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www.SunThisweek.com opinion Legislative shortcomings The 2012 legislative session delivered on some promises but fell short in some significant ways. Page 4A

News

June 1, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 14

360 Communities selects new CEO Sal Mondelli brings business, arts, nonprofit experience

by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

After nearly five months of searching, Burnsvillebased nonprofit 360 Communities has selected a new chief executive officer. It was announced Wednesday that Burnsville resident Sal Mondelli will lead the organization that

offers more than 50 migrant services. services to Dakota Mondelli, who County residents recently became in need, including board chairman of five food shelves, the Burnsville Pertwo shelters for forming Arts Center, domestic violence which has posted victims, child care Sal Mondelli losses since it opened, resource and reis no stranger to chalferral programs, learning lenges. readiness programs and im- He will be charged with

Honoring heroes

Sun Thisweek

Top photo by Rick Orndorf/Right photo by Laura Adelmann

Three-sport athletes spark Panthers’ state bid Boys golf team gets help from players who aren’t year-round golfers. Page 10A

Online Check out more Lakeville and Farmington Memorial Day photos at sunthisweek.com. While on Facebook, “like” our page at facebook.com/ sunthisweek to discuss stories and to receive updates.

(Top) Lakeville VFW Post 210 help guide a brief ceremony at Veterans Memorial in Aronson Park to honor those who have served in the military, and those that have lost their lives as a result of that service. The Lakeville North High School Marching Band provided the music. (Right) A toddler charmed honored guests waiting for Memorial Day services to begin at Corinthian Cemetery in Farmington on May 28. Rev. Jamie Thompson led prayer, and speakers included Farmington Mayor Todd Larson, Annette Kuyper, military outreach director with the Minnesota Veterans Affairs Department, and Maj. Kent Porter, president of the Minnesota National Guard Association and executive officer of the First Battalion, 151st Field Artillery.

Aggressive tactics led to bail bond agent ban Agents restricted from public areas in Dakota County Jail

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Dakota County Jail officials have restricted bail bond agents from public areas of the jail after their arguments and aggressive sales tactics fueled myriad complaints. Some bail agents say the changes have dramatically reduced their income and question why all were targeted when a few caused the problems. Jail officials say the new restrictions banning bail agents from the jail lobby and in-custody courtroom have solved

problems, improved the public jail environment, and they have no plans to change. Bail bond agents for years crowded into Dakota County’s in-custody courtroom and increasingly began aggressively competing for business, Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows said. “Over the years, there have been many complaints,” Dakota County Jail Lt. Jodi Rolloff said. Tension grew to the point of fighting over clients, according to Dakota County Jail Cmdr. John

Grant. He said bond agents would arrive to the jail hours before a newlyarrested inmate’s first scheduled court appearance and approach their friends or relatives as they entered the jail lobby trying to sell them bail bonds. Most of the chairs in the cramped in-custody courtroom were filled with bail agents working to generate clients, he Photo by Laura Adelmann said. Bail bond agents help inmates post bond to be released from Jennifer Ahlberg, a the Dakota County Jail while their case is pending, but after numerous complaints, some from jail staff, the agents are no See bail bond, 17A longer allowed to linger in the jail area seeking clients.

Downtown liquor store may move

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Council seeks performance improvements

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

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role is another reason he is running again: He wants to Lakeville School Board ensure a continued emphaMember Bob Erickson has sis of fiscal responsibility. announced he will run for “We’ve made significant progress, but re-election this fall. we need to continue Erickson said to make progress on that among the reathe business side in sons he is seeking a collaboration with second term is so he the superintendent,” can continue to adhe said. vocate for “continued transparency, Bob Erickson In addition, he wants to find a way both internally and to restore in some form the externally.” “Certainly, we’ve made “team” setup in the middle great strides in that regard schools, which was cut durunder the leadership of the ing the 2011 round of budnew superintendent,” he get adjustments. He said he wants to resaid. It is not only about be- visit at least bringing it back ing “transparent to the to sixth and seventh grades, 31,000 voters in the dis- though “I’m not implying trict,” he said, but there is I’m the only board memalso the need to “commu- ber with an opinion about nicate successfully with our this.” outstanding professional Other goals include staff. It can’t be done in a revisiting transportation vacuum. We’ve got to do it arrangements and a personalized, world-class eduin a holistic manner.” Erickson, a former long- cation for every student. time Lakeville city admin- “It’s not just a matter of istrator and current board asking questions we know member of the Friends of the answer to,” Erickson the Lakeville Area Arts said. “It is also about askCenter, serves as the School ing the tough questions.” Board’s treasurer. See Erickson, 16A His experience in that by Aaron M. Vehling

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sports

See 360, 16A

He wants to continue sound fiscal policies, increased transparency

The late civic leader will be honored in Pioneer Plaza in downtown Lakeville. Page 5A

Released last week, “The Chessman,” Apple Valley author Jeffrey Burton’s latest crime thriller, has been receiving big buzz. Page 8A

of budget retrenchment. Mondelli will lead an organization that had set a $4.3 million budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year, according to a previous report. He said he was encouraged by friends at a weekly lunch group to apply for

Erickson seeks re-election to Lakeville School Board

Lakeville honors Bob Jensen

Dark fiction with a bright future

steering 360 Communities in a new direction after its board removed Mary Ajax from the post in December 2011. Ajax’s departure came on the heels of four top 360 Communities employees leaving or losing their jobs during what Ajax described in November 2011 as a time

Photo by Laura Adelmann

City Center owner Tom Wartman offered a reduced lease rate for the city’s downtown liquor store at a Farmington City Council workshop. Council members indicated a preference to move the store to the Tamarack Ridge Shopping Center off of Highway 3.

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Farmington’s downtown liquor store should remain in a leased space until profits increase enough to justify the city remaining in the liquor store business, City Council members decided at a May 29 workshop. With council members Jason Bartholomay and Christy Jo Fogarty absent, Mayor Todd Larson and council members Ju-

lie May and Terry Donnelly narrowed a list of six options to either staying at its City Center location or moving to Tamarack Ridge Shopping Center off of Highway 3. Council members emphasized the need for vast improvements in store operations and profitability. The most recent state auditor’s report found Farmington earned $17,935 (0.4 percent of

sales) in net profits in 2010, the lowest of any of the 19 metro municipal liquor operations cited in the report. Farmington’s 2010 operating expenses were reported at 22.9 percent of sales; most metro municipal operations reported operating expenses below 20 percent of sales. In an interview, Larson said the city has since cut See liquor, 18A

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June 1, 2012 Sun Thisweek

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EDA to downsize from seven to five Organization will not have taxing authority

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

The Farmington Economic Development Authority will shrink from seven to five members on Feb. 1, 2013. After months of debate, the new structure would reduce the number of Farmington City Council members on the EDA from five to two and include three Farmington residents appointed by the City Council. Ex-officio seats now held by Farmington Planning Commission Member Doug Bonar and businesswoman Geraldine Jolley will become official voting members, and one resident will be appointed to the open position. That seat will begin as a five-year term to ensure

correct term rotation, said Cynthia Mueller, an executive assistant at the city. Subsequently, all resident seats will become sixyear terms, she added. Farmington City Council members, who are appointed to the authority during the annual organizational meeting in January, will serve terms that coincide with their council terms. Farmington’s sevenmember authority now includes all city council members who have expressed concern for more diversity of opinion and experience. Because the positions are appointed, EDA members determined the authority should not be granted taxing authority, but instead submit budget requests that would be vot-

ed on by the City Council. “Once you give that (taxing) power away, then the only person who can give it back to you is that board,” said Authority Member Christy Jo Fogarty, who attended the meeting by phone. Authority members also decided not to designate members be from one particular group, such as a business owner, but agreed to seek a diverse group of members to gain a broad perspective to develop ways to attract, keep and grow business. The changes are expected to be approved by the City Council after a June 18 public hearing is held. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Dangers of digital age come to Century Students suspended from Lakeville school for sharing ‘inappropriate’ photos by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

An undisclosed number of students were suspended from Century Middle School in Lakeville on May 22 for sharing an inappropriate digital photo of a student the day before, the district confirmed. Officials at the Lakeville school district have not said how the photo was spread or what its contents were, but when they heard of the incident officials at the middle school acted promptly, according to reports.

The district also did not say how long the suspensions will last. Linda Swanson, the district’s communications coordinator, issued the following statement: “On Monday, May 22, the Century Middle School administration became aware of a possible student violation of another student’s privacy using electronic means. Working with the District Office and local law enforcement, building administrators took immediate action to investigate the matter.

