Sun Thisweek Newspapers Farmington / Lakeville

Farmington | Lakevillewww.SunThisweek.com

May 25, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 13

General Information 952-894-1111

Distribution 952-846-2070Display Advertising

952-846-2011Classified Advertising

952-846-2000

Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A

Announcements . . . . . . 8A

Sports . . . . . . . . . 14A-15A

Classifieds . . . . . . 16A-19A

Public Notices . . . . . . . 22A

Index

Photo by Rick Orndorf

The weather was perfect and the wine was flowing at the 10th annual Taste of Lakeville on May 17 at the Lakeville Area Arts Center. Wine and beer samplings, food booths, silent and live auctions and musical entertainment were enjoyed throughout the night. Taste of Lakeville was organized by The Lakeville Area Rotary Club as its primary fundraising event. Last years Taste event raised more than $65,000 to support programs and groups all over Lakeville. More photos are at SunThisweek.com.

by Aaron M. VehlingSuN ThISweek

Jorge hernandez of Lakeville stood proudly as he talked with a teacher . his mother, Yudmil, and sister, Ana, sat nearby beaming . The Lakeville North high School senior and 13 classmates comprised the first AVID class to gradu-ate in the Lakeville school district, an accomplish-ment celebrated by district staff, the School Board and the students families Tues-day night, May 22, at the Lakeville holiday Inn and Suites . Superintendent Lisa Snyder said the district had great pride in the stu-dents . we want to celebrate you and your children, she told the audience .

Though they did take classes with others through-out their four years, the stu-dents always came together for their AVID class with the same teacher and core group of classmates . This served to give the evening the air of a family gathering, as opposed to a set of 60 people celebrating an impressive accomplish-ment . The college-readiness program is nationally no-table for its ability to take capable students and teach them some of the finer points of college prepara-tion: note-taking, organiza-tion and accountability . hernandez admitted to goofing off too much in middle school . This left him in a bind when high

First AVId class graduates in Lakeville Rigorous program prepares students for college

Farmington attorney: Mayors vote for his company not conflict Citys seed purchase raises questions

by Laura AdelmannSuN ThISweek

Farmington Mayor Todd Larsons vote approving a city purchase of seed from the com-pany Lar-son works for did not represent a conflict of interest, ac-cording to Farmington City Attorney Joel Jamnik . he doesnt receive a commission, and he has no personal interest in the contract, Jamnik told Sun Thisweek . The citys $2,458 pur-chase of 40 bags of grass seed from Ramy Turf Prod-ucts occurred Feb . 23, and payment was approved by

the Farmington City Coun-cil at its April 2 meeting . Larson, a salesman for Ramy, said he inquired with Jamnik before voting to pay the bill . I didnt even know about it until I saw it in the bills, Larson said . I had absolutely nothing to do with it . According to the invoice, the salesman was Th, identified by the company as sales representative Terry harrington, whose sales territory includes Farming-ton . Larsons sales territory is from Interstate 494 to Can-ada . Jamnik said City Coun-cil members may vote on

File photo by Aaron Vehling

In May 2011, internationally-renowned artist Ta-coumba Aiken (wearing the green polo shirt) instructed students of one of Lakeville Norths rigorous AVID classes on the finer points of mural painting, an artistic outlet that offered the students a chance to exercise their creative instincts. Lakeville celebrated the graduation of its first AVID class May 22 at the Lakeville Holiday Inn and Suites.


If Farmington high Schools 2012 graduates are like those who have gone before, many may stretch their wings during college but return to build upon their established roots . At least 23 Farmington businesses are operated by Farmington high School graduates, said Lisa Car-ey, owner of Towns edge Barber and part of the schools class of 1989 . So many graduates have stayed, she said . And, they not only stay, but their roots go deeper when they have a busi-ness, too . Graduates who re-turn and start businesses are vitally important to the community, said Farmington Business As-sociation President Clyde

Rath . If youre not grow-ing and going forward, youre going backwards . People who have been raised in the community and open businesses are more emotionally con-nected to the area and have the communitys best interest at heart, he

added . Not to say someone from another place cant be, but they have that his-tory and know all the people around town, Rath said . Thats impor-tant when youre trying to

Photo submitted

Mike Bischel is one of many Farmington High School graduates who have opened businesses in Farmington.

Local businesses have deep rootsMany Farmington graduates are shop owners


The Minnesota Supreme Court re-versed on wednesday a murder convic-tion because of interference by Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom and other state actors . In the May 23 ruling, the Supreme Court found multiple state actors un-questionably interfered with the legisla-tively mandated independence of medi-cal examiners and put defendant Nicole Beecrofts constitutional rights at risk . Beecroft, of Oakdale, was on trial for murder in 2008 in the death of her new-born baby, and Dr . Susan Roe, then a staff member with the Dakota County Medical examiners Office, was prepared to testify to her findings that the child

Supreme Court reverses murder conviction

Backstroms conduct cited in ruling

A Taste to remember

See SupreMe CourT, 22A

See AVId, 7A

See hoMeTown, 20A

Todd Larson

See MAyor, 22A

opInIonQuestion the candidates Sun Thisweek wants to know the questions readers would like candidates for various elected offices to answer .

Page 4A

SporTS

Tiger lacrosse has playoff firstThe Farmington boys and girls lacrosse teams are having their best seasons, and the girls scored their first playoff win in school history .

Page 14A

ThISweekend

war comes to FarmingtonDakota City heritage Village becomes a battle zone during the third annual world war IIre-enactment .

Page 12A

eagan girl in pippi braids eagan middle school student to star in Twin Cities stage version of Pippi Longstocking story .

Page 12A

onLIneCheck out more Lakeville and Farmington prom photos at sunthisweek .com .

while on Facebook, like our page at facebook .com/sunthisweek to discuss stories and to receive updates .

Tweet with us at twitter .com/sunthisweek .

2A May 25, 2012 Sun ThiSweek

Sun ThiSweek May 25, 2012 3A

by Aaron M. VehlingSun ThiSweek

Lakeville north high School student Austin Blumberg has a seemingly natural gift for art and humility. ever since i was little i would draw, he said. i just like to be creative. he describes his latest piece, an intricate pencil drawing of a squirrel, as a matter-of-fact occurrence in his daily experience as an artist. But the office of u.S. Rep. John kline thought highly enough of Blum-bergs art to bestow on him an the Congressional Artis-tic Discovery Award. Blumbergs piece will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel entrance to the u.S. Capitol Building in wash-ington, D.C., where he will attend a ribbon-cutting cer-emony in late June. it feels really good, Blumberg said. i didnt ex-pect to win. i just submitted it for fun. his formal training is centered on art classes in school, but Blumberg seems to have inherited some of his mothers artistic tenden-cies. My mom is extremely artistic, he said. She al-ways pushed on me to pursue art and my creative side. Blumbergs dad, Derek, agrees. Theres something natural in Austins art, he

said. he does work on his art, but its a God-given talent. Like a sport or any-thing, if you have a natural gift, you are good at it. The nationwide art com-petition provides members of Congress an opportu-nity to showcase the talents of high school students in their districts and acknowl-edge gifted young artists, according to klines office. Blumberg will join win-ners from the other Con-gressional districts when in washington, D.C. The annual competition includes a variety of visual artistic disciplines. About

700,000 high school art-ists have participated in the competition since it started in 1982. Blumberg said he plans to pursue a creative field for a career, whether it is in vi-sual arts or in music. i just like to do things where i can be creative, he said. There is a sense of accomplishment in making something out of nothing. Aaron M. Vehling can be reached at [email protected] or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

LNHS student wins art awardHis work will hang in Washington, D.C.

Photo submitted

Lakeville North High School student Austin Blumberg won the areas Congressional Artistic Discovery art competition, awarded by U.S. Rep. John Kline. Blumbergs art will hang in the U.S. Capitol.

After general manager and editor Larry werner announced last week that he would be moving to a new position as director of news with eCM Publish-ers inc., two company as-sociates with a combined 44 years of media industry experience will be oversee-ing the operations of Sun Thisweek and the Dakota County Tribune Business weekly. Jeff Coolman replaces werner as the new gen-eral manager and has been busy meeting with staff in Apple Valley.

Coolman also serves as general manager of more than 30 newspaper flags operated by eCM-Sun Group, which has offices in eden Prairie, Osseo, waconia, Monticello and Stillwater. he also over-sees a print plant in hud-son, wis. Coolman has been as-sociated with Sun news-papers since 2001 when he was hired as group pub-lisher and vice president. he has worked in the media industry since 1993, holding the position of publisher at the Morning

Journal in Columbiana County, Ohio, and adver-tising director at the Battle Creek enquirer in Michi-gan. Coolman oversees a total of 36 publications with a combined circula-tion of nearly 375,000, including Sun Thisweeks three publications Apple Valley-Rosemount, Burns-ville-eagan and Farming-ton-Lakeville in addition to the Tribune. Coolman will be joined by keith Anderson, direc-

Sun Thisweek, Tribune welcome new leadership Two associates with combined 44 years of experience

to lead Dakota County group

See LeaderSHip, 5A


OpinionWe want to know the questions voters need candidates to answer

Publisher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julian.AndersenPresident. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marge.WinkelmanGeneral ManaGer/editor. . . . . . . . . Larry.WernerFarMinGton/district 192 editor. .Laura.Adelmannlakeville/district 194 editor. . . . . Aaron.Vehling

thisweekend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew.MillerPhoto editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick.OrndorfsPorts editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy.Rogerssales ManaGer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mike.JetchickoFFice ManaGer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellen.Reierson

