West metro news briefs: Hindu Society housing project to break ground in Maple Grove

The Hindu Society of Minnesota is set to break ground Sept. 24 on the first phase of a large development project in Maple Grove. It will be built next to the Hindu temple at 10530 Troy Lane, considered one of the largest in the United States.

The first phase of the project will include six housing units for the temple's staff members. The remainder includes senior housing, a community center, yoga retreat center and outdoor recreation, all set to be built over the next 10 to 15 years.

When completed, the complex will occupy almost 60 acres of vacant land the Hindu Society bought more than a decade ago.

The groundbreaking ceremony will start at 2 p.m. and include speeches by city officials and temple leaders. The City Council approved the concept plan in December.

Miguel Otárola

Former Orono Mayor Gabriel Jabbour was honored last month for his work with veterans by Gov. Mark Dayton, who proclaimed Aug. 30 "Gabriel Jabbour Day" in Minnesota.

Since 2006, Jabbour has spearheaded an effort to take veterans groups on excursions to Big Island on Lake Minnetonka. For more than 90 years, the island was home to the Big Island Veterans Camp, which closed in 2003.

"I have been honored by many people, including Governors Dayton and [Tim] Pawlenty," said Jabbour. "While the honor is great, I always think about what more I can do to enhance life for these soldiers who have sacrificed so much for our freedom."

Bill Cochrane of Eden Prairie, a Vietnam veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, said Jabbour's commitment to veterans is unmatched.

DAVID CHANEN

Edina's Human Rights and Relations Commission is looking for residents to participate in its first essay contest on human rights.

The contest explores questions related to human rights challenges in Edina and across the world, according to the commission. This year's theme is women and girls.

• "How does discrimination affect women and girls in our country, state and community today? Does race, nationality, socioeconomic status, ability or educational level play a role, and if so, how?"

• "What action can you take or have you taken, and what can we do as a community?"

Participants may enter at the junior level, ages 13 to 17, or the senior level, ages 18 and up. The junior level essay must be shorter than 800 words, and the senior level essay no more than 1,200 words. Prizes are gifts cards to Barnes and Noble bookstores.

Entries must be submitted by Nov. 2 to bit.ly/2whdD1S/, where contest information can be found. The commission will notify winners by Nov. 30.

Miguel Otárola

The club's focus on raising money for local beneficiaries and the community has made Wayzata "a better place just for that," said Tom Barrett, executive director of the Minnesota Gambling Control Board.

Half the proceeds go to Wayzata's volunteer fire department, and other donations have gone to the Wayzata senior community and the city's first trolley. One of the club's first purchases was hearing aids for a boy, and Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners has received more than $86,000.

The city and the fire department "are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Wayzata Lions Club and their commitment to local philanthropy," said Wayzata Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich.

DAVID CHANEN

New Hope City Council members are looking to replace the city's 50-year-old outdoor pool and want input from residents on what amenities pool users value most.

The city aims to locate a new police station and city hall on the existing pool site, which has stirred pushback from residents and pool users who object to plans to reduce the size of the current 50-meter pool.

City leaders last month asked a resident committee to consider other options that would keep the same size pool.

More information on the pool planning process is available on the city's website.

Hannah Covington

Controlled bow hunts to cull deer in six Brooklyn Park locations are set to begin Oct. 2 and run through Nov. 15. The hunts will be conducted by Metro Bowhunters Resource Base on properties owned by the city or the Three Rivers Park District.

Brooklyn Park city leaders adopted a deer management plan in 2011, which includes current hunting efforts. Since then, the number of deer-related car accidents has dropped from 105 to 60 in 2016, according to the city.

Permitted hunters are selected through a computerized lottery system. A list of hunting locations and dates is available on the city website.