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Apple Valley | Rosemount August 10, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 24

Rosemount selects Burnsville captain to lead police force Eric Werner has been with Burnsville since 2004 by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

DFL primary set in District 57 Mike Germain and Greg Clausen are campaigning for primary votes in Senate District 57, which includes Rosemount, Apple Valley and a portion of Lakeville. Page 5A

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Eric Werner, a current police captain in Burnsville, is expected to be the new chief of police in Rosemount. Werner was announced as the City Council’s selection after its Monday round of interviews of three candidates. The city still needs to come to terms with Werner on a salary and benefits package and have a background check completed, according to City Administrator Dwight Johnson. If all goes well, Johnson said a final council approval of the contract could come at the Aug. 21 meeting. “I think it worked out

really well,” Johnson said. “The council had some good c a n d i d at e s from a good field.” Werner The candidates were whittled from an initial field of 11 and then reduced to six who were interviewed two weeks ago by a panel of city staff, local residents and the Eagan Chief of Police James McDonald. The other finalists were Jewel Ericson, police lieutenant in Rosemount, and Michael Marben, police captain in Apple Valley. Johnson said the application process had a high

threshold for candidates as the city accepted only those applicants who have had law enforcement command experience. The opening occurred when Police Chief Gary Kalstabakken retired from the Rosemount force on May 31. Johnson said he felt the process, which lasted a little over two months, wasn’t rushed and moved along in a timely manner. He said the candidates felt the process was fair. Werner has been a police captain in Burnsville since October 2004. He served on the Dakota County Drug Task Force Advisory Board from 20042010 in the capacities of

chairman, vice chairman and secretary. Werner has a master of arts in police leadership, education and administration from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor of arts in organizational management and communication from Concordia University. He is a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rosemount and is a Rosemount resident. The three finalists participated in an open house Wednesday, Aug. 1, in the council chambers. Tad Johnson can be reached at tad.johnson@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Patrolling the county fair Calls for law enforcement can include runaway livestock by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Olympic games inspire athletes Area athletic swimming, gymnastics and other clubs are seeing many new members thanks to the Olympics. Page 8A

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All jazzed up in Burnsville The free-admission Art & All That Jazz festival returns to Burnsville’s Nicollet Commons Park Aug. 18 with headliner Randy Brecker. Pages 12A-13A

Online Follow SunThisweek. com for primary election results and reaction from the candidates. Check out the website for more photos from the Dakota County Fair in Farmington. To receive a feed of breaking news stories, Like us at facebook.com/ SunThisweek.

Index Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8A Announcements . . . . . . 14A Classifieds. . . . . . . 15A-18A Public Notice . . . . . . . . 20A

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

Cooper proved he had the right stuff during the Rosemount Leprechaun Days parade when a table umbrella blew 50 feet and landed between the horse’s rear legs. “My horse just stopped, turned his head and looked at it,” Cooper’s owner, Catherine Snyder of Rosemount, said with pride. When people from the crowd ran out and pulled the umbrella out, Cooper reacted as if that kind of thing happens to him every day. “It was a huge, stimulating event,” Snyder said. “He reacted remarkably.” Cooper and Snyder are one of the multiple Mounted Patrol volunteer teams assisting the Dakota County Sheriff’s Department in patrolling the Dakota County Fair this week. Snyder said the volunteer riders train their horses to remain calm in crowds by simulating the kinds of sights, sounds and distractions that occur at the fair. “When you’re riding

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Mounted Patrol volunteers are a common sight at the Dakota County Fair. in public, you don’t know what could happen,” Snyder said. “You could have someone throwing bottles. Objects and missiles may come flying from anywhere.” Mounted Patrol volun-

teers act as ambassadors for the department during the fair and at other events, said Dakota County Sheriff Deputy Capt. Joe Leko, who coordinates the department’s fair patrol. “They are great public

relations for the department,” Leko said. “Those in Mounted Patrol take great pride in the work they do, and if something happens, on their horses, they See patrol, 20A

Have you heard the coyotes howling? Packs of coyotes reported in northern Apple Valley by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

Some have called to report seeing packs of coyotes. Others have reported simply hearing the howling. In the last month or so, officials in Apple Valley’s Code Enforcement Department have fielded about a half dozen reports of coyotes in the northern part of the city. It’s not unusual for the wild canines to be spotted in the city this time of year. What’s different this summer, though, is the sheer number of them traveling together. “They seem to be in packs lately – people are seeing from three to seven or eight,” said Val Abbott, code enforcement specialist. “That’s highly unusual for us.” Also out of the ordinary, said Abbott, is the time of day the coyotes are being sighted. In past years, most sightings were at night, with few appearing in daylight hours much past 10 a.m. But this summer there have been sightings even during the hottest parts of the day. None of the reports received by the city has involved a coyote attack on people or animals. In fact, there has never been a documented coyote attack on humans in Minnesota, according to the city. However, city officials urge caution in areas where coyotes have been sighted, and have provided a list titled “Coyote Facts & Guidelines” on the city’s website, www.cityofapplevalley.org, to that effect. Some of those guidelines include: • If approached by a coyote, wave your arms and, if necessary, throw an object at it to scare it off. See coyotes, 11A

Children organize fundraiser for their dad Rosemount resident diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer

by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

Rosemount resident Mark Heesch raised his five children mostly on his own and now those who have been the benefactors of his perseverance are going to give a little bit back as he battles against Stage 4 lung cancer. His children are organizing a benefit dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Eagles Club in Hastings. “My family owes everything to my dad and his determination to make sure his children had the best life possible and his perseverance through adversity that few could scarcely even imagine,” Mallory Heesch, a 2005 Rosemount High School graduate, wrote in an email. Heesch, a 1979 Hastings High School graduate, was diagnosed with cancer in April. Since then he has undergone radiation and several rounds of chemotherapy. Mallory said that in 1991 her father, then-30, found himself a single father of three – ages 4, 3 and 1. After a second marriage

ended, he was the sole provider of two more children. “Despite the struggles he has had to endure, the successes of his five children are a true testament to his devotion and support,” Mallory said. In May, his oldest daughter, Meghan, Rosemount High School class of 2004, graduated from Harvard Law. “She has said time and again that she would never have reached such heights without his support, encouragement and love,” Mallory said. The family participated in the Rosemount Relay for Life and raised $1,590 for the American Cancer Society. On the menu at the fundraiser will be sloppy joes, chips, coleslaw and dessert for $7 per plate. There will be a silent auction and drawing. Donations can be sent to: The Mark Heesch Donation Fund at Wells Fargo Bank, 400 Vermillion St., Hastings. Tad Johnson can be reached at tad.johnson@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Neighbors unite in Rosemount Photo by Rick Orndorf

Judy Good from Rosemount United Methodist Church hands root beer floats out of the Rosemount Community Resource Center window during the Night to Unite event on Tuesday. Misha Mikuaylov and Vald Batvinka enjoy the water slide during the event, which was one of many block parties planned in the city. Sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota/Iowa, and local police departments, Night to Unite is designed to allow neighbors to get to know one another, build neighborhood involvement and bring awareness to crime prevention and law enforcement efforts.

August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

District 196 students exceed state average in reading, math scores A few grade levels continue to struggle by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Students in RosemountApple Valley-Eagan schools once again outperformed the state average on standardized tests. The percentage of District 196 students who scored as proficient or better on the reading and math portion of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments is higher than the statewide average, according to results released on Aug. 1 by the Minnesota Department of Education. The standardized test assesses whether students are proficient in reading, math and science. The reading and math portion of the test is given to students in grades three through eight. Students in 10th grade also take the reading portion of the test, while students in 11th grade take the math portion.

The science portion is given to students in fifth and eighth grade, and high school. Those results have not yet been released. More than 13,000 students in District 196 took the MCAs last spring. The percentage of third, fourth and eighth graders in the district who scored proficient stayed the same compared to last year. Proficiency increased by 2 percent for sixth graders and by 3 percent for seventh and tenth graders in District 196. Statewide, the percentage of students who scored as proficient in reading stayed the same or increased in most grades. Although the performance of students in District 196 remained the same or improved, it fell for one grade. The percentage of fifth graders who scored proficient in reading dropped by 3 percent. Proficiency among fifth graders statewide fell on average by 1 percent. District 196 saw fewer

improvements in math proficiency than in reading, but continued to exceed the state average. Students in most grade levels increased their proficiency this spring. Fifth graders’ proficiency in math increased by 2 percent while proficiency among tenthgraders climbed by 10 percent compared to last year. Scores by seventh graders in the district rose by one percent while eighth graders’ scores increased by 11 percent. Fewer students in fourth and eleventh grade scored proficient on the test this spring than last year. Fourth graders’ scores decreased by 2 percent compared to last year and eleventh graders’ scores fell by 10 percent. This slightly exceeds the statewide average for eleventh grade, which showed a 6 percent drop in proficiency. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

bage, 1 p.m., DDI. Friday, Aug. 17 – Euchre, 9 a.m., DDI; Bowling, 1 p.m., Apple Place in Apple Valley; Euchre Tournament, 7 p.m., Rosemount Community Center. • Wabasha Street Caves and Twin Town Tacky Tour, Wednesday, Sept. 19. Leave the Rosemount Community Center at 10:15 a.m. Lunch at Joseph’s Grill (on your own), followed by a 45-minute walking tour of the Wabasha Street Caves. Then back on the bus for a tour of the tackiest places in St. Paul and Minneapolis. The bus will return to the Rosemount Community Center at 4:15 p.m. Cost is $39, includes transportation and the fee for both tours. Registration can be done online

at www.ci.rosemount.mn.us or at the Rosemount Parks and Recreation office. • Tuesday, Oct. 2, Amish tour and lunch at the Harmony House. The bus will leave the Rosemount Community Center at 8:45 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $43, includes transportation, lunch, guided tour and gratuity. Register at the Rosemount Parks and Recreation office; deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 11. The Rosemount Area Seniors “Do Drop Inn” is open to senior citizens 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. The room is located in the Rosemount Community Center and allows seniors a place to stop by and socialize during the week.

