Farmington and Lakeville: Thisweek Newspapers by Sun Thisweek

Your guide to New Year’s Eve entertainment. See Thisweekend on Page 6A

NEWS OPINION SPORTS

Thisweek Farmington-Lakeville DECEMBER 23, 2011 VOLUME 32, NO. 43

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Agency tight-lipped about Ajax’s ouster Thompson will not seek by John Gessner THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

The board chair of Dakota County nonprofit 360 Communities was tight-lipped Tuesday about the ouster of Mary Ajax, the agency’s longtime president and CEO. But a community observer suggested Ajax’s creation of a staff “hierarchy” at 360 cost her some goodwill among supporters of the 40-year-old agency. The board acted to “change the organization’s leadership” effective Dec. 16, Chair Pete Diessner said Tuesday.

Ajax, a Burnsville resiin 1975 and was appointed dent with family ties that president and CEO in 1992. date back to her communiIn recent years Ajax overty’s farming origins, worked saw the agency’s transition for the agency for 37 years. to 360 Communities, which “I do want to emphasize included moving its headthat Mary made signifiquarters from Lakeville cant positive contributions Mary Ajax back to Burnsville, where it to the community, to 360 had been for many years. Communities,” Diessner said. “It’s Bob Erickson, a former Lakecertainly not an easy time for 360 ville city administrator and curor the people involved.” rent Lakeville Area School Board Ajax didn’t return a call to her member, praised Ajax’s work over home. the years but said the staff hierarShe joined the agency, then chy she created turned heads in the called Community Action Council, See Ajax, 13A

Taking a risk

Photo by Rick Orndorf

The mild weather has left the landscape virtually snowless and lake ice uncertain, but that did not stop two men from ice-fishing on Lake Marion in Lakeville on Dec. 20. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently said that despite some cold weather, it is advisable to stay off the ice.

Senate leadership position by Aaron Vehling

replacing long-time Sen. Pat Pariseau, who retired. He won After speculation that he 63 percent to DFLer Steve Quist’s 37 percent. was a likely candidate Since then, he has beto replace scandal-ridcome a rising Repubden former state Senate lican star, leading the Majority Leader Amy freshman class in the Koch, Lakeville state Senate and maintaining Sen. Dave Thompson, a ubiquitous presence in R-Lakeville, said he will local and regional menot seek the leadership \Sen. Dave dia. He has also been post. a vocal opponent of a “I don’t believe this is Thompson new publicly funded Vithe right time. I’ve chosen to support someone else,” kings stadium, though he said said Thompson, who is current- that was not a factor in his decily an assistant majority leader. sion. Thompson, who is a lawyer, He declined to identify who he is endorsing, saying that it is hosted “The Dave Thompan internal caucus matter. He son Show” on KSTP radio for made the decision not to run on nearly eight years. He was also a regular on “At Issue with Tom Monday, he said. Thompson is supporting for Hauser” on KSTP-TV. Though he was born in Little the position someone whom he believes has more experience Falls, Thompson grew up in and can better unite the Senate East Grand Forks. After attending the University of North DaRepublicans. “Moving forward, our cau- kota in 1984, he received his law cus needs to be unified in order degree from the U of M three to help us build on the legislative years later. Koch resigned from her post success of last session,” Thompson said. “I want what’s best for as Senate majority leader after Senate Republican leaders conthe state and the caucus.” His family was not an issue fronted her over an alleged inin his decision, he said. His wife appropriate relationship with a is supportive of his endeavors; staff member. Thompson has not ruled out and his children, one in college and another in high school, are future opportunities, he said. “of an age where it is not too Aaron Vehling is at aaron.vehhard on them.” Thompson was elected to ling@ecm-inc.com or www.facethe Minnesota Senate in 2010, book.com/thisweeklive. THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Farmington American Legion hit with property tax hike Classification change drives increase by Laura Adelmann THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Hurdles keep mounting for a Farmington service organization dedicated to the community and local war veterans. Already restructuring under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Farmington American Legion Post 189 restaurant will see property taxes increase 61 percent in 2012. Taxes on the Legion’s restaurant building will escalate from $22,298 to

$35,876 in 2012. The increase of $13,578 is mostly due to the Legion losing its community service organization property tax status. The increase accompanies a market value decrease of about $20,000, and will force the Legion to pull thousands more from its charitable giving funds to keep the bills paid next year. “It’s just one thing after another,” said John Blowers, the organiza-

tion’s house committee secretary. Problems began for the Legion membership after a 2008 fire, apparently started by a tossed cigarette, forced remodeling and repairs. New state building codes required additional upgrades to the 11,000-square-foot restaurant, but they weren’t covered by insurance. Legal appeals didn’t change that, and the Legion took out an $800,000

ECM Publishers of Coon Rapids agrees to acquire Minnesota Sun Newspapers

loan to fund the upgrades itself. Although the Legion kept up on its loan payments, financial paperwork wasn’t filed on time and Highland Bank called the $800,000 loan due by October. In an emergency meeting Oct. 12, Legion leaders agreed to seek protection under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and seven members paid the $10,000 legal fees to do so. Since then, the organization’s membership has kept the business operaSee Tax Hike, 10A

Photo by Laura Adelmann

For now, food and drinks continue to flow at the Farmington American Legion as organization members struggle against a tough economy, Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a 2008 fire and a 61 percent property tax increase in 2012.

Lakeville council debates allowances Bellows sees Little motion as cynical politics by Aaron Vehling THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

elimination of the city’s electrical inspector in favor of a contractor in order to save $77,000 over the next two years. Bellows disagreed. “I will not let you get away with saying we have an increase in any way,” he said. Little said he was able to keep his expenditures to $516. “I’m very frustrated,” Bellows said in an interview after the meeting. “Matt bringing it up at a final budget vote without telling council members beforehand is a statement of his unwillingness to work together as a team.” As for why Bellows prefers the budgeted reduction of $750 to to keeping the allowance at the 2011 rate, he said it all adds up. As mayor, he needs to attend scores of functions, ranging from League of Minnesota Cities gatherings to Chamber events to the various activities around town that are required of a mayor, he said. Bellows estimated that he puts in about 1,800 miles a year conducting council-related duties. Even the non-mayors on the

council have similar duties whose costs add up. Bellows offered at the meeting that perhaps Little’s temperate expenses say more about his lack of involvement Mark in the community Bellows than about fiscal responsibility. Little countered: “Certainly, citizens know I’m involved in the community. I choose to go to free ones (events) in many cases.” Matt Little The motion died on a 2-2-1 vote with Bellows and Council Member Laurie Rieb voting against the motion and Little and Council Member Kerrin Swecker voting in favor of retaining the 2011 rate. Council Member Colleen LaBeau abstained. She said she did sobecause she does not use her council allowance; her business covers most expenses because she attends events for the council that she would have already been attending as a local business See Debate, 12A

ECM Publishers, a media company based in Coon Rapids, and the parent company of Thisweek Newspapers, has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire the Minnesota Sun Newspapers from American Community Newspapers II located in Dallas, Texas. While ACN has accepted the Letter of Intent, purchase agreement negotiations are ongoing. “This potential combination promises vital hometown journalism for scores of suburban communities,” said Julian Andersen, CEO and chairman of ECM. “Both of these newspaper groups are staffed and led by talented and effective associates, who will bring vim and vigor to the opportunities and responsibilities of a larger media enterprise.” “ECM is always looking for ways to grow as an information company,” said

Marge Winkelman, president and chief operating officer. “ECM has grown over 35 years from a weekly newspaper in Princeton, Minn., to a company with 21 publications delivered to more than 300,000 Minnesota homes.” “Opportunities of this magnitude rarely happen and ECM is looking forward to working with all the associates at the Sun Newspaper Group and to continue to provide quality newspapers and an online presence to all the communities that we serve”, Winkelman emphasized that no final agreement has been reached with ACN, but hopes a signed agreement will happen before the end of this year. Jeffrey Coolman, vice president and group publisher for Minnesota Sun Newspapers states: “The greatest resource we have are the See ECM, 10A

Traditionally in Lakeville, the campaign and growing seasons follow a similar schedule. But the former is starting a bit early this year with a Monday night vote on the city’s 2012 budget. The council voted last spring to reduce from $1,350 to $500 the annual allowance each member receives to attend functions and serve on committees. The 2012 budget increases that amount to $750, still a $600 reduction from the previous year. Some seminars and gatherings can exceed $200 per person. Combine that with all the mileage from driving around 38-square-mile Lakeville and that $500 is spent pretty quickly, proponents of the $750 allowance contend. But after a motion to approve the 2012 budget on Dec. 19, Council Member Matt Little, who is running against Mayor Mark Bellows for mayor, introduced an additional motion to keep the allowance at $500. “We are increasing expense accounts two weeks after firing an employee,” Little said, referring to the

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Newspapers will not be published Dec. 30

Farmington council approves raises

Thisweek Newspapers will not be published on Friday, Dec. 30. The offices of Thisweek Newspapers, 12190 County Road 11, Burnsville, will be closed from Dec. 2630. Delivery of the weekly newspaper will resume with the Friday, Jan. 6, edition.

