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Sun Thisweek

July 2012

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Opinion

July 20, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 21

Developer secures Eagan land for outlet mall by Jessica Harper

A Special Section Focusing on Summer Fun

Burnsville | Eagan

East Coast developer Paragon Outlets has secured land in Eagan’s Cedar Grove redevelopment area for its planned outlet mall On July 17, Eagan’s Economic Development Au-

thority approved a $14.7 million purchase agreement with Paragon Outlets Eagan, a subsidiary of Paragon, for 29 acres of land near Highway 13 and Silver Bell Road. In addition to the property, the purchase price covers part of the cost of

relocating an existing gas pipeline, road improvements and the construction of a two-level parking ramp. The agreement also gives Paragon a three-acre parcel nearby that the developer agreed will be dedicated to the city for park land upon

the project’s completion. “We’re very elated,” said Kelvin Antill, development partner for Paragon. “The process has gone over several months and the city has been great to work with.” Paragon hopes to build a 400,000-square-foot re-

tail complex on the property — plans that have so far received a green light from city officials. The Baltimore developer’s preliminary concept plan was approved by the EDA in April. Those plans See Outlet Mall, 15A

New park is left to the dogs Eagan’s off-leash dog park opens by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Save Parkview needs a plan Mayor says Eagan residents who are interested in saving Parkview Golf Course should present a viable plan. Page 4A

Sports

Dogs both large and small are able to run free in Eagan for the first time, thanks to a new off-leash dog park. The six-acre fenced dog area at Eagan’s Thresher Fields Park opened July 17 and features trails, and a rugged natural setting for dogs and their owners to explore. “There was only one thing missing in Eagan to make it a perfect city and that was a dog park,” said Alan Miller, who, along with his wife, Sharon, brought his dog, Dakota, to the park on Tuesday. Miller and his wife previously brought Dakota to dog parks in White Bear Lake and Burnsville and said they were glad to have one close to home. “It has some really unique features and the dogs love it,” he said. The park also includes an area for small dogs and a lake shore with a gated

Eagan was one step from final

Photo by Jessica Harper

Area dogs and their owners were able to explore Eagan’s new dog park for the first time in Thresher Fields Park during opening day on July 17.

access to the lake for waterloving dogs. The dog park at Thresher Fields will be open year round, consistent with park hours and rules. Water and restrooms will be available on a seasonal basis. Eagan’s Parks and Recreation department had tossed around the idea for the dog park several years. “There was a lot of advocacy in our citizenry

which allowed us to come up with pretty grounded plans,” said Paul Olson, Eagan park supervisor. Eventually the city settled on Thresher Fields due to its natural features and available land. Mayor Mike Maguire and the City Council marked the park’s opening Tuesday with a ceremonial breaking of a leash. The greatest challenge

for park officials will be staying ahead of waste and other maintenance issues in the dog park, Olson said, adding that dog owners will be responsible for bringing their own waste bags. Eagan isn’t the only city to open a dog park in recent months. St. Paul opened one off Shepard Road in June. Residents and visitors will be required to obtain a permit and color-coded collar to enter into the dog

Weaving a story of wonder

Eagan reaches semifinals of 84-team American Legion baseball tournament. Page 10A

park. Permits must be purchased in person at Eagan Parks and Recreation, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, or the Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway. The permit fee will cover the operational costs of the park. For more information, visit www.ci.eagan.mn.us or call (651) 675-5500. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Most county drug cases tested by lab under scrutiny Judge’s decision may affect previous prosecutions

thisweekend

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Caponi taps into Irish dance St. Paul’s O’Shea Dance nationally-recognized students will perform traditional Irish dances such as reel, slip and jig at Caponi Art Park. Page 12A

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Photo by Rick Orndorf

Colleen Shaskin, of the Wonder Weavers, tells a story prior to the July 12 Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour Concerts at Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville. The events are geared toward preschool-aged audiences. Information about upcoming storytimes and concerts can be found at the city of Burnsville’s website under “Visitors > Community Events > Summer Concerts.”

The St. Paul Crime Lab, under scrutiny for what two public defenders say are questionable testing practices, has been used almost exclusively in Dakota County drug cases for the past five years, said Dakota County Drug Task Force Cmdr. Dan Bianconi. While Bianconi and Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows credit the crime lab for its efficiency and quick turn-around time, they both cited concerns about highly publicized court testimony from its employees this week indicating the lab’s practices may have compromised the reliability of the tests and results. Both officials indicated the county will likely seek other See LAB, 15A

Burnsville man indicted on manslaughter charge A Dakota County Grand Jury has indicted a 23-yearold Burnsville man of two felony charges – seconddegree manslaughter and reckless discharge of a firearm in a municipality – in connection with the shoot-

ing death of a 22-year-old Savage man. According to one person interviewed by Burnsville police, Kyle Alan Dague told the person after the shooting that he pulled the trigger on a 9 mm handgun

when Justin James Schauer was shot and killed. Dague, who lived at the apartment where the shooting took place, called 911 at approximately 2:40 a.m. Dec. 31, 2011, to report that Schauer had been shot.

Paramedics determined Schauer was dead when they arrived. Dague indicated to police that he and Schauer had each been playing a game with the handgun in which the holder would pull back

the slide of the gun and catch the ejected bullet in the air with his free hand. Dague told Burnsville police that when he was not looking he heard the gun go See Charges, 15A

July 20, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Cities, schools can battle poverty Lack of affordable housing requirements in region fuel problems by T.W. Budig Sun Thisweek

Concentrations of poverty shown on Myron Orfield’s maps lunge into the suburbs, suggesting a dynamic that could leave cities like Brooklyn Center, Columbia Heights and other suburban communities as beleaguered as north Minneapolis, Orfield believes. “Probably (with) worse problems,” said Orfield, director of the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis legislator from 1991-2002. Suburbs are vulnerable, according to Orfield, because many of them don’t have the “horsepower” of the central city. “It has a big downtown tax base. It has wealthy neighborhoods. There’s a certain stability in these big cities that these first and second-ring suburbs aren’t going to have,” he said. As for third-ring suburb Burnsville, its school district has encountered budget challenges as its student population has become more diverse and poor. While the district has a broad residential and commercial tax base, it has had to pare it budget and consider changes like a four-day school week and closing a school building in order to save money. The Minnesota Department of Education found that nearly 50 percent of elementary school students in District 191 are minority and 48 percent of students receive free or reduced price lunches. Last school year, the department labeled Sky Oaks “racially identified,” which means it has at least 20 percent more minority students than elementary schools districtwide.

Photo submitted

Myron Orfield, director of the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis legislator from 1991-2002, says concentrations of poverty can be overcome by cities banding together to demand change.

tating cycle at work in a growing area of the innerring suburbs, one creating low-opportunity neighborhoods, struggling schools and stressed local government. He depicts it as fueled to a great extent by a failure at providing affordable housing equitably across the entire metro area, a failure he places at the doorstep of the Metropolitan Council. Beginning in the late 1980s, the council began to backslide from policies it followed for more than 20 years, such as affordable housing being a prerequisite for gaining regional amenities in outer-ring suburbs, Orfield said. “They really defeated this (concentration-of-poverty) problem, and then they just dropped the ball,” Orfield said. “And it wasn’t racists who did it; it was just dumb.” In the book “Region,” by Orfield and Institute on Race and Poverty researcher Thomas Luce Jr., the men argue that ill-directed federal housing programs have contributed to concentrations of poverty. The authors argue that Debilitating cycle Low-Income House Tax Orfield views a debili- Credit Program and Section

8 housing units and vouchers are disproportionately centered in Minneapolis, St. Paul and “stressed” inner suburbs where the population of minority and low-income people is already high. More than three-quarters of metro area residents of color live in the central cities and stressed suburbs – such as Crystal, Fridley, Robbinsdale and Coon Rapids – with two-fifths of the region’s white residents living in “low-opportunity” communities. “People may be fleeing increasing concentrations of poverty as much at they’re fleeing black people or Latino people or Asian people. I think that’s what people are really choosing against,” Orfield said. Concentration of poverty – the creation of lowopportunity neighborhoods – has a corrosive effect on the middle-class attitudes and values many people of all races strongly feel. “You live in a community that’s upwardly mobile, it pulls you up,” Orfield said. “A good kid in a bad neighborhood can get pulled into trouble.” See Orfield, 7A

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan July 20, 2012

Thomson Reuters opposes amendment Eagan grandmother banning same-sex marriage in state investigated after by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Legal, business information and media company Thomson Reuters said this week it opposes Minnesota’s proposed constitutional amendment to ban samesex marriage. In a July 13 email to employees, Thomson Reuters’ top Minnesota executives, Mike Suchsland, president of legal, and Rick King, chief operations officer of technology, indicated that the amendment, if passed, could be bad for business. “If adopted, we believe the Minnesota Marriage Amendment would limit our ability to recruit and retain top talent, a critical factor in our ability to serve our customers and be successful,” the email stated. “For this reason, we do not

believe that the Minnesota Marriage Amendment, if passed, would be good for Thomson Reuters or the business community in the state.” In a statement released the same day, company officials noted that Thomson Reuters’ position is “an affirmation of what we believe as a business and is consistent with our Trust Principles and our values.” It went on to say that “Thomson Reuters is a better place when we have a rich variety of perspectives, talent, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences in our workplace.” Thomson Reuters is based in New York and its subsidiary, Westlaw, is in Eagan. The company has 7,300 employees in Minnesota.

The company joins General Mills and St. Jude Medical in opposing the proposed constitutional amendment. Proponents of the marriage amendment disagree with Thomson Reuters’ contention that if passed, the amendment would hurt Minnesota’s business climate. “I don’t think it will be bad for business,” said state Sen. Ted Daley, R-Eagan, who voted to put the measure on the ballot. “The current statute as it currently stands is one man, one woman, so the amendment won’t change anything except by putting it in the constitution.” Daley said he believes it is best to allow voters, not legislators or “activist judges,” to define marriage.

“I have trust in the goodhearted common sense of the people of Minnesota to make the right decision,” Daley said. When asked whether voters would be making the right decision by rejecting the amendment, Daley declined to comment. “I don’t want to speculate on how people will vote,” he said.

Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

death of infant by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

ported by ambulance to Children’s Hospital in St. Paul where he died. The 46-year-old grandmother’s blood alcohol level was 0.18, according to reports. She wasn’t arrested. The case has been sent to the Dakota County attorney for possible charges.

Police are investigating the death of a 10-week-old infant in Eagan after the child’s grandmother allegedly rolled on top of him while she was drunk, according to media reports. Eagan police responded to the home at 3600 Denmark Ave. at 1:16 p.m. July 7 and found the boy un- Jessica Harper is at jessica.harper@ecm-inc.com or conscious. The child was trans- facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Opinion

July 20, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Saving Parkview requires a community plan by Mike Maguire Special to Sun Thisweek

Some in our community implore the Eagan City Council to just “vote no” in hopes that it will “save Parkview” as a golf course. Here is why that approach is both unproductive and misguided. Whether one believes the course owners’ contention that golf at Parkview is no longer viable, they have a right to seek a change in land use for housing. Want to save Parkview to preserve the landscape and golfing for youth and seniors? Instead of losing precious time focusing on a “vote no” effort, Parkview advocates should develop a plan for golf that takes the land use change question completely off the table. It must be a viable plan that won’t come at the expense of Eagan taxpayers and won’t be reversed in the courts. A genuine plan to save Parkview would immediately seek credible buyers with a realistic business plan that could convince the current owners that someone else could make a go of Parkview. The City Council has made clear it does not believe taxpayer dollars can or should be used to buy the golf course or sustain it. Some ask why the city doesn’t solicit for new owners. Legal counsel advises that because Eagan has an application before it from a developer, the city would be vulnerable to an “interference of contract” claim from the developer and a claim from the owners for interfering with their property rights. However, the developer specifically

Guest Columnist

Mike Maguire

stated publicly that he would be open to ideas from the public about how to save Parkview. Thus, any realistic plan to save Parkview must be initiated by advocates within the community. Otherwise the only plan on the council’s table is for a housing development. So, truth be told, “vote no” is no plan for actually saving Parkview.

