Farmington Fire Department to Hold Paid-on-Call Firefighter Recruitment Meetings as Full-Time Staffing Begins

The Farmington Fire Department is inviting community members to learn more about becoming paid-on-call firefighters through a series of recruitment informational meetings scheduled throughout February and March, and to mark a major milestone in the department’s operations with the launch of full-time staffing.

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Minnesota, Dakota County, Community News William Wight Minnesota, Dakota County, Community News William Wight

Dakota County Board Approves Letter on ICE Enforcement as Residents Describe Fear, Service and School Disruptions, and Calls for Action

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners approved an amended letter during a special meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, calling on Minnesota’s congressional delegation and other federal and state leaders to improve communication and coordination surrounding heightened federal immigration enforcement activity in the county.

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“We’re Stuck in the Middle”: Apple Valley Police Chief Speaks on State-Federal Tensions and the Impacts on Minnesota Communities

As communities across Minnesota continue to navigate a period of heightened stress and uncertainty, Apple Valley Police Chief Nick Francis issued the following statement on the Apple Valley Police Facebook page Monday afternoon, January 19, 2026, addressing the emotional toll facing residents and law enforcement alike.

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Hounds Town USA Opens First Minnesota Location in Burnsville, Bringing Inclusive Dog Daycare, Boarding & Spa Services to the Twin Cities

A fast-growing national dog daycare and boarding franchise is officially making its Minnesota debut, bringing its inclusive, canine-first philosophy to the south metro. Hounds Town USA is opening in Burnsville, Minnesota!

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South Metro Transit Sees Strong Momentum as MVTA Ridership Climbs in 2025

The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) reported significant ridership growth in 2025, underscoring a continued rebound in transit use across the south metropolitan Twin Cities and positioning the agency as a regional leader in transit recovery and expansion.

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Burnsville Councilmember Dan Kealey Elected to National League of Cities Board, Appointed to Executive Committee

Burnsville City Councilmember Dan Kealey has been elected to the National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors, earning a prominent national leadership role representing Burnsville and Minnesota communities on federal, governance, and policy issues affecting cities nationwide.

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Apple Valley City Council Unanimously Approves Ban on Virtual Currency Kiosks Within City Limits

The Apple Valley City Council has unanimously approved a new ordinance prohibiting virtual currency kiosks, often referred to as cryptocurrency or Bitcoin ATMs, within the city limits, citing rising fraud, cybercrime, and limited law enforcement ability to recover stolen funds.

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Minnesota, Dakota County, Lakeville, Community News William Wight Minnesota, Dakota County, Lakeville, Community News William Wight

Lakeville Area Schools Reviews Attendance Area Changes to Address Overcrowding and Growth

Administrators at Lakeville Area Schools (ISD 194) are proposing comprehensive K–8 attendance-area boundary changes, effective for the 2026–27 school year, citing uneven enrollment, rapid residential growth in certain neighborhoods, and the need for long-term capacity planning.

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