South metro briefs: Uponor North America breaks ground on $17.4M expansion

Uponor North America broke ground June 6 in Apple Valley on its $17.4 million expansion, to be finished in January. The expansion includes 58,000 square feet to increase the company's manufacturing capacity, according to a news release. The extra space is necessary to meet the predicted demand for its cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing used in plumbing, fire sprinkler, radiant heating and cooling and hydronic piping systems in residential and commercial buildings.

This is the 10th expansion since Uponor began operations in Apple Valley in 1990. The last expansion was in 2016 when the company invested $18 million and added 88,000 square feet to its manufacturing facility, according to a news release.

Uponor's North American headquarters is in Apple Valley and the company has a distribution center and resin-receiving facility in Lakeville. After the expansion is complete, the company's total Twin Cities footprint will be 738,000 square feet.

Uponor reported $337 million in sales in North America last year.

Erin Adler

The 10th annual International Festival of Burnsville will be held July 15, 3 to 9 p.m., at Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Av.

The free event features performances from 10 different cultures, including Chinese, Somali and Indian dance troupes and American Indian singers. Visitors can also enjoy international cuisine, stop by information booths and try activities like face painting, martial arts and more, according to a news release.

The events will move indoors at the Ames Center in the event of a storm.

Free parking is available in the Ames Center parking lot and the Heart of the City park and ride ramp off 126th Street. For more details, go tointlfestburnsville.org.

Erin Adler

The city of Eagan is looking for creative ways to reuse its two vacant fire stations. Former fire station No. 1, 3940 Rahn Road, was built in 1963. Fire station No. 5 was built in 1988 at 4701 Galaxie Av. Both are zoned as "public facilities."

The city estimates it would cost $60,000 to demolish each facility. Station No. 1 has a tax value of $341,300 and station No. 5 is valued at $877,500.

The city held two neighborhood meetings in May about the buildings' reuse. Ideas included a classic car storage facility for station No. 1, and something low-impact, like a dance studio or theater, for station No. 5.

Speakers at each meeting said that it's important to preserve the trees.

Erin Adler

The Canterbury Park horse racing track has expanded its administrative staff to include a senior vice president of operations.

The racetrack recently hired Daniel Kennedy of San Diego for the new position that will oversee the Shakopee track's card casino and catering/events business. He started working Tuesday.

Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson praised Kennedy's extensive resume in casino operations. In Shakopee, he will also take charge of the park's guest services, security and cash operations departments.

"He has a proven track record for successfully improving customer service, employee engagement, and managing business margins utilizing analytics and metrics at casinos," Sampson said.

Liz Sawyer

The Scott County Sheriff's Office annual Youth Catfish Derby invites 50 teenagers to fish alongside public safety officers in an event meant to deter drug use.

Children ages 12 to 16 who live or attend school in Scott County are eligible for the derby, which pairs teens with deputies, firefighters and EMS workers for a day of fishing on the Minnesota River. Bait, gear and food are provided for free.

Registration begins Monday at 8 a.m. and will remain open until all 50 spots are filled. Previous participants who want to attend this year will be placed on a waiting list. To sign up, visitscottcountymn.gov where the registration form can be found under Sheriff's Office Community Programs.

Those with questions should contact the department at 952-496-8298.