Chaska and Carver 2021-2022
YOUNG AND OLD FIND
ROOTS IN CHASKA 70 MILES OF
LOCAL TRAILS TEACHERS RISE TO THE OCCASION
CHASKA HERA LD CHASKAHERALD.COM
Jan Rome and Emily Rome Welter
Sarah Polovitz, Kathy Rauth and Al Anderson
Randy and Melodee Brooks
Beth and Matt Jones
Sandy Carlson
Kelsey Riesgraf and Sue Busch
Missy Vilett
Kristine Jones
Erin Nydahl and Mary Pat Nydahl
Mary Beth Burgstahler
Nancy Arneson
Jay Staats
Josh Ives
Ryan Rischmiller
Cindy Bramwell
Randa Hahn
Kristen Nicholson
Darin Brooks
Joe Mayo
Tessa Juliar
Brie Piller & Amy Labo
Mike Meyer
Pat Lauria
Dave Hopkins
Megan Carlsen
Janet Otto
Sherry Beverley
Greg Butler
Micah Van Veldhuizen
John Kellogg
Jesalyn Desjarlais
Angie Degel
Brian Donnell
Tony Lund
Corbin Kenneth
Drew Carlson
Jenny Nyen
Sarah Kahn
Phil Holm Sales Manager
Barb Edeskuty Office Administrator
Sue Larson Loan Officer
Becky Radcliff Title Closing Manager
Tony Torres Insurance Agent
Bob Wingert
21 Edina Realty Chanhassen Office • www.edinarealty.com
EDINA REALTY - EDINA REALTY MORTGAGE - EDINA REALTY TITLE 2
chaskaherald.com | 2021-2022
Chaska and city of Carver features
listings
ATTRACTIONS
8
From clayholes to lakes
Scenic reminders of Chaska brick history
18
TRANSPORTATION
12
Keeping residents rolling
25
Roadwork serves growing population
EDUCATION
16
Rise to the occasion
27
Teachers, school staff step up
GOVERNMENT
23 on the cover Cover Photo by Mark W. Olson City Square Park, in downtown Chaska, pictured in spring.
A community that cares
28
Chaska makes connections
2021 - 2022 Discover Guide Publisher: Laurie Hartmann \ Regional Editor: Mark W. Olson Editorial Content: Amy Felegy, Audrey Kennedy Cover Design: Carrie Rood \ Advertising: Samuel Schmitt, Erin Troxel Special thanks to the City of Chaska, City of Carver, Chaska Historical Society, Carver County and Eastern Carver County Schools for their contributions. Every effort has been made to provide an accurate directory, but if errors have occurred please let us know about them. Published by Chaska Herald, 123 W. Second St., Chaska MN 55318. Copyright 2021-2022. Printed in the USA. For additional information or to submit corrections, call 952-445-3333 or send an email to editor@chaskaherald.com.
2021 - 2022 | chaskaherald.com
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SNAPSHOT POPULATION
HOUSING
9,290
2017
2018
2019
26,561
26,765
26,989
Housing units, 2010
71%
Home ownership rate, 2015 - 2019
86.1%
Living in same house 1 year or more
2.66
Persons per household
$266,200
Median value of owneroccupied homes, 2015 - 2019
13.1%
5 years and under = 1,500
increase from April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2019
$85,143
Median household income, 2015 - 2019
WORK TRAVEL TIME
93.7%
Mean travel time to work
2015- 2019
46.1%
Bachelor’s Degree or higher, 25+
2015- 2019
4
7.4%
Foreign born Between 2015 and 2019
EDUCATION
High School Graduate or higher, 25+
chaskaherald.com | 2021-2022
27.7%
Between 18 and 64 years 62.5% 65 years and older
9.8%
POPULATION BREAKDOWN
$42,761
Per capita income in past 12 months, 2019 dollars
Under 18 years
6.8%
workers age 16+ 2015- 2019
White
80.6
Hispanic or Latino
9.2%
Asian
3.4%
Black or African American 3.4% Two or more races
3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
.4%
VETERANS
1,400 2015 - 2019
25.1 minutes
Source: census.gov/quickfacts
WELCOME
This is my
City Square Park in downtown Chaska serves as a central community gathering space any season of the year. PHOTO BY AMY FELEGY
HOME Young and old find roots in Chaska
A
h, band concerts in the park. It’s one of the many things people love about living in Chaska — both these days and back in, say, 1950. Then, Saturday night came to City Square Park downtown in the form of all sorts of
music, mainly the local concert band. Popcorn machines would be set up. People would come in droves from neighboring cities. Action was, and is, everywhere throughout the city. “Just unbelievable,” says Jerry Lubansky, who has lived in Chaska all 84 years of his life. “Everything was in City Square Park. That was the heart of downtown Chaska.” Luba nsky sti l l d rives through Chaska on a daily basis, stopping at the Chaska
Historical Society to volunteer. There, he remembers the city’s foundations like its sugar factory, clayholes once used to mine clay, and “Chaska brick” — a cream-colored clay-based material distinctive to buildings around the city and state. “This is my home,” he says. And it continues to be just that for neighbors like Anoop Kumar. For the past four-anda-half years, his family, too, has enjoyed live music from the gazebo during the summers and seeking out every-
thing Chaska has to offer. “We tend to go out as much as possible,” the 32-year-old says. “We try to explore a lot.” It’s easy to do with all the 170-year-old city has to offer, spanning from its Minnesota River views to Chaska Town Course golfing and everything in-between. Downtown, people can check out events at Firemen’s Park or the Event Center, like ice sculpture-gazing or checking out a curling game while sipping on something at Crooked 2021 - 2022 | chaskaherald.com
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WELCOME
“We tend to go out as much as possible,” the 32-year-old says. “We try to explore a lot.” Anoop Kumar Chaska resident
FILE PHOTOS BY AMY FELEGY
Bicyclists ride along the Minnesota Valley Trail in Chaska. Pint Ale House, all newer additions to the city. Farther north, another business district awaits with big box retailers like Target and Home Depot. Dotting the city are other notables like the widely-recognized Hazeltine National Golf Club and Schram Haus Brewery, established in 2019 and the city’s first brewery in over 60 years. An avid bicyclist, Kumar seems to discover new trails within the city’s 70-mile network each summer, perhaps leading to a farmers market or malt shop. Checking out his favorite Mexican bakery or stopping in for a workout at the newly-renovated Chaska Community Center also tops his list. Kumar’s family moved from Edina looking to move from renting to owning. It seemed
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People gather at Firemen’s Clayhole for the annual ice fishing contest in 2020. like Chaska had it all: a quiet suburban feel, a well-reviewed school district he’ll send his
toddler to someday, and “a very good mix of people” like the neighbors he socializes with.
It can all be boiled down to one word, Kumar says: “Perfect.”
WELCOME
FILE PHOTO BY AMY FELEGY
A group practices at the Chaska Curling Center, which opened in 2015 and brings in people from around the world.
COMPASSIONATE HEALTH CARE. To learn more, visit ridgeviewmedical.org.
