The Hub Podcast

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Donovan Tegg the owner of Frankie’s WUNDER-BAR in downtown Jordan. They cover the story of opening Frankie’s, outdoor expansion and future vision for the bar, investing in the City of Jordan, proprietary single malt whiskey, good vibes, and more!Related Links:Frankie’s WUNDER-BAR website: https://www.frankieswunderbar.com/Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/frankieswunderbar/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Jordan Commercial Club President Travis Evenson. They cover the background of the Jordan Commercial Clubs, how to become a member, the upcoming Jordan Dazzle Parade, Mill Pond Masters Ice Golf and more!Related Links:Jordan Commercial Club Website: https://jordancommercialclub.org/12th Annual Jordan Dazzle Parade14th Annual Mill Pond Masters (Ice Golf)Distinguished Service Award (DSA) BanquetJordan Commercial Club Facebok Page This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Shakopee Fire Chief Joe Simon. They cover Joe’s background, how the Shakopee Fire Department serves the community, how the department has evolved as Shakopee has grown, often overlooked fire safety measures residents should know and more!Related Links:Shakopee Fire Department WebsiteShakopee Fire Department Facebook PageShakopee Secures $2.6M Federal Grant to Hire 12 New Full-Time FirefightersShakopee Fire Department Promotes Fire Prevention Week with Focus on Lithium-Ion Battery SafetyThe Hub News is a 501( c)3 organization that relies on your support to continue providing news and information to the communities of Shakopee and Jordan. Please consider making a donation in any amount. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert talks with Derek Nelson of IB Brokers of Minnesota about the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, changes in the Medicare, home and auto insurance markets, and more!Related Links:Medicare.gov - https://www.medicare.gov/IB Brokers of Minnesota - https://ibjordan.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Jordan Public Schools superintendent Ranae Case Evenson at beginning of the ‘25-’26 school year. They cover the completed elementary construction project, Sunset Dr. construction project, new scoreboards, student enrollment trends, homecoming and more!Related Links:Jordan Public Schools website This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Bill Schleper interviews Shakopee Activities Directors Matt Hanson and Andy Brown. They discuss summer activities, fall sports previews, how parents can best support their children in activities and more!Related links:Shakopee Activities Department: https://www.shakopeesabers.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Mike Franklin interviews Jordan Activities Director John Buteyn. They discuss John’s background, the start of fall activities, new stadium and gymnasium scoreboard installations, staff changes, football district changes, sports making class changes and more!Related Links:John Buteyn named Activities Director for Jordan Public Schools. Jordan Activities Website: https://www.jordanactivities.org/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Michael Werneke and Chris Russert from Scott County CDA. We discuss what the Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA) is, the Fast-Track Challenge for businesses, and the City of Shakopee Residential Rehab Loan Program.Related Links:Scott County CDA websiteScott County Fast-Track Challenge websiteShakopee Residential Rehab Loan Program websiteThe Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Jordan Public Schools Community Education Director, Cullen Bahn. They cover Cullen’s background, Community Ed programming, community center (CERC) amenities, programs for senior adults, 40th Annual Run of the Mill, Scott County Senior Expo, how to access the CERC during summer construction, and more!Related Links:Jordan Community Education & Recreation WebsiteThis episode of The Hub Podcast is sponsored by St. Francis Regional Medical Center.The Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

This interview is a joint podcast with Carver County Local News. Co-hosts Ryan Dahnert and Mike Huang interview Bob Roepke. Bob has been involved with government and civic organizations in the SW metro for over 40 years. Bob is a lifelong resident of Chaska and alumnus of Gustavus Adolphus College. He retired from a distinguished 35-year career at 3M, where he led Human Resources and Organizational Development for the IT Division. Bob’s service to the community includes a 20-year tenure on Chaska’s council, including 18 years as Mayor. His current roles include Chair of the Chaska Community Fund and member of the Southwest Transit Commission.This is a long conversation, but if you invest the time, this conversation provides leadership lessons and a unique first person oral history of the surrounding area.The Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Jordan Public Schools superintendent Ranae Case Evenson at the end of the ‘24-’25 school year. They cover the elementary construction project, summer road construction on Sunset Dr., student enrollment trends, and more!Related Links:Jordan Public Schools websiteCity of Jordan Sunset Dr. Construction project websiteThis episode of The Hub Podcast is sponsored by St. Francis Regional Medical Center.The Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

