South news briefs: Cabin Fever Story Hour for kids

Children ages 3 to 9 and their parents are invited to attend Cabin Fever Story Hour at the LeDuc Historic Estate in Hastings from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

Milk and cookies will be served and stories will be read by experts.

Story Hour also will be held March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4.

Reservations can be made at 651-437-7055; walk-ins will also be accepted. The LeDuc Historic Estate is at 1629 Vermillion St.

The event is free, but donations are accepted.

Applications are being accepted for people interested in serving on the city's Economic Development Commission.

The commission assists with the comprehensive plan designed to enhance the quality of, and provide balance to, the business and residential communities. The commission was developed to encourage business development and promote long-term economic growth in Lakeville. Visit the city's website at www.ci.lakeville.mn.us for more information and to download an application.

The "Take It To The Box" program promotes safe use, storage and disposal of medications, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Items accepted include prescription medicine in its original containers, over-the-counter medications, animal/pet medications, liquid medications in leakproof containers, illegal drugs and paraphernalia such as pipes and needles and sharps.

Remove your name and personal information from containers.

AARP will offer free tax assistance to seniors and to low-income families who qualify for the earned income tax credit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through April 14 in the Prior Lake Library's large meeting room, located at 16210 Eagle Creek Av.

Tax help is also being offered from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays through April 15 at the Shakopee Community Center, 1255 Fuller St. S.

Those who need help should bring a photo ID card, Social Security card and last year's tax returns; records of last year's income from all sources; records of unemployment collected, disability income and county assistance; a certificate of rent paid or a 2015 Scott County tax statement, and, if itemizing, records of deductible expenses.

Only walk-ins will be accepted; no reservations are available.

The AARP also is offering tax help in other locations. For more information, call 1-888-227-7669 or go to aarp.org/taxaide.

The Take a Kid Ice-Fishing Community Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, 400 W. 260th St. in New Prague.

Fishing equipment and ice holes will be provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The event is sponsored by goscottgo.org and the New Prague Sportsman's Club.

The City Council formed the committee in October 2014 to promote active living and provide safe and accessible routes to cyclists. The committee is responsible for promoting commuter and recreational bicycling, advocating for infrastructure improvements, encouraging safe riding through education and involving residents to become interested in biking issues throughout the city.

The group advises the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee. Agendas are available before the meeting at agendas.shakopeemn.gov.

Shakopee intends to apply this year to The League of American Bicyclists for recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community.

The South St. Paul Garden Club will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in the lower level meeting room at the South St. Paul VFW, 111 South Concord Exchange.

Speakers will talk about ways to attract monarch butterflies to your garden by using plants they need to survive. All garden club meetings are free and open to the public. For directions or information, call Lois at 651-457-3403.