In the midst of the unique challenges of the
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2021 - 2022 | chaskaherald.com
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ATTRACTIONS
clayholes From
to lakes
Scenic reminders of Chaska brick history
W
hen most people t h i n k of lakes, images of speedboats or glistening blue water might ensue. Gazing at Courthouse Lake, Firemen’s Clayhole and Brickyard Clayhole might bring about a different image after learning about their histories. “Most people just think of them as lakes. They don’t think of them as the remnants of this huge industry that was here in Chaska,” says Chaska Historical Society President Lisa Oberski.
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Brickyard Clayhole, on the east side of Highway 41. That huge industry? Mining clay for brick. For about 100 years, Chaska’s booming brick industry brought brickyards to the city — as many
as 10 at one time. Massive clay deposits formed and made way for the flourishing trade. Its roots are surprisingly casual.
“It was almost like a fly-bynight sort of industry,” Oberski says. “Someone would start digging in their yard and start a brickmaking company, and it would close down after a short period of time.” At its high point, Oberski says Chaska was the thirdlargest brick producer in the state. Workers were making 40 to 60 million bricks a year from land that used to be swamp. (For scale, Guardian Angels Catholic Church’s friary wall uses 1.3 million bricks.) “And that’s without working in the wintertime,” she says. Workers fired the clay into bricks, used in plenty of identifiable Twin Cities structures: the historic Grain Belt brewery; parts of Fort Snelling; the Minnesota State Capitol basement; miles and miles of
ATTRACTIONS
Minneapolis sewers. Chaska brick is found all around Carver County, too — and even spreading into other parts of the Midwest, Oberski says. “Oh, there are so many,” she says of buildings on the list. Bricks were sent by boat in earlier days, but when the railroad entered the picture, year-round and dependable delivery was possible. When the clayholes eventually closed down in the mid1900s, the holes would fill up with natural spring water. Lakes were born. D ow ntow n Ch a sk a’s exclayholes are the only three left in the city, Oberski says, because it’s where the most clay removal took place. But
even today, historical remnants aren’t entirely lost. A cou nty diver once fou nd a crane sitting at the bottom of Brickyard Clayhole, also known as Sun Lake, according to local legend. In modern winters, anglers will test their skills at the annual Firemen’s Park ice fishing contest. Summers let people enjoy the playground or new walking bridge next to the Curling Center. Courthouse Lake is a popular spot for trout fishing, while Brickyard Clayhole boasts its scenic views. They all serve as picturesque reminders of a tan, rectangular past.”It’s amazing,” Oberski says. “We now have three lakes from what used to be clay.”
Courthouse Lake, in downtown Chaska, is among the local lakes with a dock. FILE PHOTOS BY AMY FELEGY
Firemen’s Clayhole serves as an ice rink in |the winter. 2021 - 2022 chaskaherald.com
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ATTRACTIONS
SEEKING REFUGE
IN THE REFUGE FILE PHOTO
Visitors walk on the Long Meadow Lake Trail in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge getaway
S
unrise for many folks might entail waking up to a pot of fresh coffee and a morning crossword. But for some Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge fans, those early hours mean gotime. Refuge t rai ls open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year across its 12 units. Visitors can traverse the 40A short hike is rewarded with a beautiful overlook at the Louisville Swamp Unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. FILE PHOTO BY MARK W. OLSON
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plus miles of trails along the Minnesota River from Bloomi n g ton to Henderson, ju st southwest of Belle Plaine. The refuge is a system of federal lands set aside to preserve natural habitat. The goal is binary: to conserve wildlife along the river while letting people enjoy the outdoors not far from the cities. “You go very quickly from skyscrapers to silos. It’s just a really easy and quick way to reconnect with nature,” says Sara Blood, Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends executive director. People of all ages use the combined 14,000 acres of its sections to walk or hike, for-
“You go very quickly from skyscrapers to silos. It’s just a really easy and quick way to reconnect with nature.” Sara Blood Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends executive director age for berries or mushrooms, hunt and fish, or bicycle. Parking is free and the light rail makes for near-direct access. No permits are required. “I like to take my 6 - and 3-year-old to the Louisville
Swamp. The cranes this past fall were just spectacular,” says Pa rk Ranger Cor tney Solum. “Even the little ones could see them.” Solum also takes her children to the Old Cedar Avenue T rai l head where t hey c a n climb around or build their own ‘eagle’s nests.’ Birdwatching is another popular refuge pastime. It’s a great area to see migrating birds — 20 0 species can be sighted and 100 of those nest in the refuge. Again, something for all ages. “Millennials are starting to get into birding,” Solum says. “And it can be kind of a fun competition for families, like a
ATTRACTIONS
FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL STRASBURG
A butterfly lands on a wildflower in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. scavenger hunt of sorts.” A s for water- dwel lers, Blo om i n g t on’s B a s s L a ke Ponds are stocked with fish, making it easier for families to make a catch. Those keen on road entertainment can bike on trails through oftentimes wet conditions. Solum says it’s very different than mountain or road biking and cyclists can choose the length of their trip. Some routes are paved, helpful for people with wheelchairs or strollers. Beyond these hobbies, one of Blood’s favorite refuge pursuits is meeting people from all over the country and world. It’s just across the freeway from
Where to go Here are a few places to visit in the Minnesota River National Wildlife Refuge. More info at www.fws.gov/refuge/ Minnesota_Valley or 952-854-5900.
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Refuge Headquarters and Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3801 145th St. W., Shakopee
3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington
9898 Old Cedar Ave. S., Bloomington
the international airport, layovers lending to nature time. “People are like, ‘Hey, I got 12 hours before I jump on a plane,” Blood says.
15865 Rapids Lake Road, Carver Louisville Swamp Unit Cedar Avenue Bridge and Trailhead
But even, or perhaps especially, locals can enjoy what the refuge offers, too. “If you’ve been to the airport, if you’ve driven on 169,
you’ve been to the refuge and half the time, people don’t even realize it,” Blood says. Closed visitor centers amid the pandemic can’t stifle people’s deter mi nation to get closer to wildlife. The refuge, which requires people to wear face masks on federal lands, has seen a fivefold increase in natureseekers in the past year or so, Blood says. Folks are battling emotional fatigue after a year of COVID and civil unrest and visiting is a way to release. “One of the best and easiest ways that you can improve your mood is by spending time outside,” she says. “People are seeking refuge in the refuge.”
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters is at 3815 American Blvd. E., Bloomington. FILE PHOTO
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TRANSPORTATION
Roadwork serves growing population
A
s the fastest growi ng cou nt y i n Minnesota, Carver County roads must match the needs of the thousands of cars that fill its highways each day. As more people get back on the road, there are several construction projects in the works to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for residents and anyone passing through Carver County. Highway 212 runs from Eden Prairie through Carver, Chaska and Chanhassen; and Highway 5 goes through the center of Chanhassen and Victoria. Both are considered major corridors to the southwest metro, and 212’s expansion in 2008 has since brought countless businesses and housing developments to the county, along with expanded bus transit. But many of those roads are at or past capacity, and the county has projected significant growth in population and traffic in the next 20 years that require better infrastructure. One of the largest projects in the works is the Arboretum Area Transportation Plan, which includes Highway 5 from Victoria to Highway 41; High-
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SUBMITTED PHOTO
SouthWest Transit is the public transit agency serving Chaska, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie and Carver. way 212; Rolling Acres Road; Bavaria Road; and 82nd Street West. The county collaborated with local and statewide transportation committees to form the plan, which is in its preliminary stages. Projects include expanding Highway 5 to four lanes;
reconstructing Rolling Acres Road with improved intersections; and making roads safer for bikers and pedestrians. The plan will take place in phases and will be completed by 2040. Road upgrades and construction are necessary to keep residents safe and commerce
f lowing, explained Margaret Donahoe, executive director of the Minnesota Transportation Alliance. “These are really critical corridors for access to both Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities. The more goods can travel freely, the more that has an impact on the economy, and businesses looking to come to the area want to know if there’s a good four-lane highway nearby for transportation,” she said. “The roads really have impacts on an area’s ability to attract businesses, grow their tax base and have a good quality of life for their citizens.” After lobbying efforts from the county and Southwest Corridor Transportation Coalition in 2020, 4.5 miles of Highway 212 will also be widened to four lanes between Carver and Cologne by 2023. Though county-wide projects are in the works, cities are continuing to pursue local road projects as well, such as petitioning for more funding to repair the two-mile stretch of gravel road on 82nd Street West, said Victoria City Councilor Derek Gunderson. “Because of the pandemic, people stopped using major infrastructure on a regular basis almost overnight and began using these local roads much more. We need to make sure we’re keeping our community transportation up-to-date for
TRANSPORTATION our residents and those coming into the area,” he said. And for those looking for alternative transportation, SouthWest Transit is the public t ra nsit agency ser vi ng Chaska, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie and Carver. The buses of fer s er v ic e t o a nd f r om downtown Minneapolis, local colleges like the University of Minnesota, Best Buy headquarters and several seasonal spots, like sports stadiums and the State Fair. “Roadwork makes such a big difference on economic development and residents’ lives,” said Donahoe. “We’re continuing to work on keeping our highways safe and accessible.”
SUBMITTED IMAGE
One of the largest projects in the works is the Arboretum Area Transportation Plan, which includes Highway 5 from Victoria to Highway 41; Highway 212; Rolling Acres Road; Bavaria Road; and 82nd Street West.
Highway 212 (pictured) is being expanded to four lanes west to Cologne. FILE PHOTO
2021 - 2022 | chaskaherald.com
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HEALTH
Trailing in
FILE PHOTO BY MARK W. OLSON
Chaska 70 miles throughout town
N
o, loca l t rai ls don’t use count e r s or h ave a way to track how many people walk through each day. What they do have is garbage collection — a measure that’s doubled this past year with increased foot traffic. “We know that our parks and trails are being heavily used,” Parks and Recreation Director Marshall Grange told the newspaper last year. Outdoor spaces were among the few untouched by pandemic restrictions. Many residents are taking advantage of the fresh air (often trying not to get lost in the 70 miles of Chaska trails). That’s especially true for
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Chaska’s beloved levee trail along the Minnesota River. It links up to the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail, northeast towards Chanhassen, and leads to Carver just southwest. Out of commission for some time from a slope failure, it’s been repaired and reopened. Grange expects to see much more use in the future. “The other trails, too, that get used quite a bit are a little farther north,” he said. That includes paths along Lake Grace, Lake Jonathan, McK night Lake, and trails leading into the ravine system. Hawks Ridge Trail opened last summer, making way for local mountain bikers along
A walker takes a hike along the Minnesota River levee trail during a foggy morning in Chaska.
“It’s just beautiful. You kind of almost feel like you’re out of the city and up north.” Marshall Grange Chaska parks and recreation director
Highway 212. The four-mile trail sits at the southeast corner of Audubon Road and Pioneer Trail along 45 acres of land. There are three distinct difficulty levels. “That’s been a very popular amenity here in Chaska,” Grange said. Children can enjoy a smaller bicycle pump track at Lion’s Park, which a lot of people probably don’t know about, he said.
PROJECTS & UPGRADES The southeast section of Lake Grace comes with some changes this summer, including project near Highway 41. “That’s gonna really provide a nice connection for people in that area, for people to go east and west across Highway 41 without having to go up to the 41 and Pioneer (trail) intersec-
tion,” Grange said. In a much larger move, the city has begun developing a master plan for pedestrians a nd bicycli st s t h rou g hout Chaska. F unded by a state and county grant and driven by community input, a plan should be ready by the fall. Grange hopes it’ll help Chaska become a designated Bicycle Friendly Community, accomplished through an application to the League of American Bicyclists. People can check out plan developments and add their input online at walkbikechaska.org. “I think Chaska as a whole has phenomenal trails … It’s just beautiful. You kind of almost feel like you’re out of the city and up north,” Grange said. “It’s a great free amenity for everyone to get out and enjoy.”
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FILE PHOTO
Tim Vossberg reviews the Hawks Ridge mountain biking trail. 215 West 2nd Street Chaska, MN 55318 (952)-227-4000 www.gachaska.org
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EDUCATION
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CELI HAGA
Media Specialist Joy Ayu helps students in the Jonathan Elementary School library.
Rise to the occasion Teachers, school staff step up
T
hroughout the pa ndem ic, a few professions have been given the title “hero” — a mong them, teachers. Lisa Sayles-Adams, superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools, knows just how fitting that name is. “To see how our teachers continue to rise to the occasion has been super exciting. (It’s) heartwarming, especially being a former teacher myself,” she said. From working above-andbeyond hours to owning the word flexibility, Sayles-Adams has one word to describe gratitude for her staff through the
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pandemic: endless. “It just doesn’t stop, so I’m very appreciative of all their efforts,” she said. Perhaps the most obvious change to education was the switch to virtual and hybrid learning. How do you connect to students through a screen? How do you balance students both at home and in the classroom? In District 112, staff stepped up to answer. “Our teachers have become master ful at that,” SaylesAdams said. Health teachers honed in on CPR training without using physical manikins. Spanish teachers taught elementary students how to speak a completely different language. Science educators put owl pellets into the hands of students, despite virtual school. Jen Carlson, a second-grade
Leah McDonald’s Clover Ridge kindergarten class does an egg drop challenge. teacher at Clover Ridge Elementary, deserves a special shout-out for walking families and colleagues through sometimes-complicated technology tools. Sayles-Adams calls her “selfless.” A r ts teachers like Scott Prescott, with the Pioneer Ridge Middle School band, tried a new recording system. Students sent in their parts, making it possible for parents who lived farther away to actually see their concert. Teachers deserve all the recognition in the world, SaylesAdams said, but education also wouldn’t be possible without lunchroom staff, bus drivers, nurses, secretaries and other colleagues. That includes parents, too. They had to step up, too, filling in as part-time teachers while focusing on their own work. “The job of educating is not just the teachers, but every job,” Sayles-Adams said. “When you hear the term ‘all hands on deck’ it is every staff in this building.”
