SUN Thisweek Farmington and Lakeville by Sun Thisweek

www.SunThisweek.com Special Section

Farmington | Lakeville June 8, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 15

Finance director unexpectedly resigns Cites personal reasons for departure from Farmington

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

UNE 8, 2012 UPPLEMENT • J A D V E RT I S I N G S

Dews Days

Included in this issue

thisweekend

Farmington Finance Director Teresa Walters resigned from her job effective Wednesday June 6, Walters said in an interview with Sun Thisweek. She said she resigned for personal reasons and would like to spend more time with her family while taking time this summer to consider her options. “I worked very hard there,

put in a lot of hours and I have gone above and beyond trying to make things better financially,” Walters said. In her resignation letter, Walters thanked City Administrator Dave McKnight and the Farmington City Council for “support and opportunities” provided to her at the city. “However, I feel it is time Photo by Laura Adelmann for me to move onto new opFarmington Finance portunities and challenges,” she wrote. Director Teresa Walters

Rollercoaster in the sky

At Monday’s council meeting, an audit report found the city’s financial statements complied with all Minnesota requirements. Under her leadership, the city received its first two awards for comprehensive annual financial reporting, awarded by the national Government Finance Officers Association, to recognize transparency in financial reporting. Late last year, the city was

forced to abandon a capital improvement finance plan when a calculation error was discovered. Walters said she was given an inaccurate figure from Dakota County; officials there denied they were responsible, and ultimately City Administrator Dave McKnight took responsibility for the error. Prior to coming to FarmSee finance, 20A

Two County Board primaries slated District 1 race has five candidates

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Music in the summer sun Apple Valley’s Kelley Park will again play host to free Friday-night concerts this summer. Page 12A

Eagan Market Fest returns The farmers market and community festival opens its summer season June 13 with an expanded roster of vendors and activities. Page 12A

sports

Photo by Andrew Miller

On Monday, June 5, Lakeville resident Lt. Col. John Klatt of John Klatt Airshows took Sun Thisweek Lakeville Editor Aaron Vehling for a flight around Lakeville and neighboring areas, performing such stunts as loops, rolls and flying upside down. Check out the Opinion page for Vehling’s account of the flight and story on Klatt.

The Dakota County Board of Commissioner races have officially started, with enough candidates filing to require Aug. 14 primary elections in two commissioner districts. Primary elections will be held in District 1 that includes Farmington, Hastings and the townships, and in Burnsville’s District 5. County commissioners Tom Egan, representing Eagan, and Paul Krause, Lakeville, are running unopposed. District 1 was represented for 32 years by Joe Harris of Hastings, who did not seek re-election, and Liz Workman is completing her first term in office in District 5. Six candidates filed

to fill the District 1 seat: Dean Birnstengel, Hastings; Brian Jaye Budenski, Eureka Township; Christy Jo Fogarty, Farmington; Mark Henry, Empire Township; Mike Slavik, Hastings, and Terry Donnelly, Farmington. Birnstengel said he wants to bring “common sense and hard work” to the county, emphasizing the need for governments to work cooperatively. A lifelong Dakota County resident, Birnstengel said he has served on several boards and commissions, including the St. Paul Planning Commission; he ran against Harris in 2008. Budenski is chair of the Eureka Township Board of Supervisors. He said he believes District 1 needs See primaries, 19A

Vets memorial coming Dew Days set to welcome summer Celebration runs June 11-16 to Pan-O-Prog this July Lakeville woman painted it to honor Marines who died in battle

Teams head to state track Several athletes expected to end season on the podium. Page 14A

Online Check out more photos of John Klatt and his aerobatic maneuvers at sunthisweek.com. While on Facebook, “like” our page at facebook.com/ sunthisweek to discuss stories and receive updates. Tweet with us at twitter. com/sunthisweek.

Index Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Announcements . . . . . . . 8A Health and Wellness. . . 10A Sports . . . . . . . . . . 14A-15A Classifieds. . . . . . . 16A-18A

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

by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

Anita Miller, who grew up in Lakeville, woke up one night in 2005 at her home in Columbus, Ohio. The 23 Marines of Lima Company who had died recently were on her mind. She had a vision of those Marines memorialized on eight paintings in a circle in the Capitol rotunda of Ohio’s capital city. “On the paintings I saw life-sized portraits of these men in Lima Company,” Miller said. “I saw the entire thing picked up and moved.” The paintings will arSee vets, 19A

Photo submitted

Lakeville native Anita Miller painted a memorial to honor 23 Marines who were killed in an explosion in Iraq in 2005. Her memorial has been traveling the nation since 2008 and will reach Pan-O-Prog this July.

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Months of planning will culminate June 11 to 16 as Farmington’s annual Dew Days festival welcomes summer. Instead of making major changes this year, organizers have worked to build on Dew Days’s traditional centerpiece events like the Miss Farmington Pageant, Bed Races, Kiss the Pig and the Grand Parade. Dew Days event coordinator Darla Donnelly said changes made last year, including moving the Grand Parade to Saturday, instead of Sunday, were successes they intend to continue. Last year’s Flavors of

In Brief For more information, see Sun Thisweek’s special Dew Days section inserted in this edition. Farmington event was a “huge success,” Donnelly said. This year, vendors will See dew days, 20A

Building permits up in Lakeville Double the housing units built over last year

by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

So far in 2012, building permits are up 60 percent in Lakeville compared to the same time last year. That means as of May 31 there have been $38.1 million in building permit valuations, compared to $22.3 million at this point last year, Lakeville Community

and Economic Development David Olson said. He was reluctant to predict it would continue for the rest of the year. “Can it continue at that pace? I don’t know,” he said, adding that the warmer winter allowed developers to get an early start. “But I think there seems to be some market changes as

well.” There is positive news in there, according to Olson. “There are signs, certainly, of positive economic growth and expansion and increased demand in the housing market,” Olson said. In the residential area, See permits, 20A

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Farmington Dew Days will have its Grand Parade on Saturday once again. One of the many changes in 2011 that was well received.

GET CA$H FOR YOUR GOLD, SILVER & COINS! WE ARE BUYING:

CHECK US FIRST OR CHECK US LAST!

WE PAY TOP DOLLAR!

• All Gold & Silver Coins • Old Currency & Bank Notes • US Coin & Currency Collections • Unwanted Gold & Silver Jewelry • Sterling Silver Place Settings • Professional Numismatist on Staff

Immediate Payment If You Choose To Sell!

GREAT LAKES

COINS & COLLECTIBLES 952-657-5283

WE PAY TOP DOLLAR!

14321 Nicollet Crt. Ste 375 Burnsville MN www.GreatLakesCoinsMN.com M-F 10- • Sat. 10-3

June 8, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville

Farmington’s Fogarty selected for judicial evaluation board Will serve as citizen-appointee to advise Dayton

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

The Minnesota Supreme Court has appointed Farmington City Council Member Christy Jo Fogarty as a citizen adviser to Gov. Mark Dayton regarding judicial appointments. Fogarty told Sun Thisweek that she returned an unexpected call from Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Dietzen about two weeks ago, inquiring about her interest in the opportunity. She submitted her resumé and was chosen by the Supreme Court as one of a handful of citizen appointees to the 49-member Minnesota Commission of Judicial Selection. Fogarty is a dental hygienist and is one of the nation’s first dental therapists, able perform some of the same services as dentists. She has no legal experience, but has testified at the Minnesota Legislature and in Congress in favor of dental therapy training.

Christy Jo Fogarty Fogarty’s first assignment with the commission is to interview candidates June 29 to fill an judgeship opening in the First Judicial District. Fogarty has never met Dietzen and is not sure how he got her name, but she said he knows attorneys who have worked in and around the Farmington area. “I somehow became his choice,” she said. Before Fogarty joins the commission as a nonattorney member, she will meet separately with Dietzen, who previously served on the commis-

��

sion, and staff from Dayton’s office to learn about the process and what to expect. “I’m super excited,” she said. “I always love it when I have something I’m doing that’s totally new.” According to the governor’s website, commission membership includes 27 appointed by the governor and 22 appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court. Nine of the courtappointees serve at-large to consider vacancies within every judicial district and at least three of them must be non-attorneys. The commission includes four appointed members who represent each of Minnesota’s 10 judicial districts; two of them must be non-attorneys. Fogarty has served on the Farmington City Council since 2004, and is a candidate for District 1 on the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. She is also active on many boards and commissions and is co-chair of the Miss Farmington Pageant, held during the city’s annual Dew Days celebration, June 11-16. Laura Adelmann is at laura.adelmann@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville June 8, 2012

��

�

� ��

��

Photo by Laura Adelmann

Residents have started moving into apartments at Vermillion River Crossing, Farmington’s first senior housing project developed by the Dakota County Community Development Agency.

