SUN Thisweek Burnsville and Eagan by Sun Thisweek

Burnsville | Eagan

www.SunThisweek.com Opinion

August 24, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 26

Country Village is back in business Council grants one provisional license, seeks guarantees by John Gessner

City of Burnsville

Sun Thisweek

Woman raises healthy family Columnist writes about a Dakota County woman who encountered a host of challenges and is back on the right track with the help of Dakota Healthy Families. Page 4A

Mature Lifestyles

Lakeville man back to school Lakeville man who suffered a life-changing injury didn’t let it stop him from going back to school. Page 12A

thisweekend

Farewell, dolphin friends The Minnesota Zoo is inviting the public to come and say goodbye to its Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, which are on exhibit through Sept. 9. Page 16A

sports

Country Village Apartments, which was shut down in March after the owners repeatedly missed deadlines for fixing numerous code violations, is back in business. Burnsville City Council members, at wit’s end over squalid living conditions discovered more than a year ago and the missed deadlines that followed, voted 3-1 Aug. 21 to grant owner Lindahl Properties a provisional rental license to reoccupy one of the complex’s six buildings. Under a staggered arrangement, licenses could soon be granted for two more buildings, and the entire west Burnsville complex could be temporarily relicensed by the end of the year. Failure to meet a Dec. 31 repair deadline for the last three buildings will bring fines of $100 per building

In the second year of its head coach’s tenure, the Burnsville football team hopes to build off last season’s successes. Page 22A

Index Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Public Notices. . . . . . . . . 6A Announcements . . . . . . . 7A Thisweekend. . . . . . . . . 16A Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . 18A Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22A

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

per day. Lindahl representatives were ordered to reappear before the council until then to give progress reports. The city revoked the 138-

unit complex’s rental license in January, and residents were given until March 1 to leave. With the buildings empty, work on fixing hundreds

of building, fire and property maintenance code violations began in earnest. Lindahl applied for provisional license for three buildings – 3805 Sibley,

3809 Sibley and 3848 Hamilton – and an Aug. 7 city inspection found them to be in compliance. See Apartments, 18A

Eagan council weighs tax levy increase Rollover Most homeowners can expect to pay less in crash in the city’s portion of property taxes in 2013 Burnsville kills two teens This would bring the total tax levy to $28.3 million, which is nearly $900,000 more than in 2012. The City Council weighed in on the proposed preliminary tax levy during its special meeting Aug. 15. “I think this is exactly

by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Eagan officials are considering a 3.3 percent increase in its payable 2013 property tax levy — a move that would enable the city to meet inflation and pay for a 1.5 percent pay increase for all city employees.

where we want to be to maintain the services our residents expect and still be in keeping with the conservative financial principles we value,” Council Member Paul Bakken said. Despite the proposed increase, most homeowners can expect to pay less in the city’s portion of prop-

erty taxes in 2013. This decline is largely due to falling home prices and the state’s new market value exclusion program, said Gene VanOverbeke, Eagan’s administrative services director. The average home See Taxes, 8A

Area food shelf becomes mobile Mobile Pantry to stop at Apple Valley church on Sept. 10

by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

In 2007 the Eagan and Lakeville Resource Centers joined the food revolution by offering fresh produce, dairy and meats at the two food shelves. Now, the Eagan nonprofit is taking the food revolution to the streets by bringing the pantry to those in need. “When looking at our clients’ greatest need, we found that a big part is transportation — many don’t have reliable modes,” said Sarah Schmidt, fresh food coordinator for the Resource Centers. “So we decided to take it to them.” The nonprofit recently See Food, 24A

Football team ready to rise

Right: This is a picture taken last year of a moldy bathroom at Country Village Apartments. Below: This is a refurbished bathroom in one of the three buildings that have passed inspection at Country Village.

Photo submitted

Eagan and Lakeville Resource Centers leaders Nancy Wester, community relations manager, John Jaeger, operations manager, Sarah Schmidt, fresh foods coordinator, Mary Freeman, program manager and Kris Albright, office manager, show off the nonprofit’s new Mobile Pantry. The Mobile Pantry will be deployed for the first time on Sept. 10 at Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley.

Hot jazz, local flavor

Photo by John Gessner

The Super Pilots, including keyboard player Dave Mackay and drummer JP Bouvet, were the warm-up act for headliner Randy Brecker during the ninth annual Burnsville Art and All That Jazz Festival Saturday, Aug. 18, at Burnsville’s Nicollet Commons Park. The jazz-rock fusion quartet includes Bouvet, of Lakeville, guitarist Mike Linden of Apple Valley, and two of their classmates at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mackay and Jason Weiss. Acts at the daylong festival also included the Dakota Combo, Hot Swing Combo and Charanga Tropical.

Car spun out of control, rolled onto I-35 by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

A rollover crash on Buck Hill Road near I-35 and County Road 46 caused the deaths of two teens and injured three others Tuesday afternoon. The Minnesota State Patrol identified Alesha Roehl, 17, of Northfield, Minn., and Frederick Alexander, 16, of Burnsville, as the teens who died in the crash. All five passengers were teenagers, according to media reports. At about 2:30 p.m., a 1992 Toyota Camry, driven by a 17-year-old Lakeville boy, was speeding along Buck Hill Road when it went out of control, rolled down the embankment and landed on the southbound lanes of I-35, according to the State Patrol. Alexander died at the scene and Roehl was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center with serious injuries, where she was later pronounced dead in the evening. The driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at Fairview Ridges in Burnsville. Two other passengers received minor injuries and were treated at HCMC. No alcohol was involved in the crash, but both Roehl and Alexander were not wearing their seat belts when they were ejected from the Camry, according to the State Patrol. Crews closed the southbound lanes of I-35 for hours Tuesday evening, which caused significant backups on both I-35W and I-35E during rush hour. The State Patrol is still investigating the cause of the accident. Aaron M. Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

August 24, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan Submitted photo and illustration

Burnsville police officer Dan Anselment (left) is “Officer Dan” (right) in a children’s book he’s working on with his wife, Amy, who is doing the illustrations.

Officer Dan delivers the clues Burnsville cop plans children’s book on forensics by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

Burnsville police officer Dan Anselment has another life as “Officer Dan.” Dan the cop patrols the streets and investigates crime scenes as part of Burnsville’s specially trained evidence team. Officer Dan gives forensics demonstrations to kids and is soon to become a character in an illustrated children’s book Anselment is working on with his wife, Amy. Dan the cop hopes Officer Dan helps build bridges between children and the police. The Anselments’ first book, “Officer Dan Looks for Clues with Kids,” will be self-published late this year or early next year, Dan said. He hopes to build an entire book series around Officer Dan. “As a police officer, we interact with children quite frequently,” said Anselment, 31, a nine-year Burnsville police veteran. “Every once in a while you go to those calls where a kid is terrified of police officers or the kid maybe was taught we are people they should fear and be disrespectful to. “My thought and hope is, if I can create this character, Officer Dan – which is really any officer out of the street – a kid will be able to connect with this character, and hopefully through that, he’ll be able to recognize police officers are somebody he can trust.”

Anselment, who grew up in Burnsville and Lakeville and now lives in New Prague, comes from a police family. His father, Steve, is a retired Eagan sergeant. Older brother Shaun is a Burnsville cop who joined the force a few years before Dan did. Shaun’s wife, Danielle, is an officer in Eagan. Dan had stints as youth worship director at Hosanna! Lutheran Church in Lakeville and as a member of the Johnny Holm Band before being hired as a Burnsville cop. Anselment is one of about a dozen members of Burnsville’s crime-scene evidence team and second vice president of the Minnesota chapter of the International Association for Identification, the world’s largest forensic organization. He’s an instructor for Burnsville’s evidence team, which offers a 40-hour crime-scene school to cops from around Minnesota. TV is not reality when it comes to cops seeking clues, Anselment said. “It definitely makes the job harder,” he said of the “CSI effect.” “People just assume that evidence can be found at everything. That’s not always the case. Sometimes people want you to fingerprint things you just might not be able to get anything from. TV kind of gives a false sense of what we can do. TV also has amazing technology I wish we had.”

When he speaks to children’s groups Anselment focuses on the basics he’s emphasizing in his first book, which his wife is illustrating with full-color paintings. Photos of real evidence will be blended into the illustrations. “Children are introduced, unfortunately, to all they see on TV, which are the ‘CSI’ shows, which is the violence and the blood,” Anselment said. “The whole purpose of this book is to remove that from the picture and teach them forensic science is something they can be excited about. It’s about fingerprints, shoe tracks, hair samples, tire tracks, fibers.” Anselment said his research of children’s literature turned up nothing about forensic science. He said his first book will follow Officer Dan as he processes a burglary scene, but not a home burglary. “We’ll probably end up using a business or something like that, something not as vulnerable. We don’t want to scare (readers),” said Anselment, who has three children of his own, ages 2, 5 and 7. More information is at www.kickstarter.com/projects/anselment/officer-danlooks-for-clues-childrensbook\. Donations to help fund the book project are taken there. John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 24, 2012

Eagan among Top 20 places to live Money Magazine has listed the city in its top 20 for four consecutive years by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

For the fourth consecutive time, Eagan has been named among the Top 20 small cities in America by Money Magazine. “This is a real feather in the cap,” said City Administrator Tom Hedges. “It takes real effort for Eagan to be named among the top 20.” Every two years, the magazine ranks cities with populations of more than 50,000 on a variety of factors to establish its Best Places to Live list. Eagan is the only Minnesota city to be ranked among the top 20 four consecutive times. Eagan came in 14th this year after previously coming in at 17th, 15th and 12th in the nation. When making its decision, Money Magazine considers a variety of factors, including job growth, home affordability, safety, school quality, health care, arts and leisure, diversity, fiscal strength of local governments, and happiness. The magazine examined Eagan’s job growth between

2000 and 2011, which shows a 1 percent drop. However, Hedges points out that the magazine’s research would have shown an uptick in jobs had it included 2012. During that time, several major corporations such as Prime Therapeutic, Stream Global and Ecolab announced plans to bring hundreds of jobs to Eagan. When looking at safety, the magazine found that Eagan has a relatively low incident of property crimes, with 25 per 1,000 people. Eagan was also commended for its affordable housing, with the median value at $237,696, and fiscally sound city government. The city has a history of keeping a tight rein on its spending compared with

similar-sized communities. In 2012, Eagan spent $726 million per capita, which is considerably lower than many similarly sized cities in Minnesota. In 2012, Eagan spent $716 per capita, while nearby Burnsville spent $899, according to the latest state auditor’s report. Education is often considered to be a primary factor when determining whether a city is among the best. The RosemountApple Valley-Eagan School District has historically outperformed the state average on standardized tests and graduation rates. When looking for arts and recreation in the city, residents can find a bounty of parks including the Caponi Art Park and several county parks. For those seeking a more active space, the city has numerous ice skating rinks, baseball fields, and a community center – all aspects noted by Money Magazine. Although the suburb isn’t known for its diversity, the city of 64,765 people has become increasingly di-

verse. According to the 2010 census, minorities made up 20.8 percent of the city’s population in 2010, which is a significant increase from 2000 when minorities made up 11.97 percent. Eagan is one of five Minnesota cities to be named among Money Magazine’s top 25. Lakeville was ranked No. 19, Eden Prairie was named No. 3, Woodbury No. 11 and Maple Grove No. 22. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Open house set for Pilot Knob corridor study Area residents, business owners and commuters are invited to an open house to learn more about roadway improvement options for the Pilot Knob Road corridor in Eagan. The open house will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at the Eagan Community Center Oasis Room, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan. Dakota County, in partnership with the city of Eagan, initiated a study to consider transportation improvements to Pilot Knob Road (CSAH 31)

between Yankee Doodle Road and Central Parkway/Northwood Parkway. Community input is sought on the different improvement options being considered, including driveway and intersection modifications and/or closures, new local street connections, additional traffic lanes, median installation, and intersection control changes such as a roundabout. For more information about the open house, call (952) 891-7100.