“The job of educating is not just the teachers, but every job. When you hear the term ‘all hands on deck’ it is every staff in this building.” Lisa Sayles-Adams District 112 superintendent The district put together a system to deliver all sorts of learning materials to families. Staff had to plan collaboratively, connecting during a time that asked people to stay apart. “We actually worked with our school principals and I asked them to think about every person I had in their building,” Sayles-Adams said. “What skill and sense of willingness does every adult in that building have that we can support our students? And they rose to that occasion.”
FILE PHOTO BY MARK W. OLSON
Chaska High School, 545 Pioneer Trail, Chaska.
Our team serving you in Chaska FAMILYMEDICINE
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INTERNAL MEDICINE
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WACONIA CHASKA WATERTOWN NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA 424 St. Hwy. 5 110105 Pioneer Trail Suite 100 313 Territorial Street East 406 Faxon Road 952-442-4461 952-556-0120 952-955-1921 952-467-2888 2021 - 2022 | chaskaherald.com
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EASTERN CARVER DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER 11 Peavey Road, Chaska 952-556-6100
www.district112.org
EASTERN CARVER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR
VICE CHAIR
Jeff Ross
Lisa Anderson
TREASURER
Jenny Stone
DIRECTORS
FILE PHOTO BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
Chaska senior Alessandra Huerta waves to high school staff members at a high school graduation parade in 2020.
Angela Erickson
Sean Olsen
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Fred Berg
Tim Klein
chaskaherald.com | 2021-2022
EASTERN CARVER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 112 Eastern Carver County Schools (District 112) is a growing school system serving over 9,000 students in Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska and Victoria. The district includes seven elementary schools (K-5), three middle schools (6-8) and two high schools. La Academia is a dual language Spanish immersion school (K-5), Kinder Academy is a two-year kindergarten program, and the Integrated Arts Academy is an alternative learning center serving 9th- to 12th- graders. The district strives to provide a personalized learning experience for every student. Secondary curriculum fosters the best possible learning for students in the 21st century. The elementary program embeds
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts and strategies and a focus on cultural competence to fully support the secondary program. Each high school offers an accelerated curriculum, which includes Advanced Placement classes and an accredited pre-engineering program. The Welcome Center, located in the District Education Center, provides convenient onestop central registration for new families.
ADMINISTRATION Lisa Sayles-Adams, Superintendent 952-556-6110
SCHOOL BOARD The communities served by School District 112 hold these expectations for their schools: a relevant, rigorous academic program, high expectations for student
PHOTO BY MARK W. OLSON
District Education Center, 11 Peavey Road, Chaska. behavior and, opportunity to pursue interests through activities and enrichment programs. It’s the job of the School Board to ensure that community resources target those expectations. The school board generally meets twice per month in the Board Room on the third floor of the Eastern Carver County Schools Education Center, 11 Peavey Road in Chaska. For meeting schedules, go to the district website at www.district112.org. School Board members Jeffrey Ross, chair Term ends 2024 763-458-8801 Lisa Anderson, vice chair Term ends 2022 952-210-9865 Jenny Stone, treasurer Term ends 2022 952-220-4136 Fred Berg, director Term ends 2022 952-474-1569 Angela Erickson, director Term ends 2024 320-491-9451 Tim Klein, director Term ends 2022 952-513-8767 Sean Olsen, director Term ends 2024 952-221-7745
FACILITIES District Education Center 11 Peavey Road, Chaska 952-556-6100 Chanhassen High School 2200 Lyman Blvd., Chanhassen 952-556-3500 Chaska High School 545 Pioneer Trail, Chaska 952-556-7100 Integrated Arts Academy 11 Peavey Road, Chaska 952-556-6200 Bluff Creek Elementary School 2300 Coulter Blvd., Chanhassen 952-556-6600 Carver Elementary School 1717 Ironwood Dr., Carver 952-556-1900 Chanhassen Elementary School 7600 Laredo Dr., Chanhassen 952-556-6700 La Academia/Kinder Academy 1800 Chestnut St. N., Chaska 952-556-6300 Chaska Middle School East 1600 Park Ridge Drive, Chaska 952-556-7600 Chaska Middle School West 140 Engler Blvd. E., Chaska 952-556-7400 Clover Ridge Elementary School 114000 Hundertmark Road, Chaska 952-556-6900 2021 - 2022 | chaskaherald.com
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Youth basketball players cheer on the state champion Chaska High School girls basketball team in April 2021. East Union Elementary School 15655 County Road 43, Carver 952-556-6800
952-567-8000 www.swmetro.k12.mn.us
Jonathan Elementary School 110300 Pioneer Trail, Chaska 952-556-6500
NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Family Learning Center 110600 Village Road, Chaska 952-556-6400 Pioneer Ridge Middle School 1085 Pioneer Trail E., Chaska 952-556-7800 Victoria Elementary School 9300 Red Fox Dr., Victoria 952-556-3000
WORLD LEARNER SCHOOL Located in Chaska, the Montessori charter elementary and middle school is dedicated to empowering students to be well-rounded and socially responsible. The World Learner School is a public Montessori charter school (tuition free) serving elementary and middle school levels. 112050 Hundertmark Road, Chaska 952-368-7398 www.wlschaska.org
SOUTHWEST METRO INTERMEDIATE DISTRICT 288 Based in Shakopee, this district has locations in Chaska. Teaching ages youth to adults, District 288 “exists to equip, motivate, and educate learners of all ages and abilities in an inclusive and flexible learning environment.” 401 East 4th St. Chaska
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Chapel Hill Academy Chapel Hill Academy offers Biblically-based Christian education, Jr. Kindergarten-8th grade, and holds a Passion for Christ and a commitment to provide an Education for Life. CHA is a warm and welcoming community of families and staff who are passionate about teaching and learning from a Biblical worldview. After-school care and athletics are offered. Financial assistance is available. Now enrolling. To arrange a tour, please contact our Admissions Office. 306 W. 78th St., Chanhassen 952-949-9014 www.chapel-hill.org St. John’s Lutheran School St. John’s is nationally accredited, preschool8th grade school providing a quality Christian education with proven results. St. John’s Lutheran School consistently ranks above state and national testing averages, while incorporating strong Christian values and morals throughout the curriculum in a warm and nurturing environment. 300 4th St. E., Chaska 952-448-2526 www.sjschaska.org St. Hubert School St. Hubert is a fully accredited Pre-K-8 school of 650 students. Teachers work collaboratively to meet the diverse needs of their students while recognizing the importance of educating the whole child. St. Hubert’s mission is to develop and nurture the spiritual, social, intellectual, emotional, physical and moral growth of
each individual child. 8201 Main St., Chanhassen 952-934-6003 www.sthubert.org Mayer Lutheran High School A nationally accredited high school offering Christ-centered education and academic excellence, sports and fine arts programs. Bus service is available. A variety of denominations are represented and welcomed. 305 5th St. N.E., Mayer 952-657-2251 https://mayerlutheran.org Holy Family Catholic High School Serving grades 9-12, this Lasallian coeducational college prep school is committed to helping young men and women realize their academic and spiritual potential. The school also provides a full program of interscholastic athletics and extracurricular activities, and is affiliated with the Wright County Conference. Financial aid and transportation are available. 8101 Kochia Ln., Victoria 952-443-4659 www.hfchs.org Southwest Christian High School Southwest students, grades 9-12, are challenged to think and live differently in the midst of postmodern culture. All subjects, from physics to physical education, are rigorously taught with a Biblical worldview. Honors and AP classes, music and fine arts, 17 varsity sports and a wide variety of co-curricular activities are available. SWCHS also offers a robust financial aid program. To arrange a tour, call the Admissions Office. 1981 Bavaria Road, Chaska 952-556-0040 www.swchs.org
BUSINESS
Small biz culture
STRONG DOWNTOWN FILE PHOTO
Gary and Sandy Cooper, pictured in front of Cooper’s Foods in downtown Chaska.
