South metro briefs: Belle Plaine returns controversial cross to Veterans Park

Four months after officials were forced to remove a controversial cross from the city's Veterans Park, residents have restored the memorial to a newly established free speech zone on the property.

The symbol, depicting the silhouette of a kneeling soldier at a fallen comrade's headstone, was removed in early January after complaints that it violated the separation of church and state. Enraged by the decision, a group of more than 100 Belle Plaine citizens pressured the City Council to return the cross, which they argued was secular in the context of a grave marker.

The City Council voted 3-1 to establish a "limited public forum" at the park that would accommodate up to 10 displays — religious or not — as long as they honor military veterans. The cross was returned last weekend to fanfare. Dozens watched as the structure, crafted by recently deceased local veteran Joe Gregory, was mounted into the ground by the donor's grandchildren. American flags waved in the background as onlookers blared Toby Keith's "American Soldier," a song with the refrain, " 'cause freedom don't come free."

The Freedom From Religion Foundation, the most vocal opposition to the memorial, had previously vowed to consider a lawsuit and submit its own "Atheists in Foxholes" monument for the park. They have yet to do so.

A sign has since been posted officially designating a limited public forum, stating that the memorials represent the views of the owners and not of city officials.

Liz Sawyer

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office is reminding farmers and people living in rural areas that thefts of irrigation span wire increase as the weather warms. The thefts often happen at night. Once thieves have the wire, they strip it and sell the aluminum or copper as scrap metal, then dump or burn the sheathing, the Sheriff's Office said.

Erin Adler

Two years after hiring Garrett Zaffke, Dakota County's first volunteer coordinator, county officials said their investment is paying off.

Last year more than 2,000 volunteers contributed more than 39,000 hours across Dakota County, saving taxpayers over $900,000 in services and projects completed, said Commissioner Mike Slavik.

The volunteer program also had a 50 percent increase in its total number of volunteers in 2016 compared with 2015, Slavik said.

The county has a variety of volunteer opportunities across its 12 departments, including assisting in the library, participating in the Wetland Health Evaluation Program and supporting the Adopt A Highway program, Slavik said.

Erin Adler

This Memorial Day, Shakopee's racetrack will open a pop-up version of Big Thrill Factory, a Twin Cities-based entertainment destination for children.

The family-friendly addition will offer a variety of amusement options, including arcade games, miniature bowling and a wipeout trampoline. Starting May 26, guests willing to splurge for the pay-to-play features can visit the indoor and outdoor spaces during all live racing events.

The partnership with Big Thrill Factory advances Canterbury's goal of expanding entertainment options for families with young children, said Canterbury President Randy Sampson. Officials also hope it will help the park's bottom line by tapping into alternative revenue streams, as the expo center did several years ago.

Liz Sawyer

"I've always had an interest in getting involved in local politics," Bernhjelm said. "It was just an opportunity that I couldn't pass up."

Bernhjelm attended the University of Minnesota, where she majored in communications, with a minor in leadership.