Town square: Savage gets state grant to protect delicate fen

Savage has gotten a half-million-dollar state grant to help protect a vulnerable wetland.

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources awarded more than $14 million altogether to local governments late last month, but it singled out the Savage project as a notable use of funds.

The grants are aimed at protecting and restoring streams, rivers, lakes and groundwater.

The Savage Fen Ravine Stabilization project is meant to help what's called the Savage Fen Wetland Complex, just south of Hwy. 13 below the river bluffs, west of downtown.

The complex "is an important and protected ecosystem, one of Minnesota's largest known calcareous fens," the state announcement said. "Two large ravines discharge into the complex, and carry with them a significant amount of stormwater and sediment.

"By stabilizing the ravines the city will be able to protect this rare habitat from excessive sediment and provide long-term protection of the fen, improve the habitat for other native species, and increase overall water quality within the fen and, ultimately, the Minnesota River."

The grant is for $459,665, with matching funds locally of $115,000.

The site is www.shakopee diversityalliance.org.

The alliance has strong city endorsement but is a community-based one, made up of volunteers with different ethnic backgrounds and faiths. Money is raised through its own fundraising efforts.

The alliance was launched in March 2012 and aims to "reach the city's diverse population, help improve communication, foster positive relationships and make the community more welcoming to all residents."

The Minnesota Magicians minor league hockey team will hold their Pink Night Event on Saturday to raise money to fight breast cancer.

Admission to the 7:05 p.m. event at Richfield Ice Arena is $8 to $13. After the game with the Springfield Junior Blues, special pink Magicians jerseys will be auctioned off for a minimum of $200. Other items will be sold at auction and there will be a raffle, prize giveaways and black jack tables in the concourse. All proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a foundation that funds breast cancer research.

Free presentations introducing folks to Medicare 2014 are being offered in Scott County libraries this winter.

The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging will review coverage by Parts A, B, C and D as well as Medicare supplement options, enrollment and costs.

It will also cover the shrinking "donut hole," plus changes to the program as a result of health care reform.

The times and places:

• Jordan Library 275 Creek Lane S., Feb. 6, 2-3:30 p.m.

The sessions are sponsored by Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging and the Scott County Library System.

Eighteen south metro faith communities are working to pack 3 million meals this week in the largest local meal-packing campaign in the history of Feed My Starving Children.

The nonprofit Christian organization, based in Coon Rapids, encourages children and adults to hand-pack meals that are specifically formulated for malnourished children. Meals are shipped to nearly 70 countries around the world.

The churches are rounding up volunteers and donations for the "mega-packing" through Saturday at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 N. Berens Road NW., Prior Lake.

The campaign is an ecumenical opportunity, says Eric Dalton, director of outreach at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville.

Sit-down positions are available for people not able to stand for the two-hour shift. Kids as young as 5 years old can participate in the meal packing. Nursery accommodations are available during evening shifts.

Volunteer registration is open, and donations can be made at www.fundraising.fmsc.org/southmetro.

Staff reports