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Articles by Eden Teller
‘Only everything has changed:’ Retiring fire chief George Esbensen on 32 years of service
This story was updated at 3:05 p.m. on Dec. 12. When George Esbensen saw a flier calling for volunteer firefighters in 1986, he figured he’d be making coffee and handling equipment for “the real firefighters.” He signed up anyway, launching a 32-year career in the fire service that will come to a close when he retires at the end of the month. On Dec. 31, Esbensen, 59, will step down from his role as fire chief, a position he’s held for 16 years.
Second Generation: As new Miss Minnesota continues a legacy, pageant looks to the future
Two women – an Honor Society scholar and a communications professional – embraced each other in a spotlight onstage at the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center on June 22, waiting to hear a name. After a drawn-out pause from the emcees, it came: “Our new Miss Minnesota 2019 is Miss Coon Rapids, Katheyrn Kueppers.” The theater erupted in applause as Kueppers, in a red evening gown, sank to her knees.
With games and activities, troops at Adventure Day aim to draw new families to scouting
For the first time since scouting began, every Eden Prairie Scouts BSA troop united on Aug. 18 to welcome the community to Adventure Day. The five-hour event, held at Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie, showcased a wide array of activities: Building and racing through an obstacle course, using wood and acrylic paint to make colorful tiles and magnets, a Dutch oven “Iron Chef” cook-off, and plenty of games from gaga ball to racing tiny cars.
Meet the 10 candidates for Eden Prairie School Board
Ten people will be on the ballot on Nov. 5 for four seats available on Eden Prairie’s School Board. Eden Prairie News asked each of them seven questions about their vision for the board, which is a seven-member elected body that governs the Eden Prairie School District, approves the district’s budget and monitors its finances, hires the superintendent, and establishes a strategic plan for the district.
Sneak a peek at Eden Prairie’s Fat Pants Brewing Co. as it prepares for its first customers
With nooks crammed with cushioned couches and low-light chandeliers, Fat Pants Brewing Co. aims to make its customers comfortable above all else, owner Elizabeth Anderson told Eden Prairie News one week before the city’s first brewery opens to the public. “It feels intimate and cozy,” Anderson said. The brewery will host a fundraiser for the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Nov. 21, followed by a soft open for ticketed customers on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Holiday memory: A Californian on ice (copy)
Growing up in California, I never had the plentiful access to ice as Minnesotan children do. Balmy Februaries and palm trees, sure, but a hockey rink? Forget it. Berkeley’s only skating rink closed soon after I had my 11th birthday party there (rest in peace, Iceland), and for nine years I didn’t touch ice. Moving to Minnesota for college changed that when my new friends – a Minnesotan and an East Coaster – gasped when I told them I didn’t know how to skate.
Weaving wonder with words is all in a day’s work for Eden Prairie’s tandem storytellers
Of all the Wonder Weavers’ performances, the one that best displays the storytelling duo’s captivating act was one of their high school workshops, rather than one of their frequent children’s shows. Eden Prairie’s preeminent storytellers, Colleen Shaskin and Tina Rohde, led a personal narrative workshop for teens at a small high school in western Minnesota a few years ago, the pair told Eden Prairie News.
The Jordan School Board confirmed its recommendations for masking and COVID-19 safety during the 2021-22 school year at its Aug. 23 board meeting. The district recommends, but will not require face coverings, or masks, for all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, the resolution stated.
Embrace spooky season at the Landscape Arboretum’s scarecrow exhibit
The scarecrow exhibit has been a mainstay of fall at the Arboretum for so long that signature events manager Wendy Composto can’t remember when it began. “It’s been going on as long as I have been here,” she said. Staff from area garden supply store Bachmann’s will contribute six scarecrows, which visitors can rank in a contest available through a scannable QR code on their smartphones or a link on the Arboretum’s website.
