South news briefs: MnDOT's plan for roads up for comment

A draft 20-year plan for highways in the state has been released for the public to read and react to.

It's called MnSHIP, the Minnesota 20-year State Highway Investment Plan.

It's particularly relevant for growing suburban areas because it declares that, given current spending plans, the state is nearing the point of being unable to afford to add capacity but only nurse along the existing system.

The plan covers the years 2014 to 2033. A final version is due out in August, and there are multiple means of public comment, including public hearings on July 29.

You can check it out and submit comments by visiting www.mndot.gov/planning/mnship.

In a first for the Savage Arts Council, a literary dimension is being added to the Minnesota River Arts Fair in Scott County.

The fair, in Shakopee on July 20-21, will have a Literary Landing Pavilion featuring 12 Minnesota authors. They will showcase newly published works and give readings, talks and book signings.

For more information, contact Denise Baerg at 612-207-6808 or e-mail savageartscouncil@gmail.com.

Burnsville police are getting an $11,000 grant to install equipment aimed at removing hazardous vapors created by chemicals used to develop fingerprints.

The grant comes from the federal government, according to Lynn Lembcke, police services manager.

Prior Lake is offering free entertainment at a different neighborhood park each Tuesday during the summer.

The events run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and include crafts, games, a fire truck and a police cruiser.

Bloomington is letting bikers know there's a way to keep up to date on progress on a new bike trail from the Minnesota River to Lake Nokomis Parkway and the Chain of Lakes trails.

It's called the Intercity Regional Trail Project, and it is a partnership among the Three Rivers Park District, Bloom­ington, Richfield and Minneapolis.

The plan is for a 10-foot-wide asphalt multiuse regional trail, 7 miles long.

The first phase is 5 miles, from Lake Nokomis Parkway to E. 86th St. in Bloomington.

The Bloomington part is to be built in 2014 and will cross from Richfield into Bloomington on a new pedestrian/bike bridge parallel to the 12th Avenue Bridge over Interstate 494.

Bloomington's contact person is Civil Engineer Bob Simons at 952-563-8758 or bsi mons@ci.bloomington.mn.us.

Savage police invite residents to unite against crime Aug. 6 by planning a gathering of neighbors.

Night to Unite planning kits and registration forms are available at cityofsavage.com or by calling 952-882-2600.

Register a block party by July 26 and you can request a visit from a squad car or fire truck.

Theater classes will give youngsters a chance this month to be on stage.

It's for kids grades 1 through 6 and will meet for three hours each time.

Visit cityofsavage.com/rec for details.

Staff reports