Dakota County briefs

Leslie Metzen, a longtime judge now working as a violence prevention advocate, has been appointed to the State Guardian Ad Litem Board by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Metzen will chair the seven-member group that will create and administer a program for guardians ad litem to advocate for the best interests of children, minor parents and incompetent adults in juvenile and family courts. The board will also work with the Legislature on budgets and guidelines for guardian ad litem programs.

Metzen, now the senior director of violence prevention at the Dakota County nonprofit 360 Communities, was a district court judge for 23 years before retiring in 2009.

Fire chief to retire next monthFire Chief Steve Harklerode will retire at the end of November after a 26-year career with the Burnsville Fire Department. He is the third fire chief in the department's history.

Harklerode joined the department in 1984 as an emergency medical technician and rose through the ranks. He was appointed chief in 2005.

The city expects to name a replacement by the end of the year.

Forum will focus on citizens' concernsA community forum on Thursday will give residents a chance to talk with local leaders about an array of topics, including education, the economy and workforce and civic engagement.

To get more information or register for the forum, go to www.360communities.org/events.aspx or call 952-985-4018.

Antiques appraisal fair scheduled SaturdaySouth-metro residents curious about that old antique or heirloom in the attic will have a chance to have it appraised, courtesy of the Burnsville Lions Club, at an event Saturday.

The appraisals will be conducted from 2-4 p.m. at Mary Mother of the Church, 3333 E. Cliff Road. Participants can bring up to two items and must pay a $10 admission fee. Five experts will be on hand to inspect items.

The Lions support local programs, including distributing eyeglasses to needy children. Donations of used glasses will be accepted at the show.

Door prizes will be given, including a $2,500 after-hours party at the Spectacle Shoppe and 10 $250 discounts on prescription eyewear.

Fire Station 1 plans open house TuesdayFire trucks, ambulances and police cars will be on display Tuesday during a fire department open house.

The event at Fire Station 1, 911 W. 140th St., will run from 5:30-8:30 p.m. There will be tours of the fire station and opportunities to meet firefighters and public safety personnel. Families are encouraged to come and learn how to make their houses safer and tour a fire safety house.

For more information, contact the Burnsville Fire Department at 952-895-4570 or visit www.burnsville.org/fire.