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2009-10-23 Friday NewsBONFIRE SITE OPEN -� Bonfire site opened at the plaza on Monday, October 19th for brush and tree branches, limbs and trunks no bigger than 6 inches in diameter to be dropped off. Hours of drop-off are restricted to 8:00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. ' , Once the site is fill, Public Works will fence it off . Brush will not longer be accepted after 12:00 p.m (noon) on Friday, October 30th. Jake was out at the site the morning it October 23, 2009 opened and caught a picture of the first person dropping off his brush. Bonfire will take place between the hours of 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31 st. F BLUFF CIRCLE FIRE ROn Saturday morning this week the Fire Department was called out at 0628 to a reported house fire. House was reportedly vacant with construction going on. At 0632 dispatch updated that the house was fully involved. First in units reported garage area and second story South side fully Iinvolved. Wind was out of the south and blowing embers and fire north thru the attic of the structure and toward a neighboring home. First in crews attacked fire through garage and inte- rior of home to try and contain the fire to the South Side. Secondary crews protected the home D wetting down roof and deck area. About 10 minutes into the attack all crews to the north by w g were pulled and aerial operations were used to knock down fire that was spreading through roof Aarea by the wind. After regaining control of the fire crews re-entered the building and finished extinguishing. The Dakota County Fire Investigation Team was called out to assist Roy Kingsley and Mario in the investigation. At this point the fire appears to be related to staining yactivities that occurred on Saturday. We are unsure of ignition source at this time. We do know that the plumber also showed up on Saturday but declined to work because the fumes from the staining were intense. As the team finishes up their investigative report we will know more. The house sustained heavy damage to the garage and second floor area. Only one minor injury N(twisted ankle) occurred back at the station during clean-up. MANAGERS MEETING EJake attended the Dakota County Managers meeting this morning, and reported that it was a very busy schedule. There was a brief update on public safety records management software—both LOGIS and our sub -group continue to work ahead with plans for upgrading software. Dakota WPartnershipwill be meeting again on November 6 to review recently County High Performance g g completed surveys, and determine if there are opportunities for further partnering. The majority Sof the time, however, was spent on the Intelligent Community Initiative recently presented to our City Council. Dakota Futures has submitted an application for the County to be recognized as an Intelligent Community. It seems to be going well, as we have been named a Top 21 Smart Community. The group's discussion focused on what that means, and whether or not Cities should become more involved in the process. The general consensus was to hold off until we know more about the initiative. October 23, 2009 HINI Update Jake and Mary each attended seminars this week—one through League of MN Cities and one through Winthrop and Weinstein. Both brought back useful information on dealing with personnel issues during the H1N1 Flu outbreak/pandemic. With all of the news channels going flu crazy, it is important to note that our organization has been impacted as well. So far, we have had a handful of employees miss work because of the flu, but have not experienced any major disruptions. Plans are in place to ensure the timely delivery of services. Dakota County Public health has opined that we are in the second phase of the Flu, and should expect a third and more severe phase in the coming spring. DATES TO REMEMBER IN OCTOBER Planning Commission Mtg 10-27-09 7:00 p.m. DATES TO REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER City Council Meeting 11-3-09 7:00 p.m. Parks & Recreation Meeting 11-10-09 6:30 p.m. ARC Meeting 11-11-09 7:00 p.m. MAC Meeting 11-16-09 1:00 P.M. City Council Meeting 11-17-09 7:00 p.m. NOC Mtg 11-18-09 1:15 p.m. Planning Commission Mtg 11-24-09 7:00 p.m. Five-day forecast Tomorrow Sunday Oct 24 Oct25 Partly Cloudy Hi:.. 480 Lo: 390 f"t Rain Hi: 460 Lo: 360 Monday Tuesday Wednesday i Oct 26 Oct 27 Oct 28 Rain ,Hi... 480 Lo: ( 360 Attachments Rain Hi:.. ` 480 Lo: 360 Rain iHi; 1 430 Lo: i 360 Pipeline, Just The Facts, TwinCities.com Article "Drug agents strike cartel in Minnesota, across U.S.", Article from Department of Justice, Dakota County Sheriff "The Front Row", Mn Department of Public Safely News Releases, Planning Commission Meeting Agenda, SouthWest News Article "Fever strikes in Mendota Heights" and "Halloween bonfire sputters but will burn again", TwinCities.com Article "Mendota Heights/Roundabout set to fix traffic issues" and "Johnnies need OT to turn back Toms (picture of Fritz Waldvogel, Councilmember Schneemans grandson), and Upoming Park/Recreation/Community Events. October 23, 2009 Public Works The Parks Crew cleaned out the utility rooms at Mendakota Park and Kensington Park South. The water was pumped down in the water pipes where water meters were hooked up for the summer. The tool box on #501 was repaired. The shelves in back of the shop were rearranged for storage. Rich mulched leaves at the Veronica lift station. He cleaned the grease off the floats at Centre Pointe and St. Thomas lift stations. All panel heaters were turned on at the lift stations. The HVAC heating at Mendota Heights Road #1 lift was turned on. The Streets Crew put up signs around the Halloween bonfire fire dumping site. The brush pile was pushed up everyday. They helped Blue Chip Tree Company take the tops of the five walnut trees between Second and Third Avenues alleyway. When the soil dries out they will take down the tree trunks. The new Mack truck came in that is replacing the 1994 Ford. It will be taken to 3 -Craft to have the box plow wing and sander installed. Engineering Visitation Drive & Mendota Heights Road Roundabout - Council approved the Final Plans and authorized bid advertisement for the roundabout at the October 20th Council Meeting. Council also authorized Staff to begin the process for closing Lake Drive. Staff will be sending a letter to Rogers Lake neighborhood residents outlining the proposal and requesting feedback. A Public Hearing on the project will be held over the winter, and implementation is anticipated for the summer of 2010 in conjunction with the roundabout construction. Staff is interested in hearing