Carver County Local News is committed to reporting on local news and happenings, providing trusted coverage of governmental activity, schools, businesses, sports, community events and more.
Who We Are
To fill the news and information void following the closure of local newspapers in Eastern Carver County in April 2024, a group of concerned citizens began discussing the possibility of launching a nonprofit news organization covering the communities of Chaska, Chanhassen, Carver, Victoria and the surrounding region.
A survey of community members was conducted to gauge interest in such an endeavor and to identify those willing to volunteer in content creation or financially support the local news operation. The survey’s positive results prompted the volunteer group to file the business with the State of Minnesota and register as a 501(c)(3) organization in August 2024, with the initial goal of compiling a 2024 Voters’ Guide for the approaching local, state and national election.
The group has since engaged with community members from throughout the proposed coverage area to form a Board of Directors that will guide the launch and continued operation of the local news organization.
A New Beginning: Community Volunteers Launch Nonprofit News Organization
Building Trust, Building Community
Carver County Local News strives to use print and digital tools to inform the public and tell the story of its vibrant and diverse communities. Partnerships with area businesses, governments, civic organizations and subscribers ultimately strengthen and sustain the trusted news organization that fosters community connection. Your support is critical to the nonprofit’s future – support our efforts today.
It Takes a Village
A dedicated group of volunteers, board members and paid staff make the production of Carver County Local News possible. Our team always welcomes additional writers, photographers and other volunteers who want to contribute to this effort. To join our team, please contact us.
Volunteer board:
- Mike Huang – Chaska
- Former Chaska City Council Member (2018-2024)
- Former SW Transit Commissioner (2018-2024, chair 2021-2022)
- Former Suburban Transit Association Board Member (2019-2024, chair 2023-2024)
- Member, Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee (2020-2024)
- Dan Keyport – Chaska
- Local small business and property owner
- Former Chaska City Planning Commission
- Chair, Chaska Downtown Business Alliance
- Chaska Rotary
- Bhakti Modi – Chanhassen
- CCLN Website Operations
- Former Chanhassen Commission on Aging (2019-2025)
- Chanhassen Communities of Belonging (2025-current)
- Education Program Director, Hindu Society of Minnesota (2017-current)
- Ruth Lunde – Chanhassen
- Former Chanhassen Commission on Aging (2019-2025)
- Rotary
Content Editor:
- Jeff Holmquist – Chaska
- Former Reporter and Editor for the Wadena Pioneer Journal, Detroit Lakes Tribune, Sun Current newspapers, Hutchinson Leader, Osceola Sun, Scandia Messenger, Stillwater Courier, New Richmond News
- Kelli Schmitz – Chaska
Volunteer Contributors:
Heather Tran
Khai Tran
Bob Roepke
Dave Pokorney
Kevin Wright
Steve Curtis
Shereen Al-Jaff
The Carver County Local News is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to returning a news operation to the Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver and Victoria area.
Volunteer subscriptions and financial donations will support the operation and sustain efforts to inform the general public about events, local happenings, governmental meetings, schools, sports and more.
The Carver County Local News estimated budget for 2025 can be viewed here.
