Minneapolis Trash Ash Ends Up in Rosemount & It's Now a Legal Fight

An environmental group just sent Hennepin County a legal demand letter over the 80,000 tons of incinerator ash trucked annually to a Rosemount landfill—ash containing heavy metals and PFAS. The county has 10 days to respond before potential legal action.

Apple Valley's New 7 Brew Opens June 22nd & Here's the Traffic Plan

The drive-thru coffee chain opens June 22nd, and the city approved a full traffic-control plan after seeing the Vadnais Heights location back up traffic for half a mile. Neighbors are nervous about blocked access—7 Brew promised dedicated lanes and an on-site manager directing cars.

Apple Valley Freedom Days Turns 60

Apple Valley's biggest summer tradition runs June 26 through July 4, capped by fireworks on the Fourth. The big news: the Kiddie Parade is back after about 20 years away (pre-registration required).

The limestone church on the bluff above Mendota has been holding services since 1853. Minnesota didn't become a state until 1858.

Stand at the church door and you can see the confluence where the Minnesota River meets the Mississippi. Fort Snelling sits across the water. Pilot Knob rises to the south. The church has watched everything that happened at this crossroads for 170 years.

THE FIRST PRIEST

In 1840, a 28-year-old French priest named Lucien Galtier arrived at Fort Snelling to minister to the 185 Catholics scattered across the frontier. Most were French Canadian fur traders. Some were soldiers. Some were Dakota.

Galtier set up in Mendota, headquarters of the American Fur Company. The settlers built him a log church, dedicated October 2, 1842. He named it St. Peter's.

Then he built another chapel up the river at a steamboat landing called Pig's Eye. He named that one St. Paul — because "the name of Paul is generally connected with that of Peter." The village around it became the state capital. Named for a log church that doesn't exist anymore, built by the same priest who founded St. Peter's.

THE CHURCH THAT STANDS

In 1844, Father Augustin Ravoux took over. The congregation outgrew the log church. In 1853, Ravoux built the limestone church that still stands. Stone from a nearby quarry. Hand-split pine shingles. Cost $4,425.

Five years later, Minnesota became a state. The church was already here.

WHAT THE STONES REMEMBER

In December 1862, after the Dakota War and the mass trials that followed, 38 Dakota men sat chained in a Mankato prison awaiting execution. The hanging was scheduled for the day after Christmas.

On Christmas Day, Father Ravoux traveled to Mankato. He baptized 33 of them that night.

The next morning, all 38 were hanged simultaneously. It remains the largest mass execution in American history. Ravoux returned to his church on the bluff. The services continued.

From the church door, you can see Fort Snelling, where 1,600 Dakota were held in a concentration camp that same winter. You can see Pilot Knob, the sacred burial ground. You can see Bdote, the confluence, the center of the Dakota world.

The church watched all of it.

WHAT REMAINS

The original log church was torn down in 1896 for a railroad. The limestone church survived. A restoration in the 1970s saved it from demolition.

Today, the parish uses a modern building for regular services. But the historic church still hosts weddings, funerals, and special liturgies.

"The stones have the memory," the current pastor said. "All the prayers, the worship that happened here."

10371 Andrea Trl, Inver Grove Heights

➡️ 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 4.8 acres
➡️ Gas fireplace, hardwood floors & natural woodwork
➡️ Chef's kitchen with Wolf & Sub-Zero appliances, hidden prep kitchen & oversized pantry
➡️ Expansive flat backyard — perfect for a future pool & outdoor oasis

Price: $2,650,000

MLS #7083866

South Metro Scoop is free and always will be. If you want to help keep it going, you can chip in below. Every bit helps.

ADD AN EVENT

FEATURE AN EVENT

Red Solo Cup Golf Fundraiser (Lakeville)
The annual golf fundraiser for Lakeville North golf teams at Brackett's Crossing at 11am, tee it up for a good cause. Tee it up.

Holz Farm Old Fashioned Picnic (Eagan)
An old-fashioned picnic at 5:30pm at Holz Farm with live music and lawn games for the whole family.Pack a picnic.

Crushed Glass & Resin Suncatcher Workshop (Burnsville)
A hands-on workshop at 6pm at Trove Brewing where you create a custom crushed glass and resin suncatcher. Get crafty.

Wild Workouts: Zumba at the Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley)
A fun, high-energy Zumba class at 6:30pm at the Zoo blending Latin and hip-hop rhythms, all levels welcome. Dance it out.

Tuesday Trivia at Clive's Roadhouse (Burnsville)
Tuesday trivia night at 7:30pm at Clive's Roadhouse with Amp Quiz, book a reservation to secure your spot. Brain up.

Picnics in the Park at Jaycee Park (Rosemount)
A relaxed community picnic at 5:30pm at Jaycee Park, bring your dinner and enjoy the evening. Pack a picnic.

Lavender Whiskey Band at Bogart's (Apple Valley)
A free Wednesday night summer music series at 5:30pm at Bogart's featuring the infectious energy of Lavender Whiskey Band. Pull up a chair.

Lavender Pages Book Club (Farmington)
Book club night at 6pm at The Lavender Barnyard with snacks, lavender mocktails, and a heartfelt read about second chances in love. Turn the page.

Minnesota Aurora FC vs Sioux Falls City FC (Eagan)
Minnesota Aurora FC hosts Sioux Falls City FC at 7pm for another exciting home match at TCO Stadium. See the game.