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The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is dedicated to cultivating meaningful careers and creating opportunities that strengthen both team members and the local community. With more than 4,000 positions across gaming operations, enterprises, government programs, clinics, and departments, every role contributes to the shared mission of delivering exceptional experiences, fostering professional growth, and making a difference. Visit shakopeedakota.org/careers to view open roles and learn more.
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GN Opens North American Headquarters in Shakopee
On December 03, 2025, Great Northern (GN) held the grand opening and ribbon cutting of their new 218,000 + square foot North American Headquarters in Shakopee. Founded in 1869 in Denmark, GN focuses on providing hearing, audio, video, and gaming solutions in over 100 countries, employing over 7,000 people worldwide. In 2024, GN was the fastest growing hearing and sound manufacturer. While 2025 statistics have not been publicly released, it remains a rapidly growing industry leader.
The facility in Shakopee includes warehousing, repair, manufacturing, customer service, marketing, and distribution for GN’s audio brands. With the company vision of “Bringing People Closer” the products manufactured at this facility are distributed to independent hearing professionals, so they can provide sound and hearing aids to patients.
The process of searching for and developing a site began 24 months prior to the ceremony, with 18 months focused on this location. Executives noted that the company had outgrown its prior location in Bloomington, and they desired to double-down on operations in the Twin Cities metro, seeing it as particularly abundant with skilled talent.
Executives reported finding Shakopee had impressive trends towards growth and development, and that the city council was ambitious, dedicated to development planning, and importantly- liked to have fun. Currently, the headquarters employs around 550 people, with a plan of adding more than 100 jobs in 2026.
Many in Scott County see a benefit in the economic multiplier effect when a major employer, such as GN joins the community. When employees are hired directly by the major employer, the wages earned are spent in ways that support jobs throughout the regional economy- shops, childcare, restaurants, service companies, local suppliers, and more. Dollars get spent locally, supporting local businesses, and raising tax revenue.
With shared high goals of success and mutual benefit in mind, Mayor Matt Lehmann declared December 03, 2025 “GN Day” in the City of Shakopee. The ribbon cutting was followed by tours of the facility, refreshments, and product demonstrations.
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Scott County CDA Breaks Ground on Affordable Homes in Shakopee Community Land Trust
The Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA) is excited to begin construction on the first three of ten new single-family homes in Shakopee. These homes mark a significant step forward in the CDA’s ongoing commitment to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities in the community.
The new homes—featuring three, four, and five bedrooms—will be part of the CDA’s Community Land Trust (CLT) Program, which helps make homeownership more attainable for families priced out of the traditional housing market. In this innovative model, the homebuyer purchases the house at an affordable price, while the land remains in the community land trust. Homeowners lease the land for just $25 per month and enjoy full use of the property just like any other homeowner.
This shared equity model allows families to build wealth over time while keeping the homes permanently affordable for future buyers. When a homeowner decides to sell, a portion of the home’s appreciation remains with the home, helping the next buyer purchase at an affordable price. This approach creates lasting community benefit by preserving affordability for generations to come.
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Affordable New Construction,
Single-Family Homes coming to Shakopee
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Now is the perfect time for potential homebuyers to start getting ready for this opportunity. The CDA encourages anyone interested in purchasing one of these new homes to attend homebuyer education workshops and one-on-one financial counseling through the CDA’s HUD-certified counseling program. These free and low-cost resources help buyers strengthen their credit, build savings, understand the shared equity model, and prepare for successful homeownership. By beginning the education and counseling process early, buyers can position themselves to be ready when the homes become available. Those interested can learn more and sign up for upcoming classes at www.scottcda.org.
Income limits for the Community Land Trust Program reach up to $106,000, depending on household size, making the homes accessible to working families across a wide range of professions—including teachers, healthcare workers, and local service providers—who often struggle to find affordable housing options in the area.