F
amily-owned or operated. Individuallyrun. Sole proprietorship. T h at ’s wh at makes the majority of downtown Chaska businesses, well, downtown Chaska. Dan Keyport, president of the Chaska Downtown Business Alliance and owner of Dolce Vita Wine Shop, said it’s a characteristic different from a lot of other nearby cities. “If you go into Chanhassen or Shakopee, you see every national chain. And in Chaska, you don’t,” he said. “It does give a certain personality to the city of Chaska than other places that are the same all
over the country.” Take Second Street for example. It’s dotted with businesses from art studios to vintage stores. Sa me goes for Chest nut Street, also downtown. The story is similar with buildings unique to that street and that street only. Meander down West Fourth Street and that local charm is even more obvious, with diverse yet homey grub and convenience stores. Relative to the city’s size, there’s a good ratio of ma-andpa stores to big-boxes, Keyport said. And downtown is filled with mostly smaller names. People like it that way.
FILE PHOTO BY MARK W W. OLSON
West Second Street, downtown Chaska. “I like to go to Chaska because there’s lots of cute little shops. Chaska also has a big industrial park and that’s an important feature that supports the whole community, is the jobs that are in a place like
that,” he said. That mix gives neighbors a greater sense of community, Keyport said. When walking, driving or otherwise perusing downtown Chaska, you probably know where you are. Each 2021 - 2022 | chaskaherald.com
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Crowds enjoy a blocked-off Second Street in downtown Chaska during a Community Homecoming in 2017. FILE PHOTO
Affordable Housing The CDA provides affordable housing opportunities for residents throughout the County and administers a variety of rental assistance programs.
Small Business Support Program The Small Business Support Program through NextStage provides free, one-on-one counseling to current and prospective entrepreneurs. NextStage consultants work with entrepreneurs and businesses to train, launch and grow businesses through a tailored solution. The services are available free of charge to all Carver County residents and businesses. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact: Lee Hall lee@nextstagemn.org 952-921-2381
Community Land Trust In 2009, the Carver County CDA expanded the Community Land Trust (CLT) program throughout the county. It helps provide secure, affordable access to land and housing for our local workforce by attempting to meet the needs of those least served by today’s housing market. The CCCLT helps potential home buyers with low-to-moderate incomes purchase a home on property that is leased from the land trust through a long-term (99-year), renewable ground lease.
Other Services The CDA also administers various programs to help residents which include: • Credit Counseling • Rental Counseling • Homebuyer Counseling
• Refinance Counseling • Foreclosure Prevention • Single Family Rehab Loans
Mission Statement The Carver County Community Development Agency provides affordable housing opportunities and fosters community and economic development in Carver County. To learn more about the Carver County Community Development Agency (CCCDA), please call 952-448-7715 or visit our website at www.carvercda.org
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head turn leads to another quirky one-of-a-kind storefront sign or “cute” boutique (just check out the Google reviews). It feels like the heart of town. “It’s easily recognizable as a small-town downtown. That is because of things like our gazebo and our City Square Park and the small businesses that are the landscape,” he said. Though no longer solely dominated by industries like brick or sugar factories, downtown has its share of one-off shops and Chaska-centric locales. The business climate could perhaps only be categorized into one thing: many little things.
“It’s easily recognizable as a small-town downtown. That is because of things like our gazebo and our City Square Park and the small businesses that are the landscape.” Dan Keyport Chaska Downtown Business Alliance
GOVERNMENT
Cares
A COMMUNITY THAT
Chaska makes connections
A PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN WRIGHT
Santa gets a parade route courtesy of the Chaska Fire Department.
t a spring Chaska City Council meeting, City Administrator Matt Podhradsky said during no other year has he felt this close to the community. Sure, it’s been an abnormal year, but his words are easy to believe considering the city’s measures to connect neighbors. From virtual communication to kicking off a whole new program, the pandemic somehow brought Chaskans together. “I think we’ve maybe had more participation because of the ease of being able to participate from home,” said Chaska Communication Manager Kevin Wright, referring to online meetings. “Well, ‘I can
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GOVERNMENT pandemic world. It’s not just biweekly City Council meetings f a m i l i a r w it h v ide o con ferenci ng. T hi n k neighborhood-specific updates, internal staff d i a lo g u e s a n d op e n houses. Plus, sharable recordings are availa bl e l at e r i f p e o p l e can’t watch it live or want to skip to a certain part. The Downtown Reconstruction Project’s open house, typically in person, offered two virtual times this year: one lunch-time hour, o n e e v e n i n g h o u r. Wr i g ht hop e d m o r e PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN WRIGHT people would particip at e g iven t he f lexMcGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog greet people celebrating their ibility. birthdays at home via video. Other big changes to engage Chaskans include mi ng. T hey set up vi r t ua l t he p a rk s a nd r e c r e at io n workouts. Members could join department’s new programfitness Facebook groups. Instructors recorded classes, saved to an online catalog. Sta f f made video tutoria ls on how to sign up for classe s , sh a r e you r s c r e en , or even just register to enter the Communications Manager building. Kevin Wright on Chaska The Lodge, at the Chaska Cares initiative Community Center, for active older adults, also made a firstshowers helped families in time Facebook group when the need. Staf f dialed check-in building temporarily closed. calls to at-risk adults. People conti nued mont h ly Staff also worked with the bi r t hd ay c elebrations a nd county and local food drives even live virtual B-I-N-G-O — to ramp up donations of food “Just those things that make and personal hygiene prodthem feel like they’re still in ucts. There were 11 events in The Lodge,” Wright said. the span of a year. Finally, April 2020 brought They all added up to Chasthe Chaska CARES into view. ka stepping up, coloring in The goal? a few si lver l i n i n g s a m id “Seeing all the ways our tumult. community was caring for Independent Living, Assisted Living, “We’ve really tried to reach each other and really trying a broad range there and conto harness that,” Wright said. Memory Care, and Respite Care. nect with our community in The city-run program inContact us today. (952) 232-1045 different ways with hopefully cluded graduation and holimore of our community than day parades, over 350 birthblcshakopee.org we maybe did before,” Wright day patrols by fire and police, said. “So it really challenges videos sent to residents, and a us to think about how we can park egg hunt. continue being a community Thanksgiving meals were that cares.” delivered. Community baby
just joi n t he meeti ng here and be able to share my voice as well.’” The city was able to shift qu ic k ly f r o m f ac e - t o - f ac e g a t h e r i n g s , s w it c h i n g t o Zoom video conferencing in a matter of days when pandemic restrictions arose. Though not t he “m i l l ion” v iewer s Mayor Mark Windschitl jokes about, more people have the flexibility to watch or participate from home. “We’ve had plenty of public hearings and also different agenda items that have att r ac te d some mor e p e ople than some typical meetings m i g ht ,” Wr i g ht s a id . “ We were able to have those on Z o om a nd a l low p e ople to share their voice and participate … For us, that was a good experience.” And now the city knows it’s possible to of fer a virtual option, even as the city transitions back into a post-
Spring into a new lifestyle
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“Seeing all the ways our community was caring for each other and really trying to harness that.”
