:: Unofficial Waconia Minnesota ::

Guest Post from Jeff Kahnke

Kahnke Brothers Tree Farm
Wholesale – Trees, Shrubs & Perennials

We are a 116-acre MN nursery specializing in trees, shrubs and perennials. We are located between Plato and Glencoe on the north side of Hwy 212 (15 miles west of Waconia). You can see our nursery clearly from the highway.

We grow tons of perennials including: daylilies, grasses, hostas and natives. Our shrub inventory includes vines, fruits, evergreens and roses.

Whether you need pines for privacy or apples for your appetite, we can help. We have both potted and ball and burlap trees.

Open to the Public Every Saturday – 8am – 3pm

Kahnke Brothers Tree Farm
10603 Boone Road, Plato, MN 55370
Phone (320) 238-2572

www.KahnkeFarm.com

The other day I noticed that the RedBox at Holiday now has Blu-Ray DVDs! I think that all RedBoxes are getting them, but I’m not sure

Blu-Ray DVDs are only $1.50 a night which is a great deal!

Blu-Ray

RedBox isn’t the only way to rent movies for $1 a night anymore. Blockbuster Express is the same idea, only in a blue box.

The Blockbuster Express machine is located at Kwik Trip and, from what I know, works the same way as RedBox does with no memberships and only a dollar a night rentals.

Blockbuster Express

It wasn’t that long ago when there were no RedBoxes at all. Now the cheap and easy movie rental service has 4 locations in Waconia.

Where are they?

• Mackenthun’s (inside)
• McDonalds (inside)
• Wallgreens (outside)
• Holiday (outside)

That’s great news for people who like to rent movies for only a $1 a night, but not so good news for the video stores in town who have to be hurting from the ever expanding Redboxes.

A few days after I noticed the Verizon store in Waconia, the name changed. I think it’s now called Two Men Wireless or something like that. Not sure why the name change, but hopefully it’s still a Verizon authorized dealer.

Can you hear me now Waconia?!

Verizon reception has always been good for Waconia, but now we also have a Verizon store to go with it.

It’s located down by Mackenthunes next to Great Clips and appears to be open for business!

Target in Waconia is now advertising in the store that they will be getting fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables. I don’t think the store is expanding the building but they are expanding the grocery section.

One of the best Waconia restaurants couldn’t make it though the recession. Whole Hog Heaven BBQ closed it doors in October and it’s a major loss to the community.

It’s really sad that we have three Subways but one BBQ place just couldn’t make it. It was a great restaurant and will be missed.

Meanwhile, you can contact them via their website as they can still cater special events and you can get their BBQ sauce www.wholehogheaven.com.

If you are having a baby, you should check out Ridgeview Medical Center’s birthing suites. With so many nice amenities, it’s like staying in a hotel room.

The birthing center features six birthing suites with full-sized bathtubs, offering mothers the option to labor in water and have a water birth aided by certified nurse midwives along with 18 private “spa-like” postpartum suites with hotel-like décor and amenities.

Each room include:

• Flat Screen TV
• Surround Sound
• iPod Hookup along with other MP3 players.
• DVD Players
• A/V in and out jacks for other electrons.
• Spacious layouts.
• Postpartum suites have a couch that turns into a single bed for dads or visitors.
• My Brest Friend for breast feedings.
• A nursery to send your little one to so you can get some sleep.
• Friendly staff.
• Quiet floors so you don’t get any hospital noise.
• In room thermostats.
• The latest in medical technology.
• There are also two kitchens on the floor with free cookies, juice, milk, popsicle, ice cream, cereal, fruit, sandwiches and other goodies for patients and family.
• And so much more.

Specialized care for high-risk deliveries will be coming in fall 2009!

Check out these sweet photos of the birthing suites!

What do you think? Don’t they look like a great place to have your baby?

When? September 19th 2009
Time? 8am – 5pm
Where? Waconia City Park

What?

• Antique & Collector Car & Truck Show
• 3 on 3 Basketball Tournaments
• Rotary Duck Races
• Sidewalk Sales
• Food
• Fun
• Entertainment
• 5k and 10k Races

On the Gazebo Stage:
8-10: Polka with the Wendinger Band
10- 2 Music by Chopper
2-5 Traveled Ground

Rides and Games in City Square Park

On First Street:
11- 5 Ride the Mechanical Bull
Music with DJ Big Country