Around The Area
March 10, 2010 Edition

Vintage Hat Show Today at Kingsway

The public is invited to attend a vintage hat show at Kingsway Retirement Living in Belle Plaine today (Wednesday) at 3 p.m. in the Grand Dining Room.
Heather Edgington will present “A Century of Hats.” Tea and refreshments will be served.

Alzheimer’s
Support Group Meets Next Tuesday

The Lutheran Home-Belle Plaine and its Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association provides resources and a support group for community members whose lives are touched by Alzheimer’s Disease and other memory loss disorders.
The monthly support groups are free and open to the public.
The next meeting will be next Tuesday, March 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Kingsway Retirement Center in the Ratzkeller Room (The Lutheran Home-Belle Plaine’s newest community for seniors). “Caring and Sharing” will be the topic.
Anyone with questions can contact Tammy Dvorak, RN or Sarah Beckius, LSW at The Lutheran Home–Belle Plaine at 952-873-2215.

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.

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.

Southern Valley Offers Support Groups for Women

The Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women, based in Belle Plaine, offers support for all area women in crisis or who have recently left a crisis situation.
The groups provide a safe and caring environment for women. The Alliance offers groups every Monday and Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information, call 952-873-4214.

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 Kroe lls 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: New Sessions Starting in January. 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 1: DATES: Tuesdays, Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9 TIME: 7:30 - 8:50 pm LOCATION: BPHS, North Gym SESSION 2: DATES: Tuesdays, Feb. 23, March 2, 9 TIME: 7:30 - 8:50 pm LOCATION: BPHS, North Gym 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 2 DATE: Mondays & Wednesdays Feb. 1 – 24 (NO CLASS – Feb. 15) 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 2 DATE: Mondays & Wednesdays Feb. 1–24 (NO CLASS – Feb. 15) 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
YES, YOUR TEEN IS CRAZY!
Is your teen behaving in ways you don’t understand? Would you like to connect with other parents of teens? Join licensed parent educator, Sheila Bauer to discuss teen development and to learn parenting strategies to help you survive the teenage years. DATE: Saturday, March 20 TIME: 9 - 11 am LOCATION: BPHS, Library INSTRUCTOR: Sheila Bauer COST: $3/$5 per couple
PREVENTING PESTS IN THE GARDEN
Once the “honeymoon” of a new garden is over, insects and diseases can find their way to your plants. Learn how to stop problems before they start and a few basic strategies once they arrive. DATE: Tuesday, March 16 TIME: 6:30-8:00 pm LOCATION: BPHS, Rm. 419 INSTRUCTOR: Carver Scott Master Gardeners COST: $9.00
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 .

Sunday’s thresher’s banquet and silent auction drew 145 people to the Belle Plaine’s Vets Club.

Threshers Banquet Draws a Crowd; Group Will Keep Busy in 2010

The Scott-Carver Threshers don’t lack for activity.
Sunday, the group held its annual banquet and silent auction at the Vets Club in Belle Plaine. It drew 145 people for a monthly meeting, a good meal and camaraderie, said Tom Diethelm, president of the Scott-Carver threshers.
“It’s nice to get people together, to let them know what’s going on and what our projects are,” Diethelm said.
The threshers will be working on a replica of a 1920s-era garage at the threshers festival site in St. Lawrence Township, across from the county fairgrounds. The group has the materials assembled and will continue work later this spring.
“We tried to get the foundation in last fall, but Mother Nature didn’t cooperate,” Diethelm said.
The threshers will host the annual car, truck, tractor and farm machinery auction May 1, 10 a.m., and swap meet, May 1-2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the festival grounds. Consignments will be accepted.
The Scott-Carver Threshers will hold its annual old-time gas and steam engine festival Aug. 6-8. This year, International Harvester engines and the IH Collectors Club Chapter 15 and its 500-plus members will be highlighted. The festival will include an array of special events, including an 1860s baseball game, activities and antique gas and steam engines on display.
For more information on the Scott-Carver Threshers, call Diethelm at 448-3589.

South West Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation Annual Banquet March 11

The South West Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will hold its 16th annual banquet March 11 at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan.
The cost of the banquet is $45 for single tickets, $75 for couples and $20 for youth under age 18. All tickets include admission, meal and membership to the NWTF. Live and silent auctions and raffles by Ediger Auctioneering of Belle Plaine will also be held.
For tickets or more information, call Dave Wagner of Belle Plaine at 952-873-4534, Merv Brenke of Jordan at 952-492-2563, Bill Jacobson of Shakopee at 952-233-8958 or Tom Redman of Chaska at 952-448-3572.

