Thisweek Newspapers Burnsville and Eagan

N COUPO ION T C E CONN is issue Included

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There will be blood – and books – at the Wescott Library’s ‘Read & Bleed’ event. See Thisweekend Page 10A.

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Thisweek Burnsville-Eagan January 27, 2012

VOLUME 32, NO. 48

NEWS OPINION SPORTS

www.thisweeklive.com

Opinion/4A

Sports/5A

Public Notices/6A

Classifieds/7A

Announcements/11A

Free full-day kindergarten Officials examine year-round model in District 196 coming to District 191 by Jessica Harper

Funding tied to low-income students will pay for program by John Gessner Thisweek Newspapers

Kindergarten teacher Jonalyn Lippka was all smiles Jan. 19 after watching the School Board approve free full-day kindergarten in BurnsvilleEagan-Savage School District 191. She and several other district kindergarten teachers turned out for the historic vote, which officials say will extend the proven academic benefits of fullday kindergarten to the

students who need it most but whose families can least afford it. “Ecstatic and excited” was Lippka’s reaction to the program, which will begin next fall. “Kindergarten isn’t what it used to be,” said Lippka, who teaches fullday kindergarten at Edward Neill Elementary. “It used to be about play and socialization. That is still important. But now we are required to teach standards and have the students meet those standards by the end of the year. It’s knowing all their letters and knowing all their sounds and being able to read simple sentences. And they’re required to know 25 sight words by the

end of the year. “When they walk out the door at the end of the year, you pray that all of them are reading, writing, counting to 115 or higher, and meeting all of those standards that we need to cover in a year so they are prepared for first grade.” Forty-five percent of district kindergartners are enrolled in the district’s feebased, full-day program, called Kindergarten Plus. Forty-three percent of kindergartners who qualify for free or subsidized lunch are enrolled. The program costs $3,132 a year, or $348 a month. Scholarships can knock the cost down to See Kindergarten, 6A

Teachers are restless in School District 191

Thisweek Newspapers

School districts across the nation have for years bounced around the idea of adopting a year-round school model. Now officials in the RosemountApple Valley-Eagan School District are once again examining the concept. Superintendent Jane Berenz proposed at a Jan. 23 School Board retreat that officials research whether a year-round option would be worth adopting at one of the district’s elementary schools. “I believe this will create more choices for parents. It’s all about options these days,” Berenz said. The option would be in the form of a program

for interested students and not mandated for all students at that particular school. Board Member Jackie Magnuson described the concept as “a school within a school.” If such a model were to be adopted, students enrolled in the program would attend school all year with the exception of periodic breaks for conferences, holidays and the like, and would not have a three-month break in the summer. No specific plan has been recommended. District officials plan to study whether such a program would generate enough interest and be cost effective enough to move forward. Officials also plan to seek ap-

proval from parents and the teachers union before a year-round program is implemented. Year-round school models are common across the globe and students in many of these nations have historically outperformed their U.S. counterparts. Several U.S. school districts over the years have examined the concept as they push to keep up with other developed nations. A districtwide yearround model was explored during the 1990s, but was abandoned after it failed to obtain enough parental approval. Jessica Harper is at jessica.harper@ecm-inc.com.

2012 legislative session opens

With no deadline, contract talks slow by John Gessner Thisweek Newspapers

Teachers are getting restless with the pace of contract negotiations in School District 191, and they’ve begun to show it. Many are donning red T-shirts and red and blue buttons to show their unity. Teachers union the Burnsville Education Association is also encouraging members to attend the Feb. 2 School Board meeting. “It’s still pretty much about unity and making sure our members understand what the current status is,” said BEA President Libby Duethman. “That’s what the main objective is.” Teachers aren’t rallying behind salary or other contract points yet because talks haven’t gotten that far, she said. “Our membership is getting restless,” Duethman wrote in a Jan. 12 letter to the BurnsvilleEagan-Savage School Board. “They want to know why negotiations are taking so long and the details See Teachers, 7A

Photo by Rick Orndorf

State Reps. Kurt Bills, R-Rosemount, (left) and Doug Wardlow, R-Eagan, reviewed information at their seats during the first day of the 2012 legislative session on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the State Capitol. For more photos, go online to www. ThisweekLive.com.

Back to Burnsville Church that started here ready to occupy new building by John Gessner Thisweek Newspapers

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Eden Baptist Church, which was founded in Burnsville and later moved to Savage, will return to Burnsville this spring in a new building on the former site of the Minnesota Valley Humane Society animal shelter.

Early spring will be a homecoming of sorts for Eden Baptist Church, whose new building in Burnsville has been under construction all fall and winter. The church opened in Burnsville in 1985 and moved to Savage in 1996. In separate land purchases, it assembled six acres south of Highway 13 in Burnsville once occupied by a city soccer field and the defunct Minnesota Valley Humane Society. Now the congregation is preparing to move in, probably in

April but possibly in March, said the Rev. Dan Miller, Eden Baptist’s longtime senior pastor. “It’s sort of a bittersweet thing to leave (Savage),” said Miller, a police chaplain in that city. “On the other hand, our roots are in Burnsville, so we’re very pleased to be moving back to that great community. That’s where I’ve lived since 1990, and my four kids are in the public school system in Burnsville, so we’re very rooted in this community, too.” The new building, located east of Parkwood Drive, will have 17,000 square feet – double the size of the church’s current home. The sanctuary will seat 410 people. Miller said Eden Baptist’s average Sunday attendance is about 225. See Eden, 7A

Rahn pumps up its annual show It’s school’s first show as an arts and tech magnet by John Gessner Thisweek Newspapers

Rahn Elementary School in Eagan is known for its annual music and dance performances, which for the past three years have been General 952-894-1111 Distribution 952-846-2070 Display Advertising 952-846-2011 Classified Advertising 952-846-2000

held at Burnsville High School’s Mraz Center for the Performing Arts. If performing on a bigleague stage isn’t enough, the school has even more to offer this year. It will be the school’s first performance as an arts and technology magnet school. The fifth- and sixth-graders of the Rahn Elementary School of Arts and Technology will perform afternoon and evening shows on Feb. 2. The theme of the show is “The Elements,” also a school magnet theme in physical education, music and art. The four fifth- and

sixth-grade classes will represent Earth, Air, Fire and Water with numbers that will include singing, dance, tumbling, playing of instruments and some nifty light and slide shows. It’s a pumped-up version of Rahn’s annual show, according to physical education specialist Cindy Hart, who is again teaming up with music specialist Rachel Lucius to direct. “This one is a little bigger because of the arts and technology,” Hart said. “One Photo by Rick Orndorf of the reasons I think our school selected this magnet Rahn students rehearsed the opening number of “The Elements” Wednesday morning. Two theme is we’ve always had performances are scheduled for Feb. 2 at Burnsville High School’s Mraz Center for the Performing Arts. See Rahn, 7A

2A

January 27, 2012 THISWEEK

Burnsville Man accused of Church may add life to vacant strip molesting 7-year-old girl by John Gessner THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

A 27-year-old Burnsville man is accused of first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a 7-year-old girl. Stephen Richard Angotti was charged Jan. 20 in Dakota County District Court. The girl, accompanied by her stepmother, underwent a forensic interview Jan. 18, according to the criminal complaint. Burnsville police had received a report of sexual abuse from childprotection services. The girl described incidents involving Angotti that had taken place over a pe-

A church may occupy one of three vacant buildings on a commercial strip along a Burnsville frontage road. Flash of Light Ministries has applied for a conditional use permit to allow religious assembly at the Fabrics N Home Ltd. building at 13000 Aldrich Ave. S. The frontage road is south of Burnsville Parkway and west of Interstate 35W. The permit requires City Council approval. Flash of Light wants to rent the building, which

riod of two years, the complaint said. Burnsville police found Angotti on Jan. 19 at Stephen a Lakeville Richard hotel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wait Angotti a minute,â&#x20AC;? he said when they knocked on the door. When he opened it, the complaint said, Angotti extended his arms â&#x20AC;&#x153;as if to be handcuffed in the front.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; John Gessner

would remain on the tax rolls, said Skip Nienhaus, Burnsvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic development coordinator. The buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last tenant was Parrot Island, a bird and bird-products store. The building was originally a Shakeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza restaurant, Nienhaus said. The other vacant buildings on Aldrich are the former Hooters restaurant, which closed in October 2010, and the former Timber Lodge Steakhouse. Timber Lodge appeared to be doing fine when it was shuttered by a corporate edict, Nienhaus said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Certainly, Hooters restaurants do well,â&#x20AC;? he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will admit, anecdotally, I think this one was slipping. The owners of this one owned two others, and they were having financial difficulties amongst all three.â&#x20AC;? Nienhaus said he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know why another restaurant hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t moved into the building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We certainly have restaurants in other nondescript locations in town,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Break-in shakes small Burnsville church THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

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Foundation 191â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Indoor Garage Sale scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Diamondhead Education Center in Burnsville has been cancelled. Information about Foundation 191 and its activities and events can be found at www. foundation191.org or by calling board president Steve Fiebiger at (952) 746-5171.

John Gessner is at john. gessner@ecm-inc.com.

by John Gessner

Foundation 191 indoor garage sale cancelled

on around them.â&#x20AC;? The â&#x20AC;&#x153;medium-sizedâ&#x20AC;? safe contained church papers and less than $500, Raspberry said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing else was really touched. So it appears as if they knew exactly what they were looking for,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really more concerned about the community being aware of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on.â&#x20AC;? The church is next to Crosstown Liquor, which has experienced breakins, Raspberry said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We thought by being a church we were kind of immune from that. But no.â&#x20AC;? Spirit of Truth, which has fewer than 100 members, has been in the building, a former Tom Thumb store, for about 15 years, Raspberry said.

A break-in and theft has left the congregation of a small Burnsville church feeling a little more vulnerable than before. The intruder made off with the church safe, said Willie Raspberry, assistant pastor of Spirit of Truth Church, located west of County Road 5 and south of Burnsville Parkway at 1950 136th St. W. The church custodian discovered on Jan. 18 that one of the large window panels on the front of the building had been shattered. The church notified police, Raspberry said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We exposed it to the congregation,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We actually brought the brick that was thrown in. We brought it in and had a prayer over the brick. John Gessner is at john.gessWe feel itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to let ner@ecm-inc.com. people know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going

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January 27, 2012 THISWEEK

Burnsville Man accused of Church may add life to vacant strip molesting 7-year-old girl by John Gessner THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

A 27-year-old Burnsville man is accused of first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a 7-year-old girl. Stephen Richard Angotti was charged Jan. 20 in Dakota County District Court. The girl, accompanied by her stepmother, underwent a forensic interview Jan. 18, according to the criminal complaint. Burnsville police had received a report of sexual abuse from childprotection services. The girl described incidents involving Angotti that had taken place over a pe-

A church may occupy one of three vacant buildings on a commercial strip along a Burnsville frontage road. Flash of Light Ministries has applied for a conditional use permit to allow religious assembly at the Fabrics N Home Ltd. building at 13000 Aldrich Ave. S. The frontage road is south of Burnsville Parkway and west of Interstate 35W. The permit requires City Council approval. Flash of Light wants to rent the building, which

riod of two years, the complaint said. Burnsville police found Angotti on Jan. 19 at Stephen a Lakeville Richard hotel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wait Angotti a minute,â&#x20AC;? he said when they knocked on the door. When he opened it, the complaint said, Angotti extended his arms â&#x20AC;&#x153;as if to be handcuffed in the front.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; John Gessner

would remain on the tax rolls, said Skip Nienhaus, Burnsvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic development coordinator. The buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last tenant was Parrot Island, a bird and bird-products store. The building was originally a Shakeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza restaurant, Nienhaus said. The other vacant buildings on Aldrich are the former Hooters restaurant, which closed in October 2010, and the former Timber Lodge Steakhouse. Timber Lodge appeared to be doing fine when it was shuttered by a corporate edict, Nienhaus said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Certainly, Hooters restaurants do well,â&#x20AC;? he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will admit, anecdotally, I think this one was slipping. The owners of this one owned two others, and they were having financial difficulties amongst all three.â&#x20AC;? Nienhaus said he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know why another restaurant hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t moved into the building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We certainly have restaurants in other nondescript locations in town,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Break-in shakes small Burnsville church THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

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Foundation 191â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Indoor Garage Sale scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Diamondhead Education Center in Burnsville has been cancelled. Information about Foundation 191 and its activities and events can be found at www. foundation191.org or by calling board president Steve Fiebiger at (952) 746-5171.

John Gessner is at john. gessner@ecm-inc.com.

by John Gessner

Foundation 191 indoor garage sale cancelled

on around them.â&#x20AC;? The â&#x20AC;&#x153;medium-sizedâ&#x20AC;? safe contained church papers and less than $500, Raspberry said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing else was really touched. So it appears as if they knew exactly what they were looking for,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really more concerned about the community being aware of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on.â&#x20AC;? The church is next to Crosstown Liquor, which has experienced breakins, Raspberry said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We thought by being a church we were kind of immune from that. But no.â&#x20AC;? Spirit of Truth, which has fewer than 100 members, has been in the building, a former Tom Thumb store, for about 15 years, Raspberry said.

A break-in and theft has left the congregation of a small Burnsville church feeling a little more vulnerable than before. The intruder made off with the church safe, said Willie Raspberry, assistant pastor of Spirit of Truth Church, located west of County Road 5 and south of Burnsville Parkway at 1950 136th St. W. The church custodian discovered on Jan. 18 that one of the large window panels on the front of the building had been shattered. The church notified police, Raspberry said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We exposed it to the congregation,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We actually brought the brick that was thrown in. We brought it in and had a prayer over the brick. John Gessner is at john.gessWe feel itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to let ner@ecm-inc.com. people know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going

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3A

Eagan Struggling Eagan buffet company files for bankruptcy Buffets Inc. says it has already reached agreements with its creditors by Jessica Harper THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Distressed Eagan restaurant company Buffets Inc. filed for Chapter 11 reorganization for the second time Jan. 16, but has said the company has already reached agreements with its creditors. It also plans to close 81 underperforming restaurants, which is about 16 percent of its nationwide chain, as part of efforts to turn around its financial situation.

In the reorganization filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, Buffets said it has the â&#x20AC;&#x153;full supportâ&#x20AC;? of senior lenders who hold 83 percent of its debt for a plan that will erase all of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estimated $245 million of debt and interest payments of $30 million. The company expects it will be able to close the bankruptcy within six months, and existing lenders will receive 100 percent in new common stock.

Buffets is the largest steakhouse and buffet chain nationwide with 494 restaurants in 38 states. It operates such restaurant chains as Old Country Buffet, HomeTown and Tahoe Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Famous Steakhouse. The company first filed for bankruptcy in early 2008 and emerged in 2009. It was publicly traded until 2000 when it was purchased by New York private equity firm CaxtonIselman, now CI Capital

Partners, for $643 million, according to news reports. In May, Buffets Inc. announced it was exploring a strategic alternative including a possible sale, according to a Star Tribune report. That month, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreclosed 100,000-square-foot headquarters was auctioned and

bought by Eagan pharmacy benefits manager Prime Therapeutics with the aid of a $500,000 forgivable loan from the state for creating jobs. Buffets Inc. CEO Mike Andrews has said the company will try to renegotiate more favorable lease agreements.

The company has a $50 million loan from its existing lender, which in addition to available cash flow is expected to provide Buffets Inc. enough liquidity to operate during the restructuring process. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com.

Applications open for community grants Applications for the 2012 Eagan Foundation Community Grants Program are now being accepted. Community organizations are encouraged to submit grant proposals to

fund Eagan-based initiatives. Eligible grantees are nonprofit organizations based in Eagan and focused on serving the Eagan community. Typically, grants are $1,000 or less.

For applications and grant criteria, visit www. eaganfoundation.org. For more information, contact the Eagan Foundation at admin@eaganfoundation. org.

Dakota County

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offers citizen training For everyone who ever wanted to experience life as a deputy, Dakota County has a new opportunity to do so. An eight-week law enforcement course for citizens is being offered by the Dakota County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office. The new â&#x20AC;&#x153;citizen academyâ&#x20AC;? allows residents to learn about issues facing law enforcement locally and offers insight into the philosophy and operations of the department. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We talked about things with our staff and this idea bubbled up,â&#x20AC;? said Chief Deputy Tim Leslie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It just made sense. We have a lot of good things here, we have a lot of really good people and this is a chance to profile that.â&#x20AC;? In the planning since November, topics to be covered include history of the sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, use of force, traffic stops and searching and handcuffing procedures. Participants will also learn about arrest laws, the criminal charging and judicial processes, Tasers, crime scene processing and Inter- Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com. net crime.

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THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have different people identified who will be teaching each section,â&#x20AC;? Leslie said. Classes will vary depending on the topic being covered, and will be held at either the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training facility in Empire Township or in Hastings. Participants will learn about and tour the Dakota County Jail and information will be shared about the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special Weapons and Tactical (SWAT) Team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to have a broad spectrum of people attend,â&#x20AC;? Leslie said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for people to see how taxpayer money is spent and what we do daily.â&#x20AC;? The academy will be held Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. from March 1 to April 19. Participants must pass a minor background check before being included. To register or for more information, call (651) 4384721 or email jim.rogers@ co.dakota.mn.us. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited,â&#x20AC;? Leslie said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our goal is to build up a waiting list and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do it every year.â&#x20AC;?

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Opinion 4A

January 27, 2012 THISWEEK

Thisweek Columnist Time to congratulate exceptional businesswomen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and to remember one from last year by Larry Werner THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Shortly after I joined ECM Publishers as general manager of Thisweek and the Dakota County Tribune, I told my staff that I wanted us to do a better job of covering business south of the river. Having spent 12 years as business editor of the Star Tribune, I have a strong interest in business news and a soft spot in my heart for those who overcome the odds to succeed as entrepreneurs and managers of companies. That desire to shine a brighter light on Dakota County business led us to reformat the Dakota County Tribune into a Business Weekly and to launch an annual event that recognizes women who excel as business people and in their commitment to community. While weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come a long way from the day when women were told their place is at home, not in the workplace, our society still struggles against the notion that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men who should be in charge and men who deserve the big bucks. So for the third year, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve selected from nominations of readers and staff members a group of women we will recognize on Feb. 16 as the Dakota County Tribuneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exceptional Businesswomen, class of 2012. If

youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to attend the awards breakfast, go to www.thisweeklive.com/exceptional-businesswomen-2012 and click on â&#x20AC;&#x153;register now.â&#x20AC;? Tickets are $20. Our keynote speaker will be Beth Krehbiel, the president of Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, and a 2010 Exceptional Businesswomen Award winner. Our emcee is Holly Dahl, general manager with Frontier Communications and former mayor of Lakeville. Frontier has been a sponsor of this event for the three years weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing it. We talked about not doing the event this year. As Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve mentioned in this space many times, the past few years have been very challenging for the newspaper business. With intense competition from the internet and other news organizations, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had to reduce our staff, which included not replacing Eva Mooney, our business manager who managed the event in its first two years. But after talking it over, we decided that recognizing women who excel at business is an important way for us to tell some good news and connect with the community. With the help of the Dakota County Technical College Foundation, Tad Johnson, our managing editor, has taken over from

Eva and organized the event for a third year. On Feb. 9, we will run profiles in the Tribune of the 11 women who were selected, and on Feb. 16, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hand out the awards at the Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn, another of our sponsors. The other major sponsors are Lakeville Trophy, the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce and Dakota Electric Association. This year, our event will be bittersweet. On Jan. 6, we lost a terrific person who was honored with a 2011 award. Nancy Quinnell died of cancer after many years making her mark as a business person and a community volunteer. She was senior vice president of Hollstadt and Associates, a consulting company that moved recently from Burnsville to Mendota Heights. And she was a longtime member of the Lakeville Rotary. She was only 51. At the suggestion of Tad Johnson, we will give a portion of the ticket-sale proceeds to breast-cancer research in Nancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name. The other honorees for 2012 are: Sunny Bhakta, owner of the Comfort Inn in Lakeville; Connie Braziel, deputy director and chief operating officer of the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley; Jamie Dahlen, an owner of the Nicollet Inn and the Holiday

Inn & Suites in Lakeville; Michele Engdahl, manager of government and community affairs for Thomson Reuters in Eagan; Carrie Guarrero, senior vice president and regional manger for Cornerstone Mortgage in Burnsville; Chris Holtan, a founder and vice president of Lancet Software in Burnsville; Peggy Johnson, community relations director for Dakota Electric in Farmington; Sheila Longie, information destruction consultant with Shred Right and former president of Document Destruction in Lakeville; Sona Mehring, founder and CEO of CaringBridge in Eagan; Terri Shepherd, founder and CEO of Xact Resources of Burnsville, and Theresa Wise, senior vice president and chief information officer of Delta Airlines in Eagan. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re free for breakfast on Feb. 16, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to have you join us in saluting 11 exceptional women, remembering another and raising a little money to fight an illness that has affected women in virtually all of our lives. Larry Werner is editor and general manager of Thisweek Newspapers and the Dakota County Tribune. He can be reached at larry. werner@ecm-inc.com. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Letters Republicans should pass jobs proposal To the editor: Most of the voters I talk to in our community agree that jobs and the economy should be the top priority for our state Legislature in 2012. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I was pleased to see Gov. Mark Dayton and DFL legislators introduce a plan to support Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small businesses and put people back to work. The jobs plan focuses on some common-sense

ways we can jump-start our economy. Small businesses would receive a $3,000 tax credit for every new worker they would hire. In addition, unemployed Minnesotans could receive a grant to get retrained in a new high-demand career. It also invests in proven job-creating initiatives like the Minnesota Investment Fund, which helps businesses get access to loans to expand and grow. Last year, the Legislature failed to do anything to create jobs or strengthen Min-

nesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy. In fact, the majorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first proposed budget would have led to a loss of nearly 30,000 jobs, mostly in the private sector. And thanks to an unprecedented state government shutdown, thousands of Minnesotans temporarily lost their jobs, and the paychecks that their families depended on. Creating jobs and strengthening Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s middle class shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be partisan issues. When I served for four years in the majority of the House we

didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always agree with Gov. Tim Pawlenty, but we worked with him to help Minnesota small businesses create jobs because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Minnesotans expect. I hope Rep. Pam Myhra, RBurnsville, and the Republican majority will finally live up to their campaign rhetoric to make creating jobs their first priority and quickly pass the DFL jobs proposal. WILL MORGAN Burnsville

Purpose of mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cause unknown

controversies will be a stepping stone for his political ambitions? I deplore it when politicians cheapen important issues and debates by creating cultural divisiveness so that they might be headliners. The mayor should just do his job and stay out of the personal lives of the citizens of Eagan.

To the editor: So what is the point? Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire has decided to champion a cause whose purpose is unknown to its residents. This idea to create a Domestic Partner Registry is most befuddling. There was little public discussion of the proposal and even less DAN ROSSINI of a demand to have it en- Eagan acted. Is it possible that the mayor thinks that pandering to a few and stirring up

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Thisweek Newspapers welcomes letters to the editor. Submitted letters must be no more than 350 words. All letters must have the authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s phone number and address for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. Letters reflect the opinion of the author only. Thisweek Newspapers reserves the right to edit all letters. Submission of a letter does not guarantee publication.

Thisweek Newspapers Contact us at: APPLE VALLEY NEWS: andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com BURNSVILLE NEWS: john.gessner@ecm-inc.com EAGAN NEWS: jessica.harper@ecm-inc.com ROSEMOUNT NEWS: tad.johnson@ecm-inc.com SPORTS: andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com AD SALES: ads.thisweek@ecm-inc.com PRODUCTION: graphics.thisweek@ecm-inc.com Managing Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tad Johnson / John Gessner Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian Andersen President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marge Winkelman General Manager/Editor . . . . . . . . . . Larry Werner Apple Valley/Thisweekend Editor . . Andrew Miller Burnsville/District 191 Editor . . . . . . John Gessner Eagan/District 196 Editor . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Harper

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Sports Standings Boys Basketball Team

Conference W Eastview 7 Lakeville North 6 Apple Valley 5 Eagan 4 B Kennedy 4 Prior Lake 3 Rosemount 2 Lakeville South 2 B Jefferson 2 Burnsville 0

L 0 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 7

Overall W L 15 0 14 1 12 3 8 7 6 8 7 8 8 7 7 8 5 9 0 14

Friday, Jan 27 • Apple Valley at Bloomington Jefferson, 7:15 p.m. • Burnsville at Prior Lake, 7:15 p.m. • Eagan at Lakeville South, 7:15 p.m. • Bloomington Kennedy at Robbinsdale Cooper, 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 31 • Bloomington Jefferson at Eastview, 7:15 p.m. • Bloomington Kennedy at Eagan, 7:15 p.m. • Lakeville South at Burnsville, 7:15 p.m. • Apple Valley at Rosemount, 7:15 p.m. • Prior Lake at Lakeville North, 7:15 p.m. Friday, Feb 3 • Rosemount at Bloomington Jefferson, 7:15 p.m. • Burnsville at Bloomington Kennedy, 7:15 p.m. • Eagan at Eastview, 7:15 p.m. • Apple Valley at Prior Lake, 7:15 p.m. • Lakeville North at Lakeville South, 7:15 p.m.

Girls Basketball Team

Conference W 9 8 6 5 5 4 3 2 2 1

B Kennedy Eastview Lakeville North Apple Valley Prior Lake Lakeville South B Jefferson Rosemount Eagan Burnsville

L 0 1 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8

Overall W 14 13 10 9 8 9 5 7 5 6

L 2 4 7 7 9 8 11 10 12 11

Friday, Jan 27 • Bloomington Kennedy at Eastview, 7:15 p.m. • Bloomington Jefferson at Apple Valley, 7:15 p.m. • Lakeville South at Eagan, 7:15 p.m. • Prior Lake at Burnsville, 7:15 p.m. • Rosemount at Lakeville North, 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 31 • Rosemount at Apple Valley, 7:15 p.m. • Jefferson Eastview at Bloomington Jefferson, 7:15 p.m. • Lakeville North at Prior Lake, 7:15 p.m. • Eagan at Bloomington Kennedy, 7:15 p.m. • Burnsville at Lakeville South, 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb 2 • Eden Prairie at Bloomington Jefferson, 7:15 p.m. Friday, Feb 3 • Lakeville North at Lakeville South, 5:45 p.m. • Bloomington Jefferson Rosemount, 7:15 p.m. • Eastview Eagan, 7:15 p.m. • Prior Lake Apple Valley, 7:15 p.m. • Bloomington Kennedy at Burnsville, 7:15 p.m.

Boys Hockey Team

Conference Overall W L T W L T Eagan 10 0 0 15 2 0 Burnsville 6 2 1 10 7 1 Apple Valley 5 2 2 8 6 2 Lakeville South 5 4 0 9 7 0 Lakeville North 5 4 0 9 8 0 Prior Lake 4 4 0 10 7 0 B Jefferson 2 6 1 2 12 2 Eastview 2 6 0 8 9 0 Rosemount 1 8 0 4 12 0 B Kennedy 0 4 0 4 13 0 Saturday, Jan 28 • Lakeville South at Eastview, 2:15 p.m. • Bloomington Kennedy at Prior Lake, 5:30 p.m. • Burnsville at Bloomington Jefferson, 7 p.m. • Eagan at Rosemount, 7 p.m. • Apple Valley at Lakeville North, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan 30 • Prior Lake at New Ulm, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 31 • Rochester Mayo at Lakeville North, 7 p.m. • Park at Rosemount, 7 p.m. • Benilde-St. Margaret’s at Bloomington Jefferson, 7:15 p.m. • St. Louis Park at Bloomington Kennedy, 7:15 p.m. • Eagan at Hill Murray, 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb 2 • Rosemount at Eastview, 7 p.m. • Prior Lake at Burnsville, 7 p.m. • Apple Valley at Eagan, 7:15 p.m. • Bloomington Jefferson at Lakeville South, 7:15 p.m.

Girls Hockey Team

Conference Overall W L T W L T Lakeville North 12 2 1 16 5 1 Eagan 10 2 2 16 3 3 Lakeville South 10 3 1 16 5 1 B Jefferson 8 6 0 12 9 1 Eastview 6 7 1 9 12 1 Apple Valley 5 8 1 11 10 1 Burnsville 3 6 5 7 10 5 Rosemount 4 7 3 7 12 3 Prior Lake 1 11 2 4 16 2 B Kennedy 0 7 0 6 15 2 Saturday, Jan 28 • Bloomington Kennedy at Prior Lake, 3 p.m. • Apple Valley at Lakeville North, 3 p.m. • Burnsville at Bloomington Jefferson, 3 p.m. • Eagan at Rosemount, 3 p.m. • Lakeville South at Eastview, 7 p.m. Monday, Jan 30 • Lakeville North at Breck, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 31 • Rosemount at Eastview, 7 p.m. • Prior Lake at Burnsville, 7 p.m. • Bloomington Jefferson at Lakeville South, 7:15 p.m. • Apple Valley at Eagan, 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb 4 • Bloomington Kennedy at Apple Valley, 2:15 p.m. • Lakeville South at Prior Lake, 3 p.m. • Eastview at Eagan, 3 p.m. • Rosemount at Bloomington Jefferson, 3 p.m. • Lakeville North at Burnsville, 5 p.m.