negotiations of benefits will be a focus of union contract negotiations in the coming year. by Laura Adelmann On a 4-1 vote, the FarmTHISWEEK NEWSPAPERS ington City Council on Some Farmington city Dec. 19 approved the raise employees will receive a 1 for clerical and maintepercent raise in 2012, but nance city staff and non-

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Benefit package to be reviewed

union employees who are not department managers. Council Member Julie May cast the dissenting vote, citing consistency in her voting against tax increases and support of budget cuts. She said she appreciates

staff, but in this economy, now is not the time for a wage increase. According to the city, this marks the first time since 2009 that the employees have had a raise, and that year the increase was See Benefits, 12A

December 23, 2011 THISWEEK

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Farmington 14 year-old releases second book Ben Heckmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Velvet Black series continues by Laura Adelmann THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

A Farmington 14-yearold is now a twice-published author. Ben Heckmann, a student at Dodge Middle School, recently held a book signing for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Velvet Black 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Kidnapping in Englandâ&#x20AC;? at B&B Pizza in Farmington. The book is the second in a series for Heckmann, who at 11 years old wrote â&#x20AC;&#x153;Velvet Black â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Incredible Tale of Four Rock Stars,â&#x20AC;? which has sold hundreds of copies. Heckmann has a passion for all kinds of writing, penning songs and poems in addition to the books. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just love it,â&#x20AC;? he said. Writing about a rock band allows Heckmann to celebrate another of his

passions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; music. An accomplished guitarist, Heckmann said he wanted to read books about music, but when he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find any he liked a few years ago, he decided to write one himself. He started by developing the characters, giving each of them traits that make them stand out. Heckmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first book introduced readers to his main character, Vivi Jones. In the first book, Jones is a new kid in town who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit in until he joins a rock band, Velvet Black. Eventually, the band winds up on a televised amateur band competition. His new novel picks up the story at the competition where the Velvet Black band members are kidnapped by their managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Turns out heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good guy,â&#x20AC;? Heckmann said, refusing to reveal more details that might spoil the bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Photo submitted

Ben Heckmann, 14 of Farmington, holds his second book, published by kidpub.com.

ending. Heckmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books, which he also illustrates, have been published by KidPub Press, an online company in Boston that specializes in working with young authors. He is working on writing another book that is aimed at high schoolers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been brainstorming some stuff, but nothing really good yet,â&#x20AC;? he said. KidPub Press President Perry Donham said Heckmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first book was one of the most popular the company has offered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ben is a natural storyteller, and his drawings tie it all together,â&#x20AC;? Donham said in a news release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can tell he had a lot of fun writing it.â&#x20AC;? Heckmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books are available online at Barnes & Noble, amazon.com and kidpub.com. Laura Adelmann is at laura. adelmann@ecm-inc.com.

Education Media specialist honored

Educators honored as TIES Exceptional Teachers

Gordon Wenum, interactive media center specialist at Lakeville Area Public Schools, received the 2011 Outstanding Minnesota High School AV/Media Coordinator Award from Alpha Video. Wenum received the award on Dec. 13 at the annual TIES Education Technology Conference in downtown Minneapolis.

TIES Exceptional Teachers were recognized Dec. 13 at the TIES 2011 Education Technology Conference in Minneapolis. Local teachers recognized include: â&#x20AC;˘ Lisa Christen and Emily Robb of the BurnsvilleEagan-Savage School District. â&#x20AC;˘ Jason Just of the Lakeville school district.

â&#x20AC;˘ Cindy Nordstrom and Brian Trussell of the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District. The teachers were chosen by their superintendents for the TIES Exceptional Teacher award, which recognizes teachers who model the best practices in using technology in their classroom and engaging students in learning.

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December 23, 2011 THISWEEK

Opinion Thisweek Columnist Ajax was probably better at hugging people in need than managing finances by Larry Werner

less than exceptional. For several years, too many people in Dakota County have been critical of the salaries she paid herself and some prominent folks she hired as managers at the organization. An organization supported by contributions and government grants shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be paying sixfigure salaries to its executives, the critics have been saying. And why give salaries like that to retired city managers, school superintendents and judges who made plenty in their public jobs before retiring to nonprofit work? Were they managers worth the money Mary paid them or friends Mary took care of with the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s precious funds? Last month, Thisweekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Burnsville editor, John Gessner, reported on the departure of several 360 managers, and this week, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re reporting on the departure of Mary,

THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re raised by a German father and a Polish mother, as I was, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not all that comfortable with hugging. Mary Ajax, who was removed as president and CEO of 360 Communities this week, is a hugger. Mary likes people and, even at public events, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll wrap her arms around folks like me rather than offer a businesslike handshake. Ironically, my last hug came about a year ago, when we recognized her as a Dakota County Tribune Exceptional Businesswoman. Ironically, I say, because it was probably business choices that cost her a job with an organization she started working for in 1975, that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s run as president and CEO since 1992. Mary built and led a nonprofit that did exceptional work deserving of recognition, even if her financial decisions were

whom I first met at the coffee shop in downtown Lakeville. It sits a block down Holyoke Avenue from the offices that were occupied for years by what was then known as the Community Action Council. Before moving, Mary decided that the name of the organization created confusion with other dogooder groups and agencies, and we were then told CAC would be 360 Communities. It was the kind of touchy-feely name youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect from a touchy-feely person like Mary. Her organization was providing 360 degrees of support to those who need it. The name change was criticized, as was the move from a humble space in downtown Lakeville to fancier space in Burnsville, the town Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family had lived in for several generations. Even if she got a good deal in Burnsville, the space looked more like a business headquarters than the old mall offices in Lakeville.

And the criticism increased when 360 Communities decided to close the food shelf it operated for many years below the headquarters in Lakeville. The hum of criticism built to a roar as the agency hired prominent former public officials at big salaries. When the recession hit, funding dropped, and the gossip about problems at the organization were fueled by Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to cut some of those management positions. The 360 Communities board decided to make the tough call to remove its executive director for the good of the organization. It would be unfortunate if the news of this change detracts from the good work the organization does â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the food shelves throughout the county, the Lewis House womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shelters in Eagan and Hastings and the Armful of Love program that collects gifts at this holiday time for struggling families. Bill Tschohl, an Eagan real es-

Thisweek Columnist

Letters

Put food for the hungry on your Christmas gift list nonprofit finances

Kline shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut programs that serve the poor

by Don Heinzman THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

More people than ever are getting their holiday food from local food shelves. Throughout the Twin Cities area, people who never thought they would go to a food shelf are asking for food. In the suburban area, once thought to be the home of the successful middle class, people reluctantly are going to a food shelf. Single mothers and those families who have lost their homes are at the mercy of this severe recession. At the ACBC Food Shelf in Anoka, 60 families a day are being served. One study says that this year, 583,000 Minnesotans are in need of food. Hunger Solutions reports that one in 10 Minnesotans are at risk for hunger. Since 2008, visits to food shelves have increased 89 percent; the number using food stamps has risen by 68 percent. The number of students getting free and reduced lunches in the schools grows every week. The need is obvious, so what can you do? First preference is to donate money to your food shelf. A dollar can be stretched to buy many dollars of food from food banks. Kathy Willis of Family Pathways provides food for the needy in the CambridgeForest Lake, Wyoming and North Branch

areas. She suggests a money donation first. She can buy from her sources 24 packages of macaroni and cheese for $7.50, 24 cans of soup for $11.74 and 12 Helper meals for $7.50. You can locate your local food shelf by calling the Emergency Food Shelf Network at (763) 450-3860. Donate food to your local food shelf, not just whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been on your shelf for months, but recently-purchased food. Volunteer to work at your local food shelf. They are working non-stop at filling orders for clients. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you can do now. In the summer, you can plant an extra row of vegetables in your garden and donate your produce to the food shelf. You can advocate for the hungry in Minnesota by contacting your state and federal legislators and urging them to support bills that provide food for the hungry. During this holiday season, take time to remember the hungry in your midst. Remembering those in need is the essence of the Christmas season. Don Heinzman is chairman of the ECM Editorial Board. Thisweek Newspapers and the Dakota County Tribune are part of ECM. He can be reached at don.heinzman@ecminc.com. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

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

Thisweek Farmington Lakeville Contact us at: FARMINGTON NEWS: farmington.thisweek@ecm-inc.com LAKEVILLE NEWS: aaron.vehling@ecm-inc.com SPORTS: andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com AD SALES: ads.thisweek@ecm-inc.com PRODUCTION: graphics.thisweek@ecm-inc.com Managing Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tad Johnson / John Gessner Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Julian Andersen President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marge Winkelman General Manager/Editor . . . . . . Larry Werner Farmington/District 192 Editor .Laura Adelmann Lakeville/District 194 Editor . . Aaron Vehling

Correction

Thisweekend Editor . . . . . . . . . Andrew Miller Photo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rick Orndorf Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Rogers Sales Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mike Jetchick Office/Production Manager . . . Ellen Reierson

In the Dec. 16 story, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teacher contract negotiations heat up in Lakeville schools,â&#x20AC;? Scovilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quote should have read, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seventy high school classes have anywhere from 40-75 students.â&#x20AC;? Thisweek regrets the error.

