Burnsville and Eagan: Thisweek Newspapers

Holiday ide Gu Worship ue in this Included

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book sensation Junie B. comes to Lakeville stage. See Thisweekend Page 6A.

Thisweek Burnsville-Eagan DECEMBER 9, 2011

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VOLUME 32, NO. 41

A NEWS OPINION SPORTS

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Public Notices/11A

Officials celebrate key vote on long-sought interchange project Clogged intersection at Highway 13 and County Road 5 will be eliminated by John Gessner THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

After years of prodding and persuading, Burnsville officials were able to take a victory lap Dec. 6 with a key vote on the Highway 13/County Road 5 interchange project. The City Council approved a joint-powers agreement with Dakota County that serves as the official launch of the long-awaited, $44.23 million project. The interchange will replace a

traffic-numbing signalized intersection with a section of County Road 5 rebuilt over a stretch of four-lane state highway that will be lowered by 20 feet. For years, the intersection has carried a volume of traffic that exceeds its capacity and produced far more crashes than normal for a signalized intersection. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the most dangerous and congested intersections we have,â&#x20AC;? City Engineer Ryan Peterson said.

The agreement authorizes right-of-way acquisition and construction, which will be managed by Dakota County. It paves the way for utility work to begin next summer and interchange construction to begin in the spring of 2013. With heavy prompting from Burnsville (and the support of neighboring Savage and Scott County), itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken a host of government officials years to assemble the funding and advance the

THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Xcel Energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suspending plans to upgrade its Black Dog plant in Burnsville has also halted plans for a $5.5 million local road project. Without the upgrade, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no funding to build a 12th Avenue extension through Black Dog Park to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-water road in the Minnesota River bottom, said Steve Albrecht, Burnsville public works director. The city had planned to begin the project next summer and was in negotiations to assess the entire cost to Xcel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The city and the company agree that without

the repowering, it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t economical to build that extension of 12th Avenue at this time,â&#x20AC;? said Jim Zyduck, director of the riverfront plant west of Interstate 35W. That means residents of the North River Hills area wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get flood-season relief from plant-generated truck traffic anytime soon. Xcel announced Dec. 1 that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deferring plans for the Black Dog upgrade because of continued slow economic growth and the loss of municipal wholesale power customers. The main feature of the $600 million upgrade would have been the conversion of two coal-fired turbines to natural gas. The plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other two tur-

bines were converted from coal to gas in 2002. Xcel is now saying it has enough generating capacity to meet customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs through 2018. The company is also rethinking a proposed capacity expansion at its Prairie Island nuclear plant. The Black Dog project, originally planned for completion in 2016, will now wait until at least 2018, Zyduck said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As part of that, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still going to include a 12th Avenue option, should we repower in 2018,â&#x20AC;? he said. The road project was a response to the seemingly annual conundrum of providing access to the plant during flood season. See Black Dog, 11A

Photo by Andrew Miller

Is Scrooge a soprano? Eagan High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theater department is presenting a musicinfused version of Charles Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; classic holiday tale this month with â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Christmas Carol Musical.â&#x20AC;? From left are Evan Esslinger, Maddie Sachs, Connor Swanson, Aly Johnson, Justin Wirsbinski and David Newhall. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17, and 2 p.m. Dec. 11 and 17; all performances are in the highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theater. Advance tickets are available through the EHS box office at (651) 683-6964.

Owner duplicates mentorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success Cornerstoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Daniel Mahowald is Burnsvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Person of the Year by John Gessner THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

When Ron and Joyce Lund sold Cornerstone Copy Center to Daniel Mahowald in 2001, Ron handed over a list of clients he hoped his successor would â&#x20AC;&#x153;take care of.â&#x20AC;? It was a long roster of civic organizations, churches, school groups and annual events the Lunds had helped over the years with free or discounted printing jobs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say I had to,â&#x20AC;? noted Mahowald, who had worked at Cornerstone since 1987. But Mahowald, now 50, took his former bossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ad-

vice and continued a tradition that has helped Cornerstone maintain the Burnsville communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high esteem for 30 years. Mahowald was named the 2011 Business Person of the Year on Dec. 1 by the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, 25 years after Ron Lund won the same honor. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first time the award has gone to two representatives of the same business who werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t connected by family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ron really started that,â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a â&#x20AC;&#x153;huge, huge projectâ&#x20AC;? that will improve access to the Minnesota River Quadrant, a mostly industrial area west of Interstate 35W and north of Highway 13 the city is keen to redevelop, Council Member Dan Gustafson said. The interchange â&#x20AC;&#x153;was a project Charlie Crichton championed for many years,â&#x20AC;? Gustafson said, referring to the veteran Burnsville council member who died in March at age 83. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He got a little See Interchange, 11A

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A Christmas Carol Musicalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at EHS

Road project a casualty of Xcelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suspension of Black Dog upgrade by John Gessner

project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The City Council in Burnsville was the voice in the wilderness here,â&#x20AC;? City Manager Craig Ebeling said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;90s, no one was talking about this project other than you.â&#x20AC;? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been in the planning stages so long, cost estimates have jumped from $25 million to $40 million to the current $44.2 million, Council Member Dan Kealey said, urging action before they climb any higher.

Mahowald said of Cornerstoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community involvement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What our company has always done is we treat the customer fairly, we meet needs, and we also help out the community.â&#x20AC;? The company has also grown. Cornerstoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual sales were $900,000 when Mahowald and warren d. mosier â&#x20AC;&#x201D; his partner in life and business â&#x20AC;&#x201D; bought the place. They expanded the business, and sales have grown to about $2.3 million â&#x20AC;&#x201D; although the last couple of years were soft, with a decline of 10 to 15 percent, See Mahowald, 2A

Eagan businesswoman honored by Jaycees Suphavong of Jade Logistics among Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans by Jessica Harper THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Eagan businesswoman Ni Suphavong will never forget the American family that made it possible for her own family to start anew. When she was 5, Suphavong and her family fled Laos for the United States with the help of an American sponsor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That single, kind-hearted act changed my whole life,â&#x20AC;? Suphavong said. It inspired the 36-yearold to incorporate philanthropy into her mission at Jade Logistics, her Eaganbased freight management company.

Ni Suphavong Her own generosity was recognized last month by the Minnesota Jaycees, which named her among its Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great recogniSee Suphavong, 12A

Eagan man faces felony for harassing neighbor couple by Jessica Harper THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Photo by John Gessner

Daniel Mahowald, who began working for Cornerstone Copy Center in 1987 and now owns the business, is the Burnsville Chamber of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 Business Person of the Year.

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

An Eagan man faces felony charges for allegedly harassing his neighbors, vandalizing their property and sending libelous letters to city officials and other neighbors. Michael John Gunderson was charged in Dakota County District Court Dec. 5 with felony and gross misdemeanor stalking. The 47-year-old man is accused of harassing his neighbors and vandalizing their property between

2007 and 2008. The criminal complaint gives the following account: In 2007, Gunderson flooded his neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s window well with a garden hose and poured water into the outside air intake for the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s furnace, which damaged the furnace. Later that year, Gunderson turned on all the valves of the same neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gas grill and tank, causing the tank to empty. During the summer of 2008, Gunderson cut the See Gunderson, 12A

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December 9, 2011 THISWEEK

Eagan taxes likely to climb as home credit changes City proposes lower levy; attendance small at truth in taxation hearing by Jessica Harper THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Most property owners in Eagan will likely pay more in city taxes next year despite falling home values and plans to lower the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property tax levy. City officials are looking to lower Eaganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2012 tax levy by 2.9 percent, which they previously thought would keep taxes the same for most homeowners. But the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new homestead credit law will likely cause property taxes to rise, explained Gene VanOverbeke, director of administrative services. Under the previous market value homestead credit, homeowners would receive a credit based on their property value. The state then promised to pay this credit to the city. However, Eagan did not always receive timely payments in the past, VanOverbeke said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the state failed to pay previously, the council decided to raise the levy to fill this gap,â&#x20AC;? he said at the Dec. 6 truth in taxation hearing. Legislators eliminated that credit formula and replaced it with a market value exclusion. This new formula also is based on property values and offers homeowners an exclusion that lowers their taxable market value. For instance, a home with an market value of $250,700 would be assigned a taxable market value of $236,215. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Across the entire community of Eagan there are about $3 million of taxes that will be excluded,â&#x20AC;? VanOverbeke said. Since the state no longer pays a credit, the burden is shifted to taxpayers. For instance, the average home value is expected to drop to $237,696 in 2012, but taxes on that property are expected to rise by $5 to $805. If the homestead credit had been left alone, taxes

on the average value home would have fallen by $32 in Eagan, VanOverbeke said. City officials initially predicted that most homeowners would pay the same in city taxes next year. Property taxes would not decline for most property owners because the tax base is shrinking, VanOverbeke said in previous council meetings. Taxes for commercial property will likely increase at an even high rate. Mike Gresser is one property owner who will feel the growing burden. City taxes on Gresserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial property on Lexington Avenue are expected to climb by $888 in 2012. Gresser shared his frustration with rising taxes and the poor construction market at the tax hearing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;During the last three years, the Minnesota building and construction industry has suffered 50 percent unemployment,â&#x20AC;? said Gresser, who works in real estate development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we see taxes increase, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Santa Claus makes his rounds

Photo by Rick Orndorf

He knows when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been sleeping and he knows when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re awake, as Santa visits with Noah (from left), Ava, Brenna, and Kyla Vogel of New Prague at Christmas in the Village at Dakota City on the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington on Dec. 3. Many of the buildings had costumed volunteer guides, and were opened and decorated for the holidays. For more photos, go online at www.ThisweekLive.com.

not right.â&#x20AC;? Gresser was among two property owners to speak at the hearing. The other spoke about his property value, which is determined by Dakota County. About 10 residents attended the hearing. Gresser urged city officials to slash its budget further and freeze more wages. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to cut just like we have to cut,â&#x20AC;? he said. City officials, though, pointed out that the state, not the city, has caused property taxes to rise. City Administrator Tom Hedges explained that had the homestead credit remained the same, Gresser would have paid $268 less in city taxes. Mayor Mike Maguire expressed his frustration with state legislators by saying they mismanaged their budget. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They stuck it to businesses because they couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay it any more,â&#x20AC;? Maguire said. He went on to say that he does not believe the city runs like a private business.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Demand in the private sector has gone down. In the public sector, demand continues, and in some cases it goes up and costs go up,â&#x20AC;? Maguire said.