Laura.Adelmann..|..FarMinGton news..|..952-894-1111..|..laura .adelmann@ecm-inc .comAaron.Vehling..|..lakeville news..|..952-846-2056..|..aaron .vehling@ecm-inc .com

Andy.Rogers..|..sPorts..|..952-846-2027..|..andy .rogers@ecm-inc .comMike.Jetchick..|..ad sales..|..952-846-2019..|..mike .jetchick@ecm-inc .com

ManaGinG editors..|..Tad.Johnson..|..John.Gessner

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Recent college graduates step into the abyssby Ibrahim Hirsispecial to sun thisweek

every weekday morning as i drive to work at the wallin education partners in Minneapolis, i either yield or stop for the hastening student pedestrians who have just parked their cars at the Burns-ville transit station, crossing the road to catch buses to their early classes at the university of Minnesota. the sight of college students with backpacks, riding the Minnesota Val-ley transit authority express buses, re-minds me of my years as a student at the university of Minnesota, which ended just a year ago when i graduated with a journalism degree and an african and african-american studies minor. last weekend, some of these students walked along with my brother and thousands of other students across the university of Minnesotas Mariucci arena stage to honor and celebrate the end of many long and arduous years of studying. on one hand, i was excited to share the happiness and celebration with the graduates. on the other hand, i was deeply distraught by the lethargic econ-

omy, which increasingly victimizes the rising professionals. Despite the students enthusiastic de-sire to graduate, the nations work force has a poor welcome for the 2012 college graduating class. according to an april study done for and reported on by the associated press, one in two college graduates are either unemployed or underemployed. the study stated that many with bach-elors degrees find low-paying jobs or employment that doesnt require a col-lege education, and are competing with people who never set foot in a college or university. on top of the anguish of unemploy-ment, the new graduates will have to start repaying their student loans to the u.s. Department of education six

months after the graduation date. the pressure to pay back loans and the need for some graduates to make fi-nancial contributions to their families have forced some recent graduates to search for any kind of jobs, even ones not in fields they hoped to work in or at the salary they expected to earn. For instance, a former classmate from the universitys school of Journalism and Mass communication who gradu-ated with me last May, now works at a Minneapolis McDonalds, barely mak-ing the minimum wage. another friend, who graduated with honors from the universitys college of liberal arts, still remains unemployed more than a year after he graduated. But what worries me the most arent the widening unemployment rates, es-pecially among minority communities. what worries me the most is the fact that many high school students may not plan to attend college because they see college graduates working alongside them in places such as McDonalds and target. the consequences of not obtain-ing a college education are brutal. the young people without higher education

wont have the ability to think critically and may not make good choices in life. they may not be involved in improving their own communities and neighbor-hoods. to avoid these consequences, the graduates who make the extra effort to attend colleges and universities should be rewarded with deserving jobs and salaries. and the white house should assuage the duress of unemployment by creating decent jobs for aspiring recent graduates.

Ibrahim Hirsi is a Burnsville-based writ-er who graduated from the University of Minnesota with a journalism degree and a minor in African and African-American studies. Hirsis articles have been pub-lished in numerous publications, includ-ing the Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radios commentary page and the Twin Cities Daily Planet. He has also lived on the East Coast, where hes written for New Yorks Long Island Newsday and the Record-Journal, a local newspaper in Meriden, Conn.

GuestColumnistIbrahim Hirsi

by Tad Johnsonsun thisweek

with the 2012 legislative session hav-ing come to a close, our attention has turned to election Day on tuesday, nov. 6. Many people already are referring to this as the most important election in recent memory. that sentiment is due in large part because of the sheer number of offices that will be on the ballot. Because of mandatory redistricting this year, all Minnesota house and sen-ate seats will be up for grabs. all but one Dakota county commissioner seat will be on the ballot along with several municipal and school district positions. people also will be choosing a u.s. president, one of Minnesotas two sena-tors and a 2nd District house represen-tative. Voters of Minnesota, you have about five months to pay attention to who these people are and where they stand on the issues important to you. one of the frequent questions we hear from readers about this time of year is: will the newspaper be hosting any debates? im happy to report that sun thisweek will endeavor to moderate several debates in the coming months.

in June, some of the 84 journalists who work for ecM publishers inc. will meet for an election coverage work-shop during which the editors of sun thisweek will develop a strategy to plan such forums. at this time, it is our intention to schedule debates for house and sen-ate races in the sun thisweek coverage area. Because of the work involved in organizing such events, we havent gone beyond talking about those races. one of our editors recently spoke with a current officer holder in our cov-erage area who said during one election cycle she wasnt invited to any debates. Frankly, that makes us look bad that we didnt recognize the lack of a forum for that race and plan one ourselves. seeing the candidates in a debate for-mat where they dont have prior knowl-edge of the questions is very important for voters. Debates allow you to see how well

informed the candidates are on the is-sues, how they handle themselves under pressure and how they articulate their message. we want the people of our area to see as many candidates in this setting prior to casting their ballots. the most important element of a good exchange is asking the right ques-tions. thats where you can help. we would like to hear from readers what questions they think the candi-dates should answer for any of the of-fices at the state, county, city or school board level. people may submit their questions online at sunthisweek.com by going to links from this story post for the of-fices for which we are seeking questions. when you add your questions, you can see what other questions people are thinking about. people also may submit their ques-tions to my email address listed at the end of this column or mail them to our apple Valley address listed in the staff box on this page. wed especially like to hear from many of the undecided voters who frequently cross party lines for federal and state of-fices. if you are a voter who doesnt iden-tify themselves as a solid Democrat or a

Republican, send an email to me because we want to know what issues are the most important to you. we are interested because it is the middle that swings the controlling-par-ty pendulum from liberal to conserva-tive. legislative elections in Dakota county have largely leaned Republi-can in much of the past two decades, though when president Barack obama was elected in 2008, five Democrats were elected to the state house and senate from the sun thisweek coverage area. obama is back on the ballot again, but 2012 is a much different political environment and only a handful of can-didates that ran in 2008 are in the race this year. so what will happen this fall is any-ones guess. our goal at sun thisweek is to arm people with as much informa-tion about the candidates as possible so voters can make educated choices.

Tad Johnson, managing editor of Sun Thisweek and the Dakota County Tribune, can be reached at [email protected] or facebook.com/sunthisweek. Columns re-flect the opinion of the author.

Sun ThisweekColumnistTad Johnson

A time to salute the work of Legion, VFW posts by Don Heinzman

sun thisweek

strong american legion and Veter-ans of Foreign war posts and their aux-iliaries are valuable for enhancing the welfare of veterans, promoting patrio-tism and enriching the lives in their local communities. in many communities, legion and VFw post headquarters are the centers where many local events take place. Minnesota is fortunate to have 112,000 legion members in 590 posts, and 66,000 VFw combat veterans in 286 posts. while the american legion and its auxiliary and the VFw and its auxil-iary contribute much in time, talent and funds to communities, their primary fo-cus is the welfare of veterans. each organization is instrumental in having legislation passed that protects and enhances the lives of veterans. the american legion has five Veter-ans homes in Minnesota where the host

legion clubs donate services, furniture and equipment to keep veterans satis-fied. Veterans administration hospitals are the focus of the legion and VFw, and particularly the auxiliary units who visit veterans and donate equipment and other items they may need. american legion members through-out the state donate blood and sponsor trips to blood donation centers. Both organizations look out for the welfare of widows and orphans by pro-tecting their benefits. Both are active in passing national and state legislation that brings benefits

to veterans. Veterans organizations were largely responsible for passing the Gi Bill of Rights, perhaps one of the most significant laws in the 20th century. promoting respect and honor for the american flag and the united states is another major thrust of both organiza-tions. they sponsor Memorial Day, Flag Day and Veterans Day observances. honor Guards set the patriotic tone for many local observances. Members march in parades, and participate in fu-nerals of veterans, complete with a rifle salute. the legion and VFw instruct young people how to respect and treat the flag, and sponsor local oratory and essay con-tests. Development of young people is a ma-jor priority for both organizations. Both sponsor sports teams; the VFw particu-larly has events for disabled youngsters. the american legion provides schol-arships, sponsors legionville where youngsters learn how to be effective school patrol members. Boys and Girls state programs give selected high school juniors insight on how state and national government functions. partnering and funding research to cure diseases is another american le-

gion priority. Millions of dollars have been donated to research cures for heart disease and the Brain science Founda-tion. Because they both have many mem-bers with strong militaristic discipline, they usually are the most effective orga-nizations in any community. programs sponsored by both the VFw and ameri-can legion are supported by charitable gambling proceeds. Because so many are veterans of world war ii, they have the heart of what is called the Greatest Generation. their memberships are going down because not enough veterans are joining to replace those who are leaving. those veterans who are eligible and want to do more for their community and country should join either one of these effective organizations;. next time you see a veteran, thank them. they deserve it and there would be no better time to do so than on Me-morial Day 2012.

Heinzman, a member of the ECM Edito-rial Board and ECM Board of Directors, is at [email protected]. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Letters to the editor policysun thisweek welcomes letters to the editor. submitted letters must be no more than 350 words. all letters must have the authors phone number and address for verification purposes. anonymous letters will not be accepted. letters reflect the opinion of the author only. sun thisweek reserves the right to edit all letters. submission of a letter does not guarantee publication.

Sun ThisweekColumnistDon Heinzman

Letters

Flowers appreciated to the editor: the veterans in lakev-ille want to thank Jefferson tonsager and family, owner of wayne Metal products of lakeville, for recognition of giving any veteran that came to his place of busi-ness the past two weeks the pick of any potted flower plant free in appreciation for their service to our country.