Seniors Rosemount seniors The following activities are sponsored by the Rosemount Parks and Recreation Department and the Rosemount Area Seniors. For more information, call the Rosemount Parks and Recreation Department at (651) 322-6000. Monday, Aug. 13 – Bridge, 9 a.m., Do Drop Inn; 500, 1 p.m., DDI. Tuesday, Aug. 14 – Coffee, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rosemount Cub; Bid Euchre, 9 a.m., DDI; IMAX “Wolves,” 9 a.m., Minnesota Zoo. Wednesday, Aug. 15 – Do Drop Inn closed for maintenance. Thursday, Aug. 16 – Crib-

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

August 10, 2012

Farmington in-home childcare shut down Farmington police help investigate infant’s death by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Farmington police are working with state investigators in the July 31 death of a 3-month-old boy that temporarily shut down a Farmington in-home childcare operation. Owner Rebecca Lynn Wilson’s license for 12 children was issued an immediate suspension by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and her childcare closed Aug. 1,

according to a Minnesota Department of Human Services spokesperson. Wilson has appealed the suspension, the most serious action the state can take against a licensed childcare provider. The action does not indicate Wilson was at fault in the child’s death, and no similar orders have ever been placed on her business. The temporary suspension will continue until investigations are completed and a determination is made whether there will be a final sanction issued, according to a DHS spokes-

person. Wilson did not respond to messages seeking comment. Little information is being released about what caused the infant’s death. Farmington police said officers responded to a 911 call of a baby unconscious and not breathing at Wilson’s Locust Street home July 31 around 3 p.m. Allina Medical paramedics also responded, and the baby was pronounced dead at the scene. According to Dakota County, Wilson has been a licensed childcare provider in the county since 1997.

Burnsville chamber selects new president The Burnsville Chamber of Commerce has selected Bill Corby, currently president of the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, as its new president. Corby will assume his new duties on Sept. 4. “We are very excited to welcome Bill to the Burnsville Chamber and community,” said Dennis Diessner, chairman of the board and executive vice president/ chief operating officer of Kraus Anderson Insurance of Burnsville.

“Daron left a strong platform for Bill to operate from and similarly he brings with him a strong reputation in the chamber industry,” Diessner said. Corby succeeds outgoing president Daron Van Helden who is departing after 10 years to join Burnsvillebased Pawn America. As Burnsville Chamber president, Corby will manage the 47-year-old, 575-member organization, help it continue to grow and be the voice of the local business community.

Corby brings five years of chamber leadership experience in Hutchinson to Burnsville, along with previous years of small business ownership. “I am ecstatic about the opportunity to serve Burnsville businesses and community through the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce,” Corby said. “My enthusiasm is building as I look forward to the new challenge and building new relationships.”

Business Briefs Menard joins Skyline Exhibits Pierre Menard has been hired at Eaganbased Skyline Exhibits as director of research, design and innovation. Menard has more than 25 years of professional experience. He began his career as a welder, machinist and shop manager and progressed to leading engineering teams and developing proven processes to bring new and innovative products to market. Menard holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota. He most recently was in the photovoltaic industry, a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into di-

rect current electricity, where he managed a team in new product development for global solar industry.

Burnsville PAC is drop-off site for food drive The Burnsville Performing Arts Center and the Burnsville Convention and Visitors Bureau are partnering with 360 Communities to restock local food shelves. People are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to the arts center during regular business hours or before any performance through Aug. 31. Items needed are canned fruit, cereal, canned tuna or chicken, boxed ready-made meals and cooking oil. Two large collection bins are located in the BPAC lobby.

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The county stated she was sent a correction order for one incident that she exceeded her license capacity in 2005, and in 1999 was sent a correction order for toxic or hazardous items accessible to children in her care. Another corrective order was issued in 2001 for the area around her hot water heater being accessible to children in her care, and a child without a current immunization record on file. The county stated a child fell and suffered an injured elbow at Wilson’s child care in 2001, and a

child was hit on the head while at her child care and required staples to close the injury in 2008. In both situations, an investigation did not result in any violations. Dakota County social worker Becky Elrasheedy, who works in licensing Dakota County child care facilities, said a daycare that has been suspended has to stop all child care, and has five days by which to appeal the suspension. The county will work with the state on these types of investigations and will make a recommendation to the state, she said.

Further negative action could be taken, such as a revocation or indefinite suspension, depending on the severity of the findings. The appeals process includes a hearing before an administrative law judge at the state’s Office of Administrative Hearings. All information will be forwarded by the judge to the commissioner of human services who makes an order regarding the childcare. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Opinion

August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

Daughter remembers her father in a letter to him by Justina Hausmann Special to Sun Thisweek

Over the past few weeks, my family and I have been asked, “How would you characterize the past five years?” To be completely honest, each and every time I hear this question, I get stuck on that number: five years. In some ways, it feels like I’ve lived an entire lifetime since that August, but in other ways, I am still 16 years old staring at the television screen watching news coverage of the I-35W bridge collapse in complete disbelief. We Hausmanns have covered a lot of ground in these last five years. Back then, we were ages 29, 16, 14, 9, and 7. Today, we are 29, 21, 19, 14, and 12. Mom is the perpetual 29-year-old, in case you were wondering. We are older, wiser, stronger. I’m not sure if we really knew where we were headed five years ago, but in taking each day as it comes, we have accomplished so much more than we could have thought possible. A few weeks ago, my brother Andrew came across a box filled with old letters my dad had received during his 20s. The bulk of these letters were from my dad’s days of travel, from his journeys to Europe and eventually Africa. Often times, Dad would leave the country without telling friends and extended family, only letting his parents and siblings know where he was headed off to next. Many of these letters to him had the same theme: “Where the heck are you, Pete?” I thought it seemed appropriate to organize the past five years in a similar fashion, a letter to my dad. Here it goes. Dear Dad, I haven’t heard from you in a while. Where in the world are you? Of course that

Guest Columnist seems silly to ask since we all know you are probably engaging in big discussions with the saints and other greats who have gone before us, but I have since concluded there simply must not be a properly functioning postal service up there in heaven. Either way, I guess we should catch you up. Let’s start with Theresa. Even though she’s only 12, she’s shot up to a whopping 5-foot-6 and counting. She’s quite the soccer star, and her soccer team won the Catholic Athletic Association championship last fall. Mom and I are making sure she knows her way around the kitchen. She can whip you up a mean batch of cookies or a delicious cake. She’s so smart and so goofy, just like you. Of course, you’d be proud. David graduated from eighth grade this spring and is going to be a high schooler. Can you believe it?! He’s taking after his big brother and loves to lift weights. He’s growing, too. He’s much bigger than you were when you were a high school freshman, Dad. But I guess that wasn’t very hard to beat since you were a measly 78 pounds. He’ll play soccer this fall and take honors classes. He’s our very own Energizer bunny, just like you. Of course, you’d be proud. Next is Andrew. Andrew just finished his freshman year at Harvard. It’s as crazy as it sounds, Pops. He won honors in athletics, academics, and the arts. Remember how 8-year-old Andrew used to sing opera for us before dinner? Well, he performed in his first legit opera this winter. He’s got an impressive set of vocal chords. Whether he’s on the track, on the stage, or in the classroom, Andrew just shines. He and your brother, Father Leo, dug a well for

Mom’s family in Kenya a few years ago. It’s obvious he understands the importance of community and advancing the common good, just like you. Of course, you’d be proud. I guess that means I’m next. I’m a senior at the University of St. Thomas. I keep getting older and I can’t make it stop! I’ll be studying abroad again in Rome for this fall at the Angelicum. I’ve gone on a few mission and service trips in these past five years, to West Virginia, Mississippi, Costa Rica, and of course, Kenya. I’ve got the travel bug and an itch to save people’s worlds. I’m not sure what’s next for me. Perhaps dentistry, perhaps nonprofit, maybe even both. We’ll see where the spirit takes me. All I know is that I hope both you and Mama will be proud. Speaking of Mama Helen, she is amazing, Dad. But you already knew that. After all, she did sweep you off your feet in a matter of days. Didn’t you drop everything here in the States to discern priesthood in Kenya? You then met Mom within three days of arriving in Kenya, and I guess the rest is history! Mom is doing very well, so there is no need to worry about her. She has blossomed into a beautiful butterfly, just like the ones that remind her so often of you. Mom stands tall with pride for our family, but I know my siblings and I are the proud and lucky ones. She does so much for us and makes sure we feel her love every day, just like you did. Of course, you’d be proud. We have learned we were blessed with the most incredible set of parents. Not many people would risk their lives for strangers in a selfless act of love. Not many people would stand up and pick up the pieces to keep a family going in the midst

of a tragedy. Even though there have been times when it would have been easier to throw in the towel and head for the hills, Mama has held us together and this community has made us strong. I’m certain you are watching over us. We have felt this in the warmth and generosity of this community. In these friendships, we have been abundantly blessed. So, Dad. Yes, we are sad to have lost you so soon, but we are even happier to have known you. Thank you. Thank you for showing the world what it means to love selflessly and follow Jesus. Thank you for being a man of your word. Thank you for instilling lessons in all of our hearts that I know with certainty we will not forget. Thank you for being best father we could have asked for. Thank you for your prayers for our family and this community, for we know you can help us more from where you are than you ever could here on Earth. I’m not sure what the coming years hold for us, but I know you’ll be a part of them. Your love and spirit of service are contagious. We will never forget you. Thank you for touching our hearts and inspiring us to live a life worth living. Omogaka, intogwanchete goika omoerio naende kare na kare. Dad, we love you to the end and forever. Love, Justina Justina Hausmann is the daughter of Peter and Helen Hausmann of Rosemount. Peter died after the Interstate 35W bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed Aug. 1, 2007, when he dove into the water in an attempt to save others. This is the tribute she gave during last Wednesday’s Memorial Mass in honor of Peter Hausmann at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rosemount.