Construction on the first three homes is expected to move quickly, with additional homes to follow. Interested buyers are encouraged to learn more about the Community Land Trust Program, eligibility requirements, and upcoming opportunities by visiting www.scottcda.org/resource/community-land-trust/
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Junior Golf at The Meadows at Mystic Lake
Want to introduce your child to the game of a lifetime? Starting this February, register your 7-12 year old for The Meadows Junior Golf Camp! The talented golf professionals at The Meadows at Mystic Lake focus on fun while instructing campers on golf etiquette, putting, chipping, and the full swing. Five-day camp sessions will be offered in June, July, and August.
| | | Visit golfthemeadows.com to learn more and secure your spot once registration opens on February 1. | | Scott County Honors DeAnn Croatt for 27 Years of Service | | |
| At its December 4, 2025 meeting, the Scott County Board of Commissioners unanimously proclaimed the day “DeAnn Croatt Day” in recognition of her 27 years of dedicated service to the county. Commissioner Barb Weckman Brekke highlighted Croatt’s significant contributions, which include serving as Helena Township Clerk and later Supervisor, as well as her longstanding involvement with the Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA), beginning her service on the CDA board in 1998, and becoming chair in 2010. | | In 2024, Croatt’s leadership and commitment to public service were further recognized when she received the Conrad Rettmer Commissioner Award from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Reflecting on Croatt’s impact, Commissioner Weckman Brekke remarked on the remarkable breadth of her accomplishments, saying, “I feel like we should be holding a parade.” Croatt’s decades of leadership and dedication have left a lasting positive impact on Scott County, and the board expressed its appreciation by formally recognizing her outstanding service. | | |
Get Ready to Kick Off 2026 with a Boost to Your Business!
The Scott County CDA's Center for Entrepreneurship is excited to host a free educational
session for businesses on January 14th, 2026, featuring Bob Brennan, CEO of lntrycks, a
Minnesota-based SEO and web design company known for helping businesses stand out in today's crowded digital landscape.
Location: Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship (in SW Metro Schools), 4601 Dean Lakes Blvd, Shakopee, MN 55379
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
This session is all about giving small businesses the tools and confidence they need to
thrive online. With digital marketing becoming more competitive by the day, this is your
chance to learn from an expert who knows what works and what doesn't. Bob will share
practical SEO tactics, website best practices, and insights that can help you attract more
customers and strengthen your online presence.
Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your appetite for better digital results! Whether you're just starting to build your brand or looking to fine-tune your online strategy, this is a
great opportunity to gather real-world guidance you can apply right away. The Center for Entrepreneurship is committed to bringing in knowledgeable speakers who address timely challenges and techniques that shape the way local businesses think, grow, and innovate.
If you'd like to stay in the loop about future events, be sure to follow the Scott County CDA
Facebook page for updates and announcements that bring our business community together.
To learn more about the Center for Entrepreneurship, visit https://scottcda.org/center-for-entrepreneurship
Or reach out directly to Michael Werneke at mwerneke@scottcda.org.
We hope to see you there-let's make 2026 your year to shine online!
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BELLE PLAINE
Crokicurl
January 11, 11 AM – 1 PM
Hickory Park Ice Rink
801 Orchard Street East
Have you heard of Crokicurl? It’s a fun mashup of curling and crokinole (a disk-flicking dexterity board game) played on ice – and it’s perfect for all ages! Slide your stones, aim for the center, and challenge your friends or family to this uniquely Canadian winter game.
Snowshoe & Kicksled Event
January 29, 4 – 6 PM
Located at the trailhead at the end of Riverview Lane
Enjoy the great winter activities of snowshoeing and kick-sledding while touring the scenic trails lined with luminaries. Snowshoes, kicksleds, and instruction will be available.
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JORDAN
Teen Mondays at the Jordan Library
3:30 - 4:30 PM
275 Creek Lane S, Jordan, MN 55352
For ages 12-18. Join us on the second Monday of the month for a fun activity specifically for teens.
January 12 - Oregon Trail
February 9 - Hedgehog Book Folding Program - Celebrating National Hedgehog Month
March 9 - LEGO Make and Take Creations
Family Early Literacy Class at Jordan Library
Tuesday January 13, Tuesday January 27, Monday February 2 and Tuesday February 3
10:30 - 11:00 AM
275 Creek Lane S Jordan, MN 55332
Children of all ages and their parents/caregivers are welcome to join us for our FREE and FUN story- and play-based early literacy classes that use the five important pre-reading practices of "Talk, Sing, Read, Write, and Play."
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PRIOR LAKE
Wednesday Night Live
January 14: Cláirseach
February 11: Duniya Drum and Dance
March 11: Gao Hong
April 8: Tjärnblom
Artists will play from 7 - 8 PM
Club Prior, 16210 Eagle Creek Ave SE
Club Prior & Scott County Library are bringing back live music!