Eight Ways To Spell ‘Hanukkah,’ as Regulars at Your Local Bar
Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights: Eight days of lighting the hanukkiyah, singing, and dodging hot oil splatters at latke parties. Since the name of the holiday is a transliteration of the Hebrew חנוכה, it’s nearly impossible to misspell, which I think is very chic. In honor of the holiday and for your reading pleasure, I’ve found eight different ways to spell Hanuka and imagined, if each of them came to life, who they’d be at your favorite LGBTQ bar.
After a year of fear, Halloween attractions return spookier than ever
As forests fade from green to yellow and a frosty bite returns to the evening breezes, festive folks don't have to travel far to find hair-raising horrors that have nothing to do with the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. The south metro includes several Halloween-themed venues, including Scream Town, in Dahlgren Township; ValleySCARE in Shakopee; and Trail of Terror in Louisville Township.
After a year of fear, Halloween attractions return spookier than ever
As forests fade from green to yellow and a frosty bite returns to the evening breezes, festive folks don’t have to travel far to find hair-raising horrors that have nothing to do with the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. The south metro includes several Halloween-themed venues, including Scream Town, in Dahlgren Township; ValleySCARE in Shakopee; and Trail of Terror in Louisville Township.
'This is the added piece that people need:' Jordan Family Resource Center's first month
Tanya Velishek is used to helping, both in her career as a nurse practitioner and as the leader of the Jordan Area Food Shelf. So when Scott County approached her about opening a Family Resource Center inside the food shelf, she quickly joined the effort. The network of Scott County Family Resource Centers (FRC) include locations at the Shakopee Public Library, the YMCA in River Valley, and the Jordan Area Food Shelf, open on Monday, Thursday and Wednesday, respectively.
Jordan High School honors alumni in Hall of Fame ceremony
1 of 3 Five individual Jordan High School graduates were inducted into the Hall of Fame on Oct. 1, including Sarah (Cecka) Fahning, class of 1992; Fulton Weckman, class of 1959; Jim Trapp, Hubmen Football coach from 1974-2000; Gerry Schmidt, class of 1965; and Richard Nash, class of 1968. The 1980 Jordan High School softball team was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame on Oct. 1. The team was the first state championship team in JHS history, and they finished with an undefeated season.
Jordan's Sideshow Bloody Mary Mix on innovation, growth and cooking with mixer
Five years ago, Jordan’s husband and wife duo Pete and Kelly Holzer teamed up to make a Bloody Mary mix that would capture the hearts and taste buds of Minnesota. The duo formally incorporated Sideshow Bloody Mary Mix in 2015, and in 2016, they “hit the streets” with their product, Pete Holzer said. They enlisted family members to taste test and help spread the word about the mix, too.
‘This is the added piece that people need:’ Jordan Family Resource Center’s first month
Tanya Velishek is used to helping, both in her career as a nurse practitioner and as the leader of the Jordan Area Food Shelf. So when Scott County approached her about opening a Family Resource Center inside the food shelf, she quickly joined the effort. The network of Scott County Family Resource Centers (FRC) include locations at the Shakopee Public Library, the YMCA in River Valley, and the Jordan Area Food Shelf, open on Monday, Thursday and Wednesday, respectively.
Woman dies in Thursday evening crash in Sand Creek Township
A 76-year-old woman died in a two-vehicle crash in Sand Creek Township on Thursday, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. At approximately 5:17 p.m. Sept. 23, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and Jordan Fire Department responded to the crash on Highway 169 near Bluff Drive. Anthony Powell, 32, of Shakopee, was driving southbound on Highway 169 near Bluff Drive.
Global supply chain snarls lead to empty restaurant refrigerators in Jordan
Much of the restaurant industry is based on separating back-of-house chaos from the simple, easy experience of ordering food and having it quickly delivered to a diner's table. But recently, food shortages from suppliers have affected the kitchen of The Pickled Pig in downtown Jordan so much that owner Jesse Wilken decided the customers needed to know what's going on. On Sept.
