Living In Carver County Minnesota

From CA and FL gangster to small town cobbler, Tommie's life story is almost to colorful to believe and yet here he is being his iconic, outspoken and authentic self. He doesn't hold any punches and speaks with a bluntness that's unusual in "Minnesota Nice" Carver County. He is raw, unvarnished and honest.

Dr. Keith Brooks has an extensive background in education. He helps explain his current role and the stated objectives of making Eastern Carver County schools a place where all students regardless of economic background, ethnicity and scripting can thrive. I invite you to listen with an open mind because there is a ton of misinformation floating around about what this initiative means how how stud...

Aaron Scram discusses the challenges and rewards of building a business in the emerging and yet competitive wine business in the cold of Minnesota. He also talks about diversifying into the craft beer space and his plans to grow the business to employ over 70 people by year end. His passion for the business and industry is contagious. Visit him online at www.schramhausbrewery.com

In small towns across America, service clubs can make an incredible impact by raising awareness of issues and local needs. More importantly they also strive to meet those needs head on. The Lions Clubs have been making a difference for many years internationally and throughout Carver county as well across the state. Minnesota has a robust, active set of clubs and even in that company, the Chaska c...

This episode really grabbed me and made me think. Donta' Hughes talks about his life growing up on the rough streets on the south side of Chicago and his family's bold journey packing everyone up moving ultimately to Carver County. It is a powerful story of perseverance in the face of harsh challenges. Despite what would make many other people curl up or lash out, he is positive and optimistic abo...

A.C.T. United provides education and training for churches, schools, community organizations and businesses to help end child exploitation. Through their "Youth Aware" and "#Reclaim" initiatives young people can be equipped. Jessica is a passionate advocate and was great in our interview.

Rick Ness is a financial planner with a deep understanding of how successful people structure their affairs to preserve wealth. He has seen situations where lack of planning or bad information has lead to horrible outcomes. This interview focuses on some general rules about Medicare and Medicaid. Failure to plan is planning to fail.

Angela Erickson has a heart for educators and the local 112 school district. As the new face of the District foundation she gets to express her talents and passion for quality educational experiences for 112 students.

Joel gives an enthusiastic interview on the value of an education at one of the areas only Lutheran High Schools located in Mayer in western Carver County. Joel talks about how students use the the values learned to make a critical difference in their communities and why he believes what the provide to young people is worth every penny.  His passion is palpable and you will feel his love for...

Chaska City Manager Matt Podhradsky talks about the massive changes in process in Chaska along with his role as a "buck stops here" position in Chaska's city government.

Kellie Sites, director of the Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce discusses the many thing "brewing" in charming Waconia in West Central Carver County Minnesota.

Andy Mooney has made a huge impact in downtown Chaska in a very short period of time with their Red Banch Bakery. It shows how accurate they were in their assessment that this was something the community needed and would support. Andy also discusses how they've expanded and what his outlook is for small businesses in small towns. He's bright and engaging and it was a fun interview.

Tom Funk came to Victoria city government fairly recently and is enjoying many positive changes and developments the city has seen in the past few years. Victoria has several community building opportunities including a summer car show series, art fairs as well as an active social scene with new restaurants and bars. The housing growth has been incredible also. Tom was a great guest with strong op...

Carver had grown from roughly 1200 people for decades to almost 5000 people today and there is no end in sight for the foreseeable future. New homes are popping up along Jonathon Carver Parkway and a brand new commercial building just opened next to Fleet Farm. Carver also just opened a brand new City office building in the historic downtown area this year. Courtney talks about her vision and desi...

Denny Laufenburger discusses his tenure as mayor of Chanhassen through the end of the recession up to 2018. He talks about the momentous changes the city experienced with development and also the passing of it's most famous resident and how the city handled the onslaughts of people coming and going. His passion for service and love of Chanhassen is loud and clear.

Carver County Commissioner Gayle Degler talks about his life in public service along with his thoughts on what's working and what additionally he'd like to see happen for Carver County. He offers some good insights.

Love Inc is a combined effort of 25 area churches in Eastern Carver County to meet the needs of the community as a combined, coordinated outreach effort. Listen as director Al Norby discusses their mission.

It's hard to imagine that in one of the wealthiest counties in the state of Minnesota that there are homeless teens right here. Corey talks about the problem and how their organization is addressing those issues head on and how we can be on the solution side of the issue. He shares some things most people don't know about and what they are doing to help. Corey is one of my most favorite people in...

Carver County Minnesota Commissioner Randy Maluchnik helps to explain what the role of a county commissioner is and how they fit in with federal, state and local governments to execute policy and oversee the operational aspects of county governance. Randy is one of the 5 Carver County Commissioners and has extensive government experience throughout his career. There are many things we discussed th...

Eastern Carver County League of Woman Voters President Maria Moeller and vice president Molly Koivumaki explain the mechanics of how Minnesota has ended up with a primary in 2020 and what that means to Carver County voters. This is a slightly different episode format in that it was recorded as a presentation for the Rotary Club of Chaska at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Dec 12th. The questions a...

Bob is one of those special people whose impact is felt decades after he has been out of office. He was instrumental in defying Chaska's mission, purpose and vision that is still in use today. By defining where we were going to go and how we were going to operate, the city has become a model for responsible governance. He is one person who has left a mark on the community.

Mark Metz covers what his office does beyond criminal prosecution and how the attorneys approach both victims of crime as well as the defendants and their council. He also talks about electing people for jobs that are lower profile but yet incredibly important. He approaches his job with diligence.

Career lawman and relatively newly elected Sherriff Jason Kamerud talks about police work in 2019 and the department's values about how to treat people and the advantages of a central command center for Carver County communities. Jason is an interesting guy who is 100% committed to the citizens of Carver County.

Chaska Minnesota Mayor Mark Windschitl discusses some of the big changes happening and how officials and staff approach them. Mark is a decent guy trying to give back to his hometown. This is a wide ranging conversation and the time flew by.

Cindy Anderson discusses the Arts Consortium of Carver County and some the events they have scheduled. She also gives a brief history of the organization. She was very brave to be our 1st interview and we are grateful!