South St. Paul Voice 2024

South St. Paul

Boy Scout troop 9095 celebrates milestone

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

South St. Paul’s Boy Scout Troop 9095 is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. A celebration event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 3, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 2855 47th St. E., Inver Grove Heights. It will feature a potluck, historic displays, a presentation from leaders, information about the troop, the chance to meet Eagle Scouts and more. It’s free and open to the public. Those attending are encouraged to RSVP to Chip at chip.jansen@yahoo.com or 651249-8906. People who have had experience with the troop are also asked to submit historic photos or share their personal stories. The troop was originally based out of Grace Memorial Lutheran Church in South St. Paul and landed at Bethesda Lutheran in Inver Grove Heights in 2001. The location borders both cities and draws participants from each. Jansen said that of the five troops that once served South St. Paul this is the last one standing. Over the decades, it has been a popular outlet for boys ages 11-18 to participate in camping and other outdoor activities, learn a variety of life skills, and assist with community service events. The highest number of scouts the troop has had in one year

Now that we’re drawing closer to the sun, you can expect longer days, warm nights — and a boatload of events to keep you entertained all summer long. Events have returned full force across the city and our annual Summer Event Guide helps you navigate them all. Read on, then join the fun.

Report card for area schools

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City has new ideas for Armour Gates

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Anew proposal has surfaced regarding the future of the 116-year-old Armour Gatehouse structures, located on a 4-acre cityowned property at the southwest corner of Armour Avenue and Hardman Avenue North. The gates are the only remnants of the 47-acre Armour complex that played a huge role in the city’s history and once greeted the 4,000 employees who passed through them every day. The complex closed in 1979 and was demolished in 1990. Today, the gates are the last vestiges of the stockyards meatpacking plants, which fueled an economic boom in the city from the early to mid-1900s.

At an April work session, the South St. Paul City Council and city staff discussed the possibility of relocating one or both gatehouse structures to Kaposia Landing, 800 Bryant Ave. City staff say the structures could be incorporated into the updated design for Kaposia Landing, as laid out in the City’s new Parks Master Plan that is set to be adopted this spring. The design calls for the addition of a restaurant, food truck station, amphitheater, kayak launch, pickleball courts, trail and parking lot. Possible uses for the gates include a rest area, trailhead or overlook, canoe or kayak rental station, or kayak launch point. Staff noted that Dakota County has

Kaposia Days festival returns June 28-30

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Get ready to shine with community pride!

South St. Paul’s annual Kaposia Days celebration is returning June 28-30 and there are ample opportunities to partake in the fun. For those new to the community, the summertime tradition has been held since 1976 and its name

honors the area’s earliest known residents: the Kaposia band of the Mdewakanton Dakotah. Most events are free, but some have an admission charge. Purchase a button to take advantage of discounts. They’re $3 and available at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N., and several local businesses. This year’s button design winner was South St. Paul fifth-grader

Eva Wunderlich. All information was accurate as of press time but is subject to change. For more information, visit kaposiadays.org. Kick-off CelebrationGet the festivities rolling a day early by celebrating 5-7 p.m., Thursday, June 27, at the Croatian Hall, 445 2nd Ave. S. The event features food and raffle drawings.

Medallion Hunt - A medallion will be hidden

on South St. Paul’s public lands and whoever finds it gets $300. Two clues will be released each day on the Kaposia Days Facebook page, beginning Sunday, June 23, and one final clue will be released Friday, June 28.

Grande Parade - Grab your lawn chairs! Decorative floats and other vehicles get rolling at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 28. The route begins at 12th Avenue and travels

down 12th Ave. to Southview Boulevard then turns south on 7th Avenue South.

The final block of the parade, between 6th and 7th streets, is a “Quiet Zone” (no horns, sirens or lights). This year’s grand marshal leading the parade is The Boys Scouts of America Troop 9095, and the legacy honoree is the South St. Paul Choralettes.

Live cable coverage by Town Square Television will be

aired on Channel 14. Kids Fishing ClinicLearn how to tie knots, bait a hook, identify fish and more at the fishing clinic held 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, June 29 at Simley Pond, 80th Street and Cahill Avenue in Inver Grove Heights. Poles and bait provided.

Kiddie Parade - The South St. Paul Mayor’s

Kaposia Days /

Scouts / Page 2

Gates / Page 5

Boy Scouts

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is 90. Pre-covid, it averaged 35-40 and this year it has 28. Every year, the troop takes on a wide variety of tasks including raising food for Neighbors Inc. in November, collecting and recycling headstone wreaths from Fort Snelling in February, hosting a bike sale in partnership with the South St. Paul Police Department in the spring, participating in Memorial Day and Kaposia Days parades, and selling Christmas trees from the parking lot at Cub Foods in West St. Paul. Scouts receive badges for their accomplishments, and those who earn 21 – including 14 required merit badges – before age 18, are eligible to complete a service project to become

an Eagle Scout. Service projects vary widely and the troop often partners with the City of South St. Paul to find one that fits the skills of each scout. A common project is a beautification effort at a city park. Jansen said only about 5% of scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout, and that Troop 9095 expects to name its 95th eagle scout this summer.

“Some kids just really enjoy the camping aspect of it and the camaraderie, so they earn a few merit badges here and there, but they’re not really looking to be an Eagle Scout,” said Jansen. “We have a lot of kids who aren’t into sports, or are only in one sport and the rest of the year they’re not doing any-

thing [extracurricular]…. We’re very open to helping kids coming in at any experience level.”

The troop makes sure to complement its community-minded efforts with fun outdoor experiences. Every July, the troop spends a week camping at Tomahawk Campground near Rice Lake, Wis., and scouts have the chance to receive several merit badges there, including first aid, cooking and camping. In January or February, scouts can participate in Snow Camp, which involves a number of winter activities as well as building and sleeping in a snow hut. If the temperature drops below zero they get a “zero hero” badge.

Scouts ages 14 and up can also participate in what is called a “high adventure” trip every August. It’s typi-

Kaposia Days Special

cally to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Isle Royal National Park, but this year the troop is making its first-ever trip to Montana. Working at the Christmas tree lot in the winter and other fundraising events helps scouts raise money to fund these trips.

One of Jansen’s favorite memories with the troop was on a high adventure trip to Isle Royale National Park. When one scout badly rolled his ankle, the others immediately took the initiative to lighten his backpack and assist him the rest of the way. “There’s just a great bonding that takes place and you

see that grow throughout the years,” said Jansen. “A lot of them keep connected [into adulthood].”

Most recently, the troop participated in a new event: aviation day at Fleming Field. A parent of one of the scouts is a pilot and took the kids for rides in a 4-passenger Cessna. They will likely do it again next year, giving kids the chance to learn about aviation and receive an aviation merit badge.

