Briefs: 'Passport Day' planned at Western Service site

Learn about and apply for passports on Saturday at the Western Service Center during its Passport Day in the USA 2012 event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

U.S. citizens interested in applying for a passport must bring a driver's license, a certified birth certificate and payment for fees. Federal fees can be paid by check or money order. Dakota County fees can be paid by check, money order or cash. The Western Service Center is located at 14955 Galaxie Av. in Apple Valley.

Information about passports and fees is available online at www.travel.state.gov or by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

More information about the Dakota County event can be found online at www.dakotacounty.us by searching for "passport day" or by calling 952-891-7577.

Gardening classes at county librariesIt's time to start thinking about spring, and Dakota County libraries are offering classes on two different gardening techniques during the next month.

On March 17, John Zweber will present "Square Foot Gardening" from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Robert Trail Library, 14395 S. Robert Trail in Rosemount. Zweber, who owns Easy Gardens by John, will explain how to construct and tend a garden box, an ideal solution for someone who doesn't have much space but is interested in growing some vegetables.

On March 20 and April 2, a speaker from the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District will discuss "Blue Thumb: Planting for Clean Water," an introduction to gardens that help keep pollutants out of the local water supply. Both workshops will begin at 6:15 p.m. and last until 8:15 p.m. The March 20 session will be at the Pleasant Hill Library, 1490 S. Frontage Road in Hastings; the April 2 session will be at the Farmington Library, 508 Third St. in Farmington.

New number for parks and rec hotlineRosemount has changed its phone number for parks and recreation information.

Now at 651-322-6020, the line provides around-the-clock recorded information on programs, weather cancellations, directions and special events.

State of the city address TuesdayRosemount Mayor Bill Droste will give the annual State of the City address on Tuesday at the Steeple Center, 14375 S. Robert Trail.

Droste will discuss ways the city plans to take advantage of improvements in the economy to enhance Rosemount's quality of life.

The speech will be before members of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. A luncheon will begin at noon, with the speech following. Members of the public are invited to attend and hear the speech at no charge. The lunch costs $15.