10 "good news" stories from 2017

Shakopee Valley News

Yes there was a lot of sadness among the most-read stories in the Valley News in 2017, but we also did a lot of “good news” stories. The positive stories can get overshadowed by the crime news, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there.

Here are 10 positive stories from 2017 to lift your mood before heading into 2018.

1. Duck and goose consider themselves tour guides at living history village

There are few things better than wild animals that consider themselves pets and that includes the goose and duck at The Landing named Laurel and Hardy. Laurel and Hardy came to the living history village with five other ducks and five other geese but through unfortunate circumstances, the other ducks and geese died. Laurel and Hardy then formed a strong attachment to the staff and guests at The Landing.

2. A place to belong

The Tokata Learning Center in Shakopee is an alternative high school for students who don’t do well with traditional learning methods. Where students might have failed at Shakopee High School, they succeed at Tokata. Graduates of Tokata said the school made it easier for them to focus and stay on top of work.

3. Shakopee police on stakeout for good behavior

Over the summer, the Mall of America gave the Shakopee Police Department gift cards and wrist bands to give out to kids. Police officers got a chance to connect with kids in the community and vice versa. Plus the kids got to go to the Mall of America. Win-win-win.

4. Shakopee’s other mayor

There is a tiny town nestled within Shakopee called Mount Holly, population four. It’s run by a local artist Mike Haeg, who is the mayor. Don’t believe it? MapQuest Mount Holly — it’ll take you right to Haeg’s house. The town has its own official newspaper, library and city festival.

5. Boutique for girls needing clothing gets space in school offices

Grace Myler and Katie Myler work for Threads for Teens, which provides clothing for girls ages 13 to 18 who are in foster care, homeless or from low-income families. The pair opened a permanent boutique in the Shakopee Public Schools district office.

6. Muslim community plans mosque in Shakopee

Followers of Islam in Shakopee are planning to turn the old auction center into a mosque where they can gather and worship. Right now, the auction center serves as a community building for immigrants. There’s still a lot to do, but the community is hoping to have a mosque running in a year or two.

7. Update: Overly friendly Shakopee deer beloved by many

There’s a deer in Shakopee that’s been named Jake, Shako, Bucky, Toro and other names and he’s very friendly with residents. He had a standoff with one resident, but others say he’s a nice deer going so far as to eat out of their hands or let them scratch him behind the ears. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources still says not to feed him.

8. A friend at the police department

Shakopee police victim and community services coordinator Barb Hedstrom works every day to assist victims of crime. Hedstrom helps connect victims who are having trouble coping with resources and organizations who can help. She’s hoping other police departments start similar programs.

9. Shakopee sends medical, electrical help to hurricane victims

The Shakopee Public Utilities Commission, a nationally-registered paramedic from Shakopee and St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center assisted with victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey. This included supplies and electrical and medical know-how.

10. A Shakopee man’s legacy became a gift to congregation

Memorials raised after the death of Scott Vaupel paid for a new grand piano for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Shakopee. Vaupel, who died of colon cancer in January, worked on musicals at the church. The family even found the piano Vaupel said he’d dreamed of getting for the church.