Area hockey teams are in the midst of one last week of the regular season before the section hockey tournaments begin. With the stakes rising soon, here is a look at the four teams in the area and how they… 
Local author Betsy Gall writes book of her life, healing after grief
The life of Betsy Gall and her three children changed drastically on Thanksgiving Day 2019 when her husband, Dr. Matthew Gall, an oncologist at Chaska and Burnsville clinics, died by suicide at age 49. 
Top NCAA talent coming to the University of Minnesota pool
The Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center is becoming a popular venue for the NCAA Division I Men’s Swimming & Diving Championships. 
Chaska/Chanhassen gearing up for section 2AA gymnastics competition
The postseason for gymnastics has arrived, and Chaska/Chanhassen is preparing for the upcoming section 2AA tournament Feb. 17. 
Chaska’s Parker Dussault qualifies for Alpine ski state tournament
Chaska’s Parker Dussault had a lot to celebrate on his birthday. 
Holy Family hires coaching legend O’Brien to lead Fire football
Holy Family is bringing in a heavyweight to lead its football program. 
Commentary: Photo shoot with a bobcat
There are several animals that by their very nature are not easily observed or photographed in the wild. Recently while leading a winter photo tour to Yellowstone National Park, I had an opportunity to see but also capture some images… 
Costco and more coming to Oak Ridge Commons development
Since an initial concept plan for the Oak Ridge Commons development was first approved in March 2020, Chaska residents have been long awaiting the opening the community’s own Costco. 
Commentary: Beyond the Horizon: Best Sky Sights of 2023
The steady, unstoppable march of time guarantees that each new year will be different from the ones that precede it. Change is part of life on this planet. In the vast realm beyond Earth, change is also expected and some… 
Commentary: Could your attitude stand an adjustment?
How do you respond when someone asks, “How are you?” Answers we commonly hear are, “Fine,” “OK” or “Hangin’ in there.” How often do you hear someone say, “Terrific!” or “Great!?” Maybe not that often. 
Indigenous artists featured in Arboretum exhibit
The work of four regional Indigenous artists — James Autio, Gordon Coons, Anna Johnson and Ivy Vainio — will be featured in the Reedy Gallery at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum until March 26 for the “Visions from the Land: Native…
Chaska police respond to vehicle theft, assault reports
Chaska Police Department officers responded to the following calls. This is not a complete list of incidents. 
A recent suspicious activity call led to an arrest — how often does this happen?
A 911 caller reporting suspicious activity on Dec. 24 led to the arrest of a South St. Paul man who had over 30 pieces of stolen mail and various drugs and paraphernalia in his pockets, as well as a fully… 
Family-owned silversmith studio opens in Chaska
Madison Wolf made the switch from digital marketing in the corporate world to welding, buffing and designing jewelry on a daily basis. 
Longtime coach Randy Duce inducted into StormHawks wrestling Hall of Fame
When Randy Duce was hired to lead the Chaska wrestling program in 1981, he was told he had two years to turn the program around — otherwise it would be cut. 
Four swimmers leading the way for Chaska/Chanhassen swim and dive
With the championship season nearly a month away, Chaska/Chanhassen has some swimmers who are not only looking to earn a trip to the Class 2A state meet, but also are leading the program on and off the pool deck. 
Southwest metro animal agencies offer tips on how to take care of animals during the winter
Animal shelters and rescue organizations across the southwest metro are offering tips on how animals can be protected and kept safe during the cold Minnesota winter months. 
Carver Lions host Soggy Bottom snow golf tournament Jan. 28
The 14th annual Soggy Bottom snow golf tournament, whose proceeds support local residents or families dealing with medical crises, is set for Saturday, Jan. 28. 
Area roundup: Chaska girls, Chanhassen boys win in basketball double header
Each week, area athletes and teams compete on the court, ice or mat and in the gym or pool. Here are some of the highlights from Jan.16-21. 
Local hot air balloonists take part in Hudson Hot Air Affair
More than 30 balloonists from five states will travel to Hudson, Wisconsin on the weekend of Feb. 3-5 for the annual Hudson Hot Air Affair — including some notable pilots from the southwest metro. 
