South Metro Roundup: Minnesota Zoo Sets All-Time Attendance Record

As the nation celebrated its 236th birthday last week, Dakota County sweltered under a seemingly endless heat wave.

The combination of heat, humidity and holiday didn't hold back several important developments throughout the county. Here's a review of the biggest news stories from the past several days, on this Patch or those of our neighbors, that may be of interest to you. Click on the headline links to review the stories.

Dakota County

A total of 13 Minnesota counties and three tribal nations have been declared eligible for disaster relief funding after last month's severe storms and flooding. 

Inver Grove Heights

Inver Grove Target Opening to Public July 25

July 25 will be a soft opening with an official grand opening ceremony scheduled for Sunday, July 29.

Lakeville

Valley Lake Beach Closed Due to E. Coli

According to the city, the high levels of bacteria are likely the result of duck and goose droppings.

Apple Valley-Rosemount

Minnesota Zoo Attendance Sets All-Time Record

Attendance totaled 1,369,515 from July 1 last year through June 30 this year, the most attendees in the zoo's 34-year existence.

Convicted Predatory Offender Arrested Outside Rosemount High School

Police say Timothy Richard Bedford had failed to keep authorities informed of his whereabouts after his 2009 conviction for kidnapping.

Stream Global Services Could Look at Non-Apple Valley Locations

While the call center company was looking to relocate its headquarters and start a call center in Apple Valley, it hasn't yet been able to nail down locations that will work.

Burnsville

Villard Company Acquires Burnsville's PASE Group

The Burnsville company is the latest to be bought by Massman Automation Designs, LLC—a Villard, Minn., packaging company that is in the middle of a boom.

Viking Magazine Service Embarks on Expansion Project

In an effort to double its payroll, Viking News Service is adding onto its offices in Minnesota and Iowa. Viking is a Burnsville-based customer service company that serves as a mediator between consumers and magazine publishers.

Owners Seek New Rental License for Country Village Apartments

After losing the right to rent in January due to hundreds of unaddressed code violations, Lindahl Partnerships has requested a provisional rental license.

Eagan

City Council Unanimously Extends Optional Liquor Store Hours

Liquor stores in Eagan can now remain open until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Progress Continues with Proposed Cedar Grove Outlet Mall

The city's Economic Development Authority approved an environmental consulting proposal for the potential mall property. 

Mendota Heights

Teens Likely to Blame for Summer Vandalism

For some neighborhoods in Mendota Heights, summer has brought an uptick in damaged mailboxes, broken windows and graffiti.