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Carver Gazette – 1983

Carver Gazette Logo

The first issue of the Villager Tower, then called the Carver Gazette, was published in November, 1983 by Ricki Schultz. Here is how it began, over 27 years ago:

“Since our local government’s activities are not printed in the local newspaper – this informational sheet is an experiment to circulate happenings in and about our community that are of interest to you as citizens.”

The first two issues of the Carver Gazette are now available in electronic format for the first time.

Although a few issues have been missed over the years, Ricki is still publishing her labor of love every month. The latest issue, historical issues, as well as Jon van Walter’s book can be found on the new Carver History page.

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Carver Historic District by John von Walter

John von Walter of the Carver Heritage Preservation Commission and Carver on the Minnesota has been working on a substantial book that documents the history of Carver on a building-by-building basis.

The first five pages of Carver Historic District provide a great introduction to the history of the area, and then the remainder takes a look at the history of each building and site individually. Please take a look at this and send any feedback to John on Facebook.

Carver on the Minnesota is a nonprofit established in 1969 that is dedicated to beautifying, restoring, and improving historic Carver, its nature trails, riverfront, cultural, artistic, and educational amenities, business climate, and environment.

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New Site Feature: Carver Forums

There is still a bit of work to do, but I am happy to announce the new Carver Forums.

The Carver Forums will be the heart of Carver Current. It is a place for people to express their views and personalities. We will moderate to ensure a fair and civil environment. In short, lively discussions are encouraged, but personal attacks, insults, and profanity are prohibited. This is necessary on the internet where anyone can say whatever crosses their mind anonymously.

I’ve been working on the forum policy in terms of moderation, but it still needs quite a bit of work. You can see the current policy here. Feedback is encouraged.

To start off the classifieds section, I have listed some used books that I am giving away. If you would like some of them, please post what you want in the thread so that I can remove them from the list.

The other available forums are Introductions, General, Local Politics, and Weather. If you have any ideas or feedback for the Carver Forums or Carver Current, you could leave it in the Site Feedback forum.

Please go to the forum, say something, and tell a friend!

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Introducing Ricki Schultz and Villager Tower

Villager Tower

The Villager Tower by Ricki Schultz started in 1983 as the “Carver Gazette”. Published monthly, it is printed and distributed to the downtown businesses and post office. The newsletter has many local readers, as well as Carver expats across the state and country.

Starting with the 270th issue, the Villager Tower will now also be available on Carver Current! The current issue can be downloaded here.

During the next few months, we will be scanning and making available the historical archives, documenting the last 30 years of the city of Carver.

Speaking personally, I am honored to be a part of this piece of work. It started when I was two years old, and it is humbling to see the dedication that has gone into this publication. I hope that by putting it online the Villager Tower and Ricki Schultz will gain wider circulation and recognition.

Correction: Originally it was listed as starting in 1981, but it was actually started in 1983.

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Spring Flood Preparations

With the high river, the log jam, and the amount of snow on the ground, city officials are beginning flood preparations.

As of the December 20th NOAA model, there is a 1 in 4 chance that the Minnesota River will reach or exceed the 2010 height and a 7% chance of reaching or exceeding the 1965 flood. With the September flooding and almost record-setting precipitation this winter we are preparing for the worst and expecting the best.

Read more at the Mayor’s Blog. Additionally, the city has created an informational page.

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Split decision on sign ordinance after threats from Mills

This week in the Chaska Herald, Nick Mason summarizes the contentious decision to allow Mills Fleet Farm to put in a 70 foot sign.

The new City Council rejected the Carver Planning Commission recommendation by voting 4-1 for an amended sign ordinance that allows businesses to erect sign structures up to 70 feet tall along Highway 212

Council action came four days after a Mills representative sent an e-mail to city officials advising them that the sign issue was “a deal breaker” and that rejection of a 70-foot-tall Fleet Farm sign might prompt the company to halt the project in Carver and move it to Iowa.

Read the full story at ChaskaHerald.com. Additionally in the print version of the Chaska Herald, Nick Mason published a comprehensive interview with Mayor Greg Osterdyk.

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Introducing Carver Current

I thought it may be time to do a proper introduction of myself and this site.

I’m Dan Rue and I live in Carver with my wife Tina. We were both raised in Chaska. After college we got married and bought a house on Riesgraf Road. We love this city, and especially our neighbors over on Riesgraf.

Carver Current was created to fill a need that I had personally – What is going on in Carver? What is the City up to? Are there any events this weekend? Too often I will drive through downtown on a Saturday and be surprised that there is a car show or craft fair. Besides community events, I want to know more about local political candidates, I want to hear about volunteer opportunities, and I would love to hear what other people think about these things.

To that end, I am building a platform for Carver to contribute and exchange ideas, opinions, and information. All content is contributed by local individuals, and will always be available freely to everyone.

Behind the scenes, I have been meeting other local people who are interested in helping this come together. Over the next few weeks and months, I will be announcing more site content and additional site features.