Progress but big questions about Minnesota’s high school math test by Joe Nathan Sun Thisweek

There’s “promising progress” in Minnesota’s just released elementary and middle school test results. However, would it be acceptable for about 40 percent of Minnesota students not to graduate from high school? The question arises since 42 percent of Minnesota’s high school juniors did not pass Minnesota’s soon to be required math test. That was part of the Minnesota Department of Education’s new report about spring 2012. Compare that 42 percent failure rate to only 8 percent of ninth-graders who did not pass Minnesota’s writing test currently required for graduation. Last year’s juniors don’t have to pass that math test to graduate. But as Commissioner of Education Brenda Cassellius told me in an interview last week, under current law Minnesota students who want to graduate in spring 2015 will have to pass this math test to graduate. Here are area passage rates (rounded to the nearest percent) for 11th-graders (the statewide average was 58 percent): Farmington, 69 percent; Lakeville North, 69.3 percent; Lakeville South, 69.8 percent, and

Sun Thisweek Columnist

Joe Nathan

Burnsville, 56 percent. The 10 high schools with the highest percentage of students passing included suburban, rural and urban district and charter public schools: Eagle Ridge Charter (Eden Prairie), 93 percent; Kittson Central, 92 percent; Math and Science Academy Charter (Woodbury), and Nova Academy charter (St. Paul), 86 percent; Edina, 85 percent; Kasson-Mantorville and Mounds View, 84 percent; Minnetonka, 83 percent; and Eagan and Orono, 82 percent. Minnesota students currently must do three things to graduate from high school. First, pass courses that give them 21.5 credits with each credit equivalent to a one-year-long class. Those credits are in English, math, social studies, science, art and physical education, plus courses stu-

dents select. Second, students must pass any requirements that school districts add. Third, students must pass statewide reading and writing tests. Students don’t have to pass the math test to graduate. But in three years, they will. As with the reading and writing tests, students will have several chances to pass the math test, which they currently take for the first time in the 11th grade. I asked the commissioner if she thought significantly more students would pass the math test if it was required for graduation? She answered, “no.” We agreed that at least some would take it more seriously. However, Cassellius believes that there is a “fundamental flaw in the way we are using graduation tests.” She thinks we are “trying to do too much” with one test. “We have to decide how we want to hold schools accountable, how to make sure that students are prepared for college, and how to insure that diplomas are meaningful,” she said. She has appointed a statewide, 34-member Assessment and Accounting Working Group to provide her, and the Legislature with advice. The task force includes par-

ents, teachers, principals, testing experts and representatives of business and community groups. This task force will consider Minnesota’s entire testing program, not just the assessments currently required and projected for use as part of the high school graduation. They also will review testing in grades 3-8. At those grades, as the commissioner noted, there is “promising progress” in both reading and math. For more results, see the MDE website, education.state.mn.us. The department will be releasing additional results later in August. As we consider test results, Minnesotans must consider what’s appropriate to require? When should we test students, and how? Graduation for thousands of Minnesota students may depend on our answers. Joe Nathan, formerly a Minnesota public school teacher and administrator, directs the Center for School Change. Reactions welcome at jnathan@centerforschoolchange. org. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Bridging raised from one baby crib 25 years ago by Mike Hanks Special to Sun Thisweek

Fran Heitzman, 87, of Bloomington is living proof that one man can make a major difference in the lives of the needy. This month, Bridging, which he founded, is celebrating its 25th anniversary of connecting the haves who have gently used furniture and household items to those who need them in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Sixty thousand families have received beds, chairs, pots, pans and lamps through this amazing bridge, involving 6,000 volunteers who help with the day-to-day opera-

Sun Thisweek Columnist tions. Those in need of household items apply through 140 agencies that process their requests and direct them to the two warehouses from where the items are delivered for the clients without charge. (The agency pays the delivery charge.) For example, last year the Salvation Army referred 784 clients to Bridging in 2011. After the tornado hit North Minneapolis, Bridging helped 94 households.

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.

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Volunteers, who are the equivalent of 39 employees, make this network of receiving and giving work. Donors can either bring household items directly to the warehouse, or volunteers will pick up the furniture at a charge of $75 for an outside pickup and $150 for an inside job. Twenty-three paid employees drive 11 trucks and move around five semi-trailers where people can donate furniture. This operation has a budget of $2 million, funded with grants, corporate donations, charges for service, from individuals and fundraisers like the Bedrace for Bridging at Buck Hill in Burnsville. Heitzman, who had a quintuple bypass 16 years ago, is the founder and the inspiration for Bridging, which he says bridges the haves and the have-nots. He says he hasn’t any money but is the richest man on the earth. His reward is seeing families, particularly little children, get the furniture they need. Heitzman began Bridging when as a maintenance man at Pax Christi Catholic church in Eden Prairie someone brought a used crib

and he found a use for it. From that simple beginning, Bridging has become the largest furniture bank in North America, and that’s cause for a celebration. People can help celebrate the 25th anniversary by sponsoring 25 families by collecting household essentials or start a dresserbuilding project. Donations are accepted at Bridging trucks as they travel to 25 locations throughout the area from July to December. The organization’s Silver Anniversary Gala for Bridging will be held Oct. 5 at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. People also are encouraged to donate $25 or $250 in honor of Bridging’s 25th birthday. More information is at www.bridging.org, at the warehouse locations: 201 W. 87th St., Bloomington and 1633 Terrace Drive, Roseville. Donation drop-off hours: MondayThursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mike Hanks is editor of the Bloomington Sun Current. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Letters Chick-fil-A controversy To the editor: It has been very interesting following the recent Chick-fil-A controversy. The Chick-fil-A CEO simply stated that, based on his Biblical beliefs, marriage should be between one man and one woman. Wow, did the radical left become apoplectic with that one. It exploded with indignation and, as per usual, showed its true colors of

its brand of tolerance and inclusion, “You are only allowed to express your thought if you agree with us.” The comments of the mayors of Chicago and Boston and officials of who knows how many other cities bespeak of fascist censorship. Chicago mayor, radical Rahm Emanuel, bloviates that Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values. That coming from the murder capital of America. Thank the good Lord, Chi-

cago values are not the values of We the People. One wonders what the old-time Democrat boss of Chicago, Richard J. Daley, would have to say about homosexual marriage, the racist that he was. How long before The radical left perpetrates its own symbolic version of “Kristallnacht” against Chick-fil-A? CHUCK ERICKSON Burnsville

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

Senate District 57 Candidates Clausen, Germain on primary ballot Winner will face Pat Hall in general election by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

Voters will have a choice to make in the DFL Senate District 57 race in the Aug. 14 primary election. Greg Clausen, former Rosemount High School principal, and Mike Germain, who has run in the Senate district previously, are vying to face Republican Pat Hall in the general election. Clausen was endorsed by DFL delegates at the Senate District 57 convention. Germain finished second in the endorsing contest. The two candidates took time out recently to respond to Sun Thisweek’s questionnaire in advance of the primary election. Tad Johnson can be reached at tad.johnson@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Greg Clausen Age: 64 Occupation: Educator Education: Bachelor of arts degree social sciences, Augsburg College; master of arts degree - education curriculum and instruction University of St. Thomas; education specialist

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degree - educational administration University of St. Thomas 1) Why should people vote for you? I have spent over 40 years in public service as a classroom teacher, coach, Apple Valley assistant principal, Rosemount High School principal and district office administrator. I currently secure federal and state program funding for District 196 by writing and administering grants. In the community, I am a member of the Dakota County Affordable Housing Coalition and the Heading Home Dakota Committee to end homelessness. I also serve as board of directors vice chair of Dakota Woodlands homeless shelter. My experience as an educator, community involvement and related background will bring leadership, consensus building and experience to the Legislature. As an educator and community member, I have worked hard to earn the public’s support and trust. I will bring these same beliefs of public service, sense of community responsibility and work ethic to the Minnesota Senate. 2) Why did you decide to run for this office? I would like the opportunity to continue serving my community. My message is Greg Clausen: a life of service and dedication … building Minnesota’s future. I have always held the belief as an educator that my first responsibility was to serve others. My entire life as an educator and community

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member has been devoted to building a better tomorrow for future generations of Minnesotans. Moving this vision to the Minnesota State Senate is a natural extension of my life’s work. I believe that I can make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans and the future of our community. 3) What experience do you have in working with a decision-making group? What is your decision-making style? I have served on or directed numerous committees, boards, and projects within the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools, Minnesota State High School League, the University of Minnesota College in the Schools Advisory Committee and nonprofit groups. Establishing group norms and procedures, identifying goals, working within timelines and reaching productive and results orientated outcomes through group consensus have been a major part of my professional and personal life. My decision making process is based on a thorough assessment of options following the gathering of factual information and data, knowledge of the implications, thorough discussion allowing for transparency and creative solutions. The involvement and ownership of all stakeholders is also critical in building consensus and supporting the outcome.

the belief that government and elected representatives must work for the “common good” of citizens by developing common sense policies to address Minnesota issues. My belief in creating and supporting legislation for the “common good” to move Minnesota forward will guide my work in the Senate. Honesty, respecting the views of others and creating relationships will build trust and bring about legislation in the best interests of Minnesota citizens.

