SUN Thisweek Farmington and Lakeville by Sun Thisweek

www.SunThisweek.com News Do religion and politics mix? Congregations have differing views of churches who get involved in the same-sex marriage debate. Page 3A

opinion Challenging work in schools Recent survey says students feel that the curriculum could be more challenging. Page 6A

sports

Farmington | Lakeville August 31, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 27

ALC community remembers teens Roehl, Alexander Two students died in Aug. 21 car crash on Buck Hill Road by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

At the tight-knit Area Learning Center in Lakeville, the students and staff members are like family, some of the school’s teachers say. The ALC usually has about 70100 day students, a mere fraction of the student body at Lakeville’s two high schools. So when two students, Alesha Roehl and Frederick Alexander, were killed in an Aug. 21 car

crash on Buck Hill Road where the car they were riding in rolled over onto Interstate 35, the whole ALC felt it. “It’s been very difficult,” said Frederick Joan Vievering, Alexander Roehl’s language arts teacher at the ALC. “These two students had enormous potential. It’s so hard to see students turning the corner and start-

ing to believe in themselves have it all taken away so quickly. No one expects to lose a student.” Roehl, 17, of Castle Rock TownAlesha ship, was a poet. Roehl “She was a very creative writer,” Vievering said. Alexander, 16, of Burnsville, See crash, 12A

Stanley Cup hoisted in Lakeville

Panthers set for another run The Lakeville North volleyball team seems poised for another successful season with a new coach. Page 10A

thisweekend Photo by Rick Orndorf

It was a hockey christening for Grady Boe, from Farmington, as he snuggled into the Stanley Cup trophy with help from his father, Jeff Boe. NHL Stanley Cup champion, Los Angeles Kings scout and Lakeville resident Tony Gasparini brought the silver cup trophy to Ames Arena on Aug. 28. The public was invited to take photos with the famous trophy. More photos are at SunThisweek.com.

Crime lab did not test equipment after unusual readings by Laura Adelmann Sun Thisweek

A piece of equipment used to process Dakota County drug evidence was improperly maintained, and even when it showed signs that results could be wrong, a lab worker did nothing about it, an analyst at the St. Paul police department drug lab testified Friday. Roberta DeCrans, the only witness to testify during the evidentiary hearing last week, said there could have been contamination to drug evidence that occurred with the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer at the lab during testing. The GCMS is a highly-sensitive instrument that identifies chemicals, in part, by how quickly they travel through a polymer tube. It also identifies them based on mass after a process turns them into particles of positively charged ions. Analysts are able to set the range of ion mass for the instrument to detect. When one of those tests showed an abnormal range, DeCrans said she continued to test samples with the machine. She said she did not document if she alerted maintenance workers about the issue, which she admitted could indicate the tubes (or columns) chemicals go through may need to be replaced. DeCrans also said she does not follow a single set of procedures on every scientific test she performs. According to her testimony, sometimes she ran follow-up tests when initial results showed no drugs present, and other times she did run the samples again. Public defender Lauri Traub challenged Dakota County Attorney Phil Prokopowicz’s repeated See crime lab, 19A

LNHS students organize run to benefit Heritage Center New facility opens in September

by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

Author pens story of ‘home’ Kansas-based author Clare Vanderpool’s novel will be featured in One Book, One Rosemount effort. Page 17A

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The Heritage Center opens in a couple weeks and two Lakeville North High School seniors have organized a 5K Fun Run/Walk to raise money to help it meet its fundraising goals. The $1.1 million repurposing of the old police station on Holyoke Avenue will serve as Lakeville’s new Senior Center and headquarters for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

and the Lakeville Area Historical Society. National Honor Society members need to complete a number of volunteer hours and Alex Davis and partner Nick DeGroot decided to do something that would have a large impact on the community, given the scope of the Heritage Center’s mission. There is also a more heartfelt component as well. “It’s something to bring the

community together in light of the recent accident,” Davis said, referring to the car crash on Buck Hill Road that killed two Area Learning Center students and injured three Lakeville South High School students. Davis is interested in majoring in business and marketing when he goes to college and sees the event also as a way for him to learn those fields. He has established an elaborate

Web presence for the event, in addition to using traditional channels such as word-of-mouth messages, signs and acquiring sponsors. The event will take place at 9 a.m. Sept. 16 at Steve Michaud Park (formerly North Park), one day before the opening of the Heritage Center (and one month before its official grand opening). The event is non-competitive, See heritage, 20A

Lakeville Police: Watch the road School starts Tuesday

by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

School starts on Sept. 4, which Lakeville Police Chief Tom Vonhof says means traffic patterns will change considerably around the city. There will be more cars near schools, more buses traversing town and children will be out making their way to school. To maintain safety, Vonhof said, “we’ll have increased patrols during morning and afternoon hours ... around all school zones.” Speed limits around school zones are often lower than they would be on a typical road. This allows for a safer environment for

students crossing streets on their way to school. “They help keep motorists alert in an area where there are going to be students and pedestrians,” Vonhof said. School buses will be out in full force. Vonhof reminds people to stop when a bus’s stop sign is out and its lights are flashing. “Wait until the bus turns off its lights, retracts it sign and starts proceeding again before going forward,” he said. Another tip for drivers: Get rid of distractions. This is true for adults as well as teens. “Making sure you stay focused,” he said. That means no texting or fid-

dling with the stereo. Reading your favorite tweets can wait until you reach your destination. It is against the law for anyone to text while driving, according to the Department of Public Safety, but use of a cell phone at all by drivers under 18 is illegal as well. The only exception is to call 911. Teens should also be careful when it comes to passengers. “There have been studies done that show an increased likelihood of crashes with more under-aged passengers in a vehicle,” he said. According to the DeSee police, 19A

Photo submitted

Officer Andy Hentges conducts speed enforcement in a posted school zone.

August 31, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

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Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville August 31, 2012

Churches enter amendment debate Observers say many are turned off by mixing religion and politics by T.W. Budig Sun Thisweek

In a procession brightened with sashes and crosses, more than 100 religious leaders passed beneath the pines outside the State Fairgrounds last week, singing of letting their little lights shine. The spiritual leaders were at the State Fair to rally against the proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage on the November ballot. Bishop Ann M. Svennungsen, of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, spoke of seeking pathways in life as welcoming as the radical welcome Jesus Christ offers to all. “The Gospels have always divided good people,” said the Rev. Michael Tegeder of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Minneapolis, who also opposes the amendment. Church leaders in favor of passage speak with equal conviction. But can churches damage themselves by becoming engaged in a process, whatever the spiritual dimensions, that’s also political? Some indicators suggest there’s a risk. The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in March published a survey showing that slightly more than half of the public, 54 percent, believe churches should keep out of politics. In 1996, exactly the same percent of the public indicated that churches and religious leaders should express their views on social and political topics. University of Notre Dame political science pro-

fessor David Campbell and Harvard University public policy professor Robert Putnam co-authored noted in their book “American Grace,” a study of religion and politics, that there has been a dramatic rise in the percentage of people, especially the young, who have turned away from religion. “For decades, about 5 percent of the U.S. population said they had no religious affiliation. That has now risen to about 18 percent, and that rise has happened in just 20 years,” Campbell said in an email. The best available evidence, including data Putnam and Campbell analyze in their book, is that people are increasingly turned off to religion because they see it mixed up in partisan politics, Campbell explained. Between 2006 and 2011, while the percentage of people turned off by religion increased modestly, religious disenchantment among younger people increased fivefold. Evidence suggests they’re reacting to perceived flaws in the religious right, Campbell and Putnam noted in a recent Foreign Affairs article. “Interestingly, though, we have also seen a sharp decline in the amount of politicking in churches

Keeping class sizes in check District 194 adds classroom assistants

by Aaron M. Vehling Sun Thisweek

Research says that having too many elementary students in one class can affect learning, so school districts often have guidelines based on a certain teacher-to-student ratio. In Lakeville public schools, officials noticed that some classes in the primary grades reached beyond the threshold. For example, average class size in third grade at Cherryview Elementary reached 33 students, one over the recommended number. The average number of students in the first grade at JFK Elementary reached 26, or two more than the district’s guidelines. To address this, officials have a cost-neutral plan to reallocate resources by adding sections or teaching staff, with certain classes having classroom assistants. Those classroom assistants will help teachers with large classrooms with subjects such as math and reading. “This really addresses the individual needs of the students,” said Tony Massaros, the district’s executive director of administrative services. “We can target individu-

See churches, 5A

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al student needs in math and reading.” During the summer, parents with children in some of the district’s elementary schools protested large class sizes at School Board meetings. Parent Michelle Judd said her son is a student at Lakeview Elementary School. “This extremely troubles me,” she said of large class sizes. With so

many children, she said she worried that a classroom would become impossible for learning to occur, especially if some students have behavioral issues. Massaros said during an interview that the district strives to keep class sizes within an acceptable size at the younger grades. The targeted approach he referred to would serve to benefit

those students. Massaros said the district is “trying to address the issue in a matter that is cost-effective and serves the best interests of the students’ educational needs.” Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.veh l i n g @ e c m - i n c. c o m or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

August 31, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

Celebrating Watermelon Days

Photo submitted

Carley Koznick, Lizzy Baruch and Claire Koznick enjoy treats on Aug. 16 at Watermelon Days, sponsored by the Downtown Lakeville Business Association. Cosponsors of the event were the Chart House Restaurant & Event Center, Dairy Delite and Lakeville Walmart. Seed spitting contest winners were: Morgan Lichty (ages 3 to 10), Audrey Aouga (ages 11 to 18), Max Nygren (ages 19 to 30) and Sharon Nylander (age 31 and over).

