The Laker & Pioneer

11/13/2025

Three years ago, the agency released a study outlining possible reconstruction of the stretch. Options included a two-lane road with a varying median barrier, two three-lane concepts, and a four-lane option with a depressed median. the coalition isn’t confident the four-lane alternative will be chosen, despite its coveted status among local leaders and residents. Largely due to land and rights-of-way acquisitions, MnDOT’s four-lane concept would necessitate an additional $10 million, causing the total project cost to creep up towards $45 million.

Turning into the church parking lot, even on a Sunday morning, can be a nerve racking experience for WestPointe Pastor Paul Risdahl.

11/10/2025

McGarry’s Pub owner James Leeder-Botnan presented the West Hennepin Public Safety and Maple Plain Fire departments a check worth over $9,000 raised from the pub’s charity golf event in August.

11/05/2025

With both precincts reporting in, the trio of incumbents have held onto their seats in the district.

Voters in the Westonka school district selected three candidates for school board at the polls on Tuesday. The candidates on the ballot were incumbents Brian Carlson, Loren Davis and Gary

11/04/2025

Election results will be posted as precincts report in. Polls close at 8 p.m.

Results from the Nov. 4 Westonka school board election will be posted here as precincts report in. Polls close at 8 p.m. All results from local election authorities are considered

11/03/2025

Long Lake is expected to do the same this week.

In a much anticipated move, Orono adopted a Joint Powers Agreement to form the Shoreline Fire Department, marking what would become a new chapter for fire services in Orono, Long

10/31/2025

The City of Minnetonka Beach is asking for help finding a lost dog.

From the city: "Last night around 8:30 pm the resident at 2939 Westwood Rd (next door to City Hall) had their 7 pound Toy Terrier/Yorkie mix, Peanut, go missing from their yard. Peanut is grey and brown and is wearing a black collar. The Orono Police are aware that he is missing. If you have any information about Peanut please call Jennifer at 612-799-5164 or Pete at 612-247-3608."

10/31/2025

Voters will choose 3 of the 4 candidates for Westonka school board on Tuesday.

Four candidates are vying for three seats on the Westonka school board – Lizz Kahnke will face incumbents Brian Carlson, Loren Davis, and Gary Wollner.

10/27/2025

Westonka’s VOCE Community Choir has received an invitation to participate in a four-night choral residency in Paris, France, from June 19–24, 2026. The ensemble will perform Illuminare, an extended work by acclaimed composer Elaine Hagenberg.

Westonka’s VOCE Community Choir has received an invitation to participate in a four-night choral residency in Paris, France, from June 19–24, 2026. The ensemble will perform Illuminare, an extended work

10/24/2025

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords will be in Waconia on Saturday for a town hall focused on preventing gun violence, according to the Minnesota DFL, which is coordinating the event.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords will be in Waconia on Saturday for a town hall focused on preventing gun violence, according to the Minnesota DFL

10/22/2025

Genetics surely have played a role in Sonny Larson’s longevity, as he just turned 103 years old in August. However, he’ll mention the years he spent in the sun, the fresh vegetables he ate from his garden, and his attitude towards life, plus a little luck, as contributing factors.

Though it was 80 years ago, Spring Park resident and native of Oakes, North Dakota, Atwood “Sonny” Larson remembers the day he landed his first apartment quite well.

10/21/2025

The Chaska rally drew around 3,500 protestors, while nearly 300 protestors rallied in Waconia at the corner of Highways 5 and 10, many carrying signs like “Honk for democracy” and “Hands off judges.”

Large crowds of protesters rallied in cities across the U.S. Saturday for “No Kings ” demonstrations decrying what participants see as the government’s swift drift into authoritarianism under President Donald

10/20/2025

“We’re incredibly proud of this new facility and deeply grateful to the Westonka community for making it a reality,” district Superintendent Kevin Borg said.

Westonka Public Schools officially opened the new tennis courts at Westonka High School on Oct. 1 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together school leaders, athletes and community members.