As Flu Moves On, Norovirus Moves In: South Metro News Roundup

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 throughout the South Metro region.

Here's a look at recent stories that may interest you or have an impact on your life. To read the full story, click on the headline link.

South Metro

Norovirus Bug On the Rise, New Strain Arrives in Minnesota

A new, extremely contagious norovirus strain, detected last year in Australia, is making Minnesotans miserable.

Apple Valley-Rosemount

Coming Soon to Apple Valley: The Elvis Sandwich

Which Wich owner Jeff Eccles is opening an outlet in Eagan on Feb. 19, followed by an additional location in Apple Valley.

Sold!: $1 Million of Home Stock in Apple Valley—On a Single Day

The real estate community must have been rejoicing on Jan. 25, when six homes in Apple Valley sold in less than 24 hours, a total of $1,085,000 in sales.

Burnsville

Valley Natural Foods Rings in 35 Years of Food and Fellowship

The venerable co-op has survived two recessions, one fire and plenty of change, and its growth has never been better.

Sold! Burnsville Realtors Score $1 Million in Closings—In Just One Day

Jan. 25, 2013 was a banner day for Burnsville real estate: In just 24 hours, six properties were bought for a total of $1,016,520 in sales.

Eagan

VIDEO: 'The Voice' Star Nicholas David Makes an Impression at Eagan High School

Eagan High School graduate Nicholas David, who took third place on "The Voice" in 2012, returned to his alma mater for a pep fest performance on Thursday. 

Eagan Senator Wants Steeper Penalties for Careless Drivers Involved in Deadly Crashes

In Dakota County alone, nine drivers prosecuted for careless driving have killed a total of 14 people in recent years, according to the county attorney.

VIDEO: Eagan's First City Administrator Waves a Tearful Goodbye

Longtime Eagan City Administrator Tom Hedges received an avalanche of praise and applause during a ceremonial send-off at the Eagan City Council meeting Tuesday.

Inver Grove Heights

Local author J.K. Maze has set her latest novel at the Inver Grove Heights Police Department. Police Chief Larry Stanger helped her with her research.

Lakeville

"The fact that I'm young is old news," Little said. "People will just have to look at the results of my work to determine whether or not my youth is a detriment or benefit."

Roz Peterson Meets With Congress to Discuss Education Funding

Lakeville's School Board Chair joined 700 other board members from across the nation to meet with Congress to discuss education funding.

Mendota Heights

Minute with the Mayor: Intro to Henry Sibley

Mendota Heights Patch sits down with the mayors of Mendota Heights, Mendota and Lilydale for regular city updates—all in about a minute.

Henry Sibley Principal's $64,590 Payout Draws Questions from Open Government Advocates

The West St. Paul School district isn't saying why Henry Sibley Principal Robin Percival received a $64,590 termination package this week.

Northfield

The Most Recent Northfield Deaths—Jan. 31, 2013

Here are the most recent people to pass away in Northfield or who had ties to Northfield.

Rock 'n' Roll Revival X—“Take a Ride” Ticket Information

Find out when and where to get your Rock 'n' Roll Revival tickets.

Shakopee

River Valley Church Plans 30,000-Square-Foot Shakopee Campus

The $4 million Shakopee megachurch will be able to accommodate 800 congregants. River Valley eventually plans to move its headquarters from Savage to Shakopee.

Note from the Mayor: Shakopee Jobs, Dogs, Tweets

Shakopee Mayor Brad Tabke's email to constituents included details about a planned dog park, the city's Twitter account and next weekend's Winterfest.