After the death of Pope Francis last month, this past Thursday (May 8) American Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected Pope. Host Mike Franklin interviews Father Neil Bakker, Pastor at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. They discuss Father Neil’s background, the role of the Pope in the Catholic Church, the election of Cardinal Prevost as Pope, the meaning behind his choice of the name Leo XIV, the beginning of his Papacy, local impacts of a new Pope, and more.Related Links:Father Neil Bakker, Saint John the Baptist Catholic ChurchThe Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Dr. Monte Johnson, Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. They discuss Monte’s background, expansion projects at St. Francis, promising medical advances and more!Related Links:St. Francis Regional Medical Center website.St. Francis Regional Medical Center facebook page.A special thanks to St. Francis for being a founding sponsor of The Hub News.The Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Mike Franklin interviews Jordan Police Chief Bret Empey. They discuss Chief Empey’s background, his career in law enforcement and what’s changed over the course of his career, the relationship between law enforcement and the media, school resource officers (SROs), and more.Related Links:Jordan Police Website Jordan Police Facebook PageThe Hub News is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Bill Schleper interviews Shakopee Wrestling head coach Alex Van Krevelen (AVK) and senior wrestler Tyler Turzinski. Additional information on topics covered:Shakopee Varsity Wrestling websiteShakopee Wrestling Faceook PageThe Guillotine: “state placewinner Turzinski to Northern Illinois University”The Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Representative Brad Tabke. Tabke represents MN House District 54A. They discuss Rep. Tabke’s background, what made him decide to run for public office, the ‘25 legislative session, and more!Related links:Rep. Tabke’s House Directory PageTabke for MinnesotaTabke for MN facebook pageThe Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Representative Ben Bakeberg. Bakeberg represents MN House District 54B. They discuss Rep. Bakeberg’s background, what made him decide to run for public office, the ‘25 legislative session, and more!Related links:Rep. Bakeberg’s House Directory Page Rep. Bakeberg’s websiteThe Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen. They discuss Sheriff Hennen’s background, the responsibilities of the Sheriff’s office, emerging public safety challenges, technology impact on law enforcement, the Sheriff’s Community Academy program, and more!Related links:Scott County Sheriff’s website: https://www.scottcountymn.gov/2151/County-SheriffScott County Sheriff’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ScottCoSheriffOfficeSheriff Hennen’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sheriffhennen/Subscribe to The Hub Podcast on Apple Podcasts: The Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Jordan City Administrator Tom Nikunen. They discuss the new mayor and council, new city website, residential development, ‘25 construction projects, EDA projects, park projects and more.Related links:City of Jordan websiteHwy 169 & Hwy 282/CR9 Intergchange MnDOT project websiteHwy 169 & CH 59 Overpass Scott County project websiteHwy 169 & Bluff Dr./Jordan Ave Overpass Scott County project websiteThe Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Mike Franklin interviews first year Jordan Hubmen Varsity Boys Basketball coach Yuriy Malashenko . They discuss the boys basketball program and the current season.Jordan High School Hudl live stream Jordan Basketball Association (youth basketball)Reid Ouse - Catalyst TrainingThe Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Mike Franklin interviews Jordan Jaguars Varsity Girls Basketball coach Kyle Johnson. They discuss the girls basketball program and the current season.The Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Ryan Dahnert interviews Shakopee City Council Member Jesse Lara. They discuss Jesse’s background, his experience on city council, his vision for Shakopee and more!Jesse Lara Shakopee City Council facebook pageThe Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Bill Schleper interviews Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate. They cover Jeff’s background, what’s changed over his tenure in Shakopee, the size and organization of the department, the impact of technology on policing, when and how to contact the police department and more!Additional information on topics covered:Shakopee Police website Shakopee Police facebook pageShakopee Police -"Missing elves, Twinkles & Sprinkles” holiday facebook videoJana Wood and the Shakopee Police Diaper DriveThe Police Department can be reached at (952) 445-1411 or in an emergency dial 911.Thanks for reading The Hub News! This post is public so feel free to share it.The Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Bill Schleper interviews Shakopee Activities Directors Matt Hanson and Andy Brown. They cover Matt and Andy’s backgrounds, division of responsibilities, the number of extracurricular activities offered in Shakopee, highlights of the fall season, a preview of the winter season, and more!Additional information on topics covered:Shakopee Activities Department: https://www.shakopeesabers.com/Boys Volleyball Star Tribune Article: Meet Jenny Kilkelly and Krista Flemming, the women behind high school boys volleyballWCCO Swimming Story: Shakopee girls' swim and dive team wins their conference for the first time in 37 yearsBuy tickets for Shakopee Football vs. Maple Grove, Friday 11/15 at US Bank StadiumThanks for reading The Hub News! This post is public so feel free to share it.The Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Meghan Mahoney is the ‘24-’25 Miss Jordan. We discuss Meghan’s background, the Miss Jordan Ambassador program, her experience in the run up to coronation at Heimatfest, and the experience for her and the rest of the court since coronation.You can find out more about The Miss Joran Ambassador program on social media:Instagram: @jordanambassadorFacebook: Miss Jordan Ambassador Program Thanks for reading The Hub News! This post is public so feel free to share it.The Hub News is a non-profit publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Lauren Pedersen is a 2024 candidate for ISD 717 Jordan School Board. We sit down to discuss her background, her candidacy and the issues facing Jordan Public Schools. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Michael Sand is a 2024 Jordan City Council candidate. We sit down to discuss his background, the issues facing Jordan, and what he hopes to accomplish if elected. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Casey Shannon is a 2024 Jordan City Council candidate. We sit down to discuss his background, the issues facing Jordan, and what he hopes to accomplish if elected.You can find out more about Casey’s campaign at: https://www.caseyforjordan.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Mike Franklin interviews Jordan head football coach Ozzie Sand. They cover Ozzie’s background, the structure of the football program, the current season, and the upcoming playoffs.Jordan will be hosting a first round playoff game of the Section 3AAA on Tuesday 10/22 at Ames Field.2024 MSHL Section 3AAA Football Tournament: https://www.mshsl.org/tournaments/2024-section-3aaa-football-tournamentMinnesota-Scores.net: https://www.minnesota-scores.net/boys-sports/football/team/details/25636 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Mike Franklin interviews Jordan girls volleyball coach Sarah Attig. They cover Sarah’s background, building the volleyball program here in Jordan, the current season, and what the offseason looks like.Jordan will start the section 2AA playoffs as the #6 seed at home Monday 10/21 at 7:30 PM vs. # 11 seed Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton.More information about the section 2AA playoffs can be found here: https://www.mshsl.org/tournaments/2024-section-2aa-volleyball-girls-tournament This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Host Mike Franklin interviews Tim Zunker, President of the Shakopee Chamber and Visitors Bureau. They cover what the chamber of commerce does, recent areas of focus for the chamber, local election coverage, the impact the loss of a local newspaper has had on the business community and upcoming events for the chamber.You can find out more about the Shakopee Chamber at: https://shakopee.org/Shakopee Chamber candidate forums and interviews can be found at: https://shakopee.org/resources/elections/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Sara Lehnen is a 2024 candidate for ISD 717 Jordan School Board. We sit down to discuss her background, her candidacy and the issues facing Jordan Public Schools. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Robert Whipps is a 2024 Jordan City Council candidate. We sit down to discuss his background, the issues facing Jordan, and what he hopes to accomplish if elected.You can find out more about Robert’s campaign at: https://www.facebook.com/voteWhipps This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Jeremiah Monyok is a 2024 Jordan City Council candidate. We sit down to discuss his background, the issues facing Jordan, and what he hopes to accomplish if elected.You can find out more about Jeremiah’s campaign at: https://www.facebook.com/Monyok4CityCouncil This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Molly Monyok is a 2024 candidate for ISD 717 Jordan School Board. We sit down to discuss her background, her candidacy and the issues facing Jordan Public Schools. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Jan Gilmer is a 2024 Jordan City Council candidate. We sit down to discuss her background, the issues facing Jordan, and what she hopes to accomplish if elected. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Tanya Velishek is a 2024 mayoral candidate in Jordan. We sit down to discuss her background, the issues facing Jordan, her vision for leadership as mayor, and the future of the city.More information about Tanya’s candidacy can be found at:https://tanyavelishek.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Matt Bertrang is a 2024 candidate for ISD 717 Jordan School Board. We sit down to discuss his background, his candidacy and the issues facing Jordan Public Schools. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Christina Olson is a 2024 candidate for ISD 717 Jordan School Board. We sit down to discuss her background, her candidacy and the issues facing Jordan Public Schools. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Ranae Case Evenson has been superintendent of Jordan Public Schools since 2020. We discuss her background, highlights of the past four years, elementary and high school construction projects and more.You can learn more about Jordan Public Schools at the links below:Jordan Public School Website: https://www.jordan.k12.mn.us/Jordan Activities: https://jordanactivities.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISD717Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isd717/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ISD717 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Jonathan Pho is a 2024 Jordan City Council candidate. We sit down to discuss his background, the issues facing Jordan, and what he hopes to accomplish if elected. More information about Jonathan’s candidacy can be found at:https://www.jonathanpho.com/https://www.facebook.com/JonathanPhoForCityCouncil This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Travis Fremming is a 2024 mayoral candidate in Jordan. We sit down to discuss his background, the issues facing Jordan, his vision for leadership as mayor, and the future of the city.More information about Travis’s candidacy can be found at:https://fremmingforjordan.com/https://www.facebook.com/FremmingforJordan/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com

Mike Franklin has been the Mayor of Jordan, MN since January 2021. In July, he decided not to seek re-election. We cover Mike’s background, his time as mayor, the opportunities and challenges he sees for Jordan in the years ahead, and what’s next for him. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehubnewsmn.com