County holds waste collection events Dakota County residents can drop off household hazardous waste for free at two collection events. • Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Maintenance Facility, 19650 Municipal Drive, Farmington, (651) 280-6900. • Saturday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Maintenance Center, 13713 Frontier Court, Burnsville, (952) 895-4511. Items that can be dropped off include leftover paint, fluorescent bulbs, fertilizers, pesticides, rechargeable batteries, cleaners, solvents, gasoline, oil and oil filters, and other types of household chemicals.

In addition, and only at the Burnsville collection, residents can drop off household electronics and small electrical items for free. Electronics that can be dropped off include televisions, cell phones, computers, DVD players, laptops, stereo equipment, and video gaming systems. Small electrical items accepted for collection include vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, blenders, electric tools (drills, sanders, etc.), clothes irons, fans, hair dryers, microwaves, space heaters and toaster ovens. No business or farm waste will be accepted at these collection events.

�� PUBLIC NOTICE District 917 Credit River Township Board Meeting Tuesday, September 4, 2012, 6pm Agenda 6 PM: Call Meeting to Order, Pledge of Allegiance 1) Approve or Amend Agenda 2) Consent Agenda 1) July 2012 Treasurer's Report 2) August 2012 Developer’s Escrow Statement 3) July 9, 2012 Board Meeting Minutes 4) August 6, 2012 B o a r d M e e t i n g Minutes 5) August 9, 2012 Special Meeting Minutes 3) Open Forum 4) Old Business 1) Territory Water Update 2) Fern & Birch Reconstruct Informational Meeting 3) Territory/Dakota Avenue Extension 4) Township Parks 5) 210th Street 5) New Business 1) Cable Franchise Renewal 2) Meeting Cut-Off Time 3) Discuss Ordinance Regarding Percentages for Road Construction 4) Discuss Revisions to Environmental Subordinate District Ordinances 5) Building Permit Fees 6) District 4 Meeting recap 6) Road Report 7) Engineer's Report 1) Lynn & Monterey 2) 195th Street 3) Seal Coat Project 4) NPDES Draft 8) Treasurer’s Report 1) Transfer Funds 2) Reimburse/Transfer Funds Resolution 3) Budget 2013 4) Certification to Property Taxes Update 5) Escrow Update 9) Clerk's Report 1) Reconvene of Annual Meeting is September 10, 2012 @ 7PM 2) Primary Election (August 14, 2012 3) Ruppe Legal Seminar-Septembe ) Session (Thursday September 6; r 9 AM-630 PM). 4) Township Gratuity Policy 10) Review and Pay Bills 11) Adjourn 3134872 8/31/1 2

School Board Proceedings

This is a summary of the Intermediate School District 917 Regular School Board Meeting on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, with ull text available for public inspection on f h e d i s t r i c t w e b s i t e a t t www.isd917.k12.mn.us or the District Office at 1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM. Board members present: Arlene Bush, Dan Cater, Ron Hill, Jill Lewis, Kathy Lewis, Deb Clark, Vanda Pressnall, Tom Ryerson, Veronica Walter, and administraors were present. Absent: None. Good t news reports were presented. The following Consent Agenda items were approved: minutes, personnel, donations, bills to be paid, wire transfers and the investment eport. Recommended actions approved: r Addendum to the 4th quarter 2012 Temporary Employee Report; final DCALS Student Handbook approval; Policy 6.93, Student Transportation; Contract with Dakota Country Sheriff's Office for School Resource Officer at Alliance Education Center; and Approval of James Eberhart as Lead Teacher for DCALS 2012-2013. Adjournment at 6:53 PM. 3130458 8/31/12

Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville August 31, 2012

churches, from 3A (and all places of worship) over the last five years or so, which suggests that clergy have recognized the danger in mixing too much Caesar in place of God,” Campbell said in the email. Minnesota pastors and religious leaders, while in general not dismissive of the idea that churches can be sullied through political activity, appraise the risks differently. “I think we’re all uncomfortable,” Tegeder said. But churches have always reacted to events in society, he said. Martin Luther King, the great civil rights leader, came out of the AfricanAmerican Baptist church. He witnessed or presided at thousand marriages, explained Tegeder, and it’s the commitment, not the sexes, that’s sacred. The Rev. Deb Stehlin of Light of the World (ELCA) Church in Farmington, indicated she understood her personal advocacy for defeating the proposed amendment could be misunderstood. “There’s a risk,” she said. Still, she remembers church leaders urging young ministers not to confine their faith within the walls of the church but live it in the larger world. “I still hear my bishop’s voice,” she said. Stehlin bases her advocacy against the amendment on her understanding of God as revealed by Jesus Christ — all loving, all embracing, she explained. “God doesn’t really have any favorites,” Stehlin said. Beyond this, her advocacy stems from the unfairness confronting same-sex couples — things like having no say in the medical treatment of spouses. The Rev. Jeff Evans of Christ Church Twin Cities in Edina bases his support for the marriage amendment as keeping faith with the teachings of the Bible. “We really see it as a

nonpolitical issue. … We are not of the donkey or elephant,” he said of ties to the Democratic or Republican parties. “We are of the Lamb,” referring to Christ. Rather than the divisive issue critics claim, the proposed amendment has brought churches together, he said. It’s dangerous for any church to become politicized, said Jason Adkins, Minnesota Catholic Conference executive director, but that simply is not the case with the conference’s support of the marriage amendment. To argue the conference was somehow a branch of the Republican Party is “completely false,” he said. For one thing, the proposed amendment isn’t partisan in a traditional sense, he explained. Many Democrats support it, Adkins said. The Democratic-leaning Iron Range is a citadel of support, he argued. The “vast majority” of church-going Catholics support the amendment, Adkins said. Personally, he would rather be working on other matters — the conference is involved in issues ranging from immigration to health care — but it’s the advocacy of same-sex marriage supporters that has forced the matter, Adkins explained. “It (marriage) needs to be strengthened and not redefined,” he said. Still, churches or religious-based groups can damage themselves by too frequent contact with political issues, Adkins indicated.

“You must be very careful if you intervene,” he said. Out of the thousands of bills that pour out of the state Legislature every session, the Catholic Conference becomes involved only with a double-handful, Adkins said. One amendment supporter, the Rev. Tom Parrish, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, who has testified on behalf of the proposed amendment at hearings at the State Capitol, spoke of a perceived ugly attitude among amendment opponents. Every time he puts a “Vote Yes” sign up in his yard, it disappears, he explained. “Fortunately, I have 25 more in the garage.” Religious leaders at the rally outside the State Fair charged amendment supporters were trying to shut down conversation on an important issue. The rally was sponsored by Minnesotans United for All Families, an antiamendment group listing dozens of religious leaders on its website as opposed to the amendment. Minnesota for Marriage, a pro amendment group, has a lengthy list on its website of churches supporting the amendment. The proposed amendment passed the Legislature with overwhelming Republican support. T.W. Budig can be reached at tim.budig@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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Opinion

August 31, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

Are schools doing enough to challenge all students? by Joe Nathan Sun Thisweek

Three important questions come from “Do Schools Challenge our Children?” a report by the Center for American Progress: • Is school too easy for many students? • Should we believe student surveys? • If the answer to the first two questions is “yes,” now what? CAP describes itself as a “non-partisan research and education institute,” seeking to “find progressive and pragmatic solutions to significant domestic and international problems.” Its report has attracted lots of attention. I agree that some students need more challenge. Researchers found that, for example: • Thirty-three percent of Minnesota fourthgraders, and 37 percent of fourth-graders nationally described their math work as “often, always or almost always too easy.” Nationally, 67 percent said “sometimes” too easy, and 17 percent, “never too easy.” • Twenty-eight percent of Minnesota eighth-grade students and 29 percent of eighth-graders nationally said math is “often,