Bigger budget, cutting costs

Though city officials are looking to lower the property tax levy in payable 2012, total revenues are projected to rise slightly. City documents project total revenues to be $27.4 million in 2012, which is approximately $700,000 more than this year. The city will be able to increase its budget without raising the property tax levy by increasing nontax revenues, Hedges said. City officials have been able to contain several cost factors such as health insurance, while preparing for rising inflation and upcoming election expenses. Eagan also saved money by cutting two positions through restructuring. City officials expect the E-mail Jessica Harper at: 2012 general fund to be jessica.harper@ecm-inc.com

day. Now that lady who recommended me works for me.â&#x20AC;? Lund was a local pioneer in the once-fledgling copy business, said Mahowald, who still calls his retired boss for advice sometimes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ron came from a printing background,â&#x20AC;? Mahowald said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and a lot of people said he was nuts.â&#x20AC;? The marketplace proved he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, but Mahowald said Lund did fret over â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and prove himself against â&#x20AC;&#x201D; competitors such as Kinkoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember when Kinkoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moved in (to Burnsville),â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ron lost a lot of sleep over that. But I think it was a blessing. People saw the kind of value they get from us.â&#x20AC;? Making and designing copies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; of the mostly digital, not photo, variety â&#x20AC;&#x201D; remains about 70 percent of Cornerstoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business, Mahowald said.

Mahowald/from 1A Mahowald said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You just try to keep a good fiscal model going and hope for better days ahead,â&#x20AC;? the Apple Valley resident said. He grew up on a farm in New Market Township and took a printing class at New Prague High School because he thought it was cool. Mahowald completed a two-year graphics course at Dakota County Technical College (then the â&#x20AC;&#x153;vo-techâ&#x20AC;?) and found work at Unisys making computer chips. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really wanted to print,â&#x20AC;? Mahowald said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to make computer chips.â&#x20AC;? A friend recommended him to Lund. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ron hired me on the spot that day,â&#x20AC;? Mahowald said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started pretty much the next

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The company has branched into other services, including bulk mailing and photo products. Cornerstoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Focus in Pix specialty produces customized photo books, posters, greeting cards and calendars. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We really diversify our company to stay healthy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and it works, most days,â&#x20AC;? Mahowald said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything I learned in school, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do.â&#x20AC;? In 2004 Mahowald moved the business from its original space in the Colonial Ridge Shopping Center on Nicollet Avenue to a new building near County Road 11 and McAndrews Road. In 2007 Cornerstone opened a Lakeville office, which moved last month to a downtown location. John Gessner is at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com.

$21.5 million. Each year, city officials aim to maintain a general fund balance that is between 40 and 45 percent of the general fund. This money is used for operating capital to ensure the city has enough cash flow. Eagan is on track to meet this goal by the end of fiscal 2011, VanOverbeke said. The city would continue to meet this goal in fiscal 2012 if the council approves the proposed property tax levy, according to his projections. City officials expect that staff numbers and services will remain the same next year, Hedges said. Eagan has a history of keeping a tight rein on its spending compared with similar-sized communities. According to a 2011 state auditorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report, Eagan spent fewer tax dollars per capita in 2009 than other similar-sized cities in the state.

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THISWEEK December 9, 2011

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Burnsville woman indicted for mailing City taxes heading down under approved threatening letters with intent to extort money 2012 levy and budget in Burnsville A 48-year-old Burnsville woman was indicted in Minnesota U.S. District Court for allegedly mailing threatening letters and other letters meant to extort money. Deborah Mae Carlson was charged with 11 counts of mailing a threatening communication in an indictment filed Nov. 22 and unsealed Nov. 29 following Carlsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initial appearance in federal court. The indictment alleges that on eight separate occasions Carlson sent threatening letters to the same victim. The letters were mailed March 1 and 11; April 5, 13, 20 and 27; and May

3 and 24, 2010. All contained a threat to injure the person. Carlson also allegedly sent letters in 2010 to various businesses in that personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, demanding money. Those letters were sent to the store manager of an Eagan retail store on April 14, the store manager of an auto dealership in Apple Valley on April 15, and a veterinary center in Prior Lake on April 17. If convicted, Carlson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on one of the counts, because it contained both a threat and the attempt to extort money, and 10 years on the

other 10 counts. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge. This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lakeville Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Eagan Police Department, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Police Department, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant.

by John Gessner THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

After months of preparation, Burnsvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2012 budget and tax levy were approved Dec. 6 on a unanimous City Council vote. Next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax levy is $26.83 million, 3.7 percent less than this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. City taxes on a home valued at the citywide average of nearly $202,000 (which reflects a 2.7 percent drop in value from 2011 to 2012) will fall by about $100, according to the city.

The 3.7 percent drop in the city levy reflects the end of Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market Value Homestead Credit taxrelief program. Burnsville wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to levy the $1.21 million it would have had to pay to reimburse homeowners qualifying for the credit. Burnsville and some other cities had complained for years that the state didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reimburse them for the credit. While the levy is falling, eligible homeowners will no longer receive the state

credit, either. The 2012 budget is $87.34 million, compared with about $81 million in 2011. City taxes account for 42 percent of a Burnsville homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax bill and 28 percent of a commercial property ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bill, said Heather Johnston, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief financial officer and director of administrative services. John Gessner is at burnsville. thisweek@ecm-inc.com.

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December 9, 2011 THISWEEK

Opinion Thisweek Columnist

A Christmas for Christians â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and Muslims by Aaron Vehling THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

We are in Advent season, the time when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. It turns out some Muslims prepare for this, too. Khaled Elabdi, of Lakeville, is a Sufi Muslim. In his home, along with images of some key Sufist sheikhs, is a depiction honoring Christ. Elabdi said Sufis honor Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; birth because they see him as a prophet of God. He even cited a reference to Jesus as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;messiahâ&#x20AC;? in an English translation of the Quran. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do I accept Jesus as my savior? I do, because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m awaiting him,â&#x20AC;? Elabdi said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just as you are.â&#x20AC;? Elabdi will join the congregants of the Spirit of Joy church in Lakeville on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 9:30 a.m. to discuss Sufis and Christmas, in addition to the idea that â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by God â&#x20AC;&#x201C; people with dif-

ferent backgrounds can indeed get along. Everyone is welcome to attend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wonderful opportunity to build interfaith relations in Lakeville,â&#x20AC;? said the Rev. Jan Linn, Spirit of Joy co-pastor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lord knows the world needs the religions to get along.â&#x20AC;? Elabdi is originally from Morocco, a nation at the crossroads of European, Middle Eastern and African thought for more than a millennium. The concept of diverse people tolerating one another is not new to him. In his more than 20 years raising children in America with his wife, Theresa Kruser, Elabdi has at times served to translate the teachings of Sheikh Khaled Bentounes, the head of his global Sufi order, into books in English and French. His day job is as an ESL teacher at McGuire Middle School. To help someone like me understand what Sufism is, Elabdi quoted Bentounes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If Islam is a body, then Su-

