County examines fiber optic ring

Do you think Carver County should pursue a fiber optic ring to bring high speed communication to the area? Carver County is in the early stages of exploring a high-speed fiber optic ring. Here's a letter on the topic from Randy Maluchnik and Tim Lynch, Carver County commissioners:

Fiber optic

Candidate filing for the Carver Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor positions is open until July 15.

“Supervisors play an important role in how our community deals with a wide variety of resource management issues, including wetlands, water quality, soil erosion, and erosion and sediment control,” stated Ted Beise, SWCD board chair, in a press release.

SWCD’s are special purpose units of government that manage and direct conservation programs, such as the state Cost-Share Program and the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) program.

What do residents like most about living in Carver County? One in five say it’s the “small-town” feel.

That and a host of other information in a 108-page county survey will be used to help guide planning for the future, according to County Administrator David Hemze.

A countywide survey has been conducted periodically to “put a finger on the pulse of the community and guide the general direction of the county,” he said.

Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded Carver County’s bond rating from Aa3 to Aa2.

This change is due to the county’s growing tax base advantageously located in the Twin Cities metro area, healthy financial operations supported by ample reserves, and above-average, but manageable overall debt profile, according to a Carver County press release.

Carver County will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 2 p.m., May 20 for the new Chanhassen license center located at 7808 Kerber Boulevard in Chanhassen.

The new county facility is located off Highway 5 in Chanhassen south of M&I Bank and east of the Target store.

When complete, the office will offer a license tabs only drive-up feature and the same enhanced services as the Chaska site – other than a state exam station.Carver County hopes to host a grand opening of the Chanhassen Service Center in December 2008, according to a county press release.

Carver County will hold open houses in April to preview its 2030 Comprehensive Plan.

How is the county planning for the continued growth heading our way? For a glimpse of what will be included in the 2030 Carver County Comprehensive Plan, the county his holding three open houses in April.

* Chaska Government Center: April 9, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

* Cologne Community Center: April 16, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

* Mayer Community Center: April 23, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

A lawsuit brought by Carver County Commissioner Tom Workman against the Chanhassen Villager was settled out of court, according to a statement issued by the newspaper and Workman this week.

“Red Wing Publishing Co., owner of the Chanhassen Villager weekly newspaper, and Carver County Commissioner Tom Workman of Chanhassen have settled a defamation suit that was pending between the parties for several years,” according to the statement.

By Mollee Francisco 

Nine months after a railroad trestle near Carver went tumbling into the Minnesota River, taking several railcars with it, Union Pacific is now looking at abandoning its line.

What happened?

Carver County commissioners, by a 3-2 vote, decided Tuesday not to move ahead with a proposed social host ordinance that would have targeted hosts that knowingly allowing underage drinking.