South Metro Roundup: Drug Testing Controversy, Hardee's Coming

Though you might live or work in , chances are you're intimately curious about what's happening in your neighboring communities.

Here are some of the stories posted on our neighboring Patch sites last week that could impact, help or be of interest to you. Read each story by clicking on the headline link.

Dakota County

Drug Testing Questions Could Delay Trials, Reduce Charges

Dakota, Ramsey and Washington county attorneys announced Wednesday that they are revising their drug-testing procedures in the wake of possible problems associated with testing by the St. Paul Police Department crime lab.

Minnesota Daycare Deaths Have Doubled in Decade

Eagan provider Beverly Greenagel is facing criminal charges after a three-month-old died while under her care. But that incident is just part of a larger trend that has state officials questioning whether regulations are strict enough.

Kline Breaks Silence, Defends Bachmann in Dustup Over 'Islamic Infiltration'

Fellow GOP Congressman John Kline said Michele Bachmann may have "stepped a little bit over the line" when she named prominent D.C. politicians and staffers as agents of the Muslim Brotherhood, but that her intentions were good.

New Laws Effective Aug. 1: Synthetic Drugs, Genital Mutilation, Firearm Silencers

Several new Minnesota state laws that will go into effect on Aug. 1.

Apple Valley-Rosemount

5 Years After I-35W Collapse: Reflections From Rosemount Victim's Family, Account From Apple Valley Survivor

Rosemount resident Peter Hausmann was one of the 13 people who died as a result of the I-35W bridge collapse on Aug. 1, 2007. Apple Valley resident Andy Gannon survived the collapse.

New McDonald's Opens This Week in Rosemount

The rebuilt fast food outlet has many upgrades compared to the building that was demolished, including two drive-thru lanes.

Burnsville

'Top 500' Engineering and Design Firm Opens Satellite Office in Burnsville

Apex Companies is a Maryland-based firm with a presence in 24 states.

Burnsville Police Chief Bob Hawkins to Retire By December

The city will soon be on the prowl for a new top cop.

Ribbon Cutting, Acquisition and Law Suit Top Off Tumultuous Month at Goodrich

One of Burnsville's largest employers is going through a period of intense change.

Bridge Safety Report Card: How Does Burnsville Stack Up?

The substructure of the closed Black Dog Road bridge is in poor condition.

Eagan

Eagan Police: Drug Deal Setup Sparked Robbery, Assault

Eagan teenagers Joey James Brown and Paul Earnest McWilliams Jr. were formally charged with first-degree aggravated robbery and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

Aging Populations May Lead to Changes at District Elementary Schools

The western half of Dakota County is getting grayer, and that could have a substantial impact on local schools, according to Independent School District 196 officials.

Inver Grove Heights

Dakota County Seeks Bonding Money for Mississippi River Regional Trail

The county is asking for $3 million to pay for eight miles of trail in Rosemount and Nininger Township and three trailheads.

Lakeville

Pilot OK After Fiery Airplane Crash in Farmington

Northfield pilot Benny Harris Svien, 61, was flying back home after a brief flight when he attempted to land on the runway located on his property.

Fair-ly Fun Week Approaching in Dakota County

The 154th Dakota County Fair kicks off Monday, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 12.

Semi Driver Gets Year in Jail For Chain-Reaction Crash That Killed 3

Jason Alan Styrbicky of Buffalo was driving a semi truck on Interstate 35 in Lakeville in May 2010 when he crashed into two cars, killing two women and an unborn baby.