DFLer Thomas Craft Files to Try to Oust John Kline from Congress

Craft joins former DFL state Rep. Mike Obermueller in Minnesota Second District race, according to Politics in Minnesota. Meanwhile Kline reported $1.1 million in his campaign coffers, the Star Tribune said.

Poll: 3/4 in Second District Want Immigration Reform in 2013

A John Kline vote against the current bill would make 44 percent of likely voters less likely to support him, the Public Policy Polling survey said.

Poll: 3/4 in Second District Want Immigration Reform in 2013

A John Kline vote against the current bill would make 44 percent of likely voters less likely to support him, the Public Policy Polling survey said.

Dave Thompson Gives Up MN Senate Post for Guv Run

The state senator from Lakeville stepped down as assistant minority leader.

Your Take: U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down DOMA

'Anyone see an issue here?' asked one commenter on the Lakeville Patch Facebook Page.

He's In! Dave Thompson Announces Campaign for Governor

State senator from Lakeville says DFL-run state government treats taxpayers like an ATM.

MPR: Dave Thompson Set to Run for Governor

The state senator representing Lakeville told Minnesota Public Radio his formal announcement will come Wednesday.

Dakota County Begins Accepting Same-Sex Marriage License Applications

The county is accepting same-sex marriage license applications starting today.

Lakeville TV: Lake Update and Matt Little's First Five Months

An interview with mayor Matt Little and an update on the city's lakes comprise the most recent episode of Lakeville City Limits.

Northbound I-35W Lane Closures Scheduled Tonight

Two lanes of northbound I-35W will be closed starting 8 p.m. tonight as crews pour concrete for the I-35E bridge.

Lakeville TV: Linedancing, Sealcoating and Winter's Toll on the Parks Department

Asphalt sealcoating of city streets and the damage done to Lakeville sports fields by the extended winter were two of the topics discussed in the most recent episode of Lakeville's public access program, Lakeville City Limits.

Street Projects Could Get Green Light on Monday

The Lakeville City Council is expected to vote on the projects at its Monday night meeting.

Messages: Memorial Day Activities Planned in Lakeville

On Monday, May 27, VFW Post 210 of Lakeville and American Legion Post 44 will present their annual Memorial Day color guard visits at area cemeteries to honor the military service members buried there.

UPDATE: Day Care Providers Rally as Minnesota Senate Approves Unionization Bill

A contingent of day care providers and families with children who use that care protested against Senate File 778. But the DFL-controlled Senate approved the measure with a narrow, 35-32 vote after 17 hours of debate.

WATCH: Livestream Video of Same-Sex Marriage Debate, Vote at MN Senate

The Minnesota Senate takes up bill at noon Central Time on Monday, May 13, 2013. The Minnesota House approved it last week, so Senate approval sends it to conference committee and the governor's desk.

MAP: Lakeville Helps Minnesota to 3rd Place Voter Turnout Rates

The community had 84 percent of registered voters cast a ballot in the 2012 election.

Minnesota House Approves Bill Allowing Same-Sex Marriages

The bill now moves on to the state senate as Minnesota Democrats hope to make the state the 12th in the nation to legalize gay marriage. Gov. Mark Dayton has vocally supported the legislation.

Thompson: Catching Up During a Quickly Moving Session

The Republican senator from District 56 updates residents on the Daycare Unionization Bill and the Dream Act.

Holberg: Most Talked About Constituent Issue— Taxes Head to Conference Committee

Holberg: "We have just three weeks left before the state’s budget must be passed, and both the House and Senate Tax Omnibus bills are under consideration after a tough struggle to pass them."

Dakota County Property Tax Payments Due May 15

Tax payments can be made in person at several locations in the county, or mailed to county offices.

Messages: Prescription Drug Drop-Off Box Now at Lakeville PD

The drop box provides a way to safely dispose of unused prescription and over-the-counter medication.

Snow Pounds South Metro and Construction Season Comes Next: South Metro Rewind

Also in this week's wrap: A reprieve for Northfield students, and Sobriety High gets kicked off the state's financial bus.

Kline Will Seek Re-Election to House but Rules Out Runs for Governor, Senator

Rep. John Kline announced his intention to run for reelection to the House in 2014 in order to clear the field for candidates seeking higher office.

Mary Liz Holberg: Most Talked About Constituent Issue—Tax Omnibus Bill

Holberg: "On Thursday, the Minnesota House approved a comprehensive agriculture and environment finance proposal that spends $822 million in order to better protect our land, air, and waterways and to promote the ag industry."

South Metro News Roundup: Golf Course Redux, Marathon Survivors, and Another ‘Voice’

Also in this week’s recap – A scholarship created to honor a lost friend and a surprise discovery in a Burnsville park.

City Video Gives Comprehensive History of Lakeville

The city produced a video tracing the city's history from 1853 to the present day as part of the "Envision Lakeville" process.

South Metro News Roundup: Ambulance Association Could Disband, Botox for Dudes

Also in this week’s review: Burnsville chooses new superintendent, Shakopee joins the South Suburban Conference and a local man loses out on "The Voice."

F-Bombs OK? FCC Asks If It Should Ease Swearing, Nudity Ban

"I am totally against more liberal actions on TV," commented one Lakeville resident.

Filing 2012 Taxes in Lakeville: What You Need to Know

Beyond TurboTax: Here's who can help you file your taxes before the April 15 deadline.

Kline Brings Mobile Office to Lakeville

The staff of U.S. Rep. John Kline will be holding office hours in the south metro on April 18.

Krause of Lakeville Won't Rule Out Reelection Bid for Dakota County Board

The county commissioner and NFL Hall of Famer is currently involved in a lawsuit against the football league on behalf of former players with brain injuries.

Sen. Dan Hall: Concern Over E-Pull Tabs Grows

Hall: "As widely reported, initial pull tab revenue for FY 2013 was projected to be $35 million, while updated projections have been scaled back to $1.8 million, a 95 percent reduction."

Capitol Review: Rep. Garofalo Backs Civil Union Bill

Each week, Patch takes a closer look at the activities of Dakota and Rice Counties' legislators as part of our Capitol Review.

South Metro News Roundup: Kline Challengers Make it Official; Achievement Gap

Also in this week’s review: A new leader for the City of Burnsville staff, Little Caesar’s gets its sign wavers back.

Sen. Thompson Discusses 'Grossly Underperforming' E-Pull Tabs

Thompson: "Early data show pull tab revenue for FY 2013 at $1.8 million, 95 percent less than the forecast $35 million."

VIDEO: It's Official, Obermueller Seeks 2014 Rematch Against Kline

Mike Obermueller, who was defeated by incumbent Rep. John Kline (R) in the race for the Second Congressional District last fall, says he's game for a rematch.

Lakeville Mayor Little Talks Job Growth in State of City

Little closed by referencing his vision of Lakeville in the context of a town square; “where everyone has a part to play, and job to do, to build a better city, and forge a brighter future.”

Mayor Little Holding Weekly Office Hours for Lakeville Residents

Lakeville Mayor Matt Little is holding office hours for residents every Thursday morning.

CaringBridge Founder Sona Mehring Will Challenge Kline in 2014

The Eagan resident announced her candidacy early this week.

Dakota County Unemployment Rate Falls in February

Meanwhile, Minnesota continues adding jobs.