THISWEEK January 27, 2012

Wildcats on the prowl for conference, section titles

5A

Irish third in True Team finals Rosemount wins 200 medley relay, sets meet record

Eagan girls hockey on the mend, readying for playoffs

by Mike Shaughnessy

by Andy Rogers

THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

The Eagan girls hockey team put the metro on notice by defeating South Suburban Conference-leading Lakeville North 2-1 on Tuesday. It was a healthy step for the Wildcats, who have battled injuries and illness most of the season. The Wildcats got stuck in a rut lately, losing to Bloomington Jefferson and a tying Prior Lake earlier this month. Head coach Scott Darwitz felt like Eagan could have won those games, but he also didn’t come into the season with the expectation Eagan would be in contention for the South Suburban Conference. “If you would have asked me if we’d be in this position at the beginning with this many young kids, I would have said no,” Darwitz said. “It’s been great.” It’s been a pleasant surprise with a front line of all underclassmen, including an eighth grader, “Last year was an underconstruction type of year,” senior forward Alanna Stangl said. “We actually didn’t think we’re going to be that good, but we had a lot of girls come up from junior varsity and do a really good job.” Against Lakeville North, the puck went the way of the Wildcats. The girls had the upper hand in the first two periods, giving the girls a 2-0 lead with a power-play goal by Megan Wolfe and another goal by Shelby Williams in the second

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Eagan’s Brooke Madisen, No. 3, defends against Lakeville South’s Alexis Joyce, No. 20, in a 2-1 win for the Wildcats on Tuesday. period. The Panthers cut the lead in half about a minute later and played a furious third period, outshooting Eagan 10-1. Wildcat goalie Emma May stopped 30 shots with the help of just four healthy defenders to secure the 2-1 victory. “We slipped against Prior Lake and Jefferson. Otherwise this might have been for the conference,” Darwitz said. “It’s a little disappointing, but we’re going to keep plugging away.” If the conference title doesn’t happen for the Wildcats, there are always playoffs. Eagan hasn’t gone to state since 2009. “It would be awesome to go to state my senior year,” Stangl said. “It’s what everyone wants. I think we have a good chance.” Darwitz knows more than anyone the puck can bounce many different ways. The Wild-

cats would still need to win out and get some help from Lakeville North’s opponents in the final week of play to win the conference. “We’re still in the hunt,” Darwitz said. “We’re getting ready for the playoffs. We want more people to score goals. We need someone else to get strong with the sticks. No doubt about it. People are going to start keying on Wolfe. We had some good chances with our second and third unit. It will come.” Wolfe leads the team with 53 points, 29 more than anyone else. “She’s carrying us right now,” Darwitz said. “She’s a phenomenal player. We’ve got to get her to play a little better both ways and to relax a little. But she’s just a junior.” Andy Rogers is at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com.

Rosemount came away with third place in the Class AA boys True Team swimming and diving finals last weekend. Led by a meet-record performance in the 200-yard medley relay, the Irish improved one spot over their 2011 state finals finish. Lake Conference teams Eden Prairie (2,157 points) and Minnetonka (1,969.5) finished first and second in the Class AA finals Jan. 21 at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. Rosemount scored 1,888.5, while the two other conference schools in the finals, Lakeville North (1,334.5) and Lakeville South (1,183.5), finished seventh and ninth. Rosemount seniors Braden McCormack, Jacob Stern, Luke Dowell and Conor Manning swam on the first-place 200 medley relay, which finished in a meet-record 1 minute, 37.54 seconds. Stern also won an individual event in the True Team finals, taking first in the 100 breaststroke in 59.37. Other top-10 individual finishers for Rosemount were junior Andrew Urness in the 200 freestyle (eighth, 1:47.77) and 500 freestyle (eighth, 4:59.52), Stern in the 200 individual medley (fifth, 2:03.82), junior Sheldon Hatlen in the 200 IM (tied for sixth, 2:04.36) and 100 freestyle (fourth, 48.74), Manning in the 50 freestyle (seventh, 22.72), sophomore Daniel Monaghan in diving (third, 352.20 points), sophomore Gareth Estabrook in diving (ninth, 294.90), senior Jim Peterson in diving (10th, 291.80), Dowell in the 100 butterfly (fifth, 54.53), McCormack in the 100 freestyle (10th, 50.18) and 100 backstroke (third, 53.39) and senior Matthew McCormack in the 100 backstroke (sixth, 55.59). Rosemount was second to Stillwater in the 200 freestyle relay, with Hatlen, Stern, senior Tyler Lawson and Manning finishing in 1:29.15. Hatlen, Urness, Braden McCormack and Dowell finished fourth in the 400 freestyle relay in 3:18.35. Mike Shaughnessy is Dakota County sports editor for Sun Newspapers.

Eastview staying humble while in midst of undefeated 2012 by Andy Rogers THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

You probably won’t catch the Eastview girls basketball team celebrating the news, but the Lighting are undefeated in 2012. While Eastview has been a contender in the south metro for years, it wasn’t evident it had a top-10 team prior to the season, as many of the girls hadn’t played together. “They’ve come together as a team and know what their roles are,” head coach Melissa Guebert said. “We have four senior starters who are good leaders. They’ve been around basketball for a while, so there’s a maturity about them.” No one is passing out trophies just yet. If there’s one prevailing theme for the Lightning it’s that they never get too high or too low. Prior to a seven-game winning streak, the girls were blown out by Hopkins in December, the only game Guebert said the Lightning weren’t competitive. “It’s hard to come back the same week and play (No. 4) Bloomington Kennedy, but that was the turning point for us,” Guebert said. Eastview played Kennedy tight losing by three points after having an opportunity to tie it at the end. “You don’t know how kids are going to handle the situation,” Guebert said. “They were competitive and I think Kennedy was a bit surprised. Even though we lost, we knew we were going to be OK.” They also play as a team, and Guebert is hesitant to single anyone out. “Every girl has been a big part of their success,” Guebert said. “Things don’t always show up in the box score. The girls give their all at practice and cheer on the bench.” Perhaps the team’s most impressive win came Jan. 10. For the first time since 2009, the Lightning defeated longtime rival Lakeville North. The victory was the first since Eastview defeated Lakeville North in the section final almost three

years ago. Lakeville North ended Eastview’s season in 2010 and 2011. Still, the girls’ feet stayed on the ground. “At the time I think some of the girls didn’t realize the significance of the game until after,” Guebert said. “They were still pretty low key. Even though it meant a lot to them you wouldn’t have known it. I think that’s been a big reason for our success. If you look at our season, we could have gotten pretty low, but we didn’t.” Another catalyst for the team’s success is the emergence of freshman Madison Guebert who leads the team in scoring, but she’s quick to give credit to her teammates. Coming in as a freshman and as the coach’s daughter generally comes with a share of challenges. But it’s been a good fit. “I’m happy for her,” Melissa Guebert said. “I would have never have coached the team if she couldn’t be coached by me. But she is a kid that does not enjoy a lot of attention.” She likes to keep a low profile and let the team’s play do the talking. Amber Mehr, Paige Palkovich, Meghan Ryan, Emily Young, Hannah Shie and Tyra Johnson among others have helped the girls achieve a 13-4 record, which has led to an appearance in the top 10 in the Class AAAA poll for the first time last week. With just one loss in the South Suburban Conference, the girls still have a chance to win the title. The only team standing in their way is Bloomington Kennedy. They will meet in a rematch at Eastview on Friday that could go a long way in determining who wins the conference title a month from now.

Rosemount So far, 2012 hasn’t been kind to the Rosemount girls basketball team. The girls entered the new year with a 6-4 record with a Grand Rapids Invitational win to celebrate.

In January the girls lost six straight, leading to a showdown with Burnsville on Tuesday night where they broke the streak with a 63-57 victory. The six-game losing streak included a threepoint loss last weekend to Eagan and a 41-point defeat against Eastview three days prior. With more than a month left of play, the Irish aren’t conceding anything. “We are staying upbeat,” coach Sam McDonald said. “The effort is there. We need to keep working to improve. That specifically being on taking care of the basketball and concentrating on finishing shots.” Hannah Grim has been relentless, leading her team with 29 points against Burnsville. She is the leading scorer in the South Suburban Conference with 20.1 points per game. “Hannah has shown great progress from last year to this year,” McDonald said. “She has taken on the role of point guard this year as well.” She’s drawing opponents’ attention defensively in every game, but she’s managed to win the battle more times than not. “She is doing a good job of staying aggressive,” McDonald said. “She makes a lot of plays defensively that lead to baskets as well.” Kaylie Hanson, Hannah Halterman, Sydney Newton and Meghan Schuster have improved their play as well.

Apple Valley The Eagles pushed their record above .500 last weekend for the first time in 2012 with a four-point victory over Burnsville. “Like any team, there are a couple games we wish we could have back, but we just need to keep moving forward,” coach Jeremy Gordon said. “There isn’t a team we don’t feel we can play with.” Getting back to .500 was a relief, especially in a conference featuring top10 programs Eastview, Bloomington Kennedy and

Lakeville North. “In our conference you cannot take a night off,” Gordon said. “Every team will battle hard, and to get our record back up shows how hard we are competing.” They showed their progress Tuesday defeating Lakeville North 59-55. It was the first Apple Valley victory against Lakeville North since Feb. 27, 2009. Led by Jaryn Pipkins’ 18 points, her floor awareness, rebounding ability and defensive aggressiveness have kept the team competitive along with Destiny Scott’s killer shot. But they are not doing it alone. “We are playing 10 girls, all of who are contributing,” Gordon said. “If one girl has an off-night, someone else has come off the bench and stepped up.” The Eagles hope to put more tallies in the win column with a threegame home stretch against Bloomington Jefferson on Friday, Rosemount on Tuesday and Prior Lake on Feb. 3. The girls lost to Jefferson and Rosemount earlier this season. “Our record is much better at home (6-3), so that three-game home stretch will be very nice,” Gordon said. “The biggest thing for us in preparation for the playoffs is to stay healthy. We have had five girls on our roster with concussions this year and miss multiple games. One player tore her ACL (in her knee) for the second straight year and is out for the season. “Girls have stepped up and allowed us to stay competitive through the injuries, but to have a full healthy roster is what every coach wants during playoffs.”

