South metro town briefs

DAKOTA COUNTY

The future of the Vermillion River and its surroundings will be the topic of two workshops giving residents a chance to weigh in on a new plan for the corridor.

The plan's purpose, the county says, is to "protect water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, provide recreational opportunities, and set a foundation for future growth."

Workshops are next Wednesday, Dec. 2, and Monday, Dec. 7. Both are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at a county building at 4100 220th St. W., Farmington.

Planners are seeking ideas for where to do voluntary restoration projects, such as stabilizing banks or restoring prairie grasses. A draft Vermillion River Corridor Plan is due to be compiled by early next year.

To RSVP or find out more, call 952-891-7000 or e-mail water@co.dakota.mn.us.

PRIOR LAKE

A special bow hunt to reduce the excess deer population at Spring Lake Regional Park starts this week and lasts through Dec. 6.

Scott County is working with the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base to organize the archers. Signs are up at access points to tell folks about it. The city of Prior Lake has posted a map of the hunt boundaries at www.cityofpriorlake.com/images/huntsitemap.jpg.

"The hunt is planned because deer can be destructive to adjacent properties if their numbers grow too large," the city says. "Moreover, they can constitute a hazard for vehicles."

Prior Lake's annual Holiday Dazzle is Dec. 4 in the downtown area, near City Hall.

Events are from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and include live music, a parade, fireworks, vendors, games, a tree lighting, and Santa at City Hall.

Donations to the Tree of Warmth (mittens, gloves, warm socks, boots, snowpants, hats) from students in the Prior Lake-Savage schools will be accepted at City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce office, the YMCA, Village Market, Home Accents, ETC and Integra Telecom until Dec. 11.

SAVAGE

WinterFest in Savage is Dec. 3 in the downtown area, meaning 123rd Street from Natchez to Princeton Avenue.

Events are from 4:30 to 8 p.m. and include pictures with Santa throughout; a 5:45 p.m. performance by the St. John's choir outside the Savage Depot, a 6:15 p.m. tree lighting ceremony, a 6:30 p.m. performance by the M.W. Savage Choir, a 6:45 p.m. Center Stage Dance performance at Neisen's Event Center, and a 7:30 p.m. performance by the Minnesota Valley Gymnastics Group at Neisen's.

LAKEVILLE

The Downtown Lakeville Business Association (DLBA) will host its 13th Annual Holiday on Main on Dec. 5. Activities will take place at the Lakeville Mall (Post Office location), the Lakeville Area Arts Center, McGuire Middle School and the Lakeville Senior Center.

Food will be available along with free entertainment. Downtown businesses will be offering special sales, promotions and treats to customers. Participating retailers will have a snowman displayed on their storefront.

Storytelling and singing will get the holiday season started at the Heritage Library. At 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5, storyteller Jake Esau will share Hans Christian Anderson fairy tales, including the Ugly Duckling and the Princess and the Pea. Then, at 2 p.m. on Dec. 9, the Now & Then Singers from Lakeville North High School will perform a show. Both events are free. The library is at 20085 Heritage Drive.

Five musical shows are planned for the Christmas season at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, starting Dec. 5.

An old-timey six-piece, Simple Gifts, will play a mix of carols and other Christmas music at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The South Metro Chorale will perform "master works of the world's greatest composers" as well as favorite holiday songs at 4 p.m. Dec. 6. The Copper Street Brass Quintet will perform original music and holiday songs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12. And a capella group InPulse will sing Christmas tunes old and new during two shows, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19.

For prices, tickets and more information, see www.lakevillemn.gov or call 952-985-4640.

BURNSVILLE

Burnsville will hold its winter lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. today at in the Performing Arts Center Plaza. A 30-foot tree will be lit along with 200 streetlight snowflakes and 200,000 mini-lights. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided.

DAVID PETERSON, DEAN SPIROS AND DYLAN BELDEN