Around The Area
March 17, 2010 Edition

Adoption Info. Meeting March 20

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Adoption invites you to join them to learn about exciting opportunities and changes in adoption.
Discover the tools and support for families who would like a flexible, proactive adoption process, and learn how LSS can partner with you to grow your family. LSS can help families adopt children locally and from countries around the world.
The adoption information meeting will be held on Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m. noon at the Center for Changing Lives (Room 182), located at 2400 Park Avenue in Minneapolis.
Call Lynne Haggar at 612-879-5230 to register. For more information, or to register online, visit www.minnesotaadoption.org.

Scott County
Relay for Life Kick Off March 20

You are invited to the Scott County Relay For Life Kickoff on Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Shakopee Town Square Mall.
Visit booths to learn about all areas of the Relay and the fight against cancer in Scott County. Schwan’s will also be having a truck load sale in the parking lot, with a portion of the proceeds going to Scott County Relay For Life.
For more information, contact event tri-chair Annette Chlan at nettyc@frontiernet.net or by calling 612-418-2617.

COMMUNITY SERVICES BELLE PLAINE

LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL
Little League Baseball is designed to continue the development of young baseball players. The 3rd & 4th grade league uses pitching machines and the 5th & 6th grade league uses players as pitchers. Although advanced skills and strategies will be introduced, the primary focus is still to have fun. All players are requested to wear gray pants. Most sporting goods stores carry these. Coaches are volunteer parents. AGE: 3-6 Grade DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays, May-July TIME: 6:30 pm LOCATION: Chatfield Elem. Rec. Fields COST: $55.00 DEADLINE: March 26
LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL
Little League Softball is the first formal softball program for girls 9-12 (grades 3-6) years old. The 3rd & 4th grade league uses coaches as pitchers, and the 5th & 6th grade league uses players as pitchers. The player-pitchers are introduced to the modified softball pitch. Little League Softball attempts to continue the development of softball players, continuing the basic structure and the skills needed to enjoy success. The emphasis is on fun rather than competition in this program. Coaches are volunteer parents. AGE: 3-6 Grade DATE: Monday & Wednesdays, May-July TIME: 6:30 pm LOCATION: Chatfield Elem. Rec. Fields COST: $55.00 DEADLINE: March 26
Early Bird Registration and Payment for Little League baseball/softball
$45.00 Until March 12. Late registrations are accepted on space availability.
TAE KWON DO
This is the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. Students will learn self defense, self control, history, sparring and techniques needed to test in the beginning level of Tae Kwon Do. Advanced students will continue on at their own pace. Students attending class in BP are also welcome to train at other Kroells Karate Club locations at no additional cost. For 5 year olds and up. SESSION 2: DATES: Wednesdays, Feb. 1-March 24 SESSION 3: DATES: Wednesdays, April 7-May 12 SESSION 4: DATES: Wednesdays, May 19-June 23 TIME: 6:30-7:30 pm LOCATION: Chatfield Elem., Activity Rm INSTRUCTOR: Linda Kroells COST: $36.00/session
TIGER TUMBLING
