The Grovecast

TrueLens Community Media
  • 4.0 (4)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome 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.

  1. MAY 5

    Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham

    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!

    30 min

  2. APR 14 ·  VIDEO

    Recreation Services Manager, Molly Pietruszewski

    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!

    23 min

  3. MAR 9

    Council Member Dave Thiede

    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

    22 min

  4. FEB 6

    Pat Nickle

    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

    20 min

  5. JAN 6

    Fire Chief

    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

    26 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    Council Member Justin Olsen

    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

    26 min

  7. 11/05/2025

    Public Works

    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

    18 min

  8. 10/13/2025

    Finance

    Finance Director Brenda Malinowski joins us to talk about the Finance Department. Budgets, AAA bond ratings, and financial management are quite important, so we’re thrilled that Brenda gave us a little time to learn how it all works. Enjoy!

    19 min
See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome 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.

Information

  • Creator
    TrueLens Community Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Grovecast

You Might Also Like