The troop meets at 7 p.m. at Bethesda every Monday throughout the year. Adults assist older scouts with leading the meetings and provide suggestions as to where they should camp, what meals they can prepare and other logistics.

Jansen, a South St. Paul native, has been with the troop since his first son joined about 10 years ago. He’s been committee chair for about nine months, and before that was troop treasurer. The troop’s scoutmaster is Tony LaMotte and assistant scoutmasters are Daniel Anderson, Jason

Glenn, Steve Kippola, Elisha Bunn and Rey Hurdt. Anyone is welcome to attend a few meetings for free to learn more, and registration can be done at any time during the year. Cost is $200 a year and scholarships are available. Kids younger than age 11 can join Cub Scouts, which operates during the school year and takes a break over the summer. For more information, call 651-249-8906.

On May 7, The Boy Scouts of America announced it will rebrand to Scouting America, effective February 8, 2025. The move reflects the organization’s commitment to welcome every youth and family to experience the benefits of Scouting. The announcement comes as the organization celebrates the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into Cub and Boy Scout programs. The organization currently serves more than 176,000 girls and young women across all programs, including more than 6,000 who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

Services, LLC

Gateway Bank

Heartland Credit Union

Marie Avenue Service

Taurinskas Law Firm, P.A.

Southview 66 Servicecenter Corp.

Kathy's Licence Center (Quick-Serv)

South St. Paul Family Chiropractic

Exteriors

Troop 9095 on a high adventure trip to Isle Royale National Park.

Kaposia Days

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Youth Task Force is hosting the annual Kaposia Days Kiddie Parade on June 29. This year’s theme is “South St. Paul Businesses.” The parade departs at 10 a.m. from the corner of Marie and 6th Avenue North and travels a few blocks north on 6th Avenue. Participants should arrive at 9:30 a.m. to register.

Wrestling

After a decade, professional wrestling returns to Kaposia Days featuring some of the best wrestlers of the upper Midwest. The show is 2-5 p.m., June 29, in the North Parking Lot of Concord Lanes, 365 Concord Exchange N.

Bingo

Test your luck at bingo, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, June 29, and noon-5 p.m., Saturday, June 30, at 5th and Marie. Stick around on Friday for disco bingo held 7-9 p.m.

Craft Fair & Flea Market

Shop from dozens of artisan vendors and learn about local businesses, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June 29, at Central Square, 100 7th Ave. N. To pre-register for a booth, visit kaposiadays. org. After June 10, all registrations must be completed the day of the event. Cost to register is $25 per space. For more information, contact Julie Foote at 651-450-2366 or drjulie@sspfamily.com.

Softball Tournament

Teams will hit the softball diamonds at Kaposia Landing Fields, 800 Bryant Ave., on June 29, for the state’s second largest softball tournament. Registration must be done before the event. All players must be age 18 or older. To register, call Rich at 651-455-1725.

Beanbag Tourney

A doubles cornhole tournament begins at 10 a.m., June 29, at the Lions Pa-

vilion at Kaposia Landing, 800 Bryant Ave. Participants must be age 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Registration is 9-9:45 a.m., the day of the event. Cost is $50 per team, cash only.

Classic Car Show

Vintage automobiles will be on full display, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 29, at the South St. Paul Secondary School parking lot, 700 2nd St. N. Registration is the day of the event only.

Touch-a-Truck

Kids can explore fire trucks, police trucks, dump trucks and other large vehicles. Free. Details were not available as of press time.

Pancake Breakfast

Enjoy a stack of pancakes and sausage 9 a.m.-noon, Sunday, June 30, at Fury Motors, 1000 Concord St. S. The meal is free with a Kaposia Days button.

Kite Fly

Colorful kites will fill the sky noon-3 p.m., June 30 at Roosevelt Field, near

5th Avenue South and 5th Street South. If it’s raining, the event will be canceled and won’t be rescheduled. Kites and assistance will be available. Free.

Open Skate

The South St. Paul girls’ hockey team will host an open skate 1-3 p.m., Sunday, June 30, at Doug Woog Arena, 141 6th St. S. Skate rentals are $2. Admission is free with a Kaposia Days button or $5 without.

Concert

The Inver Hills Community Bank will give a free performance 4-5 p.m., June 30, at the Central Square Amphitheater.

Fireworks

The Kaposia Days closing ceremony is 7:30-10:15 p.m., June 30, at Ettinger Field, 700 2nd St. N. It will feature food, live music by Complete Music, and a dazzling fireworks show that

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begins at dusk. The pyrotechnics company will conduct testing every hour until the show begins, beginning at 4 p.m. Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult during the fireworks. Kaposia Days swag, such as t-shirts, hats and bags, are available. Place your order early to be received in time for the big weekend. For more information, visit kaposiadays.org.

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Westpfahl running for mayor

Mark J. Westpfahl, a South St. Paul resident since 2015 and social studies teacher at South St. Paul Middle School has announced his candidacy for mayor of South St. Paul. His priorities include investing in community safety and health; improving infrastructure and services; and building economic and cultural opportunities. His goal is for South St. Paul to become a thriving, inclusive community where everyone feels seen, supported, safe, heard and valued.

Westpfahl has taught middle school for 15 years, co-leads the Where Everyone Belongs student leadership program at the middle school, and serves on school leadership committees. He has served on school district and state governmental boards, political committees and nonprofit boards. Westpfahl lives near Seidl’s Lake with his wife, Jen, and children Grace, Connor and Eleanor. For more information, visit markformayorssp.com.

City, school district adopt core values

The City of South St. Paul and the South St. Paul Public Schools have jointly established a set of core values that they hope all employees, students and residents will embrace to benefit the entire community. The values are Respect, Pride, Collaboration, Integrity, Resilience and Equity. City and school district leaders are now encouraging residents to reflect on what each core value means and how they can be applied in daily actions and decisions.

Athena award

Annie Felton, a senior at South St. Paul Secondary, re-

ceived a 2024 Athena award, which recognizes excellence in academics and athletics. Her athletic honors include: 2-time all-conference and academic all-state in tennis, all conference honorable mention and Team Hobey Baker Award winner in hockey. She also participated in golf. Academic honors include National Honor Society, Student Council, and threetime Gold Honor Roll Award winner. She plans to attend St. Thomas University and major in exercise science.

Scholarships

The South St. Paul Educational Foundation recently distributed scholarships totaling $477,250 to 140 students at South St. Paul Secondary School. Scholarships are funded through donors and awarded to students attending vocational, trade, 2-year and 4-year institutions. The Foundation was established in 1984 and over the years has also given out $8.3 million to nearly 4,000 students to help them achieve their post-secondary goals.

