Sun Thisweek

Steven J. Burkel, age 78, of Eagan, MN, peacefully passed away on August 27, 2026, in the comfort of his home. Born on December 26, 1947, in Mankato, MN, Steve was the beloved son of John W. and Gertrude E. Burkel. Steve will be remembered for the love and pride he had in his family, and his devoted service to his country. Throughout his life, he enjoyed downhill skiing, hunting, fishing, competition trap and skeet shooting, photography, and travelling the world with his wife and family.

Zane Bakken calls out to a herd of about 65 goats. They start walking toward him, and congregate in a large clump. Bakken grabs a large branch of buckthorn — a stubborn invasive shrub found across Minnesota — leans it over, and snaps it as goats begin munching on its leaves. He says it’s a really good indicator of how hungry the herd is getting. “Every single one would be on this branch if they were looking for food, but it seems everyone’s pretty happy with themselves,” he says.

Dr. Carly Anderson is seeking a second term on the Lakeville Area School Board this November. Anderson said in a press release she believes that we are stronger as a community when we work together to align on common goals that are focused on kids. This belief guided her first term on the board, where she said she sought community feedback as she navigated complex decisions related to school finance, balancing attendance areas, and transition of a superintendent and other district leaders.

Melissa “Mel” Joseph, a Lakeville resident since 2016 and mother of four current and former District 194 students, recently announced her candidacy for the District 194 School Board in the Nov. 3 general election, running on a commitment to putting students first. “I’m running because every family in this district deserves a board member who shows up, listens, and puts our kids first," Joseph said in a press release.

Airplane bathrooms. First of all, who designed these? Was it a team of engineers or a guy who once built a birdhouse and thought, “What if … but for adults?” You open the door and step inside and immediately understand what your carry-on bag has been going through. There is no turning around. There is no bending. There is only pivoting like a malfunctioning Roomba. And the flush button. Why is it the size of a baby aspirin? Why is it hiding?

The Steeple Center, 14375 South Robert Trail, houses the majority of the programs and events for those 55 plus offered by the Rosemount Parks and Recreation Department, 13885 S. Robert Trail. To register for a program, go online at www.rosemountmn.gov/parks. #Advanced registration required, ##Rosemount Area Arts Council event, @ appointment required, % pre-screening required Monday, Aug.

Sign up for Apple Valley Senior Center, 14601 Hayes Road, programs by contacting 952-953-2300. Events with a @ require AVS membership. Events with a % require pre-registration. Events with a # require Advanced Registration and payment. Monday, Aug. 31 - 9 a.m. Puzzles; 9:30 a.m. Int Line Dancing; 9:30 a.m. Yoga Intermediate #; 10 a.m. Morning Stretch; 11 a.m. Executive Meeting; 12 p.m. Table Tennis; 1 p.m. Stitchers; 1 p.m. Euchre Tuesday, Sept.

Gideon Pond Elementary School in Burnsville has been named a 2026 Minnesota School of Excellence by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association. This status is given to a select group of Minnesota schools that sustained a one- to two-year commitment of research and self-reflection to improve their schools, MESPA said in a news release.

To the editor: Two "Mikes" are competing to become Eagan's mayor for the next four years. I will vote for Eagan Council Member Mike Supina in November. Why? Because: Mike Supina has been actively involved on behalf of our community for many years. He listens, cares, an supports the needs and concerns of Eagan residents. He's committed to keeping our property tax levy as low as possible. He's committed to maintaining public safety that keeps residents safe.

To the editor: Everyone has a reason for their vote. Mine is simple: both of my sisters have incurable cancer, making medical research deeply important to me. When the Trump administration cut NIH funding and canceled research grants, it put cancer trials and the search for new cures at risk, including research happening in Minnesota. So when I think about this election, I ask a simple question: who will fight back? Lisa Demuth, like most Republicans, has repeatedly supported Trump and his agenda.