Photo by Aaron Vehling

Khaled Elabdi fism is the heart,â&#x20AC;? he said. That heart â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that intimacy with God â&#x20AC;&#x201C; goes beyond even the personal connections of prayer at the mosque. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is that intimate prayer that gives you more strength,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is when you and God share moments of intimacy. It will depend on your softness toward and knowledge of God â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and his grace towards you.â&#x20AC;? Another possible way to put it:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Worship God as if you are in his presence, as if you are seeing him. Know that if you are not able to, know that he is.â&#x20AC;? More orthodox Muslims often disagree with the Sufisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; take on Islam. The celebration of Christmas is a source of befuddlement to them. But Elabdi sees celebrating Jesus as part of the deal. His family has a Christmas tree, and his in-laws will come over and eat and open gifts with his family. Those are cultural parts of the celebration, though. After all, the Christmas tree and gifts were not always part of the Christian calendar. Beyond that, the Sufis apply their theological approach to honoring Jesus. They see how far the season has gone from honoring Christ in favor of retail dominance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The spirit of prayer is gone,â&#x20AC;? Elabdi said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The spirit of prophecy is gone. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that spirit we want to revive. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Sufism is all about: the spirt of all things.â&#x20AC;? Judaism, Christianity and Is-

lam all share a common heritage going back to Abraham. Linn said realizing this commonality â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but also remembering to be decent to the non-Abrahamic religions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is a must. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The way to be in peace is to learn and respect one another,â&#x20AC;? Linn said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to get along. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make us a better place to live.â&#x20AC;? Elabdi sees his efforts to discuss Sufi Islam in an ecumenical sense as a way to heal a false wedge placed by those who would rather there be divisions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, there are people who want Christians and Muslims to be separated,â&#x20AC;? he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but we are awaiting Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return just like you guys are.â&#x20AC;? It is a nice thought for the season. What better gift than respect is there to give someone? Aaron Vehling is the Lakeville Editor for Thisweek Newspapers. You can reach him at aaron.vehling@ ecm-inc.com, or at www.facebook. com/thisweeklive. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Letters Support needed for 360 Communities initiatives To the editor: 360 Communities is working to create the community we want for the future. Your support is needed. Mary Ajax, president and chief executive officer of 360 Communities, was the guest speaker at the Apple Valley Rotary Club meeting Nov. 30 at the En-

joy! restaurant. Ajax said that in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;new normalâ&#x20AC;? with growing needs and shrinking resources, it will take all of us working together to turn around the trends and address the needs. 360 Communities is leading community efforts to create the community we want for the future. Mary said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are there for all of you. â&#x20AC;Ś A great need can happen to any of us.â&#x20AC;? In Apple Valley alone, more than 1,500 residents

have been helped with basic needs so far this year. Many people accessing food shelves are people who worked for the same company for over 20 years and have now lost their jobs. 360 Communitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; partner food shelf in Apple Valley, Shepherd of the Valley Church, has distributed 75,000 pounds of food this year. Lewis House, 360â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s domestic abuse safe homes, served 156 Apple Valley women and children this year. Police are reporting

more domestic assault arrests. Poverty and diversity are significantly increasing in Dakota County. The Apple Valley Rotary Club held an auction at a recent meeting and raised over $5,000 to provide a wonderful Christmas for 15 families. The club members will meet at 360 Communities Dec. 7 to wrap the gifts purchased. This is an annual event for the Apple Valley Rotary Club. By supporting 360 Communities we change lives and help to strengthen communities. The need is great right now, and I am confident that everyone will find a way during this Christmas season to support 360 Communities. The address is 501 E. Highway 13, Suite 102, Burnsville, Minn., 55337. The phone number is (952) 985-4001. The website is www.360communities.org. BILL TSCHOHL Rotary Club member Apple Valley

Canine partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death brings out best in community

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To the editor: My name is Andy Helgerson. I am a police officer for the city of Eagan and for the past seven years I have been assigned to the departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canine unit. On Nov. 5, I lost my canine partner â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maverickâ&#x20AC;? to cancer. Since that time, I have received an overwhelming amount of support, wellwishes, cards, letters and condolences from members of the community. I would like to extend a heartfelt â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank youâ&#x20AC;? to the citizens of Eagan, members

of the Eagan Police Department and all who have given their support and prayers during this difficult time. Maverick was a truly unique dog and he is missed by both my family at work and at home. He was a true ambassador of the community, the department and police canine. His absence has left a large gap in my life, but I am comforted by the support that I have received from you all. Words cannot express how it happy it makes me knowing that Maverick had a positive impact on peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives. Sincere thanks and gratitude to you all! ANDREW HELGERSON Officer with the Eagan Police Canine Unit

Union would ensure quality care for children

Sadly, this attitude is not exclusive to a few malcontents. The investment hailed by University of Minnesota and former Minneapolis Federal Reserve research chief, Art Rolnick, as yielding the highest return, was described by U.S. House Education Chair, Republican John Kline, in unflattering terms earlier this year. Asked about the Head Start program for low-income youngsters, he commented that it was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;glorified baby-sitting program.â&#x20AC;? As a member of a teachers union, I can attest that the quality of education is superior when teachers have a union to help prevent burnout due to working conditions which have become increasingly more difficult over the years, and studies show a union helps students receive a higher quality of teaching. No longer is it economically feasible to expect a parent to be able to quit work when a child arrives. The pattern is that Mom and Dad return to their job, if it is still available, after six weeks or a couple months. Then the care and raising of our youngsters falls to workers in whom we would like to place the greatest trust. Our tiny, young people deserve the highest possible quality in the child care they receive. The standards and practices of a group of care-givers who are unionized is that kind of high quality, and I want to see it possible for those workers to receive all the training and development a union can provide.

To the editor: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upsetting to read letters like the one from somebody at a chamber of commerce who would like us to scrimp on what we spend on our most precious resource, our children. This attitude is sad, particularly when we read that investments in the quality care and education of our youngest children is the investment with the highest return in our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolio. Granted, it may be difficult for low-income parents to afford the cost of quality care for their children, and that is a reason we should expand amounts available under the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which can LARRY KOENCK help low-income families Eagan with their child care costs.

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

Thisweek Newspapers Contact us at: APPLE VALLEY NEWS: andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com BURNSVILLE NEWS: john.gessner@ecm-inc.com EAGAN NEWS: jessica.harper@ecm-inc.com ROSEMOUNT NEWS: tad.johnson@ecm-inc.com SPORTS: andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com AD SALES: ads.thisweek@ecm-inc.com PRODUCTION: graphics.thisweek@ecm-inc.com Managing Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tad Johnson / John Gessner

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Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian Andersen President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marge Winkelman General Manager/Editor . . . . . . . . . . Larry Werner Apple Valley/Thisweekend Editor . . Andrew Miller Burnsville/District 191 Editor . . . . . . John Gessner Eagan/District 196 Editor . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Harper

Rosemount Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tad Johnson Photo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rick Orndorf Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Rogers Sales Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mike Jetchick Office/Production Manager . . . . . . . Ellen Reierson

BURNSVILLE OFFICE 12190 County Road 11 Burnsville, MN 55337 952-894-1111 fax: 952-846-2010 www.thisweeklive.com Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday

THISWEEK December 9, 2011

5A

Sports Standings Boys Basketball Team

Conference W Eastview 0 Lakeville North 0 Prior Lake 0 B Jefferson 0 Apple Valley 0 Burnsville 0 B Kennedy 0 Lakeville South 0 Rosemount 0 Eagan 0

L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Overall W 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2

Friday, December 9 • North St. Paul at Eagan, 6 p.m. • Cambridge-Isanti at Bloomington Kennedy, 7:15 p.m. • Lakeville North Chanhassen, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 10 • Lakeville North vs. Champlin Park at Minnetonka, 12:30 p.m. • Minneapolis South at Rosemount, 2 p.m. • Eastview vs. Benilde-St. Margaret’s at Minnetonka, 3:15 p.m. • Bloomington Jefferson at Chaska, 6 p.m. • Bloomington Kennedy at Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m. • Apple Valley vs. Tartan at Minnetonka, 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, December 13 • Lakeville South at St. Paul Johnson, 7 p.m. • Apple Valley at Henry Sibley, 7 p.m. • Bloomington Jefferson at Richfield, 7 p.m. • Eden Prairie at Burnsville, 7:15 p.m. • Chaska at Lakeville North, 7:15 p.m. • Prior Lake at Waconia, 7:15 p.m. • Rosemount at Shakopee, 7:15 p.m. Thursday, December 15 • Hill-Murray at Lakeville South, 7:15 p.m. Friday, December 16 • Prior Lake at Eden Prairie, 7 p.m. • Burnsville at Chaska, 7:15 p.m. • Saint Michael-Albertville at Eagan, 7:15 p.m. • St. Louis Park at Apple Valley, 7:15 p.m. • Bloomington Kennedy at Minneapolis Washburn, 7:15 p.m. • Superior at Eastview, 7:15 p.m. • Bloomington Jefferson at Chanhassen, 7:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball Team

Conference W 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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

L 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Overall W 3 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

L 0 1 1 1 2 3 1 2 2 2

Friday, December 9 • New Prague at Eastview, 7:15 p.m. • Farmington at Rosemount, 7:15 p.m. • Hopkins at Lakeville North, 7:15 p.m. Saturday, December 10 • Owatonna at Apple Valley, 2:30 p.m. • Chanhassen at Bloomington Kennedy, 3 p.m. • Spring Lake Park at Lakeville South, 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 13 • Lakeville North at Edina, 7 p.m. • Shakopee at Bloomington Jefferson, 7:15 p.m. • Farmington at Lakeville South, 7:15 p.m. • Red Wing at Eagan, 7:15 p.m. • Somerset at Apple Valley, 7:15 p.m. • Hopkins at Eastview, 7:15 p.m. • New Prague at Prior Lake • Rosemount at Tartan, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 15 • Henry Sibley at Eagan, 7:15 p.m. Friday, December 16 • Eagan at Lakeville South, 7:15 p.m. • Apple Valley at Bloomington Jefferson, 7:15 p.m. • Eastview at Bloomington Kennedy, 7:15 p.m. • Burnsville at Prior Lake , 7:15 p.m. • Lakeville North at Rosemount, 7:15 p.m.