Listen, and/or dance to live music every second Wednesday of the month (January-April) in Club Prior. No registration necessary for these FREE programs. Events will be held in Club Prior, in the same building as the Prior Lake Library.
Funded by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage (Legacy) Amendment through the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA).
Party in the Club
January 17: Todd N’ Tina
February 21: Kidsdance
March 21: Miss Nina
Activities begin at 10 AM, and Entertainment begins at 10:30 AM.
Club Prior, 16210 Eagle Creek Ave SE
Warm Up Your Winter with Three Free Parties for Kids and Their Families!
All ages are welcome, and no registration is required.
Sponsored by the City of Prior Lake and the Prior Lake Library. Live performers are funded in part by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage (Legacy) Fund.
To ensure the events are safe and enjoyable for everyone, attendance will be capped at 250 participants.
3.21 FUN!
Friday, March 20, 4:30 - 7PM
Twin Oaks Middle School, 15860 Fish Point Road SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Free event and open to all to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!
Join Prior Lake-Savage Community Ed and Prior Lake Parks and Rec for a fun night of music, games, crafts, face painting, inflatables, and more! Food vendors will be on site as well.
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ELKO NEW MARKET
Elko New Market Fire Relief Association Meat Raffles
January 10, February 7, and March 7 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Firehouse Grille 7875 Old Town Rd, Elko New Market, MN 55054
The Elko New Market Fire Department Relief Association Meat Raffles are back this winter! Join the fun, try your luck, and maybe go home with a delicious dinner. These raffles are a great way to support the Elko New Market Fire Department Relief Association while spending time with friends and neighbors. Stop by, have some fun, and see if you can win!
South Metro Spring Living Showcase
Friday March 7 from 9:00 AM - 12 PM
Eagle View Elementary
Elko New Market
Get ready to experience everything home, garden, and community! This exciting event brings together local businesses, designers, builders, and lifestyle experts to help you freshen up your home, spark new ideas, and kick off spring in style. Whether you’re dreaming of a renovation, seeking landscaping inspiration, looking for help with projects, or just love discovering what local businesses offer, this showcase is where it all comes to life. Mark your calendar- you won’t want to miss the energy, creativity, and connections waiting for you!
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NEW PRAGUE
New Prague Chamber of Commerce Bingo
Every Thursday from January 8 - February 26 at 7:00 PM
New Prague Park Ballroom
Get ready to shout BINGO! — the
New Prague Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of Chamber Bingo
These much-loved bingo nights aren’t just about fun and friendly competition — they’re about community giving. The events are operated through the Chamber’s charitable gambling program, with all proceeds donated back to local non-profits and community initiatives that help enhance life in New Prague.
Games are cash only, and players can expect plenty of chances to win — all while supporting great causes close to home.
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SHAKOPEE
Mini-Golf
Community Center Gym
Friday, January 16
3:00 - 5:00 PM Sensory Friendly
5:30 - 8:30 PM All Ages
Saturday, January 17
9:00 AM - Noon: All Ages
18 holes of unique, homemade mini golf designed to challenge your skill and creativity. Fun for the whole family!
All equipment will be provided.
Registration required: ShakopeeMN.gov/registration
Egg Hunt & Candy Grab
Saturday, March 21, 1 - 2:30 PM
Tahpah Park
490 Adams St. S., Shakopee
Shakopee Parks and Recreation invites families to come leap into spring with us at the free Egg Hunt & Candy Grab, a lively community event filled with plenty of sweet surprises.
Kids, with help from their family members, will race around the park searching for brightly colored eggs hidden throughout the area. The fast-paced hunt creates plenty of excitement as participants scoop up eggs and candy along the way.
The Egg Hunt & Candy Grab is a great way for families to spend time together, enjoy the outdoors, and welcome the spring season with some lighthearted fun.
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SAVAGE
Glow & Skate Party
January 16, 6 - 7:30 PM
Woodhill Park: 8901 W. 138th St
FREE (Bring Your Own Skates), No Registration Required
Grab your skates and get ready to light up the ice! Join us for an evening of skating under the stars at Woodhill Park, where everyone gets glow necklaces and bracelets to shine bright on the ice. There will be hot chocolate and treats to keep you warm between laps. Just show up with your family and best moves!