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To the editor: In response to Rep. John Klineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guest column (Dec. 9 Thisweek): I, too, want to share with him his enthusiasm for the wonderful program, Toys for Tots, which brings such joy on Christmas morning for millions of children. As a person who did not receive a toy on Christmas morning in my childhood, I can appreciate even more the significant role this program can play in a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. I hope Kline will join me in working so that these very children do not have their food stamps (SNAP), their school lunches and/ or their motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WIC program taken away. These are real possible outcomes if the House (of which Kline is a member) cuts the programs that are designed for the poorest among us. As many know, cutting these programs is a real threat in the climate of Washington today. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything we have achieved for poor and hungry people in the last 35 years is under severe threat of budget cuts.â&#x20AC;? Will Kline as our representative work to protect the rich from losing their tax privileges or will he work for the 7.2 million children who will receive a toy on Christmas morning but are under threat of having their food sources cut?

tate broker and Apple Valley resident, wrote a letter we published a couple weeks ago. Mary had spoken to Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rotary Club about the need to support her agency in these difficult times. As Bill wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;By supporting 360 Communities we change lives and help to strengthen communities.â&#x20AC;? In her 20 years running the organization many of us still call â&#x20AC;&#x153;CAC,â&#x20AC;? the hugging CEO made some management mistakes, but she also wrapped her caring arms around the poor, the abused, the hungry and others less fortunate. And she gave thousands of others in Dakota County an opportunity to do the same. Larry Werner is editor and general manager of Thisweek Newspapers and the Dakota County Tribune. He can be reached at larry.werner@ecm-inc.com. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Would he lead us in the most powerful way we have to help the poor in our society â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by citizen activism? Charitable programs are important to poor and hungry people, but it is impossible to food-bank our way to the end of hunger in America. All the food provided by all the charities in the country amounts to only about 6 percent of the amount of food that poor people receive from federal food programs such as school programs and food stamps? (Facts are from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Exodus From Hungerâ&#x20AC;? by David Beckmann.) So I ask Rep. Kline, why doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t he activate us citizens to work for real solutions to hunger and poverty? RUTH JONES Farmington

Little dog brings community together To the editor: I am spending this holiday season living life with a renewed sense of community and the blessings that come from living in such a rich and loving community. In the Oct. 14 issue of Thisweek Newspapers a very wonderful writer, Laura Adelmann, wrote about the plight of a young dog who could not see. The dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name is Daisy, and she was born blind. Daisy spent her entire 2-1/2-year-old life defenseless on a chain outdoors. She weighed a mere 14 pounds, and being unable to see on that chain, she could not defend herself when other animals wanted to take her food or water or when they thought she would be a source of food. Daisy has so many scars. After Adelmann wrote the article about Daisy and the garage sale being held to raise the funds necessary for Daisy to have surgery that would give her sight for the first time and for life, my incredible

community came together. People lined a driveway to donate money for a little dog they had never seen or did not know. Some met Daisy, and dozens cried as they petted her and said her name. Two very nice ladies agreed to take turns holding Daisy. People came and they bought things from an everyday garage sale but lots more came just to donate and help. Today Daisy sees just fine. I have never paid much attention to community before. I forget to say thank you to the volunteers at the churches, schools and community events. I forget to look around at the work city and county employees do and appreciate it. But most of all I forget to say thank you for the smiles, well wishes and incredibly large hearts of those I see every day while I am out running errands or living my life. Thank you, everyone. For helping Daisy, but more importantly for helping me to feel like this is where I want to belong. Merry Christmas. LAURA E. CLOOSE Rosemount

Roundabouts To the editor: Are they really serious about placing a roundabout at Cedar Avenue and 140th Street? In the early morning there are thousands of cars coming up Cedar from the south, and in the afternoon there are thousands that come south from Minneapolis and suburbs. With the stoplights, there is a big backup at 140th Street. With the roundabout, the backup will be all the way to Bloomington. Cars will be tailgating so close to get through north and south that those going east and west will never be able to get through. Someone should have to explain in detail to the public south of the river how this will work. BOB CRAWFORD Apple Valley

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THISWEEK December 23, 2011

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Bonnie V. McNelis Of Lakeville, formerly of Detroit Lakes area, died December 19 after a struggle with cancer. Born on October 4, 1938 in Detroit Lakes, MN, she graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1956 . Bonnie attended Saint Cloud State University where she graduated with a degree in English and Spanish in 1960. She embarked on her 35 year teaching career in Lakeville with her husband Dennis before going to work for the Burnsville School District teaching at both Metcalf and Nicollet Junior High Schools. An enthusiastic and dedicated teacher, she encouraged and shared her love of writing and books with countless students over the years. Many of her countless former students to this day recall studying and learning to love â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Miracle Workerâ&#x20AC;?. Upon her retirement, `Bonnie and Dennis enjoyed traveling and divided their time between Lakeville, Destin, FL, and their beloved lake home in Nevis, Minnesota. She was a voracious reader, an avid crossword enthusiast, and an expert gardener. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Dennis, her three daughters Jackie Seurer (Mark), Laurie Hardie (John), and Molly McNelis-Guse (Eric) and five grandchildren, as well has her sisters Joyce Kautz of St. Louis Park and Joann Irvin of Chesterfield, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Bess Anderson. She was a strong and gentle woman who led by example. Memorial Mass was held 11AM on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville there was a gathering of family and friends 5-8 Wed (12/21) at White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Tr., Lakeville and 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Interment, All Saints Cemetery, Lakeville, MN. Memorials preferred to Headwat e rs An im a l S h e lt er i n P a r k Rapids, MN or The Special Olympics. Online condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com White Funeral Home Lakeville 952-469-2723

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Utecht - Slater

Greg and Theresa Utecht of Apple Valley announce the engagement of their daughter, Catherine Anne, to Joshua Slater, son of Paul Slater of Marietta, GA and Reba Slater of Lubbock, TX. Cathy trained at AVEDA Institute and is a Master Stylist/Color Specialist in Alpharetta, GA. Joshua graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta, GA and is a Professional High End Automobile Photographer. The April, 2012 wedding will be in Burnsville, MN

Carlea Marae Michel Born Friday, September 2, 2011 at Northfield Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. Proud parents are Alex and Becca (Ninneman) Michel of Lonsdale. Grandparents are Anita and Jerry Kniefel, Rosemount, the late Carl Ninneman, Rosemount and Robert and Cindy Michel, Webster. Great grandparents are Peggy Macy, Shakopee, Bernice Senart, Lakeville and David and Mary Kay Velishek, Prior Lake.

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

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Wilfred M. "Mike" Fritz Mason City-Wilfred M. "Mike" Fritz, 70, died Tuesday December 20, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City. A funeral Mass was be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 23, 2011, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams, with Reverend Kenneth B. Gehling officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City. Mike's viewing was Thursday, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a scriptural wake service at 6:00 p.m., at Hogan Bremer Moore Memorial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City. Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa. Wilfred Michael Fritz was born on March 20, 1941, at Mason City, IA to Wilfrid and Lucille (Gephart) Fritz. He was raised in Mason City and graduated from Holy Family Catholic School. He also attended Hawkeye Technical College in Waterloo, IA. Mike was united in marriage to Rosie Sheka on February 1, 1964, in Plymouth at St. Michael's Catholic Church; to this union four children were born. Mike had a variety of careers during his life including working for Northwestern State Portland Cement, White Farm Equipment, owning Fritz's Texaco in Mason City, IA, but most recently he was employed and retired from the City of Mason City where he worked as an Operator of the Waste Water Treatment Plant. After retirement Mike and Rosie relocated to Lakeville, MN to help their granddaughter pursue her dream of playing hockey. In October of 2011 they moved back to Mason City to be closer to family. He became very active with the Lakeville Booster Club and helped Morgan's hockey team. While in Lakeville Mike and Rosie met many great people and established new friendships. Mike loved spending time with his family; especially attending his grandchildren's school and sport activities. He enjoyed traveling, taking cruises, fishing and will be remembered most for his sense of humor and his gift of gabbing! Mike is survived by his wife, Rosie Fritz, Mason City, daughters Brenda Fritz, Forest City; Cheryl (Dave) Ellingson, Indianola, Anne (John) Ward, Mason City, and Kathryn Fritz and special friend Travis Wieland, Hanska, MN; eight grandchildren: Megan, Emily, Lindsay, Josh, Morgan, Zach, JD, and Claire; his sister, Suzanne (Glen) Wike, his brother, Edward (Mary) Fritz; his Aunts Margaret and Lois; brothers and sisters-in-law Claudia (Wesley) Combs, Jean (Dennis) Fitzl, Jane(Edward) Ohden, Glenn (Satta) Sheka; along with many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Mike is preceded in death by his parents. Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel 126 3rd Street N.E. Mason City, Iowa 50401 641-423-2372 www.colonialchapels.com