City of CHASKA CHASKA CITY HALL 1 City Hall Plaza, Chaska 952-448-9200
www.chaskamn.com
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mark Windschitl MAYOR
Jon Grau COUNCILOR
McKayla Hatfield COUNCILOR
FILE PHOTO BY MARK W. OLSON
Chaska City Hall, at 1 City Hall Plaza.
CHASKA CITY COUNCIL Mike Huang COUNCILOR
Taylor Hubbard COUNCILOR
The mayor and four council members serve as the Chaska City Council. The position of mayor is elected at large (citywide) every two years. Council members are elected to four-year terms, with two seats up each election. Chaska has a ward form of government, therefore each council member is elected by the voters in his or her ward. Chaska City Council elections are held concurrently with the state and federal general elections. The City Council formulates city policy and the city administrator and staff are responsible for city
administration. Mayor Mark Windschitl Term ends Dec. 31, 2022 612-237-4188 Councilors Jon Grau, Ward 1 Term ends Dec. 31, 2022 952-412-8194 Taylor Hubbard, Ward 2 Term ends Dec. 31, 2024 952-210-7260 McKayla Hatfield, Ward 3 Term ends Dec. 31, 2022 612-217-1035 Mike Huang, Ward 4 Term ends Dec. 31, 2024 952-393-3723
FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS Police and fire emergency 911 Matt Podhradsky, City Administrator 952-448-9200 Noel Graczyk, Administrative Services Director 952-448-9200 Jeff Isaacson, Curling and Event Center Manager 952-227-7910 Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director 952-448-9200
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FILE PHOTO BY MARK W. OLSON
The Veterans Park picnic shelter overlooks Firemen’s Clayhole. Andrew Romine, Electric Director 952-227-7710 Matt Clark, City Engineer 952-227-7522 Tim Wiebe, Fire Chief 952-448-2990 John Kellin, PGA Head Golf Professional, Chaska Town Course 952-227-7801 Ryan Seibert, Chief of Police 952-448-4200 Brian Jung, Public Works Director 952-448-4335 Marshall Grange, Parks & Recreation Director 952-227-7758 Kevin Wright, Communications Manager 952-448-9200 Police (general information) 952-448-4200 Police (non-emergency dispatch) 952-361-1231 Fire (general information) 952-448-2990 Utilities Billing 952-448-9200 After-Hours Utilities Emergencies 952-448-4335 Animal Control 952-448-4200 Chaska Parks & Recreation 952-448-3176 Chaska Community Center 952-448-5633 Chaska Town Course Pro Shop/Reservations 952-443-3748 Chaska Curling Center 952-227-2475 Chaska Event Center 952-227-7912
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MEETINGS Due to COVID-19, the location of city meetings may be adjusted. Please visit www. chaskamn.com/virtualmeetings. Chaska City Council Chaska City Hall 7 p.m. Meetings are the first, third and fifth Mondays at City Hall. Chaska Economic Development Authority Chaska City Council members sit as the EDA. Meetings immediately follow council meeting as needed. Chaska Heritage Preservation Commission Chaska City Hall 7 p.m. Meets the first Tuesday of each month. Chaska Human Rights Commission Chaska City Hall 6:30 p.m. Meets the fourth Thursday of each month. Chaska Planning Commission Chaska City Hall 7 p.m. Meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month at City Hall. Chaska Park Board Chaska City Hall 7 p.m. Meets the second Tuesday of each month.
CHASKA ORDINANCES For a complete list of ordinances, go to www.chaskamn.com and search on ordinances. Winter Parking Chaska follows a calendar parking schedule for on-street parking during the winter. The ordinance applies to all public parking–streets, alleys, parking lots. From Nov. 1 to April 1, whenever 2 inches of snow accumulates to require plowing, vehicles must park on the even-numbered side of the street on even-numbered days of the month; and on the odd-numbered side of the street on odd-numbered days. For residents’ convenience, the city counts the day as beginning at 8 a.m.
Noise/Odor Ordinance There is a noise ordinance prohibiting loud, unnecessary or unusual noises that annoy, disturb, injure or endanger the comfort, repose, health, peace, safety or welfare of others. The ordinance also prohibits offensive odors. Summer Lawn Watering The city of Chaska has an ordinance regarding water usage effective May 1-Sept. 30. Compliance is based on an odd-even cycle of watering. You are required to limit your lawn sprinkling and other non-essential water use based on your address and the calendar day of the month. Even-numbered addresses water on even-numbered calendar days; odd-numbered addresses sprinkle on oddnumbered days. Between noon and 4 p.m. each day, lawn watering is not allowed regardless of address. Compliance with this ordinance is mandatory. Failure to comply may result in fines and/or termination of water service. New seed or sod is exempt from the ordinance until it becomes established. Commercial, industrial and residential automated irrigation systems are required to follow the same guidelines.
JONATHAN IN CHASKA The Jonathan Association is the state’s largest homeowners association, encompassing approximately 8,000 Chaska residents in 3,000 households spread across 23 neighborhoods. The Jonathan Association Board of Directors meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month. 952-448-4700 www.jonathaninchaska.com
City of CARVER CARVER CITY HALL 316 Broadway St. 952-448-5353
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
CARVER CITY COUNCIL The Carver City Council includes a mayor and four councilors, all elected at-large on staggered fouryear terms.
Mayor Courtney Johnson Term ends January 2023 612-702-7703
Courtney Johnson MAYOR
Councilors Glen Henry Term ends January 2023 952-361-9834 Joy McKnight Term ends January 2025 952-484-5284
Glen Henry COUNCILOR
Joy McKnight COUNCILOR
Kristy Mock Term ends January 2025 952-500-3972 Laurie Sayre Term ends January 2023 952-270-2523
FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS Police and Fire Emergency 911 Sheriff (General Information) 952361-1231 Fire (General Information) 952448-2290 Brent Mareck, Carver City Manager 952-448-8737
MEETINGS Kristy Mock COUNCILOR
Carver City Council Council Chambers Work session 5:30 p.m. Council meeting 7 p.m. Meets on first and third Mondays Carver Planning Commission Council Chambers, 6:30 p.m. Meets on third Thursday
Laurie Sayre COUNCILOR
Carver Parks Commission Council Chambers, 6:30 p.m. Meets on second Monday Carver Heritage Preservation Commission Council Chambers, 6 p.m. Meets on second Tuesday
www.cityofcarver.com
PUBLIC SAFETY Carver Fire Department Carver and parts of the surrounding rural area are served by a volunteer fire department. Fire Station, 801 Jonathan Carver Parkway 952-448-2290 (non-emergency) Police Service The City of Carver has two full-time Carver County sheriff’s deputies on duty in the community.
