South Metro Roundup: New Food Joint Planned for Former Hooters, 'Lakeville Dad' Gets Probation

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.

Burnsville

Brett Michael Raley, an 18-year-old former Burnsville High School student, died two weeks ago after the mo-ped he was riding struck the fence of a Savage home. Brett's mother, Lisa, shared her story with Burnsville Patch about the experience of losing and living without her son.

The old Hooters building in Burnsville will be home to another Florida restaurant chain—Hurricane Grill & Wings, a family restaurant and bar that could give Buffalo Wild Wings a run for its money. The Burnsville location will be the first of 17 in Minnesota.

Eagan

When Pat Campbell moved to the neighborhood surrounding Parkview Golf Club in Eagan 18 years ago, he thought he'd found his own slice of "Shangri-La." Partly for this reason, Campbell and other community members are opposed to a local developer's plans to convert the golf course into a 175-unit residential development.

Mark Pappas, a 61-year old Eagan man, has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct after allegedly exposing himself in the presence of teenagers at Rosemount's Robert Trail Library. Police set up surveillance at the library after Pappas was reported multiple times.

Rosemount

Rosemount High School recognized 30 seniors who will be serving their country in the military upon graduation in the third year the school has held the popular recognition ceremony. A standing-room only crowd of parents, friends, teachers, state legislators, city officials and military representatives were on hand.

Lakeville 

The nearly 2,000 patrons who attended the 2012 Taste of Lakeville on Thursday night got great weather, rock and roll entertainment, and as much food, beer and wine as they could bear. Held at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, this year's event featured 37 food and beverage vendors and a wine list featuring more than 400 different varieties.

Lakeville Patch has a whopping six photo galleries from the community event.

Steven Cross, the Lakeville man who was convicted of abandoning his 11-year-old son last year, was given two years of probation at a sentencing hearing. He was found guilty of neglect by a Dakota County jury in January for leaving his son with a neighbor and moving to California in July 2011.

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.