Boys Hockey Team

Conference Overall W L T W L T Lakeville North 0 0 0 2 0 0 Eastview 0 0 0 1 1 0 Rosemount 0 0 0 1 1 0 Burnsville 0 0 0 1 1 0 Eagan 0 0 0 1 1 0 Apple Valley 0 0 0 1 2 0 B Jefferson 0 0 0 0 1 0 Lakeville South 0 0 0 0 1 0 Prior Lake 0 0 0 0 1 0 B Kennedy 0 0 0 0 3 0 Saturday, December 10 • Eastview vs. Bloomington Kennedy at the Dakotah Ice Arena, 10 A.M. • Burnsville vs. Rosemount at the Dakotah Ice Arena, 12:15 P.M. • Eagan vs. Lakeville South at Dakotah Ice Arena, 2:30 P.M. • Prior Lake vs. Lakeville North at Dakotah Ice Arena, 4:45 P.M. • Bloomington Jefferson vs. Apple Valley at the Dakotah Ice Arena, 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 13 • Bloomington Kennedy at Rogers, 7 p.m. • Duluth East at Lakeville North, 7 p.m. • Wayzata at Prior Lake, 7:10 p.m. Thursday, December 15 • Bloomington Jefferson at Minnetonka, 7 p.m. • Burnsville at Eastview, 7 p.m. • Apple Valley at Prior Lake, 7 p.m. • Lakeville North at Eagan, 7:15 p.m. • Bloomington Kennedy at Irondale, 7:30 p.m. • Rosemount at Lakeville South, 7:30 p.m.

Girls Hockey Team

Conference Overall W L T W L T Lakeville North 3 0 1 4 2 1 Eagan 2 0 1 6 0 2 Rosemount 2 1 1 3 4 1 Apple Valley 2 2 0 6 2 0 Lakeville South 1 1 1 4 2 1 B Jefferson 2 2 0 5 3 0 Eastview 2 2 0 3 5 0 Burnsville 0 2 1 0 6 1 Prior Lake 0 3 1 1 6 1 B Kennedy 0 1 0 2 6 1 Saturday, December 10 • Bloomington Jefferson at Apple Valley, 2:15 p.m. • Eagan at Lakeville South, 2:45 p.m. • Eastview at Bloomington Kennedy, 3 p.m. • Prior Lake at Lakeville North, 3 p.m. • Burnsville at Rosemount, 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 13 • Apple Valley at Prior Lake, 5 p.m. • Bloomington Kennedy at Minneapolis Novas, 7 p.m. • Rosemount at Lakeville South, 7:15 p.m. • Burnsville at Eastview, 7:15 p.m. • Lakeville North at Eagan, 7:15 p.m. Thursday, December 15 • Prior Lake at Eden Prairie, 7 p.m. • Rosemount at Cottage Grove, 7:30 p.m.

Area boys basketball teams Lightning aim eager for conference tipoff for strikes Rosemount players expect better 2011-12 season, Tyus Jones-led Eagles looking to return to section final by Andy Rogers

2014 as a five-star recruit by Rivals, Jones will be asked to lead the team as a sophomore. “Tyus has improved his outside shot, his defense and his leadership skills this offseason,” head coach Zach Goring said. He will miss Tom Schalk, who is now playing Division I basketball with William and Mary, but several key members of last year’s team that advanced to the Section 3-4A final are back. Mitch Heschsel and Grant Christian are the senior captains after playing a few minutes of varsity last season. They are joined by sharpshooter Dustin Fronk, a starter from last year, and Harry Sonie, who filled in after Jones went down in an early-season injury in 2010. “We’re young,” Goring said. “We only have two seniors.” The Eagles will get some reinforcements from last year’s junior varsity squad with Dennis Austin and Robert Tobroxen. The Eagles will rely on their quickness and shooting ability, but the size and rebounding capabilities of Schalk will be missed. The Eagles lost to Eden Prairie on Tuesday 89-85. Jones led with 37 points and Fronk added 24. The Eagles will participate in the eighth annual Tip Off Classic at Minnetonka this weekend with an 8:15 p.m. game against Tartan on Saturday.

While no one will worry about it until March, the playoffs for area basketball teams will look a little different in 2012. While Apple Valley, Eastview, Eagan and Rosemount remain in Section 3-4A, they will have several new opponents this year. Gone are Burnsville, Lakeville North and last year’s section champ Lakeville South. Instead, the teams will compete against Cretin-Derham Hall, East Ridge and Henry Sibley. While East Ridge has yet to qualify for state, Henry Sibley has been on a run, qualifying from 2008-2010, and Cretin-Derham Hall qualified last year for the first time in nearly a decade. For now, teams are putting together their rotations and discovering their strengths in nonconference games in preparation for the South Suburban Conference portion of the schedule. The conference figures to be challenging once again with No. 2 Eastview, No. 4 Apple Valley and No. 8 Lakeville North all ranked in the top 10 in Class 4A.

3-4A playoffs. Rosemount upset No. 2 seed Eagan in the quarterfinals 60-59 to advance to the semifinal for the first time since 2008. Coach Bryan Schnettler hopes to use that victory as a springboard into the 2011-12 season. “We return a lot of guys from a team that got better game by game last year,” Schnettler said. “We have great kids, who listen, work hard, and like being around each other. They are fun to work with every day.” Matt Nelson, who was all-conference and the team’s leading scorer, returns along with Brandon Forcier, who was all-conference honorable mention, and the team’s thirdleading scorer Charlie Broback. Garrett Goetz, Tyler Liermann, Micah Marshall, Jordan Tumilson and Keijuan Brown returned to the court after seeing a few varsity minutes a season ago. Schnettler considers the team’s chemistry, inside game and defense its strengths, but the Irish will need to rely on a few young guards to get to the next level and finding a go-to scorer will be paramount.

Rosemount

Apple Valley

The Irish started with a 3-1 record in 2010-11, but finished the regular season with an eight-game losing streak. Only one of those losses were by double digits. Of the team’s 20 regular season losses, 10 were by six points or less. Close games finally went the Irish’s way in the Section

When a team has a player of Tyus Jones’ caliber, expectations will always been high. Jones spent last summer playing with the USA Basketball Men’s U16 National Team, which won a gold medal in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship. Ranked the No. 6 player Andy Rogers is at andy.rogin the country for the class of ers@ecm-inc.com.

THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Eastview’s Joey King, No. 24, goes up for a shot against Edina on Tuesday. He scored 33 points in an 86-61 victory. His teammate, Ben Oberfeld, had 16. The Lightning won the South Suburban Conference last season with many of the same players. King, who is one of the top players in the state, will join forces with Oberfeld, Chris Narum, Danny Krueger, Quinn Trusty, Jordan Bolger and Darin Haugh on the court again for 2011-12.

Blaze boys basketball rebuilds by Andy Rogers THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Last season the Burnsville boys basketball team was senior heavy, meaning the 2012 edition will rely on several new starters in a difficult landscape in the south metro. Senior captains Chase Roullier, Ryan Swanson, Zach Maxon and Bryan Heard take over after coming off the bench most of last season. “(They’re a) hard working team with tremendous character and leadership,” coach Matt Eppen said. “But we lack experience and size. “We hope to improve consistently throughout the year and play our best at tournament time.” Playing well late in the season is something Eppen knows the Blaze can do. Last season the Blaze won four of their final five regular season games. “This year’s team is entirely different,” Eppen said. “We feel we have a good idea of how to compete in our league and section, so now we are trying to devel-

op our teams accordingly.” The Blaze kicked things off with perennial state powerhouse Hopkins on Tuesday losing 94-46. It doesn’t get much easier Tuesday when Eden Prairie comes to town. “We get the two teams that were in the state championship last year right off the bat,” Eppen said. “One of the biggest issues we are looking to address is consistency. By playing two great teams right away we can begin to see what players are able to step into roles. They are going to be two tough games but great learning experiences as well.” Burnsville is changing sections for playoffs this season. The Blaze will move to Section 2AAAA with southwestern suburban schools along with Bloomington, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Lakeville South, Prior Lake and Shakopee.

record and beating teams like Apple Valley, Lakeville South and Eastview. Six of the team’s top nine players have since graduated leaving senior captains Shea Mandli, Nick Sabatke, and Drew Bauer in charge. The Wildcats will rely on their size with eight players out of their top nine between 6-foot-2 and 6-foot8. Other players looking to contribute are Jackson Prestrud, Mitch Knutson, David Satre, Eric Woodcock and Isaiah Pearson. The team will be seniorstrong but probably the biggest concern is the lack of varsity experience. “We lost a lot of players to graduation last year,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “The goals for the season are what they are every year and that is to compete for conference, section and state championships.” The Wildcats lost a close Eagan game to Wayzata on TuesThe Wildcats had a day, 57-53. Sabatke had 18 thrilling regular season in points. Mandli added 13. 2010-11 finishing second in Photo by Rick Orndorf Rogers is at Burnsville’s Ryan Swanson, No. 30, finds a lane to drive the South Suburban Con- Andy ference by compiling a 14-4 andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com. through against Hopkins on Tuesday.

Wildcat hockey loaded for another run Eagan boys team returns top five scorers from last season’s state third-place team by Andy Rogers THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Expectations are high for the Eagan boys hockey team this season, and it’s easy to see why. Coming off a season in which the Wildcats finished third in the Class AA state tournament, the team returns many starters. “I think our strength is our team being veteran, the kids know what it takes at this level,” coach Mike Taylor said.

