The Victoria City Council on Monday approved a preliminary 2024 tax levy that is almost 12% higher than this year’s, and approved the final plat for a large downtown residential/commercial project. 
CPR, AED training to be offered in Sept. 27 Chaska Fire Department class
The Chaska Fire Department is offering hands-only CPR and AED training at the Chaska Fire Department at 285 Engler Boulevard on Sept. 27 at various times that evening. 
Chaska Historical Society to host ghost tours around the historic, haunted downtown
The friendly ghosts of Downtown Chaska, and allegedly one curmudgeonly one, will be highlighted in the Chaska Historical Society’s first ever Hauntings and History tour on Oct. 6, 7, 13 and 14. 
Commentary: From the mayor: Hwy 41, festivals and other happenings
The State Fair and Labor Day have come and gone. They say this is the end of summer, but I don’t think Mother Nature is ready to give it up just yet. I will say it has been nice to… 
Commentary: The Aurora – Earth’s amazing polar lights
Few sky sights have attracted as much attention as the colorful, undulating lights known as the aurora. They have mystified, mesmerized and moved people to speculate about their nature and behavior for thousands of years. Driven by curiosity, scientists have… 
The way we were: How some towns are preserving their small-town feel
In the 1960s and ‘70s, a future mayor of Chaska could have been spotted roaming around the Carver County seat’s downtown shops, teen center and restaurants. 
Rory Oster exctied to be Holy Family’s new activities director
Holy Family’s athletic department has plenty of new faces, including its leadership at the top. 
County seeks resident input for park planning
The Carver County Parks and Recreation Department has put out a call for public input regarding park and recreation development and funding. 
Chaska boys soccer aiming to perfect craft during 2023 campaign
The Chaska boys soccer team wants the 2023 season to be defined by one word: shokunin. 
CC United hosting second annual soccer tournament
CC United Soccer Club is hosting its second annual Fall CC Classic tournament Sept. 23 and 24. 
Chaska Historical Society to host medicine show
Susan Hynes discovered Violet McNeal about 12 years ago, and since then she has been teaching and entertaining families of all ages with the life of the teenage runaway who found herself in the oddest kind of show business —… 
Three-day Steamboat Days in Carver starts Friday
Tim Shanahan wondered at first if the call he received was a joke. 
Fall temperatures have arrived in the southwest metro
It’s starting to feel like fall as the weather has seemingly changed overnight. 
Letter: We need smaller class sizes
I am writing to express concern as a resident of our beloved community regarding our school system.
Commentary: Let’s hear it for the rule breakers
In the natural world, I really admire the rule breakers. You know, the species of plant or animal that just doesn’t fit the pigeon-hole that we people have dug for them and want them to fit nicely into. I like… 
Commentary: Have you been hit by the silent epidemic?
Recently there’s been a lot of talk about pandemics and viruses and the state of our health. But what’s not being talked about much is an alarming, silent epidemic that’s also having huge effects on our health. For this one,… 
Library: Celebrate grandparents at Chan library
Didn’t get enough thrills with last week’s list? Here are more new nail-biting suspense novels. 
Commentary: Zap the gap to gain confidence and fulfillment
Have you ever felt frustrated because no matter what you do, or how hard you try, things don’t go as you planned? If so, you’re not alone. We recently heard a story that’s a good illustration of this dynamic. 
Boom towns: What rapid growth means for some communities
When Deb McMillan and her husband, Kerry, moved to Victoria in 1986, the town and surrounding area bore little resemblance to the Carver County of today. 
Area roundup: Chanhassen football moves to 2-0 on Woods’ big night
Each week, area athletes and teams compete on the field, track, court or course. Here are some of the highlights from Sept. 5-9. 