South news briefs: Nitrate testing offered for drinking water

Residents can order rain barrels and compost bins through the Recycling Association of Minnesota.

The compost bins cost $55 each and come with a 10-year warranty. The rain barrels are $69 during the sale. According to the city of Burnsville, the bins and barrels regularly sell for more than $100.

Orders can placed at www.RecycleMinnesota.org. The bins and barrels will be available for pickup between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. June 6 at the Burnsville Maintenance Facility, 13713 Frontier Court.

Get moving toward a healthier lifestyle with Dakota County's Simple Steps program.

The free wellness program runs from April to July 31 and encourages people to go for walks with friends. People who walk at least once a week will be entered into a monthly drawing to win prizes, including gift cards for healthy foods, books and fitness clothes. The program is open to adults who live or work in Dakota County.

To register or for information, go to www.dakotacounty.us and search for "Simple Steps" or call 651-554-6100.

Club Prior will host a discussion of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The talk at Club Prior, 16210 Eagle Creek Av., Suite 101, Prior Lake, is free. No registration is required.

The Scott County Historical Society will host the "Sense of Imagination" art workshop April 24.

The session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the historical society, 235 Fuller St. S., Shakopee, will include a presentation by artist Annie Young and time for participants to create their own works. People should bring their art supplies of choice for use as they learn about the "interplay of the senses and creative practice."

The workshop is open to anyone age 12 or older. The event is free to Scott County Historical Society members. For others, the cost is $4 per adult or $2 per student. Space is limited and advanced registration is encouraged. To get more information, call 952-445-0378 or e-mail Stephanie at sherrick@scottcountyhistory.org.

Instructors will teach archery basics Friday at Clearly Lake Regional Park, 18106 Texas Av., Prior Lake.

Participants must be at least 8 years old; children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Reservations are required. To reserve a spot go to www.threeriversparks.org. The class costs $7, or $8 with an optional donation. A 20 percent discount is available for groups of four or more.

People who are concerned about nitrate in their drinking water can bring a sample to the Scott County Fairgrounds for testing on April 24.

Nitrate, a common contaminant, is found in wells throughout Minnesota. The source of the pollution could be fertilizer, leaking septic tanks, animal waste, human sewage and natural deposits of nitrate, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Areas with sandy soils or shallow wells are most susceptible to contamination.

To collect a sample for testing, run the cold water tap for three minutes and gather about one cup of water in a sturdy plastic bag or jar. Keep the sample cool until testing.

To get more information, contact Diane Hrabe of the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District at 952-492-5425 or Melissa Bokman of Scott County Natural Resources at 952-496-8887.

Curious about police work? Bring questions to Coffee with a Cop at the Shakopee Community Center on Thursday.

A police officer will field questions and chat with residents who stop by the Studio Room at the community center, 1255 Fuller St. S., between 9 and 11 a.m. There will also be free coffee and doughnuts at the open house-style event.

A Spanish interpreter will be available from 10 to 11 a.m.