FREE Open Walk/Jog
November - April
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 6:30 - 9:30 AM
Tuesday, Thursday: Noon - 3:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday: 6:00 - 8:00 AM
Savage Sports Center: 13450 Dakota Ave
Don’t let winter slow you down! From November through April, the Savage Sports Center’s indoor turf field is your escape from the cold. Walk, jog, or just get your steps in without turning into a popsicle. It’s the perfect way to stay active when going outside seems impossible. Bring the family, your friends, your stroller- it is completely free and infinitely warmer than outside. Just leave the snacks and drinks at home to keep the turf in great shape!
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New Prague Area Schools Hosts Career and Tech Day Event
As part of its efforts to expand the Career Connect Program, New Prague Area Schools hosted its second annual Career and Tech Day at New Prague High School on October 2, 2025. This event offered students in grades 10 and 11 an engaging, effective, and efficient opportunity to explore various career paths.
Students were able to discover a diverse range of career options, including some they may not have considered before. Over 50 businesses and technical schools set up booths for students to visit. Each student had 45 minutes to speak with representatives from these organizations, learn about potential career pathways, and make connections with future local employers.
In addition to interactions with businesses and technical schools, NPHS welcomed featured speakers Nick Slavik, from Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration, and Maddie Lijewski, Director of People and Culture at Scott Equipment. Both speakers are alumni of New Prague Area Schools and shared their insights on entrepreneurship and career pathways with 10th-grade students before meeting with area businesses and schools.
What is NPAS' Career Connect Program?
Career Connect is a program that connects students, area businesses, and community organizations to enhance career readiness. The mission is to support student development in the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed in future careers.
How did the Career Connect Program begin?
The Career Connect program began through the support of the Youth Skills Training (YST) grant.
What are the goals of the Career Connect Program?
• Build and align a college and career readiness program
• Foster community outreach efforts that support program alignment and success
• Provide a variety of industry-related experiences for students
• Encourage, promote, and support student pathways to industry-related credentials and certifications
• Promote and support programming for all student populations (access, equity, and inclusion)
What are the business benefits of participating in Career Connect?
• Create access to a more developed and skilled workforce
• Embrace "grow your own" talent
• Help develop skill standards to meet industry needs
• Improve community and local school district relations
• Contribute to a local productive economy and thriving community
To learn more about the Career Connect Program or to get involved, contact Lindsay Schuette, Workforce Coordinator: 1schuette@isd721.org
You may also visit: https://nphs.npaschools.org/apps/pages/career-connect
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In 2025, the City of Shakopee launched a zero percent interest deferred loan program for essential home improvements with funds from the State of Minnesota’s Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) program. LAHA began in 2024 as a funding initiative to help local communities around the state enhance and maintain affordable housing stock. Through LAHA, part of local sales tax revenue is distributed to cities and counties to address housing needs as each community sees fit. This can include building new housing, rehabilitating the existing housing stock, or providing support services to residents.
The city of Shakopee’s Residential Rehabilitation loan program is open to owner-occupied homes that are at least 20-years old. This program assists homeowners in making improvements that improve the safety, livability, accessibility, or energy efficiency of the home. Loans between $15,000 and $35,000 can be taken out, with no monthly payments, and repayment occurs upon sale, transfer, or death (cash-out refinance for reasons other than home improvements).
This housing rehabilitation program aims to benefit homeowners by providing them with a chance to borrow affordably to make improvements to improve their quality of life and increase the equity of their homes. It also focuses on maintaining and improving the affordable housing stock available in Shakopee, which raises property values for all in the community.
Funding for the Shakopee Residential Rehab Loan Program is planned to continue into 2026. Community partners are encouraged to spread the word to Shakopee residents who can benefit.
The pre-screening and general information can be found online at: https://scottcda.org/home-improvement-loan-program/
Questions can be directed to Chris Russert, Project Specialist, at (952)-641-5186, or crussert@scottcda.org
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Stay Connected!
To stay informed about all the exciting events and developments in Scott County, follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter at GreatScottCounty.org. We look forward to sharing more about what makes our Great Scott County a fantastic place to live and do business.
| | Until next time, take care and enjoy all that Scott County offers. | | | | |
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