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Opinion

August 24, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Opening doors with 360 Communities Dakota Healthy Families by Molly Perry Special to Sun Thisweek

Amanda wants to be good mother to her son Kyle. However, she has struggled with a history of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, and her own mother is an alcoholic. She has self-esteem issues and, as a teenager, she was diagnosed with ADHD and mental illness. Without a solid role model in her life, developing good parenting skills has been elusive. During Amanda’s pregnancy, the father of her child was imprisoned. When she gave birth to Kyle, a hospital parent visitor determined she was eligible for 360 Communities Dakota Healthy Families and referred her to the program. Amanda agreed to participate out of fear her child would be taken away. In many ways, Amanda’s story is why programs like Healthy Families are critical. Healthy Families has done essential work to promote safe, healthy and nurturing homes for children and prepare them for kindergarten. Healthy Families home visitors use an early intervention and prevention-focused approach to teach parents how to provide early learning, to help build social and emotional intelligence in their children, to keep the children current on immunizations, and to help prepare them for a successful preschool screening. A 2006 University of Minnesota study found that Healthy Families nearly pays for itself by avoiding cases of child neglect and abuse. The study also noted that “longterm cost-avoidance is much greater, as

Guest Columnist

Molly Perry

early intervention programs like (Healthy Families) often head off long-term dependency on government programs such as welfare, special education and the criminal justice system.” Art Rolnick, a senior fellow with the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs and a former director of research with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, says early childhood development programs have an annual return on investment of up to 16 percent, beating stock portfolios and other forms of economic development. “The return of investment in early childhood development is extraordinary, resulting in better-working public schools, more educated workers, and less crime,” Rolnick has said. Amanda’s involvement with Healthy Families home visitor Sarah was only sporadic during the first few months. Her history of abuse made it difficult for her to trust people. She started drug and alcohol use at a young age and never finished school. Consequently, her self-esteem was low. Since Kyle was born, Amanda had been told by her mom, Kyle’s father, the police and even perfect strangers she was not

In Brief Dakota Healthy Families is one of the 360 Communities school success programs that help break the cycle of poverty by engaging parents in their children’s development and giving families a vested interest in their future and the future of their children. More information about Healthy Families is at (952) 985-5300 or the website 360Communities.org. Healthy Families currently has Spanishspeaking home visitors available to assist Latino clients. If you or someone you know would like to inquire about this kind of support, contact 360 Communities at (952) 985-5300. a good mother. This criticism prompted her to act out of fear, and attempt to make changes like giving up drugs and starting anti-anxiety medication. However, none of the changes would stick. Healthy Families’s curriculum is set up to affect sustainable change with clients and their children. It includes activities that focus on identifying and cultivating family values. Sarah worked with Amanda to lay out and examine her core values. Amanda wanted to be a good mother, stop using drugs and finish school. It was clear Amanda tried hard to achieve these things, but with little support and few life skills to draw from, she had so far been unsuccessful. Sarah spent four years building a bond

of trust with Amanda and working with her through the Healthy Families curriculum. And the program has paid huge dividends for both Amanda and Kyle. “The supportive and consistent nature of our program and our strength-based approach has helped Amanda no longer act completely out of fear, but from the goals and values that she has for her family,” says Sarah, “Amanda looks to me for support and I have been able to have some pretty honest and difficult discussions with her.” According to Sarah, Amanda is now connected to Early Childhood Special Education and is more aware of other resources in the community. She is now married and belongs to a church community. In addition, she no longer uses drugs, alcohol and tobacco. “She would like to go to therapy for herself in the future and knows that she can do it when she is ready,” says Sarah, “I am excited because she feels hope. She actually believes me when I praise her and she believes she can live out her values for her family.” Amanda graduated from the Healthy Families program in July with an open door of possibilities for herself and her son Kyle. Molly Perry is 360 Communities Dakota Healthy Families supervisor. Names in the column have been changed to protect confidentiality. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Letters Survey says: Dishonest and slimy To the editor: Many Eagan-Burnsville voters have recently been solicited by phone to engage in a survey about the upcoming election. They are told it is a non-partisan survey designed to gather opinions on the election and candidates. Sounds fair enough, so citizens agree to participate in the survey. The interviewer begins by asking a few questions about opinions related to certain local candidates. While asking the questions, they mention a few of the “positive” things Republican candidates in the area have done, coming from a distorted view of reality. They then ask your opinion of Democratic candidates, telling you of the “negative” things they have done and supported, again from a twisted view of reality. When you ask who is sponsoring the survey, they say they don’t know … it is just a random, “unbiased,” survey of voters. As the dialogue continues, it becomes very evident that this interviewer is trying to sway you to believe the Republican candidates are the better people to support. This is not a survey, but rather a slimy way to try to contact voters and convince them to vote for Republican candidates. There is little doubt about it as when you say something that is against the interviewer’s belief, he/ she tries to convince you that the Republican candidate is the superior person to sup-

port. Using the guise of a survey, these Republicans are engaging in “push polling,” where the interviewer tries to push the respondent to think positively about the Republican candidate and negatively about the Democrats. The practice is dishonest and unethical and is a blatant ruse. Legitimate candidates and parties don’t engage in this kind of subtle smearing of the opposition. It is time to renounce Republican practices of unethical voter practices. They want to suppress voter turnout with the constitutional amendment that will alienate many young, lowerincome and minority voters and they want to persuade potential voters of their “virtues” through heavyhanded means. It is time to turn “surveys” into ballots, and make voting Democratic a priority. Unethical behavior has no place in legitimate democratic elections. SHERRY DILLEY Eagan

Kautz works hard for Burnsville To the editor: Congratulations to Elizabeth Kautz for her primary win in the Burnsville mayoral contest. I want to declare that I will enthusiastically support Kautz for mayor in this fall’s general election. I am supporting Kautz because she has shown an unbelievable passion for doing the right things for Burnsville. She has recognized that Burnsville is an

aging city and has been a great visionary in leading the redevelopment of aging portions of the city. This vision has helped create the wonderful Heart of the City which has created at least a $1 million increase in tax revenues and provided new housing and retail along with the fantastic Nicollet Commons Park. Her leadership has led to the redevelopment of Valley Ridge shopping center. In the last four years, the city has invested in street improvement infrastructure in many parts of the city. She led the city in finding a way to fund the Performing Arts Center, which is growing in success and popularity every year. That success has helped our hotels and restaurants increase their business. She has a vision to lead Burnsville in the future Minnesota River Quadrant Redevelopment. All of these things have been done while holding our city tax rate steady. Kautz works harder at her part-time job than any person ever has as mayor of Burnsville. She understands government policy extremely well, something that her opponent would take years, if ever, to learn. Her great leadership has also been recognized at the national level where she is still on the board for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. That position has helped bring new businesses and national awareness to Burnsville. Her opponent, who has run and been rejected by the voters multiple times, says he should be elected because it is time for a change, but I don’t agree with his ideas

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

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of what he would do for the city. For all of these reasons, she is the clear choice in the general election over Jerry Willenburg. Please join me in voting for Elizabeth Kautz for mayor. DOUG DANIEL Burnsville

Appreciates support To the editor: I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the 304 friends and neighbors who saw fit to vote for me in the recent Burnsville City Council primary. I will continue to be a voice for business development in Burnsville, and I apologize for not being more assertive with this message. JAMES CAMMARATO Burnsville

Anderson has kept promises To the editor: How is state Rep. Diane Anderson doing? Did she follow through on what she promised to do? I want to focus on an important aspect of Anderson’s first term – improving the state’s economy. I believe that she has kept her promises and helped to improve Minnesota’s economic climate. Anderson did “hold the line” on taxes and spending and promoted a much friendlier business climate. In November 2010, the DFL-led Legislature left a projected $6.2 billion deficit and an unemployment rate of 7.1 percent for the Republican Legislature to solve. Gov. Mark Dayton and the Democrats proposed a large increase in state spending and tax increases. Anderson and the legislature voted against the tax increase and held the spending down. She felt that taxpayers can not afford any added burdens and wanted to avoid a budget crisis such as the ones in California and Illinois. In her endeavor to foster a more business friendly climate, Anderson authored several bills to help ease some government regulations. She authored a bill that added clarity to current statute for state chartered banks and authored another bill streamlining the electronics insurance process and requirements. The governor signed both of these bills into law. As of this February, Minnesota has seen a $7.4 billion budget turnaround to a $1.2 billion surplus and a 1.5 percent decrease in state unemployment to 5.6 percent. I believe the Republicans did a great job with our state

budget. Dayton vetoed tax relief for job creators, families, property owners, renters, companies that hire veterans, and tax breaks for new capital and investment. Dayton also vetoed a bill to pay back the schools. In this session Anderson voted for the bill to use $430 million of the surplus money to pay back the schools. She feels this is the best use of the surplus money. Much progress has been made but more needs to be done. If this state is to continue on its road to recovery, I feel Anderson has consistently followed a successful way to keep Minnesota on this path. Charles E. Stanek Eagan

Maintaining precious investments

have since passed the 40-student mark in many places, and the number is climbing. School fees have shot up and property taxes, which most hurt people on fixed incomes, have increased dramatically. People who say that’s interesting but they have no children in public schools are missing the point. Our economy did well when we invested money in our public education system. Good schools are a catalyst in reviving our state’s financial activities and a way to ensure the ability of Minnesotans to compete on an increasingly competitive world stage. Larry Koenck Eagan

Push polling is unethical To the editor: It is unfortunate that the GOP in Senate District 51 – served by Sen. Ted Daley and Reps. Doug Wardlow and Diane Anderson – has resorted to push polling of prospective voters. Push polling, of course, starts out asking the phone recipient if they would participate in a poll, then degenerates into loaded questions distorting, or outright lying, about the positions of their opponents. People should be aware that the DFL will not stoop to such unethical tactics, and understand that the questions in the push polls are skewed, distorted and false. One would have hoped that the campaign could have been conducted on a higher level by the GOP. If you want the truth, check the voting records of these incumbents or call a DFL candidate, and they will be happy to discuss same with you. I might add, that as the longtime host of “Access to Democracy” on local cable, I have invited the GOP candidates to come on the show and truthfully discuss their records in office, but they haven’t even had the courtesy to answer numerous requests.

