Shakopee Snapshot: Fall 2025

SHAKOPEE SNAPSHOT A LENS ON SHAKOPEE LIVING

FALL 2025

Jackson Commons Shakopee’s new outdoor escape

Adopt a Storm Drain Join the community effort for clean water! Paving the Way What’s next for Shakopee road projects

INSIDE: PARKS & RECREATION FALL ACTIVITIES BROCHURE PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 26

SHOW OFF SHAKOPEE PHOTO CONTEST

2025

Submit your photos to the City of Shakopee’s 2025 Show O Shakopee Photo Contest! This year’s categories are:

Uniquely Shakopee | Golden Hour | Fun in the Sun | Architecture | Budding Photographer Submit your photos at ShakopeeMN.gov/showo shakopee from September 1–30, 2025

GRAND PRIZE: $100 | CATEGORY WINNERS 5 : $50

See the full contest rules and info on the city website: ShakopeeMN.gov/showo shakopee

SHAK THE HALLS! Holiday Lights Contest Entries are open Mon., Nov. 24 through 11:59 p.m. Fri., Dec. 12 Free to enter/nominate a residence | $100 for 1st; $50 each for

2nd/3rd place | Voting will take place on Facebook Contest guidelines at ShakopeeMN.gov/shakthehalls

SHAKOPEE SNAPSHOT A LENS ON SHAKOPEE LIVING

FALL 2025

CITY NEWSLETTER Shakopee’s new outdoor escape: Farmstead Bike Park. . . . . . ....... 3 City Calendar . . . . . . . . . .......... 4 In Lehman’s Terms . . . . . . . ....... 4 Leash and Clean Up after Pets. .. 5 Seasonal Yard Waste Services. . .. 5 News & Notes . . . . . . . . . .......... 5 Ask the City. . . . . . . . . . ........... 6 Parks & Recreation. . . . . . . ....... 7 Development News. . . . . . ....... 8 Public Works. . . . . . . . ........ 9–10 Public Safety. . . . . . . . . .......... 11 Cover Photo: Farmstead Bike Park, located at the new Jackson Commons Park, has trails through the prairie landscape, a skills loop with optional features, and more advanced features like jumps and berms. The Shakopee Snapshot is produced four times a year by the City of Shakopee. Editor: Amanda Lillie Design/Layout: Deb Noble Contributing Writers: Andrew Coons, Ryan Piotraschke, Barb Kraemer, Bill Egan, Alex Jordan, Ella Lysne, Amber Cunningham, Tom Pitschneider, Stephanie Janke

Farmstead Bike Park is at 2345 Zumbro Ave., Shakopee.

Shakopee’s new outdoor escape Farmstead Bike Park has something for every rider Shakopee’s newest recreational gem, Jackson Commons Park, is taking shape on land that grew crops as recently as 2024.

Built through a partnership between the City of Shakopee and Jackson Township, the park honors its agricultural heritage with a farm-themed play ground surrounded by native prairie plantings. Jackson Commons will cater to outdoor enthusiasts with a mix of “silent sports” amenities, including an asphalt trail loop for walking and biking around the prairie and pond, and a sledding hill in the southwest corner to provide winter fun as conditions allow.

FIND US ONLINE AT: ShakopeeMN.gov

SIGN UP FOR NEWS AND UPDATES AT: ShakopeeMN.gov/subscribe

Continued on page 6

Fall 2025 3

IN LEHMAN’S TERMS A message from the Mayor of Shakopee

CITY CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 1 Labor Day: City offices and Community Center closed 13 TAP 2025: 1–5 p.m., Lewis Street Plaza, tickets required 13 Movie in the Park: 7 p.m. (dusk), Huber Park, free OCTOBER 6 Fire Department Open House: 5–7 p.m., Station #1 11 Movie in the Park: 7 p.m. (dusk), Huber Park, free 18 Fall Clean Up Day:

Hello Shakopee! What a great summer! Shakopee had so many fun events to choose from, and we have many people to thank for making them happen. As we move into fall, the leaves will start to change. The new