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Age 81, of Burnsville, MN passed away peacefully December 13, 2011 with family at his side after a long battle with Cancer. Ken is survived by his daughter, Tara and son in-law Jeffrey Cohn. He is preceded by his wife, Charlotte and his two brothers, Roland and Wallace. He leaves behind several treasured nieces, nephews, cousins aunts and a loving sister in-law. Ken was born in Albert Lea, MN. When the call to arms came, he enlisted and joined the 25th Division Infantry of the US Army in the Korean War. At the age of 19 he started working at Rochester State Hospital as a Psychiatric Tech. After meeting his future wife, they moved to California and lived there for over 40 years. He worked as an X-Ray Tech, and later sold X-Ray equipment. Later in life, he worked at Camarillo State Hospital as a Psych Tech then at the Ventura County Crisis Center. After the death of his wife he retired. In 2008 he moved back to Minnesota to be where his family tree and roots are. He had finally come home. He was an avid writer and he and his brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s war stories can be viewed at the Minnesota Historical Society. He was a dedicated and passionate contributor to a cancer blog support site named RedToenail. Each year of remission, he would paint a toenail red. Dad was one tough Viking Warrior. With a smile, his quick wit, a kind heart, and sage wisdom, Ken enriched the lives of everyone he met. He was an avid wildlife lover, and is now soaring as a Bald Eagleâ&#x20AC;Śso if you see one dipping its wings over the mighty Mississippi, wave back, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our Dad saying hello. Ken was a loving, caring, dedicated son, husband, father, uncle, and friend. He will be missed by all. A open house celebration of his life will be held sometime in January. Details pending. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to be made to either Redtoenail.org, Wildlife Science Center of Forest Lake, MN. or Wolves-Woods & Wildlife of Lakeville, MN. Online condolences are available at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com

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Beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother & friend. Age 58, peacefully departed this earth on December 18, 2011. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Thomas; and father, William Peter Olson. She is survived by her daughter, Jayme Thomas; grandson, Jorden; mother, Dolores Lucille (nee Rachner) Olson; brothers, Paul, Peter, Gaylen (Ben), Greg, Glenn & Bill; sisters, Janice Freise, Joyce Cullen & Jeanette Jensen; and numerous nieces & nephews. Joan was born in St. Paul but lived much of her adult life in Eagan. She was a former employee of Blue Cross, SafeNet & Ameriprise. A visitation was held on Tuesday, Dec. 20th from 4-8PM at J.S. KLECATSKY & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 1580 Century Pt. (Yankee Doodle @ Coachman), Eagan with a private family Service and Rosary on Wednesday the 21st. Joan requested memorials in lieu of flowers. J.S. KLECATSKY & SONS 651-454-9488 www.klecatskys.com

December 23, 2011 THISWEEK

Thisweekend Events to ring in the new year Music, comedy highlight the night by Tad Johnson THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

There are many ways to ring in the new year in Dakota County. People can rock out with their friends at one of the many clubs or pubs or dash down the slopes at Buck Hill. The following is a list of some of the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve events planned on Dec. 31: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Party, 5-8 p.m., Lebanon Hills Visitor Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Discovery Room, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan. With rain in the forecast, luminaries wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be lit on the hiking and snowshoe trails, but the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve party will go on â&#x20AC;&#x201C; now for free. All pre-registered guests will receive a full refund. There will be no cost at the door. Instead of snowshoeing or ice skating, bring sleds for a sliding party on a lit hill, enjoy a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s storyteller in the center and cuddle up with sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores around the campfire. There will be no live music or live animals from Dakota Wild Animals, but the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve ball will still drop at 7:59 p.m. Hot beverages and lemonade will be available to purchase. For questions, call the Lebanon Hills Visitor Cen-

ter at (651) 554-6530. Ansariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mediterranean Grill & Lounge, Champagne Dinner Special, 1960 Rahncliff Court, Eagan, (651) 452-0999, www.ansarisgrill.com. Legends Club Grill, Special New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Buffet, 8670 Credit River Blvd., Prior Lake, (952) 226-9989. Bogartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place, Good For Gary, 9:30 p.m., $12, doors open at 7 p.m., no reservations. Good For Gary is a cover band that plays current top 40/dance/hip-hop, including Lady Gaga, FloRida, Eminem, Rihanna, Usher, Enrique Iglesias, Katy Perry, Ke$ha. Address: 14917 Garrett Ave., Apple Valley, (952) 4321515. The Bang for the Buck New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Party, Primetime Bar and Grill, DJ Diesel and many special guests throughout the night along with hourly drink specials, contests, prizes and giveaways. Address: 14103 Irving Ave. S., Burnsville, (952) 435-6111. Babeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Year All-Request Dance Party, Babeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Bar, free party favors, free champagne toast at midnight, taxi service all night long. Address: 20685 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville, (952) 469-5200. Rudyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Eye Grill, Lakeville, Dave Hudson

and Shawn Vaughn, http:// davehudsonmusic.com/index2.php. Address: 20800 Kenrick Ave., Lakeville, (952) 469-0711. New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve with Louie Anderson, 7:30-9 p.m. and 10-11:30 p.m., comedy, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, $31.95 to $69.95 / $101.95 VIP meet and greet. Address: 12600 Nicollet Ave., (952) 895-4680, www. burnsvillepac.com. Jeff Gerbinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve farewell to Minnesota show, 8 p.m., comedy, Apple Valley American Legion, 14521 Granada Drive, Apple Valley. Tickets are $20 in advance by calling (952) 431-1776 or at www. comedygallery.com. Tickets are $25 the day of the show. New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve with Root City Band and The Devine Collection, 8 p.m., Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn, $15. Root City is a funky blues band based out of Minneapolis. The Devine Collection is a female-fronted band with soulful vocals. Tickets are available through JamBase at www. jambasetickets.com/evinfo. php?eventid=180469, $15 in advance / $20 day of show (if available). Dinner reservations before the event can be made at Morganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Nicollet. Address: 14201 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, (952) 435-

Photo submitted

Legendary Minnesota funnyman Louie Anderson will be spreading holiday cheer this New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, with two standup shows scheduled â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at 7:30 and 10 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the PACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1,000-seat theater. Tickets range from $32 to $102 for the Saturday, Dec. 31 shows and are available in person at the PACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s box office and via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or Ticketmaster.com. 1855, www.nicolletinn.com/ morgans. Buck Hill, ski, ride, or tube until midnight, Gabeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ski Race, Kevin Hall of Halls of Magic, Zombie Boardshop Big Air Comp, KS95 Party in main chalet 6-8:30 p.m., then moving to the BuckStone lodge for the remainder of the celebration, Secret Boarding Santa bearing gifts, free glitter glam hairdos, free tarot

card readings. Seating for dinner in the Whittier Room will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. For reservations, contact Diane at (952) 432-6566, ext. 3, or email diane@crystallakegolfcourse.com. Rhythm Junkies Live in the Lodge, huge fireworks display at midnight, live entertainment including magicians, clowns, jugglers and more.

There are no additional charges for the extra activities on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve, however, as always, there is a charge for lift tickets, rentals, food, beverages and the Big Air Competition. The Nicollet Inn (formerly the Holiday Inn) in Burnsville will be running a shuttle to and from Buck Hill for guests staying there. Mention the Buck Hill deal and get a special rate.

BoDeans coming to Burnsville on Dec. 30 !" # $ # # %$# $# & ' # ( #! $$# )# * ďż˝ ## * ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ! ďż˝ " # # ďż˝$ ,# # * % & 'ďż˝ ďż˝ " $

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Twenty-five years after they were named â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best New American Bandâ&#x20AC;? in a Rolling Stone readers poll, the BoDeans are still going strong. The Wisconsin roots rockers best known for their alt-rock anthem â&#x20AC;&#x153;Closer to Freeâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which was the theme song of the TV show â&#x20AC;&#x153;Party of Fiveâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are now touring in support of their 10th studio album, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Indigo Dreams,â&#x20AC;? and will be playing the Burnsville Performing Arts Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main hall Friday, Dec. 30. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show range from $41 to $44 and are available in person at the PACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s box office and via Ticketmaster at (800) 9822787 or Ticketmaster.com. Photo submitted

Auditions open for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wizard of Ozâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Auditions for Giant Step Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wizard of Ozâ&#x20AC;? will be Jan. 6-7. The cast is open to children ages 8 and older as of Jan. 1. To schedule an audition, send an email on or after Dec. 26 to giantsteptheatre@ yahoo.com. Include the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, age as of Jan. 1, grade level, and prefer-

ence for a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon audition time. Emails will be returned beginning Dec. 27 with an audition location, time and the audition readings. Giant Step Theatre is a collaboration of Lakeville Area Schools Community Education and the Lakeville Area Arts Center.

