News Roundup: Kindergarten Teacher Dies, iPods For Schools

You can't be in front of your computer 24 hours a day, so each weekend, Patch reviews the top recent local stories, which first appeared on this site or those of our neighboring Patches throughout the South Metro area.

To read the full story, click on the headline link:

Apple Valley-Rosemount

11 District 196 Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists

Local students will compete for more than 8,300 merit scholarships totaling more than $34 million.

Most Recent Apple Valley, Rosemount Deaths (Feb. 12)

Remember those who recently passed away.

Burnsville

Recent Deaths in Burnsville, Week of Feb. 10, 2013

Three people with roots in Burnsville died over the past week.

Effort to Lift Ban on Sunday Liquor Sales Faces Stiff Opposition—From Liquor Store Owners

Though many Minnesotans would raise a glass to Sunday liquor sales, the majority of liquor store owners are against lifting the ban.

Eagan

Why Are These EHS Students Getting Pink Foam Inserted into Their Ears?

Under the leadership of an Eagan High School band director, roughly 160 band students are taking an unusual step to fight hearing loss.

Developer warns the redevelopment of the 47-acre property in central Eagan must be "market-driven" to be successful.

Climactic Vote on Controversial Parkview Development Will Have to Wait

The Eagan City Council won't be voting whether to approve a 177-unit housing development on the Parkview Golf Course property until April.

Inver Grove Heights

Where's the Money? Mapping Inver Grove Heights Incomes by Census Tract

Do you think different parts of Inver Grove Heights have different income levels? And how do the closest neighbors of Inver Grove Heights residents compare? Read on to find the answer.

New Asian Fusion Sushi Restaurant Coming to Mendota Plaza

Haiku Japanese Bistro will open its doors in April or May.

Lakeville

Kindergarten Teacher at Lakeville's JFK Elementary School Dies

Cummings had been a teacher in Lakeville schools for more than 24 years including sints teaching kindergartners at Christina Huddleston and Lake Marion elementary schools, in addition to her time at JFK.

Bart Davis Selected to Fill Vacant Lakeville City Council Seat

Davis has served more than six years on Lakeville's Planning Commission.

Mendota Heights

The International Olympic Committee announced Tuesday that it will cut wrestling from the Olympic games, beginning in 2020.

McKenna Pasquale last week accepted a Division 1 swimming team scholarship after surviving a bout with a life-threatening lung infection. And she only started swimming—as in, just learned—four years ago.

Northfield

Northfielders Raise Money for Special Olympics Minnesota Through Polar Bear Plunge

Northfielder Kylie Faust hopes to raise $500 and her team hopes to raise $850 for Special Olympics Minnesota.

School Calendar Changes Still Being Explored; Public Meeting Scheduled

The meeting is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. March 7 in the upper cafeteria at the Northfield High School.

School Board Approves iPads for Students

Here's a look back at Monday's Northfield School Board meeting.

Shakopee

Shakopee Resident Places Fourth in Cyclocross World Championship

Shakopee resident Jessie Rients finished fourth in the 2013 Cyclocross World Championships on Friday.

Effort to Lift Ban on Sunday Liquor Sales Faces Stiff Opposition—From Liquor Store Owners

Though many Minnesotans would raise a glass to Sunday liquor sales, many liquor store owners are against lifting the ban.