THE LATEST
 Congratulations CERT graduates!
Mendota Heights Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) had its final meeting and program graduation last week. Hosted by the Mendota Heights Fire and Police Departments, the 9-week program brought together 20 residents who were interested in volunteering to support public safety and provide assistance when called upon in response to local disasters or events. The 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.
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.
Apply to serve on the Parks and Recreation Commission
The City is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The term will start in February 2022 and run for three years. The commission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to parks and recreational programs, establishes regulations for the use and operation of the parks and recreational facilities, and prepares plans for the improvement of the parks and recreational facilities.
Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month beginning at 6:30 pm.
Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and a current resume to City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson (cjacobson@mendotaheightsmn.gov) no later than Thursday, December 30, 2021. Questions can be directed to City Administrator Jacobson at 651-452-1850.
 Police Officer
The City of Mendota Heights is currently accepting applications for a full-time Police Officer. Mendota Heights is a community supportive of law enforcement. We invite compassionate candidates who are committed to community policing and skilled in building relationships to apply for this position. Successful candidates must have an Associate’s degree in law enforcement or a related field, and be licensed by the P.O.S.T. Board or eligible for licensing by February 1, 2022.
Interested applicants must submit a resume, a city employment application and the application supplement by 4:30 pm on January 7, 2022.
Seasonal Positions
Are you or someone you know looking for a seasonal part time job this winter? Check out Mendota Heights’ open seasonal position below:
Thank you to a generous community!
Thank you to all who donated to the Mendota Heights Police Department's Holiday Gift and Food Drive. Four huge bins of gifts were collected for teens and tweens to benefit families in need in our community through A Place of Hope MN, along with shelf-stable food donations for Neighbors, Inc. Nonperishable food donations are accepted at City Hall throughout the year; simply drop off items in the main lobby area during business hours.
Friday News returns December 30
Due to the holidays, there will not be an issue of Friday News next week. Watch for your next issue to arrive on Thursday, December 30. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
COVID-19 information
 Kids:
- Children age 5-11 years old are now eligible to get vaccinated. Minnesotans can use the Find Vaccine Locations map to find providers offering Pfizer vaccine for 5-11 year olds.
Vaccination locations:
Booster shots:
- All Minnesotans age 16 and older are recommended to get a COVID-19 booster shot. The timing of your booster shot depends on the vaccine you received for your initial vaccine series. 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:.
Holiday reminders
During the holidays, use this helpful list as a reminder of what can go into your recycling cart and what to keep out of it. If you're uncertain about an item, check the Dakota County Recycling Guide.
Events
Drop off holiday string lights and electrical cords at Mendota Heights City Hall for free through Jan. 31. Lights can be dropped off in the main lobby during business hours (Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fridays 7 to 11:30 a.m.) While components of string lights and electrical cords can be made into new products, they don’t belong in your recycling cart. They wrap around machines at sorting facilities and cause damage.
Lights can also be dropped off at other participating locations within Dakota County, and The Recycling Zone in Eagan also accepts them throughout the year. Thank you for keeping our city clean and green!
Burnsville Ice Center during Ice Center hours | Through Dec. 17
 Above: Bough in holiday decorations at a Wisconsin chain store shows elongate hemlock scale on the underside of the needles; photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection; Below: adult female Elongate Hemlock Scale photo courtesy of South Dakota State University Extension.
Prevent the spread of Elongate Hemlock Scale: dispose of holiday greenery properly
Elongate Hemlock Scale (Fiorinia externa) is an insect that feeds on firs, spruce, and hemlock needles; weakening trees, and putting them at risk of mortality from other diseases and pests. The pest can spread via live holiday decorations such as wreaths, swags, garland, and other greenery if not disposed of properly. Greenery should be burned, or disposed of through organized Christmas tree pick-ups. Do not place in a compost pile, or leave them outdoors, as the insect can move to nearby spruce, fir, and hemlock trees in the spring. Elongate hemlock scale began appearing on holiday greenery in Minnesota about two years ago. The insect is native to Japan, and appeared in the Eastern United States in 1908. It has slowly spread to the Midwest and is now present in South Dakota. The Elongate adult female scales are the most noticeable, as they are covered with an elongated, yellowish-brown waxy, and slightly translucent covering.
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Recent highlights
Register now for winter activities
Sports Unlimited Soccer Camp
Wed., Dec 29 & Thurs., Dec 30 | 9am-noon
Ages: 6-12
Cost: $49 per person (resident)
Location: West St. Paul Sports Complex
Learn the rules of soccer while working on team play and sportsmanship through skill development and games. Individual skills taught include shooting, passing, and dribbling, along with learning the strategies of offense and defense.
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Outdoor Skating Lessons
Saturdays, Jan 8 - Feb 2 | check registration for times
Adult & Tot: Ages 3-5
Beginner: Ages 6-12
Cost: $35 per child (resident)
Location: Marie Park's outdoor skating rink
Limited spots remain - register today!
Teen Bean Bag Tournament
Saturday, Jan 15 | 11am-1pm
Ages: 12-16
Cost: $10 per person (resident)
Location: Veterans Memorial Community Center
Missing some yard games? Get your friends together and have fun throwing bags in this double-elimination tournament. Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place teams. Rules, instructions, and scorecards will be provided to each team.
Gymnastics
Saturdays, Jan 15 - March 5 | TT 2:30-3:15pm, Beg. 3:30-4:15pm
Ages: Tiny Tumblers 3-4, Beginners 5-6
Cost: $80 per child (resident)
Location: Harmon Park Neighborhood Center
Tiny Tumblers will learn gymnastics vocabulary; skill development in balance, strength, and coordination; and the importance of respecting rules. Children should feel comfortable separating from their adult(s) and be toilet-trained. Beginners will develop basic gymnastics skills within all four events using age-appropriate equipment, with a focus on tumbling, positions, dance, strength, and conditioning. This class is for children with little to no gymnastics experience.
Ice Hockey Camp by Sports Unlimited
(non-school day)
Monday, Jan 17 | 11am-2pm
Ages: 5-10
Cost: $26 per person (resident)
Location: Marie Park's outdoor hockey rink
Learn the rules of hockey while working on team plan and sportsmanship. Participants will practice skills including stick handling, passing, and shooting, and must bring ice skates, a hockey stick, and hockey helmet (pads and gloves also recommended).
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