South metro town briefs

Help is available to plant native grasses Landowners in Scott County who are willing to convert cropland to native grasses and flowers may be eligible for annual grants of $175 per acre and help in making the initial seed purchase.

To get the money, the property must be situated in such a way as to help protect the purity of nearby streams and lakes. That includes farmed land in Belle Plaine, Sand Creek, Helena, Cedar Lake and Louisville townships, and parts of Spring Lake and New Market townships.

The Scott Watershed Management Organization is administering the state grants. Landowners get half the initial cost of a seed mix that includes 15 species of grasses and flowering plants.

Contact Dave Rickert at 952-492-5425 for more information.

Take a shot where the cops practice theirs Scott County's Public Safety Training Facility is offering time on its shooting ranges for the public, for a fee.

The facility, located at 17706 Valley View Drive in Jordan, has a 100-yard and 200-yard rifle and shotgun slug range. Users between 12 and 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The cost is $15 per person for each 20-minute session.

Upcoming openings include Thursday, Oct. 21, 5-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 23, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 28, 5-7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 30, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Discounts on holiday flowers -- for a cause The Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women is offering discounted poinsettias for the holidays as a fundraiser. Orders must be placed by Nov. 12.

A plant that would cost $30 at Bachman's is being offered through Bachman's for $25, with free delivery in Scott and Carver counties on orders of at least five plants. To learn more, call 952-873-4214.

Hear from candidates for City Council Prior Lake will hold a candidate forum from 7-9 p.m. Thursday for City Council candidates in the council chambers at City Hall, 4646 Dakota St. SE. Four people are seeking two seats, each with four-year terms. Jeff Evens, incumbent Ken Hedberg, Vanessa Soukup and Kathryn Curielli-Underwood will answer prepared questions and questions from those attending.

Your thoughts on the city's trails? Prior Lake is asking for your evaluation of its system of trails. There's an online survey -- quick multiple choice questions, with options for short essays -- or you may stop by City Hall to fill out a survey. The Web version may be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/fqbqbxs .