THE LATEST
 Mandatory outdoor watering restrictions lifted
With rain bringing much needed relief from the drought in several areas across the state, Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) has entered a Conserve Water drought response stage, and is no longer requiring odd/even outdoor watering schedules and time-of-day restrictions. This change is effective September 24, 2021.
Mississippi River flows are well above the 2,000 cubic feet per second that triggers drought action measures, and water use continues to drop as the beginning of fall weather brings in cooler daytime temperatures and fewer hours of sunshine.
Residents are encouraged to practice water conservation measures where they can as a matter of general water use:
- Water grass only when needed. Most lawns only need an inch of water a week.
- Adjust lawn mower to height of 3 - 4 inches. Taller grass shades roots and holds moisture.
- Leave lawn clippings on your grass, this cools the ground and holds in moisture.
- Take shorter showers using low flow showerheads instead of baths.
- Turn the faucet off while you shave or brush your teeth.
- Fill the sink to wash dishes by hand instead of letting the water run.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only when fully loaded.
For more water conservation tips, visit SPRWS's water conservation page.
Enjoy a sip of "Best in Glass" water
Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS), which serves Mendota Heights, was voted the winner of the 2021 “Best in Glass” drinking water taste test at this year’s Annual Conference for the Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association (MN AWWA), held in Duluth, Minn.
SPRWS took home the traveling trophy and advances to the Best of the Best water taste test at the 2022 Annual Conference of the American Water Works Association, where it will compete with other section winners from across the country.
Registration for the CERT Program is full
Thank you to all who applied to become part of the Mendota Heights Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The upcoming class is full and is no longer accepting applications. We hope to offer another class sometime next year.
 New pickleball courts almost ready at Friendly Hills
Six new pickleball courts have been installed within the hockey rink at Friendly Hills Park and are almost ready for play. Please mind the barricades and stay off of the courts until Monday, September 27, to allow them to dry properly and for the nets to be installed. Stay tuned to the Parks & Recreation Facebook page for updates.
To extend play into the fall, pickleball and basketball courts at Marie Park are being lighted from mid-September until the end of October. The lights are on automatic timers and turn off at 8 p.m. as part of a trial program approved by the City Council. The council will evaluate the trial and feedback received on this change at the end of the season.
COVID-19 information
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.
 National forum taking place
The Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) is co-hosting the annual conference of the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA) which will be held virtually. MCCD has organized five sessions spotlighting economic development in Minnesota on October 6, including a keynote address by Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. Learn more and link to registration.
CEO Next Business Institute
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 have 10–99 employees, revenue between $1M and $50M, are ready to transition from small to large (past start-up stage but not yet mature), and have an appetite and aptitude for growth. If this fits your business, register to attend a free information session:
Clean out the medicine cabinet
Clean out your medicine cabinet before cold and flu season starts.
Medicines – Take all medicines to a free medication drop box listed in the Recycling Guide. A prescription medication drop box is available 24/7 in the Mendota Heights Police Department entry. Never pour or flush medicine down the sink or toilet. This can hurt fish and other wildlife and pollute our drinking water. If you can’t make it to a drop-off site, follow these instructions for safe disposal of medicines at home.
Sharps – Bring needles, syringes, lancets and Epi-Pens to The Recycling Zone in a puncture-resistant plastic container such as a clean laundry detergent jug. Tape the lid shut and label “Do not recycle: sharps.”
Thermometers – Drop-off mercury thermometers at The Recycling Zone and get a free digital replacement. When a digital thermometer breaks, remove the battery and cover it with clear tape. Then bring the battery to The Recycling Zone.
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Upcoming events
Wednesdays, Oct 6–Nov 10, 6:30–8:30pm, Western Service Center, Apple Valley
Oct 17 | Dakota Lodge, WSP
Oct 23 | Mendakota Park
Take home FREE compost for your garden.
Recent highlights
FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Fire Prevention Open House
Saturday, Oct 9 | 10am-1pm
Mendota Heights Fire Station, 2121 Dodd Road
“Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” at this year’s free community Open House. Meet firefighters, check out the fire trucks and equipment, play fire prevention and safety learning games, take a photo with Snuffers, watch safety demonstrations (at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.), see inside the new station, and more!
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Just the Facts
Incident reports 9/17/21 - 9/23/21
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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 Family Camp Night
Thurs, Sept 30 | 6-7:30pm | Dodge Nature Center
Camping enthusiasts and newbies alike will learn how to build, start, and extinguish 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)
Fall Youth Field Trips
Conquer Ninja Warrior Gym
Thurs, Oct 21 | 8:45am-4pm | Ages 6-12
Thurs, Oct 21 | 8:45am-4pm | Ages 6-12 In the morning train and compete like ninjas and in the afternoon refuel with lunch, play group games, have playground time and more. Bus drop off/pick up at Harmon Park Neighborhood Center in West St. Paul. Please pack a beverage and a peanut-free bag lunch. The bus leaves promptly at 9am.
Cost: $30 per child
Afton Apple Corn Maze
Fri, Oct 22 | 8:30am-4pm | Ages 6-12
Start by playing games and making crafts, then depart for a picnic-style lunch at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, followed by a visit to Afton Apple. In supervised small groups, explore the giant 15-acre corn maze, meet farm animals, enjoy playgrounds, try mini-mazes, and see rows and rows of apples. Bus drop off/pick up at Harmon Park Neighborhood Center in West St. Paul. Please pack a beverage and a peanut-free bag lunch.
Cost: $35 per child
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