2019-08-02 Friday NewsMultiple I-494 Lane, Ramp Closures Set for This Weekend
Motorists traveling on Interstate 494 in Mendota Heights, Eagan and Inver Grove Heights
should plan for major delays for the second weekend in a row as both directions of I-494
will have lane and ramp closures beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, weather permitting.
The left lane of westbound I-494 between Highway 62/Old Highway 110 and I-35E will
close beginning at 6 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2 as crews set up the movable barrier in order to
pave eastbound I-494.
Several ramps between I-35E and Highway 62 will
close beginning at 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2, including:
Northbound I-35E to eastbound I-494
Southbound I-35E to eastbound I-494
Dodd Road to and from eastbound I-494
Highway 3 to and from eastbound I-494
Crews will then reduce eastbound I-494 to a single
lane between I-35E and Highway 62 by 9 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 2. All lanes and ramps are
expected to reopen by 5 a.m., Monday,
Aug. 5.
The closure is needed as crews resurface the road. Residents who live near this area of
I-494 may hear noise as crews work around the clock to remove pavement, set barrier
and pave the road. TCO Performance Center is also featuring a MN Vikings night
practice Saturday evening, 7:30-9:30pm, with fireworks following. The lane and
ramp closures are the first of several closures as part of a larger project on I-494 to
repave the road, update drainage and repair seven bridges on an eight mile stretch of I-494
between the Minnesota River and Third Avenue in South St. Paul.
Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates
August 6
Night to Unite Evening
August 7 (Wednesday)
(Rescheduled) City Council Mtg |
7:00pm
August 13
Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30pm
August 20
City Council Mtg | 7:00pm
August 21
Airport Rel Comm Mtg | 6:00pm
August 27
Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00pm
Stay Connected:
Facebook.com/
MendotaHeightsMN
Facebook.com/
MHParksandRec
Facebook.com/
MendotaHeightsPD
Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights
Twitter.com/
@mheightsPD
August 2, 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
Gathering to Remember
The community gathered on July 30 to remember and honor the sacrifice of Officer Scott
Patrick, who was killed in the line of duty five years ago. KSTP’s coverage of the gathering
is available at https://kstp.com/news/this-is-pretty-sacred-ground-here-mendota-heights-
residents-return-to-site-where-officer-scott-patrick-was-killed-5-years-later/5441511/.
Stay Connected: Stay up-to-date on this project by
signing up for email updates at the
project website:
www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/
projects/i494invergroveheights/
Facebook.com/mndot
Twitter: @mndotnews
Mndot.gov/knowyourroute For real-time travel information
anywhere in Minnesota visit
www.511mn.org or dial 5-1-1.
Catching the Big One at
Rogers Lake
Local youth enjoyed some friendly
fishing competition at this year’s
Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing
Derby on Thursday. One lucky
boy won a Minnesota Lifetime
Fishing License! Thank you to all
who participated.
Gather on August 6
Night to Unite will be Tuesday evening,
August 6. This year, the MHPD is partnering
with Neighbors Inc and will be collecting
non-perishable food items. Police officers
will be happy to pick up any items that your
party is willing to donate. If you are not
familiar with Neighbors Inc, you can find out
more info at https://www.neighborsmn.org/.
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.
If you’re not on Polco yet, now’s a great
time get started! Questions are posted in
batches, so watch for the next series to
post in the near future.
Participate in Polco by visiting https://
polco.us/mendotaheights or by
downloading the app for iOS or Android.
Are You on Polco?
From the Archives
A cool reminder amidst summer weather! Winter oxygenation of
Rogers Lake to preserve water quality and protect aquatic life.
Sign Up for the Warrior 5K to Support
ISD 197 Schools
The 10th annual Warrior 5K Walk/Run and Family Mile will be held at
Henry Sibley High School on Saturday, September 28, beginning at 9:00
a.m. This is a community-wide event, and all proceeds support the I.S.D
No. 197 Educational Foundation. Registration begins in August, and
race and sponsorship forms can be found at
http://www.isd197foundation.org/. All paid registration forms include a
race t-shirt.
For the first time, the race will begin on the new track; and the new
sports facility will be open for all to see. All runners and walkers are
welcome! Serious runners, casual runners/walkers, those who like to
walk with their dogs, and those who like to socialize with friends and
neighbors while exercising will enjoy the event.
Valley Park Pollinator Project Update
You may notice some additional activity in and around Valley Park
recently. The City of Mendota Heights has partnered with Great River
Greening and Xcel Energy, as well as the State of Minnesota through
the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment, to restore and create
nine acres of pollinator habitat in the Valley Park utility corridor in
Mendota Heights. The project entails removing invasive species using
mowing and herbicide treatments, and restoring the corridor into a
high-quality pollinator habitat using native plant species. Crews have
started to remove invasive vegetation, and began the process of
preparing the site for planting of native vegetation within the corridor.
