Life + Culture

What’s New in Waconia

A conversation with Christine Fenner about the power of community investment Article by Emily McKeever If you want to learn what matters most to a person, just take a look at where they invest their time, money, and heart. One glance around Waconia, and it’s evident that there’s an overwhelming number of us on team Most Devoted Community Supporters. You could say that for many living in our charming, thriving town, the community isn’t just where we live; it’s where we give, and that’s because...

Life + Culture

Taking the Stage Together

Waconia’s Theatre Department opens the curtain to community-wide productions Article by Emily McKeever Dorothy Gale is whisked away in a tornado to a magical land where she must follow a path full of challenges, triumphs, and nightmare-inducing flying monkeys. In the Land of Oz, the yellow brick road leads Dorothy and her friends to the Emerald City, where things aren’t quite what they imagined. In the Land of Waconia, Theatre Directors Melissa Ricard and Bailey Willhite and a wealth of...

Home + Design

Home, Improved

Transforming your home with ease and precision starts with J.L.C Remodel Consulting & Interior Design Article by Emily McKeever When you feel perfectly at home on your quiet cul-de-sac, next door to your fun neighbors, but your family is growing — or, let’s face it, those dilapidated cupboards have to go — moving is only one solution. Another is to renovate your current space and update your home’s aesthetic. Giving your home a facelift not only feels like a refreshing reset and lets you...

Life + Culture

Vintages of Value

How to collect and age wine like a pro from the experts at Schram Vineyards Article by Lutie Ronglien Wine: It’s always a good idea. Who doesn’t enjoy a nice glass of wine after a long work week? But have you considered it as an investment?  Ashley Schram, co-owner of Schram Winery in Waconia, says collecting wine can be not only an investment but also a fun hobby and an amazing gift.  Buy a few bottles for the year a child was born and gift it to them on their wedding day, or purchase...

Home + Design

Where Quality Meets Comfort

The smart investment you can’t afford to miss, with Waconia Comfort Article by Emily McKeever You might think that a well-run air conditioner, smoothly flowing plumbing, and peak-performing heating are all about comfort — and you’d be right, but only partly. In 1993, Tom Kurtz, owner of Waconia Comfort, left his job at a large HVAC company to start one of his own, driven by his desire to focus more on the individual customer. Specializing in service and installation, his passion for fireplaces...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Hidden Treasures Article by Jen Fortner I recently read a story about a painting that sold in Minnesota for $50 at a garage sale. It is reputed to be a long-lost Van Gogh. There is debate in the art world over whether or not it is an authentic Van Gogh because if so, it would be worth $15 million. A garage sale find for the history books. I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything that compelling at a garage sale. Plus, had I been there, I doubt I would have plucked out the painting of a bearded...

Home + Design

Selling Success Starts Here

Heather Reichenberger of RE/MAX Results shares tips to get your home market-ready Article by Emily McKeever Now that you can breathe a little easier after the busy holiday season, cold winter weather, and all the sickness that came with it, you’re ready to take the plunge and put your house on the market. But where do you start, and what should you know? Heather Reichenberger, Real Estate Agent at RE/MAX Results, says you’ll need a fresh coat of neutral paint (maybe Colonnade Gray or...

Home Services

What's New in Waconia

You are. And we’re here to help. Article by Emily McKeever We welcome new businesses to the block with celebratory ribbon cuttings and usher in new parks with grand openings (usually with ice cream and balloons to boot), but what if you’re what’s new in the area? We like to supply newbies with a bit more — helpful resources and friendly, skillful connections, so you’ll know who to turn to when you need a helping hand with your beautiful new home. And you know it’s coming – you just moved –...

Home + Design

5 Kitchen Trends for 2025

We ask the expert on what’s in and how to incorporate trends while keeping your design timeless Article by Lauren Beaubaire We spend a lot of time in our kitchens. Even if your specialty is reheating yesterday’s takeout, creating a kitchen you love and want to be in is essential. So much of our day begins and ends there. And a few times in between if you’re feeling snackish. If you’re ready to remodel or refresh your kitchen, Matt Stenzel, owner of Artistic Visions Cabinetry, shares five...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

Seeds of Doubt Article by Jen Fortner As winter sputters to a final close, I love planning for spring. Spring cleaning, in my case, is just throwing away everything I meant to throw away all winter. Switching from my daily uniform of jeans and a sweater to wildly different cropped jeans and a sweatshirt. Putting away the cumbersome coats and opening up the windows for the freshest of air. Getting the yard ready to spend every nice moment outside after spending so many months inside.  However...