By Mollee Francisco, Correspondent 

Chaska violin maker Tom Carlson took home fifth place in the Violin Makers Association
of Arizona International Competition last month. It was his best showing to date for one of his violins.

“We’re consistently improving,” he said. “I’m happy with it.”

Those following the reconstruction project on First Avenue in Shakopee may want to attend a special City Council meeting next Tuesday.

City councilors will receive an update on the First Avenue/County Road 101 redesign, proposed between Spencer Street and Marschall Road, from consultant Bolton and Menk.

A group of interested businesses and community leaders have been meeting periodically since June to review and discuss issues regarding the anticipated reconstruction.

Shakopee continues to be the Twin Cities leader in new-housing permits and for the number of housing units planned, according to the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC),

 Shakopee was the top city in the metro area with 54 permits issued in October, followed by Blaine (30), Maple Grove (24), Woodbury (23) and Lakeville (20).

By Shawn Hogendorf, Correspondent 

Citations were issued to two Prior Lake High School students after an unannounced drug sweep was conducted on the school campus the day before Halloween.

No narcotics or contraband were found inside the school on Oct. 30, but K-9 drug dogs did alert Dakota County Drug Task Force agents to a number of vehicles in the parking lot, according to Capt. Dave Muelken. In all, more than 10 vehicles were searched, but narcotics were only located in two.

Operation Christmas Child is coming to Shakopee.

A relay center will be located in the Shakopee Town Square later this month for people to drop off shoe boxes of gifts for children in need around the world.

Fashion designer Christopher Straub crafted a dozen dresses for season six of “Project Runway,” but in the end, he won’t be showing at New York Fashion Week.

Judges sent the Shakopee designer home in the final challenge Thursday, comparing his dress to a “thick jean skirt.”

By Shannon Fiecke, Staff Writer
Scott County has a good chance of winning up to $1 million to put a three-mile trail along County Road 101 in Shakopee, connecting a large portion of the Minnesota Valley Trail.

Although preferred to run beside the Minnesota River, due to historic cultural sites and environmental impediments, the segment would instead pass in front of The Landing and Valleyfair along county road right-of-way.

Popular local burger eatery Lions Tap has reached a settlement with McDonald's Corp. over the hamburger giant's use of the slogan "Who's Your Patty" in a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign for Angus burgers. 

In documents filed in federal court today, the Eden Prairie restaurant withdraws its suit, which asked for a financial judgment and McDonald's to quit using Lions Tap's trademarked phrase in all advertising. 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded grants to communities around the metro region to help them conserve and manage natural resources in the midst of urban pressures. Included are two local grants.

Among the six Community Conservation assistance grants awarded:

Over the next week or so, Scott County parents of school-age children will be receiving a mailing from Scott County Public Health (one envelope per child enrolled in school). Inside will be important documents.