Pride Festival

SSP4All, a nonprofit established earlier this year, will hold its first Pride Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, June 8, outside Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N. It will feature food, local vendors, LGBTQ+ resources and more. For more information, visit ssp4all.org.

Northview Pool repairs underway

The South St. Paul City Council awarded a $26,200 contract to Protouch Painting, Inc. to repair and paint the Northview Pool shell. Work includes pressure washing, sandblasting, caulking and painting the pool shell. Last year, the Dakota County Department of Health last year ordered

the City to refinish the pool shell prior to opening this year. The pool season begins June 8.

Croatian Hall improvements

South St. Paul Croatian Hall has been awarded $195,000 in legacy cultural heritage funds to restore the hall as a community gathering space and preserve the history and cultural heritage of Croatian immigrants in Minnesota.

“Founded in 1919, the Croatian Hall was a space for new immigrants working at stockyards and meatpacking houses to come together,” said Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL, 53B) who authored a provision in the 2024 Legacy Budget bill. “Today, it continues to serve as a gathering place and a reminder of the contributions of the Croatian-American community. ”

In 2008, Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution, which increased the sales tax by three-eighths of one percent and dedicated those funds to protecting and enhancing the state’s outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, arts, and cultural heritage. Since 2009, the Legacy Amendment has generated nearly $4 billion in funding for projects.

Playground Camp

South St. Paul Parks and Recreation is hosting summer playground camps. Each camp has a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, and each ends with a visit to a pool. Camps are Superhero Camp, June 1021; Packer Camp, June 24July 3; STEM Camp, July 8-19; and Disney Camp, July 22-August 2.

Juneteenth celebration

Pastors in Action is hosting a Juneteenth celebration June 19 at Clark Grace, United Church of Christ, 779 15th Ave. N., starting at 5 p.m. The Rev. Oliver White will give a presentation on Juneteenth, followed by a BBQ at the church. The community is invited to attend.

Library events

The following events are held at Kaposia Library, 115 7th Ave. N., South St Paul. For more information, visit www.co.dakota.mn.us/ libraries or call 651-4800900.

Chickens, Chickens, Chickens, 10-10:45 a.m., Thursday, June 6. Join a naturalist from Dodge Nature Center to learn about chickens as you get up close with a hen and rooster. From meat to eggs and even pest control, chickens are an important part of a farm. Geared toward ages 4 and older with their caregivers.  Kaposia Summer Discovery Kickoff, noon-3 p.m., Monday, June 10. Celebrate the start of summer reading with fun activities. Pick up your Summer Discovery log and find great books to read. Ages 18 and under.

Evening Storytime for 2s-6s, 6-6:30 p.m., June 11 and 25, and 10:30-11 a.m., June 13, 20 and 27. Stories and activities that help develop early literacy skills. Ages 2 and older with their caregivers.

Storytime for Babies , 10:30-11 a.m. each Friday in June. An interactive storytime with books, songs and playtime. Ages 2 and under. Summer Playhouse , 1-1:30 p.m., June 12 and 26. Meet Jack and the Beanstalk, Rumpelstiltskin, and a surprise princess.

Dropcloth Painting, 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, June 18. Contribute to a fun, freewheeling collaborative art piece that will be displayed in the library. Ages 5 and older.

Sprallage: Spray and Collage, 2-5 p.m., Thursday, June 20. Visualize and freely cut letters out of paper, fabric or 2D materials without drawing or stencils. Registration required. Ages 12-18.

Kaposia Book Club for adults, 7-8 p.m., Monday, June 10. This month’s title is “Sea Creatures” by Susanna Daniel.

Starting Your Writing Life at age 55-plus, Tuesday, June 18. Get creative writing prompts, exercises and simple tips to help you start or stay with your writing project, whether it’s a novel in-progress, preserving family stories in memoir or another writing project. Registration required.

Sawyer’s Dream , 2-3 p.m., Saturday, June 29. Transport yourself back in time with this ’70s inspired, family-friendly 4-part vocal harmony Americana band that combines elements of pop, rock and soul. This event will take place at the Central Square Amphitheater next to the Kaposia Library, 100 7th Ave. N.

Shelter rentals

Shelter rentals are available at Kaposia Park and

Report card for area schools reveal more progress is needed

Recent statistics from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) show that public schools in South St. Paul – and schools across the state – are still struggling to recover from the adverse effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on learning. Last year’s graduates were first year high school students in the 2019-2020 school year and remained in distance learning for most of their sophomore year. Their junior year was also disrupted by increased staff and student absences due to illness.

The department offers a report card for each public school in the state to give parents an easy-to-read overview of how their school is doing at meeting state standards. The data below compares the pre-COVID year of 2019 to 2023. Students are tested once in high school for each subject using the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) test. The reading test is administered in 10th grade, math in 11th grade, and science after the student has completed their life science instruction (usually a biology course). To view all data for your school, visit education.mn.gov, click the Data Center link, then Minnesota Report Card. To follow how your school board is addressing today’s educational challenges, view school board meetings, agendas and minutes on the board’s website, or contact a school board representative. The percentages are the number of students who meet state standards.

Statewide, graduation rates, math, reading and science scores are all down.

Graduation rate: 83.7% in 2019; 83.3% in 2023

Math: 55% in 2019; 45.5% in 2023

Reading: 59.2% in 2019; 49.9% in 2023

Science: 50.7% in 2019; 39.2% in 2023

At South St. Paul High School, graduation rates and science scores improved but math and reading scores were down.

Graduation rate: 86.5% in 2019; 89.3% in 2023

Math: 31.6% in 2019; 26% in 2023

Reading: 45.3% in 2019; 35.9% in 2023

Science: 35.1% in 2019; 35.8% in 2023

School board: John Raasch is board chair. Information on all board members can be found at sspps.org/ about/school-board or by calling 651-457-9700.

“All schools were significantly impacted by the pandemic,” said Raasch. “South St. Paul is taking a more wholistic approach to increase student and teacher support. We’re adding more counselors at all our schools, introducing new curriculums in math and literacy, and developing more pathways at the secondary school that allow students to explore vocations. I have an immense amount of pride in what our teachers are doing to push our students to achieve at the highest level.”

Lorraine Park. To reserve a shelter, visit the Parks and Recreation page at southstpaul.org or call 651-3666200. The shelters at Kaposia Landing, McMorrow and Veterans Field are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Bridgepoint update

It was reported in our April issue that Binder Heating and Air would break ground this summer on a new building at 110 Bridgepoint Court. However, in early May Binder terminated its purchase agreement with the City of South St. Paul, after spending months trying to get the project done on budget.