Farewell, my dolphin friends to the editor: as a young kid i always liked the dolphin exhibit at the zoo. every time i went to the zoo i made sure i saw the dolphin show, but now

the dolphins are done with shows. they will also no longer be at the Minnesota Zoo. i am sad that the dol-phins have to go. though they will be going to an-other zoo, one of the dol-phins will not be doing any shows. i feel that further generations will miss out and be disappointed since that would have been one of their favorite exhibits.

JaRoD RoBinsonlakeville

Yellow RiBBon, VFw anD aMeRican leGion MeMBeRs oF lakeVille


A dead chicken leads to dog restrictions

County amends dangerous dog policy after animal allegedly kills bird

by Laura AdelmannSun ThiSweek

hazel, a whippet/Labra-dor mix, escaped her label as a dangerous dog after a Dakota County hearing of-ficer determined she killed at least one chicken only after being provoked by them. her owners, Mary Jahr and Anthony Olson of em-pire Township, successfully earned hazel the appeal that also helped prompt a policy change, as explained by Dakota County Chief Deputy Tim Leslie during the May 22 Dakota County Board meeting. hazel had crawled from under her fence March 19 and killed at least one chicken. According to testimo-ny, they saw the dog with the chicken in its mouth, Leslie told Sun Thisweek in an interview. he added that breed of dog is instinctively inclined to chase chickens. Olson and Jahr appealed the Dakota County Sheriff Departments dangerous dog notice, hand-delivered to Olson by Sheriff s Dep-uty Tim Fletcher on March 23. The case landed before Jean erickson, Public Ser-vices and Revenue Division deputy director, April 19.

erickson determined ha-zel had been enticed by one or more of Peter kon-tinakas chickens because they were allowed to roam freely through the neigh-borhood. erickson found that the chickens particularly gath-ered along the rear fence line of Jahr and Olsons property. in response, hazel was enticed to escape her yard through the fence to chase the kontinakas chickens, erickson concluded. As a result, the county withdrew its notice, and hazel will remain at home, free from the constraints

put on owners of dogs who have been declared danger-ous. under county policy, a dangerous dog is one that chases in an attitude of attack or bites human or domestic animals when un-provoked. The dog also may have a known propensity, tenden-cy or disposition to attack when unprovoked. Once a dog is declared dangerous, owners must register them, pay annual fees, have them insured and micro chipped and keep them leashed. They must also be steril-ized at the owners expense, and the sheriff s office is to be updated of the dogs residence. Dogs who are declared dangerous may be confis-cated or euthanized if own-ers do not comply with all restrictions. hazels case and chang-es in Minnesota case law prompted the county to amend its dangerous dog policy to allow owners 14 days to appeal a notice of a determination to declare their dog dangerous.

Laura Adelmann is at [email protected] or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Photo submitted

Hazel, a whippet/Labrador mix, is safe at home after it was delcared she wasnt a dangerous dog.

tor of news for eCM-Sun Group newspapers. Anderson has been in the newspaper business since 1987, holding re-porting positions in Spirit Lake, iowa, and winthrop, Minn. he was hired as a coun-ty/sports reporter by The waconia Patriot in 1989 and within one year ac-cepted the position of edi-

tor. he accepted the title of publisher/editor in 1996 and remained in waconia until June 2011 when he accepted the position of director of news with Sun newspapers. Both Coolman and Anderson noted that Sun Thisweek is led by a sol-id staff that has and will continue to seek ways to promote positive commu-nity relations, help business thrive and share the stories

that matter most to the people of the area. werner was hired as the general manager and edi-tor for Thisweek newspa-pers in 2008. he played a key role in helping steer the newspaper group through a merger two months ago that brought two flags from Sun newspapers and three Thisweek newspapers under one heading, Sun Thisweek.

leAdership, from 3A



A Minnesota man was found guilty of criminal vehicular homicide in Da-kota County court May 23 for causing a crash in 2010 on interstate 35 in Lakev-ille that killed two women, including one from elko new Market. Jason Styrbicky of Buf-falo was found guilty of three counts of criminal vehicular homicide, along with one count of careless driving. Pamela Brinkhaus, 50, of elko new Market, kari Rasmussen, 24, of St. Anthony, and Rasmus-sens 8-week-old fetus were killed in the crash. Styrbicky was driving a semi truck and trailer when he encountered halted traf-fic because of construction in the area. he smashed into two cars, which caused them to crash into another semi that was hauling mil-lions of bees. According to the Star Tribune, Styrbicky admit-ted that he had taken his

eyes off the road to look for an energy drink. evi-dence suggested he had taken his eyes off the road for between 16 seconds to one whole minute. Styrbicky testified that he did not see any con-struction signs, though the Star Tribune article says the first warning sign was posted eight-tenths of a mile before the construc-tion. This would mean that he was not watching the road for a long while be-fore the crash, the report says. The conviction carried a recommendation of up to 48 months in prison for each death, totalling 12 years, according to the Star Tribune. Styrbickys attorney said there is no plan to ap-peal but he will possibly ask for probation at the July 31 sentencing, the sto-ry said.

Aaron M. Vehling can be reached at [email protected] or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Semi driver could see prison time for crash

Two women, fetus killed in 2010 accident

Farmington couple take reins of family business

Saddleseat lessons can lead to competitions by Laura Adelmann

Sun ThiSweek

After 40 years in business as Lear Stables, a new gen-eration has taken the reins of the familys legacy. kyle and Jennefer Lear-Tharaldson of Farmington are embarking on an ad-venture to teach the art of saddle seat riding to students from children to adult. Saddle seat is an english-style of riding that involves standing and sitting during trots. Students learn to safely handle a horse, maintain their balance and the skills to successfully ride saddle seat. As they progress, there are opportunities to participate in various levels of competi-tions. everything needed to try the sport, including the horse and riding gear, is available at Vermillion Townships Lear Stables. The serious student will eventually purchase their own boots, helmet and stirrups, kyle said. its super fun, he said. i go to the stable, and its all

smiles. it seems to offer peo-ple some way to regenerate and replenish themselves. Lear Stables students range in age from preschool to their 70s. weve had some people start as late as their 60s, kyle said. it really is some-thing anybody can do. Jennefer, who has par-ticipated in the sport since childhood, is Minnesotas only American Riding in-structors Association certi-fied saddle seat instructor. its a tip of the hat to her expertise, kyle said of his wife. its a strenuous test-ing program she had to go through. its like a college exam a big one for rid-ing instructors.

The process took about a year to complete, and in-formation Jennefer had to know included the biology of horses, riding safety, loco-motion and horsemanship. She said she has earned many ribbons in competi-tions and enjoys introducing others to the sport. its always been a part of who i am and what i do, Jennefer said. Lear Stables has horses for different levels, and stu-dents may compete with various horses as they grow in their skill level. i like kids to be riding different horses, Jennefer said. it challenges you. To allow lessons year round, Lear Stables offers an

indoor riding arena that is heated in the winter. An out-door ring is also available. A viewing room with wi-Fi is available off the lounge for family members to watch lessons, which start as 30-minute individual ses-sions. After basic safety skills are attained, they are con-ducted in 40-minute small group lessons. Lear Stables was previ-ously owned by Jennefers parents, Bert and Alice Lear, of hastings. Jennefer worked for her parents for nine years with-out compensation with the goal of buying out the businesses. The purchase closed March 1, and the couple opened in Vermillion Township at the equicare building at 4263 170th St. e., which has a Rosemount mailing address. The couple intend to ex-pand the business and in-troduce more people to the sport they have come to love. we love our custom-ers, Jennefer said. They are family. She described the atmo-sphere at the stables as fun and said students become close friends as they learn and grow in a sport they en-joy together. Sometimes, kids just want to hang out at the barn, Jennefer said. Theres a joke that kids would rather clean the stall than clean their room. The kids at the barn are really good kids. A lot of times, people think they are older than they are. Riding is important to them, so they work hard. Lessons are $35 each, and packages are available that will drop the cost. For more information, call (651) 438-9008 or visit www.learstables.com. Laura Adelmann is at [email protected] or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Photo submitted

Riding instructor Jennefer Lear-Tharaldson accompanies Cassidy Lewison, on Sassy, during a horse show in Cannon Falls.


school came around. He wanted to get into a four-year university. I had no idea how to keep organized or take notes, he said. When I got to high school I got scared and talked to my deans about putting me in AVID. Hernandez will attend Minnesota State Univer-sity, Moorhead, this fall to study business. Ray Hawes, one of the districts cultural liaisons, has been tutoring AVID students, in addition to giving talks in their classes, since he started with the district two years ago. I encourage them to fulfill their dreams, he said. He had a huge smile on his face as the event pro-gressed. These are my little ducklings, Hawes said. My heart is bursting with pride. Melanie Smieja has been a high school AVID teacher since the programs inception. She spoke at the cer-emony about students like Ignacio, who started out a wallflower and by the end of high school was an as-sertive leader. Ignacio, she said, had found his voice. Another student, Au-tumn, became a tutor for younger AVID students. Scott Schmelzle has been teaching a high school AVID class for three years. He shared an adage he has told the students over the years. Dont allow yourself to be defined by a single sto-ry, he said. In other words, each student is more than just an athlete, a Hispanic or some other single cat-egory, he said.

