🔁 Lakeville's $25.8M First Responder Center + Brews

Unlike investor-owned utilities, Dakota Electric is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by its members.

That simple difference shapes everything we do. Our mission isn't to maximize profits. It's to provide reliable electricity, responsive service, and long-term value for the members who own the cooperative.

Every member has a voice and can vote in board elections. Any margins not needed to operate and invest in the system are returned to members as capital credits. And because we're locally governed, decisions are made with our communities in mind.

For generations, Dakota Electric has worked to keep the lights on while supporting the people, businesses, and communities that make our service area special.

Local ownership. Local leadership. Local commitment.

That's the Co-op Difference.

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Lakeville's New FiRST Center Is Ready to Train the Metro’s First Responders

The $25.8 million facility gives police, fire, and EMS a 40,000-square-foot home base with two indoor shooting ranges, virtual reality, and a two-story space with movable walls that can be rearranged to mimic homes and businesses, complete with smoke and sound effects. Training reservations are now opening for agencies across the south metro.

Burnsville Is Starting the 2050 Plan That Could Shape What Gets Built Near You

The city is kicking off a long-range comprehensive plan this fall that will guide housing, roads, parks, and land use for years, with the Planning Commission possibly leading the work starting in October. Nothing's locked in yet, and there will be chances for residents to weigh in as drafts come together.

Farmington's Police Expansion Just Cleared Its Next Hurdle

The council voted 5-0 to start contract talks with builder Kraus-Anderson on a project years in the making, after a study found the department had outgrown its 15,000-square-foot building back in 2022. You can tour the current space and ask questions at open houses on Sept. 19 and Sept. 22 before the final vote.

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Taste of Lakeville (Lakeville)
Eat and sip your way through local restaurants, beer, wine, and spirits while enjoying live music, games, and raffles from 5 to 9pm at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, with 21+ tickets priced at $50 in advance or $60 at the gate. Taste it all.

Brewery Night: New Belgium Brewery (Burnsville)
New Belgium is taking over Buck ’54 from 5 to 7pm with Voodoo Ranger, Fat Tire, free line dancing, and live music from Freewheel. Grab a brew.

Family Movie Night: Hoppers (Eagan)
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a free outdoor showing of Hoppers at Viking Lakes, with doors at 5pm and the movie starting at 6pm. Bring the kids.

Villa Summer Concert Series: Double Down Daredevils Trio (Apple Valley)
Bring a chair and soak up a summer evening with the Double Down Daredevils Trio, playing outdoors at Apple Valley Village at 7pm. Enjoy the music.

Fun Friday: Wizarding Academy Art Day (Farmington)
Young artists in grades 1 through 5 can spend the day drawing their way through a magical wizarding adventure with Young Rembrandts. Make some magic.

Old-Time Blues and Good-Time Folk with Jack Norton (Lakeville)
Step back in time with acclaimed busker Jack Norton and an evening of vaudeville blues, old-time folk, and authentic throwback entertainment. Hear the blues.

Free Live Music with Bruce Burniece (Burnsville)
Kick off the weekend with a free show from local singer-songwriter Bruce Burniece at Buck ’54 Bar & Grill at 6pm. Rock out.

Friday Night Acoustics with Dave Velander (Apple Valley)
Dave Velander is bringing pop, country, Americana, and rock to Bogart’s patio for a free show from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Pull up a chair.

The Blue Ribbon Showdown (Lakeville)
Catch motorcycle stunt shows, an anything-goes car and bike show, food trucks, vendors, and more at this free Twin Cities Harley-Davidson bash. See the action.

Italian Lemon Escape Luxury Guided Yoga and Picnic (Eagan)
Savor the last stretch of summer with a dreamy Italian-inspired picnic, guided yoga, fresh bites, beautiful details, and meaningful connection. Escape to Italy.

Saturday Night Acoustics with Tom “Woody” Strohmyer (Apple Valley)
Local favorite Tom “Woody” Strohmyer is bringing great tunes and easygoing energy to Bogart’s patio for a free show from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Pull up a chair.

37th Annual Summer Spectacular Car Show (Burnsville)
Hundreds of rides, 20 trophies, Best of Show honors, and a great cause make this rain-or-shine Buck Hill tradition worth the $15 admission. Cruise on over.

CSFA’s Philippine Teens Camp (Burnsville)
Filipino teens ages 13 to 18 can celebrate their culture through games, leadership activities, community connections, and plenty of delicious food. Join the fun.

Rabbit Romp, Spa and Summer Photo Booth (Burnsville)
Let your bunny explore a huge romp room, get a nail trim and spa treatment, and pose for an adorable summer photo, all for free. Pamper your bunny.

Summer Entertainment: FHS Marching Band (Farmington)
Bring a chair for a free, high-energy performance featuring pep-band favorites and the premiere of Farmington’s fall competition show at 7pm. Hear the band.