Burnsville

points. Narrow losses seem to follow the Blaze this season. The girls lost to Lakeville South by two points, Rosemount by six, Lakeville North by seven, Prior Lake by eight and Eastview by 12. Led by Georgi Donchetz, Jessica Ranke, Lateeka Thompson and Jessica Buck, the Blaze would like to reverse that trend starting Friday when Prior Lake comes to town and Tuesday with a trip to Lakeville South.

Eagan Since starting the season 3-11, the Wildcats are starting to increase their win total. In a span of less than 24 hours, the girls won two close away games against Rosemount and Owatonna. The wins were propelled by Lindsey Gonsior (21 points against Owatonna), Jess Hart, who is leading the team in scoring, and the guard play of Sammie Delzotto. “We are playing as more of a unit,” coach Elizabeth Carpentier said. “We are starting to understand each others’ tendencies and such. We had some great moments this weekend. We’re still a work in progress.” The season hasn’t gone the way many expected. “I misjudged the learning scale of our younger kids,” Carpentier said. “We are playing better recently but because of our rough start we’re kind of behind the eight-ball when it comes to getting where we need to be.” The highlight for Carpentier was Hart’s recordbreaking play this season. Hart broke the school scoring record against Rosemount. “When she’s in games she is leading by example and when she’s on the bench she is a very vocal leader,” Carpentier said. “She is definitely maturing and has stepped up her leadership.”

The South Suburban Conference has proved to be a challenge for the Blaze this season. The girls are 5-3 in nonconference games, but 1-8 in the conference including a 63-57 loss to Rosemount on Tuesday. The bright Andy Rogers is at andy. spot was Betsy Sexton, who rogers@ecm-inc.com. scored a season high 19

6A

January 27, 2012 THISWEEK

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Kindergarten/from 1A $87 a month for the neediest families, but even that is out of reach for many, according to Superintendent Randy Clegg. “All of our students, regardless of their family income, should be afforded the right and opportunity to benefit from our public full-day kindergarten program,” Clegg told the board. The district funded fullday, everyday kindergarten for all students in 2003-04, but it was lost to budget cuts the next year. A University of Minnesota study tracking the 2003-04 kindergarten class showed academic gains from the program. During the kindergarten year, students closed achievement gaps by race, English proficiency and socioeconomic status, according to U’s Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement. The group entered and exited first and second grades “ahead of the national average” in achievement, according to the study. “Statistically significant differences in scores of at-risk and not at-risk

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students (based upon free or reduced lunch, racial group, and ELL status) were found at nearly every point in first, second and third grade,” the study said. This time, Clegg said, funding problems won’t scuttle full-day kindergarten anytime soon. The district will use part of its mushrooming allocation of compensatory aid — state money based on the number of students who qualify for free or subsidized meals — to fund the program. The cost is $1.5 million for next year, when the district’s compensatory funding is estimated to reach $5.4 million. Compensatory funding totaled only $897,000 in 2003-04 and wasn’t used for full-day kindergarten. The number of district students qualifying for free or subsidized meals has risen from 18 percent in 2002 to more than 40 percent today, “and over 50 percent in several of our elementary schools,” Clegg said. Board members Jim Schmid and Paula Teiken joined the unanimous vote for full-day kindergarten but challenged using only compensatory funds to pay

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for it. Teiken said she worries that taking compensatory money “off the top” for kindergarten will deplete funding for academic interventions with struggling students in other grades. “My hope would be that we can cross-fund it using different funds,” said Teiken, noting that the state Legislature controls compensatory funding levels. “If we pull it out of one bucket, and that bucket goes away, we have to find another bucket,” Schmid said. Board Member Dan Luth, who voted against full-day kindergarten for 2003-04 out of concern the funding wasn’t sustainable, insisted compensatory funding based on “the very makeup of our student body” is the best option now. “Compensatory funding is the appropriate means to fund this,” Luth said. “It will be sustainable.” Clegg said the district is working on a new formula to reallocate the remaining compensatory funding among schools. A benefit of the new formula will be that some schools qualifying for little of the schoolbased funding will now get enough to meet their needs

for interventions, Clegg said. “There will be some adjustments” in compensatory funds schools get, he said. “There will be no significant impact because of this implementation.” Schmid made a motion seconded by Teiken to fund half of full-day kindergarten with compensatory funds and half with “nonstudent contact” funds. It failed. The pair then voted for the original motion. “I will support the allday kindergarten because it’s the right thing to do,” Schmid said. A half-day option will be available to parents, who will be able to pick their children up before lunch break. Noon bus service will be eliminated, saving $150,000 to $200,000. “Core instruction” will be emphasized in the morning, when both fulland half-day students are present, according to Chris Lindholm, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. Enrichment, deeper teaching of concepts and interventions will be emphasized the rest of the day, he said. John Gessner is at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com.

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PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENT TO OPERATE AERATION SYSTEMS The City of Eagan, pursuant to the terms and conditions of Permits for Lake Aeration Systems, granted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, hereby gives notice of its intent to operate winter lake aeration systems in Eagan. The systems shall consist of an air injection pump. The systems shall be in operation on some or all of the following: Bald, Blackhawk, Bur Oaks, Carlson, Cliff, East Thomas, Fish, Hay, Heine, Holz, LeMay, Schwanz, and Thomas Lakes. The period of aeration operation shall be during periods of suitable ice cover commencing on or about December 8, 2011, and ending on or before April 15, 2012. The aeration systems may create open water and thin ice conditions. The public is cautioned to stay clear of all areas marked with warning signs on the lake. Dated: January 24, 2011 CHRISTINA M. SCIPIONI City Clerk, City of Eagan 2889258 1/27-2/3/12

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF EAGAN, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA Project No. 1067 - Hawthorne Woods Street Improvements

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, will meet at the Eagan Municipal Center at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122, on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The purpose of the meeting will be to hold a public hearing on the improvements, known as Project No. 1067. The proposed project is in accordance with the preliminary engineering report dated December, 2011, prepared by the City Engineer. The estimated cost of the foregoing improvement is as follows: $708,800. The area proposed to be assessed for said improvements is described as follows: The area located within the North 1⁄4 of Section 25, lying South of Diffley Road, East of Dodd Road, in Township 27, Range 23, in the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota. All persons who desire to be heard with respect to the question of whether or not the above improvements should be made shall be heard at said time and place. Dated January 3, 2012 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL /s/ Christina M. Scipioni By: Christina M. Scipioni Eagan City Clerk 2883136 1/20-1/27/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Public Sale: SS MNRI, LLC doing business as Simply Self Storage intends to enforce its lien on certain personal property belonging to the following, at the facility. The sale will take place (unless otherwise withdrawn) on Wednesday February 8, 2012 on or after 9:30am at the Simply Self Storage location at 4025 Old Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan, MN 55122 Phone 651-894-5550. This public sale will result in the goods being sold to the highest bidder. Certain terms and conditions apply. O. Tsybulskaya #603 Clothes, Plastic Totes, Boxes C. Coggins #204A Sofa, Chair, Bicycle T. Deutsch #229 Childrens Toys, Artwork, Shovel C. Gauthier #546B Vacuum, Freezer, Shelving N. Alter #503 Couch, Television, Entertainment Center 2881980 1/20-1/27/12

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF EAGAN, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA Project No. 1064 Hills of Stonebridge 2nd & 3rd Street Improvements

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, will meet at the Eagan Municipal Center at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122, on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The purpose of the meeting will be to hold a public hearing on the improvements, known as Project No. 1064. The proposed project is in accordance with the preliminary engineering report dated December, 2011, prepared by the City Engineer. The estimated cost of the foregoing improvement is as follows: $377,100. The area proposed to be assessed for said improvements is described as follows: The area located within the South 1⁄2 of Section 24, lying North of Diffley Road, East of Dodd Road, in Township 27, Range 23, in the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota. All persons who desire to be heard with respect to the question of whether or not the above improvements should be made shall be heard at said time and place. Dated January 3, 2012 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL /s/ Christina M. Scipioni By: Christina M. Scipioni Eagan City Clerk 2883144 1/20-1/27/12

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF EAGAN, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA Project No. 1063 - Chatterton Ponds Street Improvements

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, will meet at the Eagan Municipal Center at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122, on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The purpose of the meeting will be to hold a public hearing on the improvements, known as Project No. 1063. The proposed project is in accordance with the preliminary engineering report dated December, 2011, prepared by the City Engineer. The estimated cost of the foregoing improvement is as follows: $96,800. The area proposed to be assessed for said improvements is described as follows: The area located within the Southwest 1⁄4 of Section 22, lying South of Deerwood Drive, East of Pilot Knob Road, in Township 27, Range 23, in the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota. All persons who desire to be heard with respect to the question of whether or not the above improvements should be made shall be heard at said time and place. Dated January 3, 2012 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL /s/ Christina M. Scipioni By: Christina M. Scipioni Eagan City Clerk 2883155 1/20-1/27/12

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF EAGAN, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA Project No. 1068 Lexington Pointe 1st and 2nd Street Improvements