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THISWEEK December 23, 2011

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Photo by Rick Orndorf

A lack of snow has been a mixed blessing for Lakeville. On one hand, city crews are able to get a head start on maintenance and landscape projects; but outdoor recreation opportunities, such as the pictured trail on Lake Marion, are off-limits to winter fun. THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a shift working evenings again because cold weather has moved in,â&#x20AC;? he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but it takes six to eight inches to create a strong base.â&#x20AC;? As for outdoor recreation, Michaud said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we really need to get those cross-country and snowshoe areas going.â&#x20AC;? The effect on finances is essentially neutral. The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fiscal years mirror the calendar year, but winter does not, of course. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If anything,â&#x20AC;? Petree said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we are a little ahead or onpace because of the extreme winter of January to March 2011.â&#x20AC;? Perhaps 2012 will reflect the true nature of a Minnesota winter. Until then, there is always an indoor rink. Aaron Vehling is at aaron. vehling@ecm-inc.com or www. facebook.com/thisweeklive.

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At this point last year, Lakeville had experienced at least two feet of snow. There were some weekend flurries predicted by the time this story went to press, but overall, Lakeville has seen less than a foot of snow the last couple months of this year. For Lakevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Works Department, that means crews can spend more time on tasks unrelated to plowing snow. In November and December 2010, Public Works spent 3,300 labor hours managing snow (tasks such as plowing and deicing). In those months this year, staff members have spent only 500 hours on such tasks, said Public Works Director Chris Petree. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Staff take a ton of pride in plowing snow,â&#x20AC;? Petree said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but in the same breath they are happy to get other tasks done.â&#x20AC;? Among those other tasks is performing maintenance on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vehicles. Fleet technicians participate in snow-plowing, Petree said, and so last year they had little time to perform preventative maintenance. This year, though, technicians have been able to chip away at the backlog. During the winter months, Public Works staff members traverse the city trimming boulevard trees. Last winter,

they could not even begin this task until February, Petree said, because of snow duties and the dangers of â&#x20AC;&#x153;hazardous snow banks.â&#x20AC;? This year, though, crews have been able to get a sizeable head start. In the world of the Parks and Recreation Department, the nicer weather has been a mixed blessing, said Steve Michaud, the departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director. Whereas his team has, as with Petreeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, been able to complete some maintenance and landscaping work, ice rinks and cross-country ski trails are nearly mothballed. The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ice rinks were scheduled to open on Dec. 17, Michaud said, but there has not been an adequate freeze to allow for ideal rink conditions. The couple inches of ice currently in them is not ideal.

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CAN COALIE COME AND PLAY IN YOUR FENCED YARD? �� www.last-hope.org

��

Last Hope, Inc. (651) 463-8747

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

��

Full-Time

��

�� $590 Chair Rental AV ��

��

Mechanic

��

Independent School District 196

��

�� www.district196.org Job #4361 (under Transportation) ��

��

Part-Time Client Service Professional

�� Call 651-460-2250 or stop by Monday or Thursday after 2 p.m. to pick up application. ��

H&R Block

20700 Chippendale Farmington, MN 55024

��

Part-Time ��

��

Part-Time PT Kennel Assistant Southfork Animal Hospital seeks �� Please apply at 17445 Kenrick Ave, Lakeville $8.50/hou r

��

Full-Time

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

��

Full-Time or Part-Time

��

ASD Program

Assistant

�� Midwest Special Services: Apply on-line at ��

or fax resume to

��

Full-Time or Part-Time

��

www.regencyhhc.com or fax resume attn: Kerry @ 651-488-4656. EOE

Join our Team... • Full case selector M-F 8am start 13.10/hr • Loader M-F 11am start $13.10/hr • Sanitation M-F Days $10.10/hr • Sanitation S-T Nights $10.45/hr • Administrative assistant Part time M-F AM start time 28-32 hours per week $12.35/hr to start Must have previous experience, Assoc degree.

Email resume to MNHR@mclaneco.com Fax resume to 507-664-3042 Stop by or mail to 1111W. 5th Street Northfield, MN 55057 Lobby Hours M-F 8am -5pm

Part-Time

��

Thomas Allen Inc.

Ophthalmic Technician

Richfield

�� Contact: Michael at 651-789-1230 Ext.315 www. thomasalleninc.com

��

River Valley Vision Centers

c/o Office Administrator

2019 Jefferson Road Suite A Northfield, MN 55057

��

Regency Home HealthCare

Part-Time

River Valley Vision Centers

��

Part-Time

Program Counselor

Full-Time or Part-Time

�� Seeking that special prof. w/ passion! Dental exp & Softdent a plus. PT leading to FT. Apple Valley.

Part-Time ��

�� 952-746-8999 ��

��

�� Organizational Notices Burnsville Lakeville

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

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

If you want to drink that’s your business...

If you want to STOP that’s ours. Call

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

Find a meeting:

www.aastpaul.org www.aaminneapolis.org

Abraham Low Self-Help Systems (Recovery, Int'l)

Organizational Notices

�� Organizational Notices

EAGAN/BURNSVILLE/SAVAGE AA 3600 Kennebec Drive (2nd Floor) Eagan, MN (Off of Hwy 13)

Meeting Schedule

• Sundays 6:30pm (Men’s) & 8pm (Mixed) • Mondays 6:30pm & 8pm (Mixed) • Tuesdays 6:30pm & 8pm (Mixed) •Wednesdays Noon (Mixed) & 8pm (Mixed) • Thursdays 6:30pm Alanon & 8pm (Mixed) • Friday 6:30 (Mixed) & 8pm (Mixed) • Saturdays 8pm (Open) Speaker Meeting

Questions? 651-253-9163

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

Alanon Mtgs Thurs at 8pm

All meetings at: Rambling River Center 325 Oak Street

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

South Suburban Alanon ��

Ebenezer Ridges Care Center

�� Contact Scott

612-759-5407 or Marty

612-701-5345

��

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

Apts & Condos

��

�� $410 ��

��

AV Palomino East Apts-Blowout Price

uu�� uu �� 3rd floor Vaulted ceiling Free Cbl, W/D Call Now!

952-686-0800

��

Roommates/ Rooms For Rent

Houses For Rent

Apts & Condos

FYI: Readers We will NOT be publishing a December 30th newspaper! We’ll be back with a January 6th edition! � � � � � � � � � ��

Houses For Rent

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

952-890-8440 ��

TH, Dbls Duplexes

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

��

�� $500 incl utils. 612-636-1364

Commercial For Rent �� Office Space for Rent ��

Real Estate For Sale

� � � � � � � � � � �� AV TH Conv. loc! �� 651-437-8627 ��

Lakeville: Manufactured Home! For Sale $5500

��

�� 2 BR, 1 BA. � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� New carpet! �� 952-435-7979 �� 952-432-1789 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� 612-532-5426 �� 952-435-3446 �� 612-581-3833 �� 952-447-3320

Drywall

Roofing & Siding

Modular/ Mfg For Sale

��

�� Child & Adult Care � � � �� Candi 952-469-4576

Cleaning �� 952-469-2232 �� Tracey 952-239-4397

Miscellaneous �� 4 - 30 Yd Dumpsters ��

Landscaping Lawn/Tree Care ��

Electrical & Plumbing �� 952-492-2440 �� • Gen. Help + Lic. Elec. • Low By-the-hour Rates 651-815-2316 �� 952-758-7585 �� www.teamelectricmn.com

10% off w/this ad

Classes

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Business Professionals

� ��

��

651-261-7621

��

� ��

��

Lic.200147

�� (651) 284-5069 or www.dli.mn.gov

��

ADOPTION �� AUTOMOTIVE ��

��

� ��

��

�� MISCELLANEOUS ��

AUTOS WANTED ��

REAL ESTATE ��

EMPLOYMENT ��

WANTED TO BUY ��

FINANCIAL ��

��

HEALTH & FITNESS �� HELP WANTED �� MISCELLANEOUS ��

� � � � � � � ��

“George’s Painting”

�� Senior Discount ��

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

�� Tim 952-649-1085

www.engelkingcoatings.com

�� No job too small! Call Mike 612-751-9628 Don’s Handyman Service �� 952-882-0257

��

Ron 612-221-9480

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

*Int/Clean, Quality Work!* �� 651-829-1776

Engelking Coatings, LLC ��

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

��

www.daymarconst.com

��

952-985-5477

��

•Additions •Garages & Decks •Basement Finishing

��

�

Painting & Decorating

��

Michael DeWitt Remodeling

u �� u �� u �� u �� u ��

��

Snow Removal

HOME TUNE-UP

Fix It•Replace It•Upgrade It �� 612-644-1153 ��

Mark 612-481-4848

��

�� 612-270-4900 ��

• Ben’s Painting •

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

952-432-2605

��

�� 952-607-1009/ 612-636-9501

REACH NEARLY 1 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS! ��

MISCELLANEOUS: Wrap up your Holiday Shopping ��

SCHOOL: HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME. ��

Personalized holiday gifts for Everyone ��

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

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

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

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��

10A

December 23, 2011 THISWEEK

Dakota County Jail officer charged with sexual abuse

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by Laura Adelmann THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

A Dakota County correctional deputy on military leave has been charged in Scott County District Court with two counts of criminal sexual conduct against two adolescent girls. Raul Rubio Mascorro, 35, of Shakopee, was placed in a military jail in Indiana, where he was stationed preparing for

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deployment to Afghanistan. According to the Scott County criminal complaint: An investigation began after a 15-year-old girl told a Shakopee High School counselor she was being sexually abused by Mascorro, but was afraid to come forward until he was on deployment. The girl said Mascorro had violated her sexually multiple times over the past two

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or three years, masturbated in front of her and offered her $300 to $400 to have sexual intercourse with him. Another girl, 13, also reported being sexually abused by Mascorro multiple times over the past two years. Mascorro, a soldier in the Army, called a relative on Dec. 10 from Indiana, and admitted to sexually assaulting one of the girls â&#x20AC;&#x153;only as

much as she was comfortable with.â&#x20AC;? Hospitalized after claiming to be suicidal, he admitted to military and hospital staff that he had sexually abused the girls. Mascorro is charged with first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct and faces penalties of up to 30 years in prison and/or fines of up to $40,000.

