South metro briefs: Lakeville to sell senior center for $345,000

Lakeville has agreed to sell its old senior center for its appraised value of $345,000 to a Rosemount church.

The City Council voted 5-0 last week to sell the center to the Rose Mountain Spiritual Community Center, which plans to use the 28-year-old building as a nondenominational church and fellowship hall, said city Community Development Director Dave Olson.

He said the church agreed to pay $200,000 at closing and the balance with interest of about 4.25 percent over three years under a contract for deed. The proceeds, less $119,300 to repay a federal loan on the center, will help pay for the $1.1 million renovation of the recently opened Heritage Center for seniors, veterans and historical society members.

The council also approved paying $80,444 in cost overruns to subcontractors for additional work at Heritage.

An open house will be held next Sunday at the Heritage Center, at 20110 Holyoke Av. A waffle breakfast fundraiser will be held from 8 a.m. until noon, followed by other events until 3 p.m.

Property taxes for second half of 2012 due Dakota County property taxes for the second half of 2012 are due Oct 15.

Payments mailed to the county must be postmarked by midnight Oct. 15 or a late fee will be applied. Penalties are listed on the back of the property tax statement.

For information about other payment options, see www.co.dakota.mn .us/HomeProperty/PayingProperty Taxes/default.htm or call 651-438-4576 for questions about tax statements.

Go behind the scenes at fire department The Burnsville Fire Department will hold its annual open house from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 11 at Fire Station No. 1, 911 W. 140th St. (between Target and Kohl's) in Burnsville.

Families are invited to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the fire station; meet firefighters and public safety personnel; explore fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles; and take part in interactive fire demonstrations.

The open house will include refreshments, giveaways and fire helmets for the kids.

The department urges residents to plan and practice their escape from fires and have two ways out of the house.

Bowlers wanted for youth fundraiser Local mentoring group Kids 'n Kinship is looking for participants and sponsors for its annual bowl-a-thon to raise money for its programs.

Businesses and community groups can have their name on a lane for $200; bring four bowlers with pledges totalling $100; support a team at the $50 level, or donate goods or gift certificates for a silent auction.

The bowling is 12:30-3 p.m. Nov. 4 at Cedarvale Lanes in Eagan.

Donations help the organization with its mission of matching volunteer mentors with children in need of support. For more information, contact Kids 'n Kinship at 651-686-0990, rykinship@aol.com or www.kidsnkinship.org.

Disabled American Vets seeking members The Disabled American Veterans' South of the River Chapter is seeking new members from Dakota County and elsewhere in the south metro area.

"Here in the south metro, we see a real need to respond to generations of local veterans. We invite you to come and see if the D.A.V. is the right organization for you," according to a statement from the group. "We shared the common experience of military service, and we want to continue through building a Chapter of our own.

The group will meet at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Lakeville VFW meeting room. Call 651-291-1212 for more information.