To the editor: Recent mention of the state’s $2 billion debt to public schools is worth a look. The state Legislature cast around for a place to borrow money to be able to “balance” Minnesota’s budget. It’s like the “raids” Congress has organized on the Social Security fund, except this money is part of the treasure of hard-pressed school districts. We hear from “budget hawks” that schools are not being “accountable,” that they harbor waste. Yet the University of Minnesota’s investment research chief, Art Rolnick, a self-described conservative, says we are “under-investing” in education. It’s said extreme caution about spending state money created an atmosphere where engineers didn’t have the courage to propose necessary, expensive repairs to U-shaped gussets that were only half the strength they needed to be, on the I-35W bridge in 2007. The result was a loss of 13 lives and hundreds of millions of dollars. The state education budget has parallels. It wasn’t long ago that Minnesota was an education leader. Class sizes of 30 students were considered too large Alan Miller for effective learning. We Eagan

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 24, 2012

District 191 eyes ESL improvements by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

Improving communication among teachers and increasing parent involvement must be part of improving English as a second language instruction in School District 191, officials say. The Burnsville-EaganSavage School Board held a workshop on the ESL program Aug. 16 after a June report showed shortcomings. They included falling graduate rates for the district’s ESL students, from 78 percent in 2007 to 43 percent in 2011. Proficiency on MCA-II reading tests improved only about 5 percent from 2007 to 2011, stuck at below 50 percent of students, similar to comparable districts, some of which had shown greater improvement. Shortcomings included unclear and inconsistent criteria for identifying ESL students, as well as incontinent procedures for exiting students from the program.

The district must also improve communications with parents of ESL students, according to findings of a Minnesota Department of Education review and an internal review. About two dozen tasks are underway to address the problems, Kathy Funston, director of curriculum, told the board Aug. 16. “We have some of the best teachers in the state,” she said, calling for more consistent practices across the district. “We don’t need to work on that.” The quickest way to move ESL students into mainstream classes is to provide robust ESL instruction when they’re young, Funston said. “That’s where you’ll see a difference this year — more services to our youngest and neediest students,” she said. Better communication between ESL teachers and their students’ classroom teachers is needed, Funston said. This year, ESL teachers will meet with their grade-level

classroom colleagues on their three professional days, a first for the district, Funston said. The district will solicit ESL parent involvement on the Student Achievement and Systems Improvement Advisory Council, Funston said. The Parent Institute for Quality Education program to be launched this year should also improve participation, she said. More consistent processes for keeping parents informed and for administering the Home Language Questionnaire are also planned. The district is seeking other ways to better inform parents, including improved communications in multiple languages on its website. “I, for one, feel reassured, with a comprehensive approach, we are going to address the needs of the ESL student,” Board Member Paula Teiken said. John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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August 24, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

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A Public Hearing will be held on August 27, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible by the Burnsville Planning Commission, 100 Civic Center Parkway, in the Council Chambers on the application of Soccer Blast Properties MN Inc., for a Planned Unit Development amendment for an Interim Use for a fabric dome located at 3601 West 145th Street. The application will be scheduled for the next appropriate City Council meeting following the Planning Commission meeting. All persons desiring to speak on this application are encouraged to attend. For more information concerning this request, please contact Planner Chris Slania (952) 895-4451 at the City of Burnsville. Chris Slania On Behalf of the Chair of the Burnsville Planning Commission 3113293 8/17-8/24/12

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 September12, 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 N. Gode #240 JBL Speakers, Turntables, Childrens Toys V. Sandelin #148 Luggage, Childrens Toys, Boxes B. Harris #356 Popcorn Machine, Furniture, Humidifier

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PUBLIC HEARING

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T. Kaaz #534A Household Items 8/24-8/31/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF BURNSVILLE PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held on September 4, 2012, or as soon thereafter as possible, by the Burnsville City Council at the Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway, on the application of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. d.b.a. Walmart #5977 for a 3.2 Percent Off-Sale Liquor License at 12200 River Ridge Blvd. All persons desiring to be heard on this item will be heard at this time. Tina Zink City of Burnsville 3126348 8/24/12

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing will be held on August 27, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible by the Burnsville Planning Commission, 100 Civic Center Parkway, in the Council Chambers on the application of Aurora Investment LLC for a Planned Unit Development amendment for exterior sign deviations for a Best Buy Mobile store located at 1451 County Road 42. The application will be scheduled for the next appropriate City Council meeting following the Planning Commission meeting. All persons desiring to speak on this application are encouraged to attend. For more information concerning this request, please contact Planner Chris Slania (952) 895-4451 at the City of Burnsville. Chris Slania On Behalf of the Chair of the Burnsville Planning Commission 3113114 8/17-8/24/12

PROPOSED VACATION OF DRAINAGE & UTILITY EASEMENT CITY OF EAGAN DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE City Council of the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, will meet at the City Hall, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122, on Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The purpose of the meeting will be to hold a public hearing on the vacation of drainage and utility easements lying over, under and across the following described property in the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota: Outlot A, Boulder Lakes, according to the recorded plat thereof. Dated: August 6, 2012. /s/ Christina M. Scipioni Christina M. Scipioni, Eagan City Clerk Dakota County, Minnesota 3113319 8/17-8/24/12

PUBLIC HEARING

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE MINNESOTA AGRICULTURAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD ON THE ALLOCATION OF PROCEEDS OF REVENUE BONDS PREVIOUSLY ISSUED ON BEHALF OF FAIRVIEW HEALTH SERVICES UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 41A AND SECTIONS 469.152 THROUGH 469.165, AS AMENDED, TO CERTAIN PROJECTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Minnesota Agricultural and Economic Development Board (the "Board") or its designated representative will meet on September 6, 2012, at 9:00 o'clock a.m. or as soon thereafter as reasonably possible, at 332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200, in St. Paul, Minnesota for the purpose of conducting a public hearing on (i) a proposal that the Board approve the allocation by Fairview Health Services, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, and its affiliates (the "Corporation") of certain proceeds of the Board's Health Care System Revenue Bonds, Series 2000A (Fairview Health Services) (the "Bonds") in an amount not to exceed $937,745.45, which Bonds were issued on behalf of the Corporation, to remaining costs of the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital owned and operated by the Corporation located at 2450 Riverside Avenue in the City of Minneapolis (the "City") and (ii) the allocation by the Corporation of certain proceeds of the City's Health Care System Revenue Bonds, Series 2008 (Fairview Health Services) in an amount not to exceed $53,168,591.20 to (a) expansion and renovation of Fairview Southdale Hospital, an acute care hospital and other health care-related facilities owned by the Corporation and located at 6401 and 6400 France Avenue South, Edina, Minnesota, including addition of a lower level shell foundation, three floors above grade (to be used for the emergency department as well as future expansion) and a helipad; (b) the addition and renovation of Fairview Ridges Hospital, an acute care hospital and other health care-related facilities owned by the Corporation and located at 201 East Nicollet Boulevard, Burnsville, Minnesota, including construction of a 16-bed observation unit; clinical laboratory relocation / expansion; a new public entry space, access and skyway link and (c) construction of a new primary care clinic adjacent to and in replacement of the Corporation's existing clinic located at 11725 Stinson Avenue, Chisago City, Minnesota. All persons interested may appear and be heard at the time and place set forth above, or may mail written comments to the Executive Director at the address set forth above prior to the date of the hearing set forth above. 3124227 8/24/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF THE CITY OF EAGAN POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities will be provided upon advance notice of at least 96 hours. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City of Eagan will attempt to provide such aid. Telephone: (651) 675-5000; TDD: (651) 454-8535. 3113409 8/17-8/24/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing will be held on September 4, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible by the Burnsville City Council, 100 Civic Center Parkway, in the Council Chambers to consider the application of Parkcrest on Nicollet LLC for a Preliminary and Final plat of a Registered Land Survey for the existing building located at 12501 Nicollet Avenue. All persons desiring to be heard on this item are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact the City of Burnsville at (952) 895-4490. Macheal Brooks, City Clerk City of Burnsville, MN 3126447 8/24-8/31/12

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PUBLIC NOTICE School Board NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC NOTICE

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PUBLIC NOTICE

A Public Hearing will be held on August 27, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible by the Burnsville Planning Commission, 100 Civic Center Parkway, in the Council Chambers on the application of Fenton Sub Parcel C, LLC and Bowles Sub Parcel C, LLC for a Conditional Use Permit for batting cages and an indoor training facility located at 1353 Larc Industrial Boulevard. The application will be scheduled for the next appropriate City Council meeting following the Planning Commission meeting. All persons desiring to speak on this application are encouraged to attend. For more information concerning this request, please contact Planner Chris Slania (952) 895-4451 at the City of Burnsville. Chris Slania On Behalf of the Chair of the Burnsville Planning Commission 3113275 8/17-8/24/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF BURNSVILLE PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on September 4, 2012 or as soon thereafter as possible, by the Burnsville City Council at the Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway, on the application of Torgerson and Torgerson LLC d.b.a. Hurricane Grill and Wings Burnsville, for an On-Sale/Sunday On-Sale Liquor License at 12950 Aldrich Ave. S. All persons desiring to be heard on this item will be heard at this time. Tina Zink City of Burnsville 3126280 8/24/12

Proceedings

This is a summary of the Independent School District No.194 Regular School Board Meeting on Tues, 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.isd194.k12.mn.us or District Office at 8670 210th Street W., Lakeville, MN 55044 The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. followed by pledge of allegiance. All board members and administrators were present except Bob Erickson. Public Comment: Randy Pronschinske, 9885 Upper 173rd Ct, spoke regarding digital learning programs. Consent agenda items approved: minutes of the meeting on June 26; employment recommendations, leave requests and resignations; 2012-13 collective bargaining agreement with LASA as presented; payment of bills and claims subject to annual audit; authorization to release checks; new alt facilities projects at OHE and EVE as presented; non-public school transportation contract as presented; and donations. Reports presented: Summary of the Superintendent's evaluation that was held on June 26 was shared. Recommended actions approved: Annual memberships in MSHSL, Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce, and MSBA; and the Health & Safety budget. Adjournment at 7:24 p.m. ___________________________________ This is a summary of the Independent School District No. 194 Special Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 with full text available for public inspection on the district website at or 8670 210th www.isd194.k12.mn.us Street W., Lakeville, MN 55044 The meeting was called to order at 5:04 p.m. All board members, Superintendent Snyder, Mr. Massaros, Ms. Knudsen and Mr. Klett were present. Public comment: The Lions Club presented their donation of backpacks and school supplies for families in need. Discussion: Review summary of district-wide survey data; review community engagement survey data; board self-evaluation; and cabinet salaries/benefits 2012-13. Recommended actions approved: LSHS Girls' Tennis fieldtrip to Spooner, Wi from Aug 17-19; elementary handbook revision. Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m. ___________________________________ This is a summary of the Independent School District No. 194 Special Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 with full text available for public inspection on the district website at or 8670 210th www.isd194.k12.mn.us Street W., Lakeville, MN 55044 The meeting was called to order at 8:01 a.m. All board members except Jim Skelly and Roz Peterson were present. Superintendent Snyder, Mr. Massaros, and Ms. Ouillette were present. Recommended Action: Employment recommendation of Chris Endicott as CMS principal was approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 a.m. 3122732 8/24/12