Sun Thisweek Columnist

Joe Nathan

always or almost always … too easy.” • Nationally, 51 percent of eighth-grade civics students and 57 percent of eighth-grade history students feel that their work is “often or always too easy.” You can read more at www.americanprogress.org/issues/2012/07/student_survey_ map.html. Should we trust these students’ comments? My experience, and research the report cites, say “yes.” As an elementary, middle, high school and university teacher over 40 years, I found that most students gave me helpful feedback. The questions I asked varied, based on students’ age. But they often were frank about whether I was being clear and fair, whether

they were learning a little or a lot, what they liked best about the class, and what most needed improvement. One of the most intriguing parts of CAP’s report summarizes research showing the value of surveying students. This research does not say student surveys are the only way to evaluate teachers or that all students are truthful. But CAP cites intriguing research by Harvard professor Ronald Ferguson. After surveying more than 300,000 students, he’s found that there are valuable questions to ask. For example, 79 percent of students in classrooms that score in the top quarter say “my teacher explains difficult things clearly.” Only 50 percent of students in classrooms scoring in the bottom 25 percent say their teachers “explain difficult things clearly.” So, one possible response is to help some teachers explain difficult concepts and ideas to some of their students. Another possible response is to examine how technology can help schools do a better job of individualizing learning. But increasing standards, one of center’s

major solutions, won’t do much to solve the problem. Why? Because, as Ed Fuller, a Penn State education professor recently wrote on a “blog” created by Diane Ravitch, students who are not doing well under current standards were much less likely to say school is too easy. Raising standards won’t necessarily help currently less successful students. You can read his (and other) reactions here: http://dianeravitch.net/2012/07/11/are-u-sschools-too-easy. It’s not just about how educators are teaching, it’s about how schools are organized to promote and encourage learning. Moreover, we need to do more to promote respect for academic, along with athletic accomplishment. The report wisely urges doing “far more to improve the learning experience for all students.” Joe Nathan, formerly a Minnesota public school teacher and administrator, directs the Center for School Change. Reactions welcome, joe@ centerforschoolchange.org. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Do Americans care enough to make a difference? by Dan Powers

Special to Sun Thisweek

Somewhere in my lifetime America lost its way. When we see a goal we can’t keep our focus. In the 60s President Kennedy told a nation: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” giving us vision and a task before he was killed. We succeeded where none have matched in 40 years. By the end of the decade our nation with a great effort and commitment landed a man on the moon. Not once, but many times with 12 Americans walking on the moon. Then instead of working hard to keep our gains we quit. As a nation we walked away from greatness. Racism and war clouded our eyes. When we could have united and grown we worked to create boundaries and friction. In the late 70s President Carter asked a nation to pull together so that we could fight OPEC’s hold over our country, with a bold plan to conserve and build alternative energy solutions. For this he was ridiculed. Now more 30 years later we find ourselves worse off than we were in 1979. In the early 80s President Reagan told a nation: “It does require, however, our best ef-

Guest Columnist

Dan Powers

fort and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds, and to believe that together with God’s help, we can and will resolve the problems which now confront us. And after all, why shouldn’t we believe that? We are Americans.” With great determination we saw the Iron Curtain fall. But a mere 20 years later we find many of the gains from the fall of the Soviet Union now evaporating. Instead of a Cold War, we now have a war on terrorism. In 2001 when we faced a new challenge and a new enemy, what did President Bush ask of us? As we prepared for war, we were asked to go about our lives as if nothing had changed. With America’s soldiers dying on foreign shores once again we were told to work hard

and consume. This would make more sense if by consuming we were giving jobs to local producers. But throughout the last decade most production jobs have left the country. So who did all of this consumption benefit? Where did all of those jobs go to? All of that money and jobs is now overseas in places like China and India. How is this helping the U.S. either in the near future or long term future? We can buy stuff we don’t need, really cheap from all around the world. I used to think the business leaders understood something that all of the rest of had missed. But I now realize they don’t have all the answers either. Too often employees are treated as just another commodity. We no longer find companies reinvesting in their employees. Instead we offshore our work, aiming for something as simple as cost saving. But are the real costs being accounted for? When all the production jobs are outside the U.S., when most of the service jobs are handled by unskilled or lightly skilled workers, when the only option is self employment as a subcontractor, who will buy the goods? Where is the next generation going to make a living wage? When we export all of our best jobs, who will be able to afford anything but

these cheap imports? Maybe that is the secret. We can still afford this stuff only because it is made outside the U.S. But in the final chapter will there be a middle class? Most of those production jobs helped create the middle class. With companies sending all of the jobs overseas the upper management is increasing their compensation to astronomical numbers creating a huge gap between the super rich and the lower middle class. We have turned into a consumption society. Now all that matters is to keep consuming no matter the cost to our society or our souls. Will we ever be able to work ourselves out of the hole created by this type of strategy? Can we get past the bickering, lying, and manipulation? Do you care enough to donate time or money to help out your family, your community, your country or your world? Can we invest in our future? Instead of buying that new trinket, that is made in China or whereever, can we invest locally? Can we consume less? Do we care enough to work together? Dan Powers of Burnsville is a former DFL candidate in the former House District 40A (Burnsville) and in the 2nd Congressional District. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Letters The People need to stop bickering To the editor: I don’t understand why both houses of Congress have such a low approval rating. From what I’ve observed, non-elected citizens have just as hard a time with civility and compromise as politicians in Washington. The petty bickering and inability to even make an attempt to see another’s point of view is not isolated to state legislatures or the halls of Congress. To hold those in elected office to higher standards than ourselves is folly. Just because they’ve become our elected “leaders” does not endow them with special powers to be above human failings and frailties. Furthermore, politicians rely on division to gain votes. And when we stereotype the “The Right” or “The Left” we’re making it even easier for candidates to manipulate The People during campaigns, for left and right wing commentators and politicians to create anger and divisiveness merely

to gain a vote. I can only hope that one day people can become united within the United States of America. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” (Jesus ca. 32 A.D.). After we citizens are more able to solve problems through compromise and discuss ideas with civility and respect, that will be the time when politicians will be forced to do the same. (I wonder if any country has ever fallen due to resentment and anger and a sharp division between two factions.) Andy Alt Lakeville

Family of south metro firefighter sought To the editor: The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation will dedicate a new Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on Sept. 30 on the grounds of the State Capitol. To ensure that every de-

ceased firefighter’s families are represented and will receive a flag – flown over the Capitol – to commemorate the dedication, the state’s fire community is undertaking a campaign to reach out to and identify at least one family member of each of the 206 Minnesota firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 1881. The foundation is working to identify family members of more than 100 of our state’s fallen firefighters, including one from the south metro: George Carleton (year of death: 1892). We’re asking relatives, or anyone with knowledge of relatives, to contact Nyle Zikmund, Spring Lake Park- Blaine-Mounds View Fire Chief, at 612-860-7442 or nzikmund@sbmfire.com no later than Sept. 5, 2012. The fire community is extremely proud that we reached our goal of $600,000 to build the memorial. The fire community is working to raise an additional $80,000 to cover unexpected construction costs and minor expenses for the ceremony. Financial contributions to

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the effort can be sent to: Minnesota Fire Service Foundation c/o Flagship Bank, 7525 Office Ridge Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3644. Online contributions can be made at: www.mnfireservicefoundation.org. All contributions are tax deductible. On behalf of the foundation, Minnesota’s firefighters and our families, and everyone impacted and influenced by the sacrifices made by our sures. fallen brethren, thank you Like it or not poverty has moved from the inner-city to very much. the suburbs, even here in Minnesota. Since the year 2000 George Esbensen President, Minnesota Fire the number of suburban poor has skyrocketed 53 percent. Service Foundation Suburbia became home to the greatest concentration of Recommends impoverished residents back in 2005, primarily due to the Wills for House loss of jobs in manufacturing To the editor: and construction that led to I hear people ask, “Where housing foreclosures. Many are the young people willing of those foreclosures were to consider public service as a with people who had just repart of their career path?” A cently moved to the suburbs in great answer to that question search of their dream. is Anna Wills. The July 6 Sun These problems won’t be Thisweek reported that Wills addressed by an ideology. has been a legislative assistant They won’t be addressed by a to Sen. Michelle Benson, Rsingle answer (i.e., fix the eduHam Lake, and has lived the cational system, and you’ve kind of careful, intense effort fixed it all). The answers will required by those who serve only come from a collection of the Minnesota citizens. people open to listen to ideas, Our system is not an easy no matter where those ideas one, but it works well for those come from. The proposed dedicated to see that it benefits solutions will be tough … us all. I see in Wills, the kind the key is, will they be tough of caring, intelligent, thoughtequally, and will they preserve fulness required in order to who we are as a people, in the be a productive member of process. the Legislature. I strongly rec Here’s the “punch line.” ommend Anna Wills as your I feel that Pat Hall, the enHouse District 57B represendorsed Republican candidate tative. for Senate District 57 (Apple Valley, Coates, Rosemount), is SALLY KETTLE the better man for the job. Apple Valley Hall was born and raised in the Minneapolis projects, We have a put himself through college, careers in both insurdecision to make had ance and banking, is now a To the editor: professor with a doctorate, I live in Rosemount, and and has been a pastor for the we have a State Senate elec- last 24 years. I’ve known Hall tion coming up … and I’m for quite some time. Here are concerned. I’m concerned two things I know about him because the problems Rose- … he’s one of the most carmount is dealing with are not ing and selfless people I’ve a lot different from what the ever met … and he won’t be country is dealing with. The so prone to spend your and mantra is the same … jobs, my tax dollars, because of the taxes, the economy, foreclo-

lessons he’s learned in his own life. He won’t spend until he knows that what he’s spending on is in fact the most cost-effective solution to the problem at hand. Give Pat Hall your vote. DENNIS WALKER Rosemount