public opinion on the Lake Drive closure concept and timeline. Water Tower Rehabilitation - The consultant hired at the October 6th Council Meeting has begun surveying the water tower in order to provide plans and specifications for the tower rehabilitation. Staff anticipates the consultant giving Council an update at the November 3rd meeting, completing the design package by the end of November, and having the rehabilitation under construction during the summer of 2010. Trunk Highway 55 & Mendota Heights Road Intersection Improvement - City Staff met with the consultant on Monday to go over the revised plans to scale down the scope of improvements to get the project within budget for the City's share of the construction cost. The consultant revised the plans and pending some final detail modification, Staff is confident the project will now come in within our originally anticipated budget. The project is a MnDOT State Aid Cooperative Agreement Project whereby MnDOT has allocated $424,821.00 toward the construction cost, and the City has agreed to cover October 23, 2009 P-1 the balance. The estimated City contribution to the construction project is $350,000.00. 2010 Road Reconstruction Project - Council accepted the Feasibility Report and ordered the Public Hearing for the 2010 Road Reconstruction Project. Streets included in next year's project are Simard Street, Miriam Street, Valley Lane, View Lane, Esther Lane, John Street, Spring Street, and Diego Lane. A Neighborhood Meeting is scheduled for October 28th, and the Public Hearing before Council is scheduled for November 3rd. Dakota Counter Regional Visioning Study (Delaware/494 Interchange) - Staff attended the monthly stakeholder meeting last week to learn about the progress the consultant has made since last month. Nobody from Mendota Heights attended the meeting in September due to schedule conflicts and illnesses. This turned out to be unfortunate from the perspective of the City's traditional stance on the Delaware /494 interchange issue. After the September meeting, representatives from the consultant, Dakota County, and the City of Inver Grove Heights met with the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) to discuss the Delaware/494 Interchange Option. The Cities of Mendota Heights and Sunfish Lake were not invited to the meeting with FHWA. Prior to this meeting, the opinion of FHWA had been, "'no new access to I- 494." After the meeting however, FHWA is now advocating for the interchange at Delaware & I-494 coupled with either a partial or full closure of the interchange at Dodd Road, and to have Delaware Avenue serve as the primary north/south corridor north of I-494. Staff strenuously objected to the new FHWA opinion and the process by which the new opinion was generated. The next public meeting for the Visioning Study will be November 10th at the Inver Grove Heights Community Center from 4:30pm to 7:00pm. The consultant will be presenting the final conclusions of the study to Council sometime over the winter. Council Member Krebsbach Meeting - Staff from Public Works and Code Enforcement met with Council Member Krebsbach on Wednesday as the conclusion to her request to meet with City Staff. Staff discussed work load and responsibilities as well as policies and priorities. Council Member Krebsbach met with Engineering Staff in August. Delaware Reconstruction Project (110 to Marie) - Staff attended the Public Open House put on by Dakota County in conjunction with this project. The meeting was well attended, largely by residents of West Saint Paul affected by the project. The project is proposing to widen Delaware Avenue from a 2 -lane facility to a 3 -lane facility, creating a center turn lane to better allow for left turns into Henry Sibley High School. A new bituminous trail is also proposed as part of the project that would connect Marie Avenue and the Mendota Road frontage road. The trail will be on the Mendota Heights side of Delaware Avenue. Independent School District 197 is supportive of the project. Design should be complete this year, with easement acquisition taking place in 2010, and construction in 2011. The Dakota County point of contact for the project is Tom Anton. He can be reached at 952-891-7120. October 23, 2009 P-2 Tie latest Servs frvl�e tie �te�cR'ata �ei9�ts�alice �e�art�ce�t f 10/23/2009 The' You can't please them all! Mendota You know that the Officer's are making their presence known in Heights %Police the community when you receive multiple calls in a week about how they should do their jobs. The first anonymous complainer called into City Hall and was transferred to voice mail where he Department left a rant about how the MHPD shouldn't be writing tickets to people on the freeway. The next caller complained that when he support staff ` was warned for speed in one of the neighborhoods that he was K�rri Heiling:� not clearly told what the reason for the stop was. We are equal Sandie Rstire opportunity, we still make house calls, we try hard to be fair and Susan Donovan` equal in who we cite for what. Traffic safety is an extremely catfiy Ranson' important part of everyday police work. Accidents are not Becky Pentel accidents they always have an underlying cause, some much Police.Officen! clearer than others. Clarity usually comes when one has been Jerry Murphy involved in an accident and they are placing blame (causation) on Scott Patrick someone else..... Al4 Bobby Lambert Project Coronado Wednesday Tanner, SpicerOffICerS Bobby Lambert and Chad Willson, who are MHPD's Todd Rosse representatives on the Dakota County MAAG Team (SWAT), Chad Willson assisted in executing 3 search warrants in Dakota County as part Jeff VonFeldt ;. Jenny Fordham= ., of the nationwide Project Coronado, which targeted members of DeniseUrmanr, the La Familia Drug Cartel. During the two-day operation $3.4 Mtclael Shepard ;- Million in US currency, 729 pounds of methamphetamine, 64 Kg .; `P,eyton FeMng- of cocaine, 967 pounds of marijuana, 144 weapons and 109 vehicles were seized by law enforcement agents across the R School esource country. According to the Pioneer Press, 31 arrests were made officer Steve Meyer Zhere in MN. See article attached. Great job Bobby and Chad! Search Warrant Assist Thursday Investigations Investigator Mario Reyes worked with St Paul PD, West St Paul 1Vla : Reyes PD, and Apple Valley PD to serve a search warrant in St Paul on Eric Petersen a suspect that ties into theft from vehicle reports that occurred in Sergeants MH. Generally, after the items of value (usually purses) are Neil Garloek stolen from the vehicle, the suspect uses the credit cards found John Larnve : inside to make purchases. In this case, the credit cards were Brian Convert' used in West St Paul, up and down Robert Street. In addition, Chief these suspects also made purchases in Apple Valley and were . Mike identified using video surveillance inside some of the retail A sch erh,ren er _I_ 10/23/2009 locations. The search warrant was a success resulting in the gathering of evidence to convict these parties for the crimes they committed in Dakota County. Assault Wednesday 0800 hours SRO Steve Meyer and Officer Todd Rosse responded to a fight in progress call at Sibley High School, before the school day had even started. The fight actually involved 4 people and thanks to technology, the news of the fight spread like wildfire! Think the old telephone game where the message gets passed along and becomes more distorted and less truthful with each hand off. By 10:00 a.m. the media was calling the PD and HS wanting to know all about the "huge gang fight" that had occurred at Sibley. Officer Meyer was able to reassure the media (and parents) that this was NOT a gang fight but a very specific incident involving four students (2 on each side) that have not been getting a long for some time now. All four students were disciplined by school administration and two of the four parties are receiving citations for assault and disorderly conduct by Officer Meyer. House Fire Sunday 0630 hours Officer Tanner Spicer and Sgt. Neil Garlock responded to the call of a house fire on Bluff Circle early Sunday morning. MHFD (with some assistance from Eagan FD) was able to contain the fire but due to the severity of the fire it is more than likely the house is a total loss. Thank goodness the house was unoccupied at the time of the fire due to a large reconstruction project. Investigator Mario Reyes responded to assist in gathering evidence to help determine the cause of the fire. Between Investigator Reyes, the homeowner's insurance company's investigators, and the MN State Fire Marshall, the cause will hopefully be known soon. No foul play is suspected at this time but more likely a construction related cause. Motorcycle Accident with Injuries Sunday 1958 hours Officers Mike Shepard and Peyton Fleming responded to the area of Marie Avenue and Eagle Ridge on report of a motorcycle down. After arriving, they learned that the driver and his passenger both sustained injuries from the crash and both were thought to be under the influence of alcohol. Both parties were transported by HealthEast Ambulance to Regions Hospital to be treated for their injuries. Investigator Eric Petersen will now handle the investigation into the crash to see if criminal charges should be filed such as DWI and Criminal Vehicular Operation. Suspicious Activity/Psych Hold Saturday 1902 hours The MH Public Works Director, John Mazzitello, called on Saturday night about a suspicious male in the parking lot of city hall. John had stopped by to retrieve something from his office when his wife was approached while waiting in the car. After some quick thinking and a 911 call, Sgt Larrive responded to look for the man who had now run into the woods behind the ball field. It was believed at first that the man was breaking into cars and was disoriented. It was soon discovered that he had driven to our city hall in his father's car and he was likely under the influence of drugs. The State Patrol responded to assist in establishing a perimeter and a Dakota County Deputy K-9 handler and his partner responded to help search the woods for this young man. He was located quickly due to the skills of the K-9 and was taken into custody without incident and without anyone being hurt (even though he was totally covered in swamp goo). It was determined he had not been breaking into cars but was under the influence of cocaine and needed to be evaluated at the hospital. He was transported to Regions Hospital for medical and psychological treatment. Parents were notified as to where their son and car were at. apratw%*Aad�c74,r,f —2— TwinCmitmiesocom Drug agents strike cartel in Minnesota, across U.S. 31 arrests in state in crackdown on violent Mexico -based network By Mara H. Gottfried mgottfried@pioneerpress.com Updated: 10/23/2009 01:51:21 AM CDT A violent Mexican drug cartel with a strong religious background and a "Robin Hood" image reached into Minnesota, where 31 people were arrested this week as part of a nationwide crackdown. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said Thursday that more than 1,200 people have been arrested during a 44 -month operation known as Project Coronado against La Familia Michoacana. In the past two days alone, officials said, 303 arrests were made in 19 states as part of the largest single U.S. strike against Mexican drug cartels. In Minnesota, the arrests occurred throughout the state, said Daniel Moren, assistant special agent in charge of the DEA's Minnesota office, based in Minneapolis. "I think it is significant that a cartel based in the southwest portion of Mexico extends its operations as far north as the state of Minnesota," Moren said Thursday. Mexican drug cartels are "a big problem" locally, but law-abiding citizens probably don't realize they're operating in St. Paul, the suburbs and rural areas, said Cmdr. Rich Clark, who heads the Ramsey Advertisement County sheriffs narcotics unit and the East Metro Narcotics Task Force. La Familia traffics in various drugs, but primarily methamphetamine, Moren said. U.S. officials said the cartel, based in the state of Michoacan, in southwestern Mexico, has a vast network pumping drugs throughout the United States. It dominates the U.S. meth trade with a reputation for extreme violence, including beheadings. La Familia is opposed to the sale of meth to Mexicans and supports exporting it to the United States, the DEA said. It reportedly originated to protect locals from the violence of Mexican drug cartels and is unique because of its strong religious background, Moren said. "They almost have a Robin Hood mentality," Moren said, "but make no mistake about it — this is a very violent organization that cites divine justice as a justification for murder." Moren and Clark said they couldn't discuss specific acts of violence La Familia may have been involved in locally. Twenty-two Minnesota arrests occurred Wednesday, the others within the last week, Moren said. He didn't have information about arrests in the metro area versus elsewhere in Minnesota. Indictments filed in federal court remain sealed, said a spokesman at the U.S. attorney's office in Minneapolis. "I think the public forgets that Mexico is right at the opposite end of Highway 35 and there are people who think nothing of making the trip on a regular basis," said Carol Falkowski, director of the mfeLo nX c ,. 