To get this going, I need help! Please considering “liking” Carver Current on Facebook. By “liking” Carver Current, you will see our stories on your wall. This is a great way to view our content, and it is a great means of advertising to your friends.

Secondly, if you have any ideas or would like to help build this community, please contact me.

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Soggy Bottom Golf Tournament II

Title: Soggy Bottom Golf Tournament II
Location: Riverside Park, Carver. 300 Main Street East
Link out: Click here
Description: Bring one golf club, hockey stick, or whatever else you would like to hit a tennis ball with on our 18 hole snow-golf course.

Beer, Alcohol, Pop and Food will be available for purchase at the park.

Cost is $20, and includes a Soggy Bottom stocking cap.
Start Time: 11:30
Date: 2011-01-22

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Carver Fire Steak Fry

Title: Carver Fire Steak Fry
Location: Carver Village Hall
Link out: Click here
Description: Friday Feb. 4th Carver Fire will be holding it’s third super bowl weekend steak fry. 4pm to 9pm come get Von Hanson’s steak and take part in the silent auction. Adults 10$ kids steak 6$ or get hot dog meal for 3$. Alcoholic beverages will be served so come have fun
Start Time: 4:00pm
Date: 2011-02-04
End Time: 9:00pm

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Carver City Council 2011-01-03



The first 10 mins of the video is missing due to a camera error. We apologize for any trouble this may cause you.

  • ‎00:01:18: 7b) MNWARN System
  • 00:05:20: 7c) Sign Ordinance – published
  • 00:24:22: Mills Fleet Farm public hearing
  • 00:39:24: 7d) Mills Fleet Farm related changes
  • 00:48:00: 9) Carver County regional trail plan
  • 00:49:24: 10ab) Fire equipment
  • 01:01:00: 10c) Highway Improvement Project CSAH 11
  • 01:04:51: Logjam threatening the levy?

Full meeting minutes are available at Carver’s website.

I’ve added Mayor Osterdyk’s blog to the list of links, where he’s already published the Council Corner.

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Carver County Ski and Sled

Cross Country Ski trails at Baylor and Lake Minnewashta Regional Park will be packed and groomed early this week. Cross Country Ski’s will be available for rent beginning this coming weekend.

The Sledding hill at Lake Waconia Regional Park is also open for the 2010/2011 winter season.

Jonathan in Chaska also has the Marsh Halberg Sledding Hill at the corner of Bavaria and Hundertmark. They are hosting a sledding part on Saturday the 17th.

For additional information about Winter Recreation at the Carver County Parks visit the Winter Recreation Website or call the winter recreation hotline at 952-466-5237.

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Carver Log Jam

The unusual fall flood caused logs to aggregate along the Minnesota River bridge. Although the bridge is scheduled for removal, there is concern that if the log jam is not cleared by spring, flooding could cause damage to the levy.

Union Pacific is responsible for clearing the logs. “By the time they got out to the bridge the water was too low” said City Administrator Brent Mareck at the last city council meeting.

The city is in contact with Union Pacific to resolve this issue.

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Carver Village Christmas December 4th

Carver will be hosting a Christmas event downtown on Saturday, December 4th.

Carver Village Christmas will be from noon to 3p.m. at Carver Village Hall. Santa will be there, and there will be crafts, a coloring contest, prizes, and treats. The event is free but pictures with Santa are $5. Please bring a food shelf donation.

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Chaska Hometown Holiday December 4th

Downtown Chaska is hosting a Holiday event on Saturday, December 4th.

From shopdowntownchaska.org:

Downtown merchants will offer shopping and dining enticements, hospitality & good cheer all day. Enter to win a valuable shopping spree! Visit www.shopdowntownchaska.org for details.

Free horse drawn wagon rides will tour historic downtown.

Carolers, Santa, his helpers and reindeer will greet visitors and shoppers throughout downtown.

Tree lighting ceremony in downtown’s beautiful park will light the night at day’s end.

Details at shopdowntownchaska.org.

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Carver City Council 11-01-2010

http://www.vimeo.com/16622785

  • ‎00:00:00: Lylewood Parkway – one way street
  • 00:23:30: Mount Hope Road and Fornet Lane – street lights
  • 00:43:25: Recycling ordinance
  • 00:45:50: Public Safety Reports
  • 00:52:45: Patrol coverage for 2011
  • 01:07:50: Public Works Report
  • 01:10:10: Public Utilities Report
  • 01:11:20: Parks and Recreation Report
  • 01:12:00: Building Inspections Report
  • 01:18:45: Engineering: Main Street bridge
  • 01:32:00: Planning
  • 01:39:30: Planning: Fleet Farm Presentation
  • 02:36:15: Carver County fiber optic ring
  • 02:47:00: Work session format

The flash video doesn’t let you seek ahead, but if you go to the video on vimeo and click on “Switch to HTML 5 player” you can seek into the video.

Meeting Summary