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, will meet at the Eagan Municipal Center at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122, on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The purpose of the meeting will be to hold a public hearing on the improvements, known as Project No. 1068. The proposed project is in accordance with the preliminary engineering report dated December, 2011, prepared by the City Engineer. The estimated cost of the foregoing improvement is as follows: $493,100. The area proposed to be assessed for said improvements is described as follows: The area located within the Northeast 1⁄4 of Section 26, lying South of Diffley Road, East of Lexington Avenue, in Township 27, Range 23, in the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota. All persons who desire to be heard with respect to the question of whether or not the above improvements should be made shall be heard at said time and place. Dated January 3, 2012 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL /s/ Christina M. Scipioni By: Christina M. Scipioni Eagan City Clerk 2883125 1/20-1/27/12

PUBLIC NOTICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 196 Rosemount-Apple ValleyEagan Public Schools Educating our students to reach their full potential 2012 ROOF REHABILITION Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received for the 2012 Roof Rehabilitation by Independent School District 196, at the District Service Center (conference room A-2), 14445 Diamond Path West, Rosemount, MN 55068, until 2 p.m., local time on Thursday, February 16, 2012; at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Complete instructions on how to obtain Bidding Documents from American Reprographics Company can be found at: http://www.district196.org/District/LegalNotices/ index.cfm. If you should have any questions regarding this bid you may contact the Facilities Department at (651) 423-7706. Joel Albright, Board Clerk Independent School District 196 2883191 1/20-1/27/12

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CITY OF EAGAN

APPLICANT: Theodore Anderson, REQUEST: Multiple Variances: 1) reduced number of parking stalls; 2) reduced parking stall sizes and widths; 3) reduced parking lot setbacks; 4) for zero setback or encroachment onto adjacent property of satellite dish and trash enclosure and trash enclosure within a front yard; 5) reduced green space below 25%; and 6) for relief from landscape requirements. LOCATION/LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot 5 Meadow View TIME OF HEARING: City Council Meeting: February 8, 2012 at 6:30 pm PLACE OF HEARING: City Hall Council Chambers, 3830 Pilot Knob Road ANY QUESTIONS: C a l l t h e P l a n n i n g Department at (651) 675-5685 or contact Pam Dudziak, t h e P l a n n e r a t ( 6 5 1 ) 675-5691 or pdudziak@cityofeagan.com with the following information: DEVELOPMENT NAME: Ted Anderson CASE #: 08-VA-04-12-11 2889691 1/27/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF THE CITY OF EAGAN POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities will be provided upon advance notice of at least 96 hours. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City of Eagan will attempt to provide such aid. Telephone: (651) 675-5000; TDD: (651) 454-8535. 2883199 1/20-1/27/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF EAGAN, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA Project No. 1077 - Northview Park Road/ Braddock Trail/ Elrene Road Street Improvements NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, will meet at the Eagan Municipal Center at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122, on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The purpose of the meeting will be to hold a public hearing on the improvements, known as Project No. 1077. The proposed project is in accordance with the preliminary engineering report dated December, 2011, prepared by the City Engineer. The estimated cost of the foregoing improvement is as follows: $1,099,800. The area located within Sections 23 and 24, lying North of Diffley Road, East of Lexington Avenue, in Township 27, Range 23, in the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota. All persons who desire to be heard with respect to the question of whether or not the above improvements should be made shall be heard at said time and place. Dated January 3, 2012 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL /s/ Christina M. Scipioni By: Christina M. Scipioni Eagan City Clerk 2883163 1/20-1/27/12

PUBLIC NOTICE "Annual Meeting" Eagan's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program When: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. Where: Eagan Room City Hall - 3830 Pilot Knob Road Eagan MN Learn about the City of Eagan's wide-ranging efforts to keep pollutants out of lakes and wetlands Share your questions or concerns with City staff All residents and business owners are welcome! Eric Macbeth Water Resources Coordinator City of Eagan (651) 675-5300 (office) (651- 675-5360 (fax) emacbeth@cityofeagan.com 2889132 1/27/12

THISWEEK January �� 27, �� 2012 ��

Man charged after biting incident in Eagan missing video games. Thisweek Newspapers In the midst of the fight, Randolph bit off the tip of A Minneapolis man is his relative’s left index finfacing felony charges afger. ter allegedly biting off a Randolph then grabbed relative’s finger tip during a knife from the kitchen a fight in an Eagan apartand began using it to make ment. Levi threatening motions to Levi Deron Randolph, Randolph ward the man. The relative 42, was charged Jan. 20 by the Dakota County Attorney’s Of- grabbed a fire extinguisher and fice with two counts of assault for sprayed Randolph to force him to drop the knife. the attack. The complaint states the follow- Police were called at 7:37 p.m. ing: Randolph got into a physical While they were en route, Ranaltercation with a male relative the dolph also called police dispatch, evening of Jan. 18 after confront- yelled about a knife and then hung ing the man about an argument up. he and his wife were having over When officers arrived they by Jessica Harper

Eden/from 1A “We have grown incrementally every year since I’ve been here,” said Miller, who came to Eden Baptist in 1989. “We’re a slow-growth church, very family-oriented and very involved with one another’s lives,” he said. “We kind of just plod along as a church.” The new church is costing $2.4 million, which includes land and construction, Miller said. The congregation has

Teachers/from 1A of the district’s proposals.” There are four negotiation sessions scheduled, Duethman noted in an interview Wednesday. Red T-shirts with “UNITE” on the front and the BEA logo on the back were distributed at the union’s holiday party on Dec. 20. Wednesday is the assigned day to wear the shirts if teachers choose to. The district settled its last two-year teacher contract on Dec. 1, Duethman noted in her letter. Two dates are working against a speedy settlement this time. Teachers agreed to the district’s request to begin talks after the Nov. 8 levy renewal referendum, Duethman said. “Which is not an unusual request,” she added. Also, the Legislature has removed a Jan. 15 dead-

found the relative bleeding heavily and missing part of his finger. Randolph was arrested and unconditional bail was set at $300,000. Another bail option was set at $125,000 if Randolph agreed to take all prescribed medications and have no contact with the victim. He remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail in Hastings. His first court appearance was Jan. 20. An omnibus hearing is set for Feb. 14. If convicted, Randolph could face up to seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine for each count. Jessica Harper is at jessica.harper@ecm-inc.com.

7A ��

Eagan health insurer names next CEO

their Medicaid and behavioral health business. Coventry serves more Eagan-based Blue than 5 million members Cross and Blue Shield of across the nation. Minnesota announced Prior to his role at Covlast week that it has choentry, Burdick served sen a new CEO and presias CEO of two Uniteddent to lead the nonprofit Kenneth Health Group compahealth care insurer. Burdick nies. He also held senior Kenneth Burdick is expected to join Blue Cross in mid- leadership positions at Travelers February. He will succeed Patrick Companies and CIGNA CorpoGeraghty, who left in July to join ration. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Burdick is a graduate of AmFlorida, according to a news re- herst College and has a J.D. from the University of Connecticut lease. Burdick most recently served School of Law. as senior vice president of Bethes- da, Md.-based Coventry Health Jessica Harper is at jessica.harpCare Inc. and was the CEO of er@ecm-inc.com. by Jessica Harper Thisweek Newspapers

outgrown the Savage building, which Miller said has a “ridiculously small” entryway and offices tucked away on the second floor. “I think from the beginning we did not see it as a permanent location,” Miller said. “We did have a plan that we put into place that this next location would be our final location. And that from there, our next goal would be to spin off another church.” Originally called Burnsville Baptist Church, Eden Baptist started with small

Bible studies held at Nicollet Junior High in Burnsville, Miller said. When he arrived in ’89, the church had moved its services to the Diamondhead Mall in Burnsville, the former shopping center that became School District 191’s Diamondhead Education Center. In 1996 the church moved to its current home on Glenhurst Avenue in Savage. The building was originally a small neighborhood grocery store to which the owner had added a much larger ware-

house in hopes of finding a tenant. “And it looked like it was an ideal building for a church building, as far as we were concerned,” Miller said. Eden Baptist has sold the building to another church, Celebracion de Amigos, which is leasing the space back while the new church is built. Eden Baptist bought the city-owned soccer field when Burnsville officials put the property up for bid in 2002. It bought the adjacent two acres in 2009 from the

Minnesota Valley Humane Society, which operated an animal shelter in a building that had once been Burnsville City Hall. The Humane Society, which had been looking for a larger building, ultimately folded because of financial problems. But at the time, the nonprofit was pleased that a potential buyer was interested in the property. “We just thought it doesn’t hurt to ask them,” Miller said. “We were a bit surprised they responded quite quickly and with great

interest immediately.” The church is being built where the animal shelter used to be. West of the building is land for a future gymnasium addition. A narrow strip of land on the east side of the property remains as a play area for children of the congregation. “We’ve sought to be fairly frugal,” Miller said. “And yet I think it’s going to be a nice facility and an effective facility for us.” John Gessner is at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com.

line for districts to wrap up teacher contracts or face financial penalties. “Because that Jan. 15 deadline is gone, now you’re seeing the result,” Duethman said, noting that 55 percent of Minnesota districts have yet to settle their 2011-13 contracts with teachers. The union has yet to reach “Stage 3” of its plan to apply public pressure to speed talks along. That would include “working to rule” – working only the hours specified in contract language. “I’ve made it abundantly clear we do not want to get to Stage 3,” Duethman said, noting that the union has kept Superintendent Randy Clegg apprised of its actions. She’d like to settle the contract before spring break begins the last week of March. Meanwhile, there’s been

a shakeup in the district’s negotiating team. Tania Chance, executive director of human resources, has resigned effective Feb. 1. Stacey Sovine, the district’s labor relations director, will lead the negotiating team. For its part, the district in September issued a news release that some union members may have considered a shot across the bow for upcoming negotiations. “In light of the difficult financial times across the nation and state and their compounding effects on the current economic reality of the district, the Board of Education has been fiscally responsible in taking action on zero increases to the following employee groups to date: superintendent, cabinet and Community Education staff,” Board Chair Ron Hill said in the release. John Gessner is at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com.