City’s first senior housing complex begins to fill Grand opening planned this fall in Farmington

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Residents have started to move into the first senior housing development in Farmington’s Vermillion River Crossing, and the 66-unit complex is expected to be full by August. Two weeks ago, the first occupants began moving in, and the second phase of move-ins will be June 19, said Sara Swenson, spokesperson for project developer, the Dakota County Community Development Agency. “We’re doing a phased

move-in process for the building, so everyone is not trying to get moved in all at once,” Swenson said. She said 51 of the units are committed, but encouraged people who may be interested to continue submitting applications, because sometimes people who have applied and were accepted are unable to move in because they encounter problems selling their home or other situations arise. The complex includes one- and two-bedroom fixed-rate units that cost

$566 and $691 per month, respectively. There are also six market-rate twobedroom units in the complex that cost $900 per month. A public open house and building dedication ceremony will be held in early October. To apply for any of the CDA’s affordable housing options, call (651) 6754400. Laura Adelmann is at laura.adelmann@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

��

Opinion

June 8, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville

Up in the air: Lakeville pilot takes aerobatics nationwide by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

You have never seen the beautiful landscape of Lakeville and its neighboring townships until you have seen it from a stunt plane flying upside down, as a series of straps strive to counter gravity. The added risk involved serves to make the fields and yards greener, the sky bluer and the lakes and ponds sparkle with an augmented flare. I’m not sure, but I’d even venture to say there is a bit of a connection with the divine. When that Extra EA-300 monoplane shot through the sky, looping like a roller coaster and rolling frantically on its horizontal axis, my mind raced from dwelling on the story of Daedulus – who flew his wax wings too close to the sun – to the comforting thought that forgoing lunch was one of my smarter moves in awhile. But despite all the aerobatics and the ensuing fits of nausea, I was oddly calm about what transpired because the pilot was Lt. Col. John Klatt. When not with his wife and two children in Lakeville, Klatt spends his life in the air, whether as an airline pilot, flying F-16s with the Air National Guard or touring the country performing at air shows. “My dad was an airline mechanic,” Klatt said. “He used to take me to the Oshkosh (Wis.) air shows, where I started to get interested in airplanes as a kid.” Oshkosh’s large, popular event still has some of the same performers as it did when Klatt saw them as a kid. “Oshkosh had a lot of aerobatics,” he said. Klatt grew up in Eagan, but spent a lot

Sun Thisweek Columnist

Aaron Vehling

of time learning to fly at Airlake Airport in the 1980s. He took the craft of flight to the next level when he decided to join the military. “I got hooked on aerobatics when I went to Air Force pilot training,” he said. “It’s a great artistic sport, if you will.” His 20 years with the military, Klatt said, offered him the experience of seeing the world. Africa and the Middle East are among those experiences. He flew relief missions in Africa, and in 2005, 2007 and 2009 flew an F-16 in Iraq as part of the Air National Guard out of Duluth. Flying aerobatically takes years of training, refinement and a team you can count on, especially when flying formations and performing creative, complex stunts. “You really need to trust that the other person is going to do exactly what they say they will do,” Klatt said. His team, who comprises his company, John Klatt Airshows, includes Tim Jarvis of Apple Valley and Scott Russell of Lakeville. As Klatt and I barrelled through the sky, Jarvis piloted a doorless plane that allowed Sun Thisweek Apple Valley Editor Andrew Miller to shadow closely and take the excellent photos in this paper and online. I could see the element of trust in ac-

Photo by Andrew Miller

Lt. Col. John Klatt of Lakeville (rear) pilots an inverted plane near Lakeville, while Sun Thisweek Lakeville Editor Aaron Vehling stares with amazement at the landscape.

to will away the nausea, Russell mentioned that the team had recently performed at the Jones Beach air show on Long Island in New York. As part of the photo opportunities, the team flew in a tight formation so the photographer could catch the Statue of Liberty in the background. To fly in highly-restricted airspace in formation requires talent and teamwork, which Klatt and his crew will have on display June 9 and 10 in Mankato at the Minnesota Air Spectacular. “These guys work very hard,” Klatt said. “They spend a lot of time on the road and flying cross country.” Klatt credits the Air National Guard for introducing him to opportunities he never would have had and wants to encourage others to look into it. “College is paid for,” he said, adding that many of the jobs offered have civilian counterparts. “It’s a great mission for a younger generation looking for ways to get involved.” While my one 45-minute flight might be a flash in the pan for Klatt, who has logged so many hours in the heavens defying gravity in scores of ways, I feel a sense of accomplishment and a profound respect for those whose passions keep them in the clouds. “I’m lucky to be able to enjoy all different kinds of aviation,” Klatt said, “and to engage in a lifetime pursuit of trying to learn new things.”

tion as Jarvis would steer his plane incredibly close to ours when we would fly upside down. The men acted in concert in a way that only a battery of rehearsals coupled with immense trust could produce. Aaron M. Vehling can be reached at aaron. I managed to avoid getting sick during vehling@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthe aerobatics but did need to recuperate a thisweek. bit afterward. As I chugged water and tried

Good times help build a better community by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

Summer will set its seasonal trip to the south metro area by what’s happening in Burnsville this year. The city is opening the summer festival season with I Love Burnsville Week (which continues today and tomorrow) and close it with the Burnsville Fire Muster the weekend after Labor Day. I love this time of year not only because of the splendid weather, but also because it’s when I see people from all walks of life pull together to organize events so those in their communities can gather and celebrate a common search for a good time. Summer festivals are about so much more than rock ’n’ roll music, beer tents and parades. It is a time for individuals and businesses to connect with the larger community and for service clubs to raise funds to support their year-round missions. Many individuals take this opportunity to volunteer on a festival’s organizing committee, plan an event or participate in one of the many activities. No matter who you are or who you work for, you’ve got to love the chance to reach out.

Sun Thisweek Columnist

Tad Johnson

Several years ago when I was working in Northfield, I went to visit my barber not long before the town’s annual Defeat of Jesse James Days. During our conversation, I said to him: “You must be looking forward to JJ Days this year.” He gave a Scrooge-like response and said he closed his shop and left town for the week that the festival’s thousands of people poured into the street right outside his main street shop door. He said he didn’t stay open because no one ever came into his shop during the event, parking was impossible, blah, blah, bah humbug. I dropped the topic at the time, but I’ve heard similar complaints from business owners in towns when festival time rolls around. What I’ve observed is that the business owners who turn into summer festival

Scrooges don’t know how to embrace the concept. The only thing my Northfield barber did to promote himself to the hordes of people who invaded the town was illuminate the barber shop pole outside his front door. With the carnival bank raid re-enactments right down the road, it’s no wonder no one paid attention to him. What he could have done, though, is moved his shop out into the street, offered discounted haircuts or handed out business cards or coupons to the many people who might not have known about the business and might come back at another time for a cut. He could have sponsored an event, organized one himself or partnered with some of his downtown business neighbors to promote shopping there. The options for businesses like his are endless, and I’ve never encountered a community festival organizer who didn’t want more business participation. There’s another kind of community festival Scrooge that I don’t understand. It’s the people who stay at home during such events in their hometown. Do they not realize how much a community festival can benefit service organizations

in their town? As a volunteer member of Rosemount Leprechaun Days, I know that the event is more than just a good time. It’s the catalyst for many service clubs and nonprofits to generate revenue for the rest of the activities they undertake during the year. The Rosemount American Legion, the seniors, the hockey association, churches and many more organize food booths or conduct other activities in an effort to fundraise. I can’t think of a better way for residents to give back to their community than by attending one of the events and having their money eventually turn into a veterans support program, a college scholarship or a youth mission trip. I encourage people to seek out the offerings of these service clubs and nonprofits during these summer festivals and businesses to find ways they can help or even do something to boost their own profile in the community. Tad Johnson, managing editor of Sun Thisweek and the Dakota County Tribune, can be reached at tad.johnson@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Letters Zoo needs to support the walkers To the editor: I live in Apple Valley, and I have a huge problem with the Minnesota Zoo. Minnesota taxpayers fund 29 percent of the zoo’s budget, which is over $20 million. I do support the zoo in general, but considering “we” approved $15 million in bonds in 2010 for a new entrance, I had hoped the local residents could get a cement path from the street into the Minnesota Zoo parking lot.

I would expect that a family-friendly business funded by the state would at least have a walking path so local members could walk to the zoo and not have to pay the $6 parking fee in addition to the $18 per adult to get in and the $12 per child ages 3 to 12 (not including the extra $4 to see the “Dinosaurs” exhibit, which is very nice). I love the zoo but I think taxpayers need to monitor where their money is spent. Can we finally get a cement path from the walking path on County Road 38 into the zoo parking lot so we can walk to the zoo to save

gas and money? STACY HARTH Apple Valley

Let’s admit graduates have it tough To the editor: A couple of recent letters disparage a guest columnist who discussed the difficulty for college grads to find jobs commensurate with their education, the financial burden that education imposes on college graduates today, and the possibility that high school

Thisweekend . . . . Photo Editor. . . . Sports Editor . . . Sales Manager. . . Office Manager. .

. . . . .

Andrew Miller Rick Orndorf . Andy Rogers Mike Jetchick Ellen Reierson

15322 Galaxie Ave., Suite 219, Apple Valley, MN 55124 952-894-1111 fax: 952-846-2010 www.SunThisweek.com | Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday

grads will not pursue higher education because of those difficulties. Regardless of one’s opinion about the content of the column, the facts are that college students are incurring enormous debt in obtaining that education, and the prospects of them making a salary that allows them to pay off the debt and start the rest of their lives are uncertain. Our current U.S. representative at one point opposed lowering the interest rate on student loans and supports for-profit education over funding public colleges and universities, as do our state legislators. For them, it’s about private profit over public good. As for jobs, the president doesn’t create jobs, and the private job creators aren’t creating them either. Graduates have to be persistent, patient and lucky to find good jobs today. I can see where it is hard to be optimistic. Rather than criticizing

the writer, we could recognize that graduates need our support and we have a role and responsibility in setting things right. One thing we can do is support local candidates in November who believe in public education and support the president’s policies to broaden and strengthen

the economy. We need to elect Mike Obermueller to Congress and Jeff Wilfahrt to the Minnesota House, for jobs, for education, for all of us. JUDY FINGER Apple Valley

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.