Mayor Matt Lehman

SMSC Dakota Prairie Composting (formerly the Organics Recycling Facility) is open at its new location and will offer free pumpkin drop-off this fall. Check out all their offerings at dakotaprairiecomposting.com . School will be back in session soon, so please watch out for kids walking, biking, or riding the bus to and from school. More broadly, let’s all follow posted traffic laws, be patient and courteous, and remember we share the roads with new student drivers, older drivers, and everyone in between—not to mention ongoing road construction. Driving safely helps prevent injuries, damage, and unnecessary costs for everyone. We're also entering the fall budget season, when the City Council sets spending and tax levels for the coming year. We're sorting through the impacts of state and federal legislation and considering how uncertainties may affect Shakopee. This year, I’m proud to say the City received awards for our innovative tax estimate tool, which is available on our website at ShakopeeMN.gov/taxreceipt . It allows property taxpayers to see how city tax dollars are spent based on estimated home values. (Note: it shows only City taxes, not those from other taxing districts.) Fiscal transparency is a top priority for the City Council and staff. Shakopee is a great place to live, and we’re thankful for all the residents and businesses who stay engaged and involved in our community. I hope to see you all out and about this fall at our fun, spooky, family-friendly events! Check out the other side of this publication for information on all our offerings. Matt Lehman Mayor of Shakopee mlehman@ShakopeeMN.gov

7:30–11:30 a.m., Shakopee Public Works parking lot 25 Jack-o-Lantern 5K & Kids’ Pumpkin Run: 9 a.m., registration required 25 Spooky Family Fun: 4–7 p.m., Huber Park, free, no registration required 28 Spooky Swim: 5–8 p.m.,

Community Center, registration required NOVEMBER 10 Veterans Day: City offices closed, Community Center remains open 27 Thanksgiving: City offices and Community Center closed 28 Day After Thanksgiving: City offices closed, Community Center remains open DECEMBER 2 City Budget Hearing: 7 p.m., City Hall

Find the latest city calendar at ShakopeeMN.gov/calendar .

CONTACT US MAYOR Matt Lehman . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. mlehman@ShakopeeMN.gov COUNCIL MEMBERS Angelica Contreras. . . . . . . . . ......... acontreras@ShakopeeMN.gov Jim DuLaney. . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. jdulaney@ShakopeeMN.gov Jesse Lara. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................. jlara@ShakopeeMN.gov Jay Whiting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................... jaywhtng@aol.com

CITY ADMINISTRATOR William Reynolds. . . . . . . . . . . .......... breynolds@ShakopeeMN.gov CITY HALL 485 Gorman St., Shakopee, MN 55379 Phone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................ 952-233-9300 TTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......................... 952-233-3837 Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. administration@ShakopeeMN.gov Website. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... ShakopeeMN.gov

4 Shakopee Snapshot

Friendly reminder: Leash and clean up after pets

Seasonal yard waste services offered by the City’s garbage hauler, Dick’s Sanitation (DSI), will end in mid-November, weather permitting. City of Shakopee residents have the option of paying an additional fee for DSI’s seasonal yard waste service from mid-April to mid November. For those who don’t use the sea sonal service, on-call yard waste service is also available until November for a small fee per compostable bag up to five bags per week. DSI also offers Christmas tree removal during the first two full weeks of January. Christmas tree removal is not included in the seasonal Per City ordinance, all dogs must be leashed and under control at all times unless they are on the owner’s property or within the City’s desig nated off-leash dog park. A dog is considered “at large”if it is off the owner’s property and not restrained by a leash no longer than 10 feet. As more residents enjoy our parks, trails, and open spaces, the City has seen a growing rise in pets running off-leash and owners not pick ing up after animals, particularly in ballfields, parks, and along sidewalks.

yard waste base rate. Residents must call DSI at 952-469-2239 or email Shakopee@dickssani tation.com one day prior to their regular ser vice day to schedule a tree to be picked up. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Dakota Prairie Composting site has offseason drop-off services as well. More information can be found at dakotaprairiecomposting.com . To stay up to date on service updates, holi day schedules, billing and more, download the Dick’s Sanitation app in the Google Play store or App Store. Owners are also required to immediately clean up after their dogs and must carry a bag or cleanup device at all times while walk ing them. Leaving waste behind in public spaces is not only inconsiderate—it creates a health hazard for the entire community. Additionally, all dogs over 6 months of age must be licensed with the City. Licenses are $25 per calendar year or $125 for a lifetime license. Visit ShakopeeMN.gov for more information.