Why “vote no” is not a plan Some want to reduce the Parkview issue to a simple proposition: golf or housing? If only it were that simple. Despite multiple investments, Parkview owners insist they continue to lose money. Can a city force an owner to keep losing money? That question was at the root of the decade-long Carriage Hills saga, when the Eagan City Council did ‘vote no.” Ultimately, the city was able to settle that lawsuit before that issue was decided; and the public voted down buying the course by a 53-47 percent margin. However, the Minnesota Supreme Court did set standards for determining when a city would exceed its legitimate authority in trying to preserve green space. Effectively

the court said it would regard as overreach by government if a city’s land-use and zoning authority were used to force landowners to continue providing a public benefit (i.e. golf). One reason for council members’ votes, mine in particular, was the belief that a “no” vote was a potentially losing proposition in the courts. That same Supreme Court ruling made it clear that forcing a private owner to retain a non-viable land use could constitute a “regulatory taking.” The taxpayers of Eagan likely would be liable for damages and “just compensation.” Even assuming the city could prevail in court doesn’t save Parkview for golf. Under the current zoning the owners would have the option of establishing an RV park, a campground, a gun club or a cell tower farm — options less costly to operate than a golf course, but hardly protecting nearby homeowners’ property values. The City Council’s vote was not about a preference for homes over golf, but instead was the best option among alternatives before us.

tains 54 city parks and its residents have additional access to nearly 2,000 adjacent acres in Lebanon Hills Regional Park. The fact of the matter is, Eagan is already the envy of most other cities nationwide, and that commitment to green space and preservation will not change.

What plans for moving forward?

The City Council’s June vote was preliminary, not final. Before we make a final decision, the “re-zoning” requires Metropolitan Council approval, a process that is likely to take the remainder of the summer. The City Council has made it clear to the developers that when this matter comes back, we expect to see an environmentally sensitive plan that is responsive to neighbor concerns and addresses Eagan’s housing needs and priorities. In response to environmental or traffic concerns, the developer has volunteered to pay for these. So how can the community make good use of its time to save Parkview? Focus your collective wisdom and energies on taking the land use change off the table enWhy won’t the city save tirely. Convince the owners and developer Parkview? that there’s a viable business case for golf. Most municipal golf courses cannot be Absent that, we will make the very best sustained on greens and membership fees decision we can for the residents of Eagan without consistent and ongoing general with the facts we have in front of us. fund and property taxpayer subsidies. Additionally, buying 80 acres in the Mike Maguire is the mayor of Eagan. Colname of preserving green space is impru- umns reflect the opinion of the author. dent when the city already owns and main-

Letters Talk in facts, not slogans To the editor: The July 6 edition carried a letter (“Kautz is a true leader”) signed by the CEO of a Connecticutbased company that provides services in Burnsville. While the letter makes some points with which many residents might agree, it contains language that many would challenge. The writer states that the “approach” of the current mayor is: “The government needs to create an environment where people can prosper, then get out of the way.” The writer also states: “Her belief in the strength and integrity of the private sector is why this fair city’s unemployment is low.” A letter containing 17 sentences included at least 11 slogans or cliches. For those who care about Burnsville, the quotes above need some “meat” on them. Who “prospers” if city government gets “out of the way” and fails to provide adequate enforcement of building and housing codes or fails to ensure that all fire hydrants are regularly inspected? Who “prospers” when the natural environment of Burnsville is littered with signs because city government gets “out of the way.” And although I am sure the incumbent mayor would do all she could to minimize unemployment of Burnsville residents, employment levels are governed by many factors, global, national and

in the state and south metro communities was part of a one-two punch to wake us up to the challenges confronting us in redesigning businesses, government, communities and families for the new economy. The other part of the punch was a call to cooperation, personal responsibility and innovation itself in forging new directions and opportunities for coming generations. Sometimes it just takes things getting bad enough before there is the willingness to consider something different. The need for a hand-up is an ongoing crisis when virtually 99 percent of us have seen falling Tom Rice incomes while the fortunate Burnsville few have had excellent luck in gaining resources. People Jerry Willenburg work three jobs to put food has shown he on the table. We scramble mightily to educate our can lead kids. And the young folks’ To the editor: prospects seem to diminish My wife and I have lived before our very eyes. in Burnsville for 16 years. The RedesigningMN.org We were strong supporters site is a valuable impetus of Jerry Willenburg when for all of us to use. We must he ran for mayor of Burnshelp our poorest citizens ville in 2008. We were desurvive, and we must build lighted when we saw that he new and better opportunihas once again stepped up ties for us all to work. Canto run for mayor of Burnsdidates like former state ville again this year. Rep. Mike Obermueller and We have known WillenU.S. Rep. John Kline will burg through our church, be discussing a new kind of River Hills United Meth- BOB and ELLIE RICH- world and 2nd Congressioodist in Burnsville, for ARDSON nal District. It’s an interestmany years. During this Burnsville ing several months before time Willenburg served us. our church in a number of A watershed ways. He spent many years Paul Hoffinger on the SPPR committee moment Eagan (the church human resourcTo the editor: es). He revived and chaired the PR/Communications The startling editorial This dog likes committee – one outcome about the reach of poverty

regional – and sometimes local. If a mayor’s “beliefs in the strength and ingenuity of the private sector” are why “this fair city’s employment is low,” then the writer should give us the specifics of what actions made this happen. Governing and managing a city – even a suburb – requires committed policy-makers and skilled professionals. Burnsville provides many services that are vital to our everyday safety and quality of life. Supporters of candidates should talk about them using plain language and specific facts, not slogans.

of which was our congregation’s presence at the Fire Muster. He launched a campaign to rebuild our church’s membership and raise our church’s involvement in the community. He also served on our Church Council where he helped shape direction for our congregation. Our church recently went through a building expansion project. There were conflicting feelings on the specifics of this project. Willenburg had the courage to step out and speak his mind, which turned out to represent the opinions of many in our congregation. His leadership in this matter helped us to have a complete and thorough discussion and allowed everyone’s opinion to be heard. We believe that Willenburg’s leadership as mayor would have the same impact for our city. He creates an environment where everyone can speak and be heard. Not everyone can win every debate, but with Willenburg everyone’s voice gets an equal opportunity. My wife and I encourage you to vote for Jerry Willenburg in the primary on Aug. 14 and then again in the general election on Nov. 6.

the new park

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enthusiasm for the recent Supreme Court decision making Obamacare constitutional? After all, we know that we as individuals hate to have to make decisions and it is really wonderful to have the federal government take that responsibility from us. Could you imagine someone who eats very healthy, works out and does not want to pay for health insurance? How dare they try to put a dent in President Obama’s re-election statistics. These kind of free choices must be eliminated. We would much rather have our brain surgeries and open-heart operations be determined by the kind of people who work at the Department of Motor Vehicles – aren’t they practically brain surgeons themselves? Or how about having our children’s check-ups be performed by those selfless defenders of freedom – the Transportation Security Administration? After all, they can do a very thorough exam of your children – for a preview just buy a plane ticket. We know that nobody would ever think to drop their insurance and pay the lower amount for a fine (oh that’s right – tax) until they have a pre-existing condition. We also know profitmotivated employers would never dream of dropping their employee’s coverage and pay the smaller fine because they know their employees would be covered by the government. Heinzman is a big proponent of education. I bet he just loves the fact that our top students will flock to the medical profession just so the federal government can limit what they can charge as the feds do in Medicare. Meanwhile all the high school dropouts get free medical coverage paid for by those top students. Is this a great country or what?

To the editor: Hats off to Eagan! I have been waiting for a dog park since I moved here 9 months ago, from a rescue home. I couldn’t even wait for the official opening July 17, so my owners got a park license Monday, and even though it was 98 degrees, we went for a test run. It was great, but I got pooped running all over in the heat. Remember to bring water. Hal Cranmer Much to look forward to. Lakeville My thanks to Mayor Mike Maguire and the council for Voting for their efforts.

Halverson

Dakota Miller springer, 5 years old Editor’s note: Dakota’s owners Sharon and Alan Miller of Eagan submitted the letter.

Government will take care of you To the editor: How can anyone not share Don Heinzman’s

To the editor: The election between Laurie Halverson and incumbent Doug Wardlow in House District 51B is an important one for our community. In Wardlow’s own words, “people will have a choice between two philosophies.” Wardlow’s philosophy has been extreme and political. In his two years in the Legislature, Wardlow

has voted with his Republican Party leaders on almost every issue. He has refused to compromise with the other side of aisle, and famously said during the state government shutdown that “now is not the time to compromise.” This despite the fact our state was in complete gridlock. Halverson’s philosophy is one of common sense as opposed to political extremism. Her priorities are jobs and the economy, quality schools, and working together across the aisle to get things done. I don’t think our community wants someone who will always vote the party line – that’s clearly not always going to be best for the district. Some common sense would do our Legislature good, especially given all the gridlock we have seen lately. I’ll be voting for Laurie Halverson. Laura Ziegler Eagan

Searching for ex-Marine To the editor: I am trying to locate a recently discharged Marine Corps officer. I don’t know his rank but his name is Patrick McCahill. He and his family recently moved to Burnsville from North Carolina. I met Patrick in the parking lot of the Burnsville Center in late June. I neglected to get his phone number. I’m also a former Marine. If Patrick reads this or if anyone knows how I may contact him, please call me – “Gil” – at (612) 913-0874. Thank you. RALPH “GIL” BERTSEN Burnsville

GIL-

Voting for Halverson To the editor: The election between Laurie Halverson and incumbent Doug Wardlow in House District 51B is an important one for our community. In Wardlow’s own words, “people will have a choice between two philosophies.” Wardlow’s philosophy has been extreme and political. In his two years in the Legislature, Wardlow has voted with his Republican Party leaders on almost every issue. He has refused to compromise with the other side of aisle, and famously said during the See Letters, 6A

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan July 20, 2012

Mr. Urbain was a life-changing teacher by Katie Snyder Bolling guest columnist

I was in seventh grade at a new school with new friends and a new routine. I can still see and feel it all now, those years of adolescence. As an adult, it gives me a bit of heartache knowing that I’m not too far from experiencing that part of life again through the hearts of my children. It seems like yesterday that I was learning how to fumble with a locker code while knowing I had to trek across the building to make it on time for Mr. Urbain’s physical education class. Mr. Dale Urbain: I can see him now, in gym shorts and sneakers, with a huge grin that only got bigger when he talked about running and, in particular, the Vita Course. In the early days of seventh grade, when I think most of us were just trying to fit into various social circles, Mr. Urbain talked about this “great race” that happened at our school, Nicollet Junior High in Burnsville, as an extracurricular activity one afternoon each fall. He told great stories of stamina, endurance and champions born from the “big race.” He encouraged his classes to participate. I’m unsure whether other students were as mesmerized as I. I had visions of an Olympic-like experience and a major undertaking that would be worth all the pain I’d endure to reach the finish line. So I signed up. Race day came. I’d be taking on scores of eighth- and ninth-graders in front of hundreds of cheering fans, and my stomach was doing belly flops. Minus the hundreds of cheering fans, a good many of Nicollet’s students showed up to toe the line. In particular, I remember that some of my closest friends were there. Holly Manthei, Kim Hearn, Carmie Landeen – some of the best soccer players – would be racing beside me. The arena was set, thick with competition. The race was two big loops around our school’s perimeter – this included a handful of baseball fields, soccer fields, some rolling hills, a football pitch and a few odd buildings. I was going to need all the energy I had to make it through in a reasonable time. Mr. Urbain greeted the crowd and before we knew it, we were off – between the soccer field and tennis court, around the baseball fields. It felt like I was running with the wind – and I wasn’t doing too badly, running with the leaders! Soon the first lap was done. I dug deep, scrounged for every ounce of stamina I could find and found myself breaking away from the pack. Down the hill and up the hill once again – my lead was growing! I let go of my mind and just listened to my heart and told my legs to keep going. At that point, I wanted to win so badly. Then, as I surged into the final stretch, there was the

