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West metro briefs: Orono getting tough on snowmobiles in park

February 27, 2016 at 6:36AM

Planners unveiled this rendering last week as part of a lakefront improvement plan for Wayzata. The plans include new bike lanes, beach improvements, a lake walk and an eco park. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Orono is stepping up enforcement of snowmobiling on Lake Minnetonka's Big Island.

The city has gotten several complaints this winter of snowmobiles running around the 56-acre nature park on the island, where motor vehicles including all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles are prohibited.

Orono police don't have snowmobiles to enforce local and state rules, so last week the city approved a change in its code to allow the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Three Rivers park police and officers with the state Department of Natural Resources to watch the island.

Snowmobiling in the nature park is a misdemeanor.

KELLY SMITH

EDINA

Nanne's steakhouse cleared for liquor

The City Council has granted a liquor license to Minnesota hockey legend Lou Nanne for a new restaurant set to open in mid-March.

Lou Nanne's steakhouse will take over the space at 7651 France Av. S. once occupied by Romano's Macaroni Grill. The restaurant was approved for a full liquor license, including Sunday sales.

JOHN REINAN

EDEN PRAIRIE

Police: Watch out for tree-trim scammers

Eden Prairie police have received multiple reports in the last few weeks about self-proclaimed tree trimmers going door-to-door, collecting cash to trim trees and then not completing the job.

Similar incidents have been reported in Minnetonka and Bloomington, and investigators think they may be linked.

According to officials, the scammers ask homeowners for cash up front, do a minimal amount of work and then say they'll be back the next day to finish up. They may also collect an additional advance against the next day's work.

But they never return. When the homeowner tries to follow up, they find the phone number given them is fake.

Police warn homeowners not to pay in advance. They should check the company's registration and insurance documents, as well as references, before work is done.

JOHN REINAN

ST. LOUIS PARK

City offers planting trees for sale

St. Louis Park is offering trees for sale at discounted prices, beginning March 1.

Each resident may purchase up to three trees for $35 each. Trees will be ordered through the city's program partner, Tree Trust, for St. Louis Park property owners only. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/hqdvpcp.

JOHN REINAN

WAYZATA

City unveils design plans for lakefront

Planners unveiled design drawings of a lakefront improvement plan last week to a packed, standing room-only meeting in Wayzata.

The plans include new bike lanes, beach improvements, a lake walk, railroad crossings and an eco park. Construction costs for all possible projects are estimated at $19 million, to be funded with a mix of private and public money. The plans will go to the City Council in April for discussion.

The aim is to make Lake Street more pedestrian- and bike-friendly and improve access to Lake Minnetonka, which is cut off from downtown by BNSF railroad tracks. It's part of a 10-year concept plan approved in 2014 to make Wayzata a year-round destination and improve the lakefront.

Some critics have questioned the cost and raised the possibility that the city of 4,200 will become a "playground for the western metro area." For more information, go to wayzatalakeeffect.com.

KELLY SMITH