Stay ConnectedWelcome to “The Grovecast” – a monthly podcast hosted by the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Our goal is to highlight how the City operates, what each department and division does, as well as discuss issues facing Cottage Grove.
Hosted by Emily Schmitz and Phil Jents.
Copyright: © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Chief Petersen joins us to talk about the Public Safety Department and the many things he oversees. From Police, Fire, EMS, and Emergency Management to his favorite flavor of ice cream, we cover it all. Enjoy!
Councilmember Dave Clausen joins us to talk about serving on the City Council, his favorite issues, and how he got his start in public service. Enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org
In this episode of The Grovecast, we sit down with Cottage Grove City Council Member Monique Garza to discuss her journey into public service, her passion for community engagement, and what it's really like serving on the City Council. Monique shares how volunteerism, family, and a desire to make a difference inspired her to get involved in local government, along with insights into the importance of transparency, listening to residents, and building strong community connections. From transportation initiatives and future transit opportunities to local projects, tacos, and even superpowers, this conversation offers a fun and informative look at the people helping shape Cottage Grove's future. Enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org
Commissioner Bigham joins us to talk county government. The county does a lot of different things that impact the lives of everyday Minnesotans, and we even dive into the embedded social worker program, which is an incredibly successful program in reducing hospitalizations, incarcerations, and calls for service. Tune in to learn how they do it. We hope you enjoy!
Molly tells us about the work that goes on behind the scenes to bring the fun to Cottage Grove. The Ice Arena, summer programming, annual events: her and the team put in the work to make those happen. Tune in to enjoy!
Council Member Dave Thiede joins us to talk about his role as a member of the city council and the importance of creative thinking. He even throws us some curveballs to keep us on our toes. Enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org
In this episode of The Grovecast, we sit down with Community Engagement Sergeant Pat Nickle from the Cottage Grove Public Safety Department. Pat shares how his team connects with residents through community events, schools, and outreach programs, and why building trust and relationships is such a critical part of public safety. From therapy dog Riggs to ruck runs, donuts, and everything in between, tune in to learn how Cottage Grove’s public safety team shows up for the community every day. Enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org
Join us to learn more about Fire Chief Jon Pritchard. You might be surprised to learn that a mustache is not required to be Fire Chief, and you might also be surprised by Chief Pritchard’s favorite food. He oversees a fantastic department doing truly remarkable things, so we hope you enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org
Council Member Justin Olsen joins us to talks about his roll as a member of the city council, the importance of volunteering and being engaged in your community. He even shares his favorite pizza maker.
Enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org
Public Works Director Ryan Burfiend joins us to talk about all things public works! From snowplows and streetlights to clean drinking water and brand-new treatment plants, Ryan’s team keeps Cottage Grove running smoothly in every season. He shares how growing up on a farm and job-shadowing a city engineer in high school set him on this path, plus the pride of seeing roads, parks, and projects come to life across the city.
And when he’s not managing 4,000 streetlights or planning the next big infrastructure project, you’ll probably find him chasing tacos or hiking through a national park with his family.
Enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org
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