Pine River Area Visitor Guide - 2020

Pine River M I N N E S O TA 2 0 2 0 ACCOMMODATIONS • EVENTS • COMMUNITY INFORMATION • AREA MAP

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From left are Gary Moser, Jerry Taylor and John Bueckers, who were on the committee that built the Information Center, and chamber executive director John Wetrosky.

The 20th anniversary open house will be held in early June 2020.

Information Center to celebrate 20 years The Pine River Chamber of Commerce was formed under the name of the Pine River Commercial Club in 1949, later to be renamed the Pine River Chamber of Commerce!

Originally the Chamber of Commerce met at various buildings throughout the city of Pine River. Meetings were held in church basements, backrooms of businesses or any place that offered tables, chairs and perhaps a kitchen. Sometimes meetings were held at a member’s house!

In 1983, the Chamber board decided it needed a more permanent place to meet and to disseminate information about the community and the area, and purchased the first Information Center.

The little building worked well for a number of years before an exploratory effort began in 1995 and ended up with plans being drawn for a new building to be located at the intersection of Highways 371 and 84, the main intersection in Pine River. A committee of Chamber members and others worked through plans and as a result of their efforts obtained a number of grants to help defray the cost of the new building. The building was to be a log structure to bring attention to the area’s long and vital logging industry.

A new Information Center was approved and opened 4

its doors in June of 2000. A group of dedicated volunteers and local labor worked tirelessly to build the new facility.

John Wetrosky was hired by the Chamber board as executive director of the Chamber and his office was installed in the new building.

A grand opening was held June 4, 2000.

Then-Congressman James Oberstar was present to deliver congratulations and to celebrate the newest asset to sit beside the Paul Bunyan Trail, of which he was a great supporter. The late Terry McGaughey, known as the “Father of the Paul Bunyan Trail,” was also on hand to extend his congratulations. A great crowd gathered at the new center to celebrate the opening.

Since that grand opening, the Pine River Information Center has served thousands of travelers and local residents. Many are bicycling or snowmobiling on the Paul Bunyan Trail while others are stopping for information on not only Pine River, but also on many other travel destinations in Minnesota. The Information Center is as an official Explore Minnesota Affiliate Information Center, meaning the center can give out all Explore Minnesota Tourism information including free highway maps and other items visitors welcome.

The items displayed inside the building have all been generously donated by area

residents and Paul Bunyan’s baby boots also reside here ready for you to take a picture while trying them on!

The Pine River Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to stop by for a visit, to pick up information or to use the modern restrooms that are very popular as well!

The office and restroom area remain open through the winter.

Make a point of stopping at this longtime asset to the area. You will be happy you did!

John Wetrosky, Executive Director Pine River Chamber of Commerce

Pine River’s theme is “Plaid on Purpose” to celebrate the area’s heritage of logging, outdoor recreation and good, hardworking men and women. You’ll find street banners boasting the “Plaid on Purpose” theme and many folks in the Pine River area proud to be wearing “plaid on purpose.”

Join us in wearing plaid!

PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Everything you need is right here.

CARE LIKE NOWHERE ELSE

Through every stage of life, your primary care team is by your side. Listening. Caring.

Providing the kind of personalized health care you and your family can’t get anywhere else.

Schedule online with your family provider at EssentiaHealth.org.

Join our team: EssentiaCareers.org

St. Joseph’s-Pine River Clinic 218-587-4416

Table of Contents

Welcome Letter.........................................4 Calendar of Events....................................7 Community Events............................. 8-13 Duck Races............................................8 Summerfest............................................8 Lakes Bluegrass Festival.........................9 Arts Off 84...........................................10 Heritage Days......................................10 Parade of Lights...................................11 Good Samaritan Bowling Fundraiser..............................12 Market Square......................................12 Cass County Fair..................................12 Block Party...........................................13 Pine River Area Garage Sale................13 Backus Corn Fest.................................13 Lutefisk Dinner....................................13 Pine River Walking Tour................... 14-17 Canoeing/Kayaking.................................18 Fishing....................................................18 Hunting...................................................19 Golfing....................................................19 Skating....................................................19 Camping..................................................19 Area Trail Maps.......................................20 Trails.................................................. 21-23 Cut Lake Trail Map................................21 Goose Lake Trail Map............................22 Skiing................................................ 21-22 Snowmobiling.........................................22

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ATVing...................................................23 Spider Lake Trail Map............................23 Come shop in Pine River........................24 Top things to do in Pine River................25 Pine River Public Library........................25 Dining in Pine River, Map................ 26-27 Resorts, Motels, Campgrounds, Fairways...............................................28 Area Map................................................29 Pine River - You’ll find everything you need year-round.............................30 Pine River Railway Depot.......................30 Pine River is growing..............................31 Health industry expands in Pine River....32 Lakes Bluegrass Festival finds new home....................................33 Heritage Group North stays active..........34 Striving for resilient, sustainable living....35 Pine River Regional Airport plans for future.....................................36 Pine River-Backus School.......................37 Phone Numbers.......................................38 Parks........................................................38 DNR License Agents..............................38 Recycling Bins.........................................39 Churches.................................................39 Business Resources..................................39 Membership Directory & Advertisers................................. 40-42

