Briefs: Savage seeks proposals for historic depot

The city of Savage is looking for a new use for its historic railway depot. Built in 1880, the Savage Depot is owned by the city and is currently being used as a restaurant. But that lease expires June 30, opening up the space for a new tenant.

The city is seeking proposals for the space that will fit with the character of downtown Savage. Those interested in the space can submit applications until 4 p.m. on March 9. Further information is available at www.ci.savage.mn.us; click on "Latest News."

Residents are invited to a drug and alcohol prevention program sponsored by the Burnsville Police Department, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 and Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge. The free event will feature teens sharing their personal stories of addiction and recovery — and how they kept the substance abuse hidden from their parents.

Prevention specialists will also speak on current trends, root causes of chemical dependency and effective means of intervention. The event will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in the cafeteria at Nicollet Junior High, 400 E. 134th St., Burnsville.

Start thinking spring by attending the Blue Thumb Native Plant Workshop on Feb. 25 at Burnsville City Hall.

The introductory workshop will include examples of ways that Burnsville residents have cultivated native plant gardens, rain gardens and native shoreline stabilization projects. There will also be information about grant programs and financial incentives for natural plant gardens.

The free workshop begins at 6:15 p.m. and is open to all Dakota County residents. For more information, go to www.burnsville.org/bluethumb.

The help session in the library computer lab is presented by the Dakota County Law Library, Legal Assistance of Dakota County, the Minnesota Justice Foundation and volunteer attorneys and law students.

It will runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Register in advance by calling 952-431-3200.

The Shakopee Library is hosting a seminar Tuesday, Feb. 10, on using social media for business.

People who attend the class from 6 to 8 p.m. will learn which social networks are best for their businesses. The class will also cover tips for getting started and reaping the most benefits from social media.

Participants should bring their smartphones, tablets or laptops if they have them. The library is located at 235 Lewis St. S., Shakopee.

Renters or homeowners who need help paying for home heating or furnace repairs can apply for a grant through the Dakota/Scott/Carver Energy Assistance Program.

The federal program, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, gives grants based on household size, income, fuel type and energy usage. Grants to pay heating bills are sent directly to the utility company. Eligible families can also receive assistance with discounted energy bills, disconnection notices and energy bills that are past due.

For more information, including eligibility guidelines and applications, call 651-322-3500 or go to www.capagency.org.

Turn recycled materials into a journal Thursday at the Wentworth Library.

Participants will make a hardcover post book for binding paper into a journal or sketch pad. The screw post can be removed to later add or subtract sheets from the book.