South news briefs: Ski by candlelight

Enjoy the ski and snowshoe trails at Lebanon Hills Regional Park by candlelight Feb. 14.

The park will line two miles of hiking and snowshoeing trails and almost four miles of cross-country ski trails with more than 1,500 luminarias for the Trails by Candlelight event. There will also be sledding on a lighted hill and bonfires. Hot concessions will be available for purchase.

The event is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. and costs $8 per person if registered by Feb. 13 or $10 at the door. Kids age 5 and younger are free. Event volunteers receive free admission and a hot thank-you dinner.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own skis, sleds and snowshoes. Snowshoe and ski rental is available for an additional fee. Free parking for the event is available at the park or at Woodcrest Church, 525 Cliff Rd., Eagan, with a shuttle to and from the park.

To register or get more information, go to www.dakotacounty.org/parks.

Local businesses and organizations will be promoting what they do at the annual Farmington Community EXPO on Saturday.

The free event at Farmington High School, 20655 Flagstaff Av., goes from 9 a.m. to noon and includes exhibits, entertainment and refreshments. Attendees can get information on community education, youth sports programs and other businesses and groups within the Farmington School District boundaries.

There will be ice skating on an outdoor rink, snowman building, music, prizes, s'mores and hot cocoa. The event from 2 to 4 p.m. is free. The Rambling River Park warming house and outdoor rink is at 4200 208th St. W., Farmington.

Seniors and low-income families eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit can get help with tax returns from AARP Tax Counseling at the Prior Lake Library starting in February.

Counselors can help with basic federal and state tax returns. They will be available on a walk-in basis from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays from Feb. 3 to April 14 in the meeting room at Prior Lake Library, 16210 Eagle Creek Av. SE, Prior Lake.

Anyone seeking help must bring identification, a Social Security card, a 2014 tax return, records of all income (including unemployment, disability and assistance), and a certificate of rent paid or a Scott County tax statement. If people want to itemize their taxes, they should bring records of deductible expenses, including medical, health insurance, long-term care insurance, taxes paid, mortgage interest and charitable contributions.

For more information, contact Debbie Carlberg at 952-447-9783.

Returning gardeners have until March 15 to reserve the same plot they had in 2014 by calling 952-447-9820 or by going to City Hall. Any plots still available after that will be open to the public for rental on a first-come, first-served basis starting March 16.

For more information, go to the Prior Lake city website (www.cityofpriorlake.com) and click the "Rec" button.

Scott County libraries are offering a series of courses for people interested in learning business skills.

A session on Cash Flow Management will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 3 at Prior Lake Library, 16210 Eagle Creek Av. SE, Prior Lake. The class will cover how to project sales, set sales goals and make a contingency plan.

On Feb. 10, the Shakopee Library, 235 Lewis St. S., Shakopee, will host a session on "Best Social Media Platforms for Your Business." That class runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and covers how to get started with social media for connecting with customers and the community. Participants are asked to bring their smartphone, tablet or laptop computer if they have them.

Sip wine and paint your own masterpiece at the Lakeville Area Arts Center tonight.

Instructors at the one-evening workshop will walk participants through a featured step-by-step painting. No experience is necessary. The $35 price includes art supplies and two glasses of wine.

The event from 6 to 8 p.m. is open to people age 21 and older. Registration is required. For more information, contact the Lakeville Area Arts Center at 952-985-4640.

Nonprofits and civic organizations that serve the Shakopee area can submit information to be included in an online directory on the city's website.

The listing is meant to help residents find access to local services and community groups based in Scott County. Organizations listed on the site are responsible for submitting updates to the city as needed.