South Metro Roundup: Coach Faces Swindling Charges, Motorcycle Wreck Kills 18-Year-Old

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 early Tuesday after the mo-ped he was riding struck the fence of a Savage home. The accident remains under investigation. Raley's family described him as a hard worker who made a point of helping his neighbors.

Laura Osnes was nominated earlier this month for a Tony award for her lead-role performance in the musical Bonnie and Clyde. She's been interviewed for publications such as the New York Times Magazine and Vanity Fair, which commented on her "ivory-soap looks and clarion pipes."

Eagan

Investigators say former Eagan High School boys basketball and soccer coach Kurt Virgin for two years skimmed money from sports camp registration fees and team fundraisers. After a months-long investigation, the Dakota County Attorney's office charged the 60-year-old Eagan resident with six felony counts of theft by swindle.

Last week, the Eagan City Council voted unanimously to eliminate the city's "50 Percent Rule"—a city ordinance that required restaurants to make at least 50 percent of their gross revenues from food sales to hold an on-sale liquor license. If food receipts fall below that margin, the business could risk losing its license. The measure was just one in a series of restaurant ordinance overhauls.

Lakeville 

Lakeville's Senior Center will soon have a new home. But it comes with a cost: the City Council approved a plan to double annual fees for members to generate revenue for construction of a new center. Resident single members will now pay $18 a year and resident couples will pay $34. Non-residents will pay even more.

Lakeville's first and only Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud is retiring after 38 years at the helm. Beyond leading Lakeville's parks and recreation department, Michaud may be best known for his volunteerism in the community, as well as helping to lead major volunteer-driven projects.

Rosemount

Rosemount Police Chief Gary Kalstabakken announced he'll leave the Rosemount Police Department after 14 years effective May 31, for a position with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Kalstabakken called his time in Rosemount "wonderful, challenging and rewarding."

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.