Home Services

More Than Heating & Cooling

How Waconia Comfort is helping students discover the skilled trades Article by Amanda Wagner Ask a room full of high school students what they plan to do after graduation, and many will answer with a college major or university name. But across Carver County, local businesses and educators are working together to remind students that there isn’t just one path to a successful career. Waconia Comfort is one of the local businesses helping open those doors. Through career fairs, classroom...

Life + Culture

Together, We Relay

Join the community for an evening of remembrance, celebration, and support in the fight against cancer Article by Emily McKeever Every year, communities worldwide gather to remember loved ones, honor survivors, and raise money to support research and advocacy efforts in the fight against cancer. On September 19, at 3:00 pm, Relay for Life Carver County is taking place at Waconia Lions Field, inviting people to come together in support, celebration, and hope for a future without cancer.   In...

Home + Design

Style From the Ground Up

The experts at Sage Flooring share how to choose flooring that fits your design style and lifestyle Article by Lauren Beaubaire Are you a shoes-on or shoes-off household? While most fall firmly in one camp or the other, it doesn’t change the fact that your floors are one of the hardest-working surfaces in your home. Not only do they set the tone for every room, but they have to stand up to kids racing in with muddy boots, pets trying to bury treats in the living room carpet, spilled coffee...

Style + Beauty

Back to School, Back in Style

Our style experts share fall fashion trends, athleisure favorites, and tips for easing into a busy school year Article by Lutie Ronglien As families prepare for the return of school, many are refreshing more than just backpacks and schedules. Local business owners Eleece Pink of The Stash and Megan VanEyll of Shape It Up Fitness say this season is all about practical style, versatile pieces, and routines that support busy lifestyles.     Fall Fashion Gets a Refresh Eleece says one of the...

Sports + Recreation

Game On

Fall sports are back, bringing excitement to the fields and stands Article by Emily McKeever Get Fired Up Summer isn’t the only time of year when sports and activities heat up at Holy Family Catholic High School. The weather might cool off in the fall months, but the school's lineup of athletic programs is anything but. As you fill your fall calendar, be sure to save room to cheer on the Fire as they light up the season.  The varsity football season at Holy Family kicks off with an...

Entertainment

The Perfect Pick: LuceLine Orchard

Where fun family traditions take root Article by Alison Lee | Photography by Maria Claire Media At LuceLine Orchard, summer isn’t just a season – it’s an invitation for families and friends to slow down, explore, and savor the outdoors together. For owners Rich Pawelk and Terri Traen, their orchard has never been just about the apples; it’s about the moments families make together.  Rich and Terri grew up on farms and spent the early part of their marriage working the land alongside Rich’s...

Health + Wellness

Sunny Days, Safe Pets

Victoria Veterinary Hospital offers practical advice to help your furry family members stay safe while enjoying summer fun Article by Emily McKeever Summer is in full swing, and on any day that ends in a Y, you’ll find Minnesotans enjoying the fresh air and soaking up the sun. While there’s so much to love this time of year, it’s also important to stay aware of the hazards that can accompany all that outdoor fun. Our furry friends are no exception, and keeping them safe is just as important as...

Home + Design

Living the Victoria Lifestyle

Olivine brings luxury apartment living to downtown Victoria, combining natural beauty and small-town charm Article by Lauren Beaubaire | Photography by Kory Kevin and Nick Santrizos Downtown Victoria has a new neighbor. Olivine, the city's newest luxury apartment community, opened its doors in April, offering residents the rare combination of serene natural surroundings, walkable small-town charm, and thoughtfully designed modern living. “The concept when building the Olivine was really, how...

Local Services

A Different Breed

How Pet Evolution's Kristi Clay is helping pets, and their people, live healthier lives Article by Amanda Wagner After 26 years in the corporate world, Kristi Clay found herself asking a question many people wrestled with during the pandemic: What's next? She wasn't looking for another corporate role. She wanted to build something of her own. "When COVID hit, I felt like it was time to try something different," Kristi says. As she explored business opportunities, a broker introduced her to...

Life + Culture

Adventures with The Minnesota Gal

Learn why Jess Heuer, The Minnesota Gal, calls herself a Minnesota travel expert — and what you can learn from her. Article by Emily McKeever If you think you’re Minnesota’s biggest fan, think again. Jess Heuer, known to her followers as The Minnesota Gal, loves to travel, has a huge heart for local businesses, and hasn’t been on an airplane in a decade — she’s been busy showing off everything Minnesota has to offer instead, so you do the math. She’s a local travel influencer whose energy and...