News Roundup: Flu an Epidemic, Lakeville Teacher Goes to Newtown

In other big headlines from the past week, Burnsville has a new city councilwoman and Lakeville's school board has a new leader.

Dakota County Sheriff: 14 Cars in Ditch Because of Icy Roads

Each week, Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows releases a newsletter recapping the most interesting news.

Lakeville's Messages: January is National Skating Month

Whether you haven’t been on the ice for a while or have never skated before, here’s your chance to get prepared, be inspired, and have fun.

Next Year's School Calendar To Have Fewer Educational Days for Students

Students in Lakeville's schools will be going to class two fewer times next year. The move allows teachers to have more time for grading, training, and ultimately, teaching, administrators say.

Lakeville's 2013 City Council Outlines Process to Fill Vacant Seat

Residents have until Jan. 24 to apply to fill the open City Council seat; review will be held Jan. 29 with a final selection will be made in February.

Al Franken Talks School Safety, Assault Weapons, at County School Visit

Sen. Al Franken met this afternoon with counselors, safety experts and ISD 196 administrators at Dakota Hills Middle School.

You Can Help Shape the Future of Dakota County's Greeway System

Dakota County residents can review and comment on two greenway plans at two meetings hosted by county officials in January.

News Roundup: Sheriff Wants Assault Weapons Ban, DWI for School Official

In other news around the South Metro area, the Rosemount Marching Band is selected to appear in next year's Tournament of Roses, and the Burnsville School Board hires an executive search firm in its quest for a new superintendent.

Dakota County Sheriff Dave Bellows: Ban High-Capacity Assault Weapons

Also, Sen. Al Franken will be at Dakota County school on Monday to discuss school safety.

Lakeville's Messages: Spring Cleaning? How About Winter Cleaning?

If you received new electronics for the holidays, now is a great time to recycle the old at the Dakota County Recycling Zone.

Mini 2013-2014 Minnesota House Legislative Session Preview

Legislative Clerk David Surdez places the names of the 2013-2014 House members on the voting board in the House Chamber. The legislative session is scheduled to begin Jan. 8.

Contract Negotiations Fail: Lakeville, Police Union Go to Arbitration

After more than a year of talks, the police officer's union and the city are going to arbitration to settle contract depute.

Fiscal Cliff: Rep. John Kline Votes Yes, Explains Why

Rep. John Kline (R-Burnsville) was the only Minnesota Republican to vote yes on the House bill.

With a New Year Comes a New Batch of Minnesota Laws for 2013

Here's what you need to know to start the year off right.

Apocalypse, Fatal Crash, Snow: Lakeville's Top 10 Stories of December

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

Dakota County Foreclosure Numbers Continue to Decline

The total number of Sheriff Sales in the first 11 months of 2012 was 1,422, compared to 1,821 for the same period last year.

Meeting Preview: No Meetings This Week; New Year's Break

Thanks to the holiday, Lakeville's City Council and School Board, as well as Planning Commission and smaller governmental boards and councils are off until after the New Year.

News Roundup: Former Police Chief Dies, How Snow Days are Decided

In other news from around the South Metro region, Burnsville's 'first police chief' dies at 74, and the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Board of Education does away with late-start days.

Dakota County Offering January Whooping Cough Immunization Clinics

More than 260 cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, have been reported in Dakota County this year

Sheriff: FAA Investigating Emergency Landing at Lakeville Airport

With no wheels, a pilot made a nearly perfect "belly landing" of his airplane when his landing gear failed.

Lakeville's Messages: Don't Get Towed—Winter Snow Removal Protocol

Residents are reminded that from Nov. 1 to April 1 there is no on-street parking allowed between 2 and 6 a.m. on any day. There is also no on-street parking allowed after a snowfall of two or more inches until the streets have been cleared.

Meeting Preview: No meetings This Week; Holiday Break

Thanks to the holiday, Lakeville's City Council and School Board, as well as Planning Commission and smaller governmental boards and councils are off until after the New Year.

Lakeville's Messages: Council Passes New Mailbox Ordinance

On Dec. 3, the City Council passed a new mailbox replacement resolution for the current snow and ice control season. The new resolution replaces the former mailbox policy.

Dakota County UMore Mining Operation OK'd Despite Pollution Concerns

After numerous public meetings, Rosemount City Council approves mining permit on 5-0 vote.

Open Letter to John Kline: Work to Ban Assault Weapons; Make Us Safer

Letter writer: "Congressman Kline, I ask that you seriously consider a ban of assault weapons and high capacity magazines."

Lakeville's Thompson Named Top GOPer on Senate Tax Reform Division

Thompson was also appointed to three committees: education, state and local government, and tax committees.

Electoral College: Lakeville Man Part of Group that Voted Dec. 17

Charlie Thomas, of Lakeville, was one of eight alternate electors, and 10 electors in the Minnesota Electoral College who met to vote on Monday, Dec. 17.

Dakota County CDA Launches $30 Million First-Time Homebuyer Program

Homebuyers in Dakota County can now access fixed, low-interest mortgage financing along with a Mortgage Credit Certificate and up to $10,000 in downpayment and closing cost assistance.

Dakota County CDA Planning More Affordable Housing for Region

Last week, the Dakota County Community Development Agency put plans into motion for a 27-unit affordable housing townhome complex in Eagan.

Lakeville Schools to Create Security Task Force in Wake of Newtown Shootings

The task force will look at security and make recommendations to the school board if needed.

Rep. Kline Calls Newtown Tragedy 'Unthinkable;' Mum on Gun Laws

The second district's Congressman John Kline has been a consistent supporter of gun rights.

Election Night:15 Local Candidates, One Question

Candidates stop for a portrait and answer one seemingly simple question

Lakeville's Messages: Christmas Opportunity to Skate With Santa

Also: if you’re changing out your old lights for new LEDs, don’t forget to “Recycle Your Holidays” by recycling any old lights. You can drop them off at City Hall.

Lakeville School District Tax Levy Going Down in 2013

The decrease is larger than expected thanks to some debt refinancing.

Meeting Preview: After Mixup, City Will Hold Unofficial Tax Hearing

A special reception will be held at 6 p.m. Monday for Mayor Mark Bellows and Councilor Laurie Rieb—both of whom are participating in their final City Council meetings—which will begin at 7 p.m.

Lakeville's Utility Boss Named 'Superintendent of Year'

The Minnesota American Public Works Association named Ken Seurer, Lakeville's long-time utility superintendent, State Superintendent of the Year.

More Electronic Signs Coming to Lakeville? Council Amends Ordinance

Business in Lakeville can now have electronic signs that display images that change—just not too often.

Lakeville 2012 Year in Review: Top 10 Most Read Stories of the Year

Lakeville Patch looks back at the Top 10 most read stories of the year.

Meeting Preview: School Board to Discuss 2013-14 Calendar, Tax Levy

Lakeville's School Board has two meetings this week—its regular meeting and a special session.

Man Guilty of Conspiracy to Murder Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom

John Stephen Woodward was charged by the Rice County Attorney’s Office after Minnesota Correction Facility—Faribault officials uncovered a plot by Woodward to murder Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom.