Apple Valley honored Stephanie Ransdell and Artem Drachev for lifesaving actions, including performing CPR and helping a teen in crisis.

Six South Metro officers were among Minnesota’s DWI Enforcement All-Stars honored at a Twins game after making 348 DWI arrests in 2025.

Apple Valley will celebrate the $10.9 million transformation of Kelley Park on September 26, 2026, with food trucks, live music, a ribbon-cutting, and new park amenities.

The City of Hastings and Tradition Development Corp. will hold a public meeting to discuss a proposed residential development that could bring nearly 400 new homes to the area.

MVTA will offer $6 round-trip express bus service to all Minnesota Gophers and Vikings home games, with pickup locations in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan and Shakopee.

Applications are open for the inaugural Eagan Community Academy, a 10-session program that helps residents learn about Eagan, build connections, and get involved.

Jackson Bents of Scouts BSA Troop 9293 in Apple Valley earned the Eagle Scout rank after leading an outdoor classroom project in Burnsville.

Heading to the Minnesota State Fair or Renaissance Festival? MVTA is offering $6 round-trip service from several south metro locations, including Burnsville, Eagan and Shakopee, with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes during scheduled service periods.

Minnesota’s first Chicken Salad Chick welcomed 3,246 guests during its grand opening week in Apple Valley, marking a strong debut for the new Cedar Avenue restaurant.

MVTA's Fall 2026 service changes begin August 10, featuring the Route 490/493 merger, new service to Burnsville High School and Inver Hills College, Burnsville Center stop changes, and updated schedules.

Dakota County Parks is kicking off August with a full calendar of outdoor programs, fitness classes, family activities, and nature experiences designed to help residents make the most of the final weeks of summer.

Smoothie King is opening its new Burnsville location on Aug. 1 with $3.99 smoothies, giveaways, contests, a ribbon cutting, and family-friendly fun.

The Weenie Wagon will give away 600 free lunches during Weenie Wagon Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Mustard Seed Garden Center, with support from Deutz Brothers Meats. Residents are encouraged to attend and support local businesses.

MVTA will unveil its new Burnsville Transit Station Community Showcase during a public open house on Aug. 4, featuring artwork from Lifeworks clients and celebrating local organizations throughout the south metro.

Chicken Salad Chick is opening its first Minnesota restaurant in Apple Valley on July 28, bringing its made-from-scratch chicken salad concept to the city's popular Cedar Avenue restaurant corridor, with grand-opening giveaways including free chicken salad for a year.

Fourth of July 2026 Guide: Fireworks, Parades and Events Across Dakota & Scott Counties

The first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes of 2026 have been detected in Dakota, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties. Health officials urge residents to use insect repellent, eliminate standing water, and take precautions as mosquito season ramps up following Minnesota's record-setting 2025 West Nile virus season.

MVTA has received a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant to train older adults in Dakota and Scott counties to confidently use MVTA Connect on-demand transit.

The City of Apple Valley is continuing restoration efforts at Alimagnet Park with targeted herbicide treatments as part of a $262,009 DNR-funded project to remove invasive buckthorn, restore native habitat, and improve biodiversity in the park through 2027.

MVTA is offering free shuttle service from three Shakopee park-and-ride locations to select Mystic Lake Amphitheater concerts in 2026. Learn which shows are included, shuttle schedules, pickup locations, and how concertgoers can ride free to major events featuring MGK, Dave Matthews Band, Chris Stapleton, Pitbull, and more.