Expansion Last year, the district extended its AVID pro-gram to include the middle schools. As with their high school counterparts, students learn the Cor-nell Notes, a system for efficient, meaningful note-taking; visit colleges; and learn organization skills, among other things. Ana Hernandez starts high school next year, and, like her brother, is also in

AVID. She also has some-thing else in common with her brother pre-AVID. I was really not orga-nized, she said. AVID students use spe-cial binders to hold all their study papers. This made all the difference. Add to that Cornell Notes and Ana said she is not only better prepared for high school but is already thinking about college. Anas class recently vis-ited the University of Min-nesota Duluth, an activity she said was organized in part by some classmates. She said she feels like AVID is preparing her to be a leader. The accountability por-tion of the program is rath-er holistic. Its not just the teachers and the students families who are heav-ily involved in ensuring a future in post-secondary education for the AVID students; the students help each other as well as their cohort progresses through high school. Stacy Wells, the dis-tricts integration and eq-uity coordinator, said this interpersonal component is one of the programs pri-mary features. Though it does not get the attention of the other aspects of AVID, Wells said the relationships they cre-ate with teachers and other students in the group is the most talked about among the kids. Wells has been with the district for three years. She said that though she has not seen AVID through its entirety, she feels a deep connection with it. Its exciting to see them come through the pro-gram, she said. I think that a lot of them really would not have seen them-selves going on post-high school had they not been a part of AVID.

An uncertain future Though AVID has the backing of the districts decision-makers, its future is not set in stone. The district funds the program with a portion of its $1.1 million in in-tegration funds, money set aside by the Legislature to help level the playing

field between minority and white students. Though AVID is not ex-clusively for minority stu-dents, its role in closing the achievement gap between white and minority stu-dents in Minnesota one of the highest in the nation makes it a pivotal part of the integration philosophy. In 2011, the Legislature called for a bipartisan task force to assess how to bet-ter allocate integration funding to districts. Lakeville School Board Member Bob Erickson, a longtime AVID champion, was one of 12 people cho-sen to serve on the task force. Its recommendations, released in February, called for directing more spend-ing to the classroom and allowed for only a portion to be used for administra-tive purposes, he said. Though the House held a hearing on the task forces findings this year, the recommendations nev-er made it beyond that. As a result, the dedicated funding could sunset next school year if nothing is done. This would mean integration funding would stay in the states general fund. This possibility makes the AVID graduation bit-tersweet for Wells. We dont know what will happen with the pro-gram, she said. About 30 percent of the districts $1.1 million in integration funds comes from a local levy, with the remainder from the state, Erickson said. It would certainly be difficult to maintain the comprehensive program currently in place, Erick-son said. The Lakeville district would most likely have to find alternate ways to pay for AVID, Erickson said, a difficult prospect consider-ing the millions in cuts the district endured a year ago. Families at the event were paying attention to a different kind of future, though. Yudmil Hernandez sat joyously at her table, flanked on both sides by her AVID-inspired chil-dren. Both have become better organized and better note-takers, adding to that

a seriousness about their future and the possibilities it could bring. Though they are origi-nally from Mexico, they have placed their faith in the American Dream. For Jorge, he said, AVID has

helped him approach this goal by pretty much get-ting my act together.

Aaron M. Vehling can be reached at [email protected] or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Klein files for rematch against Schouweiler Candidates file for Dakota County commissioner race

by Laura AdelmannSUN THISWEEk

After serving 20 years on the Inver Grove Heights City Council, Bill klein has filed to run for Dako-ta County commissioner against incumbent Nancy Schouweiler. Its all or nothing, klein said in an interview hours after he registered as a candidate when filings opened May 22. klein ran against Schouweiler in 2010, losing by 755 votes, according to the Minnesota secretary of states website. He predicted a different outcome this time, stating

that the districts bound-ary change will give him a boost. Redistricting has changed District 4 to in-clude part of Eagan and Inver Grove Heights and most of Rosemount, where kleins wife Rhonda Flem-ing grew up in a large fam-ily. klein said he brings enthusiasm and experi-ence to the position, and was critical of lobbying trips to Washington, D.C., Schouweiler and other commissioners have taken because they add costs to taxpayers. Schouweiler said in an

interview that the trips have resulted in millions coming to Dakota County. klein said the county has lobbyists for that, and if commissioners want to be involved, they could ac-complish the same thing with a phone call or video conference at no cost to the taxpayer. I dont like to spend tax dollars, klein said. Schouweiler said she is proud of her leadership in national organizations, including the National As-sociation of Counties, call-ing it advantageous for the county. To represent the con-

cerns of the county at the other levels of government, thats what commission-ers are expected to do, Schouweiler said. Other issues klein cited include property rights, reining in spending and ad-dressing county costs that he said are passed on to cit-ies, klein said if elected, he would be in frequent con-tact with city officials in the district. Other Dakota County Board candidates who pre-viously announced their candidacy and filed this week are: District 1 Hastings

City Council Member Mike Slavik, Farming-ton City Council Member Christy Jo Fogarty, District 7 state Sen. Chris Gerlach, and Incumbents Tom Egan (District 3), Liz Work-man (District 5) and Paul krause (District 6). Fogartys and Slaviks terms on their respective city councils end in 2014, and Gerlachs term expires this year. Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland has also announced plans to run for County Board, but as of presstime, had not filed.

In an interview, Ha-mann-Roland said she is out of town and plans to file next week. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 5 to file for office; they have until Thursday, June 7 at 5 p.m. to withdraw their filing. Joe Harris and Will Branning, a county com-missioner since 1997, have both announced they will not seek re-election.

Laura Adelmann is at [email protected] or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

AVID, from 1A


James M. CordesJ ame s M . Co rd e s , 6 2 , o f

Lakeville , MN and South Bend,IN. He passed away peacefully at8:40 p.m. on Monday, May 14,2012 at the Hospice House, SouthBend. Jim was born on February20, 1950 in St. Paul, MN to thela te Ma rv in F . and Ade l ine(Dunn) Cordes and bro ther ,Marvin 'Butch' Cordes. Jim wasraised in Farmington, MN andhas been a lifelong resident. OnJune 4, 2010 in Lakeville,MN, hemarried the Diane Slater. Jim issurv ived by , h is w i fe , D ianeSlater-Cordes and her children,Angie and Scott; mother andfather in law, Jim and Pat Dean;and his four legged friends,Mag-gie and Lucy (the pooches); onesister, Dorothea (William) Pryorof Northfield,MN; brother, JohnJack (Teri) Cordes of Farming-ton, MN ; and s is ter - in- law ,Sherred Cordes of Farmingtonand long t ime f r i end s , S tanFredrickson, John 'Gus' Bargerand S t e v e Bau e r . J im w a semployed in management forApple Valley ReadyMix in AppleVa l l ey , MN . He wa s a 1968graduate of Farmington HighSchool and a 1972 graduate of theUniversity of Notre Dame and amembe r of the No t re DameHockey team for four years. Amemorial service will be held at 6PM on Friday, May 25, 2012 atSt . John s Lutheran Church,202nd St. (Hwy. 50, across fromAronson Park) Lakeville with agathering of family and friendsfrom 3-6 PM at church. A fellow-ship gathering will take placeafter the service at the LakevilleVFW c lub . Contr ibut ions inmemory of JamesM. Cordes maybe offered to any pet refuge,humane society, or food pantry.In memory of Jim, we are askedto wear Notre Dame apparel atthe service. On line condolencesat www.whitefuneralhomes.com

Arlaine O.FranzmeierAge 67 of Coates , MN died

May 19, 2012 in Farmington.Arlaine was born June 12, 1944

in Augusta, GA to Gustave andAnne (Pelach) Olson. She mar-ried Roger W. Franzmeier in St.Paul on June 22, 1968. Arlainewas a retired flight attendant whodedicated her life to children withdisabilities and after retirementestablished Agape Acres, a thera-peutic horseback riding facility.Preceded in death by her par-

ents and husband Roger, Arlaineis survived by her two sons CraigLee (Michelle) and Corlin RogerCory Franzmeier, all of Coates;granddaughters Lokella andMaddie; brother Gene (Betty)Olson of Plymouth, twin sisterElaine (Dwayne) Sprute of AppleValley, and sister Linda (Mark)Maines of Alto, MI; also niecesand nephews.The Funeral Service, officiated

by Rev. Paul Harrington was held10:30 AM Thursday, 5/24/12 atShepherd of the Valley LutheranChurch, 12650 Johnny CakeRidge Rd., Apple Valley, MN55124. Interment followed in St.Johns Cemetery - Rich Valley,Rosemount. Visitation was held4 - 8 PM W e d n e sd a y a t th eCaturia-Smidt Funeral Home,201 E. Seventh St., Hastings and1 hour pr ior to the serv ice atchurch.Arrangements were handled byCATURIA-SMIDT FUNERAL

HOMEHastings. 651-437-9419.