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Wetrosky – Executive Director MEMBERS: Beverly Kramp – Secretary, Henry’s Woodworking Stephanie Degrote – Treasurer, Pine River State Bank Roger Hoplin - Bites Grill & Bar Deb Adkins - Pine River Good Samaritan Society Renee Stranne - Pine River Mini Storage Dianna Boyer - Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union Travis Grimler - Pineandlakes Echo Journal Chris Crosby - Pine River State Bank Craig Anderson - Trussworthy Components Gretchen Koering - Hanneken Insurance Kathy Hoefs - Anderson Farm Event Barn PINEANDLAKES ECHO JOURNAL STAFF PUBLISHER Pete Mohs – pete.mohs@brainerddispatch.com EDITOR Nancy Vogt – nancy.vogt@pineandlakes.com STAFF WRITER Travis Grimler – travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com ADVERTISING Kathy Bittner Lee – kathy.bittnerlee@pineandlakes.com GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Angie Hoefs – angela.hoefs@pineandlakes.com Our thanks to John Wetrosky and the Pine River Chamber of Commerce for their assistance with this project. ©2020 Pineandlakes Echo Journal This publication is produced and copyrighted by the Pineandlakes Echo Journal, a division of Forum Communications.

Printed by Forum Communications Printing of Fargo, N.D.

PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

FEBRUARY 15

APRIL 11 18

MAY 1-3 2 4

9 11

Calendar of Events 2020

Back to Basics Day

Happy Dancing Turtle's 14th annual Sustainable Living Workshop Day, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., PR-B School *Booths open to public, all day - Free!

Community Easter Egg Hunt

10 a.m., Forbes Park, Highway 84, Pine River.

Miss Pine River Scholarship Pageant 6:30 p.m. – PR-B School.

Pine River-Backus Community Education presents the play, “Princess and the Pea” Backus Firemen’s Smelt & Fish Fry 4 p.m. start – Backus Fire Hall.

Good Sam Bowling Fundraiser Bowlers receive pledges to help benefit local Good Samaritan Society care centers and hospice, held at Community Bowl & Pizzeria.

Fishing Opener

Die-hard anglers head to the lakes.

Annual Distinguished Service Chamber Member Banquet

16-17

Minnesota High School Rodeo

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Pine River Railway Depot Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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25

27

JUNE 19-20

at the Cass County Fairgrounds.

June 6, 20; July 11, 24-26; Aug. 1, 15, 29; Sept. 5, 12.

FRIDAYS through Sept. 25 2:30-5:30 p.m. – Pine River Market Square - Farmers' Market

Featuring locally grown produce, baked goods and crafts. alongside the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot.

JUNE (continued) 19

25-28

JULY 22

24-25

24-25

Take A Kid Fishing Day

Sponsored by the Pine River Lions Club, youngsters are introduced to the art and science of angling.

Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre

7 p.m. June 19 • 10 a.m. June 20 at Pine River-Backus School. See two performances of "Beauty and the Beast" featuring local children.

OCTOBER

Cass County Fair

Block Party

6-8 p.m., The Warehouse, 300 Norway Ave., 587-2021.

Pine River Art Show

Features a variety of quality paintings and other visual expressions. Held at The Warehouse.

Our Lady of Lourdes Rhubarb Fest

United Methodist Walkin' Tacos & Bake Sale

Pine River Summerfest softball tournament

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Backus Fly-In Pancake Breakfast

31

Pie on Park Avenue

7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Backus Airport.

Proceeds benefit the Backus Fire Department and First Responders.

Have a delicious piece of pie at this annual Pine River Library fundraiser!

31 through Aug. 1 Pine River Community Garage Sale

Oodles of garage sales all over town.

AUGUST

26-30

10 10

31

Heritage Days

Free Hobo Stew, historic displays and more!

Go Pine River Dinner

Delta Waterfowl Banquet

Call Doug Zaske at 587-4424 for more information.

First Lutheran Church Lutefisk Dinner

No upright Norwegian (or Norwegian-wannabe) would miss this. Features lutefisk, meatballs and all the fixings.

Halloween Party

Good Samaritan Society in Pine River, 3-5 p.m.

NOVEMBER 7

Deer Hunting Begins

Thousands of acres of county, state and federal land.

DECEMBER 5 5 5

12 12

Arts and Crafts Sale

Pine River Legion Auxiliary Arts & Crafts Sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

First Lutheran Church Cookie Walk 9 a.m.-noon.