County attorney should act To the editor: The conduct of Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom regarding the botched evidence handling by the St. Paul Police Department Crime Lab (as reported in Sun Thisweek Aug. 24) is deeply troubling. There is no doubt the Crime Lab has failed to properly handle evidence. The department admits as much itself. The county attorney, as a representative of the public, should have at least as high a concern, if not higher, for the quality of evidence and evidence handling as defense attorneys. The Dakota County attorney should be more concerned about the quality of evidence he is using to prosecute the citizenry. It troubles me that the county attorney is attempting to block efforts to get to the truth about just how inaccurate or false the work done by the Crime Lab may be. His job is to represent the interests of the citizens of Dakota County and not to defend the cover-up, shoddy work by the St. Paul Police Department Crime Lab. Dan Fitzsimmons Apple Valley

A free car seat clinic will be held during the Sept. 20-21 From Yours To Mine LLC Kids Consignment Sale at Ames Hockey Arena, 19900 Ipava Ave., Lakeville. The Lakeville Police Department will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, to answer questions and schedule free car seat safety checks. Consignment sale

hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. Admission on Sept. 21 will be $2, which will be waived with the donation of a nonperishable food item or five or more clean diapers. There will be no admission fee and many items will be half price on Sept. 22. For more information, visit www. FromYoursToMine.com or call (952) 564-7566.

Networking groups for families of kids with disabilities Dakota County families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities can find resources, support and connections at networking groups and Sibshops from The Arc Greater Twin Cities. The General Support Group in Rosemount is for parents of children with any intellectual or developmental disability. It meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Rosemount United Methodist Church, Choir Room (in basement), 14770 Canada Ave., Rosemount. Meeting dates for 2012 are Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. Meeting dates for 2013 are Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, April 9 and May 14. Child care is available for $3 per family per meeting. The South of the River Group for Parents of Children with Down Syndrome meets on the third Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley. Meeting dates for

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Free car seat clinic at kids’ sale

Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville August 31, 2012

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2012 are Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 19 (no December meeting). Meeting dates for 2013 are Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17 and Aug. 19 (no July meeting). Sibshops are for children ages 6 to 12 who have brothers and sisters with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They meet on the third Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Church. Meeting dates for 2012 are Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. Meeting dates for 2013 are Jan. 14 (date change), Feb. 11 (date change), March 18, April 15 and May 20. Sibshops are free for members of The Arc Greater Twin Cities and $10 per session per child for others. Parents do not need to attend the networking group in order for their children to participate in Sibshops. The Arc Greater Twin Cities’ networking groups are free, but participants should register in advance. For registration or more information, call The Arc at (952) 920-0855.

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August 31, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

Eagle Project benefits Eastview Elementary School

Photo submitted

Life Scout Mitchell Cornelisen from Boy Scout Troop 269 stands with his completed Eagle Project at Eastview Elementary School on Aug. 11. The project included removing the 15foot crabapple tree blocking the Eastview sign, providing additional seating along the front walkway and relandscaping the flower beds. Cornelisen consulted arborist Wade Wiebold of Timberland Tree Moving on the possibility of transplanting the tree to an alternate location. Wiebold donated his services to the project and moved the tree to another landscape bed near the school’s playground. Over the course of two days, Cornelisen led a group of 40 volunteers in the construction, painting and installation of six additional garden benches. An additional six yards of top soil were added, plants were transplanted to better accommodate growing shrubs and 2,500 square feet of beds were weeded and pruned. In addition, more than 30 new shrubs and perennials were planted and eight yards of mulch were laid. Donations for the project were received from the Eastview PTO, Pro-Build, Hirschfields, Hedberg Aggregates, Gerten’s Greenhouse, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, Fleet Farm, Cub Foods, Kwik Trip, Sam’s Club and Subway.

Service news Navy Seaman Matthew Castle, brother of Doug-

las Castle of Farmington, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command,

Great Lakes, Ill. Castle is a 2010 graduate of Greenwood High School, Greenwood, Wis.

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Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville August 31, 2012

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Beverly Ann (Peck-Schramer) Taylor Beverly Taylor, 75, of Burnsville, died peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012 at her home at Emerald Crest surrounded by her loving family, after a three year courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Beverly was born Feb. 27, 1937 in Madison, SD, the daughter of Frank and Adele (Peck) Schramer. She is suvived and dearly missed by her loving family, daughters and son, Shelly Taylor, Lori Taylor, Todd (Cindy) Taylor; Grandchildren, Jeris Taylor, Madeline Taylor, and Emily Taylor; Great Grandchildren, Cameron Taylor and Arianna Taylor Visitation is Saturday, Sept. 1 from 9:30-10:00 a.m. at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis. Service will be held from 10-11 a.m.

Henry Qualle Age 78 of Farmington, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2012 . Henry served his country in the US Air Force and was a member of the Rosemount American Legion, He retired after many years from the Coca-Cola bottling company in Eagan. Henry is preceded in death by his loving wife of 30 years, Dorothy and siblings, Clifford (Maryls), Joseph (Beverly,) Lillie (Alvin) Wohfiel, Agnes (Lloyd) Lawson, Gertrude (James) McKinley and Leslie Qualle. Henry is survived by his loving siblings, Cindy (Marland) Husaby, Edward, Russell (Arlene), Walter (Lee) and Virgil (Darlene); step children, Anette (Roger) Peterson, Thomas (Sharon), David (Barbara), Robert (Connie) and Charles (Becky) Nelson and many step grandchildren also many nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral service was held 11 AM Thursday, August 30, 2012 at the Sheppard of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd., Apple Valley, (952 432 6351) visitation was 1 hr prior to service at church. Interment, was at Cannon Falls Cemetery on Thursday, August 30th at 2 PM. White Funeral Home Farmington (952) 463-7374 www.whitefuneralhomes.com

Age 66 of Eagan, passed away on August 24, 2012. Graduate of Little Falls High School and Veteran of the US Army. Preceded in death by parents Frank & Ester; sister Sonja Betts. Survived by wife Beth; children Trevor (Lisa) Betts & Holly (Jason) Dahlmeir; brother Larry (Jeri) Betts; step mother Annie Betts. Gathering of family and friends was held 5-6pm with service at 6pm Thursday, August 30, 2012 at White Funeral Home, 12804 Nicollet Ave. S. Memorials preferred to www.feedthechildren.org/us and www.innercitytennis.com White Funeral Home Burnsville 952-894-5080 www.whitefuneralhomes.com

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

Health Angels Biking Club The Health Angels Bik ing Club meets at 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays for coffee before head ing out on a ride at 9 a.m. sharp. The biking schedule for September is: • Sept. 5, Minneapolis – Stone Arch, 22 miles • Sept. 7, Big River, 17/22 miles • Sept. 12, Dakota Trail,

27 miles • Sept. 14, Cannon V and Apple Orchard, 20 miles • Sept. 19, Cannon Val ley W, 20 miles • Sept. 20, open • Sept. 19-21, overnight to Lanesboro • Sept. 26, Hopkins to Excelsior, 20 miles • Sept. 28, Hopkins – Minneapolis, 15/25 miles New, experienced bikers are welcome.

Watercolor class Boneita Edlund will teach an introductory wa tercolor class from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6. All materials are furnished. Cost: One punch.

Farmington Briefs Photo contest voting open Farmington residents can choose their favorite EX POSE Farmington Photo Contest submissions on line at www.ci.farmington. mn.us under “Take City Surveys.” Voting ends at

4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7. Winners of the contest will be featured in the 2013 Farmington Community Calendar, to be sent to all Farmington residents and businesses in December. For questions about the contest or the calendar, call (651) 280-6905.

Robertson Fischer

Mr. and Ms. Robertson are thrilled to announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Rochelle Robertson to Mr. Matthew Fischer, son of Mr. Fischer and Mrs. VanStraten. Rochelle grew up in Apple Valley, MN. Matthew grew up in Green Bay, WI. Both live in San Diego where they met. Rochelle is the Director of Staffing, with VACO. Matthew is the Owner of TMS, a merchant processing company. Their wedding will take place September 29th, at Camrose Hill Flower Farm, in Stillwater MN.