Rahn/from 1A

wouldn’t have seen such growth without the incentives and the magnet, Mehdizadeh said. A parent survey helped guide the school toward its arts and tech magnet theme, she said. The theme “built on strengths we already had,” Mehdizadeh said. “It was responsive to what our families were interested in doing. Our staff could take ownership of it because they already had a great deal of interest in those areas. And it would be responsive to the needs of our children in terms of being 21st-century leaders.” Each grade level has arts and technology integrated into three themed units of study, the principal said. The units give students “equal access at every grade level.” Activities include Web exploration, research and

observation at the Minnesota Zoo, digital photography, and sketching and writing at Caponi Art Park. “Not every child learns best through paper and pencil,” Mehdizadeh said. “They need to have that hands-on, interactive learning. And arts and technology can provide that.” Rahn will present “The Elements” at Burnsville High School at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 2 for Rahn students and other guests. A 7 p.m. performance will be held for parents, the general public and prospective students. The student art show will be from 6 to 7 p.m. It will include a silent auction of local artworks to raise money for next year’s artist in residence at Rahn.

a history of performances, a music and dance performance, and our students are really excited about that.” This year’s show will also feature a student art exhibit in the Mraz Center corridor before the evening show. The arts and tech magnet is part of a larger School District 191 effort to pump up enrollment at Rahn and better utilize space across the district’s 10 elementary schools. Two years ago the district introduced incentives for district students to attend Rahn, including free or discounted-priced fullday kindergarten. Enrollment has grown by 75 students over the two years, with 425 students in a building with capacity to hold 525, Principal Elaine Mehdizadeh said. Nestled in an aging neighborhood, the school

John Gessner is at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com.

��

Organizational Organizational Notices Notices

South South Suburban Suburban Alanon

Alanon

��

�� Ebenezer Ridges Care Center Ebenezer Ridges

�� Care Center �� Contact Scott

�� 612-759-5407 �� or Marty Contact Scott 612-701-5345

612-759-5407

or Marty AA Farmington

612-701-5345

Closed Mixed Meetings Mon, Wed, Thurs at 8 PM Open Meeting 2nd Sat.

Farmington AA Alanon Mtgs Closed Mixed Meetings Thurs at 8pm Mon, Wed, Thurs All meetings at 8 PM at: Rambling River Center Open Meeting 2nd Sat. 325 Oak Street

Alanon Mtgs Questions? Thurs at W. 8pmat Call Mike 952-240-1262

Allwww.aa.org meetings at: Rambling River Center 325 Oak Street Abraham Low

Self-Help Questions? Systems Call Mike W. at

(Recovery, Int'l) 952-240-1262

�� www.aa.org ��

Abraham Low Self-Help Systems Dona: (Recovery, Int'l) 612-824-5773

Organizational Organizational Notices Notices

Organizational Organizational Notices Notices If If you you want want to to drink drink that’s your business...

Burnsville Burnsville Lakeville

Lakeville

that’s If youyour wantbusiness... to STOP

A Vision A Vision for You-AA

for You-AA Thursdays 7:30 PM A closed, mixed

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A closed, mixed Grace United meetingChurch at Methodist

Grace United Methodist Church East Frontage Road of 35W across from Buck Hill - Burnsville

If you wantours. to STOP that’s that’s Callours. Call Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics

Anonymous

Minneapolis: 952-922-0880 St. Paul: 651-227-5502

Find a meeting: Minneapolis: 952-922-0880 www.aastpaul.org St. Paul: 651-227-5502 www.aaminneapolis.org

East Frontage Road Find a meeting:AA EAGAN/BURNSVILLE/SAVAGE of 35W across from www.aastpaul.org 3600 (2nd Floor) Buck HillKennebec - Burnsville Drive www.aaminneapolis.org Eagan, MN (Off of Hwy 13)

EAGAN/BURNSVILLE/SAVAGE AA Meeting Schedule •3600 Sundays 6:30pm (Men’s) 8pm (Mixed) Kennebec Drive &(2nd Floor) • Mondays 6:30pm & 8pm (Mixed) Eagan, MN (Off of Hwy 13) • Tuesdays 6:30pm & 8pm (Mixed) •Wednesdays Noon (Mixed) & 8pm (Mixed) • Thursdays 6:30pm Alanon & 8pm (Mixed) • Friday 6:30 (Mixed) & 8pm (Mixed) • Sundays 6:30pm (Men’s) & 8pm (Mixed) • Saturdays 8pm (Open) Speaker Meeting

Meeting Schedule

• Mondays 6:30pm & 8pm (Mixed) Questions? 651-253-9163 • Tuesdays 6:30pm & 8pm (Mixed)

�� Noon (Mixed) & 8pm (Mixed) •Wednesdays �� • Thursdays 6:30pm Alanon & 8pm (Mixed) �� • Friday 6:30 (Mixed) & 8pm (Mixed)

• Saturdays 8pm (Open) Speaker Meeting

Questions? 651-253-9163

��

Organizational Organizational Notices Notices

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Billing Coordinator

Prefinishing Sprayer

�� sprayer to work in �� door and��moulding �� shop. � � � � �Exp � � �staining �� desirable. �� fiberglass �� Must be detail-ori��

ented, able to lift 45 lbs, good comm skills. Millwork exp a plus. Prefinishing Please email resume Sprayer to skittams@ Exp paint/stain jbomeara.com sprayer to work in door and moulding or Exp mailstaining to: shop. fiberglass desirable. J. B. O'Meara Co. MustAttn: be detail-oriSue ented,Dupont able to Ave lift 45 12301 S lbs, good comm skills. Burnsville, MN Millwork exp a 55337 plus. Please email resume No phone calls please to skittams@ jbomeara.com

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No phone calls please

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or mail to: J. B. O'Meara Co. Attn: Sue 12301 Dupont Ave S �� Burnsville, 55337�� MN � ��

� ��

��

New Ulm, MN 56073

Sara Bode, HR Director

sbode@citizensmn.com Citizens Bank EOE/AAMinnesota

Part-Time

PO Box 547 New Ulm, MN 56073

sbode@citizensmn.com EOE/AA

Part-Time

Burnsville Sundays, 8am-8pm andlocation available for other shifts, including days, evenings, Sundays, 8am-8pm and availableweekends, for other shifts, including days, Must evenings, weekends, and holidays. $10/hr. be reliable and and holidays. $10/hr. Must be reliable able to mulit-task effectively for and able to mulit-task effectively for aa fast-paced fast-paced office. office. Must Must be be able able to to pass pass aa drug screening and background drug screening and background check. check. Please call call 612-282-9330. Please 612-282-9330.

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Duties include cleaning, 952-431-6456 snow removal, assisting manager. Will train. Must � �have � � � �excellent � � � � �work �� history/ references, � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � and �� qualify � � � � � for � � �apartment. �� Full bkground check.�� Call between �� 9am-3pm �� M-F��only for details & phone interview.

�� Advertising Disclaimer ��

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THISWEEK January 27, 2012

�� Commercial For Rent

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Cleaning

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Cats, Kittens, Dogs & Pups! Adopt or donate to your animal rescue:

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Box 114 Farmington, MN 55024 Beverly 651-463-8739 ��

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Electrical & Plumbing

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TH, Dbls Duplexes

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Business Professionals

G A S S T O V E � �� 952-423-3705 � � � � � �� 701-720-7919

Apple Valley Petco 11-3pm Every Saturday!

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2A

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10A

January 27, 2012 THISWEEK

Thisweekend Sunny sounds at the Frozen Apple

There will be blood … and books ‘Read & Bleed’ at Wescott Library combines Red Cross blood drive, appearance by St. Paul vampire-fiction author

by Andrew Miller Thisweek Newspapers

File photo

Acoustic artist Michael Monroe is bringing his sunny blend of folk, jazz and reggae to Apple Valley on Saturday, Feb. 4 as part of the Frozen Apple concert series hosted by the Apple Valley Arts Foundation. Admission is free to the 6 p.m. concert at the Apple Valley Community Center, 14603 Hayes Road, and food and beverages from local vendors will be available for purchase. The series, which kicked off Jan. 21 with a performance by the Harold Torrence Latin Vibe, concludes March 3 with nine-piece funk and soul band Menage a Neuf. More about the Frozen Apple concerts is at http://applevalleyarts.org/events.html.

Nurses, not fanged nightwalking fiends, will be doing the blood withdrawal at the Wescott Library on Saturday, Jan. 28. The library is partnering with the American Red Cross to offer “Read & Bleed,” which will include both a blood drive and an appearance by an author of vampire fiction. Tate Hallaway, author of the Vampire Princess series, will be on hand to sign and discuss her books during the blood drive from 11 a.m. to noon in the library’s lower level meeting room. The comically macabre concept behind “Read & Bleed” is twofold, according to Jennifer Verbrugge, youth

programming coordinator for Dakota County libraries. “We thought an appearance by a local author of vampire-themed novels might be a fun tie-in to the good work the American Red Cross Bloodmobile does – and maybe bring some teens into the library, too,” Verbrugge said. Though the Read & Bleed in Eagan is likely the first of its kind in Minnesota, Verbrugge said she cribbed the idea from the Gadsden Public Library in Alabama, which held a similar event in August 2011. The event is open to all, but blood donors must be at least 17 years old. Everyone who donates will be entered in a drawing to win a signed copy

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of Hallaway’s new book, “Almost Everything,” the final installment in the St. Paul author’s Vampire Princess series. More information about the event can be

found at www.co.dakota. mn.us by searching “Read & Bleed Eagan.” Andrew Miller is at andrew. miller@ecm-inc.com.

theater and arts briefs

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File photo

Sinister shadow-lurking vampires can strike anytime, anywhere … but the only blood-drawing at the Wescott Library on Saturday will be by American Red Cross nurses.

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The IMAX Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley will celebrate Chinese Language Day with a special showing of “China: The Panda Adventure” at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. In addition, the zoo will host guest speaker Dr. Kathy Traylor-Holzer, a conservation biologist who will share her experience working to conserve giant pandas and South China tigers. Further attractions will include Chinese language student animal presentations, activity stations, a Chinese-narrated Monorail ride, and many animals from Asia on display including a Komodo dragon. Tickets are $9.75 for adults and $7.25 for seniors and children ages 3-12. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or in advance at www.imax.com/ minnesota. Group reservations: (953) 997-9714 or cpurfeerst@imax.com. To register a class, visit www. mnzoo.org/teachandlearn or call (952) 431-9218.

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Dakota Valley Symphony and Chorus concert The Dakota Valley Symphony and Chorus will present a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Three pieces will be performed: Schubert’s Alfonso and Estrella Overture, Dvorak’s Violin Concerto and Mozart’s Requiem. The chorus will be joined by 200 singers from three local high schools for the Mozart piece: Lakeville North Chorale, Lakeville South Chorale and Shakopee High School Concert Choir. Orchestra soloist Ariana Kim will perform Dvorak’s Violin Concerto. After the concert, audience members will have the opportunity to meet Kim during a reception. Tickets range from $5 to $15 and can be purchased in person at the box office, via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster. com. More information is at www.DakotaValleySymphony.org.

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THISWEEK January 27, 2012

11A

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Duane Lee Sandstrom Age 76 of Burnsville, passed away Jan 12, 2012. Survived by loving wife, Marilyn; children David (Traycee), Julie (Thomas) Sult, Kristen (Derek) Radcliffe; grandchildren, Benjamin, Kaeleb, Owen, Kiana; brother, Paul (Grace) Sandstrom; also by other loving relatives a n d f ri e n ds. Funeral Service was held at 11AM Monday, Jan. 16, 2012 at Berean Baptist Church 309 E. CR 42 Burnsville, with visitation one hour prior to service at church. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial preferred. White Funeral Home Burnsville 952-894-5080 www.whitefuneralhomes.com

Ali O’Brien ‘Blossom’ Sweet 16!

60th Anniversary Bob & Marge Meckley Proud to Announce the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Bob & Marge Meckley February 4th 1952! Parents of: Gary (Sandy), Diane (Dick), & Tom (Kristi), plus seven grandchildren!

January 21, 1996 xxxooo GammaWose

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To submit an announcement

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Forms for birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary and obituaries announcements are available at our office and online at www. thisweeklive.com (click on “Announcements” and then “Send Announcement”). Completed forms may be e-mailed to class.thisweek@ ecm-inc.com or mailed to Thisweek Newspapers, 12190 County Road 11, Burnsville, MN 55337. If you are submitting a photograph along with your announcement, please only submit photographs for which you have the right to permit Thisweek Newspapers 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 Thisweek Newspapers. Photos may be picked up at the office within 60 days or returned by mail if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is provided.

Derry L. Lucas

Age 64, died January 13, 2012 in Hudson, FL. Retired decorated Marine Veteran. Born in Oconto Falls, Green Bay, WI. Resided in Farmington, MN until retirement in FL. Survived by loving Wife, Kathy, Brother Rick Lucas, and loving Godson, Jimmy Lucas, Loving Daughter, Stacy Martin, and Son, Andrew Lucas and 5 Grandchildren. Three Stepchildren, Dione, Brock, and Corey and 4 Step Grandchildren. Burial service will be held at 1:45PM Tuesday, January 31st at Fort Snelling Cemetery 34th Ave & I494. Luncheon immediately following the burial at the Apple Valley Legion, West of 145th & Cedar Ave. Questions call, Wife, Kathy 612-802-2366

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12A

January 27, 2012 THISWEEK

Education Officials plan for future in District 196 by Jessica Harper Thisweek Newspapers

In their latest five-year plan, officials in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District expect to balance the budget while avoiding cuts in the next two years. Adjustments may be made, however, in 2014-15 and 2016-17. “To go into a year without cutting would be amazing to us,” said Superintendent Jane Berenz. “But it’s because we have been frugal.” In the plan presented by Finance Director Jeff Solomon and selected by the School Board at its Jan. 23 retreat, the district would have a $291.7 million budget and a fund balance of $35.6 million. This is 12.05 percent of the general fund, which exceeds the board’s 8 percent goal. The district expects to

receive a $50 per pupil funding increase in 201213 as promised by the state. District 196 has already received an additional $50 per pupil in state aid this year. This amounts to $1.5 million each year in additional revenue. District 196 also will receive $2.96 million in compensatory funding starting in 2012-13. Legislators passed the one-time money for the 20 districts with the largest enrollment aside from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth. District 196 is expected to receive the largest sum of this money. The district also expects to receive $1.63 million in literacy aid for 2012-13. The aid is based on literacy achievement of third- and fourth-graders.

This additional aid enabled district officials to avoid seeking a new operating levy referendum. District officials expect the state to keep funding flat in the following years. “We recognize the state’s challenges but that education has recently been a high priority,” Solomon said. Under its plan, the district will be able to avoid budget adjustments until 2014-15. At that point, officials will need to consider cutting $33 million as the district faces a potential deficit from 2015 to 2017. District 196 has had to make budget adjustments in the past few years, including this year, as it faced shortfalls in state aid. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com.

Polar explorer speaks at Faithful Shepherd school Polar explorer Ann Bancroft visited Faithful Shepherd Catholic School in Eagan on Monday, Jan. 23. She discussed how she came to be interested in exploring as a child and shared how important it is to her to bring her explorations into classrooms to educate and inspire students. She also discussed her past Antarctic explorations, sharing photos and stories, and her upcoming expedition, “Access Water 2012,” with women representing all seven continents (www.yourexpedition.com/ accesswater2012) . Bancroft’s visit tied into Faithful Shepherd’s 2012 Aim Higher campaign, which inspires students to achieve their goals. In keeping with this theme, Bancroft explained to the students that she was diagnosed with dyslexia in sev-

Photo submitted

Faithful Shepherd Catholic School fourth-grader Ella Hinkemeyer shows Ann Bancroft the social studies project she did in third grade on the polar explorer. Bancroft discussed her explorations at the school on Jan. 23. enth grade and that a motivating high school teacher inspired her to go to college to become a teacher. Bancroft’s presentation was woven into Faithful Shepherd’s Catholic Schools Week celebration

(Jan. 23-27). Symbolizing Bancroft’s 800-mile trek across Antarctica, students collected 800 pounds of food for local food shelves, walked a combined total of 800 miles, and had an Antarctic parade.

Can’t keep him down Cancer benefit held for middle school employee by Jessica Harper Thisweek Newspapers

Three years ago Jeff Payette of Apple Valley was dealt a devastating blow. He was diagnosed with inoperable esophageal cancer at age 47, yet he never let the disease bring his spirit down. “It was devastating,” he said. “But I have too much to live for. I don’t have time to get depressed.” Through years of chemotherapy, radiation treatments and financial burdens brought on by the cancer, Payette, now 50, kept a positive attitude and continued to put family first. At one point, he went straight to his son’s wrestling match after enduring exhausting therapies at the hospital. It was this spirit that helped inspire Payette’s friends and colleagues to organize a fundraising benefit. The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, from 3 to 8 p.m. and will include a lasagna dinner, bake sale, silent auction and Zumbathon at Scott Highlands Middle School, 14011 Pilot Knob Road, Apple Valley. Free-will donations will be collected for the dinner, while the Zumbathon will cost $10 per person. Donations will be given to the Payette family to help ease their financial burden. “Jeff and his family are just so deserving of this,” said Kathy Plumley, one of the event’s organizers. “He’s a good man and a good friend to my daughter, Kim.” Plumley said she doesn’t have a specific dollar amount in mind but hopes to raise as much money as possible. “We just want to make sure they are financially se-

Jeff Payette

encountered more bad news when his wife, Maria, was laid off. Like her husband, she too was able to quickly find a job within in the same school district. Since diagnosis, Payette has incurred exorbitant medical bills and missed weeks of work as a custodian at Scott Highlands. Though he has been dealt a heavy hand, the Payettes say they are grateful for all the generosity shown to them in the past few years. Friends, family and teachers have organized numerous fundraisers, while school officials have gone out of their way to ensure Payette has a safe work environment during his weakest moments. “Through this whole time, everyone’s been so helpful,” he said. “I don’t think I have enough thank you’s to give.” For more information on the benefit for Jeff Payette, call either Kim Johnson at (612) 578-3350 or Kathy Plumley at (651) 373-4321.

cure,” she said. The past five years have been a roller coaster ride for the Payette family. Payette was handed his first blow in 2007 when he was laid off by a local flower shop. He was fortunate to quickly find a custodial job in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District where his three sons attend school. It is also the district where Payette grew up and graduated high school. Within a few years, he got the grim news that he had an inoperable cancerous tumor. Doctors theorize that it Jessica Harper is at jessica. may have been caused, in harper@ecm-inc.com. part, by years of erosion created by acid reflux, Pay- �� ette said. Since doctors can- �� not operate on the tumor in �� his esophagus, Payette will �� likely endure chemotherapy �� until it is eradicated. This, �� doctors say, will likely take the rest of his life. The hardest part, Payette said, was sharing the news with his three sons, Joshua, Alex and Miguel, who are now 16, 13, and 11, respec�� tively. �� It was really hard to �� tell my sons,” Payette said. “They wanted to know why, and I couldn’t really answer that.” Within a year, the family ��

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