Earlier this year, when I met with leaders from several southern Minnesota rural electric cooperatives, their communities were still reeling from the devastating blizzards and high winds that knocked out hundreds of power lines across the region and left thousands of families and businesses …
June 15th marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day as designated by the United Nations. And while this is a day to be especially mindful of the reality of this abuse, millions of older adults are forced to endure it daily.
“I am thinking of transitioning to a smaller place to live, but where do I begin?” As a Realtor, this is often the very first question I am asked when meeting with a senior who is looking to sell their home and downsize. It can feel overwhelming. But the good news is there is a lot of help a…
The science is clear: Carbon emissions sent into the atmosphere from a variety of human sources threaten to upend our economy, our health, our national security and our very way of life.
Some people look at an old building and see a broken-down structure that no longer has value. It was built using old technology, by people who are no longer here. Out with the old and in with the new. But there are also people who look at an old building and imagine themselves in another tim…
I was 14 years old in 1980 when John Anderson, an Illinois Congressman and independent candidate for president, visited my middle school. Bright-eyed and a bit naive, it was the first time I’d ever seen a politician — those men in suits on television — in real life.
With Minnesota the only state in the union that elected a politically divided legislature, all three of us are proud of the example we set for the rest of the country this past legislative session. We proved that even in a time of widespread political acrimony, compromise is possible. We mad…
More than three years of work culminated May 14 with 69.5% of voters approving Eden Prairie School’s $39.9 million bond referendum. This was the highest rate of approval for the school district in 25 years. We’re seeing other signs too: Last fall was the first year of enrollment growth (near…
The Eden Prairie Historical Society board members gathered to commemorate the park bench purchased to honor former Historical Society board member, Ernie Shuldhiess.
Chances are, you’re an Eden Prairie philanthropist and you don’t even know it.
I’ve learned the lessons of depression the hard way. It’s something I experienced first in my late teens and then again in my 30s.
The bedrock of a strong democracy is the act of voting. Each citizen has the awesome responsibility to cast their ballot to choose our leaders and to create a government for the people by the people. It is easy to not vote, but that only leads to an alienated, apathetic, uneducated and uninf…
We have all heard of Oscar Wilde’s famous saying, “when it rains, look for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for stars.” But, what do we do when it’s bright and sunny? What do we do when we are happy with what we have? What do we do when every problem we have is solved?
Editor’s note: Area students were invited by the Eden Prairie Optimist Club to write essays related to the theme, “When all the world’s problem’s are solved, is optimism still necessary?” for its annual essay contest. Eagle Prairie High School Lily Aaberg submitted this first place essay in …
In a world where every problem is solved, would we still need optimism? Well, the short answer is yes, without it we would not have a very hopeful outlook upon the outcome of our choices, or what is happening, or will happen.
Over the past few weeks, the city of Eden Prairie has experienced a number of remarkable weather events. This included some historic low temperatures and near record accumulation for the month of February. For that reason, I want to begin with a note of thanks to all of you for your patience…
I recently had the privilege of touring the Eden Prairie Senior Center. While I was there, a hot card game was going on, an exercise class was jamming in the lower level and beautiful hand crafted items were being made in the wood shop. (By the way, the wood shop is crazy awesome and, for a …
Happy New Year, everybody. I hope you and your loved ones had an opportunity to step away from life as usual over the holidays, spend some quality time together, and count the blessings in your life.
“There are only four kinds of people in the world.
As winter is upon us it is exciting and a bit overwhelming to think of getting your house ready for the spring real estate market. We often think, “How will I ever get there from here?”
In 1979 Helen Anderson Holden wrote in her book, “The First Hundred Years.” In it, she describes how our city was named.
You wouldn’t know it by driving through its neighborhoods, but in Eden Prairie there are young people who are living in their car, couch-hopping from one friend’s home to another, or seeking shelter in Minneapolis or St. Paul. That’s why it’s so gratifying for the Eden Prairie Community Foun…
It’s been an amazing privilege and truly an honor to have represented the people of Eden Prairie on the City Council for 22 years. Helping people problem-solve issues that involve local government, strategizing how to sustainably fund our residents’ needs and wants and learning the intricaci…
I hope to earn your vote to become your strongest advocate as mayor, to keep Eden Prairie No. 1. For the past 14 years as your council member, I’ve earned your trust by respectfully and inclusively working together to improve services cost-effectively, which made us award-winning. At the loc…
This January 2019 begins a year of festivities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Eden Prairie Historical Society.