Singles group The Lakeville Single Se niors group holds monthly planning meetings on the third Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Must be a cur rent senior center member and pay a $5 group registra tion fee in order to partici pate. The next outing will be mini-golf at Adventure Gardens in Richfield Sat urday, Sept. 8. Cost is $5.75 per game. Lunch at Houli han’s prior to golf. Leave the senior center at 11 a.m.

Twins vs. Yankees See the Minnesota Twins take on the New York Yan kees on Wednesday, Sept. 26. Price includes roundtrip motor coach transpor

Women’s luncheon The Minnesota Valley Christian Women’s Con nection’s luncheon featur ing a wedding dress fash ion show will be 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13,

tation and a ticket for an upper-level reserved seat. Game time is 12:10 p.m. Leave the Lakeville Senior Center at 10 a.m. and leave Target Field 20 minutes af ter the game ends. Cost is $35, payable by Sept. 14.

Metro Dining Cards The Metro Dining Cards will arrive around the sec ond week in September. They are a box of 166 res taurant cards that can be used once a month in a va riety of restaurants south of the river – buy one meal and get the second meal of equal value, free. The sets will be $22 at the senior cen ter during business hours.

at Enjoy restaurant, 15435 Founders Lane, Apple Val ley. Heidi Studer will speak on “Defining Moments: History in the Making.” Cost is $16. Call Lisa for reservations at (952) 4030773.

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Dahl - Palmer Lindsay Dahl, daughter of Dave and Diane Dahl of Burnsville and Brad Palmer, son of Rick and Lynn Palmer of Sun Prairie Wis announce their engagement. Lindsay is a 2001 graduate of Burnsville High School and a 2005 graduate of UW Madison. She is currently employed as a patient coordinator with Athletico in Chicago, Ill. Brad is a 2000 graduate of Sun Prairie High School and a 2006 graduate of UW Madison. He is currently employed as a project engineer for Menlo Worldwide Inc. The couple is planning a September 22, 2012 wedding at Grandview Lodge in Nisswa, MN.

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Bouwer - French Mark H. Blaska Age 34 of Princeton formerly of Burnsville passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2012. Mark was a 1996 graduate of Burnsville High School and graduate of Dunwoody Institute. Mark was a loving devoted father, avid hunter and fisherman who loved playing hockey. He is survived by his children Molli, Kevin and Kyle; mother Karen (Jerry) Morrow and father Gaylon Blaska; sisters Jill (W.J.) Eulberg and Jenny Blaska-Vizenor; step sister Katie Morrow; grandmother Lauraine Blaska; Also by many loving relatives and friends. Funeral Service was held 11AM Thursday, August 30, 2012 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13901 Fairview Dr. Burnsville, MN. Visitation was 5-8pm Wednesday, August 29 at White Funeral Home, 12804 Nicollet Ave. S. and also one hour prior to service at church. Interment, Sunset Memorial Park, Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be appreciated for Mark’s children. White Funeral Home Burnsville 952-894-5080 www.whitefuneralhomes.com

Rev. Bob and Laurie Bouwer of Dyer, Indiana, and Steven and Sharon French of Lakeville, are proud to announce the engagement of their children, Caitlin Joy Bouwer and Ross Wilson French. Caitlin and Ross are graduates of Bethel University, St. Paul, MN. Caitlin is employed at MSP Communications in Mpls, and Ross is employed at Boom Lab in Mpls. An October 12 wedding is planned at Faith Church in Dyer, Indiana.

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”). Com pleted 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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Sports

August 31, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

Panthers start season with a bang Volleyball team has another year of high expectations

The hype surrounding the Lakeville North Panther volleyball team is roaring. With two-time all-state player Alyssa Goehner along with an healthy selection of girls who helped the 2011 team finish second at state back in the lineup, it’s not surprising. Add the fact that Minnesota volleyball coaching legend Walt Weaver has taken over as head coach, and the buzz has been discernible statewide. Weaver is back following a sixyear break after spending 31 years as Apple Valley’s head coach. His teams won two state titles and reached the state tournament 13 times. The Panthers opened the season ranked No. 1 in the Class AAA ahead of last year’s state champion Eden Photo by Andy Rogers Prairie (No. 3) and fellow Lakeville North’s Haley Walker, No. 10, takes a swing against Bethlehem Academy on South Suburban ConferTuesday. The Panthers swept the team 3-0. ence foe Eagan (No. 4). The

girls know it won’t be easy to stay that way. “We can’t let it get to our head too much,” Goehner said. “We have a target on our back. Everything comes into play when you have a target on your back. We just have to play as a team and stay humble.” The girls’ power was on display during the season opener on Tuesday when the Panthers swept the No. 1 ranked team in Class A Bethlehem Academy 25-19, 25-12, 25-23. “This is a team of phenomenal volleyball players and athletes,” Weaver said. “The coaching they’ve had all the way through their lives and the support they get from the community is great. You put that together, and it’s a pretty fun group to watch. They work hard. They get along well. “My job is just to tweak something here and there.” Goehner looks like she’s on another level, adding several miles per hour to

Tiger volleyball reloads

Cougars return with new coach, young players

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

Three key members back looking for an improved 2012

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

The Farmington volleyball team has a healthy mix of young talent and veteran setters and hitters set to swing away in 2012. The Tigers have three key members of the 2011 team back ready to swat the ball around the south metro. Emily Nelson returns after finishing third on the team in kills with 91 in 2011. Emma Fahning is also back after finishing fourth on the team in kills. She led the team in digs and aces as a seventh-grader last season. “Emma is still very young but very solid,”

head coach Mike Woody said. “She will be one of those stepping into more of a hitting role this season. She has improved quite a bit and is a lot stronger than she was last season.” Mia Johnston is also back at setter/defensive/ serving specialist as a senior captain with middle blocker Kaylene Seurer. “(Johnston’s) experience and leadership will be important,” Woody said. “She has done a great job as captain over the summer.” RuthAnne Schmitt will provide some setting help with Kelsey Lindell in the middle, Rachel Eckert

at libero and Courtney Johnson on the right side. The Tigers expect to have a balanced attack with a stout defense. “I feel this group is capable of a winning season with lots of senior leadership and young talent,” Woody said. “We have to improve our offense on serve receive and continue to play scrappy defense to keep us in points.” With a Missota Conference loaded with Chanhassen, Chaska, and Shakopee, Woody expects the Tigers to be right behind them. “My biggest concern going into the season

is our confidence in the tight matches,” Woody said. “If we can stay strong and fight in the close ones, I think we can build confidence which is something we have lacked the last two seasons.” To open the season, the girls swept Austin 2512, 25-12 and 25-20 last week. The girls will participate in a tournament at Coon Rapids on Sept. 6 and host their own tournament on Sept. 13. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

her swing this season. “She going to be impossible to stop,” Weaver said. “She’s an elite player. It’s pretty hard to defend a ball hit that hard.” In addition to Goehner, the Panthers will press defensive specialist Abby Monson into action who was with the team when it won state in 2010 as well. “She’s one outrageous digger,” Goehner said. She’ll share the court with Sami Flattum and Haley Walker. All three played significant points last year at state. The Panthers lost a number of star players including Nicole Latzig, Jessica Wolff and Kelly Nizzari to graduation, all of whom were instrumental in the team’s back-to-back state finals appearances, but there were plenty of girls waiting in the wings for a shot. Newcomer Erica Handley, who moved from WinSee panthers, 11A

Lakeville South volleyball has two players back by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

The Lakeville South volleyball team has all kinds of new dynamics for 2012. The Cougars are coming off a season where they were ranked No. 1 in the state at one point and tied for the South Suburban Conference title. But little remains from perhaps its best season ever. With almost a complete roster turnover after graduating seven seniors last spring, new head coach Steve Willingham is excited to see how the team performs in 2012. “We have a really dynamic team,” Willingham

said. “I think we’re going to be better than people expect us to be. There wasn’t room for these girls on varsity last year, and they’re excited to show people what they can do.” Willingham isn’t a stranger to volleyball in Lakeville. He coached at Lakeville High School from 1986-2005. When Lakeville South opened, he coached for the school’s 9A program from 2005-10. Last year he led Lakeville North to a Section 1AAA championship over Lakeville South and finished second at state. See cougars, 11A

Tiger runners chasing Tiger boys soccer expecting Missota’s best another big step forward Girls team has nearly everyone back