Community Children’s Shopping Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m., United Methodist Church.

Pine River "Shop Local Day" Parade of Lights

Glittering floats, cheerful carolers and the spirit of the season light up the town during this special event.

Parade at 5 p.m.

Backus Corn Fest

Celebrate with Colonel Cobber.

Fun activities including a craft and flea market, bake sale and games, corn on the cob feast, parade at 11 a.m. and street dance & fireworks at dusk.

Backus All-Class Reunion Lakes Bluegrass Festival

National and regional bluegrass bands featured. New site just north of Pine River. Camping available. www.lakesbluegrassfestival.com.

SEPTEMBER 5-6

5

Pine River’s signature summer event. See separate story.

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8

Tea at the Station

2-4 p.m. RSVPs required.

Midway games and rides, 4-H exhibits, animals, grandstand events, bluegrass music & food.

Pine River Library Book Sale

8

10

10-13

24-26

25-26

SEPTEMBER (continued)

Hurry, hurry, step right up – and pick your duck at the Pine River Dam!

22-26 Summerfest

Memorial Day Services

Ceremonies held at 9:30 a.m. at the Pine River Dam, 10:30 a.m. at the Pine River Cemetery and 11:30 a.m. at the Swanburg Cemetery.

Duck Races 1:45 p.m. FRIDAYS June 19 through Aug. 14

Arts Off 84 Art Crawl

FIND PAUL

Be on the lookout for a waving Paul Bunyan hidden within the pages of this book. If you find the legendary lumberjack, bring this book into the Pine River Information Center to receive a FREE Pine River key chain!

Signs on Highway 84, northeast of Pine River. www.artsoff84.com

800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Community Events

Duck Races

Cheer on your duck from the riverbank

1:45 p.m. Fridays, June 19-Aug. 14, 2020 Pine River is home to the famous Duck Races that are held Friday afternoons through summer. This year’s races will run June 19-Aug. 14, 2020, at the Pine River Dam on Barclay Avenue.

Watch as cans full of duck decoys are dumped over the edge of the bridge into the river current below. Cheer on the ducks from the riverbank as they float down the Pine River to the finish line. The grand prize winner is crowned the “Duke or Duchess of Duck” and receives a crown, scepter and a prize.

Registration starts at 1:45 p.m. at the dam with the first heat race starting at 2 p.m. Races run from 1.5 to 2 hours, so arrive promptly to register.

Rent a duck decoy for $1 each. In return, receive a “Duck Buck” that is

redeemable for discounts or freebies at local participating businesses.

All ages can participate in the Duck Races, which the Pine River Chamber of Commerce and Riverview Church Youth Group sponsor.

way downtown to Barclay Avenue.

The weekend concludes Sunday with the Summerfest Softball

Tournament finals.

The chamber sponsors this annual fun event.

Summerfest

A full week of activities awaits you Wednesday-Sunday, July 22-26, 2020

Pine River will celebrate the height of summer with its annual Summerfest celebration Friday-Sunday, July 22-26, 2020.

A full slate of activities awaits residents and visitors during Pine River’s largest summer festival featuring fun for the entire family.

Activities include an art show along with arts and crafts displays, merchant sidewalk sales, flea market, library book sale, Duck Races, farmers and crafters market and, of course, music and food.

The Catholic church hosts its annual Rhubarb Fest and United Methodist Church offers “walkin’ tacos.” First Lutheran Church sponsors a bake sale, and pie and dessert in the park.

Saturday attractions include kids activities, a Classic Car and Tractor Show, fire department open house and the Summerfest Parade that winds its

Mark your calendar!

Arts Off 84 Art Crawl

Sept 5-6, 2020 Labor Day Weekend Pine River to Longville

www.artsoff84.com 8

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Community Events

NEW SITE! 15th Annual Lakes Bluegrass Festival Music event is for the whole family

Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 26-30, 2020 The 15th annual Lakes Bluegrass Festival will be staged at a new site - the Lakes Area Music and Events Park, one mile north of Pine River - on Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 26-30, 2020, featuring more than 40 performances showcasing the best in national and regional bluegrass bands.

In addition to stage performances by national, regional and local bluegrass bands, the festival offers camping, jam sessions throughout the campsites, workshops hosted by band members, an old-time dance, food vendors and more.

Camp under the pines - the new site

offers larger campsites with both electrical and primitive sites available.

National bands performing this year include Kenny and Amanda Smith, High Fidelity, The Farm Hands, and Phillip Steinmetz and his Sunny Tennesseans, all from Tennessee; Alan Bibey and Grasstowne, from South Carolina; Bull Harman and Bull’s Eye, The Punches, and That Dalton Gang, all from Missouri; and The Firebox Bluegrass Band, from Illinois.

