SUN Thisweek Farmington and Lakeville by Sun Thisweek

Farmington | Lakeville

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July 27, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 22

City hires law firm for salary investigation Farmington Council Member Julie May calls for organizational overhaul

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek HHH

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news Want to run for office? The filing period for Lakeville City Council and mayoral seats and Lakeville School Board is from July 31 to Aug. 14. Page 5A

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The city of Farmington has hired the Minneapolis law firm Ratwik, Roszak and Maloney to investigate department head raises and promotions as reported by this newspaper in June. City Administrator Dave McKnight stated in an email he did not know when the investigation would be completed or

how the information will be presented to city officials. “Once the investigation is completed, this will be determined,” he wrote. Farmington Mayor Todd Larson said he expects the situation will be discussed in a closed meeting (because it involves personnel issues) with the City Council next month. The newspaper reported

that some Farmington department heads received raises every few months, their salaries far surpassing 1 or 2 percent cost-of-living increases approved by the City Council annually. Former and current Farmington City Council members interviewed cited concerns about department head salaries, the justification for them, and how some promotions were

handled. One of the most significant promotions and raises involved Farmington Human Resources Director Brenda Wendlandt, who started with the city in 1997 as a human resources coordinator earning $38,500 per year. During her 15 years with the city, Wendlandt’s salary increased 25 times, six of the raises approved

by former Finance Director Robin Roland. The first time Roland signed off on a raise for Wendlandt was eight weekdays after Roland was named interim city administrator, without bringing it before the then-Farmington City Council. Roland approved a raise that she made retroactive See investigation, 20A

Dakota Work on Heritage Center progresses County drug case retesting begins Appeals could overwhelm the attorney’s office, justice system by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Paranormal activity Investigators with the Dakota County Paranormal Society will share their findings at Lakeville’s Heritage Library next week. Page 12A

sports

Intensity turns up heat in win Lakeville Intensity defeated Mahtomedi 4-2 in the girls Under-13 Classic 2 Minnesota Youth Soccer Association state tournament. Page 14A

Online Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ sunthisweek. Tweet with us at twitter. com/sunthisweek. Find more photos and stories at sunthisweek. com.

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A week after workers testified to failures at the St. Paul crime laboratory, Dakota County is having retested all drug evidence in first-degree cases currently being litigated. The evidence is being sent to the Bureau of Dakota Criminal AppreCounty hension crime Attorney lab, which many James other agencies Backstrom also are using for retesting after Dakota County courtroom testimony revealed shoddy practices by an undertrained workforce at the unaccredited St. Paul crime lab. Witnesses, some crime lab employees, testified in a special hearing the lab lacked oversight, documentation, standards, and quality procedures. The drug lab department’s temporary closure could result in years of retesting and retrials, further clogging courts and other drug crime labs. BCA officials will have increased drug lab caseloads from Dakota, Washington and Ramsey counties that used the St. Paul crime lab, and are attempting to triage the work, said Dakota County Drug Task Force Cmdr. Dan Bianconi. “We only have the BCA willing to accept re-tests for our first-degree cases,” Bianconi said. “I don’t know if others See crime lab, 11A

Photo by Aaron Vehling

The Heritage Center, the future home of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, the Lakeville Area Historical Society and the Lakeville Senior Center, is on track to open this fall. Crews have been working on the remodeling project both inside the former police station and outside, transforming the grounds to accommodate more parking and a better drop-off/pick-up area in the front. The city is holding a wine-tasting fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at the Spirit of Brandtjen Farm to help reimburse the city’s $400,000 bridge loan to the project, whose total cost will be about $1,095,524.

Former Crystal Lake PTO president enters ISD 194 school board race Harmening cites experience with school closure, budget cuts as reasons for her run

by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

Jennifer Hearon Harmening, an active community member and 2011 PTO president of the former Crystal Lake Elementary School, has announced her candidacy for the Lakeville School Board. Crystal Lake was closed in a round of Jennifer budget cuts in 2011. Hearon It has been repur- Harmening posed for community education and other uses.

This had a profound effect on Harmening. “The Harmening family experienced the impact of the changes in the Lakeville school district firsthand when Crystal Lake Elementary closed in 2011,” she wrote in a press release. “As programs are cut, class sizes continue to rise and families are now paying for busing.” Harmening has a resume that spans business, church involvement and public education. She was president of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, after which she started her own association management

consulting business. Her focus, according to her statement, is on organizations in transition. She said she decided that it was time to “dig in and get more involved.” Her current business involvement includes being executive director for MedNet of Minnesota, a medical device association. She also serves on the board of directors and executive committee for Daystar U.S., a national organization that provides funding and services for Daystar University in See harmening, 20A

Farmington mayor regrets meeting action Larson proposes adding public comment during meetings

by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Farmington Mayor Todd Larson said it was a mistake not to let citizens comment on a controversial issue at a July 2 City Council meeting. “I realized a mistake was made, and I’m taking measures to correct it,” Larson said. Several residents were concerned they were not allowed to address the

council during the meeting regarding a potential move of the city’s downtown liquor Farmington store. Mayor Todd A f t e r Larson meeting with some of those residents, Larson said at the July 16 meeting he would accept public comment on

agenda items if they indicate during public comment they want to speak or he recognizes them during the meeting. “I don’t see any other way to do it without opening every item on the agenda to citizen comment,” Larson said, citing concerns about the potential of comments repeated by different speakers and of excessively long meetings.

Larson’s proposed changes concern Council Member Julie May, who questioned the implications of picking and choosing which topics to allow citizen comment. “It goes back to where we were,” she said. “At whose discretion are we going to be where we allow it? I don’t want people to have the impression that you’re biased, that you’re only going to allow

comment when you want to hear comment.” May said she plans to ask for the council to review the public comment policy. Larson worried allowing too much public comment could delay meetings and decision-making. “There’s going to come a time when that’s enough comment, and we have to See larson, 19A

July 27, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

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Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville July 27, 2012

Lakeville dad who abandoned son will share custody by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

Steven Cross, who was sentenced to probation in May 2012 for abandoning his son in July 2011, has a chance at reconciling with his son after a Dakota County Juvenile Court decision this week to end its child protection proceedings. Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom announced the move, which was based on the recommendations of the Dakota County social worker and the court-appointed guardian. This brings the child protection matter to a close, according to a statement from Backstrom’s office. Cross was convicted of neglect of a child (a gross misdemeanor) and Photo by Laura Adelmann sentenced to two years of Steven Cross goes through court security as he arrives at the probation and ordered to Dakota County Courthouse for sentencing May 16. pay restitution earlier this

year. Cross’ son is living fulltime with his mother and continues to work on his relationship with Cross, the statement said. Monica Jensen, a spokesperson for the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, said that under the family court order, the parents share joint legal and physical custody. “Eventually, the plan is that the boy will be coparented,” she said. “A

family therapist remains involved in this process.” Cross left his son with neighbors last summer and drove off to California. An unemployed architect, Cross faced foreclosure and had about $3,000 to his name. He left a letter for his son, indicating his reasons for his actions and revealed that the boy’s mother was alive (contrary to Cross’ previous indications that

she was dead). Cross was arrested in northern California in August 2011. He currently lives in Lakeville, across the street from his old home. Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

Opinion

July 27, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

We can reverse the devastating obesity trend by Joe McCarthy Special to Sun Thisweek

We face an obesity epidemic not only in Minnesota and the United States but also on a global basis. At age 11, obesity is considered persistent. Adult obesity rates increased in 16 states in the past year and have not shown a reduction in any state, according to “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2011,” a report from the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Twelve states now have obesity rates above 30 percent. Four years ago, only one state was above 30 percent. Inactivity (not terrorism or global warming or any other issue one can muster) is the No. 1 threat to America’s safety, security and welfare. By 2030, 42 percent of people in the U.S., will be obese, the study found. Currently, based on research from Duke

Guest Columnist University, about 34 percent of adults and 17 percent of children are obese. A further report by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine indicates that 32 million more people will be tipping the scales in the wrong direction. If these new estimates prove true, obesity will cost the country some $550 billion, the report stated. Research clearly demonstrates healthy students are better learners particularly when the students are physically fit. There is a great video on YouTube (www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_ embedded&v=aUaInS6HIGo) called “23 and 1/2 hours: What is the Single Best Thing We Can Do for Our Health?” In great detail, the video explains how physical activity reduces knee arthritis by 47 percent, dementia and alzheimers by 50 percent, diabetes by 58 percent, anxiety by