Golf for peace

PeaceMakerMN, which supports a Peace Guide at Kaposia Education Center, is hosting a fundraising golf tournament at 10 a.m., Monday, June 17 at River Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove. Cost is $115, includes golf, cart and meal. Proceeds will support services in South St. Paul. To register, email John at johnlaliberte29@ gmail.com. The mission of PeaceMakerMN is to help schools to be safer places, free from bullying and harassment, and to help youth learn positive relational skills like empathy, respect, cooperation and how to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Armour Gates

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shown an interest in incorporting one or both of the structures for the regional trail that passes through the park.

Recent estimates to relocate the gates are roughly $220,000, and restoration work – including brick and limestone replacement, joint repair and cleaning – would add another $230,000. Those costs don’t include site preparation, roof res-

torations, or installation of utilities, if needed. It’s projected that those improvements could increase the total project price by 8-20%, bringing the project to a half-million or more. No timeline was given for when the council is expected to make a decision on this latest idea, and staff said they will examine additional ways to fit the gates into the city’s new Parks Master Plan if the

council decides that Kaposia Landing isn’t an appropriate place for them.

Several developers have expressed interest in the former Armour site since the city purchased it in 1989 but their interest fizzled because of the lot’s irregular shape and the hassle of dealing with the gates’ historical significance. Likewise, 30 years of periodic flurries of community correspondence about preserving the gates has failed to result in any feasible or sustainable preservation solution brought

before the city council. Last year Mark Westphal, a South St. Paul Public Schools history teacher, garnered more than 2,000 signatures on a petition to create a multipurpose commemorative park around the gates. The city council turned the idea down because the gates are located deep within a heavy industrial area and the city’s parks master plan does not call for a park in that area of the city.

Currently, the only city funds that could be used toward the project come from

the Economic Development Authority’s Development Fund, which was designated early this year for the redevelopment of the city’s key industrial and mixed-use redevelopment areas such as the Hardman Triangle, Bridgepoint, and Concord Exchange Corridor. Technically, the city could use Capital Improvement Plan resources, but those too are already earmarked for other programs and projects.

In 2022, the city was awarded a $50,000

appropriation through special legislation to support relocation of the gates but relinquished it back because it would have covered a fraction of the cost. The city had requested $300,000. It’s unlikely the city will seek similar state funds in the near future, and while Dakota County has shown an interest in using the structures to complement its regional trail, the city must develop a detailed plan before any cost sharing is discussed.

The South St. Paul Farmers Market returns June 12 and we look forward to another great season of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, seeing community members, and creating

Meeting dates

The South St. Paul City Council, 7 p.m., the first and third Monday of each month in the council chambers at City Hall, 125 3rd Ave. N. For more information, visit southstpaul.org or call 651554-3284.

The Special School District 6 School Board, 6 p.m., the second and fourth Monday of each month. For more information, visit sspps.org or call 651-457-9400.

The South St. Paul Lions Club, 7:15 p.m. the first and third Thursday of the month (September - May). For more information, visit ssplions.org.

community at the market. Look for the following programs: the South St. Paul Community Booth, where community organizations and groups highlight community activities and opportunities; the SSP Unique Container Contest, where residents show their unique containers to bring home their produce for the chance to win the monthly contest; Ring the Bell, where lucky residents have the opportunity to ring the bell to announce the start of the market; and other activi-

HANDYMAN

ties with reduce, reuse and recycle themes.

Back by popular demand is the POP program, which debuted last year. The Power of Produce (POP) program provides a fun opportunity for youth ages 3 to 12 to interact with the growers, participate in educational games and demonstrations, and be exposed to new fruits and vegetables. Each week, youth may visit the POP booth to do an activity and earn a $3 token that can be used to buy fresh produce at the

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market. The booth will have different activities throughout the summer. The South St. Paul Farmers Market was selected by the St. Paul Farmers Market and Dakota County Public Health last year to pilot the program due to the engagement and energy of the South St. Paul Market and its patrons. We exceeded all expectations last year and are excited to offer it again this year.

The South St. Paul Farmers Market takes place Wednesdays, 2-6 p.m. in

the Wakota Federal Credit Union parking lot at 12th and Southview. The POP program begins June 19. We encourage all shoppers to bring their own bags or other containers. For more information on any of these programs, contact Deb Griffith at 651-554-3230 or Deb.

griffith@southstpaul.org. The City of South St. Paul thanks the St. Paul Farmers’ Market for continuing to offer the market and the POP program in South St. Paul, and to the South St. Paul Lions Club for their generous donation to fund the program.

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Music in the Parks

Mears Lunchtime Series - Free concerts are held noon-1 p.m. at Mears Park every Tuesday and Wednesday, June 11-Aug. 14, except June 19 and July 3. The lineup features Sweet Rhubarb, June 11; St. Suburbia, June 12; Stevens Family Band, June 18; Jmo on the Beat, June 25; Jugsluggers, June 26; TBD, July 2; Capital City Wind Ensemble, July 9; Hot Toddies, July 10; *Splash!*, July 16; Demolition Means Progress, July 17; TBD, July 23-24; Falcon Arrow, July 30; Switchgrass, July 31; Olivia Quintanilla, Aug. 6; DJ Darling Nicque, Aug. 7; TBD, Aug. 13; and Matt Hannah, Aug. 14. Lowertown Sounds is a free concert series presented on Thursday nights in Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. Concerts run 6-9:30 p.m., and guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the show. The lineup features Dan Israel, June 6; Erik Koskinen, June 13; The New Standards, June 20; The Scarlet Goodbye, June

27; Mary Bue, July 11; The Orange Goodness, July 18; Rogue Valley, July 25; Annie and the Bang Bang, Aug. 1; Champagne Confetti, Aug. 8; Flamin’ Oh’s, Aug. 15; Salsa del Soul, Aug. 22; and Dan Rodriguez, Aug. 29. Food trucks will be at each performance. For more information, visit lowertownsounds.com.

Groovin in the Garden free concerts are held 6-8 p.m. every Wednesday, June 7-July 26 at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. The lineup is Innocent Reggae Band,

June 5; Flamin’ Oh’s, June 12; Eleganza, June 19; Cole Diamond, June 26; Craig Clark Blues Band, July 3; The Foxgloves, July 10; Ben Cook-Feltz, July 17; and School of Rock, July 24. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Summer Nights in Rice are free concerts held 5-7 p.m. on select Thursdays in Rice Park, 109 W. 4th St.

This year’s lineup was unavailable as of press time. Dates are June 27, July 11, July 18, Aug. 15, Aug. 29 and Sept. 12.

The City of Mendota

On Friday, June 21: Claudia Medina’s Peruvian Project, 4 p.m; Karrin Allyson, 6 p.m.; Stefon Harris & Blackout, 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, June 22: Joe Lovano master class, 11 a.m.; youth performances from Walker West Music Academy and MacPhail Center for Music, noon; Kavyesh Kaviraj Quintet, 2 p.m.; Walker West Jazzwomen Collective, 4 p.m.; Kandace Springs, 6 p.m.; and Joe Lovano Quartet, 8:30 p.m.

