South metro briefs: Shakopee launches new blog to engage residents

Shakopee officials unveiled a blog last week to provide public updates about city projects, as well as better explain bureaucratic decisions.

The blog will feature contributions from each city department and provide an opportunity for residents to comment and ask questions.

"Shakopee city government is changing," City Administrator Bill Reynolds wrote in his introductory post. "This blog is a new tool that represents our changing approach to providing government services. It is designed not to tell you what we are doing as much as the 'why' behind what we do."

The effort is part of a larger initiative to improve community engagement and customer service in Shakopee.

Anyone with an idea for a potential blog topic should e-mail Kristin Doran, the communications coordinator, at kdoran@ShakopeeMN.gov.

Liz Sawyer

More than a century after Eagan's little white town hall was built in 1914, residents can tour the historic museum to learn about the community's past.

Open houses will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 4 and May 18, and June 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More open-house hours may be posted on the city's website along with special events. A new plaza will be installed this spring to honor Eagan's first city administrator, Tom Hedges.

Liz Sawyer

Prior Lake City Council recently voted 4-1 to support a proposed river crossing at Hwy. 41 to help alleviate traffic congestion in the south metro.

The potential bridge would provide another crossing over the Minnesota River, connecting Hwy. 212 in Chaska with Hwy. 169 in Shakopee and running parallel to Chaska's current Hwy. 41 bridge.

"I think it's safe to say that the southwest metro quadrant needs more river crossing capacity," said Shakopee City Council Member Matt Lehman, who has been working on the initiative since 2002. "I don't believe that waiting another 30 years is realistic."

The Shakopee City Council recently passed its own resolution approving the project.

The Prior Lake resolution will now move to Scott County Neighbors and the Highway 169 Corridor Coalition, of which Prior Lake is a member. The coalition supports the 41 river crossing as a long term priority.

Liz Sawyer

The Jordan City Council voted unanimously Monday to contract with ReneSola Energy, moving forward with a plan to offset 120 percent of the city's electric load.

Officials have agreed on a fixed rate of $0.113 per kilowatt hour, saving the city an estimated $2.7 million over the next 25 years.

Liz Sawyer

Horse racing will reopen at Canterbury Park two weeks early this year, launching its 67-day season on May 5 — Kentucky Derby weekend.

"Derby Day is often the one day that the casual sports fan and excitement seeker comes to the racetrack, many for the first time," said Canterbury CEO Randy Sampson.

The track will live stream derby races, as well as hold its own Saturday afternoon. More wagering takes place on Derby Day than any other day at the Shakopee racetrack, where betting is expected to top $1.8 million this year.

Sunday events cater more to young families, offering free pony rides, face painting, and a petting zoo.

Last year, Canterbury Park averaged 7,000 in daily attendance.

General admission to Canterbury is $7, with additional cost for indoor, reserved seating. Admission increases to $9 on 11 designated premium days. Children 17 and under are admitted free; there's no charge for parking.