South news briefs: Pass system set up for new dog park in Shakopee

Shakopee's first dog park opens later this summer, and the city is setting up a pass system.

An annual Shakopee Dog Park pass will be needed to get into the dog park at Southbridge Community Park.

The cost has not been determined.

Council members hope the city can partner with Three Rivers Park District, the Hennepin County-based agency that also covers Scott County, in a joint pass.

Residents could pay a $5 daily fee or an annual pass granting access to all of the district's dog parks, including sites in Savage and Prior Lake.

For more information, contact Jamie Polley, Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Director, (952) 233-9514.

Shakopee's City Council has agreed to allow Valleyfair to change the message on its new entry sign more often than is normally allowed.

But cities have been reluctant to allow that, fearing distraction to drivers.

The city's rule is a change no more than every 60 seconds.

The end result: a change of image every eight seconds.

A $150,000 grant from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has finally found a use in Shakopee.

The money in the same amount was handed out to cities in Scott County in 2012, as well as the county itself. But while some recipient cities found quick outlets for it, others have taken their time.

The shelter is planned for this fall.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is staging a blood drive on August 12.

The hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Dakotah! Sport and Fitness, near Mystic Lake Casino.

Someone in the area needs blood "every two seconds," the tribe reports. All blood types are needed, but especially type O, the universal donor. Each pint can save as many as three lives.

Donors must be healthy and:

• be at least 17 years old; and

• not have donated blood in the last 56 days.

To make an appointment, call 952-233-2965. Some walk-ins are OK. An appointment takes about an hour.

An additional drive is scheduled for December 9.

Prior Lake is offering pickup games of free Pickleball through October.

All ages and abilities are invited to take part on:

• Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Tuesdays (for beginners), 6 p.m.–8 p.m. Instruction is available during this time.

• Thursdays from 6:00–8 p.m.

No registration is required and it's free. For more information call 612-840-5177

The event is October 2 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Craft beers will be served with food at Turtle's 1890 Social Center. There's an auction at the same time.

Tickets are $45 for society members and $50 for nonmembers

Blue Cross Blue Shield is encouraging folks to consult the new Kids Count Data Book, an annual publication comparing states on child well-being.

The report ranks states on overall well-being and in four specific areas: economic well-being, education, health, and family and community.

It's the work of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, with the Children's Defense Fund-Minnesota.