Good morning, South Metro.

What's inside:

  • Lakeville homes: 166 units near CR 70, exempt from moratorium

  • District 196 smart glasses ban: 5-0 vote, Meta Ray-Ban types out

  • Activity centers: Apple Valley High opens November, $243M of $538M spent

  • Wanderlight adult night at the Zoo Thursday

When did Colonel Marion Savage construct Antlers Amusement Park in Lakeville?

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So... no newsletter hit your inbox Monday, and I owe ya an explanation. Two of them, actually.

One: I was on a cruise. The kind where your phone doesn't work and you stop pretending it bothers you by day two.

Two: I got engaged. 💍

So while you were waiting on your usual rundown of city council news and weekend events, I was getting down on one knee.

We're back on dry land now, freshly betrothed and fully caffeinated, so the regular schedule picks right back up. Thanks for hanging with me through the quiet stretch.

Lakeville Planning Commission Approves 166 New Homes Near County Road 70

A 142-unit apartment building plus 24 townhomes got the nod from the planning commission on June 4th and yes, it's exempt from the city's housing moratorium because it was approved before the pause. A new drive-thru building at Marketplace at Cedar was also approved.

District 196's New Activity Centers Are Almost Open

Apple Valley High School's new activity center opens this November, Eastview's gym floor is done, and the new Rosemount Middle School keeps rising. The district has spent about $243 million of its $538 million voter-approved bond so far.

District 196 Just Banned Smart Glasses in School

The board voted 5-0 to ban students from wearing eyewear that can take photos, video, or run AI—citing privacy concerns and cheating risks. Regular prescription glasses are fine; it's the Meta Ray-Ban-style smart glasses that are out.

➡️ 5 bed, 4.5 bath, 0.38 acres
➡️ Panoramic lake views, kayak from your own shoreline & ice skate in winter
➡️ Home theater, wet bar & 22 total rooms across 2 stories
➡️ Hydronic radiant floor heating throughout including the walkout lower level
➡️ Balcony, deck, patio & fire pit with eagle-watching views

Price: $1,488,000

MLS #7058398

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Thursday, June 4th

Thursday, June 11th

Buns and Badges Bike Safety Event (Apple Valley)
A free bike safety skills course for kids at noon at Greenleaf Park, bring your bike and helmet and pre-register. Ride safe.

Family Movie Night: The Secret Life of Pets (Eagan)
A free outdoor screening at 5pm at Viking Lakes with games and snacks before the movie. Grab a blanket.

Pints & Pride Fundraiser (Burnsville)
A casual fundraiser at 5pm at Trove Brewing supporting Burnsville Pride with a silent auction, raffles, and live entertainment. Celebrate Pride.

PT on the Patio at Wild Bill's (Apple Valley)
Live music, prizes, and giveaways at 5pm at Wild Bill's as PT on the Patio brings the summer energy to Apple Valley. Join the party.

Wanderlight Trail: Adult Night Out (Apple Valley)
An adults-only evening at 6pm at the Minnesota Zoo combining animal trail access, live shows, and an immersive lantern experience after dark. Light the way.

Paint a Loon Clock at Tops Pizza (Rosemount)
Paint a Minnesota loon on a working wooden clock at 6:30pm in this step-by-step class at Tops Pizza and Grill. Get creative.

Villa Summer Concert Series: Russell Schmidt (Apple Valley)
A free outdoor concert at 7pm with Russell Schmidt at Apple Valley Villa, bring a chair and enjoy the evening. Pull up a chair.

Friday, June 12th

Misty's Market Must Have (Apple Valley)
A massive multi-day pop-culture market at 10am packed with cards, art, games, and rare collectibles at the Apple Valley Arena. Browse the goods.

Spark! Puppets: Pre-Season Performance (Eagan)
A free pre-season puppet show for kids at 10am at Lebanon Hills to kick off the Spark! summer series. Bring the kids.

Track Night at DCTC (Rosemount)
Drive your own car on a real racetrack at 3:30pm with coaching and three on-track sessions, no experience needed. Hit the track.

Skolmmelier: White Wine (Eagan)
An expertly guided white wine tasting at 6pm with paired small plates at Viking Lakes. Sip & savor.

Melissa Schulz Live on the Patio at Bogart's (Apple Valley)
Free live music at 6:30pm on Bogart's patio with pianist and vocalist Melissa Schulz spanning decades of hits. Pull up a chair.

Saturday, June 13th

Bike MS: MS 150 (Burnsville)
A two-day cycling event starting at 6am from Buck Hill supporting the MS Society with new routes and a 150-mile weekend option. Ride for a cause.

Spring Fest 2026 (Burnsville)
A free celebration at 10am with bounce houses, games, snow cones, and fun for the whole family. Bring the kids.

Cheers to 10 Years (Lakeville)
Ten years in and still going strong, swing by at noon for an all-day anniversary celebration. Cheers.

Smiles and Tails Adoption Event (Apple Valley)
Meet adoptable rescue dogs at 2pm at this feel-good pet adoption event, an afternoon of puppies and the chance to find your match. Meet your match.

Georgia Peaches Truckload Sale (Burnsville)
A fast pop-up truckload sale at 4pm of fresh Georgia peaches, cherries, and blackberries near Burnsville Center. Grab the goods.

June Hot Rods and Haircuts (Apple Valley)
A free car show at 4pm at Red's Chop Shop with free haircuts for first-time customers, all vehicles welcome. Cruise in.

Sunflower Sky Debut at North 20 Brewing (Rosemount)
Catch Sunflower Sky's debut performance at 6pm at North 20 Brewing with covers spanning decades and genres. Hear them live.

Sunday, June 14th

BlueNose 10th Anniversary Celebration (Farmington)
BlueNose Coffee turns 10 at 1pm with games, vendors, live music, adoptable puppies, and a surprise coffee shop rave to close it out. Party on.

Run Lucy Run at Buck Hill (Burnsville)
Live music from Run Lucy Run at 1pm at Buck Hill on a Sunday afternoon, come for the tunes and stay for the vibes. Rock out.

Brews & Braids (Apple Valley)
Learn practical hairstyles over beers at 3pm at Revolve Hall, a fun, hands-on class perfect for parents and caregivers. Braid away.

Summer Entertainment: Carpenter Nature Center (Farmington)
Live raptors, reptiles, and amphibians visit Farmington at 6pm courtesy of Carpenter Nature Center, great for curious kids and nature lovers. Meet the animals.

Sea Glass Succulent at Celts Pub (Farmington)
Build a glowing sea glass succulent at 6pm at Celts Pub, all supplies included, no experience needed, and you take it home that night. Get crafty.

How did you like this week's edition of the South Metro Scoop?

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— Brady Greenbush
Publisher & Editor

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