Beginner: Please put your child in this class if this is their first time in gymnastics. Please put your child in these classes if they can already do the following: Intermediate:-Floor: straight jump, tuck jump, pike jump, straddle jump, forward rolls-Beam: walk forward, backward, sideways-Bars: swing-Vault: jumping on springboard. Advanced:-Floor: straight jump, tuck jump, pike jump, straddle jump, forward rolls, cartwheels, round offs-Beam: walk forward, backward, sideways, jumps, kicks, dips-Bars: swing, cast, forward rolls-Vault: jumping on springboard, squat up. DATES: FOR ALL SESSIONS: AGE: Pre-school, 4-4:30 pm Pre-school, 4:45-5:15 pm Beginners, 5:30-6:15 pm Intermediate, 6:15-7 pm Advanced, 7-7:45 pm LOCATION: Chatfield Elem. Stage INSTRUCTOR: Rachel Anhalt COST: $25.00 (Preschool) $35.00 (Beg, Int, & Adv) (Per 6 week session) Limited Space
YOUTH SOCCER
Little Kickers is an extracurricular soccer program presented by KOSA, Inc. The Little Kickers program will provide a vast range of soccer techniques taught through fun activities and games. The participants will learn how to dribble, shoot and pass the ball by using various body movements like running, jumping, hopping, skipping, catching and throwing. These techniques and movements will help the child’s balance, endurance, coordination, flexibility, strength, and problem solving skills. Ages 3 - K: Participants will learn basic soccer techniques like dribbling, shooting, and passing while playing fun games. 1st - 3rd Grade: Participants will learn soccer techniques focussing on passing and team work. 4th - 8th Grade: Participants will perfect basic soccer techniques while being introduced to advanced techniques (heading, throw-ins and goal keeping). Teams will be formed for games. DATE: Tuesdays, April 20-May 18 TIME: Ages 3-K: 3:30-4:15 pm 1st-3rd Grade: 4:30-5:15 pm 4th-8th Grade: 5:30-6:30 pm LOCATION: Oak Crest Elem., Recreation Fields COST: $30.00 MINIMUM: 8 People/per session ***If a session is canceled due to weather, we will make it up Tuesday, May 25 Participants please bring a soccer ball if you have one. Also bring water and wear appropriate clothing (i.e. shin guards and tennis shoes/cleats - no street clothes). Adult Volunteers/Parents are encouraged to assist KOSA, Inc. with the delivery of the soccer program.
COIL ANIMAL AND ANIMAL MUG
In this clay class each student will create a mug that looks like the animal of their choice. For their second project, they’ll create an animal using a coil of clay. After creating these forms the students can add color by using a variety of glazes. AGE: 3-6 Grade DATES: April 6, 7, 13, 14 TIME: 3:15-4:30 pm LOCATION: Oak Crest Elem., Art Room INSTRUCTOR: Robin Banks COST: $30.00
SPRING ART
It’s time for fun. We’ve saved some of our best projects for the last session. We are doing lots of 3–D art including two model magic lessons and a cool Dale Chihuly lesson (Chihuly is one of the world’s best glass blowers). We’ll try out another “Drawsters” drawing lesson. We’ll explore a polish art form & have a pig party! We’ll use paint, colored pencils, model magic and colored papers to create fabulous art. Join us for the last session of the season! AGE: K-5 Grade DATES: Wednesdays, April 14–May 19 TIME: 3:30-4:30 pm LOCATION: Chatfield Elementary, Rm. 12 INSTRUCTOR: Abrakadoodle Staff COST: $58.00
BALLROOM DANCING LESSONS
Do you love to dance but don’t know the basic steps? Or, do you need practice to become better? Instructor Geats Lemyre will show you how to dance the tango, waltz, foxtrot, and much more! It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s here in Belle Plaine. SESSION 3: DATES: Tuesdays, March 23, 30, April 6 TIME: 7:30 - 8:50 pm LOCATION: BPHS, North Gym SESSION 4: DATES: Tuesdays, April 20, 27, May 4 TIME: 7:30 - 8:50 pm LOCATION: BPHS, North Gym INSTRUCTOR: Geats Lemyre COST: (Per person) $40.00 for one session $75.00 for two sessions $110.00 for three sessions
AEROBICS
Hi/Lo aerobics class for all levels! You can work at your own level and I will show ways to increase or decrease the intensity. Dress comfortably and be sure and wear athletic tennis shoes. If you have workout mats, please bring to class with you. Class Format: 10 minute warm up 25-30 minute cardio, 10 minute cool down, 15-20 minute muscle conditioning. DATE: New Sessions Starting in January. TIME: 6:30-7:30 pm LOCATION: Oak Crest Gym INSTRUCTOR: Lisa Bahr COST: $44.00
BUTTS-N-GUTS - New Class
Primarily use of body weight, with some pilates and yoga style to focus on the hips, thighs, glutes, and abdominals in a 30-minute intense toning session. If you have a mat please bring one. We will be offering four 4-week sessions. Questions and more information available at http://www.mylifemyfitness.com. SESSION 3 DATE: Mondays & Wednesdays March 1 - 24 SESSION 4 DATE: Mondays & Wednesdays April 5 - 28 (NO CLASS – April 5) TIME change: 5:45 - 6:15 pm LOCATION: Chatfield Music Room INSTRUCTOR: Mark Strauss B.S. Excercise Science COST: $28.00/session
BEGINNER PILATES ON THE BALL- New Class
This is the new up and coming fitness routine becoming popular with celebrities. Now you can experience this new fitness class. We will use the excercise ball to perform pilates style breathing and excercises in a 30-minute routine. Excercise mat and ball required. We will be offering four 4-week sessions. Questions and more information available at http://www.mylifemyfitness.com. SESSION 3 DATE: Mondays & Wednesdays March 1-24 SESSION 4 DATE: Mondays & Wednesdays April 5-28 (NO CLASS – April 5) TIME change: 6:20 - 6:50 pm LOCATION: Chatfield Music Room INSTRUCTOR: Mark Strauss B.S. Excercise Science COST: $28.00/session
INSTANT GUITAR
For Hopelessly Busy Adults
and Teens
Have you ever wanted to learn guitar but simply find it difficult to find the time? In just a few hours you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment. This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your favorite songs right away. Bring your acoustic guitar. For more information go to: www.instantguitarnow.com - A required $29.00 materials fee will be collected in class by the instructor.AGE: 13+ DATE: Monday, Oct. 5 TIME: 6:30-9:00 pm LOCATION: BPHS, Music Room 306 INSTRUCTOR: Instant Guitar Now Instructor COST: $20.00 + Materials Fee.
GET COMPLETELY OUT OF DEBT...
INCLUDING YOUR MORTGAGE
As featured on KARE 11 TV’s “EXTRA” segment. A life without debt… it can happen! Following the debt reduction and elimination plans you’ll learn in this class, you’ll pay off all your consumer debt, credit cards, car payments and other expenses in one-to-three years. Then you’ll pay off your 30-year mortgage in another three-to-four years. You can do this on your current income, without a second job or living like a hermit. You’ll learn specific, powerful and proven strategies that work. You’ll learn how to operate 100% on cash, never needing credit again. Bring a list of your debts and balances, monthly payments and interest rates (principal and interest for mortgage). During class, you’ll develop your own debt-elimination plan that can be implemented immediately. Strictly an educational workshop, no financial planning, insurance or investments will be promoted or sold. Learn more at www.averagejoemoneyshow.com. $5 materials fee payable to instructor. Optional textbook $47. DATE: April 20 TIME: 6:30-9:30 pm LOCATION: District Center, Rm 202 INSTRUCTOR: Bill Keenan, Financial Health Services COST: $29 single / $39 couple MINIMUM: 10 Registrations

