Burnsville

Warmth delays starts for rinks, ski trails

Burnsville's outdoor skating rinks, warming houses, cross-country ski trails and the Terrace Oaks Ski Chalet were scheduled to open this past weekend, but the weather was too warm. The city said a few more weeks may be needed to get things going. At least six inches of snow are needed for the city's maintenance staff to start grooming the two cross-country trails.

For further information, go to www.burnsville.org/rinks or www.burnville.org/trails.

Shakopee

Wild's CFO to speak at Chamber meeting

Jeff Pellegrom, chief financial officer for the Minnesota Wild, will be the guest speaker when the Shakopee Chamber and Visitors Bureau holds its annual Builders Business Luncheon on Jan. 14. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ridges at Sand Creek, 21775 Ridges Dr., Jordan.

During his presentation, Pellegrom will look at four areas: brand building, customer service, sustainability/green efforts, and research and development. The cost is $35 per person, or $25 with a member discount. To register, go to www.shakopee.org or contact Jessy Annoni at 952-445-1660 or jannoni@shakopee.org.

Transit merger will take effect Jan. 1

Beginning Jan. 1, Shakopee Transit will be managed by Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) as a merger between the two operators takes effect. With the merger, Shakopee's Circulator service and the BlueXpress commuter service (offered jointly by Shakopee Transit and Prior Lake Laker Lines) will be consolidated into MVTA's service.

MVTA has no immediate plans to change current service but is looking to add express service to the Marschall Road Transit Station.

Additionally, as of Dec. 31, Shakopee Circulator fares will increase as follows:

• For rush hour service (6-9 a.m. and 3-6:30 p.m.), to $2.25

• For non-rush hour, to $1.75 for adults and $.75 for youth and senior citizens.

The city's website says the fare increase is needed for the service to remain compliant with regional transit fare structure. Commuter service fares will not increase.

For more information, go to www.ShakopeeMN.gov/transit or www.mvta.com.

Shakopee/ SCOTT CouNTY> Residents have tree recycling options

Residents of Shakopee and Scott County are invited to drop off their Christmas trees at no charge at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Organics Recycling Facility. Trees will be accepted between Dec. 26, and Jan. 17. The facility, at 1905 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and also the first three Saturdays in January (Jan. 3, 10, 17).

Some notes from the city:

• "The trees must be free of tinsel, flocking and other non-compostable material.

• "Garlands and spruce tops will be accepted as long as metal and other non-compostable items are a minor component. • "Wreaths will be accepted as long as the metal cage is removed prior to drop-off."

For further information, visit www.smscorf.com.

Residential pickup

In Shakopee, Republic Services will collect Christmas trees, wreaths and garland the weeks of Jan. 5 and Jan. 12. The fee is $5 for each item and will be included in customers' bills.

Republic says;

• Residents, including those with alley service, should place trees at the curb directly in front of their property on your normal service day.

• Remove all decorations and ornaments.

• No white-flocked trees.

• Do not put the tree in a plastic bag.

• Wreaths and garland with wire must be thrown in your garbage cart.

For questions, call Republic at 952-941-5174 or City Hall at 952-233-9300.

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