www.caturia-smidtfh.com

Ronald R. RonSwaggerAge 70, of Lakeville, passed

away on May 19, 2012 . Ronstarted his work career with SooLine Railroad and Kloster Mad-sen. He owned and operated JsRestaurant and Bonanza Restau-rant , he did sa les at FreewayFord and Air Lake Ford and wasa realtor for Coldwell Banker. Heserved on the Board of Directorsat Dakota Electric for 25 years.He enjoyed golf, but most of allenjoyed his family and his 57Chevy. Ron is preceded in deathby his parents, Raymond andVadine Swagger. Survived by hisloving wife of 50 years, Sandy;children, Cindy (John) Stevens,Connie (Randy) Aase, Bryan(Sherri) Swagger; grandchildren,Jessica, Dan and Brea Stevens,Hannah, Aurora, Athena andTristan Aase and Cole Swagger;siblings, Jerry (Mary Anne), RayJr. (Kathy), Dale (Sherri), Arylce(D e n i s ) Ma r e k and Ro g e r(Sharon) Swagger; many nieces,nephews , other relat ives andfriends. Funeral Services was held11 AM Thursday, May 24, 2012at St. Johns Lutheran Church,20165 Hea th Ave . (Hwy 50 )Lakev i l le , v is itat ion was onWednesday (5/23) from 5-8 PM atthe White Funeral Home, 20134Kenwood Tr. (Hwy 50) Lakeville.(952-469-2723) and 1 hour priorto Service at Church. IntermentLakeville Grove Cemetery. In lieuof flowers memor ia ls w i l l bedonated to the Alzheimers Asso-ciation. On line condolences at

www.whitefuneralhomes.com

Carol E. CodyCarol E. Cody, passed away

May 17, 2012, at the age of 95.Devoted wife, mother, and friend.Preceded in death by loving hus-band, Bob; parents, Joseph &Dora (Smith) Murphy. Survivedby children, Bob (Arlene), Brian(Peggy) , Keith (Marta) , Kay(Ron Mohelski); brother, JoeMurphy; sister, Geneva Shannon;s ev en g rand ch i ld r en ; th r e egreat-grandchildren. Born in ElPaso, WI. Carol was a countyschool teacher before moving toSt. Paul, MN, and marrying herhusband, Bob in 1947 . Theymoved to Burnsville in 1956 toraise their family. After Bob 'st rag i c dea th in 1969 Ca ro lworked for the Burnsville SchoolD istr ict and Data Sa les Co.,retiring in 1984. After movingfrom the family home in 1992, sheenjoyed many new friendships atEagle Ridge Sr. Apts. and ElimCare Center. Mass of ChristianBurial Tuesday 11 AM, at St.John th e Bap t i s t Ca tho l i cChurch, 4625 W. 125th St., Sav-age, w ith v is itat ion one hourprior to Mass. Lunch immedi-ately following Mass. Privatei n t e rmen t a t Fo r t Sne l l i ngNational Cemetery. In lieu offlowers, memorials preferred toElim Memorial Fund, 701 - 1stS t . , P r i nce ton , MN 55371 .Arrangements with McNearneyFun e r a l Home , Sh akop e e ,952-445-2755www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com

Catellanos -OlsonPatty Castellanos of Burnsville,

MN and T im O lson of AppleValley, MN will be married intwo ceremonies; one in Ocotlan,Jalisco,Mexico, on June 23, 2011,and the other on July 21, 2012 inApple Valley,MN.Patty is a 2000 graduate of

Apple Valley High School, and isnearing completion of a PhD inClinical Psychology from KentState University in Kent, OH.She will be interning at HCMC inMinneapolis, MN, beginning inAugust.T im i s a 1998 g radua te of

Rosemount High School, and hasa Master's Degree in Higher Edu-cation Administration from KentState University, Kent, OH. Heis currently seeking employmentin higher education.

Kroeger -BoisvertLacey Kroeger and Trav is

Boisvert announce their engage-ment and upcoming marriage onSaturday, September 15, 2012 inSt. Paul.Pa r en t s o f the coup l e a r e

Darvin and Jeanie Kroeger ofBurnsville and Dennis and JeanneBoisvert of Holcombe,WI. Laceyis a graduate from BurnsvilleSenior High School and Nor-mandale Community College,receiving a degree in Nursing. Sheis currently pursuing her Bach-e l o r o f Sc i e n c e i n Nu r s i n gthrough Mankato State Univer-sity, Minnesota. She is a Laborand Delivery nurse at FairviewRidges Hospital.T rav i s i s a g radua te f rom

Chippewa Fa l ls Senior H ighSchool in WI and the CarlsonSchool of Management at theUniversity of Minnesota, receiv-ing his Bachelor of Science inBusiness with a double major inMarketing and EntrepreneurialManagement. He is the SeniorM a r k e t i n g M a n a g e r a tM|A|Peterson Designbuild, Inc.in Edina. The couple reside inSavage.

Cherry - AnselmoBob & Diane Cherry of Rose-

mount are happy to announce theengagement & upcoming mar-riage of their daughter Rachel toMichael Anselmo, both of Hud-son WI. Mike is the son of MickAn se lmo of B looming ton &Cindy Hanson ofMinneapolis.Rachel is a graduate of Rose-

mount High School, and Augs-burg College. She is the Cus-tomer Serv ice Superv isor forEdina Realty Home Services.Mike is a graduate of HudsonHigh School and Brown College.He is an AdvertisingManager forPatch.com. Rachel andMike metwhile working at the Minneapo-lis Star Tribune & will be mar-ried in Hudson,WI in June.

Kindem - NorthLeah K indem, daugh ter of

Steve and Vicki Kindem of AppleValley and Brian North, son ofDave and Mary North of Wood-bury, announce their engagement.Leah is a 2000 gradua te of

Apple Valley High School, 2004graduate of Winona State, and a2010 MBA graduate of Augs-burg College. Leah works inHuman Resources at GeneralMills in Golden Valley.Br ian is a 1997 graduate of

Woodbury High School and a2001 graduate of the UniversityofWisconsin-Madison.Brian and his family own and

operate the North Pole restau-rant and Newport Drug in New-port,MN.The couple is planning a Sep-

tember 2012 wedding in Hastings,MN.

Roan FranchettaDavenportRoan Franchetta Davenport

was born on April 26, 2012 atStevens Community Medica lCenter , Morr is , to Andy andMar ia Davenport of Morr is .Roan weighed 7lbs 5oz and was20 1/2 long. Grandparents areMilton and Franchetta Haupertof Herman and Griff and NancyDavenport of Lakeville. Greatgrandparents are Joan Sapp ofDakota Dunes, South Dakota.

To submit anannouncement

Forms for birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary and obituaries announcements are available at our office and online at www.thisweeklive.com (click on Announcements and then Send A n n o u n c e m e n t ) . Com pleted forms may be e-mailed to class.t h i s w e e k@ e c m - i n c .com or mailed to Sun Thisweek, 15322 Galaxie Ave., Suite 219, Apple Valley, MN 55124. If you are submitting a photograph along with your announcement, please only submit photographs for which you have the right to permit Sun Thisweek to use and publish. Deadline for announcements is 4 p.m. Tuesday. A fee of $50 will be charged for the first 5 inches and $10 per inch thereafter. They will run in all editions of Sun Thisweek. Photos may be picked up at the office within 60 days or returned by mail if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is provided.

The Lakeville VFW Color Guard, Lakeville VFW Womens Auxiliary and Lakeville North High School band schedule for Memorial Day is as fol-lows: Orchard Lake Ceme-tery, 8 a.m.; West Christi-ania Lutheran Cemetery, 8:25 a.m.; New Market Catholic Cemetery, 8:50 a.m.; St. Johns Lutheran Cemetery, Webster, 9:15 a.m.; Solor Lutheran Cemetery, Webster, 9:35 a.m.; Annunciation Cath-

olic Cemetery, Hazel-wood, 10 a.m.; Emman-uel Lutheran Cemetery, Hazelwood, 10:20 a.m.; East Christiania Cem-etery, 10:45 a.m.; High-view Lutheran Cemetery, 11 a.m.; Greenwood Pres-byterian Cemetery, 11:25 a.m.; All Saints Catholic Cemetery, 11:45 a.m.; Lakeville Grove Ceme-tery, noon; Lakeville Vet-erans Memorial, 12:30 to 12:45 p.m.

Poohs playground Farmington Parks and Recreation will offer Poohs Playground for children ages 4 to 6. Cost is $45 per session and includes a T-shirt. Chil-dren are encouraged to dress up as their favorite princess, hero or make-believe charac-ter one day, otherwise, dress children in play clothes and gym shoes. Poohs Princesses & He-roes will be offered Mondays and Wednesdays June 18 through July 11 and Tues-

days and Thursdays June 19 through July 12. Program time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. No programs will be held the week of July 2-5. Registra-tion deadline: June 5. Poohs World of Make Believe will be offered Mon-days and Wednesdays July 16 through Aug. 1 and Tues-days and Thursdays July 17 through Aug. 2. Program time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Reg-istration deadline: July 3. For more information, visit www.ci.farmington.mn.us or contact Missie Kohlbeck at (651) 280-6971.

Farmington BriefsMemorial Day schedule


Lakeville man charged with arson, burglary

Suspect says he was retrieving his personal property


A Lakeville man is in the Dakota County jail after a May 12 altercation with police at a house he alleged burglarized and set on fire. eric e. Contonikolas, 31, faces second-degree ar-son and second-degree bur-glary charges after Lakev-ille police responded to a report of a house fire and ended up in a tussle with Contonikolas amid allega-tions that he stole property from the home and set the stove on fire, according to police. Contonikolas allegedly told police he gained access to the home by unlocking the front door with a credit card. Contonikolas claimed he was actually trying to put out the fire, which was contained to a picture on the stove, police said. According to the crimi-nal complaint, police ar-rived during a fight be-tween Contonikolas and a woman, whom they identi-

fied as the homeowner. She told police Contonikolas started the fire; in response, Contonikolas was acting belligerently and told offi-cers to cuff him. Police attempted to re-strain him with handcuffs, but during the struggle one officer fell to the ground, causing pain to the right side of his body. while on the ground, Contonikolas allegedly grabbed another officer by the leg, which brought that officer to the ground. The officer sus-tained a cut to his hand. A witness reported see-ing Contonikolas gain en-try to the home by prying the door open, then enter the kitchen and leave the home toting a backpack and carrying two white gar-bage bags filled with goods. About a half-hour lat-er, the same witness saw smoke coming through the windows. Contonikolas told police he did not call 911 or notify neighbors of the fire, but instead tried to put it out himself with a cup.

