Foot-stompin¹ is encouraged at Rosemount¹s annual bluegrass festival.
Thisweek Apple Valley-Rosemount JULY 8, 2011
VOLUME 32, NO. 19
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Zoo shut down for two days Ramsey County judge says Apple Valley attraction can reopen and operate using gate revenue by Tad Johnson THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS
After being closed for two days due to the shutdown of state government, the Minnesota Zoo reopened June 3 during one of its busiest times of the year. The zoo opened one day prior to the prime Fourth of July holiday that draws thousands to the area for many events, including Apple Valley’s Freedom Days and Eagan’s 4th of July Funfest. The zoo in Apple Valley is the No. 1 tourist attraction in Dakota County and its closure due to the shutdown had worried many in the area, including the 240 of the zoo’s 330 employees who were laid off. The zoo informed members via an email on Saturday that it would reopen. Ramsey County District Judge Kathleen Gearin ruled on Saturday that the zoo could open based on its argument that it can operate since its gate revenue can cover expenses. Former state Attorney General and Burnsville resident Mike Hatch represent-
ed the zoo. “I cannot thank Judge Gearin enough for her thoughtful consideration and timely disposition of this case,” said Lee Ehmke, zoo director and CEO, “particularly in the light of the enormous volume and complexity of the cases before her.” Ehmke said the zoo earns over 71 percent of its total operating budget, and during the busy summer months takes in a large portion of that total. Ehmke said the zoo attendance ranges from 8,000 to 10,000 on holiday weekends, which can bring in $50,000 to $80,000. According to a 2009 report, the zoo’s total operating budget is $22 million per year. The zoo receives an appropriation from the state annually that covers about 29 percent of its budget, according to news reports. “By reopening the zoo, the strong public-private partnership and business model we have developed will be back on track,” he said. “The state budget impasse has been dif-
Photo by Andrew Miller (above) and photo submitted (right)
Above: A sign at the entrance to the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley informed guests on July 1 that the zoo was closed. Right: The state government shutdown had the potential to delay the opening of the 3M Penguins of the African Coast exhibit on July 9. Since it was reopened, the zoo plans to have the exhibit open on time. ficult for all Minnesotans, and the zoo appreciates the enormous responsibilities being borne by the Legislature, Gov. Dayton, and his commissioners. We look forward to continuing to work with all parties to help
Eagan swimmer vies for an ESPY award Photo submitted
Mallory Weggemann won eight gold medals, a silver and breaking nine world records at the Long Course IPC Swimming World Championships in 2010.
Mallory Weggemann is nominated for top female athlete with a disability by Andy Rogers
and a nomination for an ESPY (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) preNot everything in Mallosented by ESPN under the ry Weggemann’s life has been category top female athletes perfect. with a disability. Paralyzed from the waist She was eating ice cream down almost three years ago in at the Olympic Training at the age of 18, many paths Mallory were in front of her. Weggemann Facility in Colorado Springs when she received a phone She chose the one in the water and is now ranked No. 1 in call from her dad on June 24. She the world in six of seven events as thought she might be nominated a member of the U.S. Paralympic but didn’t know how realistic it was. “Honestly it’s a huge honor to Swim Team. Her recent efforts have earned even be nominated,” she said. “To her several medals, world records be one of five female athletes to be THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS
LETTING FREEDOM
up for an award is, I can’t even put it into words.” She and her boyfriend are flying to Los Angeles on Monday for the ceremony on Wednesday at the Nokia Theatre. It will be televised live at 8 p.m. Wednesday on ESPN. It’s the Oscars of the sports world with athletes such as Tom Brady and LeBron James up for awards. “I’ve done all the girly stuff of getting the dress,” Weggemann said. “It’s like being in high school and going to prom. I’m really See ESPY, 8A
our state move forward in a positive way.” For the two days of shutdown operations, 90 staff members at the zoo provided care for the animals, security and site maintenance. See Zoo, 13A
