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www.SunThisweek.com Opinion Marriage amendment Today’s Opinion page carries the ECM Editorial regarding the proposed constitutional amendment regarding same-sex marriage and an editorial response. Page 4A

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Back from the jungle Rosemount author Craig MacIntosh gathered material for his latest novel while searching for World War II crash sites in Papua New Guinea. Page 12A

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October 5, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 32

Eagan-Burnsville Senate, House candidates focus on jobs, education by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Jobs, education and the economy remained at the forefront during a Wednesday forum among District 51 legislative candidates. A crowd of residents and business owners filled the Rasmussen College classroom to standingroom only on Sept. 26 to hear from the six contenders. The forum, hosted by the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, included Sen. Ted Daley, R-Eagan, Jim Carlson, District 51 DFL candidate, Rep. Doug Wardlow, R-Eagan, Laurie Halverson, District 51B DFL candidate, Rep. Diane Anderson, R-Eagan, and Sandra Masin, District 51A DFL candidate. Although every candidate called for civility among the two parties, not everyone refrained from trading barbs. Describing the past session as dysfunctional and scandalous, Democrats pointed to the state shutdown and recent “sex scandal” involving Republican Sen. Amy Koch and staffer Michael Brodkorb as Republican failings. “The Legislature is on the wrong track. … Republicans have focused on social issues instead of their own failings,” Carlson said. Republicans returned the blows by claiming Democratic support

Photo by Jessica Harper

Sen. Ted Daley, R-Eagan (left), Jim Carlson, District 51 Democratic candidate, Laurie Halverson, District 51B Democratic candidate, and Rep. Doug Wardlow, R-Eagan, debated the issues during a Sept. 26 forum hosted by the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce at Rasmussen College. for “Obamacare” will hurt small exchanges created by the Federal businesses. Health Care Act. Daley said he doesn’t support Health care the exchanges and suggested the The two sides were split on state should wait until after the Nowhether they support insurance vember election to create a plan to

by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

Candidates in a crowded District 191 School Board race addressed topics ranging from closing the achievement gap to closing budget gaps during a 90-minute forum Oct. 2 at Diamondhead Education Center. Topics included hiring a replacement for Superintendent Randy Clegg, who was singled out for criticism by candidates Mark Traikoff and Tom McCasey, both of Burns-

ville. Clegg is retiring from the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage district next June 30. Seven candidates, including incumbents Ron Hill of Savage, Sandra Sweep of Burnsville and DeeDee Currier of Burnsville, are running for three four-year terms. Three, including incumbent Robert VandenBoom of Eagan, a board appointee, are running for a two-year term. Traikoff and McCasey provided most of the fire-

works in the wide-ranging forum, arranged and moderated by Burnsville business owner Tom Taylor. Both have been fierce critics of the district in the wake of the controversy over the buyout of Tania Chance, the exhuman resources director who resigned in February under a separation agreement that paid her $255,000 for not working the last 18 months See District 191, 7A

Eagan boys soccer wins biggest match of the season. Page 14A

Nader Helmy took home first place at National Speech Tournament

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by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Each year, hundreds of high school students compete in the National Forensic League National Speech Tournament, Nader but only a hand- Helmy ful leave as champions. Apple Valley High School senior Nader Helmy not only left the Indianapolis tournament a champion in June, but did so for the second consec-

utive year. Helmy, 17, took first place in original oratory with his speech “Surfing USA,” which drew attention to American’s tendency to skim the surface of a number of issues, hobbies and activities rather than delve deep into a few things. “It was really exciting to win again,” the Lakeville resiSee Helmy, 11A

Yoga and martial arts to fuse in Eagan New yoga studio to open in Fusion Martial Arts in November by Jessica Harper

Online Discuss stories on facebook.com/ sunthisweek.

See legislature, 21A

District 191 forum ranges from AVHS senior named national achievement gap to budget gaps speech champion – twice 10 seek four School Board seats

Wildcats edge top-ranked Eagles

comply with the federal law. Halverson said she believes the state must create a plan immediately to tailor the program to Min-

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To some, yoga and martial arts may seem like opposites. Matt Blomquist, owner of Fusion Martial Arts in Eagan, believes the two can easily fuse together. “It seems like a nice pairing,” Blomquist said. “Both require a combination of mental and physical precision. They are two different paths to the same end.” Blomquist recently partnered with Twin Cities yoga instructor Brigitte Koepke to bring a new yoga studio inside the martial arts business at 1012 Photo by Jessica Harper Diffley Road. Matt Blomquist, owner of Fusion Martial Arts, and Twin Cities The studio called Fusion Yoga is set yoga instructor Brigitte Koepke formed a partnership to create to open Nov. 1 and will offer a variFusion Yoga, which is set to open on Nov. 1 in the same space ety of yoga classes in its private studio, which is expected to cost between on 1012 Diffley Road as Fusion Martial Arts.

$60,000 to $70,000 to renovate. “It’s ideal for families,” Blomquist said. “There isn’t anything like it in the south suburbs that offers a heated environment.” A shared main entrance will allow parents to drop off their children at Taekwondo classes and proceed to the yoga studio, while a separate door off the studio will enable people to bypass the martial arts area. The business partners met last year when Blomquist began taking classes from Koepke to learn to teach yoga. Eventually the two began talking about opening a yoga studio, and from there, Fusion Yoga was born. The partnership between Blomquist and Koepke seemed to have blossomed over the past year as well due to their passion for their own craft. Blomquist found his passion for martial arts as a child and has taught the art for the past 16 years. See Fusion, 11A

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Woman had kids in car when allegedly driving drunk, causing accident A Burnsville woman is accused of being legally drunk and causing an accident while driving with five children in her car near Echo Park Elementary School in Burnsville the morning of Sept. 27.

One of the children, a 7-year-old girl, suffered a contusion to her face. Amy Yvonne Mullin, 31, faces gross misdemeanor charges of child endangerment and criminal vehicular operation resulting

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in bodily harm, and two gross misdemeanor charges of third-degree driving while impaired. Mullin’s blood alcohol concentration was .175 after a preliminary breath test and .15 when she gave

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a breath sample within two hours of the accident, according to the criminal complaint. The legal limit for driving is .08. Mullin allegedly caused the two-vehicle accident at about 10:40 a.m. Ac-

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cording to the complaint, a man was driving east on Evergreen Drive with his 5-year-old grandson in the back seat when Mullin’s vehicle “turned right in front See Charges, 11A

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October 5, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Photo by Jessica Harper

Nine businesses from throughout the county received the Business Excellence Award on Sept. 26 from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Eagan, Burnsville businesses awarded for excellence by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Burnsville and Eagan appear to be breeding grounds for excellence. More than half of the recipients of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Business Excellence Awards are based in one of the two cities. Eagan-based Coca-Cola Refreshments, International Office Technologies and Superior Service Center, and Sprint by ASW in Burnsville, were among nine businesses to receive the award on Sept. 27 for implementing environmentally friendly initiatives. “It’s nice to be recognized for our efforts,” said Dan Sjolseth, owner of Superior Service Center in Eagan. “We were looking to save money and ended up preserving the environmental, too.” The auto maintenance and repair center switched last year to water-based paint to minimize environmental hazards and began recycling sheet metal and plastic car parts. The business also installed green

features such as LED lights to save on energy costs and be more green. Coca-Cola Refreshments recently installed LEED features such as efficient heat fans and recycling bins. The company also uses motion sensor lights in its facility and has worked to reduce its water usage by partnering with Ecolab and other Eagan businesses. International Office Technologies, which repairs and sells refurbished printers, desktop computers and laptops, has taken several steps to eliminate waste when providing its services. “We process 6 million pounds of material and none of it goes to landfills,” said Bob Brennan, CEO of International Office Technologies. Sprint by ASW in Burnsville is the largest provider of Sprint services and was recognized by the chamber for its efforts to recycle wireless devices. The company also created a program in which it buys used wireless devices to refurbish and distribute to

charities. Apple Valley-based CNH Architects, Rosemount-based AAA Auto Salvage and SKB Environmental, West St. Paulbased Rapid Refill Ink and Mendota Heights-based Materials Processing Corp. were also named Business Excellence award winners. SKB Environmental, a demolition and construction waste disposal company, was the first industrial business in Dakota County to implement a triple line collection system. This large-scale waste processing system enabled SKB to recycle 116,000 tons of construction and demolition waste last year. “We are committed to environmental protection while thriving in a competitive industry,” said Don Chapdelaine, spokesman for SKB Environmental. The company’s Rosemount recycling site was the first of its facilities to develop an organic waste compost system, which is now at all SKB sites. AAA Salvage, which See Awards, 3A

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan October 5, 2012

Conflict contributing to river pollution by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Pollution in the Minnesota River upstream from Dakota County is so appalling that the county is pulling out of the organization charged with cleaning it up. The action is meant to send a message to legislators that the Minnesota River Board is so dysfunctional it is unable to fulfill its mission to clean the river. Despite Dakota County Commissioner Tom Egan’s pleas to reconsider, commissioners voted 5-2 to leave the Minnesota River Board joint powers organization. Egan is the county’s current representative on the board and next year’s River Board chair. Most commissioners have served on the River Board and experienced the

Awards, from 2A salvages used vehicles, was recognized for its efforts to recycle and reuse auto parts. CNH Architects provides architectural services for public and private businesses and is the first architect in Minnesota to be certified as a Green Globe Professional. CNH

early-morning meetings – filled with finger-pointing, disagreements and controversy – which are held hundreds of miles from Dakota County in inconvenient corners of the state. Minnesota River Board members argue about the board’s governance structure, where resources are directed, fees each entity pays and who is to blame for the river’s high pollution levels. “Some say the problem is soil erosion caused by development,” said Egan. “Others say it’s the industrial development that is occurring in southwest Minnesota, others say it’s farming or best management practices. Nobody can agree on anything.” The river flows through 15,000 miles of southcentral Minnesota through 38 counties, but only 23 of them are dues-paying members of the joint powers agreement to oversee the river’s environmental health. Only a northwest portion of Dakota County

earned the certification for its energy-efficient designs and green buildings. The company has also donated its services to local schools and communities to create wind and solar projects. Rapid Refill Ink remanufactures computer printer ink and toners, and was recognized for its efforts to recycle ink and toner cartridges.

is included in the basin, but based on the county’s population annual dues are $2,500. Money was not the primary concern from commissioners who said they want meetings to result in action for cleaning the river. Instead, Egan said he leaves meetings frustrated because “nothing but conflict occurred.” The arguments are similar to ones that occurred a decade or so ago in Dakota County with the Vermillion River Watershed, said Dakota County Commissioner Joe Harris. After years of controversy stalling action, Dakota County took over governance of the Vermillion River Watershed and conflicts were resolved. A governance structure was established, a fee structure was set and river cleanup activities have been accomplished. Similar action is needed by the state to clean up the Minnesota River, Harris said. Commissioners Paul

Materials Processing Corp. provides IT management and risk mitigation services and was recognized by the chamber for its development of innovative tools to recycle used electronics. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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Krause, Nancy Schouweiler, Will Branning and Kathleen Gaylord agreed. Commissioner Liz Workman agreed with Egan, who argued against pulling out, because the River Board is going to hire a neutral facilitator to bring the parties together and devise a new governance structure and establish financing parameters. Workman voted to stay in the organization because she feared further destruction of the river without Dakota County’s involvement. Harris said he was “absolutely appalled” to see the Minnesota River’s polluted condition between Mankato and LeSueur dur-

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“It’s probably time to get out,” Krause said. “Make it fail, and maybe the state will get on board and do something to make those counties out there abide by the rules and the laws and not pollute that river,” Schouweiler agreed. “There’s a great saying,” she said. “When the horse is dead, dismount.” Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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ing a recent trip. Gaylord said the Minnesota River is polluting the Mississippi River as well, calling it “crucial” to get the river cleaned up. “It’s important to do it,” Gaylord said. “This organization isn’t getting it done.” Other entities have also pulled out, and it is expected under its current structure that the River Board will run out of funding for staffing and expenditures within its next fiscal year.

