The ramp from westbound Highway 12 to southbound Interstate 494 is closed from 5 a.m. Thursday, July 24, until Tuesday, July 29, for a pavement rehabilitation project, according to a news release from MnDOT.

"MnDOT reminds motorists to slow down in work zones and never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones. For statewide traffic, construction and travel information visit www.511mn.org or call 511."

A free new Web service was unveiled today by Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to make it easier for all military personnel and Minnesota voters overseas to participate in elections this fall, according to a news release. The Military and Overseas Voter Service provides easy-to-follow instructions to assist eligible military and overseas voters register and request absentee ballots.

A missionary from Eden Prairie's Wooddale Church was also present for the announcement.

By Karla Wennerstrom
Former Eden Prairie Mayor and Red Wing City Council Member Gary Peterson died at home at age 71 with his family on July 11, his wife Mary said.
She turned to Red Wing Mayor Donna Dummer, who was visiting her, when asked to describe why public service was so important to her husband.
Dummer said Peterson loved Red Wing – and he loved people.
“He loved people and he had a real mission for justice and the underprivileged and the poor,” Mary continued. “He cared about everybody.”

By Marie Wittenberg
The Rev. Buck Day officiated at the celebration of Martha E. Bren’s life on Monday, July 14, 2008, at Faith Presbyterian Church.
On behalf of the family, Martha’s grandson, Jerry, gave a humorous reflection of Martha’s very full life and the many, many happy times they all experienced with her.
Joni Teschner, granddaughter of Martha, read the most appropriate scripture from Psalm 23.
Music was provided by organist and pianist Pat Wischnewski and vocalists Tim and Karen James.

The Eden Prairie News received the following letter from Julianna Anderson regarding the train at Miller Park: “I’m writing about the changes to Miller Park. Please don’t get rid of the train. You can put ramps on the train, but please don’t get rid of it.”
We asked the city of Eden Prairie’s Parks and Recreation Director, Jay Lotthammer, “What will happen to the train in Miller Park? What are the next steps in the Miller Park playground project?” His response follows:

A number of options remain open for the J.R. Cummins house, a historic Eden Prairie home just off of Pioneer Trail. And, with that same road’s reconstruction plan delayed until 2009, there remains plenty of time to settle on which one of those options is most viable.

Twenty-five years into the future, planners envision an Eden Prairie Town Center complete with shops, entertainment, restaurants and office all mixed together in a walkable, connected space.

“There’s been a lot of work since 2004 on this whole Town Center planning and it has included a lot of public input,” said Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah.

The following items occurred during the July 15 City Council meeting:

Eden Prairie may be looking into developing its own ordinance related to public assembly.

Grace Church in Eden Prairie has scheduled its 5th Annual Car Show for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, in the Grace Church parking lot. The family event is to feature a collection of vintage and contemporary automobiles and motorcycles. There will also be remote-controlled cars to entertain the kids. The event is free, and lunch will be available for purchase.
If you are interested in displaying your vintage or contemporary automobile or motorcycle at the show, register at www.atgrace.com/registrations.