Michael J. Germain

Age: 48 Occupation: Staff editor at opednews.com; freelance editor/writer; litigation support professional Education: Bachelor of arts Hamline University, international relations/political science. 1) Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I can help make a difference, making positive changes that are real and long-term. Minnesota cannot continue down the path it is on and blindly believe that we are still the leaders in education and infrastructure we once were. Those days are gone. We owe it to our children to 4) What is the best way to leave things better for them address the severe partisan- than what we had. We have been doing the opposite and ship in the Legislature? One of my core values is that must change. We need a

state senator who is willing to say the unpopular thing: to say “no” to short-term solutions that sound good but do long-term harm (that is not a solution). We need someone who is willing to think outside the box, to bridge gaps, and to work hard to start fixing things. That person is me. As your state senator I will take your voice and concerns with me to work daily. 2) Why did you decide to run for this office? I decided to run for the State Senate because I believe I can help make a difference for the better. Daily, I listen to and talk with people from all walks of life, from truck drivers to attorneys, teachers to doctors, construction workers to business owners, nurses to police officers. I know what the voters’ concerns are, what is important to them, and what they don’t care about. I am an average voter. I want to represent my community in state government and help everyone’s voice to be heard. I don’t like top down government, where government tells the voters what they are concerned about. Voters know what they are concerned about, they live it daily. I want to bring their voices to the Senate floor and help make positive changes for all Minnesotans. 3) What experience do you have in working with a decision-making group? What is your decision-making style? I have many years of significant experience working with very diverse groups from coaching multiple community sports teams as

August 10, 2012

head coach to being both a member and chair of numerous boards and committees. My decision making style is multi-dimensional. I take a very collaborative approach when working within groups toward common goals. With an open mind, I listen to and look at what is presented, ask questions, do my own independent research, weigh the pros and cons of all sides of an issue, and consider the future repercussions of each particular decision. When in the position of final decision maker, I am unafraid to make the hard decision. 4) What is the best way to address the severe partisanship in the Legislature? First, state senators need to consciously represent the real needs of constituents, the people who elect them. Second, the influence of ideologically driven special interests must be limited. State senators need to both represent the individual voters and the long-term best interest of our state. We need to leave our differences at the door, treat one another with respect, and really listen to what the other person is saying. We need to look at the many ways we are the same rather than the continued focus on the few ways that we are different. As your State Senator, I will go to work each day with an open attitude and will work to build relationships that will connect and benefit us, not separate us and be detrimental to us. If we do all that, we will be able to do great things for our community and the state of Minnesota.

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

Religion Garage sale at Christus Victor Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 7510 Palomino Drive, Apple Valley, will hold its annual garage sale from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11. Early bird special: Families can pay $3 to shop from 3 to 4 p.m. before the official opening on Friday.

Meals and snacks will be available for purchase at the outdoor food booth. A silent auction will run from 4 p.m. Friday until 11 a.m. Sunday. For more information, call (952) 4546927.

Respectful conversations The Minnesota Council of Churches invites the community to join in conversations around the proposed marriage amendment from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 13 or Oct. 9 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13901 Fairview Drive, Burnsville. Participants will learn how to talk

across differences in a way that stitches together rather than tears apart. Participants should bring their strongest convictions and a spirit of inquiry. These conversations are not designed to persuade anyone how to vote. Register at www.mnchurches.org. A light meal will be served.

Education College news Rebecca Kohlmann of Rosemount, daughter of James and Gail Kohlmann, is the recipient of a Hospitality Freshman scholarship from the Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management department at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, spring 2012 dean’s list, Brandon Wolf of Rosemount. Normandale Community College,

Bloomington, 2012 graduates, from Rosemount – Angela Acker, A.A., liberal education; Antoinette Fiagbedzi, A.S., nursing PN mobility; Michael Jeppesen-Seliga, A.A., liberal education; Kathryn Krueger, A.A.S., hospitality management; Kristen Liermann, A.A., liberal education; Julia Mariaselvaraj, A.S., nursing; Joel Spindler, A.S., business: marketing and management; Adam Thompson, A.A., liberal education; Alex To, A.A., liberal education.

District 196 School Board Following is the preliminary agenda for the 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, regular meeting of the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan District 196 Board of Education at Dakota Ridge School, 4629 144th St. W., Apple Valley.

B7 • Alternative Facilities Ten-Year Facilities Plan (2010), Exhibit B • Personnel, Exhibit C1 • Student Teacher Agreement, Exhibit C2 • Pay Rates for Substitute, Temporary and Parttime Employees, Exhibit C3 • Agreement Between District 196 and Country Garden Nursery School, Exhibit D1 A. Call to Order • Catastrophic Accident Insurance, Exhibit D2 B. Pledge of Allegiance • Agreements for Private Duty Nursing Services, C. Approval of Agenda Exhibit D3 D. Recognition (presenter) • Agreement for Clinical Nursing Experience, ExE. Superintendent’s Recognition of Staff/Students hibit D4 F. Special Communication Request • Individual Employee Agreement, Exhibit D5 G. Open Forum • 2012-13 Interagency Agreement, Exhibit D6 H. Consent • 2012-13 Employment Agreements, Exhibit D7 • Minutes of July 16, 2012 Regular School Board • Appointments to Curriculum and Instruction Meeting, Exhibit A1 Advisory Council (CIAC), Exhibit E • Summary of Claims, Exhibit B1 I. Reports • Electronic Funds Transfer Schedule, Exhibit B2 • Special Education Overview – Mary Kreger • Schedule of Investments, Exhibit B3 J. Old Business • Gifts Received During July 2012, Exhibit B4 K. New Business • iPads, a Tool for Student Success Grant, Exhibit L. Other Action B5 M. School Board Member and Superintendent Up • 2012-13 Carl Perkins Grant, Exhibit B6 dates • Back-to-School Supply Project Grants, Exhibit N. Adjournment

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

Education Dakota County Parks staff will be available to answer questions of both adults and children. Canine demonstrations by the Sheriff’s Office will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11. Water testing will be available in the Horticulture and Foods Building for folks who use private wells for their drinking water. Bring one cup of water in a small clean bottle or jar to be tested while you wait on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Water samples can also

Country Garden Nursery School

County serves up fair fun Children can put on their Dakota County Parks – Forever Wild bracelet, hop on a plasma car, and ride the course at the Government Building during this year’s Dakota County Fair Aug. 6-12. When they’re done, parents can snap a photo of their children siting in the kayak. Outside the building youngsters can crawl inside a tent or play in the sandbox. On Kid’s Day, they can see a trail groomer up close and have their questions answered by a park keeper.

August 10, 2012

be dropped off WednesdaySaturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Dakota County Government Building is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Government Building is just south of the flag poles and across from the large parking lot when entering the fair from the Third Street entrance.

Country Garden Nursery School in Apple Valley and Eagan will begin classes on Sept. 5. Classes are held at Highland Elementary School, 14001 Pilot Knob Road, Apple Valley, and Thomas Lake Elementary School, 4350 Thomas Lake

Road, Eagan. Classes are offered for 3- and 4-year-olds two or three mornings or afternoons a week. Classes are team taught by early childhood professionals from Country Garden Nursery School and District 196 with a one to five

ratio of staff to students. Information about the program or enrollment can be found at www.countrygardennurseryschool.com or by calling Debbie Johnson, director, at (952) 432-2476.

DCTC program receives grant � ��

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The Dakota County Technical College Foundation in Rosemount received a $10,000 grant from Xcel Energy to fund scholarships in the college’s electrical lineworker program. From left, Mike Opp, DCTC dean; Steve Addy, DCTC electrical lineworker instructor; Collette Jurek, Xcel Energy community relations manager; Tharan Leopold, DCTC executive director of foundation and alumni; and Dale Olofson, DCTC electrical lineworker instructor.

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Sports

August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

Olympics emboldens athletes of all kinds Area athletic clubs experience surge in interest following games

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

Olympians invigorate the spirit in many ways. They bring out a sense of national pride and a whirlwind of entertainment for a few weeks. For many, they inspire potential athletes to get off the couch and participate. Every four years, a new crop of contestants blooms thanks to a little watering from the Olympics. Area athletic clubs generally see a rise in interest around this time of year for gymnastics and swimming along with the less mainstream activities like table tennis and rowing. “It is a safe bet to say that the Olympics will help boost enrollment this year,” said Katia McNamara from IGM Gymnastics in Burnsville. “We are optimistic that the Olympics will inspire more kids.”

More somersaults Watching Gabby Douglas win an individual gold medal along with the US Women’s team tends to stimulate interest in the aerobatics. “We have seen a noticeable increase in enrollment at both locations this summer,” said Julia Thompson, owner and director of TAGs Gymnastics in Apple Valley and Eden Prairie. “The last major increase was in the spring of 2005, following the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.” TAGS plans on having a packed gym when the new season starts on Sept. 4 and will hire additional coaches. Elite Gymnastics Academy in Burnsville also noticed new families coming aboard, so they added more classes and additional class times.

“Olympic fever has definitely spread among our gymnasts,” said Sara Spurlock from Elite Gymnastics. “It’s a lot of fun to see our gymnasts watch the Olympics gymnasts compete and exclaim ‘I can do that.’ ‘That’s amazing!’ and ‘Will we learn that in practice?’ ” With many of the girls wearing Olympic-themed leotards while participating in Olympic-themed camps throughout the summer, eyes were glued to the TAGs gym television when the women’s team won on July 31 for the first time since 1996.

the “Learn to Row” coordinator at the Minneapolis Rowing Club. “In general though, people contact us all year long about learning to row.” They offer 10 sessions each summer. With 300 people on the mailing list, classes fill quickly. If you’re interested in trying rowing, there are five rowing clubs in or near the Twin Cites including the Minneapolis Rowing Club, the MN Boat Club in St. Paul, Twin City Youth Rowing Club (juniors only) in Eden Prairie.