Scott Penney, Jordan's newest city council member, is 'ready to learn'
Scott Penney can help you with a crick in your neck, and soon he’ll be helping ease the aches of the city of Jordan. The Jordan City Council appointed Penney as an interim council member on Sept. 7, out of a field of three candidates. Penney will fill the seat vacated by Matt Schmitt, who resigned in July to move out of state with his family. Penney, 34, has lived in Jordan for seven years with his wife Heidi and their children. The city “reminded us both of our hometowns,” Penney said.
Global supply chain snarls lead to empty restaurant refrigerators in Jordan
Much of the restaurant industry is based on separating back-of-house chaos from the simple, easy experience of ordering food and having it quickly delivered to a diner’s table. But recently, food shortages from suppliers have affected the kitchen of The Pickled Pig in downtown Jordan so much that owner Jesse Wilken decided the customers needed to know what’s going on. On Sept.
Global supply chain snarls lead to empty restaurant refrigerators in Jordan
Much of the restaurant industry is based on separating back-of-house chaos from the simple, easy experience of ordering food and having it quickly delivered to a diner’s table. But recently, food shortages from suppliers have affected the kitchen of The Pickled Pig in downtown Jordan so much that owner Jesse Wilken decided the customers needed to know what’s going on. On Sept.
Embrace spooky season at the Landscape Arboretum's scarecrow exhibit
The scarecrow exhibit has been a mainstay of fall at the Arboretum for so long that signature events manager Wendy Composto can't remember when it began. “It’s been going on as long as I have been here,” she said. Staff from area garden supply store Bachmann's will contribute six scarecrows, which visitors can rank in a contest available through a scannable QR code on their smartphones or a link on the Arboretum's website.
To open a restaurant during a pandemic, learn to roll with the punches, says Pau Hana
When the world learned in spring 2020 that the COVID-19 virus spread best in packed indoor spaces where people laughed, talked and ate together, the knowledge sounded an alarm bell for the restaurant industry that continued to ring for months.
St. John's Fall Festival is Sunday, Sept. 19
The annual St. John’s Fall Festival returns in style this Sunday, Sept. 19. “We’re going back to our traditional one,” said Sue Zimitch, fall festival chair.
GALLERY: Heimatfest returns with brats, beer and cars
With beers, brats and a bald eagle, Heimatfest returned in its full glory after its cancelation last year. Hundreds gathered on Friday, Sept. 10, and Saturday, Sept. 11 to enjoy the classic car cruise, learn about birds of prey from the Raptor Center, and compete at keg tosses at Lagoon park. In the midst of all the celebrations, Jordan also found itself a new Miss Jordan through the Miss Jordan Ambassador Program.
To open a restaurant during a pandemic, learn to roll with the punches, says Pau Hana
When the world learned in spring 2020 that the COVID-19 virus spread best in packed indoor spaces where people laughed, talked and ate together, the knowledge sounded an alarm bell for the restaurant industry that continued to ring for months.
Jordan City Council appoints Scott Penney as interim councilor
The Jordan City Council appointed Scott Penney, a Jordan business owner, as its interim council member at its Sept. 7 meeting. Penney has lived in Jordan for seven years and is a self-employed chiropractor, according to his application for the position. He will serve the remaining 16 months of former council member Matt Smith's term through the end of 2022. The position will then be up for a special election to a two-year term.
Three questions with the Jordan Boosters
It’s not just teachers, staff and families that keep Jordan School District’s activities buzzing. Sports teams with new jerseys; robotics teams with money for new equipment; and musicians looking to project their music to an audience can all thank the Jordan Boosters for their part in those achievements.
Jordan chalk artist, 14, specializes in sidewalk masterpieces
Though she’s not even old enough for a driver’s permit, Allison Olstad, of Jordan, has crossed state lines to compete in art festivals that draw competitors from across the United States and even internationally. Unfortunately for fans, none of that artwork exists anymore: It was all washed away in the first rain after the chalk art festival. Her first introduction to the ephemeral medium was at a summer camp with Minnesota muralist Sean McCann.
