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.
BURNSVILLE
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.
The nonprofit 360 Communities is hosting the event from 7-9 p.m. in the media center at Burnsville High School. Attendees can discuss issues facing the community and learn about ways to get involved.