Captains Eli May, Michael Zajac and Will Merchant along with Nick Kuchera and Sam Wolfe are back. They were the top five scorers on the team last season. With returning defenders Derick Kuchera and Connor McGovern, too, the team has lofty goals for 2011-12. The boys come into the season with a No. 2 rank in Class AA from Let’s Play Hockey. It would mean more to the squad if it were able to keep it that way. “I know expectations are high but we have a long way to go,” Taylor said. “It is a long season and we need to keep getting better each day.” The trouble is there’s no

goalie on that list of returning players. Tommy Bodeker and Alex Cimochowski have both graduated. The Wildcats will rely on Christian Butler as their last line of defense with Andrew Lindgren backing him up. “Christian has played well in our first two games,” Taylor said. “Andrew has been good in practice.” The Wildcats are off to a 1-1 start with an 8-1 win over Hastings and a 2-1 loss to Eden Prairie, even though the Wildcats outshot the Eagles. Eagan will play Lakeville South at Prior Lake at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Andy Rogers is at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com.

Sports Briefs Timberwolves clinic in Lakeville

Eagle lacrosse coach steps down

The Minnesota Timberwolves Holiday Basketball Clinic for boys and girls in third through eighth grade will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Lakeville South High School. The cost is $55, which includes a Timberwolves ticket. To register visit www.thebasketballacademy.com or call (612) 673-8444.

Apple Valley High School boys lacrosse coach Ben Uzlik has resigned after four years of leading the Eagles. He said his new position with the Minnesota State Patrol no longer allows him the schedule flexibility to continue coaching.

TODAY’S THE DAY STOP SMOKING

6A

December 9, 2011 THISWEEK

Thisweekend Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book sensation Junie B. comes to Lakeville stage The Playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Thing presents holiday show Dec. 16-29 by Andrew Miller THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Friends in real life, Amanda Jackson and Whitney Schultz become bitter rivals when the curtain rises. Jackson, 10, plays the title character in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Junie B., First Grader in Jingle Bells,

Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May),â&#x20AC;? which opens next week at the Lakeville Area Arts Center. Schultz, 9, plays Junie Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pint-size nemesis May. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to pretend to hate each other,â&#x20AC;? said Jackson of Burnsville. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not actually mad

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at each other â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what acting is,â&#x20AC;? said Schultz of Lakeville. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It can be fun.â&#x20AC;? While the faux rivalry is a new experience for the duo, whose friendship has developed as regular cast members in shows with Lakeville-based childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theater group The Playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Thing, the production itself is a new experience for everyone involved. This is the first time the play, based on the popular childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book series by Barbara Park, has been staged in Dakota County, and only the second time itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been staged in Minnesota, according to The Playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Thing director Dayna Railton. The paucity of Junie B. productions may have to do with difficulties in ac-

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Student-actors with Lakeville-based childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theater group The Playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Thing rehearse Monday at Metcalf Junior High in Burnsville. quiring rights to the show. About a year ago, Railton read the book and, finding it funny, decided she wanted to produce it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But no royalty house

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the Apostles, 701 E. 130th St., Burnsville. For information, visit www.southThe South of the River oftheriverband.org. Community Band will present a free Christmas concert from 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 18 at Presbyterian Church of â&#x20AC;&#x153;XXL,â&#x20AC;? a collection of oversized art by the 20 member-artists of Rosalux Gallery in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Dis ďż˝ ďż˝ trict, is on display through Jan. 14 at the art gallery at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Gallery hours ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday ďż˝ through Friday and 10 a.m. ďż˝ to 2 p.m. Saturday.

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Ceramic artist Chad Jerzakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works are on display from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through Dec. 22 at the

award winner.Â The Lakeville Area Arts Center is at 20965 Holyoke Ave. For additional information, call (952) 985-4640.

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Ceramic exhibit opens in Lakeville

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The Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra will perform Tschaikowskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nutcracker Suite at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Tickets are $15 and are available at the arts center or by calling (952) 985-4640.

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Orchestra presents Nutcracker

Oversized art on display at BPAC

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had it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I could not find it anywhere,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first group that had ever performed the show was in Arizona, so I called that Andrew Miller is at andrew. theater. From them I got miller@ecm-inc.com.

theater and arts briefs Christmas band concert is Dec. 18

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the scriptwriter and her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s email, and I contacted them directly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how you get the rights to this show.â&#x20AC;? Featuring studentactors in The Playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Thingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Advanced Players program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more experienced actors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Junie B.â&#x20AC;? is split into two casts, which will alternate performances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Junie B.â&#x20AC;? will be presented Dec. 16-29 at the arts center at 20965 Holyoke Ave. in Lakeville. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and groups. Tickets can be purchased at www.ci.lakeville. mn.us or at (952) 985-4640. More information about the show is at www.childrenstheatretptt.com.

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THISWEEK December 9, 2011

Student leaders recognized at Vikings-Broncos game

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Student leaders Christian Rosener of Apple Valley (third from left) and Matthew Lao of Eagan (fourth from left) were among 14 students recognized during the Midwest Dairy Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fuel Up To Play 60 event at the Dec. 4 Vikings-Broncos football game at Mall of America Field in Minneapolis. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council and the NFL. The students were given on-field access as players warmed up and met Princess Kay of the Milky Way and Viktor the Viking. They also ran out of the Vikings ship ahead of the players during the festivities leading up to kickoff and received free tickets to the game.

Nominations open for best child care provider

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Dakota County Family Child Care Association is seeking nominations for its Outstanding Family Child Care Provider of the Year award. Nominations will be open through Dec 31. Visit www.dcfcca.org for details.

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December 9, 2011 THISWEEK

School taxes flat for homeowners percent. Most of that stems from teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decision to opt out of the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incentive-pay plan, called Pro Pay. The Burnsville Education Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive board voted in September to not put annual renewal of the plan up for a full union vote. That means the district will no longer receive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or pay â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $2.8 million in Pro Pay incentives. The property-tax portion of $895,400 is dropped from the 2012 levy. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a decline of $102,000 in the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lease levy, noted Lisa Rider, executive director of business services. The district is no longer renting space at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center for an arts magnet school, which it discontinued this school year. Although the total levy is lower than this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a state law change is nudging property taxes up for most taxpayers, according to the district. The change â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a market value homestead â&#x20AC;&#x153;exclusionâ&#x20AC;? that replaces a state credit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reduced the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax capacity by 4.9 percent. Had the change been in effect for taxes payable in 2011, school taxes on a $200,000 Burnsville home would have been $964 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $21 more than the homeowner actually paid, according to the district.

District 191â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2012 levy is 2.85 percent lower than in 2011 by John Gessner THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

School taxes on homeowners will remain flat next year in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage District 191. The owner of a $200,000 home in Burnsville will pay an estimated $967 next year, the same as in 2011. The owner of a $350,000 Burnsville home will pay an estimated $1,753, a dollar less than in 2011. Taxes on commercial-industrial property valued at $2 million will rise from $10,904 to an estimated $11,030. The School Board approved the 2012 levy Dec. 1 after holding its annual truth-in-taxation hearing. No one spoke at the hearing. The levy totals $32.95 million, with most district funding coming from the state. Total budgeted revenue for 2011-12 is $146.16 million, with a total budget of $160.06 million. The largest portion of the levy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $22.93 million â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will go to the general fund. Property taxes fund 22 percent of the 2011-12 general fund, which totals $109.01 million. The total levy is $967,070 less John Gessner is at burnsville. than this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a decline of 2.85 thisweek@ecm-inc.com.

Agendas Eagan City Council Following is the agenda for the 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, special meeting of the Eagan City Council in the Eagan Room of the Eagan Municipal Center.

1. Roll call and adoption of the agenda 2. Visitors to be heard 3. 2011 Eagan Business Survey results 4. Review process for considering special event permits 5. Business licenses and permits 6. Other business 7. Adjournment

Judge blocks child care union vote Governor says he respects Ramsey County courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision by T.W. Budig ECM CAPITOL REPORTER

Ramsey County District Court Judge Dale Lindman blocked on Monday, Dec. 5 a proposed child care unionization vote scheduled to be held within a few days. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton by executive order recently put the election into motion. Opponents say the governor has no right, arguing such an action rightly belongs to the Legislature. In a statement, Dayton said he respected the court decision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am pleased the court was clear that I did not misuse my authority in issuing the executive order,â&#x20AC;? Dayton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I continue to believe that in a democracy, people should have rights to elections to determine their own destinies.â&#x20AC;? Dayton said he would meet with the state attorney generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office to decide what steps should be taken next. The unionization vote would affect about 4,300 Minnesota athome child care providers who accept state-subsidized children. Lisa Thompson, a St. Paul child care provider and pro-vote activist, said she was â&#x20AC;&#x153;real surprisedâ&#x20AC;? by the restraining order because similar unionization votes had taken place successfully in other states. Thompson was critical of Republicans â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Senate Republicans last week approved the filing of a friend of the court brief to support a lawsuit filed by a group of child care providers, including Becky Swanson of Lakeville, opposing the vote. Thompson said she did not believe Republicans had her best interests as a child care provider in mind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no predetermined agenda,â&#x20AC;? Thompson said. When asked what a child care providers union would push for if formed, she said the agenda would emerge from the members. One thing child care provid-