“Appropriate actions were then taken to address this situation. The Lakeville Area Public Schools will continue to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. “Please understand that we are very limited in what we can communicate as a result of legal requirements and concern for the adolescent students involved.” Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek June 1, 2012

Longtime Dakota Electric Board member dies

Swagger was a classic car enthusiast, avid businessman

ter. “We feel so blessed to Colleagues remember have had him as a friend,” Ronald Swagger of Lakev- they said. “He was truly ille as a humble man, though dedicated to everything he did. We so enjoyed he was not afraid to all of the fun times tap into the culture we had with the of his younger years. Southern Cruzers.” “He did a Sonny He also loved Bono impression,” spending time with said Dakota Electric his family and playAssociation Board Chair Jim Sheldon, Ron Swagger ing golf, according to his obituary. with whom Swagger He served on the served. “He kind of looked like him and could DEA Board for the last 25 years. sing like him.” Swagger died at 70 years “Everyone liked him,” old in Lakeville on May 19. Sheldon said. “He was good He enjoyed taking his at building a consensus and 1957 Chevy out for car rides, dealt with people fairly.” including Cruise Night dur- Swagger also excelled at ing the Pan-O-Prog festival. representing the board in As a classic car enthusi- other organizations. ast, Swagger was involved “He was a good delein the Southern Cruzers Car gate,” Sheldon said. “He was very dedicated to the co-op Club. “Anyone that knew Ron principles.” knows that we, the club, Outside of the board, have lost a good friend and Sheldon said Swagger’s mugreat club member,” the sical interest went beyond group said in a statement on impressive renditions of “I Got You Babe.” its website. In Swagger’s guest book “He played a mean saxoon the White Funeral Home phone,” Sheldon said. website, fellow club mem- Swagger started his cabers Carol and Mike Grieco reer with the Soo Line Raillauded their friend’s charac- road and Kloster Madsen, by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

a construction and design company. He owned and operated J’s and Bonanza restaurants and was in sales at Freeway Ford and Air Lake Ford. He was also a Realtor for Coldwell Banker. He was involved in the Bloomington Jaycees. “We worked together on many Jaycee projects,” said fellow Jaycee Wayne Nelson, of Bloomington on his guest book. “He was a great leader as well as a good friend.” Swagger is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandy; children, Cindy (John) Stevens, Connie (Randy) Aase, Bryan (Sherri) Swagger; nine grandchildren; siblings, Jerry (Mary Anne), Ray Jr. (Kathy), Dale (Sherri), Arylce (Denis) Marek and Roger (Sharon) Swagger; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Swagger’s funeral service was held May 24 at his church, St. John’s Lutheran. Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Farmington Briefs Farmington Library events The Farmington Library, 508 Third St., has planned the following events. Call (651) 438-0250 for more information.

• Wii Games for Teens, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 4. Bowling, skiing, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Just Dance and more. • Digital Camera Basics, 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 4. Learn how to take pic-

tures and transfer them to a computer for editing. • Farmington Library Book Group, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 5. Discuss “A Girl Named Zippy” by Haven Kimmel. All are welcome.

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Opinion

June 1, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Mixed grade for 2012 legislative session From the standpoint of suburban and outstate communities, the 2012 legislative session on major issues was disappointing. Even the Vikings stadium plan approval, the centerpiece of the session, ignored a good suburban location in Arden Hills and an opportunity for major economic development in the northern region. Little was done to provide tax relief for suburban and outstate communities that lost $320 million in local government aid a year ago. Except for an increase of $50 per pupil unit to help pay interest cost on school borrowing, per pupil funding remains flat. School boards are borrowing money to operate, since $2.7 billion was delayed to balance the state budget in 2011. With no new local government aid and flat revenue for schools, look for property taxes to go up. The colleges and universities received no additional aid, and tuition increases have been announced. Jobs was the battle cry during the session. Passage of the stadium plan and the

ECM Editorial $496 million bonding bill will bring more jobs to Minnesota. Although most of the jobs will be temporary, they can serve as a bridge to better times for the construction industry, which sorely needs it. The governor, however, vetoed a Republican tax plan that could have brought more jobs by eliminating property taxes for business as well as tax credits for businesses that hire the unemployed. The bonding bill will bring new public buildings to three suburban communities: a $7 million Dakota County Technical College Transportation and Emerging Technologies Lab renovation in Rosemount, a $1 million addition to the Bio-Science and Allied Health unit at Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids and a $4 million asset preservation unit at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. On the down side, $25 million to begin planning for the Southwest corridor light rail line was not in the bonding bill, despite

strong support from that area’s major businesses. Republicans like buses. One brightener was the creation of better oversight and management of the school trust lands. Although annual revenues from the trust center, around $2.1 million, is not big, the potential is great. Passage of the law was led by Rep. Denise Dittrich, DFLChamplin. The human services bill championed by Rep. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, included $5.9 million for personal care attendants, restored half of the funding of group home care for low needs clients, allowed $4.7 million for those receiving dialysis and cancer treatment in emergency medical assistance and allowed the disabled adults to live in independent apartments. Suburban and outstate areas will get economic assistance through the surprising gambling bill. Mystic Lake Casino in Scott County and the Grand Casino in Mille Lacs County will be able to offer simulcast off-track betting. Canterbury Park in Shakopee and Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus

will be able to expand the number of poker tables from 50 to 80 and betting limits from $60 to $100. Owners contend these changes will allow higher racing purses and bring more business to the area. One blot on the session was the closed conference committee where the final deal on the Vikings was reached during the closed meeting by conferees walking in and out during the session to avoid rules on meetings. It clearly violated the spirit of the law and the “transparency” they boast about. Conference committees are usually open to the public. Unexpected bipartisan support on the stadium and bonding bill enabled the Legislature to adjourn on time and avoid a shutdown. We can only wish that this spirit could continue in the next session. This editorial is from the ECM Editorial Board. Sun Thisweek Newspapers and the Dakota County Tribune are part of ECM Publishers Inc.

Letters Graduates should work to find work To the editor: I read Ibrahim Hirsi’s guest column of May 25 with alarm. What is the University of Minnesota teaching their students – arrogance? Are they teaching that graduates should be “rewarded” ad infinitum solely for the “extra effort” of graduating? Do graduates really believe that the “White House” is the singular entity in our society that “creates” jobs – and that it functions exclusively for “aspiring recent graduates”? Do graduates not expect to provide a service, fulfill a need or create a product? Do graduates who complain that they have low paying jobs and are “competing with people who never set foot in a college or university,” not understand the concept of equal pay for equal work? If Mr. Hirsi thinks that only college graduates have the ability to “think critically” and “make good choices in life,” and that he is an example of those qualities, I tremble for our country. Diana Bratlie Lakeville

Final Exit Network responds To the editor: This is in reference to the recent indictments of five members of the Final Exit Network by the Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom (May 11 edition). Mr. Backstrom has portrayed FEN as a group of callous individuals who en-

courage and assist individuals to commit suicide. Nothing could be further from the truth. FEN is a nationwide nonprofit all-volunteer organization that works completely in compliance with the laws of each state. We have come together from disparate backgrounds with one goal: to educate the public on right-to-die issues. We never, under any circumstances, suggest, encourage or assist any individual to commit suicide. We provide information on the full range of choices available to individuals if and when they are faced with intractable pain or terminal illness. Two over-zealous prosecutors have preceded Mr. Backstrom in this misguided and vindictive effort to malign our organization. In Arizona, the jury found one defendant not guilty of the felony charges; two other elderly FEN members agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanors to avoid trials. In Georgia, the state Supreme Court completely threw out the charges against four FEN volunteers; the court agreed with FEN that dissemination of information is a protected First Amendment right. As to the depiction of FEN as an organization that disregards the wishes of family, needlessly inflicting pain on them – this, too, is a complete fabrication. FEN’s policy is to encourage individuals who contact us to also contact their families and obtain their understanding and support for their intent to exit. In most cases, this outreach is successful. In some rare cases, family members prefer their own solutions – confinement in a nursing home or mental institution and a prolongation of suffering – over the patient’s

own choice as a competent adult. In those cases, FEN’s role is to protect the right of the individual to make their own autonomous decision. FEN is composed of individuals who are life-affirming and – like most people – wish to continue to enjoy their lives for as long as possible. But we side firmly with the right of individuals to decide when that enjoyment is no longer possible, and in those cases to decide that a death with dignity is the most fitting way to end a life well lived. Wendell Stephenson President, Final Exit Network

Memorial Day events were special To the editor: Thanks again to the Lakeville North High School band the VFW Post 210 and Men & Women’s Auxiliary and the American Legion Post 44 of Lakeville. We provided memorial services at 12 cemeteries and then we concluded our Memorial Day services at the Lakeville Veterans Memorial. The turnout this year was the largest at the cemeteries and at the veterans memorial. Our Lakeville veterans are proud to provide this service to our community. Just a note: The Lakeville North High School band has participated at these memorial services for the past 33 years and this would not be possible without the dedication of Mr. Nate Earp, Lakeville North High School band director. Kudos to Mr. Earp and all of the band members

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

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who took their day off to City to address make 2012 Memorial Day special for families that roads in need have veterans buried in the of repair 12 cemeteries that we hon- To the editor: or with our services. In the spring of 1999, God bless America. my wife and then 6-monthold Madalyn, moved from Cmdr. Arnold Zach, our of our apartment in and VFW Post 210 Burnsville to the gorgeous Cmdr. Bob Billings, suburbs of Lakeville. We and American Legion Post were fortunate enough to 44 find a house that we felt was perfect in so many ways (cozy and welcoming, great neighborhood, close Show some to parks and schools, large respect for backyard, etc.). Our family has since others grown to five people, two To the editor: I want to congratulate cats, two rabbits, a hamthe Prom Committee and ster and a couple of goldstaff of Farmington High fish. Our children includes School for organizing a Madalyn (now a teenager), wonderful prom and grand Abigail (one year from hitmarch for this year. We at- ting her teens), and Zachatended the grand march ry (a 4-year-old who thinks and were very impressed he is about to turn 10). with the decorations and We have no sidewalks how smoothly everything along Idlewood Way, and seemed to go. The students have gotten along without looked very nice in their them quite fine. However, formal attire and we could over the last few years, tell that they were very ex- Idlewood Way and its family of roads are in such descited to be participating. I would like to com- perate need of repair, that ment on the fact that it it is becoming a hazard for was very disappointing to people (especially for our see parents and guardians 4-year-old who can’t even get up and leave the gym ride his bike with training after their student had wheels, let alone without gone through the proces- because of the growing sion during grand march. deterioration of neighborBy the time the students at hood roads). the end of the line had his We do everything posor her name called, there sible to keep our house and was hardly anyone in the the property that it sits on audience to clap for them to look as new and inviting and to appreciate the plan- as it did the day we moved ning, effort and expense in back in 1999. We pay that went into creating a our taxes and are even willing to pay a bit more when memorable prom outfit. Students at the end of our schools and commuthe procession did not nity call for it. I have asked have the experience of hav- the Lakeville City Council ing a large audience clap to give a little more attenfor them that the students tion to the community’s at the beginning of the line needs when it comes to our had the chance to enjoy. neighborhood roads. The The parents and guardians roads have never looked who left early should be as poor as they have over ashamed of themselves for the last few years. I unnot only being inconsider- derstand that unexpected ate enough to get up and financial burdens, minimal leave during the middle budgets and hard winters of a program, but also for have made it challenging missing an opportunity to to keep our neighborhood model courtesy and good roads in top condition in manners to their children. recent years. However, I I commend the staff feel that this matter can no overseeing the event for longer be put off and attrying their best to main- tention needs to be given tain the same level of ex- to our roads immediately. citement for the students Thank you for your all the way through the time and attention to this procession and giving each matter. Zachary is especouple the attention that cially thankful! was deserved. We stayed Best wishes in all your for the entire event even planning efforts. though our student was in the middle of the proces- Corey J. Spoden sion and I would like to say Lakeville that I was very impressed with the outfits of all of Editor’s note: After the students who partici- Spoden sent his letter to the pated. Everyone looked city of Lakeville, Chris Pewonderful and I hope that tree, public works director, all of the students enjoyed wrote back to say that Idlewood Way is on the city’s their prom experience. priority list on its 2-yearold pavement management HEATHER LEE program. Farmington He wrote that the neighborhood was identified as

an area with “failing pavement” and needed complete reconstruction of the streets. Approximately 25 percent or about 65 miles of streets in Lakeville fall into this category, he said. The neighborhood’s streets have been identified to be reconstructed in the next five-10 years. In the short-term, the city is performing maintenance activities this spring in the neighborhood, including velocity patching.

Take this first step and good things will come To the editor: Guest columnist Ibrahim Hirsi’s resume (“Recent college graduates step into the abyss,” Sun Thisweek May 25) indicates that many of his articles have been published by various newspapers in which he describes all the things that go wrong when people do not have decent jobs and salaries. To Hirsi I say: “Welcome to the real world.” As a college graduate in 1948 and a ton of high level experience in World War II and civilian life I took tests which indicated my preeminence in several different fields. Unfortunately, no jobs, so I took one that paid very little but gave me a chance to show that I could add to any employer’s bottom line. It didn’t take long for employers to recognize that I was money in the bank so my compensation skyrocketed. Take that first little step and good things will come. FRANKLIN WICKER Lakeville

Corrections “Farmington couple takes reins of family business” in the May 25 Sun Thisweek incorrectly stated the business is located in the Equicare building. It is located in the Equitare building, and its purchase was only partially financed by deferring compensation. Sun Thisweek regrets the errors. The May 25 story, “First AVID class graduates in Lakeville,” does not distinguish between Lakeville North and South high schools when discussing the AVID program. There are programs at both schools and districtwide.

Lakeville civic leader to be honored downtown Bob Jensen’s work to be recognized at Pioneer Plaza

effects on the development, health and quality of life of Bob Jensen, who died in the community. November 2011, was piv- Jensen was mayor durotal in shaping Lakeville’s ing a time of great expansion. The vilhistory and setting lage and township the course for the of Lakeville had city’s future in his merged, creating roles as a Lakevthe 38-square-mile ille mayor, Dakota city that exists toCounty commisday. The population sioner, state legislain 1960 topped out tor and town board Bob Jensen at under 1,000, but supervisor. would balloon by In recognition of these accomplishments, the more than 700 percent to Lakeville City Council vot- 7,500 people a decade later. ed recently to honor Jen- He championed the sen by including a plaque Airlake Industrial Park noting his contributions and was heavily involved in Pioneer Plaza alongside in Pan-O-Prog, which was the likes of Jerry Erickson originally designed to proand other civic leaders and mote the industrial park. It is now a beloved annual founding citizens. The city established Pio- summer community celneer Plaza on Holyoke Av- ebration. enue in downtown Lakev- As a legislator, he fought ille to recognize residents hard for a suitable bridge whose long-term commit- on Cedar Avenue that conment and civic participa- nected the south metro tion have had profound with Minneapolis and subby Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

urbs north of the Minnesota River. Jim White Sr., owner of White Funeral Homes, represented the Lakeville area with Jensen as DFLers during the mid-1970s. “Bob was respected by all of his colleagues,” White said in a November 2011 interview. “He was honest. When Bob gave his word, you knew that it was good.” Jensen’s other civic involvements included the Farmers Union, the Knights of Columbus, the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce, Optimist and the Lions Club. He also served on the Dakota County Sheriff’s Civil Service Commission. Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Pizza Ranch coming to Apple Valley by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

Pizza Ranch has announced plans to open an Apple Valley location later this year. The popular Iowa-based pizza chain has received approval from the Apple Valley City Council to build a restaurant at the northeast corner of Pilot Knob Road and 157th Street in the city’s Cobblestone Lake neighborhood. Dan Peterson, Pizza Ranch operating partner, said the company hopes to have the restaurant open

for business by Nov. 1. Construction plans for the restaurant at the 1.4acre site near SuperTarget and Quarry Point Park call for the creation of a 7,000-square-foot building and a parking lot with 102 spaces. The new restaurant will be the first free-standing Pizza Ranch in the metro area, according to city planner Tom Lovelace. Pizza Ranch has other strip mall locations in Lakeville and Champlin. The Apple Valley restaurant will employ ap-

proximately 110 people in part-time positions, Peterson told the council. A “fast casual” restaurant chain founded in 1981, Pizza Ranch has about 170 restaurants in nine states, mostly in the Midwest. In addition to pizza, its menu offers chicken, a salad bar and a pizza-and-chicken buffet. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek June 1, 2012

June 1, 2012 Sun Thisweek

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Candidate Bills talks budget Rosemount resident officially files for U.S. Senate

by T.W. Budig

Photo by T.W. Budig

Seven-year-old Hayden Bills inspects the Secretary of State’s Office as his dad, Rep. Kurt Bills of Rosemount, files as a candidate for U.S. Senate. Bills, the Republicanendorsed U.S. Senate candidate, filed for office May 29.

Sun Thisweek

Rep. Kurt Bills, RRosemount, gave a simple assessment to his children about running for U.S. Senate after formally filing for office May 29 in St. Paul. “It’s all just work from here,” said Bills, the Republican-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate, leaving the Secretary of State’s Office after finishing the paperwork. Bills is attempting to defeat Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. In taking questions from the media, Bills, 42, cited the federal budget proposal by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, as the budget platform for his candidacy. “It’s a solid plan,” said Bills, a high school economics and government teacher at Rosemount High School, of the Paul proposal. “We need to start putting forward solutions.” The Paul proposal, among other provisions, calls for the elimination of four federal agencies — the departments of Commerce, Education, Energy and Housing and Development. Some of the functions of these departments would continue. For instance, in education, the federal Pell Grant program would continue at 2008 funding levels under the proposal. The Paul plan calls for means testing in the federal agriculture commodity program. Bills asked why do big producers get to cash in the subsidies? The budget proposal includes a flat tax — a tax

Photo by T.W. Budig

As a television camera watches, Rep. Kurt Bills, R-Rosemount completes the paperwork of filing for U.S. Senate.

Photo by T.W. Budig

Rep. Kurt Bills’ wife, Cindy Bills, cradling a child she cares for in her at-home child care business, listens to her husband answer a question from the media. only on consumption and not “savings.” Advocates have long heralded a flat tax as allowing taxpayers to complete their tax returns on the back of a postcard. �� “Clearly something we � �� can look at doing,” Bills � � �� said of the flat tax pro�� posed by American econo� �� mists Robert Hall and Alvin Rabushka. �� Paul’s budget proposal freezes foreign aid funding �� at $5 billion — Israel would receive about half of the amount. Bills indicated he did not understand why the U.S. borrows from China in order to give money to other countries. The Paul proposal would have the U.S. running a federal government surplus within five years, according to Paul. “We can’t solve debt with more debt,” Bills said. Bills indicated that he has not signed a no new tax pledge, but is considering it. He expressed hope that presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney would campaign in Minnesota. He invited the former Massachusetts governor to “stand next to the bus,” referring to Bill’s official campaign school bus. Bills, though suggesting that on some issues he would not budge, indicated a willingness to compromise on other issues. “You don’t come here to be a dictator,” he said of serving in the Minnesota �� Legislature. �� Bills is a freshman member of the Republican �� House. “You will never be at � �� the apex of all knowledge,” Bills said. �� Bills, with his wife Cindy and their four children around him, ex�� gathered plained that he would not be campaigning alone this �� summer. �� “We look forward to it as a family,” he said of �� touring Minnesota. So far two other can�� didates, Democrats Dick Franson and Jack Edward Shepard, have filed for U.S. Senate. Klobuchar is expected to receive the State DFL Party endorsement at the party’s state convention in Rochester on Saturday. Bills indicated he expected Klobuchar to advance a federal budget agenda. T.W. Budig can be reached at tim.budig@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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Sun Thisweek June 1, 2012

Dakota Electric finishes busy spring of environmental activity Dakota Electric Association donated more than 5,500 tree seedlings this spring, as it wraps up a full schedule of assisting with community plantings and environmental events throughout its service territory. Each spring, Dakota Electric participates in a variety of Arbor Day and environmental events by donating seedlings and providing educational information and assistance.