Honky Tonk Jump from Minnesota will perform, along with Tim and Cindy and Friends, Shaffers Lost 40, and Blue Grove

A Full Service Grocery & Convenience Store

Hwy 371 South, Pine River • 218-587-2488 • www.pineriverfamilymarket.com Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 7am to 9pm, Sunday 7am-6pm

Famous Ribfests • May 29th • June 26th • July 31st • August 28th

Bluegrass, all from Minnesota.

The festival kicks off Wednesday night with a free Old Time and Country Dance with Erics Dance Band. This free event is open to the public.

This is an all-weather event, and the concert area includes large tents for shade or inclement weather. Those who attend are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Call 218-587-4000 or 800-728-6926 for ticket information or visit www.lakesbluegrassfestival. com. The nonprofit Pine River Area Foundation owns and operates the festival.

TURN YOUR SKIDSTEER INTO A FIREWOOD PRODUCING MONSTER!

Log cutting & splitting, skid steer attachment

Bi-Annual Huge One-Day Meat Sales May 1st & October 2nd Indoor Produce Sales - June 22nd-28th & July 27th-August 1st

Your home town grocer.

an

50 years

for more th

On-line Shopping Available for In-Store Pick-up or Delivery, More Details on pineriverfamilymarketdelivers.com

800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

218-587-2065

ONLINE Video Demo 199 College St. Pine River MN www.HalversonWoodProducts.com PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Community Events

Arts Off 84

Art crawl stretches along Highway 84 Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 5-6, 2020

Spend part of your Labor Day weekend traveling 25 miles of scenic, winding road for the 13th annual Arts Off 84 Art Crawl, on tap for Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 5-6, 2020.

The art crawl stretches along Highway 84 from Pine River to Longville. More than 80 participating artists offer their artworks for sale in art forms that include painting, photography, furniture, glass, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, wood carvings, woodwork, handmade soaps and lotions, metal, wire, stone, cement, fiber, paper, leather, homemade canned and baked goods, and upcycled items.

Artists who participate in this event create high-end art, as well as quality, handcrafted items. Quality is the No. 1 priority and only

handmade items are accepted for the juried event.

Signs will be posted to direct motorists to the various sites in the art crawl. Artist directories are available throughout the Brainerd and Walker areas, including the Pine River Chamber of Commerce, Longville Chamber of Commerce and many area businesses. The directory also includes

the map of artist locations.

View artist biographies and photos of their work at www.artsoff84.com.

The concept of Arts Off 84 is to celebrate a wide range of art appreciation. Artists interested in participating in the art crawl can email artsoff84@yahoo.com, or visit www.artsoff84.com for registration materials and more information.

Heritage Days The past comes alive in Pine River Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 10-13, 2020

Celebrate the city’s heritage by taking a trip back in time at Pine River’s annual Heritage Days festival Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 10-13, 2020.

Heritage Days kicks off with Tea at the Station, a Petticoat Junction Function, slated Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Pine River Depot.

This fundraiser to help sustain the depot features a three-course high tea for ladies who may wear fine hats and gloves.

The weekend celebration includes historic newsreels from the Pine River community shown at the depot and a pre-1830s encampment with demonstrations at Forbes Park. Free Hobo Stew is brewed and served starting at noon Saturday at Forbes Park as well. Pine River United Methodist Church hosts its annual quilt show and lunch.

Be sure to visit the Historic Pine River Train Depot, the Pine River Fire Department’s 1919 Waukesha fire engine display, and the 1888 Duluth Mesabi & Iron Range caboose.

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PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Community Events

Parade of Lights

Welcome the holidays in style Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020

Where can you find a parade with sparkling floats decorated in holiday lights and fireworks to light up the crisp winter sky? In Pine River!

The annual Parade of Lights event is a festive way to welcome the holidays each year. The Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, event features the parade at 5 p.m. down Barclay Avenue, featuring a theme and Pine River Chamber of Commerce gift certificates worth $100 for Best Use of Lights in theme and Overall Best Use of Lights.

After the parade, an open house at the Pine River Chamber Information Center offers free hot chocolate, hot apple cider and Christmas cookies. The

First Lutheran Church youth group sells hot dogs and nachos. Find a yuletide bonfire just outside the Historic Depot and chamber information center to keep you warm for the fireworks. At 6:30 p.m., a fireworks display crackles in the night air behind Pine River State Bank.

Earlier in the day, various events include

JUNKIN’ IN JENKINS • ANTIQUES • VINTAGE • SECONDHAND •

TRENDY THRIFT - FURNITURE - HOME DECOR - COLLECTIBLES

Wed-Friday 10:30-5:30, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-3 Open April thru October

3285 VETERANS ST, JENKINS 218.851.3602 • finderskeepersdepot@gmail.com

Lunch with Santa at the Pine River American Legion and Pine River Market Square farmers and crafters market at The Warehouse. It’s also "Shop Local Day" Dec. 12 in Pine River. Pick up a passport, get it stamped by participating businesses and be eligible to win a $200 grand prize at the end of the day.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the Pine River American Legion hosts its annual arts and craft sale, First Lutheran Church hosts its cookie walk, and United Methodist Church hosts its Community Children's Shopping Day, where children in sixth grade and under can choose from a variety of $1 gifts and get free wrapping.

