Twav 12 27 13

2013

www.SunThisweek.com December 27, 2013 | Volume 34 | Number 44

A Division of ECM Publishers, Inc.Apple Valley

� ��

News 952-846-2033

Display Advertising 952-846-2011

Classified Advertising 952-846-2000

Delivery 952-846-2070

INDEX

Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 10A

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . 13A

Thisweekend . . . . . . . 19A

ONLINE

SPORTS

The year’s best recappedArea high school sports teams and individuals had successful 2014 campaigns.

Page 10A

To receive a feed of breaking news stories, follow us at twitter.com/SunThisweek.

Discuss stories with us at facebook.com/SunThisweek

NEWS

OPINION

YEAR IN REVIEW

THISWEEKEND

Input welcome on master planDakota County Commissioner Tom Egan says input regarding the Lebanon Hills Regional Park Master Plan has always been encouraged.

Page 4A

New Year’s with LouieBurnsville’s Performing Arts Center is ringing in the new year with laughter when it hosts Minnesota funnyman Louie Anderson.

Page 16A

Early deadline for newspapersThe deadline for news submissions for the Jan. 2 and 3 editions of the Dakota County Tribune and Sun Thisweek, respectively, will be 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30. The newspaper office will be closed Jan. 1. The newspapers will be on a normal delivery schedule next week.

Restaurant imbroglio, Red Line made headlines

Change in 2014 city tax bills? Not much

Local soldier on road to recovery

by Andrew MillerSUN THISWEEK

DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE

A high-profile murder case, the launch of the long-awaited Metro Red Line transit service, and the closing of an embat-tled family-run restaurant amid public safety con-cerns were among Apple Valley’s top headlines in 2013.

Spoon closes Asian fusion restaurant Spoon closed for business this year after months of wrangling at City Hall over its liquor license. In January, the Apple Valley City Council denied renewal of a liquor license for the restaurant at 14871 Granada Ave. after pub-lic safety officials detailed a host of police incidents and fire code violations at the venue. Police Chief Jon Re-chtzigel reported to the council that since May 2011 police had responded to at least eight incidents that occurred during “hip hop” or nightclub-type events at the restaurant owned by husband and wife Kav Theng and Van Ngo. At one such inci-dent, unlicensed “secu-rity guards” were observed carrying loaded handguns while consuming alco-hol. At another, police responded to a riot-like scene involving 20 to 30 people and made several arrests. Fire Chief Nealon Thompson reported a to-tal of 27 fire code viola-tions at the restaurant in

the past two years. An attorney for Spoon, Michael Padden, told the council that the loss of the liquor license would mean the restaurant would likely go out of business. But in March, things were looking up for Spoon – the City Council opted to give the troubled fami-ly-run restaurant another chance, granting a condi-tional license to sell beer and wine. “Public safety is our No. 1 job, but it’s also



Apple Valley home-owners won’t see too much of a change in the city por-tion of their tax bills next year. Under Apple Valley’s 2014 levy approved by the City Council Dec. 12, property taxes will show

an increase of 1.1 percent – or about $10 – for the owner of a median value home. In 2014, the taxes on a median value home (val-ued at between $190,000 and $200,000) will be ap-proximately $864. In 2012, the owner of that same home paid $866 in city property taxes; in 2013,

$854. Among other alloca-tions, the 2014 city budget supported by the $22.7 million total levy provides for the addition of two city staff positions – a po-lice detective and an IT position. The city budget con-tinues street maintenance funding through the city

tax levy, reflecting city of-ficials’ decision not to use special assessments on properties adjoining street projects. Street maintenance funding brought an in-crease of $1.08 million to the tax levy in 2013. In 2014, additional funding of $100,000 for the pro-gram will bring total street

maintenance funding to $2.86 million. For the owner of a me-dian value home, the city tax bill in 2014 includes about $125 for street maintenance. Prior to adopting the 2014 levy and budget, the City Council held its an-



Kristopher Francisco’s 2010 deployment to Afghanistan came to an abrupt and terrifying end. While on a mis-sion, the 2005 Apple Valley High School gradu-ate and then-U.S. Army specialist was injured after an im-provised explosive device was detonated directly be-neath his vehicle. Making matters worse, he and the other soldiers came under enemy fire during the evacuation, and it was several hours before they were transported to a

safe area. Even after leaving the combat zone, Francisco has had an uphill battle.

He’s endured more than a dozen sur-geries addressing a leg injury, and he still suffers from a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Francisco, who

enlisted with his older brother in the Minnesota Army National Guard in 2009 and went on to join the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, was awarded the Purple Heart for the in-juries he sustained in Af-

Apple Valley graduate, injured in Afghanistan, receives MMAF grant

State, county and local officials, and members of the public gathered at the Apple Valley Transit Station on June 22 for the launch of the Metro Red Line bus rapid transit system. Planners are hoping the Red Line is attractive enough to help reduce traffic congestion on the heavily traveled Cedar Avenue. (File photo)

U.S. Army Spc. Kristopher Francisco, 27, was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained after an IED was detonated under his vehicle during his 2010 deployment to Afghanistan. The 2005 Apple Valley High School graduate, who has retired from the Army, recently received a $10,000 grant from the Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund. (Photo submitted)

Kristopher Francisco

See LEVY, 12A

See SOLDIER, 12A

Apple Valley’s Fourth of July parade opened with patriotically attired members of the Apple Valley American Legion Post 1776 color guard. The parade marked the final day of Apple Valley’s annual Freedom Days festival, which included a classic car show, family carnival, kids fishing derby and fireworks display. (File photo)See REVIEW, 6A

2A December 27, 2013 SUN THISWEEK - Apple Valley

KOOB AGENCY, LLC

EUROPEAN TOURS

State DFL Senate Caucus handed $100,000 fine by T.W. Budig

SUN THISWEEKDAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE

The Minnesota Cam-paign Finance and Public Disclosure Board fined on Tuesday, Dec. 17, the Min-nesota DFL Senate Cau-cus $100,000 for wrong-fully working with 13 of its candidates in the 2012 election. The $100,000 civil pen-alty is among the biggest in state history. The DFL state party and the candidates were not fined. “We continue to main-tain that our candidates and the caucus campaign committee complied with all campaign finance laws. Although we respectfully

disagree with the board’s position, we believe it is better to put this matter behind us,” DFL Sen-ate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, said in a statement about the set-tlement reached with the board. Senate Democrats ad-mit to no wrongdoing in the settlement. The Republican Party of Minnesota began fil-ing complaints in October 2012, charging that DFL campaign materials were wrongfully listed as inde-pendent expenditures, but the materials were not be-cause the candidates were actively engaged in photo shoots in producing the print ads, thereby breach-

ing the legal wall between candidates and indepen-dent expenditures. Republican leaders her-alded the board’s decision. “Senate Democrats were so intent on winning at any cost and throw-ing huge money into the 2012 campaign that they played fast and loose in a big way,” said Republi-can Party of Minnesota Chairman Keith Downey in a statement. “We will never know how this illegal coordina-tion would have impacted the results in these races and ultimately control of the Legislature. They cheated, they won, but at least they are being held accountable now,”

Downey said. Republican Senate Minority Leader David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, struck a similar tone. “The question really needs to be asked, ‘Would they have won the majori-ty if they hadn’t cheated?’” Hann said in a statement. Campaigns named in the investigation include those of Sen. Jim Carlson, DFL-Eagan; Sen. Greg Clausen, DFL-Apple Val-ley; Sen. Melisa Franzen, DFL-Edina, and Sen. Al-ice Johnson, DFL-Spring Lake Park. The board noted in its findings that some of the candidates suspected the photo shoots were for the purpose of developing in-

dependent expenditures but believed inquiring further could destroy the independence of those ex-penditures. The board recognized in assessing civil penalties that the candidates be-lieved they could rely on the DFL Senate Caucus’ decision to ask them to participate in the photo shoots. “While this reliance was misplaced and does not af-fect the conclusion regard-ing whether the conduct results in violations of contribution and spending limits for the candidates, it is an appropriate factor to consider in assessing civil penalties in this matter,” the board concluded.

The board previously has issued other big fines. It investigated inde-pendent spending by the Republican Party of Min-nesota in 2002, which sub-sequently led to the reclas-sification of $500,000 in Republican independent expenditures as approved expenditures. Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s guberna-torial campaign was fined $100,000 by the board in the matter, and the reclas-sified funds were counted against the campaign’s spending limit.

Email T.W. Budig at [email protected].

MnSCU’s, faculty group’s disagreements continue over long-term plan

by T.W. BudigSUN THISWEEK


Steven Rosenstone dis-misses the idea his admin-istration has a Kremlin mentality. “It’s silly,” the Minne-sota State Colleges and University chancellor said of a faculty union last summer describing draft recommendations to in-crease access, affordability and transferability as a move toward “Soviet-style management.” “It’s preposterous to imagine I would support it or that it would work,” Rosenstone said of pull-ing the strings on 31 MnS-CU institutions from St. Paul. The MnSCU Board of Trustees in November approved “Charting the Future for a Prosperous Minnesota,” a strategic plan whose draft drew fire, but the final version accolades, from the trust-ees. It calls for increasing the affordability, transfer-ability and access to MnS-CU programs and servic-es; the innovative use of technology; the designing of financial and adminis-trative models to reward collaboration and drive ef-ficiencies; and other goals. Although its words have cooled, the Inter Fac-ulty Organization, which made the “Soviet-style” comment, still expresses unease. In a Dec. 11 letter to Rosenstone, IFO Presi-dent Nancy Black request-ed the chancellor back off a draft implementation

plan, expected in Janu-ary, and instead convene a constituency council to implement the goals. Such a council is “cru-cial” to a system as diverse as MnSCU, Black said. The IFO, which repre-sents 4,000 faculty at sev-en Minnesota state uni-versities, supports the core commitments in Charting the Future. But the union has expressed concern over exactly what words, such as “collaboration,” mean. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, speaking in early December, said he believes Rosenstone is on the right track. “I think what he’s doing to get MnSCU brought into the modern era, to focus on the jobs of the future, the kind training needed to be successful at the jobs, is just outstand-ing,” Dayton said. Rosenstone, speaking Dec. 12, said the ideas he plans to present to the board of trustees in Janu-ary will reflect the ideas of the people who helped craft Charting the Future.

While withholding judgment on the constitu-ency council idea, Rosen-stone stressed speed of ac-tion. “At the end of the day, we have to get started. Somebody has to lead this,” he said. Not all lawmakers are sitting on the edge of their seats. House Higher Edu-cation Finance and Policy Committee Chairman Gene Pelowski Jr., DFL-Winona, a sharp critic of MnSCU, views the Chart-ing the Future initiative as needless. “You’re looking at what I call ‘ed-u-speak,’” Pelowski, an educator by profession, said of the document. “I think ed-u-speak is to disguise whatever you’re thinking and what-ever it is that you want to do,” he said. Lawmakers and Day-ton have already charted the future with an infu-sion of $250 million into higher education and a two-year tuition freeze for MnSCU and University of Minnesota students, Pelowski said. He criticized Chart-ing the Future for lack-ing focus on central issues — reducing student debt and keeping tuition costs down — while ignoring budgetary implications, among other problems. “I’m not going to wor-ry about it,” Pelowski said of the strategic plan. “I’ve got things to worry about that are real.” Rosenstone briskly de-fends the initiative. Over the next several years,

Minnesotans will see MnSCU colleges and uni-versities grow stronger by collaborating more close-ly, with students moving across the system with greater ease, Rosenstone explained. Affordability is a central theme, he said. The chancellor believes he has good support in the Legislature. Moreover, he has reached out to the unions, MnSCU presi-dents and students. “And I’m not backing off,” Rosenstone said. The January meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for Jan. 22. Speaking on other is-sues, Rosenstone said MnSCU enrollment is down about 2 percent; the decrease is reflected across higher education nation-ally. In part, he ascribed this to an improving economy. “When the economy goes south, people go to school,” he said. “When the economy improves, they’ve completed their degrees, they go back to work.” Additionally, the state has reached the “top of the curve” on number of Minnesotans graduating from high school, he said. Enrollment is down, but still higher than in recent years. “We’re still about 12 points higher than where we were prior to the Great Recession,” Rosenstone said.

Email T.W. Budig at [email protected].

Gene Pelowski Jr.

SUN THISWEEK - Apple Valley December 27, 2013 3A

Finding a safe homeBurnsville resident leads Shih Tzu rescue that saved puppy mill dogs

by Natalie ConradSUN THISWEEK


Imagine being trapped a situation with no space to call your own. This was the experience of 15 Shih Tzu dogs until a nonprofit pet rescue led by a Burnsville resident stepped in to transform their lives by providing safe homes. “We believe every dog should have a second chance and should be treated as a living creature with respect, dignity and compassion,” said Debbie Iverson, Shih Tzu Rescue’s president. “While our volunteers are located in Minnesota, we rescue Shih Tzus from other states as well. As long as we have available foster homes and the funding to do so, we will rescue and care for any Shih Tzu in need.” Eden Prairie-based group Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota received a $4,500 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to provide vet-erinary care for 20 dogs seized from a North Da-kota puppy mill in July. Shih Tzu Rescue origi-nally took in 15 dogs from the puppy mill seizure,

and one dog gave birth to five puppies shortly after intake. The grant helped cover the cost of vaccina-tions, medication, spay and neutering surgeries, and microchips. The group has already found homes for nearly all the dogs after they received the necessary medical and behavioral at-tention. The organization that started at the hands of a group of Shih Tzu lovers became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007. Shih Tzu Rescue is an all-volunteer organi-zation with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes in need of lov-ing homes. All donations are tax deductible, and 100 percent of donations go toward the care and com-fort of rescued dogs. While this is the first time the organization has received a grant from ASPCA, this is not the first time it has rescued dogs from a puppy mill, according to Kathy Dia-mond, Shih Tzu Rescue board member and trea-surer. The 15 dogs seized from the puppy mill in North Dakota were among 174 dogs seized.

According to Diamond, the dogs were confined inside a metal outbuilding in small, stacked crates. There was no ventilation or air conditioning. The dogs were housed five to a crate, and the crates were so small that the dogs had to lie down on top of each other. “People say dogs live in the moment, but they have memories,” Diamond said. “The damaging effects of living in a puppy mill are hard to forget.” A key part of rescue is rehabilitation, especially in cases such as these, Diamond said. All dogs rescued by Shih Tzu Res-cue go through a thorough adoption process ensuring a safe home and good fit. Dogs stay in a foster home for at least three weeks as volunteers ob-serve their behavior and offer rehabilitation. Adop-tive families must fill out an application and pro-vide references, and agree to a home visit both prior to and after the adoption. Throughout the process, Shih Tzu Rescue volun-teers and a trainer are available to help. The process may be in-tense, but the rewards are plentiful and well worth it,

according to Iverson. “Mill dogs spend years in a cage,” Iverson said. “We watched them go from shaky, shy dogs to very playful companions.” The organization has grown over the years, and now includes 60 members and 20 foster homes. But why Shih Tzus? “They have a more human-like temperament than other breeds,” Iver-son said. “They’re very much a companion breed and want to be with you all the time. They’re very loyal to the family and playful.” Shih Tzus are also non-allergenic, making them a good fit for a family pet. Many of the Shih Tzu Rescue foster parents have their own dogs and choose to take more in. “Shih Tzus are like po-tato chips, you can’t just have one,” Iverson said. Shih Tzu Rescue mem-bers unite to celebrate their love of the breed each summer at the Rescue Re-union at Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie. The orga-nization also hosts a meet and greet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the last Satur-day of each month at the Minnetonka Petco, 13691 Ridgedale Drive. For

more information, visit shihtzurescuemn.org. In 2011, the ASPCA launched a national “No Pet Store Puppies” cam-paign, which seeks to raise awareness about the con-nection between puppy mills and pet stores and end the demand for puppy

mill dogs. For more information about puppy mills and how to fight animal cruel-ty, visit nopetstorepuppies.com.

Contact Natalie Conrad at [email protected].

Rachel Wisser, daughter of James and Nancy Wisser, of Eagan, holds her dog Lilly at Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota annual Rescue Reunion last summer at Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie. (Photo submitted)

Dakota County commissioner selling Lakeville businessPaul Krause will not rule out re-election bid

by Laura AdelmannSUN THISWEEK


Dakota County Com-missioner Paul Krause has put his Lakeville business, Dairy Delite, up for sale, but says he has not made a decision about whether he will run for reelection when his term ends in

2014. Krause, who has rep-resented Lakeville on the County Board since 1995, said he is keeping his options open and does not expect to announce whether he will seek an-other term until next year. “I’ve got things going on that we have to see how

they work out,” Krause said. “At that time, when things happen or don’t happen, that’s when I’ll make a decision.” Krause said he has thought about selling the Dairy Delite for a while, but would just “hang onto it” if the business did not sell.

“I wouldn’t just close it,” Krause said. He said business is good at the small hamburger-and-fries stand-alone shop Krause refurbished in a 1950s theme, but “it’s just time for me to pick and choose what I do, and slow down,” he said. In 2012, Krause unex-

pectedly volunteered to take a two-year term that opened through redistrict-ing, and at that time said if he won the election he would evaluate whether to seek another term in 2014. “Next year, I’ll let ev-erybody know,” Krause said. — Laura Adelmann Paul Krause


Opinion

Andrew Miller | APPLE VALLEY NEWS | 952-846-2038 | [email protected] Shaughnessy | SPORTS | 952-846-2030 | [email protected] Johnson | MANAGING EDITOR | 952-846-2033 | [email protected]

John Gessner | MANAGING EDITOR | 952-846-2031 | [email protected] Anderson | DIRECTOR OF NEWS | 952-392-6847 | [email protected]

Darcy Odden | CALENDARS/BRIEFS | 952-846-2034 | [email protected] Jetchick | AD SALES | 952-846-2019 | [email protected]

15322 GALAXIE AVE., SUITE 219, APPLE VALLEY, MN 55124952-894-1111 FAX: 952-846-2010

www.SunThisweek.com | Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday

A division of ECM Publishers, Inc.

PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian AndersenPRESIDENT . . . . . . . . . . . . Marge WinkelmanGENERAL MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . Mark WeberTHISWEEKEND/APPLE VALLEY EDITOR . . . . . . . . Andrew Miller

DISTRICT 196 EDITOR . . . . . . . Jessica HarperSPORTS EDITOR . . . . . . . . Mike ShaughnessyPHOTO EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick OrndorfNEWS ASSISTANT . . . . . . . . . . . Darcy Odden SALES MANAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Jetchick

Letters

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

Board member welcomes input on Lebanon Hills master plan

‘Vitally important’ state report almost three years late

by Tom EganSPECIAL TO SUN THISWEEKDAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE

I seriously pondered whether I should respond to the letter written by Scott Johnson (“Commissioner Egan is cor-rect,” Dec. 19, 2013) in this newspaper. I decided it was important to the read-ing public to clarify misinformation. So I am writing my response. First, let me say that many com-ments have been received in various forms about the plan for Lebanon Hills Regional Park and many of those com-ments have been negative. That is why Dakota County extended the process time for consideration of park improve-ment plans from last summer to early 2014. That is why interested parties were invited in September to join the Dakota County staff and board of commission-ers on a tour of the park and workshop. That is why the Dakota County Board directed the Dakota County Planning Commission to hold a public hearing on Lebanon Hills this fall. That is why after receiving a unanimous recommendation by the Planning Commission to open the public comment period the Dakota

County Board on Nov. 19 unanimously voted to open that 60-day comment pe-riod on Lebanon Hills from Nov. 19 to Jan. 18. Also, two open houses were planned to make presentations to the public about tentative improvements at Leba-non Hills. One was held on Monday, Dec. 16 at the Dakota County Western Service Center in Apple Valley; the sec-ond is scheduled at the same location for Jan. 14. Dakota County staff did an incredible amount of work laying out clear and simple graphic information about the tentative plans. As a policy maker, I can’t possibly imagine relying on the opinion of the public concerning an issue such as this as much before they are presented with an opportunity to re-view information as before. None of the

comments Mr. Johnson mentions were made before even this first open house. Attendance at this open house was sig-nificant although a large number of at-tendees came with their own predispo-sition and weren’t very interested in the presentations. And then there is Mr. Johnson’s state-ment that “taxpayers [should] object to the $31,029,429 bill that [Egan] voted for at the November Dakota County Planning Committee meeting.” Well, for those of you who have recently read that this month the Dakota County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize a levy for 2014 that is 0.6 percent be-low the levy for 2013 keeping Dakota County with the lowest levy per capita of any county in the metropolitan area, you might be confused. You see, Mr. Johnson is wrong. The Dakota County Board has yet to authorized any amount for Lebanon Hills improvements. And if and when we do, it is anticipated that those improvements will occur and be paid for over 20 years. So again to summarize, we still have at least one more open house scheduled for Jan. 14 on tentative Lebanon Hills

improvements. It would be great if at-tendance at that open house was at least as good as we had at the first one. We may decide to hold further open houses. The intent is to collect, refine and con-dense all the information obtained from all sources – including these open houses – and to come back with plans that take into consideration all those comments. We are considering extending the period further to allow everyone to be engaged in all options. A number of people have contacted me … including several at the first open house … expressing a desire to work on a compromise solution for Lebanon Hills. Bearing in mind that the main responsibility the Dakota County Board has is to make Lebanon Hills – and all the parks in our regional park system -–as accessible to as many people as possible we will continue to work to-ward coming up with a plan that is as acceptable to as many people as pos-sible.

Tom Egan is a member of the Dakota County Board serving the Third District, which includes the city of Eagan. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

by Joe NathanSUN THISWEEK


“I think it is vitally important to have the ‘Getting Prepared’ report up-dated in 2014, given the push we did this legislative session to advance early college opportunities for all second-ary students.” That’s what Rep. Carlos Mariani, DFL-St. Paul and chair of the Minnesota House K-12 Education Policy Committee, told me this week. State law requires that this report be completed and shared annually with legislators. But despite this law, the re-port was last issued in January 2011, almost three years ago. It’s online at http://bit.ly/1bPf6uk. As with state and federal health care applications, it appears that, unantici-pated computer and data problems are causing big delays. “Getting Prepared” shows what number and percentage of gradu-ates from each Minnesota public high school had to take developmental, aka remedial or high-school level, courses when they entered a Minnesota public college or university. It’s valuable for legislators to know whether the state and individual schools are making progress. (A recent report on kinder-garten readiness shows progress in that field.) Because the report shows how many graduates at each high school took re-

medial courses in reading, writing and math, high school educators can use “Getting Prepared” to identify and then work on improving student prepa-ration in those subjects. “Getting Pre-pared” also helps students and families see how well prepared graduates are for public higher education. Finally, the report is important be-cause of 2013 changes in state law. High school students are no longer required to pass reading, writing or math tests in order to graduate. Instead, students will be encouraged to take various tests and assessments that help them under-stand where they are compared to ex-pectations of colleges and employers. Taking remedial courses costs fami-lies and taxpayers millions of dollars. Our goal should be to reduce the num-ber of students entering public colleges and universities who take these courses. Minnesota Statute 13.32, subdi-vision 6(b) is clear. It reads in part: “Public postsecondary systems annu-ally shall provide summary data to the Department of Education indicating

the extent and content of the reme-dial instruction received in each sys-tem during the prior academic year by, and the results of assessment testing and the academic performance of, stu-dents who graduated from a Minnesota school district within two years before receiving the remedial instruction. The department shall evaluate the data and annually report its findings to the edu-cation committees of the legislature.” I’ve been asking for this report since fall of 2012. In March 2013, I was told that the responsibility to produce the report had been shifted from the two public higher education systems, the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State College and Univer-sity system to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. Since then, I’ve talked with Office of Higher Education officials a number of times. Initially the Office of Higher Education said data would be available in June. That later was changed to July and then “the fall.” I checked again with the Office of Higher Education and Department of Education officials this week. The re-port still is not done. State officials have held several meet-ings around Minnesota this month to encourage high school and college col-laboration, leading to better-prepared students. Having an updated “Get-ting Prepared” report would have been

helpful. Sandy Connolly, communications director at the Office of Higher Edu-cation, explained the office’s analysis of data has produced “some inconsis-tencies ... with regard to the percent-age of students taking developmental education at MnSCU.” So officials are “checking the individual records of thousands of students, a step OHE be-lieves is necessary for the integrity of the final product.” Perhaps it’s time to go back to the old system, where the University of Minnesota and MnSCU system com-plete the report, until the inconsisten-cies can be resolved. More people may also be needed to help finish the report. The Office of Higher Education says the new report will include more details and, for the first time, data from Min-nesota students attending private as well as public institutions. That could be valuable. But almost three years have elapsed since this report was produced. The law (wisely) says the “Getting Prepared” re-port is supposed to be done each year. It’s time to follow the law. Joe Nathan, formerly a Minnesota public school teacher, administrator and PTA president, directs the Center for School Change. Reactions welcome, [email protected]. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Sun Thisweek

ColumnistJoe Nathan

Guest

ColumnistTom Egan

The Ettl Family would like to thank the whole community for the love and support that we have received over the past couple weeks as we mourn the loss of Alyssa. Although no words can bring her back or express our loss, we are com-forted in knowing what an impact she had while she was here on Earth. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the entire community along with a special thank you to: All Saints Catholic Church, Father Kelly, Deacon Marshall and all the staff; Lakeville North High School, stu-dents, teachers and staff; The Lakeville Police Department and all first responders for their service; Schmitty & Sons Bus Company for donating the buses on Saturday for the roadside memorial along with buses on Tuesday for our family, friends and stu-dents during the funeral; Nan Price Photography for volunteer-ing to be there for us at the service; All our family and friends that have provided meals and support since the tragic accident. We ask that you continue to keep us and all those who have experienced loss of a loved one in your thoughts and prayers.