Guest Columnist

Katie Snyder Bolling familiar smile of Mr. Urbain as he cheered me through the final meters and welcomed me as the new Vita Course champion — as a seventh-grader! Mr. Urbain continued to congratulate me, not just that afternoon or the following few days, but for the next several years of my life. I won again in eighth grade and ninth grade. With my three consecutive wins, Mr. Urbain did something completely unnecessary – one of the kindest gestures I remember being shown to me as a youngster – and put together a unique plaque for me that recognized my status as the undefeated Vita Course champion during my time at Nicollet. The plaque now lives in my office, right next to pictures of my children. “I’m a runner,” I thought during those years. That never stopped. You see, at that same time, I happened to be playing on a soccer team that, to date, is still most likely one the highest-achieving Burnsville teams of all time. We won the national championship as a U16 team and two high school state championships. We were made up of an extremely talented pool of girls in which I sat somewhere in the middle in my mind. But that changed with my Vita Course titles. Suddenly, I had been given the confidence to believe that I was an excellent endurance runner, making me a running soccer player. In college, that frame of mind continued. I played soccer – in the midfield – and once again defined myself as someone who had the strongest endurance on the field. After college, when trying to decide “what I wanted to be when I grew up,” the first things that came to my mind were that I wanted to do more running and I wanted to see the world. Who did I visit for advice when I returned to Burnsville? Mr. Urbain. I visited him and his wife, Doris, at their house. It was somewhat amazing to me that I had so much in common with him. Tales of running races and training dominated the conversation, with little sprinkles of Nepal. I never forgot his smile when he talked about the distant country in the Himalayas, how he and Doris had devoted many trips to helping the people there. I would soon be adventuring there myself in search of longdistance mountain treks, so Mr. Urbain (and Doris) had all the right answers when

I peppered them with questions about the small country tucked into the largest and most stunning mountain range on Earth. That was in 1999. In 2002 I discovered the Hawaiian Ironman, arguably the most challenging endurance race on Earth. Where I came up with the idea that I would be racing in the sport’s top event within a few years is beyond me, but I was convinced I had what it took to reach Kona and join the elite field. After all, I was a three-time Vita Course champion! In 2007, with husband, son, parents and sister in tow, I arrived on the Big Island and completed the epic race as a qualified age grouper. Five years later, I’m coming to accept the news delivered to me over a month ago that Mr. Urbain had died. I remember the call from my mom, the grasp at my chest and the tears that formed over something that didn’t seem fair to me. He was a great teacher, a fantastic role model and a brilliant runner lost to a brutal competitor: cancer. The morning after my mom gave me the news, I found myself along the coastline of Santa Cruz, Calif. Tying up my running laces, I took a deep breath and told my running buddy that this one was for my junior high

PE teacher, who instilled in me the love of running and made me believe I had what it took to be a champion – and not just a Vita Course champion. The Vita Course was a two-loop race at a small school in suburban Minnesota over grass and infield dust. It was a grassroots event at the core, completely owned and managed by its scrappy owner, Mr. Urbain. But he made it bigger than life for me and the other participants. As a teacher and molder of young people, he influenced a life and passed along his enthusiasm and passion. I give him thanks for my life’s accomplishments, both as a person and as an athlete. As proud as I am to be a Vita Course champion, I’m going to mail Doris my plaque. Her husband is the eternal Vita Course champion, and I want to give back a small sliver of what he gave to me. Katie Snyder Bolling is a 1994 graduate of Burnsville High School and grass-roots development director for World Bicycle Relief. She lives with her family in Littleton, Colo. Dale Urbain of Burnsville, a retired physical education teacher at Nicollet Junior High, died on May 1, 2012, at age 78. He was an avid runner and volunteered on many mission trips.

July 20, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

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Letters, from 4A state government shutdown that “now is not the time to compromise.” This despite the fact our state was in complete gridlock. Halverson’s philosophy is one of common sense as opposed to political

extremism. Her priorities are jobs and the economy, quality schools, and working together across the aisle to get things done. I don’t think our community wants someone who will always vote the party line – that’s clearly not always going to be best

for the district. Some com- Don’t speed in mon sense would do our Legislature good, especial- Cedar Avenue ly given all the gridlock we construction have seen lately. To the editor: I’ll be voting for Laurie Concerning construction Halverson. on Cedar Avenue. There is going to be a big bang on CeLaura Ziegler dar Avenue at 140th Street. Eagan Despite the 35 mph signs

during construction on Cedar, traffic comes south at 50 to 55 mph across 140th Street. Very often heavy trucks still go through the intersection after the light has turned red for three or four seconds. I’ve traveled through there several times a day since con-

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struction started and have never seen the presence of police. If the police gave out double fines for speeding through that construction area, the fines might pay for most of the construction. BOB CRAWFORD Apple Valley

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan July 20, 2012

�� District 917 School Board Proceedings

This is a summary of the Intermediate School District 917 Regular School Board Meeting on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, with full text available for public inspection on t h e d i s t r i c t w e b s i t e a t www.isd917.k12.mn.us or the District Office at 1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068. The meeting was called to order at 5:27 PM. Board members present: Arlene Bush, Ron Hill, Jill Lewis, Kathy Lewis, Deb Clark, Vanda Pressnall, Tom Ryerson, Veronica Walter, and administrators were present. Absent: Dan Cater. Oath of office was administered to reappointed Board Member Arlene Bush from Bloomington. Good news reports were presented. The following Consent Agenda items were approved: minutes, personnel, donations, bills to be paid, wire transfers and the investment report. Reports presented: Lease Levy Allocation; Safe Schools Levy Allocation; Workers Compensation Insurance. Recommended actions approved: Membership with Metro ECSU, AMSD, and MSBA for 2012-2013; Resolution approving Health and Safety Program Budget; Health and Safety Plan and Indoor Air Quality Management Plan and Written Plans; Temporary Work Agreement Report; DCALS and DCALS North Student Handbook for 2012-2013; and Special Education Student Handbook for 2012-201; Terms and Conditions of Employment for PC Technician and Custodial/Delivery Staff. Adjournment at 6:51 PM. 3081840 7/20/12

District 917 School Board Proceedings

This is a summary of the Intermediate School District 917 Organizational School Board Meeting on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, with full text available for public inspection on the district website at www.isd917.k12.mn.us or the District Office at 1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM followed by the pledge of allegiance. Board members present: Deborah Clark, Ron Hill, Jill Lewis, Kathy Lewis, Vanda Pressnall, Tom Ryerson, Veronica Walter, and administrators were present. Oath of office was administered to newly appointed Board Member Ron Hill (Burnsville), and reelected Board Member Vanda Pressnall (Randolph). The following officers were elected for 2012-2013: Chair/Deborah Clark; Vice-Chair/Jill Lewis; Clerk/Vanda Pressnall; Treasurer/Kathy Lewis. Recommended actions approved: School Board meetings dates for 2012-2013 to be held on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM, with the exception of August 21 at 5:30 PM and November 6, 2012, beginning at 4:30 PM; designated SUN/Thisweek Newspapers, Lillie Suburban Newspapers, Inc.; and the Hastings Star Gazette as official newspapers for ISD 917; ISD 917's Public Notice regarding student records; no increase in annual compensation for 917 Board members; designate depositories; authorize Business Manager to make short-term investments, to use facsimile signatures of Board officials, to perform the duties of clerk and treasurer as provided in M.N. 123.34, subd. 1, to make electronic transfer of funds, and to lease/purchase, and contract for goods and services within the Board approved budget. Committee and representative assignments were slightly modified. Adjournment at 5:25 PM. 3081497 7/20/12

Orfield, from 2A

School segregating Public schools reflect the concentration of poverty afflicting the metro, Orfield argues. An unhealthy synergy exists between the two. Metro schools are segregating, Orfield said. According to Orfield and Luce, two decades ago, just nine elementary schools in the metro were nonwhite segregated. By 2008, the number had jumped to 108 – 23 percent. Almost all of these schools have high poverty rates, the men point out. Over the same time, the number of integrated schools increased from 22 to 37 percent, reflecting that white students were

�� 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 August 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. P. Pitchford #188-189 Weight Equipment, Sofa, Leather Jacket M. Robinson #521 Gas Grill, Television, Furniture E. Stately #167 Refrigerator, Fish Tank, Motorcycle Helmet L. Debreto #528 Household Items L. Debreto #530A Television, Artwork, Plastic Totes E. Morganti #510C Clothes, Boxes, Household Items 7/20-7/27/12 3078104

�� District 194 School Board Proceedings

This is a summary of the Independent School District No.194 Regular School Board Meeting on Tues, June 26, 2012 with full text available for public inspection on t h e d i s t r i c t w e b s i t e a t www.isd194.k12.mn.us or District Office at 8670 210th Street W., Lakeville, MN 55044 The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. followed by pledge of allegiance. All board members and administrators were present. Public Comment: Anna Angeles-Farris, 9795 Upper 205th St. W and Leif Grina, 4937 Upton Ave. S as representatives of the custodial bargaining unit, asked the district to consider the role of community banks to strengthen the community. Consent agenda items approved: minutes of the meetings on June 12 & 14; employment recommendations, leave requests and resignations; non-affiliated contract agreement, 2012-13 as presented; additional staffing, 2012-13 as presented; payment of bills and claims subject to annual audit; wire transfers/investments; and 2012-13 milk bids award to Dean Foods. Reports presented: Student nutrition update; local literacy report; iLearn 194 update; key work of school boards. Recommended actions approved: Policy C-60 Health & Safety; Policy F-260 Acceptable Use - Electronic Resources; AP biology resources; 2012-13 preliminary budget. Closed session was held for discussion regarding Superintendent summative evaluation in accordance with MN Statute 13D.05(3). Adjournment at 10:51 p.m. __________________________________ This is a summary of the Independent School District No. 194 Special Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 with full text available for public inspection on the district website at www.isd194.k12.mn.us or 8670 210th Street W., Lakeville, MN 55044 The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. All board members, Superintendent Snyder, Mr. Massaros and Mr. Klett were present. Closed Session: Update was provided regarding contract negotiations in accordance with MN Statute 13D.03. Meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m. 3081524 7/20/12

less likely to attend all-white schools. At the same time, the percentage of black and Hispanic students attending nonwhite segregated schools almost quadrupled for blacks to 51 percent and increased for Hispanic students from 3 to 43 percent. Students of color increasingly attend segregated schools with other students of color but not with whites, Orfield and Luce argue.

