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...

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...

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...

Life + Culture

A New Spark for Waconia’s 4th of July

Sovereign Estate Winery steps in to keep Waconia’s iconic fireworks show alive with a weekend full of music, wine, and community celebration Article by Lauren Beaubaire This Independence Day, the pyrotechnic torch is being passed. Sovereign Estate Winery is stepping up to take charge of one of Waconia’s favorite summer traditions: the 4th of July fireworks.  “The Fourth of July is personally my favorite holiday,” says Isaac Savaryn, owner and VP of Vineyard Operations at Sovereign Estate...

Life + Culture

Music Brings Connection at Westview Acres

A partnership with MacPhail Center for Music is enriching residents’ lives through a community-based singing program Article by Emily McKeever When you or a loved one moves into Westview Acres at Good Samaritan Society in Waconia, you’ll have everything needed to maintain a healthy, active, and fulfilling lifestyle. From senior living through rehabilitation therapy to long-term care, their community supports residents through every level of care. But there’s more to care than nutritious meals...

Life + Culture

The Sweetest New Spot on Main Street

Coney’s Candies opens this summer, blending old-fashioned charm, sweet treats, and community connection Article by Lauren Beaubaire Sweet dreams are Crystal Jensen’s specialty. Owner of Candie Clouds, which serves up gourmet cotton candy confections, Crystal’s new venture is just as irresistible. Welcome to Coney’s Candies.  “Coney’s Candies came about when I was in search of a commercial kitchen to expand Candie Clouds,” explains Crystal. “I had the opportunity to purchase the building at...

Home Services

Don't Sweat It, Fix It

Summer puts your home's water system to the test. Between sprinklers running daily, more showers after time outdoors, and rising temperatures, you may start noticing changes — a faint chlorine taste, a whiff of sulfur, or a water softener that seems to be working overtime.The good news? These are common seasonal issues with simple fixes. From spotting the difference between a leaky tank and normal summer condensation, to understanding why well water smells stronger in warmer months, to staying...

Shopping

A Father’s Day Gift Guide

Gifts, goodies, and ideas from our local shops for the dads who deserve it all Article by Emily McKeever Summer is a time for celebrating, and not just the amazing Minnesota weather. Father’s Day is this month, and these go-to guys — the men we rely on most — are the rock in many families. Dads are a big deal. I mean, who else has an entire category of jokes named after them? So, to all of the Dads and father figures out there — the funny ones, the strong ones, the serious ones, and the...