Regarding the items in the backpack and garbage bags, Contonikolas told police he was retrieving his personal property from the home of his former girl-friend. The homeowner told police she had argued with Contonikolas prior to the fire, the criminal com-plaint said. She told them she did not place anything on the stove recently, and that the knobs for the stove were removed as a child-safety precaution. An offi-cer found that the left-rear stove gas initiator was set to the on position at a 45-degree angle, and that removed knobs were on the counter. There was light to heavy smoke damage. if convicted of all charg-es, Contonikolas faces up to 20 years in prison and $40,000 in fines.

Aaron Vehling can be reached at [email protected] or facebook.com/sun-thisweek.


Photos by Rick Orndorf

Michael Koloski and Gracia Bonesho of Lakeville North (above photo) showed off their attire during the grand march May 15 at the schools gym. Jordan Krentz and Tanner Nieson of Lakeville South (right photo) enjoyed their schools grand march on May 19 in the auditorium.

Prom, Vegas style, at FHS


Students were betting on a fun night ahead as Farmington High School kicked off prom night with the grand march on May 19. The Las Vegas theme was the prevalent decor in the gym with lighted dice and signs in the style of the old hotels on the Vegas Strip.

Prom marches on Lakeville


Thisweekend

Photos by Rick Orndorf

World War II came to life at Dakota City Heritage Village in Farmington last weekend with mock infantry battles staged by historical re-enactors portraying Axis and Allies troops. The third annual World War II event also featured soldier encampments, weapons demonstrations, talks by veterans, a military vehicle cruise through downtown Farmington and home front displays provided by local historical societies. More photos from the event can be found at SunThisweek.com.

Battle at the fairgrounds Eagan seventh-grader enters spotlight in Pippiby Andrew Miller

Sun ThiSweek

Still in middle school, Claire hoffman is already a star. The seventh-grader at eagans Black hawk Middle School landed a featured role this spring in the Minneapolis Childrens Theatre Companys pro-duction of Pippi Long-stocking, which opened in April and runs through June 10. with about 10 shows of Pippi staged each week a total of 70 shows in all hoffman has been logging long hours for her part as Annika in the profession-al-caliber production, so much so that shes had to reduce her class schedule at Black hawk to accom-modate the demands of being in the cast. On Fridays, for ex-ample, when the show is staged twice, she attends school for an hour in the morning, heads to Min-neapolis for the first show, then heads back to Black hawk in the afternoon for two more hours of school. After that, its back to Minneapolis for the sec-ond show of the day. its pretty tiring, but its a lot of fun and theres a lot of energy there, she said. Pippi marks the sec-ond big role on the Minne-

apolis stage for the young actor, the daughter of Greg and Amy hoffman of eagan. After trying her hand at acting for the first time in a school play in the fall of 2010, she took the leap to the Minneapolis Childrens Theatre stage last spring, scoring an en-semble role in Annie.

it was an audition-call email for Annie sent to all Minneapolis Childrens Theatre season tickethold-ers hoffmans family has been attending plays at the venue since she was 2 that prompted her to try out for the show at the Mall of America, singing a por-tion of the musical-theater standard Tomorrow in front of the Annie direc-tors and choreographers. From that audition, she was chosen to fill one of 10 available spots in the cast, from a total of 450 girls who tried out. hoffman hopes her roles in Pippi and An-nie are just the beginning. eventually shed like to be a PA, or performing ap-prentice, with Minneapolis Childrens Theatre, which involves acting in all of the shows in the theater troupes season. She has her sights set on bigger goals as well. i know its a long shot, she said, but i would like to be on Broadway when im older. For show times and other information about the Minneapolis Chil-drens Theatre production of Pippi Longstocking, visit www.childrenstheatre.org.

Andrew Miller can be reached at [email protected] or facebook.com/sunthisweek.


Pippi Longstocking marks the second role Claire Hoffman has landed with the Minneapolis Childrens Theatre Company. The Black Hawk Middle School seventh-grader already has her sights set on grander acting goals. I know its a long shot, but I would like to be on Broadway when Im older, she said.

familycalendarTo submit items for the Fam-

ily Calendar, email: [email protected].

Friday, May 25 Surprise benefit for Sarah (Krause) Walsh from 5:30 to8:30 p.m. at 15400 Buck HillRoad, Burnsville. Dinner servedfrom 6 to 8 p.m. Silent auctionclosesat8p.m.Cost:$15/adult,$10/child, $40/family, children 3and younger are free. Dress iscasual, but wear some pink.Allproceeds will go to the SarahWalshfamilyandwillhelpjump-startSarahsnonprofit organiza-tion to support othermomswithbreastcancer.

Saturday, May 26 Bike sale fundraiser for Kids n Kinship from9 a.m. to1 p.m. at 12738 Ethelton Way,Apple Valley. Information: RickAnderson at (952) 322-4729 [email protected].

Friday, June 1 Summer Spectacular Fund-raiser + Night of Music & Funby the Moms and Neighborsorganization from 6 to 11 p.m.Friday, June 1, at Carbones inRosemount.MusicbyThePros-pects begins at 8:30 p.m. In-cludes silent auction and raffle.Proceedswillbedonatedtofami-liesinneedinDistrict196. Forever Wild Family Friday: Forty Shades of Green, 7 to8:30p.m.atLebanonHillsVisitorCenterDiscoveryRoom,Leba-nonHillsRegionalPark,860CliffRoad,Eagan.ListentomusicbytheFortyShadesofGreenbandaround the campfire. All ages.Free. Registration required. In-formation: http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/LeisureRecreation/Coun-tyParks/Calendar.

Saturday, June 2 Free womens car care clinic from9 to11a.m.atH&HAutomotive,21480KeokukAve.,Lakeville. Information: [email protected] or Re-beccaat(952)469-1520.

Blood drives TheAmerican Red Crosswillhold the following blood drives.Call1-800-REDCROSS(1-800-733-2767)orvisitredcrossblood.org to make an appointment orformoreinformation. May 29, noon to 5 p.m.,Christ Lutheran Church, 1930DiffleyRoad,Eagan. June1,3to8p.m.,Carmike15Cinemas,15630CedarAve.,AppleValley. June 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,Kowalskis Market, 1646 DiffleyRoad,Eagan. June4,1 to6p.m.,Princeof Peace Church, Christian LifeCenter, 13901 Fairview Drive,Burnsville. June 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,Uponor,5925148thSt.W.,AppleValley.


Gathering of Scots


The sound of bagpipes filled the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington last weekend at the 2012 Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games. The annual event, organized to promote and preserve Scottish traditions and heritage, kicked off with massed bands and the Parade of Scots; the days festivities included Celtic dance, exhibits and sporting competitions. More photos from the event can be viewed at SunThisweek.com.

theater and arts calendarTo submit items for the

Arts Calendar, email: [email protected].

Books Atina Diffley will be at theApple Valley Barnes & Noblestore,14880FlorenceTrail,from4to6p.m.Saturday,May26,tosigncopiesofTurnHereSweetCorn: Organic FarmingWorks.Information:(952)997-8928. Larry Millett will be at theApple Valley Barnes & Noblestore,14880FlorenceTrail,from1to3p.m.Saturday,June16,tosigncopiesofOnceThereWereCastles:LostMansionsandEs-tatesoftheTwinCities.Informa-tion:(952)997-8928.

Camps The Allegro Choral Acad-emy is now accepting registra-tionsforitsPitchPerfectSum-mer Singing Camp June 18-21atSt.JohnsinLakevilleforchil-drenages6to11.Findinforma-tionandregistrationmaterialsatwww.allegroca.orgor(952)846-8585,[email protected].

Concerts Feist will perform with The Low Anthemat7:30p.m.Satur-day,June2,intheamphitheaterat theMinnesotaZooaspartofSubway Music in Zoo. Tickets:$45. Information: www.mnzoo.com/musicinthezoo. The First John Philip Sou-sa Memorial Bandwillperformat 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 3,at Caponi Art Parks outdooramphitheater. A $5 per persondonation issuggested.Theper-formancewillbecanceledintheeventofpoorweather. Informa-tion:www.caponiartpark.org.

Dance DAdance will present The Three Bonnies at 7:30 p.m.Friday, June 8, at BurnsvillePerforming Arts Center, 12600NicolletAve.Ticketsare$26foradults, $19 for seniors and$16for students and can be pur-chased at the box office or viaTicketmaster at (800) 982-2787orticketmaster.com.

Exhibits Childrens Art Festival ex-hibit isondisplaythroughJune2 at Burnsville Performing ArtsCenter,12600NicolletAve.Free.Information:(952)895-4685. World Travel Photography exhibitbyartistBecqiShermanwillopenJune2attheLakevilleAreaArtsCenter,20965HolyokeAve. Information: (952) 985-4640.

Festivals I Love Burnsville WeekwillbecelebratedJune2-9.Informa-tion: www.burnsville.org/index.aspx?NID=742. Rhythm & Words Family

Music and Book Festival willbeheldfrom9a.m.to1:30p.m.Saturday, June9,at theBurns-ville Performing Arts Center,12600NicolletAve. Free. Infor-mation: www.dakotacounty.us/library. Farmington Dew DaysrunsJune 13-16. Information: http://farmingtondewdays.com. The International Festival of Burnsville will take placefrom3to9p.m.Saturday,June16, in Nicollet Commons Park,Burnsville. The free festivalwill feature a variety of culturaldanceandmusical performanc-es,ethnicfood,culturalexhibits,andchildrensactivities.Informa-tion:www.intlfestburnsville.org.

Theater TheChameleonTheatreCir-clewillpresentA Chorus Line at 7:30 p.m. June 1-2, 7-9 and14-16andat2p.m.June3,10and17attheBurnsvillePerform-ing Arts Center, 12600 NicolletAve.Tickets are $20 for adults;$17 for students, seniors, andgroupsandcanbepurchasedattheboxofficeorviaTicketmasterat (800)982-2787or ticketmas-ter.com.

