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Sun Patriot
New free publication focuses on Yellowstone Trail
A new monthly, free publication, “The Minnesota Arrow,” is now available in restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and other locations in communities situated along the historic Yellowstone Trail (YT) auto route, also known as Highway 212. The publication is produced by the Yellowstone Trail of Minnesota (YTMN), a state affiliate non-profit of the national Yellowstone Trail Association (YTA). Together, the organizations work to preserve and promote the history of the YT and its communities alongside initiatives to increase tourism-related activities around community arts, culture and...
Work before play
Carver County Parks is celebrating the start of reconstruction on its playground at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park. Agencies involved in the project participated in a groundbreaking event on Tuesday, July 16. Among the participants: Carver County commissioners, Metropolitan Council, SRF Consulting, Blackstone Construction and Carver County Parks & Recreation Department. The current aging playground will be closed beginning in August. The new playground is expected to be complete by late fall of this year. (Photos courtesy Carver County Parks)
Waconia council ponders east-side growth plans
What will it take to develop new sections of Waconia to the east? The Waconia City Council heard a first feasibility report on that at a work session on Monday, July 15. The study was commissioned last fall as development interest grows around two properties. One property is what is known as the Kirsch site, the other the Falk-Saltire site. Together they represent some 3,400 acres of developable land east...
Waconia food shelf open through construction
As the Cologne food shelf gets ready for a move, the transition of the Watertown food shelf to a Gather and Grow facility is going well, according to Angie Cruzen, the Waconia food shelf’s executive director. Gather and Grow has secured $10,000 in grant funds it will be using to update and expand the Watertown food shelf space, introduce new shopping models, and promote service to the area, she said. The upgrades are targeted for early fall of this year. ...
Cologne food shelf to move downtown
The Cologne food shelf marked its first anniversary this month with a pancake breakfast/food drive served by the Cologne Lions, and is already slated to move to a new location next month. The food shelf was established in Cologne last July by the Chaska organization Bountiful Basket to bring more food resource options to the Cologne area and western portions of Carver County, according to Patti Sinykin, executive director. Bountiful...
Commissioners mull cannabis rules for Carver County
Ever since Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize recreational cannabis in 2023, the process has been one of fits and starts, reviews and moratoriums, and more questions than answers. First it was use in public spaces, now it is licensing and zoning requirements for cannabis growing, cultivation, manufacturing, and retail sales. Locally, cannabis has been the conversation at Carver County board work sessions and meetings, township meetings, and lately a public hearing on Tuesday, July 16, that will carry over now to Aug. 6. ...
Bogeys and business
A golf score in the 80s isn’t bad. Neither was the decade. The Waconia Chamber of Commerce went back to the 1980s with its 2024 golf scramble on Monday, July 15, at Island View Golf Club. The annual event to showcase, support and strengthen the local business community included not only golf, but a best dressed contest, other games, prizes, food, and drink. The 2024 golf winners were: 1st place - Jeff Schulz Team-RE/MAX, Ameriprise Financial Harris Wealth Partners; 2nd place - Transport Security; 3rd place - Mackenthun’s Fine Foods & Eveslage American Family Insurance. Best dressed to the “Rewind to the 1980s” event theme were the “Golden Girls” from Ridgeview and Waconia Brewing Company with their throwback outfits – big hair, big phone and big music. (Photos for the Waconia Chamber of Commerce by Jamie Joos Photography)
NYA woman vies for Aquatennial Queen title
The Minneapolis Aquatennial Ambassador Organization (AAO) announced that Josie Beneke of Norwood Young America participated in the Queen of the Lakes candidate program held July 22-28. This year, 46 candidates will be participating in the program. One young woman is chosen to be the Queen of the Lakes, and two women are chosen as princesses. The selection team considers a variety of criteria including: professionalism, public speaking ability, current and...
Getting into the old time swing
An 1860s baseball game returns early next month for the fourth year at the Historic Andrew Peterson Farmstead. The date is Saturday, Aug. 3, from 1-3 p.m. at the farm located at 8060 Highway 5, Waconia. Bring your own chairs and blankets for this field game with seating located in the grass around the edge of the field. Parking will be in the grassy areas along side of the driveway off Highway 5 as indicated by the metal road sign. Bathrooms will be located at the top of the hill near the barn. Admission is free, so bring all your friends and family. Snacks including peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jacks and ice-cold beverages will be sold at the game by the Carver County Historical Society, joined by food truck Tacos Los Cuatro Carnales. Cash only please for CCHS concessions. Proceeds support the Historic Andrew Peterson Farmstead. Donations are gladly accepted. (Patriot file photos)
Farmers flooded with challenges after bouts of wet weather
Last year about this time, the agricultural community was agonizing over what kind of impact the persistent drought would have on farm fields and crop production. This year it’s a moisture concern – too much of it from heavy rains – more than 15 inches of rain in May, June and part of July that put fields underwater for long periods of time. The rain has let up some for...