Again thank you to the entire com-munity and may you all have a Safe and Blessed New Year. May everyone work together to bring happiness and joy to all in 2014.

MATT, JENNY and KORI ETTLLakeville

We have witnessed outstanding love, compassion, encouragement and support since the car accident in Kansas on July 11, which claimed the life of Taylor and seriously injured Shannon and Adam Ziebol. We are grateful for the healing of Shannon and Adam and miss the pres-ence of Taylor. We wish to express our gratitude to all who generously gave their time, talent, and financial resources to support our family during this difficult time. Friends, neighbors and complete strangers have stepped forward with many acts of kindness. We are grateful. We would not be where we are at this stage of recovery without the love we have received. A family neighbor flew us to Dodge City the day of the accident. We arrived there bewildered, shaken and anxious to see our loves ones. The com-munities of Dodge City and Bucklin, Kan., surrounded us with compassion as we tried to make sense of the tragedy. We will never forget their generosity and kindness. We needed and received all the expertise the medical staffs Dodge City and Wichita provided. We are grateful and indebted for their devotion and care. A medical flight in early August brought Adam back to Minnesota, where he received excellent care at Re-gions Hospital. Adam is now continuing his recovery at home. His medical jour-ney has been long and is still moving to-ward a complete recovery of his injuries. We are thankful for all the calls and visits which continue to lift our spirits. Words cannot express our apprecia-tion to the staff of Prince of Peace Lu-theran Church for their support and prayers as we gave tribute to Taylor’s life and in moving forward with Adam and Shannon’s recovery. Numerous expressions of kindness

from groups and businesses in the com-munity raised funds and offered services when our energies were devoted to the family care we needed to provide. A Fair-view Ridges Foundation Crisis Hospital-ity Program has been established by our family. The mission of the program is provide shelter, food and transportation to those who might experience a medical crisis event similar to our experience in Kansas. We appreciate the effort, commitment and dedication of the Burnsville area community. There is a lesson our family has learned from this tragedy. We know how important family, friends and com-munity are when an event like this affects your family. We are so grateful.

The ZIEBOL, HESS and FANCHER familiesBurnsville

Thank you, thank you, thank you We are grateful

Alyssa EttlTaylor Ziebol, right, with Shannon and Adam.


Obituaries

Lakeville has a new police chief starting Jan. 20 by Laura Adelmann


After months of searching, Lakeville has a new police chief. Jeffrey R. Long will leave his post as chief of the Edina police force to lead the Lakeville Police Department starting Jan. 20. Long, 45, has served as Edina’s police chief since 2012, moving up from the department’s chief deputy in 2008. He started as a community service officer in the department in 1987, was hired as a police officer in Fridley, then returned to the Edina police in 1989, where he has held a variety of posi-tions, including patrol officer, detective, sergeant and lieutenant, according to his resume. Long said he applied for the Lakev-ille position because of the opportunity it offers as a growing city. “I don’t like the status quo,” Long said. “Edina is landlocked; 16 square miles, fully developed. Obviously, Lakeville’s about 38 square miles with a large portion undeveloped. Being able to chart a new course and having the opportunity to lead a department like Lakeville is what made me apply.” In Lakeville, Long will oversee 53 sworn officers and 11 staff; there are 51 sworn officers and 24 staff members at the Edina Police Department. City Administrator Steve Mielke said Long stood out among the final-ists not only because of his experience as a chief, but how he has worked his way through the ranks. Mielke said that is an advantage be-cause he knows what it is like to want to advance in a police career and what steps to take to accomplish them. “We have a relatively young depart-ment,” Mielke said. “It’s going to need strong mentoring and training oppor-tunities.” He said he was “impressed” with

Long’s ideas for career enrichment opportunities for officers. “What struck me about Jeff was his pres-ence, confidence and ex-perience,” Mielke said. “I just think he’s an outstanding chief, and I think we’re very fortunate to have him want to be our chief.” Long said he plans to spend the first 100 days on the job meeting with

the department’s officers and staff. Mielke said one of the top priorities he expects Long to address is to set the internal leadership and strategic direc-tion for the department. Once Long gets to know the depart-ment, Mielke said he may make some recommendations for structural chang-es. “If he thinks a reorganization is necessary, we’ll talk that through and figure out how to make that work,” Mielke said. “If he’s comfortable with the structure and it’s more a matter of molding and shaping then we’ll do that, too. But he’s going to have to figure that out, because I don’t have that answer.” Long’s focus on building community was another strength that Mielke said impressed him. In Edina, Long has a history of working closely with the school district, and said he would seek the same kind of relationship with the Lakeville Area School District. His department runs one of the larg-est police explorer programs in the met-ro area, and has produced a distracted driving initiative, an underage drinking educational program, and is involved in a “Connecting with Kids” program that invites youths to help make deci-sions regarding community issues. “I’ve come to the conclusion that adults have all these great ideas, but if they’re so great, how come so many of them don’t work?” Long said. “If we’re not making them work, let’s bring the

kids in and ask them what’s going to work.” He said one of the issues the group tackled was students drinking alcohol before arriving to school dances. Youths involved in Connecting with Kids suggested the police offer students who submit to a Breathalyzer test a chance to win an iPad. “It turned out to be a great success,” Long said, adding the cost of the prize is covered by the Edina Crime Preven-tion Fund, a nonprofit organization. Long runs his own blog and Twitter accounts. One of his most recent tweets: “Very concerned about the Target credit breach. If 40 million transactions is accurate, this may overwhelm police dept’s throughout America.” He said he plans to continue his so-cial media contact, a plan Mielke en-couraged, and will also establish with Lakeville citizens the same kind of ac-cess he established in Edina with regu-lar “Chat with the Chief” and “Coffee with the Chief” get-togethers. “That partnership with the commu-nity is really where police work hap-pens,” Mielke said, “and that’s a huge goal to make sure those connections and partnerships occur. Jeff has estab-lished that in Edina and I’m confident he can do it here, too.” Lakeville Mayor Matt Little said the council is “really excited” to bring Long on as chief. “He’s a proven leader in Edina,” Lit-tle said. “He’s well-respected and active in the police department.” Some of Long’s activities in Edina were highlighted during Mielke’s inter-view process that included a drive with each finalist on their own turf. Mielke said he asked the candidates to show him what they were proud of and how the department contributed to it. During the drive, Mielke said Long never took credit for the various initia-tives they discussed, but always used the word “we.” “To me that was very insightful as to

how he looked at his department and how he looked at himself,” Mielke said. “He knew it took a team to do things, and he approached and answered things as if he was giving his whole de-partment the credit, not just himself.” Mielke said while all the candidates were excellent, Long stood out because of his leadership experience, commu-nity relationships and the way he runs the Edina Police Department. “When you talk to some of the in-side personnel and you talk to the city administrator, (Long) considers them family, but he also holds them to high standards,” Mielke said. “I think that’s a personality that will reflect and play very well here.” Mielke said Lakeville City Council members, police staff members and department heads interviewed the top three finalists, and had positive com-ments that Mielke considered in mak-ing the hiring decision. “I just got the feeling he’d be the best fit for the position,” Mielke said. Long replaces Tom Vonhof, who re-tired last fall. In the interim, Sgt. John Kornmann has led the department through some difficult circumstances, including the death of Alyssa Ettl, a 16 year-old Lakeville North junior. Lakeville police worked closely with school and city officials to manage traf-fic and close down Dodd Boulevard during a roadside memorial service. “John has really stepped into the role,” Mielke said. “I think his ability to lead has been strengthened by this. He’s learned a lot about what it means to be chief during a time when there were stresses.” Other finalists for the position were Nathan R. Gove, commander with the Golden Valley Police Department, and Brian P. Peters, a commander with the Brooklyn Center Police Department.

Laura Adelmann is at [email protected].

Jeff Long

A new way to work out in FarmingtonCrossfit Calypso opens off High-

way 50 by Andy Rogers


Farmington has a new option for those with se-rious fitness New Year’s resolutions; Crossfit Ca-lypso opened its doors last month in Farmington. It’s not a traditional gym with rows of ellipti-cals and televisions. “We don’t use ma-chines, we build them. We do things that will help people with everyday health,” co-owner Thad Caron said. Crossfit Calypso fea-tures pull-up bars, weight lifting bars, kettle bells, weight balls, gymnastics rings, jump ropes and row machines. The owners say their business model, too, is different than a tradi-tional gym. “We don’t want a bunch of members who never come, like some gyms. We want a few members and we want them to come in every day to work their butts off,” Caron said. Crossfit isn’t easy to define. It’s not a weight loss program nor sports-specific training. It in-volves building functional strength, mobility and overall fitness by combin-ing gymnastics, Olympic weight lifting and high-intensity interval training. “Everything you can imagine in fitness,” Caron said. “We run, we jump, we climb, and we lift. We have a few key workouts every year where we stop and measure our progress, but we rarely do the same workout twice.” Members are encour-aged to come to daily one-hour sessions where there’s a workout of the day, or WOD, where par-ticipants complete a series of movements that could include anything from pull-ups, snatches, rowing, running, squats and more. The workouts are timed, so next time they’re per-formed, participants can see how they’ve improved. “We always want to be increasing our intensity either with more weight or

faster,” Caron said. The draw is the cama-raderie, since many of the same people are with you during the hourlong daily workouts. “Human nature is you’re going to push a little harder when some-one is next to you,” Caron said. “If you see eight oth-er people pushing them-selves, you’re not going to let up.” The fact that there’s a personal trainer making sure participants are us-ing correct form and en-couraging members, while designing the workout, is another draw. Caron has been a per-sonal trainer for six years, owning his own personal training business. Co-owner Max Dennis has a football background and works full time as an engineer in Minneapo-lis. As a college football player with the University of Nebraska at Omaha, he spent time with coaches who went on to start one of the first Crossfit gyms in the Midwest. He’s been doing the Crossfit-style workouts long before most people heard of it.

“My first stereotype is they’re just moving light weight, but after doing some research it’s actually pretty beastly,” Dennis said. Crossfit gyms have been growing in popularity with the number of gyms al-most doubling in the past two years to about 10,000. “People who do Cross-fit are usually pretty fit,” Caron said. “So when they talk to friends and family, they say they do Crossfit. It’s all word of month. It’s an actual sport now too. They have the Crossfit games on ESPN.” There are also gyms in Lakeville and Apple Valley, but the Calypso owners saw an opening in Farmington. “There’s nothing down here really,” Caron said. “I knew there was something missing from Farming-ton.” Caron said that Crossfit can be catered to anyone. They have members who are 13 years old up to se-niors. “Some people came to us completely out of shape, and some came in wanting to get in even

better shape,” Caron said. “We say we create the workouts for the best and tailor the workouts for the rest.” Business has been good. Their goal was to have 20 members by Janu-ary, but they actually had 30 by mid-December after being open about a month. Long-term, the goal is to have 100-200 members, hire more coaches and ex-pand the facilities. The cost to join ranges from $100 to $150, de-pending on the number of classes. Crossfit Calypso has two classes from 5-7 a.m. and two from 5:30-7:30 p.m. during the week-days, and from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. They offer two free introductory workouts a week on Mon-day night and Saturday morning, and a four-week introductory course. The gym is located at 21210 Eaton Ave., off Highway 50. “I knew I needed an big, tall industrial place,” Caron said. “We’re going to make some noise.”

Email Andy Rogers at [email protected].

Crossfit Calypso owners Max Dennis and Thad Caron recently opened their specialized fitness gym off Highway 50 in Farmington. (Photo by Andy Rogers)

Worship Directory


important that businesses have the chance to thrive,” Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland said at the time. Despite the reversal of fortune with its liquor li-cense, owners Theng and Ngo opted to sell the as-sets to the business last summer, citing a plan to return to their native In-dochina. Fiesta Mexican Cuisine now operates out of the former Spoon space.

