Photo by Unsie Zuege

The Matsons of Chanhassen worked with Destiny Homes of Chanhassen to remodel their kitchen. The challenge of their six-sided home made the remodel challenging but they love the results. A point of local trivia--their home was once owned by Kevin Sorbo who starred in the popular 1990s TV series "Hercules."

Click here to see more home remodeling before and after photos.

   SDI of Eden Prairie did the extensive remodeling of Jenny Emery-Bock's Dell neighborhood home. The 1980s boxy 2-story got architechtural details and a modern open plan design.

PHOTO by Unsie Zuege

 
 All Minnesota homeowners can benefit from NARI MN at every stage of the remodeling process, says Michelle Byers of Structural Dimensions, Inc. (SDI).

 Submitted Photo

Butch and Liz Sprenger and their company Destiny Homes, Chanhassen, were recently named 2010 Remodelers of the Year. Below, they share their thoughts on the remodeling process.

   Butch Sprenger doesn’t pull punches.

   He’s pretty honest about what a home remodel comes down to.

   “You have to cater to the women,” he said. “For us, 80 percent of the sale is driven by the women and the men pay for it.

 Photo by Unsie Zuege

Carolyn Luehmann and family pet Ruby in the expansive updated kitchen and dining room of her Eden Prairie home.

BY Unsie Zuege

All three homeowners came to the same conclusion.

Why go through the headache of buying a different house, only to inherit similar space and function issues? Why build new, only to discover that you’ve simply got new space and function issues?

Linda McNulty    

In the early 90s, I was employed at a school for learning and emotionally disabled children. It was a special place for children with disabilities to learn in a nurturing, therapeutic, and educational environment. We worked to maintain a protective atmosphere, while preparing children who could mainstream to regular school to do so.

   Job: Nail technician and co-owner Salon SPAtoria

   Background: I followed in my Mom's footsteps to work in the salon industry. With my family’s encouragement and support, I launched my career right out of high school. At 28, I pursued my dream of owning a salon with my two fabulous business partners.

   Family: Husband Matt, son Caleb and daughter Addyson.

   Motto: Do what you love, love what you do and don't ever compromise your true self.

 
   Job: Hair stylist, co-owner Salon SPAtoria

   Background: Small town girl from large family.  Hair stylist for 25 years; before that cashier in grocery store.  Enjoy doing hair and makeup. I am a product junkie and like to have as much fun as possible.

   Family: Husband Patrick and a very spoiled cat Spaz.  One of 7 children; love and respect all of my siblings.  Auntie of 24, great aunt of 16 and godmother of four wonderful children.

   Job: Stylist and co-owner of Salon SPAtoria 

   Background: I grew up in Northeast Minneapolis, attended DeLaSalle High School, studied cosmetology at Minneapolis Vocational, interned under Bob Cummings at Scissor Circus in Uptown. Married my high school sweetheart. Moved my business from Uptown to a salon in Excelsior where I met my business partners, Melissa Hanson and Robin Robey. Opened Salon SPAtoria in September 2004. Now we’re expanding Salon SPatoria!

SUBMITTED PHOTO

By day they’re known as Alexis Hanson, Carson Halloway, and Jeremiah Pierson. But at dinner time, they’re the Super Heroes of the Dinner Table. These Bluff Creek third graders are on board to encourage families to eat more meals together.

By Unsie Zuege

It was such a good idea the first time around, the kids at Bluff Creek Elementary Schools decided to do it again, this time as their school-wide service project.

 PHOTOS BY UNSIE ZUEGE

Their skills are complementary and the result is a thriving business that’s growing despite a depressed economy. From left, co-owners Kathryn Paradise, Robin Robey, and Melissa Hanson.

By Unsie Zuege

They got in on the ground floor.

Literally.

The CW
Twin Cities recently interviewed local woman Raina Heinz who is currently in Cycle 14 of the Tyra Banks' reality show quot;America's Next Top Model" (ANTM). Click here to see her interview.

If you watch the show, who are you rooting for? Post your comments on our Web site.

By Kristin Holtz

   When Jim Wiebusch began planning for his first Man Cave party, he admits some of his best buddies weren’t so sure about it.

   One of them texted him: “Is this like a Tupperware party, for men?”

    “No, it’s like a Mary Kay party,” Wiebusch replied.

   The Carver County deputies assigned to the cities of Chanhassen, Victoria, and Carver and the townships of Laketown, San Francisco and Dahlgren responded to the following calls from March 1 through March 7.

   March 1

   At 2:47 p.m., responded to Lyman Boulevard address in Chanhassen where a juvenile female was cited for underage possession and consumption of alcohol.

   March 2

Gov. John Lind
Minnesota’s 14th governor

John
Lind, a Swedish-born immigrant, was elected as Minnesota's 14th
governor in 1899. During his lifetime John Lind was a school teacher,
superintendent of Brown County schools, a New Ulm lawyer, and land
agent. John Lind was also the first Swedish-born American to be elected
to the United States Congress, president of the University Board of
Regents, diplomatic representative to Mexico, and Minnesota Governor.
Working at the end of the nineteenth century, Lind was a part of the