Interest wanes, but German maintained

School Board keeps teacher; options include expanding program beyond Farmington

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Despite continued attrition in its German program, Farmington School Board members in May saved German teacher Cheryl Wason’s position from recommended cuts. The decision required District 192 officials to determine how to maintain the program that has continually had declining student enrollment. Farmington High School Principal Ben Kusch said next year approximately 15 students are enrolled for German I and about 40 students enrolled for German II. There were no students registered for Level III and eight students registered for Level IV German. Kusch said the district was planning one large German II class, but will instead have two classes of about 20 students in that level, because the board voted against the recommendation to cut Wason’s position by four-fifths of

one full-time position. For months, most Farmington School Board members have supported retaining the German program based on its educational merits, but have not cited concerns about other programs that also have lower enrollments. When the School Board voted to retain Wason’s hours, they cut three other teachers’ hours, as was recommended based on enrollment. Wason and supporters have lobbied for the district to retain German. Last winter, Wason’s husband FHS band director Jeff Gottwig and German students sat next to her at a School Board meeting when she pleaded with the board to retain the program. Other districts, including Lakeville, cut their German programs over a decade ago when enrollment dropped. Kusch added that Farmington may eventually offer German classes electroni-

cally and enroll students who are not a part of Farmington School District’s borders, but cited concern the district may be setting precedent by supporting a program that does not attract students. “I see it as a concerning precedent to set because just as there is value in German … there is equal value in many programs that we offer,” he said.“Our resources are finite, but who is to say there isn’t someone else out there interested in extolling the virtues of their program. For how long do we continue to subsidize the German program despite low numbers?” Despite his concerns, Kusch said class offerings are ultimately the School Board’s decision. “I certainly will respect and abide by it,” he said. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

World War II re-enactment is success More than 1,000 paid admissions were counted at the recent World War II re-enactment event at Dakota City Heritage Village in Farmington. In addition, several hundred re-enactors and volunteers participated in the event. A total of 554 pounds of food was collected for the Farmington Food Shelf. Visitors received $2 off on the admission price by bringing a food item. Ray Rygula, who cochaired the event with Jon Boorom, said that many people helped make the event a success. Youths from Boy Scout Troop 269 in Lakeville earned community service time by helping. The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization from Lakeville was on hand to

assist military personnel, veterans and their families. Two young adults from Farmington High School volunteered to videotape the speakers’ symposium. Twenty-one businesses

and organizations provided donations, services and volunteers. Rygula said that 15 individuals with no business or organization affiliations also helped with the event.

��

� ��

Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville June 8, 2012

��

June 8, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville

Mayor won’t seek County Board seat Kaus receives Eagle Scout scholarship sioner, and my sense is that I can be the best leader, and Apple Valley Mayor perhaps touch the most Mary Hamann-Roland an- lives, being mayor.” After Branning’s nounced on Tuesday announcement she would not seek May 8 that he plans election to the Dato retire, Hamannkota County Board Roland was one of Commissioners. of two high-pro The announcefile officials from ment came a month Apple Valley who after Hamann-Roannounced plans land had declared Hamannto seek election her candidacy for Roland the County Board seat to Branning’s seat on the currently held by long- board. Sen. Chris time Commissioner Will State Branning, who is not seek- Gerlach, R-Apple Valley, whose Senate term expires ing re-election in the fall. H a m a n n - R o l a n d , at the end of this year, also known to her constituents announced his candidacy. simply as “Mayor Mary,” His announcement came said she wishes to remain after the mayor’s. in city office because that’s Currently, Gerlach is where she can have the the sole candidate to have officially filed for election greatest impact. “I’m truly committed to Branning’s board seat. to being mayor of Apple (Though she announced Valley,” said the four-term her candidacy in May, mayor, whose current term Hamann-Roland never ofexpires at the end of 2014. ficially filed for office with “I certainly weighed the the Minnesota secretary of pros and cons of what it state.) means to be a commis- Hamann-Roland said by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

she came to her decision not to run for county board following weeks of “soul searching,” and she made her final decision during her daily 15-minute meditation on Tuesday morning. Remaining mayor of Apple Valley, HamannRoland said, will allow her to focus on projects in her hometown, among them business expansion opportunities near the longplanned 147th Street transit station. “There’s a ton of stuff that needs to be done,” she said. “I’m not interested in a battle (for the county seat) – I’m interested in collaboration and making things happen. “If we all make that commitment to work with one another, our community can be strong and healthy and loving.” Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Photo submitted

Joseph Kaus of Lakeville was awarded a $1,000 Eagle Scout Scholarship at the Northern Star Council’s recognition dinner on March 31 at Base Camp near Fort Snelling. Kaus, who graduated June 3 from the Academy of Holy Angels, is a member of Troop 269 chartered by the VFW in Lakeville in the Prairie Lakes District.

NAMI meeting set June 11 The National Alliance for Mental Illness Dakota County monthly meeting will be at

7 p.m. Monday, June 11, at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville. Guest speaker will be Richard Erickson, facilator at Depression Support Group. All are welcome.

Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville June 8, 2012

Lakeville Briefs Paintball game raises $26,000 MN Pro Paintball raised more than $26,000 for Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota at the fourth annual Challenge for Children’s Big Game. More than 475 people from the Twin Cities participated in the scenario-based paintball game at MN Pro Paintball’s park in Lakeville.

Class of 1972 reunion The Lakeville High School Class of 1972 will hold its 40th reunion at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at the home of Bruce and Pat Zweber, 387 Maple Island Road, Burnsville. Information: Mary Boegeman Johnson at MBoegemanJ@

yahoo.com or Mary Ann Knox at MaryAnnKnox@ visi.com.

Library events for children The Heritage Library in Lakeville will host the following children’s programs: • Chapters: Queen of the Falls & Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken, ages 5-10, 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 12. Listen to two adventure tales – one true and one imaginary – and make a craft related to one or both. • Alan Johnson Comedy Juggler Extraordinaire, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 13. Outdoors. Bring a blanket to sit on. • Monkey Madness with the Story Man from England, 10:30 a.m. Monday,

June 18. Celebrate monkeys and children’s play. • Make and Take Bookmarks, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 19. Children of all ages can create bookmarks with a variety of craft supplies. • Clifford’s Birthday Party, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 20. Celebrate Clifford the Big Red Dog’s birthday with stories and a party hat decorating craft for children of all ages and their families. • Comedy Improv Camp with SteppingStone Theatre, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays, June 22 through July 20. For ages 10 to 16. Space is limited. Registration begins June 8. These library programs are free. For more information, call (952) 891-0360.

Farmington Briefs Farmington Library events The Farmington Library, 508 Third St., has planned the following events. Call (651) 4380250 for more information. • Summer Reading Program begins Monday, June 11, for children and teens.

• Teen Advisory Group, 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 11, followed by book discussion from 7 to 7:30 p.m. New members welcome. • Teen Library Day/ Drop-in for Activities, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 12. • Minnesota romance author Julie Klassen, 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 12.

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest, all ages, 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 14. Registration required. • Children’s Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to noon Friday, June 15. Registration required. • RAD Zoo Open House, 10 a.m. to noon Friday, June 15.

��

June 8, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville

��

A Farmington couple have purchased a hair salon in business for three years and changed its name. Joel and Liz Parenteau in March took over ownership of the Sports Cuts Salon and changed its name to Sports Cuts Family Hair Salon to emphasize its range of services. The salon, located at 115 Elm St., provides ser-

��

vices including haircuts, perms, wax treatments, updos and colors. “It was a full-service salon before, but we felt like the title was too geared toward men,” Liz Parenteau said. The shop is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Seniors Senior Day at IMAX Theatre Senior Citizen Day is Tuesday, June 12, at the Great Clips IMAX Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo, 12000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley. Complimentary coffee and refreshments will be served at 9 a.m. The film, “Flying Monsters 3D,” will begin at 10 a.m. Cost is $6.50. For questions or group reservations, call (952) 9979714 or email cpurfeerst@ imax.com.

Farmington seniors

Lakeville seniors 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.

Health insurance counseling Health insurance counseling to Medicare beneficiaries will be provided by state-certified Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging staff or volunteers, free of charge, from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 11. Call the senior center to make a onehour appointment.

A representative from Minnesota SMARxT Disposal will discuss proper disposal of unused and expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in a program at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, June 12. Cost: One punch.

Take a scenic cruise on Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River aboard the Pearl of the Lake riverboat on Monday, June 18. Lunch at the Chickadee Cottage Cafe. Program time: 9 a.m. Diner’s Club to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $61 for Both singles and couples members, $71 for nonmem- are invited to dinner at the bers. Deadline: June 18. See Seniors, 10A

��

�� Gary Gephart

In Loving Memory

The Rambling River Driver safety Center is located at 325 Oak St. For more information classes on trips, programs and oth- The Minnesota Highway er activities, call (651) 280- Safety and Research Cen6970. ter will offer four-hour refresher courses on June 11 Dew Days events from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and • Model Railroad Dis- June 16 from 8:30 a.m. to play: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fri- 12:30 p.m. Cost is $20. The day, June 15; 8 a.m. to 1 refresher is open to anyone who has taken an eightp.m. Saturday, June 16. • Bike Auction: 8 a.m. hour course within the last three years. Register by callSaturday, June 16. • Dew Days Parade: 4 ing 1-888-234-1294. p.m. Saturday, June 16. • Kiss the Pig: 6 p.m. Sat- Proper medication urday, June 16. disposal

Pearl of the Lake cruise

��

Salon under new management

Darah Lynn Robertson 8-12-89 to 6-7-08 The fragrance & the beauty of the gardens on earth are surely just a glimpse of the splendor of those that await us in God’s Kingdom.

�� Open House

Age 62, of Whitefish, MT formerly Lakeville, MN passed away May 10, 2012. Preceded in death by parents, Earl (Stub) and Jean (Trevis) and brother, Joseph. Survived by wife Judy; daughters, Stacey (Dan) Vanella, and Jade Gephart. Grandchildren Hunter, Haden, and Hannan Vanella. His siblings, Greg (Colleen), Mike (Sally), Jeanie Gephart, Michelle (Alan) Stedman, Mary Lee (Slick) Sleichter, Joan (Jim Poplawski) Gephart, Lisa, Gwen, and Tony Gephart; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of his Life will be held Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the Lakeville VFW Post 210, 8790 Upper 208th Street. from 3-6 p.m. Memorials can be sent to: Minnesota DNR Section of Fisheries Attn: Linda Eastwood 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4040. Special Note: In memory of Gary Gephart Online condolences at www.whitefuneralhomes.com

60th Anniversary

Martin & Ritha Lucking Sunday, June 24th 1-4pm 13830 South Robert Trail Rosemount, MN (At Sons, Mark & Tom’s residence!) No gifts please!

