John von Walter tees off in the Soggy Bottom Golf Open. The Carver event, sponsored by the Carver Lions and the city of Carver, attracted 30 golfers and 10 volunteers on Saturday who, despite a half inch of rain, had fun golfing in the snow. Chaska golf course architect Kevin Norby (who designed “Carver National”) shot a score of 60, apparently the lowest. Next year’s open is Jan. 22, 2011.

Mark Windschitl stood on a chair at the Chaska American Legion Tuesday night to thank those that supported him during his campaign for mayor. Windschitl defeated Jay Rohe, Bob Snyder and Doug Williams, carrying all but Ward 4. Read more about the election in tomorrow's Herald. (Photo by Mollee Francisco)

Chris LaPointe signs in to vote with election judges Randy Kerber (left) and Gary Switzer at the Ward 1, Precinct 1 poll, located in the Chaska City Hall chambers at about 7:45 a.m., Monday. LaPointe was the 21st person to vote at City Hall.

Orchids will be on display when the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum presents “The Great Hall of Orchids – Passport to Paradise” Feb. 12 through March 14. The exhibit will feature a variety of exquisite orchids – including many unique species and hybrids – all grown by renowned orchid expert Jerry Fischer and his Orchids Limited greenhouse of Plymouth. The orchids will be displayed in attractive planters on eye-level pedestals – all in the Great Hall of the Oswald Visitor Center. Don’t miss the Orchidarium, a glass-sided orchid terrarium just bursting with dazzling specimens and tropical mists. The “Great Hall of Orchids” is free with arboretum gate admission ($9 adults). Several complementary events are planned concurrently with the exhibit.  (Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum)

By 8 a.m., there were 57 fish houses and 94 anglers (outside of houses) on Courthouse Lake for the winter lake trout opener, reports Daryl Ellison, area fisheries supervisor for the DNR. Jacqueline Glaser, a DNR conservation officer, was monitoring the crowd, and reported that only one angler tried to get by without a stamp -- and a couple tried to get on the lake at midnight (one hour before sunrise is the rule).