Heights presents free concerts, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at Market Square Park, 720 Main St. The lineup includes Alligations, May 29; The Patience Band, June 12; All Good Company, June 26; The Barsolo Brothers, July 10; Buster Phalen, July 24; The Brueskes, Aug. 7; Skippin’ Stones Trio, Aug. 21; and Teddy Bear Band and The Resistors, Sept. 4.

Twin Cities Jazz Festival returns to Mears Park and other venues throughout the city June 21-22.

Jazz88 Main Stage at Mears Park, 221 5th St. E.

United Healthcare Jazz on 5th St. Stage at Mears Park, 221 5th St. E. June 21: Gypsy Mania Hot Club Quartet, 5 p.m.; Jack Brass Band, 7:30 p.m. June 22: The Avant Garde, 3 p.m.; Salsa del Soul, 5 p.m.; and Swingin’ on a Star, 7:30 p.m.

The Jazz88/MPSVoices. com Stage will be at Twin Cities PBS, 172 4th St. E. June 21: Washburn High School Jazz Combos, 2 p.m.; Aberration Combo, 3:45 p.m.; Take That Back, 7 p.m,; and Connie Evingson, 8:45 p.m. June 22: Zorevo, 11 a.m.; Southwest High School Jazz Combo, 12:45 p.m.; South High

School Jazz Combo, 2:30 p.m.; Courtney Burton and Court’s in Session, 5:30 p.m.; Omar Abdulkarim Quartet, 7:15 p.m.; and Lenore Raphael Trio, 9 p.m. The Walker West Music Academy Youth Stage will be in Saint City, 281 7th St. E. June 21: Karrin Allyson Master Class with Walker West Jazzwomen Collective, 12:30 p.m.; Walker West Women in Jazz, 2 p.m.; Walker West Youth Jazz Ensembles, 2:45 p.m.; Kamoinge Strings of Walker West Music Academy, 4 p.m.; and MN Hard Bop Collective Sit-in Series, 5 p.m. June 22: High School for Recording Arts & Purple Playground, 11 a.m.; Matthew Bennett Quartet, noon; Collin Roycraft Quintet, 1:30 p.m.; Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands, 3:15 p.m.; Parkview Center School Jazz Band, 4:15 p.m.; and Minnesota Hard Bop Collective Sit-In Series, 5 p.m.

The St. Paul Get Down, free hip-hop concert is held 5-9 p.m., Friday, Aug 16, at Harriet Island Target Stage, 110 Harriet Island Rd. For more information, visit wfnu.org.

contact

Rick Hansen

360 Butler Ave. E. West St. Paul

Twin Cities Jazz Festival, photo by Andrea Canter

Fairs & Festivals

The Flint Hills International Family Festival is held May 31-June 1 at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington

St., and surrounding areas. Performances include Davina and the Vagabonds, 7-8:15 p.m., Friday, May 31 (from $39); “NOOMA,” an opera for babies, 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., May 31, and 9:15 a.m., June 1, (from $5); 123 Andrés: Actívate, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., June 1 (from $5); and Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque, 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., June 1 (from $5). B2wins, Salsa del Soul and other local musicians will perform free performances on two outdoor stages both nights. The event also features free craft activities, henna artists, face painting, food trucks and more. For more information, visit ordway.org/festival.

WaterFest is held 11 a.m.4 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at

Lake Phalen Park Pavilion, 1600 Phalen Dr. This free, family festival offers an opportunity to learn about the importance of water management, wildlife habitat, and the unique ecological features of the region’s watershed. Experience activities on and around the water with Voyageur canoe rides; paddleboats, canoes and kayaks for checkout, fishing lessons, a fishing contest with prizes, water games, inflatables, face painting, lawn games, arts and craft activities, a water bar featuring water flights, weaving water with indigo and fibers,

a footprint water pledge photobooth, the Passport Odyssey with prizes, food trucks and more. Live performers include Bato Bato from Breck High School, the Farnsworth Marching Band, Kids Dance and Aztec Dance Group Kalpulli Tlaloctecuhtli. Parking is limited but free shuttles are provided from nearby park-and-rides. For more

information, visitrwmwd. org/get-involved/waterfest or call 651-792-7950.

Grand Old Day celebration will be held 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, June 2, featuring eight music stages, a parade, car show, beer garden, a 3K, family zone, sports and wellness district, vendors and

Summer Events / Page 8

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The Flint Hills International Family Festival

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Rosé Fest, 4-8 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at Kellogg Mall Park, 62 Kellogg Blvd. The event features a handpicked selection of rosé wines, marketplace with local vendors, music by DJ Keezy, food and more. Tickets are $60 and include 10 wine samples. VIP tickets are $125 and include early admission, unlimited samples and exclusive wines, a commemorative wine glass and more. For more information, call 651-632-5111.

St. Paul Food Truck Festival, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., July 1314, at lot C of Union Depot, 390 E. Kellogg Blvd. Enjoy food and drinks from more than 50 food truck vendors. The MN Lottery Stage will

Siding

feature music all day. Performances were not available as of press time. The event will also feature giveaways, and a handful of games including Hammerschlagen and giant Connect 4.

Union Depot Train Days will take place 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 1-2 at Union Depot, 214 4th St. E. The free event includes train equipment tours, model trains, an exhibit featuring photos of steam locomotives, familyfriendly activities, DJ, food trucks and more. For more information, visit uniondepot.org/traindays.

Deutsche Tage, returns for its 66th year. It’s held 11 a.m.-9 p.m., June 8, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., June 9 at the Germanic American Institute, 301 Summit Ave. The event features authentic German food and beer, family-friendly games, musicians and dancers, and more. Special guest is the Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt song and dance group from Wisconsin. Admission is free. Adults may purchase $10 wristbands for beer and wine purchases. German folk-wear is encouraged. For more information, visit gaimn.org or call

Padelford Riverboats, moored at Harriet Island, feature daily narrated 90-minute public sightseeing and dinner cruises through Oct. 20. Themed cruises include Father’s Day cruise, margarita cruise and more. Prices vary. For more information, visit www.riverrides. com or call 651-371-5305.

651-222-7027.

Mendota Days is held July 12-13. A parade kicks off at noon on Saturday, starting at St. Peter’s Church on Highway 13 and ending just after the VFW. A car show with music from an Elvis impersonator will be held 1-4 p.m. following the parade. The event will also feature a bouncy house, doubles bean bag tournament ($10 registration), arts and crafts, food trucks and more. Live music takes place both nights at

Lucky’s and the VFW. The lineup at the VFW includes Elijah Adam Band, 7-11 p.m., July 12; and Greazy Gravy, 1-5 p.m., and The Authorities, 7-11 p.m., July 13. For more information, visit cityofmendota.org.

