Scott County

Jazz and jazzy drinks at fundraising event

Jazz music and Prohibition-era cocktails will be on offer in March at a Scott County Historical Society event in connection with its Prohibition-themed exhibit, "Outside the Law."

The charity event, with silent auction, takes place March 21 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Turtles 1890 Social Centre, Shakopee. Music is by the David Birrow Group.

Tickets are $15; must be 21+ to attend. Purchase online at http://bit.ly/1dCTumw.

The society is at 952-445-0378 or sherrick@scottcountyhistory.org,

The venue is at 112 S. Lewis St. in downtown Shakopee.

Shakopee

State's first mini-roundabout coming

What Shakopee officials are calling not only their first but the state's first mini-roundabout should be finished by mid-July.

The City Council has approved an agreement with Scott County to install it at Vierling Drive and County Road 78 (Spencer Street).

Mini-roundabouts have a smaller footprint than regular roundabouts.

While four-way-stop intersections back up during morning and evening peak hours, officials say, roundabouts allow a smoother flow.

Neighbors worry about pedestrian safety, but officials say the roundabouts improve safety, offering better lighting, narrower crossing lanes and a middle refuge island.

The federal government will fund up to $200,000, and the county and city split the rest, likely about $40,000 for each party.

The intersection will close for three weeks in June. Officials are trying to ensure that construction doesn't overlap with the Vierling Drive-Marschall Road work that is to begin in July.

For more on various projects: www.shakopeemn.gov/roadprojects.

Offer your thoughts on city's future goals

Shakopee has created an online "idea box" to involve citizens in its effort to define what the city should focus on to redefine its future.

The city council is working to set new goals and policies and wants to see what citizens have to say.

The Web address is www.shakopeemn.gov/ideabox.

Dog park's design has been approved

The design of an off-leash dog area at Shakopee's Southbridge Community Park has been ok'd, and construction starts soon.

Plans call for a 10-acre dog park with trails, parking lot, warming house/picnic shelter and hockey rink.

Construction is expected to start this spring.

There's a chance of a joint permit that could also be used with Three Rivers Park District dog parks not too far away.

The district has season passes and daily fees for use of Scott County's other dog parks, including Cleary Lake Regional Park and Spring Lake Regional Park facilities.

Check out www.shakopee mn.gov/parkdevelopment for more information.

burnsville

Don't let bins hinder city's snowplows

Officials in Burnsville are asking residents to keep garbage and recycling bins behind the curb, so they don't get in the way of plowing equipment during heavy snowfalls.

Bins too far out in the street interfere with snow removal, a reminder says, "and can sometimes result in bins being tipped over or hit by plows. Snowplows also have difficulty plowing to the curb line when bins are left in the street."

Instead, clear a spot off the street on the side of a driveway for garbage and recycling bins on pickup days.

For more information, visit www.burnsville.org/streets.

Video recounts last year's high points

A video of 2013 highlights that was played at Burns­ville's State of the City address ­earlier this month is now online.

The video recalls "community events, accomplishments and ideas," in the city's words, and can be found at http://tinyurl.com/n4oqndr.

STAFF REPORTS