2020, if summed up in one word — printable, of course — could be challenging. It could be miserable. It could be rough, devastating or even the blah, non-normal. 
Top 10 Chaska Herald feel-good stories of 2020
It’s been a tough year. So instead of leading with the Herald’s top 10 news stories (found inside the newspaper), we thought we’d highlight the top 10 feel-good stories of 2020. 
Council to make chicken decision late January
After a work session talk over whether to move forward with the city’s proposed draft chicken ordinance, the Chaska City Council decided last Monday to make a final vote in January. 
Outdoors: Owls are not the smartest bird in the tree, but well-adapted
Winter is a time of plenty for owls. The nights are very long, and the days are painfully short. I was reminded of this the other day while out photographing and filming a wild Barred Owl sleeping in a tree.… 
Community Park Skating Rink Update
The Public Services staff will be flooding the main skating rink starting this Thursday in Community Park. The ice should be ready to skate on within 7 to 10 days. New this year, the City will also be setting up an additional leisure rink (no hockey) in the parking lot at Community Park. The additional recreational/leisure rink, constructed out of snow berms, should be ready the following week barring any large snow events or unseasonably warm temperatures. Consistent with other Covid-19 precautions in the City, the warming house will not be available for use at this time. 
Carver County COVID case rates drop to 25 per day
Carver County COVID-19 statistics, provided by Eric Sieger, county communications manager on Dec. 28: 
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Now Hiring – Public Services Technician (Part Time)
The City of Carver is seeking motivated candidates for a Part-Time Public Services Technician in the Public Services Department. This employee will perform maintenance duties at city parks, facilities, athletic fields, and various landscape locations. Duties include but are not limited to: mowing and weed whipping, cleaning of park shelters, maintaining playground equipment for safety, attending to flowers and shrubs throughout the City, and other duties as assigned. Visit the City’s employment page for more details: www.cityofcarver.com/employment.
Tuna likes banana slices and to receive head scratching
Tuna is an English spot rabbit born January 2019 and weighs seven pounds. She is bonded with her sister Bryn and they are a pair. Tuna and sister are best with kids over age 11. Tuna likes banana slices and… 
City raises taxes to $5.33 more monthly on median-valued home
The Chaska City Council approved the final 2021 tax levy and final budgets on Monday, raising taxes 6.94% from last year. 
Minnesota youth sports can resume games, scrimmages Jan. 14
Youth sports, including high school athletics, can resume games and scrimmages on Jan. 14, per Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. Practices for the sports can resume on Jan. 4. 
Carver County EMS staff will soon receive Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
Carver County EMS staff will begin receiving their first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. 
Letter: Message was breath of fresh air
Thank you Southwest News Media and the Chanhassen Villager/Chaska Herald for the beautiful picture and the Biblical Christmas message of the K.J.V. of Luke chapter 2 on the front page of your Christmas Eve edition. 
The Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament comes to Chaska, Waconia (copy)
Chris Ohm remembers the day he, along with representatives from Chaska and Waconia, presented a bid to host a future Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament. 
The Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament comes to Chaska, Waconia
Chris Ohm remembers the day he, along with representatives from Chaska and Waconia, presented a bid to host a future Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament.
Take a stroll, browse local goods at these winter farmers markets
Seasonal produce is the backbone of a farmers market, and while there isn’t much that grows during a Minnesota winter, that doesn’t mean there aren’t quality local goods to be purchased during the winter months. 
Commentary: Work together rather than against each other
We are approaching the end of the election from hell. It seems like it has been going on forever, but it really has only been a couple of years since candidates began coming forward. 
Commentary: Four winter tips to protect water and stay safe
Although we don’t have much snow yet, the ponds and other water bodies are beginning to freeze. 
Letter: Data to ponder and reasons for optimism
The coronavirus has been horrible due to the loss of lives, closing of businesses, forced online education and destructive government lockdowns which have resulted in lost freedoms (e.g. worship, dining, sports, indoor fitness, concerts, volunteering, gatherings, travel, funerals, etc.).
Band teacher visits hundreds of homes to perform Christmas carols for students (copy)
Alan Wright and his family were at home this winter, doing distance learning and working, when he noticed something strange. 