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 24, 2012

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City has new police chief Eric Werner’s appointment is official in Rosemount by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

Walter ‘Dean’ Worcester

Laurie Burchett (Orndorff)

Born 1/22/1925, went to heaven at 87 of Farmington, MN. Preceded in death by sister Julia “Olive”, brother Lewis and parents Henry & Mary. He was a popular figure in the Lakeville and Farmington areas, at the Sr. Center and the many areas he visited. He had a unique style and was loved by all who knew him. He always had a handful of fresh cut flowers for the ladies and a joking style with the men. Dean represented many qualities of an era gone by, yet brought those without concern into the present day. Dean will be sadly missed by all who loved him. Dean had many special friends who cared for him; John Emory, Jim Kempainen, Ray & Lorraine Swedeen, Kenny Schonning, Jan Gilmer, Marv & Rosy Luedke, Vern Peterson, Judy Christensen, Lee Slavicek, Joe Harris, and many others not counted. A Christian Service will be held at the United Methodist Church, 278th St. W., Castle Rock, MN at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 25, 2012, with visitation 1 hour prior to service White Funeral Home Lakeville (952) 469-2723 www.whitefuneralhomes.com

Age 47 of Argyle, IA (formerly of New Market) died peacefully August 12, 2012, from a short battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her father, Allan Orndorff; Grandparents, Chester and Viola (Kroll) Orndorff, and Joseph and Rose (Welter) De Gross; Survived by Mother, Rose Orndorff, husband, Ron; siblings, Suzanne (Dan) Slater, Patty Orndorff, Kurt Orndorff, Jess Orndorff, Lynnette (Tom) Walentiny, and Lynn (Pat) Magalis. Also many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and in-laws. Laurie graduated from Lakeville High School. She was employed for many years at BCBS until moving to Iowa. Laurie loved to spend time with family, friends, with her pets, and gardening. Though she was taken from us too soon, she will be forever loved and greatly missed. So will her laughter and compassion. Laurie was cremated shortly after passing, per her request. A Benefit/remembrance was held Aug. 25 at the NoWhere Bar in Ft. Madison, IA. 319-376-5904. Laurie, your star will ‘forever shine bright”.

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The city of Rosemount will have a new police chief on the job about three and a half months after its last one left the post. At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council appointed Eric Werner, who has been a captain for the Burnsville Police Department for the past eight years and was previously announced as its selection. Werner will take on his new role Sept. 14 at an annual salary of $105,000. He replaces Gary Kalstabakken, who retired in May and had been the city’s chief of police since 1998. The council selected Werner from a group of what it considered a strong field of applicants, according to a release from the city. He was one of three finalists for the post. “Eric has a strong resume with a strong customer service and public service focus,” said Mayor Bill Droste. “He lives in Rosemount and knows the

Eric Werner community.” Droste said Werner also has budget and technology experience that fit his new role. Werner has worked in law enforcement for 24 years, the last 13 of them in Burnsville. He has a master’s degree in police leadership and administration from the University of St. Thomas and has received additional training at the FBI National Academy and at Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Tad Johnson can be reached at tad.johnson@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Scouton elected to state Women of Today post Dawn (Kepler) Scouton of the Burnsville Women of Today was recently installed as internal programming vice president, one of the highest positions in the Minnesota Women of Today. As internal programming vice president for all 75 Minnesota Women of Today chapters and over 1,400 members, Scouton will supervise and train the

five internal programming state program managers, serve on the state staff and be a member of the finance and marketing committees. Scouton has been a member of the Burnsville Women of Today for seven years and has held many leadership positions, including chapter president, district director, state women’s wellness program manager and state parliamentarian.

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Doris ‘Dorcas’ Ulvi Of Farmington passed away unexpectedly August 18, 2012. Preceded in Death by parents, James and Anne Tuite; sister: Annamarie. Survived by her loving Husband of 60 Years: Edward; son: James (Lorrie), daughters, Pam, Debbie (Ed), Mary (Fred), Marla, JoLynn (Randy), MaryHelen (Jim); fifteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren; brothers: Joe, Pat and James; sister; Margaret, and many other relatives and friends. She will be missed dearly. We love you (Gone but Never Forgotten) Doris was well known at the Farmington Bakery where she worked for 34 years. A luncheon was held at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Farmington on August 21, 2012 at noon for family and close friends. Online condolences at www.whitefuneralhomes.com White Funeral Home Farmington, 651 463 7374

Kari Elizabeth Goddard (April 8, 1996 - August 18, 2012) Age 16 of Lakeville, passed away August 18, 2012. Preceded in death by her grandmother, Terecita Kostner and grandfather, Douglas Goddard. Survived by her mother, Renee` Kostner Osberg (Rick Osberg) and father, Del (Michele) Goddard; sister, Katie Goddard; Grandparents: Ray (Mary) Kostner and Allenor Goddard; step-siblings: Katy Coyle, Jacob Osberg, and Martin Osberg. She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and many friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral service, was 11am Thursday, August 23, 2012 at White Funeral Home Chapel (20134 Kenwood Tr) Lakeville. Visitation was held from 4-8pm Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at White Funeral Home. White Funeral Home Chapel Lakeville (952) 469-2723 www.whitefuneralhomes.com

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Congratulations

Sister Ann Dominic, O.P, (nee Karen Mahowald), daughter of George and Maureen Mahowald of Lakeville, made her first profession of vows at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Nashville, TN on July 28, 2012. Sister is a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia congregation. She graduated from Lakeville High School in 2004 and the Catholic University of America in 2008, with a double major in Secondary Education and French. Prior to entering the convent she taught high school at Pope John Paul the Great High School in Dumfries, VA. Friends are welcome to send greetings to: Sister Ann Dominic, O.P., 801 Dominican Drive, Nashville, TN 37228.

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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@ecminc.com or mailed to Sun Thisweek, 15322 Galaxie Ave., Suite 219, Apple Valley, MN 55124. If you are submitting a photograph along with your announcement, please only submit photographs for which you have the right to permit Sun Thisweek to use and publish. Deadline for announcements is 4 p.m. Tuesday. A fee of $50 will be charged for the first 5 inches and $10 per inch thereafter. They will run in all editions of Sun Thisweek. Photos may be picked up at the office within 60 days or returned by mail if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is provided.

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August 24, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Taxes, from 1A value is expected to fall from $237,696 in 2012 to $220,252 in 2013. Under this scenario, the owner of an average valued home can expect to pay about $11 less in the city’s portion of property taxes in 2013. This estimate is prior to the state’s market value exclusion, which offers homeowners an exclusion that lowers their taxable market value. Property taxes in Eagan have historically been lower than those in many neighboring cities. In 2012, for instance, the owner of a $237,696 Burnsville property paid $183 more toward the city’s portion of property taxes in Burnsville than a similarly valued property in Eagan, according to a 2012 state auditor’s report. Although city officials are looking to raise wages this year, most city employees have experienced pay freezes in the past several years with the exception of several union groups that had previously negotiated

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pay raises. Since 2009, the city has reduced staff positions by about 5 percent — from 243 full-time equivalent positions to 232.3 in 2012, said Tom Pepper, Eagan’s chief financial officer. The city may further reduce its number of employees in 2013 by cutting an administrative and a finance position through attrition, he said. Under the proposed budget, the city’s general fund expenditures are expected to rise from $28 million in 2012 to $28.85 million in 2013. Of those expenditures, 38.8 percent goes toward the Eagan Police Department, while the city’s Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments will take 16.1 percent and 12.4 percent of the 2013 spending, respectively. Several department leaders have asked for additional employees in 2013, which if, approved, could cost $256,000, city officials say. If their proposals are granted, the number of city

employees would increase in 2013, but the cost for those positions wouldn’t be paid with property tax revenue, Pepper said. Although city officials are considering an increase in the levy, Eagan has a history of keeping a tight rein on its spending compared with similar-sized communities. In 2012, Eagan spent $716 per capita, while nearby Burnsville spent $899, according to the latest state auditor’s report. The council must certify a preliminary levy by Sept. 15 and submit it to the Dakota County treasurer-auditor. This is just a starting point. A truth and taxation hearing will be held in December prior to the certification of a final payable 2013 property tax levy. The final levy can be lower than the preliminary but not higher. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 24, 2012

Power lunch

Photo by John Gessner

Nine-year-old Joey Johnson heard a thing or two about good nutrition Tuesday from top U.S. Department of Agriculture official Audrey Rowe. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administrator visited Sky Oaks Elementary School in Burnsville to highlight the agency’s new school meal standards, which were approved by Congress as part of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The standards include requirements that students be offered fruits and vegetables daily and calorie limits based on the age of students being served. Most of the new standards begin this school year. Rowe also discussed the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. Sky Oaks is a summer food site. Rowe lunched with students who attend School District 191’s Project KIDS at Sky Oaks. Rowe’s Minnesota trip included appearances at the Midtown Farmers Market in Minneapolis and at the Minnesota Food Access Summit in Duluth.

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August 24, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Northern Tool retools

Submitted photo

Northern Tool + Equipment held a chain-cutting at its Burnsville store Saturday, Aug. 18, to mark the store’s reopening after it was remodeled. Northern, which was founded and is headquartered in Burnsville, has 76 stores in 15 states. The store’s new layout simplifies the shopping experience by making 80 percent of the store visible from 20 feet inside the store, the company says. Sales at its remodeled stores outperform those at stores with its old design by an annual average of 9 percent. Co-owner Wade Kotula and Mayor Elizabeth Kautz did the chain-cutting. Onlookers included company founder Don Kotula, City Council Member Mary Sherry and ex-Minnesota Vikings Chuck Foreman and Ted Brown. After launching as a mail-order business, Northern Tool + Equipment opened its first store in 1981 in rented space in Burnsville. Its current store is at 12205 River Ridge Blvd.

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 24, 2012

History lesson aboard B-25 bomber

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Eagan 16-year-old soars

Photo submitted

Eastview High School football players got a history lesson Saturday at Fleming Field in South St. Paul where they visited the Commemorative Air Force hangar and toured Miss Mitchell, a restored B-25 bomber. The theme for the Lightning football team this season is “Unbroken,” which is the title of a book by Laura Hillenbrand which the coaching staff had players read. The book tells the story of Louis Zamperini, whose plane crashed in the Pacific during World War II; he survived for weeks on a life raft, only to be imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp. “His is a story of courage, strength, commitment and resiliency, traits we hope the Eastview football team will learn,” said assistant coach Eric VandeBerg. The team’s visit to Fleming Field was “a day for players to learn more than football and X’s and O’s,” VandeBerg added. “It was a day to learn about history and life.”