48 percent, depression by 30 percent and is the number 1 percent treatment of fatigue. Quality of life is significantly increased by regular exercise, specifically walking. If you walk more than 21 minutes a day, you will have a 29 percent reduction in high blood pressure. How does physical activity affect our children? Physical education and movement is the center piece for learning, fitness and academic achievement. When the body moves, essential nutrients are sent to the brain through the blood stream. Physical activity increases the rate of neurogenesis (area for memory and learning), releases neurotrophins (facilitates the growth of new brain cells) and increases brain activity (more circuits are involved in learning). Fitness is the key to academic achievement! There are numerous students who demonstrate the direct correlation between lev-

el of fitness and the statewide assessment scores. California Department of Education Study of 2001, the Texas Youth Fitness Study of 2009 and the most impressive study is the Anthony Elementary Study of 2006; Results on three studies in California (2001), Texas (2009), the Anthony Elementary (2006) were the same. With each fitness test passed, the level of academic achievement also improved, positive behavior increases and obesity is reduced. Our goal is for our students to have the knowledge and passion to live a healthy lifestyle. Joe McCarthy is Meadowview Elementary School physical education teacher, president of the PE Council for Minnesota Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Follow him on Twitter at JoeMcCarthy09. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Why are growing numbers of Minnesota youngsters being home-schooled? by Joe Nathan Sun Thisweek

Why are some families doing home schooling, how many are doing it, and is it a good idea? Several readers responded to a recent column on district and charter enrollment by asking these questions. First, why? Professor Milton Gaither of Messiah College in Pennsylvania said: “The most recent (2007) National Center for Education Statistics data (http://nces.ed.gov/ pubs2009/2009030.pdf) has the top three reasons for homeschooling being first, a concern about school environment (bullying, lack of morals, etc), second, a parental desire to provide religious or moral instruction, and third, dissatisfaction with the academic instruction at the public school.” “Although each situation is unique, most parents turn to homeschooling because, ultimately, they want what is best for their kids,” said Beth Balmanno, president of Minnesota Homeschoolers’ Alliance. “Perhaps their special needs students aren’t getting their needs met; maybe their gifted child isn’t being challenged; or maybe they want to provide their child with the ability to follow their passions and interests, free of an institutionalized schedule.” Minnesota Department of Education

Sun Thisweek Columnist

Joe Nathan

officials Cindy Jackson and Carol Hokenson supplied state statistics. Here’s a brief, partial summary of their records, including school years and numbers of Minnesota students being “homeschooled.” • 1987-88 - 2,322 • 1997-98 - 13,081 • 2006-2007 - 17,621 • 2011-12 - 16,081 These figures showed an increase of more than 15,000 from, 1987-88 to 20062007, and then a modest decline. “The increase in homeschooling from the 1980s to the 2000s is a reflection of two things: Legislation made it easier for families to homeschool and homeschooling became more ‘mainstream,’ ” Balmanno said. “The reduction in recent years is directly related to the increase of online schools. Although an alternative to brick and mortar education, students enrolled in online schools do not count as homeschooled stu-

dents.” Gaither agrees with her. “Some states have seen declines since the mid 2000s and, yes, indeed those declines frequently correlate with the expansion of online public schools (cybercharters being the most conspicuous example),” he said. Though students being educated via a “public cyber-school” or via online learning are not counted in the homeschooling figures, they clearly are doing some of their learning at home. The southeastern Minnesota school district of Houston has adapted to the opportunity that homeschooling provides. They’ve created “online” learning opportunities for students throughout Minnesota. Justin Treptow, head of Houston’s online program, told me that the district enrolled more than 1,600 full-time online students last year, and 185 part-time students. This is not an argument that home schooling or online learning is the best option for everyone. Not every family does a great job with this, and some online learning programs have promised more than they delivered. “It would be hard to quantify achievements of homeschoolers because families perceptions of ‘achievement’ are wide and varied,” Balmanno said. “Do homeschool

graduates go on to attend college? Absolutely. Do homeschoolers achieve perfect SAT scores and win academic contests and excel at sports? Certainly. However, there is no clearinghouse for this type of information.” Gaither has concluded, that it is “impossible to summarize or generalize the impact of homeschooling on students.” Over the last few years, I’ve read deeply moving essays by suburban and rural students who are learning online. Some describe bullying that they experienced in large secondary schools, and the far more comfortable environment they experience by learning at home, via online learning. Others describe a medical issue, either for themselves for a close family member, which made it difficult or impossible to leave the home for many months. They praise the home school/online option, as one youngster wrote: “Just right for me.” Joe Nathan, formerly a Minnesota PTA president, public school teacher and administrator, directs the Center for School Change. Reactions welcome, joe@centerforschoolchange.org. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Letters Fire, police departments deserve thanks

lunch at the station from her favorite restaurant, McDonald’s. The fact that she was unable to catch any shoplifters or speeders didn’t lessen her experience with her policeman friend Nick or the other policeman that stopped in just to say hello. We do not have the words to be able to express the depth of our gratitude to the volunteers who gave up part of their holiday weekend to put a smile on our daughter’s face. We do not know any of these volunteers, policemen or policeman Nick, but they were willing to drop everything that day to make Allison’s wish come true. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

To the editor: Our daughter Allison’s dream of riding in a fire truck, made in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the caring of some close friends, came true thanks to the incredible kindness of the Lakeville fire and police departments. We will never forget the look on our daughter’s face when all the trucks arrived at our house with their lights, sirens, and horns in full alarm mode. They made her an honorary firefighter complete with official T-shirt and badge. They also gave her equipment training, which included trying on a firefighter’s suit, going up in THE SHAW FAMILY the 100-foot bucket, spray- VALERIE and TIM SHAW ing the hose and a complete Lakeville tour of the fire station. They followed that with a

Lakeville residents helping others To the editor: I would like to thank the amazing veterans of the Lakeville Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization, who worked so hard for two days building new steps, railings and landings for my home. I needed it as a disabled veteran. It’s so wonderful that across branch, rank and service, veterans take care of one another. This was all coordinated through Metropolitan Center of Independent Living with a gift card from Home Depot. The frosting on the cake was when Terry from Northway Tree Service also volunteered his time, equipment and professionalism to get my yard in order. Much gratitude to the fine people in Lakeville.

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

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Susanne Aspley Shorewood

Letter was right on the mark To the editor: Hal Cranmer’s “Government will take care of you” was right on the mark. Although I did everything right and did not smoke, a chance examination for bronchitis revealed that I had lung cancer instead. What was really devastating was that since I was 87 years old and the guidelines were 83 years old maximum, I really wasn’t eligible for treatment. The anger of my pastors, friends and neighbors was so overwhelming I was finally accepted for treatment but in the process lost a full month and a half of medical assistance. There is some good news as my latest reports project considerable improvement. I have celebrated my 88th birthday and the federal, state and local governments will be $40,000 richer, just from my first quarter earnings alone. FRANKLIN WICKER Lakeville

Many made relay a success

field. Also, to all the area businesses for their donations, the Lakeville Fire Department, the Lakeville Police Department, Lakeville Park and Recreation and the Lakeville Royalty for stopping by and helping us out. Their time, commitment and support mean the world to us. One business that was left off the program in error is Wings of Love. The dove release is always a request and honor to have at the relay. Thanks to John and Marsha Fredrichs for making this happen. Each lap gets us closer to a world with more birthdays. Thank you for helping us remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, celebrate those who have won, and fight back to eradicate cancer and make it extinct. A friend of mine said it best when he stated: “I think it is awesome to see a community come together to support such a worthy cause.” See you all again next year.

To the editor: I would like to take this opportunity to thank a number of people who made the Relay For Life of Lakeville such a wonderful success. First and foremost, I would like to thank the committee members who from the beginning of the year have been busy planning and preparing to make the event happen. They are a phenomenal group to work with and I thank them for their time and talent. Also, I need to thank all the team captains and their teams that attended the event and all the fundraising they did throughout the year. They are amazing and thanks to all of those who met and exceeded goals. I can’t wait to have them all back with us again next year. A big shout-out goes to Fairview Ridges Hospital and the Lakeville Lions for sponsoring our event. A million thanks. I would like to thank KIM SCHMIDT Lakeville South High Lakeville Relay For Life School for allowing us to event chair host our event at the school

Lakeville, District 194 filing period begins City council, school board seats open

by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

Those looking to run for seat on the Lakeville City Council or Lakeville Area School Board, the time is here. The filing period for the general election Nov. 6 begins July 31 and runs through 5 p.m. Aug. 14. There are three seats open on the School Board, and two of three incumbents (Judy Keliher and Bob Erickson) have declared their intentions to run for another fouryear term. Kathy Lewis had not indicated her decision as of press time. Affidavits of candidacy for a board seat are at

the district office at 8670 210th St. W. The filing fee is $2. A candidate must be an eligible voter, 21 years of age or more on assuming office, have been a resident of the school district for 30 days before the general election and have no other affidavit on file for any other office at the same primary or next ensuing general election, according to the school district. In city government, there are two council seats open. Each is a four-year term. The two incumbents, Kerrin Swecker and Laurie Rieb, have not indicated any re-

election plans as of press time. The mayoral position, a two-year term, is also open. Incumbent Mayor Mark Bellows has declared a re-election run. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and eligible to vote in Lakeville. The filing fee is $5. Those who submit an affidavit of candidacy will be given a comprehensive candidate packet, according to the city. Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