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Dakota County pulls out of Minnesota River Board

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Opinion

October 5, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Amendment 1 Recognition of marriage solely between one man and one woman

Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?

Passage of marriage amendment would suppress freedom Richard Carlbom, campaign manager for Minnesotans United for All Families, looks at his parents and sees their marriage as a testimony to love, commitment and responsibilty. Their marriage, he says, is also a sign that the married couple will be in each other’s lives forever. Carlbom, a gay man originally from North Branch, wonders why Minnesota is keeping him and his partner from having the same sense of security that his parents have. The Editorial Board of ECM Publishers Inc. joins Carlbom, Minnesotans United for All Families and more than 500 organizations in opposing the proposed marriage amendment, which seeks to define marriage in our state constitution as a union between a man and a woman and would limit the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. The key word here is freedom. America was not founded on the principle of oppression. America was founded on the principle of freedom. Passing the amendment would place limits in our constitution on the freedom of same-sex citizens. It would erect a barrier to continuing the discussion of same-sex marriage, for today’s voters and for future generations of Minnesotans who might want to reopen the debate. Voters would, in fact, be making choices for those future generations. Voters would be telling many of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that marriage won’t be an option for them. That’s not freedom, that’s oppression, and we are concerned what message that sends the world about our state. What kind of Minnesota do we want to present to the world? The implications of that message may reach farther than we realize. We believe the marriage amendment, if passed, would limit the ability to recruit and retain top talent. Minnesota companies such as General Mills and St. Jude Medical have spoken out against the amendment, saying it would hurt their ability to recruit and hire a diverse group of employees. We are also concerned about making rash decisions. Americans once limited

ECM Editorial the voting rights of women and AfricanAmericans. Times change. Moral climates change. Just like our views changed on the voting rights of women and African-Americans, some day the majority of Minnesotans might find it acceptable that same-sex couples marry. Perhaps they already do. Why stifle the conversation with an illconsidered constitutional amendment that serves only one point of view? The group Minnesota for Marriage supports the amendement and believes that same-sex marriage deprives a child of an opportunity for the best environment to grow up in. Children do best when they are raised by a mother and a father, the group states. While we found this a compelling point, we believe children will thrive in environments in which they are loved by two parents, regardless of the gender make-up of those parents. We think it’s important that people love whom they wish to love, and have an opportunity to marry whom they wish to marry. It’s a simple case of treating people with the same kind of respect with which you would want to be treated. But at the end of the day, this isn’t a debate solely about marriage. It’s a debate about law and governance, and we think it’s wrong that the question is on the ballot at all. There is already a law on Minnesota’s books defining marriage as an act between a man and a woman. That means that today, without any amendment being approved or disapproved, Minnesota does not legally recognize or sanction same-sex marriages. That will not change regardless of how Minnesotans vote on the marriage amendment. If the amendment fails, same-sex couples will still not be allowed to legally marry in Minnesota. For these reasons we oppose the marriage amendment. This is a product of the ECM Editorial Board. Sun Thisweek Newspapers is part of ECM Publishers Inc.

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.

Amendment aims at protecting the institution of marriage by Chuck Darrell Special to Sun Thisweek

The debate over the definition of marriage has unfolded across America for several years and is the subject of the proposed amendment on the November ballot to preserve marriage in Minnesota. But what is the debate really about, how does it affect society, what’s at stake – and who should decide? What’s at stake are two competing definitions of marriage. One definition – advocated by gay marriage activists – defines marriage as the union of any two people regardless of gender. The other definition, contained in the amendment and reflective of the collective understanding of virtually every nation throughout recorded history, is that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. Why has virtually every society defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman? The answer can be summarized in one word: children. Protecting the interests of children is the primary reason that government regulates and licenses marriage. Marriage is the most pro-child institution we have – and the only institution that connects children with their parents. Marriage between a man and a woman protects and promotes the well-being of children by allowing the child to benefit from being loved and raised by both her father and mother. Marriage says to society: For every child born, there is a recognized mother and father, accountable to the child and each other. One of the objections against the marriage amendment is that it’s unnecessary because same-sex marriage is already illegal in Minnesota. This is a short-sighted argument that ignores the fact that marriage is currently under assault in our state Legislature and our courts. In the 2009-10 legislative session, five bills were presented to redefine marriage. A prominent legislative leader, state Sen. John Marty, publicly promised to redefine marriage at the earliest opportunity and introduced legislation last session to do just that. Even more troubling is a lawsuit pending in Hennepin County. Same-sex couples are demanding that the county registrar issue marriage licenses to them and that Minnesota judges invalidate our marriage laws – putting marriage on trial in Minnesota. This is exactly the type of lawsuit that led to the imposition of same-sex marriage in Iowa, California, and Massachusetts. The answer to these threats is the Marriage Protection Amendment. The amendment secures our traditional definition of marriage as the union of one man and one

Editorial Response woman into our state constitution where it is safe from meddling by activist judges and politicians. If this pending lawsuit or legislation succeed in redefining marriage in Minnesota there will be profound consequences for religious organizations, individuals, and small businesses. Those who don’t agree with this new definition of marriage as a genderless institution existing for the benefit of adults – not children – will be treated under the law like racists and bigots, and will be punished for their beliefs. This is already occurring. Religious groups who have refused to make their facilities available for same-sex couples have lost their state tax exemption. Religious groups like Catholic Charities in Boston and Washington, D.C., had to choose between fulfilling their social mission based on their religious beliefs or acquiescing to this new definition of marriage. They were forced to close their charitable adoption agencies. Whenever schools educate children about marriage they will have no choice but to teach this genderless institution. In Massachusetts, kids as young as second grade were taught about gay marriage in class. The courts ruled that parents had no right to prior notice, or to opt their children out of such instruction. More importantly, shifting the focus of our marriage laws away from their interests in children and onto the desires of the adults involved in a same-sex relationship, will result in profound long-term consequences. Such a paradigm shift says to children that mothers and fathers don’t matter – any two parents will do. What the election really comes down to is this: Who should decide the definition of marriage in Minnesota? We believe it should be you – the voters. Our opponents think that judges and politicians know better than voters and they should be free to redefine marriage when it suits them. Our opponents are fond of saying that they are engaging in a conversation with voters about the proper definition of marriage in Minnesota. But the only way to ensure that voters always have control of that conversation – indeed, of ensuring that voters are even included in the conversation – is to pass the marriage protection amendment. Vote “Yes” on the Marriage Protection Amendment on Nov. 6. Chuck Darrell is director of communications for Minnesota for Marriage.

Letters Forum highlights differences To the editor: On Wednesday, Sept. 26, I attended a candidate forum at Rasmussen College where Minnesota House and Senate candidates answered questions posed by the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. A number of basic differences emerged between Republican and DFL candidates. On education, Democrats expressed concern about the quality of our education and early childhood learning. Republicans were focused on gaining more freedom to fire teachers based on performance, as though teach-

ers were the big problem with schools. On the environment. Republican incumbents built a record of efforts to roll back key protections for our air and water, and would like to do more. Democrats asserted that one of Minnesota’s strong points is the quality of life. Our clean, beautiful outdoors is a major attraction. Why put that at risk? On jobs, Republican incumbents wanted us to believe that they’ve done nothing but focus on jobs this session. Instead, we got two divisive constitutional ballot initiatives, a state shutdown, and nothing to show on jobs. “Get government out of the way” was their man-

tra. We in the south metro really need less ideology and more thought. I support DFL candidates Jim Carlson for state Senate in District 51 and Sandra Masin for state House in District 51A – and if I lived on the other side of the district, Laurie Halverson in House District 51B would get my nod. They have a record of genuine concern for improving our schools, our lives and our environment. They’ll put Minnesota back on the path to being the greatest state to live in once again. Chris Barrett Burnsville

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Willenburg is top flight To the editor: Jerry Willenburg, candidate for Burnsville mayor, is top flight in my judgment. It is high time we had someone not looking out for herself. We are voting for Burnsville, not for the East Coast. Ask the current mayor if you want some answers. ELLWYN COLLINS Burnsville

Kautz gets people working together To the editor: My father, Gene Grazzini Jr., a Republican and chairman of Grazzini Brothers and Co., and I, a progressive, agree we want Elizabeth Kautz to continue leading our Burnsville. Here are some reasons why: First, Kautz is a longtime citizen who has maintained her focus on Burnsville’s evolving needs. Second, she has demonstrated commitment to maximizing all sectors of our community – from youth to seniors, businesspeople to immigrants. Third, her leadership style has proven effective. She balances sustaining collaborative leadership by convening diverse voices and energies, with pragmatic decisiveness

orienting her actions to the larger vision of our community, without ceding to extraneous distractions. In recent years we’ve seen Kautz as at ease dancing with elementary school children in the healthy community initiative Paha Sapa: Play it Forward, as she’s been catalyzing fiscal policy attention to Burnsville with presidents and prime ministers at national and international levels. And through the toughest recession of our times, Burnsville has retained an AAA credit rating and continues drawing commerce, including 150 new businesses since 2009. Meanwhile, Kautz navigated partisan tensions around the Burnsville Performing Arts Center defending its long-term cultural value, while successfully stimulating its short-term financial performance. While many polarizing political positions undermine our collective success, responsive stewardship is critical. Other citizens and I with the cross-partisan initiative DynamicShift witnessed it when we told Burnsville leaders to stop fighting and start working together. Kautz moved quickly to bridge the divisions, pairing differing leaders to cooperate on projects to solve the problems. These are among many reasons my father and I, coming from opposite political viewpoints, believe Kautz

is the best equipped candidate to keep Burnsville on track into the future. Has Kautz always done everything we think she should? No. We know no leader can perfectly address every citizen’s every desire. But those who mix passion, pragmatism, commitment and cooperation – combined with proven leadership, get close. We’re convinced Kautz has that rare, right blend. Follow our bipartisan lead and re-elect Mayor Kautz. ANDREA MORISETTE GRAZZINI GENE GRAZZINI JR. Burnsville

Erickson cares To the editor: You hear a lot about School Board Member Bob Erickson’s public finance skills. I want to express my appreciation for his contributions beyond the traditional board responsibilities. Erickson responded to a need I brought to him regarding a co-curricular athletic fee. My son won’t soon forget the assistance Erickson provided to our family. He truly has the best interests of our kids at heart. I’m reaching out to the Lakeville community to reelect Bob Erickson. TAMMY BRATTEN Lakeville

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan October 5, 2012

Letters Support Democrats

deduct our property taxes from our income taxes. He voted to increase taxes on each and every home purchased in Dakota County – right in the middle of the housing crisis. But he didn’t stop there. He also voted to tax music downloads and home heating fuel purchased during the winter months. I cannot afford to have Will Morgan back in the Legislature – his record speaks for itself.

