Briefs: Dakota County sheriff's captain promoted to commander

A 22-year veteran of the Dakota County Sheriff's Office has been promoted to commander.

Sheriff Dave Bellows appointed Dan Scheuermann, most recently captain of the patrol division, to the commander position to replace William (Blair) Anderson, who recently left the department to become chief deputy in Carver County.

Scheuermann has held a variety of positions during his career with Dakota County, including jail administrator, patrol sergeant and seven years as a detective with the Drug Task Force, during which time he and his canine partner Rajah were named one of the top drug detection canine teams in the country. He was also a member of the county's SWAT team for 15 years.

Bellows said, "Dan brings a wealth of experience to his new assignment as head of the Operations Division."

Burnsville could get a historical society, againThe Dakota County Historical Society wants to restart an informal chapter of its group in Burnsville.

There used to be a Burnsville chapter of the historical society that hosted programs and even published a book. There will be an introduction meeting about restarting the chapter on Feb. 23 at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center.

Those who attend the meeting can help decide what the chapter will do and what kinds of trips and programs it will host.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the art gallery.

Wakota Arena to get snow slide stop systemAfter heavy snowfall in November, snow on the metal roof of South St. Paul's Wakota Arena began breaking free and falling on the ground below, damaging cars.

To prevent that from happening again, the city has investigated a "snow slide stop" solution for metal roofs.

Last week, the city council chose contractor All Elements Inc. to install the snow stopper. The installation will cost the city about $13,600.

Bridge updatePile drivers are pounding 42-inch-wide steel poles into the Mississippi River bed for the new Hwy. 61 bridge in Hastings. The poles will be driven about 200 feet into the bed to support the $120 million arched bridge, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) said.

On the south banks, crews have drilled eight five-foot wide shafts into bedrock near the surface. The shafts will be filled with concrete to create footings for piers on the bank.

Dog sled rides at winter festDog sled rides will be available at the Winter Ritter Fest in Lakeville on Feb. 27.

Other activities at Ritter Farm Park include snowmobile rides by the Sno Trackers Snowmobile Club, a naturalist-led activity, snowshoeing, crafts, hot cocoa and a bonfire to toast s'mores. Bring your camera to get your picture taken with the Hastings Huskies sled dogs.

The fest, at 19300 Ritter Trail, runs from noon to 3 p.m.

The cost is $10 per vehicle. Dog sled rides for kids 13 and under will be $12 per child. Up to 3 children can ride together.

KATIE HUMPHREY,

NICOLE NORFLEET AND