Zamboni driver arrested for DWI at Apple Valley ice arena

Posted under Apple Valley on Tuesday 31 January 2012 at 4:16 pm

A Zamboni driver at Hayes Arena in Apple Valley was arrested Monday night for allegedly driving drunk while resurfacing the ice during a youth hockey practice.

Apple Valley police officers responded to the ice arena at about 8 p.m. after receiving calls from people there that the Zamboni driver appeared to be intoxicated.

Upon arrival, officers observed the driver, a 34-year-old part-time employee of the city-run arena, struggling to maneuver the Zamboni off the ice, according to police.

Police say the man was unsteady on his feet and smelled of alcohol. He failed field sobriety tests and was arrested for DWI.

Charges have not been filed yet. The driver’s blood-alcohol level was tested Monday night at the Apple Valley Police Station, and the sample has been sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s lab for analysis.

—Andrew Miller


Reader Submission: Bald eagle at Sunset Pond

Posted under Reader News on Tuesday 31 January 2012 at 3:07 pm

A bald eagle kept an eye for prey last week at Sunset Pond in Burnsville.


Godspell auditions to be held at Easter Community Theater in Eagan

Posted under Reader News on Tuesday 31 January 2012 at 3:04 pm

“Godspell” Auditions will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 20 and 21 at Easter Lutheran Church, 4200 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan MN (southeast corner of Pilot Knob and Diffley) Visit easter.org for directions.

They will cast adults and high school students for all parts and a small ensemble of singers. During the audition, you will be asked to read from a scene and sing a song from the show. No need to prepare anything in advance. Cast list will be posted at easter.org/godspell on Feb. 27. Performance dates: April 19-22.

Easter Lutheran Church announces the formation of Easter Community Theater, and its first production, “Godspell.” Since it’s inception 38 years ago, Easter Lutheran Church has had a significant artistic presence in the Eagan community. Now, Easter is moving to strengthen those roots through musical theatre. Easter Community Theatre is led by local musician Jason Hansen, who has experience spreading throughout the Twin Cities from various community productions to the Children’s Theatre Company and the Guthrie.

“I am beyond excited about “Godspell,” because it is an opportunity to use that gift of music and share it with the broader community,” said Kristen Capel, lead pastor at Easter.

The Easter Community Theater production of “Godspell” will be this Spring. “We are looking forward to an incredible and down-to-earth production, so I’m excited for auditions to get underway,” explains Jason Hansen. “There is so much talent in this community, and Eagan has a huge reputation for great art. I’m glad we can offer people a new theater program in which to become involved.”

A list of roles to be cast can be found at easter.org/godspell. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/EasterCommunityTheater.


Farmington cuts economic development specialist job citing budget concerns

Posted under Farmington,News on Tuesday 31 January 2012 at 2:52 pm

Tina Hansmeier will leave post on Feb. 13

by Laura Adelmann
Thisweek Newspaper
the city of Farmington on Monday eliminated the position of economic development specialist, held full-time since 2005 by Tina Hansmeier.

The position will not be filled, saving the city about $65,000 annually. (more…)


Will zoo’s new wolf find love?

Posted under Apple Valley Briefs,Thisweekend on Tuesday 31 January 2012 at 2:52 pm

Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo officials are hoping the newest addition to the wolf exhibit will make a love connection in the near future.

The male gray wolf, which recently arrived at the zoo from Quebec, is still a bit shy and getting acclimated to his new home, but zoo officials say they’re hoping he will eventually breed with the exhibit’s resident female.

The wolves can be seen in their exhibit on the Medtronic Minnesota Trail; the zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is at mnzoo.org.


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