To the editor: I attended the Senate District 51 candidate forum this past Wednesday. The Republicans recited their shopworn bumper sticker slogans. The Democrats offered specific proposals for what they would do once elected. Republicans have failed to get the job done, with their state government shutdown and lackluster ballot amendLISA SCHNEEGANS ment initiatives. Democrats will accom- Lakeville plish more in job creation, education funding, and health District 191 care for Minnesotans.

NICKY BLAKE Burnsville

needs Pothini

Bill Randall Eagan

Protecting my pocketbook To the editor: Do not let Will Morgan, DFL candidate for the District 56B House seat, fool you; he wants to raise our taxes. Before he left office, he left no stone unturned searching for things to tax. He voted to take away the mortgage interest deduction. Morgan even voted for not allowing us to

will get us there. This district has big decisions to make in the next couple of years – especially selecting the right superintendent for our community and students. Pothini’s experience as the president of local nonprofits, a mother and active community member, and a former classroom teacher is exactly what our community needs and deserves. She definitely has my vote, and I urge you to vote for Seema Pothini on behalf of our community and students.

To the editor: Seema Pothini is exactly what the ISD 191 School Board needs, and I urge community members to vote for her on Nov. 6. I taught in the district and was a student myself in the district many years ago. The district is becoming even more diverse, and I believe we are not currently serving our diverse students to the fullest of our potential. We need to serve all students in our community (including those who need a more rigorous education), and Pothini’s guidance

Roz Peterson’s fiscal failures

To the editor: Let’s face it: It’s an election year so talk is cheap and AMY CLARK Lakeville truth is hard to find. All I’ve heard about Roz Peterson, the Republican candidate for the District 56B House seat, is that she’s a champion of education reform and fiscal responsibility. Let’s look at her record. It’s true that Peterson served on the Lakeville School Board for six years, but the results of service show more of the status quo

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and a lack of positive results. During her service she voted to close an elementary school when it wasn’t completely necessary, to raise student fees for co-curricular activities, to cut almost 100 teachers and to cut arts programs. Many class sizes are now over 40 kids per teacher. And don’t forget that huge buyout she voted to authorize for the retiring superintendent. How many kids did that educate? Now the district is looking at yet another multimilliondollar budget cut this year and next. This is not fiscal responsibility in action. I’m not sure if sending Peterson to St. Paul would make that mess any worse. But, I’d hate to find out. Vote “no” on Roz Peterson’s fiscal failures.

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Jim Carlson analyzes what works

taken the say-so of a group of people like those in ALEC (the American Legislative Exchange Council). Carlson disagrees with ALEC that accumulating great wealth should be done just to maximize profits. He thinks it also means you should give back to people. Jim has some strong opinions and has problems with ALEC. Unlike this group of wealthy corporations, Jim believes we should have fair tax rates across the board, not one bracket subsidizing another. He also disagrees with ALEC’s emphasis on reducing the regulatory environment. In fact, Carlson believes that we can take steps to conserve the environment, reduce carbon emissions, build Minnesota businesses, and improve jobs and the economy, all at the same time.

To the editor: A Sept. 28 article by Tim Budig tells us a lot of things worth noting about state Senate candidate Jim Carlson. As Budig noted, Jim is somebody who listens to what you have to say, even if your political background differs from his. I appreciate this fact when Jim listens attentively and wants to understand where I’m coming from, especially when I may not agree with him. As Budig noted in his article, Carlson’s background is in engineering. In that role at 3M, he objectively analyzed things to see what makes them tick. His commitments to early childhood and other education, and to decent-paying jobs and the economy, are a result of this Paul Hoffinger kind of curiosity. Jim hasn’t Eagan

October 5, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

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Lester W. Carlson Went home to be with his Lord on September 23, 2012 at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers- Don, Art & Cliff and 2 wives - Evelyn & Marion. Les proudly served in the army's 99th Infantry Battalion-Separate during WW2. Les is survived by his best friend & loving wife of almost 13 years CarolAnn, daughter Mary and many relatives and friends.

David Harold Stoa

(August 23, 1994 - September 21, 2012) Louis-Dupay, Dakoda J. “Cody” age 18 of Farmington passed into the hands of God on 9/21/12. Survived by parents Rebecca and Andrew; siblings Andrew and Lillyanne; girlfriend Ally Williams; father Nick Dupay. Also by loving grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends. Cody was a 2012 graduate of Farmington High School, an accomplished varsity wrestler, assistant coach at Northfield Gymnastics Club and was set to ship out on September 23rd as a proud enlistee into the US Marine Corps. The lives you touched will never be the same. Be at peace Dakoda. Funeral Service Thursday 11AM at Hosanna! Lutheran Church 9600 163rd St. Lakeville with luncheon following service. Visitation Wednesday, September 26, 2012, 4-8pm at White Funeral Home, 901 3rd St. and also one hour prior to service at church. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Dakoda's family would also encourage memorial donations be given online at www.suicide.com White Funeral Home Farmington 651-463-7374 www.whitefuneralhomes.com

Passed from this world September 26, 2012 at his home in Lakeville, MN after a long battle with cancer and heart failure. Born May 9, 1946 to Harold and Arline (Hove) Stoa in Albert Lea, MN. He graduated from Albert Lea Senior High in 1964. Served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Resided in the Lincoln, NE area after service in the Navy. Spent his last years in Lakeville, MN. Survived by 3 children, Julie, Kris, Jason; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Harlan, Steven and Larry; 3 sisters, Gayle, Janet and Martha. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Preceded in death by parents. Graveside services at Ft Snelling Friday, October 12 at 10:30 a.m. White Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Age 89 of Lakeville, passed away September 22, 2012. Born January 9, 1923 to Samuel and Elise Barnes in Lebanon Township; attended District 17 country school and Rosemount high school. Worked at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and Continental Machines in Savage. Enjoyed and valued time spent with family, friends and neighbors, travelling and walking when she was able, birdwatching, flower gardening, baking and needlework. Preceded in death by parents, sisters, Dorothea (Cederblade), Verna (Luckman), Eva, Nettie and brothers Frank, Karl, William, Emil, Edwin, and Bob. Survived by sister Elizabeth (Phillips), brother Raymond Barnes, many nieces, nephews, great -nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held October 7th, 1-4p.m. at Highview Hills Senior Living in Lakeville. Interment Lebanon Cemetery, Apple Valley, MN.

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

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Age 80 of Lakeville, formerly of Bloomington passed away on September 29, 2012. Loving wife, mother, and friend. Preceded in death by twin sister Jean Sackette. Survived by husband Kenneth; children, Kathy (Bruce) Koehler and Kevin (Shari) Larson; grandchildren Katie and Michael and great grandson Michael. Memorial Service 2PM Saturday, October 6, 2012 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 20165 Heath Avenue Lakeville, MN. Gathering of family and friends 1 hour prior to service. White Funeral Home Lakeville 952-469-2723 www.whitefuneralhomes.com

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June E. Larson

Ruth ‘Mae’ Barnes

Dakoda ‘Cody’ Louis-Dupay

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Age 49, of Prior Lake passed on September 29th, 2012 from AML Leukemia. She was a Lakeville 1st grade teacher at Oak Hills Elementary. She was a local watercolor artist and enjoyed painting everything from barns to her children. She was happily married to her soul mate, Dave Beissel, for 8 short years. They enjoyed traveling all over together. She was survived by Dave; her three children, Victoria Stunkel, Kailey Otting, and Tyler Stunkel; sister Tracy Anderson, and brother Tom Rogalla; and her parents Bob and Dorothy Rogalla. She passed peacefully surrounded by family in her home. We would like to invite her students, family, and friends to services at Hosanna! Lutheran Church in Lakeville on Saturday October 6th, 2012. Visitation is at 10AM, funeral at 11AM. A luncheon, provided by the family, will follow.

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Theresa Rogalla Stunkel Beisel

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Age 26 of Waconia passed away Tuesday September 25, 2012 in New Germany. Memorial Service held Saturday September 29, 2012 - 10:30 am Westwood Community Church (3121 Westwood Drive), Excelsior with Rev. Dave Trautmann officiating; a gathering of family and friends Friday 5-8 pm Johnson Funeral Home (141 First St. East), Waconia and at the church 1 hour prior to the service. Mark was born on May 12, 1986 in Waconia, MN the son Joseph F. and Nancy L. (Zellmann) Bluemke. Mark was a godly man. Church was a big part of his life. Mark loved his cars, motorcycles, music, hunting, fishing, golfing and especially his friends. He was always there for them. Mark enjoyed watching the Minnesota Viking and going to school. He had a very witty and intellectual side to him. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Earl and Esther Zellmann, Harvey and Laura Petzel; uncle Kenneth Bluemke. Mark is survived by his loving family; mother Nancy Zellmann of Chaska; father Joseph Bluemke of Burnsville; sisters Jennifer (John) Taft of Golden Valley, Tricia (Neil) Furman of Waconia; nieces Bryn Taft, Makena Furman; aunts and uncle Joan and Dave Schroeder of Watertown, Agnes Bluemke of Waconia; other relatives and many friends. Arrangements with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia. www.johnsonfh.com

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan October 5, 2012

District 191, from 1A annual budget shortfalls that could exceed $15 milof her two-year contract. lion over the next four years, The buyout angered many Currier said a new budget residents and teachers who format that breaks spending pressed for details of the down by program area will district’s split with Chance help the public form ideas that board members said about spending priorities. were protected by data pri- Joshua Mathews, who’s seeking the two-year term, vacy law. “I am running for school said he favors using some board to help clean up the of the district’s historically mess, to assist in earning high $10 million budget reback public trust and to serve to help cushion the demand accountability, dis- blow. closure and transparency,” “And this is what people said Traikoff, a former sub- don’t want to talk about – stitute teacher in the district you have to look at cutting who calls himself Mark costs,” Mathews said. fund balance “MR. TEAK” Traikoff af- The ter a nickname he said his shouldn’t be used to help balance the budget, said former students gave him. Most candidates didn’t Mark Korman of Burnstarget Clegg, but they were ville, who’s seeking a fourasked what they’d like to see year term. Families have to cut back, and so should in a new superintendent. Hill, the board chair, said school districts, he said. a collaborative nature, expe- Perhaps the district could rience in a multicultural en- start an incentive program vironment like District 191 to encourage teachers to and deep knowledge of cur- “do more with less,” Korriculum and instruction are man said. “The money that’s in the his top priorities. “Our district is a little bit account right now is for concerned about the chang- something unforeseen, and es that are happening,” it should stay there,” said said Seema Pothini, an eq- Korman, who has twin sons uity and diversity facilitator in the autism program at who’s seeking a four-year Rahn Elementary and said term. “We need someone special education is a high who can come in and make priority. people feel good and make “But the pattern, as we well know in education, is them feel empowered.” Said McCasey, “I just being asked to do more with want to remind the tax- less,” responded Steve Dove, payers, the current school a former assistant princiboard is what got us Mr. pal and athletic director at Edina High School who Clegg, who failed.” Sweep called for the su- teaches graduate school at perintendent search team the University of St. Thomto include a representative as. A review of possible from each school. “Our district is not one- budget reductions and revesize-fits-all across all our nue boosters should precede tapping the fund balance, buildings,” she said. Asked about recurring Dove said.

