South news briefs: Diamonds are hidden in downtown Shakopee

Businesses in Shakopee are eager to lure Christmas shoppers downtown — enough to offer free diamond jewelry.

For 12 days this month, until the 23rd, a piece of diamond jewelry will be hidden in one business daily.

"Find the jewelry," organizers say, "and it's yours to keep!"

Photo clues will reveal hints as to where the gem is hiding. Clues will also be posted on Facebook and Twitter.

There's a limit of one prize per household, excluding the grand prize hunt on Dec. 23. You must be age 16 or older

At the same time, 12 businesses are competing to win the 2014 window decorating contest.

Shoppers are asked to vote for a favorite until Dec. 22, with a winner announced Dec. 23.

You can download a map of participating businesses, view an online gallery and submit a vote.

Shakopee police are throwing a free car seat safety clinic next month.

The event is from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 7 at Fire Station 1, 2700 Vierling Drive E.

Experts estimate that 70 percent of all child safety seats are not properly installed.

Technicians will teach you how to install and use them properly.

Carver is accepting applications for an impending vacancy on the City Council resulting from the election of Councilmember Mike Webb as mayor.

Webb assumes the mayor's post Jan. 5, creating a vacancy for the rest of his term on the council, which runs through Dec. 31, 2016.

The vacancy will be filled through an application, interview and appointment process by the council. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a primary residency in Carver. They must be at least 18 years old.

Those interested must submit a letter of interest and qualifications to Carver City Hall by 4:30 p.m. Dec. 31.

The council l will interview applicants meeting requirements for the position Jan. 12.

Swing dance instruction with a live band, and a motivational speaker, are coming up in January at Prior Lake's Club Prior.

On Jan. 8, there's a Big Band Danceteria with SteamHeat. SteamHeat is an 18-piece swing band with local musicians and three female vocalists.

Dance instruction is from 6:15–6:45 p.m., and 7-9 p.m.

The event is a partnership between the Scott County libraries and Club Prior, with dollars from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

It is free and open to the pub

On Jan. 14, at 10:30 a.m., it's "Things Others Say You Cannot Do," with motivational speaker Kevin Burkart.

Burkart will share "a story of high adventure, entrepreneurship, philanthropic leadership, and rebuilding a new platform after a tragedy occurs," organizers report. His charitable work is focused on Parkinson's disease.

A series of cross-country ski lessons is being offered this month at Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington.

Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation, using activity numbers below.

Classic Beginner I — Basics: Sunday from 9:30-11 a.m. Cross-country skiing basics: proper equipment fitting, diagonal stride, stopping, turning, and a brief introduction to small hills. For novice skiers. Cost is $20, or $31 with ski rental. For ages 13 and up. Activity number 123188-03.

Ski-skating I — Basics: Dec. 27, from 9:30-11 a.m. Beginning ski-skating techniques, including efficient edging, gliding and control. Prior classic skiing experience recommended. Cost is $24, or $40 with ski rental. For ages 13 and up. Activity number 123191-02.

Classic Beginner I — Basics: Dec. 27, from noon-1:30 p.m. Cross-country skiing basics: proper equipment fitting, diagonal stride, stopping, turning, and a brief introduction to small hills. For novice skiers. Cost is $20, or $31 with ski rental. For ages 13 and up. Activity number 123188-04.

Other upcoming events in Bloomington:

Critters Close Up: Sunday Dec. 21, from 3-4 p.m., Richardson Nature Center, in Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Meet critters up close; discover which native creatures call Minnesota home. Free and open to all ages. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Naturally Crafty with Ice: Dec. 27, from 1-2:30 p.m., at Richardson Nature Center. Investigate ice outside, gathering pieces for making ice art to take home. Bring thin gloves that can get messy. Cost is $5. For ages 5 and up; children must be accompanied by a registered adult.