Good morning, South Metro!

What's inside:

We're dropping Scoop Cards and they're gonna sell out fast.

Think of it like a VIP pass for South Metro locals, exclusive deals, surprise events, and giveaways from businesses you actually care about.

We're keeping each batch small on purpose, so if you want in, don't sleep on this.

Already locked in some solid partners (announcing soon), but if you want first dibs before we go public, just email me (or reply to this email) "YES" and you're on the list. That's it.

Local business owner? Zero cost to participate. Just reach out and I'll walk you through it.

PS - If you find this newsletter valuable, please consider forwarding it to your friends. New to the South Metro Scoop? Sign-up for free.

Farmington voters approved a $1.2 million per-pupil revenue increase on Tuesday, passing 58% to 42%.

Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district voters delivered a decisive yes on Tuesday, approving a 10-year, $154.6 million capital project levy with 68% support. The funding will cover safety and security systems, digital curriculum, classroom technology upgrades, network infrastructure, and expanded computer science programs.

Lakeville Area Schools secured another decade of technology funding on Tuesday, with 69% of voters approving a $44 million capital project levy renewal. The measure generates $4.4 million annually for the next ten years, funding security systems, STEM programs, and classroom technology starting with taxes payable in 2026.

🧩 Puzzle Swap at Niche Books (Lakeville at 5pm)
🆓 Bring the puzzles you've finished, swap them for ones you haven't done, and connect with fellow puzzlers over a free evening of trading.

🎁 Holiday Sip & Shop at The Charming Lily (Apple Valley at 4pm)
🆓 Kick off the season with shopping, food, drink samples, and special deals including 20% off home decor or clothing plus a free gift with $80 purchase.

💃 Ladies Weekend at Mystic Lake (Prior Lake at 7pm)
🆓 Two full days of dance parties, Purse Bingo, giveaways, and free live entertainment—because this weekend is for the girls.

🎵 Triple Dog Dare at Babe's Hometown Bar (Lakeville at 9pm)
🆓 Friday night live music returns with guaranteed fun, dinner, drinks, dancing, and no cover charge from 9pm to 1am (21+).

🤸 Open Gym at TNT Gymnastics & Parkour (Farmington at 7pm)
💲 Try out balance beams, bars, vault, floor, and parkour equipment with coaches supervising (ages 6+, punch cards available). Purchase ticket here.

🥋 District 196 Martial Arts for Kids (Ages 5-7) (Rosemount at 11:20am)
💲 Basic martial arts meets life skills in this 30-minute class where kids learn self-control, respect, and stranger-danger awareness. Secure your spot.

🛍️ Sip & Shop at McHugh's (Savage at 11am)
🆓 Cozy fall cocktails meet local vendors at this four-hour shopping party featuring handmade goods, seasonal finds, and winter-inspired drinks.

🎨 Fall Cougar Craft Fair (Lakeville at 9am)
Free entry. Over 70 vendors take over Lakeville South with ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, and one-of-a-kind holiday gifts you won't find anywhere else.

🦌 Deer Opener Shopping at Threads & Co. (Lakeville at 10am)
🆓 Kick off deer hunting season with holiday shopping, fresh bread from Hayes Ave, toffee from Little Toffee Co, and Fairy Hair appointments from 1-3pm.

🌲 Spruce Tip Holiday Workshop at Pahl's (Apple Valley at 9am)
💲 Design your own evergreen pots in the greenhouse with complimentary snacks and beverages—perfect for entryways and holiday decorating. Reserve your spot.

🎄 Holiday Boutique and Lefse Sale (Apple Valley at 9am)
🆓 60+ vendors, delicious lefse, breakfast and lunch options, and holiday shopping that supports Grace Lutheran's music programs and Guatemala partnership.

🎵 Dust N Bones at Bogart's Entertainment Center (Apple Valley at 6pm)
💲 Two 90-minute sets of live music starting at 8pm—$10 advance tickets online or $15 at the door (21+, cash only at door). Get tickets.

✍️ Modern Calligraphy Gift Tags at Trove Brewing (Trove Brewing at 2pm)
💲 Learn pointed pen calligraphy basics and create beautiful holiday gift tags—beginner's kit and materials included in this 1.5-hour workshop. Get tickets.

❄️ Snowman Lego Event at Barnes & Noble (Eagan at 10:45am)
🆓 Build your winter wonderland with Legos at this all-ages creativity day—call or visit in-store to sign up.

🎤 Shaun Cassidy at Ames Center (Burnsville at 8pm)
💲 The teen idol returns for an evening of hits and nostalgia at Burnsville's premier performing arts venue. Get tickets.

🎄 Evergreen Holiday Pot Workshop at Ineffable Brewing (Burnsville at 12pm)
💲 Craft your own festive arrangement with spruce, cedar, pine cones, berries, and lights for $65 (includes one drink and Happy Hour specials). Reserve your spot for $65 via Venmo: Leanna-Hoffman

Planning an event? Have exciting news to share? We want to hear from you!

The South Metro Scoop is your platform to connect with neighbors and showcase what makes our community special.

Whether it's a grand opening, community gathering, or local achievement - we're here to help spread the word.

Send any event info, or media links to [email protected] or reply to this email!

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Stay tuned for our next newsletter going out every Monday & Friday morning.

— Brady Greenbush
Publisher & Editor