Debra Jean Fischer (Kafka)

Storlie Please join us to celebrate: Don & Alice Storlie’s 50th Wedding Anniversary with a Dessert Party Open House - Saturday, June 16th from 1-4 pm Christiania Lutheran Church 26691 Pillsbury Ave Lakeville, MN No gifts please

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

Age 52 of Apple Valley, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2012 after a 6-year battle with breast cancer and into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Preceded in death by her father, Gerald. Survived by her beloved husband of 24 years, Joe; sons, David and Chris; mother, Karen Kafka; sisters, Diane (Steve) Anderson and Geri (Bobby) Doane; nieces, nephews and in-laws. Her smile lit up a room. She was full of life, real, and wore her heart on her sleeve. Her greatest joy was accepting God’s grace and being a mother to her precious sons. Her beautiful personality was felt by many and will be greatly missed. Deb is now in her true home, heaven. Funeral Service was held at 11am, Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Hillside Church, 4300 West 98th Street, Bloomington, MN. Visitation was at 9AM at Church. Interment, was in Acacia Park Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN White Funeral Home Apple Valley, MN 952-432-2001

Richard C. Kehrer (Dick) Age 81 of Lakeville, was born Jan. 20, 1931, in Credit River to Albert and Margaret (Wermerskirchen) Kehrer. Dick passed away peacefully on May 31, 2012. Survived by sister Kathleen Zweber and brother LeRoy (Marjorie) Kehrer. Proceeded in death by his parents, brothers, Julian and John, brother-in-law, Clinton Zweber, and nephews, Mike Kehrer and Terry Zweber. Dick was a lifelong resident of Lakeville, Korean War veteran and retired from the Lakeville Fire Department. He worked for many years at First National Bank of Lakeville and later worked for Reiger Roadways and Model Stone Company. Dick was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother, friends and nephews. He spent as much time as possible at his cabin in Northern Minnesota. Dick will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Happy Hunting Uncle Dick. Mass of Christian Burial was held 11AM Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke Ave. Lakeville, MN. Visitation was 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Interment, All Saints Cemetery. White Funeral Home Lakeville 952-469-2723 www.whitefuneralhomes.com

��

Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville June 8, 2012

Education Kilbride receives scholarship College news Megan Kilbride a National Merit of Lakeville South Commended StuHigh School is dent last year and the recipient of a has received nuscholarship from merous academic Twin Cities in Moawards for her tion. The TCM achievements at college scholar- Megan Lakeville South. ship is a one-time Kilbride She also accumu$5,000 grant open lated nearly 700 to all high school seniors hours of volunteer work who participate in cross in high school, primarily country or track and re- as a youth soccer coach, side in the Twin Cities American Cancer Society 11-county metro area. Relay for Life team cap Kilbride is a three- tain, and Dakota County sport captain, with 16 Wetland Health Evaluavarsity letters through tion Program team memher years in cross coun- ber. try, Nordic skiing, and In college, she plans track and field. She is a to study biomedical enthree-time all-conference gineering, biochemistry cross-country runner and or neuroscience and conwas also named the Cou- tinue running both cross gar Award recipient three country and track. times. Kilbride was named

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, spring 2012 graduates from Farmington – Jerame Kuyper, B.A., criminal justice; Kaelyn Matteson, B.S., kinesiology; Elizabeth Matthys, B.S., biology; Emily Stoeckmann, B.A., mass communication and art; from Lakeville – Samantha Bystedt, B.A., history; Kristin Frosch, B.A., English; Beth Harrington, B.S.N., nursing; Alexandra Harris, B.S., athletic training; Heidi Hopkins, B.S.N., nursing; Joni Kopitzke, D.N.P., nursing; Stephen Vikla, B.B.A., business administration; Matthew Webster, B.B.A., accounting and information systems; Thomas Wilmes, B.B.A., management. Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, spring 2012 graduate, Danielle Maybee of Farmington, B.A., German

and religion, cum laude. Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, spring 2012 graduate, Michael Zorn of Farmington, M.B.A. University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, Kan., spring 2012 graduate, Sheri Tilley of Lakeville, B.S., nursing. Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, spring 2012 dean’s list, from Lakeville – Marcus Blackstad, Adam Bouchareb, Amanda Feeks, Robert Porter, Kyle Vick. Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, spring 2012 graduates, from Farmington – Steven Dow, history; from Lakeville – Nicole Hamrick, biology; Kyle Hunt, health fitness; Steph-

anie Korba, geography, history; Madeline Lang, history; Julia Lawant, international management; Emily Persons, philosophy, cum laude; Robert Porter, health education, physical education; Kyle Vick, history, political science, magna cum laude. Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical, Winona, spring 2012 president’s list, Carl Boeke of Lakeville. Columbia College, Columbia, Mo., spring 2012 dean’s list, Emily Carney of Lakeville. University of Minnesota, Crookston, spring 2012 chancellor’s list, Cayla Bendel of Lakeville.

Aquatics group awards scholarships The Lakeville Aquatics Group, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting aquatic activities and expansion in the south metro, recently awarded scholarships to four Lakeville seniors who excelled both in the classroom and pool. Alayna Gallegos and Trae Schindler were recognized as members of the Lakeville North swim team, while Haley Chatelaine and Evan Ostendorf were awarded as members of the Lakeville South swim teams. Each will receive a $500 scholarship toward their collegiate educational costs.

10A

June 8, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville

DFL picks Thurman for Senate, Jensen and Morgan for House Democrats in the newly drawn state Senate District 56 have endorsed Leon Thurman of Burnsville for the Senate and Dave Jensen of Savage for the House of Representatives in District 56A. The endorsements were made May 29 at a meeting of the Senate District 56 DFL Central Committee held at Burnhaven Library in Burnsville. Thurman will face first-term Republican Sen. Dan Hall of Burnsville in November. Jensen will face first-term Republican Rep. Pam Myhra of Burnsville. District 56 DFLers endorsed former Rep.

Will Morgan of Burnsville for the House District 56B seat at their convention in April. Morgan will face Roz Peterson of Lakeville. District 56B is mostly in Burnsville, with a small part of northern Lakeville. The new Senate district, a product of this year’s redistricting, encompasses most of Savage and Burnsville and a portion of Lakeville. District 56A is mostly Savage, with a part of west-central Burnsville. District 56B is mostly in Burnsville, with a small part of northern Lakeville. Thurman, who has been a public school

teacher, college professor and community educator, has lived in Minnesota since 1977 and in Burnsville for 22 years. A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Thurman has taught at the MacPhail Center for the Arts in Minneapolis and has served as a specialist voice educator for the Fairview Voice Center of the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Thurman told delegates Tuesday he plans to work for a sound fiscal foundation for state government and to provide high-quality education to prepare Minnesota children for 21st century, living-wage jobs, according to a DFL news re-

lease. Jensen, a nurse practitioner, has been a clinical supervisor for HealthPartners Geriatrics for the past six years. A graduate of the University of North Dakota with a degree in nursing, Jensen earned his nurse practitioner certification at St. Catherine’s University. A native of Kindred, N.D., Jensen and his wife of 27 years, Michele, have two adult children, Mara and Sam. Jensen said he supports strong public education, the restoration of Minnesota’s infrastructure and health care for all Minnesotans. — John Gessner

seniors, from 8A Roasted Pear in Burnsville. Meet at the restaurant at 5 p.m. on June 14. Sign up by June 12.

Open studio watercolor in the park All past and present Lakeville Senior Center watercolor students are invited to participate in the open studio event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 14, July 12 and Aug. 16 at Antlers Park (Shelter B) in Lakeville. Bring a dish to pass for the 11 a.m. potluck. Painting will follow lunch. No need to sign up, just show up for this free event.

Motorcycle Club This club is for men and women age 50 and older. The club takes a shorter ride on the second Thursday of each month, and a longer ride on the fourth

Thursday. Leave the senior center at 10 a.m. • June 14: New Trier (Dan’s for lunch). • June 28: New Ulm. New this year is a Saturday breakfast ride on the third Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. Riders meet at the senior center parking lot. Scheduled Saturday rides are: • June 16: Belle Plaine, Emma Krumbee’s. • July 21: Hudson, Key’s Restaurant. • Aug. 18: Faribault, TBD. • Sept. 15: Destination to be determined.

DriveWell presentation On Friday, June 15, at 10:15 a.m., a representative from the Courage Center Driver Assessment and Training Program will introduce strategies older drivers can use to remain safe drivers. Cost: One punch.

Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville June 8, 2012

Business Briefs Shannon earns Diamond Ring Club membership William J. Shannon, a financial/private wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial, has earned membership in the company’s Diamond Ring Club. Advisors earn the distinction by delivering consistently high performance along with an exceptional commitment to financial planning and superior client service. Shannon was one of only 60 advisors to achieve this status in 2011. His office is at 12380 Nicollet Ave. S., Suite 101, Burnsville.

WestlawNext takes top honors Eagan-based Thomson Reuters, a source of information for businesses and professionals, announced that Elite, Thomson Reuters News & Insight, Westlaw and WestlawNext

won top honors in the 2012 Best of The National Law Journal. WestlawNext finished first in three categories, including: Best Online Legal Research Vendor, Best Legal Research iPad App, and Best Solo Firm/Solo Practitioner Research Vendor. Westlaw was also named Best Legal Research Vendor and Thomson Reuters News & Insight on WestlawNext was named Best Legal News iPad App. Elite was named Best Time & Billing Solution. The awards were based on the readership survey of The National Law Journal.

Genpak moves production lines to Lakeville Food packaging company Genpak is completing work on the former Berry Plastics plant located at 8235 220th St. in Lakeville. The company recently was issued a building permit to construct a small addition on the north side of the ex-

isting building for a paint Closets For Life mixing room. Several of the production lines have been partners with moved from Bloomington wine cellar and are up and running in Closets For Life, an Lakeville. The remaining Apple Valley custom orlines will move and begin ganization company, has operation by the end of Au- become an independent gust. dealer for California-based Apex Wine Cellars, which Apple Valley produces custom-designed creations. AmericInn sold cellar Closets For Life works The AmericInn in Apple with residential clients as Valley has been sold by well as designers, buildJohn Voss to Duluth-based ers and architects to create DeSanto Investments. storage solutions for all orOwner Jake DeSanto lives ganizational needs includin Minneapolis and grew up in Duluth. His brother Jess is moving from Duluth to Apple Valley to become general manager. The company has begun a complete overhaul of the property and will put more than $500,000 into the reconstruction. DeSanto Investments owns three hotels and seven rental properties in Minnesota and Wisconsin. John Voss also sold the AmericInn in Inver Grove Heights, but to different owners.

��

11A

ing wine cellars, closets, tion: catherine@applevaloffices, pantries, Murphy leychamber.com. beds and garages.

Father’s Day Zellers to speak Tractor Show at chamber Pahl’s Market, Apple Valley, will host a Father’s luncheon Kurt Zellers, speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, will speak at the June 20 Apple Valley Chamber luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at LaGrand Conference Center at GrandStay. Cost is $15 for members. Informa-

��

Day Tractor Show from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 16 and 17. Besides tractors, the event will include an ice cream social, fairy garden demonstrations and beer tasting. More information can be found at www.pahls. com.

��

� ��

��

�

��

�

��

12A

June 8, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville

Thisweekend Eagan Market Fest returns for sixth season by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Minnesota’s top-rated farmers market returns next week with an expanded roster of vendors and activities. Eagan Market Fest, which is part farmers market and part community festival, will kick off its sixth season June 13 at the Eagan Festival Grounds in Central Park, 1501 Central Parkway. Every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m., market-goers can choose from a plethora of locally grown produce and homemade goods, purchase dinner from local food vendors and enjoy live music at the Rotary Band Shell. “Our goal is all about bringing the community together, and it’s affordable and a great family venue,” said Kerry Phillips, Eagan Market Fest coordinator. New items such as handmade caramel candy, enchilada sauce and gourmet cupcakes will also be featured this year. In addition to edible goodies, attendees can browse the market’s selection of jewelry, woodcrafts and garden art. The market will also feature a children’s activity each week sponsored by the Eagan Art House, as well as an outdoor gaming area. Each week will have a theme, beginning with “Bike to Market Fest,” which spans June 13 to 27. People who come to the market by bicycle this month will receive a $5 produce voucher. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a friend to the market between June

20 and Aug. 22. Those who do can enter into a drawing for a basket filled with produce and other products available at Market Fest. The market will introduce a new theme called Latino Night Celebration on Aug. 1, which will celebrate Latino culture with music, dancing and traditional food. Other theme nights include Family Night on June 27, which will feature entertainment by Radio Disney and the Teddy Bear Band, Classic Car Show and Oldies Music Night on July 18, and Health and Wellness Night on Aug. 15. The market closes at dusk and ends Sept. 26. Eagan Market Fest was named in 2011 the best farmers market in Minnesota and among the top 20 markets in the United States. For more information, call (651) 675-5500 or visit www.cityofeagan.com. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Eagan Market Fest Concert Schedule June 13 – The Fannin Family as seen on 2011’s “The Sing Off.” June 20 – Dakota Brass and South of the River Community Big Band June 27 – Family Night — Radio Disney and the Teddy Bear Band July 4 – Market closed July 11 – Gypsy Mania Trio and Songs of Hope Choir July 18 – Classic Cars and Oldies Music Night/The Rockin’ Hollywoods July 25 – Wild Honey and The Locusts Aug. 1 – Latino Night/K Libre 24 Aug. 8 – Todd Menton, and Lehto and Wright Aug. 15 – Jeff Ray and Hurricane Harold and Cool Disposition Aug. 29 – Barley Jacks

Photo by Jessica Harper

Eagan Market Fest, which is part farmers market and part community festival, will kick off its sixth season from 4 to 8 p.m. June 13 at the Eagan Festival Grounds in Central Park, 1501 Central Parkway.

Photo by Jessica Harper

Eagan Market Fest was named in 2011 the best farmers Market-goers can choose from a plethora of locally grown produce and homemade goods, market in Minnesota and among the top 20 markets in the purchase dinner from local food vendors and enjoy live music at the Eagan Rotary Band United States. Shell. New items include handmade caramel candy, enchilada sauce and gourmet cupcakes.

Summer concerts return to Apple Valley’s Kelley Park by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

Apple Valley’s Kelley Park has become a Friday night gathering spot for families in recent summers with its free concert series hosted by the Apple Valley Arts Foundation. This summer, Music in Kelley Park returns with

seven nights of music starting June 15, when the series kicks off with a double bill featuring singer-songwriter and Apple Valley native Dustin Hatzenbuhler, and local rock/country trio Four Degrees of Freedom, fronted by identical twin brothers Travis and Kalin Laurent. Each concert runs from

��

6 to 9 p.m. and will see vendors offering festival food such as burgers and brats along with wine and beer. As in past years, there will be free weekly drawings guests can enter to win a new bicycle or guitar. The series continues June 22 with Menage a Neuf, a nine-piece Twin Cities funk and soul band that’s led by three female vocalists and covers artists such as Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones. After the Menage a Neuf concert, Music in Kelley Park takes a week off as attention in Apple Valley shifts to Bogart’s Place on June 29 for the annual Dancin’ & Cruisin’ classic car show, the opening event to the city’s summer Freedom Days festival. The concerts return to Kelley Park on July 6 with an evening of music by the Castaways, a band known for its single “Liar, Liar,” which peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart

in 1965. The Harold Torrence Latin Vibe takes the stage July 13, followed July 20 by acoustic artist Michael Monroe, a native of Minnesota’s North Shore who’s made the trek south to Dakota County to perform in the Kelley Park music series each year since its inception in 2008. MacPhail Center for Music’s instructors and students will deliver an evening of jazz July 27, and the series concludes Aug. 3 with the indie-blues-folk fusion of Steve Sullivan and the Factory. Admission is free to the Friday night concerts in the park located at Founders Lane and West 153rd Street in Apple Valley’s Central Village. More information about the series is at Facebook.com/MusicInKelleyPFile photo ark. Michael Monroe is bringing his mix of acoustic folk, jazz and reggae to the Music in Kelley Park concert series on Andrew Miller can be reached July 20. Monroe, a native of Minnesota’s North Shore, has at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com made the trek south to Dakota County to perform in the or facebook.com/sunthisweek. Kelley Park series each year since its inception in 2008.

��

� ��

��

Chautauqua auditions

Auditions for musicians to be part of Dakota City Heritage Village’s Chautauqua tent show during the Dakota County Fair will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 16. Singers/actors will audition from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 30. Applicants should email Jennifer Merhar, producer, at dakotatentshow@yahoo. com to register and receive an appointment time. For information, call Dakota City at (651) 460-8050.

Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville June 8, 2012

Romance author Pulitzer Prize winner at library at Heritage Library Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson will discuss her New York Times bestseller, “The Warmth of Other Suns,” from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, at the Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley.

The event is free. Doors open 45 minutes in advance of program. Books will be available for sale and signing. For more information, visit www.clubbook.org or www.dakotacounty.us/library or call (651) 450-2918.

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) 997-8928. Comedy Craig Allen with special guest Chris Adams at 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 8, and Saturday, June 9, at MinneHAHA Comedy Club, 1583 E. First Ave., Shakopee (lower level of Dangerfield’s), (612) 860-9388, www. minnehahacomedyclub.com. Tickets: $13. Concerts Music in Kelley Park featuring Dustin Hatzenbuhler and Four Degrees of Freedom from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 15, at Kelley Park, 6855 Fortino St., Apple Valley. Free. Food and beverages available for purchase. 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. Minnesota Sinfonia will perform a Father’s Day concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 17, at Caponi Art Park’s outdoor amphitheater, Eagan. A $5 per person donation is suggested. Rain date: July 15 at 7:30 p.m. Information: www. caponiartpark.org.

Exhibits World Travel Photography exhibit by artist Becqi Sherman will open June 2 at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Information: (952) 9854640.

Festivals I Love Burnsville Week will be celebrated June 2-9. Information: www.burnsville.org/index. aspx?NID=742. Rhythm & Words Family Music and Book Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at the Burnsville 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 7-9 and 14-16 and at 2 p.m. June 10 and 17 at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets are $20 for adults; $17 for students, seniors, and groups and can be purchased at the box office or via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com.

Workshops/classes Music Together in the Valley offers classes for parents and their infant, toddler and preschool children in Rosemount, Dance DAdance will present “The Farmington, Lakeville and Apple Three Bonnies” at 7:30 p.m. Valley. Information: www.musicFriday, June 8, at Burnsville togetherclasses.com or (651) Performing Arts Center, 12600 439-4219. Nicollet Ave. Tickets are $26 for The Eagan Art House offers adults, $19 for seniors and $16 classes for all ages. For a comfor students and can be pur- plete listing go to www.eaganchased at the box office or via arthouse.org or call (651) 675Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 5521. Dan Petrov Art Studio in or ticketmaster.com. Burnsville offers oil painting

Connie Brockway, New York Times bestselling author, will discuss her romance creations at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville. Information: (952) 891-0360.

Music camps for children MacPhail Center for Music in Apple Valley is offering music camps for children this summer. For information, call (612) 321-0100 or go to www.macphail.org.

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) 7363644. 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. Fee is $3 and includes all supplies. Bring any old jewelry you would like to re-make. 3981 Lexington Ave. S., (651) 675-5500. Savage Art Studios, 4735 W. 123rd St., Suite 200, Savage, offers classes/workshops for all ages. Information: www. savageartstudios.com or (952) 895-0375. Soy candle making classes held weekly in Eagan near 55 and Yankee Doodle. Call Jamie at (651) 315-4849 for dates and times. $10 per person. Presented by Making Scents in Minnesota. Country line dance classes held for intermediates Mondays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St., Farmington, $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. 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) 4637833. Country line dance classes on Wednesdays at the Lakeville Senior Center, 20732 Holt Ave. Beginners, 9-10 a.m.; Intermediate, 10 a.m.-noon. $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. The Lakeville Area Arts Center offers arts classes for all ages, www.lakevillemn.gov, (952) 985-4640.