Celebrate the holidays in Pine River at this Pine River Chamber-sponsored event!

Twin Pines Trading Post 34016 Highway 371 • Jenkins • 218-839-0829 Twinpinestradingpost@yahoo.com Open daily 11-5 or by chance/appointment

New and Secondhand Vintage and Antiques

On the Corner of Cool and Old 34008 Highway 371, Jenkins Daily10:30-6, Sunday 11-4, Tues. by chance 218-820-7931 • treasuresntiques371@gmail.com

Come Shop Us in Jenkins 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

11

Community Events A multitude of community events take place throughout the year in Pine River.

Be sure to check out these offerings:

Good Samaritan Bowling Fundraiser

Monday, May 4, 2020 Good Samaritan Bowl XVI takes place Monday, May 4, 2020, at the Community Bowl & Pizzeria in Pine River.

This annual event, always held the first Monday in May, allows bowlers to raise pledges that benefit local Good Samaritan Society care centers and hospice.

Besides putting together a bowling team, other ways to support this fundraiser are to buy raffle tickets, bid at the silent auction or stop by the Community Bowl and buy something to eat that day.

within 50 miles of Pine River, as well as handcrafted items.

Indoor markets will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12, at The Warehouse.

For more information, including vending information, visit www. prmarketsquare.wordpress.com or email prmarketsquare@gmail.com.

Cass County Fair Thursday-Sunday, June 25-28, 2020

The annual Cass County Fair will run Thursday-Sunday, June 25-28, 2020, at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River, just off Highway 371. In operation since 1905, the fair features grandstand events, 4-H livestock and other exhibits, a midway filled with carnival rides, a talent contest, bluegrass music, food and a beer garden.

Past years grandstand attractions have included bull riding, pig races and baja rallies.

Pine River Auto Value We’ve got the parts.

We’ve got the smarts.®

A farmers and crafters market Fridays, May 29Sept. 25, 2020

Pine River Market Square is a farmers and crafters market that’s open from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Fridays, May 29-Sept. 25, 2020, alongside the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot near the Information Center.

Vendors provide fresh produce, starter plants, bread and other baked goods, processed chickens and more, all grown

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Pine River Auto Value 300 Front Street North Pine River, MN 56474

M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 8am-4pm Sun 8am-12pm

(218) 587-2476 www.autovaluestores.com 001788322r1

"The Place Where Everyone's Meat Is Kept Separate - Including Sausage"

CUSTOM PROCESSING & SMOKING • Beef • Pork • Lamb • Goats • Fish • Bear • Elk, • Moose • Venison

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Market Square

L ocke s u k c r Ba

Monday-Saturday 8am - 5pm

111 Front St., Backus

218-947-4220

www.backuslocker.com

HOME CURED & SMOKED • Ham • Bacon • Turkey • Snack Sticks • Jerky • Lunchmeats • Sausage & Links • 50 Varieties Brats • Marinated Pork Chops

PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Community Events

Block Party at The Warehouse Wednesday, July 22

Riverview Church and The Warehouse will host the annual Block Party Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at The Warehouse, 307 Norway Ave., Pine River. This family fun night from 6-8 p.m. features games and prizes, face painting, hair beading, food and entertainment, all for free.

Pine River Area Garage Sale

Friday-Saturday, July 31-Aug. 1, 2020 Visit Pine River on Friday and Saturday, July 31-Aug. 1, 2020, for the annual Pine River Community & Merchant Garage Sale, sponsored by the Pine River Chamber. You’ll be sure to find deals on clothing, furniture, housewares and much

more at oodles of garage sales in and around Pine River.

Pick up your FREE copy of the sales map in the July 17 Echoland Piper Shopper or at the Pine River Information Center at Highway 371 and Barclay Avenue.

While hitting the garage sales, be sure to stop Friday, July 31, at the Pine River

Improving the Way You Look at Life Comprehensive Eye Examinations Complete Contact Lens Care Dr. David Pelowski

Dr. Michael Marvin

Dr. Daniel Clayton

Saturday, Aug. 8

Celebrated since 1976, the annual Backus Corn Fest event Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. The day is filled with fun activities for the entire family, including a craft and vendor fair, parade at 11 a.m. followed by a corn feed dinner with corn, ham, wild rice hotdish, potato salad and watermelon at the fire hall. There are kids games and prizes, and a fishing contest. A corneating contest is held at 3 p.m. Evening activities include a street dance and beer garden, culminating in a fireworks show at dusk. For more information, visit www. backuscornfest.com.

