🔁 County Road 50 Rail Cars Moving + Police Chief's $160K Exit

Good morning, South Metro!

What's inside:

Those rail cars on County Road 50? They're finally moving after 14 years
Former Rosemount Police Chief claims no investigation before $160K exit
Cookie decorating, Santa visits & holiday harp concerts across the South Metro
$819K gets you 4 beds, quartz counters & 0.25 acres—see what caught our eye

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News

Which high-profile celebrity recently became a minority investor in Six Flags, which owns Valleyfair?

Travis Kelce

Elon Musk

Patrick Mahomes

Taylor Swift

Those Painted Rail Cars on County Road 50? They're Finally Moving

After 14 years and a Facebook page dedicated to documenting the issue, Lakeville's Planning Commission unanimously approved a 33-acre rail car storage facility near Airlake Airport. Those bright orange and green rail cars cluttering your County Road 50 commute will move to dedicated industrial storage.

District 196 Homeowners: Here's Your 2026 Tax Increase

The median-valued home in Apple Valley, Lakeville, Burnsville, and other District 196 communities will pay about $85 more annually in school taxes ($7/month) after the December 9th school board meeting. Two-thirds of the $168.8 million levy comes from referendums you already voted yes on.

Former Rosemount Police Chief Says There Was No Investigation Before His $160K Exit

Former Police Chief Mikael Dahlstrom released a public letter claiming the city placed him on leave and pushed him out based on anonymous survey comments, with no third-party investigation or chance to defend himself. The City Council's only response: "We have nothing further to add."

Monday (12/15/25)

🎵💲 Tonic Sol-Fa "Wrap it Up" Farewell Tour (Burnsville at 7pm)
Emmy-winning quartet's final holiday tour with opening act Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience. Get tickets.

🪓💲 Ugly Sweater Axe Throwing Party (Eagan at 6:30pm)
Stacking Benjamins hosts holiday party with two hours of axe throwing, pizza, drinks—wear your ugliest sweater for a prize, bring NICU comfort items if you can.

🎬💲 Special Movie Screening Fundraiser (Eagan at 5:30pm) LA-style red carpet at 5:30pm, screening at 6:30pm with Q&A featuring Morley and cast—ticket includes popcorn and soda, benefits Winning Pathways Foundation. Get tickets.

Tuesday (12/16/25)

🎅💲Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at Crystal Lake Golf Club (Lakeville at 5pm)
($, Dec 16) Santa's stopping by Crystal Lake Golf Club on Tuesday night for some holiday magic—limited tickets available on Eventbrite.

🥃🆓 Skrewball Whiskey Holiday Tasting at Barley + Vine (Lakeville at 5pm)
Free samples of holiday whiskey flavors plus swag giveaways at Barley + Vine.

🎄🆓 Holiday Music Trivia at OMNI Winery (Rosemount at 7pm)
Test your knowledge of festive favorites from classics to modern hits—teams of 6 max, prizes for top three places.

🎸💲 Rock & Roll Xmas Spectacular (Burnsville at 7:30pm)
Classic holiday songs get the rock treatment from an all-star lineup—expect "Silent Night" to "Jingle Bells" with enough confetti to make Rudolph jealous. Get tickets.

🍪💲 Cookie Decorating at Trove Brewing (Burnsville at 6pm)
Decorate 6 Christmas cookies with Spider Monkey's Bake Shoppe and enjoy a drink from Trove—perfect for date night or friends gathering. Secure your spot.

🎵🆓 Holiday Harp Concert at Hastings Arts Center (10:30am)
Classically trained Irish harpist, Hannah Flowers, performs holiday program at coffee concert—freewill donations appreciated.

🪄💲 Harry Potter Trivia at Bald Man Brewing (Eagan at 7pm)
Grab your wand and compete for prizes while supporting The Open Door food pantry. $5 donation per player benefits local families.

Wednesday (12/15/25)

🎅🆓 Santa Visit at Broadway Bar & Pizza (Hastings at 5:30pm)
Bring the family for dinner and photos with Santa—no charge for the visit.

🎨💲 DIY Tumbler Decorating (Hastings at 6pm)
Create your own custom tumbler then stick around for piercings or permanent jewelry, light sips provided while you craft. Secure your spot.

🔁 County Road 50 Rail Cars Moving + Police Chief's $160K Exit

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