The Laker & Pioneer

08/11/2025

Ceremonial shovels tossed ceremonial dirt July 23 off of Highway 12 in Independence, at a site that will soon be a “state-of-the-art vehicle storage facility tailored for car enthusiasts.”

08/07/2025

“The goal of this annual event is to raise money for HBA’s carp management efforts,” said Bart Halling, a member of the HBA board of directors. “Carp are an invasive species in Lake Minnetonka and continue to present a challenge to water quality and the health of the Harrisons Bay ecosystem.”

Seize the day—and seize the carp! On Saturday, Aug. 9, the Harrisons Bay Association invites the community to embrace the spirit of carpe diem with a lakeside concert celebrating summer

08/04/2025

On Saturday, Aug. 9, the Corn Days Festival at the Church of St. George will celebrate its 55th year of live music, family fun and delicious corn. As one of the oldest and largest festivals in the western suburbs, Corn Days has become a cherished summer tradition for generations of families in the Long Lake and Orono area.

On Saturday, Aug. 9, the Corn Days Festival at the Church of St. George will celebrate its 55th year of live music, family fun and delicious corn. As one of

07/31/2025

Though the two cities slipped past a self-imposed deadline of July 1, the Orono and Long Lake city councils may soon sign a Joint Powers Agreement that would consolidate the two existing fire departments into one. The agreement would allow the cities to pool resources and personnel, with the new department responding to calls within all of Orono and Long Lake.

Though the two cities slipped past a self-imposed deadline of July 1, the Orono and Long Lake city councils may soon sign a Joint Powers Agreement that would consolidate the

07/24/2025

The 9,000 square foot store, 1,800 square foot car wash, and 57 space parking lot has been in the works in the city for several years, with the COVID-19 pandemic playing a significant role in delaying the approval process. The store fleshes out more of the city’s mixed-use “Gateway District,” with nearby stores, services, and housing.

The City of Maple Plain in conjunction with Kwik Trip held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new gas station, convenience store, and car wash to be built on Gateway Boulevard.

07/21/2025

The signs are part of a national initiative, called the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, and were installed thanks to the collaborative work done by The Orono Coalition, Trinity Lutheran, and SignPro.

There are several green signs placed around the Orono Activities Center. They stretch up from the sea of gray, white, and yellow and contrast against the Spartan navy and scarlet,

07/17/2025

“Minnesotans want their state back,” said Jensen in announcing his candidacy. “We remember the days when our communities were safe, our schools were strong, and our leaders put people—not politics—first. That’s the Minnesota we’re going to fight to bring back.”

Former Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen has formally announced his intent to seek the state’s highest office again in 2026.

07/17/2025

This year, organizers are kicking things off with a focus on younger attendees, dedicating tonight to kid-friendly activities the whole family can enjoy—including vinyl spin art, kids’ yoga, and the Children’s Entrepreneur Market. There will also be fire trucks on display, and local musician Greg Sletten will host a student musical showcase. The evening wraps up with a boat-in screening of “Happy Gilmore”, which viewers can listen to by tuning into 89.7 FM.

Competitive wake surfing is back in action at the annual Spirit of the Lakes Festival, running July 17–19, with Surfside Park in Mound hosting the debut of the grassroots Lake

07/14/2025

“The city of Tonka Bay is grateful for the assistance of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC), the state archeologist’s office (OSA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), WSB Engineering, In Situ Archeological Consulting, the tribal historical preservation officers of the Upper and Lower Sioux communities and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community,” the city said in a statement.

Crews began repatriating the sacred Indigenous soil in front of Tonka Bay City Hall on July 1. For roughly three weeks, the 5,300 cubic yards of soil will be transported

07/10/2025

The show, which runs from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, will feature $500 total of cash prizes, trophies, an additional beer tent closer to the cars, closer proximity to live music and food trucks, and a people’s choice award category. Same day registration is available for $10 at the gate.

Like much of Buckhorn Days this year, the event’s car show is being supercharged.

07/07/2025

Long Lake and its surrounding communities have celebrated Buckhorn Days nearly every year since 1983. It’s returning Saturday, July 12, and though the agenda changes every year, there are new faces and revamped events complementing the annual staples of the day.

Long Lake and its surrounding communities have celebrated Buckhorn Days nearly every year since 1983. It’s returning Saturday, July 12, and though the agenda changes every year, there are new

07/02/2025

The project is intended to help the city meet growing community water demands and address long-standing water quality concerns. Gary Peters, public works director, noted in a memo to the council that Minnetrista has seen significant increases in peak summer water usage since 2019.

The Minnetrista City Council voted at its June 16 meeting to approve plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for bids for a new water treatment plant in the Woodland Cove