CITY ORDINANCES Following are some of the more commonly asked questions regarding City of Carver ordinances. Winter Parking The City of Carver prohibits parking of any vehicle or other object on public streets or alleys when 2 or more inches of snow have accumulated, whether the accumulation is due to new snowfall or drifting and blowing. Once the streets are cleared, parking may resume. Lawn Watering Homes or businesses with addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, etc.) may water the lawn on odd-numbered calendar days; addresses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, etc.) may water on even-numbered calendar days. The odd-even schedule is in effect year-round. No lawn watering is permitted between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. A 30-day permit to water newly seeded or sodded lawns is available at City Hall. City Park Use/Vehicles in City Parks City parks are closed and must be vacated between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless the user has a prior written permit from the City of Carver authorizing use during that time. No motor vehicle — other than maintenance vehicles operated by the City of Carver personnel or contractors working on its behalf — may be operated in any city park. In addition to any other requirements, no UTV
FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS Police and Fire Emergency 911 Sheriff (General Information) 952-361-1231 Fire (General Information) 952-448-2290 Brent Mareck, Carver City Manager 952-448-8737
may be operated on any street or roadway within the city limits without a permit issued by the city. Permits may be issued following submission of an application within 15 feet of a structure. Snowmobiles No person shall operate a snowmobile upon any public street, alley, lot, lake or stream within the city between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. There are exceptions to this ordinance — call City Hall for details. Snowbound Restrictions/ Snowbound Vehicles It is unlawful to park any vehicle or other object on public streets or alleys any time two inches or more of snow has accumulated (whether due to new snow or drifting/blowing of snow). Due to the limited number of available parking spaces on 3rd Street, “No Parking” restrictions are enforced from 5 to 10 a.m. when two inches or more of snow has accumulated. No person shall park his or her vehicle or allow a vehicle he/she owns and operates to be parked upon any street or alley within the city when such vehicle is in snowbound condition. A snowbound vehicle is defined as a vehicle that has been standing on a street or alleyway for at least 48 hours, and either has not been moved or cannot be moved due to the accumulation of ice and snow on or around the vehicle. Note: These are summaries of city ordinances. For more information or a full list of ordinances, call the City of Carver at 952-448-5353 or visit www.cityofcarver.com. 2021 - 2022 | chaskaherald.com
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CARVER COUNTY CARVER COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER 600 E. Fourth St., Chaska, MN 55318 952-361-1500 www.co.carver.mn.us
FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS Officials Kerie Anderka, Employee Relations 952-361-1570 Lyndon Colebrook-Robjent, Public Works 952-466-5200 Mary Dalbec, Court Administration 952-361-1420 Rod Franks, Health & Human Services 952-361-1600 David Frischmon, Property & Financial Services 952-361-1506 David Hemze, County Administration 952-361-1510 Eric Johnson, Court Services 952-361-1460 Jason Kamerud, County Sheriff 952-361-1212 Nick Koktavy, Public Services 952-361-1797 Mark Metz, County Attorney 952-361-1400 Offices and departments County Attorney 952-361-1400 Court Administration 952-361-1420 Elections/Voter Registration 952-361-1941 Environmental Services 952-361-1800 U of M Extension–Carver County
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952-466-5300 Health & Human Services 952-361-1600 Land Management 952-361-1820 Soil & Water Conservation District 952-466-5230 Parks 952-466-5200 Planning and Water Management 952-361-1825 Public Works 952-466-5200 Property Assessment 952-361-1960 Property Taxpayer Services 952-361-1910 Sheriff 952-361-1212 Veterans Services 952-442-2323
CARVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS The Carver County Board is composed of five members, each of whom are elected from a geographic district. Terms are four years and they are staggered. The County Board generally meets twice a month at the Carver County Government Center in Chaska. Gayle Degler, District 1 Term expires in 2024 763-381-1879 Tom Workman, District 2 Term expires in 2022 952-250-4924 Matt Udermann, District 3 Term expires in 2024 612-888-4733 Tim Lynch, District 4 Term expires in 2022 952-303-9458 John P. Fahey, District 5 Term expires in 2024 612-849-6298
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Health and Human Services provides services to protect and maintain the health and welfare of county residents. According to the county, the division determines eligibility and assists residents applying for financial assistance, food support, child care assistance, health care coverage, and long-term care programs and services. The division oversees child protection and child support services, licenses child and adult foster homes and family child care providers, and provides public health, mental health and employment services. Health and Human Services 952-361-1600 Mental Health Services First Street Center Mental Health Services provides various types of mental health services, such as mental health and chemical health assessments, case management services, resource referral and outpatient therapy and psychiatry. 540 E. 1st St., Waconia 952-442-4437 Emergency after hours 952-442-7601
CARVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Gayle Degler
Tim Lynch
Matt Udermann
John Fahey
Tom Workman
COUNTY ATTORNEY
COUNTY SHERIFF
Mark Metz
Jason Kamerud
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER The county’s Environmental Center is a year-round recycling and household hazardous waste facility. Some items are accepted with no charge, including batteries, residential electronics (except TVs and monitors), residential fluorescent bulbs, printer cartridges, household sharps/ needles, organics, recyclables, and household hazardous waste. Other items require a fee, such as appliances, bicycles, tires, small engine devices such as lawnmowers, and mattresses/box springs. Visit its website at www.
co.carver.mn.us/departments/ public-services/environmentalservices/environmental-center for more information. 116 Peavey Circle, Chaska, MN 55318 952-361-1835 Summer Hours: April through November Wednesday: noon-7 p.m. Thursday: noon-6 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.-noon Winter Hours: December through March Wednesday: noon- 7 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.-noon
LIBRARIES The Carver County Library System has facilities in Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Waconia, Watertown and Norwood Young America. The Chanhassen facility serves as the countywide reference library. The Carver County Library System is a member of the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), which provides cooperative services between the sevencounty metropolitan area with over 100 libraries. Library customers may borrow and return items to any public library in the area. Carver County Library System 952-448-9395 www.carverlib.org Chaska Public Library 3 City Hall Plaza, Chaska 952-448-3886 Chanhassen Library 7711 Kerber Blvd., Chanhassen 952-227-1500 Victoria Library 1670 Stieger Lake Lane, Victoria 952-442-3050 Law Library Carver County Law Library 604 4th St. E., Chaska 952-361-1564
LICENSES AND DOCUMENTS Driver’s Examinations — Chaska State of Minnesota Road test Appointments/scheduling 651-284-1000
www.mndriveinfo.org Carver County Service Centers Carver County has service centers located in Chanhassen and Chaska. They offer a range of services, including driver’s license transactions, DNR transactions, hunting and fishing licenses and passports (Chanhassen location). For a complete list and hours, go to www.co.carver.mn.us. Chaska Branch 418 Pine St., Chaska 952-361-1900 Chanhassen Branch 7808 Kerber Blvd., Chanhassen 952-361-3900 Birth & Death Certificates & Marriage Licenses Taxpayer Services Carver County Government Center 600 Fourth St. E., Chaska 952-361-1901 Passports Available by appointment at https://carvercounty. fullslate.com/ Carver County Government Center, 600 Fourth St. E., Chaska Chanhassen Service Center, 7808 Kerber Blvd., Chanhassen
VOTING INFORMATION You must be registered to vote. In Minnesota, you may register before Election Day or on Election Day at your polling place. For precinct and absentee voting information, visit www.co.carver.mn.us or call 952-361-1941.