With the school year now officially underway, you’ve likely done everything you can to set your teen up for a successful year. Purchased all their school supplies? Check. Kept them on track with their grades and activities? Check. Scheduled conferences with their teachers? Check. But there’s…
For any business owner, the bottom line matters. So when we first heard about energy-efficiency programs that have saved Minnesotans more than $6 billion, it caught our attention. And the more we’ve learned and benefited, the more we’ve felt driven to spread the word.
The 989-page legislation vetoed by Gov. Mark Dayton in May was a “garbage bill.” It contained thousands of unrelated budget and policy provisions covering a vast range of issues. It lacked transparency and prevented accountability. It also violated the Minnesota Constitution.
When I began my employment with the Eden Prairie News in February 2012, I was a newbie in every sense, at least when it came to all things Minnesota.
The last few Eden Prairie City Council meetings have seen NRA members speaking to the virtues of the NRA. One might not praise it if one knew the NRA’s racist history and the real history behind the Second Amendment. Gun control has historically been used for racist purposes.
Minnesota’s 11,842 lakes and adjoining parks are a favorite year-round attraction and Eden Prairie’s lakes are no exception. Whether it’s boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, picnics, skating, arts and crafts, tennis, pickleball, fireworks, celebrations, nature walks, biking, concerts, …
Last week, after months of negotiations, Republican leadership in the House of Representatives finally scheduled a vote on common-sense immigration reform legislation.
About 55,000 students in Minnesota are celebrating high school graduation this month.
Despite the governor’s recent “veto spree,” the Minnesota Legislature just completed one of the most productive two-year periods in recent history.
The 2018 legislative session ended at midnight on Sunday, May 20. During the past several weeks, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what happened.
What is your first memory of money? Did it involve saving in a piggy bank, spending, opening a bank account or something else? Often, the money behaviors we developed as young children shape how we handle finances in adulthood.
This is National Teacher Appreciation Week, when we can take time to thank the people who educate our children and help us turn them into productive citizens.
For people who are keeping track, this is Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging's third annual Senior Resource Fair! If you have attended in the past, you know this is a great opportunity to get together with other seniors and to meet face-to-face with vendors who provide a wide array of servi…
The safety and well-being of our children is paramount, and in my capacity as chair of the House Education Finance Committee, I am advancing a comprehensive school-safety package this session that provides resources to make necessary security upgrades, addresses student mental health and giv…
Kelli Steidle is the marketing manager for PROP Food Shelf in Eden Prairie.
Rapid growth since 1980 has transformed Eden Prairie from a one-stoplight community of garden farms and gravel pits to one of the most livable mid-size suburbs in the country.
It was just before Christmas that a massive overhaul of our nation’s tax code was passed into law. This reform plan, the first in over 30 years, is a major victory for our economy, our state and for the country. It will create more jobs, boost paychecks for employees, and put more money in p…
Tucked away south of U.S. Highway 212 and just east of Eden Prairie Road is a recreational lake where fishing, swimming and boating are enjoyed by the community throughout the year. It’s a bit on the smaller side, weighing in at just 90 acres, but if size were measured by a mystery, then it …
One of the most critical functions of government is to build and maintain the infrastructure necessary for transportation. Unfortunately, Minnesota has not kept pace with the mobility demands of our residents and businesses. To be competitive as a city, region and state, government must do a…
Minnesota has contributed many unique politicians and legal minds to the country. Whenever I feel a sense of despair over the current leadership and direction of party politics, I recognize I have been very lucky to have met some very special people in my years living in the Midwest. One suc…
The 2018 legislative session began on Feb. 20, and the Legislature will be tackling a number of issues important to Eden Prairie residents this session. On the agenda this year is federal tax conformity, addressing problems with Minnesota’s troubled licensing system, education reform and much more.
Each year the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce conducts a survey of its members to get a snapshot of how our businesses are doing and what are the top issues they are facing.
Recently, AARP completed a report on the Framework for Isolation in Adults Over 50. The report defines isolation as the experience of diminished social connectedness stemming from a process whereby the impact of risk factors outweighs the impact of existing protective factors.
I wholeheartedly support the stated goals of tax reform: simplifying the tax code, supporting small businesses and putting money back in the pockets of middle class families. I was optimistic that it might present an opportunity for bipartisan accomplishment.
Most of us don’t choose our families.