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

If things go as planned, the Farmington girls cross country team should be quicker this season. Every member of the team that finished sixth in the Missota Conference in 2011 is back. The team’s top three runners, Sophia Chadwick, Maria Kiminski and Maricia Pacheco, ran the 4,000-meter Missota Conference race in less than 16 minutes. They’re joined by Alexis Johnson, Sarah Cummings and Maricella Pacheco. “The runners have put in a lot of miles and training over the summer, and I believe that it is going to have a strong impact on our season right at takeoff,” coach Heidi Revels said. “I am expecting not only better individual times, but I believe that we are going to finish stronger as a team this year.” The girls spent the off-season lifting weights, going through circuit training and doing plyometrics, which is essentially jump training, in addition to log runs, sprints and hills. With a veteran crew, the girls know what to expect on the familiar courses throughout the conference. “The top runners wear a watch and are aware of where they need to be each mile of the race, as well as keeping track of their teammates,” Revels said. “Many people are under the impression that runners just go out and do that: run. But for the serious runners, there is much more to preparing for a race in order to reach their greatest potential.”

ners to cross country out this year, which is exciting,’ Lippold said. “We try and do team-building activities throughout the season. We have already had a barbecue and pool party, trail running on the weekend, (and) team breakfasts after practice.” To get ready for the season, the team also hit the weight room with the help of strength and conditioning coach Scott Meier. “We do stations of sit-ups, pushups and medicine ball workouts daily to continue to work on core strength,” Lippold said. The boys and girls teams will begin the season on Friday at Eagan High School in the Dakota County Invitational. The girls will see the No. 1 ranked team in Class AA, Lakeville South, No. 4 Eagan as well as Missota Conference rival New Prague. The boys will see No. 6-ranked Eastview.

Girls swimming

Having the versatile Kaitlyn O’Reilly back in the pool will help the Tigers in dual meets. O’Reilly finished seventh in the 200-yard individual medley and third in the 100 backstroke at the Class AA state meet last November. She joined up with Kirsten Kracke in a 200-yard medley relay that finished seventh at state. And the two swam with Cora Ruzicka on a 400 freestyle relay that placed 13th at state. They are joined by returning swimmers Maddie Alexander, Robin Ellis and Nikke Cayard. Coach Jen Marshall is encouraged with the team’s work ethic, coBoys cross country hesiveness and leadership. The boys cross country team “We should be strong again this features Adam Wallenta, Tyler Le- season,” Marshall said. “Strong rbakken, Dan Block and Caleb Ei- leadership will take the team far. The girls are very witty and love to ffert this season. Coach Lisa Lippold’s expecta- have fun.” tion is to keep the gaps between the Last week the girls finished runners low. “We have quite a few new runSee tigers, 11A

Farmington fielding most experienced team yet

by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

With high expectations and a wealth of experience, the Farmington boys soccer team is aiming for its best season yet in 2012. “Now that the roster is set, it is obvious that this group has high expectations for the level of commitment, level of play, and commitment to team, more so than any other group I have seen,” head coach Julian Buss said. “These boys want to win, but they also understand the purpose of team roles and team cohesiveness. We need to keep this focus and intensity throughout the season if we hope to finish strong in conference and section.” The Tigers finished 8-7-2 last year, which was the best record Farmington has had, considering its schedule. Farmington has “what I would consider a more competitive schedule, so we are certainly making moves in the right direction,” Buss said. The team lost its first two games of the season 2-0 to Rosemount and Lakeville North. The Tigers got its first win of the season beating Lakeville South 3-1 on Tuesday. The Missota Conference schedule begins Sept. 6 with a trip to Chanhassen. The Tigers should have more experience this season with the largest senior class ever involved in the program. “I can look to the senior class for the depth, experience and leadership that a strong program requires,” Buss said. “Not only are we fielding a more mature team, but strength and skill are undoubtedly part of our strength as well.” The team’s defense should be stacked with Hunter Meyers, Jeffrey Hanson, Eric Stoeck-

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Lakeville South’s Cole Svendsen (18) heads the ball while Farmington’s Robin DeCastro (8) defends in a non-conference boys soccer game Tuesday. Farmington defeated Lakeville South 3-1. The South boys opened the season with a 1-0 victory over Rochester John Marshall but lost to Owatonna 3-2 last weekend. Later in the evening, The Lakeville South girls soccer team tied Farmington 1-1. Farmington’s started the season with a 5-2 victory over Faribault. At the Katie Drentlaw Invitational last weekend, the Tigers went 1-1, beating Byron 5-1 but losing to Prior Lake 5-0. The Lakeville South girls defeated Rochester John Marshall 2-1 in their opener but lost to Owatonna 3-1 last weekend. mann and Robin DeCastro back after playing varsity in 2011. “This group is brutally difficult to get through, so I would expect to see less shots on goal this year against our keepers,” Buss said. Jared Wolt and Blake Smith take over at center midfield after training hard during the offseason, according to Buss. At the wings, Tyler PetterMcCauley and Caleb Gochenour take over with Kaid Nokes and Urive Omana at forward hoping to score a few more goals. “Kaid is as strong a forward as you will find, and Urive has a terrific left-foot shot that I expect will catch a few goalies offguard,” Buss said. Although many of the play-

ers have varsity experience, Buss was impressed by the athletic improvements the team made during the off-season. “It is obvious that these boys have been developing strength and speed during the off-season, whether it be as part of a conditioning program, another sport such as track and field, or by playing on competitive club soccer teams,” Buss said. One possible concern was the opening at goalkeeper, but Buss said he is optimistic about the potential of Sam Peterson and Isaac Toenjes, who will split duties when the season begins. Andy Rogers can be reached at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville August 31, 2012

tigers, from 10A third at the Missota Relays behind Chanhassen and Northfield. The 400 medley relay with Ruzicka, Ellie Sundet, Chloe Holton

cougars, from 10A During the offseason he took the job at Lakeville South, which is near his home. Two starters remain off last year’s Cougar squad – setter Jazzmyne Tingelhoff and her younger sister pin hitter/outside hitter Jade Tingelhoff. “We still haven’t really settled on where people will help us the most,” Willingham said. “We’ll see how they respond to the competition.” The Tingelhoffs have a wealth of experience to share with several newcomers. Middle blockers Ashley Pratt and Taylor Unke along with outside hitter

panthers, from 10A E-Mac during the off-season, will step in as the setter after helping the Patriots win back-to-back Class 1A state titles. Goehner was particularly excited about her potential after netting 28 kills against Bethlehem Academy. “She is one great setter,” Goehner said. “She does wonderful things with the ball. I can tell you how many times I got a good set. She’s the reason I looked good tonight.” To put the 28 kills in three games in perspective, Goehner had 34 the state final last year after five games. Janae Neuenschwander will have an expanded role as well along with seniors Laura Larson, Danielle Sanders, Courtney Hayes and Hailey Lonergan. “They’re doing a good job hitting it hard and hitting it smart,” Weaver said. “We have a lot of defensive specialists on the team. They’re all exceptional players. The pieces are there. It’s going to be a fun year for Lakeville volleyball.” Next weekend the Panthers head to Marshall to play in one of the more prestigious varsity tournaments

and O’Reilly finished first. Krake, Sundet, Ruzicka and O’Reilly were first in the 850 freestyle relay. By the end of season, Marshall said she would like to see Farmington have

two relays and five individual entries at the state meet.

Sammie Kremer will help fill the open spots. “There are really a number of players that could play in the back row or hitting position,” Willingham said. “We’re still searching for the starting lineup. The girls who give us the most energy will be on the court for us.” The Cougars will rely on juniors and sophomores as Jazzmyne Tingelhoff is the only senior on the roster. Willingham likes their potential. “They’re enthusiastic and motivated,” Willingham said. “We have a lot to live up to. ... We’ve got a long ways to go defensively getting our block set and all that. If we can take care

of our first contact, we can compete at a high level.” The girls kicked the season off Tuesday with a convincing 25-13, 25-14, 25-16 win over Visitation. The Cougars have three tournaments on the schedule this season – the Aerie Challenge at Apple Valley on Sept. 7, Farmington on Sept. 15 and Cretin-Derham Hall on Sept. 29. The rematch at Lakeville North, which ended South’s season last year, is scheduled Sept. 11.

in the state: the Southwest Minnesota Challenge. The girls have won the tournament the past two seasons. The girls will also participate in the Apple Valley Tournament Sept. 21, which features most of the yearly state contenders in Minnesota. They will also host their own Todd L. Bachman Invitational on Oct. 5. One of the more an-

ticipated match-ups in the South Suburban Conference won’t happen until Oct. 16 when the Panthers make the trip to another preseason favorite Eagan, which tied for the conference title in 2011.

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

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August 31, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

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was compassionate and had a great sense of humor, said Lauren Fox, one of his teachers at the ALC. About 100 community members – students and staff from the various Lakeville schools, in addition to graduates and friends – turned out Aug. 22 for a memorial at the ALC, Vievering said. Posters adorned the walls. Memorial attendees could write messages on Post-Its to Roehl and Alexander and affix them to the posters. “We are planning to have that laminated and give each of the posters to each family,” Vievering said. Other memorials have occurred as well, including those at the site of the crash on Buck Hill Road, where fellow students came out to mourn the loss of their friends.