Ridgeview golf event raises more than $1M for foundation
The Ridgeview Foundation revamped its popular Golf & Taste Celebration this year, turning the popular fundraising event to two days and raising more than $1 million to benefit local health care. With the new, two-day event, nearly 1,000 community members gathered at Sovereign Estate on Sunday, June 23 for food and beverage samplings from area restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries. Attendees danced to the tunes of an ABBA/Elton John Tribute Band, which was part of the Sovereign Vintage Concert Series. Fundraising continued throughout the event...
Capitol end to Big Black's season
The Waconia Marching Band closed out their 2024 season July 4 with a toasty performance at the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The marching band also performed at Six Flags America and toured the nation’s capital, including the National Mall, many memorials, the Smithsonian Museums and the White House. All in all, a capital end to the season. “We are so proud of our amazing students and their ability to represent Waconia everywhere we travel,” said Director Nick Hansberry. (Photos courtesy of Waconia Marching Band Facebook page)
Waconia reunion turns into family hoedown
It was three-generation family music making at the Gothmann family reunion June 30 at the Waconia American Legion. The reunion was planned, the music was a surprise to the 50 family members in attendance. Rosie (Gothmann) Ratigan grew up in Waconia and now lives in Lander, Wyo., where she plays in a six- person ukulele band. Uke Can Too performs at nursing homes and volunteers at community events. When she...
Commissioners talk insurance, trails, settlements
Yes, at least Carver County premiums for employee medical insurance coverage. After steady increases over the past several years, the county will actually see a reduction in premiums when its current multiyear health plan agreement with HealthPartners expires at the end of the year. Employee relations and benefits representatives shared that news at a county board meeting on Tuesday, July 9, and commissioners took action to approve new agreements covering 2025-2026 for fully insured group health insurance and 2025-2027 for self-funded group dental insurance. ...
Rails to Trails brings summer fun to Watertown
Rails to Trails, Watertown’s main event of the summer, is back for its 32nd year. The annual festival celebrates the city’s heritage, history, and community. The free event, coordinated by the Watertown Lions Club, the city, and many other community organizations, kicks off on Monday, July 22, with the hunt for the Golden Spike. The railroad spike is hidden on public property within the city limits, and clues will be posted each morning at 9 a.m. on the Rails to Trails website, Facebook page, and...
Cologne’s Glad Days to sprout for 23rd year
Just like the flower that comes up each year, Glad Days is coming up in Cologne this week, July 25-28, for its 23rd year. Glad Days started as a way to recognize the history of the Gladiolus flower that that was bred by the Lins family of Cologne who were recognized nationally with awards for their work, also to celebrate community and encourage residents to plant flowers, spruce up their yards, take pride in the community and make it more attractive. ...
Waconia council appoints Coleman to vacant seat
Jacob Coleman has been appointed to fill the council seat vacated by Steve Yetzer at the end of June. Coleman, state director for the policy group Americans for Prosperity and a former Chanhassen firefighter, was selected following interviews July 10 among 10 applicants for the position. He was sworn in at the July 15 city council meeting. Coleman said he was motivated to public service through his work and as...
NYA industrial park expansion offers businesses many options
Norwood Young America conducted a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, June 25 on Tacoma Office West Industrial Park Phase 2. That’s a 61-acre shovel ready site located at the southwest corner of Highway 212 and Tacoma Avenue south of the current industrial park. The park has provided opportunities for new and existing businesses to expand and bring industry and jobs to Norwood Young America, according to Karen Hallquist, NYA community and economic development director. Phase 2 includes custom lots available at 2-acre minimum attractive for light industrial uses and benefits from railroad access. Among permitted uses are manufacturing, warehousing, office complexes, contractor operations, wholesale trade and showrooms, labs, garden and landscaping services, vocational and technical schools, and retail. Conditional uses include auto repair, mini storage, and veterinary clinic/animal care. Hallquist is available at 952-467-1810 or email economicdev@cityofnya.com to share more details about the expanded Tacoma West Industrial Park.
ISD 110, union reach tentative agreement
Waconia teachers could be working under a new contract just about the time the new school year begins. ISD 110 and the Waconia Education Association reached a tentative contract agreement at a June 17 meditation session after being in negotiations for over a year. Contract details were shared with the full teacher membership in person on July 11 and a vote on the contract is anticipated Aug. 21 during the first teacher workshops for the upcoming school year. Association bylaws do not allow for contract...
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Sun Patriot is comprised of Waconia Patriot and News & Times newspapers and serves the Cologne, Mayer, New Germany, Norwood Young America, Watertown and Waconia communities. Published Thursdays by APG of East Central Minnesota dating back to 1889. 24/7 local coverage found online at www.sunpatriot.com
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