How Can I Help You? Meet Nick Bengtson, a Patrol Sergeant for the Shakopee Police Department. Q: What do you do for the City? A: I respond to major calls, but I’m also involved in planning, reporting, and making personnel decisions. I’m not always behind a desk, which keeps things interesting. We are on a rotating schedule, and currently, I work the 4 p.m.–3 a.m. shift. Q: What do you enjoy about working for the City? A: One thing I really enjoy about working for the City of Shakopee is our culture. It is rare, in my experience, to find a place where people generally support each other and work together as a team. The City has pride in serving and working with the community, which adds to the positive culture. Everyone from leadership to the frontline staff seems committed to getting the job done and doing it the right way. Q: What’s the best part of your job? A: One of the best parts of being a sergeant is the variety the role offers. It’s rewarding to see team members grow, build confidence, and succeed—whether it’s solving a case, de-escalating a tough situation, or simply working well together. Every day brings something new, and I still get to be out in the community, connecting with people and being part of meaningful events like Picnic with Police, Shop with a Cop, and Night to Unite. It’s a challenging role, but each day is incredibly rewarding.

Seasonal yard waste service ending in November

Visit dickssanitation.com for more information on services from the City’s licensed garbage hauler, DSI.

NEWS & NOTES

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS! Submit your photos to the 2025 Show Off Shakopee photo contest from Sept. 1–30 to win cash prizes. The grand prize winner will receive $100, and each category winner will receive $50. This year’s categories are: Uniquely Shakopee

NEW EMPLOYEES JOIN CITY STAFF Join us in welcoming these new employees to the City of Shakopee: ■ Aaron Kranz , Community Service Officer

■ Joe Shimota , Maintenance Operator (Streets) ■ Scott Schmidt , Facilities Maintenance Worker

Golden Hour Architecture Budding Photographer (open subject, age 17 and under)

Visit ShakopeeMN.gov/showoffshakopee to read the submission guidelines and enter your photos. We can’t wait to see your vision!

Fall 2025 5

Continued from page 3

A major highlight is the Farmstead Bike Park, designed as a signature destination for riders of all skill levels. Features include: ■ Multi-Use Trails: A winding, two-way singletrack-style path through the prairie landscape. ■ Skills Loop: A granite-surfaced track with rollers and optional features for ■ Bike Park Trails: Progressive downhill runs with earthen rollers, berms, and man-made jumps. Trail armor surfaces reduce erosion and improve durability. The City asks visitors to avoid riding trails when wet or muddy to prevent damage, especially after heavy rains. The farm-themed playground is expected to be completed by the end of summer. The bike park will be open as trail conditions allow. beginning riders, plus a bike repair station with tools and an air pump.

The new bike park offers features like jumps and berms for advanced riders.

Some of the bike trails offer a rolling view of the prairie landscape.

An aerial shot of Jackson Commons Park shows the farm-inspired playground and the bike skills course in the background.

#AsktheCity

SHAKOPEE’S NEW CITY WEBSITE

Earlier this year, the City of Shakopee launched a new and improved website! The project was undertaken to improve the user experience of the site, bring the site into compliance with ADA standards, and provide new ways to present information about services offered by the City. Q: WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON ROAD AND PARK PROJECTS?

Q: WHAT’S NEW ON THE WEBSITE? A: The new website features an updated design, with more visuals and a streamlined page structure. Departments such as the Fire Depart ment and Police Department now have dedicated home pages that provide easy access to public safety information. An enhanced search function helps navigate the website and find information quickly. Q: WHAT NEW ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES DOES THE WEBSITE HAVE? A: A major goal of the website update was to increase compliance with ADA standards. Because of this, there are several new exciting accessibility features, including enhanced translation options, inter active maps, and improved overall functionality for accessibility.

A: Details about road and park projects have moved to our sister-site, engage.ShakopeeMN.gov. This companion website allows for more information, forms, and media to be shared on each project. These project pages are linked from the main Shakopee website, as well, so everything remains easily available. Q: WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WEBSITE? A: For questions, feedback, or concerns about the website, please reach out to Communications Manager Amanda Lillie at alillie@ShakopeeMN.gov . We hope you enjoy the updated and streamlined new website experi ence. Visit ShakopeeMN.gov today!

* Please note, it takes time for Google to index new web pages. For the next little while, Google, Bing, and other search engines may return pages from the old site with a 404 error. This is an anticipated side effect and will resolve itself over time as the new pages are indexed on search enginees..

