Good morning Apple Valley! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Kids 'n Kinship Youth Mentoring Information Session and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do an island and the letter "t" have in common? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Apple Valley levy increase to fund park projects, rising personnel costs (hometownsource.com) — Apple Valley's 2027 preliminary budget would raise the city tax levy by 8.93%, adding about $172 to the annual city tax bill on a median-valued home. City leaders say the increase will fund park bonds, rising salaries, and new staff while avoiding special assessments for neighborhood road projects. Residents can weigh in at a December public budget meeting.
2. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular lights up the Minnesota Zoo once again this fall (kare11.com) — Apple Valley's Minnesota Zoo is bringing back its Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular from Sept. 25 to Nov. 1, featuring more than 5,000 carved pumpkins along an expanded nighttime trail. Residents can choose general admission or limited Priority Pumpkin Passes, enjoy special adults-only themed nights, and must buy nonrefundable tickets online in advance, with member discounts and flexible evening hours throughout the run.
3. The Evolution of Eagan Transit: From Commuter Hub to Smart Mobility (blogspot.com) — Apple Valley commuters are directly served by MVTA's Route 480 to downtown St. Paul and the Orange Link Route 425 connecting Apple Valley, Burnsville, and Eagan. This guide explains how these express and local lines, plus Eagan's on-demand shuttle, link south metro neighborhoods with major job centers, retail hubs, and rail connections so you can better plan weekday and weekend trips.
4. Apple Valley Man Hospitalized After Highway 77 Crash in Eagan (limitless-news.com) — An Apple Valley man was hospitalized after his pickup crossed a median and hit a concrete barrier on Highway 77 in Eagan Wednesday afternoon, briefly closing a northbound lane. State Patrol is still investigating what caused the crash, and a bystander's suggestion of a medical issue has not been confirmed. No other vehicles were involved, and the driver's current condition remains unknown.
5. The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Fall Family Fun 2026 (twincitiesfrugalmom.com) — Apple Valley families can look forward to the Minnesota Zoo's Jack O Lantern Trail as one of many fall attractions highlighted in this Twin Cities guide. You'll also find ideas for pumpkin patches, corn mazes, farms, sunflower fields, nature centers, Halloween light displays, and even fall drink recipes and printable bucket lists to help you plan affordable, festive outings.
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Ok Apple Valley! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They are both in the middle of water. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
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