MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Some Chaska lakes are dealing with an invasive species typically found in household aquariums. In 2019, goldfish were first detected in Big Woods Lake and Lake Hazeltine. Scientists say they disrupt the entire ecosystem. And the concern in Chaska is that they could make their way to the Minnesota River. On Big Woods Lake, it’s a different kind of fishing opener. “It’s mostly just goldfish,” said Jordan Wein of WSB and Associates. The theory is that a couple years ago a pet owner released a goldfish or two into the lake not knowing it would lead to a population explosion. S ..read more

CHASKA, Minn. (AP) — A small fish commonly found in pet stores and purchased for home aquariums has become an invasive problem in a Twin Cities lake. The Carver County Water Management Organizations recently removed an estimated 50,000 goldfish from an inlet connected to Big Woods Lake, which is part of the Grace Chain of Lakes in Chaska. The organization’s spokeswoman Madeline Seveland says the most like scenario is that someone released goldfish into the lake and the hardy fish began to multiply. Last week’s massive haul of goldfish from the inlet is part of a three-year plant to manage and ..read more

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — There’s a special autumn treat in the southwestern metro are: a delightful group of scarecrows out at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. There you’ll be able to meet such characters as Hank the hilltop gardener, along with 39 others. The scarecrows were created by the arboretum and Bachman’s staff, along with members of the community. “We have towers that are 25 feet tall of 294 kinds of squash gourds and pumpkins. They are so beautiful. This is just a photographer’s nirvana … Of course, we also have fall color going on. That’s the peak of what is happening right ..read more

Want to learn more about helping businesses and organizations in downtown Chaska? Then click here for details about supporting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic ..read more

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Authorities say that a sheriff’s deputy shot and killed a man after a police pursuit that shut down a Twin Cities bridge Monday. Investigators say that the man was holding a woman at gunpoint in the incident. It began at about 12:45 a.m. as police responded to a disturbance on the 400 block of Yellow Brick Circle in Chaska. A neighbor’s surveillance camera shows several officers surrounding and marching towards a home, some who appear to be SWAT. Neighbor Olivia Davis says the situation caught her completely off guard. “I see this guy, this cop standing over there with lik ..read more

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is reopening in a limited capacity — and its opening weekend is already sold out. Beginning Friday, May 1, visitors will be able to see the arboretum from their cars, on a three-mile drive for vehicles only. Organizers say arboretum grounds will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. All visitors, including members, must reserve a time slot to access the grounds online since on-site transactions are not allowed. The reservations will be staggered to allow for a safe flow of vehicles, with the last reservation available at 3 p.m. The visit ..read more

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Twenty-three people have been charged with violating Minnesota’s stay-at-home order aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus. In many cases, law enforcement officers added the misdemeanor charge as a secondary offense to another crime. Violating an emergency order is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000, a local news outlet reported. Gov. Tim Walz began issuing executive orders relating to COVID-19 in mid-March, including one which told Minnesotans to stay home except to buy food and other limited reasons. Among those charged is a Chaska ..read more

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A 25-year-old Chaska man faces accusations that he raped a woman at a Minneapolis strip club in early February. He now has a warrant out for his arrest. According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, Jose Francisco Aplicano-Ramos faces one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony, in connection to the Feb. 2, 2020 incident. Aplicano-Ramos is accused of forcefully raping a woman at the Spearmint Rhino Nightclub in the overnight hours of Feb. 2. The victim said she had just met Aplicano-Ramos before the incident. According to the complaint, the woman repo ..read more

CHASKA, Minn. (WCCO) – The weekend is bringing unseasonably warm temperatures to the state of Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. And when that first warm up of the season hits, it’s inevitable. Minnesotans are going to get out and enjoy it. Jim and Joanne Weygand were among the many taking a walk in the mild weather. “Jim walks regularly,” Joanne Weygand said, “When the temperature gets to a certain point I also walk. But if it’s too cold I don’t get out there and walk,” she added. The couple is from Carver, Minnesota. When it warms up, flooding is always top of mind. Jim Weygand said, “Carver i ..read more

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Parents of some of the members of Chaska High School band and choir are keeping their eyes on the spread of COVID-19 over in Europe as their kids prepare to go to Spain for spring break. Parent Nikolas Hellman says he’s trying not to worry too much. “As of right now, I’m not concerning myself with it,” Hellman said. READ MORE: Do Cleaning Products Work Against The Coronavirus? Sarah Prescher is also trying to tamp down her worries. “Initially I felt a little nervous. I think most parents would feel nervous,” Prescher said. The trip is still on for now, but the Carver Count ..read more