Ping pong

Dive in Michael Phelps alone has likely inspired the sale of thousands of swimming goggles in Minnesota. That’s good news for the economy. Black Dog Swimming Club out of Burnsville has experienced a dip in participants in recent years, which Brenda Robrock, coach and business manager at Blackdog, attributes to the Great Recession. “The numbers have been down the last few years and more people are asking for scholarships,” Robrock said. “Although, we saw a slight increase last year. Typically, though, when we have registration in the fall we usually see more interest in years following the Olympics. In the past we’ve hired more coaches and made more practice times available.” Minnesota swimming in general saw a 12 percent increase in 2005 and a 10 percent increase in 2009 following the Olympics. In off years, sometimes the rate amounts to a decrease. The Storm Swim Club out of Lakeville and Prior Lake has been growing steadily

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Area gymnastics clubs generally experience a surge of interest and registration following the Olympics. Clubs plan on adding extra classes and staff during the fall sessions. through the past decade, but in 2009 it saw a bump of 25 percent in registration after the 2008 Olympics. “The better the athletes do, the more excited they get,” Chuck Smith from Storm Swimming said. “If we get a bunch of bronze medals or something, (the kids) might be like ‘whatever.’ ” But it is nice to see your sport get some attention for once. “The kids really enjoyed watching their sport on the big stage,” Smith said. “It’s not like football in fall where it’s all anybody talks about. Every four years it’s nice to see your sport become popular. It’s something to be proud of. It’s nice to hear their buddies on the football team or girls come up to them and say ‘You’re a swim-

mer? That’s really cool.’ ” It’s not just Phelps doing the inspiring either. “Three of my own kids swim on the team and they’ve been glued to the TV,” Robrock said. “Especially having Rachel Bootsma (from Eden Prairie) qualify who literally they’ve rubbed elbows with.”

Rock the boat

“The Olympics may attribute negatively in that respect when they see them play so fast.” The Minnesota Table Tennis Association counters that with leagues for the novice and handicaps for the uninitiated. Having table tennis an official Olympic sport also seems to legitimize the activity. “It provides a longterm goal,” Seidenfeld said. “When parents are looking for something for their kid to get involved with, it helps when they see it’s an Olympic sport. And parents know their kid isn’t going to get hurt.” The Minnesota Table Tennis Association has leagues at the Bloomington National Guard Armory on Monday nights. More information is available at www.tabletennismn.com. Newcomers should have plenty of people to play with. “The Olympics have definitely increased awareness and gotten people excited to go out and play,” Seidenfeld said. “I’ve gotten some calls from new players looking to get involved.”

The Olympic sports see a spike in interest, but it’s not always positive for table tennis. The difference in ability from the average Joe to the Olympians seems drastic with their flips and smashes. “There’s always been a challenge for people to take that step into organized play,” said Minnesota Table Tennis Association’s Mitchell Seidenfeld, who lives in Lakeville and won two gold medals at the 2007 Parapan American Games. “We know there’s millions playing in their basement and garages across the country regularly, but there’s only 8,000 regis- Andy Rogers can be reached tered U.S. table tennis mem- at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek. bers.

Not all of the summer Olympic sports are as popular in the United States as swimming and gymnastics. But every four years, interest grows in those less mainstream sports. In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s not surprising there’s an active rowing community. Photo by Rick Orndorf “There is a slight upswing in rowing interest during the Swim clubs across Dakota County generally see a boost in Olympics,” said Ann Schley, participation following the Olympics.

Eastview exits state Legion tourney quickly Top-ranked Thunder goes 0-2 by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

After going undefeated in the Third District playoffs, the Eastview American Legion baseball team’s season ended quietly with two consecutive losses in the state tournament. The Thunder (23-7) lost 5-4 to Hopkins and 8-5 to New Ulm Gold in state tournament games Aug. 3 at Chanhassen High School. Eastview entered the tournament as the top-ranked team in the state American Legion poll. Hopkins scored all of its runs in the sixth inning of its first-round game against Eastview. Thunder starting pitcher Patrick Strey held Hopkins scoreless through the first five innings. In the sixth, the first seven Hopkins hitters reached base, with the key hit being a three-run homer by Matt

Sinderson. Outfielder Cameron Hall was 2-for-4 with two RBI for Eastview. Shortstop David Barry was 2-for-4 with one run, and first baseman Evan DeCovich drove in two runs. New Ulm Gold rallied from a 5-1 deficit to win its elimination game against Eastview later Friday. New Ulm took a 7-5 lead in the top of the seventh inning on a two-run double and tworun homer. Eastview loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the ninth, but New Ulm Gold escaped without allowing a run. Barry was 3-for-5 with two RBI for the Thunder, and center fielder Brennan EspindaBanick had two hits and one RBI. Starting pitcher Marcus Frederickson allowed three runs in the first six innings. Adam Moorse started the seventh inning but allowed four runs (three earned) while getting just one out. Eastview made its fourth

state tournament appearance in the last five years. The Thunder won the state championship in 2008. Edina and Eden Prairie earned the state’s two spots in the Central Plains Regional tournament that started Thursday in Dickinson, N.D. Eden Prairie is the defending national American Legion champion. Burnsville finished third in the state tournament, losing 7-2 to Eden Prairie on Monday in Chaska in a game that determined one of the state’s regional qualifiers. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek. Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

Eastview’s Patrick Strey pitches against Burnsville in the Third District American Legion baseball playoffs. Strey also started Eastview’s state tournament opener last week but took the loss as the Thunder fell to Hopkins 5-4.

Notebook: Whistle blows for fall sports practices Monday by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

At approximately 8 a.m. Monday, high school athletes and coaches from across Dakota County begin a new season. It’s the first day for coach-supervised fall sports practices, and the new season presents plenty of storylines. One of them is the football playoff shakeup. This is the first year of the Minnesota State High School League’s seven-class playoff format. The major change puts the state’s 32 largest high schools in their own class (6A). Seven of the South Suburban Conference’s 10 schools – all but Apple Val-

ley, Bloomington Jefferson and Bloomington Kennedy – will be in Class 6A. Apple Valley and Farmington fell just below the enrollment cutoff for Class 6A and are now in Class 5A, where they will be in Section 3 along with Bloomington Jefferson, Bloomington Kennedy, Minneapolis Southwest and St. Louis Park. The other seven South Suburban schools – Burnsville, Eagan, Eastview, Lakeville North, Lakeville South, Prior Lake and Rosemount – will be in Section 3 of Class 6A. But under the MSHSL’s new format for the Class 6A playoffs only, it will be possible for two teams from the same section to reach the Prep Bowl. Af-

ter the first playoff round, cross-section matchups will take place. Once eight teams are left, they will be seeded in a format similar to what the MSHSL uses in other sports, such as hockey and basketball. There should be plenty of intrigue in volleyball, particularly in Lakeville, where Steve Willingham takes over as head coach at Lakeville South. He was head coach at Lakeville North last season. North, which has finished first and second in the last two Class 3A state tournaments, had longtime Apple Valley head coach Walt Weaver come out of high school volleyball retirement to take over the program. Girls cross country

should be strong in the South Suburban, with Lakeville South and Eagan returning plenty of runners from teams that finished in the top 10 at state last season. The South Suburban also likely will be a force in girls soccer. Three teams from the league teams were in the state tournament last season with Burnsville finishing second, Lakeville North taking fourth and Eastview reaching the quarterfinal round.

Wrestling notes Apple Valley High School wrestlers Mason Manville and Seth Gross each had first- and secondplace finishes at the USA

Wrestling Junior and Cadet National championships last month in Fargo, N.D. Manville, wrestling at 145 pounds, took first in the Greco-Roman competition and second in freestyle. Gross was first in freestyle and second in Greco-Roman at 126. Both earned All-American status at nationals, as did AVHS wrestlers Dayton Racer, Gannon Volk and Jackson Graham. Mark Hall, who won individual state championships as a seventh- and eighth-grader at AVHS, won the Cadet 152-pound freestyle title. Meanwhile, Destin McCauley, Apple Valley’s only five-time state high school individual champion, announced he would remain

at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., for at least one more year. He had been scheduled to enroll at Iowa State University this fall. After McCauley won his fifth state high school championship in March 2011, he went to Colorado to continue training, with the goal of making the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. That didn’t happen, and he’s now aiming for the 2016 Olympics. Mike Shaughnessy can be reached at mike.shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Heating up education

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Steve Larson, a former Dakota County Technical College student, helps TXT 2012 students with a simple welding project during the summer camp for girls in fifth through eighth grades. The camp offers participants interactive workshops taught by Dakota County Technical College faculty in a variety of career fields including business, design, transportation, industrial, science, health and technology.

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

August 10, 2012

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

Apple Valley businesses unite over lunch

A new breed of board

Apple Valley’s Kevin Rains is seeking to mass produce his Krainkn skateboard modification

by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Philip Johnson, general manager at Apple Valley’s Grandstay Hotel, announces prize winners at the Business Watch Picnic on Tuesday at the fire station at Hayes Road and County Road 42. The fourth annual Business Watch Picnic was sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce as part of Night to Unite, which saw neighborhoods citywide hosting block parties Tuesday evening. Sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota/Iowa, and local police departments, Night to Unite is designed to allow neighbors to get to know one another, build neighborhood involvement and bring awareness to crime prevention and law enforcement efforts.

