People curious about law enforcement can get a peek inside the criminal justice system by participating in the new Citizen Academy to be offered this spring by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office.
The classes, designed to give residents a chance to learn more about law enforcement in local communities, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays from March 1 through April 19.
A wide range of topics will be covered, from history of the sheriff's office to handling of traffic stops. The judicial process will be discussed, and a Taser demonstration is planned.
Anyone interested in signing up for the Citizen Academy can contact Capt. Jim Rogers at the Dakota County Sheriff's Office, at 651-438-4721 or jim.rogers@co.dakota.mn.us.
BURNSVILE
Community awardsFive people who have worked to make Burnsville a better place have been honored by the city with Community Builder Awards.
The annual awards recognize community building, acts of bravery and lifelong impacts on quality of life in Burnsville.
Amie Burrill of the Burnsville Convention and Visitors Bureau was recognized for leading the effort to get the city recognized by Rand McNally and USA Today as one of the nationwide finalists for "Best Small Town for Food."
School District 191 Band Director Gregory Sylvestor won the award for his musical and volunteer contributions, including his compositions to honor Burnsville and Heart of the City and bugle playing at memorial services.