Closing an elementary or junior high school – ideas some residents have suggested and the board has considered – are not budget panaceas, with estimated savings of $300,000 to between $500,000 and $700,000, respectively, Hill said. “The final kicker when you close a building, there’s a boundary change,” Hill said, noting that the district is considering a variety of facilities options, including repurposing some buildings. “We have everything on the table,” VandenBoom said. “We’re looking at buildings, we’re looking at mapping changes, we’re looking at school choice.” Traikoff argued that the district under Clegg has wasted money building an “overbloated district administration.” He offered as evidence appointment of separate directors of curriculum, assessment and instruction, and the district’s communications department. “You fund the classroom. You fund the teachers,” said Traikoff, who claimed the number of administrators in the district grew from 51 in 2008 to 60 in 2009 while the ranks of educational assistants were cut by 10 percent. The district disputes Traikoff’s claims on administration numbers and says the number of administrators in the Teaching and Learning function is comparable now to what it was in 2008. McCasey cited as an example of wasteful spending the “failed” Envision Academy of the Arts, one of several magnet programs

the district chose to launch in 2009 as part of a statemandated plan to reduce racial imbalances between 191 and the nearby Lakeville Area School District. McCasey said the “thousands upon thousands of dollars” could have gone to fund classroom teachers. However, the arts school was funded by a combination of state money and local taxes earmarked by law only for integration programs. Candidates were asked how the district can narrow achievement gaps affecting minority students and students learning to speak English. “Lots of districts are dealing with that,” Dove said, adding, “All-day kindergarten is a tremendous positive step toward making progress on the achievement gap.” The district made its all-day kindergarten program free to all students beginning this fall. Also encouraging, Dove said, is the district’s launch of the Parent Institute for Quality Education program. PIQUE involves working with families to elevate the importance of learning. “I can’t talk enough about getting parents involved with their students,” said VandenBoom, who called for new avenues of outreach to parents who “are just uncomfortable” getting involved in the schools. Hill said a “joint partnership” must evolve between schools and state health and human services, some of whose functions now fall to schools. “When children come to

school with issues that are beyond the control of the school board, those issues have to be addressed,” Hill said. Pothini said educational equity and diversity are a personal “passion” and said the district must equip all teachers to handle all students. One of the moderator’s questions pointed out that district magnet schools have contributed to higher concentrations of poverty in some nonmagnet schools. “I think that discussion itself will show the inequities we have in our district,” Pothini said. It was asked whether the district should consider attendance-boundary changes to create equity across a district in which the number of students receiving free or subsidized meals ranges from 20 percent at one school to 72 percent at another. “I’m in favor of looking at boundary changes,”

said Mathews, who said he wants all schools across the district to be funded equally. The more diverse schools get more funding, he said. Schools with high free and reduced meal concentrations – such as Sky Oaks Elementary, at 72 percent – do get more in state compensatory funding, Sweep said. But the cost of extra English-language instruction is “very significant,” Sweep said. She noted that compensatory funding is being used to fund the districtwide all-day kindergarten program. The Sky Oaks ParentTeacher Organization is sponsoring another candidate forum from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at the school, 100 E. 134th St., Burnsville. John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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October 5, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan October 5, 2012

Photo by Laura Adelmann

Farmington Library Manager Mary Scheide reviews a list of magazines she downloaded for free onto an iPad using a new service available to Dakota County library card holders.

Dakota County library card: Ticket to free magazine downloads by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Dakota County library card holders can download magazines onto any webconnected device for free and never worry about returning it. “We’re the first (library) system in the state to have it,” said Farmington Library Manager Mary Scheide in reference to Zinio, a service that allows library card holders to browse about 150 magazines available free for download through the Dakota County library system. Sheide had downloaded National Geographic and was browsing through stunning photographs on an iPad. “Look at the quality,” she said. “You see it exactly as it appears in print.” To use the service, users create a library account to select magazines and a Zinio.com account to view them with their current Dakota County or South St. Paul library card.

Once downloaded, users can keep the magazine stored on their device and never incur a late fee. “You can download it to your device, get offline and read it later, depending on the device you have,” Scheide said. Multiple people can download magazines at once, so, unlike e-books through the library system, users do not have to wait for a copy to be returned to download and read it. Titles include Con-

sumer Reports, Country Living, Newsweek, Men’s Health, Rolling Stone, Good Housekeeping, Family Handyman, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Martha Stewart and Weight Watchers. For more information or to set up an account, go to Dakota County’s website, www.dakota.co.dakota. mn.us. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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October 5, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

YMCA 5K Trail Run on Oct. 13 The Minnesota Valley YMCA in Burnsville will host its inaugural 5K Adventure Trail Run/Hike on Saturday, Oct. 13, as a fundraising event for its programs and services. The event will take place at Murphy Hanrehan Park, 15501 Murphy Lake Road,

Savage. The course will be a 5K route through the hiking trails at the park starting at the hiking and biking trailhead. Check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the races will begin at 9 a.m. Runners, hikers, and walkers will have separate starting times. A family registra-

tion fee is available. Registration is online at http://ymca5k.zapevent. com/ or in person at the YMCA in Burnsville at 13850 Portland Ave. For more information, call (952) 898-9622.

Walk for homeless animals slated The Tour de Fur animal walk will be hosted as a Girl Scout Gold Award event on Saturday, Oct. 6, at Savage Community Park. Bring an item donation per person to enjoy the walk, participate in pet con-

tests, shop from pet-themed vendors, and support the cause of homeless animals. Appropriate donations include pet food, toys, collars, leashes, clean towels and blankets. Schedule: 10 a.m., regis-

tration; 10:30 a.m., walk begins; 11 a.m., visit vendors and eat; 11:30 a.m., lookalike, costume and mystery contests. Contact Meagen and Laura at tourdefur@gmail. com with questions.

Art Madness will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at The Barn at Spirit of Brandtjen Farms located at 16965 Brandtjen Farm Drive in Lakeville. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.evcf.org for $35 or at the door for $40. All tickets purchased before Oct. 10 will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate for Zest Restaurant in Eagan.

performance. Eagan High School will perform Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12-13 and 2 p.m. Oct. 14. Senior citizen preview is 3:30 p.m. Oct. 10. Tickets will be on sale online at www.eagan. k12.mn.us, or call the box office at (651) 683-6964. Rosemount High School will present “Crimes of the Heart” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1213 and 2 p.m. Oct. 14. Senior citizen preview is 3:30 p.m. Oct. 10. Call (651) 4237540 for ticket information.

Education Art donations needed The Eastview Community Foundation is seeking donated art to be sold at its fifth annual Art Madness. Photography, paintings, mixed media, original and limited edition prints, jewelry, weaving and sculpture will be accepted. Dining, theatre and sports contributions also are needed. The Eastview Community Foundation provides financial support to students, teachers and schools in the Eastview community through scholarships and grants. This year’s event goal is $20,000. To donate art, volunteer or for more information, contact Laurie Gilles at laurie.gilles@evcf.org or (952) 322-4828 or Molly Wellik at molly.wellik@evcf.org.

District 196 fall plays Eastview High School will present Neil Simon’s “Rumors” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12-13 and 2 p.m. Oct. 14. Senior citizen preview is 3:30 p.m. Oct. 11. The box office will be open from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 8-10 and from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 11, and one hour before each

Trinity students recognized Trinity School at River Ridge in Eagan has announced its 2012 average SAT and ACT scores and National Merit Recognition for the Class of 2013. SAT: Critical reading, 656; math, 629; writing, 644. Total: 1929. ACT: 27.8. Eight of 54 seniors were recognized by the National Merit Society, including three semifinalists and five commended scholars. Local students recognized: Henry Croll, semifinalist, Eagan; Sebastian Cox, commended scholar, Rosemount.

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan October 5, 2012

Helmy, from 1A dent said. “I always strive to be my best and pour a lot of myself into the things I do.” Helmy conquered the same category last year at the national competition in Dallas with his speech “Tailor Made for the Ages,” which focused on the importance of valuing the old — especially traditions, possessions and friendships. That speech was inspired by his father, an immigrant from Egypt, who taught Helmy to value old items. Apple Valley High School is home to a number of national speech champions, but few have earned the title twice, said Pam Wycoff, director of speech and debate at AVHS. Helmy said he was surFusion, from 1A “I have a passion for teaching and love helping people find their inner strength,” he said. Koepke fell in love with yoga while studying dance performance at the University of Minnesota. A few years after graduating, she took a new path as a yoga instructor. “Both dance and yoga involve how the body moves, but dance is done for others and I like that yoga is done for oneself,” she said. Blomquist has owned Fusion Martial Arts for 10 years and was interested in Charges, from 1A of him.” The grandson wasn’t injured. A police officer who questioned Mullin said he smelled alcohol and said she had glassy, bloodshot eyes and “was having difficulty tracking the conversation,” the complaint said. She initially said she had four children in the car – ages 9 months, 2, 4 and 5.

prised to take first place again in the national competition since he had struggled at previous tournaments. During his freshman year at AVHS, Helmy tried his hand at a number of co-curricular activities but became hooked on speech. Over the years Helmy dabbled in several categories but always found himself coming back to original oratory. “It gives me a platform to say a lot of things that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to say,” he said. Though he has twice earned first place at the national tournament, Helmy has not yet taken first at the state level. He took second his sophomore year and said he hopes to achieve first this year. The national and state

competitions are unrelated to one another. Students qualify for the national competition by placing first, second or third in their category in the national qualifier tournament. Helmy is a member of the AVHS National Honor Society and the school choir, and has previous participated in theater, debate and various sports. As he begins his final year at AVHS, Helmy is considering several colleges, though he hasn’t decided on a major to pursue. Stanford and Yale are at the top of his list, but he also plans to apply to the University of Minnesota and other public schools. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

expanding upon the business. Despite the recession, Fusion Martial Arts has prospered in the last few years with 2009 marking its second most profitable year, Blomquist said. After learning about the increased demand for yoga in Eagan, Blomquist decided to pursue that avenue, which he felt would be a natural fit with martial arts. At the same time, Koepke, a yoga instructor in St. Paul, had dreamed for years of having her own business. “I’ve spent a few years in management and it seemed like the next step,” she said.

Blomquist and Koepke said they have no reservations about competition in the area. “We have something unique with specialized instruction and that is affordable,” Blomquist said. Once open, Fusion Yoga will offer individual classes as well as membership packages. Class will range between $12 and $18. For more information Fusion Yoga or Fusion Marital Arts, visit www. fusion-yoga.com or fusionminnesota.com.

While she was being questioned, another adult came over with a fifth child, age 7, the complaint said. Mullin then admitted the girl had also been in the car, it said. Mullin said she initially lied about the number of children in the car “because she knew the children had not been properly buckled in,” the complaint said. “She explained that the

7-year-old and 5-year-old had been buckled in together in the front seat at the time of the accident.” The 7-year-old’s contusion was treated with an ice pack. Under officer questioning, Mullin initially failed to properly recite the alphabet, though she did on her second try, the complaint said. — John Gessner

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

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October 5, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Thisweekend Local author is back from the jungle Craig MacIntosh’s new novel draws on his experiences with the MIA Hunters in Papua New Guinea by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

Not many novelists consider malaria to be an occupational hazard. And probably not too many novelists had quite the adventure Craig MacIntosh had while doing research for a book. The Rosemount author’s new novel, “The Last Lightning,” centers on a plane that went down in Papua New Guinea during World War II, carrying cargo worth millions. MacIntosh gathered background material for the book on his May 2010 trip to the jungles of Papua New Guinea with the MIA Hunters, a nonprofit which seeks to locate crash sites of World War II airmen missing in action. A total of about 90 crash sites were located on that MIA Hunters trip. Participants wrote down serial numbers on the planes they found, got the GPS coordinates of the crash sites and ultimately forwarded that information to the U.S. Department of Defense. The idea is to help bring closure to missing soldiers’ families. It was no Sunday picnic. On his forays into the jungle MacIntosh dealt with torrential rains, snakes, scorpions and mosquitoes. He even got malaria in the process.

