THE LATEST
 Take the Mayor's Challenge to participate in organics drop-off recycling!
New site now open at Mendakota Park
Residents can now bring organics collected at home, such as food scraps and paper towels, to Mendakota Park's drop-off for free. With the addition of this convenient location, if you haven't yet signed up for the Dakota County Organics Drop-off Program now is the perfect time! Take part in the Mayor's Challenge and sign up by July 31. Join 547 other Mendota Heights households that are already participating, with the goal of expanding to 750 households by July 31!
All registered participants receive free compostable bags to use at home and helpful tips. To sign up, visit dakotacounty.us and search organics, call 952-891-7557, or email organics@co.dakota.mn.us. You can also stop by the Open House at Mendakota Park on Saturday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to see the new drop-off site, learn about the program, and sign up in person.
Unlike backyard composting, all food scraps, including meat, bones and dairy products, are accepted. The Mulch Store, a commercial compost facility, processes the materials at higher temperatures to kill bacteria and turn them into nutrient-rich compost.
Since opening the first organic drop-off site in 2016, more than 6,000 Dakota County households have registered for the program. Across the five current locations, more than 10,000 pounds of food scraps are kept out of the landfill each week.
Reducing water use can help with dry conditions
Mendota Heights customers buy their water from St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS). The City was made aware this week that SPRWS is monitoring Mississippi River volume to determine if further conservation actions are needed to maintain a necessary level. The vast majority of SPRWS water comes from the Mississippi River rather than wells. While there is no immediate issue with water supply, residents should consider proactively reducing lawn sprinkling and consider other measures to conserve household water use.
Partial closure on Dodd Road
As part of an Xcel Energy gas project, a portion of Dodd Road, between Highway 62 and Ridge Place, was closed on July 12. This closure is expected to last from four to six weeks. Please use the designated detours during this time. The through-traffic detour will be Wentworth Avenue, and local-traffic detour Marie Avenue.
Seeking sponsors for Parks Celebration
The City is seeking business and organization sponsors for the 34th annual Mendota Heights Parks Celebration. The celebration returns August 13-15 and will be an extra special one, with more events for the community to reconnect after having to cancel last year's event.
Donations help provide live entertainment; festival activities such as a petting zoo, inflatables, a rock climbing wall; and new this year a pickleball tournament, a morning coffee connection, and community bike ride.
Sponsors donating $500 or more can host a booth with an activity at the traditional Parks Celebration event at Mendakota Park on Saturday. Note that sponsorship for the Community Coffee Connection taking place at City Hall on Saturday morning is now full.
A variety of sponsorship levels are available to select from. See the sponsorship kit for more information. The deadline to sponsor is July 30. Thank you for your consideration!
 Register to host by July 30
Night to Unite will take place on Tuesday, August 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. This event brings together neighbors and local public safety to help prevent crime. Neighborhoods are invited to host parties such as potlucks, cookouts, and ice cream socials to help build community and meet new friends. Mendota Heights Public Safety will stop by registered parties with their emergency vehicles to check out, visit with neighbors, and answer any questions you may have. Those interested in hosting a party must register by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 30. Night to Unite 2021 Registration Form
COVID-19 information
- Walk-ins for Minnesotans age 12 to 17 are possible at any state community vaccination sites that are administering the Pfizer vaccine.
- The Minnesota Department of Health continues to host both saliva and nasal swab testing events throughout Minnesota. Tests are free and insurance is not required.
Recent highlights
Tire recycling "recap"
The tire recycling event on July 11 was a success! Thank you to residents who participated and to the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District for assisting with this event. There were 170 tires collected for recycling.
If you missed this event, The Recycling Zone in Eagan accepts tires for a fee.
Plastic Free July
Have you heard of Plastic Free July? It is a global initiative during the month of July to stop using disposable plastic, and to start making healthier, more sustainable choices in your life. More than a million people took place in last year’s challenge! If you are interested in making some healthier swaps this July, view this short list to get your feet wet. For more information or to sign up for the full challenge, visit plasticfreejuly.org.
Upcoming events
July 17 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mendakota Park
Through Sept 6 | Special rate for Dakota County residents
Sept 11 | Mendakota Park
Take home FREE compost for your garden.
Recent highlights
Just the Facts
Incident reports 7/9/21 - 7/15/21
Previous Just the Facts publications are available in the Laserfiche archive system on the City's website.
Sign up for emergency alerts
The Emergency Alert Program is available through the Dakota Communications Center (DCC) at mn-dcc.org/community-notification/.
Stay in touch through Nextdoor
The MHPD has expanded their social media channels to include Nextdoor. Learn more and sign up at nextdoor.com.
For immediate public safety response and non-emergency police assistance call 9-1-1
The Police Department will also continue to process requests for police reports, gun permits, etc. Link to the forms under Public Resources at mendotaheightsmn.gov/police. Completed forms and general questions can be submitted via email to pdrecords@mendota-heights.com.
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Upcoming events
The Goombas Band (Free)
Fri, July 23 | 6:30pm at Mendakota Park
Dance to rock and roll tunes and enjoy the blues performed by this popular local band.
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Teddy Bear Band Rescheduled (Free)
Thurs, July 29 | 6pm at Mendakota Park
Enjoy a family-friendly band whose mission is to help children gain and maintain a positive sense of self, and develop an appreciation of their own abilities. Participants are encouraged to bring their own teddy bear or stuffed friend.
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Drop-in Program (Free)
Join us on Tuesdays for the City's traveling program that brings recreation to local neighborhood spots. Staff will set up activities and equipment for youth ages six to twelve to enjoy. There will be games, sports, arts, crafts, and more. No registration required.
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July 20 | 12:30-1:30pm at Covington Court Apartments Greenspace
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July 27 | 1:30-2:30pm at Mendakota Park
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August 3 | 12:30-1:30pm at Harmon Park
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Pickleball Tournament (Free)
Sun, August 15 | 8-11am at Marie Park
This year during the Parks Celebration the City is hosting its first ever Pickleball Tournament. The tournament will be open to pairs of any age. One team member must be a resident of Mendota Heights. There is a limit of thirty-two teams.
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