6 Shakopee Snapshot

PARKS & RECREATION

New cardio equipment coming to Community Center Facility will close Aug. 30–Sept. 7 for updates, cleaning

The new equipment is designed to challenge and inspire you as you take your fitness to the next level. Here’s what you can look forward to: ■ 12 treadmills ■ 12 elliptical trainers ■ 2 seated elliptical trainers ■ 1 recumbent bike ■ 2 upright bikes ■ 2 rowers ■ 2 climbmills ■ 3 NuSteps In addition, we’re also introducing brand-new cycle bikes in our cycle studio. Whether you’re riding solo or bringing friends and family along, we can’t wait for you to experience the upgrade.

The Community Center will be closed from Aug. 30–Sept. 7 as we wel come a full set of brand-new cardio fitness equipment. During the building closure, we will be working diligently to remove the old equipment, deep-clean the fitness and aquatics areas, refinish the fitness studio and gymnasium flooring, and install the new equip ment so our facility will be fresh and inviting when we welcome you back on Sept. 8. The Community Center is committed to providing a motivating, accessi ble, and welcoming environment for everyone who visits, whether you’re here to exercise, swim, entertain your kids, or just enjoy community.

One week of progress, free! Explore everything the Community Center has to offer

From fitness equipment and water slides to an indoor playground and active older adults lounge, the Sha kopee Community Center has some thing for everyone.

For questions about the membership trial, contact the Shakopee Community Center at 952-233-9500.

From Sept. 9–Dec. 31, 2025, redeem one free week of Community Center membership, valid to anyone who has not been a member in the last six months.

This free trial does not lock you into a membership, but if you choose to become a member at the end of the week, we will waive initial fees on monthly memberships and give 15% off of annual memberships. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toes in or just check out our facility, this is a great opportunity—risk and cost-free. See you later this year!

Check out the new equipment on your own or take one of our popular classes!

Plan for your golden years at the Senior Expo

The Scott County 55+ Expo is a great way for those who are ages 55 and over to experience a day full of access to vendors, health screen ings, prizes, and more. This year’s expo will be hosted on Friday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jordan High School, 600 Sunset Drive in Jordan. Admission costs $17 and allows access to breakfast and lunch, vendors, prize draw ings, health screenings, and some amazing entertainment. Entertainment for this event includes The Holy Rocka Rollaz, a band that will take you on a trip back to the fantastic 50’s, a car show and two learning sessions about scam safety and organization. Registration for this event closes on Oct. 3. For more information or to register online, visit bit.ly/44CtGL8 . Questions can be directed to Jordan Community Ed & Rec at 952-492-4354 or cbahn@isd717.org .

Hear from vendors and take advantage of health screenings at this year’s expo.

Fall 2025 7

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Sip and stroll in Shakopee’s new social district Social District opening in September

Shakopee’s Social District is opening in Sep tember for sipping and strolling through two of the community’s most bustling neighbor hoods: Downtown and Canterbury Commons. The Social District will allow adults 21 and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from licensed, participating businesses and enjoy them outdoors within designated public areas. The new district will provide community members with a unique way to support local businesses, enjoy community events, and make the most of our public spaces. Retail establishments located in the district will have signage on their storefront indicating whether or not they allow outside beverages. The Downtown Section of the Social District includes the area bordered by First Avenue, Spencer Street, Atwood Street, and the Sec ond Street railroad tracks, including the Lewis Street parking lot. The Canterbury Commons Section includes the area bordered by Unbridled Avenue, Shenan doah Drive, Winner’s Circle Drive, and Can terbury Road. Both areas will be marked with clear signage, and there is an interactive map online at Sha kopeeMN.gov/socialdistrict for a more gran ular view of the designated areas. After this inaugural opening, the Social Dis trict will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

between May 1 and October 31 each year, and during the first full weekend of Decem ber. Beverages must be served by licensed businesses in City-approved containers fea turing the business name and the official Social District logo and must stay within the designated boundaries. The City of Shakopee is committed to manag ing the district with safety and cleanliness in mind. A City-led maintenance and operations

plan will ensure the district is a safe, welcoming, and well-marked space for everyone to enjoy. For updates, maps, and licensing information, visit ShakopeeMN.gov/socialdistrict or con tact the City Clerk’s Office at 952-233-9300.

Visit ShakopeeMN.gov/socialdistrict to view an interactive map of the social district boundaries.