Jordan chalk artist, 14, specializes in sidewalk masterpieces
Though she’s not even old enough for a driver’s permit, Allison Olstad, of Jordan, has crossed state lines to compete in art festivals that draw competitors from across the United States and even internationally. Unfortunately for fans, none of that artwork exists anymore: It was all washed away in the first rain after the chalk art festival. Her first introduction to the ephemeral medium was at a summer camp with Minnesota muralist Sean McCann.
Jordan Public Schools recommends, but won't require, masks for 2021-22
The Jordan School Board confirmed its recommendations for masking and COVID-19 safety during the 2021-22 school year at its Aug. 23 board meeting. The district recommends, but will not require face coverings, or masks, for all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, the resolution stated.
Requests for gun permits stay high into 2021 as students at shooting ranges diversify
A surge in demand for new firearm permits-to-carry that began in 2020 continued through the first half of 2021 in Scott County, according to law enforcement officials. The highest permit-to-carry requests were in the first three months of the year, with 807 new requests for permits and 507 renewals, according to Sheryl Schmitt, administrative services supervisor with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.
Passing knowledge along generations at the Scott County Thresher Festival
Sandy Hess has volunteered at the Scott-Carver Threshers Old-Time Harvest festival print shop for nearly 30 years. She and her friend Al Rostberg worked together for the last decade, with Rostberg’s expertise on the linotypes and various printing machines, and Hess’s in finishing and inking the products. When Rostberg died at the end of 2019, Hess, 64, of Chaska, wasn’t sure how she’d keep the shop open.
Scott County business accelerator expands on Prior Lake's Technology Village success
The dream of any entrepreneur is to see a good idea grow from a seed into something bigger than they could’ve dreamed.
Scott County business accelerator expands on Prior Lake’s Technology Village success
The dream of any entrepreneur is to see a good idea grow from a seed into something bigger than they could’ve dreamed.
Judge orders mental health evaluation for man who allegedly crashed car into Jordan creek
A Scott County judged ordered that a Montgomery man charged with assault and making terroristic threats must be undergo a mental health evaluation before proceeding in the legal process, according to court documents. Judge Charles Webber ordered that Jared Scott Herman, 38, must be evaluated for mental illness and be evaluated for competency to stand trial at an Aug. 10 hearing.
'We declared victory too soon:' Delta variant causes concern in Scott, Carver counties
As the COVID-19 Delta variant has ripped through southern U.S. states and caused a national surge of cases, Minnesota and the southwest Twin Cities metro area have been no exception. While nowhere near the peaks of 2020, health officials in Scott and Carver counties are keeping close tabs on case numbers and the future. When Gov.
Introducing Bailey Holasek: a Q&A with Jordan's newest police officer
The Jordan Police Department added a new member to its ranks on Aug. 5 when Bailey Holasek was sworn in as an officer and served on her first shift. The Jordan Independent asked her a few questions to get to know her and how she arrived at JPD. What’s your age and city of residence? I am 25 years old and currently live in Arlington. Where did you grow up? What drew you to the Jordan Police Department?
'We declared victory too soon:' Delta variant causes concern in Scott, Carver counties (copy)
As the COVID-19 Delta variant has ripped through southern U.S. states and caused a national surge of cases, Minnesota and the southwest Twin Cities metro area have been no exception. While nowhere near the peaks of 2020, health officials in Scott and Carver counties are keeping close tabs on case numbers and the future. When Gov.
Passing knowledge along generations at the Scott County Thresher Festival
Sandy Hess has volunteered at the Scott County Thresher Festival print shop for nearly 30 years. She and her friend Al Rostberg worked together for the last decade, with Rostberg’s expertise on the linotypes and various printing machines, and Hess’s in finishing and inking the products. When Rostberg died at the end of 2019, Hess, 64, of Chaska, wasn’t sure how she’d keep the shop open. But her lucky stars aligned when Dave Zadra, 47, of Shakopee, wandered into her booth and started talking shop.
