South news briefs: Solar energy workshop planned

Solar energy workshop plannedRosemount is holding a free workshop on solar energy on Thursday.

It will include comments from a panel of people who have solar power systems installed on their homes or businesses. The session will cover the basics of solar energy, incentives and rebates available for installing solar systems. It also will offer resources to start a solar energy project.

The session will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at Rosemount Community Center, 13885 South Robert Trail. For more information and to RSVP go to rosemountsolarworks.eventbrite.com.

The workshop is sponsored by the city and the Metro Clean Energy Resource Team, a group that encourages energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Haunted history arrives in ShakopeeThe Scott County Historical Society is offering a haunted house experience prior to Halloween.

From 1-4 p.m. Oct. 20, the society's Stans House will be decorated for the occasion with creepy characters, fortune telling, hands-on crafts and treats.

Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for students and free for society members. The Stans House is located at 128 Second Av. W. in Shakopee.

City issues reminders on burning rulesShakopee is reminding its residents of what can and cannot be set aflame outdoors on your property.

Open burning of grass, leaves, yard or garden waste, or trash is illegal within the city. There's composting instead, or, for a fee, it can be collected with trash. Check with Dick's Sanitation at 952-469-5161 or www.dickssanitation.com for details.

Recreational fires at an outdoor fireplace are permitted unless there's a total burning ban, but there's a long list of do's and don'ts posted on the city website as a reminder.

Among the requirements:

• Buckets, shovels, garden hoses or fire extinguishers "must be readily available."

• Don't do it in windy conditions or when winds are heading for occupied structures.

Questions may be put to the fire department at 952-233-9570 or www.ci.shakopee.mn.us/fire_department.cfm.

Fire department's open house Oct. 11Kids will get to explore fire trucks and be given fire helmets at Burnsville's annual open house on Oct. 11.

The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Fire Station No. 1, located at 911 W. 140th St., between Target and Kohl's.

Families will get behind-the-scenes tours, including ambulances and police vehicles, with interactive fire demonstrations offered as well as refreshments and giveaways.

For details, call 952-895-4570 or go to www.burnsville.org/fire.

Watch those campaign signsNew Prague officials are warning folks to keep political signs off of public rights of way.

Generally speaking, they say, signs shouldn't be either between sidewalks and roadways or along local roads within 12 feet of the curb. If you want more detailed information, call city planners at 952-758-4401.

The city yanks improperly located signs and keeps them at the police department for pickup.