Freshwater mussels, what many call clams, often go unnoticed buried at the bottoms of lakes and rivers. 
Commentary: Several Nordic musicians lined up for festival on Sept. 11
It is hard to believe summer is coming to an end. Kids will soon be in school. 
Letter: American Promise at the county fair
The spinner whirled and “Candy” was what it stopped on. But wait, almost all the slots were labeled “Candy”! The wheel was rigged, just like our political system is rigged to allow the big money spenders to influence our candidates… 
District 112 to require masks for 2 to 12 years old
Three weeks after announcing masks would be recommended, but not required for students and staff at the start of the school year, Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams announced Aug. 26 some masks would now be required. 
Commentary: We the People. Together
As the daughter of an American service member, I found myself in the Montgomery, Alabama public school system in the 1970s. 
COVID-19 community testing sites to open in Bloomington, St. Paul
New COVID-19 community testing sites will open this month in Bloomington and St. Paul to help slow the spread of the Delta variant, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday. 
Former Chanhassen couple spends 10 months under lockdown at hotel in India
More informationLearn more about the travels of Jess and Tom Lyman at worldwidewaftage.com 
Holy Family Catholic starts 2021 season ranked in girls soccer
Holy Family Catholic had the ability to score goals in 2020, totaling 36 in 13 matches. Evidenced in a scrimmage in Duluth to start the 2021 season, finding the net won’t be a problem again this season. 
Volunteers step up in Victoria
They clean up parks, help at playgrounds, plant flowers and work with city officials on various boards and committees. 
With hot and dry weather, Minnesota wine experts anticipate a vintage year
Carver County, Chaska police moving to encrypted radios, county adding body cams
The Chaska Police Department and the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, which handles Chanhassen law enforcement, are moving to a more-encrypted radio system in the next year. 
Carver Scott Humane Society to host Pet Film Festival on Sept. 18
Pets of the southwest metro will have an opportunity to shine on the big screen during the Carver Scott Humane Society’s upcoming Pet Film Festival. 
Library: Don’t give up on beach reading
Just because it is the end August, doesn’t mean you have to give up beach reading. 
Local artist Deb Zeller’s work celebrates 100 years of Land O’Lakes
All of Deb Zeller’s drawings, artwork and sculptures are meaningful, but her latest creation, an impressive agriculture-related bronze statue, carries very personal significance. 
Wright County Conference bound for Southwest Christian High School
Southwest Christian lost the first match of the season to Belle Plaine in 2020 and then didn’t lose again, a potential state volleyball tournament type-campaign halted in November due to an increase in COVID cases. 
Athletes from Savage and Jordan to compete in the Paralympics
Minnesota will be represented on the U.S. women’s wheelchair basketball team in Summer Paralympic Games. 
Starwatch: Harvest moon on Sept. 20
With daylight slipping away, September’s skies make an excellent background for watching stars and planets. 
Chaska Fire Explorer Post recruiting members
Chaska Fire Explorer Post 300 is recruiting new members. The group, ages 14-21, trains and participates in all aspects of the fire fighting industry. 
Minnesota River cleanup on Aug. 28
Getaway Motor Cafe, the downtown Carver coffee shop set to open next spring, is organizing the “Carver River Bottom Cleanup” from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 28. 
Cars and Caves show Aug. 28
The August Cars and Caves Auto Show will offer visitors a chance to enjoy seeing hundreds of remarkable collector cars 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Chanhassen AutoPlex at 8150 Audubon Road in Chanhassen. 