Think of it as snowboarding on asphalt. It’s called Krainkboarding, or Krainkn for short, and it’s the brainchild of Apple Valley entrepreneur Kevin Rains. Rains brought his fledgling street team to Apple Valley’s skate park on Monday to demonstrate his invention, a skateboard modified with plastic wedges at the front and back, attached to rubber tubes with handles for the rider to grab. He’s touting the patented device as the basis for a new sport that’s easier to learn than traditional skateboarding. “It’s new, it’s extreme and it’s like snowboarding,” he said. Rains, a single father of two teenage boys who formerly worked as a loan officer in the mortgage business, has built three Krainkn prototypes at a total cost of about $350, and is now looking to have them mass produced. He’s launching a Kickstarter campaign Aug. 13 in an effort to raise the capital needed to get a production operation off the ground. Rains said the idea for Krainkn came to him a few years ago during a day of snowboarding with his youngest son at Buck Hill Ski Area in Burnsville. There, he observed a middle-aged couple stiffly, almost robotically attempting to navigate a slope, and it struck him that a strap-and-handle system on a snowboard or

Photo by Andrew Miller

Kevin Rains shows off his Krainkn skateboard at the Apple Valley skate park on Monday. His patented invention consists of a traditional skateboard modified with plastic wedges at the front and back, attached to rubber tubes with handles for the rider to grab. “Beginners have immediate success,” Rains said. “It’s much easier to learn than classic skateboarding.” skateboard would greatly improve form and ease of travel. After building his prototypes, Rains brought the Krainkn boards to local skate parks and asked skaters there to try them out. “I didn’t know if it would work until I walked down here (the Apple Valley skate park) one day,” he said. “The response I got was, ‘This is cool.’ ” The street team – including Jesse Graham of New Prague and Seth Piekarski of Northfield, who are primarily snowboarders – showed off what the Krainkn boards are capable of Monday, executing

a series of spins, twists and majestic jumps off ramps at the skate park adjoining the Apple Valley Teen Center. “For snowboarders, it works as a summer sport,” said Graham. “It makes you have perfect form, and it keeps you in shape for the winter snowboarding season.” More about Krainkn, including video clips of the board in action, is at www. krainkn.com. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount August 10, 2012

Apple Valley City Council members Tom Goodwin and Ruth Grendahl have filed for re-election. As of Wednesday, the two incumbents were the only candidates to have filed for the two four-year council seats that will be on the ballot in the November general election, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website. The filing period for the City Council runs through Aug. 14. Candidates can file from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the office of the city clerk located at the Apple Valley Municipal Center, 7100 W. 147th St. The filing fee is $5. There is no primary election for council seats. All those who file for office will be on the ballot for Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 6, unless they file an affidavit of withdrawal by Aug. 16. The current terms of Goodwin and Grendahl expire on Dec. 31. Newly elected council members will begin their terms in January 2013. Others on the five-member city council include John Bergman, Clint Hooppaw and Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland. Photo by Jessica Harper —Andrew Miller Boston technology support firm Stream Global has said it plans to move its world headquarters and call center to a 49,000-square-foot building at 3285 Northwoods Circle in Eagan. The move is expected to bring between 340 and 400 jobs.

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Goodwin, Grendahl seek re-election to City Council

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Tech support firm to move to Eagan by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

A Boston technology support firm that previously said it would move its world headquarters to Apple Valley now plans to call Eagan home. Stream Global is expected to bring between 340 and 400 jobs to its relocated headquarters and call center at 43,000-square-foot building at 3285 Northwoods Circle. In a July 27 letter to city officials, Vincent Mottola, vice president of Stream Global, said it plans to spend between $1.5 million and $2 million to renovate the building, for which work is expected to begin by Sept. 1. Stream Global, which has a temporary corporate office in Bloomington, is seeking financial assistance from the Department of Employment and Economic Development, but the

coyotes, from 1A • Do not turn your back or run from a coyote. Attempt to leave calmly. • Do not intentionally feed coyotes, and do not leave pet food or bagged garbage outside. The sightings in Apple Valley have been near the city’s northern border with Interstate 35-E. Some were spotted recently near Hunters Way, in the area of 35-E and County Road 11.

Service news Pvt. Andrew G. Skogen, 22, son of Master Sgt. (retired) Greg and Ginny Skogen of Apple Valley, graduated July 20 from U.S. Marine Corps recruit training in San Diego, Calif. He completed homeschool in 2011. Pvt. James M. McNeil, 19, a 2011 graduate of Rosemount High School, graduated July 27 from U.S. Marine Corps recruit training in San Diego, Calif.

amount is unknown. Company representatives could not be reached in time for this story. Eagan City Administrator Tom Hedges said the company has indicated it plans to lease an adjacent building, which would provide another 300 to 400 call center jobs. The final plan would likely be confirmed about three months after Northwoods opens. If the company secures the second building, it could spend about $2 million in renovations. In his letter, Mottola describes Stream Global as a provider of sales, customer service and technical support services for Fortune 1000 companies worldwide. The company has 33,000 employees in 49 locations across 21 countries. It currently manages millions of voice, email and chat contacts each year from cus-

Generally, coyotes tend not to stay in any given area very long, Abbott said. “They’re just always on the move,” she said. “They’re looking for rabbits.” Coyote sightings can be reported to Apple Valley

tomers around the globe, he said. In March, Stream Global said it intended to move its headquarters to Apple Valley where the company’s CEO Kathy Marinello resides. But the company abandoned that plan in June when it announced it was unable to find a large enough building to meet its needs. About $2.4 million in forgivable loans had been offered to assist the firm in relocating to Apple Valley. That included a $1 million loan that is still available from the state Department of Employment and Economic Development, according to a Star Tribune report. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Code Enforcement at (952) 953-2570. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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Seniors Senior Day at IMAX Senior Citizen Day is Tuesday, Aug. 14, at the IMAX Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo, 12000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley. Complimentary coffee and refreshments will be served at 9 a.m. The film, “Wolves,” will begin at 10 a.m. Cost is $6.50. For questions or group reservations, call (952) 9979714 or email cpurfeerst@ imax.com.

Business Briefs Regional chamber hosts Farmington candidate forums The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce will host candidate forums for Farmington City Council and Farmington School Board from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at Farmington City Hall.

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

Thisweekend All jazzed up in Burnsville

Photo submitted

Five-time Grammy Award winner Randy Brecker is set to headline this year’s Art & All That Jazz festival in Burnsville.

Art & All That Jazz festival returns to Nicollet Commons Park Aug. 18

bo; nine-piece salsa ensemble Charanga Tropical; and jazz-rock fusion band The Super Pilots. This will be the second year the Super Pilots have taken the stage in Nicollet Commons Park. The group features drummer JP Bouvet of Lakeville, who last year was crowned champion in the national Guitar Center Drum Off, and guitarist Mike Linden of Apple Valley. They’re joined in the Super Pilots by two of their Berklee College of Music classmates. The music at Art & All That Jazz runs from noon to 10 p.m. and admission is free. Food, beer and wine will be available from vendors throughout the day, and the stretch of Nicollet Avenue adjoining the park will be closed to traffic as it plays host to an art fair, an annual feature at the festival, which this year will see more than 40 artists with work for sale. More about the festival, including the performance schedule, is at www.burnsvilleartjazz.com.

by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

The headliner at this year’s Art & All That Jazz Festival brings an impressive resume to the stage. Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Parliament Funkadelic, Frank Zappa – trumpeter Randy Brecker has appeared on albums by all of them. The five-time Grammy Award winner best known for his work in the Brecker Brothers is set to close this year’s festival scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 18, in Burnsville’s Nicollet Commons Park. Securing Brecker for the festival began with what basically amounted to a cold call, according to Dan Gustafson, event founder and lead organizer. “We were thrilled that not only did (Brecker) respond, but he was willing to perform,” Gustafson said. “It is a testament to our nine-year history of presenting acts of escalating quality.” Photo submitted Also set to perform at this year’s Art & All That Jazz The Super Pilots, featuring drummer JP Bouvet (far left) of are the Dakota Combo, featuring youth jazz talent from Lakeville and guitarist Mike Linden (second from right) of Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek. across the Twin Cities; swing-jazz band Hot Swing Com- Apple Valley, return to Art & All That Jazz this year.

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

Friday, Aug. 10 Outdoor movie, “Gnomeo and Juliet,” 7:30 p.m. seating, dusk showtime, part of Burnsville’s “Flicks on the Bricks” series at Nicollet Commons Park in the Heart of the City. Summer Fresh Friday Film, “Farm to School: Growing our Future,” 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Natural Foods, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville. Information: (952) 8911212, ext. 221. Saturday, Aug. 11 Breakfast with Minnesota Twins players, 9 to 10 a.m. at the Chart House Restaurant in Lakeville. Register to win autographed Twins merchandise, bid in a live auction. Proceeds benefit Cheerful Givers birthday gift bag program. Breakfast/admission tickets are $30. VIP/breakfast tickets are $60. Space is limited. Register at http:// cgtwinsbreakfast12.eventbrite. com/. Monday, Aug. 13 NAMI Dakota County meeting at 7 p.m. at Mary, Mother of the Church, 3333 Cliff Road, Burnsville. This is an informational meeting including registration for the NAMIWalk in September. All are welcome. Information: www.nami.

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Tuesday, Aug. 14 Family Fun Tuesday – Minnesota Bluegrass for Kids with the Okee Dokee Brothers, 10 to 11 a.m. in the Sculpture Garden at Caponi Art Park, Eagan. $4 per person donation is suggested. Information: (651) 454-9412 or www. caponiartpark.org. Tuesday Evenings in the Garden – Hypertufa Garden Art with Cheryl Mann, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the garden at UMore Park, 1605 160th St. W. (County Road 46), Rosemount. Create a garden mushroom that has an aged, concrete appearance and is light weight. Fee: $25. Questions or to register by phone, call University of Minnesota Extension: (651) 480-7700. Wednesday, Aug. 15 Eagan Market Fest, 4 to 8 p.m., Eagan Festival Grounds. Health & Wellness Night featuring free health screenings and information, fitness try-it stations, cooking demo, free kids’ art, family games and more. Information: www.cityofeagan.com/marketfest or (651) 675-5500. Power Divorce event, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Summit Executive Suites, 1500 McAndrews Road W., Burnsville. Spend 15 minutes one-on-one with each of six different experts in the family law profession. Free. Sponsored by Divorce Financial Directions of Burnsville. To reserve a spot, call Terryl Johnson at (952) 431-0805. Thursday, Aug. 16 Thursday Rockin’ Readers – Edward Neill Principal Elizabeth Vaught, 11:15 a.m., Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Free.

Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour – Hans Mayer Music for Kids, noon, Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Free. Saturday, Aug. 18 Open house from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Lexington Pet Clinic, 4250 Lexington Ave. S., Eagan. Bouncy house, tours of the clinic, animals from Sea Life Aquarium, Koi Club, face painting, Wags and Whiskers, and prizes. Dogs welcome. Free. Information: www.lexingtonpetclinic.com. Sunday, Aug. 19 Open house from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lutz Railroad Garden, 2960 Egan Ave., Eagan. Free. Trains will not run if raining. Information: (651) 454-3534. Blood drives The American Red Cross will hold the following blood drives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. • Aug. 10, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Easter Lutheran Church – By The Lake, 4545 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan. • Aug. 10, noon to 5 p.m., Culver’s, 17800 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville. • Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dakota County Fair, 4008 220th St. W., Farmington. • Aug. 13, 1 to 6 p.m., Heritage Lutheran Church, 13401 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley. • Aug. 13, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rosemount High School, 3335 142nd St. W., Rosemount. • Aug. 13, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., Scott County Library, 100 J. Roberts Way, Elko New Market.

