tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32927501088689357252024-03-12T18:04:56.835-07:00South Lake Tonka BlogCitizen Journalism for Lake Minnetonka.Daniel Gustafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237285739396740833noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-33992794236345502022009-10-04T19:01:00.000-07:002009-10-04T19:01:06.467-07:00Another Season without Zebra Mussels (knock on wood)Despite being one of the busiest lakes in all Minnesota, Lake Minnetonka survived the 2009 boating season without a zebra mussel sighting. It will be interesting to see if they are any larve in the lake with a first sighting in the spring--that's how it happened in Prior Lake this year. Keep your fingers crossed. I spent several hours cleaning the hull of my boat this afternoon, and don't know what I would have done if it had been caked with zebra mussels.Daniel Gustafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237285739396740833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-34297068597564569162009-07-24T07:38:00.000-07:002009-07-24T07:46:36.195-07:002009 Lake Minnetonka / Excelsior Fireworks FinaleClap and cheer as you watch the Finale of the Lake Minnetonka fireworks!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wZ-021-qRLs&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wZ-021-qRLs&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Daniel Gustafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237285739396740833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-81226355817955453862009-07-13T21:25:00.000-07:002009-07-13T21:26:47.114-07:00KSTP: Flowering Rush Discovered in Lake Minnetonka<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://kstp.img.origin.entriq.net/dayportcore/dpm/DayPortPlayers.js"></script><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">DayPortPlayer.newPlayer({articleID:"189324",playerInstanceID:"5D93B7B5-4443-81F7-E431-9AE8B1189773",domain:"kstp.dayport.com",slideshow:"false",autoPlay:"false"});</script>Daniel Gustafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237285739396740833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-65332341900550425902009-06-26T09:00:00.000-07:002009-06-26T09:31:25.724-07:00Wayzata Yacht Club sailboat race held Thursday, June 25<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6iZJr1GtIys/SkT02bxehLI/AAAAAAAAAOY/6gbPGOeqnsI/s1600-h/Sail+Boats.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6iZJr1GtIys/SkT02bxehLI/AAAAAAAAAOY/6gbPGOeqnsI/s320/Sail+Boats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351671473228383410" border="0" /></a>The weather was perfect Thursday evening for members of the Wayzata Yacht Club to compete in a sailboat race on Lake Minnetonka.<br /><br />Dan from LakeMinnetonka.MN captured this photo of the race while enjoying the Young Professionals Boat Cruise.<br /><br />For more information about the Wayzata Yacht Club and upcoming sailboat races, <a href="http://www.wyc.org/Default.aspx">visit their Web site. </a>Jennifer Swanickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09616538972015239428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-46849690404545396452009-06-26T08:59:00.000-07:002009-06-26T09:51:37.125-07:00City of Plymouth Police Blotter: June 18-June 24, 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6iZJr1GtIys/SkT8hKuODzI/AAAAAAAAAOo/fEDFOSWwfEA/s1600-h/plymouth-police-department-insignia.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 157px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6iZJr1GtIys/SkT8hKuODzI/AAAAAAAAAOo/fEDFOSWwfEA/s200/plymouth-police-department-insignia.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351679903967088434" border="0" /></a>(09027251) Theft<br />Reported: 06-18-2009 1932<br />RP had received a FedEx package and had put it on the roof of her vehicle, then accidentally drove off with it still on the roof. Now they are unable to locate it and believe it might have been taken. Value of loss $1,000.<br />Addresses Involved: 105xx 33rd Ave N, Plymouth, MN<br /><br />(09027246) Theft<br />Reported: 06-18-2009 1825<br />RP was getting gas and put his wallet down on the topper, then forgot and drove away. He was contacted by a female who found and returned the wallet, but several cards were missing from inside.<br />Addresses Involved: 99xx Rockford Rd , Plymouth, MN<br /><br />(09027244) Theft from Vehicle<br />Reported: 06-18-2009 1755<br />Theft of golf clubs from unlocked motor vehicle while parked in parking lot. RP did not have information on make, model, and value of clubs at time of report.<br />Addresses Involved: 14xx Co Rd 101 , Plymouth, MN<br /><br />(09027236) Criminal Damage to Property<br />Reported: 06-18-2009 1711<br />Complaint of 5 juveniles in the area picking flowers from two yards. RP advised one of suspects pulled a flower from her yard from the roots. No dollar damage amount.<br />Addresses Involved: 108xx South Shore Dr, Plymouth, MN 55441<br /><br />(09027223) Burglary-Residential<br />Reported: 06-18-2009 1310<br />RP went to leave this morning and noticed her garage door was open and that both cars inside had been gone through, but didn’t notice anything missing. Now realized golf clubs were missing from garage. Value of loss $1,200.<br />Addresses Involved: 115xx 51st Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55442<br /><br />(09027217) Burglary-Residential<br />Reported: 06-18-2009 1237<br />Victim accidentally left garage door open overnight. Could tell someone had entered and gone through several boxes inside. Only thing apparently missing was old laptop valued at $100.<br />Addresses Involved: 57xx Annapolis La N, Plymouth, MN 55446<br /><br />(09027436) Burglary-Residential<br />Reported: 06-19-2009 1841<br />Victim found golf clubs missing from garage and iPod missing from inside vehicle. No signs of forced entry and unknown how entry made. Value of loss $1,200.<br />Addresses Involved: 30xx Quaker Ln N, Plymouth, MN 55441<br /><br />(09027427) Criminal Damage to Property<br />Reported: 06-19-2009 1618<br />RP reported graffiti on the bridge that goes over the train tracks. RP said the graffiti can be seen from the walking path and is just some black symbols. RP stated it has been there for quite some time.<br />Addresses Involved: 5000 block of Northwest Bl , Plymouth, MN 55442<br /><br />(09027315) Criminal Damage to Property<br />Reported: 06-19-2009 0202<br />RP’s vehicle had eggs thrown at it in the vicinity of Co Rd 101/26th Ave. RP was unsure whether there was any permanent damage to vehicle and was advised to wash it as soon as possible.<br />Addresses Involved: Co Rd 101 & 26th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55447<br /><br />(09027623) Burglary-Residential<br />Reported: 06-20-2009 1537<br />Victim had been gone for a week with his parents staying at his home watching his children. Golf clubs are missing from garage and overhead door may have accidentally been left open. Value of loss $1,000.<br />Addresses Involved: 115xx 40th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55441<br /><br />(09027578) Theft from Vehicle<br />Reported: 06-20-2009 1125<br />Report that unlocked vehicle entered and gone through while parked in driveway overnight. Nothing apparently missing or damaged at time of report.<br />Addresses Involved: 473xxVagabond La N, Plymouth, MN<br /><br />(09027547) Burglary-Residential<br />Reported: 06-20-2009 0653<br />Victim accidentally left overhead garage door open. Vehicles inside had been gone through, but nothing apparently missing.<br />Addresses Involved: 174xx 46th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55446<br /><br />(09027773) Burglary-Residential<br />Reported: 06-21-2009 1633<br />Victim came home and saw two young males standing by her garage and when they saw her they fled. The two 12-year old males were identified and admitting forcing open the window and taking fishing rods from garage. Both boys being sent to diversion.<br />Addresses Involved: 101xx 36th Pl N, Plymouth, MN 55441<br /><br />(09027742) MV Theft<br />Reported: 06-21-2009 1039<br />RP’s vehicle was stolen from the secured garage of the apartment building sometime overnight. All of his property was removed and placed in a black garbage bag, which was left in the stall. Turned out to be repo – unfounded.<br />Addresses Involved: 3301 Hwy 169 , Plymouth, MN 55441<br /><br />(09027902) Theft<br />Reported: 06-22-2009 1547<br />Victim never received his Social Security check and believes it may have been stolen from his mailbox.<br />Addresses Involved: 40xx Lancaster Ln, Plymouth, MN 55441<br /><br />(09027889) Fraud<br />Reported: 06-22-2009 1310<br />The victim received an email offering him a job as a purchasing agent. He had never applied for the job. The job was to purchase electronic equipment for the company’s European offices. The suspect was instructed to purchase items using his own credit card and then ship them. They were making money transfers into his account to cover the costs. Today he found out the company had frozen the account because of fraudulent activities stating the transfers were all no good and that money had been removed. Victim had already purchased and shipped two digital cameras and two GPS units. Value of loss $5,008.<br />Addresses Involved: 2500 Nathan Ln N, Plymouth, MN 55441<br /><br />(09027882) Theft from Vehicle<br />Reported: 06-22-2009 1238<br />The victim reported the theft of his golf clubs from unlocked vehicle that was parked in the driveway over the weekend. There was no damage to the vehicle. Value of loss $800.<br />Addresses Involved: 162xx 44th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55446<br /><br />(09028175) Arson<br />Reported: 06-23-2009 1758<br />Witness reported playground equipment was burning when she and her children arrived at park approximately 5 minutes earlier. Plastic tube slide had hole burned in it.