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Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville July 27, 2012

July 27, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

Charges against Berg increase Next court appearance in October by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

Dakota County prosecutors have added another charge against a Farmington man who allegedly told police that exposing himself to children “gave him a rush.” Adam Eugene Berg, 30, now faces five counts – two felonies and three gross misdemeanors – after prosecutors amended a February complaint to include a third count of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Berg also is charged with two felony counts of seconddegree attempted criminal sexual conduct. The new charge is specific to a 10-year-old girl, whose

alleged interaction with Berg was included in the initial complaint. The girl was one of five children, aged 4 to 12, Berg allegedly approached and exposed himself to in public areas between Jan. 16 and Feb. 27. Berg told police he walked around a park with his penis out, exposing himself to children at least three times, and had pornographic photos on his cellphone when two boys were by his car, according to the complaint. The complaint states he made sexual remarks to the children. Every child he approached walked away and at least two

parents witnessed him near their children. Berg was arrested, but was released on $30,000 bail with multiple conditions, including that he abstain from alcohol and drugs, have no contact with the victims, make all court appearances and remain law-abiding. He also needs written court approval to leave the state and is to keep the court informed of his current address. His next court appearance is Oct. 30. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Police: Dispute over parking spot led to meat-cleaver assault by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

Two men are facing felony charges after a dispute over a parking spot erupted into fisticuffs – and an attack with a meat cleaver – outside a Farmington Robert S. a p a r t m e n t Meyer complex earlier this month. Robert S. Meyer, 18, was charged by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office last week with second-degree assault and criminal damage to property. His alleged accomplice, 27-year-old Andrew D. Jensen, is accused of providing Meyer with the butcher knife used in the incident, and he’s been charged with seconddegree assault (aiding and abetting). The criminal complaint gives the following account: Police were called to the apartments on the 4300 block of 220th Street at about 9 p.m. July 13 on a report of an assault with a knife. There, the male victim

told officers that a short time earlier he’d arrived home and found that someone had parked in his assigned parking spot. The victim reported that he honked his horn once, as is customary at the apartment complex when someone’s parked in your assigned space, and shortly thereafter a man he didn’t know – later identified as Meyer – came outside. Asked to move his vehicle, Meyer became belligerent and began throwing punches, grazing the victim’s face with one of them. A fight ensued, but ended when Meyer’s girlfriend came out of the apartments and told him to stop. However, as Meyer was walking back toward the apartments, a man on crutches – later identified as Jensen – handed him a large butcher knife, the complaint said. Meyer ran at the victim, and the victim fled on foot, getting about a block away before Meyer caught up with him. Meyer tried to slash the victim with the knife, swinging it at him twice but missing both times by about an inch. Meyer’s girlfriend

again intervened, asking him to stop, and he walked away clutching the butcher knife. The ugly incident wasn’t over, though. As Meyer walked by the victim’s car, he smashed the handle of the knife against the vehicle, putting dents in the hood and passenger door, according to the complaint. The victim’s girlfriend and infant child were in the car at the time. Police located Meyer hiding in a closet in Jensen’s apartment. He was arrested and booked into the Dakota County Jail, where he remained as of Monday afternoon. Meyer, who is a Farmington resident but does not live at the apartments on 220th Street where the incident occurred, faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine if convicted of the felony assault charge. Jensen also faces seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine if convicted. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville July 27, 2012

Celebration Church founding pastor Lowell Lundstrom dies by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

Celebration Church has lost the second of its founding pastors. Lowell Lundstrom, 72, died July 20 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He founded Celebration with his wife, Connie, who died in December 2011. Their daughter, Londa Lundstrom Ramsey, has been the lead pastor of the church since 2010. The two Lundstroms founded Celebration in Lowell and Connie Lakeville in 1996, after Lundstrom years of cross-country evangelical trips in a this.” In a couple months Nash Rambler station the two married and wagon and in their fa- started off on a ministry mous tour buses. Low- that would span more ell was also a musician, than 50 years. They travspending his youth in eled about 10 months out country-infused rock of the year. bands. Connie was a sing- They also produced a er in his band. According radio program for more to Celebration’s website, than 20 years, in addiConnie persuaded Lowell tion to television shows. to attend church with her, Lowell’s 30-minute radio where they both vowed broadcast, “Message for to dedicate their lives to America,” was broadcast Jesus Christ on April 7, by more than 100 sta1957. tions. The Lundstroms’ That moment moved 12-hour long national Lowell, according to the TV specials and weekly site, to declare, “Wait shows also reached many ’til everyone hears about homes.

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Lowell was a prolific musician and writer. According to his obituary, he wrote more than 600 gospel songs, produced 60 albums and wrote 15 books. In 2005, he was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Homegoing Service is at 1 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9600 163rd St. W., Lakeville. An additional service will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, at the Sisseton Fine Arts Center, 516 Eighth Ave. W., Sisseton, S.D., 57262. Interment: Peever Cemetery, Peever, S.D. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be forwarded by the family to various causes including Lowell Lundstrom Ministries. Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

Police: Teens made bombs, threw them at homes in Apple Valley, Lakeville Four local teens are accused of making homemade bombs and detonating them outside residences in Apple Valley and Lakeville earlier this year. Eric Daniel Johnson, 18, of Lakeville, told police that he and three friends had each purchased a different component needed to make the explosive devices, which included tin foil, tonic water, bathroom cleaner and fruit punch. Johnson has been charged with a felony-level explosives crime. His three friends – a 16-year-old male and two 17-year-old males, whom prosecutors did not identify because they’re under 18 – were also charged with bombrelated crimes. The criminal charges were filed after police responded to reports of explosions the night of March 23. According to the com-

plaint, at about 10 p.m. that night Lakeville police were called to a home on the 16000 block of Grinnell Avenue, where they found a melted plastic bottle and a liquid chemical. Police also received a report of another explosive device detonated outside a home on the 16000 block of Griffin Lane in Lakeville. Then, at 10:30 p.m., Apple Valley police were called to the a home on the 1000 block of Whitney Lane on a report of two bombs detonated in a front yard. A witness provided officers with a description of the suspects’ vehicle and other information that led to identification of Johnson as one of the suspects. Police went to Johnson’s residence and spoke with the four teens. Johnson told an officer he’d been the driver that evening, the complaint said. He turned over the

remaining bomb-making supplies to police, which included six bottles of tonic water and two rolls of tin foil. One of the suspects admitted throwing more than five of the bombs at the three homes, which were the homes of friends or acquaintances of the suspects. Another suspect told police that the bombthrowing spree was done “as a joke” and that the four suspects had been “just goofing around,” according to the complaint. Johnson, whose court date is July 30, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine if convicted of the explosives violation. One of the 17-year-old males has already pleaded guilty to the charge, and the other two teens are scheduled to appear in court July 31. —Andrew Miller

July 27, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

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Donald E. Melby Age 77, of Apple Valley, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 21, 2012. Don is preceded in death by his brother, John Melby. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sandy; children, Deborah (Jon) Juenke, Rita Linde (Ben Alderson), Allan Melby and Eric (Michelle) Melby; 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; sisters, Karen (‘Butch’) Ames and Karol (Bob) Paulus; nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Funeral service took place 11 AM Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at the White Funeral Home, 14560 Pennock Ave Apple Valley, MN 55124 (952 432 2001) visitation was on Tuesday (7/24) from 4-8 PM and 1 hr prior to service all at the funeral home.

Bettyann A. Hood

Born on the family farm and raised in Elkhorn, Nebraska she enjoyed a full life of adventures. Some of her fondest memories in her early adult life came from the years she lived in Las Vegas. She lived her life for her daughters and in that spirit she journeyed to Lakeville Minnesota in 1998 to be closer to her oldest daughter Renea. Most recently she moved to Melbourne Florida to enjoy more time with her daughters Rochelle and Rhonda and spend time with her granddaughter Ella. Proudly graduating in the Elkhorn High School class of 1952 she recently enjoyed seeing classmates and friends when attending her 60th class reunion. Proving to herself she could still achieve success in school she returned in her 50's and completed coursework at Metropolitan Community College. In her home in the loving care of her daughters she peacefully joined her dad, Henry Eicke, in heaven on July 21st. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the Paralyzed Veterans of America which can made by calling 1-800-424-8200, Ext. 778 (Sarah). The family encourages you to share celebrations of her life and read more stories in the on-line Book of Memories or by sending cards through Reichmuth Funeral Homes in Elkhorn Nebraska.