The Minnesota Yacht Festival is held July 19-20 at Harriet Island Regional Park. Friday’s line-up includes Gwen Stefani, Alanis Morissette, The Black Crowes, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, The Head and

the Heart, Durry, Morgan Wade, Michigander, Gully Boys, and Harbour & Home. Saturday features Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Offspring, Hippo Campus, Gary Clark, Jr., The Hold Steady, Soul Asylum, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Wilderado, and Nico Vega. Tickets start at $135. For more information, visit minnesotayachtclubfestival.

com.

The Dakota County Fair takes place Aug. 5-11 at the Fairgrounds, 4008 W. 220th St., Farmington. Highlights include musical entertainment, demolition derby, midway rides, talent contests, grandstand shows, car and livestock shows, historic village and food. For more information, visit dakotacountyfair.org or call 651-463-8818.

Minnesota State Fair takes place Aug. 22-Sept. 2 at the State Fairgrounds, 1265 N. Snelling Ave. The Fair showcases Minnesota’s finest in agriculture, art and industry, hundreds of concession stands, a giant Midway, Grandstand concerts, giveaways, animal and product demonstrations, parades and much more. Grandstand

performances include: Becky G, 7 p.m., Aug. 22 (from $89); Chance The Rapper, 7 p.m., Aug. 23 (from $48); Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour, 7 p.m., Aug. 24 (from $77); Blake Shelton, 7 p.m., Aug. 25 (from $77); Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, The Association, Badfinger, The Vogues and The Cowsills, 7 p.m., Aug. 26 (from $33); Ludacris & T-Pain, 7 p.m., Aug. 27 (from $44); Motley Crue, 7 p.m., Aug. 29 (from $77); Matchbox Twenty, 7 p.m., Aug. 30 (from $67); Stephen Sanchez, 7 p.m., Aug. 31 (from $34); and Kidz Bop Live 2024, 3 p.m., Sept. 2 (from $24). For more information, visit mnstatefair.org. Irish Fair of Minnesota, is held Aug. 9-11, at Harriet Island, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd. This event celebrates Irish heritage through music, dance, Gaelic sports, children’s activities, a Celtic marketplace, cultural displays, and Irish food and drink. Bands will perform on six stages throughout the weekend. They include Skerryvore, The Jeremiahs, The Byrne Brothers, JigJam and Reverie Road. Hours are

Affordable Living

3-11 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.11 p.m., Saturday, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday. Single day passes are $20, with discounts for youth and seniors. Weekend passes are $45, with discounts for youth and seniors. Free for youth under age 13. VIP tickets start at $130 and include main stage priority seating, indoor seating, valet parking, meals, snacks, beverages and a chance to meet featured entertainers. For more information, visit irishfair.com or call 651-645-0221.

IndiaFest is held 11 a.m.9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The free event features performances from Asian Indian dance groups, Indian cuisine from local restaurants, Bollywood music, cultural displays, flag-hoisting ceremony, student achievement awards, activities and games, along with an Indian bazaar. Free. For more information, visit www.iamn.org or call 651321-3421.

Japanese Obon Festival is 3-9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18 on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. The event features martial arts, singing, dancing, drumming, food, lantern lighting and more. A shuttle will run from 1930 Como Ave. to the festival. The last drop off is at 10 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Prices were not available as of press time.

Other events

C.O.P.S in the Park , 6:30-8:30 p.m., Aug. 23, at the West St. Paul Sports Complex, 1650 Oakdale Ave. The event is an acronym for Community Outreach with Public Safety. Meet public safety employees such as police officers and firefighters. Following the events, the City of West

St. Paul will host an outdoor movie (TBD based on community vote) at 8:45 p.m. Both events are free. In case of bad weather, call 651259-2671 for updates.

Take a Kid Fishing weekend is June 7-9. Ages 16 and older may fish for free without a license if accompanied by a youth or child age 15 or younger. Great shore fishing opportunities abound on the Mississippi River, Lake Phalen in St. Paul, Pickerel Lake in Lilydale, and Thompson and Marthaler lakes in West St. Paul. For more information visit, dnr. state.mn.us/takeakidfishing or call 651-296-6157.

The St. Paul Saints have a full schedule of zany promotions all summer at CHS field in Lowertown, 360 N. Broadway St. Fireworks are featured at Friday home games and on June 8, July 3 and 4 and September 21. For a complete schedule of games and events, visit milb. com/st-paul.

Safe Summer NightsThis is the 10th year the St. Paul Police Department is collaborating with the Safe Summer Nights organization to offer free food and beverages at parks and recreation centers throughout the city. Events are 5-7 p.m., Thursdays, and feature activities for children, first responder vehicles, bike giveaways, and the chance to meet police officers. This year’s schedule is Griggs Recreation Center, 1188 Hubbard Ave., June 11; McDonough Rec Center, 1544 Timberlake Rd., June 13; Palace Rec Center, 781 Palace Ave., June 20; Dayton’s Bluff Rec Center, 800 Conway St., July 18; Highland Park Community Center, 1978 Ford Pkwy., July 25; Battle Creek Rec Center, 75 S. Winthrop St., Aug. 1; and West Minnehaha Rec Center, 685 Minnehaha Ave. W., Aug.

15. For more information, visit www.stpaul.gov or call 651-266-5485.

Tour de Rec - Free games, activities and arts and crafts for youth ages 6-12 will be offered this summer at parks in West St. Paul and Mendota Heights. No registration required. Hours are 1:30-2:30 p.m. The program will be at Rogers Lake (fishing), June 11; Thompson Park (storytime), June 18; Garlough Elementary (recycling day), June 25; Mendota Elementary (yard and field), July 9; Harmon Park (splash pad), July 16; Wentworth Park (science), July 23; Mendakota Park (crafts), July 30; and Marthaler Park (nature scavenger), Aug. 6. The events are held in partnership with TriDistrict Communty Education, the City of West St. Paul and the City of Mendota Heights.

West St. Paul PoolWhether you’re looking for a place for the kids to cool off or want some aquatic exercise, you’ll find it at the West St. Paul Swimming Pool, 92 West Orme St. It’s open June 10-Aug. 27. Hours are noon-7 p.m., Mon.-Fri., and noon-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. The pool features a water slide, zero depth splash pool, separate lap pool and concessions. The grounds outside the pool have a playground and picnic tables. Admission $6. For more information, visit wspmn.gov and search “pool” or call 651-552-9650.