<br />Addresses Involved: 14800 block of 46th AVE , Plymouth, MN 55446<br /><br />(09028161) Burglary-Residential<br />Reported: 06-23-2009 1633<br />Victim came home and found couch, chair, TV, vacuum, and cash missing from apartment. No evidence of forced entry. Victim believes suspect, who stayed with her for a while, may have had a duplicate key made without permission. Value of loss $1,950.<br />Addresses Involved: 154xx 18th Ave N, Plymouth, MN<br /><br />(09028157) Theft<br />Reported: 06-23-2009 1545<br />Victim’s son had friends over on Friday evening. On Saturday, they noticed two iPods missing from home. Value $700.<br />Addresses Involved: 131xx 35th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55441<br /><br />(09028143) Criminal Damage to Property/Vandalism<br />Reported: 06-23-2009 1510<br />Rear window of vehicle shattered. Lawn care company for the complex was out mowing earlier and may have thrown an object from the mower. No items found in or around the damaged vehicle.<br />Addresses Involved: 145xx 34th Ave N, Plymouth, MN<br /><br />(09028123) Fraud<br />Reported: 06-23-2009 1405<br />The victim was selling furniture on Craig's List. A party wanted to buy the item and sent a check for $2,000 over the asking price requesting that the victim send the additional $2,000 to the mover that would pick it up. The victim called on the check and found it was a forgery.<br />Addresses Involved: 176xx Co Rd 101, Plymouth, MN 55447<br /><br />(09028013) Theft<br />Reported: 06-23-2009 0755<br />Boat was taken while parked in lot overnight. Value of loss $3,500.<br />Addresses Involved: 36xx Lancaster La N, Plymouth, MN<br /><br />(09028395) Criminal Damage to Property<br />Reported: 06-24-2009 1422<br />Mailbox damaged overnight. Value of loss not listed on report.<br />Addresses Involved: 46xx Cottonwood La N, Plymouth, MN<br /><br />(09028382) Criminal Damage to Property<br />Reported: 06-24-2009 1317<br />Sometime past 0530 today unknown suspect hit victim's mailbox with bat. They hit is so hard that it broke post. Total damage was about $100.<br />Addresses Involved: 37xx Rosewood Ln N, Plymouth, MN 55441<br /><br />(09028378) Theft from Vehicle<br />Reported: 06-24-2009 1305<br />Unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway had two pair of sunglasses and sports equipment taken out or it. Total value of loss $307.<br />Addresses Involved: 160xx 44th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55446<br /><br />(09028319) Criminal Damage to Property<br />Reported: 06-24-2009 1008<br />RP reporting damage to mailbox overnight. Value of damage $100.<br />Addresses Involved: 127xx 42nd Pl N, Plymouth, MN<br /><br />(09028313) Criminal Damage to Property<br />Reported: 06-24-2009 0906<br />RP reporting damage to mailbox overnight. Value of damage not listed.<br />Addresses Involved: 125xx 11th Ave N, Plymouth, MN<br /><br />(09028295) Criminal Damage to Property<br />Reported: 06-24-2009 0810<br />Sometime during the night the victim’s mailbox was smashed with a bat. The wooden box was completely destroyed. The value of the box is $100.<br />Addresses Involved: 123xx 29th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55441<br /><br />(09028282) Criminal Damage to Property<br />Reported: 06-24-2009 0713<br />Unknown suspect damaged Victim’s mailbox with a bat. Value of damage $25.<br />Addresses Involved: 46xx Goldenrod La N, Plymouth, MN<br /><br />(09028297) Criminal Damage to Property<br />Reported: 06-24-2009 0635<br />RP reporting damage to mailbox overnight. Value of damage $50.<br />Addresses Involved: 123xx 12th Ave N, Plymouth, MNJennifer Swanickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09616538972015239428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-29798562756688955572009-06-24T07:52:00.000-07:002009-06-24T07:54:38.602-07:00Plymouth Police will Sponsor a New Workshop for Parents, “MySpace, Whose Space?”From the Plymouth Police Department:<br /><br />The workshop will be held on Thursday, July 16, 7 p.m. at the Plymouth Creek Center, Black Box Theater, 14800 34th Avenue North.<br /><br />The workshop is designed to give parents a better understanding of social networking sites and teenagers use of them. These sites provide great opportunities for young people to meet and share experiences, but with this freedom come a degree of risk and the need to act responsibly. Whenever kids go online, so do those who seek to abuse them.<br /><br />The workshop will be taught by Officer Mike Passig. Passig began his law enforcement career in 1997. Since then, he has worked in a variety of capacities such as patrol operations, SWAT, Recreational Enforcement (boat and water patrol), and rescue diving. After working numerous years as a School Resource Officer for the Wayzata School District, Passig is now assigned to Plymouth’s Patrol Division.<br /><br />Officer Passig is well versed in Internet safety and is a certified trainer. He has used his experience to identify the online issues that families deal with and has worked with parents and students on the risks associated with the internet.