Part of Dakota Electric’s active spring schedule included providing volunteers for Lebanon Hills Park Reserve, where approximately 100 volunteers worked to get a new trail ready, hauling brush and other activities. Dakota Electric finished the months of April through May by celebrating with Eagan on May 20 at the Holz Farm Spring Festival. “As a nonprofit electric

Photo submitted

Caelyn Swendiman (left) draws on a cup in which she later planted a seedling in Farmington during Dakota Electric Associations spring planting effort.

Photo submitted

Dakota Electric Directors Margaret Schreiner (from left), Janet Lekson and Bill Holton (right) plant a ceremonial tree along with the Apple Valley mayor and council members.

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cooperative, we are happy we can assist our local communities and schools with their celebrations this spring,” said President and CEO Greg Miller. “By providing trees and seedlings for planting, Dakota Electric can give back to our communities in a lasting way.” Since 1997, Dakota Electric has provided more than 126,000 tree seedlings to Arbor Day and other events in the local area.

June 1, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Thisweekend Apple Valley author’s latest crime novel is receiving big buzz by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

Jeffrey Burton’s journey into darkness is starting to pay dividends. The Apple Valley author’s new novel, “The Chessman,” is a crime thriller about a serial killer who’s hunting his own copycat. Upon completing the manuscript Burton received an advance from his publisher, San Francisco-based MacAdam/Cage, which released a hardcover edition of “The Chessman” last week. One has to ask: What does someone who writes about murder, secret government plots and gory crime scene i nve s t i g at i o n s do with an advance? Purchase a collection of human skulls, perhaps? Maybe pay for a trip to visit the grave site of Edgar Allan Poe? “I bought Twins season tickets,” Burton said with a laugh. “The Chessman” is a dark novel whose publication has been filled with bright omens. It’s already received reviews in the New York Journal of Books, Midwest Book Review and Suspense Magazine. Publishers Weekly gave the novel a “starred” review, listing it among the best new books for the week of May 21. And Burton is eagerly

awaiting the release of the German-language edition of “The Chessman,” as the rights to the novel have been purchased by a German publisher for release in that country. While his writing often delves into

inspiration from his favorite mystery authors, such as Michael Connelly and Harlan Coben. And he logged long hours at his computer doing research for “The Chessman,” digging though websites on the FBI, criminal investigations, and the various geographical locations featured in the book to give his novel a true-to-life tone. “My hat is off to authors pre-Internet – they had to live in the library,” said Burton, who does his writing at night and on weekends as he’s employed at Health Partners as a designer of computer-based training courses. “ T h e Chessman” is Burton’s third book of fiction. In 2005 he published the short story collection “Shadow Play,” and his debut novel, “Sleuth Slayer” – a crime thriller co-written with his father, Bruce Burton – came out in 2008. “The Chessman” is available through online booksellers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. More about the author is at www.JeffreyBBurton. com.

Dark fiction with a bright future

the grim and horrorfilled elements of human nature, Burton relies on meticulous research, and a lifelong love of detective novels, to inform the more macabre aspects of his fiction. His real-world experience with blood-spattered crime scenes, he admits, is somewhat limited. “I’ve been a bookworm my entire life,” he said, Photo by Michael Crouser “and in the last decade I’ve sort of focused in on mys- Andrew Miller can be reached “The Chessman” is Jeffrey Burton’s third book of fiction. In 2005 he published the short tery novels.” at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com story collection “Shadow Play,” and his debut novel, “Sleuth Slayer” – a crime thriller co Burton’s writing draws or facebook.com/sunthisweek. written with his father, Bruce Burton – came out in 2008.

arts calendar To submit items for the Arts Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com. Books Larry Millett will be at the Apple Valley Barnes & Noble store, 14880 Florence Trail, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 16, to sign copies of “Once There Were Castles: Lost Mansions and Estates of the Twin Cities.” Information: (952) 9978928. Camps The Allegro Choral Academy is now accepting registrations for its “Pitch Perfect” Summer Singing Camp June 18-21 at St. John’s in Lakeville for children ages 6 to 11. Find information and registration materials at www.allegroca.org or (952) 846-8585, artisticdirector@allegroca.org. Comedy

Darlene Westgor with special guest Shannan Paul at 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2, at MinneHAHA Comedy Club, 1583 E. First Ave., Shakopee (lower level of Dangerfield’s), (612) 860-9388, www.minnehahacomedyclub. com. Tickets: $13. Concerts Feist will perform with The Low Anthem at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 2, in the amphitheater at the Minnesota Zoo as part of Subway Music in Zoo. Tickets: $45. Information: www. mnzoo.com/musicinthezoo. The First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band will perform at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 3, at Caponi Art Park’s outdoor amphitheater. A $5 per person donation is suggested. The performance will be canceled in the event of poor weather. Information: www.caponiartpark. org.

Dance DAdance will present “The Three Bonnies” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets are $26 for adults, $19 for seniors and $16 for students and can be purchased at the box office or via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com. Exhibits Children’s Art Festival exhibit is on display through June 2 at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Free. Information: (952) 8954685. World Travel Photography exhibit by artist Becqi Sherman will open June 2 at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Information: (952) 985-4640.

ville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Free. Information: www.dakotacounty.us/ library. Farmington Dew Days runs June 13-16. Information: http://farmingtondewdays.com. The International Festival of Burnsville will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 16, in Nicollet Commons Park, Burnsville. The free festival will feature a variety of cultural dance and musical performances, ethnic food, cultural exhibits, and children’s activities. Information: www.intlfestburnsville.org.

Theater The Chameleon Theatre Circle will present “A Chorus Line” at 7:30 p.m. June 1-2, 7-9 and 14-16 and at 2 p.m. June 3, 10 and 17 at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets are $20 for adults; $17 for students, Festivals I Love Burnsville Week will seniors, and groups and can be be celebrated June 2-9. Infor- purchased at the box office or mation: www.burnsville.org/in- via Ticketmaster at (800) 9822787 or ticketmaster.com. dex.aspx?NID=742. Rhythm & Words Family Music and Book Festival will Workshops/classes be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Music Together in the ValSaturday, June 9, at the Burns- ley offers classes for parents

and their infant, toddler and preschool children in Rosemount, Farmington, Lakeville and Apple Valley. Information: www.musictogetherclasses. com or (651) 439-4219. The Eagan Art House offers classes for all ages. For a complete listing go to www. eaganarthouse.org or call (651) 675-5521. Dan Petrov Art Studio in Burnsville offers oil painting classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced skill level painters, www.danpetrovart. com, (763) 843-2734. Teens Express Yourself with Paint, 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays at Brushworks School of Art in Burnsville, www.BrushworksSchoolofArt.com, (651) 214-4732. Drama/theater classes for ages 4 and up at River Ridge Arts Building, Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Special needs theater program (autism-DCD), ages 5 and older, Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Join other 55-plus adults at the Eagan Art House to create beaded jewelry. The Jewelry Club meets on the third Friday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m.

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Fee is $3 and includes all supplies. Bring any old jewelry you would like to re-make. 3981 Lexington Ave. S., (651) 6755500. Savage Art Studios, 4735 W. 123rd St., Suite 200, Savage, offers classes/workshops for all ages. Information: www. savageartstudios.com or (952) 895-0375. Soy candle making classes held weekly in Eagan near 55 and Yankee Doodle. Call Jamie at (651) 315-4849 for dates and times. $10 per person. Presented by Making Scents in Minnesota. Country line dance classes held for intermediates Mondays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St., Farmington, $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. Beginner country line dance classes on Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Lakeville VFW, 8790 Upper 208th St. $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. Country line dance classes on Wednesdays at the Lakeville Senior Center, 20732 Holt Ave. Beginners, 9-10 a.m.; Intermediate, 10 a.m.-noon. $5/ class. Call Marilyn (651) 4637833. The Lakeville Area Arts Center offers arts classes for all ages, www.lakevillemn.gov, (952) 985-4640.

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Today’s The Day Stop Smoking

Sun Thisweek June 1, 2012

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

Celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the LeDuc Historic Estate, 1629 Vermillion St., Hastings. Learn about heritage varieties and planting container gardens. Free. Pre-purchase an EarthBox container for $40 to plant your own container garden at the event. Call (651) 437-7055 or email Leduc@ co.dakota.mn.us to purchase. Information: www.dakotahistory. org. Citizens Climate Lobby meeting from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. Speaker via phone link will be former Congressman Bob Inglis, R-South Carolina, author of the “Raise Wages, Cut Carbon Act” of 2009. Information: Paul Hoffinger, (651) 882-0671. Ducktails & Bobbysox/ Back to ’50s - ’60s from 4 to 9 p.m. at Rosemount American Legion, 14590 Burma Ave. Car and hot rod show. Music, games, root beer floats and more. Information: (651) 4233380.

Friday, June 1 Summer Spectacular Fundraiser + Night of Music & Fun by the Moms and Neighbors organization from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 1, at Carbone’s in Rosemount. Music by The Prospects begins at 8:30 p.m. Includes silent auction and raffle. Proceeds will be donated to families in need in District 196. Summer Fresh Friday Film, “Fresh,” 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Natural Foods, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville. Information: (952) 891-1212, ext. 221. Forever Wild Family Friday: Forty Shades of Green, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lebanon Hills Visitor Center – Discovery Room, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan. Listen to music by the Forty Shades of Green band around the campfire. All ages. Free. Registration required. Information: http://www.co.dakota. mn.us/LeisureRecreation/Coun- Monday, June 4 Lakeville Boy Scout Troop tyParks/Calendar. 263 birthday party celebration for its 20th year from 5 to 8 Saturday, June 2 Free women’s car care p.m. at McGuire Middle School clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. at H&H cafeteria followed by a Court of Automotive, 21480 Keokuk Honor from 8 to 9 p.m. All forAve., Lakeville. Information: Re- mer Scouts and their parents becca@hh-automotive.com or are invited. Information: Mike Cole, (952) 292-4668, or Mark Rebecca at (952) 469-1520. Heritage Harvest Garden Andres, (612) 207-6673.

