Dakota County Attorney Backs Bill to Raise 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.

Dakota County Cities Providing Free Small Business Consulting

To encourage small business growth, the cities of Burnsville and Eagan—along with other county partners—are offering free, one-on-one small business consulting.

Saturday Mail Delivery to End, Postal Service Announces

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

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.

Dakota County Sheriff's Office to Host Citizen Academy Beginning in March

This educational and informative program was designed to teach county residents about the issues facing law enforcement in local communities.

Dakota County Residential Survey Coming to a Mailbox Near You

The survey gives Dakota County residents the opportunity to rate the quality of life in the county as well as governmental service delivery.

Alcohol a Factor in Crash That Seriously Injured Michael Brodkorb

The 39-year-old Eagan resident was listed in critical condition following the accident, which took place on Interstate 35E in Mendota Heights.

Area Legislators Mixed on Dayton Budget Proposal

Gov. Mark Dayton's $38 billion proposal would expand sales taxes on certain items and services and boost education funding.

Minnesota Sales Tax Proposal Draws Fire from GOP, Mall of America

Burnsville Sen. Dan Hall called recent bills to expand the sales tax to clothing and digital purchases "disappointing."

Rick Hansen at the Inauguration: 'We Were in a Crowd of A Million Happy People'

The Democratic state representative for Mendota Heights, Lilydale and West St. Paul talks about waiting in lines, the president's speech and Beyoncé lip-syncing the national anthem.

Local Legislator Appointed to Commission Overseeing Vikings Stadium Construction

District 52B Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL) is one of 12 legislators charged with overseeing the construction of the $975 million stadium project.

MnDOT to Close Five Miles of Southbound Interstate 35E for 30 Days Over Summer 2013

This summer, Dakota County's Interstate 35 Corridor will be riddled with detours and diversions as the state refurbishes one of the most heavily trafficked roads in Minnesota.

Sheriff's Newsletter: 14 Cars in Ditch Because of Icy Road

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

FRIDAY NEWS: Mendota Heights Mayor, Council Take Oath of Office

Here is the latest news from the City of Mendota Heights.

VIDEO: In Eagan Visit, Franken Discusses School Safety, Mental Illness and Assault Weapons

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

Dakota County Offering January Whooping Cough Immunization Clinics

More than 260 cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, were reported in Dakota County last year.

2013-2014 Minnesota Legislative Session Begins This Week

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.

Sheriff's Newsletter: 26 People Jailed on New Year's Day

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

Dakota County Sheriff Bellows Calls for Ban on High-Capacity Assault Weapons

Also, Sen. Al Franken will be at Eagan's Dakota Hills Middle School on Monday to discuss school safety.

Lilydale Mayor Minute: Tacklng Soil, Water and Bluff Erosion in 2013

Lilydale Mayor Pampusch talks about the city's 2013 priorities and the opening of the Villas of Lilydale.

New State Laws to Start the New Year

Here's what you need to know to start the 2013 off right.

Number of Foreclosures Continues to Decline Across Dakota County

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.

Sheriff's Newsletter: 'Tis the Season

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

What's Open and Closed in Mendota Heights During the Christmas Holiday?

Know of something that is opened or closed that we missed? Add it in the comment section.

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.

Mendota Heights to Throw Party for Jack Vitelli on 'Jack Vitelli Day'

The city of Mendota Heights will host a reception for retiring council member Jack Vitelli next Tuesday.

It's Time to Review Mendota Heights' Snow and Parking Policies

The possibility of the first measurable snowfall of the season is in the forecast for this weekend.

Week in Review: Powerball, Trampoline Park, Village at Mendota Heights

Here is a roundup of stories posted on Mendota Heights Patch this past week.

Highway 52 Lafayette Bridge Open House Scheduled for Dec. 6

In late January or early February, no vehicle combinations of more than 35 feet in length will be allowed to use the Lafayette Bridge until the crossover is removed next November.

New Maintenance Requirements for Mendota Heights Businesses Under New Ordinance

An ordinance passed by the Mendota Heights city council has new guidelines for the appearance of buildings, windows, fences and landscaping

Village at Mendota Heights Considers Options for Empty Lots

The $60 million mixed use development has three unsold lots.

Property Tax Information Dakota County Residents Need to Know

Homestead classification-related tax deadlines are coming up.

Mayor Minute: Winter in Mendota Heights

Mayor Sandra Krebsbach talks with city administrator Justin Miller about the city's snow emergency policies.

Mayor Minute: Mendota Heights Budget and Tornado Clean-Up

Mayor Sandra Krebsbach talks with city administrator Justin Miller.

What's Open and What's Closed for Veterans Day in the Mendota Heights Area?

Most private retailers are staying open for Veterans Day, but plan ahead if you want to borrow a book or mail a letter.

How Did Mendota Heights Vote on Voter ID, Marriage Amendments?

Check out our citywide results for Mendota Heights and a number of other Dakota County communities.

After DFL Wins, Could Legislature Repeal State's Ban on Same-Sex Marriage?

Lawmakers are of mixed opinion on the prospects.

In 14 Patch Cities, Voters Favored MN Voter ID Amendment

How did your city vote on the constitutional amendment to require photo ID to vote?

'Blue Wave' Sweeps Republicans from Minnesota House, Senate

Democrats say the divisive amendments and the state shutdown may have contributed to heavy Republican losses.

DFL Candidates Win All Precincts in Mendota Heights, Mendota and Lilydale

Democrats swept the three local house and senate races Tuesday night. Here's a look at the precinct-by-precinct breakdown.