<br /><br />Registration for “MySpace, Whose Space?” is being taken by phone at 763-509-5198 and through the Police Department’s residential E-mail Alert Network at <a href="mailto:scwayna@ci.plymouth.mn.us">scwayna@ci.plymouth.mn.us</a>. There is no fee for the workshop, but parents will be encouraged to purchase a $15 AMBER Stick (<a href="http://www.amberstick.com/">www.amberstick.com</a>) at the end of the workshop. Space is limited.Daniel Gustafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237285739396740833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-6599001426238790182009-06-23T10:21:00.001-07:002009-06-23T10:22:31.827-07:00The Lake Minnetonka SongThis is absolutely one of my favorite videos on Youtube! These young girls lip-synch to the KS95 Lake Minnetonka Song.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VeKbpsKBzqs&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VeKbpsKBzqs&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Daniel Gustafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237285739396740833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-35653166254184347382009-06-21T12:30:00.001-07:002009-06-21T12:37:11.727-07:00"South Lake Minnetonka Blog" to become "LakeMinnetonka.MN"Hello South Lake Minnetonka Blog readers! Thanks so much for stopping by. If you didn't know, this blog is now under new management, as <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">South Lake Blogger</span> has turned it over to the crazy people who run Wayzata.com. Rest assured that <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">South</span> will still be contributing to it from time to time, but he felt it was better to turn it over to someone who was more passionate about keeping this collection of info fresh.<br /><br />You can expect to see some big things coming in the future, as we roll out a number of improvements in the coming months. The biggest of these is that we will be changing the name of this blog to <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">LakeMinnetonka.MN</span> from the South Lake Minnetonka Blog. <br /><br />We have some technical kinks to work out, so please stay tuned. That being said my team and I look forward to working with the Lake Minnetonka community in a collaborative way.<br /><br />If you have any comments or suggestions, please don't hesititate to contact me personally at 952-473-5800.<br /><br />Kind regards,<br /><br />Dan GustafsonDaniel Gustafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237285739396740833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-11045506335449742032009-06-21T12:10:00.000-07:002009-06-21T12:12:23.728-07:00Check out the guys surfing Lake MinnetonkaThanks to mur25ry for putting together this YouTube video that shows DL surfing on Lake Minnetonka behind a boat!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/U4sbRQ8z4hI&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/U4sbRQ8z4hI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="340"></embed></object>Daniel Gustafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237285739396740833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-58693638702370079522009-06-21T12:00:00.000-07:002009-06-21T12:02:01.015-07:00Youtube Video from Lake Minnetonka Triathalon 2009Check out the swimming portion of the Lake Minnetonka Triathalon that was held yesterday!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h2r0ZhjRjvc&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h2r0ZhjRjvc&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Daniel Gustafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237285739396740833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-51524897370418215572009-06-20T12:32:00.000-07:002009-06-20T12:35:33.353-07:00Lake Minnetonka Triathlon - SuccessToday's Lake Minnetonka Triathlon couldn't have occurred on a better day. Racers were greeted by blue skies, comfortable temps, and a slight breeze. Congratulations to winner Brett Lovaas as well as the 450+ other participants.<br /><br />We've written before, but we'll say again, that these active events bring a great crowd to Excelsior. Whether it is the 4th of July run, this triathlon, the Wells Fargo half marathon, or others, we welcome racers with open arms and open they make these races a regular destination on their summer circuit.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-87463261870420737002009-06-19T13:09:00.000-07:002009-06-19T13:22:31.054-07:00Lake Minnetonka TriathlonThe Lake Minnetonka Triathlon will kick off at 7:30am on Saturday morning. For those who haven't spectated before, it can be alot of fun to see polished athletes compete as well as first-timers complete their first triathlon.<br /><br />The best place to watch is from the Excelsior Commons, as that is where the swim starts, ends, and all of the transitions take place. Final finishers will start crossing the finish line anytime after 8:45am, but there will be steady action to watch anytime from 7:30 to 10am or so.