Tuesday, June 5 Family Fun Tuesday: Jump, Sing, and Explore: Discovering the Natural World with MacPhail Center for Music, 10 to 11 a.m. at Caponi Art Park, Eagan. Free. A $4 donation is suggested. Information: www.caponiartpark. org. Information session on public school online, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Best Western Nicollet Inn, 14201 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Hosted by the tuition-free, K-12 online program MTS Minnesota Connections Academy. Prospective parents and students invited. Speak with faculty, learn about the curriculum, technology tools, and the enrollment process. RSVP to www. connectionsacademy.com or call (800) 382-6010. Thursday, June 7 Thursday Rockin’ Readers at 11:15 a.m. at Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Hidden Valley Principal Jon Bonneville will read to children for 20 minutes. Kidz Dance will perform at noon for the Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour concert at Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Free. Friday, June 8 Outdoor movie, “Zoo Keeper,” 7:30 p.m. seating, dusk showtime, part of Burnsville’s “Flicks on the Bricks” se-

ries at Nicollet Commons Park in the Heart of the City. Saturday, June 9 Eagan LakeFest, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blackhawk Park, Eagan. Free fishing (equipment provided, no license needed), natural resource booths, children’s art, music and more. Information: www.cityofeagan. com or (651) 675-5300. Wild Plants for Health & Good Eating, 10 a.m. to noon, Ritter Farm Park, 19300 Ritter Trail, Lakeville. For all ages, families encouraged. Many “weeds” actually can be very important sources for good nutrition and great health. Cost: $5 per person or $15/ per family. Blood drives The American Red Cross will hold the following blood drives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. • June 1, 3 to 8 p.m., Carmike 15 Cinemas, 15630 Cedar Ave., Apple Valley. • June 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kowalski’s Market, 1646 Diffley Road, Eagan. • June 4, 1 to 6 p.m., Prince of Peace Church, Christian Life Center, 13901 Fairview Drive, Burnsville. • June 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Uponor, 5925 148th St. W., Apple Valley.

theater and arts briefs Family Fun Tuesdays Caponi Art Park and Learning Center, Eagan, will host local and regional artists on Tuesday mornings throughout the summer as part of its Family Fun Tuesdays series geared toward children ages 3 to 12 with a parent or guardian. All events take place Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. The events are free, with a $4 per person suggested donation. June schedule: • June 5: Jump, Sing, and Explore: Discovering the Natural World with MacPhail Center for Music • June 12: Cheremosh! Ukrainian folk dance ensemble

• June 19: Carnatic music of South India with Nirmala Rajasekar and the Naadha Rasa Ensemble • June 26: Open Eye Figure Theater’s “The Amazing Cow Boat” puppet show A complete schedule and more information is at www. caponiartpark.org/programs/familyfuntuesdays/.

Handbell choir to perform The Wesley Bell Ringers, a group of 33 high school students from Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, will play their nearly 200 handbells in concert at 7 p.m. Friday, June 15, at River Hills United Methodist Church, 11100 River Hills Drive, Burnsville.

The concert is part of the 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the event choir’s 47th annual concert of poor weather. tour.

International Concert, craft Festival on Father’s The International Festival of Burnsville will be 3 Day to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 16,

The Minnesota Sinfonia returns to Eagan’s Caponi Art Park at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 17, for its annual Father’s Day Summer Pops Concert. Craft supplies will be on hand before and during the performance for children and families to create a snaking community sculpture. The event is free, with a $5 per person suggested donation. The performance will be rescheduled for July

at Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave. The event will feature food and vendor tents. Cultural displays, dancers, musicians and other entertainers will highlight the city’s diverse population and traditions. Tickets are available at Burnsville City Hall or at the festival. For more information, visit www.intlfestburnsville.org or call Margo Swanson at (612) 308-9038.

Dinosaurs come alive at Minnesota Zoo The Minnesota Zoo is taking on a prehistoric feel this summer with its new exhibit, “Dinosaurs!” The exhibit on the zoo’s Northern Trail features 15 massive animatronic dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Brachiosaurus and others. It runs through Sept. 3 and cost is $4 in addition to regular zoo admission. “The zoo celebrates the diversity of life, and no time period better illustrates our earth’s fantastic array of life than the Jurassic Period, when dinosaurs dominated the planet,” said zoo director Lee Ehmke. “We expect the accurate, active and awesome replicas of the great extinct reptiles – encountered in the beautiful setting of the zoo’s 485 acres of forest, lakes and grassy hills – will be enormously popular.” The dinosaurs, which were built by a team of engineers and artists with Texas-based Billings Productions, are made of steel and a “skin” material composed of a special urethane compound that protects them from inclement weather. Each dinosaur is fitted with its own “electronic brain” to control movement and sound. More about “Dinosaurs!” is at www.mnzoo.org. —Andrew Miller

10A

Sports

June 1, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Panthers seek fifth straight state berth Heid, Oxton could qualify for state in three different sports by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

Qualifying for state in three different sports is rare in an age where most student-athletes tend to specialize. If the Lakeville North boys golf team qualifies for state by winning the Section 1AAA title, it will be the third state tournament this year for two of its players. Trey Heid and Joel Oxton led the football team and the boys basketball team to state during the fall and winter seasons. “It would be awesome to go to state three times in our senior year, heck yeah,” Heid said. “Not many people can say that, I don’t think. I don’t think about it that much, but it makes you want to play harder.” The Panthers are favored to win the Section 1AAA tournament, which concludes Monday at Bellwood Oaks Golf Course in Hastings. They are the only team in the state with a team scoring average below 300. The team’s toughest competition at sections is expected to come from Owatonna, Winona and Rochester Century. Heid and OxPhoto by Andy Rogers While Lakeville North’s Joel Oxton takes a swing during a practice ton are not the top golfers for the Panthers, they play session earlier this season.

Panther baseball one of final four teams in section playoffs

key roles on a team that is ranked No. 1 in the state and won the South Suburban Conference. Five players earned all-conference honors – Freddy Thomas, Bobby Thomas, Heid, Oxton and Mike Oberg. Joey Smits earned honorable mention. North is No. 1 in scoring average in the Minnesota High School Golf Coaches Association rankings. The Panthers also are No. 1 in the Minnesota Golf Association state rankings. Freddy Thomas is ranked No. 1 individually by the coaches association and MGA; Bobby Thomas is No. 23 in the MGA rankings. Heid and Oxton bring a different perspective to the course as they’re not full-time golfers. Heid committed to play football at Augustana College, along with several other Lakeville football stars. Oxton will play football at WisconsinLa Crosse. Golf has provided a pleasant departure from the rigors of the basketball court and football field. “You’re not getting yelled at like football or basketball, you just do your own thing,” Oxton said. “It’s a lot more mental. You’re by yourself. It’s more laid-back

than all the other sports. It’s nice to come out and just hit some balls around.” “You’re not getting chased by anyone, which is nice,” Heid said. Still, there’s plenty of stress on the course. It might not come in the form of a hard foul or a sack, but a triple bogey can spike the blood pressure. “You can really control what you do in this game,” Heid said. “It’s all on you, there’s no excuses.” Golf has provided some positive cross-training for Oxton’s and Heid’s college athletic ambitions. “When they clear that mental hurdle of playing out their round and hit 7677, that’s huge,” Lakeville North golf coach Steve Sabetti said. “I was bragging to (boys basketball coach John) Oxton and (football coach Brian) Vossen, ‘I got them over their mental hurdles to get them ready for football and basketball.’ ” The state Class AAA tournament is June 12-13 at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids. Lakeville North’s girls golf team has a history of strong playoff performances, but Red Wing stands in the way of the team qualifying for state. The Wing-

ers, the top-ranked team in Class AAA, and Northfield present a tough challenge for the Panthers at the Section 1AAA tournament, which has its final round Monday at Cannon Golf Club. Individually, Christi Vetter and Katie Albrecht lead the charge for the Panthers.