Get Exclusive Content and Interact With The Herald via Facebook

The Belle Plaine Herald has created a Facebook page as an another avenue to reach our readers. The aim of the page is to encourage collaborative conversation about news-worthy topics in and around Belle Plaine and to provide a forum for readers to speak directly with journalists and other members of the community.
To access the page go to www.facebook.com/belleplaineherald
Several times a weeks we will send updates to our “Fans” via Facebook about a story or upcoming story. We will also post videos, photos, polls and links to interesting content.
We will still keep up our Web site and are planning an upgrade very soon. As always, we welcome your ideas for stories that you would like us to cover.
We hope you become a Fan of the Belle Plaine Herald Facebook Page but we also encourage a subscription to the printed copy of the Belle Plaine Herald to get the complete story .

Southern Valley Alliance To Hold
Annual Fund-Raiser

The Belle Plaine-based Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women will host its annual fund-raiser April 23 at OK Corral Barn in St. Lawrence Township.
The event will feature dinner and silent auction. JJ Holiday of KCLD will emcee the festivities and Tom Goetzinger will be the disc jockey for the evening.
A social hour/cash bar begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive dressed in their best cowboy/girl duds for judging.
Dinner tickets are $50 and available through April 9. Tickets are available through Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women, 873-4214, or by mail at P.O. Box 166, Belle Plaine, MN 56011.
Funds raised for the alliance will be supplemented by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Carver County 30085 and Southern Dakota-Scott County Chapter 30104.

Green Isle Moves To Take Rosemount Development’s Land

by John Mueller
“We’ve got nothing to lose,” Green Isle Mayor Randal Bruegger said after last week’s council meeting.
After nearly two years of waiting for Rosemount Development Corp. to make payments on bonds the city issued to fund the developer’s subdivisions between the early and mid-2000s, the city council has finally had enough. Last Tuesday (March 9), the council voted unanimously to begin court proceedings to take the 43 vacant lots with the intent of selling them on the open market.
Green Isle issued the general-obligation bonds with the hope of attracting more residents. The city’s agreement with Rosemount Development Corp. included a provision stating the city could take the land if the company did not make payments on the general obligation bonds Green Isle issued to fund infrastructure for the houses on the east side of town and north of Highway 25. The company has not made a payment since mid-2008. The next twice-yearly payment is due in May. The company is also not paying taxes on the land. The lots are scheduled to go into tax foreclosure in 2012, according to the Sibley County auditor’s office.
If the city acquires the vacant land before July 1, the parcels come off the tax rolls for the rest of 2010 and 2011. Selling them to a private buyer would return them to the tax rolls with a year lag.
“What difference does it make? We’re not getting anything now,” Bruegger said.

For the complete story, see the March 17 issue of the Belle Plaine Herald.

Ryan, Jean and Dave Sticha are the Scott SWCD Land Stewards of the Month for March.

New Prague Family is SWCD Land Steward of the Month

Ryan, Jean and Dave Sticha of New Prague are the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Land Steward for March.
The family lives in Cedar Lake Township where they built CreeksBend Golf Club 15 years ago. After selling the golf course, the Stichas hope to open Cedar Brook Garden Center in spring of 2011. The family, doing much of the earth-moving work themselves, installed 1,500 square feet of rain gardens and 6,500 square feet of pervious pavement. They are knowledgeable about native grass plantings, rain gardens and shoreline restorations, contracting with landowners for this work in both Scott and Le Sueur counties.
As outdoorsmen and conservationists, the family has planted natives like bluestem, side oats, grama and switchgrass and also erected bluebird and woodduck houses to draw the birds to nest on their land.
Dave, with a background in natural resources, and Ryan, with a horticulture background, have also participated in the Scott SWCD tree program with numerous tree and shrub plantings. They also converted some of the 48 acres into wildlife food plots for turkeys and pheasants.
The Stichas have worked closely with Scott SWCD and Natural Resources Conservation Service staff in Jordan. Funding for the latest rain gardens and pervious pavement was provided by the Scott Watershed Management Organization, with technical and engineering assistance from Scott SWCD staff.
Contact the Scott SWCD at 952-492-5425 or visit www.scottswcd.org for more information.

SCHS to Host Maple Syrup Event

Follow sap from tree to tap and from syrup to sugar as you discover Minnesota’s rich history of maple syruping from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday March 20.
Ride a trolley pulled by Percheron horses, journey to the sugar bush with a naturalist and visit with maple syrup makers from the past. Maple flavored food, chips, coffee and cider will be available for purchase
This event is sponsored by the Scott County Historical Society and is great for all ages. It will take place at The Landing in Shakopee. The cost is $5 for ages 18-64 and $3 for ages 2-17 and seniors. Children under 2 are free. Proceeds from the food sales will benefit the Scott County Historical Society.
For more information, call 952-445-0378.

VFW Has Scholarships for Veterans

All veterans who have served at least 180 days of active duty in Minnesota are eligible for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Minnesota scholarship program.
To receive an application for a grant locally, contact Connie Zurn of the Belle Plaine VFW Ladies Auxiliary at 952-873-2342. The deadline to submit the application is April 1.

