Historic downtown Chaska will host a “Hometown Holiday” on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. sponsored by nine local merchants.

Participating are Body Expressions Consignment & Dance, Brilliant Bouquet Company, Dolce Vita Wine Shop, Lillians, Linda’s Cellar, Maria’s Children, Mixed Company, Vintage Cottage and Wally’s Sports & Clothing.

By Vicki Bont, Guest Columnist

Last Thursday, after running an errand at a Brilliant Bouquet in Chaska, I was walking back to my car. It was a balmy late afternoon for a Minnesota November.

By Unsie Zuege

In today’s economy, it’s become even more apparent that where people spend their money can make or break a small business community. It’s something that local business groups are taking seriously and addressing.

Hate looking at a collection of trash cans on the curb multiple times a week? Sick of refuse trucks rumbling down quiet neighborhood streets day after day?

In the New Year, garbage pickup may be getting an overhaul in Chaska.

During a work session Monday night, the Chaska City Council discussed its options for streamlining garbage service throughout the city. The council previously voiced a desire to seek ways to improve aesthetics and safety, while reducing wear and tear on streets by standardizing the service.

By Mark W. Olson

Chaska Farm & Garden is preparing to move – but not far.

The business learned earlier this month that it would need to move by Dec. 1 to make room for soil excavation, according to owner Tom Hayden.

As a little boy, Tony Abena fondly remembers spending time with his father in the garage. Today, the Edina resident carries on that family tradition with his own kids. And while the idea is the same, the garage is anything but.

For the last year and a half, Abena has set up shop in a car condo at the Auto MotorPlex Minneapolis, off of Audubon Road in Chanhassen. He is one of more than 70 owners at the complex and one of the many who have turned their spaces into the envy of men the world over.

Today, Jacob Roel and his family of six are just settling into a three-bedroom home in Waconia.

“We fit in it fantastic,” said Roel.

In August, the Roels became the first family to take advantage of the newly formed Community Land Trust in Waconia.

“It was an amazing opportunity for us,” said Roel, who explained that his family had been renting a place in Anoka, while he made the daily commute to Shakopee to run a martial arts school. Finding a home closer to his work had become a challenge for the family.

Popular local burger eatery Lions Tap has reached a settlement with McDonald's Corp. over the hamburger giant's use of the slogan "Who's Your Patty" in a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign for Angus burgers.

In documents filed in federal court today, the Eden Prairie restaurant withdraws its suit, which asked for a financial judgment and McDonald's to quit using Lions Tap's trademarked phrase in all advertising.

Bonnie Notermann, a Shakopee resident who has owned the restaurant with her husband Bert since 1977, said she couldn't disclose the terms of the settlement.

Pauly’s American Grill closed its doors last Wednesday night, Oct. 28.

Another entity had been interested in taking over the restaurant, according to owner Russ Pauly. “We had a verbal agreement to sell the business, which should have taken place last week and that fell through on Monday and put us in a position where we needed to shut the doors,” he said. “They just basically said they were no longer interested – that was in the 11th hour.”