Photo submitted

Sixteen-year-old Vince Gennarelli of Eagan stands with the ASK-21 glider he flew in his first solo flight on Aug. 12 at Stanton Airfield near Northfield. Gennarelli began taking flying lessons in gliders in 2011 and completed all the requirements for solo flight in about 35 flights. He will now practice flying alone to prepare for taking a flight test with the Federation Aviation Administration next year, according to his instructor, Tom Rent. Gennarelli is a member of the Minnesota Soaring Club, which provides free instruction to its members.

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August 24, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Mature Lifestyles

Photo submitted

Kevin Sweeney credits instructors like Harold Torrence (left) and Scott Gunderson for much of his success at Dakota County Technical College.

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Kevin Sweeney, 51, of Lakeville doesn’t think of himself as much different than the average person. Everyone has obstacles to overcome in life, and he is no exception. But most people would agree that his obstacles are anything but average. While volunteering at the Jaycees dunk tank during the 1996 Pan-O-Prog festival in Lakeville, Sweeney fell off the back and was paralyzed from the neck down. Suddenly, the auto mechanic, part-time VFW bartender, and avid softball player had to invent a whole new life. “With an obstacle you have to go over, around or through it,” he said. “You have to adapt to what you have to do and do it.” The first thing he put his mind to was regaining as much movement as possible. “They say that what feelings and movements you’ve got after one year is what you’ll have, but I disagree completely,” he said. Sweeney began to watch

people around him that could do things he wanted to do. “I studied babies and kids, how they learned to get up off the ground,” he said. “I observed others in their everyday activities they take for granted. Now I can move my hands and I have started walking with a walker some. I refused to let things stop me.” Sweeney is limited in his hand usage, but he has adaptive equipment that helps him hold a telephone and drive his van. He says that when he’s in his chair, he doesn’t feel disabled because he can go where he wants to. “I just always look on the high side of things. What other people are doing, to an extent, that’s what I want to do. I’ve been parasailing. I mow my own lawn. I do weed whipping and drive an adapted motorcycle. I never look back. I just keep looking forward.” The next challenge Sweeney took on was how to make a living. But the active people-person wasn’t interested in just busy work. “I wanted to find a posi-

tion in today’s society where I could fit in,” he said. “Sitting around stuffing envelopes isn’t my cup of tea.” Although Sweeney already held a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of WisconsinStout, he felt he lacked the appropriate education and experience to land the one thing he now required – a desk job. He started to look around the area for educational possibilities. When he saw that Dakota County Technical College offered two-year degrees with evening and online courses, he knew it was just the program he was looking for. “This made it easy for someone like myself. I could do much of it online,” he said. Sweeney graduated with honors in May. He earned a management for technical professionals degree. He also earned an accounting clerk diploma and a quality improvement certificate. He estimates that he devoted 20 hours per week studying, spending about 80 percent of his time in the classroom See Sweeney, 15A

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 24, 2012

County refuses to plea bargain Defendants weren’t shown results from St. Paul crime lab by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom’s office refused in May to make plea bargains in cases where defendants requested their full files from the St. Paul Police Department Crime Lab, according to court documents. In the case of a 33-yearold St. Paul man charged with possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor theft, Assistant Dakota County Attorney Vance “Chip” Grannis III told Judge Karen Asphaug in May his office decided to make those refusals to expedite cases. Court records quote Grannis: “And your honor, he’s not being punished; it’s — the rules regarding plea bargaining say one of the things to take into consideration in making plea bargains is efficiency, and it’s our office’s position that if the St. Paul crime lab and our office need to gather all that additional information,that isn’t effecient. And therefore, if we put in that extra time gath-

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ering all that information, we’re not going to make plea bargains in those cases.” Phil Prokopowicz, chief deputy Dakota County attorney, wrote a six-page request Monday to Judge Kathryn Messerich asking to halt the evidentiary Frye-Mack hearing brought by public defender Lauri Traub and Christine Funk of the State’s Trial Team that has uncovered multiple inadequacies of drug evidence testing procedures, a lack of written policies and little personnel training in seven cases. Those revelations have led to questions of whether drug evidence tested at the St. Paul crime lab is at all reliable in multiple drug cases. The Dakota County Drug Task Force has used the St. Paul crime lab for testing for the past decade,

according to Backstrom. Traub successfully argued on Wednesday that hearing each case multiple times would be less efficient than hearing all seven of the cases at once. She also said if the court ends the Frye-Mack hearing, the public defender’s office would be depleted of funds to bring in experts to testify, and they would have to go to the county taxpayers to continue funding the case. Messerich expressed concern that her eventual ruling in the hearing could bind future judges to it in other cases. She decided to continue the hearing, but focused the remainder of the testimony on whether evidence tested by the St. Paul crime lab has remained uncontaminated enough to be retested by the Bureau of Criminal Appre-

hension’s crime lab. Prokopowicz said he has received one test back from the retesting at the BCA that verified the St. Paul crime lab’s original finding of heroin. He said the county has not received the results of any other evidence to be retested. Roberta DeCrans, a criminalist at the St. Paul crime lab, testified Wednesday regarding procedures she employed to test drug evidence against John Thomas Peters, 21, one of the seven cases included for review in the hearing process. Her testimony is scheduled to continue Friday. Watch the Sun Thisweek website, www.sunthisweek. com for updates. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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Lawyers debate if drug evidence ruined for retesting by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Witnesses were to testify this week that drug evidence handling at the St. Paul Police Department Crime Lab was so poor that retesting cannot rectify damage done, according to public defenders Lauri Traub and Christine Funk in an Aug. 16 summary of witness testimony they expected to present. Wednesday’s hearing was to continue three days of testimony that began last month and revealed multiple problems at the lab including lax standards, improper testing procedures, failures to maintain equipment and an under-trained workforce. Phil Prokopowicz, Dakota County Attorney’s

Office chief deputy, asked a judge on Tuesday for an immediate end to the court hearing that has raised questions about the reliability of evidence tested in the county’s drug cases. Referring to the process as a “fishing expedition” by Traub and Funk, Prokopowicz told Judge Kathryn Davis Messerich the hearing is a waste of time and resources. A week after that hearing started, Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom and prosecutors in Ramsey and Washington counties began sending drug evidence first tested at the crime lab to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for retestSee Evidence, 14A

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August 24, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Evidence, from 13A ing in an effort to continue prosecutions. “To allow the pretrial evidentiary hearing to proceed in its current form is to allow defense counsel to engage in nothing more than a ‘fishing expedition’ with the potential for voluminous irrelevant information to be presented that has no bearing on the issues related to tampering or contamination of evidence in this case,” Prokopowicz wrote in an Aug. 21 letter to the judge. Testimony in the hearing has prompted numerous changes at the highest levels of the crime lab and vows from St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Police Chief Tom Smith that improvements and changes were coming. Since the hearing, Sgt. Shay Shackle has been replaced as head of the lab, all drug testing has ended there and Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties are retesting drug evidence at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s certified crime lab. St. Paul Police announced Monday it would hire two independent experts to review lab operations and drug evidence handling. Backstrom and Washington and Ramsey county attorneys requested to meet with Smith on Tuesday to have input into the scope and nature of the review, according to a joint Aug. 8 letter from the prosecutors to the chief. “We are particularly interested in learning how that review will address past controlled substance

criminal cases in which drug samples were tested by the SPPD Crime Lab,” they state. “The results of this review will be critical to our ability to appropriately calibrate our responses to any past cases in a manner that furthers both justice and public confidence in our criminal justice system.” Howie Padilla, St. Paul Police spokesman, said they will announce the two consultants hired to conduct the review once the contracts are signed. “We want someone who has got a wealth of experience in working with crime labs,” Padilla said, “and can help us identify what training we have and what we don’t have, and how we can supplement that training.” Asked how procedures and training at the lab had gotten to this point, Padilla said “that’s the question everybody wants to know.” He expected the administrative review would help find those answers. According to court documents filed Aug. 16, the hearing may reveal additional problems at the lab, as testimony was expected to detail contamination issues at the lab and why those issues are not alleviated by sending evidence to another lab for testing. St. Paul Police Officer Jamison Sipes was to testify that drug evidence was left in unsecured hallways, which concerned him. Witnesses were to testify that drug evidence was stored, transported and stacked together without ensuring each was kept in secure packaging and would not be in contact with other drug evidence. Glenn Harden, former

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BCA Forensic Lab supervisor, who was expected to testify that the lab never performed a validation study or testing to verify if the cleaning methods they employed were effective or ensure work surfaces were clean and free of drug residue before additional tests were performed. In the summary document, Traub stated Harden is saying it is “simply unknown what is and what is not contaminated because of the poor record keeping and the lack of standard operating procedures in the SPPDCL.” Prokopowicz challenged that assertion in his letter. He said there has been no evidence of actual contamination of items and substances that were submitted to the BCA for retesting. He added that the state acknowledges testimony that indicated the presence of contamination in samples subjected to gas chromatography testing performed by the crime lab. He stated those samples and solutions were not submitted to the BCA for retesting. Prokopowicz wrote the prosecution must prove that it is reasonably possible that tampering or contamination did not occur, and repeatedly called for the evidence to be reviewed and presented in individual trials “where they will be fully addressed.” Traub declined comment about the issue. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 24, 2012

Sweeney, from 12A and 20 percent online. Now he hopes to find a new career, perhaps with a small business. “I can manage and organize. I have finesse with numbers. I just want to find a place that will give me a chance to show what I can do,” he said. Instructors like Harold Torrence, Scott Gunderson, Patti Wiegand and others at Dakota County Technical College certainly got the chance. “Regardless of any possible limitations, you can always see Kevin inspiring and motivating fellow students to move forward with their dream,” said Torrence. “He has the ability to build strong and lasting human relationships with a compassionate leadership style. His personal story is more than inspirational.” Sweeney found his instructors to be just as inspirational for him. “They gave me wonderful

ideas, enthusiasm and confidence to continue learning. They sought out opportunities to help me and taught me how times are changing so I can adapt,” he said. One of Sweeney’s class projects was to give a speech to his classmates and he decided to give it on handicap awareness. But overall, he says he was the one who did the learning from his classmates, especially the foreign students. “Seeing how they adapted to the United States was amazing,” he said. “It was sort of the same thing I was doing – learning to function in a new culture.” Sweeney views his challenge in changing careers as a common one in today’s economic climate, especially for baby boomers and seniors. “My story is related to how all people have to change. Look at businesses that are closing, laying off, and downsizing. If you’re one of those workers, you’ll have to learn to do some-

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thing else. This is where baby boomers are coming in. Companies are getting rid of older workers, so they have to go back to school to learn technology to get back up to date.” Sweeney knows from experience that it can be daunting entering a classroom for the first time in decades, but he encourages other older students not to let it stop them. “Don’t be afraid to step in the limelight of school. Your brain can adapt and learn again,” he said. “Keep an open mind and look forward. If there is something you want to do, go for it.” Institutions like Dakota County Technical College make it easier than ever for older students to feel comfortable and get the education they need. For more information, call (651) 4238301, or go to www.dctc. edu. Emily Hedges is a freelance writer for Sun Thisweek.

