Here's what's been going on in and around Belle Plaine lately, according to the Belle Plaine Herald:

- Anticipating future commercial growth, the Belle Plaine City Council this month voted to add an assistant city planner. Also, city officials "desire to woo new businesses" to town, according to the Herald.

- The Minnesota Department of Transportation would not allow traffic to cross Highway 169 at County Road 3 in Belle Plaine if it completes its plan this fall. 

- Belle Plaine test scores, as measured by the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment II, are on the rise, especially in reading.

- Bar-B-Q Days runs July 18-20 in Belle Plaine. There are: horses to be shown from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today; fire department water fights tomorrow; and fireworks at dusk on Sunday.