LOCAL GOVERNMENT

A new name for a very old building

With the doors on the former St. Joseph Church scheduled to open in early July the city of Rosemount is looking for a name that’s a little catchier than “the former St. Joseph Church.”

By Nathan Hansen , April 15, 2010

County dedicates new Spring Lake Islands WMA

The new Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area officially opened April 8. More than 700 acres make up the new venture between Dakota County and the State of Minnesota.

By Jane Lightbourn , April 13, 2010

Gudmundson named interim sheriff in Steele County

Former Dakota County Sheriff Don Gudmundson has been selected sheriff again, this time in Steele County. At a special Steele County Board of Commissioners meeting Friday afternoon, the commissioners authorized county coordinator Dave Severson to begin contract negotiations with Gudmunson, who retired as Dakota County Sheriff at the end of February.

By Jane Lightbourn , April 12, 2010

City eases burning ban for some fires

The city of Rosemount has eased a total burning ban that was in place last week to allow some recreational fires.

By Nathan Hansen , April 12, 2010

Natural space is a work in progress

Meadows Park has a bit of a split personality. One one side of a small hill there is a tidy playground, a half-court basketball surface and a shelter where families can gather for a picnic in the shadow of a water tower and the city’s second fire station.

By Nathan Hansen , April 11, 2010

New teacher leaves add flexibility as district makes cuts

Teachers in line to lose their jobs or have their hours reduced as a result of cuts to the Independent School District 196 budget have a new option that might make it easier to come back in the future.

By Nathan Hansen , April 10, 2010

Letter: Refuting the eminent domain myth

I read with curiosity of Jason Messner’s sudden resignation from the planning commission. As an appointed fixture for many years, he used many opportunities to impose his own vision of entropy, scars at every corner of our city.

April 09, 2010

Police will step up speed enforcement

Drivers in Rosemount might notice a few more police cars patrolling city streets this summer thanks to complaints from residents and a discussion at city hall.

By Nathan Hansen , April 09, 2010

City acts to address noise, delays created by trains

Bruno DiNella knew when he bought his home there would be noise from trains passing nearby. He figured he could handle a few trains blowing by each day on their way through town. But DiNella didn’t count on an hour or more of nearly constant train whistles early in the mornings, or on train cars left parked on a nearby siding. Now, DiNella has had enough. The Rosemount Port Authority member made a formal complaint to the city council in March about the way Progressive Rail, the company that operates from the blue shed at the corner of Highway 3 and County Road 42, has been running things in Rosemount.

By Nathan Hansen , April 09, 2010

City clerk elected to statewide position

Amy Domeier, city clerk for the City of Rosemount, has been elected vice president of Region IV for the Municipal Clerks & Finance Officers Association of Minnesota for 2010-2011. The election was held during the association’s annual conference March 16-19 in St. Cloud.

April 06, 2010

Former sheriff a finalist for interim job in Steele County

Don Gudmundson, the longtime Dakota County Sheriff who retired from the county in February, is in the running to become the interim sheriff in Steele County.

By Nathan Hansen , April 06, 2010

Volunteers are vital in Rosemount

If it weren’t for volunteers, Rosemount’s schools would look very different. Crowd control at large public events would be difficult. And large-scale community celebrations like Leprechaun Days? You can forget about those.

By Nathan Hansen , April 04, 2010

Happy with the city he helped build

Jason Messner got involved in the Rosemount Planning Commission because he wanted to be part of a discussion about revitalizing the city’s downtown core. Turns out it was a longer discussion than he expected.

By Nathan Hansen , April 03, 2010

Schools could offer bus service to more students, for a price

Students who live within walking distance of their schools might be able to get a ride next year, but it’s going to cost them. School board members took a first look Monday at a plan to charge a $250 annual fee for students whose parent would rather they not walk to school. The district would charge a $125 fee for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.

By Nathan Hansen , April 02, 2010

City targets UMore land for park

Construction of new homes in the University of Minnesota’s proposed UMore Park development could still be years away, but some work on the property could start as early as this year.

By Nathan Hansen , April 02, 2010