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:

He hopes to use the film to raise money for orphans in Uganda

By Forrest Adams

Orphans in Africa are the subject line of countless fundraisers, the images of many infomercials, the topics of many church missions. Alex Fournier, 30, of Eden Prairie decided to take a few steps further.

The former Chanhassen resident went to Uganda and experienced it himself. During several trips over one-and-a-half-year time period, he wrote a story and filmed a full-length feature film starring the orphans themselves.

By Mollee Francisco

We visit Garden No. 2 on the Eden Prairie Lioness Club's annual Garden Tour, Sunday, July 20, in this video:

Sidney Markie of Shakopee died early Tuesday morning in a Miami hospital nearly five months after receiving a multi-organ transplant that was considered the only option for her to live beyond age 3.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher W. Breit has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.