South news briefs: Farmington cuts economic development post

City cuts economic development postFarmington's budget problems became real last week when Administrator David McKnight terminated the city's economic development specialist.

Tina Hansmeier's position was the first cut made to fill a hole in the 2013 budget, city officials said.

McKnight has said that job cuts and department reorganization are on the table as he tries to fill a $370,000 budget hole. He couldn't be reached Thursday or Friday, but said earlier that he expects to present his recommendations to cover the shortfall to the City Council this month.

Hansmeier's last day will be Monday. Her departure will save the city about $75,000 in salary and benefits, less unemployment benefit costs, this year.

Free help offered in doing taxesSenior citizens and low-income families can get free assistance in compiling income tax forms this season.

The AARP Foundation will offer free income tax assistance to senior citizens and low-income families at the Shakopee Community Center, 1255 S. Fuller St., on Wednesdays through April 11.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and it's strictly walk-ins, first-come-first-served, with no appointments accepted.

Volunteers will help with what they call "basic" federal and state tax returns, which excludes more exotic formats such as depreciation, business or farm income.

Those interested should bring a photo ID, a Social Security card, copies of last year's tax returns, and records including last year's income, unemployment payments, and certificate of rent paid or 2012 Scott County tax statement.

For more information or to find other locations where the service is being offered, call 888-227-7669 or visit aarp.org/taxaide.

Discounted wine for your thoughtsToday's the last day to earn a discount on booze in exchange for telling the city of Savage what you think about its two municipal liquor stores.

An online survey gives customers and non-customers alike a chance to rate the stores and say why they shop there -- or why they don't. Officials promise that the survey takes less than five minutes and will yield you a coupon worth 25 percent off wine and 15 percent off beer and liquor through Saturday.

The city's two stores are Marketplace, at County Road 42 and Hwy. 13., and Dan Patch, in downtown Savage at 4425 W. 123rd St.

Win $500 just for waddlingThe Minnesota Zoo is offering a $500 gift card for the best video of a waddler.

The contest, which continues through February, has been launched on Facebook to promote the zoo's newest exhibit, Penguins of the African Coast.

Contestants can download a jingle, create a video at least 15 seconds long and no more than a minute, and upload the dance video to www.facebook.com/mnzoo. You must be at least 18 unless you have a signed consent form. On March 1, voting begins, open to everyone.

All "approved videos," in the zoo's words -- apparently officials are anticipating some mischief -- will get a four-pack of free tickets to the zoo, though only one per household.

Scott County offers workshops about living on small acreageFolks dreaming of owning small acreage in the country or wanting better results on the land they have are being invited to a pair of workshops.

The eight-week Living on the Land workshop series is offered by University of Minnesota Extension, with the closest sites to the south metro being Hutchinson and Mankato.

A team of instructors will address what you have and want, what you can do with your land, water quality, protecting household drinking water, plants and weeds, lawn and pasture maintenance, and soils. It includes a farm tour.

Both workshops are scheduled for 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays from March 8 to April 26. One will be held at the McLeod County Fairgrounds, the other at the Mankato historic courthouse.

Early registration is $175 until March 2; after that it's $200. The cost covers admission for two people.