ECM/from 1A

attract 1,000,000 page views a month, and Sun Group websites attract 461,000 page views per month. ECM was created in 1976 by Elmer L. Andersen, who started the newspaper company after a successful career as businessman, state legislator, and governor. The company began when Andersen bought competing weekly newspapers in Princeton and combined them into the Princeton Union-Eagle. Subsequently, ECM added a commercial web printing plant in Princeton and acquired an independent delivery company that now operates as a division of ECM. In a sequence of transactions over the past 30 years, ECM acquired additional newspapers. Dirks, Van Essen & Murray, a newspaper merger and acquisition firm based in Santa Fe, N.M., represented American Community Newspapers in the transaction.

people who work for us.The merger will bring our talented staff from both companies together to create one of the strongest community newspaper groups in the region. The future will bring us great opportunities to serve our readers and advertisers, grow our market share, and develop new print and digital products. Both companies have a very strong commitment to community journalism and combined will add tremendous synergy to the marketplace.â&#x20AC;? Both ECM and the Sun Group are comprised of newspapers, shoppers, and websites. ECM publishes 15 newspapers and six shoppers with total weekly circulation of 155,000 and 191,000, respectively. The Sun Group publishes 32 newspapers and two shoppers with total weekly circulation of 357,000 and 38,000, respectively. ECM websites

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The building is not the American Legion,â&#x20AC;? Blowers said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the people.â&#x20AC;? Roger Shirley, gambling manager of the Farmington Legion, said the veterans are involved in many activities in Farmington, giving to Toys for Town and other fundraisers, including a recent donation to provide televisions for the veterans home in Hastings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The big problem is financing,â&#x20AC;? Shirley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not behind on any payments, the bank is just plain going to call the loan on a technicality.â&#x20AC;? He said they have talked to many lending organizations that will only provide financing if a Legion member guarantees the loan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s normal banking practice,â&#x20AC;? Shirley said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but no one is going to step up and guarantee $800,000 on their own.â&#x20AC;? Blowers said they are complying with all the requirements in the bankruptcy proceedings, which have included several hearings, and they are current on its bills and payroll. The organization is on a strict budget and has periodic court review of its financial activities to ensure it is in compliance with the plan. The next review is Jan. 9. Unless a member wins the lottery or a financier comes forward, Blowers said they have no choice but to sell the building, which is on the market for about $1 million. Several interested buyers have come forward, and one bid Blowers characterized as â&#x20AC;&#x153;low-ballâ&#x20AC;? was rejected. Blowers said Legion members have worked hard to keep the 300-member organization running, despite all the financial challenges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll just keep trying till the end,â&#x20AC;? Blowers said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we surprised them that a bunch of old guys didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just roll over and give up.â&#x20AC;?

Tax Hike/from 1A

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tional, made payroll and paid bills while looking for options and putting the building up for sale. But its bills evidently have taken more of a bite out of the Legionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget than in the past. Gloria Pinke, manager of Dakota Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Assessment Services division, said the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s giving did not equal its property tax payment, so it no longer qualifies for a lower property tax rate allowed for community service organizations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were trying to pay the expenses like heat and lights,â&#x20AC;? Blowers said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We gave out a fair amount of money, but not enough to maintain a nonprofit.â&#x20AC;? So in 2012, the Legion will pay commercial property taxes as any other Farmington business. Legislative changes to the property tax code have also shifted more of the tax burden onto commercial property types. According to county property tax estimates, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general tax portion of the Legionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property taxes is the biggest increase, going from $2,500 this year to $8,733 in 2012, a 249 percent difference. Pinke said the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portion of the Legionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax bill is estimated to increase from $4,561 to $7,182; the county portion is set to go from $2,464 to $3,296; and school taxes will rise from $4,500 to $5,600 in 2012. The Legionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant building also dropped $20,000 in value for 2012, but is still worth about half a million more than the organization paid for it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to sell the building,â&#x20AC;? Blowers said. Organization leaders have committed to keeping the American Legion itself together, and Blowers vows they will continue to serve the community with or without a Laura Adelmann is at laura. building. adelmann@ecm-inc.com.

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THISWEEK December 23, 2011

11A

Sports South Suburban Conference

Area players help Concordia win fifth-straight title

Boys Basketball Team

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

L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Overall W 5 5 4 3 3 3 2 1 1 0

Lakeville’s Fieldsted, Weaver; Farmington’s Habeck; Eastview’s Murtha propel team to championship

L 0 0 1 2 2 3 2 3 3 4

by Andy Rogers THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Tuesday, Dec 27 • Lakeville South at Rochester Tournament, 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 28 • Shakopee at Lakeville North, 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec 29 • Lakeville North tournament

Girls Basketball Team

Conference W Lakeville North 3 Lakeville South 2 B Kennedy 1 Rosemount 1 Eastview 1 Apple Valley 1 Eagan 1 Prior Lake 1 Burnsville 0 B Jefferson 0

L 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2

Overall W 5 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 1 0

L 2 3 2 3 3 4 3 4 3 6

Tuesday, Dec 27 • Minneapolis South at Lakeville South, 8 p.m. • Lakeville North vs. Rochester Century at the Rochester Rotary Tournament, 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 28 • Lakeville North at the Rochester Rotary Tournament • Chanhassen at Lakeville South, 8 p.m.

Boys Hockey Team

Conference Overall W L T W L T Eagan 2 0 0 4 1 0 Burnsville 2 0 0 5 2 0 Lakeville South 2 0 0 3 2 0 Apple Valley 2 0 0 3 2 1 Prior Lake 0 1 0 3 2 0 Eastview 0 2 0 4 3 0 Lakeville North 0 2 0 2 4 0 B Kennedy 0 0 0 2 6 0 Rosemount 0 2 0 1 5 0 B Jefferson 0 1 0 0 4 2 Monday, Dec 26 • Lakeville South tournament Tuesday, Dec 27 • Lakeville South tournament • Lakeville North at Virginia, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 28 • Lakeville South tournament • Lakeville North at Grand Rapids, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec 29 • Lakeville North at Hibbing, 3 p.m.

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

Conference Overall W L T W L T 6 1 1 7 3 1 5 1 1 9 1 2 5 1 1 8 2 1 4 3 1 5 6 1 2 2 3 2 6 3 3 4 0 6 5 0 3 5 0 7 5 0 2 4 2 3 8 2 0 6 1 1 10 1 0 3 0 4 8 1

Monday, Dec 26 • Lakeville South at Edina Tournament, TBD Tuesday, Dec 27 • Lakeville North, Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eastview at Farmington tournament Wednesday, Dec 28 • Lakeville South at Edina Tournament, TBD • Lakeville North, Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eastview at Farmington tournament Thursday, Dec 29 • Lakeville North, Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eastview at Farmington tournament

Missota Conference Conference W Holy Angels 0 New Prague 0 Chanhassen 0 Northfield 0 Red Wing 0 Chaska 0 Farmington 0 Shakopee 0

L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Overall W 3 4 4 3 3 3 2 1

Wednesday, Dec. 28 • Farmington vs. Mahtomedi Hastings tournament, 5 p.m Thursday, Dec. 29 • Farminton at Hastings tourament

Girls Basketball Team

Conference W 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Northfield Red Wing Shakopee Chanhassen New Prague Holy Angels Chaska Farmington

L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Overall W 5 7 5 5 4 3 1 0

L 1 2 2 2 4 4 6 7

Wednesday, Dec. 28 • Farmington vs. Sartell at Orono tournamnet, 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29 • Farmingotn at Ornono tournament

Boys Hockey Team Chanhassen New Prague Northfield Holy Angels Farmington Red Wing Shakopee Chaska

Conference Overall W L T W L T 1 0 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 2 4 1 1 1 0 5 3 0 1 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 3 3 1 0 1 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 2 6 1 0 1 0 1 7 0

Friday, Dec. 30 • Farmington at Shakopee, 6 p.m.

Girls Hockey Team Red Wing Chaska/Chan New Prague Shakopee Farmington Northfield Holy Angels

Conference Overall W L T W L T 4 0 0 9 2 0 4 0 1 7 2 1 3 1 0 6 6 0 1 2 1 2 9 1 1 3 0 3 7 0 1 4 0 4 6 0 0 4 0 1 11 0

Tuesday, Dec. 27 • Farmington tournament Wedneaday, Dec. 28 • Farmington tournament Thursday, Dec. 29 • Farmington tournament

Murtha said the transition from high school to college was pretty drastic. “In college you’re playing with girls who are all better than you,” Murtha said. “In high school some of us might have been the good players. When you come to college, you’re not the only one.” Her experience at Eastview prepared her well. “Playing with coach Becky Egan and Kate Bennett, having them as coaches helped me out and be competitive,” Murtha said. “They were always tough on me.” Senior Taylor Fieldsted, a 2008 graduate of Lakeville North, and Weaver are Panther volleyball alumnae who were coached by Doug Bergman, Milan Mader and Steve Willingham. “Everyone was out to get us,” Fieldsted said. “We were always top-ranked and always playing top-level teams. It helped me compete for a spot on the court.” It was a little easier for Weaver to ease into college volleyball with Fieldsted on the team. “She was my mentor coming into college,” Weaver said. “We played together and I looked up to her and hope one day I can be a superstar like her.”

North, South still practice, share home meets together by Andy Rogers

L 0 1 2 3 3 4 5 4

Since high school

Photo courtesy of Concordia University

Concordia University women’s volleyball players Taylor Fieldsted, No. 6, Ashley Murtha, No. 7, Katie Habeck, No. 8, and Cassie Weaver, No. 9, helped the Golden Bears win their fifth straight NCAA Division II National Title on Dec. 3 in California. Habeck graduated from Farmington, Murtha from Eastview, and Fieldsted and Weaver are graduates of Lakeville North. Habeck, who led the focused and relaxed, but we took it week by week. team with 122 blocks and there is no half-speed at any A lot of freshmen stepped was third on the team with time. up.” 278 kills, started as a fresh“Practices are basically In her first career game, man. my favorite part of my day,” Concordia lost to Cal State, Coming from Farming- Weaver said. “There’s al- San Bernardino, but she ton, where she led the team ways so much energy at the went out beating them in to a state tournament ap- gym. It’s hard to not going her last game. pearance as a junior, Ha- full speed. That’s probably “That’s the only team in beck said her time with the why we’re so successful.” my career I hadn’t beaten,” Tigers helped her get this Fieldsted said. Go for six? far. It was perhaps her final “It made my love for the The fact that Concordia game of competitive volleygame grow and grow,” she has won five national cham- ball. said. “I just love being on pionships in a row hasn’t “Unless you count old the court. I love having my sunk in for Fieldsted. lady volleyball, my career teammates out there and She was on four of the is going to be done. But working hard. There’s never five teams that won nation- I’m going to still coach any doubt.” al titles as one of their top and mentor young girls in servers and defensive spe- the game I always loved to It’s just practice play,” Fieldsted said. cialists. Habeck, Murtha and Every girl mentioned one But she didn’t go to of the secrets to their suc- Concordia thinking this Weaver plan on going cess was the fact there’s no was going to be the case. for No. 6 next season, aldown time during the sea- She made her intentions though they don’t feel any son in practices. known before Concordia pressure. “I’m stoked,” Weaver Win or lose, the next won its first title. practice is usually more She chose the school so said. “There’s going to be challenging than the last. her friends and family could roles that need to be filled. I “Our coaches know that watch her play and because know it’s going to be another good season. Our coachevery single practice we of the academic offerings. work our hardest and that Every win has meant es are never like: ‘Oh, we’re makes us better,” Murtha something different to her, out to win another national said. “Every single time we but going out on top has championship.’ But I expect next year will be the same. come to practice, even after been special. a game, you come in ready “We had a lot of injuries There’s a calm confidence to work your hardest.” this year and a lot of set- about this team.” Head coach Brady Star- backs,” Fieldsted said. “We key and assistant George are always looking to win a Andy Rogers is at andy. Padjen like to keep the team national championship, but rogers@ecm-inc.com.

Lakeville swimmers like a family Tiger swimmers hope to THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

Boys Basketball Team

The south metro has been a longtime training ground for some of the best volleyball players in Minnesota. A few area alumnae showed their power earlier this month as they helped Concordia University in St. Paul compile a 34-2 record and sweep previously unbeaten California State, San Bernardino, 25-20, 3129, 25-18 to win its fifthstraight NCAA Division II National title. “It was emotionally and physically the most exciting experience ever,” said 2011 Farmington graduate Katie Habeck, who was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association National Freshman of the Year. “It was the first time for me and the other freshmen. I’ve never experienced something like that before. “I think everybody was just on their game. We all knew we all wanted to win so bad. We had the fight in us.” Even though Concordia won the previous four national titles, the team was the underdog, yet its confidence never wavered. “Our team is really good at holding our ground,” Habeck said. “We never get nervous. We just support each other and fight for ourselves and our teammates.” The game was played in San Bernardino’s home gym, so they were up against nearly 3,000 fans, too. “Our whole team is able to block big crowds out,” said 2011 Eastview graduate freshman Ashley Murtha, who was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team. “The energy of the whole gym and crowd being extremely loud. It makes us play better.” Their friends and family made the trip and a crowd of fans watched back on the St. Paul campus. Coming into the season

as a four-time defending champion, Concordia was every team’s target. The team had its share of injuries, which pressed several young players into action. It was a new set of challenges, but by the time they played San Bernardino, it was behind them. “I was expecting a fivegame match,” 2010 Lakeville North graduate sophomore Cassie Weaver said. “It was unreal. There was nothing we couldn’t do. You could see that they were frustrated. We knew they were undefeated. We just gave it our all and played a little bit better.”

Lakeville North and South have been rivals for more than a half decade, but it’s not always that heated. For swimming, it’s more like a family. The teams practice together, host home meets together and both figure to finish near the top of the South Suburban Conference this season. For Lakeville North, returning swimmers Hunter Burchfield, Alex Dahlgren, Brandon Jensen, Tim Mitchell, Nathan Regan, Nick Saloka, Trae Schindler, Zach Smith, Cameron Verby, Sam Wilson and Ryan Young either competed at state or were alternates on relays last year. “I think we have a good team with a lot of senior leadership that can make our season a good one,” head coach Dan Schneider said. “I think we have good team depth and our best event may be distance freestyle.” Schindler, Regan and Young qualified for state last season in the 500 freestyle as sophomores, and Mitchell was seventh in the individual medley at state. The Panthers have some holes in the breaststroke and diving events, but Schneider feels the team could finish in the top three in the conference and in Section 3AA where Rosemount and Prior Lake look formidable. “If we swim well, a top10 finish at state is possible,” he said. The Panthers defeated Eastview 94-83 on Dec. 9 and Lakeville South 98-85

on Dec. 16 before tying for second at the Albert Lea Tiger Relays on Dec. 17 behind Rochester Century. Against Eastview, Lakeville North had 57 lifetime best swims and against South the Panthers added 43 more lifetime best performances. “I can’t complain when we have 100 lifetime bests in two meets,” Schneider said. “We are off to a great start to the season and I hope we can continue to improve.” In the current ranking, North is rated No. 6 in the state by the coaches association. “Not sure we belong there, but we will find out more as we go,” Schneider said.

Lakeville South

account for more points in meets than any other in our meets,” coach Rick Ringeisen said. “There are several very talented young sprinters on the team and I feel that by the end of the season they will be ready to strut their talent. However, in the meantime, the rest of the team will have to cover for our sprinters.” Ringeisen feels the team has the capability to finish in the top half of both the conference and Section 3AA if they continue to improve. “I have several boys on the team who have set the goal of placing in the top eight at the state meet,” Ringeisen said. “I hope that we are able to give chase and finish as the third place team in the conference.” The Cougars already raced against Rosemount and Lakeville North, the two favorites in the conference, losing both duals. Against Rosemount, the team posted 48 lifetime best swims. “I was thrilled with how well the team swam,” Ringeisen said. Against Lakeville North, the meet was close and the Cougars even held a slight lead at the diving break. Lakeville South tied with North at the Albert Lea Tiger Relays for second. “The relay meet format allowed my team’s depth to play a greater role in the success. In addition, Lakeville North was missing a couple guys due to illness,” Ringeisen said.

continue strong tradition Farmington hopes thrilling 2010-11 season carries over by Andy Rogers THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

The boys swimming and diving team at Farmington has given the school plenty of reason to cheer in the past few years, earning the school conference championships, state champion medals and several dual victories. Last year the Tigers won Section True Team meet, the Missota Conference title, finished second in Section 1AA, and sent two relays and five individual events to state. The Tigers were stacked with a senior class featuring Brian Huls, Matt Stephan, Allen Berg and state diving champion Tyler Magalis. Even with that talent departure, the team is hoping for similar results in 2011-12.