• Aug. 14, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., District 191 Community Education Center, 200 W. Burnsville Parkway, Suite 102, Burnsville. • Aug. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., CrossRoads Church, 4100 Lexington Way, Eagan. • Aug. 15, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Prince of Peace Community Life Center, 13901 Fairview Drive, Burnsville. • Aug. 15, 3 to 8 p.m., Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan. • Aug. 16, noon to 6 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 3650 Williams Drive, Burnsville. • Aug. 16, noon to 5 p.m., St. Martha & Mary Episcopal Church, 4180 Lexington Ave. S., Eagan. • Aug. 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wings Financial Credit Union, 14985 Glazier Ave., Apple Valley. • Aug. 17, 2 to 8 p.m., Carmike 15 Theatres, 15630 Cedar Ave., Apple Valley. • Aug. 18, 10:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Burnhaven Library, 1101 W. County Road 42, Burnsville. Ongoing Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), a national Christian nondenominational program for mothers with children birth-kindergarten, will meet twice a month from September through May at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville. MOPS moms need not be members of the church to join. The group offers participants a way to connect with other moms, form friendships, seek parenting advise, and learn more about Christian life. Registration is being accepted and on-site day care is provided for a small fee on a first-come, first-served basis. Information/registration: (952) 898-9356 or email MOPS@princeofpeaceonline.org.

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

Books Mystery authors Marilyn Jax and Jim Proebstle from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Apple Valley Barnes & Noble, 14880 Florence Trail. Comedy Matt Fugate with special guest Ron Lamprecht at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, and Saturday, Aug. 11, at MinneHAHA Comedy Club, 1583 E. First Ave., Shakopee (lower level of Dangerfield’s), (612) 860-9388, www.minnehahacomedyclub.com. Tickets: $13. Concerts Rufus Wainwright with Adam Cohen, Krystle Warren, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $39. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Tower of Power with Mick Sterling – Acoustic Soul, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Sold out. The 4onthefloor with Charlie Parr, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $20. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Monroe Crossing, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at Caponi Art Park, 1220 Diffley Road, Eagan. Suggested donation: $5. Rain location: Crossroads Church, 4100 Lexington Way, Eagan. Information: www.caponiartpark.org or (651) 454-9412. Summer Salon chamber concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at Presbyterian Church of the Apostles, 701 E. 130th St., Burnsville. Suggested donation: $20. Information: (952) 890-7877 or www. ChurchApostles.org. The Suburbs, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $34. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Little Feat with Tom Fuller Band, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $34. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Exhibits/Art Shows Botanical art exhibit by The Great River Chapter of Botanical Artists at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Information: (952) 985-4640. Pilgrims and Passages, a joint exhibit featuring art by Anthony Donatelle and Jon Reischl, is on display through Sept. 8 in the gallery at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. For more infor-

mation, call (952) 895-4676 or visit www.burnsvillepac.com. Summer art show by local artist Amie Kieffer from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17-18 at 3245 145th St. W., Rosemount. The outdoor show will include about 60 original pieces; many will be for sale. Information: AK@AmieKieffer.com.

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) 675-5521. Dan Petrov Art Studio in Burnsville offers oil painting classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced skill level painters, www. danpetrovart.com, (763) 843-2734. Festivals Teens Express Yourself with The Dakota County Fair runs Paint, 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays at Aug. 6-12 at the fairgrounds in Brushworks School of Art in BurnsFarmington. Information: dako- ville, www.BrushworksSchoolofArt. tacountyfair.org. com, (651) 214-4732. Art and All That Jazz Festival, Drama/theater classes for noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, ages 4 and up at River Ridge Arts Nicollet Commons Park, Burnsville. Building, Burnsville, (952) 736Free admission. Information: www. 3644. burnsvilleartjazz.com. Special needs theater program (autism-DCD), ages 5 and Theater older, Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Expressions Community The- Join other 55-plus adults at the ater will present “The Odd Cou- Eagan Art House to create beaded ple” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10-11 and jewelry. The Jewelry Club meets 17-18, and 2 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19 on the third Friday of each month at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, from 1 to 3 p.m. Information: (651) 20965 Holyoke Ave. Tickets are 675-5500. $12 and can be ordered at www. Savage Art Studios, 4735 W. lakeville-rapconnect.com or by call- 123rd St., Suite 200, Savage, offers ing (952) 985-4640. classes/workshops for all ages. In The Play’s The Thing Produc- formation: www.savageartstudios. tions will present “The Wizard of com or (952) 895-0375. Oz” at Burnsville Performing Arts Soy candle making classes Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., at 10 held weekly in Eagan near 55 and a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10; 7 Yankee Doodle. Call Jamie at (651) p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11; and 1 p.m. 315-4849 for dates and times. $10 Sunday, Aug. 12. Tickets are $14 per person. Presented by Making for adults and $12 for students and Scents in Minnesota. are available at the box office and Country line dance classes through Ticketmaster at (800) 982- held for intermediates Mondays 2787. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St., Farmington, Workshops/classes $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463 Allegro Choral Academy is 7833. currently accepting registrations for Country line dance classes on its 2012-13 season for students in Wednesdays at the Lakeville Senior second to eighth grade. Classes Center, 20732 Holt Ave. Beginners, available in Rosemount and Lakev- 9-10 a.m.; Intermediate, 10 a.m.ille. Early bird discount if registered noon. $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) before Aug. 24. Registration infor- 463-7833. mation: http://www.allegroca.org/ or The Lakeville Area Arts Center nmarschall@allegroca.org. offers arts classes for all ages, DanceFit free preview class at www.lakevillemn.gov, (952) 9856:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 4640. Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Eight-week class begins Oct. 15. Information: www.insidertrainingfitness.com. Intermediate digital photography workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 18, at Caponi Art Park, Eagan. Free, $5 suggested donation. Registration required. Information: www.caponiartpark. org or (651) 454-9412. The Eagan Art House Adult painting open studio will hold its seventh annual from 9 a.m. to noon the first and third Fridays of the month at the Harvest of Art Community Eagan Art House, 3981 Lexington Art Exhibit Sept. 9 through Ave. S. Fee is $5 per session. Infor- Nov. 2. All south-of-the-rivmation: (651) 675-5521. er artists, ages 8 and older, Music Together in the Valley may submit entries. All meoffers classes for parents and their infant, toddler and preschool chil- dia are accepted. dren in Rosemount, Farmington, Registration fee for up to Lakeville and Apple Valley. Informa- two pieces of artwork is $16 tion: www.musictogetherclasses. per person for ages 8 to 18

theater and arts briefs Harvest of Art call for artists

An evening of jazz

Photo by Lynn Goldsmith

Jazz musicians David Sanborn, above, and Brian Culbertson will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Tickets are $46 and can be purchased at the box office, by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

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and $22 per person for ages 19 and older. Register by Aug. 20. Complete exhibit guidelines are available at www.eaganarthouse.org. For more information, call the Eagan Art House at (651) 675-5521.

Photo submitted

Local actors Brandon Holscher, left, and Scott Carson butt heads as mismatched roomies in “The Odd Couple.”

‘Odd Couple’ comes to Lakeville stage Classic Neil Simon play runs Aug. 10-19 at arts center

Felix and Oscar are at it again. Lakeville-based community theater group Expressions is bringing the mismatched pair of roommates to the stage of the Lakeville Area Arts Center this month with its production of “The Odd Couple.” Expressions’ presentation of the classic Neil Simon play opens Friday, Aug. 10, and runs through Aug. 19. Local actors Scott Carson and Brandon Holscher are cast in the title roles. Carson plays neat-freak

news reporter Felix Ungar, and Brandon Holscher is the slovenly sports writer Oscar Madison. After its debut on Broadway in 1965, “The Odd Couple” was adapted into a film starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, and later, a TV series. The Lakeville show’s director, Andy Wilkins, said the Expressions production will remain true to Simon’s original script. “It’s one of Simon’s best plays,” Wilkins said. “The great thing about ‘The Odd Couple’ is how timeless it is.

And it’s written in a rapidfire style – the lines just layer on top of one another. It’s so quick-witted.” The eight-actor cast also includes Beth Adams, Alan Davis, Keith Mattson, Michael Morningstar, Mike Reardon and Jana TackNorland. Show times for “The Odd Couple” are 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10-11 and 17-18, and 2 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19. Tickets are $12 and can be ordered at the www.lakeville-rapconnect.com or by calling (952) 985-4640. —Andrew Miller

