South news briefs: 400-plus seasonal jobs offered at Canterbury

Canterbury Park is having a jobs fair next week.

On the first day of spring, March 21, it will be offering jobs for summer — more than 400 seasonal positions.

The live racing season runs from May 17 through Sept. 14. Jobs are open in guest services, facilities, track and grounds, mutuels, publications, security, and food and beverages.

The track is asking applicants to apply online in advance and be pre-screened. Interviews can then be conducted the day of the fair.

Information and applications are available at www.canterburypark.com/jobs.

Journalist and author Lori Sturdevant will address state politics next week at Inver Hills Community College.

The March 21 talk is called, "The Capitol View: A Mid-Session Update and Q&A." It's free and takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room 203 of Heritage Hall.

The author of seven books, Sturdevant has covered state politics for more than 30 years, as a reporter and editorial writer for the Star Tribune.

Applications are now being accepted for the Grow Farmington Business Attraction Team, a group that was developed to bring new businesses to Farmington.

Applicants should be 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a Farmington resident or business owner.

Applications are available at City Hall or at www.ci.farmington.mn.us. For more information, contact Lee Smick at 651-280-6820 or lsmick@ci.farmington.mn.us.

Applications are due by Monday.

Shakopee is making good on its mayor's vow to reboot what he considers a less than awe-inspiring website.

The City Council last week gave its staff the green light to contract with a firm called Vision Internet to design a new site that's "easier to use and more informative for residents," in the words of city officials.

Mayor Brad Tabke in his 2011 campaign stressed the importance of a less-stuffy approach to communications, including a breezier use of social media and a quicker route via mouse clicks to things like council agendas.

Among Vision Internet's clients in 38 states are Eden Prairie and Plymouth. Shakopee officials promise better searches, a "dynamic calendar" and an easier time of finding one's way around. City officials also will find it easier to post updates.

All that will take time: the rollout is promised for fall.

City hosting 'egg hunts' for kids

The city of Savage is hosting egg hunts by age group later this month at McColl Pond Environmental Learning and Event Center, 13550 Dakota Av. in Community Park.

In an announcement that doesn't mention any spring religious holiday associated with such pursuits, the city notes:

• A "flashlight egg hunt" and crafts evening for kindergarten through fifth-graders starts at 6:45 p.m. March 22, with crafts until 7:45 p.m. and the hunt at 8. Bring flashlights and baskets.

• A flashlight-free version for age 3 through kindergarten will begin at 8:15 a.m. March 23. Craft time is until 9:15, and egg hunt at 9:30.

Cost is $6 per child, due March 19. Register at cityof savage.com/rec or call 952-224-3420.