Briefs: Eagan Rotary Foundation grant applications due on Wednesday

Community organizations that are based in or focus on Eagan may submit grant proposals for projects that support Eagan-based initiatives from the 2012 Eagan Rotary Foundation Community Service Fund.

Established in 1987, the Eagan Rotary Foundation has awarded grants for hundreds of projects, providing nearly $1 million to education, social service, youth, arts and civic organizations and agencies.

The Rotary Club of Eagan is accepting grant applications through Wednesday. Those selected will be notified around Nov. 5. Grants will be presented at the annual awards ceremony at noon Nov. 21 at the Eagan Community Center. The awards program is open to the public and lunch will be served.

Each grant recipient will be given an opportunity to describe their organization's mission and explain how the grant will further its goals.

For an application and grant criteria, please send a request to info@eaganrotary.org.

All outdoor fires banned in county Because of a lack of rainfall, low humidity and extremely dry conditions, all outdoor burning and recreational fires have been banned in Dakota County following a recommendation issued by the Dakota County Fire Chiefs Association. Outdoor fires are prohibited until further notice.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has given Dakota County a "very high" fire danger rating, meaning fires start very easily and spread quickly.

May said $2.9 million in bonds were issued in 2005 and would mature in 2016. He said the bonds will be paid off early with surplus funds from the water usage bills, connection fees and surcharges.

Chamber will host candidates forum The Burnsville Chamber of Commerce will host a forum for Burnsville candidates for mayor and City Council at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Burnsville City Hall.

The forum will be shown on Burnsville Community Television Ch. 16.

Candidates for mayor are Elizabeth Kautz, the incumbent, and Jerry Willenburg. Two seats are open on the City Council. The candidates are Steve Cherney, Bruce Johnson, Suzanne Nguyen and incumbent Mary Sherry.

Tax payments are due Monday Dakota County property taxes for the second half of 2012 are due Monday.

Taxes may be paid at the Administration Center in Hastings Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or at the Western Service Center in Apple Valley and the West St. Paul Northern Service Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, see www.co.dakota.mn.us/Home Property/PayingProperty Taxes/default.htm or call 651-438-4576 for questions about tax statements.

Bicycle donations needed An Apple Valley man is collecting used bikes for his annual bike sale benefiting a local nonprofit that matches kids with adult mentors.

Rick Anderson says he's raised more than $22,000 with his first four sales, and the fifth will be held next spring. He takes used bikes, fixes them up and sells them, with all the proceeds going to Kids 'n Kinship. Last year, he refurbished, sold and donated 155 bikes of all makes, models and sizes.

To donate a bike, contact Anderson to arrange a pickup or dropoff time. He can be reached at 952-322-4729 or ricka@pcgagencies.com.

Entries sought for Touchstone awards Dakota Electric Association is taking applications for the Touchstone Energy Community Award, which recognizes nonprofits, community organizations and businesses with a strong commitment to the community.

In 2012, the local energy coop will give out three of the awards, each of which includes a $500 cash prize. One award recipient will be chosen to contend against other award winners for the $1,000 statewide award.

The application deadline is Nov. 1. Applicants are evaluated on project scope, use of resources and the value to the community. For judging criteria and an application, call Suzie May at 651-463-6234 or see www.dakotaelectric.com.

Dakota Electric Association provides electricity to more than 100,000 members throughout Dakota County and portions of Goodhue, Rice and Scott Counties.