Two charged after 77 pounds of marijuana seized in bust by Andrew Miller THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS
Two Mexican citizens living in Apple Valley have been charged with drug crimes after police found 77 pounds of marijuana in their car and home last week. Geraldo Sanchez Ramos, 34, and Yesenia Ponce-Carbajal, 26, were arrested June 30 after the Dakota County Drug Task Force conducted a controlled buy of marijuana at the couple’s home on the 13900 block of Holyoke Avenue. Ponce-Carbajal is charged with felony possession with intent to sell marijuana, and Ramos is charged with aiding and abetting that crime. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. A criminal complaint gives the following account: Following a controlled buy of marijuana at the
PonceSanchez Carbajal Ramos home on Holyoke Avenue, drug task force agents followed and then stopped the defendants’ Toyota Camry at Interstate 35E and County Road 11 at about 4:20 p.m. June 30. Sixteen one-pound bricks of marijuana were found in the vehicle’s trunk, along with a large baggie of marijuana in Ponce-Carbajal’s purse. Agents then searched the couple’s home and found 61 bricks of marijuana in the basement as well as more than $37,000 in cash. Both defendants were booked into the Dakota County Jail following arrest. See Drugs, 13A
Leprechaun Days looking for a few good teams Several events require local residents to gather up teams with family, friends
RING
by Tad Johnson THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS
In order to have the full Rosemount Leprechaun Days experience, you might consider getting involved in the fun rather than being content to sit on the sidelines. Some events during the 10-day festival from July 22-31 need a little bit of planning, such as gathering together a team. A few events require registration with deadlines approaching fast. In the team sports category, people can play in Whiffle Ball, basketball, golf, bean bag tossing and disc golf tournaments along with the perennially popular Bathtub Races. In the Wild Shamrock’s Disc Golf Tournament, competitors can vie July 23 in either singles or doubles at the Brockway Disc Golf Course. Check-in for singles is at noon with tee off at 1 p.m. Doubles
Photos by Rick Orndorf
Above: The Top Chops Drumline from Minneapolis entertained guests during Apple Valley’s annual Freedom Days parade July 4. At right: Young parade participants and their bikes were decked out in red, white and blue for the Fourth of July event. More photos from the parade can be found on Page 12A and www.ThisweekLive.com. General 952-894-1111 Distribution 952-846-2070 Display Advertising 952-846-2011 Classified Advertising 952-846-2000
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for Rosemount High School baseball. More information is at RosemountBaseball.com. For those looking to get in the swing of things for a great cause, four-person teams can sign up for See Leprechaun Days, 13A
Lewis House closes in Hastings, moves clients to Eagan facility THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS
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check-in is at 4 p.m. with tee off at 5 p.m. The entry fee is $20. Teams of four to five of all ages can play in the Whiffle Ball Tournament from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 24 at the Rosemount High School fields. The tourney is a fundraiser
Domestic abuse shelter closes during shutdown by Jessica Harper
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Photo by Rick Orndorf
Teams like this one from Marcus Theater in Rosemount dressed the part during last year’s Bathtub Races. Costumes are encouraged for this year’s participants, but they should be appropriate for the family-friendly race.
Domestic abuse victims living in Dakota County have one less safe haven as a result of the state government shutdown. The Lewis House in Hastings – a shelter for women and children who
are victims of domestic abuse – temporarily closed July 1, forcing families housed there to move to the larger Eagan facility. “We are still here for them and still offering a safe place,” said Mary Ajax, president and CEO of 360 Communities, the Burnsville-based nonprofit
that operates the two shelters. 360 Communities consolidated its facilities and laid off nine of its 15 employees last week to save money while awaiting grant payment from the state. Its two shelters, which house approximately 500 people each year,
receive $1.2 million from the state – money that has been frozen by the shutdown. The Eagan facility received a recent $100,000 donation to help keep it open, Ajax said. So far the Lewis House – which See Shelter, 13A