New Improved Dakota County Parks + Walker Curator Dead At 86

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Mendota Heights today.

Are you a local business owner or marketer in Mendota Heights? Our premium local sponsorships will keep you at the top of inboxes around town every morning. Contact us here for the lowdown.

First, today's weather:

Clear throughout the day. High: 72 Low: 52.

Here are the top stories in Mendota Heights today:

1. Two Dakota County parks are newly improved and ready to be explored. (Press Release Desk)
2. Dean Swanson, former chief curator for Walker Art Center and later director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art, died at 86. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
3. Meet Sarah Larsen, one of 10 running for ISD 197's School Board. (Mendota Heights Patch)
4. Meet John Chandler, one of 10 running for ISD 197 School Board. (Mendota Heights Patch)
5. Meet Mark Grondahl, one of 10 running For ISD 197 School Board. (Mendota Heights Patch)

Today's Mendota Heights Daily is brought to you by our friends at FTD, the most trusted name in flowers. FTD's network includes over 8,800 local florists in communities around the country. Send flowers to someone you care about today and get a 15% discount on your order. Click here to make someone feel awesome.

Today in Mendota Heights:

• Charlie Maguire - Wentworth Library (10:30 a.m.)
• Author Visit: Big Fun with Small Reads (10:30 a.m.)
• West St. Paul Open House - West St Paul Police Department (4:00 p.m.)
• City of West St. Paul - Open House - West St Paul City Events (4:00 p.m.)
• Friends of Wentworth Library Book Sale: Member Preview Night (4:00 p.m.)
• A Celebration of Music Featuring Torres-Pena (5:00 p.m.)
• Color Seahorse - Wentworth Library (6:00 p.m.)
• City Council Meeting - Mendota Heights City Hall (6:00 p.m.)

Mendota Heights Patch Notebook

• Explore Minnesota: "Minnesota is ready to put on a show! 🍁 Are you ready for the fall colors? 📸: @wayupnorthmnphotography 📍: @donorthmn #VisitCookCounty #OnlyinMN #DoNorthMN #fall #fallcolors #leaf #leafpeeping #northshorefallcolors #ExploreMN #MyTrueNo..." (Instagram)
• Saint Thomas Academy: "We are pleased to announce that Reed Hornung has accepted the position of Athletics and Activities Director effective October 11. Reed currently serves as the Athletics and Activities Director at Roseville Area Schools..." (Facebook)
• School District 197: "To celebrate International Day of Peace on September 21, 5th grade art students at Friendly Hills Middle School joined groups from around the world & created pinwheels as part of the Pinwheels for Peace project..." (Facebook)
• City of Mendota Heights: "Check out what's happening for fall recreation in Mendota Heights!" (Facebook)
• Mendota Elementary PTA: "The PTA has 20 free registrations for the upcoming Warrior 5K! The race is on September 25. Registration starts at 8 and race begins at 9! Race will take place at Two Rivers High School..." (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Add your business here

Events:

• Social Security Seminar (Sept. 27)
• Social Security Seminar (Sept. 27)
• Feeding Native Families, Empowering Native Youth (Sept. 27)
• Add your event

Job listings:

• Operations & Client Service Specialists at Mindful Asset Planning (Details)
• Direct Care Professional | Up to $4,000 Sign-on Bonus (Details)
• Add your job listing

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Morgan Reddekopp

About me:

Feel free to reach out with any questions, concerns, or story ideas at morgan.reddekopp@patch.com and follow me on Twitter @ReddekoppMorgan for more news updates.

I grew up in Eagan, MN before attending Winona State University where I majored in Creative Digital Media and minored in Journalism and Creative Writing. I am very excited to be a reporter in my hometown! In my free time, I like to paint, draw and write. I am currently working on my poetry manuscript, and also enjoy hiking and being outdoors.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Mendota Heights Daily? Email me at morgan.reddekopp@patch.com.