Fifteen-year-old Elle Tarman, of Chaska, is in Milwaukee today auditioning for Season 10 of American Idol. "They lowered the audition age to 15 this year, so she qualifies to try out for her dream of becoming a famous singer," wrote mom Kelly. Elle is a sophomore at Chaska High School. (Submitted photo)

Though the remnants of the now-defunct Chaska Building Center continue to look more and more dilapidated, city officials insist the area is safe.

Kevin Ringwald, director of planning and development, assured the Chaska City Council Monday night that the building was "not considered a hazardous situation."

Ringwald said the city would continue to watch it and noted that they had encouraged owner John Klingelhutz to post it for no trespassing.

The area is slated for redevelopment. City Administrator Matt Podhradsky indicated that a preliminary plan for the site could be back before the council sometime in September. He added that several of the buildings had been purchased and would be moved in the near future. (Photo by Mollee Francisco)

This was no practice for next weekend's River City Days water fights. Members of the Chaska Fire Department were on hand Friday night to help wash away potato sludge after a truck spilled its contents on Highway 41. One member of the fire department reported that the truck driver was cut off forcing him to slam on his brakes and lose his load. Highway 41 was closed between Third and Fourth streets for over an hour as crews cleaned up the mess. (Photo by Mollee Francisco)

Josh Hed’s daughters, Molly and Emily, stuck around at the Chaska Community Center pool after swimming lessons for some open swim time earlier this week. Hed took this photo of his daughter Emily, 7.

Cyril Paul, of Cyril Paul & the Calypso Monarchs, shakes it up with Katie Alley during the July 9 Concert in the Park. The city of Chaska sponsors the concerts every Friday at 7 p.m. in City Square Park, in downtown Chaska. This Friday’s concert features “Blue Feelin’” a jazz group. (Photo by Josh Hed)