Red Line launches This summer saw the launch of the long-await-ed Metro Red Line transit service on Cedar Avenue. The Red Line, which features shoulder-running buses, began serving its five station stops along the 11-mile route June 22 in an effort to encourage more commuters to start riding buses instead of crossing the Minnesota River with the other 90,000 motorists daily who make the north or south trip in a car. Planners are hoping the Red Line’s no-schedule-needed convenience and its 30-minute trip time are attractive enough to help reduce traffic congestion on the heavily traveled Ce-dar Avenue. The Metropolitan Council projects the Red Line will carry 480,000 passengers by its third year. Buses run on dedicated shoulder lanes added dur-ing the $112 million con-struction program funded by federal, state, regional and local contributions. Red Line stops include the Apple Valley Transit Station, 147th Street and 140th Street in Apple Val-ley, Cedar Grove in Eagan and the Mall of America in Bloomington.

Guilty verdict in murder case A grim scene greeted police and medical per-sonnel March 7 at a town-home on 157th Street in Apple Valley. There, they found the

body of 37-year-old Mar-gorie Holland, who her husband claimed had fall-en down the stairs. But the medical ex-aminer found injuries consistent with strangula-tion, and Roger Holland was subsequently charged with – and found guilty of – murder for the death of his pregnant wife and their unborn child. Roger Holland claimed he found his wife face down on the floor wrapped in a blanket and unresponsive at the bot-tom of a staircase inside their townhome upon his return to the residence af-ter purchasing breakfast for them March 7. Roger Holland called 911 and when medical per-sonnel arrived, Margorie Holland had no heart-beat and resuscitation ef-forts were attempted. She was transported to Fair-view Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, where she and her unborn child were de-clared dead. Apple Valley police of-ficers who responded to the townhome observed visible scratches on the left side of Roger Holland’s

neck. He later told police that his wife had acciden-tally scratched him while he was massaging her stomach. A search of the Hol-lands’ cell phones found a large number of text mes-sages, which contained numerous arguments be-tween the couple, some referencing financial prob-lems, in the weeks prior to March 7. In text messages on March 6, Margorie Hol-land told her husband she intended to divorce him, and that she intended to report him to authorities “first thing in the morn-ing” for stealing her credit cards. The couple had been married approximately a year and a half and had been dating for some time before their marriage. Both were members of the Texas National Guard; they had moved into their Apple Valley residence in December 2012. Roger Holland was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole this month follow-ing a two-week jury trial in which he was convicted

of murder.

Praise from

Money mag In August, the city of Apple Valley received some high praise from CNN’s Money magazine. Apple Valley earned the No. 17 spot on this year’s list of America’s Best Places to Live, the maga-zine’s annual ranking of the nation’s most livable small cities. The rankings are de-termined by economic, housing, education and quality-of-life statistics, as well as factors such as arts and leisure opportunities. In its profile of Apple Valley, Money magazine noted the city’s wide range of affordable homes, the recent addition of a bus rapid-transit system and amenities that include the Minnesota Zoo and 53 parks. This wasn’t the first year Apple Valley gar-nered a spot on the Money magazine list. The city was ranked No. 28 in 2007, No. 24 in 2008 and No. 20 in 2010. Apple Valley was one of

three Minnesota cities to crack the top 50 on the list this year. Southwest Twin Cities suburb Chanhassen ranked No. 4, and Savage in Scott County was No. 21.

Enjoy changes hands Apple Valley’s popular Enjoy restaurant closed for remodeling in August with plans to reopen un-der new ownership and a new name. Enjoy owners Dan and Kay Shimek, who opened the restaurant at 15435 Founders Lane in 2004, opted to sell the business, and restaurant manage-ment company Break Bread Hospitality, run by Twin Cities restaurateur Bob Tinsley, now oversees operations. The business plans to reopen under the name Vivo. Break Bread Hospital-ity also operates the down-town Minneapolis eatery Zelo, as well as Bacio res-taurant in Minnetonka. Dan Shimek, who had battled cancer for more than a year, died in Octo-ber at age 65. In addition

to Enjoy, the south-metro entrepreneur founded Ea-gan-based Outdoor Great-Room Company, which designs and manufactures upscale fire pits, furniture and kitchens for outdoor living spaces, as well as Paradise Landing restau-rant in Balsam Lake, Wis.

Police veteran

takes new role A 23-year veteran of the Apple Valley Police Department retired from municipal police work in December to take a high-profile job with the state’s Department of Com-merce. In his new role, for-mer police Capt. Michael Marben directs the De-partment of Commerce’s fraud bureau, serving as the chief law enforcement officer for the agency that handles insurance fraud and other white-collar crimes. Among his achieve-ments with Apple Valley police, Marben earned the Chief’s Achievement Award in 1996 for working to create the Retail Crime Investigation Unit, and in 2005 he was named Officer of the Year.

Tea Party calls city home Apple Valley is now home to a newly formed Tea Party group. Formed over the sum-mer, the South Metro Tea Party held its first meeting in June at Stephano’s res-taurant in Burnsville. But because of unex-pectedly high turnout at that first event, the group has subsequently held its regular meetings at Bog-art’s Place in Apple Val-ley to accommodate the crowd. The group formed with the help of Tea Party Min-nesota PAC, and is one of two metro-area Tea Party groups to form recently – the East Metro Tea Party, based in Lake Elmo, be-gan meeting in April.

Email Andrew Miller at [email protected].

REVIEW, from 1A

With a helping hand from Apple Valley firefighter Jeff Melville, young Lucas Gulliver got a feel for the fire hose during the open house Oct. 8 at Fire Station No. 1. The event was held as part of Fire Prevention Week. (File photo)


Party animal

This white-cheeked gibbon was hanging loose with a holiday gift in hand Dec. 23 at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. Several animals received holiday-themed items from zookeepers Monday as an “enrichment” activity designed to stimulate the senses and encourage different behaviors. (Photo courtesy Minnesota Zoo)

Area Briefs

Job Transitions Group meets Dec. 31 Warren Gustafson will present “How to Make Tough Choices When They Come Your Way” at the Dec. 31 meeting of the Easter Job Transitions Group. The group meets at 7:30 a.m. at Easter Lutheran

Church – By the Lake, 4545 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan. Call 651-452-3680 for information.

Tai chi and chai tea at Grace UMC Grace United Method-ist Church, 15309 Maple Island Drive, Burnsville, will offer the Arthritis

Foundation’s Tai Chi Pro-gram. Classes will be held 10-10:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 7 to Feb. 18. They will be followed by an optional time for tea and conversa-tion. Past participants in this program have reported decreased joint pain and stress, increased range of motion and improved bal-ance.


Everything is turning up rosesRosemount High

School marching band to open musical gift

Jan. 1 by Tad Johnson


Whoever is in charge of leaving gifts underneath the tree this week for 208 Rosemount High School students caught a break. The members of the school’s marching band won’t need any presents this year. Their reward is coming wrapped with a bow when they depart Dec. 27 for Pasadena, Calif., in antici-pation of their performance in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. “I am so incredibly excited for all 208 of our performing students to see and experience the excite-ment of this incredible day,” said band co-director Steve Olsen. “I am also extremely proud of our Rosemount band legacy of excel-lence, and all of the alumni, who have made this opportunity pos-sible.” The band directors revealed in October 2012 the news of Rose-mount’s selection to be one of the 16 bands among 50 that applied for the 2014 parade. Since that euphoric night at the band’s award banquet, members have been spent an estimated 400 hours refining their routine and a similar time dedication to fund-raising toward their goal of about $2,000 per band member. Money collected during fund-raising events was placed in a fund to ensure all marching band stu-dents could attend the trip, which will also include their own perfor-mances at a field show and at Dis-neyland, visits to area attractions like the Rose Bowl stadium and museums. “The support we have received from our parents, school and Rosemount community have ex-ceeded all of our expectations,” Olsen said. “We are impressed and deeply appreciative of the many kind and thoughtful people who have donated time, money and hard work to make this experi-ence possible for all 208 members of our band to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Olsen said some donations have come from people in other coun-

tries around the world and people “we have never even met.” “During the past year of pre-paring, fundraising and planning, we have had the opportunity meet many people in our community and see for ourselves what an awe-some and supportive community of arts supporters that exist in the Rosemount area,” he said. The parade will be televised starting at 10 a.m. Jan. 1. The band will be No. 57 among 91 en-tries. It will follow the Republic of Indonesia and march ahead of the Harlem Globetrotters. An estimated U.S. audience of 47 million people and an esti-mated international audience of more than 300 million in over 220 countries see the parade on televi-sion. The Pasadena Police Depart-ment estimates that approximately 700,000-plus spectators attend the parade. “Wow, those stats are stagger-ing and blow my mind,” Olsen said. The band directors suggest watching the uninterrupted and

commercial-free broadcast on HGTV from the first viewing area. Rosemount will then proceed through the viewing areas tele-vised on ABC and NBC. Both of the major networks will have com-mercial breaks and interruptions during some performances. Fireside Restaurant in Rose-mount will have a parade viewing party starting at 9:30 a.m. A snack buffet of breakfast items in the morning and appetizers in the af-ternoon will be offered for $5 per person. “I think this is a wonderful opportunity to share this experi-ence, albeit from afar, together as a Rosemount band family and a proud community,” said band par-ent Alicia Cross. Those who plan to at-tend should email her at [email protected]. To donate to the band, go on-line at www.rosemountband.com.

Email Tad Johnson at [email protected].

The Rosemount High School Marching Band finished as the top marching band in the 2013 Youth in Music Championships at the Metrodome on Oct. 12. Rosemount finished first in the Class AAA Championship in the afternoon among seven bands and was awarded the grand champion among 10 bands in the evening performance. (Photos by Rick Orndorf)

Prior Lake teacher, Farmington resident charged in drug crimes

Criminal complaint: 47

marijuana plants, scales,

paraphernalia found

by Andy RogersSUN THISWEEK


Farmington resident and teacher in the Prior Lake School District Lori Jo-Meyer Abeln, 51, was charged in Dakota County District Court with two counts of felony posses-sion and sale controlled substance crimes last Tues-day. Dakota County Drug Task Force found 47 plants growing on her property along with scales and drug paraphernalia during a search in October, accord-ing to the criminal com-plaint. She has been a physi-cal education specialist for 29 years and employed at Hidden Oaks Middle School as an eighth-grade physical education teacher. The Prior Lake-Savage Area School District con-firmed she is a teacher in the district and she is cur-rently on medical leave. “There’s no indication she was selling to children or gave any drugs to any children,” Dakota County Attorney James Back-strom said. “We don’t take into consideration people’s jobs when we make charg-es.” According to the complaint, the Dakota County Drug Task Force executed a search war-rant for Abeln’s house off Blaine Avenue on Oct. 16, but found no one at home. Officers found 47 marijuana plants grow-ing in a greenhouse along with a scale, marijuana seeds, glass pipe, a wooden pipe, a glass jar contain-

ing marijuana, a metal tin containing marijuana, and miscellaneous drug para-phernalia in the house. The marijuana plants weighed approximately 550 grams. Eight days later an offi-cer spoke with Abeln, who admitted to living at the residence alone. According to the police report, she said she knew the plants were on the property but said someone had thrown marijuana a seeds in the greenhouse years ago and the plants just grew. She said she did not actively care for the plants. In the report, Abeln ad-mitted to using marijuana for medical reasons, but denied smoking it out of a pipe, but rolling it with to-bacco. She denied the drug paraphernalia belonged to her stating someone else had left the drug parapher-nalia at her house. She was charged with two felony fifth-degree controlled substance crimes for possession and sale, along with one count of possession of drug par-aphernalia this week. The maximum penalty for the charges is 10 years in jail, and/or a $20,300 fine. “Marijuana is a danger-ous and addictive drug,” Backstrom said. “It’s a fel-ony to possess a significant quantity of it.” Using marijuana for medical purposes is illegal in Minnesota. A first-time offender that doesn’t have any prior drug convictions is eligible for a stay of adjudication, meaning there would be a period of probation and fines, according to Back-strom. “Typically a first-time drug offender wouldn’t end up with a criminal re-cord,” Backstrom said.

Email Andy Rogers at [email protected].


Eagan man injured in Lyon County crash An Eagan man was hospitalized last week fol-lowing a rollover crash on an icy roadway in south-west Minnesota. Andrew R. Kruse, 20, was driving east on High-way 19 in Lyon County at about 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, when his Pontiac Grand Prix lost control on

the curved roadway, en-tered the north ditch and rolled, coming to rest on its roof, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Kruse, the sole occu-pant of the vehicle, was transported to Marshall Hospital in Marshall, Minn., with non-life-threatening injuries.

Damage to the Pontiac was reported as “moder-ate” and it was towed from the crash site, the State Pa-trol said. Kruse was wearing a seatbelt and no alcohol was detected in his system after the accident.