111111111111114Li #1 In Identity Theft Pr `'may Print Powered By j`k� i i n Elynmic i TwinCmitmiesecom Minnesota Department of Human Services' alcohol and drug abuse division. "We really are on a major supply route through the heart of the country." Falkowski's last report on Twin Cities drug abuse trends, released in June, found that Mexico was the primary source for heroin locally. Heroin use nationally was stable or declining, but appeared to beincreasing throughout Minnesota, the report said. And Mexican heroin samples bought by undercover officers in Minneapolis in 2007 had the highest purity level of 28 major U.S. cities sampled and were among the lowest in price, Falkowski said. "Typically, when people want to establish new drug markets they introduce drugs at high purity and low cost," Falkowski said. The same thing happened when crack cocaine was introduced in the 1980s, she said. Several Mexican drug cartels are active in the Twin Cities, said Clark, who declined comment on specifics. The cartels use "extreme violence" within their organization and against other cartels for territory, Clark said. Large-scale investigations targeting other Mexican drug cartels, with charges filed in Minnesota, were announced earlier in the year. In February, 37 people were charged in Minnesota with having ties to the Sinaloa cartel. Twenty-six people were charged in connection with the Gulf cartel, which allegedly had supplied cocaine and meth for distribution throughout Advertisement Minnesota since 2005, according to a federal indictment unsealed in April. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder pledged Thursday to keep hitting La Familia and the cartels responsible for a wave of bloodshed in Mexico. He said the U.S. would attack them at all levels, from the leadership to their supply chains in the United States. This report includes information from the Associated Press. Mara H. Gottfried can be reached at 651-228-5262. LA FAMILIA MICHOACANA Based in the state of Michoacan, in southwestern Mexico. La Familia members must complete a three- to six- month training camp, conducted by former members of the Colombian or Mexican special forces, according to intelligence. The cartel has a strong religious background, believes it's doing God's work and hands out Bibles and money to the poor. It purportedly originated to protect locals from the violence of drug cartels. Involved in distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. Called "extremely violent" and involved in kidnapping, extortion and other criminal activities. Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration %j ArA%`L'1".feLock. #11 In Identity Thea Pr I" Print Powered ByG }aid F -c) rr)s-�tDYn,�rriic ' wS. ..� Home » Briefing Room » Justice News Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, October 22, 2009 More Than Soo Alleged La Familia Cartel Members and Associates Arrested in Two -Day Nationwide Takedown `Project Coronado"Results in Nearly 1,2oo Arrests During 44 -month Operation, Seizures of Approximately 11.7 Tons of Drugs and $32.8 Million in U.S. Currency WASHINGTON —Today Attorney General Eric Holder announced the arrest of nearly 1,200 individuals on narcotics -related charges and the seizure of more than 11.7 tons of narcotics as part of a 44 -month multi -agency law enforcement investigation known as "Project Coronado." The Attorney General was joined in announcing the current results of Project Coronado by DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III and ATF Acting Director Kenneth E. Melson. Over the past two days, 303 individuals in 19 states were arrested as part of Project Coronado, which targeted the distribution network of a major Mexican drug trafficking organization known as La Familia, through coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement. More than 3,000 agents and officers operated across the United States to make the arrests during the two-day takedown. During the two-day operation alone, $3.4 million in U.S. currency, 729 pounds of methamphetamine, 62 kilograms of cocaine, 967 pounds of marijuana,144 weapons and 109 vehicles were seized by law enforcement agents. "This unprecedented, coordinated U.S. law enforcement action - the largest ever undertaken against a Mexican drug cartel - has dealt a significant blow to La Familia's supply chain of illegal drugs, weapons and cash flowing between Mexico and the United States," said Attorney General Holder. "We will not allow these cartels to operate unfettered in our country, and with the increases in cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities in recent years, we are tasting the fight to our adversaries. We will continue to stand strong with our partners in Mexico as we work to disrupt and dismantle cartel operations on both sides of the border." The La Familia cartel is a violent drug trafficking cartel based in the state of Michoacan, in southwestern Mexico. According to court documents, La Familia controls drug manufacturing and distribution in and around Michoacan, including the importation of vast quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States. La Familia is philosophically opposed to the sale of methamphetamine to Mexicans, and instead supports its export to the United States for consumption by Americans. La Familia is a heavily armed cartel that has utilized violence to support its narcotics trafficking business including murders, kidnappings and assaults. According to one indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, associates of La Familia based in the United States have allegedly acquired military -grade weapons, including assault weapons and ammunition, and have arranged for them to be smuggled back into Mexico for use by La Familia. In a criminal complaint filed in Dallas, ATF investigators allege that operatives of La Familia shipped hundreds of firearms from the U.S. to Mexico over a 12 -month period ending in October 2009. Individuals indicted in the cases are charged with a variety of crimes, including: conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana; distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana; conspiracy to import narcotics into the United States; money laundering; and other violations of federal law. Numerous defendants face forfeiture allegations as well. To date, Project Coronado has led to the arrest of 1,186 individuals and the seizure of approximately $32.8 million in U.S. currency, and approximately 2,710 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,999 kilograms of cocaine, 29 pounds of heroin, 16,390 pounds of marijuana, 389 weapons and 269 