Workshops/classes Music Together in the Val-ley offers classes for parentsandtheirinfant,toddlerandpre-school children in Rosemount,Farmington,LakevilleandAppleValley. Information: www.music-togetherclasses.com or (651)439-4219. The Eagan Art House offersclassesforallages.Foracom-plete listing go to www.eagan-arthouse.org or call (651) 675-5521. Dan Petrov Art Studio inBurnsville offers oil paintingclasses for beginners, interme-diate and advanced skill levelpainters, www.danpetrovart.com,(763)843-2734. Teens Express Yourself with Paint,5to7p.m.Mondaysat Brushworks School of Art inBurnsville, www.BrushworksS-choolofArt.com,(651)214-4732. Drama/theater classes forages 4 and up at River RidgeArts Building, Burnsville, (952)736-3644. Special needs theater pro-gram (autism-DCD), ages 5andolder,Burnsville,(952)736-3644. Join other 55-plus adults atthe EaganArt House to createbeaded jewelry. The Jewelry ClubmeetsonthethirdFridayofeachmonthfrom1to3p.m.Feeis $3 and includes all supplies.Bringanyoldjewelryyouwouldlike to re-make.3981LexingtonAve.S.,(651)675-5500. Savage Art Studios, 4735W. 123rd St., Suite 200, Sav-age, offers classes/workshopsfor all ages. Information: www.savageartstudios.com or (952)

895-0375. Soy candle making classesheld weekly in Eagan near 55andYankeeDoodle.Call Jamieat(651)315-4849fordatesandtimes.$10perperson.Present-ed byMakingScents inMinne-sota. Country line dance classesheld for intermediatesMondays1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at RamblingRiverCenter,325OakSt.,Farm-ington, $5/class. Call Marilyn(651)463-7833. Beginner country line dance classesonWednesdays,5:30-7:30 p.m., at the LakevilleVFW,8790Upper208thSt.$5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463-7833. Country line dance classesonWednesdaysattheLakevilleSenior Center, 20732 HoltAve.Beginners,9-10a.m.;Intermedi-ate,10a.m.-noon.$5/class.CallMarilyn(651)463-7833. The Lakeville Area ArtsCenter offers arts classes forall ages, www.lakevillemn.gov,(952)985-4640.


Sports

Sports Briefs

Farmington lacrosse blooms into twowinning programs After struggling for two years, Tigers

break outby Andy Rogers

Sun ThiSweek

it was a tough go for a while in Farmington in terms of winning lacrosse games. The girls team went 3-20 dur-ing its first two years and the boys team won just once. But in 2012, both have made major improvement. This season the girls were 8-4 in the regular season, making this their first year above .500. The girls also got some revenge on a lot of teams that had beaten them. Just getting wins, plural, was satisfying, coach Dan Pickens said. Both Chaska wins were awesome. The Lakeville South one this year was great since we lost to them in double overtime last year. we beat them 12-10 this year. Two years ago, the Tigers lost to Bloomington kennedy 20-3 in the section playoffs. They met again on Monday, but this time Farmington had the higher seed in Section 3. They are excited and believe in their ability now, Pickens said. we are not walking in to an even-tual butt-whooping. The girls got another first, beating kennedy 13-11 for their first ever playoff victory. The Ti-

gers went on to play Bloomington Jefferson in the quarterfinal on wednesday. The results were un-available at presstime. The current group of seniors is the first Farmington group to grow up with lacrosse starting at the youth program, which has grown into a fifth- and sixth-grade team and a full seventh- and eighth-grade team with the Farm-ington Youth Athletic Associa-tion. its allowed Pickens to focus on strategy and in-game adjustments rather than introducing newcom-ers to the sport at the varsity level. while i still invite any and all athletes to come play, it is always a plus to not have to spend a bunch of time at the beginning of the year teaching rules, Pickens said. we still focus much of our prac-tices on the basics like passing, catching and cradling, but that will never go away. Leading scorer haley Brad-shaw (42 goals, 10 assists) has started since she was a sophomore along with Jess erchul (23 goals). Adrienne Jolicoeur (32 goals) and Ally Midboe (28 points) have grown up playing lacrosse. Over the last few games they have really started to work to-gether, Pickens said. All of them have improved a lot.

Boys The Tigers finished the regular season 7-5, by far its best season

yet. The previous two years Farm-ington went 1-25. The biggest difference between now and then is experience. no one had any when the sport be-came a varsity activity three years ago. now lacrosse is part of the cul-ture in Farmington. we just had our first grade three and four team this spring with plans to have a beginner team comprised of kindergarten through second-graders, coach Paul Sorensen said. Our enroll-ment is up 150 percent overall year over year at the youth level. its very exciting. Our first couple of years we would literally be working with the guys on pass-ing and catching, and now they are coming ready to be fine-tuned with those skill sets in place. it has translated to several wins over teams that used to beat Farmington. The Tigers got some revenge on nearly everyone this season except Lakeville north, Rochester John Marshall and holy Angels. (Against) everyone else we showed that we can play a little lacrosse in Farmington as well, Sorensen said. Lets say we are on the map now. Sorensen said perhaps the most satisfying victory came on April 21 against Lakeville South, a close rival. The Tigers lost co-captain Mitch Collier to a broken leg in

that game. Collier was on pace for more than 40 points this season. Still, Farmington rallied to beat South 10-9. Trevor howard (18 goals, 38 assists), Matt Ackerman (22 goals, 10 assists) and Brandon Berg (25 goals, seven assists) led the Tigers to wins against Rochester Mayo, Owatonna, east Ridge, Rochester Century, Chaska/Chanhassen and Simley. Goalie Charlie weierke had seven wins, tied for 14th in the state.

it translated to the Tigers first-ever home game in the playoffs. The boys played host to Rochester John Marshall on wednesday as the no. 8 seed. with a win, Farm-ington would move on to play top-seeded eastview on Friday.

Andy Rogers can be reached at [email protected] or face-book.com/sunthisweek.


Farmingtons Adrienne Jolicoeur (1) cradles the ball during a Section 3 girls lacrosse playoff game Monday against Bloomington Kennedy. Farmington, which had a playoff game at home for the first time, won 13-11 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Cougars golf second in conference

Boys team wins Albert Lea invite

by Andy RogersSun ThiSweek

The Lakeville South boys golf team finished the regular season playing as well as anyone. Last weekend the boys won the 21-team Albert Lea invitational, which in-cluded teams such as eden Prairie, wayzata, Chaska and Chanhassen. Justin Doeden was the teams lowest scorer in the 36-hole tournament, shooting 153. he also was second in the long-drive. Anders haukoos had a 73 in the first round Friday, the lowest score of the day. Max Redetzke won the putting contest. The Cougars also fin-ished second at a South Suburban Conference tournament at Valleywood on Monday, securing a second-place finish in the conference overall. The Cougars are averag-ing around 310 this season with five players averag-ing below 80. The Cougars have broken the school team scoring record twice this season. Lakeville South had its best season yet in 2011, but with a new coach (To-mas Adalsteinsson) com-ing into 2012, expectations were up in the air. This coach has brought a different mindset to golf, Doeden said. The expec-tations are a lot higher. we all know we can play well. weve been showing it the last couple meets.

Anyone who has stepped on the course knows that controlling emotions is crucial in golf. Adalsteinsson studied sports psychology at John F. kennedy university and is co-creator of The Sport Brain mental conditioning program, so he brings a ce-rebral style to the course. his no. 1 priority: One shot a time, Doeden said. i know that sounds simple, but he always says, dont look too far ahead. hit fairways and greens and keep it simple. Try to eliminate the bigger numbers. he calls it simple golf. its helped Doeden eliminate those double and triple bogeys. he hopes to qualify for state for the second straight year and improve on his 28th-place finish in 2011. haukoos, Garrett emond, Mack Farley, Ja-son Lehmann and Redetz-ke give the Cougars sev-eral other players who can score in the low 70s at any point. Lakeville South will participate in the Section 2AAA tournament May 31 and June 4 at Oakdale Golf Club in hutchinson. The Cougars are one of the favorites along with Chanhassen, Chaska, Bloomington Jefferson and eden Prairie.

Andy Rogers can be reached at [email protected] or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Photo by Andy Rogers

Farmingtons John Stibal throws a pitch against Lakeville South on Monday.

Tigers baseball pumped for playoffs After up-and-down season, seniors focused on section


After beating Lakeville South on Monday, the Farmington baseball team is heading into playoffs hun-gry for more. The Tigers jumped ahead early and held off a late rally to defeat the Cougars 9-5 on senior night in a nonconference match between the neighboring school districts. This was a big one for us, head coach Mike winters said. it was one of the bigger crowds weve had here in years. This could have moved us from 10 seed to eight. The Tigers have played bet-ter during the second half of the season. After starting 1-5, the Tigers won six of 13. weve been up and down all year, winters said. The days we play well we throw strikes. its that simple. The big key to our victories is pitching. Johnathan hinks, Drew hegs-eth, Jonathan ellis, and Spencer Merle have had moments to shine on the mound this season. with several seniors on the team, the Tigers wanted to succeed. we had high expectations for ourselves, and it felt like a snowball when one person did something bad, hegseth said. wed get down on ourselves and take it super hard. The next day we just stayed with a positive attitude and had fun at the ball park. even though we lost some tough ones, we had some fun. we felt like we were never completely out of a game and that helped us during the second half. The players are embracing the chance to redefine their season in the playoffs. The Tigers finished seventh in the Missota Conference and went 7-12 overall. Farmington plays in a section filled with winning programs. Red wing comes in as the favorite after winning the Missota Conference title. The Big 9 Conferences Roch-ester John Marshall, Rochester Century, Owatonna and Rochester Mayo all have winning percentages of .646 or more. winona, Albert Lea and northfield also have win-ning records and high hopes for the playoffs. The only sub-.500 teams are Aus-tin, Faribault, hastings and Farm-ington. Theres a lot of quality teams, but if we go in and throw strikes, we should be able to compete, winters said.

