In the race for the 2nd District Congressional seat between incumbent Republican John Kline and DFL challenger Shelley Madore, a debate of sorts has erupted about whether to debate.

Madore, a former state representative from Apple Valley, held a news conference recently to tout her "35 Cent Tour" knocking Kline's no-earmarks stance and saying he had dodged multiple opportunities for public debates. Then she delivered a letter requesting a debate to Kline's office.

"Please allow the voters of our Congressional District the opportunity to learn enough about us to make an informed decision by participating in a debate with me," she wrote.

She also made an e-mail appeal to supporters asking for donations to be put toward ads, since "Kline won't communicate and won't debate in front of voters."

As for Kline, spokesman Troy Young issued a statement saying the congressman has been busy talking with constituents who share his frustration about wasteful spending and Washington's "increasing intrusion into their homes and workplaces."

He denied that Kline was avoiding debates. Young said Madore's letter was the first specific request from her campaign, and he pointed out that the pair are scheduled to appear on Minnesota Public Radio at the end of October.

"He looks forward to continuing his ongoing dialogue with his constituents in the coming weeks and engaging in an open exchange of ideas with his opponent at the Minnesota Public Radio debate set for next month," Young said.

DAKOTA COUNTY

Legislative candidate forum next weekThe Dakota County board and the Minnesota Inter-County Association are hosting a public forum for legislative candidates in the area on Oct. 4.

The event runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the county boardroom, 1590 Hwy. 55, Hastings. For more information, call Keith Carlson, 651-222-8737, or Gail Plewacki, 651-438-8179.

DAKOTA COUNTY

Libraries offer wireless printingPeople using laptops can now use the wireless network to print at Dakota County libraries.

Once a user connects to the library's wireless network, he or she can print pages for 15 cents per black-and-white copy or 50 cents per color copy.

The library's wireless service is free, and usage has more than doubled in the past two years. More than 40,000 connections were made in 2009, totaling more than 67,000 hours. More information is available online at www.dakotacounty.us/library.

BURNSVILLE

CPR training at Burnsville CenterAnyone who'd like to get some hands-on instruction in CPR can sign up for the Dakota County Heart Restart Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Survival Program next weekend at Burnsville Center.

The sessions are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday on Burnsville Center's lower level in the Macy's Court.

First responders will be on hand to provide free training for groups every 15 minutes. The training will familiarize participants with basic CPR skills that could help them revive a person who's experienced sudden cardiac arrest.

The sessions are sponsored by the Dakota County EMS Council and Take Heart Minnesota. For details, go to www .takeheartminnesota.org .

DAKOTA COUNTY

Lake Byllesby draw-down beginsThe annual water draw-down of Lake Byllesby, on the southern end of Dakota County, will begin Friday and last about 60 days.

The lake's water level is lowered each winter, and it will be refilled to its summer elevation in May.

KATIE HUMPHREY