News Roundup: Police Standoff, Fake Bomb Threat, Kidnapping Charge

You can't be in front of your computer 24 hours a day, so each weekend, Patch reviews the past week's top stories, which first appeared on this site or those of our neighbors. Here's a look at stories of the past seven days that may affect or interest you. To read the entire story, click on the headline link.

Dakota County

• U.S. Rep. John Kline Easily Wins 2nd District Primary - The Lakeville Republican now advances to the Nov. 6 election and a bid for his sixth term in office.
• Suburban Homelessness on the Rise, Local Leaders Say - In Dakota County, the number of homeless individuals or those at imminent risk of being homeless rose from 841 in 2011 to 1,013 in January 2012.

Inver Grove Heights

• City Council Shoots Down DNR Gun Safety Program - Council members could not agree that a limited term was necessary for the gun safety program.
• IGH Man Jailed After Issuing Fake Bomb Threat, Taking Hostages - If convicted of kidnapping, Philip James Pariso could face a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $35,000 fine.
• IGH Pawn America Holds Saturday Grand Opening - Since its soft opening last week, the IGH Pawn America outlet has outperformed several other branches.
• Semi Slides Off Hwy 52 Ramp - According to State Troopers at the scene, the driver was planning to make the turn onto the northbound 52 ramp when another driver cut him off.

Apple Valley-Rosemount

• 2 Apple Valley Students Crowned as Miss MN Valley Royalty - Alissa Jones and Skye Davis, Burnsville girls who attend Apple Valley schools, were chosen to sit on the court during a ceremony earlier this month.

Burnsville

• Teen Falls Out of Moving Party Bus Onto I-35W—Lives to Tweet About It - Katie Brown, 19, fell from a moving party bus window onto I-35W, but escaped unharmed.
• Ebenezer Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Senior Housing Complex in Burnsville - The company kicked off construction of Arbors II, a new $12 million assisted living facility at the Fairview Ridges campus.
• Gymnastics Business Doubles in Size, Plans to Open Swimming Facility - Elite Gymnastics Academy is in a newly-renovated building and the staff there is ready to capitalize on Olympics-fueled fever.

Eagan

• Police Surround Deerwood Drive Home After Eagan Man Issues Threats - Eagan police believe mental health issues played a role in the stand-off.

Lakeville

• Board Pleased: $7,000 Raise For Lakeville Schools' Superintendent - Dr. Lisa Snyder's performance review for the 2011-12 school year was a good one.
• Lakeville in Top 10 of Population Growth For Metro-Area in 2010-11 - Lakeville added 580 residents from 2010 to 2011, according to the Metropolitan Council. The city's total population is now 56,534.
• Lakeville Man Charged with Resisting Arrest, Assaulting Officer at Airport - Police say Chad Allen Blizek became combative and tried to flee when he was found drunk at MSP.

Mendota Heights

• Liquor License Suspensions Waived for Two Lilydale Businesses - Moose Country and Sunfish Cellars will receive lighter civil penalties for selling alcohol to a minor during a compliance check.
• Phone Scam Targets Grandparents in Mendota Heights Area - Callers claim to be overseas police or officials. Victim is asked to wire money.