Lakeville South In Section 2AAA, Lakeville South is in the mix with Eden Prairie, Chaska, Chanhassen, Bloomington Jefferson, Prior Lake and Burnsville. The Cougars finished second in the South Suburban with all-conference players Justin Doeden, Garrett Emond and Mack Farley, along with honorable mention players Max Redetzke and Anders Haukoos. The Cougars scored a season-low 303 at Emerald Greens in Rosemount earlier this season. “It will be exciting, and I believe that we still haven’t shown our best tournament yet this season,” head coach Tomas Adalsteinsson said. The final round will be Monday in Hutchinson. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Panthers win thriller over Park in playoffs

Lakeville North to play Eastview on Friday at Alimagnet by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

For the first time since 2008, the Lakeville North baseball team will play in the Section 3AAA final four. Lakeville North is scheduled to play Eastview at 5 p.m. Friday at Alimagnet Park in Burnsville. The winner will play Eagan or Burnsville at noon Saturday with the losers playing at 2:30 p.m. in the doubleelimination bracket. The section final is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Alimagnet. If a second game is needed, it will be Wednesday. Lakeville North hasn’t been to state since winning the Class AAA championship in 2005. That was the spring before Lakeville South High School opened. Heading into the season, the Panthers were one of the youngest teams in the South Suburban Conference with five seniors, so expectations were tempered. But heading into the playoffs they have been playing like veterans, earning the No. 4 seed and a first-round bye. “Going into the spring we knew that we would be young but thought, as coaches, that with Burnsville, Eastview,

Eagan and Prior Lake returning strong, experienced teams that it was a good year to be young,” head coach Tony Market said. “So we are very excited for the opportunity to be a part of what should be a very exciting finish in the quest for a state tournament berth.” The Panthers defeated Eastview 6-5 in a regularseason game April 30. The Panthers were actually behind 5-0 early, but an Austin Streit grand slam put them back in the game. “Eastview has a very good senior-dominated team this year with a strong pitching staff,” Market said. “They have good team speed so we will have to do a good job of controlling the running game.” Lakeville North went 0-2 against Burnsville, losing by a combined 20-2. Against Eagan, the Panthers were 1-1. Both games were decided by one run. Lakeville North defeated St. Thomas Academy in the section quarterfinals on May 28 to get to the final four bracket. St. Thomas Academy tied the game in the top of the seventh, but a single by Connor Christenson in the bot-

tom of the inning drove in the winning run in North’s 5-4 victory. “Fortunately we have been in a number of tight games this year,” Market said. “Many situations presented themselves to us again in this game and the guys were able to rely on previous experiences to be successful. I was very proud of their collective team effort to be able to advance to the next level of the tournament.” Jordan Jacobson got the win in relief and Henry Wehlage was 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI. He also scored the winning run. The Panthers avenged a loss to St. Thomas Academy in the 2011 section playoffs. Lakeville North, 15-5, is having its best season since 2009, when it won the Lake Conference title. That team lost to Rosemount in the section quarterfinals. “You have to be playing your best baseball and you have to get a few things to bounce your way, and if you do, then anything can happen,” Market said. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Tigers’ Lorencz earns three conference titles Ferm, Parco win championships of their own

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

Farmington’s Nadia Lorencz won Missota Conference track and field titles in the 100-meter hurdles, high jump and triple jump May 24 in Farmington. She finished second in the long jump. Isabelle Ferm continued her winning season by becoming the conference champion in the 400. She also finished second in the 200 and triple jump. Alyssa Parco won the conference title in the 300 hurdles and was runner up in the 100. The 4x400 relay also won the conference title, beating everyone by more then six seconds. Alicia Hett (eighth, 1600), 4x200 relay (fifth), 4x800 relay (seventh), 4x100 relay (seventh), Megan Graham (second, 400), Jessica

Arey (third, 300 hurdles), Becca Lippert (fourth, high jump) and Alysha Grebner (eighth, shot put) also helped the team score 172 points. The Tigers finished second in the Missota team standings, two points out of second. The boys team didn’t have any conference champions, but came close in a few events. The 4x800 and 4x400 relays both finished second and Reid Taubenheim was second in the pole vault. Justin Hyytinen (fifth, 3,200), Dan Berg (seventh, 110 hurdles; fourth, high jump), Jack Erickson (eighth, 100), 4x200 relay (sixth), 4x100 relay (fifth), Tanner Grubb (eighth, 400), Tyler Lerbakken (ninth, 400), Nehemiah Rockett (sixth, 300 hurdles), Eric Stoeckman (eighth,

800), Tommy Weigel (ninth, 200), Cullen Smith (fifth, pole vault), Justin Hett (fifth, long jump; seventh, triple jump), Brett Hoffman (fourth, shot put) and C.J. Wynings (fourth, discus) all contributed to the team’s 108 points, putting the Tigers sixth in the conference.

Softball surge The Farmington softball team played for a Section 1AAA title on Thursday against Rochester John Marshall, needing one victory to make its second-ever state tournament trip. The Tigers traveled to Austin for a 5 p.m. game against John Marshall after this edition went to press. Farmington defeated Hastings 4-3 on Tuesday in Austin to advance to the final. The Tigers were down See tigers, 11A

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Lakeville North’s Megan Skelly (37) cradles the ball with Emmie Madsen (20) trailing in a Section 3 girls lacrosse semifinal game against Park of Cottage Grove on Tuesday. The Panthers defeated Park 11-10 to move on to the championship game against Apple Valley on Thursday. The winner will play in the state tournament next week at Chanhassen High School.

Cougars make waves in individual tennis Chase Roseth comes from behind in second round

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

The Lakeville South boys tennis team notched a few school firsts in the Section 1AA individual tournament last week in Rochester. Prior to this season, the Cougars had won just one match in Section 1AA. This season the team had four wins, including its first-ever singles victory. Chase Roseth became the first Lakeville South player to win a singles match at the section tourney. The seventh-grader

won his first two matches in three sets. He was down 3-1 in the third set in his first match before buckling down against a much bigger opponent to take the set 6-4. In his next match, he was down 6-1, 5-1 and 40-0 before winning 12 games in a row to take the match 1-6, 7-5, 6-0. “That’s the nice thing about tennis. It’s not over until the last point,” head coach Doug Roseth said. Roseth then lost to top seeded Isaac Toivenen, a

sophomore from Red Wing, in straight sets to end his season 11-10. The doubles team of Cash Rodamaker and Marcus Vievering won two doubles matches May 24, defeating a Northfield pair 6-0,6-2 and Red Wing’s top team in three sets before losing to the top-seeded team, Rochester John Marshall’s Tommy Joswiak and Brett Peters. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek June 1, 2012

11A

Cougar girls earn South Suburban track title Burns wins three conference titles by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

The Lakeville South girls track and field team won the South Suburban Conference title for the first time in school history in commanding fashion. The Cougars won five events and finished more than 70 points ahead of second-place Prior Lake. Shaina Burns is the conference champion in the 100-meter hurdles and the 300 hurdles. She set a conference record in the 300 in 45.90 seconds, more than half a second better than the previous record held by Apple Valley’s Chanel Miller. Burns also won the long jump. Morgan Pieri was a repeat conference champion in the high jump, matching

her conference record of 5 feet, 6 inches. In the shot put, Jordyn Thornton was the champion with a 43-5 1/2 toss. Kaitlin VanWinkle (second in the 200, fourth in the long jump), Emily Wick (fourth, 200), Rachel Mickelson (third, 400; eighth, 800), Haley Lubow (sixth, 400), Kaytlyn Larson (second, 800; third, 1,600), Andrea Brekken (sixth, 1,600; fourth, 3,200), Megan Kilbride (eighth, 1,600; fifth 3,200), McKell Anderson (fifth, 100 hurdles; sixth 300 hurdles; fifth, pole vault), Allison Mosser (seventh, 100 hurdles; fifth, 300 hurdles); 4x100 relay (fourth), 4x200 relay (second), 4x400 relay (third), 4x800 relay (fourth), Caroline Slattery (second, high jump; seventh, triple jump), Burns (sixth, high jump), Pieri (sixth, long jump), Monica Turner (third, shot put),

and Thornton (second, dis- (sixth), 4x400 relay (sixth), cus) all added to Lakeville 4x800 relay (seventh), Zach Gelineau (sixth, pole vault), South’s 176-point total. Austin Gould (eighth, long Cougar boys jump), Scott Newby (sixth, Not to be outdone, the discus) and Ryan Barboro boys team had several con- (seventh, discus) helped the Cougars reach 82 points. It ference champions. Nick Bachinski won the was good enough for fourth high jump, matching his place, a few points behind conference title height from third-place Eastview and allast season at 6-5. Defend- most 50 behind the winners ing state champion pole from Apple Valley. vault champion Lee Bares also was conference cham- Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com pion at 14-6. Tom Ryan was the con- or facebook.com/sunthisweek. ference’s best weight thrower. His toss of 54-2 3/4 in the shot put was almost 4 inches farther then anyone else. He also added the conference discus championship. Photo by Rick Orndorf Tanner Griffin (fifth, Lakeville South’s Shaina 200) Raoaf Barboza (sec- Burns and Lakeville North’s ond, 110 hurdles; second, Michaela Preachuk run 300 hurdles), Bachinski at the South Suburban (fourth, 110 hurdles), 4x100 Conference meet at relay (eighth), 4x200 relay Burnsville last week.

Cougars’ season slides to an end Panther girls fourth in South

Suburban Conference meet Sprint relay wins South Suburban track title

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

second, long jump), Trakalo (fourth, 100; third, 200), Taylor Perkins (fourth, 800), Lindsey Smits (third, 100 hurdles; fourth, 300 hurdles), Michaela Preachuk (sixth, 100 hurdles), 4x200 relay (eighth), Melina Lynn (eighth, pole vault), Emma Erickson (fifth, shot put), Delaney Miller (sixth, shot put), and Rachel Ganske (eighth, shot put) added to the Panthers’ total of 74.5 points.

enth, 100), Ben Saxton (eighth, 1,600; sixth, 3,200), Landon Johnson (eighth, 110 hurdles), 4x200 relay (seventh), 4x400 relay (fifth), 4x800 relay (eighth), Kyle McPhee (fourth, pole vault), Mike Manikowski (fourth, shot put) and Ben Krynski (third, discus) got the Panther boys team to ninth in the conference with 31 points.

Doyle doubled in the winning run in the sixth. Ashley Betzold was the winning pitcher, allowing eight hits. All three Hastings runs were un-

earned.

