2019-06-28 Friday NewsA Farewell to 43 Years of Service
With gratitude the City says goodbye to Public Works
Superintendent Terry Blum as he retires after 43 years
of service. Throughout his career Terry has greatly
enjoyed his work with the Mendota Heights community,
and has especially enjoyed the outdoor elements related
to his work. His outstanding work ethic and dedication
will be greatly missed.
Assuming Terry’s position will be John Boland, who has
served the City for the past 28 years as a public works
employee and firefighter, and most recently as
maintenance lead overseeing the upkeep of city parks and public spaces. The City
welcomes his depth of experience and looks forward to his continued service in this new
role. Congratulations to both Terry and John!
Public Meeting Announcement
There will be a Planning Commission Special Meeting on Thursday, July 11 at
7:00pm to discuss IDS#197/Henry Sibley High School’s new aquatic center and
height variance request, in the City Hall Council Chambers. 11 JULY Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates
July 2
City Council Mtg | 7:00pm
July 4
City Hall & Public Works Closed
July 5
City Hall Closed (Public Works Open)
July 9
Joint Parks & Rec Comm with City
Council Mtg | 6:30pm
July 11
Planning Comm Special Mtg |
7:00pm
July 16
City Council Mtg | 7:00pm
July 17
Airport Rel Comm Mtg | 7:00pm
Stay Connected:
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@mheightsPD
June 28, 2019
from the City of Mendota Heights
Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve
www.mendota-heights.com
651.452.1850
City Hall Lobby Hours
M-TH: 7am-4:30pm
F: 7am-11:30am
Police Department Lobby Hours
M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm
FRIDAY NEWS
Grand Opening of Marie
Park Tennis Courts
A ceremonial ribbon cutting took
place on June 25 to celebrate the
newly renovated Marie Park Tennis
Courts. Members of the USTA
hosted free tennis activities for all
members of the community. The
City is grateful for the generosity of
the USTA who funded a $20,000
grant for the courts.
Due to the July 4 holiday, there will not be a July 5 issue of Friday News.
Watch for the next issue on July 12. Happy Independence Day!
Strong Support From Sponsors Leads to
Successful Community Events
The City would like to recognize the generous contributions of local residents,
businesses, and organizations who have supported the Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K
Walk/Run fundraiser for Special Olympics of Minnesota, the annual Parks Celebration
weekend, and the upcoming Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby. In-kind and monetary
sponsorships, as well as service given by event organizers and volunteers, play a vital role
in keeping these events available for the community. A list of the donations to the City,
accepted by the City Council at its meeting on June 18, can be found at: https://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?SEC=7C35E4A1-2207-41B6-8565-
84AB5DC7C90A&DE=F672AC65-155A-499F-B07F-FDB403A4C8BB .
Pictured above Terry Blum.
Mayor Neil Garlock, Councilor Liz Petschel, and young tennis enthusiasts cut the ribbon to the renovated courts.
Seeking Input on
Mendota Heights
Parks
The City’s new civic
engagement tool through
Polco is gaining participation.
This free online program
enables residents to provide
feedback to posted
questions via their preferred
digital device, at a time and
place convenient for them.
The newest batch of
questions are centered on
the parks in Mendota
Heights. If you’re not on Polco yet, now’s a great time get started!
Participate in Polco by visiting https://polco.us/mendotaheights
or by downloading the app for iOS or Android.
Questions are
Ready for Your Response
Did you know?
More than 30 percent of
fireworks injuries are from
sparklers, there is an
average of 73 hospital visits each year in
Minnesota due to fireworks injuries, and
approximately 40 percent of fireworks
injuries each year happen to children.
Fireworks that explode or shoot into the air
are illegal in Minnesota.
Only use Minnesota-legal fireworks like
sparklers, fountains, ground spinners
and snappers.
Point fireworks away from people and
animals.
Use fireworks in an open area away from trees and houses.
Extinguish and dispose of spent fireworks in a bucket of water. Do not try to relight a dud.
Always use caution around fireworks and make sure children are supervised.
