Shakopee
City seeks to add bridge over Hwy. 169
Shakopee will seek federal help to link its two, freeway-separated sides of town with a pedestrian bridge.
The City Council last week ordered up an application for federal transportation funds to build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Highway 169 bypass, which splits the town in two.
The Metropolitan Council is handling applications for regional projects that may qualify for the money in 2018-19.
The city hopes to connect the Quarry Lake area with the Dean Lake/Southbridge area.
For more information, contact Bruce Loney, Public Works Director, at 952-233-9361.
Scott County
Millions-of-seedlings program offers more
A program that has resulted in the planting of more than 2 million seedlings in Scott County since 1990 is gearing up again for next spring.
The Scott Soil and Water Conservation District in Jordan reports that its 2015 Tree Program is accepting orders.
Among the offerings, at low cost:
33 varieties of seedling: The bare-root deciduous and coniferous seedlings vary from 6 to 18 inches in height.
All thrive in Minnesota's soil types and climate. These are smaller and cheaper than in the past, as "results have shown that smaller stock grows faster, is easier to plant, and has a higher survival rate," the agency reports.
There are also four new native seed mixes.
Pollinator mix: Bees, butterflies, birds and hummingbirds are drawn to a native flower garden.
Most species are three feet tall or less. Together they cover 1,500 square feet, though they can't be flooded. The 23 native flowers, and four native grasses go for $65.
Shortgrass native prairie mix: These are up to 3 feet tall, covering 5,000 square feet. The 16 native flowers, and six native grasses go for $75
Tallgrass native prairie mix: A prairie in your own back yard: six feet and up, covering 5,000 square feet. The 18 native flowers and seven native grasses sell for $75
Native tallgrass mix: A perennial grass mix for creating wildlife habitat as well as beauty and color: six feet and up, covering 5,000 square feet. Seven native grasses run you $35
This year's offerings can be viewed at www.scottswcd.org/gallery_trees.html
The contact person for the program is Diane Hrabe, Program Coordinator, Scott Soil and Water Conservation District: dhrabe@co.scott.mn.us
Nixon film adds to Watergate exhibit
The Watergate exhibit at the Scott County Historical Society will include a screening of the award-winning documentary, "Our Nixon," on Thursday night. The film runs from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
It chronicles Nixon's presidency through home movies made by his aides.
The historical society is at 235 Fuller Street South, Shakopee, three blocks south of the intersection of County Road 101 and Fuller Street. It's online at www.scottcountyhistory.org.
Prior Lake
Two holiday 'dazzle' events next month
Two holiday events billed as dazzling are happening back to back in December in Prior Lake.
On Dec. 4, it's the Chamber of Commerce Downtown Dazzle.
The Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual event from 5-9 p.m., downtown.
This is an adult night out, with shopping, music, bonfires, and carriage rides.
The city's own DecemBRRR Dazzle is Dec. 5.
This free event happens from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lakefront Park. Activities include Santa and his reindeer, dog sled rides, pony rides, concessions, lighted bowling and beanbag toss, a bonfire, and ice sculpting demonstration.
Inver Grove Heights
Learn about plans for Argenta Trail
A realignment of Argenta Trail near Hwy. 55 is in the works, and officials are seeking public reaction.
Dakota County and the city of Inver Grove Heights are studying the issue.
An open house is taking place on Nov. 19 from 5–7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Community Center, Community Room No. 3, 8055 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.
The public can learn about proposed Argenta Trail alignment options, ask questions and offer comments.
The contact for information is the county transportation office, 952-891-7000 or hwy@co.dakota.mn.us
'Holiday on Main' is coming up
Inver Grove Heights's "Holiday on Main St." is happening this year on Dec. 3, from 2-5 pm.
The venue at the Veterans Memorial Community Center, National Guard Gymnasium at 80th Street and Barbara Ave.
The day includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music from Brio Brass, a tree lighting, reindeer sleigh rides, prize and toy drawings, an inflatable bounce house, face painting, and a balloon artist.
There's free food and beverages.
At 10 a.m. that day, at South Valley Park, for ages 3 to 10, there's a candy cane hunt, with canes hidden throughout the park. Find certain ones, and win prizes. Preregistration is required. There's a $2 fee per child.
Later on, there's a Holiday Lights Tour, courtesy of Eclipse Global Transportation. Rides begin at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are needed, though there is no charge for the rides. All rides depart from and return to Veterans Memorial Community Center,
Tickets will be available on Dec. 5 at the center and at Ace Hardware. Limit: four tickets per person.
south metro
Funds available for farmers from feds
Farmers seeking to improve the condition of their soil, water and other natural resources are being invited to apply for federal money to do so.
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program. It offers financial and technical assistance for up to ten years.
The goal is conservation efforts directed at soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources.
Upcoming application deadlines are November 14; and December 19.
A Department of Agriculture office in Jordan can direct farmers and other qualified landowners to other sources as well. They include the Conservation Stewardship Program and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
To learn more, from federal officials housed at the Scott County Fairgrounds, call 952- 492-5425.
Staff reports
