The red-headed woodpecker is an uncommon sight in Minnesota outside of the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, where researchers have honed-in on dozens of breeding pairs that return each spring. 
Here’s what local county elected officials will be paid in 2022
Salary increases were finalized this month for elected officials in both Scott and Carver counties. 
Chaska Police Department reports: burglary, property damage
Chaska Police Department officers responded to the following calls. This is not a complete list of incidents. 
Hockey Roundup: Third-period rally for Chaska/Chanhassen in third home win
Home sweet home. Chaska/Chanhassen won its third consecutive game at Chaska Community Center, a 4-3 win over Class A fifth-ranked Mound-Westonka/Southwest Christian on Dec. 14. 
Staying safe on Twin Cities roadways during winter weather
Winter weather arrived in force last Friday and the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety are reminding residents to stay safe on the roads while traveling this holiday season. 
Catalytic converter stolen from His House bus, donations covered most of cost
The community rallied for His House Foundation & Abundance, a local human services nonprofit, following a Grinch-level incident. 
Boys Basketball: Chaska holds Apple Valley to 45 points in first win
Was it pretty? By no means. Was it a much-needed win? Absolutely. 
Some Carver traffic signs going away
Betsy Griggs said she’d never noticed the “watch for children” traffic sign on Mt. Hope Road in Carver. 
Hawks hold Apple Valley to 45 points in first win
Was it pretty? By no means. Was it a much-needed win? Absolutely.
Waltzing their way to the top
One week before the first Metro West Conference dance kick competition, assistant coach Tara Lindemeier admitted to Kris Rydland she might have made a mistake. 
Nordic Ski: Numbers are down, but not the spirit in Chaska/Chanhassen program
The Nordic ski program at Chaska and Chanhassen high schools saw its numbers rocket upward over the last five years. Strong leadership led by David Paulson, a coach for more than five decades, and staff, responsible for building enthusiasm. 
Storm Hawk rosters look different, but not the spirit
Evan Bock, Sam Brennan, Josiah Dunker, and Reese Hodgins stood atop the podium at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center at the University of Minnesota, state champions in their final race together, the second-fastest 400-yard freestyle time in state high… 
Boys Swim/Dive: Chaska/Chanhassen shows new leaders in opening meet victory
Evan Bock, Sam Brennan, Josiah Dunker, and Reese Hodgins stood atop the podium at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center at the University of Minnesota, state champions in their final race together, the second-fastest 400-yard freestyle time in state high…
Commentary: Avoid taking things personally and jumping to conclusions
Wrestling: Runner-up finish for Stephen Dragos at Ethan Herman Memorial Tournament
A snowstorm the night before didn’t lessen a 17-team field at the Ethan Herman Memorial Tournament that included a trio of ranked teams in Wayzata, Owatonna and Dassel-Cokato/Litchfield on Dec. 11 at Chanhassen High School. 
Hockey Roundup: Sedona Blair was a brick wall in Holy Family’s 4-1 win over Moorhead
Four goals scored in the opening period, two in the game’s first 2:03, Holy Family Catholic girls hockey topped Moorhead 4-1 on Dec. 11 at Victoria Rec Center. 
Basketball Roundup: Shakopee hands Minnetonka boys first loss of the season
A match-up of two early-season Section 2AAAA boys basketball favorites, Shakopee, the 2021 champions, put on an offensive display, defeating Minnetonka 87-79 at the Breakdown Tip-Off Classic on Dec. 11 at Hopkins High School. 
Minnesota State Patrol to unveil new body cameras
CAP Agency moves to new facility in Shakopee
The Community Action Partnership of Scott, Carver and Dakota counties is on the move. 
Let’s Go! to the stables: Wishbone Ranch sanctuary accepting volunteers
It’s pitch-black at 5:40 a.m. on a Saturday. You turn right off southbound Highway 52 after battling precisely zero traffic, making your way through the fog on a dusty road when you see the sign: Wishbone Ranch. 