Source & image: https://dps.mn.gov Fact Sheet
Fire Prevention Safety Tips
Adopting a storm drain
simply involves keeping it
free of sediment, trash,
leaves, and other debris by
sweeping and collecting it at
least twice a month. Please
use caution and follow the safety procedures on the Adopt-a-Drain
website. You can even track how much you are collecting using the
website. It is a simple, easy way you can help do your part to improve
water quality in our community! Online sign-up at: https://www.adopt-
a-drain.org/
Volunteers Needed for Starry Trek—an “Enterprise”
to Search for Aquatic Invasive Species
The Dakota County Environmental Resources Department is seeking
volunteers to help in the early detection of the aquatic invasive species
starry stonewort on Saturday, August 17, from 8:30am to 1pm.
Volunteers will meet at the Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center in Apple
Valley for training before checking nearby lakes, and will return to Camp
Sacajawea to report their findings. No equipment or experience is
necessary. Participants under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied
by a parent or legal guardian. Receive a gift for participating! Register at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/starry-trek-2019-registration-63798369641
by August 6.
Learn more from the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research
Center. Contact Lindsey Albright at lindsey.albright@co.dakota.mn.us
or 651-480-7783 with any questions.
High priority
Medium priority
Not a priority
Low priority
What is Proper
Flag Etiquette?
The Office of the
Minnesota Secretary of
State provides
information and
resources on flag etiquette, such as the
position and manner of display, 24-hours-a
day display, flying at half-staff, how to handle/
dispose of worn flags, how to display multiple
flags, and more. For information on US Code,
Title 36 guidelines for display and respect
shown to the US flag, visit https://
www.sos.state.mn.us/about-minnesota/flag-
etiquette/?searchTerm=flag%20etiquette .
Mendota Heights Par 3 is Open
The Par 3 is open! Play the 9-hole, par 27
golf course or 9-hole footgolf course.
Footgolf is a combination of golf and
soccer. Bring your own ball or rent one at
the course.
Call 651.454.9822 to schedule a
tee time at the Par 3
Tee times are recommended for golf and
footgolf. Visit https://www.mendota-
heights.com/par3 for current rates. The
course is located at 1695 Dodd Road in
Mendota Heights.
Due to inclement weather on the original date, this event is
rescheduled for Sunday, August 18 at 2pm | $15 per participant
Join the MH Police and Fire Departments for a recreational round of
golf at the Par 3. Meet and mingle with officers and firefighters who
serve your neighborhood. Groups are welcome to register together,
and groups/participants without foursomes may be paired with others
for play. All ages are welcome! Participants receive a T-shirt and light
refreshments will be provided. Register at https://secure.rec1.com/MN/
mendota-heights-mn/catalog under Par 3 Programs.
Spring/Summer
** Registration is Open **
Users will need to create a new account
in order to register. Create an account
and view youth and adult programs at:
https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-
heights-mn/catalog
Golf lessons & leagues
Tennis lessons & leagues
Field trips
Summer camps
Summer playground program
Parks & Recreation
Spread the Word—
Subscribe to Weekly City News
Online
Visit www.mendota-heights.com. Go to Our
City/City Publications/Subscribe to Friday
News
For subscription removals or other questions, please email
Communications Coordinator Sharon Deziel at
sharond@mendota-heights.com.
Registration
is still open!
From the
Archives
A look at
Mendakota
Park—
April,1991.
Celebrate freedom by attending the Mendota Heights fireworks
display! Fireworks will be launched from Mendakota Country Club, 2075
Mendakota Drive.
Workout Series atMendakota Park
Join us for FREE summer workouts in a
beau�ful outdoor se�ng! In partnership
with Any�me Fitness, all ages are invited to
par�cipate in this Team Training session.
Workouts feature a large-group-style circuit
training for all fitness levels. Classes last 45
minutes to one hour.
July 17 | 6:30pm
Aug 14 | 6:30pm
Sept 11 | 6:30pm
Join us for a FREE summer program bringing recrea�on to neighborhood parks!
There will be ac�vi�es and equipment for youth such as games, sports, cra�s,
and more! No registra�on required ─ ages 6-15 years.
July 16 | 11:30am-1:00pm Harmon Park (230 Bernard St. W., WSP)
July 24 | 1:00-3:00pm Southview Park (275 Westview Dr., WSP) July 24 event is with the WSP Police Department
July 30 | 2:00-3:30pm Wentwork Park (739 Wentworth Ave, MH)
Aug 12 | 3:30-5:00pm Harmon Park (230 Bernard St. W., WSP)
Summer Outdoor Entertainment at Mendakota ParkJoin us for these FREE shows throughout the summer, featuring something for everyone!
July 10 | 7:00pm
The Shaw Brothers
There’s something for
everyone when The Shaw
Brothers band plays. Enjoy
music from rock, pop,
country, and everything in
between.
July 24 | 6:30pm
Kidsdance DJ
Grown-ups and kids alike
will enjoy this mega fun
dance party featuring the
family-friendly Kidsdance.
This is an interac�ve DJ
experience playing the
ho�est new music and
coolest classics ─ with tons
of ac�vi�es to get everyone
moving!
Aug 8 | 7:00pm
The Goombas
Rock to the tunes of The
Goombas band, whose
mission is to learn, prac�ce,
perfect and perform dance
and party music with a
unique group of friends,
within an enjoyable rock
band se�ng.
Sept 7 | TBD
Movie Night
Sit back and watch a
family-friendly movie on
the big outdoor screen!
The movie will be selected
by vote.
More Outdoor Fun in the Parks
Hosted by Parks & Recrea�on The City of Mendota Heights | www.mendota-heights.com Mendakota Park | 2171 Dodd Road | Mendota Heights
Do NOT Flatten
These Items
for Recycling
Please do not flatten your
cans, bottles or jugs before
placing into your recycling. It
is easier for the machinery to
properly recognize and
separate items when they are in their original shape.
Tips to Green Your Fourth of July
Buy Local
Prepare lots of vegetable-based
dishes made with locally
sourced, organic produce.
Shop South St. Paul’s farmers
market on Wednesdays at
Wakota Federal Credit Union
from 2PM – 6PM or West St.
Paul’s on Fridays from 8AM –
noon, to get the freshest,
locally grown produce around!
For inspiration on cooking
healthy side dishes, visit
tasteofhome.com
Ditch disposables
Disposables can be convenient for parties; they are not
convenient for the planet. Use reusable tableware that can be
washed or ask your guests to bring their own in a picnic
basket.
Grill with propane
60 million people fire up their grills over the Fourth of July.
Propane has been shown to burn cleaner than charcoal,
producing less pollution. If charcoal is a must for your event,
considering buying a product made from sustainably
harvested materials. For some examples, visit https://
www.annmariegianni.com/organic-lump-charcoal.
Large beverage containers
Limit the amount of single-serve bottles and cans during your
celebration by offering beverages like water, lemonade, and
iced tea in large decanters. Guests can refill their reusable
bottle or cup straight from the tap.
Consider purchasing a keg for your event rather than
individual bottles or cans to reduce the recycling you end up
with, and reduce the number of coolers and bags of ice you
need to buy.
Decorate with reusables
Use cloth tablecloths which look nicer than plastic
disposables. Dig out your red or white Christmas lights to
string up. Save your red, white and blue crepe paper by
rerolling it up after the party – have the kids help!
Use flowers from the farmers market or your garden for
gorgeous, fresh centerpieces placed in a mason jar. Set out
bowls of bright, beautiful fruit like apples, strawberries or
blueberries. Skip the glitter and confetti which can be more
work than it is worth, and could end up in the bellies of our
furry friends.
Find Fresh Fare at these Local
Farmers Markets
Inver Grove Heights | Sundays 8am-1pm
8055 Barbara Ave.
(Thru Oct 13)
St. Paul* | Saturdays 7am-1pm | Sundays 8am-1pm
290 5th St. E.
(Thru Oct 17)
West St. Paul Signal Hills* | Fridays 8am-12pm
1225 S. Robert St.
(Thru Oct 25)
South St. Paul* | Wednesdays 2-6pm
12th Ave. & Southview
(Thru Sept 25)
* Government assistance EBT (Electronic Benefit
Transfer) locations
Visit https://www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com/ for
more information and additional locations.
Have you heard of Plastic Free July? It is a campaign
where millions of people all over the world take the
challenge to reuse single-use plastic for a full month.
The goal is to reduce plastic waste by making simple
changes. Join the challenge today and challenge your
family, friends and coworkers to give up single-use
plastic for the month.
Sign up and challenge yourself to say goodbye during
the month of July to:
Plastic bags
Water bottles
Takeaway coffee cups
And plastic straws
DO NOT CRUSH!
1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
JUNE 28, 2019
CHIEF
Kelly McCarthy
CAPTAIN
Wayne Wegener
SERGEANTS
Eric Petersen
Tanner Spicer
Peyton Fleming
POLICE OFFICERS
John Larrive
Todd Rosse
Chad Willson
Philip McCarty
Weston Raberge
Peter Renteria
Cara Hogan
Tony Patton
Ryan Yauch
Tommy Albindia
Eric Hagelee
Leif Vandersteen
INVESTIGATIONS
Nick Gorgos
SCHOOL RESOURCE
OFFICER
Steve Hilyar
COMMUNITY SERVICE
OFFICER
Josh Rosenberry
SUPPORT STAFF
Kim Richter
Trista Miller
Shayna Hoechst
Becky Pentel
RESERVES
Jim Knox
Jeff Parker
CHAPLAINS
Butch Millett
John Snider
Alberto Vargas
Lynn Liberman
Sue Plucker
Joel Detlefsen
Mike VerWay
TO PLAN FOR
MN Night to Unite is designed to bring neighbors together and
improve the partnership between residents and their public
safety partner. It’s a night to get to know your neighbors better
while enjoying some yummy treats on a summer evening. When
neighbors are connected, they can partner better with law
enforcement in their crime prevention efforts.
Register your party with us by August 2nd by completing the
attached form or going to the city website to complete the form.
Mendota Heights Police and Fire will then stop out at your party
and visit with everyone. It’s a great way to meet your public
safety teams, share safety concerns and learn crime prevention
tips. Best of all, kids (and adults too) get to check out the squads
and fire trucks!
TUESDAY
AUGUST 6, 2019
2
DWI/DRUGS — HWY 62 & LEXINGTON AVE 06/21/19, 1629 HOURS
Officers responded to a driving complaint near the intersection of Highway 62 and Lexington. Officers found the
suspect parked where described. Officers found during the subsequent investigation that the suspect was showing
signs of being under the influence of narcotics. The suspect was arrested; a search warrant was drafted and signed
for a blood sample. The suspect was released pending the results of the blood draw.
4TH DEG DWI—WACHTLER AVE & RIVERSIDE LANE 06/22/19, 0040 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle near the intersection of Wachtler Avenue and Riverside Lane. After
investigation it was found that the adult male driver was intoxicated. He was placed under arrest for DWI.
PROPERTY DAMAGE—1XXX LANSFORD LN 06/23/19, 1247 HOURS
Dispatched to the 1000 block of Lansford Ln on a juvenile male who was out of control and breaking things inside the
home. Juvenile fled on foot prior to arrival. Juvenile became irate over losing Xbox privileges. Parent requested to
press charges. Citation issued for Damage to Property.
BURGLARY/AUTO THEFT—2XXX PATRICIA ST 06/24/19, 1033 HOURS
Responded to the 2000 block of Patricia Street on a report of a vehicle that had been stolen overnight from inside
the garage. No suspects or evidence. Vehicle to be entered into NCIC.
ACCIDENT—DELAWARE AVE & SALEM CHURCH RD 06/24/19, 1804 HOURS
Officers responded to a single vehicle accident at the intersection of Delaware Ave and Salem Church Rd. While en
route officers learned that the driver had ran. Upon arrival a different male was claiming to be the driver and
provided false information about the male that had left. Officers found the actual driver on the roadway nearby.
Officers cited the actual driver for driving without a license and the other male for obstruction.
THEFT—6XX SUTCLIFF CIR 06/25/19, 1341 HOURS
Responded to a report of a theft that happened in the 600 block of Sutcliff Circle within the past 6 months.
Investigation is on-going.
LICENSE PLATE THEFT—7XX SOUTH PLAZA WAY 06/25/19, 1159 HOURS
Resident in the 700 block of South Plaza Way reports his front license plate missing. Victim discovered it missing this
morning. The vehicle had been parked at the MSP airport for three days prior to yesterday. It is not known where the
theft took place. The state of registration is Texas. Victim has already obtained Minnesota license plates. No known
suspects. Case status: Inactive
4TH DEG DWI/NOT A DROP—HWY 62 & CARMEN LN 06/26/19, 0055 HOURS
Officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed at the intersection of HWY 62 and Carmen Ln. Officers
turned on the vehicle and stopped the vehicle at the intersection of HWY 62 and Hiawatha Ave. Officers detected
signs of impairment in the driver and after administering field sobriety tests the driver was arrested. After arresting
the driver, the driver experienced a medical emergency and medics were called to evaluate. The driver was cited for
speed and Under 21—Not a Drop and was released to a sober family member who took him home.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY—5XX MIRIAM ST 06/25/19, 2215 HOURS
Officers responded to a vandalism on the 500 block of Miriam on reports of a house that had been egged. Officers
spoke with potential suspects but no confessions were received. Case status inactive because of lack of evidence
showing the suspects.
3
FRAUD—22XX COPPERFIELD DR 06/26/19, 1020 HOURS
A woman living near the 2200 block of Copperfield Drive received a notice from her bank that someone was
attempting to open credit cards in her name. The credit cards were denied. She soon found that her entire identity
had been stolen, including her phone number. There is no suspect information at this time. The case is inactive.
THEFT—7XX MAIN ST 06/26/19, 1019 HOURS
A woman called reporting that an employee had been stealing money from her and she had proof. Officers compiled
the documents outlining the proof of theft. Officers will follow up with the suspect(s) at a later time for statements.
The case is under investigation.
WELFARE CHECK—7XX SOUTH PLAZA DR 06/27/19, 2032 HOURS
Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of South Plaza Drive to check on the welfare of a male who had been
sitting on a bench. The male was heavily intoxicated and was transported to Ramsey County Detox due to his level of
impairment and his inability to care for himself.
4TH DEG DWI—KAY AVE/VICTORIA RD 06/27/19, 2321 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle near the intersection of Kay Avenue and Victoria Road South. After
investigation, the adult male driver was found to be intoxicated and placed under arrest for DWI.
4
THE CONNECTION
BETWEEN
MENTAL ILLNESS &
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Self-Medication
By far the most common issue
connecting mental illness &
substance abuse is the intention
of patients to medicate the
mental health symptoms they
find disruptive or uncomfortable
by using alcohol & drugs to:
Numb the pain from
emotional or physical trauma
Help with social discomfort
Relax internal feelings of
pain, aggression & fear.
Provide energy and
motivation when feeling
lethargic or down.
If this sounds like someone in
your family, whom you suspect
of drug use and possibly
struggling with mental health
issues, seek treatment for & with
them to help them with all
aspects of their issues.
SOURCE:
www.dualdiagnosis.org
06/21 - 06/27 2019 YTD
Calls for Service 168 5937
Police Reports 23 581
Citations 21 829
Warnings 27 1276
Response Time Average 5.57 6.54
Check out the MH Crime Map!
Click below to search your neighborhood:
https://www.raidsonline.com
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
If you are a Mendota Heights resident and you are
going out of town or on vacation, you can notify
MHPD of your outing and we will be more than happy to
keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away.
The Vacation/House Check Request online form is
available on our website; you can also complete a form
found in our lobby, or simply give us a call!
MHPD offers a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of
the PD where Dakota County residents can safely &
anonymously dispose of their prescription drug
medication. This program is mainly meant to keep
narcotics off the streets and dispose of medications in
environmentally sound ways.
** No needles/sharps. Visit the Green Guide for tips.
** Please visit the Dakota County Recycling Zone for
helpful resources for all safe disposal solutions.
Car Seat Checks—TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
Please visit the MN DPS for more information. Questions/Comments?
Email us at:
pdrecords@
mendota-heights.com
Questions? Call our Non-Emergency Line @ 651.452.1366.
Need Public Safety Response? Call 911