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-53334800556099538512009-06-19T13:01:00.000-07:002009-06-19T13:58:33.281-07:00Blog Becoming Part of Larger NetworkThe South Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Minnetonka</span> Blog is becoming a part of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wayzata</span>.com network beginning next week. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wayzata</span>.com, operated by Dan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gustafson</span>, has been online for several years and has a great track record of keeping fresh, current, local content on the site.<br /><br />Dan will take over primary authorship of the blog, but the current contributor(s) to the South Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Minnetonka</span> Blog will continue to post occasional columns. The transition has two primary purposes: First, to ensure that a more full-time focus can be given to the blog resulting in more frequent and relevant posts, and second to help create a larger network of information as the Lake Minnetonka area is really one large community.<br /><br />We have full confidence in Wayzata.com to take this blog and the entire network to the next level. Thank you for your readership thus far.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-91021668963515979212009-06-07T17:31:00.000-07:002009-06-07T17:34:18.640-07:00Excelsior Art on the Lake - June 13 and 14Excelsior's annual Art-on-the-Lake, the premier Lake Minnetonka Art Fair, is next Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14. <br /><br />The official link, including participating artists and a schedule of events, and be found <a href="http://www.excelsiorartonthelake.com/">here.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-32894730147195572242009-05-15T20:05:00.000-07:002009-05-15T20:10:15.455-07:00Mason on Chrysler's "Close" ListAccording to a list found at the Huffington Post and a story in the Star Tribue, Mason Motor Company of Water Street in Excelsior is on "the list" for dealer terminations. Keep in mind that Jeep is an owned brand of Chrysler as well.<br /><br />More to come.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-90415580542825965542009-05-15T17:43:00.000-07:002009-05-15T17:52:59.662-07:00Active Events in the South Lake AreaThe recent <a href="http://www.lakeminnetonkahalfmarathon.com/">Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon</a> which concluded in Excelsior reminded me of the many upcoming active events that occur in our backyard. <br /><br />In case you are interested in participating or spectating, here is a listing for the near future:<br /><br /><a href="http://63.255.227.21/">Lake Minnetonka Triathlon</a>, June 20. Registration is long full, but it is still a great spectator event.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1719102">Wenmark's Legends ALARC Run</a>, June 6. Fun family event, recognizes running legends after the race. Can also include breakfast. Deephaven.<br /><br />4th of July Firecracker Run, July 4. 2 mile or 10K run on the morning of the 4th. Downtown Excelsior. A very popular event.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/TOURDETONKA/Pages/default.aspx">Tour de Tonka, August 1.</a> Bike ride with choice of 16, 38, or 62 mile ride. Becoming a major statewide draw for cyclists, a great event.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-9323689747002012922009-04-20T19:12:00.000-07:002009-04-20T19:17:37.110-07:00New Bike Trail is OpenIf you didn't think that residents of the Lake Minnetonka area had enough recreational amenities, there is now one more to enjoy. The Dakota Bike Trail is complete from Navarre west past Mound and Gale Woods Farm to St. Bonifacious, and is nearly complete from Navarre east to Wayzata. It is a paved trail that runs through wooded areas and city centers. The paved piece is nice for those who ride road bikes or like to rollerblade. While I'll always be partial to our "home" trail, the north leg of the LRT trail that cuts through Tonka Bay, Excelsior, Greenwood, and Deephaven, the Dakota is nice to have as an option. <br /><br />You can catch the trail by cycling on Hwy 19 (wide shoulder) 4 miles north of Excelsior, or about 3 miles north of where the LRT trail intersects with Hwy 19 in Tonka Bay. You'll meet the trail just before the Lord Fletcher's turnoff.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-77975500800968742292009-04-08T14:37:00.000-07:002009-04-08T14:40:33.869-07:002009 Tour de Tonka: Aug 1The 2009 Tour de Tonka will be on August 1st. More information can be found <a href="http://www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/TOURDETONKA/Pages/default.aspx">here.</a><br /><br />The Tour de Tonka has gained incredible popularity in its short history, boasting 4,000 riders in three years (despite some ugly weather). It has perenially been one of the most searched topics on this blog.