Briefs: Shakopee man lauded for saving a life

"I couldn't watch someone drown, so I just did what I had to do."

That was Jacob Robinson's explanation behind a series of events that led to his being given the Morris A. Miller Award from Scott County last week for his bravery in saving a life.

The Shakopee man's award stems from the evening of July 26, when a 911 caller reported that a man was struggling in the water in Thole Lake south of Shakopee.

Before emergency units arrived, word came that the man was out of the water. A 25-year-old man from Brooklyn Park was found coughing and spitting up water, and later said he'd been trying to retrieve a model plane but winds kept it out of reach and he tired of chasing it.

Robinson, 26, told officers he'd been fishing from a pier when he noticed the man in trouble. He swam about 50 yards out and tugged him back to shore. He's just an average swimmer himself, he said. The award was given for risking his safety for another.

Free rides to Timberwolves gamesMetro Transit is offering free rides on buses and light-rail trains to Target Center for Timberwolves fans who can show game-day tickets.

The offer is good for every game, beginning two hours before each game's tipoff and ending two hours after the final buzzer. Be sure to keep your game ticket for the ride home.

No more rental video gear from ShakopeeShakopee's City Council has decided it no longer will offer video equipment for checkout by the public, because interest in the service has declined.

Officials say the equipment could wind up being sold. If it is, a notice will be placed on city websites, cable TV's bulletin board on Channel 15, and in print media.

Savage trail guide helps keep you fitSavage has issued a 24-page guide to routes for walking, running and biking.

It's pocket-sized to make it easy to keep in a vehicle, a bike storage pouch or a backpack. Suggested routes range up to two miles in length.

Funding for the guide came from the Carver-Scott Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP).

Free ice skating this weekendin Burnsville
Free ice skating time and skate rentals will be offered Sunday when Burnsville celebrates National Skating Month at the Burnsville Ice Center.

The observance -- which also includes prizes such as T-shirts, sports bags and gloves -- will last from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The Burnsville-Minnesota Valley Figure Skating Club and the city's "Learn to Skate" program are sponsoring the event. Professionals and instructors will be there to offer free lessons and demonstrations.

The center is located at 251 Civic Center Pkwy. For more information, call 952-895-4651.

Free eye exams and glasses offered for Scott County kidsUninsured children who've failed a vision test may qualify for free eye exams and glasses from the Edina Eye Clinic in Shakopee.

Call the county at 952-496-8674 to sign up.

Savage offers rental space for your next gathering

Savage is trying to get the word out on the availability of the Aspen Room at its McColl Pond Environmental Learning and Event Center for weddings, reunions and the like.

The room offers pond views and space for 100 guests, and there's an outdoor patio, catering kitchen and audio/video equipment. The building opened in 2008.

Rental rates are available online at www.cityofsavage.com/rent. They vary, but on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays it's $75 an hour for residents, $110 for nonresidents, or half that for nonprofits. To learn more, call the Rec office at 952-224-3420.