South metro town briefs

Baby gibbon makes its debut at the zoo A white-cheeked gibbon was born the Minnesota Zoo in at Apple Valley just after Christmas.

Zookeepers have been providing her with 24-hour care ever since, zoo officials report, including bottle feeding, and plan to reunite the infant with her parents at an undetermined date.

"The new baby will not be on exhibit for several months to ensure proper feeding, rest, and care," the zoo's announcement said.

The zoo takes part in a species survival plan for the white-cheeked gibbon, which is critically endangered. The latest is the 10th born there and the first female white-cheeked gibbon born in North America since 2006.

A chance to weigh in on Hwy. 101 changes If you want to get plugged in to planning for a major -- and perhaps disruptive -- upgrade of the main traffic corridor through the historic core of Shakopee, Monday's your chance.

There's an open house at City Hall devoted to Hwy. 101 infrastructure replacement and river-crossing planning from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The city and Scott County say they are "working with the long-term needs (20-50 years) of the area while preparing for the short-term infrastructure replacement project."

H1N1 vaccination clinics added The Dakota County Public Health Department will be hosting more H1N1 flu vaccination clinics around the county this month.

Appointments are being accepted for the following clinics: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Western Service Center in Apple Valley, noon to 4 p.m. Monday at the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul, noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the County Administration Center in Hastings, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Western Service Center, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Northern Service Center and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Western Service Center.

Anyone six months old or older can be vaccinated. There is no charge for the vaccine, but people are asked to bring insurance cards so health plans can be billed an administration fee. For those without insurance, the costs will be covered by the county.

To make an appointment, call the flu vaccine information line at 651-438-4777 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Cross-country skiing by candlelight Cross-country skiing enthusiasts have a chance to explore Spring Lake Park Reserve by candlelight from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16.

Skiers need to bring their own equipment and kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $5 per person for those pre-registered by Jan. 15 or $8 per person at the door. Kids ages 5 and under are free.

Online registration is available at www.dakotacounty.us/parks.

Local artists, dancers to be showcased The Lakeville Area Arts center will host "An Evening of Art and Dance" on Jan. 15 to showcase local artists, choreographers and dancers.

There will be a 7:30 p.m. performance in the theater and an exhibit of artwork, including abstract paintings by Eric Ketelsen and Alison Price and photography by James Flint. The artists will discuss their work and the dancers will perform pieces inspired by the art.

People attending the event also are invited for complimentary coffee following the performance to meet the artists and dancers.

Volunteers sought for boards, committees The city council is seeking the help of resident volunteers who would consider projects and policies as members of advisory boards and commissions.

There are currently vacancies on the Lakeville Area Arts Center Board, the Planning Commission, the Telecommunications Commission and the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee. Meeting times vary, with some groups meeting twice a month and others just a few times a year.

Applications are available on the city website, www.lakevillemn.gov and are due to City Hall by Jan. 15. For more information on current openings, call the City Clerk at 952-985-4404.

Christmas tree recycling ends soon Residents can recycle their Christmas trees curbside for free until Friday.

The city asks that residents have their trees at the curb before 7 a.m. on regularly scheduled garbage pickup days. Trees must be bare -- no ornaments, lights, tree stands or tree bags.

Community Expo seeks participants The Farmington Community Expo is recruiting local businesses and organizations that want to promote their goods and services at the Jan. 30 event.

The free expo from 9 a.m. to noon at Farmington High School promotes Farmington as a great place to live and work. There will be displays from businesses and organizations, opportunities to sign up for Farmington Youth Athletic Association sports and refreshments, prizes and entertainment.

People interested in promoting their business or organization should contact Community Education at 651-460-3203 before Friday

Teens get their say on city projects The city's youth commission will hold its inaugural meeting Jan. 27, giving a newly appointed group of teens input in city affairs.

The city council appointed seven teens and one alternate to the commission in December. The members are Brandon Brist, Shannon Carroll, Kennedy Erdmann, Joseph Kearney, Nicole Laumer, Joseph Neuens Jr. and Meghan Olson. Ryan Condon will serve as an alternate.