Alexander Regarding Alexander’s inclination toward compassion, Fox said she remembers one incident very clearly. Last year, a gym teacher tripped and fell to the floor, her face striking the surface. “Her face was damaged pretty badly,” Fox said.

Everyone stood there in a state of shock but for Alexander, who rushed to the gym teacher’s aid. “Fred was right there to help her on her feet,” Fox said. “He was so quick to step in and keep her calm.” A couple days later that teacher went to Fox’s classroom to thank him. Fox said the teacher told the whole class that “Fred is my hero.” Alexander also had a mind for strategy. “He loved to play chess,” Fox said. “His goal every day was to beat the computer.”

Roehl Vievering described Roehl as possessing a penchant for insight “beyond her years” about situations and people around her. “She was a wonder at dealing with people,” Vievering said. Roehl was also a “go-getter” and “had a wonderful smile.” Roehl was a positive force in the classroom, Vievering said. Though Roehl is gone, her personable approach to life and her creative writing will live on. “I have her poetry on the wall in my room,” Vievering said, “and it will stay there.” There were three other passengers in the 1992 Toyota Camry, all Lakev-

ille South High School students. The unidentified 17-year-old driver, along with two teenage passengers, Jonathan L. Thomas, 16, of Lakeville, and Rey Chacon, 17, of Burnsville, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Thomas was wearing a seatbelt and Chacon was not. Roehl and Alexander were also not wearing belts, according to the State Patrol. Roehl is survived by her mother, Jen; father, Wayne; siblings, Grace, Ostin, Aidan, Dacey, Brennan, Breena, Rori and Reagen; grandparents, Barb Walls, Dave and Cindy Roehl; great-grandparents, Pauline Hickman and Wayne Lucking. Alexander is survived by his parents, Cheryl and Terence McClenney; siblings, Selena Ely and Gabrielle McClenney; grandparents, Freddie Jeff, Elizabeth McClenney and Gloria Honore; nephew, Daylon Daniels; niece, Haiden Jackson; special brother, Georgio Wright; special friends, Rey, Alfredo, J.T., Julio, Esteban and Malik. Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville August 31, 2012

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August 31, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

Thisweekend theater and arts briefs Zoo kicks off concert series

The Minnesota Zoo will debut its Live On Stage acoustic concert series in its new indoor theatre, the Target Learning Center, a multi-purpose performance venue and winter home to the zoo’s World of Birds show. Concert lineup: Sept. 27, Chris Koza; Oct. 4, Lucy Michelle; Oct. 18, The Atlantis Quartet; Oct. 25, Alison Scott; and Nov. 7, Jeremy Messersmith. Evening schedule: 6 to 7 p.m., zoo opens for Tropics Trail stroll; 7 p.m., Target Learning Center doors open for seating; 7:15 p.m., bird encounter on stage; 7:30 p.m., concert begins. The concerts are open to guests age 18 and older. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at mnzoo.org.

Canvas & Vine tickets on sale The Burnsville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s annual “Canvas & Vines, A Collection of Fine Art & Wine,” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. The fundraising event includes sampling and learning about select wines and craft beer, tasting a variety of foods from local restaurants, while viewing fine art, listening to

music from Greenwood Tree, and bidding on silent auction items. Tickets are available now. Admission is $35. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Call (952) 8954690 for more information and to purchase tickets, or visit www.canvasandvines.com.

‘Steel Kiss’ in a headlock

‘Club Swing’ in Burnsville

Photo submitted

Chameleon Theatre Circle and Segue Productions will present “Steel Kiss” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7-8 and 2 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for students, seniors and groups. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling (952) 895-4680. Chameleon Theatre Circle’s 13th annual New Play Festival also will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. It is free to attend. More is at www. chameleontheatre.org.

Five By Design’s “Club Swing” performance will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets range from $22 to $29 and can be purchased at the box office or by phone at (952) 895-4680.

Teen artist gatherings The Eagan Art House, 3981 Lexington Ave. S., will host Teen Artist Gatherings from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 13, Oct. 4, Nov. 8 and Dec. 6; and from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1. Cost is $3 payable at the door. Drop-ins welcome. Bus transportation will be provided from Eagan High School to the art house on the Thursday gatherings. To ride the bus, call or text (651) 485-8940. No transportation will be offered on Saturdays. Call the Eagan Art House at (651) 675-5521 for more information.

family calendar To submit items for the Family Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com. Friday, Aug. 31 Blue Moon Walk, 8 to 9:30 p.m. at Ritter Farm Park, 19300 Ritter Trail, Lakeville. For all ages, families encouraged. Cost: $5 per person and/or $15 per family. Information: Lakeville Parks and Recreation, (952) 985-4600. Wednesday, Sept. 5 Pilot Knob Road Corridor open house for area residents, business owners and commuters from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Eagan Community Center Oasis Room, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan. Information: (952) 891-7100. Eagan Market Fest, 4 to 8 p.m., Eagan Festival Grounds. The farmers market is open with a wide selection of fall produce including apples. Information: www.cityofeagan.com/marketfest or (651) 675-5500. Parent informational meeting hosted by MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, a virtual K-12 program, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble – Cafe, 1291 Promenade Place, Eagan. Learn what it’s like to attend public school online. Information: www. connectionsacademy.com or (800) 382-6010. Thursday, Sept. 6 “Activities to Encourage Engagement,” Alzheimer’s care training, 6 p.m. at Home Instead Senior Care, 1600 E. Cliff Road, Burnsville. Free. To reserve a spot, call (952) 882-9300. Friday, Sept. 7 Forever Wild Family Friday: Nature Bingo, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Lebanon Hills Visitor Center – Discovery Room, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan. Free. Registration required. Course No. 4174. Information: http://www.co.dakota. mn.us/LeisureRecreation/CountyParks/Calendar. Saturday, Sept. 8 Kids ’n Kinship 40th anniversary gala, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Crystal Lake Golf Club, 6725 Innsbrook Drive, Lakeville. In-

cludes cash bar, silent auction, music and other entertainment, a quilt raffle, wine cork pull, plus a sit-down dinner. Tickets are available for $40 at www.kinship40th.eventbrite.com. Live auction online at www.winningcause.org/all-auctions/kids-nkinship-1.html. Sunday, Sept. 9 Bird banding, 9 a.m. to noon at Ritter Farm Park, 19300 Ritter Trail, Lakeville. Join a naturalist for an up-close look at wild birds. Cost: $2 per person for ages 10 and older; free for children under 10. Information: Lakeville Parks and Recreation, (952) 985-4600. The Denmark Demons vintage baseball team will face the Quicksteps at 1 p.m. at the Denmark Town Hall, 14008 90th St. S., in Denmark Township. The game is free and open to the public. Ongoing Firearm Safety Class will be offered at Rosemount Middle School, 3135 143rd St. W., Rosemount, Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 29. Tentative range day: Oct. 27. Registration: 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 11. Minimum age is 11. Fee is $7.50. A legal guardian must accompany students for registration and stay for approximately the first hour of class, which begins at 7 p.m. No preregistration. Information: Mike Kottwitz, (952) 884-8001. 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. • Sept. 4, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., Messiah Lutheran Church, 16725 Highview Ave., Lakeville. • Sept. 8, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville. • Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan. • Sept. 10, 2 to 5 p.m., Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria, 1965 Cliff Lake Road, Eagan.

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Thisweekend Journey to find ‘home’ Newbery award-winning author to be in Rosemount

by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

One wouldn’t expect to draw a straight line from Herman Melville’s iconic Captain Ahab to a girl in a rundown small town, but Kansas author Clare Vanderpool did. The line started to be drawn when Vanderpool came across the oftenrepeated quote from “Moby Dick” – “It is not down on any map; true places never are.” True places were easy to map for Vanderpool, who said she has lived in the same Wichita, Kan., neighborhood her whole life. “A true place is all about home and the people and places that are so familiar,” she said, “the neighborhood pool, the sledding hill, all the places where memories abound.” She said that started her thinking about what a young person whose family moved around a lot would think of “home.” “That was when Abilene Tucker showed up and I basically accompanied her on this journey of finding her own definition of a true place,” Vanderpool said. Abilene is the central character of Vanderpool’s “Moon Over Manifest,” which will be the focus of One Book, One