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

Accretive banned from Minnesota for two years �� Debt collection agency settles federal lawsuit filed by attorney general

by Lisa Kaczke Sun Thisweek

Accretive Health Inc. will cease operating in Minnesota for two years, according to a settlement in a federal lawsuit brought against the company by Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson. Accretive Health, the debt collection agency whose actions at Fairview hospitals were at the center of a scathing report by Swanson, is banned entirely from Minnesota for two years followed by four years in which it can only re-enter Minnesota with an agreement with Swanson, according to a settlement announced by the attorney general’s office on Tuesday, July 31. Accretive Health must cease all operations in Minnesota by Nov. 1. “The Minnesota Attorney General’s actions towards Accretive Health were unnecessarily aggressive and, unfortunately, will cost more than 100 Minnesotans their jobs,” Accretive Chief Executive Officer Mary Tolan said in a statement. Accretive Health will also pay about $2.5 million to the state, which will be part of a restitution fund used to compensate patients, and return all data about Minnesota patients in its possession to its client hospitals, according to the attorney general’s office. An independent auditor

will confirm that Accretive Health has returned the data. “A hospital emergency room is a place of medical trauma and emotional suffering for patients and their families,” Swanson said in a statement. “It should be a solemn place, not a place for a financial shakedown of patients. It is good to close the door on this disturbing chapter in Minnesota health care.” Accretive Health maintains that Swanson’s allegations are “either baseless or exaggerated,” according to Tolan. Fairview Health Services has already severed ties with the Chicago-based company. Accretive Health has also ceased operating in the Maple Grove Hospital. North Memorial Medical Center is currently contracting with Accretive, although it is not in a collection agency capacity, according to a statement from North Memorial. It hired Accretive Health to assist North Memorial with revenue cycle management. It decided to cut ties with Accretive prior to Swanson’s settlement announcement. North Memorial began its business relationship with Accretive Health in 2011. The lawsuit, filed in January, alleged that Accretive Health violated state and federal health privacy laws and Minnesota debt collec-

tion laws. Swanson filed the lawsuit after a laptop was stolen in 2011 that contained data on about 23,500 patients at Fairview Health Services and North Memorial. No patient data was accessed from the laptop, and the settlement isn’t an admission of liability or wrongdoing, according to Accretive. “In order to prevent this matter from being a continued distraction, (Accretive) has entered into a settlement that makes clear that there was no wrongdoing on its part and no findings of fault against any of its employees,” according to a statement from Accretive. The lawsuit was amended to include the allegation that Accretive Health embedded its employees into the staff at Minnesota hospitals and managed employees engaged in collections and patient registration. Swanson outlined in a report released in April how Accretive Health implemented a system in Fairview hospitals to pressure patients to pay at least a portion of their bills in either pre-registration or registration, even if the patient had an insurance provider. The tactics caused patients to leave Fairview emergency rooms without being treated, according to the report. The report was followed by the nonrenewal of Fairview CEO Mark Eus-

tis’s contract in May by the Fairview board of directors. In the lawsuit against Accretive Health, the attorney general’s office had affidavits from about 60 patients regarding the actions at the hospitals, including: • A mother who was taken from the bedside of her daughter, who tried to overdose on a bottle of pills and was made to pay $500 before she could return to her daughter’s bedside • A woman who was told her newborn baby couldn’t be discharged from the hospital unless she paid $800. • A pregnant woman who was asked to pay money while she was miscarrying her baby. Accretive took issue with Swanson’s allegations in its statement released after the settlement. “Additionally, throughout the course of her investigation, the Attorney General did not and could not identify a single patient in Minnesota who experienced a problematic interaction with an Accretive Health employee,” according to the statement. It also claimed that Accretive staff “never witnessed client personnel demonstrate inappropriate behavior toward a patient and there were no cases found of a single patient, out of millions of interactions, that even alleged they were ever denied care by any person.”

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Phillips Pietruszewski Christy Ellen Phillips, daughter or Thomas & Mary Kay Phillips of Burnsville, and Michael Lee Pietruszewski, son of Terry & Betty Pietruszewski of Strandquist, announce their engagement. Christy is a 2001 graduate of Burnsville High School and a 2005 graduate of UW-Stout. Michael is a 2000 graduate of Stephen/Argyle High School and a 2005 graduate of Bemidji State University. An August 25th wedding is planned at Mary Mother of the Church in Burnsville.

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EHS Junior Jake Gourley anchored Track MN Elite's 4 x100 relay to medal at the AAU Junior Olympics in Houston, TX.

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Hickman, Gourley, Blanchard, and Gillespie became All American's placing 7th out of 54 relay teams from across the country. Gourley also ran in the USATF Nationals in Baltimore, MD where he made the semi-finals of the 100m and 200m ranking 14th in both.

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Josh & Betsy (Booton) Mundahl

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Married August 12, 2011 Congratulations on your 1st wedding anniversary! Best wishes always. We’re so happy for you. With Love, Your Families

Age 77, of Apple Valley, MN, passed away on August 2, 2012 following a valiant fight with Multiple Sclerosis. Jerry was a man who put others before himself, and was known to make personal sacrifices to help people in his life. He was a man of honor and true to his word, with values forged on the farm and in small town America. He was a loving father, an accomplished athlete, and a caring coach. Jerry was a veteran of the Korean War, and was honorably discharged by the United States Army on March 31st, 1961 with the rank of Sgt. First Class. He is survived by his children, Dave (Cindy) Kingrey, Lisa Kingrey (Jeff) Johnson, Curtis (Mikki) Kingrey, and many grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Visitation will be held August 13th from 11-12, followed by a memorial service from 12-1, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie. Jerry will receive military funeral honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on August 14 at 12:15 in Lane 2.

�� In Loving Memory

Darah Lynn Robertson

8/12/89

6/07/08

On your 23rd birthday A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again & again. By Maya Angelou

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@ecminc.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, stamped envelope is provided.

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Phil and Carla Cable of Apple Valley and Dave and Deb Heger of Menomonee Falls, WI, have announced the engagement of their children, Catherine Cable and Matt Heger. Catherine is a 2005 graduate of the Academy of Holy Angels and a 2012 graduate of Marquette University. She is a Physical Therapist at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. Matt is a 2005 graduate of Menomonee Falls High School and a 2009 graduate of Marquette University. He is a CPA at Baker Tilly in Milwaukee. A September 2012 wedding is planned at The Church of the Risen Savior, Burnsville.

Jerry G. Kingrey

Jake Gourley Junior Olympic Medalist

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Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

August 10, 2012

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Hospital accredited for minimally invasive surgery Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville has been designated as an American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery Gynecological Surgery Center of Excellence. The Gynecological Center of Excellence designation gives patients added assurance that Fairview Ridges Hospital has not only passed and exceeded existing norms for minimally invasive surgery quality and delivery, but also has physicians on staff who are AIMIS-accredited. Fairview Ridges Hospital is the only AIMIS-ac-

credited hospital in Minnesota and one of a handful in the nation. Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States, making it the second most common procedure performed on women in the country. Aaccording to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated twothirds of these operations entail open surgeries rather than minimally invasive laparoscopic methods. The AIMIS designation is focused on advancing converting a greater per-

centage of procedures from more-traumatic open surgeries to laparoscopic approaches that offer patients shorter hospitalizations and faster returns to normal activities. “This certification allows Fairview Ridges to join some of the most prominent hospitals in the nation for improving women’s health and signifies how seriously we take our responsibility for continued surgical improvements for all our patients,” says Michael Miller, director of surgical business development.

Fairview Ridges Hospital board of trustees. Prest has served nine years on the board of the Burnsville hospital and its Lead Quality and Community Health Outreach Committee. Families can enjoy carnival Prest has served on the rides at the midway at the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Dakota County Fair in District 191 School Board, the Community Action Farmington. Council (now 360 Commu-

nerships for Tomorrow and Heart of the City efforts. She succeeds Tom Mork, a Fairview Ridges board member since 2000 and the chair since 2004. Mork is the lead founder, president and CEO of Lakeview Bank, a community bank in Lakeville. Peggy Johnson, community relations director

Fairview corporate board of trustees, effective in January. Johnson will succeed the hospital’s current corporate board representative, Douglas M. Dirks, who will continue to serve on the board through this December. Dirks is a senior private banker at Wells Fargo Private Bank.

Fair Prest named hospital board chair spins out Shari Prest, senior as- nities) board of directors, for Dakota Electric Associate and owner of the Minneapolis Area Unit- sociation, has been named the fun Ark Associates, has been ed Way board of directors; the Fairview Ridges board’s named chairperson of the and with Burnsville’s Part- representative to the Photoa by Rick Orndorf

A Ferris Wheel at dusk at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington. The fair offers up a variety of rides and activities for the family.

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

August 10, 2012

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

Dakota County fair begins

August 10, 2012

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Photo by Rick Orndorf

Noah Quigley, from Hastings, proudly displays his participation trophy in Novice Calf judging on the first day of the 2012 Dakota County Fair in Farmington.

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Participants in the 4-H horse English Equitation show appear before the judges on Monday morning at the Dakota County Fair.

er of ployee serves up an ord A Temple Concession em County Fair in Farmington. ta cheese curds at the Dako

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Mattea Quigley of Hastings stands with her calf and participation trophy during the Novice Calf 4-H judging at the Dakota County Fair.

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Dakota County Dairy Princesses Beth Donnelly, Maggie Stiles, and Janna Sorg were tasting judges during the Dairy Cooking Contest at the Dakota County Fair on Tuesday night.

Laura Stiles offers a smile during competition day at the Dakota County Fair.

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Apple Valley - Rosemount

patrol, from 1A can cover more ground than we can on foot.” Among the incidents law enforcement officials have encountered during past fairs are runaway cows, lost people and serious injuries. Last year, an adult suffered a separated shoulder injury during a sheep contest when trying to hold the sheep back. “The sheep took off with his arm attached, and pulled his shoulder out of the socket,” Leko said. Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows said crowds at the fair have generally been well-behaved, and the event allows the public a glimpse into the services his department provides. Visitors watch and communicate with dive team members under water in a

tank, and can learn about the Dakota County Jail, investigations and patrol work. During the fair, the Sheriff’s Department sets up its own 911 call center with a dispatcher in its fair headquarters – a mobile trailer. Farmington Police Chief Brian Lindquist said his department assists the sheriff deputies as needed. Local officers may walk the fairgrounds with deputies to identify individuals they have had contact with, assist breaking up minor fights between juveniles or direct traffic. There have been relatively few problems at the fair, Bellows said, and so the department does not search purses or wand people entering the fairgrounds, where guns are banned. “Every so often, people

come in carrying a weapon,” Bellows said. “We explain to them that the Fair Board has this policy … for the most part we never have a problem.” He said the department’s visible presence has helped keep incidents to a minimum. “For the number of people who come to the fair, the number of issues we have are relatively small and usually in the evening hours when the young adults start coming in,” Bellows said. “Even then, one of the things is our theme, if you look around and see a uniform every time, it kind of closes this notion of ‘Let’s start trouble.’ ” Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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