Hot Topics: April 4, 2008

Coming Up...

Brush drop-off opens April 12

The brush drop-off program for Minnetonka residents opens Saturday, April 12, and will remain open through November 15. Learn more.

Minnetonka Kids Read: April 12

The Minnetonka Community Commission and Hennepin County Library invite kids in grades one and up to read “Ruby Lu: Empress of Everything,” then attend a book discussion Saturday, April 12. Learn more.

Water main flushing starts April 14

Minnetonka Public Works will flush city water mains weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting April 14 and continuing through May 8. Learn more.

Severe Weather Awareness Week starts April 21

Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 21 through 25, with each day focusing on a different topic. Learn more.

Tree planting clinic is April 22

Attend a free, city-sponsored tree planting clinic on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Big Willow Park. Learn more.

Garlic mustard workshop is April 24

Learn about garlic mustard, a very invasive woodland herb, at the second annual garlic mustard workshop Thursday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Minnetonka Council Chambers. Learn more.

Low-impact landscape workshop is April 24

Learn to create a low-impact landscape using native plants, rain gardens and rain barrels at this workshop Thursday, April 24, at the South Shore Center in Shorewood. Learn more.

Spring plant walks set for April and May

Take a guided plant walk in a Minnetonka park where native habitat restoration is underway. Learn more.

Silver Skates Ice Revue is May 1, 2 and 3

Minnetonka Ice Arena’s All Season Skating School is proud to present the 34th Annual Silver Skates Ice Revue, “Lights on Broadway.” Learn more.

City tree sale pick up is May 2 and 3

If you ordered trees through the city of Minnetonka’s tree sale, be sure to pick them up on May 2 or 3! Learn more.

Visit these April senior services events

If you’re a Minnetonka resident who’s 55 or older, don’t miss out on the fun and friendship at Minnetonka Senior Services with these upcoming April events. Learn more.

One hundred years of Lake Minnetonka postcards

Enjoy a brief history of postcards from the early glory years of Lake Minnetonka to current times, presented by Twin City Postcard Club Vice President and Minnetonka resident Chuck Donley, Thursday, May 1, at 7 p.m. at the Minnetonka Community Center. Learn more.

Register for a rain garden workshop

If you’re interested in learning how to manage yard runoff by installing a rain garden, consider attending a Metro Blooms rain garden workshop Thursday, June 5, 6:30–8:30 p.m., at the Minnetonka Community Center. Learn more.

Skating lessons start June 9

Interested in skating lessons? Summer skating lessons for both youth and adults are held Monday evenings starting June 9. Learn more.

Public Safety

Take a stand against crime: join a Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch, Block Watch, Town Watch, Building Watch, Crime Watch—whatever the name, it’s one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. Learn more.

News You Can Use

2008 Burwell Art Fair applications due May 15

Artists, you’re invited to apply to exhibit at the Burwell House Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social Saturday, June 28, 2008. Learn more.

Help monitor Minnetonka’s wetlands

If you’ve ever wanted to wade in a wetland, get your hands muddy, and discover the plants and animals that live in the murky shallows, we want you! Learn more.

Spring load restrictions in effect

Spring load restrictions for area roads went into effect Friday, March 14, at 12:01 a.m. Learn more.

Street sweeping delayed one week

Due to weather conditions, Minnetonka Public Works began limited street sweeping the week of March 31, with full street sweeping starting April 7, a week later than originally planned. Learn more.

Wanted: history lovers

If you’ve thought about being a tour guide, consider volunteering at the Burwell House this year. Learn more.

Need emergency home repairs?

If your home is in need of emergency repairs, you may be eligible for a loan if you meet certain income restrictions. Learn more.

Get Active

Register now for summer adult basketball

Minnetonka Recreation Services is accepting team registrations for a seven-week, five-player summer adult basketball program. Learn more.

Plan now for summer fun!

It’s never too early to make plans for the summer and Recreation Services is now accepting registrations for a new offering—Summer Theater Camp for Kids—and an old favorite—Adult co-rec summer soccer. Learn more.

Summer recreation registration underway

Summer recreation registration started March 10 for residents and March 24 for non-residents. Learn more

Adult softball, kickball registration underway

Spring is just around the corner, and now is the time to register your adult summer softball or adult summer kickball team. Recreation Services is now accepting team registrations for men’s, women’s, and co-rec softball and for co-rec kickball. Learn more.

Project Center

Curious about city construction?

If you have questions about construction projects in the city—from roads, to sewer and water utilities, to drainage and storm sewer—visit our City Projects page to find out everything you want to know. Learn more.

History Fact

Prior to 1852, who traveled along the present route of Baker Road and Plymouth Road?

The Dakota/Sioux and Ojibway/Chippewa Indians used this route to travel between Shakopee on the Minnesota River and Mille Lacs Lake east of Brainerd. The trail crossed Minnehaha Creek just below the rapids at present-day Minnetonka Mills. The Indians would sometimes camp overnight near the creek.