South metro news: School district hosts forum to discuss levy requests

School district will discuss levy requests

The Lakeville school district will hold a forum Oct. 19 to educate residents about its levy referendums, which will be on the ballot on Nov. 3. The forum will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Kenwood Trail Middle School, 19455 Kenwood Trail. District administrators will outline the two requests and answer questions. The $2 million capital levy would provide funding for technology upgrades, security emergency management, and resources for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The $1.2 million operating levy would add seven high school teachers and restore elementary art and fifth-grade band. If both levies are approved, it would add about $120 a year to the property taxes of a $257,000 house.

The Lakeville Area Historical Society will mark its 20th anniversary with a celebration Monday.

The program for the evening is "The History of the Banjo." Display rooms will be open from 6 to 7 p.m., with the program at 7 p.m. and refreshments afterward. The event is free and open to the public.

The Historical Society is in the Lakeville Heritage Center at 20110 Holyoke Av. For more information, call 952-985-4403.

Writers ages 12 to 18 who live or go to school in Dakota County are invited to enter the library's annual Teen Short Story Contest.

The contest runs through Oct. 31. Participants look at a picture, then write a short story of 1,000 words or less about what's going on in the picture. Entry forms are available online and in library branches.

The South Metro 55 Plus/Senior Expo will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy.

The free event, called "Live Well at Any Age," is open to adults 55 and older and their families.

For more information, call 651-675-5500.

The city of Farmington wants to remind residents that it's illegal under state law to throw away any yard waste such as grass, leaves, weeds, garden waste or branches with their household garbage.

Weekly curbside yard waste collection is available to those who choose to subscribe. It costs $85 per season (April 13 to the week of Nov. 20) and includes a yard waste cart and up to 10 compostable bags. An additional yard waste cart is $15 per season. To subscribe, call 952-469-5161.

People can also haul yard waste to two compost facilities: RRT Processing, 16454 Blaine Av. in Rosemount (651-423-4401), and B & D Wood Recycling and Compost, Hwy. 23 and 280th Street W. in Northfield (612-685-3037). Please call either facility for hours and fees.

The Hastings Parks and Recreation Commission wants input on names for two new facilities: the community pavilion in Levee Park and a train-themed park on the east end of 2nd Street in downtown Hastings.

The name suggestions will be considered by the commission at its Tuesday meeting. Three finalists will be chosen, then residents will be asked for their opinions again.

A survey where residents can say whether they'd like to keep the current working names of the facilities — Rotary Pavilion and Depot Park — or suggest new names can be found at www.hastingsmn.gov.

The Shakopee Fire Department is starting a new home safety program to ensure that residents are prepared to avoid a devastating fire. Firefighters will check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for proper operation, provide fire safety and cooking safety tips and help plan a fire escape plan. They will also offer information for children and people with disabilities.