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David P. Lindroth Age 71 of Apple Valley, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 22, 2012. He was born in Forrest City, Iowa to Efferd K. and Helen J. (Page) Lindroth. At the age of 9, the family moved to Waverly, Iowa. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1959. He attended the University of Iowa where he graduated in 1964 with a degree in Physics. He was united in marriage to Judith Rambo of Clarksville Iowa. They moved to Houston Texas where Dave started his career with NASA. In 1967 they relocated to Apple Valley Minnesota where he worked for the U.S. Bureau of Mines Twin Cities Research Center until he retired in 1996. Following his retirement Dave purchased a tree farm where he spent time enjoying nature and planting trees. This became his new passion. He also spent time in several volunteer positions for various organizations which include serving as President of The Lyons Club, Suburban Sportsman Club, and a board member of The Minnesota Forestry Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and especially sharing time with his seven grandchildren. He was preceded into death by his parents and his brother Donald K. Lindroth. He is survived by his wife Judy, children: Elizabeth (Steve) Odegard, David (Deb) Lindroth and sister Barb Metzger and seven grandchildren: Aaron, Carly, Ethan and Lindy Odegard; Isabelle, Elyse, and Joshua Lindroth. Funeral Service was 11 AM Thursday, July 26, 2012 at Grace Lutheran Church 7800 W. CR 42 Apple Valley, MN. Visitation was held Wednesday. July 25, 2012 from 5-8PM at White Funeral Home 14560 Pennock Ave Apple Valley, MN and also one hour prior to service at church. Condolences at www.whitefuneralhomes.com White Funeral Home Apple Valley 952-432-2001

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Maria Petersen and Daniel Burns announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Maria is the daughter of Dan and Corrine Petersen of Springfield, MN. She is a 2000 Springfield High School graduate and a 2005 graduate of St. Cloud State University with a degree in Finance. She is employed at Stearns Bank. Daniel is the son of Marv and Donna Burns of Apple Valley, MN. He is a 1994 Apple Valley High School graduate. He attended St. Cloud State University for aviation and business and is currently pursuing his Masters of Business Administration degree. An August wedding is planned in St. Cloud, MN.

Cole - Wolf

Lynda and Mike Cole of Burnsville Minnesota announce the engagement of their daughter Laura to Steven Wolf son of Phil and Chris Wolf of Lakeville. Laura is a 2008 graduate from Lakeville South High School. Steven is a 2007 graduate from Lakeville North High School and served in the US Marines from 2007 to 2011. An August 10th Wedding is planned at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church in New Market Minnesota with honeymoon to follow in December. Steven and Laura will be living in Rosemount.

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

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Truebenbach Skelly Taija Truebenbach and Aaron Skelly announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Taija is the daughter of Pam and Kevin Truebenbach of Nicollet, MN. She is a 2007 graduate of Nicollet High School and a 2010 graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Taija is employed at Fiant Dental as a Dental Hygienist. Aaron is the son of Pam and Steve Skelly of Lakeville. He is a 2003 graduate of Apple Valley High School and a 2009 graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Aaron is employed at Energy REO Solutions as a Construction Project Manager. An August 2012 wedding is planned in Bloomington, MN.

Education Farmington Community Ed classes

Lakeville native a Fulbright Scholar

Farmington Community Education, 6100 195th St. W., Farmington, offers the following classes. Register online at http://farmington. registryinsight.com/ or call (651) 460-3200. • July 30 – Summer Swim Session D starts, Introduction to Competitive Swimming, Intermediate Diving, Synchronized Swimming. • July 31 – Going Further with Your iPad. • Aug. 3 – Tiger Dancers. • Aug. 6 – I Love Duct Tape, Super Heroes Art Camp, Shocking Electrical Science. • Aug. 7 – Infant and Child CPR (evening class). • Aug. 13 – Sparkle and Bling Art Camp, Star Wars Adventure Camp. • Aug. 14 – Safe on My Own, Infant and Child CPR (afternoon class). • Aug. 16 – Dog First Aid. • Aug. 20 – Jungle Adventure Art Camp, Fencing.

Lakeville native Nicole Muenchow is one of 19 University of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni or grad students to be awarded a 201213 Fulbright Scholarship. Muenchow will spend 2013 as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant at a teacher’s college in Brazil, where she will be part of an initiative to improve English instruction in advance of the country hosting both the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. Muenchow graduated from the U of M’s College of Liberal Arts with high distinction in 2011, majoring in Spanish & Portuguese Studies and earning a certificate in teaching English as a second language. She would like to pursue a career teaching English to adult immigrants in the United States. Her background includes serving as an Americorps Vista literacy tutor, teaching English to elementary students in Berlin through the Checkpoint Charlie Foundation, assisting in English classes for adult immigrants at the International Education Center and mentoring youth at the Centro Latino Community Center. Muenchow is a graduate of Lakeville South High School.

Kid Connection celebrates 25 years This year, Kid Connection celebrates its 25th anniversary of providing school age care to students through ISD 192 Community Education. The program is available to children in kindergarten through fifth grade during the 2012-13 school year. Hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, including most non-school days and some holidays. Before- and after-school kindergarten complement (other half of a kindergartner’s day), non-school days and drop-in care are available. Registration information is available at www.FarmingtonKidConnection.com or by calling (651) 4603200. Register by Aug. 1 to receive anniversary specials of up to $75 off.

District 194 School Board Following is the agenda for the 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, special meeting of the District 194 School Board in the District Office Board Room, 8670 210th St. W., Lakeville. 1. Preliminary Actions a. Call to Order b. Pledge of Allegiance c. Public Comment d. Agenda Additions 2. Discussion a. Review Summary of District-wide Survey Data b. Review Community Engagement Survey Data c. Board Self Evaluation d. Cabinet Salaries/Benefits: 2012-13 3. Action Item a. Field Trip Request 4. Additions to Agenda 5. Adjournment

Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville July 27, 2012

Lakeville Briefs

These library programs are free. For more information, call (952) 891-0360.

Summer fun to support Heritage Center The city of Lakeville will host Summer Splash – a special tasting of craft beers, fine wine, and distilled spirits – from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at Spirit of Brandtjen Farm, 16965 Brandtjen Farm Drive, Lakeville. Event proceeds will go toward the renovation of the old police station to become Lakeville Heritage Center. Attendees will be able to bid on silent auction items and take a chance to win from a pool of prizes. Ticket are $25 and can be purchased at Lakeville City Hall or any Lakeville Liquor Store location. Tickets are limited to 300. Call (952) 985-4407 for more information.

Big fish tale

Farmington Briefs Farmington Library events

The Farmington Library, 508 Third St., has planned the following events. Call (651) 438-0250 for more information. • Storytime in the Park, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1. Stories, games and crafts at Meadowview Park, 5550 197th St. W. Presented in partnership with Farmington Parks and Recreation. For all ages. • Make & Take: Duct Tape Crafts, 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1. Explore the world of duct tape art. Supplies provided. For ages 12 to 18. • Learn to Draw: Peter Pan Fairies with Abrakadoodle, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 2. Use basic shapes and Heritage Library drawing techniques to create a magical fairy kingdom, children’s and hear a story about fairies. programs Supplies provided. For ages 6 The Heritage Library in to 12. Registration required. Lakeville will host the following children’s programs: • Waggin’ Tales, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 28. Read aloud to a therapy dog. For ages 5 to 10. • Chapters: Paul Bunyan, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 31. Listen to Paul Bunyan stories and create a Paul Bunyan puppet. For ages 5 to 12. • Storytime for All Ages, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1. Stories and activities about camping. For mixed age groups. • Schiffelly Puppets, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1. Comic situations, puppet characters and morals are added to “The Little Mermaid,” creating an entertainment extravaganza for all ages. • Craft Fair for Children and Teens, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2. Children and teens ages 4 to 17 may sign up to sell their handicrafts at the library. All items must be priced at $2 or less. Sellers must register in advance. Canceled in case of rain.

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Nine-year-old Joseph Baruch of Lakeville, right, landed a 35 1/2 inch northern pike on July 18 on Lake Marion, but he needed a little help from George Lomas, left, to take the fish off the hook and release it back to the lake to grow bigger.

Seniors Driver improvement classes for seniors The Minnesota Highway Safety Center will offer 55plus driver-improvement courses on the following days: • 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 6 (eight-hour firsttime course), Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan. • 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 8 and 9 (eight-hour first-time course), Burnsville Senior Center – ISD 191, 200 W. Burnsville Parkway, Burnsville. • 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 8 and 9 (eight-hour first-time course), Burnsville Senior Center – ISD 191, 200 W. Burnsville Parkway, Burnsville. • 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 13 and 14 (eight-hour firsttime course), Hayes Community and Senior Center, 14601 Hayes Road, Apple Valley. • 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 18 (four-hour refresher), The Rivers, 11111 River Hills Drive, Burnsville.

• 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 20 and 21 (eight-hour firsttime course), Kowalski’s, 1646 Diffley Road, Eagan. The courses are open to the public; however, preregistration is requested. The fee for the four-hour refresher is $20; the eighthour course is $24. For more information or to register, visit www.mnsafetycenter.org or call 1-888234-1294.

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July 27, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

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Ground broken for new veterans memorial

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Farmington Mayor Todd Larson and City Council Member Jason Bartholomay, right, joined veterans and others at the July 20 groundbreaking ceremony for the veterans memorial that will be built at Rambling River Park. The memorial will feature a life-size statue of a soldier and a granite wall engraved with the names of Farmington-area fallen service men and women beneath the words, “All gave some, some gave all.”

crime lab, from 1A will remain in a holding pattern. … They recognize they have more than they can handle.” Bianconi said the Drug Task Force averages between 500 and 600 cases annually that require testing of between 2,000 and 3,000 pieces of drug evidence, the vast majority of it done by the St. Paul crime lab for the past decade. BCA spokesperson Jill Oliveria said they do not know how many cases to expect, but are meeting with agencies that used the St. Paul crime lab and plan to submit evidence to the BCA for testing. “We are still in the process of working out how to process evidence, and the parameters for what will be tested,” Oliveria said. The BCA lab employees 82 scientists and 13 of them do drug analysis, she said. Uncertainty surrounds the potential caseload amount because the special hearing that brought the St. Paul crime lab issues to light is still being presented before Judge Kathryn Messerich. At the Frye-Mack hearing, St. Paul crime-lab testing used to prosecute the first of eight drug cases (selected as a cross-representative sample of Dakota County drug cases) is being scrutinized by public defenders Lauri Traub and Christine Funk. The first case involves Matthew David Jensen, 29, of Rochester whose girlfriend called 911 July 15, 2009, after Jensen shot heroin while riding in a car she was driving in Hastings, according to the Dakota County criminal complaint. A primary issue in that case is the weight of the drugs seized at the scene, which the St. Paul crime lab testing claimed totaled 0.15 grams of heroin. Traub and Funk’s concerns about reliability of the tests grew at a March 30 meeting with lab criminalist Kari McDermott and Assistant Dakota County

Attorney Vance “Chip” Grannis III. Grannis’ notes from the meeting state McDermott said the lab lacked security for test samples, had changed procedures for processing samples without approval or direction, did not have a lab code of conduct and did not perform validation studies, among other problems. During the meeting McDermott said she did not understand why defense attorneys have not “attacked like this before,” and that it “horrifies her” that she has never seen any validation studies conducted. The studies are used by labs to verify testing machines and tools are working properly. Additional issues raised during the court hearing included the lack of training for criminalists performing the tests. Some of the training lab criminalists received came from Sgt. Shay Shackle, then-head of the crime lab, according to a May 5 affidavit. Shackle’s resume states he received a law enforcement degree from Normandale Community College, then worked his way up in the department, attending conferences and classes after starting as a patrol officer in 1983. Shackle was assigned to the crime lab and became a latent print examiner in 1998 after internal training provided in part by Sgt. Colleen Luna, then also a latent print examiner. He became crime lab director in 2001, but after testimony last week was publicized, Shackle was relieved of those duties at the command of St. Paul police Chief Thomas Smith who ordered Luna, now head of internal investigations, to the position. While Smith has vowed to correct the problems and seek accreditation for the lab, the hearings will continue in Dakota County. Messerich’s decision is expected in late fall, and could trigger a potential avalanche of appeals of both convictions and plea

bargains. “The Dakota County Attorney’s Office is bearing the majority of this burden,” Bianconi said. “They already have caseloads through the roof. This is going to complicate things for them; they have their current caseload to keep up and they could be further burdened with these appeals.” Questions have also been raised about what top officials knew about the St. Paul crime lab’s problems before the hearing, and why Dakota County continued sending evidence there for testing after the March 30 meeting raised concerns about testing quality. Under Minnesota rules of professional responsibility, a lawyer is to uphold the legal process, and not knowingly offer evidence the lawyer knows or reasonably believes to be false. Despite the issues raised by the defense attorneys, according to a criminal complaint search, Dakota County did not stop using the St. Paul crime lab for drug evidence testing or thoroughly investigate the significant issues raised during the March meeting and in Grannis’ notes, which were shared with other county officials. Dakota County Chief Deputy Tim Leslie said he was given Grannis’ notes about crime lab procedures by Dakota County Attorney’s Office Chief Deputy Phil Prokopowicz a day or two before he, Bianconi and Prokopowicz met with St. Paul police officials about lab concerns April 9. Included at the meeting were Shackle, St. Paul Assistant Chief Kathy Wuorinen and St. Paul police Cmdr. Gregory Pye; Leslie and Bianconi said they assured the Dakota County officials everything was fine with the lab. “The whole point of that meeting was to discuss the specifics of what the defense was raising as issues, and determine each point if it had merit or not,” BiSee crime lab, 19A

Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville July 27, 2012

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July 27, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

Thisweekend Searching for ghosts in the darkness Dakota County Paranormal Society will share its findings at the Heritage Library July 31 by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

Gary Jahnke has logged long hours attempting to contact the spirit world. As an investigator with the Dakota County Paranormal Society, Jahnke brings a scientific approach – and an array of digital recording equipment – to probe reports of eerie goings-on at area homes and businesses. What he encounters on his ghost hunts often leaves the hair standing up on the back of his neck. Jahnke and others from the Dakota County Paranormal Society will be sharing findings from their eldritch investigations at the Heritage Library in Lakeville on Tuesday, July 31. The event, titled “Paranormal Activity Revealed,” is geared to teens and adults and runs from 7 to 8 p.m. Joining Jahnke at the Heritage Library will be investigators Pat Theisen of Apple Valley, a specialist in historical research, and Juli Glazebrook of Hastings, co-founder with Jahnke of the paranormal team and a self-described “sensitive,”

or psychic, who often employs a dowsing rod in her efforts to contact spirits. The eight-member, Hastingsbased paranormal team has conducted ghost hunts at venues such as the St. James Hotel in Red Wing, the Levee Cafe in Hastings, and the Palmer House Hotel in Sauk Center. It was the investigation at the St. James Hotel that “hands down” yielded the most compelling evidence, Jahnke said. And, he added, he has video of it all. The table that seemed to move on its own. Glazebrook’s dowsing-rod session that apparently established contact with an owner of the hotel who died in the 1800s. Jahnke’s “handshake” with a phantom that sent a chill through everyone in the room. “The evidence – I still look at it almost every single day,” he said. “It blows my mind.” Jahnke emphasized that there are dangers associated with ghost hunting. Paranormal dangers. Investigators will tell you that malicious spirits have a nasty habit of latching on to those at-

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Gary Jahnke, left, and Juli Glazebrook are co-founders of the Dakota County Paranormal Society. The eight-member, Hastings-based paranormal team has conducted ghost hunts at venues such as the St. James Hotel in Red Wing, the Levee Cafe in Hastings, and the Palmer House Hotel in Sauk Center. tempting to probe their hidden world. “Myself and others in the group have had things follow them home from an investigation,” said Jahnke, a 1997 graduate of Eagan High School who now lives in Hastings. “There’s danger associated with it if you don’t protect yourself. It’s happened to me.” Investigators serve on a vol-

unteer basis. The group doesn’t charge a fee for its services, and won’t disclose the location of an investigation unless the owner gives the OK. Their goal is to provide answers to homeowners and business owners who are wondering if spirits are running amok in the dark. “You shouldn’t have to feel that way in your home or your

business,” Jahnke said. “We can bring peace of mind.” More about the Dakota County ghost hunters is at www. dakotacountyparanormal.com. Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

theater and arts calendar To submit items for the Family Calendar, email: darcy.odden@ecm-inc.com. Friday, July 27 Outdoor movie, “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale,” 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. Summer Fresh Friday Film, “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days,” 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Natural Foods, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville. Information: (952) 891-

1212, ext. 221. Saturday, July 28 Youth Fishing Contest at Valley Lake, 16050 Garrett Path, Lakeville. Cancelled due to poor water quality. Rosemount High School soccer alumni game at 4 p.m. at RHS practice fields. Tuesday, July 31 Family Fun Tuesday – Japanese taiko drumming by Mu Performing Arts, 10 to 11 a.m. in the Sculpture Garden at Caponi Art Park, Eagan. $4

per person donation is suggested. Information: (651) 454-9412 or www.caponiartpark.org. Super Tuesday Evening in the Garden, 5 to 8 p.m. in the gardens at UMore Park, 1605 160th St. W. (County Road 46), Rosemount. Garden talks organized around six themes: Growing Healthy Foods, Sustainable Landscape, Minnesota Introductions & Bird Gardening, Preservation of Pollinators, Minnesota Research, and Gardening for Kids. Four special

tent presentations on Weeds, The Well-Tended Garden, Plant Photography, and Honey Bees. Free. Information: (651) 480-7700. Family Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Apple Valley Medical Center, 14655 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. Information: applevalleymedicalcenter.com or (952) 432-6161. Wednesday, Aug. 1 Eagan Market Fest, 4 to 8 p.m., Eagan Festival Grounds. Celebrate Latin culture all evening with a Salsa concert and

dance lessons with K-Libre 24 and Folkloric dancers, enter the salsa recipe contest, free kids’ art, family games and more. Information: www. cityofeagan.com/marketfest or (651) 675-5500. Friday, Aug. 3 Forever Wild Family Friday: Storytelling with Roy Edward Power, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lebanon Hills Visitor Center – Discovery Room, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan. All ages. Free. Registration required. Course

