Eden Prairie Students Rush To Meet Black History Month Contest Deadline; City Maps Out Future Plans

Eden Prairie Students Rush To Meet Black History Month Contest Deadline; City Maps Out Future Plans

Eden Prairie students are getting their last chance to be part of the city's Black History Month commemorations. The deadline for the 2025 Words in Action Contest is rolling up fast, with entries accepted until Monday, Feb. 3. According to details from the city's announcement, the competition invites local students from kindergarten through twelfth grade to participate, with an opportunity to be recognized at an upcoming City Council meeting on Feb. 18. Winners will also be spotlighted on Eden Prairie's official website and social platforms, and cash prizes are to be awarded, courtesy of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation's support.

In other community initiatives, Eden Prairie department heads have laid out their plans for the next couple of years. The city's 2025-2026 work plans, aiming to stratify Eden Prairie's ambitions into tangible projects and actionable steps, were presented to staff members this past week. These outlines include timelines, partnerships, and budget considerations, ensuring that each city department knows its course heading into the future. Though routine, the process is critical in aligning staff efforts with the overarching goals of the city.

Furthermore, the legacy of Dr. Jean L. Harris, Eden Prairie's first female and Black mayor, is being honored through scholarship opportunities. Until March 12, the Eden Prairie Community Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships named after Dr. Harris. High school seniors residing or attending school in Eden Prairie and seeking post-secondary education are eligible to apply for these awards, which celebrate Dr. Harris' trailblazing contribution to the city.

The same announcement shed light on the city's snow management this winter—Eden Prairie has seen 8.25 inches of snow over eleven events, which is more than the previous year at this time. Impressively, the snow plow team has taken pride in minimizing environmental impact, with each member being Smart Salt certified through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. They are also utilizing Beet Heet, a beet juice byproduct, to decrease the quantity of chlorides needed. When it comes to snow accumulation, plow operators begin their full-scale removal operations at about 2 inches of snow, maintaining vigilance around the clock, every day of the week.

In local governance, upcoming meetings hold importance for those interested in the city's park, recreation, and natural resource discussions. The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission will convene Monday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. Plans will also be underway for the next City Council session which includes a workshop at 5:30 p.m., followed by a regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, all of which can be attended in the City Center Heritage Rooms and the Council Chambers.

SOURCE: hoodline