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August 24, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Thisweekend Zoo bidding farewell to its dolphins Discovery Bay exhibit runs through Sept. 9 by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

The Minnesota Zoo is inviting the public to come and say goodbye to its dolphins, which will be on exhibit through Sept. 9. Regular dolphin training sessions will continue until the end of August, and from Sept. 1 to 9 the zoo is hosting a daily “Dolphin Open House” with special events for visitors. The zoo’s two Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Allie and Semo, will be available for viewing in the Dolphin Stadium during the open house, and guests can get their pictures taken with an image of Allie or Semo superimposed on a green screen. There also will be a giant card for guests to sign and wish the dolphins safe travels. This fall, Allie and Semo will be moving to other accredited facilities, and joining larger social groups, to allow for major repairs to the zoo’s 15-year-old, saltwater-damaged Discovery Bay building. Repairs are expected to take at least a

File photo

The zoo’s two Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Allie (above) and Semo, will be permanently relocated to other facilities next month to allow for major repairs to the zoo’s saltwater-damaged Discovery Bay building. year, during which time the dolphin tank will remain empty. Zoo officials have not

disclosed the specifics of where Allie and Semo will be moving, which is standard practice during trans-

portation of dolphins and other marine mammals to ensure the health and safety of the animals. After

Allie and Semo have been moved, the zoo plans to provide details and status updates to the public.

office, ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 982-2787.

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

The open house events next month will mark the end of the zoo’s popular dolphin program, which started in 1978, as Allie and Semo won’t be returning to the zoo after Discovery Bay reopens. According to Minnesota Zoo officials, dolphins typically live in social groups, and the Minnesota Zoo would need several dolphins to create this type of setting in Discovery Bay. There are not enough dolphins available from other institutions to create a new, cohesive social group. After repairs are completed at Discovery Bay, zoo officials say there will likely be a temporary exhibit of rays and fish until a larger exhibit can be funded and built. More about the dolphin open house events is at www.mnzoo.org. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

theater and arts calendar To submit items for the Arts Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com. Comedy Todd Andrews with special guest Tom Baumgartner at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, and Saturday, Aug. 25, at MinneHAHA Comedy Club, 1583 E. First Ave., Shakopee (lower level of Dangerfield’s), (612) 860-9388, www.minnehahacomedyclub.com. Tickets: $13. Concerts Summer Salon chamber concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at Presbyterian Church of the Apostles, 701 E. 130th St., Burnsville. Suggested donation: $20. Information: (952) 890-7877 or www. ChurchApostles.org. Break Even Band, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 25, The Black Stallion Saloon, 23385 Emery Ave., Hampton, (651) 437-6625. The Suburbs with Magnolias, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $34. Tick-

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ets available at ticketmaster. com. Little Feat with Tom Fuller Band, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $34. Tickets available at ticketmaster. com. Exhibits/art shows A botanical art exhibit by The Great River Chapter of Botanical Artists is on display through Sept. 16 at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Information: (952) 985-4640. Pilgrims and Passages, a joint exhibit featuring art by Anthony Donatelle and Jon Reischl, is on display through Sept. 8 in the gallery at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. For more information, call (952) 895-4676 or visit www.burnsvillepac.com. Festivals/special events Burnsville Fire Muster runs Sept. 5-9. Information: w w w. b u r n s v i l l e f i r e m u s t e r. com/. Burnsville Convention &

Theater The Chameleon Theatre Circle and Segue Productions will present “Steel Kiss” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7-8 and 2 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for students, seniors and groups. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling (952) 895-4680. The Chameleon Theatre Circle’s 13th annual New Play Festival will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets are $20 for adults; $17 for students/seniors; $17 for groups of eight or more. Tickets are available at the box

Workshops/classes Allegro Choral Academy is currently accepting registrations for its 2012-13 season for students in second to eighth grade. Classes available in Rosemount and Lakeville. Early bird discount if registered before Aug. 24. Registration information: http://www.allegroca.org/ or nmarschall@allegroca.org. Adult painting open studio from 9 a.m. to noon the first and third Fridays of the month at the Eagan Art House, 3981 Lexington Ave. S. Fee is $5 per session. Information: (651) 675-5521. 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 ages 4 through adult. Register now for fall classes. For a complete listing go to www.eaganarthouse.org or call (651) 675-5521.

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

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Visitors Bureau’s Canvas & Vines will be 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. Includes wine, craft beer, food, art, music and a silent auction. Admission is $35. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Call (952) 895-4690 for more information and to purchase tickets, or visit www.canvasandvines. com.

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 24, 2012

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Book sheds light on the lives of atheists family calendar ‘Atheist Voices of Minnesota’ features essays from four Dakota County residents

by Andrew Miller

Friday, Aug. 24 Outdoor movie, “Casablanca,” 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.

Sun Thisweek

A new book edited by Bill Lehto of Farmington seeks to dispel misconceptions about what he says is one of America’s most misunderstood groups of people. The book, “Atheist Voices of Minnesota,” is an anthology of personal stories from 36 Minnesota atheists. It’s set for release Aug. 28. The essays deal not so much with rationales for atheism – which, generally, is rejection of belief in God – as they deal with the experience of being an atheist. The writings are broken into sections including “Life as an Atheist,” “Coming Out as an Atheist” and “Letting Go of Faith.” “We really think it’s a good introduction to atheism – it’s not in attack mode, there’s not anti-religion rhetoric,” said Lehto. “We have a couple people who wrote about dealing with grief. One guy wrote about being an alcoholic and trying (Alcoholics Anonymous), but finding the ‘higher power’ didn’t work for him.” In addition to Lehto’s essay “Rough Sea,” the book features writing from three other Dakota County residents. Among the contributors are Jill Carlson of Burnsville, Todd Torkelson of Eagan, and Eric Jayne of Apple Valley.

Bill Lehto

There are also essays from high-profile Minnesota atheists such as Huffington Post blogger Chris Stedman and University of MinnesotaMorris biology professor PZ Myers, who’s billed as “the world’s most popular atheist blogger.” Jayne, a social worker who serves as associate president of the nonprofit Minnesota Atheists, said the book is the first of its

theater and arts briefs Harvest of Art exhibit starts Sept. 9 The Eagan Art House will hold its seventh annual Harvest of Art Community Art Exhibit Sept. 9 through Nov. 2. The exhibit opening will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at the Eagan Art House, 3981 Lexington Ave. S. A variety of media will be on display, and pottery sale will be for sale. The exhibit will then be divided to go on display at various community locations including the Eagan Art House, Easter Lutheran Church, Ring Mountain Creamery, Dunn Bros. Coffee, and the Eagan Community Center. Additional information is available online at www.eaganarthouse.org. For more information, call (651) 675-5521.

Programs explore stories that shape state Highlights of the Dakota County Library’s fall programs of Minnesota history and stories include: Author and local organic farmer Atina Diffley will discuss her book, “Turn Here, Sweet Corn: Organic Farming Works,” which has been called a memoir, a class in organic farming, a lesson in entrepreneurship, a love story, and a legal thriller. Wednesday, Oct. 10, 7 to 8 p.m., Farmington Library, 508 Third Street, Farmington. News anchor and investigative reporter Don Shelby will discuss his career and current projects, including his book, “The Season Never Ends: Wins, Losses, and the Wisdom of the Court.” Saturday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m. to noon, Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. Local author Annie Wilder will discuss her book, “Spirits Out of Time,” where she reveals true family ghost stories. Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Robert Trail Library, 14395 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount.

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

KARE-11 journalist Boyd Huppert will share some of his favorites from the “Land of 10,000 Stories” series. Saturday, Nov. 10, noon, Farmington Library, 508 Third St., Farmington. The free programs are offered through the Minnesota Mosaic cultural arts series. For more information and a list of programs being offered, visit www. dakotacounty.us/library and search Mosaic.

Fundraiser for Children’s Lighthouse “Musical Heart NotesTreasuring Children,” a musical fundraiser for Children’s Lighthouse of Minnesota, will be held from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Steeple Center, 14375 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount. KSTP anchor Bill Lunn will emcee the event. Entertainment will include the Eagan Women of Note, singer/songwriter Dale O’Brien, Latino band Shandy Jimenez, Sawtooth Blue Grass Band, flamenco dancers Las Zapatistas and magician Darren Maar. The event will include door prizes and a drawing for a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. More information can be found at www.childrenslighthousemn.org.

Area residents perform in ‘The Music Man’ Apple Valley residents Kati Devitt and Atlee Jensen and Eagan residents Morgan Guinta and Tawny Greene are featured as members of the ensemble in the Eat Street Players’ production of “The Music Man” at the Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis. Performances are Aug. 26, 30, 31; Sept. 6-9, 14-15. For more information, visit www.eatstreetplayers.org.

kind – the first ever book of personal stories from atheists in any state in the country. “One of the most common misconceptions is that atheists are angry, immoral nihilists,” Jayne said. “This book will show that atheists are very thoughtful, moral people who have a deep concern about justice, happiness and well-being.” Lehto is releasing the book through his newly

created publishing house, Freethought House, in collaboration with Minnesota Atheists. After the publishing costs are covered, proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to Minnesota Atheists to help cover expenses for the group’s weekly “Atheists Talk” radio show on KTNF-AM 950, along with operating expenses such as speaker fees and volunteer outreach programs. “Atheist Voices of Minnesota” can be purchased from online booksellers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as at many local bookstores. More about the book is at MnAtheists.org. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

Saturday, Aug. 25 Kids & More Back-to-School Sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ames Arena, 19900 Ipava Ave., Lakeville. Clothing from infant to adult, toys, books, home decor, sports equipment, and more. Free parking and admission. Drawing to win a prize package worth over $200 Saturday only. Information: http:// www.treasurehuntsales.com/. Tech Dump free electronic recycling from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway Eagan. All computers and electronic devices will be sanitized of personal information and data. Drop off location is at the parking lot; look for signs. Visit www.JobsFoundation.org or call (763) 432-3117 for information. Pet vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Windmill Feed and Pet, 350 Main St., Elko New Market. Discounted fee. No appointment needed. Vaccinations, microchipping, heart-worm testing and more. Additional health care products available. Pets must be on leashes or in carriers. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Windmill Animal Rescue. Information: (952) 461-2765. Sunday, Aug. 26 Kids & More Back-to-School Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ames Arena, 19900 Ipava Ave., Lakeville. Discount Day, with many items half price. Information: http://www. treasurehuntsales.com/. 10th anniversary celebration for Arbors at Ridges and Ebenezer Child Care Center, 4 to 6:30 p.m., 13810 Community Drive, Burnsville. Free food, games for all ages, prizes and live Big Band entertainment. Information: (952) 898-8419. Tuesday, Aug. 28 Family Fun Tuesday – Pages of Music with Rolf and Carrie, 10 to 11 a.m. in the Sculpture Garden at Caponi Art Park, Eagan. $4 per person donation is suggested. Information: (651) 454-9412 or www.caponiartpark.org. Tuesday Evenings in the

Garden – Fairy Garden with Kathy Bonnett, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the garden at UMore Park, 1605 160th St. W. (County Road 46), Rosemount. Create an adorable, mini fairy garden that can be used indoors or out. All supplies are included. Fee: $40. Questions or to register by phone, call University of Minnesota Extension: (651) 480-7700. Wednesday, Aug. 29 Eagan Market Fest, 4 to 8 p.m., Eagan Festival Grounds. Farmers market and bluegrass concert featuring The Barley Jacks along with free kids’ art, family games and more. Information: www.cityofeagan.com/marketfest or (651) 675-5500. Friday, Aug. 31 Blue Moon Walk, 8 to 9:30 p.m. at Ritter Farm Park, 19300 Ritter Trail, Lakeville. For all ages, families encouraged. Cost: $5 per person and/or $15 per family. Information: Lakeville Parks and Recreation, (952) 985-4600. Ongoing Firearm Safety Class will be offered at Rosemount Middle School, 3135 143rd St. W., Rosemount, Sept. 11, 18 , 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 29. Tentative range day: Oct. 27. Registration: 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 11. Minimum age is 11. Fee is $7.50. A legal guardian must accompany students for registration and stay for approximately the first hour of class, which begins at 7 p.m. No preregistration. Information: Mike Kottwitz, (952) 884-8001. Blood drives The American Red Cross will hold the following blood drives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767) or visit redcrossblood. org to make an appointment or for more information. • Aug. 24, noon to 5 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 7800 W. County Road 42, Apple Valley. • Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Westview Elementary School, 225 Garden View Drive, Apple Valley. • Aug. 27, noon to 5 p.m., Culver’s, 15225 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. • Aug. 28, 8 a.m. to noon, Dakota County Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. • Sept. 4, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., Messiah Lutheran Church, 16725 Highview Ave., Lakeville.

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August 24, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Apartments, from 1A referring to photos taken in spring 2011 after some resi City building official dents complained about livScott McKown showed ing conditions to firefightphotos of new or repaired ers responding to a March bathroom and plumbing kitchen fire at the complex. fixtures, new countertops “These look great.” and appliances, and other The kind words endimprovements in units once ed there, as some council plagued by problems in- members berated Lindahl cluding mold, pests, faulty representatives over missed plumbing, leaks, sagging deadlines and all sought floors, soaked carpets, dam- assurances that this time aged sheetrock, pests, non- would be different. working fire doors and non- “We’ve given these peoworking smoke detectors. ple every break under the All the doors in the sun, over and over and over three buildings have been again,” Council Member replaced to meet fire code, Mary Sherry said, addaccording to McKown. The ing that the Lindahl famempty swimming pool has ily hasn’t earned the city’s been filled in and sodded trust. over. Lindahl Properties “We can remember what showed “disdain” for the the befores were,” Council city and for tenants it alMember Dan Kealey said, lowed to live in “horrible,

horrible” conditions, Sherry said. “It was a horrendous place to live for those who lived in those units, and something we couldn’t fathom in the city of Burnsville,” Kealey said. He asked for a “come to Jesus” explanation why Lindahl missed repair deadlines. The city issued a provisional rental license in December 2011 after inspectors found the property “grossly failed” to meet code requirements. The city gave a series of further deadlines, starting with a Jan. 15, 2012, deadline for fixing fire code violations that had been pending since August 2011. When Lindahl Properties failed that test, the council revoked its rental license. Social-service agencies and Dakota County helped relocate residents, including many non-English-speaking immigrants. A new team represented Lindahl before the council Aug. 21. Gone were family member Paul Lindahl and a previous attorney. A sister of Paul’s, Ann Lindahl, said she’d come from Florida to see the project through. She said her mother, Delores, is the general partner of Lindahl Properties, and the five Lindahl children are limited partners.

New attorney Bruce Malkerson said he’s a longtime family friend who was asked by the Lindahls’ financial advisor to represent them. Malkerson is the third attorney Lindahl Properties has had since the code violations were discovered, Mayor Elizabeth Kautz said. Malkerson, who said he’s done business before the Burnsville council spanning 38 years, said the Lindahls hired a construction manager, Jim Martinson, six to eight weeks ago. Work the Lindahls had been doing “was not coordinated the way it should have been.” Martinson said a fourth building would meet codes in four days and a fifth in seven. Work on the sixth and largest building will take six to seven weeks, he said. Malkerson attributed the missed deadlines to “bad communications, bad other things,” noting that Lindahl Properties owns and manages 400 rental units in other cities. “I don’t think I’ve ever had as unique a situation as this one,” said Malkerson, tracing his family friendship to the Lindahls to the days when Delores’ late husband owned Lindahl Oldsmobile in Richfield and his father also owned a dealership. “Your reputation is on

the line, sir,” Kautz told Malkerson. “Your reputation is on the line in the city of Burnsville and in Scott County, where I know you still do a lot of work.” Malkerson said the Lindahl family has the money to see the project through. “I believe you should believe things have changed dramatically out there” and will improve further, Malkerson told the council. “This project, when completed, is 10-plus million dollars,” he said. Ann Lindahl repeatedly answered “yes” to questions about whether she would see the project through. The terms of the provisional licenses provided for one building license to be issued Aug. 21. When a fourth building passes inspection, two more licenses will be issued. When the final two buildings pass inspection, the remaining three licenses will be granted. Kealey suggested the staggered schedule. “It keeps a lot more skin in the game for them,” he said. The council added a condition that a Lindahl representative appear at each regular council meeting through the end of the year to give construction updates. “This is serious,” Kautz said. “Our citizens are

watching. The people whose lives have been disrupted are watching.” Sherry cast the lone vote against provisional licenses, saying the city shouldn’t issue anything until all buildings pass inspection. “I’m sorry that you’ve come in with this half-baked proposal,” she told the Lindahl team. “It’s half done. Finish it!” Provisional licensure will make Burnsville look “wishy-washy” to a metropolitan region that has seen widespread media coverage of Country Village, she said. “I think the reputation of the apartments in Burnsville is fragile enough,” Sherry said. “I do not want to take any kind of risk – any risk – that it be further damaged.” The city reported last December that Country Village had by then consumed nearly 760 hours of staff time. The case prompted the council to require inspections of all rental units in Burnsville every three years. The provisional licenses would expire Dec. 31. Country Village and all rental properties in Burnsville must apply annually for rental licenses. John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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August 24, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Blaze football expects to take big step in 2012 Burnsville ‘further ahead’ at this point by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

Practice for the Burnsville football team is a little more methodical this year than last season. Tyler Krebs, who is starting his second year as head coach, said the athletes appear to be more comfortable with his system. “Last year everything was new,” Krebs said. “Coaches are more comfortable and I think the kids are more comfortable (this year). “You want to have it happen as fast as you can. I felt like we had some things going last year, but we’re definitely a lot further along this year.” The Blaze are hoping to build on several positives from 2011. After a slow start, Burnsville came on strong last season. The Blaze defeated Eastview and Bloomington Kennedy in the regular season and lost to Lakeville North and Prior Lake, two state tournament qualifiers, by three points each. But near the end of the regular season, quarterback/cornerback/kicker/ punter/returner Dan Motl was injured and there wasn’t enough depth to fill all those roles with veterans. Still, the Blaze gave Eastview a run in the playoffs, losing 14-7. Burnsville also got some playing time for Will Reger, who will start at quarterback this season after starting three games in 2011. He’ll be handing off to another familiar face in Ben Sherman, the team’s leading rusher in 2011. Andre Siemers and Clay Hurlbut are returning receivers. Tyler Hanson, a star for the Blaze baseball team, signed up for football this season after not playing in 2011. He is expected to help at receiver. “He’s a dynamic athlete,” Krebs said. “We’re excited to watch him play.” Joel Malinao will lead the offensive line with Isaac Hubbard, Matt Skarohlid and Luke Teske. “(Practice) is going a lot better compared to last year,” Malinao said. “We’re learning a lot of new things. Last year we were all run, run, run. This year we’re doing all kinds of different things. I think we can do

Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

Alan Merrick, Eagan High School’s new boys soccer head coach, speaks with his players following a scrimmage Saturday morning in Apple Valley.

For Wildcats, it’s the dawn of a new day Merrick likes skill level of boys soccer team by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

Photo by Andy Rogers

The Burnsville football team’s season opens on Thursday with a trip to Eastview. some damage.” With a few new offensive coaches, the playbook has expanded to include more passing. “The kids are excited about the offense,” Krebs said. “It allows more kids to be out on the field. The good teams run the ball and throw the ball effectively. We need to do both.” The Blaze have four players returning on defense, including leading tackler Josh Grossoehme. He’ll be joined by Josh Bernardy and Matt Peterson at linebacker. Brett Shepley, who lettered last year as a freshman in football, basketball and track, will also start at linebacker. “He’s got a really bright future,” Krebs said. Andrew Herkenhoff leads the defensive backs with help from Eli Rogers. Jake Rother has returned to lead the defensive line along with Greg Sharpe. After a year in the system, many of the players on defense have also experienced a renaissance. “There’s less thinking, more instinct and reaction,” Grossoehme said. “Last year was a technique year.