vehicles. "Project Coronado, our massive assault on the La Familia Cartel, is part of our continued fight against all of the powerful Mexico -based drug cartels," said DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. "This organization, the newest of Mexican cartels, is directly responsible for a vast majority of the methamphetamine pouring into our country across our Southwest Border, and has had a hand in fueling the cycle of violence that is wracking Mexico today. DEA, along with our U.S. and Mexican partners, are committed to strategically attacking the international and domestic drug trade with every SEARCH THE SITE IV ,SIrAM3C�l�I iLi Printer Friendly. [GETPIDIATE5 JUSTICE.c0V eti ESPAI1 OL WE) DEP R'IMENT/,'JUSTICR c ACTION CENTER Report a Crime Get a Job Locate a Prison. inmate;. or Sex Offender Apply for a Grant Submit a Complaint Report Waste, Fraud., Abuse or Misconduct to the. Inspector General I1ind Sales of Seized Property I1i.nd Help and Inti�.rrnatioll for Crime Victims Register, Apply for Permits, or Request Records Identify Our Most Wanted Fugitives Find a Form Report and Identify Missing Persons it j Contact Us i STAY CONNECTED CTED tt Facobook rig mvspaee tool at our disposal, and defeating those that thrive on the suffering of others." "Multi -agency coordinated investigations such as Project Coronado are the key to disrupting the operations of complex criminal organizations like La Familia. Together — with the strong collaboration of our international, federal, state and local partners — we have dealt a substantial blow to a group that has polluted our neighborhoods with illicit drugs and has terrorized Mexico with unimaginable violence," said Director Mueller. "ATF's arrest of defendants in Project Coronado highlight the almost inseparable link between illegal trafficking of firearms and narcotics between the U.S. and Mexico," said ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson. "ATF is on the frontline against violent crime and focuses its investigative tools on criminal groups such as La Familia, which use firearms to further their illegal trade and ruin and endanger countless lives. It is alleged that La Familia used proceeds from the sale of drugs to purchase or obtain hundreds of firearms that were then moved illicitly to Mexico." "The operation to dismantle the La Familia drug trafficking organization in the United States demonstrates an unprecedented level of partnership and coordination at the local, state and federal levels. We at ICE are proud to have played an important role in yesterday's operation and look forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners to target these criminal organizations," said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Assistant Secretary John Morton. Arrests were made or charges have been unsealed yesterday and today related to Project Coronado in the following districts: Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, Northern District of Georgia, District of Massachusetts, District of Minnesota, Southern District of Mississippi, Eastern District of Missouri, Northern District of Oklahoma, Southern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Middle District of North Carolina, District of South Carolina, Middle District of Tennessee, Eastern District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, Western District of Texas and the Western District of Washington. There were also arrests by state authorities in California, Nevada, North Carolina and Georgia. Assistance for Project Coronado was provided by the Criminal Division's Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Office of International Affairs. Additionally, local prosecutions will occur in San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange County, Calif.; Clark County, Nev.; Gwinnett County, Ga.; and Pitt County, N.C. The investigative efforts in Project Coronado were coordinated by the multi -agency Special Operations Division, comprised of agents and analysts from the DEA, FBI, ICE, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service and ATF, as well as attorneys from the Criminal Division's Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section. More than 300 federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement agencies contributed investigative and prosecutorial resources to Project Coronado through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces. An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 09-1135 Attorney General U.S DEPARTMEN— ":' USTICE 950 Pennsylvania.Avenue. NW, Washington, DC 20530-0001 ABOUT RESOURCES CAREERS Site Map For Employees The Attorney General Forms Student Opportunities A to Z Index Office of the Inspector DOJ Agencies Publications Internships Archive General Budget & Performance Case Highlights Accessibility Government Strategic Plans A -Z Index FOIA Resources CONTACT No FEAR Act USA.gov Information Quality BUSINESS & GRANTS BRIEFING ROOM Privacy Policy Business Opportunities Justice News Legal Policies & Grants The Justice Blog Disclaimers Videos Photo Library -�--a CountySheriff ��� akot The Front Row 'i � front row 5egf �o Ae 6 re*4 t7how On �►�... " - Don Gudmundsonr Sheriff Dave Bellows, Chief Deputy Sheriff Volume 5, Week 19 October 12, through October 18, 2009 Featuring Sheriff's Volunteer Units and Information Technology Support Staff: Information Technology Support Dan Anderson Lisa Blount Jennifer Carey Chance Munger Special Del2uties Tom Ahr Juan Balli Louis Henderson Steve Finanger Dennis Millerbernd Anthony Pojman Randal Smith Dave Stanek Bob Stowell Tom Wilson Speci akoto County Sheriff C X The Front Row n Don Gudmundson, Sheriff Dave Bellows, Chief Deputy Sheriff Volume 5, Week 19 October 12, through October 18, 2009 Mounted Patrol Sheriff's Office Liaisons: Sergeant Mitch Penny Deputy Sean Quay Explores Post 523 Sheriff's Office L uaisons/Advisors: Deputy Jeff Leopold Sergeant Mitch Penny Deputy Dawanna Witt Cha Mains Jim Bzoskie Vern Hildebrandt Clayton McDougall Eddie Nestingen Cory Voll Don Voll Questions? Comments? Please contact the Dakota County Sheriff's Office at 651.438.4702 or any of the following by email: don.gudmundson@ co.dakota.mn.us dave. bellows@ co.dakota.mn.us julie.ecker@ Deputy Jen Lenarz handled what could best be described as a more unusual call this past week involving a violation of an Order for Protection. It seems one of the individuals (the complainant) was driving north on Highway 3 when they observed their neighbor (who has the OFP against them) heading southbound on the same stretch of roadway. When the neighbor made eye contact with the complainant, they allegedly honked their horn and then motioned to them with an international sign commonly described as "the bird." The case remains under investigation. Behind the Bars... For the week the jail held an average of 283 inmates in custody each day. This represents an increase of 11 per day compared to last week. During this same time period, the jail booked in 179 new inmates. On the Road... o7l Members of the Transport Division logged a total of 3,877 miles moving prisoners over the last week. A total of 22 prisoners were picked up on warrant arrests; another 40 were taken to other facilities for boarding. Node You all hive a kik.