‘What’s going there?’ BLUFF VIEW DEVELOPMENT The City Council approved a final plat for Bluff View development, which will be located west of Zumbro Avenue and north of LaTour Ave nue (near the Shakopee Public Utilities water tower in the Windermere neighborhood). The first phase of the project will develop 132 lots on 47 acres. One requirement of

the development is that it must provide a minimum of 15% open space by way of landscaped areas or spaces available for public use. The City anticipates these open space areas will be located adjacent to the bluff, which has been identified as a future park and trail corridor.

Bluff View Final Plat

Want to keep up on what’s being built around Shakopee? Check out our interactive map of current developments, from parks and residential homes to retail and commercial developments. Visit ShakopeeMN.gov/currentdevelopment .

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Bluff View Final Plat

8 Shakopee Snapshot

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PUBLIC WORKS

Construction, closures coming to Marystown Road in 2025 Expect closures starting this fall Construction on Marystown Road/Adams Street from 17th Avenue to Vierling Drive is beginning in late August 2025 and will involve road closures and detours. by a four-way stop, and a roundabout on Marystown Road at the north bound entrance to Highway 169.

In addition to the road improvements, off-street trails and lighting will be constructed along both sides of the road. The existing bridge will be retrofitted with trails that are separated from vehicle traffic by raised barriers. The City was successful in receiving $3.7 million in federal grant funds and $1.4 million in state grant funds for the improvements, reducing the impact to the City’s property tax levy. Construction for the project in its entirety is expected to be complete by the start of the 2026-27 school year in September 2026. Detour routes will be posted with signs providing access throughout con struction, and access to all businesses and parks will remain open. To follow along with the project and to subscribe to receive updates, please visit marystownroad.com .

Phase One of the project includes constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Marystown Road and the southbound Highway 169 ramp, which is also the intersection allowing for access to Tahpah Park. During the closure, traffic will be detoured along Vierling Drive, Fuller Street, County Road 69, and 17th Avenue. Because the intersection will be closed while the roundabout is built, the City will create a temporary entrance to Tahpah Park via the park ing lot off Vierling Drive by building a road that connects the main Tahpah parking lot to the Vierling Drive parking lot. Once winter sets in this year, construction will be suspended and the road will reopen. Phase Two of the project will begin in spring of 2026. Phase Two will include the construction of a roundabout at the inter section of Vierling Drive and Adams Street, which is currently controlled

Drop off unwanted items, trash at Clean Up Day Save the date for Saturday, Oct. 18 This fall is the perfect time to clean out your basement, closets, and garage for Shakopee’s Annual Fall Clean Up Day.

A list of accepted items and pricing is available at ShakopeeMN.gov/ cleanupday . Clean Up Day is available for residents of Shakopee, Jackson Township, and Louisville Township (IDs required). Questions can be directed to the Public Works Department at 952-233-9550 or publicworks@Sha kopeeMN.gov . Additional information about alternative disposal options is available at ShakopeeMN.gov/garbageandrecycling . WHERE DOES SHAKOPEE STORMWATER GO? Stormwater in the City of Shakopee ultimately flows to the Minnesota River. On the journey, stormwater passes through ponds, wetlands, lakes, and streams. Local waterbodies that receive Shakopee’s storm water are Deans Lake, Eagle Creek, and Lake O’Dowd. These are spe cial ecosystems deserving of protection from pollution. HOW CAN I SIGN UP TO HELP? Adopting a drain makes a large impact on the environment and is a fun, family friendly volunteer activity. The process of adopting a drain is simple: visit the Adopt-a-Drain website at Adopt-A-Drain.org, pick your drain, give it a fun name, clean your drain when needed, and record how much debris you pick up.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, bring your unwanted items to a convenient drop off location behind the Public Works Building, 400 Gorman St., where you can safely dispose your items. Residents can drop off their items between 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. This is a first-come, first-served event. The line to enter may be cut off prior to 11:30 p.m. to ensure vehicles in line are already processed.

Help keep Shakopee water clean, adopt a drain!

