Emerald Ash Borer Update The impact of the Emerald Ash Borer continues to reshape our community’s urban forest, and progress is being made. In this episode, Natural Resources Specialist Ben Humlie provides an update on the city’s ongoing Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) management efforts. With fewer than 1,000 boulevard ash trees remaining to be removed, the community is entering the final phase of a multi-year response to this invasive pest. Unfortunately, all ash trees will eventually succumb to EAB, ...
Mar 02, 2026•26 min•Ep. 75
Ever wonder how your yard can help protect our rivers and lakes? In this episode of Farmington Feed, we’re digging into Landscaping for Clean Water. This is a program that helps residents reimagine their lawns while making a real difference for the environment. We’re joined by Brita Moore-Kutz, Communications & Outreach Specialist with the Vermilion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO), and Lindsey Albright, Monitoring & Outreach Coordinator with Dakota County Soil & Wa...
Jan 26, 2026•37 min•Ep. 74
Feed in 5 1. Coffee Café 2. The Open Door 3. Learn to Skate Winter Session 4. Legacy on Ice Show Registration Deadline 5. National Skating Month Open Skate
Jan 12, 2026•2 min•Ep. 73
Meet Farmington’s own Community Service Officers (CSOs), Claire Kennedy and Christina Calderon! In this episode, they share what inspired them to become CSOs and how the role is helping them work toward becoming sworn officers. Claire and Christina dive into the heart of community outreach, the rewarding moments that keep them going, and one surprising part of their job that most people never think about…hint: it involves furry friends! Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the people helping ...
Dec 08, 2025•14 min•Ep. 72
This month, Caryn sits down with Farmington homeowner Chad, known for his incredible light displays, and Emilee Shearer, our Recreation Supervisor, to talk all things light tours! Chad has wowed the community through both the Halloween Havoc Tour and the Holiday Lights Tour, with synchronized music, dazzling effects, and a radio station that brings the whole show to life. Hear how much time and creativity go into making these displays shine and get inspired to join the fun yourself. There’s stil...
Nov 10, 2025•18 min•Ep. 71
Farmington Police Captains Bob Sauter & Andrew Van Dorn join us on The Feed to talk all things police including why they chose this career, what their new roles mean, and a few fun stories along the way. Did you know Captain Sauter was featured in a video last year? Tune in to find out which one! Listen now on The Farmington Feed!
Oct 13, 2025•19 min•Ep. 70
Join us for a special Fire Prevention Open House episode with Firefighter Steve Karsten and Fire Marshal Heath Walker! They’ll share important tips on kitchen safety, creating a fire escape plan, and making sure your smoke alarms are working properly. You’ll also learn about the rules for recreational fires and details on the permit you need for an open burn. This episode is packed with practical advice to help keep your family and home safe year-round.
Sep 08, 2025•20 min•Ep. 69
Join Caryn as she sits down with Officer Pete and Superintendent Jason Berg to talk about back-to-school safety. From reminders for parents to stay patient during drop-off and pick-up, to encouraging new drivers to stay alert, this episode covers important tips to help keep our students safe. Remember to always adhere to school bus stop arms and flashing red lights and above all, don’t drive distracted!
Aug 18, 2025•15 min•Ep. 68
The Feed in Five is a shorter version of the Farmington Feed and it will be a quick update of what is going on in and around the City of Farmington. 1. National Night Out (NNO) 2. Adventure Camp II 3. More Little & Middle Camps 4. Mini Clay Camp at Muddy Waters Studio 5. Rambling River Center Ribbbon Cutting Ceremony
Jul 28, 2025•3 min•Ep. 67
With the recent re-opening of the Rambling River Center, Caryn sits down with two very active members and Rambling River Center Advisory Board (RRCAB) members Mary Garlets and Blanche Reichert to discuss the renovations. Mary and Blanche are excited about the new entry way, patio and so much more. Listen to find out what class Mary teaches and what Blanche's favorite program is! Hint: it has to do with wood.
