South news briefs: Volunteers needed to remove buckthorn

Volunteers are needed to combat the spread of buckthorn at Doyle-Kennefick Regional Park.

Participants will cut, drag and stack the invasive shrub, helping to protect the park's oak forest. The event, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. April 12, is also a chance to learn about plans for the future of Doyle-Kennefick Regional Park, 4275 235th St. E., Elko New Market.

Individuals and groups are welcome; volunteers must be at least 9 years old. Registration is required by calling 763-559-6700 or online at www.threeriversparks.org.

For information e-mail to rjohnson2@threeriversparkdistrict.org or call 763-694-7719.

Residents of Savage, Prior Lake and Shakopee can dispose of yard waste on Saturdays at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Organics Recycling Facility.

The facility at 1905 Canterbury Road in Shakopee will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays in April, May, September and October. People can drop off grass clippings, brush and branches that are less than 8 inches in diameter. The yard waste is turned into compost.

Pavers for Jordan Veteran's Memorial Park are for sale at City Hall until April 15.

Forms to order pavers are at City Hall, 210 E. 1st St. The veterans recognized do not need to be Jordan residents.

An #AskTheCity social media chat on April 9 will give people a chance to ask about police evidence.

Liz Carlson, Shakopee police evidence technician, and patrol officer Thor Carlson will answer questions about crime scene evidence from 6 to 7 p.m. on the city's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ShakopeeMN.

A post will go up at 6 p.m. signaling the start of the chat. Residents can post questions in the comments section and follow along with the answers.

The city hosts #AsktheCity discussions on social media throughout the year. Residents can send ideas for future chats to kholtz@ShakopeeMN.gov or post them on the city's Facebook page.

The free, six-week academy will cover a variety of topics, including critical incident scenarios, homicide cases, a Taser demonstration, DWI enforcement and a tour of the Scott County jail. Classes meet from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays from May 7 through June 18.

Participants must be at least 21 years old and pass a background check. Applications are due by April 23.

For more information, go to www.ShakopeeMN.gov/crimeprevention or contact the Shakopee Police Departments Crime Prevention Unit at 952-233-9441.

Residents of Mendota Heights can start gathering up the junk they would like to get rid of.

On May 2, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., they can drop off assorted household items at Mendakota Park, 2171 Dodd Road. There will be fees associated with some items: $5 for car tires and furniture, $10 for mattresses and box springs, and a volume-based fee for electronics and home remodeling debris. Scrap metal and bicycles will be accepted for free. Yard waste will not be accepted.

A free Family Fun Fest at Ames Arena on Saturday will feature games, ice skating, face painting and a showing of the movie "Big Hero 6."

The event begins at 5 p.m. at the arena, 19900 Ipava Av., Lakeville. Skate rental and concessions will be available.

The movie will be shown at 7 p.m. and it's suggested that people bring chairs or blankets to sit on during the show.