THE LATEST
 Pickleball courts ready at Friendly Hills
Four of the six new pickleball courts have been installed within the hockey rink at Friendly Hills Park and are ready for play.
To extend play into the fall, pickleball and basketball courts at Marie Park are being lighted through 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.
Now hiring for a skating instructor
The City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation is accepting applications for a seasonal Skating Instructor. The Skating Instructor is responsible for instructing individuals at various levels and ages in learn-to-skate programs and performs a variety of duties including developing lesson plans, preparing materials, instructing classes and supervising participants.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be 16 years of age or older
- Previous skating experience
- Experience working with children
- Ability to pass a background check
- Must commit to the entire skating lesson season and have a willingness to work outside
- Must be able to work Saturdays from 8:45am to 1:15pm from January 8 to February 12, 2022
Hourly Rate: $15.75 to $16.25, depending on qualifications. Position open until filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by 11:30am on October 22, 2021.
Link to application materials.
 Newsletter available
Read the latest issue of Yellow Ribbon News from the Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (NDC BTYR) highlighting the organization's official Proclamation. With this recognition, the Northern Dakota County Chapter joins BTYR Chapters from more than 200 individual cities, and 78 networks from multiple cities around Minnesota.
COVID-19 information
Vaccination locations:
- 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.
Booster shots:
- Providers can now offer Pfizer booster shots to Minnesotans who are eligible, and who previously received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more.
COVID-19 testing:
- 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:
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.
Weed of the month
Bohemian, Giant, and Japanese Knotweeds (Polygonum sp.)
There are three species of invasive knotweeds in Minnesota: Giant knotweed (Polygonum sachalinense), Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), and Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum bohemicum), which is a hybrid of the two species. These three species look relatively similar, but with a few minor distinctions. They all have large, oval leaves, and green stems that resemble bamboo. However, Giant Knotweed is heart-shaped at the base, while Japanese Knotweed is not, and Bohemian can be anywhere in between (see image below). Knotweeds forms dense thickets, and can grow to 12 feet tall, often crowding out native plants and reducing habitat. All knotweed species have been added to Minnesota’s Prohibited Control Noxious Weed List. This invasive spreads by expanding root systems as well as seed, and is an aggressive grower. Infestations of Bohemian Knotweed have recently been found in Mendota Heights near Rogers Lake.
Control methods for Knotweeds:
- Hand-Pulling
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Cutting and herbicide treatment: Best used in the fall. Cut plants close to the ground, and immediately treat with herbicide.
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Girdling: Wire mesh can be placed over dense areas once they are cut. The mesh then eventually girdles and kills plants as it attempts to grow through it.
For more information: Minnesota Department of Agriculture or contact Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician, phone 651-255-1123 or email KSpreiter@mendotaheightsmn.gov.
Photo upper right courtesy of Sue Lite.
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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 9/24/21 - 9/30/21
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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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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