HISTORICAL RESEARCH Carver County Historical Society 555 W. 1st St. Waconia 952-442-4234 www. carvercountyhistoricalsociety. org Chaska Historical Society 112 4th St. W. Chaska 952-448-6077 www.chaskahistory.org Chanhassen Historical Society 391 W. 78th St., Chanhassen www.chanhistorical.org
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the sevencounty Twin Cities area. The council advocates for vital communities and a competitive region. It runs the regional bus system, collects and treats wastewater and manages water resources preservation, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The council serves a region encompassing 189 cities and townships and a population of 2.85 million. It is divided into 16 districts. The governor appoints a representative for each, as well as the council chair. Metropolitan Council Main Office 390 N. Robert St., St. Paul 651-602-1000 www.metrocouncil.org public.info@metc.state.mn.us
TRANSPORTATION SouthWest Transit operates under a joint powers agreement of the cities of Carver, Chaska, Chanhassen and Eden Prairie. Bus transportation is provided to locations such as downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota from the following Park-and-Ride locations: (Chanhassen) SouthWest Village, Hwy. 212 and Hwy. 101; Chanhassen Transit Station, Market Street next to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres; (Chaska) East Creek Transit Station, Hwy. 212 and Hwy. 41; (Carver) Carver Station, Jonathan Carver Parkway and Ironwood Dr.; (Eden Prairie) SouthWest Station. Hwy. 212 and Prairie Center Drive. SouthWest Transit 952-949-2BUS (2287) www.swtransit.org For the on-demand ride service SW Prime, call 952-SW-PRIME (952-797-7463.)
ELECTRICITY Chaska Utilities 952-448-9200 Payment drop-off 1 City Hall Plaza Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative 952-492-2313 www.mvec.net Xcel Energy 1-800-895-4999 Billing and New Accounts 1-800-895-1999 Street Lights Burned Out/Electrical Outage www.xcelenergy.com
NATURAL GAS CenterPoint Energy 612-372-4727 www.centerpointenergy.com
WASTE DISPOSAL Garbage Collection Area residents (or their landlord) must make their own arrangements with private services for garbage collection. Curbside recycling is available as a service provided by the resident’s garbage hauler.
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE For customer service, call: 1-800-275-8777 Carver Post Office 317 Broadway, Carver ZIP Code: 55315 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-noon, 1:30-4 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Chanhassen Post Office 7730 Laredo Dr., Chanhassen ZIP Code: 55317 Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.4:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:3010:30 a.m. Chaska Post Office 300 N. Pine St., Chaska ZIP Code: 55318 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.1 p.m. Victoria Post Office 7972 Victoria Dr., Victoria ZIP Code: 55386 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m., 2 p.m.4:45 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m.10 a.m.
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HISTORY
First chapter of the By Lisa Oberski
T
he Chaska Library was once a dream. By 1902, the women of the Chaska Culture Club had collected a number of books in a box that sat at the Carver County State Bank. K.K. Klammer acted as a librarian, in addition to his other duties at the bank. But even that library ended after a while. Around 1920, a group of Chaska women formed the Chaska Civic League and took on the project of making a library a reality. This group met Tuesday afternoons at the Park School, on the
CHASKA LIBRARY
northeast corner of Fourth and Chestnut streets, where Wells Fargo sits today. Members included Nellie Baxter, Edna Kayeska, Louise DuToit, Nellie Zamjahn, Carrie Klammer, Hallie Scheuble, Alma Gibson and Emma Klammer. Emma Klammer is known today as the “Mother of the Chaska Library” for volunteering to order and process all incoming books, which she did for the first 25 years from 1923-1947. To establish the library, the women solicited books from the community, received some donations, and raised money through many “silver teas.” Hallie Scheuble asked the Chaska City Council for funds for
the library and received a one-time allocation of $40. Later Civic League members asked the City Council for a room in the Park School, which served as city hall at the time, and they were given a second floor former classroom. The formal opening was Feb. 7, 1923. The first book borrowed was “Camp and Trail,” by Stewart Edward White. The client was Norbert X. Brinkhaus. The expense of new books was never-ending. To offset the cost, the library adopted a system where some new books were loaned for a nickel a week. These “nickel books” cost about a dollar each. After 20 readers had borrowed it, it was paid for and went on the shelves. regular shelves Grace Gibson, Gibson hired WPA in 1939, was through the WP the first paid librarian. lib The library rremained city operated until o erat op a ed u n il nt i the 1970s, when Carver wh hen e C arve ar v r County Library System was Libr brar br ary ar y Sy y founded. foun unde ded. d.. d Lisa Lisa Oberski is Li president of the p es pr esid sid i Chaska Chas Ch ha ass Historical Society. S c So
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHASKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Emma Klammer is known today as the “Mother of the Chaska Library.”
Nowadays The Carver County Library system now oversees the Chaska Library, with the city of Chaska hosting the library space. More library history at: www.mnopedia.org/group/ carver-county-librarysystem.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHASKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A box of books at Carver County State Bank (pictured behind the horse and buggy) served as the Chaska Library.
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY BUSINESS SERVICES Shakopee Chamber and Visitors Bureau 1801 County Road 101 Shakopee, MN 55379 (952) 445-1660 www.visitshakopee.org
DENTAL Babcock & Morgan Family Dental 16670 Franklin Tr. SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 (952) 447-4611 www.mypriorlakedentist.com
Bluff Creek Dental
600 Market St #130 Chanhassen, MN 55317 (952) 937-5200 www.bluffcreekdental.com
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DINING Turtles Bar & Grill
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HEALTH Complete Family Eyecare, Dr. Steve Reinders
14120 Commerce Ave NE #100 Prior Lake, MN, 55372 952-562-8116 CompleteEyeCareMN.com
Lakeview Clinic
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Ridgeview Medical Center 500 S. Maple St. Waconia, MN 55387 952-442-2191 www.ridgeviewmedical.org
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Thoroughbred Carpet & Floors 8745 W. Highway 101 Savage, MN; 55378 952-445-9140 www.thoroughbredcarpets.com
SCHOOLS/EDUCATION Shakopee Public Schools
917 Dakota St. Shakopee, MN 55379 (952) 496-5000 www.shakopee.k12.mn.us/PELC
St. John the Baptist Catholic School & Preschool 12508 Lynn Avenue Savage, MN; 55378 952-890-6604 www.stjohns-savage.org
St. Michael Catholic School 16280 Duluth Avenue SE Prior Lake, MN, 55372 952-447-2124 www.saintmpl.org
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St. John the Baptist Catholic Church West 125th Street; Savage, MN; 55378 952-890-9465 www.stjohns-savage.org
St. Michael Catholic Church 16311 Duluth Avenue SE Prior Lake, MN, 55372 952-447-2491 www.stmichael-pl.org
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