—Andrew Miller

Students thank veterans

Students at St. Joseph C a t h o l i c School in R o s e m o u n t paid tribute to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during a program in November in the sanctuary of the church. The program i n c l u d e d speeches, songs and music by the students. After the event, veterans shared their stories with students and visitors in an informal g a t h e r i n g . (Photos by Tad Johnson)


SportsYear in review: hardware for AV wrestling, hoops by Mike Shaughnessy


It’s not often that a high school athletic program attracts national television attention. Nor is common for a state championship match to end in a tie. But Apple Valley was involved in both of those scenarios in 2013. Here’s a recap of those and other notable sports happenings of the year.

Champions Apple Valley tied the ribbon on its first state boys basketball champi-onship by defeating Park Center 74-57 in the Class 4A title game. Tyus Jones (28 points), Dennis Austin (15) and Dustin Fronk (14) helped Apple Valley pull away as the Eagles ended the season on a 30-game winning streak. They also avenged their only loss of the 2012-13 season, by two points to Park Center in December 2012. “If you’ve seen our gym, there’s a lot of state championship banners and there isn’t one for boys basketball,” Apple Valley coach Zach Goring said shortly after his team’s victory in the state final. “I told our guys that no mat-ter when they come back, they’ll always be able to see that boys basketball state championship ban-ner from 2013.” The Eagles continued its push into 2014 this sea-son winning their first five before losing to Whitney Young High School of Chicago in a nationally televised game. Still, as of this edition’s presstime Apple Valley had not lost to a team from Minnesota in more than a year.

Co-champions All 14 matches of the state Class AAA wrestling final had been held, and the score was Apple Valley 28, St. Michael-Albertville 28. So, what now? They were declared

co-champions. It was the fourth time since the Min-nesota State High School League started using dual meets to determine wres-tling team champions that this has happened. Tiebreaker criteria are not used in championship matches because there isn’t another round to which ei-ther team can advance. “When I look at the back of my medal, it says ‘Class AAA champions,’ ” said Apple Valley senior Daniel Woiwor. Although it was the first time Apple Valley has had to share a state wrestling title, it was the Eagles’ eighth in a row and 21st overall. It also was the first under new head coach Dalen Wasmund, formerly a longtime Eagles assis-tant coach. Seven Apple Valley wrestlers – Maolu Woi-wor, Seth Gross, Dayton Racer, Mark Hall, Daniel Woiwor, David Johnson and Paul Cheney – went on to win individual state championships. Five of them are back this sea-son for the Eagles, who are fourth in one national high school ranking.

Lions award

winner Jaryn Pipkins was the third athlete from Apple Valley High School and the first female to win the St. Paul Downtown Lions Club Amateur Athlete of the Year award. Pipkins won three all-conference awards in basketball and was a four-time All-State award winner in track and field. She also earned several scholastic awards and was her school’s 2013 Athena Award winner. She is now at Dartmouth College and will compete in track and field.

Guard changes Several longtime Apple Valley High School head coaches retired in 2013. Rod Dirth turned over

the boys track and field program to Jeff Flugum. Mike McManus stepped down as boys swimming coach and was replaced by Scott Pearson, who al-ready was coaching the girls team. McManus led three Apple Valley teams (two girls, one boys) to state championships. Jerry Hayes resigned as boys hockey coach to spend more time with his family, and former assistant coach Chris Sikich took over the program. Chuck Scanlon announced that the 2013 boys soccer season would be his last. Scanlon left as the state’s all-time leader in victories, and his nine state soccer champion-ships also are the most in state history. Heather LaChapelle became the Eagles’ volley-ball coach, taking over for Shelly Lundin, who moved out of the country.

TV time Apple Valley High School was featured in two

sports-related events that drew national TV atten-tion. Senior Tyus Jones, the boys basketball team’s star guard, announced he would attend Duke Uni-versity in an event tele-

vised on ESPNU. A month later, ESPN2 broadcast a boys basketball game between Apple Valley and Chicago’s Whitney Young High School, with the hook being that Jones

and Whitney Young center Jahlil Okafor would soon be teammates at Duke. Whitney Young won the game 80-70.

Eastview made memorable title defenses in 2013Lacrosse, soccer championship

games go to final moments

by Mike ShaughnessySUN THISWEEK


Highlights of Eastview High School’s 2012 year in sports included first-time state championships for the Lightning’s boys soccer and lacrosse teams. In 2013, those teams were close to writing the same script. Final-moment defeats in the state finals kept those teams from repeat-ing, but they will be re-membered for the spir-ited defense of their titles. Those are a couple of the highlights we look back on in the 2013 year in re-view:

13 seconds

from glory When asked about loss-es, coaches sometimes like to say, “We didn’t lose. We just ran out of time.” In the case of East-view’s boys lacrosse team, that might be more truth than cliche. Eden Prairie’s J.D. Spielman scored with 13 seconds remaining as the Eagles defeated East-view 9-8 in the state title game at Chanhassen High School. Eastview never led in the championship game and was down 3-0 in the first quarter, but fought back to tie the game in the fourth on goals 34 seconds apart by Mike Stillings and Ryan McNamara. Eastview had a last-second chance to tie the game, but the shot was blocked. It was still an outstand-ing season by a team that had to replace the start-

ing goalie and several de-fenders from its 2012 state championship team. Eastview also estab-lished itself as a school that college lacrosse re-cruiters shouldn’t over-look. Division I signings are still rare for Minne-sota lacrosse players, but Eastview sent McNamara (Marquette) and girls team goalie Taylor Tvedt (Lehigh) to Division I pro-grams.

Wild one

at the dome Eastview and North St. Paul saw to it that the last

high school soccer game played at the Metrodome wouldn’t be tentative and defense-oriented. They played a fast-paced, offen-sive-minded game in the Class AA final that went to a penalty-kick shootout before North St. Paul pre-vailed 4-3. The Lightning got goals from Sam Fluegge, Jack Teske and Brett La-Doux, each one tying the game after North St. Paul took a one-goal lead. In the shootout, Eastview could not recover from an attempt that hit the goalpost. North St. Paul converted on all five of its

kicks to win its first state championship. Eastview played in the Class AA championship for the third consecutive year, becoming to first school to do so since Edi-na in 1999-2001.

Climbing

the charts Eastview didn’t start the season far from the top in the state Class 4A girls basketball rankings, but it wasn’t long before the Lightning zoomed to No. 1. After winning its first six games – only one of

which was played on its home court – Eastview took the top spot in the state rankings. They beat previous No. 1 Hopkins and No. 4 Lakeville North on the road to take the No. 1 ranking before the holi-day break. The Lightning, led by senior Kari Opatz and juniors Madison Gue-bert and Hana Metoxen, are aiming to make a third consecutive trip to the state tournament.

Hot goalie There’s a reason people say a hot goaltender can be a hockey team’s biggest asset. In late December

2012, the Eastview boys hockey team was 4-5-1 and wasn’t on anybody’s list of state tournament contend-ers. But the Lightning won 14 of its last 20 and played in the state tournament for the first time in 12 years. One of the keys to the turnaround was the play of sophomore goalie Zach Driscoll, who became the starter in midseason. Eastview upset No. 1-seeded Eagan in the Sec-tion 3AA championship game and went on to fin-ish sixth in the state tour-nament. Driscoll, defenseman Pierce Erickson and for-ward Jake McGlocklin are back this season as the Lightning tries to return to state – a task that be-comes more difficult with the addition of private school power St. Thomas Academy to Section 3AA.

Also worth noting • One Eastview athlete came away from the state track and field meet with a first-place medal. Senior Ryan Lockard cleared 6 feet, 7 inches to win the boys high jump by one inch. • Sophomore Jordan Kopfer finished third at the state Class AA girls tennis singles tournament, the highest finish for any player in Eastview history. • Allie Funk’s second-place finish in the pole vault helped Eastview to ninth place in the state Class AA girls track meet. • Eastview reached the state Class 6A football quarterfinals for the sec-ond consecutive year be-fore losing to Rosemount 38-7 at TCF Bank Stadi-um.

Email Mike Shaughnessy at [email protected].

There was a lot of action around both goals in the state Class AA boys soccer championship game between North St. Paul and Eastview. North St. Paul won 4-3 in a shootout, denying the Lightning a second consecutive state title. (Photo by Rick Orndorf)

Coach Zach Goring (left) and the Apple Valley boys basketball team celebrate after the Eagles defeated Park Center to win the state Class 4A championship. (Photo by Rick Orndorf)

Apple Valley’s Dayton Racer works on his opponent during the state wrestling tournament. Racer won the Class 3A championship at 145 pounds. (Photo by Rick Orndorf)


Notebook: Eastviewkeeps No. 1 rankingby Mike Shaughnessy


Eastview held the No. 1 ranking in Class 4A girls basketball into the holiday break after beating fourth-ranked Lakeville North 57-38 on Dec. 20. The Lightning is 6-0 despite having played only one home game. East-view’s next six games are on the road; the Lightning won’t play again on its home court until Jan. 16 against Bloomington Ken-nedy. The schedule balanc-es out in the second half of the season, when the Lightning plays eight of its final 10 regular-season games at home. Eastview outscored North 35-20 in the second half of last week’s South Suburban Conference game. Kari Opatz had 14 points and Madison Gue-bert 12 to lead Eastview. Sarah Krynski scored 15 for Lakeville North. Eastview and Lakev-ille North will play in a holiday tournament at St. Olaf College starting Fri-day, although the South Suburban Conference ri-vals are not scheduled to play each other.

Eagles win

Christmas tourney Apple Valley, ranked first in Class 3A wrestling and as high as fourth na-tionally, had three individ-ual champions and won the team title at the Min-nesota Christmas Tour-nament on Dec. 20-21 in Rochester. Apple Valley’s Seth Gross pinned Luke Rowh of Hastings in 1 minute, 10 seconds in the champion-ship match at 138 pounds. Dayton Racer beat Sim-ley’s Mack Short 6-4 in overtime in the 152-pound final. Mark Hall won the 170-pound title, beating Luke Norland of Jackson

County Central 11-2. Kyle Rathman (106), Gannon Volk (126), Bob-by Steveson (182) and Paul Cheney (220) were runners-up in their weight classes. Cheney lost 4-2 to Prior Lake’s Alex Hart in a rematch of an early December bout won by Cheney. Cheney and Hart are ranked first and sec-ond at 220 in Class 3A, and their only losses are to each other. Apple Valley scored 292.5 points to run away with the team title. West Fargo (N.D.) was second with 179, with Prior Lake third at 169.

Lightning

moving up? Eastview is not ranked in the top 12 in Class 3A wrestling – yet. That might change after the Light-ning defeated a couple of ranked teams last week. The Lightning edged No. 7 Shakopee 37-36 on Dec. 19, then beat Lakev-

ille North 35-33 in its final match at the Richfield Du-als on Dec. 21. Eastview, 11-2 overall, went 3-0 at the Richfield tournament. Luke Dodd (170 pounds) had five victories on the week to improve his record to 10-1. Nick Pegelow remained unde-feated (11-0) at 195 after winning four matches. George Farmah, ranked sixth in Class 3A at 132 pounds, had a victory over Lakeville North’s Colin DeGrammont, who is No. 6 at 126.

Bison power Athletes from local schools are playing key roles for the North Dakota State University team that will seek a third consecu-tive Football Champion-ship Subdivision title Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas. NDSU (14-0) will play Towson State of Mary-land for the champion-ship in what was formerly known as Division I-AA. Rosemount High School alumnus and 2009 Mr. Football award win-ner Zach Vraa leads the Bison in receptions (61) and receiving yardage (1,140). He caught a 50-yard touchdown pass in the Bison’s 52-14 victory over New Hampshire in a semifinal game Dec. 20. Burnsville High School graduate C.J. Smith has started all 14 games at cor-nerback this season and has 38 tackles and two in-terceptions. Sophomore offensive lineman and Eastview graduate Zack Johnson is a starter for the Bison and was named Missouri Val-ley Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week in November.

Email Mike Shaughnessy at [email protected].

Eastview’s Emee Udo handles the ball during the Lightning girls basketball team’s victory at Lakeville North last week. (Photo by Mike Shaughnessy)


nual public budget meet-ing (formerly called the Truth in Taxation hearing) on Dec. 12 at the Apple Valley Municipal Center. If attendance at the public budget meeting was any indication, Apple Valley residents had few concerns about the 2014 budget and levy. The pub-lic forum, which gives

residents a chance to ask questions about and com-ment on the budget and tax levy with city staff and elected officials present, drew no attendees. Information about the city’s 2014 budget and levy is available on the city’s website, www.cityofap-plevalley.org.