Reversing trends Despite growth in the concentrations of poverty and problems with schools, Orfield is upbeat about reversing current trends. The Twin Cities remains the second whitest, second most affluent metro area in

Burnsville Briefs Ebenezer Ridges fundraiser

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF BURNSVILLE BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA -ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS -

2012 Storz Hydrant Improvement Project (City Project No. 12-316) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed proposals will be received by the City Council of the City of Burnsville at 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337, until 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday the 31st day of July, 2012, for the making of the following described local improvements, said proposal for the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction, complete in place of the following approximate quantities: 75 117

EACH EACH

Hydrant Storz Adaptors Hydrant Storz Nozzles

The bids must be submitted on Proposal Forms provided in accordance with the Contract Documents, Plans and Specifications as prepared by the City Engineer, which are on file with the City Clerk and may be obtained at the office of the City Engineer. Digital copies of the Contract Documents can be obtained at www.questcdn.com or www.burnsville.org/bids . The Quest CDN project number is 2130146. Bidders can download the Contract Documents for $20 by searching for the project on the QuestCDN website's Project Search page or selecting the Engineering/Public Work Bid link and then the project on the Burnsville website. Please contact QuestCDN.com at (952) 233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading and working with this digital project information. Bidders can also view the Contract Documents at either website free of charge. No bids will be considered unless sealed and filed with the City Clerk of the City of Burnsville endorsed upon the outside wrapper with a brief statement or summary as to the work for which the bids is made and accompanied by a cash deposit, certified check, bid bond, or cashier's check payable to the City of Burnsville in the amount of five percent (5%) of the amount of bid, to be forfeited as liquidated damages in the event that the bid is accepted and the bidder shall fail to promptly enter into a written contract and furnish the required bond. The City of Burnsville reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities, and to award the bid in the best interest of the City. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of forty-five (45) days. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving bids, the City Clerk and engineer will publicly open bids in the City Hall. The Council will consider such bids in the Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. Monday, August 6, 2012. BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL Macheal Brooks, City Clerk City of Burnsville, Minnesota Published in the Burnsville Sun Thisweek: July 13 and 20, 2012 Published in the Finance & Commerce: July 10 and 17, 2012 3075992

7/13-7/20/12

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF BURNSVILLE BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA -ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS -

Buck Hill Road Watermain Improvements (City Project No. 12-104) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed proposals will be received by the City Council of the City of Burnsville at City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337, until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday the 14th day of August, 2012, for the making of the following described local improvements under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429, said proposal for the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction, complete in place of the following approximate quantities: 500 SY Bituminous Trail 820 LF 16" DIP Watermain together with numerous related items of work, all in accordance with Plans and Specifications COMPLETION OF WORK: All work under the Contract must be completed by October 15, 2012, along with interim substantial completion dates. PLANHOLDERS LIST, ADDENDUMS AND BID TABULATION: The planholders list, addendums and bid tabulation will be available on-line at www.bolton-menk.com . Any addendums will be mailed or faxed to all planholders. The bids must be submitted on the Proposal Forms provided in accordance with the Contract Documents, Plans and Specifications as prepared by Bolton & Menk, Inc., which are on file with the City Clerk of Burnsville and may be seen at the office of the Consulting Engineers or at the office of the City Engineer. TO OBTAIN BID DOCUMENTS: Complete digital project bidding documents are available at www.bolton-menk.com or www.questcdn.com . You may download the digital plan documents for $20.00 by entering Quest project # 2156079 on the website's Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@qustcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information. An optional paper set of project documents is also available for a nonrefundable price of $75.00 per set (non-refundable), which includes applicable sales tax and shipping. Please make your check to payable to Bolton & Menk, Inc. and send it to 12224 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55337-1649, (952) 890-0509, fax (952) 890-8065 No bids will be considered unless sealed and filed with the City Clerk of the City of Burnsville endorsed upon the outside wrapper with a brief statement or summary as to the work for which the bids is made and accompanied by a cash deposit, certified check, bid bond, or cashier's check payable to the City of Burnsville in the amount of five percent (5%) of the amount of bid, to be forfeited as liquidated damages in the event that the bid is accepted and the bidder shall fail to promptly enter into a written contract and furnish the required bond. The City of Burnsville reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities, and to award the bid in the best interest of the City. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of forty-five (45) days. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving bids, the City will publicly open bids at City Hall. The Council will consider such bids in the Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m., August 21st, 2012.

Ebenezer Ridges Campus, 18320 Community Drive, Burnsville, will hold a Campfire and S’mores fundraiser from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 26, to support the residents’ cabin trip and activities. The community is invited. Cost is $2. Call (952) 898-8400 for information.

Credit union announces essay contest winners Winners of the “I Love Burnsville” essay contest are Allison Erickson of Sioux Trail Elementary, first place; Kathy Dao of Sioux Trail Elementary, second place; and Sylvia Larson of Sky Oaks Elementary, third place. Sponsored by US Federal Credit Union, the contest was open to Burnsville-area third-graders and asked students to finish the statement “I love Burnsville because…” The essay contest was one of many events that took place during the “I Love Burnsville Week” celebration from June 2 through June 9. Each winner and their respective school received $50 from USFCU.

Night to Unite Burnsville residents are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on their exterior lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors Tuesday, Aug. 7, during Minnesota Night to Unite. Residents and businesses can register their Night to Unite parties with the city through July 27. Registered parties will receive handouts and information to give to participants, and may also receive a visit from a Burnsville police, fire or city staff member. Individuals interested in hosting a Night to Unite party in Burnsville can reg-

ister online at www.burnsville.org/NTU or by calling (952) 895-4575.

Eco tour for seniors The city of Burnsville will offer an “Eco Tour” for Burnsville residents age 62 and older from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, to see how local agencies invest in the environment. The tour will begin at Burnsville City Hall for a presentation on Dakota County’s new medication drop-off program. Participants will learn why proper disposal of medicine is important for the environment and the community. Next, participants will visit the Burnsville Police Department to see exactly how the program works. Other stops will include: The Burnsville Performing Arts Center, Kraemer Nature Preserve, Alimagnet Park (picnic lunch), and Wolk Park. Lunch and coach bus transportation to all locations are included. The tour is free of charge, but space is limited. All participants must register by Aug. 8 by calling Leigh Behrens at (952) 895-4511. Meet at 9 a.m. at Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway. Tour will be held rain or shine. Participants should wear walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Fire prevention seminar The Burnsville Fire Department will offer a seminar for adults age 62 and older to learn about fire prevention. It will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, at Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway. Participants are asked to RSVP to amber.jacobson@ ci.burnsville.mn.us or call (952) 895-4575 by July 19. A minimum of 15 participants is required to hold the class.

BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL Macheal Brooks, City Clerk City of Burnsville, Minnesota Published in Burnsville Sun This week on July 20th and 27th, 2012 Published in the Finance & Commerce on July 20th and 26th, and August 2nd, 2012 3087112 7/20-7/27/12

the country with the smallest percentage of poverty, he said. “Our challenges are not huge,” Orfield said. “We have the laws in place to do it. We just don’t use them.” If the older suburban areas would unite with Minneapolis and St. Paul and insist newer suburbs do their fair share in terms of affordable housing, the tide could be turned, Orfield said. “(But) I don’t see that happening right now,” he added. “You’ll see a lot of those northern suburbs become poorer, and more disinvested, and have more empty stores.” The days of traditional “white flight” are over, he explained. “You don’t really have

‘white flight’ from cities anymore. You have it from suburbs to other suburbs,” he said. A renewed sense of regionalism, besides being more just, can save money, Orfield explained, but it takes collective action. Minnesotans in general are welcoming to new groups of people, Orfield said. “I think Minnesota people are more hopeful and decent than the rest of the country,” he said. “It’s polarized (right now), but in general we’re better.” T.W. Budig can be reached at tim.budig@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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July 20, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Suspect charged in Valley Buick GMC burglary by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

A Minneapolis man who allegedly tried to steal the safe from Valley Buick GMC in Apple Valley was charged with burglary last week in district court. Apple Valley police arrested 57-year-old Sam E. Berry outside the car dealership at 7500 W. 145th St. in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 8. The safe was recovered in the business’ parking lot near Berry’s vehicle. According to the criminal complaint, officers were summoned to the business after a witness called 911 to report suspicious activity in the Valley Buick GMC lot at about 2:30 a.m. A man had parked his vehicle in the lot, the witness reported, and shortly thereafter the same man was seen pushing a dolly with a large box on it toward his vehicle. When officers arrived,

the safe was still on the dolly near Berry’s vehicle, though Berry had taken off running north across 145th Street. He was subsequently arrested and booked into the Dakota County Jail. He was charged last week with third-degree burglary, a felony, for the Valley Buick GMC incident. He’s facing another felony charge for an alleged overnight burglary of an Apple Valley restaurant in August 2011. The restaurant, located on the 7000 block of 149th Street, reported on Aug. 7, 2011, that sometime in the night the register area in the front of the restaurant had been disturbed and money had been taken. Outside the restaurant, police found a blue and white bandana on the sidewalk, and the bandana was sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for DNA analysis.

Analysis revealed that DNA on the bandana matched a DNA sample from Berry in the Minnesota convicted offender database, the complaint said. If convicted of both counts of burglary, Berry faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. This isn’t the first time Berry has faced burglary charges. According to Minnesota court records, he’s been convicted of more than a dozen theft- and burglary-related crimes in the Twin Cities area since the late 1970s. Berry remained in the Dakota County Jail as of Tuesday afternoon, with bail set at $150,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 31 in district court in Hastings. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Couple in Apple Valley murdersuicide had troubled history Couple’s children, ages 4 and 5, now in protective custody by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

The shooting deaths of an estranged husband and wife outside an Apple Valley apartment complex Saturday marked the dark final chapter in the couple’s troubled, often abusive relationship. According to police, 41-year-old Woynshet Woldemariam was shot by her estranged husband, Anteneh Tsegaye of Eagan, in the parking lot outside the South Cedar Knolls apartment complex around 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Tsegaye then turned the gun on himself. Both had died by the time police arrived on the

scene. A shotgun was located near the bodies. Prior to Saturday’s fatal shootings, police had responded to domestic calls involving the couple, who were married in 2007 but no longer lived together. Woldemariam, an Ethiopian immigrant and naturalized citizen who worked as a nurse, had been arrested for hitting Tsegaye and was convicted on domestic abuse charges, according to a Star Tribune report. However, in June 2010 a district judge awarded custody of the couple’s two children to Woldemariam, noting that she was the victim of ongoing abuse –

emotional, verbal, physical and sexual. Following the shooting on Saturday, the bodies were transported to the Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office in Hastings. The couple’s two children – a 5-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy – are in protective custody. Apple Valley police report that Woldemariam’s relatives are working with social services to get custody of the children. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan July 20, 2012

Which way will the people vote? Groups supporting and opposing samesex marriage claim the lead by T.W. Budig Sun thisweek

Supporters of the proposed constitutional amendment banning samesex marriage have long argued that passage would stave off legal challenges to the state law that already outlaws same-sex marriage. Some attorneys say to a degree that idea is correct. “Well, yes and no,” said Teresa Nelson, legal counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota. In general, there are two different challenges that could be brought against the so-called Defense of Marriage law, she explained. One would be to argue it violates the U.S. Constitution equal protection provisions afforded by the 14th Amendment — this is the basis for a ongoing challenge in federal court to California’s Proposition 8, Nelson noted. The other legal route would be to argue state DOMA law violates equal protection rights afforded by the state constitution, but passage of the proposed amendment would make such a challenge unfeasible, Nelson explained. U.S. constitutional rights are superior to state law and would not be affected by passage of a state constitutional amendment, she said. The ACLU opposes the proposed same-sex marriage ban amendment. “I think it’s a waste of money,” Hamline University Law Professor Marie Failinger said of the proposed amendment. Failinger is critical of the amendment for a number of reasons. For one thing, the Minnesota Supreme Court has not been silent on the subject of same-sex marriage. Back in 1971, the court dismissed a challenge concerning same-sex marriage, she noted. “The institution of marriage as a union of man and woman, uniquely involving the procreation and rearing of children within a family, is as old as the Book of Genesis,” the court ruled at the time. Failinger questions the urgency supporters of the amendment feel about placing it on the ballot. Valuable legal insight could be lost by acting in haste, she argued. Judges are smart people, Failinger said. Why not let them offer their legal insights on same-sex marriage as cases move through the courts? Failinger views the proposed amendment as “highly unusual.” It contains at least the “symbolic meaning” that the state constitution can be used as an instrument for thwarting the ambitions of minority groups for civil rights. Both Failinger and Nelson view passage of the amendment as restricting future legislatures. “I don’t think the answer to this is very clear,” Nelson said of the leeway lawmakers would have should voters approve the amendment. Failinger suggested the Legislature, if the majority