Queen of Peace Hosts Grief Support Group

Designed to meet the needs of those experiencing grief after the death of a loved one or those companioning someone experiencing loss, the Growing Through Grief support group is intended to help through education and peer support. Whether the loss has happened recently or several years ago, this support group can help you through a lonely and frightening time.
The meeting will be held Thursday, March 11, 7 – 8:30 p.m., in the solarium at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague.
To register or receive more information, contact Queen of Peace Hospital’s education department, 952-758-8187.

Sibley County Republicans Holding Convention March 13

The Sibley County Republican Party will be holding its 2010 convention Saturday, March 13, 1:30 p.m., in the Sibley County Courthouse Annex basement, 400 Court Avenue, in Gaylord.
The delegates and alternates elected at the recently held caucuses will gather to discuss and adopt resolutions for the Republican Party platform and for the election of delegates and alternates to represent them at the upcoming Seventh District Convention and the State Convention in April. Numerous gubernatorial and other candidates will attend to address the convention.
Registration begins at 1 p.m. Guests are welcomed to attend as observers. For more information call 320-864-3911.

County Says Trip to Washington, D.C. Was Investment In Roads

Scott County says the lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. was an investment in funding in roads and bridges residents depend on each day. It’s an outlay of time and money that has paid off in the past.
Scott County Commissioner Jon Ulrich of Savage led a delegation of county staff on a lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with top transportation and elected officials in the hopes of winning money to improve crowded roads back in Minnesota. Specifically, they are seeking money to improve the interchange at Highway 169 and Interstate 494 on the Eden Prairie-Bloomington border.
Each day, the lights at the intersection just before the interchange backs up morning rush hour traffic for miles, from 494 back into Savage and Shakopee. County officials believe the choke point at the junction of 494 and 169 is a deterrent to commercial and industrial relocation and growth south of the Minnesota River.
In 2000, just over one-third of the employed people residing in Scott County worked here. The county wants to increase the number of jobs in Scott County by 50 percent by 2030. County planners say bringing more jobs to Scott County would improve the county’s tax base and ease the traffic burden on roads in and out of Scott County.
The answer, they say, is a $200 million project that includes the removal of the lights and redesign and construction of a new interchange.

For the complete story, see the March 10 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.

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.

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

Author Will Present Book About Life on Farm

New Prague native and author Gordon Fredrickson will discuss and sign his new book, “If I Were a Farmer” at the Scott County Historical Society, March 11, 6:30 p.m.
Accurately portraying farm activities, “If I Were a Farmer” lends a child’s voice to an exciting farm adventure. The book is written to evoke memories from the past or make new ones for the future. The program is intended for kids and adults alike. A Q&A session will follow the presentation and Fredrickson will sign and sell his books.
The presentation is free with SCHS admission ($4 adults, $2 students, members free) and includes admission to the museum galleries. The Stans Museum of the Scott County Historical Society is located in downtown Shakopee, just one block north of the county government center, and two blocks south of County Road 101 at 235 South Fuller Street. For details, contact SCHS at 952-445-0378 or e-mail or visit the society’s Web site -- info@scottcountyhistory or www.scottcountyhistory.org.

St. Francis to Hold ‘Healthy-U’ Classes

St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee announces the first series of “Healthy-U” free educational programs on a multitude of life topics.
The first program, Advancements in Knee and Hip Pain, David Carlson, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, will be held next Tuesday, March 16 from 6-8 p.m. On April 6 from 6-8 p.m. Dr. Hazmer Cassim and Nancy Schmidt, CNP, will talk on New Treatments For Chronic Pain. On April 27, 7-9 p.m., pediatrician Timothy Johanson, M.D. will address When Too Much is Too Much – overloading kids and what to do about it. Making Sense of Your Medical Bills will be held on April 29 from 7-9 p.m. with Patient Registration Manager, Jeanne Carruth. All classes will be held at the River Valley YMCA in Prior Lake, a co-sponsor of the “Healthy –U” classes. The Prior Lake YMCA is located at 3575 North Berens Road, Prior Lake. Class size is limited and you must register on-line at: www.stfrancis-shakopee.com

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.

New Prague Aiming to Bolster its Downtown

Hoping to make it easier for businesses to locate in downtown New Prague, the city’s planning commission is pondering an array of zoning changes.
The changes range from a prohibition on covering original brick or existing finishes with stucco, or filling in original window sizes. The city is also encourages business owners to restoration of buildings rather than razing them.
The planning commission is also looking at enhanced buffering of spaces between industrial properties and residential zones. The city is proposing a 20-foot-wide green zone and increased opacity from plantings at least 6 feet high.

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.