Padelford Riverboats , moored at Harriet Island, feature daily narrated 90-minute public sightseeing and dinner cruises through Oct. 20. Themed cruises include Father’s Day cruise, margarita cruise and more. Prices vary. For more information, visit riverrides. com or call 651-371-5305.

Como Park

Como Park Zoo & Con-

servatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., features flora and fauna from around the world, including giraffes, gorillas, lions, tigers, the ever-popular polar bear and more than a dozen botanical gardens. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., through September and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., October-March. Admission is a suggested donation of $3. Sensory friendly mornings are offered 9-10 p.m., June 11 and 23. For more information, visit comozooconservatory.org or call 651-487-8201.

Como Town amusement park is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed.-Sun. with kiddie rides, family rides and thrill rides, including the Soaring Eagle zip line, which travels 420 feet across the park, peaking at 85 feet. It also features attractions such as Dinosaur Expedition which displays life-size models of dinosaurs, some of which are more than 28 feet tall and 60 feet long.

Summer Flower Show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory runs June 14-Sept. 22, featuring cherry red and pink annuals adorning the sunken garden. Angelonia, petunias, begonias, impatiens, coleus, salvia and verbena will be on display.

Historical tours

The Sibley Historic Site is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday-Sunday, through Sept. 2 at 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy., Mendota. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 65 and older and veterans or active military, $6 for children 5-17, and free for children 4 and under. The site will host the Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste event 1-5 p.m., Sunday, June 23.

It features singing and dancing demonstrations that celebrate French Canadian, Canadian and French culture. Admission is free. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs or blanket and a picnic. For more information, visit www.dakotahistory.org/ events.

Historic Fort Snelling is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., through June 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wed.Sun., June 8-Sept. 2, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., Sept. 3-Dec. 31. It is closed on Independence Day and Labor Day. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors ages 65 and up and active military; $8 for children 5-17. Veterans and children 4 and under are free.

Alexander Ramsey House, 265 S. Exchange St., is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month. Summer dates are June 1, July 6, Aug. 3 and Sept. 7. Guided tours are available, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 65 and up, and $8 for children 5-17. Children 4 and under are free. For more information, call 651-2968760.

The James J. Hill House at 240 Summit Ave. in St. Paul offers 60-minute guided tours 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Thurs.-Sat., and 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sundays. It is closed on Independence Day and Labor Day. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for seniors ages 65 and up; $8 for children 5-17. Children 4 and under are free. For more details, visit mnhs.org.

Walking tours

The Landmark Center offers 60-minute guided walking tours, Wednesdays at 10 a.m., June through August. The following tours are free, but reservations are required. The Rice Park Tour circles one of St. Paul’s most iconic parks and observes the surrounding buildings that gave the park its central role in city events and celebrations. The tour is held the first Wednesday of each month: June 5, July 3 and Aug. 7. It departs from the Landmark Center at 75 5th St. W.

The Great River Tour travels along the Mississippi, highlighting buildings and locations that helped make St. Paul the city it is today. The tour is held the second Wednesday of each month: June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14. It departs from Upper Landing Park at Shephard Road and Eagle Parkway. Heart of the City Tour winds along historic landmarks such as Mickey’s Diner, Candyland, the Hamm Building and more. It’s held June 19 and Aug. 21, and departs from the Landmark Center at 75 5th St. W. It Happened Here First Tour explores downtown St. Paul and provides stories about the city’s first settlers. The tour is held the fourth Wednesday of each month, departing from the Kellogg and Robert Street entrance to Kellogg Park. Dates are June 26, July 25 and Aug. 28. For more details, visit landmarkcenter.org or call 651-292-3276.

Summer Sunday School Five Sundays

Grace Lutheran Church

149 8th Ave. S., South St. Paul Call to register: 651-451-1035

9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Ages 4-12 Grace Fellowship Hall

June 23, 2024

July 14, 2024

July 28, 2024

August 4, 2024

August 11, 2024

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” Matthew 19:14

Neighbors, Inc.

Dawn Wambeke President & CEO

Summertime is always an excuse to get together with friends and family to enjoy the simple things in life: community and great food! At Neighbors, Inc., and through our partnership with Augustana Lutheran Church, we were able to do just that in late April during Volunteer Appreciation Week.

Is Dakota the Best County in America?

I don’t know if Dakota County is the best, but according to experts whose job it is to measure such things, we compare favorably to counties across the country. This said, I am more interested in what readers think. Check out the evidence below then let me know your thoughts.

Best in category awards

- Since 2018, Dakota is the only county – out of over 3,000 counties nationwide– to earn the nation’s top county service awards in three separate areas: public safety, public health and infrastructure. The National Association of Counties named Dakota County the best in public safety in 2018 and the best in infrastructure in 2023. The National Association of City and County Health Organizations named Dakota County the best local health department in the nation in 2020.

Zero debt and financial stability - While other levels of government sank deeper in debt over the past

After a hiatus due to COVID, we were happy bring

decade, Dakota County became debt-free, making us one of the only counties in the country with zero debt. Not having to pay millions of dollars a year in interest helps hold down our county taxes while freeing up more funding for needed services. In fact, the state’s Department of Revenue shows Dakota County’s property taxes per person are now the lowest of Minnesota’s 87 counties, while our AAA credit rating from Standard and Poor’s is the best of any county in the country. Dakota County’s credit rating is now higher than 34 states and the federal government. Only 16 states and seven na-

back our Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, which saw more than 125 volunteers in attendance. It was an honor to reflect and celebrate the dedication and generous contributions that our volunteers bring every day to Neighbors. It also brought me immense joy to hear the stories about their time with our organization, and to see how this event brought friends back together and helped others create new ones within our community. This summer we plan on doing even more of these appreciation events. They will be open to the community to enjoy

tions worldwide are as highly rated financially by Standard and Poor’s as Dakota County.

Unrivaled volunteersDakota County’s thousands of volunteers contributed 28,529 hours of service, valued at $907,222, over the past year to further improve county services. Our dedicated volunteers removed 3,247 pounds of garbage from our riverbanks and greenways, planted 12,000 native plants in county parks, patrolled 5,380 miles of park trails, packed 25,811 meals to feed hungry children, kept 4,498 pounds of items out of local landfills at our Fix-it Clinics, assisted 200 students with homework, collected over 1,200 bags of trash by our Adopt-a-Highway groups, and cleared dozens of acres of harmful, invasive species.