For more information on Great River Greening:
https://www.greatrivergreening.org/
For more information on Excel Energy’s Pollinator Initiative:
www.xcelenergy.com/pollinator
Mendota Heights Par 3
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.
September 21 | 7pm at Garlough Park (West St. Paul)
Light up the night at the first annual, family-friendly Glow Dash! Enjoy
music and games before you walk, run, or push a stroller through a
lighted 1.36 mile dash. This event is for all ages and abilities (no dogs
please). Wear your favorite glow gear, and every participant will
receive a swag bag filled with glow-in-the-dark accessories and more.
Refreshments available after the event. Sponsored by the Mendota
Heights, West St. Paul, and South St. Paul Parks and Recreation
Departments.
Cost: $10 Early Bird Deadline Sept. 7 | $15 after Sept. 7 Register under Special Events: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-
heights-mn/catalog
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
Create an account and view youth and
adult programs at:
https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-
heights-mn/catalog
Parks & Recreation
Registration
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.
Learning
About
Raptors
Thank you to
the Raptor
Center for the presentation at Mendakota Park this week. Kids and
adults enjoyed learning about these magnificent birds!
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.
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.
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!
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
concert in the parkFREEFREE
Mendakota Park
2171 DODD ROAD | MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Sponsoring Two Participants for the
Fall Master Water Stewards Class
Upcoming information session at City Hall on
Tuesday, August 6 | 6-7 pm
Are you concerned about water pollution? Is there a water
quality problem in your neighborhood that you want to fix?
Want to get off the sidelines and make real change?
The Master Water Stewards program is a great opportunity
to learn how to solve environmental problems in your
community and find a local network of energized leaders.
The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management
Organization (LMRWMO) is sponsoring two participants for
the Fall 2019 Master Water Stewards Class, a $2,250 value
for the classes. Applications are being accepted until
September 9, 2019. Note this deadline is earlier for
residents of the LMRWMO than the typical
application deadline. The two successful applicants will be
asked to provide $250 towards the classes, which will be
reimbursed upon completion.
What Master Water Stewards Do
Assess Watersheds — Identify pollution sources and
create strategies for reducing pollutants.
Educate Communities — Help neighbors understand the
most pressing environmental problems in their area.
Reduce Pollutants — Work with communities to target
pollution sources such as pet waste, fertilizer or
pesticides.
Coordinate Action — Help communities reduce
polluted runoff by coordinating the installation of
raingardens, native gardens, natural shoreline plantings,
rainbarrels and other rainscaping techniques.
Attend an Information Session To learn more, citizens are asked to attend an upcoming
information session. Please note that you need not attend an
info session to apply.
Apply Now! Applications are available at masterwaterstewards.org. Please
contact Joe Barten, LMRWMO Administrator, at
(651) 480-7784 with any questions.
Native Plant Garden Tour
Saturday, August 3 | 10am - 1pm
1704 Vicki Lane, Mendota Heights
Learn more about pesticide/herbicide-free gardening
for wildlife, pollinators, birds, beneficial insects, and
more, at this informative and educational tour.
Resources will be available on how to get started
"naturescape-ing" your yard. Informed guides will be
available to answer your questions. Join us for coffee
and a very fun tour. This event is sponsored by
NeighborhoodGreening.org.
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. 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/
Viburnum Leaf Beetle
Be on the lookout for Viburnum leaf beetle, found
for the first time in Minnesota last June, in Eden
Prairie, Minnesota. The Viburnum leaf beetle is an
invasive insect native to Europe, previously found
in the northeastern United States and Wisconsin.
The beetle feeds on viburnum species, and can
defoliate the plant, and can also eventually kill it.
The Viburnum leaf beetle larva is yellow with
black spots and dashes. The beetle does most of
the damage to viburnum plants during this stage,
chewing holes in the leaves, similar to Japanese beetles. If
you see this invasive pest, report the sighting to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in one of three ways:
Send in photos, location, and other info via Arrest the Pest (arrest.the.pest@state.mn.us or 1-888-545-6684)
Report finds to EddMaps online; or
Use the Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) app for Android and IOS operating systems.
For more information, visit: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Images from https://www.mda.state.mn.us/virburnum-leaf-beetle
EDDMapS
Have you spotted
invasive plant,
animal, or insect
species in Mendota
Heights? Help track invasive species in the
community by using EDDMapS (Early Detection
and Distribution Mapping System) to report
invasive species. It is simple and easy to use.
How it works:
Create an on-line account: https://
www.eddmaps.org/index.cfm?freg
Click on Report Sightings from the Menu at the
top of the Home Page.
