Legislators React to Historical Vote, Tragic Crash in Northfield: South Metro News Roundup

Take a trip around Dakota County and the south metro with this week's rundown of top news. 

Eagan

EHS Grads Will Dribble Across Minnesota on Awareness Mission

Alex Daley and Matt Scott want to bring soccer fields, sustainability and social change to urban areas in the U.S.—and are about to embark on a trans-Minnesota journey to spread the word.

Jensen's plans to invest as much as $900,000 into a series of internal and external renovations designed to expand parking and update the 17-year-old restaurant's ambiance.

A 50-unit housing development designed for low- to moderate-income families got a green light from the Eagan City Council on Tuesday.

Burnsville

Canterbury Park Reports Record-Breaking Betting on Kentucky Derby Day

Over 10,000 people flooded into Canterbury Park to sip mint juleps and bet on the "The Run for the Roses" at Churchill Downs.

Myhra on Same-Sex Marriage Bill: Kids Won't Be Able to 'Have a Mom and a Dad'

Burnsville's state Rep. Pam Myhra spoke against the legislation to legalize same-sex marriage on the floor of the Minnesota House of Representatives Thursday 

Statistics suggest an apparent paradox: More teachers are bowing out for retirement, and more are staying on indefinitely.

Buddhist Monastery Planned for South Savage

This week Savage Planning Commission will consider an application from Tay Phuong, an organization which hopes to convert a single family home into a Buddhist worship space and monastery.

Apple Valley

Dakota County Politicians Speak Their Mind on Same-Sex Marriage Legislation

Reactions ranged from outright rejection and concern to celebration. No matter the views, it was an emotionally intense debate, legislators said.

Rosemount Landfill Expansion Would Destroy 'Ecologically Significant' Wetland Area

SKB Environmental wants to add 15 acres to its existing landfill off Hwy. 55 in Rosemount. The project would come at the expense of a wetland that may be home to a threatened bird species.

VIDEO: Clausen Believes $15.7 Billion Education Bill Will Reduce Achievement Gap

The Apple Valley senator's proposal to fund all-day kindergarten is included as part of the large E-12 omnibus bill.

Lakeville

Minnesota House Approves Bill Allowing Same-Sex Marriages

The bill now moves on to the state senate as Minnesota Democrats hope to make the state the 12th in the nation to legalize gay marriage. Gov. Mark Dayton has vocally supported the legislation.

Northfield

Northfield Woman Dies in Two-Vehicle Crash

A car driven by Sharon J. Hull was broadsided Thursday night at the intersection of Highway 52 and County Road 9. She died in the collision.

UPDATE: 'Mr. Northfield' Dan Freeman Dies at Age 72

Involved in many aspects of the life of Northfield for many years, Freeman had battled health issues for some time. He passed away Monday night at the Northfield Retirement Center.