South metro news briefs: Santa, Savage police chief seek Toys for Tots

Meet Santa and the chief of police as you donate Toys for Tots at the Savage police garage next week.

Citizens are invited to drive through the garage during the Dec. 16 event.

"Santa Cop Night" takes place at 6000 McColl Drive from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Bring new, unwrapped toys to the north entrance of the police parking lot, following the signs.

Santa and Police Chief Rodney Seurer will greet donors, and visitors may bring cameras.

Items donated will be distributed through churches and social service organizations.

People can also bring donations to the Savage Police Department from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. any weekday up to Dec. 16. A collection box is located in the lobby.

On Friday, follow Shakopee patrol officers on the beat via Twitter as they respond to calls.

Staffer Janna Grassel will send out a narrative as she rides along with two Shakopee cops from 5 to 11 p.m.

She will use hashtag #SPDtweetalong. Or follow the Police Department at @ShakopeePD.

Even if you lack a Twitter account, you can follow along. Visit www.twitter.com/ShakopeePD through the evening.

Top state and regional officials will be in Burnsville next Tuesday for the last in a series of town hall meetings on transportation issues.

The two will urge more spending on roads and transit in what is billed as "a discussion about transportation, how it affects quality of life, its link to Minnesota's economy and the importance of investing in this state asset."

There will be time for public questions and comments, and other state transportation staff will be on hand for questions as well.

More information is at www.mndot.gov/minnesotago/.

There are just a couple of days left to nominate the prettiest holiday lights in your Burnsville neighborhood for an award.

Friday is the last day to suggest either single-family dwellings, whole neighborhoods (20 single-family homes or fewer), or townhomes or apartment/condo complexes with outstanding displays. Nominees must be within city limits and visible from the street. Judges are the Burnsville Convention & Visitors Bureau board of directors. The top three entries in each category get a $100 gift card for any use, a $50 gift card to a Burnsville restaurant and passes to the Minnesota Zoo.

Nominations must include a photo.