“Oh boy – dumb mistake on my part,” MacIntosh said of contracting the mosquito-borne disease. “I made the mistake of sharing my malaria medicine with some of the villagers – they’ve all got malaria. I never should have done that.” Symptoms began surfacing a few months after he returned home – chills, fevers, the whole business – and he was hospitalized for four days. “It kind of put a kibosh on my writing for a while because I was really sick,” he said. “I’m done with my regimen of pills now and I’m malaria-free. I’m feeling good. It’s not contagious.” “The Last Lightning” is MacIntosh’s second novel. A cartoonist by profession whose day job has him illustrating the syndicated comic strip “Sally Forth,” he made his fiction debut in 2009 with “The Fortunate Orphans.” Both his novels use incidents from World War II as their starting points. “I was in the service, and my father was in World War II,” he said. “I just love military biographies and military history. And I love fiction, so writing about World War II was a good fit.” A launch party for “The Last Lightning” is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Apple Valley American Legion.

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The event will include a reading from the book by World War II re-enactor Mike Vogt, along with MacIntosh giving a slideshow presentation of his Papua New Guinea adventures. MacIntosh also will be speaking at the Rosemount American Legion on Nov. 11 as part of Veterans Day events there, and he’s the featured speaker in the ongoing “Meet the Author” series at Rosemount’s Robert Trail Library on Dec. 4. More about MacIntosh and “The Last Lightning” is at TheLastLightning. com. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek. Photo submitted

Both of Craig MacIntosh’s novels use incidents from World War II as their starting points. “I was in the service, and my father was in World War II,” he said. “I just love military biographies and military history. And I love fiction, so writing about World War II was a good fit.”

‘Speed-The-Plow’ in Burnsville Chameleon Theatre Circle will present David Mamet’s “Speed-ThePlow” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, and 20, and at 2 p.m. Oct. 14 and 21, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center’s Black Box Theatre. Audio description will be performed on Oct. 14, and ASL interpretation will be performed on Oct.

Zoo’s acoustic concert series debuts

19. A discussion with the cast and crew will follow the performance on Oct. 15. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for students, seniors, AD and ASL patrons, and groups of eight or more. Tickets are available at the box office and through Ticketmaster online or (800) 982-2787.

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Twin Cities musician Chris Koza was the first act to perform in the Minnesota Zoo’s new indoor acoustic concert series – Live On Stage – which debuted Sept. 27 in the zoo’s new indoor theatre, the Target Learning Center. The Live On Stage acoustic concert series celebrates Minnesota musicians and offers a unique venue, experience and new date night location. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. The lineup includes Lucy Michelle (Oct. 4), The Atlantis Quartet (Oct. 18), Alison Scott (Oct. 25) and Jeremy Messersmith (Nov. 7). Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at mnzoo.org.

Symphony salutes Williams

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The Dakota Valley Symphony will kick off its 27th season with a concert saluting composer John Williams at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Burns- Angela ville Performing WatermanArts Center, 12600 Hanson Nicollet Ave.

The concert soloist will be DVS concertmaster Angela Waterman-Hanson. Tickets range from $5 to $15 and can be purchased at the box office, or via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com.

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan October 5, 2012

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family calendar To submit items for the Family Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com. Saturday, Oct. 6 Eastview Lightning Dance Clinic for ages 4 to 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Eastview High School. Registration: 10:15 a.m. Cost: $39 at the door. Information: http://www.lightningdanceteam.com/. Community Wellness Day, noon to 3 p.m. at the Eagan Civic Arena, 3870 Pilot Knob Road. This all-ages event provides information on health, safety, environmental, and financial awareness. Features door prizes and family entertainment. Free. Information: Dr. Barb Kaiser at (651) 757-5096. Sunday, Oct. 7 Organic Valley’s “Generation Organic” Tour, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Valley Natural Foods, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville. Meet young organic farmers, sample grilled cheese sandwiches and milk. Children’s activities, too. Free. Spaghetti dinner and bake sale by the Apple Valley High School fall dance team from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Apple Valley American Legion. Tickets are $6 at the door. Dinner includes pasta, bread, salad, and a beverage. Monday, Oct. 8 Lakeville Area Garden Club meeting, 7 p.m., Main Street Manor, 8725 209th St., Lakeville. Barbara Sautner will speak about bearded irises. Information: Lori at (612) 9684953. Thursday, Oct. 11

How to Get Into College, Pay for It – Without Unmanageable Debt, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Diamondhead Education Center, 200 W. Burnsville Parkway, Burnsville. Cost: $19 per person or $29 per pair. Registration required. Contact: ISD 191 Community Education, (952) 707-4150. Legislative listening session with state Rep. Diane Anderson of House District 51A (Eagan and Burnsville) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 201 of Rasmussen College, 3500 Federal Drive, Eagan. Discuss issues about the cost of attending college, how you are paying for college, ways to make college more accessible, and your outlook on the job market in Minnesota. Refreshments served. The John Witherspoon Chapter NSDAR will meet at 7 p.m. at Riverside Reformed Church, Bloomington. The program will be about quilts. Information: Fran at (952) 884-5977 or fjstachour@earthlink.net.

Includes refreshments, family activities, and a Health Expo. Information: https://district196. thatscommunityed.com/course/ youth-fall-2012/run-with-me-1mile-and-5k-family-run-walk. Single Moms Oil Change, 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot at Spirit of Joy Christian Church, 7570 210th St. W., Lakeville. Free. Eagan Fire Prevention open house, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fire Safety Center, 1101 Station Trail (Yankee Doodle and Wescott Woodlands roads). Live demonstrations. Hot dogs, snacks and beverages available for purchase. Information: (651) 675-5900, www.cityofeagan. com. Sons of Norway South of the River open house at 7 p.m. at the Lakeville Heritage Center. Information: Polly at (612) 4191789 or paberger@isd.net. Sunday, Oct. 14 Free practice ACT test, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sylvan Learning, 170 Cobblestone Lane, Burnsville. Bring a calculator. Reservations: (952) 4356603. To receive test results, parents must be present at a follow-up appointment.

Friday, Oct. 12 Document Shredding Event, 10 a.m. to noon, Burnsville Senior Center, 296 W. Burnsville Parkway. Free. Information: Home Instead Senior Blood drives Care, (952) 882-9300. The American Red Cross Tuesday, Oct. 16 will hold the following blood Travel Series: Sweden, 7 Saturday, Oct. 13 Ebenezer Ridges 5K Fun Run/Walk, 13820 Community Drive, Burnsville. 8:30 a.m. check-in, 9:30 a.m. race. Information: (952) 898-8400. Run with Me 1 Mile and 5K Family Run/Walk, 9 a.m. to noon, Shannon Park Elementary School. Cost: $30 per family, $15 for additional team member.

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theater and arts calendar To submit items for the Arts Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com. Books Minneapolis author Monique Hammond will sign copies of her book, “What Did You Say? An Unexpected Journey into the World of Hearing Loss,” from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Apple Valley Barnes & Noble, 14880 Florence Trail. Hammond will speak about important hearing loss topics, answer questions and provide prevention tips and resources on coping with hearing loss. Comedy Mike Bobbitt with special guest Jeff Scheen at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, and Saturday, Oct. 6, at MinneHAHA Comedy Club, 1583 E. First Ave., Shakopee (lower level of Dangerfield’s), (612) 860-9388, www.minnehahacomedyclub. com. Tickets: $13. Chad Daniels at 7 p.m. Oct. 11, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 12-13, and 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Laugh Lines Comedy, GrandStay Hotel, 7083 153rd St. W., Apple Valley. Tickets are $12 (Thursday/Sunday) and $15 (Friday/ Saturday). Tickets are available online at www.hahatickets.com or by calling (651) 528-8454. Concerts/music New Life Band from Tanzania will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13801 Fairview Drive, Burnsville. Information: Susan at sjambor@ princeofpeaceonline.org or (952) 898-9404. Colleen Raye will perform her musical tribute to Patsy Cline at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets are $19 and can be purchased at the box office, via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com. The Atlantis Quartet, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18. Part of the Minnesota Zoo’s Acoustic Concert Series in the Target Learning Center. Tickets: $25. Information: www.mnzoo.com/ events/Events_LiveOnStage. asp. Exhibits/art shows Harvest of Art Community Art Exhibit runs through Nov. 2 at the Eagan Art House, 3981 Lexington Ave. S., and other Eagan locations. Information: (651) 675-5521 or www.eaganarthouse.org. The Savage Arts Council will present the third annual Scott County Art Crawl from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. Information: www.scottcountyartcrawl.org. Seasonal events Minnesota Zoo’s Scarecrow Alley, Oct. 6-31, Apple Valley. Information: mnzoo.org. Frightmares at Buck Hill in Burnsville, Oct. 5-6, 12-13, 1721, 25-28. Information: frightmares.com. More Grave Truths Cemetery Walk: Ghosts & Gossip, 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the LeDuc Historic Estate in Hastings. Cost: $7. Reservations: (651) 437-7055. Information: dakotahistory.org. Harvest Moon Festival, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 19-20 at Dakota City, Dakota County fairgrounds, Farmington. Information: dakotacity.org. ValleySCARE Halloween Haunt, Oct. 6-31, 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays, noon to midnight Saturdays, Shakopee. Information: valleyfair.com. Planet Spooky at Valleyfair, daytime hours Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 28, Shakopee. Information: valleyfair.com. Theater Farmington community edu-

drives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. • Oct. 5, noon to 6 p.m., Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9600 163rd St. W., Lakeville. • Oct. 9, 1 to 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 14770 Canada Ave., Rosemount. • Oct. 9, 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., Crossroads Church, 17671 Glacier Way, Lakeville. • Oct. 11, 1 to 6 p.m., Mt. Olivet Assembly of God Church, 14201 Cedar Ave. S., Apple Valley. • Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 E. County Road 42, Burnsville. • Oct. 12, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Easter Lutheran Church, 4545 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan. • Oct. 13, 10:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Burnhaven Library, 1101 W. County Road 42, Burnsville. Memorial Blood Centers will hold the following blood drive. For more information, call 888-GIVE-BLD (1-888-4483253) or visit www.MBC.org. • Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to noon, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 20165 Heath Ave., Lakeville.

cation students, under the direction of The Play’s The Thing Productions, will perform “The Hobbit” at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, and 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Boeckman Middle School auditorium, 800 Denmark Ave., Farmington. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $6/adults, $5/children. Workshops/classes Sampler Saturday, oil painting, 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Eagan Art House. Cost: $20. Registration required: www.eaganarthouse.org or (651) 6755521. Holiday Cards in Watercolor, 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 9, at the Eagan Art House. Cost: $45. Registration required: www.eaganarthouse.org or (651) 675-5521. Teen artist gatherings at the Eagan Art House from 3:30 to 5:30 Thursdays, Nov. 8 and Dec. 6; and from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1. Cost: $3. Information: (651) 675-5521. 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) 6755521. 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. 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) 2144732. Drama/theater classes for ages 4 and up at River Ridge Arts Building, Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Show Biz Kids Theater Class for children with special needs (ASD/DCD programs), In the Company of Kids 13710 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Broadway Kids Dance and Theater Program for all ages and abilities, In the Company of Kids, 13710 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville (Colonial Shopping Center), (952) 736-3644. Join other 55-plus adults at the Eagan Art House to create beaded jewelry. The Jewelry Club meets on the third Friday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Information: (651) 675-5500. Savage Art Studios, 4735 W. 123rd St., Suite 200, Savage, offers classes/workshops for all ages. Information: www. savageartstudios.com or (952) 895-0375. Soy candle making classes held weekly in Eagan near 55 and Yankee Doodle. Call Jamie at (651) 315-4849 for dates and times. $10 per person. Presented by Making Scents in Minnesota. Country line dance 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.

p.m. at Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville. Hosted by Friends of the Heritage Library. Information: (952) 8910360. Wednesday, Oct. 24 How to Get Into College, Pay for It – Without Unmanageable Debt, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Lakeville South High School, 21135 Jacquard Ave., Lakeville. Cost: $19. Registration required. Contact: Lakeville Community Education, (952) 232‐2150.

and children 17 months and younger with a food donation. Information: (651) 675-5500 or www.cityofeagan.com. Thursday, Nov. 8 Israel and Jordan, 7 p.m. at Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville. Part of a travel series hosted by Friends of the Heritage Library. Information: (952) 891-0360. Saturday, Nov. 10 Refuse To Be a Victim class for high school and college students from 9 a.m. to noon at Lakeville North High School, Lecture Room 248, 19600 Ipava Ave., Lakeville. Cost: $25. Register at https:// secure.revtrak.net/lakeville/ tek9.asp?pg=adult_enrichmen.