Ground Zero K-9 officer visits AV Petco Retired Michigan police officer Joaquin Guerrero and his writing partner, Lakeville author Barbara Marshak, will visit the Apple Valley Petco June 15-16 to talk about Guerrero’s memoir, “Michigan and Rookie: Guardians of the Night.” On 9/11, Guerrero and his K-9 partner Rookie

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

Friday, June 8 Outdoor movie, “Zoo Keeper,” 7:30 p.m. seating, dusk showtime, part of Burnsville’s “Flicks on the Bricks” series at Nicollet Commons Park in the Heart of the City. 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. Cost: $5 per person or $15 per family. Tuesday, June 12 Family Fun Tuesday – Cheremosh! Ukrainian folk dance ensemble, 10 to 11 a.m. in the Sculpture Garden at Caponi Art Park, Eagan. $4 per person donation suggested. Information: (651) 454-9412 or www.caponiartpark.org. Tuesday Evenings in the Garden – Bon Appétit with Kay Schutte, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the garden at UMore Park, 1605 160th St. W. (County Road 46), Rosemount. This class explores cooking with edible weeds and flowers. Fee: $10. Questions or to register by phone, call University of Minnesota Extension: (651) 480-7700. Wednesday, June 13 Eagan Market Fest, 4 to 8 p.m., Eagan Festival Grounds. Farmers market, concert by Fannin Family, children’s art, family games. Free shopping bags for the first 500 people. Bike to the market and earn a $5 free produce voucher (while supplies last). Information: www.cityofeagan.com/marketfest or (651) 6755500.

13A

Thursday, June 14 Music in the Parks – Sticks and Tones, 10 a.m. at Central Park Amphitheater, Rosemount. Weather-related updates: (952) 985-1780, option No. 6. Thursday Rockin’ Readers – William Byrne Principal Lyle Bomsta, 11:15 a.m., Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Free. Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour – Hans Mayer Music for Kids, noon, Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Free. The Great Grill-Out, 6 to 8 p.m. at Market Plaza, Holyoke Avenue and 208th Street, Lakeville. Family fun. Free hot dogs and brats. Information: www.downtownlakeville.com. Friday, June 15 Summer Fresh Friday Film, “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead,” 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Natural Foods, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville. Information: (952) 8911212, ext. 221.

Saturday, June 16 Tenth annual Junk Market from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Towne and Country Shopping Center, 1998 Cliff Road E., Burnsville. Free admission. Vendor opportunities available. Held rain or shine. Father’s Day Tractor Show from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pahl’s Market, 6885 160th St., Apple Valley. Information: (952) 4314345, www.pahls.com. Food drive for Dakota County food shelves, 9 a.m. to noon, at Ss. Martha & Mary Episcopal Church, 4180 Lexington Ave. S., Eagan (Diffley and Lexington). Requested: canned food, peanut butter, dry goods, personal hygiene items, cooking oil, flour and baking items. Cash donations accepted. The International Festival of Burnsville from 3 to 9 p.m. in Nicollet Commons Park, Burnsville. The free festival will feature a variety of cultural dance and musical performances, ethnic food, cultural exhibits, and plenty of children’s activities. Informa-

responded to help in the Ground Zero search efforts. Rookie died in 2004 and received an honorary memorial service. Guerrero, Rookie II, and Marshak will be appear at Petco, 7590 150th St. W., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 15, and 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 16.

tion: www.intlfestburnsville.org. Marriage Encounter weekend begins at Mt. Olivet Conference Center in Farmington. Visit www.marriages.org for a listing of retreats or call (651) 454-3238. Sunday, June 17 Father’s Day Tractor Show from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pahl’s Market, 6885 160th St., Apple Valley. Information: (952) 4314345, www.pahls.com. Open house from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lutz Railroad Garden, 2960 Egan Ave., Eagan. Free. Trains will not run if raining. Information: (651) 454-3534. Reunions Lakeville High School Class of 1972 will hold its 40th reunion at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at the home of Bruce and Pat Zweber, 387 Maple Island Road, Burnsville. Information: Mary Boegeman Johnson at MBoegemanJ@ yahoo.com or Mary Ann Knox at MaryAnnKnox@visi.com. Blood drives The American Red Cross will hold the following blood drives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767) or visit redcrossblood. org to make an appointment or for more information. • June 8, noon to 5 p.m., Diffley Square, 4130 Blackhawk Road, Eagan. • June 9, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Caribou Coffee, 14638 Cedar Ave., Apple Valley. • June 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan. • June 12, 1 to 7 p.m., Mary, Mother of the Church, 3333 Cliff Road, Burnsville. • June 14, noon to 6 p.m., Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9600 163rd St. W., Lakeville. • June 15, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Easter Lutheran Church - By The Lake, 4545 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan. • June 15, 1 to 6 p.m. Celebration Church, 16655 Kenyon Ave., Lakeville. • June 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Brunswick Zone XL, 11129 162nd St. W., Lakeville.

14A

Sports

June 8, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville

Tiger softball heads to state Team returns to tournament for first time in nearly a decade

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

For the past 10 years, teams south of the river have dominated the landscape in Class AAA softball. Hastings, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount and Eastview have won state titles during that stretch, but none of those teams made the trip to North Mankato on Thursday for the state tournament. Instead, Farmington will be there for the first time since 2003. With a 17-4 record, a Missota Conference title and Section 1AAA championship, the Tigers were confident as they prepared for the Class AAA tourney. After their brilliant performance in the section playoffs last week, it was understandable. The Tigers entered the Section 1AAA tournament as the No. 2 seed and knocked out Winona 9-2, Rochester Mayo 12-2, Hastings 4-3 and Rochester John Marshall 5-1 to win the title. The girls had to travel

to Austin for the final rounds, which kept them focused. “We knew they were all good teams and they had good players,” senior Allie Rice said. “It helped us focus. We were out of town and we hadn’t played those teams yet.” Hastings came in as the defending state champion and Rochester John Marshall was the top seed, but Farmington was unfazed. “Sections was the most we played as a team,” senior Taylor Haakana said. “We worked with each other and backed each other up. Some games one person would get a hit then go cold, but another girl would step up.” In the section final, the Tigers handed John Marshall its most one-sided loss of the season. John Marshall “squeezed by the whole tournament, always by one run,” Farmington senior Brooklynn Searles said. “We said going in we were going to make them

fight for it.” Pitcher Ashley Betzold held Rochester John Marshall to three hits while earning her 17th victory. She helped out at the plate too, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and a home run. Every night it’s been someone new stepping up with a key RBI or play in the field. “Everyone loves the game and everyone loves to win, but I think this group has a little more fight in them,” senior Erin Wurst said. Seniors Wurst, Haakana and Rice have been playing softball together since kindergarten. They said were proud of the fact they were part of the first Farmington team to qualify for state since 2003, and they hope this is just the beginning. With just four seniors, the Tigers relied heavily on several underclassmen to get them to state. “We have a young team, but the younger girls have really stepped up,” Haakana said. “We wanted (to go to state) a lot, but

those girls have shown us that they really want it too. “We’re always telling each other to be focused. Even if they’re not seniors, we’re on each other to stay on their game. They stepped up and played like seniors.” When asked how to define the team, Searles, who moved from Rosemount last year, said “family.” “There’s no drama,” she said. “We’re all friends. We’re all backing each other up. If someone is having a bad day, everything goes away when you step in the dugout.” The girls were scheduled to play Section 4AAA champion Stillwater at 9 a.m. Thursday, with a second game scheduled for 3 p.m. On Friday, the consolation final is scheduled for 9 a.m., with the thirdplace game at 11 a.m. and the state final at 2 p.m. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Cougar girls track sending their largest-ever group to state Pieri, Burns, Slattery, Thornton lead long list of qualifiers by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

No matter what happens at the Class AA state track and field meet this weekend at Hamline University in St. Paul, the Lakeville South girls season has been one for the record books. The girls won the True Team state, South Suburban Conference and Section 1AA championships. “It truly has been an amazing season,” head coach Andrew Hilliard said. “I’m still not quite sure the girls realize how big a deal this has been. I likened it to an undefeated season at our banquet and that helped put things in perspective. “While I don’t think we have the horsepower to take home the (state) championship, if we have a good meet we might see our highest team finish in the school’s history. ... Depending on how we perform, we could be first or we could be 10th. I think we’ll probably finish somewhere in between.” Lakeville South will send a busload of girls to St. Paul this weekend. Three relays and six individuals have high hopes. It’s the most athletes South has ever qualified for state. Perhaps the most interesting event will be the high jump, where two Cougars could compete for gold. Caraline Slattery and Morgan Pieri both cleared 5 feet, 6 inches at the Section 1AA meet last week, which is the best in the state this

year. While Pieri was expected to contend for a state title after finishing second last year, Slattery has emerged as a contender in the past few weeks. Slattery has “trained hard all year and has been patient, not setting many personal records until just the past few weeks,” Hilliard said. “Our high jumpers are a wonderful group. They get along well and push each other to be the best. While both Morgan and Caraline are seeded at 5-6 for the state meet, I did see them clearing 6-0 at practice (recently), although that was off of a small jumping ramp.” Shaina Burns is in the running for one of the top spots in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles. Jordyn Thornton is one of the favorites in shot put and discus, but she’s chasing Maggie Ewen of St. Francis, one of the top throwers in the country. Monica Turner will join Thornton in the shot put, and McKell Anderson will compete in pole vault. All three relays have a goal of finishing the season on the podium, meaning a top-eight finish. The 4x800 relay of Emma Mickelson, Megan Kilbride, Andrea Brekken and Kaytlyn Larson are in the middle of 18 qualifying teams all running within 10 seconds of each other. The 4x200 with Rose Cozad, Rachel Mickelson,

Lakeville South’s Morgan Pieri is one of the favorites in the high jump at state this weekend. Kaitlin VanWinkle and Emily Wick, and the 4x400 of Cozad, Rachel Mickelson, Burns and Larson, face similar situations. All of the teams are within a few tenths of a second of each other. “I think our success will really depend on how smoothly our handoffs are and whether all four runners can maintain their composure in such a competitive atmosphere,” Hilliard said.