¢ week! To subscribe to the electronic version of this newsletter, click here. Page 2 OF P(�e�/C s QQ� 9T ST9TF OF MINNES��� Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Driver and Vehicle Services Emergency Communication Networks Homeland Security and Emergency Management Minnesota State Patrol Office of Communications Office of Justice Programs Office of Traffic Safety State Fire Marshal NEWS RELEASE Andy Skoogman, Director of Communications FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2009 CONTACT: Nathan Bowie, 651-201-7571 OMG! TEENS CAN WIN BIG IN "DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE" TV COMMERCIAL CHALLENGE Contest Gives Teens the Opportunity to Educate Peens about Dangers of Texting and Driving ST. PAUL — Minnesota teens can give the thumbs down to texting while driving through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) and AAA Minnesota/Iowa Don't Text and Drive, Teens! TV Commercial Challenge. Minnesota teens in grades 9-12 are eligible to create and produce a 30 -second TV spot to communicate the dangers associated with driving while texting and the solutions to avoid the dangerous and illegal behavior. Since August 2008, texting, emailing, composing messages and web browsing has been illegal for drivers of all ages with fines up to $300. DPS, AAA Minnesota/Iowa and a teen panel will select the top spots in spring 2010 for an online voting period. AAA Minnesota/Iowa will award first, second and third place finishers with $15000, $600 and $400, respectfully. The winning spot will make its television broadcast premiere in spring 2010. Rules and entry forms are online at www.dps.state.mn.us/ots. Spots are due to DPS by April 19, 2010. "The purpose of this contest is to engage teens in thinking about and addressing a growing traffic safety issue," says Gordy Pehrson, youth traffic safety coordinator of DPS Office of Traffic Safety. "The spots teens develop are relevant because peer-to-peer communication is more likely to change teen driving behavior than more traditional communication methods." Traffic crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens — a group overrepresented each year due to driver inexperience, risk-taking behavior, distractions, nighttime driving, speeding and seat belt non- use. DPS reports that crashes in which distraction or inattention were factors — including texting or cell phone use — are vastly underreported. During 2006-2008, 118 teens (ages 16-19), were killed and another 577 were seriously injured in crashes. Each year in Minnesota, distraction is a factor in around 25 percent of all crashes. "Texting requires the use of both your hands and eyes — and so does driving. Doing both behind the wheel puts yourself, your passengers and other motorists on the road at risk," says Pehrson. "Driving may seem like a routine activity, but it requires complete attention and focus." In a 2008 DPS teen driving survey, respondents said texting was their biggest distraction while driving. Texting was also cited as the "most unsafe" behavior their friends engaged in while driving. Pehrson recommends teens put their cell phone out of reach when behind the wheel and encourages passengers to handle calls and texts for drivers to reduce distraction. He also reminds teens and their parents that cell phone use for drivers with a provisional license is prohibited by law. 444 Cedar Street, Suite 155 - Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101-5155 - www.dps.state.mn.us of P(�e�/C s QQ� 9T o ST9TFOF MINNE�'o,`P Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Driver and Vehicle Services Emergency Communication Networks Homeland Security and Emergency Management Minnesota State Patrol Office of Communications Office of Justice Programs Office of Traffic Safety State Fire Marshal NEWS RELEASE Andy Skoogman, Director of Communications FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 15, 2009 CONTACT: Nathan Bowie, 651-201-7571 PUBLIC SAFETY MAPS MINNESOTA'S "MOST UNBELTED" COUNTIES Statewide Enforcement of Primary Seat Belt Law Continues through Oct. 22 ST. PAUL — In the midst of a statewide Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign running through Oct. 22, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced the Minnesota counties with the highest percentage of unbelted traffic deaths based on total number of vehicle occupant deaths. DPS identifies specific pockets of the state with an overrepresentation of unbelted deaths — all in Greater Minnesota, where a vast majority of unbelted traffic deaths occur each year. Each year, more than half of Minnesota traffic deaths are unbelted. During 2006-2008, 1,097 vehicle occupants were killed in crashes and 539 were not buckled up. Research indicates this is a conservative number as belt use is "unknown" in about 10 percent of fatal crashes each year. DPS estimates a majority of the unknown fatalities are unbelted. DPS last week announced Minnesota motorists' daytime belt use compliance is 90 percent based on an observation survey. "Regardless of our record -high seat belt use rate, it's clear far too many motorists are still traveling not buckled up and are paying the ultimate price," says Cheri Marti, director of DPS Office of Traffic Safety. "The results from this county data reveal why education and enforcement of the primary seat belt law is so valuable to further increase belt compliance." Minnesota Counties with the Highest Percentage of Unbelted Fatalities, 2006-2008: A pod of six south central counties including a block bordering Iowa combined for 59 vehicle occupant deaths of which 35 were not belted (59 percent): Faribault (8 vehicle occupant deaths -5 unbelted); Freeborn (15-8), Martin (8-5), Mower (8-5), Steele (13-7) and Waseca (7-5). In central Minnesota four counties combined for 45 vehicle occupant deaths of which 34 were not buckled up (75 percent): Kanabec (4-4), Mille Lacs (16-13), Morrison (17-12) and Todd (8-5). Among four north central Minnesota counties there were 52 vehicle occupant deaths and 33 were not belted (63 percent): Aitkin (8-5), Beltrami (12-8), Cass (15-8) and Itasca (17-12). Other counties with an overrepresentation of unbelted traffic deaths include the counties of Clay (15-10), Carlton (10-6), Pennington (5-5), Red Lake (4-4), Renville (8-6) and Wright (34-22). Minnesota Counties with Lowest Percentage of Unbelted Fatalities, 2006-2008 (counties with fewer than 8 deaths not listed): Carver (22-8), Chisago (23-8), Douglas (21-6), Lyon (9-3), Otter Tail (10-3), Scott (26-8), Sherburne (16-5) and Wabasha (8-2). Unbelted statistics for metro counties are: Anoka (43-23), Dakota (46-18), Hennepin (102-40), Ramsey (37-19) and Washington (30-10). Around 400 Minnesota law enforcement agencies are participating in the Oct. 9-22 Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign — the first full-scale enforcement since the primary seat belt law became effective June 9. The primary law states drivers and all passengers — including in the back seat — must be buckled up or in the correct child restraint. Law enforcement can stop motorists solely for seat belt violations, including unbelted passengers. 444 Cedar Street, Suite 155 - Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101-5155 - www.dps.state.mn.us CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA October 27, 2009 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers 1) Call to Order 2) Roll Call 3) Approval of the September 22, 2009 Planning Commission Minutes 4) Hearings a) Case No. 09-36: Heart to Home — 659 Freeway Road — Conditional Use Permit to allow up to seven (7) residents live in a single family home. Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. b) Case No. 09-37: Heart to Home — 2351 Pagel Road - Conditional Use Permit to allow up to seven (7) residents live in a single family home. Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. c) Case No. 09-38: Stonewall Inc. — 2517 Concord Way — Wetlands Permit to rebuild two existing retaining walls — Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. d) Case No. 09-39: Jake Sedlacek, the City of Mendota Heights — Zoning Ordinance Amendment — "I" Industrial Zone. Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. 5) Verbal Review 6) Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids, however, this may not be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 651-452-1850 with requests. A cry of "Twins win! Twins win! All right!" became agenda item 9A as announced by Mendota Heights Mayor John Huber to the audience at the city's most recent council meeting. The Mendota Heights City Council members and city staff dutifully attended their scheduled council meeting during the Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers tiebreaker game Oct.6, a meeting that could have induced a sudden onset of "fever" in lesser public servants. The game determined whether the Twins would take the American League Central Division or if that honor would go to the Tigers. The meeting started during roughly the eighth inning of the game. As the council listened to a presentation by the Metropolitan Airports Commission, the Twins extended a 5-5 tie into the 12th inning. Just before launching into the next agenda item - a hearing for a conditional use permit - staff members passed the mayor a note with the good news. The Twins won 6-5 with a hit by Alexi Casilla that drove in Carlos Gomez for the winning run. If any of the council or staff wanted a play-by-play it sounded like the absent chief of police may have gotten a touch of that fever - Twins fever, that is. "Go Twins!" exclaimed council member Mary Jeanne Schneeman for her council comments as she and her colleagues wrapped up city business with a renewed sense of urgency. - Danielle Cabot Content © 2009 Software ©1998-2009 1 upl Software, All Rights Reserved PRINT 0 Q CLOSE 10*lftom S0ut,h-weSt1R,,iev-iewAews*U Monday, October 19, 2009 Halloween bonfire sputters but will burn again Danielle Cabot Review Staff Monday, October 19, 2009 families. The annual Halloween night bonfire at Mendota Plaza, Highway 110 and Dodd Road, Mendota Heights has been a tradition for over 30 years, and despite plans to renovate and expand Halloween Bonfire Mendota Plaza, this year will be no different. This fall, the cit of Mendota Heights received word from developers Paster Y g p The annual city bonfire burns behind Mendota Plaza Enterprises that the bonfire must find a new home due to construction scheduled to Shopping Center from 7 p.m. begin at the Plaza. It was too late to find a new location. Plans were scuttled. Brush until 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. piles have grown in backyards without nary a fire to fuel. Hotdogs and pop will be But as the month of October progressed, developers at Paster realized that available. construction won't begin until mid-November, according to Ken Henk, director of Mendota Plaza is located at the development and construction. They contacted the city early last week letting them southeast corner of Highway know that if there was still time, the fire would not interfere with breaking ground. The 110 and Dodd Road. For more city determined that it was not too late, and announced Oct. 14 that for one more information, contact 651 -452 - year, the Plaza will once again light up with towering flame and the smiling faces of 1850. The bonfire was organized for the first time in 1974 by resident Russell Wahl and his family as a civic event. The Wahl family oversaw it for a time, then handed off the reins to the Mendota Heights Fire Department, which has tended the annual fire ever since. Firefighters have donated their time to keep the event safe and served the more than 1,000 hotdogs that are given out for free every year. Chief John Maczko joked that they initially wanted to call it the Russell Wahl Memorial Bonfire, to which Wahl responded, "I'm not dead yet!" (Wahl is still alive and well by all accounts, though unavailable for comment). The bonfire has always been at Mendota Plaza, though it was a bit further east before construction of the senior housing complex. Folks are known to arrive in costume, and in the past, Paster has arranged for hay rides at the event. Maczko also pointed out that it is a great opportunity for Mendota Heights residents to clean up their yards a bit. Starting Monday, Oct. 19, Mendota Heights residents (only) may bring clean burning brush such as tree branches, limbs and trunks not over 6 inches in diameter to Mendota Plaza between the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Brush will no longer be accepted after noon on October 30. Brush restrictions are as follows: • No disposal by commercial lawn and tree service is permitted. • No leaves, grass, paper, rubbish, and tree limbs