Friday, Oct. 26 Halloween open house by the MOMS Club of Eagan, 10 to 11 a.m., Peace Church (gym), 2180 Glory Drive, Eagan. Halloween party for moms and kids. Kids’ games, treats, and a costume contest. Connect with other stay-at-home moms. Check Ongoing out more about the club at http:// Operation Christmas Child www.eaganwestmomsclub.org. National Collection Week, Nov. 12-19: Prince of Peace, 13801 Fairview Drive, Burnsville; Sunday, Oct. 28 Eagan Halloween Hodge- Grace Slavic Church of Eagan, podge, 3 to 7 p.m. at the Eagan 1985 Diffley Road, Eagan; River Community Center, 1501 Cen- Valley Church, 14898 Energy tral Parkway. Indoor celebra- Way, Apple Valley; Lord of Life tion featuring 15-plus carnival Lutheran Church, 16200 Dodd games, family dance, art proj- Lane, Lakeville. Drop-off hours/ ects, trick or treat room, puppet information: (612) 359-7025 or show and more. Cost $3 per www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. child (18 months and older) and a food donation; free for adults

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Sports

October 5, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Eagan rally shocks Eagles Apple Valley suffers first boys soccer loss

by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

Eagan wouldn’t follow the script, the one that says everybody can get ready to go home when Apple Valley has a lead late in the second half. Over the years, the Eagles have been good at putting boys soccer opponents on lockdown once they get a lead. Tuesday night, however, Eagan scored twice in the final 7:50 to beat No. 1-ranked Apple Valley 2-1 at Johnny Cake Ridge Park. At the end of a scoreless first half, Eagan coach Alan Merrick said he told his team, “I’ve got to see some character in the second half.” When Apple Valley’s Mitchell Dawson scored with 21:40 remaining, Eagan’s situation started looking desperate. The Wildcats’ Kyle Stefani scored to tie the game, then with 2:58 remaining junior midfielder Ryan Mott converted off a corner kick. “It’s a tremendous win,”

Merrick said. “We’re playing against Apple Valley, the No. 1 team, and we’re coming in as an underdog. But that might have been an advantage for us.” Not only did Apple Valley (11-1-3 overall) lose for the first time in 15 games, the loss might have cost the Eagles a chance to win the South Suburban Conference. The final round of conference games was played Thursday (after this edition of Sun Thisweek went to press). The Eagles needed a victory over Lakeville South, an Eastview loss and an Eagan loss or tie in order to share the title. “I don’t know what to say; it’s really disappointing,” Apple Valley coach Chuck Scanlon said. “I thought we controlled most of the game. Our guys played extremely hard.” Eagan improved to 6-1-1 in the conference and 9-4-2 overall. The Wildcats trailed defending South Suburban champion Eastview (6-0-2) in the league standings.

Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

Apple Valley’s Devon Veldhouse (left) and Eagan’s Edward Olson go after the ball during a South Suburban Conference boys soccer game Tuesday night. Eagan scored twice in the final 7:50 to win 2-1. The victory over Apple Valley is a highlight in an Eagan season that has had ups and downs. The Wildcats lost to Owatonna

for the first time ever and were beaten convincingly by Bloomington Jefferson in a conference game Sept. 18. On Sept. 25, they were

Rosemount survives its own miscues Last-second field goal spoils Eagan homecoming game by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

It wasn’t likely to look pretty on film, but Rosemount’s players boarded their buses last Friday knowing they’d at least be watching a victory. “There were some ups and downs, like we’ve been having every week,” said senior linebacker Andrew Dawson after his team defeated Eagan 17-16 in a South Suburban Conference football game. “But for the most part we did the things we were supposed to do, especially in the second half.” When the Irish got together to review the game tape, it wasn’t going to lie – the five turnovers they committed were going to be there, in living color. But it would also show the big plays they made to stay in the game until Brandon Ekeren kicked a 31-yard field goal to put them ahead with 12 seconds remaining. Rosemount (2-3) has had trouble holding on to the ball this season. Friday’s game was the third time this season the Irish have committed four or more turnovers in a game. But it was the first time this year they were able to overcome that problem and win the game. Jeff Erdmann, in his 14th year as Rosemount’s head coach, said he couldn’t recall another time the Irish had five turnovers and still won. “If you miss a block or blow an assignment, you get killed in our conference,” Erdmann said. “We didn’t have as much of that in the second half.” Eagan, which lost its homecoming game, remained winless at 0-5. For the second consecutive week, the Wildcats lost on a field goal in the final minute. Wildcats quarterback Ian Entzion threw touchdown passes of 30 and 10 yards to senior running back Pete Economou. The second one pushed Eagan’s lead to 16-7 with 7:42 left in the third quarter. Eagan missed the conversion after the second touchdown pass which, it turned out, was crucial. With Rosemount’s offense sputtering thanks in large part to four interceptions and a lost fumble, it looked as if the ninepoint margin might be enough. Then the Irish began to stir. An 8-yard run by Gabe Ehlers on a fake punt allowed Rosemount to keep the ball, and a 31yard pass from Sean Kalinowski See Eagan, 17A

Photos by Mike Shaughnessy

Above: Eagan’s Pete Economou celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Rosemount last Friday. Below: Rosemount defensive back Jeremy Macchitelli tries to bring down Eagan’s Pete Economou during the first half of the Irish’s 17-16 victory last Friday.

routed 6-0 by a deep Blaine team that sent waves of fresh players at them. But that matters little to them now as they get ready to make a playoff push. “When we started the week we told the players we have two games to take what we’ve learned and show we can play well in the section (tournament),” Merrick said. The Section 3AA playoffs start Oct. 11. Although Tuesday’s victory was the Wildcats’ best effort of the season, “we still weren’t consistent,” Merrick said. “There were too many times when we just gave the ball away.” Merrick said the players’ goal was to make quick, pinpoint passes to relieve pressure in their end of the field. Sometimes it worked, leaving Apple Valley “chasing shadows,” as Merrick called it. And sometimes “we just kicked it right back to them and they kept the pressure on us,” the coach said. “We respect what Apple Valley’s done,” Merrick added. “We knew they would try to get the ball to that front-runner and try to

keep us pinned in the final third. Their workrate was impressive, but it was a very good last five minutes for us.” Scanlon said Apple Valley continued to be plagued by a problem that has lingered all season – finishing the opportunities the Eagles create. Kyle Levac and Christian Smith had scoring opportunities in the final minutes that just missed the far goalpost. “We had three or four good chances up front that we didn’t convert,” Scanlon said. “Then we had two breakdowns on defense that cost us.” Section 3AA pairings had not been announced when this edition went to press, although it is likely Apple Valley and Eagan will play at home in quarterfinal games Oct. 11. Also in the section are Eastview, Burnsville, Rosemount, Henry Sibley, Park of Cottage Grove and Hastings. Eastview is defending section champion. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Notebook: Trinity runner stymied by transfer rule by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

Theresa Mueller has been a welcome addition to the Trinity at River Ridge girls cross country team. The program would welcome it even more if she could run for the varsity, but Minnesota State High School League transfer rules are blocking that path. Several years ago, the MSHSL tightened its transfer rules to curb what was being viewed as free agency in high school athletics. Now, if a student changes schools after enrolling in ninth grade, he or she is ineligible to compete in varsity sports at the new school for one year. The rule was designed to prevent top athletes from congregating at one school through open enrollment and creating, essentially, an allstar team. The rule does not apply to students who establish a residence in the new district. That’s how, for example, Taylr McNeil was able to play volleyball at Eagan in 2011 after helping Lakeville North win the 2010 state Class 3A title. Her family moved to Eagan. Trinity cross country coach Jesse Schoen said Mueller’s case is not an example of an athlete trying to manipulate the system. This year Mueller enrolled at Trinity, a private school that opened its new campus in Eagan in January 2008, after previously attending St. Agnes in St. Paul. Mueller decided to try out for cross country and soon developed a knack for it. “She would be in the varsity lineup ... and there’s a chance she would be our top runner,” Schoen wrote in an email. “She runs with our best two runners, Lucy Leighton and Lotus Schifsky, every day in practices and workouts.” Last week Mueller ran the fastest time of any varsity or junior varsity runner at the Jaguar All-Terrain Challenge in Bloomington. “Granted, some teams run their (junior varsity) lineups only at that meet, but there were some capable runners in the race,” Schoen wrote. Trinity officials thought they could convince the MSHSL there were extenuating circumstances in Mueller’s case. For one, she had never competed on a high school team before this year. The school she transferred from, St. Agnes, does not have a girls cross country program. Officials at both schools wrote letters confirming her transfer was for academic reasons. Her family did not move, meaning that unless the MSHSL granted her a waiver she could not run for any varsity team in Minnesota. Mueller has siblings who attend or have attended Trinity and St. Agnes, and her mother works at St. Agnes. Schoen, Trinity athletic director Aaron Bonnema and Muel-

ler’s parents gathered that information and made their appeal to the high school league. The response, Schoen said, came back within 24 hours: No. Schoen said it’s been suggested that the Mueller family threaten to sue the high school league in hopes it would relent and allow Theresa to be eligible for varsity competition. “No one involved feels that is an appropriate action to pursue,” he wrote via email. For now, Mueller keeps training, but she has to fall back on a traditional athlete’s battle cry: Wait ’til next year. More information about Mueller’s situation is available at the Trinity cross country website, tri-hawkscrosscountry.blogspot. com.

Section soccer sleeper? Eagan residents Zach Haas and Eric Fast play for the Henry Sibley boys soccer team, which could make some noise in the Section 3AA playoffs starting next week. Haas, a defender, is one of the Warriors’ co-captains. Fast, who plays midfield, is one of the team’s leading scorers. Sibley was 8-1-3 overall entering this week’s play and is 10th in the state Class AA rankings. The loss was 3-2 in overtime against Apple Valley on Aug. 28. Sibley led that game 2-1 late in the second half before Apple Valley scored to send it to overtime. The Eagles scored the game-winner in the final minute of the second overtime. Sibley also played a 1-1 tie with Eagan on Sept. 22. Sibley, Apple Valley, Eagan, Eastview, Burnsville and Rosemount will be among the teams seeking the Section 3AA championship starting Oct. 11.

