East Side Newsbriefs

Volunteers from across Minnesota are needed Saturday, Aug. 18, to search for starry stonewort, an algae that is the state’s newest aquatic invasive species.

On Tuesday, Aug. 14, several cities will hold primaries to help narrow down the candidate field before November’s general election. 

Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

The City of South St. Paul has partnered with J.R.’s Advanced Recyclers to pickup old appliances, However, you must have a reservation for pickup.  Call J.R.’s Advanced Recyclers between Aug. 1 and Sept. 29 to schedule a pickup.

Motorists traveling on westbound I-494 between Highway 61 in Newport and Blaine Avenue in Inver Grove Heights should plan for delays as westbound Interstate 494 traffic is shifted to the outside lanes and ramps are closed. 

On Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Merrick Community Services, located at 1669 Arcade St.. invites East Side neighbors to its annual Back to School Celebration.

The Inver Grove Heights B.E.S.T. Foundation will host its 27th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament on Monday, August 27, at the Inver Wood Golf Course, 1850 70th St E., in Inver Grove Heights. Everyone is invited to participate.

On Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Merrick Community Services, located at 1669 Arcade St.. invites East Side neighbors to its annual Back to School Celebration.

National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, meet neighbors, and partner with police.  Events can be simple gatherings to large community events.

The Inver Grove Heights and South Metro Fire Departments are hosting their annual joint Ctizens Fire Academy on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. from Wednesday Sept. 5 until Oct. 24.

Calling all superheroes. West St. Paul officers need your help in keeping the streets safe. Design your own superhero character and submit it in the department’s Night to Unite Fighting Crime like a Superhero Contest.