Lutefisk dinner First Lutheran Church in Pine River will host its annual Lutefisk & Meatball Supper from 3:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. Supper includes all-you-can-eat lutefisk, meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, rutabagas, coleslaw and beverage.

There will be lefse for sale while it lasts.

The church is at 309 Second St. N.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Eye Diseases

001799562r1

The Best in Eyewear

800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Backus Corn Fest

First Lutheran Church Saturday, Oct. 10

Children’s Vision Care

Baxter, 218-829-1789, 1-888-420-2015 Nisswa, 218-963-2020, 1-877-963-2010 Pine River, 218-587-2020, 1-888-970-3937

Library to check out the Pie on Park Avenue library fundraiser.

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Pine River Walking Tour

Sponsored & Organized by Heritage Group North, Inc., Pine River, MN Pine River began in 1873 when George Barclay opened a trading post on the Leech Lake Trail.

In 1894 a logging railroad built north through “Barclay’s Ranch” attracted many

settlers and led to the formation of a city.

Pine River’s original business district, near the railroad depot, has a rich and colorful history. The walking tour highlights some of the town’s more prominent downtown

structures, several of which no longer exist. Few of the buildings were designed by architects or built in a particular architectural style, yet people took pride in their buildings.

Blaze, had offices and a print shop in the basement. From 1917-20, classes for third and fourth grades of the Pine River School were taught here. The building’s more recent use as a Masonic Lodge hall and Eastern Star chapter ended in 2009.

(accompanied by a lively piano). The site was previously a boat shop and lumberyard. The hall closed in 1931 shortly after showing its first talking film and reopened in 1934 as the Marlow Theater. Over the years, the large theater building also housed a funeral parlor, beauty shop, pool hall, realty office, Laundromat and the offices of the Pine River Journal. The owners occupied an apartment behind the stage. The Marlow Theater was gutted by fire in 1980.

1. Pine River Railway Depot c. 1895 • 102 Barclay Ave. W. It is appropriate that the walking tour begins and ends here. The depot, erected in 1895, is the oldest building in Pine River and the only one in town deemed eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A frame structure of simple utilitarian design, the depot underwent several changes through 1913 when a canopy and women’s waiting room were added and the station platform was paved with bricks. The depot was abandoned in 1985, and in 2009 it was relocated to a new site just across the track (the Paul Bunyan Trail) from where it stood for 114 years. The railroad played an active role in attracting immigrants and encouraging settlement.

3. First State Bank Building c. 1903 • 200 Barclay Ave. The brick building was erected in 1903 for the First State Bank of Pine River, the town’s first bank. The bank later got a national charter before hard times led to its merger with a competing bank in 1924.

For more than 100 years this building also housed a series of drugstores, early on in the same room as the bank! The building also hosted a basement barber shop and Pine River’s post office. The large pillars originally at the front of the building now form the entry of the old Pine Ridge Cemetery south of town.

4. Hill Hardware Building c. 1916 • 204 Barclay Ave.

2. Cozy Theater/Newspaper Office c. 1915 • 109 First St. S. The Cozy Theater, the town’s first theater, occupied the small, “cozy,” upper floor of this concrete-block building before the era of talkies (movies with soundtracks).

In its day the Cozy hosted theatrical performances and recitals and showed silent films. Privies flanked the alley-side of the building. An early town newspaper, the Pine River Sentinel14

Hill’s Hardware began in a nearby lumber yard in the early 1900s, and later moved to a wood frame structure on Barclay Avenue. When that building burned in 1916, it was replaced by a modern masonry building on the adjacent lot. The hardware store operated until 1971, and in 1973 the building became part of Silbaugh’s Department Store. The building now houses River Fitness.

5. Memorial Hall/Marlow Theater c. 1920 • 240 Barclay Ave. Memorial Hall was built in 1919-20 to provide rooms for meetings, stage shows and dancing, and showing silent movies

6. United Methodist Church c. 1902 • 348 Barclay Ave. The Methodist Church was the first church organized in Pine River. Lots were purchased from city founder Ammarilla Barclay in 1902 for $2, and a missionary grant was secured for church construction.

Building the wood-frame church took several years and was hampered when lightning twice struck the bell tower, the second time cracking the bell. The church was dedicated in 1907. The belfry was refurbished in 2009. The beautiful stained glass windows are best viewed from the church interior.

7. Pine River Dam c. 1910 • River Street Pine River’s homes and businesses were originally lit by oil or gas lamps. In 1910,

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A project funded by the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants Program.

This two-story concrete-block building was built in the 1910s as a general merchandising store. Such newfangled department stores were typically housed in large buildings and sold almost every product imaginable from clothes and furniture to groceries and toys. Later owners ended the handling of food products to concentrate on the sale of soft goods. Over the years businesses here were affiliated with Skogmos and V-Stores.