STA hall inductees Joseph Jensen of Burnsville and Julian Bilski of Apple Valley were among eight people inducted into the Saint Thomas Academy Athletic Hall of Fame on Sept. 28. Jensen, a 1947 STA graduate, played football, hockey and baseball and was named the school’s “Best All-Around Athlete.” He played hockey and baseball for what is now known as the University of St. Thomas and signed a professional baseball contract before being drafted into military service. Bilski, who graduated in 1949, earned nine letters in football, basketball, baseball and golf. He was an All-State player in basketball and went on to play that sport at the University of Minnesota. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan October 5, 2012

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Wildcats are top Minnesota team Blazing the trail Cross country runners improving at the Roy Griak Invitational by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

The Eagan girls cross country team finished third in the girls Gold Division at the Roy Griak Invitational, but the Wildcats won the meet within the meet. Teams from Illinois and California took the top two spots at the meet Sept. 29 at Bolstad University Golf Course. Eagan, ranked No. 1 in Class AA, was the top Minnesota team, two points ahead of Wayzata, which is ranked second in the state. Eagan senior Danielle Anderson finished third in the 5,000-meter race in 18

minutes, 17.5 seconds. Anderson has finished in the top three in all five of her races this fall and has won two of them. Raissa Hansen was 34th among runners in the team competition in 20:02. Kelli Praska (42nd, 20:13), Olivia Mitchell (47th, 20:19) and Karina Johnson (60th, 20:33) also scored for the Wildcats. Anna Van Wyk was 64th and was one second out of the Wildcats’ top five. Elizabeth Frick (79th), Bridget McGivern (157th), Dani Marshall (287th) and Reilly Hostager (324th) also ran in Eagan’s varsity line-

up. Shakopee senior Maria Hauger, the three-time defending state Class AA champion, won the Griak Invitational Gold Division race in 17:50. Eagan will go to a meet in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., on Saturday for its final tune-up before the South Suburban Conference meet, which is Oct. 12 at Eagan High School.

Eastview Ninth-grader Margie Freed helped Eastview to 19th place in the girls Gold Division race at the Griak

Invitational. Freed finished in 19:55, 30th overall and 27th among runners in the team competition. Senior Brooke Haesmeyer was 87th among runners in the team competition in 20:58. Ninth-grader Laura Bestul (113th), sophomore Lauren Herland (129th), junior Kailey Hedberg (210th), junior Jenna Brandel (218th) and junior Ellie Cardnal (230th) also competed for the Lightning. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike.shaughnessy@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

‘Battle for the Apple’ is Friday night Traveling trophy added to AV-Eastview football rivalry by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

They’ve created a trophy for the winner of Friday’s Apple Valley-Eastview football game, but there’s even more at stake for the teams than pride, or a piece of hardware. Both teams still have a chance to win or share the South Suburban Conference football championship with three games remaining. Apple Valley, Lakeville North and Prior Lake are in a three-way tie for first place at 4-1, while Eastview is 3-1. A conference scheduling quirk will make it tougher for Eastview to catch up. The Lightning was one of six teams in the South Suburban to play a non-conference game, while Apple Valley, Lakeville North and Prior Lake will play all eight of their games within the league. Kickoff for what has been billed as the “Battle for the Apple” will be 7 p.m. at Apple Valley High School. Both schools will sell Tshirts and collect donations for the “Tackle Cancer” program benefiting the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. Apple Valley coach Mike Fritze said having the schools work on a joint

fundraising project also might temper any acrimony that comes with two rival high school teams playing each other. “The coaching staffs have always gotten along,” Fritze said. “The two teams had a barbecue on Monday. We’re trying to make it into a community celebration, so our people aren’t anti-Eastview and theirs aren’t anti-Apple Valley.” As for the trophy, “it’s incredible,” Fritze said. “Jostens donated it. It’s like a Super Bowl trophy.” Apple Valley is trying to break a four-game losing streak against Eastview. The Eagles last beat the Lightning in September 2008. Eastview is ahead 11-6 in the series, which started in 1997. Apple Valley has had its best start in several years. The Eagles improved to 4-1 after routing Bloomington Kennedy 35-6 on Sept. 28 and are ranked ninth in Class 5A. Quarterback Tommy Singer leads an Apple Valley offense capable of picking up large chunks of yardage through the air. Dustin Fronk and Steven Wilson are the Eagles’ top receivers. Linebackers Dom McDewStauffer and James Horton,

along with defensive back Harry Sonie, lead an improved defense. Eastview is 3-2 overall. The losses were against Wayzata and Lakeville North, both of which were ranked in the top three in Class 6A at the time the Lightning played them. Eastview typically features a powerful rushing attack, and this season is no different with 215-pound sophomore Will Rains carrying the ball. Rains rushed for three touchdowns in the first half of the Lightning’s 35-14 victory over Bloomington Jefferson on Sept. 28. “They run the power offtackle as well as anybody in the state and always have,” Fritze said. “We’ve got to win the battle up front against their offensive line, that’s No. 1. Second, we’ve got to have great pursuit. We also have to make them try to drive the length of the field by not giving up big plays.” Ben Oberfeld (6-foot-9, 230 pounds) and A.J. Stockwell (6-6, 285) also give the Lightning an intimidating pair of defensive linemen. This will be the only time the schools face each other in a varsity football game this season. They have met

in the section playoffs twice before, but that’s not possible this year. Eastview was assigned to Class 6A in the Minnesota State High School League’s revamped playoff format. Apple Valley fell just below the enrollment cutoff for Class 6A and is in Class 5A this season. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike.shaughnessy@ecminc.com or facebook.com/ sunthisweek.

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by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

their best on the same day,” Burnham said. Burnsville’s Vivian Hett won the race. She has been on quite a run so far this season as one of the top runners in the state. “She’s had someone to push her in just about every race we’ve run this year, and she’s a quick learner so I know she’s looking forward to the conference and section meets,” Burnham said. With the South Suburban Conference meet coming Oct. 12, Burnham said his team’s goal is modest – to finish in the top half. “We’re looking to start there and anything else will be a bonus we carry into the section meet,” Burnham said.

In high school cross country, the competition sometimes is not so much against other runners as it is against yourself. That’s how Burnsville girls coach Charlie Burnham looks at this season. Although the Blaze is not winning every race, the runners are beating their old times. “The biggest highlight this year has just been watching the team improve from the top down,” Burnham said. “This is probably the best varsity squad I’ve coached in my four years here, but it is hands down the best (junior varsity) team I’ve ever had.” The best performance for the Blaze girls was their home meet Sept. 20, where Boys cross country they finished second behind The Burnsville boys have had some exciting moments Minnetonka. “We finally started to see this season as well, winning exactly what we are capable of doing if everyone runs See Burnsville, 17A

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October 5, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Sports Blaze stumbles vs. South Nowhere to run in game against Cougars by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

Hot off a three-game win streak, the Burnsville football team’s celebration came to a halt last Friday with a 35-10 loss to Lakeville South. The Blaze took an early 10-3 lead only to watch it slip away with three lost fumbles while the Cougars put up four unanswered touchdowns. The Blaze was able to moved down the field via the pass. Will Reger had 288 yards passing. He spread the ball around to D.J. Fulton (64 yards receiving), Clay

Hurlbut (43 yards), Ben Sherman (49 yards), Andrew Herkenhoff (38 yards) and Tyler Hanson (67 yards), but it translated into only 10 points. But the running backs got nowhere. Burnsville had 10 net rushing yards. The Cougars, on the other hand, found several ways to run. Jordan Johnson led the way with 15 carries for 99 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, Burnsville’s Lucas Grossoehme had 12 tackles and Jason Hold had 10. Nate Bowman added a sack, but overall the Blaze struggled to keep the Cougars out of the end zone. It was the most points Burnsville has allowed all season. The Blaze will get the chance to get back in the win column on Friday with

Lakeville North coming to town. The Panthers are coming off their first loss of the season, falling to Prior Lake 10-6 last week. Lakeville North was ranked No. 3 in Class 6A before the game. Now the team is tied with Apple Valley and Prior Lake for the South Suburban Conference lead. Burnsville has played Lakeville North tight the past couple seasons. Last year Burnsville lost to North 17-14 and North went on to play at state. Two years ago, Burnsville got one of its three regular-season victories by beating the Panthers 26-3. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com Photo by Rick Orndorf or facebook.com/sunthisweek. Burnsville’s Will Reger (7) goes back to pass against Lakeville South on Friday. The Blaze suffered its first loss since the season opener.

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan October 5, 2012

�� PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposal bids will be received by the City of Eagan, Minnesota, in the City Hall at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, until 10:30 A.M., C.D.S.T., on Monday, October 15, 2012 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud for the furnishing of all labor and materials and all else necessary for the following: Cedar Grove Boulevard - Phase 2 City Project No. 1088 City Contract No. 12-12 Involving Approximately: Clearing & Grubbing 1 LS Common Excavation 4,712 CY Common Borrow Onsite 42,500 CY Placed Salvaged Aggregate from Stockpile 12,500 CY Excavate, Salvage & Stockpile Topsoil 11,300 LY Remove Chain Link Fence 1,550 LF Wire Fence Design 60-9322 1,550 LF 27” - 66” RCP Storm Sewer 363 LF 70 VF 54” - 120” Diameter Storm Manholes Together with numerous related items of work, all in accordance with Plans and Specifications. Complete digital project bidding documents are available at www.bolton-menk.com or www.questcdn.com . You may download the digital plan documents for $20.00 by entering Quest project #2289596 on the website’s Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN. com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information. Complete contract documents may also be seen at the offices of the City Clerk and City Engineer, Eagan, MN, at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122, Phone (651) 657-5646. An optional paper set of project documents is also available for a nonrefundable price of $75.00 per set (non-refundable), which includes applicable sales tax and shipping. Please make your check to payable to Bolton & Menk, Inc. and send it to 2035 County Road D East, Maplewood, MN 55109, (651) 704-9970, fax (651) 704-9971. Each bid proposal shall be accompanied by a bidder’s bond naming the City of Eagan as obligee, a certified check payable to the Clerk of the City of Eagan or a cash deposit equal to at least five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, which shall be forfeited to the City in the event that the bidder fails to enter into a contract. The City Council reserves the right to retain the deposits of the three lowest bidders for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days after the date and time set for the opening of the bids. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after the date and time set for the opening of bids. Payment for the work will be by cash or check. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and technical proposals, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and further reserves the right to award the contract to the best interests of the City. Christina M. Scipioni, Clerk, City of Eagan 3173812 10/5-10/12/12

�� District 194 School Board Proceedings

This is a summary of the Independent School District No.194 Regular School Board Meeting on Tues, September 11, 2012 with full text available for public inspection on the district website at 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 Kathy Lewis. Consent agenda items approved: minutes of the meetings on August 28; employment recommendations, leave requests and resignations; payment of bills & claims as presented and donations. Recommended actions approved: 6th grade ELA resources; Resolution providing for the sale of general obligation school building refunding bonds; cabinet salary proposal. Adjournment at 7:47 p.m. ___________________________________ This is a summary of the Independent School District No. 194 Special Board of Education Meeting on Monday, September 17, 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 7:04 p.m. All board members and administrators were present except Mr. Massaros. Discussion held: 2013 proposed property tax levy and establishing hearing date, time and location. Meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m. 3169041 10/5/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing will be held on October 8, 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 the City of Burnsville for a Planned Unit Development Amendment for a new fire department training facility located at 50 River Ridge Court. 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 3161443 9/28-10/5/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

