Dakota county news briefs: Interactive crime map and officer of the year

Burnsville police have launched an online map of crime locations in the city.

The department is making the information available to allow Burnsville residents to see where crimes take place, submit anonymous tips and register to be notified of crime alerts for their neighborhood.

The map is intended to help residents better understand crime trends and help lower crime in their area, said Burnsville Police Chief Eric Gieseke. "The ultimate goal of this product is to help make our community even safer," he said.

To view the crime map, see www.burnsville.org/crimemap.

Burnsville police officer Brian J. Hasselman was recognized as officer of the year for 2013 by the department for exceptional service and dedication to the city of Burnsville and its residents.

Hasselman has served the department for eight years. He patrols streets and responds to emergency calls with a police dog.

"Officer Hasselman leads by example with his positive influence and high level of enthusiasm," the department said in a news release.

The event at Nicollet Junior High, 400 E. 134th St., will cost $5 per child for admission. Parents and grandparents are free.

The afternoon will include games, prizes, open gym, arts and crafts, cookie decorating and more.

The event is intended as a spring break outing for parents and grandparents with their children and grandchildren.

Registration is requested by March 24 at www.burnsville.org/recreation or by phone at 952-895-4500.

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization is seeking public comment to develop its next 10-year plan to improve water quality and the overall health of the watershed.

Community conversations allow people living in the watershed to express their views about water resource issues and priorities that the Joint Powers Organization Board will consider as the watershed plan is developed.

Each meeting will include discussions of water resource issues and strategies to achieve water resource goals. Reservations are recommended; e-mail water@co.dakota.mn.us or call 952-891-7000.

Twenty communities and townships in central Dakota County and eastern Scott County are completely or partly included in the Vermillion River Watershed. To learn more or find out if you live in the watershed, see www.vermillionriverwatershed.org.

The Dakota County Library, Portico Healthnet and Dakota County Community Services have added three more evening workshops to assist people in applying for new MNsure health care programs before the open enrollment deadline of March 31. MNsure is a one-stop health insurance marketplace where Minnesotans can get help, compare plans and choose from a variety of companies to find quality and affordable coverage.

The workshops, all from 6 to 8 p.m., will be Wednesday at Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan; March 25, at Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Av., Apple Valley; and March 27 at Burnhaven Library, 1101 W. County Road 42, Burnsville. Attendees must call the library to register. Wescott is at 651-450-2900; Galaxie is at 952-891-7045; and Burnhaven is at 952-891-0300.

Eagan residents are invited to joined Mayor Mike Maguire Thursday for the annual State of the City Address. A meet and greet session will take place at 7:30 a.m., followed by the address at 8 a.m. Both will be at the Eagan Fire Safety Center, 1001 Station Trail.

Maguire will reflect on accomplishments of the past year and goals for the future. Those who can't attend in person can watch a live stream on the city's website.

The event is being hosted by the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce.