South metro news: Dakota County officials weigh options for trail crossing at Hwy. 110

Dakota County officials are weighing options that would make it easier for pedestrians and trail users to cross Hwy. 110 near Dodd Road, the first step toward construction of the Mendota-Lebanon Hills Regional Greenway.

Concerns were raised about the intersection's safety in 2009, but the project's cost was a deterrent, said Jacob Rezac, a Dakota County project manager. Instead, new signals and a pedestrian "refuge island" were added.

Now, three options are being considered for a new Hwy. 110 trail crossing between Dodd Road and Oak Street: a pedestrian tunnel under Hwy. 110, building a bridge on Hwy. 110 over the greenway, and a pedestrian bridge over the highway. Officials are still seeking public comment.

A recommendation will be delivered to the County Board in December. If approved, the crossing would be built in 2017.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park and Miesville Ravine Park Reserve will be closed for parts of November for controlled deer hunts.

Dakota County said it manages deer populations in its parks using the controlled hunts, which also improve park habitat for other wildlife.

Hunting in Lebanon Hills Regional Park started Nov. 2 and is being done by compound bow.

Hunting in Miesville Ravine Park Reserve begins Nov. 21 and will be done by shotgun. That park is closed all day from Nov. 21 to 29.

There will be no deer hunting in Spring Lake Park Reserve this year due to construction of the Mississippi River Regional Trail but hunts will resume in future years, county officials said.

Counselors will be available at Dakota County library branches in November and December to help people set up an account with MNsure, a health-insurance marketplace where Minnesotans can compare plans and shop for health insurance.

The assistance will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. On Tuesday, counselors will be at Galaxie Library in Apple Valley. Additional sessions will be held Nov. 17 at Burnhaven Library in Burnsville, Dec. 9 at Inver Glen Library in Inver Grove Heights, and Dec. 15 at Wescott Library in Eagan.

To register, go to the Dakota County home page at www.co.dakota.mn.us and click on Learn about MNsure.

As an added bonus, Lakeville North alumna Hannah Wehlage has returned to Lakeville as theater director and is directing the production. Shows are at 7 p.m. The high school is at 19600 Ipava Av.

A 22-voice ensemble called CORO! will perform a free concert at 5 p.m. Nov. 15 at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 10970 185th St., in Lakeville.

The ensemble comprises professional and amateur opera soloists and choristers. Lisa Ramos, a dramatic mezzo-soprano, and John-Scott Moir, artistic director and conductor, will be featured performers.

The program will include highlights from "The Crucible" and "Ballad of Baby Doe," as well as Gilbert and Sullivan, "Candide" and "Postcard from Morocco."

CORO! also will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Lake Harriet Methodist Church, 4901 Chowen Av. S. in Minneapolis and at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 2035 Charlton Road in Sunfish Lake.

The Savage Sno-Pacers will offer a snowmobile safety class at the O'Connell Fire Station, 14321 O'Connell Road, from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 19, with a driving test on Nov. 21. The class is designed for youths 11 to 15. The cost is $5.

Class size is limited. Preregistration is required; call Tom Wills at 952-646-1465 or 612-716-6588.

Students will need to watch the Snowmobile Safety Training CD from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before the class begins. The CD can be obtained from Wills or from the DNR at 651-296-6157, ext. 4, or by sending an e-mail to info.dnr@state.mn.us.