<br /><br />We encourage you to participate, volunteer, or cheer the riders on.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-53403225634898294582009-04-04T06:26:00.000-07:002009-04-04T06:31:37.600-07:00Shorewood Community Center To Be SoldThe Sun Sailor did a nice job of covering the <a href="http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2009/04/04/news/ex02shor.txt">developments regarding the Shorewood Community Center</a>. The City Council of Shorewood voted, in a 3-2 vote, to buy out the ownership shares from other cities, and then put the Center up for sale.<br /><br />Regardless of how one feels on the matter, it is hard to argue that this development was surprising and abrupt. I've written before about my purely personal preference that governments not be involved in businesses that the private sector could provide, but this case bleeds over into community amenities and service. Either way, it all seemed to occur so quickly that it has been hard to digest and analyze the issue well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-89097806128932476712009-03-26T20:00:00.000-07:002009-03-26T20:05:28.772-07:00Next Up!After 18 months of publishing this blog and creating a decent following (at least according to my analytics software), I'd love to hear from others who may be interested in maintaining it for a while. I truly see this as a community portal, one that rotates its authorship (a word?)<br /><br />If you are interested in maintaining it next, just drop me a line at <a href="mailto:southlakeblogger@yahoo.com">southlakeblogger@yahoo.com</a>. All I ask is that whoever keeps it try to do so without being too slanted, and that they do a better job than I've been doing of late of making relevant updates.<br /><br />If I don't get any takers, I'll continue to maintain it, but I'd love to let someone else take the reigns and see what they can do with it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-81077328312143846822009-03-22T07:02:00.000-07:002009-03-22T07:05:24.752-07:00Patisserie Margo Open in ExcelsiorAccording to signs on the storefront, Patisserie Margo will be open for business as of Monday, March 23 in downtown Excelsior. This french bakery occupies a prime location near the corner of Water and 3rd, where the Color Center was located in the past.<br /><br />If you drop in, please post a review.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-76508403210948444932009-03-16T07:59:00.000-07:002009-03-16T08:08:33.899-07:00Spring Clean-Up Days in SouthShore CommunitiesThe spring rite of passage, the annual community trash pick-up days, are on the schedule for most area communities. Check with your community's city office for directions on how to dispose of items and when to have curbside items ready for pickup.<br /><br />Shorewood - Saturday, May 16<br />Deephaven - Saturday, May 2<br />Excelsior - Saturday, May 9 (to be confirmed)<br />Tonka Bay - none (fall clean-up only)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-30034265059493005382009-03-14T06:53:00.000-07:002009-03-14T06:56:16.781-07:00Excelsior Comprehensive Plan Open HouseExcelsior will be holding an Open House to present and take input on the Comprehensive Plan and Master Park Plans, intended to provide input to the plan that will help mold the activities and initiatives for the next decade.<br /><br />It will be held at teh Southshore Center in Shorewood on Thursday, Mar 26, from 6pm - 9pm. <br /><br />If you have an interest in Excelsior's future direction, this is a great chance to be educated and provide input.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-47505150989403671562009-03-13T18:45:00.000-07:002009-03-13T18:46:30.666-07:00Excelsior Library Project May be DelayedThe economic climate is hitting home on many fronts, one being uncertainty over the Excelsior library remodel.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.weeklynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=10&SubSectionID=10&ArticleID=5871">http://www.weeklynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=10&SubSectionID=10&ArticleID=5871</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3292750108868935725.post-3778999263958477672009-02-17T16:19:00.001-08:002009-03-27T10:33:03.219-07:00A Few Fun SitesGetting away from the topic of local happenings for a minute, here are a few sites worth checking out when you have a chance:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pogo.com/">http://www.pogo.com/</a> - online, interactive games for the entire family<br /><a href="http://healthharbor.com/">http://healthharbor.com</a> - information to help you with the money side of healthcare<br /><a href="http://www.kidshealth.org/">http://www.kidshealth.org/</a> - what you would expect, health info for kids<br /><a href="http://www.cookingforengineers.com/">http://www.cookingforengineers.com/</a> - a great cooking and recipe site, "dummed down" for people like me. you'll love this one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0