Lakeville's Messages: Winter Ritter Fest Set for Next Sunday

To help small businesses get started, Lakeville is participating in Open to Business – Dakota County.

Mary Liz Holberg: Gun Control Bills Generate Strong Opposition

"Between e-mails and phone contacts I have heard from nearly 200 residents of my district."

Bart Davis Selected to Fill Vacant Lakeville City Council Seat

Davis has served more than six years on Lakeville's Planning Commission.

Rep. Kline on State of the Union: Obama Repeats Broken Promises of Past

Instead of focusing on the ingenuity and greatness of the American people, the president repeated the same broken promises that have kept unemployment hovering around 8 percent and hampered economic growth.

MVTA Annual Ridership Steady at 2.5 Million Users

The figure is only 70,000 riders away from the MVTA's 2008 high ridership mark.

Sen. Dan Hall: Mid-90s, Today Bare Striking Similarities

Hall: "Our political leadership, the federal government’s plans to reduce appropriations to the states, and, most importantly, our state’s recurring budget deficits are all similar to the 1990s."

South Metro News Roundup: A Tearful Goodbye, Lakeville's New Mayor

In other top headlines from around the South Metro region last week, Eagan's Nicholas David makes an appearance at his alma mater, and real estate sales soar in both Burnsville and Apple Valley.

Sen. Dan Hall Talks Education Issues and More in Weekly Update

Sen. Dan Hall (D-District 56), who represents Lakeville, gives a legislative update.

Sen. Thompson Discusses His Reaction to Gov. Dayton's Budget

Sen. Dave Thompson (R-District 58), who represents Lakeville, gives a legislative update.

Lakeville's Messages: Arts Center Programs for All Ages

Upcoming events at the Lakeville Area Arts Center highlight the diversity of offerings that are available.

Volunteers Needed for Dakota County Board Citizen Advisory Committees

Make a difference in local government by volunteering for an advisory board.

Lakeville's 'Open to Business' Program Now Open to Small Businesses

“Open to Business” participants will be able to meet with experienced business advisors one-on-one at Lakeville City Hall beginning in February.

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton Gives State of the State Address

Gov. Mark Dayton gave his State of the State address on Wednesday in the House Chamber.

Local Officials Want Steeper Penalties for Careless Drivers Involved in Deadly Crashes

In Dakota County alone, nine drivers prosecuted for careless driving have killed a total of 14 people in recent years, according to the county attorney.

Dave Thompson Doesn't Support Gun Legislation

"I will advocate and vote against any such bills," he said.

Cutting Costs, US Postal Service Eliminates Saturday Delivery

The U.S. Postal Service announced it will end Saturday mail delivery by Aug. 1. Speak out: How will this affect you?

Bill to Lift Ban on Sunday Liquor Sales in Minnesota Introduced to Senate

Do you support Sunday liquor sales in Minnesota? Tell us why or why not in the comment section below.

Too Young? That's 'Old News', Says Matt Little, Lakeville's New Mayor

"The fact that I'm young is old news," Little said. "People will just have to look at the results of my work to determine whether or not my youth is a detriment or benefit."

Lakeville's Messages: Board/Commission Members Sought

The weather is cold, but the hot chocolate is warm, so bring the kids out to fish at Valley Lake as part of the 13th Annual Youth Ice Fishing contest.

Lakeville Sen. Thompson Talks Taxes, Gov. Dayton's Budget

Sen. Dave Thompson (R-District 58), who represents Lakeville, gives a legislative update.

News Roundup: Scouts Ordered to Release More 'Perversion Files'

In other big headlines from around the South Metro region this week, a $10 million mansion goes up for sale in Inver Grove Heights and the Kohl's property in Burnsville is sold.

Lakeville Rep. Will Morgan: Bill Will Provide Health Care to Minnesotans

House Bill would expand access to quality, affordable health care to adults and children through Medicaid and would take effect in January 2014.

Assault Weapon Ban, DUIs: Lakeville's Top 10 Stories of January

These were the most read stories on Lakeville Patch in January.

New Tax on Tattoos, Less Tax on Shovels: What's in Dayton's Sales Tax Plan

See which goods and services would be taxed more, less or not at all in Minnesota under the governor's proposed changes.

Roz Peterson Meets With Congress to Discuss Education Funding

Lakeville's School Board Chair joined 700 other board members from across the nation to meet with Congress to discuss education funding.

Meeting Preview: City Council to Discuss Open Seat Applicants

City Council work session is the only meeting this week for Lakeville's government bodies.

Lakeville's Messages: Valentine Date Night Dinner for Vets

Also, the city's Youth Ice Fishing Contest is set for Feb. 2

News Roundup: Alcohol a Factor in GOP Activist's Car Crash

In other headlines from around the region last week, South Metro school districts are losing students to open enrollment, and Shakopee makes a guest appearance on 'Saturday Night Live.'

Sheriff: More Information on Body Recently Found in Vermillion River

Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows keeps you up to date on the latest county happenings.

Sen. Thompson: Tax Committee Hears Bills to Add Sales Tax to Clothing

This week our Tax Reform Committee heard DFL bills that would add a sales tax to clothing, internet downloads (like music, television shows and movies), and purchases made over the internet from sites like Amazon.

Matt Little Talks of 'Coming Together' in Inauguration Speech

Little: "You see, in our ideal town square, every organization, every person, has a job to do and role to play, in the right balance; at the right times. So it’s not about extremes or ideology; it’s not 'all or nothing,' 'm

News Roundup: Fewer School Days in Lakeville, Gun Permits Soar, Flu

In other news from around the South Metro, Pardon My French Restaurant unexpectedly closes its doors and Nicholas David returns to Rosemount for an emotional homecoming concert.

Schedule of Events for the 57th Presidential Inauguration

From community service activities to glitzy balls, the weekend will be packed with presidential pomp. What are your plans for viewing the inauguration? Tell us in the comment section below.

Meeting Preview: School Board, Council Have Meetings Tuesday

The Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday will push the City Council meeting to Tuesday—the same day Lakeville's School Board will hold both a special session and regular meeting.

Lakeville Rep. Will Morgan to Hold Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 26

House Chief Fiscal Analyst Bill Marx will be giving a short presentation on the state budget before the legislators open up the meeting for questions and discussion.

Will Morgan Co-Authors First House Bill of Session to Pay Back Schools

Morgan is co-author of HF No. 1, a measure that would pay back what was borrowed from Minnesota's schools.

Lakeville's Messages: Applicants Sought for Council Opening

Also, the City is currently gathering comments from the public about cable service.

Regional News: Eagan, County Say Yes to Caponi Art Park Purchase

On Tuesday, the Eagan City Council unanimously agreed to enter into a joint purchase agreement with Dakota County to buy 27.12 acres of the park. The decision ensures the entirety of the park will remain intact and preserved.

Mary Liz Holberg: Paying Back the School Shift a Priority

"When there is a budget surplus, law prohibits Governor Dayton from vetoing repayments of K-12 funding as he did in the last session."

Column: Dave Thompson Talks Budgets, Says Democrat's Way Will Fail

"Healthy businesses hire employees. That is the direction we should go in Minnesota."