As part of a renovation project, designed to create more usable space at the Shakopee Community Center, the city is considering closing and remodeling its public access cable studio.

The Shakopee City Council on Tuesday will consider a proposal from its Telecommunications Advisory Commission, which is recommending closure of the existing studio and relocation of the equipment and operations.

By Lori Carlson, Correspondent

An ingredient bakers will use this holiday season also will be applied to some Prior Lake streets.

The Shakopee High School Student Council will be collecting donations for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots drive Dec. 1-19.

Toy donations should be brought to the high school greeter's desk. The Marines have made a particular request for gifts for children ages 8 and up.

By Shawn Hogendorf, Correspondent 

A 16-year-old Lakeville girl pleaded guilty in Dakota County Court this week for her role in the beating of a vulnerable Lakeville man that occurred in rural Dakota County in mid-October.

By Mark Olson, Correspondent 

Matt Podhradsky, assistant city administrator, was awarded Chaska’s top appointed position at a special meeting Monday night.

The Chaska City Council will formally vote on Podhradsky’s appointment as the new city administrator during its Dec. 1 meeting.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ALL OF US AT THE VALLEY NEWS!

Want to read some fun facts about today's holiday -- and take a quiz about it?

Log on to: http://www.wilstar.com/holidays/thanksgv.htm

 The Shakopee Holiday Festival, sponsored by the Shakopee
Downtown Partnership, has announced its schedule of events for next weekend.

Events will be held at First Avenue and Lewis Street.

Friday, Dec. 5

All times are evening

5 — Holiday music

5:30 — Velodazzle Parade  (sign up at Paul’s
Bike Shop, 120 Holmes St.; 952-688-6820); parade
route is Lewis Street, First
Avenue, Sommerville
Street and Second
Avenue.

By Shannon Fiecke, Staff Writer

Library hours may be cut, the visitors’ center at Cleary Lake Regional Park will likely close for the winter and additional squad car cameras won’t be purchased because of nearly $1.7 million in budget reductions agreed to last week by Scott County commissioners.

In the quest to fill an anticipated $3 million budget hole, commissioners slashed funding for roads, parks, libraries, capital improvements and a retirement benefit fund, as well as reduced support for outside agencies.

To view a summary of the city's budget and proposed tax levels, open attachments below.

By Shannon Fiecke, Staff Writer

The city of Shakopee's annual Truth-in-Taxation hearing will be at 7 p.m. today at City Hall. The hearing will be broadcast live on cable TV channel 16.

Although Shakopee plans to collect 5 percent more in property taxes next year, many homeowners will actually experience a slight dip in their city tax.

Nancy Ann Lewandowski, 54, of Shakopee, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008 at Westwood Health Care Center in St.Louis Park.

Visitation is from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, with Celebration of Life service to follow at 11 a.m. at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Shakopee.

Funeral arrangements by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 952-445-1202. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com