Passing knowledge along generations at the Scott County Thresher Festival
Sandy Hess has volunteered at the Scott-Carver Threshers Old-Time Harvest festival print shop for nearly 30 years. She and her friend Al Rostberg worked together for the last decade, with Rostberg’s expertise on the linotypes and various printing machines, and Hess’s in finishing and inking the products. When Rostberg died at the end of 2019, Hess, 64, of Chaska, wasn’t sure how she’d keep the shop open.
'We declared victory too soon:' Delta variant causes concern in Scott, Carver counties
As the COVID-19 Delta variant has ripped through southern U.S. states and caused a national surge of cases, Minnesota and the southwest Twin Cities metro area have been no exception. While nowhere near the peaks of 2020, health officials in Scott and Carver counties are keeping close tabs on case numbers and the future. When Gov.
Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard kicks off season with pizza and cider
Unlike many event spaces that had to shut down, either partially or fully, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Jordan’s Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard saw a rise in new customers in 2020 that it’s hoping to make permanent. “We were outdoors, so you were safer with that,” explained Cody Cook, who works at the orchard, which his parents run. “Especially last year we had a wide variety of people.” As the orchard revs up to its u-pick season beginning Aug.
Jordan Brewers schedule for Aug. 5-12
The Jordan Brewers have one more game for the summer. The team will face off against the Le Sueur Braves on Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. at home in the Mini Met. The Brewers won their Aug. 1 game against the Wells Wildcats 4-1, also at the Mini Met, and their July 27 game against the Delano Athletics, 10-4, in Delano. The team's website is jordanbrewers.teams.mnbaseball.org.
Hennepin County Master Garden Tour goes digital in September
Any gardener worth their salt knows the name of the game is patience. Whether that’s weeding, waiting for seeds to sprout, or, say, planning a county-wide garden tour — a master gardener knows how to wait. Such was the case for the Hennepin County Master Gardener program, which has returned with its popular summer garden tour, albeit virtually, for the first time since 2019.
Hennepin County Master Garden Tour goes digital in September
Any gardener worth their salt knows the name of the game is patience. Whether that’s weeding, waiting for seeds to sprout, or, say, planning a county-wide garden tour – a master gardener knows how to wait. Such was the case for the Hennepin County Master Gardener program, which has returned with its popular summer garden tour, albeit virtually, for the first time since 2019.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival emerges from hiatus for 50th anniversary
Though the Minnesota Renaissance Festival announced it would take place this year in response to the state’s loosening of COVID-19 restrictions on July 1, vendor Dawn Gillette-Kircher suspected that the annual smorgasbord of medieval delights would be on well before organizers made the call.
Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard kicks off season with pizza and cider (copy)
Unlike many event spaces that had to shut down, either partially or fully, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Jordan’s Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard saw a rise in new customers in 2020 that it’s hoping to make permanent. “We were outdoors, so you were safer with that,” explained Cody Cook, who works at the orchard, which his parents run. “Especially last year we had a wide variety of people.” As the orchard revs up to its u-pick season beginning Aug.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival emerges from hiatus for 50th anniversary
Though the Minnesota Renaissance Festival announced it would take place this year in response to the state’s loosening of COVID-19 restrictions on July 1, vendor Dawn Gillette-Kircher suspected that the annual smorgasbord of medieval delights would be on well before organizers made the call.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival emerges from hiatus for 50th anniversary
Though the Minnesota Renaissance Festival announced it would take place this year in response to the state’s loosening of COVID-19 restrictions on July 1, vendor Dawn Gillette-Kircher suspected that the annual smorgasbord of medieval delights would be on well before organizers made the call.
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