A few girls fell short of qualifying individually at the Section 1AA meet. Brekken was 13 seconds short in the 3,200. Allison Mosser was about a halfsecond away in the 100 hurdles and even closer in the 300 hurdles. Mosser has run faster in the 300 hurdles than some state qualifiers from other sections, but she’s in the same section as teammate Burns and Alyssa Parco of Farmington, two

Tiger track loads up for state Lorencz, Parco, Ferm aiming for awards podium

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

Last season the Farmington girls track and field team finished fourth at the Class AA state meet at Hamline University. It was the Tigers’ best season ever. The good news is nearly everyone who helped last year is back for another run Friday and Saturday in St. Paul. The girls could finish even higher this weekend with more events projected to score even more points. “There is going to be a lot of teams wanting the same things we want, so we have to take care of qualifying on Friday to make finals on Saturday a reality,” head coach Tom Hart said. Nadia Lorencz, one of the favorites in the 100-meter hurdles, won the Section 1AA title in 14.56 seconds. Her toughest competition appears to be Rachel Schow of Rosemount and defending champion Jessica January of Richfield. Lorencz is the favorite in the long jump. She leaped 17 feet, 11 1/4 inches at sections last week and a state-best 18-6 at the Pat Foley Classic May

15. There are few girls in the state who can long jump 18 feet. Lorencz also has the top seed in the triple jump after winning the section title with a leap of 37-6 3/4. “Nadia has a chance to place very highly in the three events she is involved in,” Hart said. “She knows what she needs to do and we have some goals for her which are very attainable.” Isabelle Ferm has shot off the blocks, winning the 400 dash at sections in 58.51. She has run as fast as 58.12 at the Missota Conference meet in late May. She’s chasing favorite Kianna Carter of Irondale. Ferm also is a candidate for the podium in the triple jump. “Izzy has a very good chance to do well in all of the events she is involved in,” Hart said. “She works hard every time she steps on the track, whether it be practice or a meet. She truly is reaping the benefits of her hard work this year.” Alyssa Parco is one of the favorites in the 300 hurdles. She has some fierce competition coming from Thief River Falls’ Meleah Biermaier, Erin

Huls of Rocori and Lakeville South’s Shaina Burns, but she’s in the mix for one of the spots on the podium. The 4x400 relay was also section champion thanks to Parco, Ferm, Megan Graham and Alicia Hett. They had a time of 3 minutes, 58.37 seconds at the Missota Conference meet. Parco and Ferm ran on Farmington’s fourthplace 4x400 team at last year’s state meet. Farmington finished third in the Section 1AA team standings last week and just missed having state qualifiers in a few other events. Parco missed the cut by a tenth of a second in the 100 and Ferm was a step away from participating in the 200. “I think things worked for the best, as I would like to see them do well in their usual events rather than mediocre in more events,” Hart said. The boys track and field team will have representation at state as well. Tyler Lerbakken, Eric Karsten, Ben Cole and Luke Kruger combined to finished second in the section behind Rochester Mayo in the 4x200 relay.

of the top hurdlers in the state. Rachel Mickelson was less then a tenth of a second away in the 400. “Sometimes placing third and missing state by less than 0.3 seconds is tougher to get over than placing eighth and not being close,” Hilliard said. “Luckily some of our close qualifiers like Annie Brekken and Rachel Mickelson are still going to state in a

Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

relay. “While the qualification process was a little disappointing for (Mosser) this year, we’ve benefited from the same qualification process in other years, so I can’t complain.” Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Panthers to crowd state track meet Girls team sending several athletes to Hamline by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

The Lakeville North girls track and field team finished second in a highly competitive Section 1AA meet last week. The girls will have 10 opportunities to collect points at the Class AA state meet at Hamline University in St. Paul this weekend while the boys will send two individuals. “They have worked hard. This is a nice reward,” head coach Todd Endersbe said. “Our goals at state are to get everyone into finals and/or on the podium, get All-State honors, and score some points. We’ve had to deal with some adversity this season so I’m hoping the state meet will take away some of the sting.” Distance runner Taylor Perkins demonstrated her endurance by winning the 1,600-meter race and finishing second in the 3,200. She had personal-best times in both races. Angelica Anyaogu qualified in both the 100 dash and long jump. She also anchors the 4x100 relay, which won the Section 1AA title. Kendall Naatjes, Alexa Trakalo and Claire Seivert also run on the 4x100 team. Trakalo will run in the 200, which “surprised the competition and other teams in the 200 but not our coaching staff,” Endersbe said. “She ran very well early on and is now getting back to showing her speed.”

Emma Erickson will toss both the shot put and discus at state this weekend. Delaney Miller is a state qualifier in the discus after improving by more than 30 feet this season. “This is all because of her work ethic and discipline during the offseason,” Endersbe said. Max Leake will join her at state after nailing a personal record 5 feet, 4 inches in the high jump at sections. The boys placed fourth as a team at the section meet. Kyle McPhee hit the qualifying standard in the pole vault, and Ben Saxton finished second in the 1,600 to advance. A few athletes left the section meet disappointed. Ben Krynski was a top seed in the discus but missed the state standard by 4 inches. Andrew Anyaogu had third-place finishes in the 100 and 200. The 4x100 relay of Nick Valentini, Derek Duong, Kyrell Newell and Andrew Anyaogu missed qualifying for state by a fraction of a second. Michaela Preachuk also came close, getting third place in the girls 100 hurdles. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy. rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/ sunthisweek.

Cougar boys looking for high marks at state

Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville June 8, 2012

15A

Blazing Cats third at CI softball state

Bares returns to defend pole vault title

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

The Lakeville South boys track and field team placed second in the Section 1AA meet last week with several athletes qualifying for state competition this weekend. With defending state pole vault champion Lee Bares and a number of other athletes in line for the finals, head coach Jonathan Gilmer is encouraged by the possibilities. “Minnetonka is the favorite to win it all, but if these five guys do well they will be in the hunt for one of the top three team places,” Gilmer said. “We have had an up-and-down season as a team and then they peaked at the right time. We had a lot of very good performances, and overall as a coaching staff we were very happy for the guys. We did about as good as we could at the section meet. I think every team member had a personal record.” Bares is the favorite in the pole vault after rising out of obscurity to win the state title last season. He was runner-up in his section last year and unfamiliar with his opponents at state. He kept adding multiple inches to his vaulting heights daily, leading to a state title by June. This year he broke the section record with a vault of 15 feet, 6 inches – which is also a personal record – thanks to near-perfect conditions and the wind at his back at his home stadium at Lakeville South. His goal for the Class AA state meet this weekend at Hamline University in St. Paul is 16 feet, which would break the state record. But he’s improved by drastic amounts in a short time before. Last season at sections, Bares cleared 13-11 for the first time to finish second. A week later at state, he cleared 15 feet, giving him

the state title. All that after picking up the pole vaulting just a few months prior. A gymnast, Bares trained in the pole vault during the offseason for the first time. “I know all the air movements and I’m comfortable being upside down,” Bares said. “It’s not for everyone. You’ve got to really like it. The coach came up to me before I started pole vaulting and said, ‘You’re strong, you’re fast, and Lee, I think you’ve got a screw loose. You’ll be perfect.’ “I love being under risk. It’s a good time.” Just a junior with dreams of attending West Point, Bares said he’s not stopping at 16 feet. “I want to break the 1718 mark,” he said. “There’s no limit for me.” Bares was used in multiple events this season including the long jump, 100-meter dash, 200, 4x100 and 4x400 to work on his speed. “He has been a busy guy and the pole vault has not progressed as much,” Gilmer said. “When we go to two-day meets he has been able to have one day to focus on pole vault and now he is starting to excel again. Coach Jim Wolter has done a great job getting him ready.” Bares joins a healthy collection of teammates at state in the field events. Nick Bachinski is one of the favorites in the high jump after clearing 6-7 at the Section 1AA meet. He’s up against Jamie Crum of Minnetonka, DeAntre Smith of Roseville and Josh Lieberg of Sartell-St. Stephen. Bachinski also ran a number of events, including the hurdles and all three jumps, to help gather points for the Cougars. “After the conference meet we looked at what events Nick would have the best shot at getting to state and we have now focused

on the 110 high hurdles and the high jump,” Gilmer said. A state participant in the hurdles last season, Bachinski fell two tenths of a second short this year, but Gilmer said Bachinski prefers the high jump. “He has a chance to do well,” Gilmer said. “He is peaking at the right time.” Tom Ryan is one of the state’s top discus and shot put throwers. “Tom has been under the radar all year,” Gilmer said. “He is an incredible worker, relentless and that has paid off for him. He has been at the top of his events in most meets and right now he is throwing really good. He always has a smile on his face, but when he is in the circle he is all business.” He’ll be competing against Thomas Anderson of Andover, who set a state record in the shot put earlier this season. The Cougars’ Austin Gould also qualified in the long jump. “Austin has been one of those stories of the new kid out,” Gilmer said. “He was new to our school this year as a senior. That is tough. He came out and we worked him in a variety of events through the season, but we had a feeling that the long jump was going to be his event. If Austin can hit one, which he is capable of, he can make it into the finals.” Raoaf Barboza will compete at state in the 300 hurdles after coming close to qualifying the last two years. “This year he wanted to make sure there was no doubt,” Gilmer said. “Our goal is to get through the prelims ... he has as good a chance as any of the other competitors.” Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Photo by Bill Jones

Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville’s Michael Dedeker is out trying to get to third base during the adapted softball CI Division state tournament June 1 in Coon Rapids. In the third-place game against South Washington County, the Blazing Cats scored five runs in the seventh inning to win 14-11. Every Blazing Cats player had at least one hit, and Terry Kalm and Dedeker had four hits each. The Blazing Cats defeated Owatonna 16-13 in the first round, with Daniel Kline going 5-for-5 with the game-winning RBI. Jacob Coffmann and Brandon Wong had four hits each. In the semifinals, the Blazing Cats lost to Dakota United 16-8 thanks to the hot bat of Joe Sandey. The Blazing Cats’ Dedeker and Tyler VanDerWerf were named to the all-tournament team.

