South news briefs: New Lakeville parks director comes from Wisconsin

New parks director comes from WisconsinBrett Altergott began work last week as Lakeville's new parks and recreation director.

Altergott, who was park director since 2005 for the Milwaukee suburb of Germantown, fills the position vacated by Steve Michaud, who retired in July after nearly 40 years with the city.

"Brett's background and experience in the parks and recreation field as well as his passion and enthusiasm for sports and leisure activities make him a great fit for the position" said City Administrator Steven Mielke.

Altergott was selected from about 80 applicants in a national search. He holds a bachelor's degree in recreation management and a master's degree in recreation administration.

Altergott is responsible for the planning and coordination of city recreation programs, activities and facilities, including the Lakeville Area Arts Center and the recently added Heritage Center.

Eagan outlines its recycling programEagan has spelled out what can and can't go into curbside recycling after the holidays.

Household waste increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's, producing about 1 million extra tons of waste in the country as a whole.

All cards and envelopes can be recycled -- minus button batteries and circuit boards. Once removed from the cards, those components can be recycled at the Recycling Zone (3365 Dodd Road).

Most types of wrapping paper, tissue paper and gift bows are not recyclable but can be saved to wrap future gifts or placed in the trash.

Cardboard boxes can be flattened and recycled. Styrofoam is not recyclable and should be placed in the garbage. Packing peanuts are accepted at the Recycling Zone for reuse.

Electronics contain hazardous material and cannot go in the garbage or recycling bin. They are accepted at the Recycling Zone for proper disposal at no charge.

For more information, visit www.dakotavalleyrecycling.org or contact Dakota Valley Recycling at 651-675-5011.

Barry Bernstein, 46, had held the same position for eight years in Hastings, where Mayor Paul Hicks said he did an excellent job.

The Hastings City Council recognized Bernstein before he left last month with a proclamation noting his enthusiasm, compassion and dedication to Hastings recreation amenities, including 400 acres of parks and 27 miles of paved trails.

Bernstein, whose new salary is $109,000 a year, replaces Randy Johnson, who retired last summer after a quarter-century with the city. Bernstein will manage a full-time staff of 30 that maintains about 900 acres of parkland, 65 miles of trails, the city golf course, two ice arenas and other facilities.

Bernstein, of Minneapolis, said he took the new job because the larger park system "is definitely a challenge I want to pursue. I am grateful that Apple Valley picked me from what I hear was about 50 candidates."

Crime prevention group awards grantsThe Bloomington Crime Prevention Association has presented 23 community organizations with a total of $120,000 to fund crime prevention initiatives.

Twenty-three organizations received grants for student-parent education programs, after-school programs, violence prevention for high-risk families, open gym times after school, national night out and neighborhood watch programs, legal and crime awareness education for new Americans, community emergency response teams and law enforcement scholarships at Normandale Community College.

The Bloomington Crime Prevention Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to financially supporting crime prevention initiatives in the city. More information is available at www.bcpamn.org.

Winter events planned at the arboretumMake the most of the winter weather at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum with a guided cross-country skiing outing from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday.

The event is free, but bring your own skis.

Other events coming up at the arboretum include:

• "Books in the Garden: Flowers and Gardens in Shakespeare," from noon-1:30 p.m. Jan. 9 and also Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8 and June 12. Cost is $77 for arboretum members and $89 for non-members.

The series will be taught by Toni McNaron, U of M professor emeritus of English. Call 952-443-1422 or visit www.arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx to sign up.

For more details on what's going on at the arboretum, go to www.arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1400.

JIM ADAMS AND STAFF REPORTS