THE LATEST
 Get ready to 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.
COST: $5 per participant
 Become a Community 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 Community 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.
Enforcement of the outdoor watering restrictions is conducted by Saint Paul Regional Water Services.
For more information:
MSP Airport: Runway 17 temporary closure
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Runway 17/35 will be closed for up to six weeks for runway safety area restoration work beginning September 7, 2021. This will likely result in increased air traffic over Mendota Heights.
The runway safety area is the area adjacent to a runway that is prepared and suitable for reducing the risk of damage to airplanes in the event of an aircraft excursion from the runway. The safety area must be maintained so that it is clear of debris, drained and graded and able to support aircraft, snow removal equipment and aircraft rescue and firefighting operations. The specifications for a runway safety areas exist to ensure proper drainage and prevent ponding water adjacent to the runway.
The work for this project is intended to restore runway safety areas slopes to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specifications. To ensure the safety of the construction crews and aircraft, Runway 17-35 will be closed throughout the duration of the work.
Aircraft operating at MSP will use Runways 12L/30R and 12R/30L while Runway 17/35 is closed. When one or more of the runways are closed, the arrivals and/or departures that would normally use that runway will be directed by air traffic control to use an open runway. You may also notice unusual lights, sounds and equipment on the airfield.
Runway use information and flight activity are available on the MAC FlightTracker. Anyone with questions about runway closures may call the MSP/MAC Community Relations Office at 612-726-9411.
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Share your thoughts on air travel
MSP Airport is soliciting input from would-be travelers via a survey that gauges attitudes about and interest in air travel. The answers help shape the MSP travel experience including topics related to air travel and COVID-19. Those interested can take the online survey.
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.
 Learn how CEO Next Business Institute and SBA Emerging Leaders can help your business
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
Register to attend an information session:
Learn more about CEO Next Business Institute | See testimonials from past participants
 Master Recycler & Composter class registration is open
Registration for Dakota County's fall Master Recycler and Composter class is open. The course begins Oct. 6 in Apple Valley and covers waste reduction, recycling, and composting. Participants will receive a training handbook and will hear from local and regional experts. Optional field trips are included in registration but might be postponed depending on the COVID-19 situation.
Upcoming events
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
Sept 11 | 9 a.m. to noon, Mendakota Park
Sept 19 | Whitetail Woods Park, Farmington
Sept 21 | Noon or 6:30 p.m.
Brush up on what to put in the recycling bin at a 30-minute talk. Learn the top items to recycle, what to leave out, and get answers to recycling questions. Register
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 705+ other Mendota Heights households that are recycling food waste/organics from home through the Dakota County Organics Drop-off Program. 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.
Weed of the month
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Purple Loosestrife is a plant that grows and invades wetlands, ponds, and lakeshores, and is listed as a MDA Prohibited Noxious Weed (Control List) and a prohibited invasive species. It has showy spikes of tiny purple flowers, and grows up to five feet in height. This invasive plant begins to bloom in mid-summer and continues through September, so you may see it blooming in wet areas now. Leaves are opposite and whorled around the stem. Stems are stiff and square-shaped.
Purple Loosestrife spreads primarily by producing many tiny seeds. One mature plant can produce over two million seeds annually, and begins to seed in late July.
Prevention:
- Clean watercraft of all plant material.
- Drain all water by removing drain plugs in watercraft and keeping them out during transport.
- Dry docks, lifts, and other equipment that has been in the water at least 21 days before placing in another water body.
- Report new occurrences of Purple Loosestrife to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by contacting your DNR Invasive Species Specialist or submit a report through EDDMapS Midwest.
Control methods:
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Mechanical control can be done using hand-held equipment like a shovel or weed puller. Hand removal is recommended when dealing with individual plants or very small stands. Mowing is not recommended as plants will likely re-sprout and seeds may be spread.
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Herbicide control can be done through a licensed applicator. Herbicide use in water bodies requires using an aquatic-approved herbicide and a permit is required by the DNR.
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Biological control can be done using four species of beetles which are well-established biological control agents in Minnesota. These beetles only eat purple loosestrife, and are a good control option for large stands. Contact your local invasive species specialist if you are interested in collecting and releasing beetles at a site. The best time to collect beetles for biological control is in late May or early June.
For more information, contact Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician at 651-255-1123 or email Kspreiter@mendotaheightsmn.gov.
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Recent highlights
Just the Facts
Incident reports 8/27/21 - 9/2/21
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:
OCT 7 | NOV 4 | DEC 9 (second Thurs.) | JAN 6 | FEB 3 | MAR 3 | APR 7 | MAY 5
 Light Up the Night Glow Dash/Party
** EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS SEPT 9 **
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
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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