did not support the amendment, could start down the “rough road” of repeal by proposing another constitutional amendment. Nelson suggested, given such a legislature, lawmakers could repeal the statutory DOMA law. But Chuck Darrell, spokesman for Minnesota for Marriage, suggests passage of the amendment championed by his group, which is supported by the Minnesota Catholic Conference, Minnesota North District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and many other churches and organizations, would not wholly bind lawmakers. Darrell does not rule out lawmakers extending benefits to same-sex couples, nor even passing civil union legislation. “It’s respectful. It’s in a loving manner,” Darrell said of the campaign for the amendment. He described the need for passage as urgent. For one thing, a current district court challenge exists in Minnesota to state DOMA law. In speaking of the proamendment campaign, Darrell cites an active church component — many suburban churchgoers have seen pro-amendment activities in their churches, he said — and a database of some 70,000 supporters. “Our outreach is everywhere,” Darrell said. He dismisses the results of a recent Public Policy polling indicating public support in Minnesota swinging against the amendment, saying internal polling shows support for the amendment in the mid50s. As do amendment opponents, Darrell insists the proposed amendment crosses traditional votingbloc lines. Voting patterns in other states — nationally the amendment initiative has recorded a long and unbroken string of successes — suggests 30 to 40 percent of Democrats in Minnesota would vote “Yes,” said Darrell. The Iron Range, for instance, could yield many pro-amendment votes, Darrell argued. Rather than neutralizing support for the amendment, having Democratic President Barack Obama energize the Democratic base in Minnesota could actually bring in additional amendment support, he said. Though still summer, the pace of the campaign is quickening, Darrell said. “(But) we expect to be out raised and outspent,” he said. Just recently, Minnesotans United for All Families, a coalition opposing the amendment, announced it had raised $4.6 million from some 19,000 individual donors. “Obviously, we’re happy about that,” Minnesotans

United campaign manager Richard Carlbom said. Carlbom views the proposed amendment as wrongly “shutting the conversation down” on the subject of same-sex marriage. Minnesotans’ attitudes toward same-sex marriage are in flux, he explained. “We see Minnesotans evolving on the question over time,” said Carlbom, arguing against proposing a final solution to an ongoing debate. Carlbom views the suburbs as important to the success of the anti-amendment campaign. Minnesotans United has opened local offices in Eagan and Coon Rapids, he said. Even the 6th Congressional District, generally considered very conservative and represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, will produce many “No” votes, Carlbom believes. “You’d be surprised,” he said of levels of support. “I feel good about it,” Carlbom said. The question appearing on the November ballot reads: “Should the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?” Even if the amendment fails, existing statutory law outlawing same-sex marriage in Minnesota would remain on the books.

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Lawsuit filed On Monday, July 9, Minnesota for Marriage announced that it had petitioned the Minnesota Supreme Court alleging that Democratic Secretary of State Mark Ritchie had illegally changed the title of the proposed amendment. Ritchie argues that Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s vetoing of the amendment invalidated its title. Citing perceived state authority, Ritchie recently announced that he changed the title of the amendment from “Recognition of marriage solely between one man and one woman,” to ”Limiting the status of marriage to opposite sex couples.” Amendment supporters argue Ritchie is acting illegally. Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, Senate bill author, argued that Dayton’s veto of the legislation was purely ceremonial and that Ritchie was using it as a “trumped-up excuse” to thwart the Legislature, according to a Minnesota for Marriage press release. Unlike with other legislation, governors cannot kill proposed constitutional amendments by vetoing them. T.W. Budig can be reached at tim.budig@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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10A

Sports

July 20, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Local team competes with elite soccer squads Dakota REV girls U16s just miss out on trip to Sweden

international trip but perhaps sparing it from a major logistical headache. The trip to Umea, Sweden, to train with the Umea IK club was likely to take place in September, in the middle of the Minnesota high school season. All of the Rampage players also play high school soccer. Rampage coach Tobbe Thorsell said the players had to submit passport information before the tournament, but beyond that, the team was taking a cross-thatbridge-when-we-come-to-it approach to the potential schedule conflict. The California team won the championship and the overseas trip. “We got medals and a lot of great memories,” Thorsell said. “And that’s fine.” La Roca Premier of Utah defeated Minnesota Thunder Academy 3-2 in the boys vElite division and will travel to England to train with Newcastle United, an Eng-

by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

Dakota REV Soccer Club’s Under-16 girls Premier team is accustomed to traveling, but last weekend found itself one victory from a once-in-a-lifetime journey. The local team reached the championship game in the Puma vElite Group, held during the July 13-15 USA Cup Weekend tournament at the National Sports Center in Blaine. The event, billed by USA Cup officials as a “tournament within a tournament,” features several of the top domestic boys and girls club teams at the U16 level. In the girls division, the Dakota REV Rampage played the So Cal Blues of California for the championship – and an expensespaid trip to Sweden to train with one of the world’s top women’s club teams. The Blues won 1-0, depriving the Rampage of the

Photo submitted

The Dakota REV Rampage poses with its trophy and medals after finishing second in the girls vElite Under-16 division at the USA Cup Weekend tournament. lish Premier League team. The vElite bracket at the USA Cup started in 2008 with a boys division. A girls division was added in 2011. The Rampage was the first Minnesota team to compete in the vElite girls tournament. Several of the teams in the girls bracket were selected by Puma, the event’s title sponsor, and others were invited by USA Cup

officials. The Rampage got an invitation because “our girls have played in the USA Cup since they were 9 and have won it just about every year,” said Thorsell, who also is Dakota REV’s director of soccer operations and an assistant coach for the Concordia University women’s team. “We’ve had success playing against other

good teams.” The team won its division in the USA Cup five years in a row. Earlier this year, they reached the semifinals of a national tournament in Las Vegas and went undefeated at a college showcase in Omaha, Neb. Most of the Rampage players come from the Dakota REV core area of Rosemount, Eagan and

Local squads make noise at Gopher Classic Eagan reaches semis of 84-team Legion baseball tourney by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

Although a team from Dakota County didn’t win the Gopher Classic American Legion baseball tournament, five of them made their presence known by reaching the final 16 of the 84-team tournament. Eagan and Lakeville North reached the semifinals before being knocked out of the event, which is the country’s largest American Legion tourney. Apple Valley and Lakeville South reached the quarterfinals, and Eastview lost in the round of 16. Burnsville went 3-0 in its pool, but a couple of rainouts might have cost the Cobras their chance to advance. One of the rained-out games was to be against Omaha (Neb.) Burke, which went 4-0 in the Alimagnet Park pool. Coon Rapids won the tournament for the second consecutive year, beating Elk Grove, Ill., 6-0 in the championship game Tuesday afternoon in Minnetonka.

Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

Kevin Kunik pitches for Eagan against the Manitoba Selects during a Gopher Classic game Saturday night. Eagan won 2-1 in eight innings, scoring the winning run on a suicide squeeze. The Patriots reached the semifinals of the 84team American Legion baseball tournament.

Eagan The Patriots went 5-1 at the Gopher Classic after having their first two games rained out. Their most remarkable performance might have been in a 20-16 victory over Excelsior in the quarterfinals. Eagan trailed Excelsior 10-0 after 1 1/2 innings and 14-5 after 3 1/2 before coming back with a 14-run fourth inning. Matthew Fiedler had a home run and six RBI in that game, while Josh Loew homered and had three RBI. Left-hander Kevin Kunik pitched a complete game as Eagan defeated the Manitoba Selects 2-1 in nine innings in pool play Saturday night. With sunset imminent, the umpires declared that the

Unless you played for Class AAA state champion Eastview, few teams were happy with the way the spring baseball season ended. But unlike many high school sports, when varsity baseball season ends, there’s still plenty of sunshine left to play. For the boys from Burnsville, another season has been refreshing. The Burnsville American Legion team featuring several of the players from the varsity squad has continued its powerful stretch of baseball well into the summer. “I think they embraced the fact they only get to play

Rosemount lacrosse alumni game The Rosemount Lacrosse Alumni Game will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Rosemount High School stadium. Rosemount High School lacrosse alumni and current RHS players are invited. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for students. Raffles and a halftime shooting competition also will be part of the event.

Burnsville golf team offers youth lessons Burnsville High School boys golf team members are offering $5 golf lessons for girls and boys ages 5-15 at the high school soccer fields. Lessons will be 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 9. Parking is available in the lot east of the football field. Proceeds will support the boys golf team. For more information, call (612) 418-1180.

Seeking nominations for basketball hall of fame

Baseball team wins Upper Midwest Classic in early July with each other a little longer,” head coach Greg Nesbitt said. “They were disappointed with the way the (high school) season ended and I think they want to show people they’re better than that.” Burnsville High School’s baseball team was coming off a state championship in 2011 with several of its star players back. The boys went 19-2 during the regular season, won the South Suburban Conference and were ranked No. 1 in the state the entire season. But the season took a turn for the worse in the playoffs. The Blaze lost to Eagan 9-6 in extra innings then fell to Lakeville North 1-0.

Sports Briefs

Registration for the 2012 season of Burnsville Athletic Club football is now open for boys and girls interested in playing tackle (grades 5-8) or flag (grades 1-12) football. The fee for tackle football is $200. The fee for flag football is $75 for grades 1-4 and $100 for grades 5-12. A limited number of scholarships are available for families with a demonstrated financial need. For more information, contact Brad Schiller at BACCommissioner@hotmail.com. To register, go to www. burnsvillefootball.com.

Burnsville Legion embracing another chance at greatness Sun Thisweek

See dakota rev, 19A

BAC football registration

See Eagan, 14A

by Andy Rogers

Apple Valley. Elise Abbott, Kathryn Eaton, Brianna Lindstrom, Kellie McGahn, Chandler Peterson, Emily Sutliff and Paige Wilberding attend Eastview High School. Kaylie Hanson goes to Rosemount High, Julia Lam attends Apple Valley and Leah Schmidt is an Eagan student. Alexis

“Obviously a lot of us were pretty frustrated with the results,” pitcher Chase Bosshart said. “A lot of us had a better mindset coming in to the Legion. We’re more relaxed ... I think the bats weren’t as hot during the (varsity) season. Defensively and pitching, we were doing just fine. I think coming off last year’s state championship, we weren’t maybe as hungry. ” Reincarnated as the Cobras with a few additions to the roster, Burnsville has spent the summer ranked No. 1 in the state American Legion coaches and media baseball poll. Perhaps the biggest highSee Burnsville, 14A

Photo by Andy Rogers

Burnsville’s Brian VanderWoude throws a pitch against Lakeville North on Tuesday night at Alimagnet Park.

The Minnesota High School Basketball Hall of Fame, a new venture featuring some of the most prominent names in Minnesota high school basketball, is seeking nominations for its inaugural class of inductees. The Hall of Fame plans to promote high school basketball and the values of wholesome competition and sportsmanship, both for boys and for girls by recognizing outstanding players, coaches, teams, officials and other contributors from the beginning of high school hoops more than 100 years ago to the present day. Basketball fans may submit nominations to Bill Bentson at webentson22@yahoo.com, Ron Haggstrom at rchaggstrom@yahoo.com or Kevin Anderson at kja8067@gmail.com. Teams and players are subject to a waiting period of 10 years, while coaches and other contributors must have a career consisting of at least 15 years.