Keeler Will Seek Election

Celebrating his Irish heritage, Carver County Attorney Jim Keeler chose today, St. Patrick’s Day, to announce his bid to be elected as Carver County attorney in Chanhassen.
Keeler is the appointed county attorney, unanimously selected in 2007 to succeed former County Attorney Mike Fahey when he was appointed a district court judge.

Interested In Solar Power?
Company Offers More Information

A southern Minnesota company will be in Belle Plaine next week providing information to homeowners interested in solar power and other forms of green energy products.
Representatives from Green Energy Products LLC of Springfield, Minn. will be at AmericInn March 24, 9:30 a.m., to discuss the company products and services.
The single biggest barrier to solar electricity is initial investment. However, the costs of solar electric panels are expected to decline. But siting a solar electric system can be a challenge since any shading from obstructions significantly reduces the system’s performance, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Solar electric systems have low maintenance and operating costs and can produce electricity for 30-50 years, well past their payback period.
There is a personal federal tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of a solar electric system (up to $2,000) for residential systems and a business tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of a solar electric system for commercial systems.

Scott County Wins $1 Million for Trail Connection in Shakopee

Scott County is one-for-one when it comes to attempting to win federal money for trails.
The county recently learned it will receive $1 million in federal highway transportation money to complete a trail connection between the Blue Lake Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and Memorial Park in Shakopee.
The new 10-foot-wide segment will create a connection between unconnected trails that run from Belle Plaine to Shakopee and from Shakopee to Bloomington.
The federal money spares the county local money to connect the two existing trails that are nearly 4 miles apart. The county hadn’t planned on bridging the gap for the next decade, maybe more.
“This is great news,” said Mark Themig, the county’s parks and trails manager. The county still needs to identify a funding source for a $250,000 match to obtain the federal money. The federal money will permit the county to complete the work in 2013 or ’14.

Money for Joint Training Facility Falls

The $2.2 million bonding request for the county’s joint training facility in Sand Creek Township didn’t make the cut.
The training center, which is operated by the county, its cities and townships, is seeking money to provide additional fire related props, including additional burners for the tower. Some of the funding would have gone toward developing the rail safety component of the facility.
County Administrator Gary Shelton said the county will likely resubmit the bonding request in 2012.
“The local governments have already funded the majority of this regionally significant facility and it is unlikely that more local dollars can be made available,” he said.
Previous funding allocations have created enhanced firefighting and police training opportunities at the site. A $1 million allocation in 2008, for example, funded upgrades to a 200-yard rifle range.

Area Townships Host Annual
Meetings Maintain, Hike Levies

by John Mueller
Belle Plaine-area townships in Scott County held the line on their share of property tax hikes for 2011 at their annual meetings last Tuesday (March 9).
Township residents in Blakeley, St. Lawrence and Belle Plaine townships maintained their respective 2011 levies at 2010 levels, a recognition of the economy and conservative spending. The elections that once preceeded the annual meetings are no more since most townships in the area have switched to fall elections.
In Belle Plaine Township, the township’s overall 2011 levy will stay at $201,000. St. Lawrence Township’s levy will stay at $188,000 in 2011.
“We didn’t raise it because we don’t have to,” said Ted Kornder, St. Lawrence Township’s board chairman.
Blakeley Township’s levy will stay at $120,000 for 2011.
“We’re doing fairly well with our finances,” said John Busse, a Blakeley Township supervisor.
While some area city fire departments in Carver County are charging townships more to help fund new equipment purchases and increasing cost of operations, township supervisors say the Belle Plaine Fire Department isn’t increasing its fees to townships at this time. In St. Lawrence Township, supervisors set aside a small amount of money each year to offset city fire department equipment purchases to avoid a spike in the levy, Kornder said.
Across the river in Carver County, Dahlgren and San Francisco townships had to increase their respective levies for fire service because the Carver Fire Department is eyeing a new fire truck.

For the complete story, see the March 17 issue of the Belle Plaine Herald.

