South Metro Roundup: Handgun Permit Numbers Increase, New 'Urgency Room' Planned

Though you might live or work in Apple Valley, chances are you traveling to or through our neighboring communities as well. 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.

Eagan

Eagan is next in line for a hybrid medical facility that owners say will combine the speed and pricing of an urgent care clinic with emergency room capabilities. The Emergency Physicians Professional Association (EPPA) plans to open a 12,565-square-foot facility called "The Urgency Room" as soon as October.

In 2007, slightly more than 300 Eagan residents were issued a permit to purchase a handgun. Five years later, in 2011, the police department issued 496 permits—a roughly 64-percent increase.

In 2007, Dakota County issued 455 new permits to carry handguns, not including permit renewals. In 2011, that number jumped 209 percent to 1,407.

Rosemount

Donald Ross Johnson, 50, and Averial Lynn Johnson, 45, both of Rosemount, were traveling in the westbound lane of I-90 near Tomah, WI, when their motorcycle went off the road and flipped.

Burnsville

In the face of strong opposition from parents, the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School Board has set aside a cost-cutting plan that would have shaved 17 days off the 2012-2013 school year. There is some discussion of eliminating late-start days, however.

Former Presidential contender Michele Bachmann and conservative talk show host Dennis Prager came to the Burnsville Performing Arts Center on Monday, and argued that the GOP has been unfairly slandered by the left as bigoted and sexist. See video clips from Burnsville Patch.

Lakeville 

Starting in January 1986, Lakeville's first police K-9, a German shepherd named Dakota, teamed up with Officer Tom Hakala. Since then, a tradition of excellence in police K-9 competitions, in working as police patrol dogs on the street and in building positive community relations was firmly established in Lakeville.

What stories in our area are most interesting or important to you? What else would you like to see on ? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.