’s Chevrolet Dodge Kia will sponsor the inaugural Jeff Belzer/Larry Benjamin Swing for a Cure Golf Tournament Monday, July 30, at Legends Golf Club in Prior Lake. Tournament proceeds will go to A Breath of Hope Foundation and the

Frontier Communications offers security programs Burnsville-based Frontier Communications offers Frontier Secure, leading-edge 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) 8917714 or Holly.Dahl@ftr. com.

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. 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

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decades, but the planned new building should not only be better for training, it should last longer, too. Plans include a threelevel, 5,200-square-foot building as opposed to the dilapidated 1,200-squarefoot 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.

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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 Valley-based 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 carnivallike 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, Lakeville and Rosemount. “We’ve become a major source of their annual

Photo submitted

This is the seventh consecutive year John Elder has organized his 900-mile charity bike ride, which this year loops through Wisconsin with stops in La Crosse, Beloit, and Wisconsin Rapids. The ride officially concludes with a carnival-like celebration at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at Merchants Bank in Apple Valley. 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 Kinship is at www.kidsnkinship.org.

for their entrepreneurial spirit. “I can remember my dad saying there’s two kinds of people in this world: Someone who works for somebody else and someone who works for themselves,” Bischel said. “He said if you’re going to make money in this world and be successful, sales and owning your own business are two areas to look at, so I’ve always lived through that.” Carey credited Farm-

ington schools for increasing its emphasis on business-related training, including the studentoperated store at the high school. “It gives (students) the opportunity to get their feet wet and see if it’s something they want to pursue,” Carey said. Bischel called being self-employed challenging and said that increasing rules and regulations have made it more difficult to be self-employed. He said Farmington’s

business community is active and the city leadership changes have made it easier to do business in Farmington. “I think there’s been a lot of cowboys in town a long time,” he said. “The fact that people are starting to work together is definitely helping.”

Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

�� hometown, from 1A get something done.” Mike Bischel, from the school’s class of 1981, started a construction company with an office off Highway 3 about seven years ago. He said he was inspired by his parents and their friends in Farmington

Laura Adelmann is at laura.adelmann@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Prevent Suicide. Treat Depression.

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Sun Thisweek May 25, 2012

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May 25, 2012 Sun Thisweek

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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

�� District 192 School Board Proceedings

This is a summary of the ISD 192 Regular School Board Meeting on Monday, March 12, 2012 with full text available for public i n s p e c t i o n o n t h e D i s t r i c t w e b s i t e at or District www.farmington.k12.mn.us Office at 421 Walnut Street, Farmington, MN 55024. Chair Lee called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Members Lee, McKnight, Sauser, Treakle, Burke, Singewald and Superintendent Haugen were present as well as other staff and community members. Superintendent Haugen shared the good news and spoke regarding the strategic thinking/planning and customized learning advancing instruction and the role that technology plays. The following Consent Agenda items were approved: Certified Employments, Certified Leave of Absences, Non-Certified Employments, Extra-Curricular Employments, 2/27/12 Board Work Session School Board Meeting Minutes, and gifts and donations. Reports and communications approved: Information Literacy and Tiger Academy Update. Recommended Actions Approved: Task Force Bond Construction Proposal, Kid Connection, Wee Tigers, School Readiness, Stepping Stones, and ECFE Programs Non-Certified Personnel Contract 2011-2013. Board members shared their remarks. Adjournment at 8:27 p.m. _____________________________________ This is a summary of the ISD 192 Regular School Board Work Session on Monday, March 26, 2012 with full text available for public inspection on the District website at or District www.farmington.k12.mn.us Office at 421 Walnut Street, Farmington, MN 55024. Chair Lee called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Members Treakle, McKnight, Sauser, Lee, Burke, Singewald and Superintendent Haugen were present as well as other staff and community members. The following Consent Agenda items were approved: March Claims and Accounts, Certified Resignation, Non-Certified Employments, Non-Certified Resignations, Gifts and Donations, 3/12/12 Regular School Board Meeting Minutes. Work Session Discussion Topics: 2012-2013 proposed non-class size staff adjustments, customized learning, and community round table meeting report. Adjournment at 7:25 p.m. _____________________________________ This is a summary of the ISD 192 Regular School Board Meeting on Monday, April 9, 2012 with full text available for public i n s p e c t i o n o n t h e D i s t r i c t w e b s i t e at or District www.farmington.k12.mn.us Office at 421 Walnut Street, Farmington, MN 55024. Chair Lee called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Members Burke, Singewald, Lee, Treakle, Sauser and Superintendent Haugen were present as well as other staff and community members. Superintendent Haugen shared the good news and highlighted opportunities for student leadership. He gave a strategic plan and customized learning update. Mr. Dan Dorn and Ms. Teresa Gregory spoke regarding proposed budget cuts and communication issues. The following Consent Agenda items were approved: Certified Employments, Certified Retirements, Certified Leave of Absences, Certified Change of Status, Non-Certified Employments, Non-Certified Resignations, Non-Certified Change of Status, Extra-Curricular Employments, 3/26/12 Board Work Session School Board Meeting Minutes, and gifts and donations. Reports and communications approved: German program update. Administrative Actions approved: Proposed Placement of Tenured Staff on Unrequested Leave of Absence and Non-Renewal/Termination of Probationary Teachers. Board members shared their remarks. Adjournment at 9:00 p.m. _____________________________________ This is a summary of the ISD 192 Regular School Board Work Session on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 with full text available for public inspection on the District website at or District www.farmington.k12.mn.us Office at 421 Walnut Street, Farmington, MN 55024. Chair Lee called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Members Treakle, Sauser, Burke, Lee, McKnight, Singewald and Superintendent Haugen were present as well as other staff and community members. The following Consent Agenda items were approved: April Claims and Accounts, 4/9/12 Regular School Board Meeting Minutes, Certified Employments, Certified Resignation, Certified Retirements, Certified Leave of Absences, Certified Change of Status, Non-Certified Employments, NonCertified Resignations, Non Certified Retirements, Non-Certified Change of Status, and Gifts and Donations. Work Session Discussion Topics: Customized learning advancing instruction and the role that technology will play. Adjournment at 8:15 p.m. 3024290 5/25/12

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supreme court, from 1A was stillborn. Backstrom sent Roe’s boss, Dr. Lindsey Thomas, a series of emails opposing any member of her staff testifying for the defense. In one of his emails, Backstrom threatened to withdraw his support for Thomas’ reappointment as coroner when the Dakota County Board was considering whether to renew her contract with the county. Backstrom was later fined $900 and publicly

reprimanded by the Minnesota Supreme Court for attempting to discourage medical examiners from testifying at the trial. In the ruling, the Supreme Court found the conduct of several prosecutors 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 con-

duct 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 displeasure that St. Louis County Medical Examiner Dr. (Janice) Ophoven was testifying for the defense. Tuesday’s ruling reversed Beecroft’s convic-

tion 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.

Mayor, from 1A contracts that do not provide them a direct financial interest. “If he got commission or was involved in making the contract or if his compensation was based on that contract, then it would be a conflict,” Jamnik said. Laura Adelmann is at laura.adelmann@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.