Scott County Seeking Applicants For Special Board of Appeals

The Scott County Board of Commissioners is looking for citizens interested in serving on the special Scott County Board of Appeals.
This board will provide a fair and objective forum for property owners to appeal their valuation or classification. Members must be able to address property owners’ issues efficiently, fairly and objectively.
Members must be able to make decisions on classification and valuation of various real estate parcels located in Scott County. Members will foster an open and trusted professional relationship with concerned taxpayers and county staff. Members will not engage in discussions regarding board proceedings with applicants outside of the presence of the other board members.
Members serve the special Board of Appeal at the direction and discretion of the appointing county board and are subject to the restrictions imposed by law on the appointing board.
Members will be required to attend a four-hour certification course established and led by the Minnesota Department of Revenue in May of 2010, and an assessment summary and organizational orientation session led by the Scott County Department of Taxation in June 2010.
Members will be required to be present at up to two special board of equalization meetings in June 2010.

For the complete story, see the March 3 issue of the Belle Plaine Herald.

Garden
Fever Event March 20

The Master Gardeners of Carver and Scott counties will conduct the 12th annual Garden Fever to be held Saturday, March 20, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake.
The theme this year is “Working with Nature” and includes many new ways to recycle, reuse and prevent damage to our environment.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Bud Markhart, a professor at the University of Minnesota. An avid organic gardener, Dr. Markhart also writes the Sustainable Gardener column for Northern Gardener. He will begin the day with a presentation on growing, buying and supporting organic food, and will include hints on ways to cut down on pesticide use in your garden.
Other speakers and topics include Shirley Mah Kooyman on Using Native Wildflowers; Cliff Johnson and Ron Reeves on Creating Garden Art from Prunings; Maren Christopher on Garden Design; Julie Bischke on Stretching the Garden Dollar; and Jane Horn on Ornamental Containers.
In addition to the speakers, there will be commercial exhibits, Master Gardener displays, a great silent auction and many door prizes. Both continental breakfast and lunch will be served - all for the price of $30 per person. Bring a new friend and you may both register for $25 each.
For more information, or to register for the first “true” day of spring, contact the Carver County Extension Office by March 12 at 952-466-5300 or request a brochure at smith515@umn.edu

Money Available for First-Time Home Buyers

Scott County has been allotted $1.9 million from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for low interest/down payment assistance for home buyers who qualify. Find participating lenders at mnhousing.gov.
The Scott County CDA has a first-time home buyers club for all residents of Scott County who qualify. A grant of up to $7,500 is available for downpayment and closing cost assistance upon successful completion. The next class is in September and runs for six weeks.
For more information, call the Scott County CDA at 952-402-9022.

Queen of Peace Hospital to Hold
Fund-raiser at Elko Speedway

Queen of Peace Foundation will host a ‘70s theme dinner and dance fund-raiser, Rock the Foundation, on Saturday, March 20 at Champions Entertainment and Banquet Facility at Elko Speedway.
The event starts at 5 p.m. with a social hour. A buffet dinner will be served from 5:45 to 7 p.m. Live music by Boogie Wonderland — the Midwest’s premiere disco dance band, will begin at 10 p.m. The evening will also include a 50/50 raffle, Bingo and prizes for the most stylin’ ‘70s threads, including most unique costume and best-dressed duo or group.
Proceeds from this event will be used to fund essential equipment for the Family Birthing Center at Queen of Peace Hospital. Two infant warmers and incubators, along with a newborn hearing screener, will provide advanced assessment and monitoring for newborns.
The $40 per person ticket includes dinner, dancing and entertainment. Tickets must be purchased by March 15. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit www.queenofpeacehospital.com/foundation or call 952-758-8956.
Queen of Peace Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1982 to raise funds to support the healthcare mission of Queen of Peace Hospital and the health- related needs of the community. The Foundation seeks donations to purchase life-saving medical equipment and fund a variety of vital programs. The Foundation is a registered “IRC 501(c) (3)” charity and donations to Queen of Peace Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