LEVY, from 1A

ghanistan. He also received a “thank you” of sorts re-cently in the form of a $10,000 grant from the Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund, a nonprofit that awards grants to the state’s mili-tary personnel. “It will go a long way toward paying the bills,” Francisco, a Prior Lake resident who recently re-tired from the Army, said of the grant awarded Dec. 13. “It’s very humbling to be thanked for my service, and it feels really good that the people of Minne-sota recognize those that serve in the military.” Since 2005, the non-profit has awarded 15,000 grants totaling $9 mil-lion to Minnesota service members. The levels of grants

are: $500 for all Minne-sota military personnel who serve in a combat zone; $2,000-$10,000 for those wounded in a com-bat zone, with the amount based on the severity of injury; and $5,000 to the families of those killed in combat. “Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund was founded to honor Minne-sota heroes like Spc. Kris-topher Francisco, who risked his life for our free-dom,” said MMAF chair-man Roger Sit. “Awarding (Francisco) this grant is the least we can do to thank and hon-or him for the sacrifices he and his family have made for our country.” More about the Min-neapolis-based MMAF’s grant program is at www.mmaf.org.


SOLDIER, from 1AEastview’s ‘Legally Blonde’ receives SpotLight honors Eastview High School’s production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” is among the fall 2013 honor-ees recognized in the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Spot-Light Musical Theatre Program. SpotLight is the Trust’s educational initiative that honors and supports Minnesota high school musical theater programs and students. Eagan native, Broad-way star and two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes is the new SpotLight spokesperson. “Legally Blonde” was honored with Outstanding Overall Production, Outstanding Overall Perfor-mance and Outstanding Performance by a Student Orchestra. The following Eastview students were recognized for their performances: Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role: Ra-chel Williams as Elle Woods. Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role: Lara Akal as Vivenne Kensington, Moriah Huerta as Paulette Bonafonte, Sydney Laylin as Brooke Wynd-ham. Honorable Mention Performance in a Leading Role: Tom Richmond as Emmett Forrest. Honorable Mention Performance in a Supporting Role: Tate Sheppard as Professor Callahan, Mason Swain as Warner Huntington III, Maggie Elinson as Margot, Sabrina Epou as Serena, Elise Stepka as Pi-lar, Kacie Riddle as Kate. Honorable Mention Performance in a Featured Role: Paige Kraemer as Enid, A.J. McDermott as Nikos, Will Selby as Carlos, Cole Peterson as Kyle. Schools and participating students will be honored at SpotLight’s culminating event, the ninth annual SpotLight Showcase, held 7 p.m. Sunday, June 8, and Monday, June 9, at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets for the SpotLight Showcase go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, and may be purchased in person at the State Theatre box office, 805 Henne-pin Ave.; at the New Century Theatre box office, 615 Hennepin Ave.; online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org; by calling 800-982-2787 or visiting a Ticketmaster Center.

Apple Valley seniors The Apple Valley Senior Center, 14601 Hayes Road, is home to the following activities, which are organized and run by the Apple Valley Seniors and Apple Valley Parks and Recreation. The facility is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For in-formation, call 952-953-2345 or go to www.cityofap-plevalley.org. Monday, Dec. 30: Morning Stretch, 10 a.m.; Int. Line Dancing, 10:30 a.m.; Bridge, 12:45 p.m.; Pool, 1 p.m.; Happy Stitchers, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31: Quilting Bees, 9 a.m.; Tuesday Painters, 9:30 a.m.; Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; Hand & Foot Cards, 1 p.m.; Table Tennis, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1: Closed. Thursday, Jan. 2: Call the senior center for activi-ties. Friday, Jan. 3: Call the senior center for activities.

Community meals at Grace Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley will serve free community meals on Mondays, Jan. 6, 13 and 27. Dining hall doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The meals are for senior citizens, single-parent families, families in transition and all others in the surrounding community seeking a healthy meal in a relaxed and fun environment. Although the meals are free, donations are accepted. Grace Lutheran Church is located at the intersec-tion of Pennock Avenue and County Road 42. For more information, call the church at 952-432-7273.

Family event encourages healthy habits Valley Natural Foods, a food co-op at 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville, will hold a free com-munity night, “A Lunchbox & Snowshoe of Healthy Habits,” from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Area Briefs

2014 Tax Guide

Don’t let gravity be your downfall.

One in three. That’s how many adults over 65fall each year in the United States. Becauseolder bones break more easily, falling injuriesfor seniors can be traumatic. Staying activeand strong is key — along with making homeenvironments as safe as possible. For moreinfo on senior fitness and home safety, visitorthoinfo.org and nata.org.


a u t o • e m p l o y m e n t • r e a l e s t a t e • b u s i n e s s s e r v i c e s

-- or --TO PLACE YOUR ADAds may be placed Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Apple Valley location and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Eden Prairie location.

Deadline: Display: Tuesday 4 pm* Line Ads: Wednesday 12 pm* * Earlier on holiday weeks

By Phone: 952-846-2000 or 952-392-6888

By FAX: 952-846-2010 or 952-941-5431

By Mail: 15322 Galaxie Ave., Ste. 219 Apple Valley, MN 55124

10917 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344

In Person: Visit our Apple Valley or Eden Prairie office to place your Classified ad, make a payment, or pick up your Garage Sale Kit.

Website: sunthisweek.com or minnlocal.com

Email: [email protected]

SERVICES & POLICIESSun Thisweek reserves the right to edit, refuse, reject or can-cel any ad at any time. Errors must be reported on the first day of the publication, and Sun Thisweek will be responsible for no more than the cost of the space occupied by the error and only the first insertion. We shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publication or omission of an advertisement.HOW TO PAY We gladly accept VISA, American Express, Mastercard, Discover, personal checks, and cash.

INDEX

Garage Sales Transportation$44• 3 lines, 4 weeks, All zones• Additional lines: $7.00• Private party only

Merchandise Mover $44• 3 lines, 4 weeks, All zones• Additional lines: $7.00• Merchandise $151.00 or more

$40 Package• 3 line ad• 2 week run• FREE Garage Sale Kit*• Metro Wide Coverage – 318,554 homes

$42 Package

$42 Package• 3 line ad• 2 week run• FREE Garage Sale Kit*• Metro Wide Coverage – 318,554 homes• Rain Insurance – we will re-run your ad up to two weeks FREE if your sale is rained out.

Additional Lines $10.00Ads will also appear on sunthisweek & minnlocal.com each Wednesday by 9:00 a.m.

*Garage Sale Kits can be picked up at the

Eden Prairie office.

classifieds• Wheels 1010-1070• Sporting 1510-1580• Farm 2010-2080• Pets 2510-2520• Announcements 3010-3090• Merchandise 3510-3630• Sales 4010-4030• Rentals/Real Estate 4510-4650• Services 5010-5440• Employment 5510-2280• Network Ads 6010

2510 Pets

1020 Junkers& Repairables

2510 Pets


5170 Concrete/Mason-ry/Waterproofing


5110 Building &Remodeling

5370 Painting &Decorating

TheOrigina

Family Owned & Operated

TheOrigina

Free Estimates

QUALITY SERVICE Since 1949

Licensed (MN# BC215366) • Bonded • Insured

612-824-2769612-824-2769952-929-3224952-929-3224

TheOriginaThe

Origina

Concrete & Waterproofing, Inc.We Specialize In:

• Buckling Walls• Foundation Repair• Wet Basement Repair• Wall Resurfacing• Garage/Basement Floors

READERS’READERS’CHOICECHOICE

READERS’CHOICEAwards

www.MinnLocal.com

www.gardnerconcrete.netwww.gardnerconcrete.net

The Original



1000 WHEELS


$$$ $200 - $10,000 $$$Junkers & Repairables

More if Saleable. MN Licensed

www.crosstownauto.net 612-861-3020 651-645-7715

$225+ for most Vehicles Free Towing

651-769-0857

1060 Trucks/Pickups

2004 Chevrolet Long-bed 2500 Pickup 72K mi. Wench front end guard $9K. SOLD IT!!!!

1500 SPORTING

1540 Guns

GUN & KNIFE SHOWDecember 28-29

(Sat 9-5, Sun 9-3) $5 Adm.Bloomington Armory

3300 West 98th Street763-754-7140

CrocodileProductionsInc.com

2500 PETS

2520 Pet Services

Rich’s Pet Sitting ServiceDogs, cats etc! Will come to your home. 952-435-7871

3000 ANNOUNCEMENTS

3010 Announcements

Burnsville Lakeville

A Vision for You-AA

Thursdays 7:30 PMA closed,

mixed meeting atGrace United

Methodist Church

East Frontage Road of I 35 across from

Buck Hill - Burnsville

3010 Announcements

Recovery International

Self-help organization offers a proven method to combat depression,

fears, panic attacks anger, perfectionism, worry, sleeplessness,

anxiety, tenseness, etc. Groups meet weekly in several locations.

Voluntary contributions. Dona:

612-824-5773

www.LowSelfHelpSystems.org

3500 MERCHANDISE

3520 Cemetery Lots

For Sale: 4 Lots Glenhaven Good Samaritan Garden$5,000/BO. 320-243-3165

3540 Firewood

Firewood - 2 Years DriedOak & Birch - $125

4’ x 8’ - Delivered.Quantity discounts. 1-888-265-8532

FIREWOODMixed Hardwood - 2 years dried. 4’x8’x16” $125; or 2/$230. Delivered & stacked. 612-486-2674

Ideal FirewoodDry Oak & Oak Mixed

4’x8’x16” $120; or 2 for $220 Free Delivery.

952-881-2122 763-381-1269

3580 Household/Furnishings

Ent Ctr: Oak, $100. Lighted hutch, $300. Cash only. You haul. 763-535-0159

QN. PILLOWTOP SETNew In Plastic!! $150

MUST SELL!! 763-360-3829

3600 MiscellaneousFor Sale

FREE Christmas Kittens! 6 wks, lite orange, 1 girl, 3 boys. 952-469-5155

Kawai Full Upright Piano Excellent cond. $1750/obo 952-894-2450

3610 MiscellaneousWanted

Buying Old Trains & ToysSTEVE’S TRAIN CITY

952-933-0200

* WANTED * US Coins, Currency Proofs,

Mint Sets, Collections, Gold & 14K Jewelry

Will Travel. 30 yrs exp Cash! Dick 612-986-2566

◆ ◆ WANTED ◆ ◆Old Stereo / Hifi equip.

Andy 651-329-0515

3620 MusicInstruments

1940s Mason and Hamlin,baby synetrigrand, inte-rior completely refinished. $7500. 952-412-7607

Everett Upright Piano, good condition, including bench & piano light $300 will send pictures. Kirk 612-998-6190

4500 RENTALS / REAL ESTATE

4510 Apartments/Condos For Rent

Rosemount, 2 BR Off St. prkg. No Pets. Available NOW. $600 952-944-6808

4530 Houses For Rent

2 BR Manuf. Home One level living, New carpet. W&D Hook-ups, skylight

in BA, DW, Microw. Side x Side fridge. $865/

mo. 952-435-7979

Farmington, Beautiful 4 BR, 3 BA Sngl Fam. Home 612-865-7124

4550 Roommates &Rooms For Rent

Lakeville: Rm Shr kit, bath, laundry, fam rm. Inclds utils & cable $470 plus dep. 952-892-6102

4570 StorageFor Rent

Castle Rock STORAGE 6X 8 just $45. Outside starts at $29 [email protected] 651-463-4343

5000 SERVICES

5080 Child &Adult Care

Lic’d Daycare Provider Fgtn.w/over 20 yrs exp. Immed. opngs for 1 yr & up. Marge 651-344-7335

5140 Carpet, Floor& Tile

Above All Hardwood Floors Installation-Sanding-Finishing

“We Now InstallCarpet, Tile & Vinyl.”

952-440-WOOD (9663)

Escobar Hardwood Floors Carpet & Ceramic Tile

We offer professional services for your wood floors!

Installs/Repair Sand/RefinishFree Ests Ins’d Mbr: BBB

Professional w/12 yrs exp.952-292-2349

5% Discount With Ad

◆ ◆ ◆ MAC TILE ◆ ◆ ◆mactilemn.com

Ed McDonald 763-464-9959

SANDING-REFINISHINGRoy’s Sanding Service

Since 1951 952-888-9070

5150 Chimney &Fireplace Services

SWEEP - INSP. - REPAIRFull Time - Professional Ser.