Did you know that the water in the storm drains on City streets flows to natural areas like lakes, rivers, and wetlands? The Adopt-a-Drain volunteer program is a Minnesota based campaign to help prevent pollution from entering local waterbodies via storm drains. Adopt-a-Drain was developed in 2014 in the City of Saint Paul with the Hamline University Center for Global Environmental Education and the Capitol Region Watershed District. Over 70 cities in Minnesota already participate in the program, as well as countless others nationwide. Start ing this summer, the City of Shakopee is one of the newest partners. Contrary to popular belief, the water that flows down the storm drains is not always treated before being released into the natural environ ment. Grease, pet waste, trash, grass clippings, and dirt are common pollutants that cause issues to waterbodies downstream when they are washed down the storm drain. Even small amounts of grass clippings, pet waste, fertilizer, and leaf litter can release phosphorous and cause harmful algal blooms to grow. Large algae mats, as well as built up debris in the sediment of waterways, pre vents oxygen flow to native plants, negatively impacting the entire eco system. Routine drain cleanings can have a dramatic impact on reducing ecological stress, especially when many community members join in!

The first 100 residents to sign up in the City of Shakopee will receive welcome packet with a ard sign personalized to your watershed location. Join us protecting waterways in the City of Shakopee and beyond!

Scan the code to sign up!

Fall 2025 9

PUBLIC WORKS

From milking cows to being a Public Works ‘MacGyver’

Keith Weckman reflects on 32 years with the City

as a kid growing up on our dairy farm, so moving to Parks and getting to work out side was nice. What’s changed the most since you started? Weckman: You know

Parks Maintenance Operator Keith Weck man began his career with Public Works in April 1993, when Shakopee’s population was just around 12,000. Since then, the City has grown to over 47,000 residents, and Weck man has been around to witness it all. A Shakopee native, Weckman was born and raised on a dairy farm just south of Shako pee High School, where the family home still stands today. Growing up, he was no stranger to hard work, spending his days milking cows. Today, Weckman is known as an excep tional craftsman, a person who can take an idea and bring it to life with skill and preci sion. Whether it’s a custom part or a com plex piece of equipment, his creations are built to last for generations. Weckman is often found in the shop fabricating parts to improve existing systems or solve problems in the field. If a part doesn’t exist or some thing can’t be found, Weckman can make it. Do you remember your first day on the job? What was it like? Weckman: I was a mechanic at a marine shop. My uncle Harry used to work for the City; he gave me a call and said, “This would be a good job for you,” so I applied. I got hired as a mechanic and did that for 24–25 years. Then, when a park position came up, I applied for that. I had never worked outside, other than

what the biggest part that has changed is? Technology! From when I started to now, it has changed so much. Now, when a vehicle comes in, you can’t do anything without a laptop or scan tool to get into that vehicle. Everything is controlled by a computer. Things have changed a lot, not just the tech nology, but the people and the town. The town has quadrupled in size since I started here. Is there a road, building, park or project you worked on that you’re proud of? Weckman: There is, the Public Works shop. I helped in the design of it. We got to help lay things out for the shop and everything when they built it. I ended up doing a bunch of work in there because we wanted our reels and our oil that sits all up on a thing there going a certain way. The way they orig inally had that was the other way, we turned them all around. I welded all those beams in. We had an old Hobart welder, I was out in the sand and

Maintenance Operator Keith Weckman works on a Shakopee fire vehicle. dirt during construction welding everything together. Who was someone early in your career that made a difference for you? Weckman: That I would give to my Uncle Harry and my wife, Kim. Harry’s the one that first told me I should apply, and Kim kept encouraging me, too. Are you glad you made that choice? Weckman: Oh yeah! You look at the days you have off and the hours. That was my biggest thing. When my kids were in sports and all that, I was out of here at 2:30 p.m. Yeah, we end up working some extra hours plowing, but that comes with the job.

A Note from Public Works Director Bill Egan Keith has been an anchor in our department for over 32 years. His tal ents shine brightest in high-pressure situations. When there’s a tough challenge and no obvious solution, Keith doesn’t just fix the problem, he creates the solution. His ingenuity and problem-solving skills have supported every division at one point or another. Simply put, he’s our very own “MacGyver.” Keith has designed and fabricated numerous tools and custom solu tions that have saved the City countless dollars over the years. One standout example is the mini-V plows used to clear sidewalks and trails in the winter—tools he built more than 20 years ago that we still rely on today.

Anyone who knows Keith won’t be surprised to hear this, but I’ve personally seen him sprinting between jobs because he cares that much about getting the job done right. I even received a note from a coach who noticed someone working on a field, going above and beyond when no one was watching. That someone, of course, was Keith. That’s just who he is. Keith, thank you for everything. You’ve set the bar high for all of us. We’re grateful for your years of service and proud to work alongside you.