Enter the species information (you can search
for species in this field) and location. If you are
at the location, and have a smart phone, you
can use your phone’s GPS to pinpoint the
location on the site’s mapping tool.
Upload photos of the plant (optional).
Click on Submit Report at the bottom of the
page. You’re done!
All data is reviewed by state verifiers, and a site
visit is conducted to verify.
Be on the Lookout for
Japanese Hedge
Parsley
Japanese Hedge Parsley
(Torilis japonica) is a new
invasive, non-native plant
species now found in
Minnesota. It is in the carrot
family (Apiaceae), and the
leaves resemble the leaves of
many plants in the carrot
family,
so identify carefully. Flowers
are in flat, white/pink
bracted clusters of umbels,
1.5-2 inches across. Individual flowers are notched, with 5
petals of unequal stamens. Leaves and stems are covered
in stiff hairs, and appear in groups of 3-5 compound leaves,
alternately attached to the stem. Japanese Hedge Parsley is
often found along woodland edges, along roads, or in
disturbed areas. If you are unsure or if you think you may
have Japanese Hedge Parsley on your property, please
contact City Staff (contact information below) for a site
visit and proper identification.
Control: Methods of removal and control include hand-
pulling or using a herbicide such as glyphosate or 2,4-D.
For more information: MN Department of Natural
Resources or Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources
Technician at:
651-255-1123 or by Email: kristas@mendota-heights.com. Images from https://eddmaps.org
Would you Like to Learn
More About Recycling or
Composting?
Meet others who are excited about
waste reduction and have the chance to
inspire others to help reduce waste in
Dakota County. Over a 6-week period
with one class each week, participants
hear presentations from local and
regional experts on waste reduction,
recycling, composting and solid waste and
go on field trips to relevant sites.
Upcoming classes:
Tuesdays, Sept. 24–Oct. 29 | 6:30-9 p.m.
Eagan Community Center
1501 Central Parkway, Eagan Optional tour day: Wednesday, Oct. 23 |
9 a.m.–2 p.m. (tentative)
Registration opens Aug. 15
Be the first to know about the next class.
Contact Jenny Kedward at 952-891-7043
or jennifer.kedward@co.dakota.mn.us.
Register and learn more: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/
Environment/CommunityInvolvement/
MasterRecycler/Pages/default.aspx
Recycling is Not Dead
There has been a lot of talk in the media lately about the death of
recycling, and stories in the news about recycling being in “crisis.”
While cities all over the country are seeing rising costs due to
contamination issues and import restrictions to China, recycling is
alive and well in Minnesota. Some news stories have lead people to
believe that a majority of our recyclables are shipped overseas,
however that is not the case:
In any given year only about 30-40% of US recyclables have been
exported, with the majority handled by domestic markets.
This is not the first time recycling markets have faced a rough
patch: there have been 6 downturns since 1990
Minnesota markets for recyclables
Where do local recyclables go? Below is a list of Minnesota companies
that take our recyclables and turn them into finished products:
Mixed paper and cardboard: new paper products (Westrock
in Minneapolis or Liberty Paper in Becker)
Office paper: commercial ceiling tiles (USG in Cloquet)
Water bottles: new packaging (Advanced Extrusion in Rogers)
Milk jugs and detergent bottles: plastic lumber (Bedford
Technology in Worthington), decking, fencing, plastic tiles, garden
edging (Avon Plastics in Paynesville), outdoor furniture (By the
Yard in Jordan)
Tin cans and steel cans: rebar (Gerdau Ameristeel, South St.
Paul)
According to Dakota County, more was recycled in 2018: Residents
and businesses in the County recycled more than half (55%) of all
waste created, with a 15% increase in collection of organics recycling
from 2017!
Some noteworthy accomplishments in 2018:
More than 5,000 pounds of organics were collected each week
from more than 2,300 households in the County (at the County’s
two organics drop sites: West St. Paul and Eagan).
City partners hosted 29 collection events which diverted more
than 1,000 tons of recyclable material.
School Recycling Program partners captured 25% more
recyclables and nearly 10% more organics in classrooms and
cafeterias after participation.
Flag Recycling Available
West St. Paul City Hall, located at 1616
Humboldt Avenue, has a flag recycling
box in the entryway to collect retired
flags.
Save the Date—Paper Shred Event
Saturday, Sept. 7 | 9am-noon at Friendly Hills Middle School
Residents of Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, South St. Paul, and Sunfish
Lake are invited to shred and recycle confidential material. This is a free
event with no limit.
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The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
AUGUST 02, 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
EFFECTIVE NOW!
HandsFreeMN.org
WHAT CAN I DO UNDER THE HANDS-FREE LAW?
