Savage

Phone scam hits Savage

A phone scam that's claimed millions of dollars from people across the country has hit Savage, affecting numerous residents and causing one to lose $6,500.

Residents have reported receiving the calls, in which the caller poses as an Internal Revenue Service employee, to the Savage Police Department and other law enforcement agencies.

In a typical incident, the caller tells the victim that he or she owes money to the IRS and instructs the person to pay it via a gift card or money wire. The caller typically demands immediate payment, telling victims that they'll be arrested or their children will be taken away if they don't comply.

The scam often involves illegal caller ID "spoofing" — making an actual IRS phone number appear on the victim's caller ID.

People who have received a phone call like this but haven't sent money should contact the IRS at 1-800-366-4484. Those who have sent money should call 911 to report the theft. For more information, visit www.irs.gov.

On its website, the IRS notes that it will never: "1. Call to demand immediate payment, nor will we call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill. 2. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. 3. Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card. 4. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone. 5. Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying."

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

Open house on Argenta Trail projects

Community members who want to weigh in or ask questions about changes to Argenta Trail in Inver Grove Heights can attend an open house from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Veterans Memorial Community Center, Community Room No. 3, 8055 Barbara Av., Inver Grove Heights.

Attendees will hear about design options for the north section of the project, from 70th Street W. up to Interstate 494. Officials are studying how to connect Argenta Trail to Interstate 494, widen 70th Street and provide connections for cyclists and walkers.

Community members will also get information on the preferred realignment of the south section of the trail, by Highway 55, and a technical analysis of that area.

Dakota County and Inver Grove Heights are working with consulting firm Kimley-Horn and Associates and hope to promote development in the area.

Dakota County libraries

Drop-in sessions offer e-books help

Did you get an e-book for the holidays and need some help figuring it out? The Dakota County Library system offers drop-in sessions that might be the answer. No registration needed. Here are sessions on the schedule over the next week:

• Thursday, Jan. 8, 6-7:30 p.m. at Galaxie, 14955 Galaxie Av., Apple Valley, 952-891-7045.

• Saturday, Jan. 10, 10:30 a.m. to noon at Wescott, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan, 651-450-2900.

• Tuesday, Jan. 13, 10-11:30 a.m. at Burnhaven, 1101 W. County Road 42, Burnsville, 952-891-0300.

Eagan

FANtastic Saturdays at Community Center

The Eagan Community Center will hold another "FANtastic Saturday" from 5 to 9 p.m. this Saturday. The events take place each Saturday, and are family-oriented evenings that feature gym games, a movie and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and admission is $4 per child.

The Community Center is located at 1501 Central Pkwy., Eagan. For further information, call the center at 651-675-5550.

Lakeville

Youth ice fishing contest next month

Valley Lake will be the location for some "holesome activity" on Feb. 7, when the Knights of Columbus sponsor an ice fishing contest. The contest will take place from noon to 2 p.m. and is free, but participants will need to bring their own gear and bait. Prizes will be awarded in various categories for kids 13 and under.

You can register the day of the event at Valley Lake Park, 16050 Garrett Path. For further information, call Lakeville Parks & Recreation at 952-985-4600

Apple Valley

Winter concert series begins Jan. 17

The Frozen Apple Winter Concert Series kicks off Jan. 17 with a performance by the jazz-funk group New Sound Underground at the Valleywood Golf Course Clubhouse. The concert is set for 6 to 9 p.m. and is free, with food and beverages available for purchase onsite.

Future concerts will feature Uncommon Roots on Feb. 7 and Michael Monroe on March 7. Both of those are also scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. at the Valleywood clubhouse, 4851 McAndrews Road, Apple Valley.

The series is sponsored by the Apple Valley Arts Foundation.

FARMINGTON

Community Expo is on the horizon

Farmington's annual Community EXPO will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 31, at Farmington High School, and the deadline for businesses or organizations to register is Thursday, Jan. 8.

Businesses must be located within the Farmington Area Public School District. The city notes the event is promotional, and no sales of merchandise are allowed.

Planned features at the Jan. 31 event include:

• Community education and city of Farmington program information

• Youth sports program information and registration

• Family-friendly and informational exhibits

• Displays from local agencies and organizations

• Refreshments and entertainment.

For further information, go to www.ci.farmington.mn.us.

Staff reports