Certified/ Registered / Insured29 Yrs Exp. Mike 651-699-3373

londonairechimneyservice.com

5160 Commercial &Residential Cleaning

Melissa’s HousecleaningReliab. 13 yrs exp. Exc rates S. Metro 612-598-6950

SunThisweek.com


CONCRETE & MASONRYSteps, Walks, Drives,

Patios Chimney Repair. No job to Sm. Lic/Bond/Ins

John 952-882-0775

5210 Drywall

3-D Drywall Services36 yrs-Hang • Tape • Spray • Painting 651-324-4725

PINNACLE DRYWALL*Hang *Tape *Texture

*Sand Quality Guar. Ins., 612-644-1879

5220 Electrical

JNH Electric 612-743-7922Bonded Insured Free Ests

Resid, Comm & Service. Old/New Const, Remodels Serv Upgrades. Lic#CA06197

5220 Electrical

Lew Electric: Resid & Comm. Service, Service Upgrades,

Remodels. Old or New Constr. Free Ests. Bonded/Insured

Lic#CA05011 612-801-5364

TEAM ELECTRICteamelectricmn.com

Lic/ins/bonded Res/Com All Jobs...All Sizes

Free Ests. 10% Off W/AdCall 952-758-7585

Visit us atSunThisweek.com

5260 Garage Doors

GARAGE DOORS & OPENERS

Repair/Replace/Reasonable

Lifetime Warranty on All Spring Changes

www.expertdoor.com 651-457-7776




5390 Roofing, Siding& Gutters

5510 Full-time

5420 Tree Care &Stump Removal

5510 Full-time



123456789

• Use the grid below to write your ad.• Please print completely and legibly to

ensure the ad is published correctly.

• Punctuate and space the ad copy properly.• Include area code with phone number.• 3 line minimum

Please fill out completely. Incomplete forms may not run.

Amount enclosed: $________________________

Classification: ___________________________ Date of Publication: _________________

Credit Card Info: ■■ VISA ■■ MasterCard ■■ Discover ■■ American Express

Card # ____________________________________

Exp. Date __________________CID #__________

Name: _______________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________________________ Zip _____________________

Phone: ________________________________

TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED ADPLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM COMPLETELY

• Deadline to submit ads is 12 p.m. Wednesday

• Cost is $48 for the first 3 lines and $10 each additional line

Mail order form to:Sun•Thisweek Classifieds, 15322 Galaxie Ave., Ste. 219 • Apple Valley, MN 55124

OR 10917 Valley View Road • Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Or fax order form to: 952-846-2010 or 952-941-5431

Note: Newsprint does not fax legibly, you must fax a photocopy of the completed order form below.Please use this order form when placing your Classified ads.

classifiedsAdvertise in Sun•Thisweek Newspapers and reach 62,000 homes every Friday!


5280 Handyperson

0 Stress! 110% Satisfaction!Status Contracting, Inc. Kitchens & Baths, Lower Level Remodels. Decks.

Wall/Ceiling Repair/Texture Tile, Carpentry, Carpet,

Painting & Flooring#BC679426 MDH Lead SupervisorDale 952-941-8896 office

612-554-2112 cellWe Accept Credit Cards

“Soon To Be Your Favorite Contractor!”

Statuscontractinginc.comFind Us On Facebook

A-1 Work Ray’s Handyman No job too small!!

Quality Work @ Competitive Prices! Free Estimates.

Ray 612-281-7077

All Home Repairs! Excell Remodeling, LLC Interior & Exterior Work

One Call Does it All!Call Bob 612-702-8237or Dave 612-481-7258

Dakota Home Improvement

Kitchens, Baths, Bsmts Drywall, Tile & Decks

CCs accept’d 952-270-1895


3 Interior Rooms/$250Wallpaper Removal.

Drywall Repair. Cabi-net Enameling and

Staining. 30 yrs exp. Steve 763-545-0506

SunThisweek.com

*A and K PAINTING*Get ready for the Holidays

schedule Interior Paint-ing now! Free Est.

952-474-6258 Ins/BondMajor Credit Card Accepted

**Mike the Painter Interi-or/ exterior, Wallpaper, 35 yrs exp, Ins 612-964-5776


Ben’s Painting

Int/Ext, Drywall Repair Paint/Stain/Ceilings. We accept Visa/MC/Discvr.,

952-432-2605 DAVE’S PAINTING

and WALLPAPERINGInt/Ext • Free Est. • 23 Yrs.

Will meet or beat any price! Lic/Ins

Visa/MC 952-469-6800

5380 Plumbing

SAVE MONEY - Competent Master Plumb-er needs work. Lic# M3869.

Jason 952-891-2490


Re-Roofing & Roof Repairs - 30 Yrs Exp

Insured - Lic#20126880 John Haley #1 Roofer, LLC.

Call 952-925-6156

* Roofing, Siding, Gutters Greg Johnson Roofing

612-272-7165. Lic BC48741


A Family Operated Business

Roofing/Tear-offsNew Construction

BBB Free Est. MC/Visa Lic # BC170064

No Subcontractors Used. Ins. 952-891-8586

SunThisweek.com

◆ ROOF SNOW & ICE REMOVAL

Roofing ◆ Siding ◆ Insulation

TOPSIDE, INC. 612-869-1177 ◆Insured Lic CR005276 ◆ Bonded

34 Yrs Exp. A+ Rating BBB

5410 Snow Removal

$350* For The SeasonDriveway Plowing and

Small Parkinglots. *Most Drives 651-592-5748

5410 Snow Removal

SNOW PLOWINGCommercial & ResidentialDependable - Insured - Exp’dLSC Construction Svcs, IncMbr: Better Business Bureau Free Ests. 952-890-2403


A Good Job!! 15 yrs exp.Thomas Tree Service

Immaculate Clean-up! Tree Removal/TrimmingLot Clearing/Stump Removal Free Ests 952-440-6104

5500 EMPLOYMENT

5510 Full-time

Boiler Operator Bachman’s Inc. Lake-ville, MN. Full Time Union. Must have Minnesota 2nd Class Boiler Opera-tor’s license. Greenhouse work is an essential part of work duties.

Contact Eric 952-469-2102

5510 Full-time

Company DriversFarmington. Class A CDLat least 24 yrs old with 2 yrs experience. Must have current health card and

able to pass drug test. Local, 5-6 days a week Call: 651-423-5388

Experienced dry cleaning presser. FT M-F. Perfect Cleaners. Cedar Ave & Cliff Rd. Eagan. Apply in person 612-724-3603 Bob

Get Your GED or HS Diploma now!

Prep and [email protected]

952-431-8316

Head TellerResponsible for super-vising the day to day operations of the teller area. Candidate must be focused on providing ex-ceptional customer ser-vice while performing a variety of duties. Teller experience preferred. Send Resume to:

Lakeview Bank 9725 163rd St W

Lakeville, MN 55044

Reduce • Reuse • Recycle

We’re

BIGGERthan you think!

Sun•Thisweek Classifieds952-846-2000


5530 Full-time orPart-time

5520 Part-time

5510 Full-time


5520 Part-time

5510 Full-time5520 Part-time

Market Research Firm: Seeks detail oriented peo-ple to edit mystery shop reports online. Excellent spelling, grammar and phone skills a must! Paid online training; flex PT hours; pay averages $12-14 per hour. Requires min of 4hrs/day M-F & 1 wknd /mo. Email resume & cover letter to: [email protected]

Need Extra Cash? Looking to start a new ca-reer? Domino’s is hiring for all positions:

*Management*Delivery Specialists

*Customer Service RepsCall (651) 289-3000 ext 111 for more information

or pick up an application at one of the following

locations: Chanhassen, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Ea-gan, Farmington, Lakeville

Part-timeCNA/Home Health Aides needed at The Rivers Se-

nior Living Community in Burnsville. All shifts avail-able. Apply in person at

11111 River Hills Drive, Burnsville.


Crystal Lake Golf Course &

Banquet FacilityNow accepting appli-cants for qualified PT/FT Bartender. Year round positions available. Contact Lorie – Ext 6 at 952-432-6566 or stop in at the golf course for an application.

• LPN PT & FT evenings/night/wkends

• DON/RN MGR FT Days. Needed at The

Rivers Senior Living Community in Bville.

Apply in person at 11111 River Hills Drive, Bville

or send resume to: [email protected]

5540 Healthcare

RNs/LPNsRegency Home Health-Care is seeking part time and full time day, evening, and overnight RN/LPNs to provide services to ven-tilator dependent clients in private homes in the Blaine, Maplewood, Ros-eville, Little Canada, St. Paul, Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis, Plymouth, Crystal, Minnetonka, and Farmington areas. Must have great attention to de-tail, strong problem solving skills, excellent commu-nication skills, and strong clinical skills. Current MN nursing license and CPR required. If interested, please sub-mit an online application at www.regencyhhc.com or fax resume to Allison @

651-488-4656. EOE

Nests

for every

Niche

Turn to Sun•Thisweek

ClassifiedsReal Estate & Rentals


The Burnsville Performing Arts Center will be ringing in the new year with laughter when it hosts legendary Minnesota funnyman Louie Anderson on New Year’s Eve. The St. Paul native known for his TV and film roles (“Coming to America,” “Life with Louie”) has two stand-up shows scheduled – at 7 and 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 – in the Burnsville venue’s 1,000-seat main hall. Tickets are $33-$73 and are available through Ticketmaster online or by calling 800-982-2787. (Photo submitted)

theater and arts briefs

theater and arts calendar

family calendar

‘A Christmas Carol Scrooged’ Heartbeat Perform-ing Arts Center in Ap-ple Valley will present “A Christmas Carol Scrooged” at 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Eastview High School. Dancers, singers and actors from age 3 to adult star in this humor-ous tale that takes the audience from Christ-mas past and present to future, with a few notori-ous characters as passen-gers. Tickets are available at Heartbeat Studios or at the box office 30 min-utes prior to the start of each show time. To pur-

chase a ticket by phone, call 952-432-7833 by Jan. 8.

‘Best of Bonnie’ at BPAC “The Best of Bonnie and Friends” art exhibit, featuring 31 artists un-der the direction of Bon-nie Featherstone, is on display through Feb. 1 in the gallery at the Burns-ville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. The exhibit showcases various media by local award-winning artists. It is on display during gallery hours (9 a.m.

to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. Sundays and during arts center events). More information on the show is at www.face-book.com/bonnieand-friends.

Yearwood at Mystic Grammy Award-win-ning country singer Trisha Yearwood will take the Mystic Showroom stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 1. Tickets are $55 and $69. Contact the box office at 952-445-9000 or visit mys-ticlake.com for more de-tails.

To submit items for the Arts Calendar, email: darcy.

[email protected].

Auditions “Snow White and the Seven or Eight Dwarfs” au-ditions for youths in grade one and above, Friday, Jan. 3, and Saturday, Jan. 4, by Giant Step Theatre. To sign up for an audition or for more information, email [email protected] with the child’s name, grade level and preference for a Friday evening or Saturday after-noon audition time. Registra-tion fee is $98. Information: LakevilleAreaCommunityEd.net, 952-232-2170.

Comedy Chris Franjola featuring Brent Terhune Dec. 27-29 at Mystic Lake Comedy Club. Tickets: $19. Information: mysticlake.com, 952-445-9000. Louie Anderson, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Burnsville Perform-ing Arts Center, 12600 Nicol-let Ave. Tickets range from $32.95 to $102.95 at the box office, by phone at 800-982-2787 or Ticketmaster.com. SNL Legends: Rob Sch-neider, Tim Meadows and Chris Kattan, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, Mystic Comedy Club in Prior Lake. Tickets: $45. Informa-tion: mysticlake.com, 952-445-9000.

Exhibits Best of Bonnie Feather-stone & Friends exhibit will be on display Dec. 19 through Feb. 1 in the art gallery at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Information: 952-895-4685, facebook.com/bonnieand-friends. Wildlife paintings by Rosemount artist Lynda Dyk-house are on display through December at the Robert Trail Library, 14395 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount. Winter Art Experience, an exhibit sponsored by the Eagan Art Festival and Ea-gan Art House, is on display through February at the Ea-gan Byerly’s, 1299 Prome-nade Place. Information: 651-675-5521. Savage Arts Council’s December exhibit features digital works by illustrator Franklin Haws. It can be

seen during business hours through Dec. 30 at Savage City Hall, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage.

Music The BoDeans, 8 p.m. Sat-urday, Dec. 28, at the Burns-ville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets are $40-$45 at the box office, by phone at 800-982-2787 or Ticketmaster.com. Cedar, “Human/Nature” CD release show, Saturday, Jan. 11, Amsterdam Bar and Hall, 6 W. Sixth St., St. Paul. Doors open at 6 p.m., mu-sic at 7 p.m. Admission: $7, $10 with pre-order of CD. Ticket link: ticketfly.com/event/447515. “Hope is Alive” benefit concert for St. Jude Chil-dren’s Research Hospital, 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Silent auction and activities begin at 5 p.m. Elvis tribute artists Steve and Tommy Mar-cio perform at 7 p.m. Tick-ets: $25 at the box office, by phone at 800-982-2787 or at Ticketmaster.com.

