THE LATEST
 Become a Certified Emergency Response Team member
Program registration is open; classes begin October 7
Members of the public who are interested in volunteering to support public safety and provide assistance when called upon, in response to local disasters or events, have a new opportunity to become part of a Mendota Heights Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT). This program educates participants about disaster preparedness and provides training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster medical operations, and more. The program is being facilitated by Mendota Heights Police and Fire Departments, and is free to attend.
This is an ongoing volunteer program, with the goal after training for Mendota Heights CERT members to assume leadership, aided by Mendota Heights Police and Fire. Participants should be able to provide volunteer support when called upon for assistance with emergencies and community events, and be willing to participate in and conduct continuing education for emergency preparedness.
Classes will take place on Thursday evenings, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Mendota Heights Fire Department. Classes start on October 7 and run through December 9, with no class on November 25. There will be a skills test and graduation ceremony on December 9. Class size is limited to twenty with availability until filled; first-priority will be given to residents of Mendota Heights, Mendota, and Lilydale. You must be eighteen years or older to participate in the program.
Learn more and link to registration
 Mandatory outdoor watering restrictions remain in place
Even with the recent rain, Saint Paul Regional Water Services is reminding all customers to use water resources wisely, and the REQUIRED odd/even water schedules are still in effect:
- Odd-numbered addresses must limit outdoor watering to odd-numbered days of the month, and even-numbered addresses must limit outdoor water use to even-numbered days of the month.
- Outdoor watering must be limited to the cooler times of the day -- before noon or after 6 p.m.-- to minimize evaporation.
Note that:
- Hand watering of gardens, bushes, and flowers is encouraged to coincide with the schedule during cooler times of the day, however if necessary can occur outside of this.
- Trees may be watered on any day with a dripping hose, bucket, or tree watering bag.
- Watering of new sod/seed is permitted if daily watering is required. It is recommended any planting of new sod/seeds be delayed until fall or until drought conditions subside.
- Children's recreational sprinkler/pool activities will not be enforced, however please be vigilant in turning off water for activities when not in use.
- The washing of homes, vehicles, or equipment outdoors must adhere to the odd/even schedule.
- There are some exceptions for commercial uses.
Enforcement of the outdoor watering restrictions is conducted by Saint Paul Regional Water Services.
For more information:
County road construction update
Dakota County work on Delaware Avenue at Salem Church Road is currently scheduled for September 9, and roadway signs do list a temporary road closure. This closure is not anticipated to last for more than two days.
 COVID-19 information
COVID-19 Community Vaccination Clinic at the Minnesota State Fair
Get your shot at the Great Minnesota Get Together! The Minnesota Department of Health is offering all eligible fairgoers the chance to roll up their sleeves and get their COVID-19 vaccine at the Minnesota State Fair.
Fairgoers can visit the community vaccination clinic at the North End Event Center to receive a Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine (based on availability). Those who receive their first dose at the Minnesota State Fair COVID-19 Community Vaccination Clinic will receive a $100 Visa gift card immediately after getting their shot. Gift cards will go to the first 3,600 people who receive their first-dose vaccinations at the State Fair.
For more information:
COVID-19 Community Vaccination Clinic at the Minnesota State Fair
Other vaccination location information:
- Walk-ins for Minnesotans are available at any state community vaccination sites; vaccinations are available for ages twelve to seventeen at sites administering the Pfizer vaccine.
COVID-19 Testing Information:
- 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
 Learn how CEO Next Business Institute and SBA Emerging Leaders can help your business
Having the tools and techniques to succeed is essential for business owners hoping to make their business thrive. CEO Next Business Institute provides practical tools and techniques designed specifically for growing regional second stage companies.
Participants can include private businesses in Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Scott counties who meet the following criteria:
- 10–99 employees
- Revenue between $1M and $50M
- Ready to transition from small to large — past start-up stage but not yet mature
- Appetite and aptitude for growth
Are you Next?
Register to attend an information session:
Learn more about CEO Next Business Institute | See testimonials from past participants
 Get back-to-school savings by going green
As your summertime fun shifts to school schedules, transform your back-to-school shopping into a low-waste activity. Families with elementary school children plan to spend $848 on school supplies this year while college students expect to fork out $1,200 on school items.
Take back your wallet and have some fun shopping with a little planning:
Take an inventory. Use what you have. Gather leftover supplies from last year to check off what you already have. Jot down clothing and other supplies you need.
Find it cheap. Talk to friends and neighbors to see if they have supplies from previous years that they don’t need. Find items from your list using online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and NextDoor. Shop at secondhand stores where you can find unique and affordable books, clothes and shoes.
Mend it. Bring clothes with holes and backpacks with bad zippers into the next Fix-It Clinic for free repair help.