The Lakeville North girls track and field team finished fourth at the South Suburban Conference meet last week in Burnsville. The Panthers were a few points behind third-place Eagan but more than 100 behind the winner, Lakeville South. The 4x100-meter relay earned the conference title with some speedy handoffs Andy Rogers can be reached between Kendall Naatjes, at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com Alexa Trakalo, Claire Seior facebook.com/sunthisweek. vert and Angelica Anyaogu. Boys track Anyaogu (second, 100; Nicholas Valentini (sevtigers, from 10A Photo by Rick Orndorf

Lakeville South’s Will Lundquist is tagged out by Eastview catcher Ryan Reger in the Section 3AAA baseball quarterfinals on Monday. Eastview won 10-0 in five innings to advance to the double-elimination phase of the section tournament. Lakeville South defeated Apple Valley 3-2 in an opening-round section game May 25 with Lundquist getting the victory on the mound and Luke Sathers driving in two runs. The Cougars finish the season 8-15, which included two wins each against Bloomington Kennedy and Apple Valley. It’s the second-best record in school history and the third time the Cougars won a playoff game.

3-0 early but chipped away with run-scoring hits from Taylor Haakana, Erin Wurst and Amber Doyle.

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

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June 1, 2012 Sun Thisweek

Scouts celebrate 20 years in Lakeville

Former Lakeville police chief named bank vice president Dave Martens, who retired as Lakeville’s fourth police chief in 2004, has been named a vice president for Associated Bank N.A. Martens has directed corporate security for the Western Region of Associated since

retiring from the city. Associated Bank is based in Wisconsin and last year opened four new branches in the Twin Cities with more scheduled to open in 2012. Martens and his family continue to live in Lakeville.

Lakeville Briefs

Photo submitted

Lakeville Boy Scout Troop 263 will celebrate 20 years of scouting with a party from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 4, at McGuire Middle School cafeteria. All former scouts and families are invited to attend. Local and national government representatives, all previous Scoutmasters, pastors from Hosanna and Northern Star Council executives have been invited. All former Scoutmasters and 51 Eagle Scouts will be recognized in addition to Hosanna Church. Troop 263 is the third oldest troop in Lakeville. It started in 1992 with Hosanna as its charter partner and Brian MacKenzie as its first Scoutmaster. Since then the troop has had nine Scoutmasters. Throughout the years, Troop 263 has provided services to the Lakeville area including collecting food for distribution at Thanksgiving, highway clean-up, Haunted Forest help, and Eagle projects completed to improve schools, parks and churches.

Farmers market opens

Downtown grill out

The St. Paul Farmers’ Market will open on Wednesday, June 13, at Market Plaza in downtown Lakeville. Hours will be noon to 5 p.m. The Saturday market will begin on June 23 in the Lakeville Area Arts Center parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Downtown Lakeville Business Association will sponsor “The Great Grill-Out” from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 14, in Market Plaza. Hot dogs and brats will be served at the free community event. The evening will include a classic car cruise and entertainment provided by The Blue Drifters.

Kids ’n Kinship

Foot care

Cindy Koehler, a Kids ’n Kinship volunteer mentor, will be at the senior center at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, to discuss the opportunity of mentoring children who live in a single-parent home or whose grandparents live out of state.

Tender Care for You will be at the senior center Wednesday, June 6. Cost for a half-hour appointment is $30. Call the senior center for an appointment. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged.

Lakeville Seniors Lakeville seniors

Zumba Gold classes

The Lakeville Senior Center is located at 20732 Holt Ave. Senior center inquiries can be directed to Linda Walter, senior coordinator, at (952) 985-4622 or lwalter@lakevillemn. gov.

held from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $5 per class. Classes must be paid for in advance each month. No refunds will be given. The deadline for June classes is June 4.

Crafters wanted for Pan-O-Prog Zumba Gold classes are Bazaar

ing a table, call the senior center.

Pre-paid funeral Se- appointments

The Lakeville nior Center’s annual Pan-O-Prog Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 6 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 7. For information on reserv-

Arnold Zach will be available for 30-minute appointments from 10 a.m. to noon on June 4. Sign up at the senior center. One punch per visit.

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360, from 1A position. “They thought I would be pretty good at it with my background and leadership experience,” Mondelli said. “I am at a point in my life where I want to make a difference, especially in this community.” Mondelli, who started in his new role May 29, has been a CEO of growth and startup companies as well as a business unit executive at IBM Corp. He said he’s had experience “fixing things that are broken” at companies and organizations, but didn’t view 360 as a turnaround but a “growth opportunity.” That growth can’t happen without partnerships, and Mondelli said his work with the YMCA and the Fairview Ridges Hospital may be helpful in that regard. One of the areas in which he plans to concentrate is communications, both internally and externally, he said. erickson, from 1A Along with School Board Chair Judy Keliher, Erickson helped negotiate Superintendent Lisa Snyder’s contract. Erickson sees this as one of the major accomplishments of his first term because of the change in philosophy toward compensation the contract represents. The contract of the previous superintendent, Gary Amoroso, allowed him about $361,000 in severance, sick pay and health insurance incentives when he left the district in July 2011 to serve as head of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators. Snyder’s contract does not include those provisions. Erickson said he is also proud of the reformed collective bargaining agreements reached with groups such as Education Minnesota Lakeville, the teachers’ union. “There are significant changes in regard to future hires involving benefits,” he

As part of that effort, he will be talking with donors. “Donors want to know that their dollars are being spent wisely,” Mondelli said. He said if 360 Communities can demonstrate that it can do that better than others, “than we are an attractive alternative.” In addition to being board chair at the arts center, Mondelli is a board member of Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, the Greater Minneapolis YMCA, Silicon Informatics and the MakeA-Wish Foundation of Minnesota. Mondelli has a master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the U.S. Naval Academy. 360 Communities, formerly Community Action Council, was founded 40 years ago. To carry out its mission, it uses research to identify trends, strengths and vulnerabilities, and works

with community partners to build and implement action plans. “From its beginning more than four decades ago, 360 Communities has evolved to help meet the changing needs of the communities across the south metro,” said Peter Diessner, chair of the 360 Communities board of directors. “The role we play in our community has never been more important, and we believe that Sal’s drive and business expertise will help us continue to fulfill our important mission to the community.” Since Ajax left, Jeff Mortensen, 360’s leader of strategic development, has served as interim president and CEO. More information is online at www.360communities. org.

said. Those changes include the elimination of definedbenefit health insurance for retired teachers to hold them over until Medicare eligibility in favor of a health savings account with a $51,000 maximum district payout. Other fiscal measures he championed included a full line-item budget that spans 63 pages, a fulfillment of transparency. There is also the debt structure. “We have recently been able to refund some of our bonds and lower the cost to taxpayers in coming years,” he said. Erickson said he is also proud of the AVID program, which prepares students for college through an intensive curriculum that has seen students take more AP and honors courses and then go on to college. The Minnesota House of Representatives appointed Erickson to a task force last year to help develop reforms for integration funding, an initiative designed to close

the achievement gap between white and non-white students. Among the suggestions the task force offered included more money targeted toward the classroom and less toward administration costs. The terms of two other board members, Keliher and Kathy Lewis, will also end this year. Keliher has said she intends to run for reelection. Lewis has not yet confirmed her plans. Erickson said he decided to announce his run early in the election cycle because of rumors about his potential run for mayor or Dakota County commissioner. “I’m excited to run for re-election,” he said. “The feedback I’ve gotten is pretty overwhelming. People want me to stay on the School Board and continue the work I’ve started. I’ve been very grateful for the amount of feedback.”

Tad Johnson can be reached at tad.johnson@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek June 1, 2012

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Martin McCormick Kristal Irene Martin and Ryan Michael McCormick were married May 4, 2012. Kristal is the daughter of Loren and Linda Martin, Lakeville, MN. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the Univ. of Sioux Falls, and is employed with Iron Mountain, Bloomington. Ryan is the son of Michael and Margaret McCormick, Crosslake, MN. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the U of M-Duluth, and is Sales Manager at Apple Ford, Shakopee. The wedding was held at The Wilds Golf & Country Club in Prior Lake, with Reverend Paul Marzahn officiating. A reception at The Wilds followed the ceremony. The newlyweds reside in Prior Lake.

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Hilda Bertha McCarthy Age 94, of Park Rapids, MN passed away peacefully on May 18, 2012 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living. Hilda was born on June 11, 1917, in Colome, SD to Jacob and Matilda (Kahler) Schamber. As a young woman, Hilda worked on her parents' farm in SD and helped care for her younger siblings. On June 28, 1947, she was united in marriage to Robert McCarthy in Luverne, MN. She was a homemaker who loved to make German dishes and sing German songs. She shared the love of baseball with her husband and was a huge Minnesota Twins fan. Hilda's outlook on the world was always with a smile on her face. Everyone she saw was always greeted with a hearty smile, a smile she carried to the very end. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; grandsons, Tracy and Brandon Hale; stepson, Damon McCarthy, Sr.; 3 sisters; 3 brothers. She is survived by daughters, Peggy Hale of Houston, TX, Judy (Kaj) Granholm of Nevis, MN; 4 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; 3 stepgrandchildren; 4 step great grandchildren; 3 sisters; 1 brother. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 5, 2012 at Methodist Church in Plankinton, SD with the Rev. Atkins officiating. Visitation will be held two hours before services at the church. Interment will be in Mitzpah Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the church. Memorials may be made to Dementia Care Foundation, 69531 213th St., Darwin, MN 55324.

bail bond, from 1A bonding agent for 25 years, said the business has become highly competitive because what was a handful of bond companies have blossomed into about 40 different ones, all competing for fewer bonds being issued. Competition is particularly fierce in Dakota County courts, because they typically set high bail amounts, Ahlberg said, and county residents tend to have the money, making them a better insurance risk. Bail bond agents work on commission, and sometimes establish relationships with attorneys who recommend them to their clients, said Teresa Cover, a bail bond agent who works in Dakota County. Ahlberg and Cover, competing bail agents, said another female bond agent who frequented the jail lobby was “overzealous” in her pursuit of clients, in part by wearing suggestive clothing and allegedly flaunted herself to attract attention and commissions. Cover and a Dakota County correctional officer who asked not to be identified, said the agent’s outfits included thighhigh boots and mini skirts; once she came to write a bond wearing a bikini top and shorts. “Her dress was offensive to most females,” Cover said. Rolloff said jail staff also complained about the bond agent’s clothing. “They were like, look what she’s wearing out there,” Rolloff said. “They didn’t think it was right that they come to jail looking like that. We don’t even allow our visitors to come to the jail like that; they have to be appropriately dressed to come to the jail to visit inmates.” Cover said the agent’s actions were “graphic” and caused increasing tension among the agents.