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan July 20, 2012

Merchant, Michaelson, Medvec compete at Xcel Center by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

It’s not an NHL training camp, but for Will Merchant and A.J. Michaelson, it wasn’t far off. The two recent high school graduates participated in the Minnesota Wild prospect camp that ended Sunday at Xcel Energy Center. Merchant, who graduated from Eagan High School in June and helped the Wildcats reach the state Class AA tournament the last two years, scored a goal in the final scrimmage Sunday before an estimated 7,500 spectators. Michaelson played for Apple Valley High School through his junior year, then played Junior A hockey in Waterloo, Iowa, last season. They were on the ice with Mikael Granlund, the highly regarded Finnish prospect who is expected to play for the Wild in 2012-13, and Matt Dumba, Minnesota’s first-round choice in the 2012 NHL Draft. Neither Merchant nor Michaelson were chosen in that draft. That means if and when they turn pro they’ll be free to sign with any team. That was the route taken by Rosemount High School graduate J.T. Brown, who helped Minnesota-Duluth win the 2011 NCAA Frozen Four championship. After the 2011-12 season – his junior year at UMD – Brown

turned pro and signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning, which gave him a two-year contract. Merchant is headed to the University of Maine this fall, while Michaelson has signed with Minnesota. Also at the prospect camp was defenseman Kyle Medvec, an Apple Valley High School graduate who was selected by the Wild in the fourth round of the 2006 draft. He played four seasons at the University of Vermont, then last year was with the Houston Aeros, the Wild’s top minor-league affiliate.

Zero Week football

games must take a week off with no practice at some point during the season. Zero Week games in the metro area include Holy Angels at Edina and St. Paul Humboldt at Columbia Heights, both Aug. 24. A team from Texas, Houston Episcopal, will play at Hopkins on Aug. 25. Most Minnesota high school football teams, including all members of the South Suburban Conference, will play their openers Aug. 30 or 31.

Headed to the Hall Shani Marks-Johnson, an assistant track and field coach at Apple Valley High School, will be inducted into the University of Minnesota M Club Hall of Fame on Sept. 20. She is one of nine U of M athletes and coaches in this year’s induction class. Marks-Johnson, a state champion in track and field at AVHS, was second in the triple jump at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2003. She went on to win five U.S. triple jump titles, three outdoor and two indoor. She qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics and remains the only University of Minnesota track and field athlete to compete for Team USA in the Olympics.

The first week of high school football games for Dakota County teams will take place at the traditional time – just before Labor Day weekend. A few other teams will play one week earlier, taking advantage of the Minnesota State High School League’s Zero Week, which was approved to help teams that had trouble filling their schedules. One of the challenges of scheduling non-conference games was finding potential opponents with the same open date as your team. Zero Week, which allows teams to play games Aug. 24-25, was designed to address that. Teams approved for Zero Week games can start prac- Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. tice Aug. 6; everybody else shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or has to wait until Aug. 13. facebook.com/sunthisweek. Teams that play Zero Week

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Notebook: Local players go to Wild prospect camp

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July 20, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Thisweekend Irish tradition

dances into Caponi Art Park

Photo submitted

Students of St. Paul’s O’Shea Irish Dance school will perform a variety of traditional Irish dances at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at Caponi Art Park in Eagan. perform a variety of traditional Irish dances such the slip, reel and treble jib accompanied by Celtic music played the Center for Irish Music. “My hope is the audiences gets a little flavor of Irish dance and culture by seeing this performance,” said Cormac O’Se, director of O’Shea Irish Dance. The high energy dances have been mastered by most of O’Shea’s students, several of whom have taken top awards at national and international competitions. Among those are Evan Lowe, 16, of Rosemount who has received recognition

by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

They move in step, tapping their feet in perfect time as though they are the instruments playing the jig. The rhythm and complexity of Irish dance never ceases to amaze and entertain. Area residents will be able to view students from St. Paul’s O’Shea Irish Dance school perform their traditional art at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at Caponi Art Park, 1220 Diffley Road in Eagan. Dressed in simple costumes that commemorate Irish heritage, 20 dancers from the nationally-recognized school will

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in the United States and in Ireland for his skilled dancing. Lowe said he views Sunday’s performance as an opportunity for all the dancers to showcase their talent and dedication to the art. “It’s more than a thing people do socially. It’s more physical like a sport and requires a lot of training,” Lowe said. “I hope it shines through that we worked really hard.” Fellow O’Shea dancer Krista Peterson, 17, of Lakeville said she hopes the event will generate interest in Irish dance. “I hope it will get more people to want

to try it like when we saw River Dancing growing up,” she said. The free performance is part of Caponi Art Park’s Summer Performance series, which features a variety of music, theater and dance concerts in the Theater in the Woods outdoor amphitheater. More information is at CaponiArtPark. org. Jessica Harper is at jessica.harper@ecminc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Medallion hunt to start Monday, July 23 This year’s Leprechaun’s Lost Medallion Hunt will return to its traditional start time on Monday of Rosemount Leprechaun Days, which runs from July 20-29. The medallion hunt will start at 9 a.m. Monday, July 23, when the first clue is re-

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leased on the front door of Sterling State Bank, 4520 150th St. W., corner of County Road 42 and Diamond Path, and online at www.SunThisweek.com. Sterling State Bank is offering a $500 cash prize to the winner. The hunt has enough clues, in limerick format (a nod to the city’s Irish heritage), to have it run until the festival ends July 29. Over the years, the me-

dallion has taken on various shapes, sizes and colors. It’s been green to blend in with grass, red when attached to a fire hydrant and made of wood when placed on a bench. Medallion-seekers should note that this tradition will continue, along with it being hidden on city of Rosemount park property that can be seen and reached by even the youngest of hunters.

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Hunters should note that they won’t have to move, damage or destroy park property in order to find the medallion. Official rules and a picture of the prize will be posted at clue central at SunThisweek.com and on the front door of the bank. Clues will be published every morning at 9 a.m. at the entrance to Sterling State Bank and on the newspaper’s website.

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan July 20, 2012

family calendar To submit items for the Family Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com. Saturday, July 21 Food drive for Dakota County food shelves from 9 a.m. to noon at Saints Martha & Mary Episcopal Church, 4180 Lexington Ave. S., Eagan. Requested items: Canned food, peanut butter, dry goods, personal hygiene items, cooking oil, flour and baking items. Cash donations encouraged. Car wash by the AVaires dance team from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Red Tag Cleaners, intersection of County Road 42 and Garden View (behind Flowerama) in Apple Valley. 30th anniversary celebration by AMVETS Post 1, Mendota, at the Mendota VFW on Highway 13 beginning at 2 p.m. Program at 3 p.m., pig roast and live music from 4 p.m. to midnight. Beer, fun, friends. All welcome, especially veterans and their families. Information: (651) 688-7408. Tuesday, July 24 Family Fun Tuesday – Minnesota Percussion Trio’s Clicks, Claps, and Clunks, 10 to 11 a.m. in the Sculpture Garden at Caponi Art Park, Eagan. $4 per person donation is suggested. Information: (651) 4549412 or www.caponiartpark. org. Music in the Parks – Splatter Sisters, 1:15 p.m. at Jaycee Park, Rosemount, after Blarney Stone Hunt. Free. Weather line: Call (952) 985-1780 option 6 to find out if a performance has been cancelled. Tuesday Evenings in the Garden – Lasagna Gardening with Mickey Scullard, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the garden at UMore Park, 1605 160th St. W. (County Road 46), Rosemount. This no-dig method saves labor and

creates an environmentally friendly vegetable or flower bed. Fee: $10. Questions or to register by phone, call University of Minnesota Extension: (651) 480-7700. Wednesday, July 25 Eagan Market Fest, 4 to 8 p.m., Eagan Festival Grounds. Farmers market, concert by Wild Honey & The Locusts, free kids’ art, family games. Information: www.cityofeagan.com/ marketfest or (651) 675-5500. Thursday, July 26 Thursday Rockin’ Readers – Sky Oaks Principal Kay Fecke, 11:15 a.m., Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Free. Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour – Dazzling Dave yo-yo master, noon, Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Free. Friday, July 27 Outdoor movie, “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale,” 7:30 p.m. seating, dusk showtime, part of Burnsville’s “Flicks on the Bricks” series at Nicollet Commons Park in the Heart of the City. Summer Fresh Friday Film, “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days,” 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Natural Foods, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville. Information: (952) 8911212, ext. 221. Saturday, July 28 Youth Fishing Contest from 9 to 11 a.m. at Valley Lake, 16050 Garrett Path, Lakeville. Ages 13 and younger. Bring your own fishing equipment and bait. Register the day of the contest. Free. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and Minnesota Pole Benders. Blood drives The American Red Cross

theater and arts briefs will hold the following blood drives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. • July 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sprint Lakeville, 17713 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville. • July 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9600 163rd St. W., Lakeville. • July 25, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Prince of Peace Community Life Center, 13901 Fairview Drive, Burnsville. • July 25, 1 to 7 p.m., St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 22120 Denmark Ave., Farmington. Call Marlene at (651) 460-6083 for an appointment. Walk-ins welcome. • July 26, noon to 6 p.m., Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley. • July 26, 2 to 7 p.m., Glendale United Methodist Church, 13550 Glendale Road, Savage. Reunions Lakeville High School Class of 1972 will hold its 40th reunion at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at the home of Bruce and Pat Zweber, 387 Maple Island Road, Burnsville. Information: Mary Boegeman Johnson at MBoegemanJ@yahoo.com or Mary Ann Knox at MaryAnnKnox@visi.com. Burnsville High School Class of 1992 will hold its 20th reunion from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Hyatt Regency, downtown Minneapolis. Tickets are $50 in advance or $65 at the door. To register and purchase tickets, visit https://reunionmanager. net/class_members/registration.php?class_id=124786 or contact Kelly Bruce Regan at kelbel070@gmail.com or Bob Hayes at bobhayes37@yahoo. com with questions.

theater and arts calendar To submit items for the Arts Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com. Books Mystery authors Marilyn Jax and Jim Proebstle from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Apple Valley Barnes & Noble, 14880 Florence Trail. Comedy Bill Blank with special guest Laura Thorne at 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21, at MinneHAHA Comedy Club, 1583 E. First Ave., Shakopee (lower level of Dangerfield’s), (612) 8609388, www.minnehahacomedyclub.com. Tickets: $13. Concerts Music in Kelley Park featuring Michael Monroe from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 20, at Kelley Park, 6855 Fortino St., Apple Valley. Free. Food and beverages available for purchase. Lyle Lovett & His Acoustic Group, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 21, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $56. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. O’Shea Irish Dance and Music, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at Caponi Art Park’s Theater in the Woods outdoor amphitheater in Eagan. Suggested donation: $5. Rain date: July 29. Information: www.caponiartpark.org. Q The Clique, 7 p.m. Sunday, July 22, part of Sunday Night Music in the Park at Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Free. Los Lonely Boys and Ozomatli, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 22, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $53. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Ticket to Brasil, 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, part of the Wednesday in the Park Concert Series at Civic Center Park, 75 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville. Los Lobos and Steve Earle, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $47. Tickets available at ticketmaster. com. Music in Kelley Park featuring MacPhail Jazz from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Kelley Park, 6855 Fortino St., Apple Valley. Free. Food and beverages available for purchase. BoDeans with Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $35. Tickets available at ticketmaster. com. Cactus Willie, Boxcar Bob and The Drifter, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Tickets are $14 at the arts center. Advance purchase is recommended. Information: (952) 985-4640. BoDeans with Honeydogs, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $35. Tickets available at ticketmaster. com. From Age to Age, a choral music ensemble, will present “Sing for the World” at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at The Basilica of St. Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis. Suggested donation: $20. Information: www. fromagetoage.org. Robert Randolph and the Family Band and JJ Grey & Mofro, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July

29, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $38. Tickets available at ticketmaster. com. Dance Zenon Dance School’s Hip Hop and Breakdance Camp Aug. 6-10 at Burnsville Performing Arts Center: 9 a.m. to noon, ages 6-10, $190; 12:30 to 4 p.m., ages 10-14, $220. Enroll online at www. zenondance.org/summercamps-2012 or call (612) 3381011. Exhibits Botanical art exhibit by The Great River Chapter of Botanical Artists at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Information: (952) 985-4640. Festivals Rosemount Leprechaun Days runs July 20-29. Information: www.rosemountevents. com/Leprechaun.html. Theater Eagan Summer Community Theatre will present “Cinderella” in the Eagan High School auditorium, 4185 Braddock Trail, at 7:30 p.m. July 18-21, 25-28, and 2 p.m. July 22 and 28. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors 62-plus and children under 12. To purchase tickets, call (651) 6836964 between 1 and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or purchase online at www.eagan. k12.mn.us/. Workshops/classes Mystery Art Night will be offered Friday, July 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Eagan Art House. All supplies will be included and light refreshments will be served. Cost per class is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Register at www.eaganarthouse.org. Call (651) 6755521 for information. Music Together in the Valley offers classes for parents and their infant, toddler and preschool children in Rosemount, Farmington, Lakeville and Apple Valley. Information: www.musictogetherclasses. com or (651) 439-4219. The Eagan Art House offers classes for all ages. For a complete listing go to www.eaganarthouse.org or call (651) 675-5521. Dan Petrov Art Studio in Burnsville offers oil painting classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced skill level painters, www.danpetrovart. com, (763) 843-2734. Teens Express Yourself with Paint, 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays at Brushworks School of Art in Burnsville, www.BrushworksSchoolofArt.com, (651) 214-4732. Drama/theater classes for ages 4 and up at River Ridge Arts Building, Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Special needs theater program (autism-DCD), ages 5 and older, Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Join other 55-plus adults at the Eagan Art House to create beaded jewelry. The Jewelry Club meets on the third Friday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Information: (651) 675-5500. Savage Art Studios, 4735 W. 123rd St., Suite 200, Savage, offers classes/workshops for all ages. Information: www. savageartstudios.com or (952) 895-0375. Soy candle making classes held weekly in Eagan near 55 and Yankee Doodle. Call Jamie at (651) 315-4849 for dates and times. $10 per person. Presented by Making Scents in Minnesota. Country line dance class-

es held for intermediates Mondays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St., Farmington, $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. Country line dance classes on Wednesdays at the Lakeville Senior Center, 20732 Holt Ave. Beginners, 9-10 a.m.; Intermediate, 10 a.m.noon. $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. The Lakeville Area Arts Center offers arts classes for all ages, www.lakevillemn.gov, (952) 985-4640.

Tickets for tween sensation on sale

mance will be moved to Crossroads Church, 4100 Lexington Way, Eagan. For more information, visit www.caponiartpark. org.

Tickets are on sale for the 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, performance of 11-yearold musical sensation Ethan Bortnick with special guests, The Kidz Bop Kids, at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Prices range from $24.50 to $49.50 and can be purchased at the box office, via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster. com.

Harvest of Art

Drums at Caponi Art Park Mu Daiko, a Japanese taiko drumming ensemble, will perform at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, at Caponi Art Park’s Theater in the Woods outdoor amphitheater. A $5 per person donation is suggested. In the event of poor weather, the perfor-

The Eagan Art House will hold its seventh annual Harvest of Art Community Art Exhibit Sept. 9 through Nov. 2. The exhibit is open to all south-of-the-river artists ages 8-18 and ages 19plus. All media are accepted. The exhibit opening will be 1 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the Eagan Art House. The exhibit will then be divided to go on display at various community locations. Preregistration is required. Registration fee is $16 for up to two pieces of artwork for ages 8 to 18 and $22 for up to two pieces of artwork for ages 19 and up. Register by Aug. 20. Exhibit guidelines are available at www.eaganarthouse.org. For more

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information, call (651) 675-5521.

Taylor artwork on display

Artwork by Dakota County clay artist and photographer Linda Ann Taylor is on display at the Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan. For more information, call the Eagan Art House at (651) 6755521.

Oak Ridge Boys tickets on sale Tickets are now on sale for the 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, performance by the Oak Ridge Boys at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets are $49.50 and $79.50 and can be purchased at the box office, via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com.

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July 20, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Eagan, from 10A

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ninth would be the final inning. Eagan pushed across the winning run on a suicide squeeze. Eagan, 21-12 overall, lost to Elk Grove 4-2 in the semifinals Tuesday. Eric Peterson, who’s hitting .459 this season, had two of the Patriots’ six hits.

Eastview

Apple Valley The 76ers went 4-0 in pool play, with one game rained out. That put them in the round of 16 and gave them a rematch with Napoleon, Ohio, a team they defeated 5-1 in pool play. Napoleon received one of the two wildcard spots in the round of 16. Apple Valley defeated Napoleon again 7-5 on Monday to advance to the quarterfinals against Coon Rapids, which defeated the 76ers 15-4 in five innings. The 76ers were 24-8 overall after going 5-1 in the Go-

Eastview made a run at winning the Gopher Classic in 2011 but took a different approach this year. “We were second last year, played eight games and just killed ourselves,” coach Bob Klefsaas said. “We really got tired, and I think it affected us after the tournament. That tournament is important, but this year we wanted to give as many of our kids some competition as possible. We have three doublerostered 16-year-olds, and the Gopher Classic gave us a chance to see how they might fit in for us in the playoffs.” The Thunder, 19-5 overall ranked second in the state American Legion poll, won its pool in St. Louis Park by going 4-1. Its biggest victory was 2-0 over Forest Lake on Sunday. Forest Lake would have won the pool by beating Eastview, while the Thunder needed a

Burnsville, from 10A knew I had good defense behind me,” Bosshart said. light so far was winning the Burnsville went on to Upper Midwest Classic, a defeat Eastview 9-7 and Ro20-team premier Legion setown 7-2 to win the chamtournament featuring the pionship for the third time top teams from four states, after winning it in 2005 and in New Ulm on July 8. 2006. Bosshart threw a perfect The Cobras didn’t get the game, eliminating 15 con- same result at last weekend’s secutive New Ulm Blue bat- Jim Hanus Gopher Classic, ters with five strikeouts, six the largest Legion baseball ground-ball outs and four tournament in the United flyouts in a 12-0 five-inning States. win. Burnsville was second “To be honest, I didn’t in pool play behind a team even know it was a perfect from Omaha even though game during the game,” Nes- the Cobras were undefeated. bitt said. “Otherwise I would Burnsville defeated Wayzata have made some defensive 3-0, Billings, Mont., 5-4 and adjustments.” Grand Rapids 3-2, but two It was the first perfect games against Proctor and game in the 32-year history Omaha, Neb., were cancelled of the Upper Midwest Clas- because of rain, leaving the sic. Cobras with just three wins “All I was trying to do in pool play to Omaha’s four. was throw strikes because I Omaha moved on to the

victory to preserve its chance of advancing. Adam Moorse, Quinn Trusty and Jacob Bechstein combined to pitch a three-hit shutout. Evan DeCovich hit a solo homer in the fourth inning and Austin Hebig drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth. Later Sunday, Eastview defeated Chester Bird 9-4 as Kevin Wobschall pitched a complete game. Ryan Heisler went 3-for-4 and Cameron Hall drove in two runs. Eastview and Forest Lake finished with the same record in pool play, but Eastview advanced because of its victory over Forest Lake. The Thunder played Lakeville South in the round of 16 and lost 5-4 in 12 innings. Bechstein, one of the 16-year-olds, has been a major benefit to the pitching staff. DeCovich, who had two victories and one save in for state champion Eastview in the high school Class AAA tournament, was diag-

nosed with tendinitis in his shoulder earlier this month and is likely to be limited to designated hitting duty the rest of the summer. Returning to the staff is Adam Moorse, who missed almost all of the high school season because of elbow trouble. He’s still on a strict pitch count, but Klefsaas said Moorse is able to pitch for two or three innings at a time.

championship round while Burnsville stayed home. “You kind of just shrug your shoulders,” Nesbitt said. “We have four league games this week and a chance to clinch the league this week, so we’re focused on that.” With four games remaining, Burnsville was one game ahead of Eastview in the Division I Third District League D standings. “We’ve developed quite the rivalry with Eastview,” Bosshart said. Dropping out of the Gopher Classic kept Burnsville’s 16-game winning streak alive and gave the players some rest. “We just had bad luck not being able to play those few games,” Bosshart said. “It probably almost benefitted us moving on. A lot of the guys were getting worn down.” Burnsville is focused on winning the Third District for the second year in a row, but the Cobras realize they could do something special this season. “I’ve been fortunate to coach a lot of teams in 15 years,” Nesbitt said. “This team is right up there. In terms of depth it’s right at the top of the list. You can insert any guy in there. There’s no one anyone can take a break on. Every kid can single-handedly win the game for us. They’re very versatile. When someone gets on base they like to attack.” Several players from the 2011 state champions

and 2012 varsity team have suited up for the Cobras including Matt Stemper, Dan Motl, Luke Chinn, Brian VanderWoude, Bo Hellquist, Bryce Pruszinske and Tyler Hanson. Justin Threlkeld and Quinn Johnson, who graduated from Burnsville High School in 2011, are back with the Cobras after playing at Iowa Central Community College this spring. “They’ve been through this all before,” Nesbitt said. “It’s helpful because they see some things differently now after playing at a higher level.” Another star from the 2011 team, Adam Lambrecht, is recovering from Tommy John surgery but is helping coach the Cobras’ pitchers. New Cobras for 2012 who played varsity last spring include Kolten Kenly, Ben Sherman, Aaron Rozek, Cooper Maas, Tyler Hill, Logan Hill, Dillon Bloomquist and Zack Smith. “They’re high school kids; they’re not machines,” Nesbitt said. “They have good days and bad days. It’s a different four-five kids every game.” District playoffs begin July 25 with the top two teams moving on to state. The Cobras qualified for the state tournament last season, but Lino Lakes and Eden Prairie moved on to the regional round.

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Rosemount Rosemount struggled at the Gopher Classic, going 1-4 in pool play at Bethel University in Arden Hills. Elk Grove took first in that pool, winning all five of its games. Rosemount’s victory was 15-10 over Rapid City (S.D.) Post 320, one of two teams from that city to play in the Gopher Classic. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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Cardona - Blair Heather Cardona and Joe Blair announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Heather is the daughter of Dan and Pat Cardona of Apple Valley. She is a 2000 Burnsville High School graduate and a 2008 graduate of Concordia University. She is employed at an accounting firm as an Account Manager. Joe is the son of Dennis and Linda Blair of Bloomington. He is a 2001 Burnsville High School graduate and a 2004 graduate of Academy College. He is employed at an accounting firm as an Account Manager. An October 2012 wedding and reception are planned in Bloomington, MN.

Fox - Kraft Kelsey Fox, daughter of Rick and Brenda Fox of Lakeville, and Jordan Kraft, son of Trent and Kathy Kraft of Fargo, ND announce their engagement. Kelsey is a 2009 graduate of Lakeville North High School and is attending North Dakota State University. Jordan is a 2009 graduate of Park Christian High School and is also attending NDSU. An August 3 wedding is planned at Bethel Free Church in Fargo, ND.

