South Metro Roundup: Kidnapping Charge, Primary Results, Homelessness in Dakota County

You can't be in front of your computer 24 hours a day, so each weekend, Patch reviews the past week's top stories, which first appeared on this site or those of our neighbors.

Here's a look at stories of the past seven days that may affect or interest you. To read the entire story, click on the headline link.

Dakota County

U.S. Rep. John Kline Easily Wins 2nd District Primary

The Lakeville Republican now advances to the Nov. 6 election and a bid for his sixth term in office.

Suburban Homelessness on the Rise, Local Leaders Say

In Dakota County, the number of homeless individuals or those at imminent risk of being homeless rose from 841 in 2011 to 1,013 in January 2012. 

Apple Valley-Rosemount

2 Apple Valley Students Crowned as Miss MN Valley Royalty

Alissa Jones and Skye Davis, Burnsville girls who attend Apple Valley schools, were chosen to sit on the court during a ceremony earlier this month.

Burnsville

Burnsville Manufacturer Nails Bid to Build Small Drone Aircraft

A community college in Ohio has commissioned a small unmanned aircraft, or drone, currently in development by engineers at UTC Aerospace Systems’ Sensors & Integrated Systems.

Teen Falls Out of Moving Party Bus Onto I-35W—Lives to Tweet About It

Katie Brown, 19, fell from a moving party bus window onto I-35W, but escaped unharmed.

Eagan

Police Surround Deerwood Drive Home After Eagan Man Issues Threats

Eagan police believe mental health issues played a role in the stand-off.

Inver Grove Heights

City Council Shoots Down DNR Gun Safety Program

Council members could not agree that a limited term was necessary for the gun safety program.

IGH Man Jailed After Issuing Fake Bomb Threat, Taking Hostages

If convicted of kidnapping, Philip James Pariso could face a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $35,000 fine.

Semi Slides Off Hwy 52 Ramp

According to State Troopers at the scene, the driver was planning to make the turn onto the northbound 52 ramp when another driver cut him off.

Lakeville

Board Pleased: $7,000 Raise For Lakeville Schools' Superintendent

Dr. Lisa Snyder's performance review for the 2011-12 school year was a good one.

Lakeville in Top 10 of Population Growth For Metro-Area in 2010-11

Lakeville added 580 residents from 2010 to 2011, according to the Metropolitan Council. The city's total population is now 56,534.

Lakeville Man Charged with Resisting Arrest, Assaulting Officer at Airport

Police say Chad Allen Blizek became combative and tried to flee when he was found drunk at MSP.

Mendota Heights

Joe Blum will take on DFLer Rep. Rick Hansen on Nov. 6 to represent the Mendota Heights area, as well as West St. Paul and part of South St. Paul.

Liquor License Suspensions Waived for Two Lilydale Businesses

Moose Country and Sunfish Cellars will receive lighter civil penalties for selling alcohol to a minor during a compliance check.

Phone Scam Targets Grandparents in Mendota Heights Area

Callers claim to be overseas police or officials. Victim is asked to wire money.

Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter | Follow us on Twitter