Rolloff said she did not know the purpose for the dress, but it is “common practice” in some jails for some bond agents to offer kick-backs or reduced rates to inmates who distribute their business cards to other inmates. She said she does not think that kind of soliciting was occurring in the Dakota County Jail. Ahlberg said she has heard of bail bond companies using inmates to solicit business for them, but “it’s very illegal.” “Do I think it was happening in Dakota County with this certain company?” she said. “Yes. I just think bondsman get to know people … maybe a correctional officer will say their name.” Agents like Ahlberg and Cover who said they work to follow the rules grew frustrated with the activities of some other agents. Over time, tension grew and agents increasingly struggled to compete; some would interrupt each other during conversations with potential clients, Grant said. “A bail bond agent would be talking to someone, and another would butt right in and say: ‘If you need a good bail bond agent, use me,’ ” Grant said. “So the two bail bond agents would get into a verbal argument. Basically, there were fights over clients.” Bellows said the situation was “getting out of hand.” In the jail lobby, agents sat on tables and chairs, offering information and bail bond services to those who appeared to be an inmate’s relative. Grant said his parents were solicited in July 2009 when they arrived to witness Grant’s swearing-in ceremony in the jail. “They thought it was funny,” Grant said. “I said you have to be kidding me.” An official complaint

was filed with the Minnesota Judicial Branch in 2011 against a bail bond agent, said John Kostouros, director of court information. Kostouros said after an investigation, the complaint was dismissed because they were unable to corroborate its claims. Statewide, his agency received six complaints against bond agents regarding incidents in Minnesota courts in 2010 and eight complaints in 2011. Prior to that, the agency did not have a complaint system, he said. No complaints specific to Dakota County have been reported to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, but the department stated since 2010, it has investigated allegations of bail bond agents paying inmates to refer business, failure to report criminal proceedings, unlicensed activity and providing incorrect or misleading information on application, according to the department. To address issues at the Dakota County Jail, Grant said they held meetings with the bond agents and initially restricted them from the in-custody courtroom. Complaints slowed, but eventually revived, until about 18 months ago, when Dakota County officials restricted bail bond agents from the jail lobby or courtroom. Agents may go to the jail to meet clients who have contacted them by phone and made an appointment, Bellows said. Stew Peters, owner of Guaranteed Freedom Bail Bonds, said the ban has cost him about half his business. He expressed frustration that the county punished everyone for the actions of a few. “The Sheriff ’s Office and jail administration were unwilling to do their due diligence to find out who was creating the

problem and have their license pulled,” Peters said. “Instead, they blanketed the entire industry … as if we all were causing problems.” Some bail bond agents have established the Minnesota Professional Bail Bond Association to seek better bail bond conditions. According to the website, www.mnpbba.com, they are fighting to secure court appearances with bail bonds instead of state-funded pretrial release programs and promoting professionalism in the bail bond industry. The organization seeks to demonstrate how helpful bonding companies are and work toward consistent bond reinstatement conditions in all Minnesota counties. It is seeking mandatory testing and continuing education classes for bond agent licensing and renewal. Bellows said there are

good bond agents who have developed strong, positive ties with county jail administration. “There are some good people in there,” Bellows said. “They are like used car salesmen, just trying to make a living, but the environment can be tough,.” He said in making the restrictions, their concern was not for the bail bond agents, but for the visitors. “Citizens going through the Dakota County Sheriff ’s Office have a right not to be approached for this kind of stuff,” he said. The changes that have happened over the last six months to a year, he said have “been pretty good.” “When I get complaints, I direct resources,” Bellows said. Laura Adelmann is at laura.adelmann@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ISD #194 Lakeville Child Nutrition Program Milk Products Bid ISD #194 Lakeville Area Schools will receive sealed bids at the District Office, attention Patty Streiff, Purchasing Coordinator, 8670 210th Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044, on June 11, 2012until 10:00 a.m., at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for the Child Nutrition Program -- Milk Products. Specifications may be picked-up on or about May 25, 2012 at the office of the Purchasing Coordinator, at ISD #194, 8670 210th Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044. ISD #194 Lakeville Area Public Schools 8670 210th Street West Lakeville, Minnesota 55044 Kathy Lewis, Clerk Publish: May 25, 2012 June 1, 2012 3026188 5/25-6/1/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

Credit River Township Board Meeting Monday, June 4, 2012, 6pm Agenda 6 PM: Call Meeting to Order, Pledge of Allegiance 1) Approve or Amend Agenda 2) Consent Agenda 1) April 2012 Treasurer's Report 2) May 2012 Developer's Escrow Statement 3) April 2, 2012 Board Meeting Minutes 4) 2012 Board of Equalization Meeting Minutes 5) May 7, 2012 Board Meeting Minutes 3) Open Forum 4) Old Business 1) Master Plan for Murphy Hanrehan 2)Ehler's Bonding-Presale Report/Discuss Award Date 3) Liberty Creek Update 5) New Business 1) PL Fire Department Update 2) Treasurer One Year Review 6) Road Report 7) Engineer's Report 1) Territory Update 2) Township Mapping 8) Treasurer’s Report 1) Transfer Funds 2) Budget 2013 Schedule 3) NPDES Resolution 4) Escrow Update 9) Clerk's Report 1) Ag Permits 2) 3 month review 3) Summer Short Course 4) Election Ad May Be Necessary 10) Review and Pay Bills 11) Adjourn 3034248 6/1/12

�� District 194 School Board Proceedings

This is a summary of the Independent School District No.194 Regular School Board Meeting on Tues, May 8, 2012 with full text available for public inspection on t h e d i s t r i c t w e b s i t e a t www.isd194.k12.mn.us or District Office at 8670 210th Street W., Lakeville, MN 55044 The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. followed by pledge of allegiance. All board members and administrators were present. Consent agenda items approved: minutes of the meetings on April 24; employment recommendations, leave requests and resignations; resolution proposing to place teachers on unrequested leave of absence; payment of bills and claims subject to annual audit; 2012-13 school lunch prices; alt facilities bids/quotes; donations; and fieldtrips. Reports presented: ELA curriculum update; online learning; 2012 summer school program; ALC programming; equity 2011-12 budget revisions. Recommended actions approved: 2012-13 Management policies; strategic direction for 2012-15; agreement with ISD 917-360 Communities. Adjournment at 10:03 p.m. ___________________________________ This is a summary of the Independent School District No. 194 Special Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 with full text available for public inspection on the district website at or 8670 210th www.isd194.k12.mn.us Street W., Lakeville, MN 55044 The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. All board members and cabinet members were present. Discussions: Debt restructuring; choice school development team; restructuring leadership talent; update on Springsted engagement process. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. 3027827 6/1/12

liquor, from 1A costs by reducing parttime starting employee wages and cutting the number of full-time employees. At the workshop, City Center owner Tom Wartman urged the council to keep the liquor store in the City Center, stating he is willing to reduce rent to $20 per square foot. “At the end of the day, I’m recognizing rent in this market needs to be adjusted,” Wartman said. “Times change, parameters around regarding the market changed, but I still feel we have a strong downtown core.” Wartman recognized the city has a lease option for the space at Tamarack Ridge for $9.50 per square foot, but said staying in its current location would save the city remodeling and relocation costs. He also emphasized the Family Fresh Market in City Center is returning to a full-service grocery store and makes a good match for a liquor store. Wartman added a Verizon store is opening in the center at the end of June and said a tenant for the old Pellicci Ace Hardware store, which moved to Highway 3, is soon to be occupied. “I feel confident I will have something in place soon,” Wartman said. Larson said other City Center tenants he has spoken to are “concerned.” “Ultimately, we have to make the best decision,” Larson said. “Under our current lease, it is not the best option for the city.” City Administrator Dave McKnight and Larson relayed that Fogarty and Bartholomay indicated Tamarack Ridge was their preferred location. Bartholomay said Tamarack Ridge is his first choice, but he would also support the city purchasing land in

Vermillion River Crossing to later build a new liquor store if the operation improves. May and Bartholomay have both opposed the city’s involvement in the liquor store business. Without a majority in support of that position, they have worked with council to assess the city’s best options. Noting a recent Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association study that found poor management has blocked what could be a profitable enterprise, May said the city has to show residents the liquor store can be successful. “Just because a study says we can make money, we have not shown we can do it,” May said. Calling the city’s profit margins “pitiful,” May said she will not vote for ownership of land or a building, and is interested in the cheapest lease option available. She indicated support for Tamarack Ridge, noting it is on a road with high traffic counts and more convenient for township residents. “To me, Tamarack Ridge is downtown Farmington,” May said, adding a Highway 3 location “deserves a shot.” “I don’t disagree with you at all,” Larson said, adding the city should not be distracted with a building project, but be focused on operating the business profitably. Larson said ultimately, the city should own its own building but must first prove the city can make money in the liquor business. Donnelly agreed, stating a private lender would not give the city a loan with its current profit and loss levels. “They would say go back and make more money, then come back,” Donnelly said. Laura Adelmann is at laura.adelmann@ecminc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

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