Shakopee officials unveiled a blog last week to provide public updates about city projects, as well as better explain bureaucratic decisions.

The blog will feature contributions from each city department and provide an opportunity for residents to comment and ask questions.

"Shakopee city government is changing," City Administrator Bill Reynolds wrote in his introductory post. "This blog is a new tool that represents our changing approach to providing government services. It is designed not to tell you what we are doing as much as the 'why' behind what we do."

The effort is part of a larger initiative to improve community engagement and customer service in Shakopee.

Anyone with an idea for a potential blog topic should e-mail Kristin Doran, the communications coordinator, at kdoran@ShakopeeMN.gov.

Liz Sawyer

Eagan

Historical society to open original town hall

More than a century after Eagan's little white town hall was built in 1914, residents can tour the historic museum to learn about the community's past.

Starting May 4, the Eagan Historical Society will open the town hall, located on Pilot Knob Road. The small building was used into the 1960s for elected officials to balance the city budget and oversee public works projects.

Open houses will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 4 and May 18, and June 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More open-house hours may be posted on the city's website along with special events. A new plaza will be installed this spring to honor Eagan's first city administrator, Tom Hedges.

Liz Sawyer

Prior Lake

Council approves river crossing resolution

Prior Lake City Council recently voted 4-1 to support a proposed river crossing at Hwy. 41 to help alleviate traffic congestion in the south metro.

The potential bridge would provide another crossing over the Minnesota River, connecting Hwy. 212 in Chaska with Hwy. 169 in Shakopee and running parallel to Chaska's current Hwy. 41 bridge.

The project, carrying an estimated $400-600 million price tag, would relieve pressure on the 169 crossing — particularly when spring flooding renders existing roadways unusable.

"I think it's safe to say that the southwest metro quadrant needs more river crossing capacity," said Shakopee City Council Member Matt Lehman, who has been working on the initiative since 2002. "I don't believe that waiting another 30 years is realistic."

The Shakopee City Council recently passed its own resolution approving the project.

The Prior Lake resolution will now move to Scott County Neighbors and the Highway 169 Corridor Coalition, of which Prior Lake is a member. The coalition supports the 41 river crossing as a long term priority.

Liz Sawyer

Jordan

Leaders double down on solar power

The Jordan City Council voted unanimously Monday to contract with ReneSola Energy, moving forward with a plan to offset 120 percent of the city's electric load.

The partnership would subscribe Jordan to a solar garden in Waterville, scheduled for construction this year.

Officials have agreed on a fixed rate of $0.113 per kilowatt hour, saving the city an estimated $2.7 million over the next 25 years.

Liz Sawyer

Shakopee

Canterbury Park to open for racing May 5

Horse racing will reopen at Canterbury Park two weeks early this year, launching its 67-day season on May 5 — Kentucky Derby weekend.

"Derby Day is often the one day that the casual sports fan and excitement seeker comes to the racetrack, many for the first time," said Canterbury CEO Randy Sampson.

The track will live stream derby races, as well as hold its own Saturday afternoon. More wagering takes place on Derby Day than any other day at the Shakopee racetrack, where betting is expected to top $1.8 million this year.

Special events will follow throughout the season, including corgi (dog) racing and a July 3 fireworks program with live music at dusk.

Sunday events cater more to young families, offering free pony rides, face painting, and a petting zoo.

Last year, Canterbury Park averaged 7,000 in daily attendance.

General admission to Canterbury is $7, with additional cost for indoor, reserved seating. Admission increases to $9 on 11 designated premium days. Children 17 and under are admitted free; there's no charge for parking.

Liz Sawyer