Nation-leading sustainability - Upgraded turbines at Dakota County’s hydroelectric dam, together with conservation efforts, will soon make Dakota the only county in America to generate more electricity than our buildings and facilities use.

some great food and to hear more about the services that Neighbors provides. You’ll also be able to meet some of our board of directors, staff and volunteers. I would like to share an anonymous testimonial from a volunteer that showcases some of the powerful stories that take place at Neighbors: “I helped a man at the computer center one day, and learned that he was 64 years old and living in a car. Volunteering at Neighbors helps raise your awareness of how fragile your housing, income and job can be. And how can you get a job when you are living in a car and

This additional 24,000,000 KWH of electricity annually from hydro will save us money on utility bills, lower greenhouse gas emissions by 4.6 million pounds annually, and will generate over $1 million in annual revenues to help hold down county taxes.

Solar has also been added to the county’s energy portfolio. This includes 960,000 KWH of solar at Dakota County’s Empire Maintenance Facility and 304,474 KWH from two solar arrays. In the next several months we will be adding 1,000,000 KWH of solar at Dakota County’s Northern Service Center in West St. Paul, Western Service Center in Apple Valley, Robert Trail Library in Rosemount and the Administration Center in Hastings. Because of a guaranteed contract we have with a service provider, this will generate an additional $7 million of revenue for the county.

Sustainability efforts do not stop there. Right-sizing our fleet, together with telematics and transition to hybrids and battery electric vehicles, has improved miles per gallon by over 30 percent while simultaneously saving

you have no place to change your clothes? Volunteering at Neighbors helps me understand my community and these issues better.

I think I learn something new every time I come. The biggest thing I love is hearing that the staff have seen a need, they’ve processed it, and the whole process changes for the better. There seems to be something new every time I go and there hasn’t been a bad change in the eight years I have volunteered. The staff are great and always open to our suggestions and input.”

While we could never say thank you enough to

on fuel costs, reducing pollution and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This efficiency, together with the safety and performance of our fleet services, prompted the National Association of Fleet Administrators to name Dakota County the Best Public Fleet in America in 2024. This was no fluke. Government Fleet Magazine previously named Dakota County the best fleet in the nation, too.

Natural resource preservation and restorationVigorous protection of our natural resources has earned Dakota County national acclaim. We have permanently protected nearly 12,000 acres of scenic woods, lakes, farmlands and natural areas; reclaimed and restored another 1,000 acres from invasive species like buckthorn; brought back bison to Dakota County for the first time since 1840; doubled the miles of our greenway trail system; and saved 2.5 billion gallons of our precious groundwater when we fought off a railroad seeking to ship 500 million gallons a year to southwestern states like Arizona starting in 2019. The most recent natural area protected is eight

our volunteers, we hope that these appreciation efforts will show just how much they truly mean to me, the clientele we serve, and to Neighbors. We look forward to seeing you at an event later this summer. Be sure to also look out for our marketing campaign as we gear up for Neighbors’ annual Duck Race as part of South St. Paul’s On The Road Again festival this fall. As always, I’d love to connect. You may reach me at dawn@neighborsmn.org, 651-272-1135 or stop by Neighbors. I’m happy to introduce you to our lovely staff and volunteers.

acres of mature oaks in West St. Paul along the South St. Paul border.

This is where elected officials typically take a victory lap, seeking credit for the accomplishments above. You will not hear this from me. The real credit goes to our employees, our volunteers, and our private and public partners on the front lines who do the work, not to mention our residents and taxpayers who provide the resources to achieve all this. Thank you! No time for rest - Next month, I will describe the challenges that lie ahead for Minnesota’s third largest and fastest-growing county. I would appreciate your input about this. Please think about all that Dakota County does. We operate the Dakota911 emergency system, run the jail, prosecute all felonies countywide, maintain 1,050 lane miles of county roads and 164 bridges, oversee a 5,000-acre park and trail system, protect 12,000 acres of scenic natural areas and wetlands, handle 50,000 crisis intake calls annually, and operate 10 libraries that welcomed 2 million visitors and checked out 4 million materials in the last year. What can we do better? What should we start or stop doing? What should we change? What would you like to see in Dakota County? Let me know. My contact information is below. Joe Atkins represents District 2 on the Dakota County Board, which includes South St. Paul, West St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights. Elected chair of the Board in 2024, he welcomes feedback. To share comments, concerns or questions, contact him at Joe. Atkins@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-438-4430.

Joe Atkins Dakota County Commissioner

P ostscript

Making Pickles

My Aunt Ruthie used to make the best pickles ever. Ruthie was my mom’s sister. She died a few years back in a car accident that left us all sad and shaken but filled with memories. I remember her dry humor, sharp intellect and voracious reading habits. I remember her never-ending kindness and resilience.

And I remember her pickles.

Ruthie always gave me a jar of pickles whenever she made them, and they were a treasure. One year, the glass Mason jar filled with pickles broke in my purse. Having a vinegar-soaked handbag was inconsequential compared to the fear that Aunt Ruthie’s pickles would go to waste. (They did not.)

I remember a time when I

was young and my cousin was reading something I thought was stupid. (I had a lot of opinions back then about what was stupid.) I mentioned it to Aunt Ruthie whose reply has remained with me all these years.

“It doesn’t matter what she’s reading,” she said. “What’s important is that she’s reading something.” I felt a little ashamed and I

knew she was right.

This was rare, a reprimand coming from Ruthie, which is why I remember the next one she gave me 30 years later.

I saw her, and she had not made pickles. Maybe the cucumbers had not cooperated. Maybe Ruthie was working on other things. Maybe she just lost interest in supplying every relative in her large family with pickles. A person does not need a reason not to make pickles, and yet I felt Aunt Ruthie owed me an explanation.

“Someone as good at making pickles as you should make pickles!” I told her. Without missing a beat

she exclaimed, “Someone as good at performing as you should perform.”

This took me aback for a few reasons. First, as I mentioned, Ruthie was generous with her praise and sparing with her criticism. Second, I had been a performer for years and was now working in business, which everyone seemed to think was a lot more practical.

Third, I honestly never thought I had a gift for performing. I enjoyed it, became comfortable doing it and worked hard so I could keep up with those who were better at it than I was. But I never thought I was anything special.

This was a long time ago. I eventually left business and started writing. Writing gives me an enormous amount of joy. Like the performing I did earlier, it’s a way to connect with other people and, also like performing, I know I’m not nearly as good as so many other writers.

Recently I got to thinking about performing again. At first, I dismissed the idea.

I was too busy writing. I had tried once before, right before the pandemic, and nobody got to see anyone perform for a long time. And finally, I thought I was too old. Performing is work best left to the young, I told myself.

But the idea grew as I waited for weeks that turned into months for my book to be sold. I thought, what a wonderful feeling it would be to perform again, to do something I had some control over, to do something fun.

My performances will never rival Ruthie’s pickles. She really had a gift. But I have an opportunity to do a show this fall, and I am going to take it. I’m always telling people to do what they love, after all. I figure, if you get a chance to make pickles, you should. Till next time.

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

WHERE NATURE MEETS