Jul 22, 2025•17 min•Ep. 66
SPECIAL EDITION Farmington Feed in 5: Top the Tater Days City Sponsored Events Thirsty Thursday - Thursday, June 26 from 6-9 pm Tater Trot - Saturday, June 28 at 8 am Puppet Wagon - Saturday, June 28 at 9 am Model Railroad Club - Saturday, June 28 from 10 am to 4 pm Bike Auction - Saturday, June 28 at 11:45 am **EDIT TIME CHANGE SINCE RECORDING** Kiss the Pig - Saturday, June 28 at 4 pm
Jun 23, 2025•2 min•Ep. 65
The Feed in Five is a shorter version of the Farmington Feed and it will be a quick update of what is going on in and around the City of Farmington. Kiss the Pig Cans Farmington Farmers Market reminder City Hall Closed – Juneteenth Music in the Park – Poor Cousin John Trio Camps, Camps and More Camps
Jun 16, 2025•3 min•Ep. 64
Farmington Feed Podcast – Episode 63: New Employee Speed Round In this episode, we're diving into all things Public Works with two of our team members, Torri and Eric! Both are part of the Public Works department, but their department's jobs go far beyond street sweeping and snow plowing. Curious what else their team does? Tune in to find out! And we couldn’t let this week go by without mentioning—it’s National Public Works Week ! Take a moment to thank a Public Works employee for all they do to...
May 19, 2025•12 min•Ep. 63
The Feed in Five is a shorter version of the Farmington Feed and it will be a quick update of what is going on in and around the City of Farmington. 1. Spring Food Truck Event 2. Police Week & Open House 3. VFW Steak Fry Benefit RRC 4. City Hall Closed – Memorial Day 5. Music in the Park – Wednesday, May 28 – 5 Day Forecast
May 12, 2025•3 min•Ep. 62
The Feed in Five is a shorter version of the Farmington Feed and it will be a quick update of what is going on in and around the City of Farmington. 1. RRC’s Arts & Craft Fair 2. Pond & Park Clean-up 3. International Firefighters Day 4. Spring Mattress/Box Spring Drop-off & Document Shred Event 5. State of the City - Rescheduled
Apr 28, 2025•3 min•Ep. 61
Earth Day Special: Talking Sustainability with Violet, McKenna, and Ben! Welcome to our exciting Earth Day episode! Caryn is sitting down with three passionate environmental advocates—Violet, McKenna, and Ben—to dive into the many ways we can all make a difference for our planet. From solid waste and recycling to water and natural resources, we're covering it all! Violet kicks things off with how to make sustainable swaps in everyday life. McKenna discusses how pollution impacts our water resour...
Apr 07, 2025•24 min•Ep. 60
Join host Caryn Hojnicki as she sits down with teachers and students from Farmington High School’s FFA program to explore the world of agriculture, leadership, and hands-on learning. From raising livestock to managing community projects, hear firsthand how FFA is shaping the next generation of leaders in farming, agribusiness, and beyond. Don’t miss these inspiring conversations—subscribe now and stay connected to things in Farmington! 🚜🌾 #FarmingtonFeed #FFA #Agriculture #FutureLeaders...
Mar 24, 2025•31 min•Ep. 59
You guessed it... we’re talking all things summer! Even though we just dug out from a recent 10+ inch snowfall, Caryn sits down with Emilee Shearer, Recreation Supervisor to chat about exciting summer programs coming your way. From Footfire Soccer to Music in the Park, there’s something for everyone—and a couple of brand-new programs you won’t want to miss! We’re also diving into the Youth Scholarship, a fantastic yet under-utilized opportunity funded by the Louis Schmitz Foundation and Farmingt...
Mar 10, 2025•9 min•Ep. 58
Our new Fire Marshal Heath Walker and Deputy Fire Chief Matt Brown sit down with Caryn to talk about the need for firefighters and Farmington's Firefighter Recruitment, why they love their careers, why it's not a job (according to Heath), and how to keep them from having to come to your house because of a fire.