Donate or sell the excess. For the supplies you no longer need, offer them to neighbors, friends or even your school. The Dakota County Reuse Guide lists outlets to donate and buy used for clothes, sporting goods, instruments and more.
Upcoming events
Sept 19 | Whitetail Woods Park, Farmington
Through Sept 6 | Special rate for Dakota County residents
New participants and those already in the organics program are invited to a free informational session to get an overview of the program and answers to questions.
Sept 8, 6–6:45 p.m., Farmington Library
Sept 9, 6–6:45 p.m., Virtual
Register for a training session.
Sept 11 | Mendakota Park
Take home FREE compost for your garden.
 Let's get to 750 program sign-ups!
New drop-off location at Mendakota Park is open
Participate the Mayor's Challenge by joining 700+ other Mendota Heights households that are recycling food waste/organics from home through the Dakota County Organics Drop-off Program. By signing up for the program, you simply collect organic waste items, such as food scraps and paper towels, and conveniently drop them off at Mendakota Park's drop-off site for free. Unlike backyard composting, all food scraps, including meat, bones and dairy products, are accepted. Collected items are recycled into compost.
All registered participants receive free compostable bags to use at home, along with helpful tips to get started. To learn more and sign up, visit dakotacounty.us and search organics, call 952-891-7557, or email organics@co.dakota.mn.us.
Recent highlights
Just the Facts
Incident reports 8/20/21 - 8/26/21
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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 Join us for free fun
6-7pm | See schedule for dates and locations
The summer Tour de Rec traveling program is expanding! This school year youth and families are invited to join us the first Thursday of every month at local spots in Mendota Heights and West St. Paul. Staff will set up activities and provide equipment for youth and families to enjoy. There will be games, sports, crafts, and more! This is a drop-in program -- no registration required. If weather is questionable, please call 651-259-2671 to hear the status of the program by 5 p.m.
Save the Dates:
SEPT 2 | OCT 7 | NOV 4 | DEC 9 (second Thurs.) | JAN 6 | FEB 3 | MAR 3 | APR 7 | MAY 5
 Bogey with the Red & Blue
Sat, Sept 11 | 10am-noon | Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course
Join the Mendota Heights Police and Fire Departments for a recreational round of golf (9-holes). Meet and mingle with officers and firefighters who serve your neighborhood. Sign up for a team of four and your group will be provided with a firefighter or officer for play. Participants of all ages are welcome. This will be a scramble-style event with a shotgun start. There will be a Longest Putt and Closest-to-the-Pin competition. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
NEW LOWER PRICE: $5 per participant
 Light Up the Night Glow Dash/Party
Sat, Sept 18 | 6:30-8:30pm | Garlough Park
This family-friendly event features music and games before walking, running, or pushing a stroller through an illuminated 1.36 mile dash. The route is designed for all ages and abilities (no dogs please). Each participant will receive a glow swag bag filled with glow-in-the-dark accessories and more. Wear your favorite glow gear! Refreshments follow the event. Everyone participating must register.
EARLY BIRD: $10 per participant through Sept 9, $15 on Sept 10 and after
 Family Camp Night
Thurs, Sept 30 | 6-7:30pm | Dodge Nature Center
Camping enthusiasts and newbies alike will learn how to build, start, and distinguish a recreational fire. Participants will build their own personal fires with flint and other fire-starting materials. Dodge Nature Center Naturalists will share their skills and knowledge. Participants will enjoy a snack over the fire to end the evening. Anyone under age 13 must be accompanied by a preregistered adult.
Cost: $10 per person (ages five and under free)
 YOUTH GYMNASTICS
Tiny Tumblers • Ages 3-4
Saturdays, Sept 18-Nov 6 | 2:30-3:15pm | Harmon Park Neighborhood Center
This program is designed for the gymnast to participate with other gymnasts in a group setting. Tiny Tumblers will stress the importance of respecting rules, learning gymnastics vocabulary, and the overall skill development that is needed as a gymnast, including balance, strength, and coordination. The participants should feel comfortable separating from parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and be toilet trained.
Cost: $80 per child
Beginners (No Experience) • Ages 5-6
Saturdays, Sept 18-Nov 6 | 3:30-4:15pm | Harmon Park Neighborhood Center
This class is tailored to the gymnast who has little to no experience. Participants will develop basic gymnastics skills within all four events while utilizing age-appropriate equipment. Tumbling, positions, dance, strength, and conditioning will be incorporated.
Cost: $80 per child
Beginners (Some Experience) • Ages 5-6
Saturdays, Sept 18-Nov 6 | 4:30-5:15pm | Harmon Park Neighborhood Center
Gymnasts with some gymnastics experience and a drive to advance their tumbling skills are a great fit for this program. Participants will wok on skills including round-offs, back and front walkovers, and beginning handsprings.
Cost: $80 per child
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