Now you know exactly what to do every play. You’re just reacting, instead of thinking.” The biggest concern for the Blaze is depth. Last year after a few injuries, the Blaze struggled to fill the gaps. “We don’t have a large number of guys,” Krebs said. “We’re trying to move guys around and create competition and depth. We had some injuries last year and we didn’t have the depth to maintain it. We were playing sophomores both ways.” Burnsville opens the season Thursday at Eastview. The Blaze defeated Eastview 36-29 during the regular season and almost won their rematch in the playoffs. The home opener is scheduled for Sept. 7 with a visit from Eagan, which defeated Burnsville 31-0 last season. Homecoming is scheduled for Sept. 21 against Bloomington Kennedy. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Things will be different in the Eagan boys soccer program, as evidenced by the Wildcats’ post-scrimmage team meeting Saturday in Apple Valley. Alan Merrick, the new head coach, told the players what he thought went well and what didn’t. Then he asked the youngest player on the squad – ninthgrader Chad Miller – what he thought. Typically in American sports, rookies are supposed to be seen and not heard. Merrick is not a typical American coach. He posed the question to one of his youngest players instead of a veteran. Miller “said he thought it was really fast and very physical,” Merrick recalled with a chuckle. Merrick, 62, was raised in England before coming to the United States in 1976 to join the Minnesota Kicks of the North American Soccer League. Except for a couple of stops with other U.S. pro teams, he’s been in Minnesota ever since, where he’s built a reputation as a highly regarded coach and clinician. This is the first time he’s been head coach of a high school team, but it’s not just any team. Eagan has been one of the state’s most successful boys programs, reaching the state tournament six times in the 22 years Kurt Virgin, the only other head coach in school history, guided the Wildcats. Virgin retired abruptly in January, and shortly thereafter it was announced that he was under investigation for alleged financial mismanagement of youth sports camps that he ran. In May, he was charged with six counts of theft by swindle. Eagan’s players, already

stunned by Virgin’s departure, were shocked again by Merrick’s surprise appointment as head coach last spring. “But I think I’d call it a happy shock,” said senior defender Kyle Mayne, one of Eagan’s captains. “We were happy to find out we were getting a proven coach, somebody who was well known in this area. I think a lot of us looked up stuff about him on the Internet, saw he played against Pele, and things like that.” “I think he’s going to help Eagan out,” longtime Apple Valley head coach Chuck Scanlon said of Merrick. “He’s an excellent soccer man, and it’s good to see high school teams attracting people like him. Virgin’s a good friend of mine, but he’s not here anymore.” Merrick and Eagan are still in the get-acquainted phase, but it’s not a completely new regime as he retained several assistant coaches from last year’s team. He held tryouts for four days last week and once the teams were chosen the varsity/junior varsity group had one practice together before going to Apple Valley for a series of scrimmages. “I think we have very good skill,” Merrick said. “That’s a credit to the club programs our players come from. Now it’s our job to get them synchronized and playing the way we want them to play.” Merrick said following Saturday’s scrimmages he believed the players were thinking too long about what to do with the ball instead of acting instinctively. But he added he wasn’t particularly concerned about that because he’s trying to design a system that gives players multiple options.

“I want to give them options one, two and three, not unlike what a quarterback would have,” he said. Senior forwards Wyatt Wagner and Juan Sjoberg are captains, as is junior midfielder Jake Punch. All are returnees from an Eagan team that went 134-2 last season, losing 3-1 to Eastview in the Section 3AA championship game. The Wildcats will need to find more players with offensive skill because Wagner, Sjoberg and Punch are the only returnees who scored more than one point last season. Junior Ryan Mott played 15 games at midfield last season. The varsity goalies, senior Keith Krawza and junior Brady Martin, were backups in 2011. Mayne said he thinks the Wildcats have potential. “For the first few scrimmages, I thought we played pretty well together,” Mayne said Saturday. “We controlled the ball; a lot of guys got touches. We need to work on finishing, but I don’t think that’s going to be a problem. I think we could be a really good team.” The Wildcats, who opened their regular season at home against Hill-Murray on Thursday, will play at Park of Cottage Grove at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The following two games are against schools that played for the 2011 state Class AA title. The Wildcats go to defending champion Eden Prairie on Aug. 30 and play at Eastview, last year’s state runner-up, in the South Suburban Conference opener Sept. 4. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike.shaughnessy@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Wildcats believe they’re on road to success Football coach praises Eagan players’ team concept by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

Eagan football coach Rick Sutton said he hopes to come out of two-a-day practices with a team that is “better than the sum of its parts.” The Wildcats don’t have a lot of returning players to count on. Gone are most of the starters who helped Eagan (6-5) reach the Section 4-5A championship game last season. After losing its first three games, Eagan won six of its next seven before ending its season with a playoff loss to Cretin-Derham Hall. Sutton said the graduation losses are the cost of doing business in a largeschool conference. “In our conference, you’re going to be seniordominated most years anyway,” the coach said last

week. “I’m really happy with the summer we had. What I’m seeing with this group is a bunch of kids who are a team. That’s been the most impressive part so far.” Eagan will open its regular season at home against Prior Lake on Aug. 31. Last year the Lakers went 8-4 and won the Section 3-5A championship. They did it by relying on a punishing rushing game. What will fans see from Eagan on the 31st? According to two Wildcat captains, linebacker Kevin Martinez and offensive lineman Collin Fisher, they’ll see a defense that should be one of the best in the South Suburban Conference and an offense that is quickly adapting to the competition level of varsity football. The top six tacklers on last year’s team graduated, but that doesn’t stop Martinez from talking confidently about the Eagan defense’s potential this year. “Our defense plays with a lot of speed and effort,” Martinez said. “We run

Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

Offensive lineman Collin Fisher blocks a player during Eagan football practice last week. Fisher is a captain and returning starter for the Wildcats, who were 6-5 last season. to the ball and can chase down anybody. We did well in seven-on-seven (summer leagues and tournaments). We shut down a lot of teams.” The Wildcats are looking for strong play on the defensive line from seniors Tony

Sarne and Micah Hausman, both of whom are approximately 250 pounds. Fisher, a 260-pound senior, is the only returning offensive line starter. “The number of starters we have returning is not that much different from the

other teams (in the South Suburban), he said. “I think we can be at the top of the pack.” Senior Mitch Seidel is likely to take over at quarterback. Last week, Sutton said Seidel might have been trying too hard to prove he was a worthy successor to Jameson Parsons and Drew Bauer, who played the position for the Wildcats the last two years and now are playing for Division II teams in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. “I think he is (pressing) a bit,” Sutton said. “But we know the ability is there. He did a great job as the (junior varsity) quarterback last year.” Running back Pete Economou also returns to help ease Seidel’s transition. Last season Economou led Eagan in receptions (27) and was second in receiving yardage (344). Fisher and Martinez said they are aware of the next big step the football program has to make. They said they believe the team is now consistently competi-

tive under Sutton, who is in his seventh year as head coach. Eagan, however, has never been to the state tournament. The Wildcats have reached numerous section championship games, only to find Cretin-Derham Hall in their way the majority of the time. The new playoff format adopted for Class AAAAAA means teams will play one playoff game within their section, then the second round would consist of crossover games between teams from different sections. Eight teams will remain after the second round, and it’s possible the Wildcats could get to the state playoffs without facing its nemesis from St. Paul. “The last few years we’ve been winning five or six games pretty consistently,” Fisher said. “I know we haven’t been to state yet, but I think we’re on the right road.” Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 24, 2012

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Eastview football players say turnaround is at hand Lightning looking to bounce back from second losing season in school history

by Mike Shaughnessy

Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

Sun Thisweek

When Eastview football coach Kelly Sherwin looks over his practice field, he sees a lot of good athletes. Are they athletic enough to outrun their inexperience? That’s the key question. The Lightning doesn’t have many returning players on the offensive line or at running back, and hasn’t yet selected a quarterback. But those issues will be settled in time, senior captains Keynon Phillips and Ben Oberfeld insisted. “There’s competition every day on the fields here,” said Oberfeld, a defensive end. “Last year, I think a lot of guys had starting jobs locked up early. This year, we have positions where four guys are competing to start.” Returning players such as Oberfeld and Phillips also are motivated by what happened last year, when Eastview finished 5-6. That’s only the second losing varsity record in school history; the first was in 1997, the Lightning’s inaugural season. “I’d talk to people at school, and they’d say, ‘Man, you didn’t win many games,’ ” said Phillips, who plays tight end. “As a player, you felt like you let the community down, and I don’t want to have that feeling again.” Sherwin said he’s noticed a renewed determination in this year’s team. “It’s a pretty close-knit group,” he said. “I think we’ll see a team that works hard and is prepared.” Oberfeld, at 6-foot-8, and senior A.J. Stockwell, at 6-7, could give Eastview the biggest set of defensive ends in the South Suburban Conference. They also

Eastview senior Henry McIsaac (right) is a multitalented athlete who could start at quarterback for the Lightning or he could be in the lineup at one of several other positions. might have a role in the offense in specialty situations. Another cornerstone on this year’s team is 280-pound offensive tackle Michael Backus, the only returning starter on the offensive line. Eastview has sent several offensive linemen to college football programs over the last several years, and “I think (Backus) is definitely a scholarship kid,” Sherwin said. “He’s a good worker with a great attitude.” Senior Henry McIsaac and junior Mark Dwyer are competing to start at quarterback. One thing complicating matters, according to Sherwin, is that McIsaac has the ability to start at several other positions. “I’d be comfortable with either one at quarterback,” Sherwin said, “but Henry could also be a running back for us, or a defensive back.” The coach said a number of running backs could get carries for the Lightning this year, including Pong Lee and Amare Kennedy. The Lightning might start a sophomore at fullback. “I think the offense looks pretty good,” Phillips said. Senior Marshall Lang

saw playing time on the defensive line last season and is likely to start at nose guard this year. Senior Billy Beisecker will be a defensive back and Chris Granat, another senior, will play linebacker. A lot of positions on both sides of the line of scrimmage could be filled by new varsity players. Again, Oberfeld and Phillips say they’re not concerned. “There’s a lot of offense vs. defense competition in practice, but we all see the same thing,” Phillips said. “We all think we can be a lot better this year.” The Lightning plays four of its first five games at home, including the season opener against Burnsville at 7 p.m. Aug. 30. Eastview split two games against the Blaze last year, losing in the regular season and winning in the section playoffs. On Sept. 7, Eastview travels to Lake Conference power Wayzata, a team that has played in the state largeschool championship game three of the last four years. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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August 24, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Food, from 1A purchased a refurbished short bus that will roll out for the first time Sept. 10 to bring goods to Restoration Covenant Church at 7707 147th St. W. in Apple Valley. The center chose the church as the Mobile Pantry’s first destination since it is a gathering place in a busy location. The Mobile Pantry can carry up to 1,800 pounds of food, which will consist primarily of fresh produce, dairy, eggs and meats. Providing healthy options has been a large part of the center’s focus since it first began offering produce four years ago. Since then, the center’s pantries in Eagan and Lakeville have boosted the amount of fresh foods each year. In 2011, fresh and perishable foods accounted for 50 percent of the pantries’ stock, which rose to 70 percent

this year. “Our goal is to make it easier for families to access fresh and healthy food,” Schmidt said. Families will be able to walk inside the truck, which is accessible to those with disabilities, to select items, which Schmidt said sets the center’s Mobile Pantry apart from others in the Twin Cities. Several food banks offer mobile pantries but provide pre-packed bags of canned goods rather than allow clients to choose items that include fresh foods. “We want people to have the freedom and flexibility to make choices,” Schmidt said. Not only will families have access to food through the Mobile Pantry but also resources that connect them to assistance programs. The Resource Centers plan to bring the Mobile

Pantry to other sites in March. Long-term, the center plans to deploy the Mobile Pantry about four times a month in several communities. When selecting a destination, the center will examine which communities are most in need, Schmidt said. “We’re trying to look at it as one neighborhood at a time to get to that very localized need,” she said. The Resource Centers are in need of volunteers to help pack the bus. Those interested in volunteering can call (651) 605-2886 or email mobilepantry@eaganrc.org. Those who are in need of services provided by the Mobile Pantry can call (651) 686-0787. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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