ers already share is a desire to be heard, Thompson said. Service Employees International Union Local 284 Executive Director Carol Nieters charged that on the eve of an important vote conservative corporate interests and their â&#x20AC;&#x153;lapdogsâ&#x20AC;? in the Legislature threw a wrench into the wheels of democracy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This sham lawsuit and their entire campaign of misinformation is just another example of the vicious attacks on working families by national corporate interests and the politicians who do their bidding,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From Ohio to Wisconsin and New Hampshire to Minnesota, the story is the same: they will stop at nothing to deny working people the right to form a union for a voice in our democracy.â&#x20AC;? The lawsuit was backed by Minnesota Majority, the Minnesota Free Market Institute and other groups. Pat Gentz, a Lakeville child care provider, said opponents of the child care unionization vote were â&#x20AC;&#x153;really pleasedâ&#x20AC;? with the court order. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The battle has still not been won yet,â&#x20AC;? said Gentz, noting that further legal action was possible. Gentz was not one of the parties in the suit. Annette Meeks, of the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota, said her group was pleased. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s developments are great news for the scores of child care providers from across Minnesota who have worked tirelessly to preserve their independence and fight against a coercive and intrusive unionization scheme by the governor and labor unions,â&#x20AC;? she said in a statement. Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairman David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, was pleased â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you never know what a court might do, he said. Hann, who stood outside the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office in protest the

day Dayton formally announced his executive order, said he does not oppose unionization. If a group of child care providers wanted to call themselves a union, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to them, he said. Hann opposes Daytonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive order, arguing the governor breached the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government. Hann believes the Minnesota Senate would not approve holding a child care unionization election as proposed by the governor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just because they (issues) belong there (in the Legislature), doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean we should do them,â&#x20AC;? he said. Hann held open the possibility of a future committee hearing should Dayton advance legislation. Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, also expressed satisfaction with the order. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The unionization of child care providers has been a longtime goal of AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees) and SEIU and the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attempt appears to be payoff for political support he received from those unions in the 2010 election,â&#x20AC;? Koch said in a statement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need is government overreaching into an already highly and carefully regulated industry to expand the power and influence of public union organizations in the state,â&#x20AC;? she said. Lindmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s order allows for a further hearing on Jan. 17, 2012. Under Daytonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive order, state government agencies would formally acknowledge the bargaining powers of a child care union, should one have emerged from the vote, and negotiate with the union in good faith. T.W. Budig is at tim.budig@ecminc.com.

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Organizational Notices Burnsville Lakeville

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

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

Organizational Notices

If you want to drink thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your business...

If you want to STOP thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ours. Call

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

Find a meeting:

www.aastpaul.org www.aaminneapolis.org

Organizational Notices

Abraham Low Self-Help Systems

Farmington AA

3600 Kennebec Drive (2nd Floor) Eagan, MN (Off of Hwy 13)

Meeting Schedule

(Recovery, Int'l)

South Suburban Alanon

Alanon Mtgs

EAGAN/BURNSVILLE/SAVAGE AA

â&#x20AC;˘ Sundays 6:30pm (Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) & 8pm (Mixed) â&#x20AC;˘ Mondays 6:30pm & 8pm (Mixed) â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays 6:30pm & 8pm (Mixed) â&#x20AC;˘Wednesdays Noon (Mixed) & 8pm (Mixed) â&#x20AC;˘ Thursdays 6:30pm Alanon & 8pm (Mixed) â&#x20AC;˘ Friday 6:30 (Mixed) & 8pm (Mixed) â&#x20AC;˘ Saturdays 8pm (Open) Speaker Meeting

Questions? 651-253-9163 Start making money! Place your Business Service ad in our classifieds today!

952-846-2000

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! " # # !! ! $! ! % & ! !! !! ' & ! !! ( ) * ! % $ & & !( + * & * !(

Dona: 612-824-5773 www. LowSelfHelp Systems.org

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Ebenezer Ridges Care Center

0. 1 * & " 2* !" ,3 4400, ' # 5 !! ( 6 Contact Scott

612-759-5407 or Marty

612-701-5345

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

All meetings at: Rambling River Center 325 Oak Street

Questions? Call Mike W. at 952-240-1262 www.aa.org

Apts & Condos 5 ! #" ! ! %! ! !* 7 6 *! 5 % $ ! #" ! 8 & # ! ! # ! ' # ! *! $ & !* # ! (9 6 ! *! *# ! # * # . " % ! *! # !: % : # ! * *! #& # * # .(

Apts & Condos RENTS START AT 1BR $685 Rosewood Manor 14599 Cimarron Ave. Rosemount

651-423-2299

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Farmington Effic Apt Avail 11/1 $495/Mo.

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651-332-2340 or 612-722-4887

fairviewapartments farmingtonmn@hotmail.com

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4@ B * !( Burnsville/Cliff Road ,! / (0$ 1 ( $ &# @ 5 !( ?

@ 5" ( K ( 952-432-1789

Warehouse Spaces 700 sf, 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; overhd dr 2000 sf, 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122;overhd dr

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Houses For Rent Burnsville: Rambush Estates Gorgeous 3 BR, 2 BA, all 1 floor living! Mobile Home! Has Storage shed. Washer/Dryer in home!

952-890-8440 Lakeville: 2 BR, Starting $815 per month Manufactured Home! With W/D No shared walls! Call Tanya 952-435-7979

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Roommates/ Rooms For Rent ++ !- 4 * ! ! ( ?F &( 4 F F

Commercial For Rent

612-889-9162

Advertise Here! Classifieds 952-846-2000

,-. %$ 35 ! % <* ?04 * !( ,! 1 8 E *! ! ( $500 incl utils. 612-636-1364

Modular/ Mfg For Sale 3BR, 2BA Doublewide. 5 ! " & # ! # 1@5 L ! $ ? F 6 ( 612-581-3833.

Real Estate For Sale

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Part-Time

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Thomas Allen Inc.

Program Counselor Burnsville

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Part-Time

Star Tribune

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We will help you!

Email resume:

Khristah@ thomasalleninc.com

Motor Routes

��

651-322-7179

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Apt. Caretaker

Cook - PT EVENINGS Duties include: ��

Couple Wanted-PT

Live on site at Apple Valley apt complex. Duties include cleaning, snow removal, assisting manager. Will train. Must have excellent work history/ references, and qualify for apartment. Full bkground check. Call between 9am-3pm M-F only for details & phone interview.

952-431-6456

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If you would like to be part of the Trinity team, please apply at:

Looking to earn extra money

TRINITY CARE CENTER 3410 213th Street West Farmington, MN 55024 Or send resumes to:

mpomroy@sfhs.org EEO/AA

PT Administrative /Clerical Position Credit River Township Clerk

Credit River Township �� part-time Clerk �� Primary Responsibilities: � �� Required Qualifications: � �� Preferred Qualifications: � � �� Please refer to detailed job description at www.creditriver-mn.gov Deadline: January 3, 2012 �� clerk@creditriver-mn.gov �� Township Clerk Credit River Township 18985 Meadow View Boulevard, Prior Lake, MN 55372

Full-Time �� $590 Chair Rental AV ��

I am looking to contract dependable and responsible adults to deliver the Star Tribune newspaper in the Burnsville/Savage areas in the early morning hours. There is a $100 incentive available after 4 wks of route delivery. Profit potential is from $400 to $800 per month. For more information contact John @ 952-895-1910.

Thomas Allen Inc.

Program Counselor(s) Richfield

�� Position #1: �� OR Position #2: ��

Email resume: Suew@ thomasalleninc.com

visit us at www.thomasalleninc.com

Full-Time

��

Friendly, & nice.... that’s Us! Classifieds 952-846-2000

Seasonal Tax Preparer �� diana@david shabazcpa.com �� 952-432-7775

��

Part-Time

Holiday Help

�� 952-746-8999

��

Classifieds 952-846-2000

visit us at www. thomasalleninc.com

Part-Time

��

Full-Time or Part-Time

��

Full-Time or Part-Time

��

Full-Time or Part-Time

Full-Time or Part-Time ��

Houseaides PT/FT Community Assisted Living

�� PT/FT Houseaides ��

� ��

Call 952-440-3955 for application address.

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Place an ad with us! Classifieds 952-846-2000

�� Opal Services ��

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Apple Valley: �� Burnsville: �� Burnsville: ��

��

Rosemount: ��

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Opal In-Home Services, Inc. �� Requirements: �� Current pay rates at $10.95/hr during the week, $11.45/hr on Sat/Sun, $7.25/hr for sleep.

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�� 4635 Nicols Road, Suite 100 Eagan, MN 55122 ��

www.opalhomeservices.com

651-454-8501 ��

ADOPTION ��

MISCELLANEOUS ��

AUTOMOTIVE ��

��

�� AUTOS WANTED �� EMPLOYMENT ��

��

REAL ESTATE ��

FINANCIAL ��

��

HEALTH & FITNESS �� HELP WANTED �� MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE �� MISCELLANEOUS ��

�� WANTED TO BUY �� Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

��

�� Last Hope Pet Adoption Apple Valley Petco 11-3pm Every Saturday!

��

2008 Honda Accord EX

612-716-0656

��

Adopt or donate to your animal rescue:

Last Hope Inc.

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

Free Kittens! �� They are all gone! Thank you!

Min. Schnauzer Pups �� $500 952-469-4189

Looking For Good Homes For Puppies You Are Selling?