Feb 11, 2025•24 min•Ep. 57
Caryn sits down with JJ (James Johnson, Jr.) from Dakota County Public Health for a serious topic...opioids and prevention. JJ wants to get the word out about a Naloxone Training that will be held at the Farmington Library this month. He says administering Naloxone is something that everyone should know how to do and should have readily available. Find out what Naloxone can to do to help an opioid overdose and where you can get your free kit.
Feb 03, 2025•13 min•Ep. 56
Caryn welcomes Jared Scharpen, Director of Career Development at Inver Hills Community College, and Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator, to discuss the upcoming Business Summit and the recently released business survey. Jared encourages business owners and employees to complete the survey, as it helps him align student skills with employer and business needs. He values being a sounding board for businesses and fostering those connections. Stephanie is excited to invite Farmington bu...
Jan 27, 2025•10 min•Ep. 55
The Feed in Five is a shorter version of the Farmington Feed and it will be a quick update of what is going on in and around the City of Farmington. 1. Firefighter Recruitment 2. Snowshoeing 3. S'Mores & More 4. Junior Golf Camp 5. City Hall Closed - MLK Day
Jan 13, 2025•3 min•Ep. 54
Violet Penman, Solid Waste & Recycling joins Caryn again, but this time it is to talk about Greening Your Holidays! How do you "green" your holidays? Listen in as Violet talks about secondhand gift giving, the Minnesota Toy Library, alternatives to wrapping paper, and meal planning/food waste. She tells us about the greatest type of gift to give for those hard to shop for...so listen to the end to find out!
Dec 16, 2024•17 min•Ep. 53
Join host Caryn Hojnicki while she gets to know some of the new Farmington Faces in the Police Department with a new employee speed round! First up is Officer Max Theirl who works nights and loves the excitement that shift brings even when he doesn't see the sunlight! Round Two is with Officer Dalton Vickery and Officer August Kewitsch. Dalton came to us with an Army National Guard background and an interesting responsibility for the department. Officer Kewitsch said that he always wanted to be ...
Dec 03, 2024•13 min•Ep. 52
Caryn sits down with Nicole Tyrrell, Neighborhood Programs Manager at The Open Door and Lynn Gorski, City Administrator for the City of Farmington to discuss the partnership that provides free, fresh and healthy food to the Farmington community. Learn how they secure food to bring to the pop-up pantry and how to donate your paper bags!
Nov 11, 2024•21 min•Ep. 51
Caryn welcomes Police Department Administrative Sergeant Nate Siem to the feed! He is here to talk about a new program (and grant the department was awarded). This program is for those that want to transition into a career in law enforcement. Listen to find out how to qualify and what the program entails.
Oct 28, 2024•11 min•Ep. 50
Jon BOOmicomb "Mr. Halloween" joins Erie Emilee Shearer and Creepy Caryn Hojnicki for this spooktacular episode of the Farmington Feed to discuss the Halloween Havoc Tour. Stay tuned to find out Mr. Halloween's address and bring your food donation!
Oct 14, 2024•22 min•Ep. 49
It is Election time, and we have got all you need to know if you are a voter in Farmington, MN. Shirley Buecksler City Clerk explains to Caryn the difference between Absentee Voting and Direct Balloting, the need for Election Judges and why Minnesota & Dakota County are the best when it comes to the election process! Don't forget the change in Precinct 1 from Rambling River Center to Homestead Community Church.
Oct 07, 2024•12 min•Ep. 48
Caryn sits down with Josh Solinger, Liquor Operations Manager and Deputy Police Chief Jim Constantineau to discuss the upcoming liquors donation drive for October. Find out what the fundraising goal is and how these donation drives support Farmington Police and Toys for Town.
Sep 30, 2024•12 min•Ep. 47
Join Caryn as she talks to Skate School Director Molly Burmeister about the Learn to Skate Program. She mentions there are three new classes they are offering, and the fall session starts on Saturday, Oct. 5. Listen to find out details on which class is right for you and/or your child.
Sep 16, 2024•17 min•Ep. 46