Tom Doherty is New
Le Sueur County Sheriff

There’s a new sheriff in Le Sueur County. His name is Tom Doherty.
Doherty, a 33-year-veteran of the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office, was recently sworn in to fill the remainder of Sheriff Dave Gliszinski’s term. Gliszinski retired Feb. 26.
The sheriff’s position will be on the ballot in November and Doherty has already announced his desire to continue as sheriff.
Le Sueur County commissioners approved Doherty’s recommendation to appoint investigator Dave Tietz as chief deputy, the position Doherty held until his promotion. With money tight, the county will not fill the investigator position.
A graduate of Le Sueur High School, Doherty’s resume with the sheriff’s office is a lengthy one. He started as a jail dispatcher and later became a patrol deputy, and investigator before moving into administration.
He has served under three sheriff’s Gliszinki, Pat Smith Jr. and Pat Smith Sr.
As his office works to implement an 800-megahertz radio system, Doherty aims to fulfill the tradition his predecessors established and maintain a high quality of service even during tough budget times.

Ridgeview Nixes Plans for Clinic in Jordan

Ridgeview Medical Center apparently won’t be opening a clinic up the road in Jordan. After months of talks, Ridgeview is pulling out of a joint project that includes a senior housing facility, clinic and pharmacy.
Ridgeview Medical Center was considering sharing pharmacy, laboratory and radiology space with Allina, a competitor. But Allina declined and Ridgeview, saying the cost of the three facilities is cost prohibitive, decided it could not justifiably replicate the same facilities Allina plans in a town Jordan’s size. City officials say Allina’s plans for Jordan remain workable.

Sibley County Republicans Holding Convention March 13

The Sibley County Republican Party will be holding its 2010 convention Saturday, March 13, 1:30 p.m., in the Sibley County Courthouse Annex basement, 400 Court Avenue, in Gaylord.
The delegates and alternates elected at the recently held caucuses will gather to discuss and adopt resolutions for the Republican Party platform and for the election of delegates and alternates to represent them at the upcoming Seventh District Convention and the State Convention in April. Numerous gubernatorial and other candidates will attend to address the convention.
Registration begins at 1 p.m. Guests are welcomed to attend as observers. For more information call 320-864-3911.

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

Chaska’s Wind Turbine Ready to Spin

After the completion of repairs of an installation issue, Chaska’s wind turbine is finally ready to do what it was designed and intended to do – produce electricity from wind.
City officials say the repairs determined the problem keeping the turbine just off Highway 212 was a faulty installation and not lubricants or cold as originally suspected.
The city says the turbine will not function as expected with the temperature just above zero or colder and as little as 1 mph of wind.
The repairs increased the cost of the turbine from $330,000 to about $417,000.

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.

Former Prior Lake Cop Headed to Jail

A Scott County District Court judge sent a former Prior Lake police officer to jail for a month after he accepted guilt for breaking into his former girlfriend’s bedroom while on duty last June.
Michael A. Ficken of Savage recently entered a guilty plea to criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct just before his case was to go to trial.
Ficken will also serve a month of electronic home monitoring, a year of probation and $430 restitution to the victim.
He was terminated from employment with the city but is in the midst of a grievance procedure hoping to win his job back.

Former CHS Coach Charged With Theft

Former Chaska High School football coach Phil Link is charged with two counts of felony theft by swindle.
Carver County Attorney Jim Keeler is charging Link, who coached for one year, with theft of over $7,600 from the Eastern Carver School District. The alleged theft is related to football camps Link ran on behalf of the school district during the summer of 2009.
He is scheduled to appear in Carver County District Court Friday (March 12) morning.
Keeler’s office alleges Link “double-dipped” by “invoicing school district and vendors for the same services and also paying coaches less than the amount Link was reimbursed for their salaries.”
Link resigned his administrative dean and coaching positions Jan. 29. He was placed on paid administrative leave late in 2009.
Link claimed he needed the money because the school district did not issue him his first paycheck until September of 2009. But a police warrant indicates he was actually paid by the district in July.

Spring Floods Still Expected

In its latest flood potential report released last Friday, the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Chanhassen states that southern and central Minnesota can continue to expect moderate to significant flooding due to snow and ice melt this spring.
The report was similar to the one released Feb. 20, which stated that there is a strong possibility that water will be impacting residences, agricultural buildings and roadways across the Minnesota River Valley.
Exactly how severe the flooding will become depends on how rapidly the spring thaw takes place. The longer the snow and ice takes to melt, the less the flooding will be. How much more moisture the region gets over the next several weeks will also play a factor.
As the rivers rise this spring, detailed information about river levels and crest forecasts can be found on the National Weather Service’s Web site.