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By Mollee Francisco 

When Walt Ripplinger and several other concerned members of the Jonathan Association started the Jonathan Research Group (JRG) back in 2001, they knew they needed a surefire method to get their thoughts and ideas out to their 8,000 fellow homeowners.

A Chaska woman pleaded guilty to a money laundering scheme in U.S. District Court today. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's office, Molly Heise, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of "engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity."

Heise was indicted last June for the alleged theft of more than $2.5 million from the clients of a real estate closing company.

Among the items on tonight's Chaska City Council agenda are:

* Public hearing: Lyman Blvd improvement project

* Schoolmaster Drive traffic control/speed limit review

* Surface water management plan approval

* Commission appointments

Chaska City Council meetings are held the first, third and fifth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. at Chaska City Hall, One City Hall Plaza.  

The Holy Family Catholic boys' basketball team hosted Chaska for a non-conference clash on Saturday, Jan. 5 in Victoria.
The Hawks prevailed 75-74 on a free-throw by senior Tom Zydowsky with 0.7 seconds left on the clock.
It was Chaska's first victory of the 2007-08 season, and the Fire's first loss in 21 games.

Enjoy this selection of photos from the game.

The Chaska Planning Commission will discuss plans for the redevelopment of the northwest corner of highways 41 and 212 at its meeting at Chaska City Hall on Wednesday night (at 7 p.m. in city council chambers).

The Park Board met in a special public meeting Monday night to collect comments on changes to Firemens Park as a result of proposed redevelopment.

The City of Chaska is looking for a new citizen representative to serve on the Southwest Transit Commission.

Current representative Bob Moeller is resigning after being appointed by the Metropolitan Council to serve as a commisioner for their Parks and Open Spaces Commission.

During his nine years with the Southwest Transit Commission, Moeller has seen ridership increase steadily to serve over 1 million riders in 2007. Revenues have also increased, customer satisfaction has enjoyed a high rating and bike racks have been installed on every bus.

The Chaska City Council approved the 2008 officers elect for the Chaska Volunteer Fire Department Monday night.

The elected officers for 2008 are:

Chief - James Van Eyll

1st Assistant Chief - Dan Anderson

2nd Assistant Chief - Bill Lainhart

1st Captain - Matt Worthington

2nd Captain - Reed Ashpole

3rd Captain - Mike Johnson

1st Lieutenant - Jason Kirsch

2nd Lieutenant - Jason Buntin

Treasurer - Wally McLean