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No. 4089. Information: http:// w w w. c o . d a k o t a . m n . u s / L e i sureRecreation/CountyParks/ Calendar. Saturday, Aug. 4 Car wash by the Rosemount High School girls soccer team, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rosemount Goodyear. Tickets sold in advance, or a donation of $5 can be made the day of the car wash. Soccer apparel and equipment for boys and girls in need will be collected. Movies in the Park, “The Muppets,” at dusk at the Central Park Amphitheater near City Hall, Rosemount. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Weather-related updates: (952) 985-1790, option No. 6. Blood drives The American Red Cross will hold the following blood drives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. • July 26, 2 to 7 p.m., Glendale United Methodist Church, 13550 Glendale Road, Savage. • July 31, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fairview Ridges Hospital, 201 E. Nicollet Blvd., Burnsville. • Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., School of Environmental Studies, 12155 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley. • Aug. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Caribou Coffee, 3868 150th St., Rosemount. • Aug. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan. 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. Burnsville High School Class of 1992 will hold its 20th reunion from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Hyatt Regency, downtown Minneapolis. Tickets are $50 in advance or $65 at the door. To register and purchase tickets, visit https://reunionmanager. net/class_members/registration.php?class_id=124786 or contact Kelly Bruce Regan at kelbel070@gmail.com or Bob Hayes at bobhayes37@yahoo.com with questions.

Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville July 27, 2012

‘Remember the King’

theater and arts calendar To submit items for the Arts Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com. Books Mystery authors Marilyn Jax and Jim Proebstle from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Apple Valley Barnes & Noble, 14880 Florence Trail. Comedy Shannan Paul with special guest Joe Lovitt at 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28, at MinneHAHA Comedy Club, 1583 E. First Ave., Shakopee (lower level of Dangerfield’s), (612) 860-9388, www.minnehahacomedyclub. com. Tickets: $13.

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The Wednesday in the Park series grand finale will take place Aug. 1 with “Remember the King” featuring Steve and Tommy Marcio. The father/son tribute to Elvis is an annual crowd pleaser, representing both the early and later years of Elvis’ career. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. In addition, classic cars of the Southern Cruzers Car Club will be on hand for viewing. Wednesday in the Park, at Civic Center Park in Burnsville, is sponsored by the city of Burnsville and ISD 191 Community Education.

Pilgrims and Passages on display

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Pilgrims and Passages, a joint exhibit featuring art by Anthony Donatelle and Jon Reischl, will be on display Aug. 2 through Sept. 8 in the gallery at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. “Locked In, Logged On” by Donatelle (left) and “Adjustmen” by Reischl (right) will be among the works in the exhibit. A free opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 2. Regular gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (952) 895-4676 or visit www.burnsvillepac.com.

theater and arts briefs ‘Robin Hood’ production The Peter Pan Project will present the classic tale of “Robin Hood” outside Lakeville North High School at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 3 and 4 and 7 p.m. Aug. 5. The show runs about an hour and 15 minutes. All shows are free and performed outside at Lakeville North High School. The show is appropriate for all ages. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs.

‘Odd Couple’ in Lakeville Lakeville-based community theater group Expressions will present “The Odd Couple” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10-11 and 17-18, and 2 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19, at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Tickets are $12 and can be ordered at www.lakeville-rapconnect.com or by calling (952) 985-4640.

Dakota Chautauqua The Dakota Chautauqua tent show will return to the Dakota County Fair Aug. 6-12. The Chautauqua is titled “Minnesota Bits of Trivia,” and is portrayed through song, comedy and narrative performed by a cast of nine actors/ singers/musicians. The free shows will be 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 2, 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday; 5 and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 2

and 5 p.m. Sunday. The Chautauqua tent will be set up in Dakota City Heritage Village, 4008 220th St. W., Farmington, on the western edge of the Dakota County Fairgrounds. For more information, call Dakota City at (651) 460-8050.

Art show, sale Local artist Amie Kieffer, who specializes in painting and drawing, will host a summer art show and sale from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17-18 at 3245 145th St. W., Rosemount. The outdoor show will include about 60 art pieces, many of which will be for sale. For information, contact Kieffer at AK@AmieKieffer.com.

Local students featured Lakeville resident Emily Scinto, a senior at St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, and Caliea Koehler, a sixth-grader at Blackhawk Middle School in Eagan, are among the young actors in Minneapolis-based Children’s Theatre Company’s production of the musical adventure “Buccaneers.” “Buccaneers” opens Friday, Sept. 14 (previews begin Tuesday, Sept. 11) and runs through Sunday, Oct. 21. Tickets range from $10 to $56 for adults and $10 to $46 for children, and are available by calling (612) 874-0400 or by visiting www.childrenstheatre.org.

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Concerts Music in Kelley Park featuring MacPhail Jazz from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Kelley Park, 6855 Fortino St., Apple Valley. Free. Food and beverages available for purchase. BoDeans with Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $35. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Cactus Willie, Boxcar Bob and The Drifter, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Tickets are $14 at the arts center. Advance purchase is recommended. Information: (952) 985-4640. BoDeans with Honeydogs, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $35. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. From Age to Age, a choral music ensemble, will present “Sing for the World” at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at The Basilica of St. Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis. Suggested donation: $20. Information: www.fromagetoage.org. Robert Randolph and the Family Band and JJ Grey & Mofro, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 29, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $38. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Remembering the King (Elvis) and the Southern Cruzers Car Club will be featured at 7 p.m. on Aug. 1 as part of the Wednesday in the Park Concert Series at Civic Center Park, 75 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville. Mary Chapin Carpenter with Tift Merritt, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $44. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Music in Kelley Park featuring Steve Sullivan & The Factory from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at Kelley Park, 6855 Fortino St., Apple Valley. Free. Food and beverages available for pur-

chase. Ethan Bortnick and The Kidz Bop Kids, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets range from $24.50 to $49.50 and can be purchased at the box office, via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com. Dave Koz with Bebe Winans, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $47. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Tommy Castro and the Painkillers and Marcia Ball, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $36. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Mu Daiko Japanese Taiko Drumming, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, at Caponi Art Park’s Theater in the Woods outdoor amphitheater in Eagan. Suggested donation: $5. Rain location: Crossroads Church, Eagan. Information: www.caponiartpark.org. Dance Zenon Dance School’s Hip Hop and Breakdance Camp Aug. 6-10 at Burnsville Performing Arts Center: 9 a.m. to noon, ages 6-10, $190; 12:30 to 4 p.m., ages 10-14, $220. Enroll online at www.zenondance.org/ summer-camps-2012 or call (612) 338-1011. Exhibits/Art Shows Botanical art exhibit by The Great River Chapter of Botanical Artists at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Information: (952) 9854640. Summer art show by local artist Amie Kieffer from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17-18 at 3245 145th St. W., Rosemount. The outdoor show will include about 60 original pieces; many will be for sale. Information: AK@AmieKieffer. com. Festivals Rosemount Leprechaun Days runs July 20-29. Information: www.rosemountevents. com/Leprechaun.html. The Dakota County Fair runs Aug. 6-12 at the fairgrounds in Farmington. Information: dakotacountyfair.org. Theater Eagan Summer Community Theatre will present “Cinderella” in the Eagan High School auditorium, 4185 Braddock Trail, at 7:30 p.m. July 25-28, and 2 p.m. July 28. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors 62-plus and children under 12. To purchase tickets, call (651) 683-6964 between 1 and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or purchase online at www.eagan.k12.mn.us/.

Workshops/classes Intermediate digital photography workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 18, at Caponi Art Park, Eagan. Free, $5 suggested donation. Registration required. Information: www.caponiartpark.org or (651) 454-9412. Adult painting open studio from 9 a.m. to noon the first and third Fridays of the month at the Eagan Art House, 3981 Lexington Ave. S. Fee is $5 per session. Information: (651) 6755521. Music Together in the Valley offers classes for parents and their infant, toddler and preschool children in Rosemount, Farmington, Lakeville and Apple Valley. Information: www.musictogetherclasses.com or (651) 439-4219. The Eagan Art House offers classes for all ages. For a complete listing go to www.eaganarthouse.org or call (651) 675-5521. Dan Petrov Art Studio in Burnsville offers oil painting classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced skill level painters, www.danpetrovart. com, (763) 843-2734. Teens Express Yourself with Paint, 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays at Brushworks School of Art in Burnsville, www.BrushworksSchoolofArt.com, (651) 2144732. 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. Information: (651) 675-5500. Savage Art Studios, 4735 W. 123rd St., Suite 200, Savage, offers classes/workshops for all ages. Information: www. savageartstudios.com or (952) 895-0375. Soy candle making classes held weekly in Eagan near 55 and Yankee Doodle. Call Jamie at (651) 315-4849 for dates and times. $10 per person. Presented by Making Scents in Minnesota. Country line dance classes held for intermediates Mondays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St., Farmington, $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. Country line dance classes on Wednesdays at the Lakeville Senior Center, 20732 Holt Ave. Beginners, 9-10 a.m.; Intermediate, 10 a.m.-noon. $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. The Lakeville Area Arts Center offers arts classes for all ages, www.lakevillemn.gov, (952) 985-4640.

