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

The Eagan Community Foundation recently celebrated a record-breaking year for its scholarship program, awarding 124 scholarships totaling $157,025 to local students during its annual Scholarship Dessert Social and Awards Celebration.

Scout Riley of Troop 7446 has successfully completed an Eagle Scout project benefiting the Animal Humane Society, focusing on improving the well-being of cats in shelter care.

Apple Valley’s Evan Johnson earns Eagle Scout rank after leading a service project installing benches along trails at the Minnesota Zoo, enhancing visitor access and community spaces.

Last Wednesday, March 11, 2026, a semi-truck carrying approximately 40,000 pounds of shelf-stable food arrived at The Open Door in Eagan, marking the largest single food donation in the nonprofit’s history and providing significant support to families facing food insecurity across Dakota County.

High school students interested in law enforcement and public safety have an opportunity to go behind the scenes this spring as registration has opened for the 2026 Teen Police Academy, a free program jointly hosted by the Apple Valley Police Department and the Rosemount Police Department.

Distracted driving remains a significant safety concern on Minnesota roads, contributing to thousands of crashes each year. Learn more about Minnesota’s Hands-Free Driving Law.

Minnesota’s Move Over Law: When you see flashing or hazard lights on the shoulder in Minnesota, the law is clear: move over or slow down.

Winter parking rules for Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville, Rosemount, Farmington, West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Hastings, and Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Know overnight bans, snow-emergency restrictions, and towing rules across Dakota County.

With winter season upon us and additional snow on the way, we wanted to talk about how residents can clear and salt their driveways and sidewalks more effectively with help and tips from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

The Eagan Community Foundation is celebrating a major milestone after announcing that its annual International Evening of Eagan fundraiser brought in a record-setting $52,000 this year, the highest total in the event’s decades-long history.

Dakota County officials are working to clear up confusion and calm fears about food assistance in the wake of the recent federal government shutdown.

A piece of Rosemount’s firefighting history is returning to Dakota County after more than two decades of service in Lafayette, Minnesota.

Three Apple Valley Scouts BSA troops are teaming up to announce they will open their annual Christmas Tree Lot at Cub Foods Apple Valley, located at 15350 Cedar Avenue, starting Friday, November 21, 2025.

Today is Election Day for the fall 2025 general elections in Dakota County. Residents in five school districts across the county are casting ballots on important school board seats and funding questions.

With more than 440,000 Minnesotans, including over 10,000 Dakota County residents, at risk of losing access to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November, The Open Door is preparing for what could be one of the most challenging months in its history.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $49.95 million from the Minnesota Forward Fund (MFF) to support the development of a new aerospace research and testing complex in Rosemount.

Families are invited to celebrate the spooky season at the annual Halloween Fest, taking place Friday, October 24, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nicollet Commons Park, located at 12550 Nicollet Avenue.

On Tuesday, September 30, community members gathered for an open house at the Apple Valley Police Department’s new Police Operations Building, a state-of-the-art facility located at 14325 Flagstaff Avenue.

Absentee voting is now underway for the November 4, 2025, general election, with five school districts in Dakota County holding elections this fall.