Sports Briefs Vetter, Larson, Thomas qualify for state

ter placing second with 147 at the Section 1AAA meet at Bellwood Oaks. After being ranked No. 1 Three golfers from Lakev- in the state for much of the ille North qualified for the season, the Lakeville North Class AAA state golf tour- boys fell short of qualifying nament June 12-13 at Bunker as a team. The Panthers led after the first round May 31 Hills in Coon Rapids. Brianna Vetter and Laura with a team score of 303, Larson both shot 176 at the nine strokes ahead of the two-day Section 1AAA girls next closest team. During round two, Rochester Cenmeet at Cannon Golf Club. Freddy Thomas qualified tury shot 293 while North for the boys tournament af- shot 313, which dropped the Panthers to third.

Farmington’s May qualifies for state Farmington’s Tommy May finished fourth at the Section 1AAA boys golf tournament Monday at Bellwood Oaks in Hastings, earning a place at the state championships next week at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids. He is the first Tiger to qualify for state since Greg Werner in 2009.

��

16A

June 8, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville

17A

June 8, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville

Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville June 8, 2012

18A

primaries, from 1A a new voice, citing concerns about maintaining property rights amidst increased watershed regulations and advocated for stronger representation for townships and the cities in the district. Fogarty is a Farmington City Council member who said her experience working with townships allows her to understand the challenges and attributes of the rural parts of the county. She is interested in human service issues, such as finding ways for lowincome people to have access to dental care and would work to cut red tape to promote business development and expansion, as has been done in Farmington. Donnelly, who is also a Farmington City Council member and a past Farmington School Board member, filed late Tuesday. Henry is a Castle Rock resident who owns an excavating business, grades township roads and serves on the township’s road committee. He said he has experience with budgeting and good working relationships with county and township officials. Noting the rural nature of the district, Henry said he would work hard to represent township issues, including water and roads, but also said he would address the concerns of Farmington and Hastings residents. Slavik is a Hastings City Council member midway through his second term and small business owner. He said he understands the effect government has on business, “good and bad.” Citing concerns about

the aging population and limited funding, Slavik called for innovation and collaboration to redesign government to provide services without duplicating efforts. Challenging Workman are Peter Beckel, a retired teacher and investor who has lived in Dakota County about 25 years, and Dave Giles, a Dakota County highway maintenance worker and former firefighter. Beckel, who ran but was not elected for Burnsville School Board in 2008 and 2010, said he would work to curb spending and increasing governmental regulations. Giles, a lifelong Burnsville resident, said he has always wanted to run for public office to serve the people and cited concerns about keeping roads safe, providing police protection and ensuring taxpayers get the “biggest bang for the buck.” Workman, a former Burnsville City Council member, said she loves being a commissioner, and has learned so much about the county in her first term. “We are a very well-run county,” Workman said. “I just want very much to continue to be a part of it.” When Will Branning announced a few weeks ago he would not seek reelection in District 7 after

15 years in that office, he endorsed Apple Valley Mayor Mary HamannRoland for the seat. Although she then announced she would seek the job, she did not file for candidacy. Hamann-Roland said she decided against running after some “soulsearching,” and hearing from disappointed residents who urged her to remain as mayor. She added the city has many projects going on, including Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit and related business development, that requires support. “We have a lot on our plates right now,” she said.”I just couldn’t leave it.” H a m a n n - Ro l a n d ’s decision means State Sen. Chris Gerlach, who served eight years in the Minnesota Senate and announced he would not seek re-election to that office this fall, will run unopposed as the District 7 commissioner. Gerlach did not return a message seeking comment, but HamannRoland said she talked to Gerlach about her decision not to run, and they vowed to work together. “I’m interested in collaborating with Chris for the betterment of our community,” HamannRoland said. Challenging Nancy

��

Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville June 8, 2012

Schouweiler in District 4 for the second time is Bill Klein, an Inver Grove Heights City Council member, who told Sun Thisweek he wants to reign in spending. He cited concerns about property rights, including his work to rid governmental regulations over community gardens in Inver Grove Heights, and was critical of the county’s use of lobbyists and trips commissioners have taken to conferences and Washington, D.C. Schouweiler, chair of the County Board of Commissioners, said she is proud of her role in the county’s achievements, which include maintaining the lowest county tax rate in the state. She said her trips have brought millions into county coffers, and noted her service as a member of the National Association of Counties Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee. Schouweiler also serves on the Minnesota State Advisory Council on Mental Health’s Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health by governor appointment.

vets, from 1A rive in downtown Lakeville just in time for the city’s annual summer celebration, Pan-O-Prog, after four years of touring nationwide. Exhibit hours will be Wednesday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, July 5, from noon to 10 p.m.; Friday, July 6, from noon to 10 p.m.; and Saturday, July 7, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed during the parade). In the morning after her vision, Miller said she thought the idea would go away – as midnight sparks of creativity often do. “But in the morning it was even stronger,” she said. “I could not get the image out of my mind. So I spent a few months wrestling with the idea.” Not long before that night, the Lima Company, a group of Marine Reservists representing seven states, lost 23 men in a huge explosion in Iraq. “Seeing all those faces of the men, knowing that all of those families were going to be going through some really, profoundly awful days,” Miller said. “We had recently lost children of close friends, so we walked through that grief with people close to us.” She did not know where to start, but she felt the need to use her artistic ability to help the community heal after the major loss.

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

19A

As an artist with experience painting churches and life-sized murals, Miller saw this as a personal mission. Two-and-a-half years later she had finished the paintings and was unveiling them at the Ohio Capitol building on Memorial Day 2008. “Since then they (the paintings) have been traveling the country,” she said. “Just like in my vision.” To achieve her goal, Miller relied on the help of volunteers and donations. She didn’t have any military connections, so the help was valuable, she said. The mothers of the fallen soldiers were involved, too. “They helped in the process,” Miller said. “They said they believe in their hearts that these paintings are alive and they are healing people. There’s some sort of something that miraculously happens when one stands in the center of the circle (of paintings).” Mike Strahle survived the blast and is in charge of operations. He was unavailable for an interview by the time this went to press, but Miller said the inspirational figure will be on-site in during Pan-O-Prog. Aaron M. Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

��

� ��

��

�

� ��

��

� ��

��

� ��

��

� ��

��

20A

June 8, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington / Lakeville

finance, from 1A ington in March of 2010, Walters, who was 46 when she was hired, spent a decade as an accountant in the city of Bloomington and was the finance director of Waseca. She said she loved working in Waseca but moving to Farmington allowed her to be closer to her Elko home where she lives with her huspermits, from 1A there have been 93 new single family homes through May 2012. That is more than double last year, Olson said. This is keeping up with trends in similar cities. Some developers, whose subdivisions have sat idle for the past few years, now seek to finish their work. This includes the Crescent Ridge and Kenora Ridge projects, whose remaining plats have been up for a council vote redew days, from 1A include Bakers Square and Culver’s along with food and beverage favorites from Farmington restaurants, including the Long Branch Saloon, Subway, Pizza Man, the Mug (previously the Ugly Mug), Dunn Bros Coffee, Dairy Queen and Dominos. For $7 per person or $10 per couple, visitors to the June 14 event can enjoy food and beverage samples from 6 to 9 p.m. at Rambling River Park. Those who have a Dew Days button, on sale now for $3 at Farmington businesses, will receive a $2 discount to the tasting and be eligible for discounts offered at most Farmington retailers throughout Dew Days. At the CVS parking lot in northern Farmington, the free Family Fun Day will be held June 14 and feature games, prizes, face painting, sno-cones and a bounce house. Pirate Captain Jack Sparrow and the Farmington Fire Department will be on hand for entertainment, and visitors can see and learn about alpacas, domesticated mam-

band and two school-aged children. “I grew in Farmington,” Walters said. “I appreciate Farmington because it was an excellent opportunity to be a finance director for a larger city, and I do believe that Farmington is a great community.” City Administrator Dave McKnight said he does not comment on personnel matters, but said Walters will re-

ceive a total payout of about $14,600, the amount she has accrued in paid time off. “This is consistent with any employee leaving employment,” McKnight said in an e-mail. “She will also receive a final paycheck for the current pay period.”

cently. Though a far cry from the $240 million permit valuations in 2003, all of last year’s $88 million worth was an improvement over the $55 million in 2010. “I don’t know if we’ll get back to those (2003) levels,” Olson said. “But I am seeing more (subdivision) activity.” On the commercial side, new developments such as Walmart and the senior lifestyle complex at Hosanna, in addition to industrial space

filling up, are evidence of a re-emergence of interest from that sector. “In 2011, there was over 580,000 square feet of existing industrial park building space either purchased or leased,” Olson said. “Businesses are willing to make the investments.”

mals that resemble llamas and are valued for their wool. A new Miss Farmington will be crowned June 13 during the 7 p.m. Miss Farmington Pageant at Boeckman Middle School. The winner will be given a $1,500 college scholarship and become eligible to compete in the Minneapolis Aquatennial. Candidates are Stephanie Barnes, sponsored by Swedin Chiropractic Clinic; Alexis Preese, sponsored by Immanuel Dental, and Heather Torkelson, sponsored by the Farmington VFW. There are 14 second- and third-grade girls competing for the Little Miss competition, and 15 middle school girls are registered for the Junior Miss competition, according to the Miss Farmington Pageant website, www. farmingtonroyalty.com. The crowd-pleasing Kiddie Parade is at 11 a.m. Saturday, and the Grand Parade will begin at 4 p.m., with the route beginning at the Dakota County Fairgrounds and winding through downtown Farmington. The parade grand marshal is Russ Zellmer, vice

chair of the Castle Rock Township Board of Supervisors and a longtime Dew Days supporter. Contests sponsored by local businesses will be held Friday and include bubble blowing (Heikkila Studios) pie eating (Farmington Bakery), ring toss (Gerster Jewelers), Pick a Duck (Shidor) and hula hoop spinning (Olympus Health Club). Beer, Brats and Bingo will be held June 13 through 16 near the beer tent, where local bands will entertain crowds. One of Dew Days’ most popular events, Kiss the Pig, is set for 6 p.m. Saturday at the stage near the beer gardens. A DJ will entertain the crowd all weekend. American Roadhouse will perform live Friday and Wasted Talent will take the stage Saturday. For more information, see Sun Thisweek’s special Dew Days section inserted in this edition. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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

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