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Sports

July 27, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

Intensity wins state girls U13 C2 championship Lakeville soccer team tops Mahtomedi in final

Andy Rogers

by Andy Rogers

Running without being chased

Sun Thisweek

The Lakeville Intensity defeated Mahtomedi 4-2 in the girls Under-13 Classic 2 Minnesota Youth Soccer Association state tournament Tuesday night in Lakeville. Kalli Sander had two goals and Nichole Boegeman and Leah Vigil scored the other two. “The girls played with great determination and worked together as a team to win tonight,” coach Jason Ponsonby said. “They left everything they had on the field and showed the results of their hard work throughout the season. This is a very special group of players and a memory to be cherished.” The girls finished No. 1 in league play this season and won the Cottage Grove Runnin’ with the Wolves Tournament, Burnsville Fire Cup, South District, and Regional tournaments. They were also Walmart All American Cup semifinalists finishing with a 22-6-3 record.

An ode to the adult-onset athlete by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

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

Lakeville Intensity’s Dominique Menard, right, takes control in the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association state final on Tuesday night in North Park in Lakeville. Her team won the state U13 C2 final beating Mahtomedi 4-2.

Wiffleball tournament coming to Lakeville Organizers hope to raise funds for Miracle League

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

The inaugural Popsicle’s The BIG WIFF, a fundraiser for the Miracle League of Minnesota and potentially the largest Wiffleball tournament ever held will be hosted at 10 Miracle League locations across Minnesota on Aug. 18. One of the four metro locations is scheduled to be at King Park in Lakeville. Wiffleball teams of three to five people will play in a round-robin tournament beginning at 10 a.m. Aug. 18. The winners will play the other nine teams on the following day in Blaine. The organizers are hoping

to get 1,500 participants, which would be a world record. “It’s all about family fun,” organizer Kevin Thoresen said. “People ages 2 to 92 can play.” There won’t any running of the bases. Instead there

will be lines on the field that determine how many bases you get. “Sort of like a home run derby,” Thoresen said. “There will be only three people in the field at one time.” The champions will win

a trip for all team members to attend the Minnesota Twins spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., in 2013. Also the team that raises the most pledges overall will earn a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. The Miracle League of Minnesota is a charitable organization providing youths with special needs the opportunity to play organized baseball. The funds will help build another field in Minnesota. The Miracle Field in Lakeville located at King Park is made of a special material and custom-designed to accommodate wheelchairs and walking

devices while helping to prevent injuries. Team registration is $100. More information and registration is available at www.thebigwiff. com. Once registered, team coaches will receive all tournament details, schedules, rules and tips on how teams can raise additional funds for the Miracle League of Minnesota. More information about the Miracle League of Minnesota is available at www.MiracleLeagueMN. com. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

‘Playing up’ works for the Raptors 10-year-olds win U11 South District playoff

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

Mention the fact that some youth sports teams don’t keep score and a few will flip out. How can we live in a world where no one loses, they ask. Brian Lehman, coach of the Under-11 Classic 2 Lakeville Raptors boys soccer team, struggled with the concept when the 2012 club soccer season opened. “You need to challenge the kids if they’re beyond that developmental phase,” Lehman said. “It’s a fine line.” A year ago in a U10 developmental league, the Raptors were undefeated even though officially no one kept score. “It was really challenging to get our kids to play hard for an entire game, due to the de-emphasis on winning at that level, ” Lehman said. He told the parents of his players the team was ready to be challenged. “Early on it should be

Sun Thisweek Columnist

about creating a challenging environment for the players as well as coaches, rather than about winning,” he said. “But you can’t learn as a player or coach if you aren’t taking some losses.” Coming into 2012, Lehman wanted the team to play at 100 percent urgency 100 percent of the time, so he pondered playing up a level in the U11 league even though the players were still 10-yearolds. He met some resistance mainly because he would need more players. There was concern that would compromise other Lakeville teams at the U10 level. Lakeville Soccer Club director of player development Seamus Tritchler and boys coordinator Wayne Hill determined the team had what it took to move up to a more challenging age bracket, while U10 development coach Kris Kuhlmann helped fill out the roster. It worked.

Photo submitted

Second row from right: Coach Oelrich, Zach Oelrich, Jack Wohnoutka, Henrik Tikalsky, Jacob Young, Chase Lehman, coach Brian Lehman, coach Reiter. Front from right: Alex Kot, Sam Just, Dante Piscitiello, Nick Mines, Adam El-Halawani, Chase Reiter, Nick Kuhlmann. Not pictured: Michael Krueger. “This group of scrappy 10-year-olds took on the 11-year-olds and came out on top, winning the league playoffs in the U11 C2 division.” Lehman said. The boys went 16-1-1. They were runners-up in league play and runners-

up in the Lakeville Best Buy Cup. Many of the losses came against teams at the highest level of play at U11. At the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association state tournament last weekend the Raptors lost 1-0 to undefeated Arsenal and played to a 3-3 tie

against the Edina Sting. “I knew it would make us better,” Lehman said. “It was the right thing to do.” Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

For months these pages are filled with the accomplishments of the 18-andunder crowd, but organized athletic activities aren’t just for the younger generation. Events such as 5-kilometer runs, mud runs, triathlons and half-marathons are becoming more popular with older generations. As an adult, exercise is rarely referred to as play. We’re at an age where entertainment options have never been more numerous, but our bodies don’t respond like that of an 18-year-old. But no one has ever told me that exercise is bad for you, and I’m telling you that exercise can be fun. Motivation is easier to come by when you have a tangible goal such as running 13.1 miles without stopping. The thing about running for recreation in a 5K, a mud run, triathlon, halfmarathon, full marathon, Ironman or even an ultra marathon (although there’s nothing recreational about running 100 miles) is that you’re really just racing against yourself. I’m not going to win, never will, but in my first halfmarathon the goal was to run the whole thing without stopping. My second was to finish in less than two hours. From now on, I always want to cut my time. For many the goal is just to enjoy whatever you signed up for. I remember saying before my first big event, “I know I can do it. I just want to be able to appreciate it.” Sure, sometimes it makes me a little sad to see grandmothers whizzing past me, but I make up stories about how they’re former Olympians and track coaches. I learned a long time ago that comparing yourself to others is an exercise in futility. A few years ago I felt the need to take more risks. I signed up for a half-marathon. Benefits include the fact that most are affiliated with charities, you can run with a buddy, and it’s easier to run when organizers stop traffic and give you water along the way. There’s a transformation that happens between going out for a jog and signing up for that first race. I had a reason to push myself farther each day and broke out of a physical lull. I learned what I was capable of, both in mind and body. One day I surprised myself by running seven miles without realizing how far I’d gone. All of a sudden I was back home and I wanted to keep running. That’s quite a rush when a year prior it was an unrealistic distance. The training, the expo at packet pick-up, the pre-race meal, the rush at the starting line, the cheers from strangers, the medal at the end, and the soreness that follows are all part of the experience. It can be a landmark in an otherwise uneventful month. You have something to talk about when someone asks, “What have you been up to lately?” If you don’t do anything weird once in a while you See running, 15A

Notebook: Monroe will guide Eastview softball program

Coach helped Farmington reach 2012 state tourney

by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

Trevor Monroe, who coached Rosemount High School to the 2008 state baseball tournament, will take over as the new softball coach at Eastview next spring. He was an assistant coach for the Farmington High School softball team that won the 2012 Section 1AAA championship and played in the state tournament in June. Monroe was varsity baseball coach at Rosemount from 2005-09. In addition to leading the Irish to a state tournament appearance, he was Minnesota Twins/ Playball/3M Coach of the Year in 2007 and Max Preps Minnesota Coach of the Year in 2008. He has been a coach in several local youth softball programs since 1999. This summer, Monroe is coaching the Minnesota Irish Under-14 team, which won the USSSA state championship at its age level and is playrunning, from 14A never remember anything you do. The time it takes to train for an event depends on the individual. You could be ready for one tomorrow or one a year from now. Regardless, here’s a few upcoming half-marathons, my favorite endurance event. They’re hard, but they won’t knock you out for a month and they’re challenging enough to make you feel like you’ve done something strange when it’s over. • The Minnesota HalfMarathon and 5K along the Mississippi River road, one of the more popular

ing in a national tournament this week in Rockford, Ill. Monroe played high school football, basketball and golf in Warren, Minn., then played basketball and golf as a freshman at Concordia College in Moorhead. He then accepted a scholarship to play Division I golf at the University of Wyoming. After college, he spent one year playing professional golf on the Canadian and Nike tours before starting his education career. Longtime Eastview head softball coach Mike Haugh resigned after the 2011 season. In 2012, the school divided the head coaching duties among several assistant coaches on an interim basis. The Lightning finished third in the Section 3AAA tournament last spring. This fall, Monroe will begin his second year as a physical education and safety education teacher at Eastview High School. Previously, he taught for 14 years at Rosemount Middle

School. Legion baseball districts The Third District American Legion baseball playoffs will conclude Saturday at Alimagnet Park in Burnsville. Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eastview, Eagan, Lakeville North and Lakeville South advanced to the doubleelimination portion of the tournament that began Wednesday. Burnsville and Eastview were ranked first and second in this week’s state American Legion poll. The district championship game will be 1 p.m. Saturday, with the winner assured a spot in the state Division I tournament beginning Aug. 3 in Chaska. Two other teams from the district will earn trips to state, with those to be determined in eliminationbracket play later Saturday afternoon.

distance routes in the state, on Aug. 4. (www.minnesotahalfmarathon.com) • Women Rock Marathon/Half/5K on Sept. 1 on the river road in St. Paul is catered toward women. (www.womenrockmn.org) • The Birkie Trail Run Marathon/Half/5K in Cable, Wis., on Sept. 22. A lesser-known gem along some of the best trails in the Midwest. (www.birkie.com) • Mankato Marathon/ Half/10K on Oct. 21. One underrated factor of running an event is passing through the streets you normally drive on. There’s still time to start training for this one. (www.mankatomara-

thon.com) • Monster Dash halfmarathon on Oct. 27 starting at the St. Paul Cathedral and running along Summit Avenue to the river road. It’s one of the pricier options, but about half the people wear costumes and the gear is top-notch. (www.monsterdash.org.) There are dozens of options every weekend from 5Ks on up. You can find them at www.runningintheusa.com.

Mike Shaughnessy is at mike.shaughnessy@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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

Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville July 27, 2012

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July 27, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

crime lab, from 11A anconi said. “My understanding when we left was that it’s not as bad as the defense is making it look.” Leslie said St. Paul officials told them the March meeting had been with the most junior member of the department because everyone else was busy with a homicide. They indicated the employee “was ambushed” and “misstated a few things,” Leslie said. He said St. Paul officials assured them they had corrected any concerns identified in the Grannis memo. Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom and Prokopowicz were out of town, not available for comment, but in a statement, Backstrom indicated the meeting reassured him of the crime lab’s testing capabilities. “We were informed at that time by Crime Lab officials that there were no significant problems at their lab for us to be concerned about,” Backstrom

stated. Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows confirmed officials did not realize the significance of the issues until the trial was being held. “One of the county attorneys came down and said the hearing was not going well,” Bellows said. ”He said St. Paul has some serious issues involving a lack of procedures.” Leslie said the St. Paul officials did not lie when assuring them of the lab’s credibility in their April 9 meeting, “They just maybe didn’t understand the depth of the issues they faced,” Leslie said. Bianconi agreed, stating, “Obviously, at some point the standards the BCA and other labs are using, they somehow either weren’t aware of it or chose to ignore it. I think in their mind they were complying and exercising tests to the standards they knew of.” During the hearing, defense witness Dr. Max Houck, director of West

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The City Center location is within a tax increment financing district the city established, and is near the newly renovated grocery store. After council members indicated they were negotiating with Tamarack Ridge about moving, City Center owner Tom Wartman agreed to reduce the lease and allow an opt-out clause after three years if the city got out of the liquor business. Tamarack Ridge owners had offered that option after two years. Business owners from Tamarack Ridge were among the audience members who had wished to address council about the issue. “If I had it to do over again, I would let those people talk,” Larson said. Laura Adelmann is at laura.adelmann@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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Bellows agreed, stating elected officials are servants of the community. “I want to set that tone, to send that message, that we’re going to be responsive when they have concerns they want to express to us,” Bellows said. Larson had taken public comment on the controversial liquor store move during a council workshop that was not televised. At that workshop, the council had indicated support for moving the downtown liquor store to the cheaper, more visible location at Tamarack Ridge shopping center off Highway 3. But at the July 2 meeting, Council Member Christy Jo Fogarty stated she had changed her mind, becoming the swing vote that kept the city’s nearly profitless downtown liquor store in the larger but less visible location.

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take action,” Larson said. Like many municipalities, Farmington’s meeting policy does not allow public comment on agenda items, but dedicates five minutes for a speaker to comment on other issues at the beginning of the meeting. Other neighboring mayors said they always allow public comment if audience members wish to address council. “I always let people speak,” said Rosemount Mayor Bill Droste, adding that he will generally allow about 15 minutes public comments on agenda items even if there is no public hearing scheduled. “I’m very realistic that people want to speak to their local government, and I try to give them a platform,” Droste said. “I always like to err on the public side.” Lakeville Mayor Mark

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

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Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville July 27, 2012

Virginia University Forensic Science Initiative, testified that while there is no national over arching regulation of forensic science, many tools exist to improve the lab operations at almost no cost. “It just requires bringing them together, making changes and moving forward,” he said. In the meantime, Dakota County is researching other evidence testing options, including using private labs. to avoid overwhelming the BCA lab with work. Bianconi predicted the situation will take years to resolve, and expressed concern public safety could be jeopardized. “It’s certainly frustrating because of the amount of time and effort, and to a large extent, the degree of risk … that goes into these cases,” he said.

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July 27, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

investigation, from 1A comparable positions. Wendlandt sought legal to Jan. 1, 2001, when John advice from City Attorney Erar was still city admin- Joel Jamnik asking if she istrator, and approved a was legally bound to prespromotion for Wendlandt ent the entire study to the that changed her title from then-City Council, according to an email obtained by coordinator to manager. Former Farmington this newspaper. City Council members said Although Jamnik adthey were never informed vised her to bring the whole of the change, but the title report before the City just started appearing on Council, Wendlandt presented a summary that did city documentation. The title change was the not mention those study justification Roland listed findings, according to city on the authorization form council minutes. for increasing Wendlandt’s $54,279 salary to $60,000 Concerns cited April 2, 2001. Larson said he heard Wendlandt was promot- from about 10 to 15 resied to director in September dents who were concerned 2002 by then-City Adminis- after reading about the trator Ed Shukle at a salary reported salary increases of $68,440, and she is now that also included raises for making $106,613, one of Roland and former Adminthe highest paid employees istrative Services Director in the city. Lisa Shadick. One of the conclusions “They were upset this of a 2002 Fox Lawson & happened, but they are hapAssociates compensation py there is something being study was that city de- done on it,” Larson said. partment heads, including Wendlandt is still emWendlandt, were already ployed by the city although earning more than other she has not attended any

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City Council meetings since the initial story ran, and she has refused comment on the issue. Larson said more information will be available when the investigation is completed. “We will comment when the investigation is done,” Larson said. “It doesn’t do any good to comment until the attorneys look through the paperwork and tell us yes or no if anything illegal has happened.” The newspaper is reviewing other city department head salaries histories. Some current City Council members expressed concern about city salaries and practices involving department heads. During the July 23 budget workshop, City Council Member Julie May reiterated her call for a complete overhaul of the city’s organizational structure. She said the City Council should evaluate whether six directors and an administrator are necessary to oversee about 80 city work-

ers. Council Member Jason Bartholomay at that meeting raised questions about some department heads working four-day weeks all year. Without mentioning names, Bartholomay said four-day work weeks for some could cause morale issues, and cited concerns such situations could be “viewed as preferential treatment.” McKnight said “many staff work four-day weeks,” and told Bartholomay “We’ve had this question.” Council Member Christy Jo Fogarty said those kinds of issues are for McKnight to manage, not for City Council oversight. She said she trusts McKnight to manage his staff. When Bartholomay cited concerns about potential lawsuits, Fogarty said: “I don’t think he’s putting the city at risk.” Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

harmening, from 1A Nairobi, Kenya. Recently, she chaired the search for the new executive director. In education, Harmening was president of the Crystal Lake PTO until that school closed. Following that, she served on the District Boundary Adjustment Committee. For the past two years, she has served as facilitator of the ISD 194 elementary PTO roundtable. She is currently working to extend this to the middle schools, she said in her statement. A merging of the ideals of business and education in her life led her to chair the Dakota County School-toWork Partnership. Harmening has been married to her husband, Tom, for more than 15 years, most of that spent in the Lakeville school district. They have two children, one who will enter fourth and another who will enter seventh grade this fall. Their children are involved in the Lakev-

ille Baseball Association, Lakeville Soccer Club and the Lakeville Area Arts Center, she said. Her church involvement centers on more than 30 years of activity at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina. She has been a youth leader and a mothers’ group coordinator. She also served as a soccer coach for the YMCA and Lakeville Soccer Club and as a volunteer for the Crystal Lake Improvement Association. In her release, Harmening highlighted her emphasis on her commitment to quality education in a fiscally responsible way while ensuring lower class sizes. She also emphasized her cross-organizational experience as a strength of her candidacy. Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.