Place An Ad Here! Only $37.50 For 5 Lines + Picture Runs for 6 weeks! 952-894-1111

AKC reg. 2 yr old long Coat Chihuahua. �� 952-890-0629 ext 431 Barbara

��

Parts & Services

$$ $200 - $7500 $$ More if Saleable 612-861-3020 651-645-7715

��

$ WANTED JUNK CARS $ Viking Auto Salvage (651)460-6166

Misc. For Sale

Misc. Wanted

�� COURT RESOURCES- SAVE! �� start ��

��

Persian Kittens 2F, 1M, �� 612-616 6034 pam.varela@yahoo.com

��

�� www.last-hope.org ��

��

WHIRLPOOL �� 651-206-6111

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�� www.crosstownauto.net

PEPPER IS FRIENDLY & LOVABLE!

‘99 Chev Silverado �� 952-461-2454 � ��

Parts & Services

Junkers & Repairables

Household

�� 8720 135th St. W. Dec 9 & 10, 10-4pm, & Dec 16 & 17, 10-4pm. ��

4 Dr, Black, One owner, 65K mi. Exc. cond. Loaded. Warranty Avl, new tires. $15,500

Cats, Kittens, Dogs & Pups!

Craft Shows & Boutiques

Trucks & Pickups

Vehicles

��

Last Hope, Inc. (651) 463-8747

��

�� Child & Adult Care

Cleaning

Classes

�� 952-469-2232 952-894-3685 �� LV:LL Design as Daycare �� 952-432-8885 Tracey 952-239-4397 Need relief beyond the �� housecleaner? �� 952-435-3152 �� Erica 612-819-2538 www.Toomuchado.com

Waste Control

We Haul Rubbish - � �� 952-894-7470

Landscaping Lawn/Tree Care �� Nate 651-356-9193

��

Business Professionals ��

��

Snow Removal

��

Dave’s Painting & Wallpapering LLC

Int/Ext, Res/Comm. Free est, 29 yrs exp. Will meet or beat any price. Refs/Ins. 952-469-6800 BBB Member

• JOAN LAMBERT• �� 612-270-4900

��

Flooring & Tile �

Painting & Decorating

��

REACH NEARLY 1 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS! ��

MISCELLANEOUS: Wrap up your Holiday Shopping ��

SCHOOLS: HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME. ��

Personalized holiday gifts for Everyone ��

HEALTH: Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. ��

PROFLOWERS- Looking for a Holiday Gift that will really impress? ��

SHARI`S BERRIES - Order Mouthwatering Gifts! �� TO INVESTIGATE OTHER ADVERTISING �� OPPORTUNITIES ��

DISH Network. Starting at $19.99/month �� VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg!! �� SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. �� ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. ��

�� ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � with Medicare. �� GENERAL HELP WANTED: �� H E L P W A N T E D ! �� AUTO: �� DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT �� TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. �� MISCELLANEOUS: �� Save up to 50 percent off your next heating bill. �� CASH FOR CARS: ��

Handyman

Electrical & Plumbing

�� 612-644-1153 Don’s Handyman Service �� 952-882-0257

Dakota Home Improvement Basements, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Tile, Flooring, Decks & Repairs. 952-270-1895

�� 952-492-2440 ��

HOME TUNE-UP

�� 952-380-6202

Fix It•Replace It•Upgrade It ��

��

Engelking Coatings, LLC �� www.engelkingcoatings.com

Mark 612-481-4848 ��

��

�� 952-607-1009/ 612-636-9501

• Ben’s Painting •

Ron 612-221-9480

��

Roofing & Siding

• �� • �� • �� • �� 952-200-5805 or ��

Interior/Exterior Drywall Repair Paint/Stain/Ceilings ��

�� No job too small! Call Mike 612-751-9628

�� Tim 952-649-1085

��

952-432-2605

��

Team Electric �� 952-758-7585 �� www.teamelectricmn.com

10% off w/this ad

�� DAGGETT ELECTRIC • Gen. Help + Lic. Elec. • Low By-the-hour Rates 651-815-2316 ��

Drywall

� ��

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612-716-0590

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�� • �� 651-324-4725

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Miscellaneous

��

� ��

��

•Additions •Garages & Decks •Basement Finishing

952-985-5477

www.daymarconst.com

Lic.200147

�� (651) 284-5069 or www.dli.mn.gov

��

Michael DeWitt Remodeling

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651-261-7621

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THISWEEK December 9, 2011

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. 2843430 12/9/11

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF EAGAN, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA Project No. 1061 - S & W Industrial (Sibley Court) Street Improvements NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, will meet at the Eagan Municipal Center at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122, on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The purpose of the meeting will be to hold a public hearing on the improvements, known as Project No. 1061. The proposed project is in accordance with the preliminary engineering report dated November, 2011, prepared by the City Engineer. The estimated cost of the foregoing improvement is as follows: $58,900. The area proposed to be assessed for said improvements is described as follows: The area located within the SW 1â &#x201E;4, Section 19, lying North of Diffley Road (CSAH 30), West of Trunk Highway 13, in Township 27, Range 23, in the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota. All persons who desire to be heard with respect to the question of whether or not the above improvements should be made shall be heard at said time and place. Dated December 6, 2011 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL /s/ Christina M. Scipioni By: Christina M. Scipioni Eagan City Clerk 2844071 12/9-12/16/11

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF EAGAN, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA Project No. 1076 - Slater Road/ Whispering Woods 4th & 5th Street Improvements NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, will meet at the Eagan Municipal Center at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122, on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The purpose of the meeting will be to hold a public hearing on the improvements, known as Project No. 1076. The proposed project is in accordance with the preliminary engineering report dated November, 2011, prepared by the City Engineer. The estimated cost of the foregoing improvement is as follows: $221,300. The area proposed to be assessed for said improvements is described as follows: The area located within the South 1â &#x201E;2 of Section 31, lying South of Cliff Road, West of Trunk Highway 77 (Cedar Avenue), in Township 27, Range 23, in the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota. All persons who desire to be heard with respect to the question of whether or not the above improvements should be made shall be heard at said time and place. Dated December 6, 2011 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL /s/ Christina M. Scipioni By: Christina M. Scipioni Eagan City Clerk 2844084 12/9-12/16/11

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Eagan City Council at the Eagan Municipal Center, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, on December 20, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. regarding approval of the 2012 Fee Schedule. Dated: December 9, 2011 Christina Scipioni City Clerk 2844940 12/9/11

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF EAGAN DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Eagan will hold a public hearing on December 20, 2011, at approximately 6:30 p.m. at the Eagan City Council Chambers in the Eagan Municipal Center, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota, to consider two actions under Minnesota Statutes Sections 428A.11- 428A.21 as follows: 1. Adoption of an ordinance establishing the Coachman Oaks Housing Improvement Area. 2. Adoption of a resolution imposing fees on housing units within the Coachman Oaks Housing Improvement Area. For further information on the proposed housing improvement fee, contact City Planner Mike Ridley at (651) 675-5650. 2843236 12/9/11

PUBLIC NOTICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 196 Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools Educating our students to reach their full potential CALL FOR BIDS EXCESS ATHLETIC AND FIELD TRIP TRANSPORTATION Notice is hereby given that BIDS will be received for excess Athletic and Field Trip Transportation by Independent School District 196 at the District Office, 3455 153rd Street W, Rosemount, MN 55068, until 11 a.m., December 19, 2011 at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Complete instructions on how to obtain Bidding Documents can be found at: http://www.district196.org/District/LegalNotices/ index.cfm If you should have any questions regarding this bid you may contact the Randy Dukek, Coordinator of Transportation. Art Coulson, Board Clerk Independent School District 196 2837095 12/2-12/9/11

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF EAGAN, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA Project No. 1060 - Tesseract Place Street Improvements NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, will meet at the Eagan Municipal Center at 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minnesota 55122, on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The purpose of the meeting will be to hold a public hearing on the improvements, known as Project No. 1060. The proposed project is in accordance with the preliminary engineering report dated November, 2011, prepared by the City Engineer. The estimated cost of the foregoing improvement is as follows: $33,500. The area proposed to be assessed for said improvements is described as follows: The area located within the Northeast 1â &#x201E;4 of Section 19, lying South of Silver Bell Road, East of Trunk Highway 77 (Cedar Avenue), North of Trunk Highway 13, in Township 27, Range 23, in the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota. All persons who desire to be heard with respect to the question of whether or not the above improvements should be made shall be heard at said time and place. Dated December 6, 2011 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL /s/ Christina M. Scipioni By: Christina M. Scipioni Eagan City Clerk 2844052 12/9-12/16/11

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TODAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THE DAY STOP SMOKING

Dale and Lois Guggemos will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary with an Open House Reception, hosted by their children and grandchildren, Sunday December 18th, 2:00-5:00 pm at St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church, Farmington, MN. Please let your good wishes be their gift.

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Valentyn Beckius Ashley Marie Valentyn and Matthew David Beckius of Lakeville would like to announce their engagement. Ashley is the daughter of Paul Valentyn of Faribault and Scott and the late Brenda Fischler of Lakeville. Matthew is the son of David and Pamela Beckius of Jordan. Ashley is a 2006 graduate of Lakeville North High School and a 2010 graduate of The Cosmetology Training Center. Ashley is a Hairstylist at Barger's Salon in Lakeville. Matthew is a 2004 graduate of Jordan High School and a 2005 graduate of Dakota County Technical College. Matthew is a Lineman for Xcel Energy. A September 15th wedding is planned at St. Mary's Chapel in Faribault.

