South metro town briefs

MVTA ridership is up nearly 1 million over the past decade The number of riders taking the bus on the system that serves a swath of suburbs from Rosemount to Savage is up by nearly a million over the past decade, according to final figures for 2008.

The increase from 2007 to 2008 was about 150,000 riders, similar to what it has been in most years over the past four as gas prices have risen.

The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority reported that the biggest increase (11.7 percent) was on local routes but that express bus ridership also grew by 3.2 percent. That's an important figure, officials said, because there were no more buses, and many park-and-rides are at or near capacity.

The system likely had the 30 millionth rider in its history by late January.

Beverley Miller, executive director, said ridership did not plummet when gas prices dropped. "Once people found the bus reliable and relaxing, they stayed with us."

For transit information, call 952-882-7500 or check www.mvta.com.

Officer of year aided stabbed man in fire Burnsville police officer Kyle Posthumus, who distinguished himself last year as one of the first on the scene after attackers stabbed a man and tried to set him on fire, was named the city's 2008 officer of the year.

"Officer Posthumus made several quick decisions, handled a critical situation in a very professional manner and accurately performed the duties of an on-scene incident commander," a news release said.

The department also cited his exemplary work in the apprehension of five suspects after an armed robbery at the Prime Time Bar & Grill on July 24 and his careful handling of a domestic abuse call in which he removed a child from harm's way.

"Kyle's steady demeanor not only demonstrates his dedication for the task at hand but his composure is great modeling behavior for other officers," the news release said.

Posthumus has been with the department since 2003.

Citizens police academy has spots Registration is now open for a limited number of residents and business owners in Shakopee to take part in a free four-week citizens police academy aimed at providing a vivid, hands-on view of police work.

The four-week course takes place on Tuesdays from March 31 to April 21 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., but early registration is advised. Call 952-233-9400.

'Mr. Smith' showing part of politics exhibit Popcorn and soda will cost you, but the movie is free on Friday when the Scott County Historical Society shows the 1939 Frank Capra film "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," starring Jimmy Stewart.

The film, nominated for 11 Academy Awards, is part of a special exhibit devoted to American politics. The movie starts at 7 p.m. at the Historical Society's exhibit space, 235 S. Fuller St., Shakopee.

3 workshops offer financial tips, help A trio of workshops at Dakota County libraries will offer tips for surviving financially in a down economy.

The series kicks off with a foreclosure workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Farmington Library. Participants can answer questions and get advice from home ownership specialists and the Dakota County Community Development Agency.

And a second session on foreclosure, this time presented by the Minnesota attorney general's office, will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 10 at the Wentworth Library in West St. Paul. That meeting will explain the basics about the foreclosure process.

For more, visit the Dakota County libraries website, www.dakotacounty.us/library, or call 651-450-2900.

Robert Trail Library is opening Monday There's a new spot in town for bookworms.

The Robert Trail Library in Rosemount will open to patrons on Monday and hold a grand-opening ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 12. It is the ninth branch in the Dakota County library system.

The 22,140-square-foot library will have a computer lab and more than 45,000 books, magazines, movies and CDs. A teen area will have diner-style booths and study rooms for homework or reading. And the children's area features a sculpture of Castle Kilcumreragh -- a nod to the city's Irish heritage.

The center will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.