THE LATEST
 We want to hear from you about what you want to hear from us
Mendota Heights residents are encouraged to take part in a short survey to provide feedback on city communications. The survey takes about three minutes to complete via Polco. Residents who do not already have a Polco account will be prompted to set up a free account. Accounts are required to help verify that a participant is a resident and it ensures that only one response is allowed per verified user.
The survey is available through January 28. We look forward to receiving your thoughts and ideas!
 Get help staying connected
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.
Learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting fcc.gov/ACP or call 877-384-2575.
 Police Officer
Applications due 4:30 p.m. today, Jan. 7
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.
 Read the latest
The January-March Issue of Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon's newsletter is available. Learn how you can get involved to support our veterans and active-duty military and their families. For assistance from the organization contact their Helpline: 651-259-2614, email yellowribbon@wspmn.gov, or visit wspmn.gov/832/Beyond-the-Yellow-Ribbon.
 COVID-19 information
Dakota County experiencing high COVID-19 transmission risk:
- The Minnesota Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control are recommending that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people in Dakota County wear masks indoors. Dakota County is currently experiencing what the CDC defines as high transmission risk of COVID 19. MDH recommends wearing a high-quality mask to help limit COVID-19, including variants like Omicron. Examples of high-quality masks include N95 or KN95 masks, which are very good at blocking droplets. If you do not have this type of mask, wear a mask with two or more layers of tightly woven fabric. You can also layer a disposable mask under a cloth mask to increase effectiveness. The cloth mask should press the edges of the disposable mask snugly against your face. Look for masks with nose wires. They can improve fit and help reduce gaps or holes. More information on the City’s COVID-19 guidance plan is available at mendotaheightsmn.gov/covid19.
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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 12 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.
New Year, more fun at Dakota County Library
Dakota County Library will no longer charge overdue fines on all children and teen items, and they're open Sunday’s from 1–5 p.m.
Dakota County Library has removed overdue fines on all children and teen items, regardless of who checks them out. This change went into effect Jan. 3. Removing fines helps provide access to books and other materials that support literacy and learning, and it encourages youth to again use the library.
Dakota County Library has returned Sunday hours. Beginning Jan. 9, seven of nine county library locations will be open Sundays 1–5 p.m. — Farmington and Inver Glen remain closed.
Farmington and Inver Glen
- Monday–Wednesday: Noon–8 p.m.
- Thursday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
All other library locations
- Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sunday: 1–5 p.m.
For more information, visit dakotacounty.us/library
Recent highlights:
Christmas tree disposal
Christmas trees - the real kind - count as yard waste and can’t be put in your trash. Please remove tinsel, ornaments, string lights and other decorations before dropping off or arranging for pickup. Call your trash hauler to see if they offer tree pick-up service or haul your greenery to a local yard waste site. B&D Wood Recycling in Northfield, Gertens in Inver Grove Heights and The Mulch Store in Burnsville and Rosemount accept trees for a small fee. For more info on disposal of natural or artificial trees, check Dakota County's Recycling Guide.
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 Events
Jan. 15, noon–3 p.m. – Robert Trail Library, Rosemount
Through Jan. 31
Lights can also be dropped off at participating locations within Dakota County, and The Recycling Zone in Eagan throughout the year. Thank you for keeping our city clean and green!
 Get a head start on your spring or summer gardening project
Landscaping for Clean Water registration is opening soon
Do you want to learn how to incorporate native plants into your garden that support water quality and pollinator habitat? The Landscaping for Clean Water Program is getting ready for their 2022 season to help residents design and install raingardens, native pollinator gardens, and shoreline stabilization plantings.
This year’s suite of programming - Introduction to Clean Water Class, Design Course, and Maintenance Workshop – will provide skills and resources to landowners at every stage of their gardening journey.
Registration is open for the free Introduction to Clean Water class that provides an overview of local water quality challenges along with beautiful and practical ways of reducing runoff pollutants that are causing issues. It also includes information on cost-share opportunities available to Dakota County residents. Sign up to watch the video class now and you’ll be ready to register for the Design Course when the 2022 season opens. You can also register to be notified for when the 2022 Design Course opens up.
Learn more and register: dakotaswcd.org/services/landscaping-for-clean-water.
Weed of the Month
Reporting Invasive Species
You think you may have found a new invasive species or pest in your area. Now what? Here are some steps you can take to help track invasive species and pests.
- Take pictures of the pest, disease, or plant, as well as notes on the appearance and location, being as specific as possible. Use an address or GPS coordinates. If it is an insect or disease, note what plant or plants it was found on. Place a coin, pen, or other object in the photo for scale.
- Take a sample, if possible, using gloves or tweezers to prevent any skin irritation or insect stings or bites. Put the sample in a glass jar with a lid, or sealed plastic bag. Place in your fridge or freezer.
- Report the sighting using one of the following methods:
- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources uses a web-based mapping system called EDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System) for documenting invasive species and pest locations. Over 300 invasive plant species in Minnesota are tracked using EDDMapS. You will have to create an account, but the system is very easy to use. Information on how to sign up and use EDDMapS can be found at dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrial/locations.html.
- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture relies on residents to report invasive species using Arrest The Pest. The Arrest The Pest website website contains a new online reporting form that can easily be used to report sightings and help identify invasive species.
- The Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) has created an app for reporting as well, which can be found at user-friendly smartphone/tablet app, and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Contact the City. City Staff can then act quickly to help eradicate the invasive species once it is confirmed. To report a sighting to the City, please contact Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter, CWD, by emailing kspreiter@mendotaheightsmn.gov or call 651-255-1123.
Recent highlights
Stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning
Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible,
odorless, colorless, tasteless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. Stay safe by reviewing these important tips and watch the video above for more information.
- Have a working Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector within ten feet of sleeping areas.
- Clear snow and debris from furnace, dryer, fireplace and oven vents outside your home to prevent CO buildup.
- Never use an oven or grill to heat your home; they produce toxic CO gas.
- Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors or in closed garages.
- Know the signs of CO poisoning: headache, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and disorientation.
- Test carbon monoxide and fire alarms monthly.
- If a CO alarm sounds, go outside and call 911 immediately.
- Appliances that use gas may produce CO if they are not working properly. Have them inspected regularly.
Learn More: NFPA Carbon Monoxide Safety Sheet
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Ice rinks are open!
Outdoor ice rinks houses are ready for play. The City has three hockey and three pleasure rinks located at:
Warming house hours:
- Monday - Friday: 4-9pm
- Saturday: 10am-9pm
- Sunday: Noon-6pm
- Non-School Days: Noon-9pm
Rink lights are on automatic timers from dusk until 9 p.m., 7 days a week
Stay safe before heading to the rinks:
- Call the ice rink/warming house hotline at 651-255-1174 for any updates
- Dress for the weather, bring proper gear, and plan your time outdoors according to temperature and weather
- Rinks and warming houses are closed when the air temperature is below zero
Register now for winter activities
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).
Blade with the Blue
Saturday, Jan 29
Times: 1-2pm Ages 6-9 | 2:30-3:30pm Ages 10-13
Cost: FREE
Location: Friendly Hills Park's outdoor hockey rink
Join the Mendota Heights Police Department for a fun day of recreational hockey skills and games. Participants will team up with police officers for 3-on-3 hockey games. This is free event; registration is required.
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