Clare Vanderpool Rosemount events from Sept. 1 to Oct. 9 (go to SunThisweek.com to see a full listing). She is the daughter of a drifter for a dad, who has sent her to live with relatives in her father’s hometown for the summer. Abilene has heard many tales of her dad’s childhood, but she’s disappointed that the town of Manifest in the 1930s doesn’t live up to the billing her father gave it. But discovering a tale about the town’s mysterious past and the role her father played in it are just the beginning for Abilene, who has never experienced community or a connection to place. Vanderpool said that tale shows the transfor-

mative power of story in our lives. “Moon Over Manifest” has a wide range of appeal because it has characters of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds in addition to being set in two different time periods. “I think it speaks to some basic themes that are important to all of us – home, community, the need for belonging, and the importance of story in our lives,” Vanderpool said. She said the book can incite discussion about history and those “I remember when” types of discussions. “Much of the book really pertains to all of our lives,” she said. “There are themes of friendship, loss, the need for forgiveness and redemption.” More about Vanderpool is at www.clarevanderpool.com. For a brochure about the One Book, One Rosemount events, go to the Robert Trail Library, 14395 Robert Trail S., or go to a PDF link of it from this story posted online at SunThisweek.com. Tad Johnson can be reached at tad.johnson@ ecm-inc.com or facebook. com/sunthisweek.

theater and arts calendar To submit items for the Arts Calendar, email: darcy. odden@ecm-inc.com. Auditions The Prior Lake Players will hold open auditions for “Alice in Wonderland” from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, and Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Twin Oaks Middle School, 15860 Fish Point Road S.E., Prior Lake. Auditions for children ages 5-10 will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. both nights, and teen/ adult (age 11 and up) auditions will be from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Information: www.plplayers.org. Concerts Little Feat with Tom Fuller Band, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $34. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Exhibits/art shows A botanical art exhibit by The Great River Chapter of Botanical Artists is on display through Sept. 16 at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Information: (952) 985-4640. Pilgrims and Passages, a joint exhibit featuring art by Anthony Donatelle and Jon Reischl, is on display through Sept. 8 in the gallery at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. For more information, call (952) 895-4676 or visit www.burnsvillepac.com. Harvest of Art Community Art Exhibit opening, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at the Eagan Art House, 3981 Lexington Ave. S. The exhibit will run through Nov. 2 at the art house and other Eagan locations. Information: (651) 675-5521 or www.eaganarthouse.org. Festivals/special events Burnsville Fire Muster runs Sept. 5-9. Information: www.burnsvillefiremuster.com/. Burnsville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Canvas & Vines will be 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. Includes wine, craft beer, food, art, music and a silent auction. Admission is $35. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Call (952) 895-4690 for more information and to purchase tickets, or visit www.canvasandvines. com. “Musical Heart Notes – Treasuring Children,” a musical fundraiser for Children’s Lighthouse of Minnesota, will be held from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Steeple

Center, 14375 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Information: www.childrenslighthousemn.org. Theater The Chameleon Theatre Circle and Segue Productions will present “Steel Kiss” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7-8 and 2 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for students, seniors and groups. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling (952) 895-4680. The Chameleon Theatre Circle’s 13th annual New Play Festival will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Free. Workshops/classes Allegro Choral Academy is currently accepting registrations for its 2012-13 season for students in second to eighth grade. Classes available in Rosemount and Lakeville. Registration information: http://www.allegroca.org/ or nmarschall@allegroca.org. 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) 675-5521. Music Together in the Valley offers classes for parents and their infant, toddler and preschool children in Rosemount, Farmington, Lakeville and Apple Valley. Information: www.musictogetherclasses. com or (651) 439-4219. The Eagan Art House offers classes for ages 4 through adult. Register now for fall classes. For a complete listing go to www.eaganarthouse.org or call (651) 675-5521. Dan Petrov Art Studio in Burnsville offers oil painting

classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced skill level painters, www.danpetrovart. com, (763) 843-2734. Teens Express Yourself with Paint, 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays at Brushworks School of Art in Burnsville, www.BrushworksSchoolofArt.com, (651) 214-4732. Drama/theater classes for ages 4 and up at River Ridge Arts Building, Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Special needs theater program (autism-DCD), ages 5 and older, Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Join other 55-plus adults at the Eagan Art House to create beaded jewelry. The Jewelry Club meets on the third Friday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. 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) 4637833. The Lakeville Area Arts Center offers arts classes for all ages, www.lakevillemn.gov, (952) 985-4640.

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August 31, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville August 31, 2012

crime lab, from 1A use of the term “standard operating procedures” when referring to the work DeCrans said she typically performed when testing evidence used in Dakota County drug cases. Traub challenged the term because accepted scientific standards indicate “standard operating procedures” are written, verified, tested and consistently followed. Procedures employed at the St. Paul crime lab did not meet that standard, as previous testimony revealed. Once the crime lab’s operations became publicized after July testimony in the hearing, the drug lab testing was shut down, the head of the lab replaced and the law enforcement entities that used the lab for testing drug evidence, including Dakota County, stopped sending samples there for testing. The drug evidence has been undergoing retesting by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension drug lab, but the defense also is claiming retesting cannot rectify damage done by the St. Paul lab. DeCrans said Traub’s questioning to determine the proper scientific term for the work she performed on drug cases was “getting a little nit-picky on terminology.” “Science is nit-picky” and “requires precision,” Traub replied. Previous testimony revealed the unaccredited St.

Paul crime lab’s operations lacked standard operating procedures performed by an under-trained workforce that employed lax standards, improper testing procedures and failed to maintain equipment. The Frye-Mack hearing has included a crosssection of Dakota County drug cases where evidence was tested by the St. Paul crime lab; its purpose is to explore whether scientific evidence can be presented against an accused defendant in trial. Traub and Christine Funk of the State’s Public Defender’s office have argued the evidence is contaminated and should be thrown out. Some of the seven cases included in the hearing are expected to be removed after the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension crime lab concluded drug evidence was determined to be too insufficient to retest. Those cases will continue through the legal process independent of the hearing and will allow evidence like drug paraphernalia, Prokopowicz said. He noted that tests of samples on the remaining cases involved in the FryeMach hearing, which have been given a high priority by the BCA, to conclude testing. The hearing will continue Sept. 6.

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Kids ’n Kinship celebrates with gala Kids ’n Kinship will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a gala from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Crystal Lake Golf Club, 6725 Innsbrook Drive, Lakeville. The community is invited. The Anniversary Gala will be an elegant evening featuring a cash bar, silent auction, music and other entertainment, a quilt raffle, wine cork pull, plus a sit-down dinner. Kids ’n Kinship will celebrate its 40 years of success with a program including a video and photo/slide

show. Tickets are available for $40 at www.kinship40th.eventbrite.com. In addition, a live auction is online at www.winningcause.org/all-auctions/ kids-n-kinship-1.html. Kids ’n Kinship is a nonprofit organization that matches children who have a need for an additional supportive relationship with carefully screened adult volunteers. Once a match has been made, volunteers spend one to four hours per week with the child.

police, from 1A

what’s the safest way to cross roads.” Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

partment of Public Safety, for the first six months of licensure in Minnesota, only one passenger under the age of 20 is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The exception is if those under 20 are immediate family. For the second six months of licensure, no more than three passengers under the age of 20 are permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. For those whose children walk to school, Vonhof recommends having a talk about safety. “I also encourage parLaura Adelmann is at laura. ents to take a dry run with adelmann@ecm-inc.com or their kids,” he said. “Go facebook.com/sunthisweek. ahead and walk the route. Demonstrate to them

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August 31, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Farmington - Lakeville

Headed for theater

Photo by Laura Adelmann

Farmington teens Paige Bersuch, 14, and Mariah Koester, 13, ride in an imaginary taxi driven by instructor and professional actor Laura Delventhal of Stepping Stone Theater during a free class on improvisation at the Farmington Library. Delventhal guided the teens in acting out funny scenarios and encouraged them to dream up various characters and bring them to life. heritage, from 1A Davis said. Families can attend to run it or walk it and can time themselves. The event is for all ages, but not all species: No pets allowed. There are added liability issues when critters are involved. Davis said the event will have goodie bags and prizes. A raffle includes massages from a local chiropractor, a car wash from a local gas station and $300 worth of gift cards from a local running shop. There also will be a contest between those who affiliate with LNHS or LSHS. This competition, “to see who can drum up the most activity,” will take into account which school generates the most participants. Those in the largest group will be entered in a grand prize drawing for an item from Best Buy. The event costs $25 per person to register, however, there is a 2 percent discount for groups of 10 or more, Davis said. To register, go to HCfunrun.com. You can also “like” it on Facebook at facebook.com/Heritage-

CenterFunRun or on Twitter at @hcfunrun. Though the Heritage Center will open soon, it still needs to raise some money to offset a bridge loan from the city. Of the about $400,000 the city is covering with the loan, about $208,000 of that would be reimbursed from the sale of the current Senior Center building. The balance would need to come from fundraising. So far, the Heritage Center has raised about $90,000.

Davis said Senior Center members have also expressed an interest in the walk. “Lakeville has a ton of active seniors,” he said. Sun Thisweek could not reach Senior Center coordinator Linda Walter for comment by the time this story went to press. Aaron Vehling can be reached at aaron.vehling@ecm-inc. com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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