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Jay Whiting, a City Council member in Shakopee, is running for the Minnesota House. The DFL Party endorsed the third-year council member earlier this month.

Whiting chairs the group that unites civic leaders from across Scott County, known as the Scott County Alliance for Leadership and Efficiency, or SCALE.

He's running against incumbent Mike Beard, R-Shakopee.

In a written announcement, Whiting said he is running "with the goal of laying the groundwork for the future of transportation funding in the state." He also supports raising the minimum wage.

Whiting is a manager at B.F. Nelson Corp., Savage.

The first Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity home to be completed in Eagan has been dedicated.

The home is located on Easter Lane. It was donated by Bank of America after it suffered water damage from sitting empty. Bank of America employees spent a week volunteering.

More than 1,000 families have purchased Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity homes since 1985, officials say, while Habitat volunteers have helped nearly 1,700 low-income homeowners make repairs.

Work is moving ahead to preserve a historic bridge near Northfield.

Dakota County's Waterford Township won a grant in 2011 to work on the 1910 Waterford Iron Bridge restoration. The bridge spans the Cannon River, and was bypassed when it became one of the state's most deficient.

A Preservation Nation award of $95,000 is to be matched by the township.

"The iron bridge served our community for 100 years, allowing access over the Cannon River. It's more than just a bridge, it's a part of Waterford's history and will continue to be part of its future," said Liz Messner, a township supervisor, in a written announcement.

Questions about the project can be directed to Julie Bowers at 641-260-1262 or Messner at lmessner@northfieldwifi.com.

An evening of art and conversation is happening this week at the Scott County Historical Society. It's the opening reception for "Art by Judy Case."

The event is Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. It's an exhibit of paintings by a local artist who will be attending. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. The exhibit runs through April 26.

Case will also teach Intro to Paper Cutting on April 17 from 7-8 p.m. Participants will be taught the tools and techniques and will practice making their own creations.

The society is at 235 S. Fuller St., Shakopee. Call 952-445-0378 for information or e-mail info@scottcountyhistory.org.