10 Shakopee Snapshot

PUBLIC SAFETY

Check out free, family fun at Fire Station 1 Join us for the annual Fire Department Open House Shakopee Fire is already looking forward to this year's Annual Fire Department Open House, which will take place on Monday, Oct. 6, during Fire Prevention Week. It's a fantastic opportunity for the City’s rescue personnel to connect with community members and reinforce crucial fire safety messages. As October approaches, please take a few simple steps to protect your homes and families. Fire Prevention Week is a time for community members to test their smoke alarms and install new batteries if needed. It's incredibly important to replace smoke alarms every 10 years, as their effectiveness can decrease over time. Additionally, make sure to agree on a family meeting place away from the home in the event of a fire, and create an escape plan that works for all members of the home. These seemingly small actions can make a monumental differ ence in a fire emergency. Our firefighters can’t wait to connect with you in October for demon strations, food, and fun, all while sharing essential fire safety knowledge!

Support second chances for Shakopee residents Join us for the Walk for Recovery 5K

Get ahead of winter fire safety prep As the crisp fall air begins to settle over Shakopee, it’s time to prepare our homes for safe and efficient heating. The Shakopee Fire Department strongly advises the following for optimum fire safety:

■ Schedule an annual professional chimney inspection and cleaning. ■ Burn only dry, seasoned wood. Moist wood creates more creosote and smoke. ■ Ensure your fireplace has a sturdy metal screen to prevent sparks. ■ Dispose of ashes by placing in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and store it outdoors, away from combustibles, for at least a week. ■ Schedule a professional furnace inspection and tune-up. ■ Replace your furnace filter regularly. ■ Check and clear all vents and registers. Ensure nothing is blocking airflow from your heating vents. ■ Install and test carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. By taking these proactive steps to pre pare your chimneys and furnaces, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, ensur ing a warm and safe home for your fam ily this winter.

Beyond the essential smoke alarm checks and escape plans, paying special atten tion to your chimney and furnace is cru cial for preventing fires and ensuring your family's safety this winter. A well-maintained chimney is paramount to a safe home. Creosote, a highly flam mable byproduct of burning wood, can accumulate in your chimney flue and pose a significant fire hazard. Obstruc tions like bird nests or debris can also block the chimney, leading to dangerous smoke back-up and potential fires. When it comes to your furnace, neglect can lead to costly breakdowns, reduced efficiency, and even fire or carbon mon oxide risks.

Lace up your sneakers and take a step toward hope at the Walk for Recovery, a 5K walkathon benefit ing the Shakopee Police Department’s Recovery Assistance Program (RAP).

Scan the code to sign up!

RAP provides scholarships to help Shakopee resi dents in recovery meet the costs of sober hous ing and offers critical support during a vulnerable time to increase the chances of long-term suc cess. Your participation in the walkathon directly supports individuals committed to rebuilding their lives and maintaining sobriety. The event is planned for Saturday, Sept. 20, at Sun Path Elementary (2250 17th Ave. E.). Check-in opens at 8:15 a.m., with the walk starting promptly at 9 a.m. Whether you're walking in support of a loved one, your own journey, or to simply give back, every step makes a difference. Register today using the QR code and walk for hope, healing, and recovery in our community.

Fall 2025 11

Ready to start moving forward? GET ONE WEEK OF PROGRESS FREE! COMMUNITY CENTER MEMBERSHIPS STOP IN to SIGN UP! Try the Community Center free for one week and save! Redeem your free week anytime Sept. 9–Dec. 31, 2025 For anyone who hasn’t been a member in the past six months Become a member after and get: 15% o with annual membership OR admin fee waived on a monthly membership No pressure. Just progress. NEW CARDIO EQUIPMENT | POOL | GYMNASIUM | INDOOR PLAYGROUND

Where Innovation Meets Brewing Join us for a unique tasting event featuring over 40 breweries!

Fourth Annual

t Huber Park

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 Movie begins at dusk. Free Admission. Bring your lawn chair, blankets, and refreshments! Movie titles to be announced about two weeks prior to date.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit TAPShakopee.com

09.13.25 Downtown Shakopee, MN V.I.P. Event: 1–2 p.m. General Admission: 2–5 p.m.

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