South metro

Open house seeks opinion on radio-controlled planes

An open house this evening seeks public comment on a proposal to allow radio-controlled model airplanes at Cleary Lake Regional Park in Scott County.

The event is Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., at the park, located at 18106 Texas Av., Prior Lake.

Three Rivers Park District and Scott County staff have discussed with the Minnesota Valley Radio Control Club a request for an airfield.

The club previously flew at a site in Shakopee's industrial park, but can't any longer.

A site at Spring Lake Park Reserve, operated by Dakota County Parks, is being closed due to a regional trail. And a site in Jordan is prone to flooding.

Radio-controlled airplanes are not operated anywhere on Three Rivers or Scott County parkland.

The prime site being considered is in the far southwest section of Cleary Lake park, a former farm field with no designated recreational uses during the flying season. A cross-country ski trail runs through the northern portion during the winter.

Aircraft would be limited to flying in this area and would not be allowed over other portions of the park. Users would be required to purchase a pass and have insurance.

The open house will provide information about the club's proposal.

Club members will provide demonstration flights, and open house attendees will be asked to provide feedback. If you are unable to attend the open house and have comments or questions, e-mail feedback@threeriversparkdistrict.org.

Shakopee

'Pumpkins in the Park' is this weekend

The 8th Annual Pumpkins in the Park is coming up this weekend in Shakopee.

It's billed as a "family friendly, non-scary Halloween celebration" for children ages 10 and under. It has been known to draw as many as 2,000.

This year it's Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Veteran's Memorial Park, 1801 East County Road 101.

There's a trick or treat trail, inflatable jumpies, games, beverage and cookie station, face painting, a pick-a-pumpkin patch, and a chance to meet Snoopy and his Peanuts gang.

Come in costume. Tickets are $5 per child, adults are free, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit www.shakopee.org or contact Jessy Annoni at 952.445.1660 or jannoni@shakopee.org.

Prior Lake

Fire department holds open house

The Prior Lake Fire Department's Open House takes place on Thursday.

The event runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Fire Station No. 2, 3906 Station Place NW.

It includes fire truck rides, fire hose spray, and smoke house survival demonstrations as part of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-11.

Club Prior activities: Zumba, health care

Zumba Gold classes are being offered at Club Prior on a new day and at a new time.

The free class is Tuesdays from 1:30—2:15. No registration required; all are welcome!

Also coming up:

Understanding Medicare — An Overview: Oct. 22, 10 a.m. The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging will answer questions about Medicare.

Among them: what is covered by Parts A, B, C & D, supplement options, changes to Medicare, personal costs, "the Donut Hole" and eligibility for extra help with prescription drugs.

Changes to Medicare and examples of Medicare fraud and abuse will be discussed. You will be introduced to the services of Senior Linkage Line. Free! No registration required.

The New Science of Diabetes Prevention: Oct. 23, 7-8 p.m. About 40 percent of the population is now diabetic or prediabetic. Four out of ten have blood sugar problems.

This class teaches you how to choose carbohydrates wisely. Learn a simple formula to detect the hidden sugar you consume every day that puts you at risk for diabetes.

The Prior Lake Lions Club awarded Club Prior money to fund this class. It is free but does require registration. Register online or call or stop by Club Prior. The number is 952-447-9783. The Web address is www.cityofpriorlake.com/clubprior.

Staff reports