The driver may use their cell phone to make calls, texts, listen to music or podcasts and get
directions, BUT, only by voice commands or single-touch activation WITHOUT holding the
phone.
The driver may use a hand-held device to obtain emergency assistance where there is
immediate threat to life and safety.
The driver may use a GPS navigation system and other systems for navigation purposes only.
In car screen systems are also exempt.
WHAT CAN’T I DO UNDER THE HANDS-FREE LAW?
The driver may not hold the phone in your hand. Also, a driver may not use their phone at
any time for video calling, video live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at video or
photos stored on phone, using non-navigation apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on
the phone.
The driver may not use a smart watch as an electronic communication. It may only be used
to check the time unless it is used by one-touch or voice activation.
The driver may not stop on the shoulder of an interstate freeway or controlled ac-
cess highway to hold the phone.
3,166
NUMBER OF PEOPLE
KILLED NATIONALLY BY
DISTRACTED DRIVING
After you’ve been driving for awhile, you get comfortable and forget how
dangerous it can be. As a result, you’re more likely to think that you can send a quick
text or daydream without putting yourself in danger.
You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention.
Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your
risk of crashing.
Distracted Driving does not only consist of your hand -held device. There are
many other distractions which can cause fatal consequences.
*SMOKING *CELL PHONE USE
*USING DEVICES TO OPERATE VEHICLE *OTHER OCCUPANTS
*ADJUSTING AUDIO OR CLIMATE CONTROLS *EATING OR DRINKING
*USING/REACHING FOR SOMETHING *MOVING OBJECTS
*OUTSIDE PERSON, OBJECT OR EVENT *WANDERING MIND
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PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENT — 1XXX NORTHLAND DR 07/26/19, 1857 HOURS
Officers responded to location on a vehicle crash with injuries. A single occupant of the vehicle was
rescued by the Mendota Heights Fire Department and transported by Health East to the hospital for
injuries.
VANDALISM — 35E/MARIE AVE 07/27/19, 1725 HOURS
Responded to Marie Avenue under I-35E on a report of juveniles spray painting graffiti under the bridge.
Juveniles located and turned over to parents/guardians. One juvenile citation issued.
MISSING PERSON — 1XXX WARRIOR DR 07/28/19, 1359 HOURS
Officer was dispatched to location on a report of a male, who has dementia, leaving the area. After further
investigation, officers were able to locate the male a couple of days later. He was ultimately placed on a
transport hold.
DRUGS — HWY 62/35E 07/29/19, 0016 HOURS
At the intersection of Hwy 62 and 35E, officers stopped a vehicle for traveling above the posted speed limit.
Officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search was conducted and officers
located a small amount of marijuana. Officers cited the driver for speed and both the driver and passenger
for a small amount of marijuana.
THEFT — 1XXX NORTHLAND DR 07/29/19, 1425 HOURS
Officer dispatched to take a report of a past action phone theft that occurred in the 1000 block of
Northland Drive. No suspects at this time.
THEFT — 7XX MAIN ST 07/29/19, 1953 HOURS
Officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Main Street to take a report of a theft of services. Four
individuals left without paying for services. Case under investigation.
DISORDERLY CONDUCT — 2XXX LEXINGTON AVE S 07/30/19, 0832 HOURS
MHPD squads were dispatched to location on a suspicious male causing property damage. Male was
located and ultimately arrest and booked at DC Jail for DOC.
DISTURBANCE — 7XX KEOKUK LN 07/30/19, 1805 HOURS
Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Keokuk Lane on a report of domestic disturbance. Officers
arrived on scene and determined an assault did not take place and separated the parties for the remainder
of the day. Officer completed a report of the incident and will be forwarding to social services for their
review.
TRAFFIC STOP — HWY 62/35E 07/31/19, 1906 HOURS
Officer observed a motorcycle southbound on 35E and Hwy 13. Motorcycle was traveling at an extreme
rate of speed. Motorcycle exited on Hwy 62 and popped a wheelie. Motorcycle was stopped and cited for
speed and reckless driving.
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07/26—8/01 2019 YTD
Calls for Service 207 7,106
Police Reports 16 685
Citations 48 1,048
Warnings 39 1,520
Response Time Average 5.51 6.50
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.
TUESDAY
AUGUST 6TH, 2019
Bring neighbors
together
Build relationships
Get to know your public
safety partners
Share safety concerns
Learn crime
prevention tips
Great for adults and
kids
Enjoy yummy treats
Check out police squads
and fire trucks
REGISTER BY
AUGUST 2ND, 2019
By using the attached form
or by going to the city
website to complete the
form.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO
SEEING YOU!
Questions/Comments?
Email us at:
pdrecords@
mendota-heights.com
Questions? Call our Non-Emergency Line @ 651.452.1366.
Need Public Safety Response? Call 911
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