Local Services

Empowering Change: Local Organizations Making a Difference

Discover how local groups are shaping a brighter future for all. Article by Ann Schreiber and Matthew Sousa | Photography by Monical Lopez & Provided Eagan High School Unified Empowering Students of All Abilities Eagan Unified is a club at Eagan High School for students with and without disabilities with a mission of inclusion. Originally started as an after-school buddies club called Wildcat Connection, the students wanted to do more and the club became part of the Special Olympics...

Arts + Culture

Healing Through Art

Gina Jermasek’s Path from 911 Dispatcher to Inspiring Artist Article by Ann Schreiber When we experience trauma in our lives, whether it be from the loss of someone we love to a harrowing divorce or a serious car accident, it can change who we are. These experiences often rock us to our core, not necessarily taking away who we once were but challenging us to pick up the pieces and overcome our pain to be stronger on the other side. Gina Jermasek knows this all too well. For over 17 years she...

Food + Beverage

Hidden Treasure in Plain Sight

Greg & Lisa's Hidden Treasure Holds a Special Place in the Eagan Community Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Amanda Stamm If you’ve ever driven down Highway 3 through the Eagan and Rosemount areas, you’ve probably noticed the restaurant tucked a bit back on the west side of the road. Though the building has had a few names over the years with an evolving menu, it has become and continues to be a place for the community to come together, break bread, and enjoy a few cocktails. Today...

Life + Culture

Operation Dignity 

Supporting Ghana Through Economic Development, Healthcare, Vocational Training, and Faith Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Kim Tsoukalas “You never lose when you reach out to others.” This point resonated with me when I recently spoke with Kathy Sullivan, who founded  Operation Dignity International (ODI)  along with her late husband, Jim. Though I have had the pleasure of getting to know Kathy over the last several months through an entrepreneurial women’s networking group that we...

Education

Building IT Skills for Tomorrow

Crescent Career Center Building IT Skills for the Services Industry Article by Ann Schreiber The demand for IT skills such as AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science, and programming languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript is higher than ever. Crescent Career Center in Mendota Heights is taking this challenge head-on, ready to prepare a new generation of IT professionals.  Traci Leffner has been president of Sovran , a managed IT services company, for nine...

Food + Beverage

From Passion to Plate

Where Great Food Meets Unforgettable Experiences Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Amanda Stamm Opening a new restaurant is not for the faint of heart. It’s often fraught with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable experiences. Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with Brad Nordeen, one of the dynamic duo behind LoLo American Kitchen, Lolito Cantina, and Stillwater Proper, to discuss his adventure launching Stillwater’s beloved establishment and the incredible journey that...

Food + Beverage

Sweet Treats for Spooky Season

Nothing Bundt Cakes Delights with Ghoulish Treats, Perfect for Your Spooky Celebration Article by Sara Hoeman With yummy fall flavors and festive Halloween toppers, Nothing Bundt Cakes is here to level up your Halloween and fall get-togethers. These delicious and handcrafted desserts have become a must-have at parties and holidays. With the fall season in full swing, now is the time of year to indulge in their devilishly delightful cakes with autumn-colored leaf toppers and charmingly spooky...

Food + Beverage

Local Culinary Hideaway

Discover the allure of The Mudd Room: cozy, upscale dining with a mysterious, ever-evolving menu Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Nora Brody There is a hidden gem beneath the streets of Mendota Heights. You may not even know it's there. It’s The Mudd Room . This cozy, upscale speakeasy offers locals an escape from the everyday. The ambiance will transport you back to the days of Prohibition.    Meet the Culinary Maestro: Tyge Nelson Late this past summer, I had the opportunity to...

Food + Beverage

Ember & Ice

Upscale sports bar meets luxurious lounge at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Lisa Cline Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Brent Glashan, the general manager of the new Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan . The hotel is located in the new Viking Lakes complex, within walking distance of the iconic Vikings training center, which can’t be missed when traveling on 494.  Our chat largely focused on Ember & Ice, which offers an unrivaled...

Health + Wellness

The Emsella Chair at The Laser Room Med Spa

Welcome to The Laser Room Med Spa in Apple Valley, Minnesota! We are dedicated to helping you become your best self, which sometimes involves addressing issues we might not always discuss openly. One such solution is the Emsella Chair, an innovative treatment for urinary incontinence and intimate health improvement, fondly nicknamed the "Kegel throne” stimulating 20,000 kegles at each visit.How Does Emsella Work?Emsella uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate...