Teenagers can get a glimpse of real-life police work at the 12th annual Apple Valley Teen Police Academy, which begins Feb. 2 and runs for seven weeks.
The class will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Topics will include the K-9 unit, the Dakota County Drug Task Force, the SWAT team, use of force, crime scene investigation and more.
Participants must live or attend high school in Apple Valley. All applicants will have to undergo a criminal-background check.
The registration deadline is Jan. 29; go to www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us. For more information, call Pam Walter at 952-953-2706.
SHAKOPEE

City hosts send-off for outgoing mayor

The city of Shakopee is holding a reception for outgoing Mayor Brad Tabke at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the City Council Chambers, 129 Holmes St. S.

Tabke took office in 2012. He did not seek re-election.

Comments welcome on school expansion

Public comments are being taken until Feb. 4 on the environmental assessment work sheet for the proposed expansion of the high school and development of an athletic complex. They can be sent to Mark Noble, senior planner, 129 Holmes St. S., Shakopee, MN 55379, or e-mailed to mnoble@shakopeemn.gov.

DAKOTA COUNTY

Winter Reads treats library-going adults

The Dakota County Library is offering a Winter Reads program for adults that runs from Monday until Feb. 29.

Adults can read or listen to a book of their own choosing, then write a short review that will be entered into a weekly drawing for prizes. The more reviews a reader submits, the better his or her chances are of winning a prize.

The program also includes several author appearances, starting Jan. 16 with mystery author Christopher Valen visiting Inver Glen Library, 8098 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights, and humorist, musician and radio host Michael Perry visiting Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Av., Apple Valley. Both events will be held at 1 p.m.

Future author events offered through Winter Reads include Dan Cashman at Robert Trail Library on Jan. 19, Jackie Lea Sommers at Robert Trail Library on Feb. 16, Steve Werles at Wentworth Library on Feb. 22, and Allen Eskens at Hastings Art Center on Feb. 22.

For information about Winter Reads, visit the information desk at one of the Dakota County Library branches.

Historical society holds annual meeting

The Dakota County Historical Society will hold its annual meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Southview Country Club, 239 Mendota Road E., in West St. Paul.

The historical society has large print, microfilm and online archives. Online databases contain more than a half-million church and cemetery records and census information. It also has information about every historic site in the county.

BURNSVILLE

Register for hockey, figure skating lessons

Registration for winter skating lessons begins at noon Sunday. Burnsville's "Learn to Skate" program is open to people from age 3 to adults. Group and private lessons are available. Figure skating and hockey skating will be covered.

Lessons will be Saturdays from Jan. 16 to March 26 or Wednesdays from Jan. 20 to March 23.

To celebrate National Skating Month, a free skating event will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Burnsville Ice Center, 251 Civic Center Parkway. People will receive free admission, discounted skate rental and free private mini-lessons for new skaters. Space is limited and will be first-come, first-served. For more information, go to www.burnsvilleicecenter.org/lts or call 952-895-4657.

ROSEMOUNT

'Star Wars' events coming Jan. 13 and 16

Free "Star Wars" events will be held Jan. 13 and 16 in Rosemount. Fans can learn to draw "Star Wars" characters at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Robert Trail Library, 14395 S. Robert Trail.

That will be followed Jan. 16 with an "extravaganza" from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Rosemount Community Center, 13885 S. Robert Trail. There will be "Star Wars" Lego kits and action figure displays, face painting, caricature drawings, door prizes, Jedi training, a trivia contest and more. There will also be character appearances and photo opportunities with members of the Wolf Pack Squad of the Central Garrison of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costume club.

The event is sponsored by the Rosemount Area Arts Council, Robert Trail Library, Friends of Robert Trail Library and the city of Rosemount. For more information, call 952-388-8652.

PAT PHEIFER