�� Laon Solie Hammer 3-6-1922 to 7-14-2012 Born Bronis Kowalczyk in Middle River MN to Joseph & Caroline (died 6/1922), adopted by Julius & Florence Solie in Fall 1922, re-christened Laon Adair Solie. Graduate Washburn HS 1940, Miss Woods Academy 1942. Married Donald Hammer Oct 1943, they lived in Richfield and Lakeville MN.Preceded in death by both birth & adoptive parents, beloved brother Jack Solie; sisters Josephine MacGlover, Helen Frank; brothers Louis & Joseph Kowalczyk and husband Donald (2006). Survived by children: Marnie (John Flaherty), Laurie Hammer and David (Denise Iser) Hammer, grandchildren: Natalie (Jack) Tente, Nicholas (Chelsea Welch) Hammer and Stephanie Hammer and great grandchildren: Kourtney, Isabella and Cole.The famil y is deepl y gra tef ul for the excellent loving care provided by Minnesota Masonic Home for the last 5 years and to Fairview Hospice for their guidance & support the last 10 months of Laon's life. Family requests no flowers; donations may be made to Minnesota Masonic Home, 11500 Compass Dr., Bloomington MN 55437-3699. Services will be at Minnesota Masonic Home Chapel, Bloomington MN (use Landmark Center Parking) on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 2 pm with visitation viewing from 1 pm to 2 pm. Private interment at Ft Snelling National Cemetery. The Funeral Directors 612-866-6711

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

Cherry - Carroll Bob & Diane Cherry of Rosemount are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter Shannon to David Carroll, both of Farmington , MN. David is the son of Kay Carroll of Rosemount & Don Carroll of Hastings. Shannon is a graduate of Rosemount High School, and St. Mary’s University with a degree in Elementary Education. She is a preschool teacher in the Farmington School District. David is a graduate of Rosemount High School, and Dakota County Technical College with a degree in GM ASEP and Mankato State University in Automotive Engineering & Technology. He is an engineering technician for Cummins Power Generation in Fridley. Shannon and David will be married in Rosemount, MN in August.

Luger-Tervola Brooke Luger, daughter of Bob and Jacqui Luger of White Bear Lake, and Brent Tervola, son of Steve and Terrylee Tervola of Eagan, announce their engagement. Brooke is a 2004 graduate of White Bear Lake High School and has a degree in Public Relations from the University of St. Thomas. She is employed as a Community Relations and Communication Specialist with Globe University in Woodbury, MN. Brent is a 2002 graduate of Eagan High School and has a degree in Accounting and Real Estate Management from the University of St. Thomas. He is employed as a Senior Accountant with Ameriprise Financial in Minneapolis. A September 8th wedding is planned at the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas in St. Paul, MN.

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65th Anniversary Bob and Marilyn Christiansen of Lakeville invite you to join them in Celebration of their 65th Wedding Anniversary. Open House will be Sunday, July 29, 2012 from 2 to 4 p.m. It will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lakeville. No invitations have been sent. No gifts please.

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan July 20, 2012

LAB, from 1A options for its future evidence testing. “My main concern is maintaining the integrity of our work,” Bianconi said. “That’s paramount and cannot be jeopardized. We put far too much effort and labor into these cases, and we want them prosecuted and convicted. … We want our cases to be beyond reproach.” Bellows said he would talk with Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom and police chiefs this week to determine if changes are needed regarding where the county sends case evidence. Charges, from 1A off and that Schauer must have shot himself with the weapon. The Dakota County Medical Examiner determined that Schauer died from one 9 mm gunshot wound directly to his forehead. Later test firings led the medical examiner to conclude that the fatal shot had been fired from approximately 6 to 8 inches away. Through a DNA analysis, it was found that Dague’s DNA was the one dominant profile on the gun and that no DNA match was made to the profile of Schauer. Burnsville police determined that Dague had purchased the handgun in April 2011. Investigators questioned several witnesses who stated that they had observed Dague on multiple occasions playing the game he described to police in which he

During the three-day evidentiary hearing this week, defense attorneys Lauri Traub and Christine Funk scrutinized lab practices in the first of eight Dakota County drug cases they claim may have convicted people based on “bad science,” according to a report in the Star Tribune. Several St. Paul Crime Lab employees testified the lab has no written procedure or formal training program and does not keep documentation of when drug evidence is accessed, according to Minnesota Public Radio and the Star Tribune reports. Minnesota requires pros-

ecutors to prove the scientific techniques used are generally accepted in the scientific community, and that the lab conducting tests employed proper controls. With testimony concluding this week, the hearing will be suspended to give both sides time to review reports and documents that were recently disclosed, Backstrom said. Backstrom said Judge Kathryn Messerich is expected to decide on the case by early fall.

would pull back the slide of the weapon, eject a live bullet from the chamber, and catch the bullet in his free hand. Two witnesses also told police that they had observed Dague on previous occasions point this handgun directly toward others, pull the trigger and dry fire the weapon without a bullet. “This appears to be another tragic example of the dangers associated with not handling a firearm in a safe manner,” Dakota County

Attorney James Backstrom said. Backstrom expressed sympathy to the family and friends of Justin Schauer for their great loss and thanked the Burnsville Police Department for their thorough investigation into this case. Judge Karen Asphaug set bail for Dague at $150,000 without conditions ($25,000 with conditions). Dague’s next court appearance is set for Oct. 22 in Hastings. —Tad Johnson

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

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Outlet Mall, from 1A 60 percent of our tenants when we start construccall for an outdoor com- tion,” he said. plex that includes a mix Though he declined to of large and small retail list specific tenants, Antill stores. said the outlet mall will at Paragon envisions one tract upscale retailers. or two 25,000-square-foot Several steps will need anchors surrounded by to be taken before Paragon three or four mini anchors can break ground. The deof 10,000 to 15,000 square veloper plans to submit feet. rezoning and subdivision The developer hopes plans within the next few to begin construction by weeks to be considered by spring 2013 and open the the City Council. outlet mall in 2014. From there, Paragon Paragon is already in would need to submit fitalks with potential ten- nal development plans to ants, Antill said. be considered by the City “We hope to have 50 to Council and discussed at a

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public hearing. Leonard Pratt, president of Pratt Homes, which has taken the lead on the Cedar Grove redevelopment project, said he hopes Paragon’s progress will spur development throughout the Cedar Grove area, which was stalled by the slumped real estate market. Plans for the Cedar Grove redevelopment area include restaurants, retail, hotels and housing. Jessica Harper is at jessica.harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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July 20, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan July 20, 2012

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July 20, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan July 20, 2012

dakota rev, from 10A Thorsell said. “They were better at it than the teams Joyce and Lauren Sherry at- we see in Minnesota, and tend Lakeville North (Joyce Minnesota has some very did not play in last week- good teams. end’s tournament because “We play a very highshe was attending a hockey pressure style, and that camp). The team also has might have forced the teams two White Bear Lake play- we played to adjust. That ers (Jamie Rademacher tournament also was the and Rebekah Thom), one first time all season we’ve from Minnetonka (Em- been completely healthy, ily Graupmann), one from and that was a big help.” Cretin-Derham Hall (Molly Dakota REV will hold Johnston) and one from tryouts for its 2013 season Owatonna (Katlin Ptacek). teams later this summer, Thorsell became the but it’s expected most of team’s coach this season. the Rampage players will Previously the Rampage stay together and play at the was coached by Nels Dok- U17 level. The club actually ken, Dakota REV’s player could have two girls U17 development director, and Premier teams next year if Thorsell said Dokken had its U16 Classic 1 squad wins much to do with molding the state championship later the players into the kind of this month and earns a proteam they have become. motion. After going 1-1-1 in pool “There’s a lot of talent play in the vElite tourna- at that age level,” Thorsell ment, the Rampage rallied said. from a two-goal deficit to beat Sereno 96 White of Ar- More USA Cup izona 3-2 in the semifinals. results “The teams we played in that tournament are very Several other teams with good at possessing the ball,” local ties had strong per-

formances during the USA Cup Weekend tournament. The Dakota REV Revenge reached the championship in the girls U14A division before losing to the Centennial Cougars 2-1. The Eagan Wave won its first four games in the girls U16A tourney to reach the final, where it lost to the Caledon Wildcats of Canada 2-1. The Lakeville Force went 4-1 in the girls U16B tourney, losing only to the Lakehead Express of Canada in the championship game. The Dakota REV Rebels (women’s U19), Valley United Fusion (boys U17A) and Eagan Wave (girls U13A) reached the semifinals in their tournaments. The weeklong USA Cup youth tourney – a separate event from the weekend tournament – runs through Saturday.

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Man charged after county building lockdown A 53-year-old Inver Grove Heights man was charged on Friday with felony terroristic threats in connection with an incident that resulted in the lockdown of Dakota County’s Northern Service Center the morning of Thursday, July 12, according to a release from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office. According to the criminal complaint, Terry Lee Debates allegedly was depressed and told a social worker and staff at the mobile home park where

he lived on Thursday that if he was unable to obtain financial assistance from Dakota County to pay his rent, he intended to get into a confrontation with police and make them kill him. He also told staff at the mobile home park he would have a toy gun with him when he went to the Northern Service Center. The building was placed in lockdown at approximately 9:30 a.m. and a search of the building was conducted by approximately 40 police officers from West St. Paul, Dakota

County Sheriff, South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights and Minnesota State Patrol. The search team located Debates in an office on the third floor at 10:35 a.m. and was arrested without incident. No staff or officers were injured during the incident. Debates made his first appearance in court Friday and was released without bail to a crisis center by Judge Jerome Abrams. His next court appearance is set for Oct. 2. – Tad Johnson

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Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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July 20, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Former football coach rolls as Big Bob Dave Fritze’s band to play during Leprechaun Days by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

Although he isn’t delivering instructions from the sidelines as head coach of the Eagan High School football team, Dave Fritze is still a leader. For the past 10 years, Fritze has been known as Big Bob, serving as the catalyst for his band, The High Rollers, as they crank out rock ’n’ roll on musical stages around the metro area, including from 6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at the Central Park Amphitheater in Rosemount. “The guys in the band are such great people,” Fritze said. “I think we often have more fun playing than our audience does watching.”

Fritze has been an Eagan High counselor since the school opened in 1990. “It keeps me young,” Fritze said. “I love going to work each day because I work with what has to be one of the top teaching staffs in the state. I really enjoy helping students, and particularly those that might have some very difficult issues going on in their life.” For 17 years, Fritze coached the school’s football team – a job that required similar organizational skills as being the leader of Big Bob and the High Rollers. He recruited band members from his connections through school and football. His teammates in musical endeavors include one teacher, five parents of his former players and three parents of students at the school.

“At some coach-parent football functions, I began talking about my love of music to a few of the guys,” Fritze said of the band’s formation. “We found out that we had some very fine musicians, and we played for one of our football booster functions.” Things started “rolling” after that. Fritze has been known as Big Bob since a country line dance instructor dubbed him with the nickname when the old coach was moving with two left feet. “At one point the instructor stopped the music, looked back at me and said: ‘You in the back, Big Bob, you have got to get it together,’ ” Fritze recalled of the outing with his football cohorts and their wives. The name has stuck ever since. Big Bob’s group, which includes a horn section,

plays its share of public gigs – about once a month – but mostly it is booked for weddings and other private parties. That’s the case because so much of the band’s material lends itself to a goodtime party feel as most folks could sing along with the songs. The material the band covers includes songs from such diverse artists as Neil Diamond, Bobby Brown, Journey and Stevie Wonder. Fritze, who inherited his tuneful interest from his mother (a college music major), said he started singing in his high school choir and also sang in a choir at his church. He said the students he

works with on a daily basis think it’s cool their counselor is in a band, and he often shows them the music group’s website, bigbobandthehighrollers.com. Though being in a band has been a fun diversion for Fritze since he left the coaching ranks, he doesn’t rule out a return to the field. “I really miss football and would enjoy getting back into the game,” he said. “One of my sons Tom is a football coach at Hastings, and my son Dan coaches at East Ridge. I would love to coach with them some day.”

In Brief

Among the other events slated in Central Park on the night of Big Bob and the High Rollers’ performance are: Family Fun Night, 5-10 p.m., amusement rides, food booths, games and entertainment. JAMM Dance Co. Performance, 5 p.m. Celts Beer Garden, 5-10 p.m. At the Steeple Center there will be a public viewing of the Rosemount Area Arts Council Photo Contest from 7-9:30 p.m. when there will be Tad Johnson can be reached People’s Choice Award voting, at tad.johnson@ecm-inc.com winners announced, and conor facebook.com/sunthisweek. test judge presentation. Info: www.RosemountArts.com.