The member-owners of Valley Natural Foods Co-op, doing business as Valley Natural Foods, will hold their annual membership meeting on Monday, October 15, 2012 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the Royal Cliff Banquet Hall at 2280 Cliff Road Eagan, MN 55122. Tickets for an optional dinner are available for sale at Valley Natural Foods thru Oct. 8. RSVP is required to attend free meeting due to space limitations. An election for two new board members and recipient of the Valley Natural Foods Co-op Community Fund will be held online at www.valleynaturalfoods.com Sept. 21-Oct. 12. Voting closes at 12 p.m. Oct. 12. There will not be paper ballots at the annual membership meeting. Computer access to vote is available at Valley Natural Foods, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville, MN. Patronage refunds available at Valley Natural Foods from October 16 until December 31, 2012. 3147123 9/28-10/5/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CITY OF EAGAN DATE/LOCATION OF HEARING: City Council Meeting: October 16, 2012 at 6:30 pm, City Hall Council Chambers, 3830 Pilot Knob Rd DEVELOPMENT/APPLICANT: Wellington Way/Charles Bill Walker LOCATION/LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 1519 Wellington Way, Lot 4, Block 1, Brittany 9th Addition REQUEST(S): Variance A Variance of 2’6” to the 10’ principal structure setback. File Number: 33-VA-10-09-12 QUESTIONS: Call the Planning Department at (651) 675-5685 or contact Sarah Thomas, the Planner at (651) 675-5696 or sthomas@cityofeagan.com with the above information. CITY OF EAGAN Christina M. Scipioni - City Clerk 3173454 10/5/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing will be held on October 8, 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 City of Burnsville - Ordinance Amendment to the Burnsville City Zoning Code, Title 10, Chapter 9, Addressing Land Reclamation, Mining, Soil Processing and General Earthwork and Chapter 26A, Interim Uses in the GIM, Gateway Industrial District. 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 3161461 9/28-10/5/12

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. 3173966 10/5-10/12/12

Today’s The Day Stop Smoking

Burnsville, from 15A to breaking the 16-minute mark. the Prior Lake meet Sept. Webber also noted the 27. Faysal Mahmoud was improvement of Tyler the individual medalist in 16 Shonewill, who broke into minutes, 4 seconds. the varsity lineup this sea “They came together son. and everyone, save a few, The South Suburban had personal records at that Conference meet is Oct. 12. meet,” coach Jeff Webber In addition to running for said. a conference title, the Blaze Ali Ahmed and Shawn will have a chance to see Wong have had their mo- how it compares to some of ments as well. Ahmed ran the teams in Section 3AA. 16:33.90 at the Rum River Last season the Blaze Invitational in Anoka on were runners-up in the secSept. 13 and Wong got close tion, beating Eastview by Eagan, from 14A to Dimitri Williams set up Ali Al-Khatib’s 15-yard touchdown run. Williams also made a key play late in the first quarter, chasing down Eagan linebacker Mark Woodcock at the Rosemount 8-yard line after Woodcock intercepted a pass. Rosemount’s defense held and forced the Wildcats to kick a field goal. Eagan’s Joe Kovach made an interception in Eagan territory with 3:35 remaining, although a dead-ball personal foul on the Wildcats moved the ball back to the 50. Eagan was unable to get a first down and was called for holding the first time it attempted to punt. On the second punt, Williams was able to return the ball to the Rosemount 44. Three completions by Kalinowski – two to Tyler Hartigan and one to Jordan Herbranson – moved

the ball to the Eagan 22. Kalinowski advanced it 8 yards closer on two running plays. After Eagan took two time outs to ice him, Ekeren banged his kick through the uprights. Earlier in the fourth quarter Ekeren came up well short on a 40-yard attempt that would have put Rosemount ahead, but Erdmann said he didn’t hesitate about giving his kicker another chance. “His range is out to 42, and that’s about where we were the last time,” Erdmann said. “He kicked the tee. But he drilled that second one, didn’t he?” Ehlers caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Kalinowski in the first quarter. Williams had four catches for 106 yards. Dawson intercepted a pass on Eagan’s second offensive play, one of three interceptions the Irish had in the game. Asked if the Irish made any defensive changes at

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two points and advancing to state. This year’s section meet is Oct. 25 at Valleywood Golf Course in Apple Valley. Rosemount is the favorite coming into the conference and section meets. “The goal is to win it and compete against Rosemount, who we know is good,” Webber said. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek. halftime, Dawson said, “not many at all. Missed assignments were getting us in trouble. In the second half we were able to stop them on third and short a few times, and that helped us out.” Rosemount, 2-2 in the South Suburban, travels to Lakeville South at 7 p.m. Oct. 5. Lakeville South also is 2-2 in the league. Three teams – Lakeville North, Prior Lake and Apple Valley – are tied for first in the league at 4-1. The conference race might be the farthest thing from Eagan’s mind as the Wildcats go to Bloomington Jefferson on Oct. 5 in search of their first victory. Jefferson also is 0-5 after losing to Eastview 35-14 last week. Mike Shaughnessy is at mike.shaughnessy@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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October 5, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan October 5, 2012

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October 5, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan October 5, 2012

Legislature, from 1A nesota’s needs. “If we don’t take action, we will get a one size fits all plan,” she said. Wardlow concurred with Daley adding that “ObamaCare” is nothing more than a tax on employers. “We will stop taxing small business owners if the exchange is overturned,” he said. Masin agreed with Halverson, adding that Minnesota can build upon its existing health care systems by tailoring a plan early. Anderson argued that exchanges under the federal act would infringe upon private health decisions. “We need to make sure we have quality care at an affordable cost,” she said, reading word for word from a prepared statement. “We need to keep health care private. This will bring government into health care and they will make the decisions.” Carlson argued that the exchanges will allow people to consider cost and quality of insurance plans. He said he believes the Legislature should focus more on Medicare fraud and misappropriated UCare funds, programs aimed at providing insurance for the elderly and low-income Minnesotans.

Photo by Jessica Harper

Sandra Masin, District 51A Democratic candidate, second from right, and her Republican opponent, Rep. Diane Anderson, right, both said they value jobs, education and the economy but had different ways to address those issues.

Job creation Carlson also pointed to the exchanges and similar measures as ways the Legislature can help create jobs. “Small businesses are often tied up in health care,” Carlson said. “In other countries, this isn’t a problem.” He added that bonding bill is another key way to create jobs in Minnesota. Masin and Halverson agreed pointing to the 2012 bonding bill and Vikings stadium as examples of ways the Legislature will create thousands of jobs over the next few years. All three added that adequately funding education

in the state is another essential way to grow jobs. Anderson agreed that education is a key component to growing jobs. “We must support K-12 education to ensure the state has a trained workforce,” she said, adding that reducing regulation and taxes are just as essential. Daley and Wardlow agreed. “We need to lead by getting out of the way,” Daley said. Wardlow added that he believes government has gotten too big and is “getting in the way of entrepreneurship.”

Education All six candidates placed education among their top priorities but had very different ways to address the issue. Democrats and Republicans pointed fingers at one another when addressing the funding shifts imposed on school districts over the past several years. “We are living on $2.7 billion owed to schools in the state,” Carlson said. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the state owed Rosemount-Apple ValleyEagan School District $78.7 million, Burnsville-EaganSavage $28.2 million and

West St. Paul-Mendota-Eagan $12.7 million as of June 2012. The Democrats agree that these shifts cause property taxes to rise as school districts look to recoup their loses from borrowing and tax levy referendums. All three said that if elected, they would find a way to balance the state’s budget without borrowing from school districts. Republicans disagreed with the Democrat’s depiction. Daley said he supports funding K-12 education, adding that he believes education is funded better today than under previous legislatures. Wardlow and Anderson agreed, noting that Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed a Republican proposal to reinstate education funding using the state’s surplus. Republicans and Democrats also disagreed on whether teacher performance assessments should be used to determine layoffs and pay increases. Wardlow said he believes these assessments will allow districts to retain strong teachers. “Most teachers are very good but some are not,” he said. “We need to reward teacher excellence.” Anderson concurred saying that she strives “to make it easier for districts to en-

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sure it has the best teachers.” Although Daley supports implementing a teacher performance system, he stressed that parents must also be involved to have successful schools. Carlson noted the Legislature must address a multitude of issues, in addition to teacher performance, when trying to address student achievement. Pointing to Minnesota’s achievement gap between white students and minorities, Carlson said: “The teachers are the same for all these students and yet we have the same results.” Carlson said he believes poverty, hunger and early childhood education must be addressed first. Halverson said she too is leery of a performancebased system because she believes its effectiveness needs further research. Masin accused proponents of the system of “dwelling on the wrong issue.” “We need to focus on funding education and on the size of classrooms,” she said. “When we’re talking a classroom of 38 kids, how much time can a teacher spend with each kid without a para?” Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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October 5, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Burnsville man pleads guilty to manslaughter in shooting death A 23-year-old He was found dead Burnsville man at the scene, the vicpleaded guilty Oct. 2 tim of a single 9 mm in the shooting death gunshot to his foreof a 22-year-old Savhead. age man last Dec. 31. Dague indicated Kyle Alan Dato Burnsville police gue pleaded guilty Kyle Alan that he and Schauer to second-degree Dague had each been playmanslaughter in ing a game with the death of Justin James a handgun in which the Schauer, Dakota County holder would pull back the Attorney James Backstrom slide of the gun and catch announced. the ejected bullet in the air A grand jury indicted with his free hand. Dague Dague in July on one count said when he wasn’t looking each of second-degree man- he heard the gun go off, and slaughter and reckless dis- that Schauer must have shot charge of a firearm in a mu- himself. nicipality. Later test firings led the Dague, who lived in an Dakota County medical apartment on the 12700 examiner to conclude that block of Nicollet Avenue the fatal shot had been fired South, called 911 at around from approximately 6 to 2:40 a.m. Dec. 31 to report 8 inches away. Through a that Schauer had been shot. DNA analysis, it was found

that Dague’s DNA was the one dominant profile on the gun and that no DNA match was made to Schauer. Police determined that Dague had purchased the handgun in April 2011. Investigators questioned several witnesses who said that they had seen Dague on multiple occasions playing the game he described to police, in which he would pull back the slide of the weapon, eject a live bullet from the chamber, and catch the bullet in his free hand. Two witnesses also told police that they had seen Dague on previous occasions point the handgun directly toward others, pull the trigger and dry fire the weapon without a bullet. — John Gessner

Candidate education forum set Oct. 9

Eagan MOMS Club open house

The District 196 Special Education Advisory Council and Early Childhood Family Services Advisory Council and Foundation will cosponsor a candidate forum on education from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Black Hawk Middle School in Eagan (lower level multi-purpose room, park in back). The forum will feature the Democratic- and Republican-endorsed candi-

MOMS Club of Eagan will host a Halloween open house from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at Peace Church (gym), 2180 Glory Drive, Eagan. The open house will be a Halloween party for moms and their children. The party will include children’s games, treats, a costume contest, and connecting with other stay-at-home moms. Check out more about the club at www.eaganwestmomsclub. org.

dates for Minnesota Senate Districts 51 and 57, and House of Representatives Districts 51A, 51B, 57A and 57B. These legislative districts include large portions of Rosemount, Apple Valley and Eagan. The candidate forum will be videotaped for playback on District 196 TV, Channel 10 in Apple Valley, Rosemount and Lakeville, and Channel 19 in Burnsville and Eagan.

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