South metro briefs: Renovation plans advance at Apple Valley's Galaxie Library

A host of renovations is planned for Apple Valley's Galaxie Library, designed to project the 26-year-old space into the future.

A Dakota County Board committee voted Tuesday to approve a preliminary design that will add meeting spaces and seating, expand areas for children and teens and prominently feature a multipurpose "maker space" lab to facilitate crafts.

The changes mean there will be less space for bookshelves, at a time when the county's library system is reducing its collection of physical books in favor of digital materials.

Over the summer, the library system's first maker space — dubbed the iLab — debuted at Eagan's Wescott Library. The space includes tools ranging from sewing machines and paper cutters to video production equipment and a 3-D printer.

The Galaxie Library renovation project, still in its early stages, is expected to cost about $5.4 million and take up to two years to design and construct, according to the county's website.

Emma Nelson

At least once a year, the West St. Paul police department conducts compliance checks to ensure establishments with a liquor or alcohol license aren't selling to minors. The department uses prospective buyers — someone under 18 years old for tobacco and between 18 and 21 for alcohol — to see if different stores and bars will serve or sell to them. The underage buyers use real identification and don't lie about their age, according to the police department.

All of the failing businesses were fined $50 to $500, based on the severity of the offense and whether they failed before. Establishments also must offer more staff training, and a representative from the business must attend a city-sponsored training session. None of the four businesses had their licenses suspended or revoked.

Erin Adler

Savage officials are reminding city residents to check their polling places before heading out to vote Nov. 8, as the city has added a new precinct and some polling places. To find out where to vote, visit mnvotes.org or download the Savage precinct map at http://bit.ly/2cTGaXn.

Residents may register to vote before Oct. 18 at the Scott County Government Center, 200 4th Av. W., Shakopee, or online at mnvotes.org.

Polls are scheduled to be open Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dakota Curling is moving to a dedicated facility in downtown Lakeville, after more than a decade of sharing rented ice.

The new spot, located at the Total Hockey site in Holyoke Plaza, will have six sheets of ice, a bar and food service, and a second story viewing area for coaches and officials, according to a release from the club. Dakota Curling scheduled the move for January.

Founded in 2006, Dakota Curling was the metro area's second curling club after the St. Paul Curling Club, according to the release. Growing interest in the sport has produced three more clubs in the region over the past decade.

Dakota Curling predicts its membership will grow from 150 members to 300 in the year after the move and to 900 by the fifth year.

"This is an exciting opportunity to bring curling to the southern metro area," Leslie Adair, manager of the club league, said in a statement. "We are looking forward to teaching new people the game and also to giving experienced players a place to curl on quality ice close to home."

Prior Lake is looking for a new fire chief.

Chief Doug Hartman is retiring early next year, after six years in the position and 26 years with the department.

Hartman's replacement will oversee two fire stations and 45 firefighters who serve Prior Lake, Credit River Township and Spring Lake Township. The job description notes that the department receives an average of 450 emergency calls a year.

Applications are due Sept. 30. The first interview will be Oct. 17.

For details, see www.cityofpriorlake.com or call 952-447-9803.