The Cougars have a balanced lineup with a strong Captains Zack Holton, core with captains Erik HaDerek Anderson and Conglund and Seth Young along ner Kealy plan to work hard with Evan Ostendorf, Mitch along with 13 other returning Herrera, Travis Meyer and letter winners. Robert Trone. “Our captains are all drivThere’s also a brotherly en and motivated in different aspect to the Cougars this ways,” head coach Ryan Haseason with twin brothers men said. Clay and Drew Mickelson Returners Holten and the freshmen Sabal twins, Luke and Matt, plus their older brother junior Joe Sabal. Diving, distance freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke are their strongest events, while depth in all events should give the Cougars a After going nearly two few extra points in duals. years without winning a The sprint freestyle is one dual, the Farmington wresevent where the Cougars tling team won four in a row aren’t up to speed. last week completing a run “Of all the places to have not reached in nearly 10 a concern the sprint freeyears. style is the most critical be- Andy Rogers is at andy. The Tigers defeated cause sprint freestyle events rogers@ecm-inc.com. Richfield/Edina 39-34 and

Christopher Kirchmann both have state tournament experience. Other returning swimmers Aaron Lane, Nick Stephan, Aaron Cochnauer, Christian Bell and Eric Schimmel along with diver Evan Carufel provide depth in all four strokes. “Many have the desire to be part of that depth in the big meets,” Hamen said. “We have a lot of new swimmers who I am excited to see develop. They take a lot of time and work but if they have the determination, they will do well.” The Tigers defeated Northfield on Dec. 15 in their Missota opener, 94-87. Kirchmann won the 50 and 100 freestyle, Lane the 100 backstroke and Holton the 100 butterfly. Evan Carufel was the diving champ and the 200 medley relay swam the fastest. The Tigers were third at the Prior Lake Invitational earlier this month. Andy Rogers is at andy. rogers@ecm-inc.com.

Sports Brief

Farmington wins fourth dual in a row

Minnetonka 55-24 on Dec. 16. The Tigers defeated Eastview 38-37 on Dec. 15, which was decided by the eighth tie-breaker (most total first points scored), and Montgomery-Lonsdale/Le Center 39-30 on Dec. 10. Taylor Venz has gone 11-1 on the season. Jacob Gabbard is 6-2, and Kyle Benjamin 5-1.

12A

December 23, 2011 THISWEEK

City Briefs

Drop-off bins for USAgain (use again) have been installed at Lakeville North High School to collect clothing for recycling thanks to LNHS students Adam and Cassie Alexander. LNHS will get a quarterly reward from USAgain from each pound of clothing collected at the site. Information on USAgain can be found at www.usagain.com.

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Jewelry-making class Make flame-painted copper jewelry in this class at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10. Pay for what you make; prices range from $8 to $12. Class limit is 8 students; class length is 90 minutes. Sign up by Jan. 3. Walters said city employees should never use city finances for personal expenses. Human Resources Director Brenda Wendlandt said the provision was added after some employees had mistakenly used the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s card for personal expenses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was done in conjunction with the finance director when it was put in place prior to Teresaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being here,â&#x20AC;? Wendlandt said. McKnight said the policyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s removal would make it clear to employees not to use a city credit card for personal expenses. Other benefits to be reviewed include policies involving accrued leave, vacation, step adjustments, compensatory time off and sick leave.

half a percent of the entire operating budget of the city. Bellows lamented the erosion of congeniality among council members. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just not a spirit of colleagues working together,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it was a grandstanding effort on his (Littleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) part for the purpose of his own political advancement.â&#x20AC;?

Debate/from 1A

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

offset by a work furlough. Later in the meeting, the council raised concerns about various benefits in the revised city employee handbook. After discussion, several provisions that were proposed to be included were not approved. Issues involving those benefits will be discussed during collective bargaining negotiations in 2012, City Administrator Dave McKnight said. A provision in the employee handbook allowing employees to use a city credit card for personal expenses, and then reimburse the city, was eliminated after Council Member Jason Bartholomay raised questions about it. Laura Adelmann is at laura. Finance Director Teresa adelmann@ecm-inc.com.

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Lakeville seniors

Benefits/from 1A

The Farmington Library, 508 Third St., will offer Dungeons & Dragons for Teens from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 28-29. Registration is required. For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/ library or call (651) 4380250.

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Students promote recycling

Dungeons & Dragons for teens

Seniors

owner. At the meeting, Swecker said regarding the 2012 allowance figure that she had a â&#x20AC;&#x153;hard time putting it back into the budget.â&#x20AC;? Rieb could not be reached for comment by press time. The council allowances account for a small fraction of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearly $71 million budget. The bud- Aaron Vehling is at aaron. geted total for 2012 would vehling@ecm-inc.com or www. be $3,750, which is less than facebook.com/thisweeklive.

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THISWEEK December 23, 2011

According to federal tax filings from 360, Ajax earned $235,359 in 2009 (including $63,306 in â&#x20AC;&#x153;otherâ&#x20AC;? compensation from the organization and related organizations), and her executive vice president, Konat, earned $172,776 (including $29,935 in other compensation). Filings for 2010 show Ajax earning $172,459 and Konat earning $123,107. The agency had a fiscalyear-ending deficit in 2010 of $580,540, according to information on charities compiled by the state attorney generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. Ajax said in a Nov. 4 interview that the agency, which set a $4.3 million budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year, is used to adjusting to shifting fiscal fortunes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a strong, healthy financial position now because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the staffing level that we can sustain and support,â&#x20AC;? she told Thisweek after being asked about the loss of top staffers. Erickson praised 360 Communities programs including the two Lewis House family shelters and the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual domestic abuse awareness luncheon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That will certainly be part of (Ajaxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) legacy, in my opinion,â&#x20AC;? he said. School-based family support workers are also part of her legacy, Erickson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have had the privilege of working with Mary and

Ajax/from 1A community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;More recently, from feedback Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotten from the community, there was growing concern regarding the organization and the hierarchy of that organization, and individuals who had been supporters of the previous CAC were starting to question the compensation of the various positions that had been created,â&#x20AC;? Erickson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were questioning the appropriateness of that in relation to its nonprofit status.â&#x20AC;? Earlier this year four top 360 employees left or lost their jobs during what Ajax described in November as a time of budget retrenchment. Terminated were Greg Konat, a former Burnsville city manager and Dakota County physical development director who served as 360â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive vice president, and Steve Haschig, former senior pastor of Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, who served as 360â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior development director. Two other high-profile hires retired: former School District 191 Superintendent Ben Kanninen, who was 360â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior director of school success, and former District Court Judge Leslie Metzen, who was the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior violence-prevention coordinator.

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John Gessner is at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

New Market Township Notice of Filing Dates and Offices for ANNUAL TOWNSHIP ELECTIONS Notice is hereby given to qualified voters of New Market Township, Scott County, Minnesota that filing for the Annual Township Election to be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, will be accepted for the following offices. Two (2) Supervisors for a three (3) year term. One (1) Supervisor for a two (2) year term. One (1) Clerk for a two (2) year term. Affidavit of Candidacy will be accepted at the Township Hall, 8950 230th St E Lakeville, Mn 55044 by appointment with the Town Clerk. Phone 952 461 2333. Filings will be held for a two week period beginning Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 8:00 AM and ending Tuesday, January 17, 2012. The filing fee is $2.00. LeRoy Clausen, Clerk New Market Township Published in the Lakeville Times Friday December 16, and 23, 2011 2850100 12/16-12/23/11

ELECTION FILING NOTICE TOWN OF EUREKA Affidavits of candidacy for the Eureka Township Annual Election to be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 will be accepted by the Town Clerk Tuesday, January 3, 2012 until Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 5pm. The office to be elected: Supervisor position #3 for a 3 year term Supervisor position #4 for a 3 year term Eureka Town Hall: 25043 Cedar Ave, Farmington, MN 55024. Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (952) 469-3736. Nanett Sandstrom Clerk/ Treasurer December 16, 2011 2851498 12/16-12/23/11

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Minn. Stat. Â§ 103B.227, Subd. 5, the Black Dog Watershed Management Commission is soliciting letters of interest for legal, auditing, and engineering services. Letters should be submitted to the Commission in care of: Mr. Daryl Jacobson Black Dog WMO Administrator Burnsville Maintenance Facility 13713 Frontier Court Burnsville, MN 55337 Written letters must be received on or before January 30, 2012. Dated: December 13, 2011 BY: /s/ Roger N. Knutson Roger N. Knutson Attorney for the Black Dog Watershed Management Commission 2853772 12/23/11 & 1/6/12

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13A

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several of her associates at Community Action Council,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She certainly left an indelible mark on the community.â&#x20AC;? Jeff Mortensen, 360â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader of strategic development, is serving as interim president and CEO while the agency seeks a replacement. The leadership change will not affect any of the critical services 360 Communities provides to the many people who depend on it, 360â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s release said. Ajax received a 2011 Dakota County Tribune Exceptional Businesswoman award, the 2007 Minnesota State University Distinguished Alumni Humanitarian Award, the 2003 Minnesota Medical Association Stop the Violence Award and a 2005 recognition from former Gov. Tim Pawlenty for her 30 years of service with 360 Communities. In addition to overseeing 360 Communities, Ajax has served on the Fairview Minnesota Valley Care System Board of Trustees, is past president of the Burnsville Rotary Club, and is past chair of the United Way Council of Agency Executives. She is a member of various Dakota County Rotary clubs, several chambers of commerce and a variety of boards.

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14A

December 23, 2011 THISWEEK

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