Theater “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells” Dec. 13-30 at Lakeville Area Arts Cen-ter, 20965 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville. Tickets: $13, www.lakevilleareaartscenter.com, 952-985-4640. The Church Basement La-dies in “A Mighty Fortress is our Basement,” 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. Tickets: $30 and $40 at the box office, by phone at 800-982-2787 or at Ticketmaster.com.

Workshops/classes/other Winter art classes are open for registration at the Eagan Art House. A class list is at http://www.cityofeagan.com/images/recreation/Ea-ganArtHouse/Fall_2013.pdf. Information: Eagan Parks and Recreation at 651-675-5500 or the Eagan Art House at 651-675-5521. Teen Poetry Jam/Rap Battle, 4-5 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Ap-ple Valley Teen Center, 14255 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, 952-953-2385. Ages 12-18. Adult painting open stu-

dio, 9 a.m. to noon Fridays at the Eagan Art House, 3981 Lexington Ave. S. Fee is $5 per session. Information: 651-675-5521. Drawing & Painting (adults and teens) with Chris-tine Tierney, 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, River Ridge Arts Building, Burnsville. In-formation: www.christinetier-ney.com, 612-210-3377. Teens Express Yourself with Paint, 5-7 p.m. Mon-days at Brushworks School of Art in Burnsville, www.BrushworksSchoolofArt.com, 651-214-4732. Drama/theater classes for ages 4 and up at River Ridge Arts Building, Burns-ville, 952-736-3644. Show Biz Kids Theater Class for children with spe-cial needs (ASD/DCD pro-grams), In the Company of Kids, 13710 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, 952-736-3644. Broadway Kids Dance and Theater Program for all ages and abilities, In the Company of Kids, 13710 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville (Co-lonial Shopping Center), 952-736-3644. Join other 55-plus adults at the Eagan Art House to create beaded jewelry. The Jewelry Club meets on the third Friday of each month from 1-3 p.m. Information: 651-675-5500. Soy candle making classes held weekly in Eagan near 55 and Yankee Doodle. Call Jamie at 651-315-4849 for dates and times. $10 per person. Presented by Making Scents in Minnesota. Country line dance classes held for intermedi-ates Mondays 1:30-4 p.m. at Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St., Farmington, $5/class. Call Marilyn 651-463-7833. Country line dance classes on Wednesdays at the Lakeville Senior Center, 20110 Holyoke Ave. Begin-ners, 9-10 a.m.; Intermediate, 10 a.m. to noon. $5/class. Call Marilyn 651-463-7833. The Lakeville Area Arts Center offers arts classes for all ages, www.lakevillemn.gov, 952-985-4640. Rosemount History Book Club meets 6:30-8 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Rob-ert Trail Library. Information: John Loch, 952-255-8545 or [email protected].

To submit items for the Family Calendar, email:

[email protected].

Friday, Dec. 27 “The Princess Bride,” 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Gal-axie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. Enjoy this bent fairy tale, complete with fencing, fighting, chases and escapes in a time when men were men and swamps were fire swamps, full of quicksand and rodents of unusual size, and the most beautiful wom-an in the world was named Buttercup. For all ages. Free. Information: 952-891-7045. “Despicable Me 2,” 2:30-5 p.m., Burnhaven Library, 1101 County Road 42 W., Burnsville. Comedy adven-ture featuring the return of super-villain Gru, the girls, the unpredictably hilarious Min-ions, and a host of new char-acters. Popcorn and cocoa provided. Ages: 6-15. Free. Information: 952-891-0300.

Saturday, Dec. 28 Free children’s concert led by Colorado-based duo Jeff and Paige, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Presbyterian Church of the Apostles, 701 E. 130th St., Burnsville. Information: 952-890-7877.

Monday, Dec. 30 Board Games, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Burnhaven Library, 1101 County Road 42 W., Burnsville. For all ages. Free. Information: 952-891-0300.

Tuesday, Dec. 31. Dakota County New Year’s Eve party, 5-8 p.m., Visitor Center, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff

Road, Eagan. Cost is $8 per person if pre-registered by Dec. 30 and $10 per person at the door. Children age 5 and younger are free. Infor-mation: dakotacounty.us/parks or 651-554-6530.

Friday, Jan. 3 Forever Wild Family Fri-day: Fun on the Ice, 7-8:30 p.m., Lebanon Hills Visi-tor Center, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan. Bring your own ice skates or try out the Visitor Center’s kicksleds. All ages. Free. Registration requested at www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks.

Saturday, Jan. 4 Ross Sutter – Animal Folklore, 11 a.m. to noon, Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center, Spring Lake Park Reserve, 8395 127th St. E., Hastings. Have fun dancing, singing and learning about animals. A Minnesota Legacy Program. All ages. Free. Reg-istration requested at www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks.

Tuesday, Jan. 7 Community Night – A Lunchbox & Snowshoe of Healthy Habits, 5-7 p.m., Valley Natural Foods, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville. Free family event that en-courages healthy habits in the new year. Includes free tastings and activities. Infor-mation: valleynaturalfoods.com/community/lunchbox-snowshoe-healthy-habits-community-night-january-7/.

Ongoing Alpha, 6-8:15 p.m. Mon-days, Jan. 13 to March 24 (no class Feb. 17), Hosanna

Church, 9600 163rd St. W., Lakeville. Explore the mean-ing of life through the Chris-tian faith in a relaxed and friendly environment. No cost. Register online: www.hosannalc.org.

Blood drives The American Red Cross will hold the following blood drives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. • Dec. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Culver’s, 3445 O’Leary Lane, Eagan. • Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan. • Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sam’s Club, 14940 Flor-ence Trail, Apple Valley. • Jan. 7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Messiah Lutheran Church, 16725 Highview Ave., Lake-ville. • Jan. 7, 2-7 p.m., Ameri-can Legion, 12375 Princeton Ave., Savage. • Jan. 8, 1-7 p.m., Wal-greens, 2200 Highway 13 E., Burnsville. • Jan. 9, 1-6 p.m., Hope Church, 7477 145th St., Ap-ple Valley. Memorial Blood Centers will hold the following blood drives. Call 888-GIVE-BLD or visit MBC.org to make an ap-pointment or for more infor-mation. • Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lifetime Fitness, 1565 Thomas Center Drive, Eagan. • Jan. 8, 8-11:45 a.m., US Federal Credit Union, 1400 Riverwood Drive, Burnsville.

That’s entertainment 2013

New Year’s with Louie

Happy Holidays from SunThisweek!

A selection of A&E headlines from 2013 | Concerts offer solace from the snow | An evening with the Man in Black | Hobbits are afoot | Oboe with your cup of Joe | Classical music – and an oenophile’s bounty | Bluegrass bash | ‘Hollywood’ comes to Burnsville | Controversy came with bestseller status for young-adult author | Another dimension of sight and sound | Take a stroll down musical lane | Piano prowess times two | Teens experience Myracle | Spinning a web of wonder | Comic is ‘Too Big to Ignore’ | Who killed Edwin Drood? You make the call | Last call for bluegrass | Local author returns with time-travel tale | Lakeville North grad to be Bon Jovi roadie | Slapstick beside the water cooler | Percussion ensemble Crash is crazy creative | Fairy tale on Bourbon Street | Indie film puts local actor on the big screen | Adventures in banjo land | Get your kilt ready for Minnesota Scottish Fair | Fairy tale love, against a backdrop of war | ‘Voice’ appearance is latest milestone for local singer | War comes to Farmington | ‘What Did You Say?’ author speaks up | Jazzed up at the Galaxie Library | Poetry prowess | Heartbeat: A dream that became reality | For latest role, local performer’s lips are sealed | The case of the ambitious young actor | Music at the market | For festival’s featured artist, photography is an adventure | The Immortal Bard, abridged | An unlikely muse | Exploring the magic of sound | Pixie dust aplenty | Bluegrass brings brothers together | Exploring a post-human future | Young actors head ‘under the sea’ | Sounds of summer | Fiesta in the woods | Peculiar percussion | Whole lotta shakin’ in Lakeville | Ramble Jam brings country to city | In Eagan, Beethoven with a modern twist | Shutterbug splendor | Ballet blossoms in south metro | Autumn brings ‘Harvest of Art’ | Farm family with a knack for the arts | Middle Ages come alive in Eagan | Lakeville actor has Hollywood on her resumé | Family reunion for Ole & Lena | Heart songs | 50 miles of fine art | Expert advice on visual wonders | Guitar virtuoso’s journey continues | One-man band on the mend | Rat Pack is back | Family artifact launched Civil War book project | Probing the hidden world of paranormal activity | Your own personal Santa | Artwork paints joyful noise | Stars align for bluegrass | Novel draws from dark chapter of family’s history | Technicolor dreams | Holiday hijinks | Author probes reptile mysteries | Animal art | Buffalo dreams and maps of spiritual territory | Windows into women’s worlds | Sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll come to North Dakota | A blast of Christmas facts | Calling for an ‘Encore’ | Holiday show features ‘world’s funniest first grader’ | It’s a ’50s Christmas | Compiled by Andrew Miller


ThisweekendThisweekend

Children’s theater group launches in Rosemount Backyard Bunch classes begin in January

It’s curtain call for children’s theater in Rosemount. Based at the city’s Steeple Center, Back-yard Bunch Children’s Theater will begin offer-ing classes for students in grades K-8 in January. Among the ini-tial class offerings are Speech Wars, focusing on monologues; Steal the Scene Without Say-ing a Word, touching on stage presence, mim-ing and slapstick com-edy; and Performance Puzzle, a general acting and stage management

course. Backyard Bunch di-

rector Amy Kamarainen, who previously operated the Young Actors The-ater Company in Eagan, said the new children’s theater group will have three or four instructors (in addition to her), with a maximum class ratio of 10 students for every one instructor. Classes will be offered evenings and weekends, with a summer camp schedule in the works. “It is a great new op-portunity for the Rose-mount area – one that is greatly needed for the south metro,” Kamara-

inen said of the launch of Backyard Bunch. “The skills kids learn are lifelong, whether they stay in drama or not.” The children’s theater group is a Rosemount Area Arts Council pro-gram, and is a sister or-ganization to The Front Porch Players, the com-munity theater group the arts council established last summer. More about Backyard Bunch, including class registration information, is at www.bbctmn.com.

—Andrew Miller

Amy Kamarainen

Post-‘Cougar Town,’ Cedar returns with new album

‘Human/Nature’ CD release show set Jan. 11 by Andrew Miller


Rock band Cedar has scored some major coups since the 2009 release of its debut album “Someday Soon.” They’ve opened for Hanson (of “MMMBop” fame), were featured on a Cities 97 sampler CD, and saw two of their songs aired on primetime TV – on ABC’s “Rookie Blue” and “Cougar Town.” “That was a pretty weird situation,” drum-mer Shawn Burtis said of the band’s song “Some-day Soon” appearing as background music on the Courtney Cox sitcom “Cougar Town.” “I’ve been told that (Cedar frontman Jesse Mathews’s) aunt is a hair stylist for Courtney Cox or something. Our tape was passed around at the stu-dio – it was kind of passed around the makeup room and made its way into the hands of the right people.” The band with roots in the Apple Valley-Eagan area – three members are Eastview High School graduates – is set to release its new album, “Human/Nature,” next month, with a CD release show set Jan. 11 at the Amsterdam Bar in St. Paul. Cedar has under-gone some changes since the release of “Someday Soon” four years ago, the most conspicuous being the name change. They were for-merly known as

Cedar Avenue – an hom-age to the north-south thoroughfare running

through their hometown of Apple Valley. “The name ‘Cedar Av-enue’ was kind of just an

o f f - t h e -cuff thing when we made the band in 2005,” said Burtis. “We decided that d r o p p i n g the ‘avenue’ s o u n d e d cooler, and it didn’t dis-tance us too far from the old name.” The band has also seen some lineup

changes. Mathews’ wife and Cedar’s keyboard-ist, Derrin, left the group about a year ago after the birth of the couple’s first child. Joining original mem-bers Burtis, Mathews and bassist Kyle Wachter are two new additions – gui-tarist Justin Lansdowne and keyboardist Nathana-el Raway. “We really didn’t know what the band would do after the last disc came out,” said Burtis. “It sounds kind of cli-che and corny, but we all just like hanging out with each other. A lot of the guys have one or two kids, but we still rehearse every

The members of Cedar are, from left, Kyle Wachter, Nathanael Raway, Jesse Mathews, Shawn Burtis and Justin Lansdowne. (Submitted photo by Jonker Portrait Gallery)

Thursday in Jesse’s base-ment – he has a neat little man cave where we have a glass of whiskey and play some tunes.” More about Cedar and the release of “Human/

Nature” is on the band’s website, www.cedarave-nuemusic.com.



Date post:	26-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	thisweek-newspapersdakota-county-tribune-business-weekly
View:	229 times
Download:	1 times

Twav 12 27 13

Documents