South news briefs: Shakopee rail crossings will close

Shakopee

Beware: city's rail crossings will close

Three railroad crossings in downtown Shakopee will close for major repairs this week, city officials warn.

On Friday, crews will begin moving in equipment on Second Avenue. They plan to close the crossings at Holmes Street, Fuller Street and Atwood Street early Saturday.

Second Avenue will also be closed between Lewis Street and Scott Street. The crossings at Lewis Street and Scott Street will remain open.

Workers will yank railroad tracks from about 100 feet west of Lewis Street to about 350 feet east of Scott Street. They will install a new electrical system at the three crossings.

Work is supposed to be done by Monday, with the action happening from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. over the weekend.

The backup week in case of weather problems is Oct. 24-27.

Union Pacific discovered problems that will require removing the tracks, repairing the road bed, installing drain tile and a new signal system before reinstalling the tracks.

In a statement, city officials said the new "system should address the delays motorists have been experiencing in recent weeks as trains have been stopping and moving more slowly through the downtown."

They called the work a "major inconvenience for residents and businesses in downtown Shakopee."

Updates will go on the website at www.ShakopeeMN.gov.

City creating advisory group for biking

Shakopee's City Council is assembling a Bicycle Advisory Committee.

The goal is to "help promote active living and provide safe and accessible routes to cyclists in the community," a statement said.

The goal is five to seven members advising the Park & Recreation Advisory Board.

Members are to serve two- to three-year terms.

Application information will be posted on the city website. For more information, contact Kyle Sobota at (952) 233-9349.

'Show off Shakopee' seeks your photos

Shakopee is calling for pictures of itself for a photo contest.

It's the 2014 Show Off Shakopee Photo Contest, open to amateur and professional photographers who live, work or attend school in town.

A panel of city staffers will evaluate entries on subject matter, composition, clarity, lighting, artistry, technical excellence and overall impact.

One winner will be selected in each of four seasonal categories; one will be overall Grand Prize winner, for a cash prize of $75. The others get $50.

Winners are announced in a 2015 Hometown Messenger, featured on the city website and may be displayed at City Hall.

Entry forms and requirements are at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/showoffshakopee or at City Hall.

Submissions are due by Oct. 31, by e-mail to showoffshakopee@ShakopeeMN.gov or mailed or dropped off City Hall, Attn: Show Off Shakopee, 129 Holmes St. S., 55379.

Prior Lake

Council candidate forum is Oct. 21

Candidates for school board and City Council seats in Prior Lake will take part in a public forum this month.

The Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event, on Oct. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, 4646 Dakota St. SE.

School board candidates will appear from 6-7:30 p.m. and City Council candidates from 7:30-9 p.m.

Candidates will respond to prepared questions and questions from the audience.

On the council side, incumbent Mike McGuire faces challengers Andy Gonyou and Annette Thompson in a quest for two four-year terms in the Nov. 4 election.

The forum will be broadcast live and rebroadcast on PLTV, and be available on demand on the city's website.