or trunks over 6 inches in diameter. • No items that will pollute or contaminate the air. While turnout is often dependent on the weather, ranging from 700 to 1,500 people a year, Maczko said the Halloween blizzard of'91 was the best bonfire he can remember. "It was just so surreal. We had a warm fire - it was a big fire that year - and the snow was falling, and people were just in a festive mood, and it was just one of the most picturesque standing -around -the -fire -to -get -warm things." Next year, the event will have to find a new home. We knew that at some point as Mendota Heights continues to develop this day would finally come," Maczko said. While Henk said the Plaza would likely welcome back the event once construction is finished, the bonfire would have to be smaller. The Plaza's new design does not include an expanse of open space to allow for the size of the traditional bonfire. So far, Dodge Nature Center has approached the city for consideration as a future site, Maczko said. A new site would need to provide both parking for the crowd as well as proximity to the residents. It also needs to be a site that can be monitored for safety and to ensure that only suitable brush ends up in the pile. Danielle Cabot can be reached at southwest@lillienews.com or 651-748-7815. Content © 2009 Software ©1998-2009 1 upl Software, All Rights Reserved TwinCmitmiesecom Mendota Heights / Roundabout set to fix traffic issues Pioneer Press Updated: 10/23/2009 12:00:16 AM CDT Mendota Heights officials have given the green light for a roundabout at Visitation Drive and Mendota Heights Road. The city council on a 3-2 vote Tuesday approved a final plan for the roundabout, which will be built at the southern end of Convent of the Visitation School. The council also directed city staff to start the process of permanently closing Lake Drive, between St. Thomas Academy and Swan Drive. Residents contend the road has become a Advertisement thoroughfare for Visitation and St. Thomas Academy students and parents. "We think this will resolve the traffic issue," Public Works Director John Mazzitello said Thursday. A public hearing will be held on the proposed road closure, which also must be approved by the council. Mazzitello reassured residents at Tuesday's meeting that a temporary road that will leave Visitation's parking lot and divert cars to Lake Drive will be removed during construction. Some residents who live nearby feared the temporary road would become permanent. Work is expected to start in June and end in mid-August. A ftwt- � .- 0 �k. LifeLot; #. In Identity `reit pr;oteiW (car, r1 Cyrmro. Print Powered BY =µ` .,, MAC > Vit. Joos . 2 / o . St. Ths 17 01' M nni e� s•� nee o urn acTO' From news services • COi"GEVI LE; Minn. John's squeezed`' every bit of excite= : ment`out of the first overtime foot- ever 'd at Clemens' Stadi= ■b►ayll� Trailing 17-14 in overtime and fac- _. mg fourth and goal "from the 8 -yard k� line; ''Johiuues 'senior Kellen Blaser dove between `two 'defenders into' therieft corner of the end zone and : barely stretched theball over the'':,,'. r ; z goal= line for an 8 -yard touchdown .f' run that lifted ''the `Johnnies to a; 20-17 victory over rival St.'Thomas on Saturday f.f It was a baitle`of unbeatens in the Minnesota` Intercollegiate ' Athletic Conference m a rivalry`that dates <` ' •.. ._.. .. back :to 1901. :: v k, <. The. win `in front of an overflow 'crowd of 12,903 gives St. John's, ranked No. 6 in NCAA Division -11L."_ k ` sole :possession of first place in the y.r..;,V Y Wk 'The Johnnies'are 7-0 overall, 5-0 in tliA AC 'St. Tfiomas, ranked• No 15 in the Division 1II poll, is 5-1 :overall, 41`in the NHAC tied for see-;, . and with Bethel ASSOCIATED PRESS: DAVE SCHWAF It:ivas the Johnnies' 12th consecu ' St: Thomas' Fritz'Waldvogel right; gets away from 5t. John's defender Brandon Meath on Saturday. . tive' ` victory over the Tonnnies St. ` John's leads the , bverall series . 40481 and `'is 43-14 ` `against seconds to subdue Bethel 16-14. Former Como Park `High. School. (with St. John's getting 245 yarc 'St."';Thomas under longtime. coacxi with Saturday's score tied 14-14 at star. Greg Morse threw two 'touch- `offense to St: Thomas' 239 John Gagliardi, who improved lies 61 he end ` of regulation, St. Thomas; :down passes in' the final period, '32 Jakob `Reding led the JohnniE year coachmg•record,to :468-125-11: ` had . the ballfirst m overtone and yards to Tony Margarit with 9271eft with 122 yards rushing on 32 Carrie It was yet another close callfor the ' went ahead briefly wit> l3rady Bee- and then 4 yards to: Jay Fredericks Blaser added 74 yards on 15 Carrie Johnnies.'St. Jol u's opened the sea- son's 2&yard field goal. with just•four seconds left in regula- Joe Boyles 5 -yard touchdown.p' & S with last-minute, coni&ffrdm St Thomas staged a -furious sec- tion. to Blaser.: early in the second qua bon ehind 'victories over Wisconsin- . ond-half rally' to extend the game. Morse completed 15 of 29 passes ter gave St John's a 7-0 , .halftur River ' Falls "and' Wisconsin -Eau Trailnig ;14-0 '`early in the fourth for .130 yards. He was intercepted lead. Reding's 1 -yard run. with 2 d Claire�.Two weeks ago; the Johnnies quarter, the Tommies reeled off two 'twice. left in the third quarter put tt did it again, 'scoria in the' final. l0 late touchdowns to`gA even The game was. tight on albfrants, Johnnies up 14-0. Upcoming Park /Recreation / Community Events: Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course Clubhouse: 651.454-9822 MH Parks & Recreation Programs Registration Required @ 651.452-1850 71 For information regarding "Fall and Winter Parks & Recreation Programs" Call 651.452-1850 or www.mendota-heights.com Mendota Heights Athletic Association www.mendotaheightsathietics.com or Amelia 1 957aaol.com Community Events: November 21St, 2009 - Saturday Firemen's Dance - contact Nancy at City Offices for info / tickets Scheduled Use of City Mall :Meeting Rooms Use of a meeting room can be scheduled with the City Hall receptionist - 651.452-1850 Tuesday, October 27th 7:00 pm Thursday, October 291h 6:00 pm Saturday, October 31St 7:00 pm Monday, November 2nd 6:00 to 6:50 Monday, November 2nd 7:00 Tuesday, November 3`d 8:00 Thursday, November 5th 6:00 pm - Planning Commission meets in Council Chambers Citizens Police Academy in Council Chambers - Halloween Bonfire at Mendota Plaza Ind Sch Dist 197 monthly "Listening Session" in large conference room Ind Sch Dist 197 monthly Board Meeting in Council Chambers - Mendota Heights City Council meeting - late start due to School Board election - Mendota Heights Citizens Police Academy in Council Chambers October 23rd, 2009 Friday News - gk