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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Announcementsâ&#x20AC;? and then â&#x20AC;&#x153;Send Announcementâ&#x20AC;?). Completed forms may be e-mailed to class.thisweek@ecminc.com or mailed to Thisweek Newspapers, 12190 County Road 11, Burnsville, MN 55337. If you are submitting a photograph along with your announcement, please only submit photographs for which you have the right to permit Thisweek Newspapers to use and publish. Deadline for announcements is 4 p.m. Tuesday. A fee of $50 will be charged for the first 5 inches and $10 per inch thereafter. They will run in all editions of Thisweek Newspapers. Photos may be picked up at the office within 60 days or returned by mail if a selfaddressed, stamped envelope is provided.

The city will go ahead next year with reconstruction of the Black Dog Road west bridge near I-35W. The deteriorating, flood-damaged bridge has been closed since spring 2010. Xcel will pay the entire cost, estimated at $588,000. With the bridge closed, Xcel trucks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including those that remove fly ash from the coal burners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have reached the plant via the Nicols Road connection with Black Dog Road in Eagan. Ash removal is the primary source of plantgenerated truck traffic, Albrecht said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Operationally, they need an access, and Eagan

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District 194 School Board Proceedings This is a summary of the Independent School District No. 194 Regular School Board Meeting on Tues., November 8, 2011 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 8:03 p.m. followed by Pledge of Allegiance. All board members and administrators were present. Public comment: The following ISD 194 teachers shared their views: Jill Liberty, 10303 Ponds Way, Roshelle Roth, LSHS; Kalin Laurent, 7415 Park Ave; Jack Peterson, 7411 142nd St. Ct, W; Mary Yakibchuk, 5530 193rd St. W; Kay Arndt, 1612 Cannon Valley Drive. Randel Pronschinske, 9885 Upper 173rd Ct, asked that facts be explained to the community; Travis Laurent, 17245 Hayes Ave, spoke regarding Lakeville education. Consent agenda items approved: minutes of the meetings on October 25 and November 1; resignations, leave of absence requests, employment recommendations; addendum to superintendent contract; payment of bills and claims subject to annual audit; donations and fieldtrips. Reports presented: 2010-11 audit review; student enrollment projections; 2013-14 alt facilities project review & comment; key work of school boards. Recommended actions approved: National inclusive schools week; proclamation of gifted & talented youth week. The board moved into closed session at 10:58 p.m. for discussion regarding contract negotiations per MN Stat. 13D.03 until 12:01 a.m. Adjournment at 12:01 a.m. _________________________________ This is a summary of the Independent School District No. 194 Special Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, November 9, 2011 with full text available for public inspection on the district website at www.isd194.k12.mn.us or 8670 210th Street W., Lakeville, MN 55044 The meeting was called to order at 5:02 p.m. All board members and cabinet members except Dir of T&L Services Knudsen were present. Discussion: The board toured the Crystal Lake facility and discussed program and finance options for moving early childhood programs. Meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m. 2839899 12/9/11

southbound Interstate 35W to County Road 5. Three right entrance and exit points to Highway 13 will be closed. Changes to the northeast and southeast Highway 13 frontage roads improvements at County Road 5 and Williams Drive are also planned. Still in the distance is the long-planned extension of County Road 5 through the Minnesota River Quadrant to the Cliff Road/I-35W interchange. The county has collected $1 million for the project, which it first envisioned in 1975. Under the joint-powers agreement, that money will stay with the future project even though jurisdiction of all roads north of 5 and 13 and west of Cliff and I-35W will be transferred to the city. The interchange project includes a noise wall on the south side of 13 that begins near Greenwood Drive and continues west in front of homes located behind the highway frontage road.

has indicated that long term, their city street is not the viable long-term access for the operation of the plant,â&#x20AC;? Albrecht said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;New construction or not, they need a more viable access.â&#x20AC;? When all of Black Dog Road is under water from Eagan to Burnsville, vehicles reach the high-water road in Burnsville via a connection from Black Dog Park to Territorial Drive. Black Dog Road flooding has forced use of the alternative access for more than 12 weeks in each of the last two years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a situation the city likes, the neighbors like or Xcel likes, for that matter,â&#x20AC;? Albrecht said. Reopening Black Dog Road on the west once the new bridge is built should help, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It floods at a higher elevation than the east end does,â&#x20AC;? Albrecht said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to extend access longer on Black Dog Road than we currently can.â&#x20AC;? Then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the possibility that Xcel may simply retire the two coal units, cutting truck traffic to the point where 12th Avenue wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be extended, Albrecht said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The current plan is to continue operations on coal for the foreseeable future,â&#x20AC;? Zyduck said. Two new federal emissions rules â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one forthcoming and one pend-

ing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the economy will influence future decisions about the plant, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no foregone conclusion right now that (the coal units) are going to be retired,â&#x20AC;? he said. The city and Xcel were discussing a long-term assessment plan for 12th Avenue that depended in part on the increased property taxes an upgraded plant would have generated, Albrecht said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The funding on Xcelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end was based on repowering the facility,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without repowering the plant, the project doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a funding source.â&#x20AC;? Zyduck said Xcel and its fly-ash truck contractor are sensitive to neighborhood concerns. Up to 30 ash trucks per day have gone through North River Hills when Black Dog Road is closed, according to Albrecht. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having to move those through residential areas doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pose any more risk than plow trucks or garbage haulers or moving trucks,â&#x20AC;? Zyduck said.

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Guggemos

frustrated at the end because we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think this was ever going to happen.â&#x20AC;? U.S. Rep. John Kline, R-Lakeville, helped jumpstart funding by securing a $2.4 million federal appropriation in 2005, Gustafson said. Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar secured another $900,000, according to project manager John Sass of Dakota County. The total federal contribution is $9.62 million. The largest funding source is the state Department of Transportation ($19.35 million), followed by Dakota County ($8.76 million), Burnsville ($6.3 million) and the Dakota County Community Development Agency ($200,000). Peterson said Burnsville and Dakota County are getting a good deal for their combined 34 percent share of the cost, of which the county picks up 55 percent. Thirty-four percent is less than other local governments have paid for interchange projects, according to the city. By comparison,

the county and the city of Lakeville paid 63 percent when the County Road 70/ Interstate 35 interchange was rebuilt several years ago. Burnsville and the county are also responsible for covering any cost overruns on the project. Right-of-way acquisition will claim several business properties, according to Peterson and Sass: the Little Saigon restaurant (already gone), Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Advantage Auto Glass, Taco Bell, Famous Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a vacant Sinclair station and a carpet and flooring outlet. By purchasing entire parcels, the county will be acquiring more land than needed for the project. Under the joint-powers agreement, the county will transfer title of excess property back to the city, which will try to sell it for development. Once the property is sold, the city will pay the county the sale value or 55 percent of the market value, whichever is greater. The project will include an auxiliary lane from

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December 9, 2011 THISWEEK

Suphavong/from 1A tion,â&#x20AC;? Suphavong said. Each year Suphavong and Jade Logistics donate items and money to 150 different charities in the Twin Cities. The company adopted several families this month that will receive donated Christmas presents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that a big difference can be made if everyone makes a little contribution,â&#x20AC;? she said. Becoming an entrepreneur has been Suphavongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream since she was a child, but she strayed from that goal for several years before founding Jade Logistics at age 32. Suphavong initially attended Concordia College to study various fields until settling on business adminis-

Gunderson/from 1A coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s telephone and cable television connections, sliced their garden hose, threw their hummingbird feeder into the woods behind their home, and threw the top of a small portable fireplace on the ground. He also removed the grounding connector for the air conditioning, which disabled it. The couple installed a surveillance camera shortly after the vandalism, and Gunderson disabled that. In July 2010, Gunderson began yelling obscenities and making obscene

tration. It was a part-time job that piqued her interest in the freight management industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I looked at other careers after that but always kept coming back to freight,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in your blood, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get it out.â&#x20AC;? By 2007, Suphavong had founded Jade Logistics, which grew into a profitable $5 million company. Suphavong named the company after the stone Jade, which has significance in Asian cultures. She initially struggled to obtain financing as banks tightened their lending. But Suphavong was eventually able to finance Jade Logistics by borrowing from her home equity and credit cards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had no reservations

about it,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started the company to give back to the community.â&#x20AC;? Each of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eight employees are required to give back to their community in some way. The certified minority woman-owned business hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t felt the weight of the recession the way many other companies have, Suphavong said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about relationship building,â&#x20AC;? she said about her success. Suphavongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice for other female business owners: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let fear stop you. â&#x20AC;Ś Sometimes we have more to prove as women so we have to work harder, but perseverance will always pay off.â&#x20AC;?

gestures at the couple upon seeing them in their backyard. Gundersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harassment didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there. He sent two letters to the Eagan city administrator that falsely accused several police officials and Gundersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighbors of engaging in criminal activities. Eight similar letters were mailed to several other neighbors. An investigation led police to Gunderson, who when questioned by police, admitted he vandalized his neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property and harassed them. He also admitted to

sending the letters, which he admitted contained false accusations. Gunderson told police he was angry at this neighbors for calling the police on him four years earlier, and that in hindsight he â&#x20AC;&#x153;would have done things differently.â&#x20AC;? Gunderson has previously been charged with gross misdemeanor harassment and stalking in 2005 for allegedly sending harassing emails to a member of the Rogers Area Youth Basketball Association in Rogers, Minn.

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