Community Corner
South Metro Roundup: Blue Cross CEO Steps Down
In other news from around Dakota County, absentee voting for the August primary is underway, and Apple Valley has a new police chief.
You can't be in front of your computer 24 hours a day, so each weekend, Patch reviews the biggest recent stories from throughout Dakota County. Here's a look at stories from the past seven days, first published on this Patch site or those of our neighbors, that may be of interest to you, or affect your life.
To read the full stories, click on the headline link.
Find out what's happening in Mendota Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Dakota County
Dakota County Drug Cases Come Under Scrutiny
The St. Paul Crime Lab, which has been used almost exclusively in Dakota County drug cases for the past five years, may have used "questionable testing practices."
Find out what's happening in Mendota Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Rescue Groups Seek Political Remedy for Puppy, Kitten Mills
The court case against Sciota Township's Dayna Bell has renewed calls to overhaul a system that activists characterize as "broken every step of the way."
Jon Rechtzigel has been tapped as the new permanent chief, replacing former Chief Scott Johnson, who retired in December.
Burnsville
2 Burnsville Residents Arrested in Connection with Major Heroin Ring
Natashia Lashaye Daniels and Marquis Demon Bettis were arrested July 12.
Eagan
Blue Cross CEO Gone After Investigation into Business Disclosures
Kenneth Burdick was hired in January to lead the organization.
VIDEO: Dogs Get First Crack at Off-Leash Dog Park
Plenty of dogs were in attendance at the opening ceremony of Eagan's first off-leash dog park on Tuesday evening.
EDA Agrees to $14.73 Million Purchase Agreement with Outlet Mall Developer
As part of the deal, the Eagan Economic Development Authority will finance the construction of a multi-level public parking ramp.
Lakeville
Wording of Ballot Amendment Causes Uproar; Thompson Takes on Ritchie
State Sen. Dave Thompson, R-District 58, said the secretary of state's rewording of the Voter ID initiative is part of an active campaign against the measure.
Doug Anderson Announces Candidacy for Lakeville City Council
The senior business officer at Hamline University pledges to support economic development, conservative financial planning and sustainable long range planning.
Mendota Heights
100-Day Transition Plan Underway for Dist. 197 Superintendent
Nancy Allen-Mastro will report back in December on her findings.
Residents expecting to be out of their voting precinct on Election Day can vote in person or by mail.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.