March Food Collection Begins

Minnesota FoodShare is once again holding its annual March food collection campaign. This campaign is designed to raise awareness and donations to local food shelves throughout Minnesota. In Scott and Carver counties, the CAP Agency will once again be collecting funds and food to stock the county food shelves located in Shakopee and Chaska.
During the CAP agency’s 2008-09 fiscal year, they distributed more than half a million pounds of food. The agency provides a five-day supply of nutritionally balanced food. Last year, over 11,500 visits were made to the food shelves. This represented a 31 percent increase over the previous year and the need is expected to continue, with an estimated one million Minnesotans struggling to put food on the table.
Community members can help by:
• Organizing food and fund drives in March for the CAP Agency food shelves.
• Spreading the word about hunger to family, friends, and neighbors.
• Donating food or funds to the CAP Agency food shelf.
For more information regarding holding a food drive, contact Linda Shelton, community services director, at 952-402-9856 or e-mail at llshelton@capagency.org.
Food donations can be dropped off at the Shakopee CAP Agency (712 Canterbury Road South, Shakopee) or Chaska’s Bountiful Basket Food Shelf (110650 Village Road, Chaska), Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:00 p.m.
Monetary donations can be used to access discount programs, resulting in increased purchasing power. Every dollar donated can be used to purchase $9 worth of food. Checks can be mailed to CAP Agency, 712 Canterbury Road South, while donations using credit cards can be made at anytime at www.capagency.org or by calling (952)496-2125.

Adoption Info. Meeting March 20

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Adoption invites you to join them to learn about exciting opportunities and changes in adoption.
Discover the tools and support for families who would like a flexible, proactive adoption process, and learn how LSS can partner with you to grow your family. LSS can help families adopt children locally and from countries around the world.
The adoption information meeting will be held on Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m. noon at the Center for Changing Lives (Room 182), located at 2400 Park Avenue in Minneapolis.
Call Lynne Haggar at 612-879-5230 to register. For more information, or to register online, visit www.minnesotaadoption.org.

Montgomery Forming Utilities Commission

Montgomery is forming a public utilities commission, a seven-member board charged with reviewing the city’s utilities infrastructure and making recommendations to the city council.
The new board will also review priorities, help create policies, plan infrastructure projects including street, sewer and water projects, and participate in capital improvement and comprehensive planning.
The group will include five at-large appointees and two elected members of the city council. Applications to serve on the board are available at Montgomery City Hall or off the city’s Web site.

Baylor Park Hosting
Maple Syrup Open House

Follow sap from tree to tap and from syrup to sugar as you discover Minnesota’s rich history of maple syruping from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday March 20.
Ride a trolley pulled by Percheron horses, journey to the sugar bush with a naturalist and visit with maple syrup makers from the past. Maple flavored food, chips, coffee and cider will be available for purchase
This event is sponsored by the Scott County Historical Society and is great for all ages. It will take place at The Landing in Shakopee. The cost is $5 for ages 18-64 and $3 for ages 2-17 and seniors. Children under 2 are free. Proceeds from the food sales will benefit the Scott County Historical Society.
For more information, call 952-445-0378.

New Prague’s City Wide Clean-Up is Trashed

Lost aid from the state and Scott County has left New Prague’s city wide clean-up day on the scrap heap of city services.
After losing local government aid (LGA) and a grant from Scott County that covered the difference between fees people pay to drop off items and the cost of operating the event. Residents were able to dispose of electronics, appliances, furniture and other household items.
The cleanup event has become increasingly expensive to the city over the years, thanks in part to the growing cost of recycling electronics. The $15,000 budget for

Eastern Carver County Schools, Teachers Head Back to Bargaining Table

More than two months after the district was penalized for not having a contract in place for 2009-10 and 2010-11, negotiators for the Eastern Carver County School District and the Chaska Education Association are headed back to the bargaining table.
The two sides will meet March 23. Citing a lack of steps (increases for experience) on the pay schedule, teachers rejected a proposed contract in early-January.