Andy Rogers can be reached at [email protected] or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Photo by Andy Rogers

Farmingtons Ryan Schoening takes a swing in the regular-season finale

against Lakeville South on Monday.

Cutshall receives lacrosse award The intercollegiate womens Lacrosse Coaches Asso-ciation named Regis university sophomore Danica Cut-shall to the All-South Region first team. Cutshall, a Lakeville resident, had 122 draw controls in 2012, shattering her previous school record of 52. She led the Rangers in goals (36) and assists (17). her 53 points ties her own school record that she set last season. Cutshall has twice been named to the All-western inter-collegiate Lacrosse Association first team. Cutshall will now be on the iwLCA All-America bal-lot. The iwLCA honored 64 student-athletes in Division ii with selections on one of the All-Region teams. These athletes are now eligible for the iwLCA All-America teams, which will be announced May 24.


Cougar girls win True Team title Lakeville South sees four school records fall at state


The Lakeville South girls track and field team proved it had the most depth and talent across the board in Fridays state True Team finals in Still-water. South won the Class AAA title, scoring more points (880) than the pre-vious five state champions and edging South Subur-ban Conference rival Prior Lake for the top spot. They truly deserve the title of best girls track and field team in the state, head coach Andrew hill-iard said. For us as coaches and for all of the family and friends that were at the meet, it was a true blessing to be able to see the girls experience a night like Friday. i hope they never forget it and also hope our returners maintain the desire to get

after it again next year. The True Team state meet differs from the Min-nesota State high School League meet in June, which features the top in-dividuals in Minnesota. Teams are allowed three entries in every individual event at True Team, and all of them score points. Depth is just as im-portant as top-end talent, hilliard said. South had 16 season-best marks, 10 personal records and 15 changes to its top 10 all-time list. The Cougars also set four school records. Rachel Mickelson set a school record in the 400-meter run, finishing fourth in 59.47 seconds. Shaina Burns was the champion in the 300 hur-dles in 44.99, which was also a school record. Burns wasnt done there. She won the long

jump with a leap of 17 feet, 11.25 inches, which was farther than any other Cougar in school history. Burns also finished second in the 100 hurdles. kayt Larson was sec-ond across the finish line in the 800 in 2 minutes, 19.09 seconds, the fastest time in Lakeville South history. She also was fourth in the 1,600. The high jump was all Lakeville South. Morgan Pieri won, Caraline Slat-tery was second and Burns was third. Jordyn Thorton won the shot put and was second in the discus. Rose Cozad, Slattery, haley Lubow and Larson ran the third fastest time in school history in the 4x400, placing fourth in 4:03.30. Other top finishers in-cluded kaitlin Vanwinkle, fifth in the 200; Andrea Brekken, fourth in the

3,200; Allison Mosser, fourth in the triple jump; the 4x200 relay, which fin-ished third; Mckell An-derson, fifth in the pole vault; and Monica Turner, third in the shot put. The girls ran at the South Suburban Confer-ence meet at Burnsville Tuesday and wednesday. now the challenge for us is to not crash coming off an emotional high, hilliard said. we bounce back and have the South Suburban Conference Championships on Tues-day and wednesday of this week, where well be bat-tling Prior Lake as well as several other strong con-ference teams again.

Andy Rogers can be reached at [email protected] or facebook.com/sun-thisweek.


Lakeville Souths Shaina Burns and Lakeville Norths Michaela Preachuck run at the South Suburban Conference meet at Burnsville on Tuesday along with Eagans Allana Lopez, Eastviews Kathryn Eaton and Rosemounts Rachel Schow. Visit www.Sunthisweek.com for more photos and results from Wednesdays finals.


Lakeville Souths Mike Shaw sprints out ahead of Lakeville Norths Landon Johnson at the South Suburban Conference meet in Burnsville on Tuesday. Visit www.SunThisweek.com for more photos and results from Wednesdays finals.

Clearing major hurdles

One last push


Outdoor market at Buck Hill approved

by John GessnerSun ThiSweek

A Lakeville couple is launching a swap meet-style outdoor market at Buck hill in Burnsville. The multiple-vendor business is a new venture for Vaughn and Jennifer wallace and yet another means by which Buck hill, the venerable ski slope, has sought to buttress its sea-sonal income from skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. The City Council voted unanimous approval May 22 for Stop, Swap and Shop. The council approved an interim use permit that will allow the outdoor market-place to operate from May 1 through Labor Day in September for the next two seasons. After that, if the wallaces plan to continue the business, Buck hill could apply for a perma-nent use through a planned unit development change. Operation will be limited to Fridays, Saturdays, Sun-days and holiday Mondays from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The wallaces plan to open on July 6, according to the business website. Vendors will pay to rent a lot at the business, which will be in the ski areas parking lot. The wallaces expect to attract new and used merchandise whole-salers, artists and crafters, artisan designers, antiques dealers, area farmers, hob-byists, collectors, charitable organizations and perhaps even local garage sales. Vaughn, who used to live in San Diego, modeled the business in part on ko-beys Swap Meet at the San Diego Sports Arena, ac-cording his wife. he quit his job to work on the business plan full time, she said. we love the Buck hill location and just think its a fabulous use for it, Jen-nifer said in an interview.

Vendors will need city licenses, such as transient-merchant permits and re-sellers licenses. Because of the time it takes to secure resellers li-censes, which require police investigations, the market may open with mostly art-ists and crafters, accord-ing to Jennifer. The couple hope to open with about 25 vendors and build from there, she said. Council Member Mary Sherry voted her approval after securing a condition that vendors wont be al-lowed to camp overnight on the grounds. ive seen some of these places, Sherry said. Theyre really unsightly, and i dont want it to look like a group that has decid-ed to occupy Buck hill. no overnight storage will be allowed. Vendors will be required to clear the premises at the end of busi-ness. The market will have a low impact on the adja-cent neighborhood and is a well-designed off-season use from the peak winter activities, a city staff re-port said. To generate added in-come, Buck hill already has an event center and halloween haunted houses and leases space for a sea-sonal garden center. Buck hill provides a re-gional draw into Burnsville, providing an economic benefit to the community, the report said. increasing year-round revenue allows Buck hill inc. to further reinvest in the ski facility and remain competitive in the industry. For more information, visit www.stopswapand-shop.com.

John Gessner can be reached at [email protected] or facebook.com/sun-thisweek.

by Tad JohnsonSun ThiSweek

Take any group of 10 people over the age of 18 a gathering of friends, co-workers or family members. if one of them suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, chances are they wouldnt have a health care directive to guide doctors in making life-saving deci-sions. Surveys show that about 70 percent of adults dont have a such a directive. The lack of this infor-mation means that families are placed in the difficult position of making choic-es without knowing their loved ones wishes, or be-ing entirely shut out of the decision-making process. A new program at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rosemount aims to change all of that and start a countywide push to have all adults create a health care directive. Planning Made eas-ier, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. wednesday, June 6, will give

parish members and the public the chance to start writing a directive along with participating in other discussions about related is-sues. i hope people do see the value of getting your affairs in order, said Luke Rennie, who will be leading one of the sessions. i think many people arent informed on what can happen, like a spouse not being able to make decisions. Rennie, an Apple Val-ley resident who has been a St. Joseph member and a knights of Columbus field agent for the past five years, likes the idea of the church

being involved in such a program. it ends up being a form of ministry, said Rennie, who, as a field agent, assists people after a death in the family. The church serves the spiritual needs of peo-ple in these times, and now we are going beyond that. The churchs lead pastor, the Rev. Paul Jarvis, helped organized such a program at his previous church in Chaska. That program was so well attended that he want-ed to see one organized in Rosemount. in addition to health care directives, the session will cover power of attor-ney, wills, estates, medical assistance, senior living options, protecting assets, making funeral arrange-ments, beneficiary plan-ning, the churchs teaching on cremation, organ dona-tion, and more. These are all matters that seniors and their chil-dren or grandchildren will eventually need to address, Jarvis said.

Rennie, who has been married for 13 years and has four children, said the number of people who do not have a health care direc-tive is not surprising. People who are 18 or 22 years old, they are not even thinking about a health care directive, Rennie said, but as legal adults their parents cant make some decisions without a directive. Rennie said the sessions perform a couple of differ-ent functions. he said its a way for people to realize their own mortality and address is-sues related to that. it also is a chance to help ease the grieving process be-fore it has arrived. he said some of the most difficult issues hes seen after some-one has died are differences of opinion among family members regarding things that could have been ad-dressed in a will or a direc-tive. Tad Johnson is at [email protected] or face-book.com/sunthisweek.

Church launches health care directive initiative St. Joseph invites public to life-planning session

In Brief Planning Made easier will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. wednesday, June 6, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church social hall, 13900 Biscayne Avenue w., Rose-mount. The session is free, but people are asked to RSVP by calling (651) 423-4402. Refreshments and light snacks will be served.

Married women living in Dakota County can apply for the title of Mrs. Dakota County. The winner will represent the county in the Mrs. Minnesota pageant March 16-17, 2013, in St. Cloud. Competitions in the pag-eant are personal interview, aerobic wear and evening gown.

Those interested in ap-plying should request a bio-form at: Mrs. Minnesota international Pageant,

Sun Thisweek Newspapers Farmington / Lakeville

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