East Side Newsbriefs

The Mendota Heights City Council is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The term will start in October 2017 and expires Jan. 31, 2019.

U.S. Sen. Al Franken announced he is now accepting applications from Minnesota students in grades 11 and 12 who are interested in being part of his high school internship program.

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners has provided property owners with an opportunity to protect land and water by authorizing a 2018 solicitation for new natural area protection, wetland restoration, and water retention projects. 

Applications are being accepted for the title of Mrs. Dakota County. The deadline to apply is Sept. 17.

As of Monday, Aug. 7, eastbound lanes on Highway 110 between Interstate 35E and 494 were open to drivers while the westbound lanes are closed. 

NeighborWorks Home Partners has launched a new program to help more buyers prepare to purchase a home.

The Minnesota Book Awards, a program of The Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, kicked off its 30th anniversary season on Aug. 1 with the opening of submissions for books published in 2017.

In 2016, Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, Capitol Region Watershed District and Rice Creek Watershed District launched the Master Water Stewards program in partnership with the Freshwater Society.

Dakota County Environmental Resources and the Dakota County Fair are taking steps to recycle more waste and are in need of volunteers to help out.

Dakota County Library is looking for authors and publishers to be part of the Local Author Fair this fall.