Dakota County news briefs: Zoo honors carnivore specialist

One of the people responsible for taking care of the Minnesota Zoo's largest carnivores has been named the zoo's 2012 Zookeeper of the Year.

Ben Sutton, a St. Paul resident who's worked for the zoo for eight years, was nominated by a coworker. He works on the zoo's Northern Trail, primarily with carnivores including grizzly bears, Amur leopards, Amur tigers and dholes. He also specializes in training and enrichment, especially with the three grizzly bears in the Russia's Grizzly Coast exhibit, the zoo said.

"He distinguishes himself by consistently going above and beyond to take exceptional care of the Minnesota Zoo's Northern Trail carnivores," said the zoo's director of biological programs, Kevin Willis.

Before coming to the zoo, Sutton worked at a humane society in Colorado for three years. He received an associate of applied science degree in zookeeping technology from Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs.

The Eagan Police Department announced that one of its police dogs, Zebo, died about a week ago after surgery for an intestinal disorder. While recovering from the surgery, the dog contracted pneumonia and had to be euthanized.

Zebo served the department for five years with officer Robbe Waller. The two made frequent public appearances together and apprehended many criminals, according to the city of Eagan's website. The department is left with one police dog, Badger, but will pursue locating and training another animal.

Celebrate Earth Day on April 20 by participating in the Hastings Area Birding Day at the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center. The day will include a bird banding demonstration, morning and afternoon birding excursions, and a "Youth Big Day Birding Competition," among other events. You must register for the youth birding competition. The cost of the day is $2.50 with an optional $10 box lunch. To register or for more information, call 651-437-4359. You may register on the day of the event by going to the nature center between 7:30 and 8 a.m. The day's events begin at 8 a.m. and end just after 4 p.m. Meet at the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S.

Burnsville wants to hear from residents, business owners and community organizations about their experience with cable and community media in the city.

The city has opened an online survey for people to comment on the cable system, cable provider and customer service; public, educational and government access television in Burnsville, and opportunities for community media and technology now and in the future.

The survey is available at www.burnsville.org/cablefranchise. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

The city wants the information because it is preparing for upcoming cable franchise renewal negotiations with Comcast.

Ebenezer Ridges Care Center of Burnsville has been named one of the best nursing homes in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The center received a five-star rating from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for its overall performance the areas of health inspections, nurse staffing and quality of medical care. The center offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care for short and long term stays, and services including adult day care, child care and intergenerational care.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 52811 will create a butterfly garden at Lawshe Park on May 29 to earn their Girl Scout bronze awards. As part of the project, troop members are asking residents and businesses to adopt live butterflies for $10 each to be released during the planting of the garden. There will be 150 butterflies available. Profits will go toward the future purchase of plants and flowers at Lawshe Park to attract butterflies. The troop also needs volunteers to help on the day of the event. To adopt butterflies or to have an adoption form mailed to you, contact Deb Griffith at 651-554-3230 or deb.griffith@southstpaul.org.

Erin Adler and Laurie Blake