They share highways, rivers and borders as well as membership in the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce, but what makes the cities of Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska and Victoria unique?

The mayors of these four communities discussed their city’s special qualities and challenges at the annual Mayor’s Luncheon, hosted by the chamber last month at the Oak Ridge Conference Center in Chaska. At the luncheon, each mayor provided a brief update from their perspective cities.

By Mollee Francisco

Most Chaskans may not realize it, but they’ve been familiar with Deb Bruers’ work for years.

Among her many artistic offerings to the city she calls home, Bruers is responsible for designing both the current police and fire department badges.

“The fire department is my favorite,” she said.

This month, locals can check out some of Bruers’ other art at the Chaska Community Center, where she is exhibiting selected works in the gallery.

A 2001 homicide case prosecuted by Carver County Attorney Jim Keeler is the subject of an hour-long television program on the Investigation Discovery channel. The program “Wicked Attraction: Crossing the Line” details the investigation into the murder and dismemberment of a 20-year-old St. Paul man by an ex-convict and his girlfriend, a former prison guard.

By Mollee Francisco

Nicholas Sparks is no stranger to success. The former class valedictorian and University of Notre Dame track star is also the author of 15 previous best-selling novels, including “The Notebook,” “Message in a Bottle” and “A Walk to Remember.”

So it should be no surprise that his newest novel “Safe Haven,” released Sept. 14, is currently on the New York Times best-seller list as well. What may be a surprise is that Sparks has roots that reach back to Carver County.

Fall has officially arrived- both in the air and on the calendar -so what better time to look forward to some of the things that make this season great?

The southwest metro has it all when it comes to fall - from crisp red apples and giant orange pumpkins to family-friendly corn mazes and spook-tastic attractions. Here are just a few of our fall faves.

Reid Harmsen is a familiar face around the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. For the last two years, the 26-year-old has worked in the box office, earning a pay check while feeding his love for theater.

Last Friday, Harmsen busted out from behind the scenes to make his debut on the theatre’s main stage in the new Elvis-themed production of “All Shook Up.”

Each year, tens of thousands turn up at auditions around the country with a single dream: to be the next American Idol. This year, Chaska’s Elle Tarman was one of those dreamers hoping to join the ranks of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and reigning champ Lee DeWyze.

The 15-year-old took advantage of a recent rule change that lowered the minimum age for those trying out from 16 to 15. She and her dad Al made the trek to Milwaukee last week to audition for the show.

By Unsie Zuege

It all started with a manicure.

Wendy Biorn, executive director of the Carver County Historical Society and Museum, was having her nails done at a local shop, and as part of the salon chatter, she learned that the woman across from her was an actress at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.

“She said, ‘You should see my show,’” Biorn recalled. “She said, ‘Come early, and I’ll give you a tour behind the scenes.’ That’s when I met Kris Howland [CDT’s public relations director] and we started talking.