Until recently, the building was home to NAPA automotive. Apartments occupy Your the second floor.

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9. Lindberg Building c. 1911 • 303 Barclay Ave.

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In 1903, a two-story, wood-frame school house was built on this corner lot to accommodate Pine River’s high school and elementary classes. Although enlarged in LEATHERWOOD 1905, the school was just too small for the LN SW rapidly growing population. The school was razed in the late 1920s after a new and much larger school was built two blocks to the northwest. In 1950, a one-story stucco medical clinic opened on the site of the old school. After years of service, the clinic was torn down in the early 2000s.

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8. Pine River Public School/ Pine River Clinic c. 1903 • 403 Barclay Ave.

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a dam and hydroelectric plant were built at the head of Barclay Avenue W AVE(replacing DOTY a bridge that formerly stood there). It was the first major electrical generating plant in rural Cass and Crow Wing counties, and by 1920 it provided electrical power to other outlying communities including Backus, Jenkins, Pequot and Nisswa. Use of the plant was discontinued in 1946 and the equipment and powerhouse were later removed. The swimming facilities above the dam wereST developed 24TH SW as a W.P.A. project in 1938.

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Michener’s garage was built here in 1920. The “grand opening” featured a continued on page 16

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Pine River Walking Tour

Sponsored & Organized by Heritage Group North, Inc., Pine River, MN continued from page 15

Japanese operetta presented by the Pine River School. After the garage burned in 1950, it was replaced by a Ford-Mercury dealership and garage run by the Houston Motor Co. In the late 1950s, Houston’s also sold diving gear and filled SCUBA tanks. Houston’s relocated south of town after 1973. The remodeled building is now occupied by small businesses and the Pine River-Backus Family Center.

11. Farmers State Bank Building c. 1917 • 203 Barclay Ave. When this two-story brick building was built in 1917, the street-level corner of the building was occupied by the Farmers State Bank. Later, the Pine River State Bank conducted business in the same space until 1974. Among original occupants was a pharmacy on Barclay Avenue, and a furniture store and funeral parlor on the First Street side. The second floor once contained professional offices and apartments.

The Gardiner family has operated businesses at this location since 1935. The original back addition to the building was destroyed by fire in 1973.

12. Pine River Army Reserve Armory c. 1921 • 200 Front St. N. In 1921 Pine River was home to one of the first Army Reserve armories in Minnesota, and it was the smallest town in the United States to have an armory.

The armory was constructed of concrete blocks made onsite by the resourceful and legendary local builder “Pop” Evans.

Almost 2,000 people attended the dedication in May 1922 that featured an address by Minnesota Gov. J.A.O. Preus.

The state ceded the armory to the city of Pine River in 1939. The upper floor of the armory contained a stage and a basketball court flanked by bleachers. During the 1950s the basement level held sixth-grade classrooms and the school lunchroom.

The city office and fire hall occupied the north end of the building. The armory was razed in 1974.

13. Horse-Drawn Fire Engine c. 1919 • 102 Barclay Ave. W. This vehicle, a horse-drawn Waterous #6 Class B gasoline fire engine with a Waukesha motor, was built for the city of Pine River in 1919. Until 1940 this was the sole engine for the village. It remained in use as an auxiliary engine until its retirement in the mid-1950s. The display shelter was erected by Heritage Group North in 2010.

14. Pine River Legion Club c. 1947 • 400 Front St. S. The Fraser-Nelson Post 613 of the American Legion was organized on March 11, 1947, at the Marlow Club rooms in the Marlow Theater. Col. Robert Miller of the 147th Field Artillery of Brainerd, a prisoner of war in the Bataan, urged the organization of a Legion Post in Pine River. An American Legion Post had been organized in the early 1920s but had been disbanded before World War II. No information about this group was located.

15. Bill Day’s Welding Shop c. 1947 • 206 Front St. S. Bill Day’s Welding Shop occupied this site for many years. The original blacksmith shop that once stood on Barclay Avenue to the north of the Livery and later the Spurrier Hotel was built by Dave Jones in 1902. Succeeding owners were Al Seper, Bill Rohr, Christensen, W.C. (Bill) Day. The original building was later moved to this site and was torn down in 1947.

16. Pine River Locker Plant c. 1928 • 200 Front St. S. The Pine River Locker Plant and Kouba’s Souvenir shop sat on this location.

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The Locker Plant was built in 1928 by H.I. Davies as the Pine River Seed House.

Originally it had been the site of the old Wideman Brothers store. The building was sold in the early 1930s but continued to serve as a feed store under Frank Marsh and Homer Fraser until 1945 when Arvid Lundin bought the building. Siefert and Gartner bought out Lundin in 1948 and established the locker business.

17. Barclay Hotel “White Elephant” c. 1894 • 112 Front St. S. The original Barclay Hotel was the hub of activity for passengers arriving by train.

The Hotel Barclay or Barclay House, also known as the “White Elephant,” was built for George Barclay in 1894. It burned in December 1915 in a fire that threatened the whole town.

18. First “Filling Station” c. 1920 • 100 Front St. S. Pine River’s first “filling station” was built by Vic Sauer. Though gasoline had been available at the village garages, Sauer’s Pyramid station was the original “filling station” in town. The Pine River Oil Company Phillips 66 occupied the same corner for many years. Later a new building was constructed and occupied by Tom Thumb.

19. Spurrier Hotel c. 1917 • 103 Barclay Ave. The Spurrier Hotel, later called the Lake Region Hotel, was built in 1917 and stood until 1964 when it was torn down to make way for the eventual Highway 371 widening.

20. Durkee Manufacturing Co. c. 1940 • 173 Barclay Ave. W. Durkee’s Manufacturing Plant, built in 1940, as well as a feed store established in 1916 occupied this location. “Working at Durkees” was a solid career for many local men from 1940 to 1985, with about 150 employees benefiting from the town’s largest local industry. The plant manufactured Wooden Spools for telephone cable, etc.

21. Wefelmeyer Pickle Factory c. 1918 • 201 Park Ave. W. The Wefelmeyer Pickle Factory once sat on this site. By 1925, which saw “the biggest cucumber crop ever” harvested in the region, Wefelmeyer and Thiessen had main offices

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in Pine River and “salting stations” in many surrounding communities. Under the name “Queen Brand,” pickles were sold in railcar load lots to local packers throughout the United States.

building was built in 1920. This location was the “home of the Pine River Tigers” until 1961 when the new high school was built in its current location.

back to about 1935 when interested Pine River residents met at the Mae Davis home for fellowship and prayer.

26. Community Oil c. 1936 • 400 Barclay Ave. Moulster’s Service Station, which later became Community Oil, was established here in 1936. This is the original building.

27. Damsite Bait and Tackle c. 1914 • 417 Barclay Ave.

22. Our Lady of Lourdes c. 1910 • 205 Park Ave. This was the original location of Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church, established in 1910. The parish moved into its current location across the alley in 1958.

23. Pine River School c. 1913 • 309 Jefferson Ave. The Pine River School, both elementary and the high school, were housed in a building on this location beginning in 1913.

The combination elementary/high school

24. First Lutheran Church c.1907 • 300 Norway Ave. This building was originally the Pine River Lutheran Church. When the Lutheran congregation built its new church and moved to its location at 309 Second St. N., this building was converted for apartment usage.

25. Tabernacle Church c. 1954 • 304 Norway Ave. The original Tabernacle Church was housed in a small log-sided building. The history of the Riverview Tabernacle goes

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The Damsite Bait and Tackle shop sat on this location, established in 1914. The A&W Root Beer Stand, which originally sat on Highway 371 next to the Lake Region (Spurrier) Hotel, was moved to this location in 1963 when the Highway 371 widening project began. Stand quietly here a minute and you can almost hear the sound of the 1960s — the Beatles, the muscle car engines and the car-hop orders of “Two root beers and an order of fries!”

28. Pine River Creamery Company c. 1913 • 409 Norway Ave. The Pine River Creamery, later Land O’Lakes Creamery, was established in 1913.

The Pine River Feed Store sat on the opposite side of this corner. Bringing milk to the creamery and grain to be weighed at the feed store were daily/weekly activities for the local farmers.

29. City Park Recreational Facility c. 1938 • 304 Fifth St.

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Forbes Park was established here in 1916, named for Eugene Forbes. The log building was a WPA project completed in 1938. The cornerstone tells the details of this project, a great example of Craftsman Style building, popular at that time.

PO Box 364 Pine River, MN 56474

The Pine River Walking Tour is a project of Heritage Group North

Heritage Group North, Inc

P.O. Box 266, Pine River, MN 56474 www.heritagegroupnorth.org

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Mail $10 to join HGN

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Recreation

Outdoor opportunities abound Pine River is the place to be if you like to play outside, especially with both the Pine River and the Paul Bunyan State Trail going right through the heart of town.

The Pine River, which flows through many lakes, including the Whitefish Chain of 14 lakes, is the perfect place to float a canoe or paddle a kayak. Public accesses are conveniently located in Pine River. Each spring, you can watch the Department of Natural Resources set up at the mouth of the river at Whitefish Lake to collect eggs from spawning walleye.

If you prefer biking, hiking, running, walking or inline skating, as well as snowmobiling, you’ll want to travel the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which stretches from Brainerd to Bemidji.

Swimmers and anglers can also visit the city beach and dock on Norway Lake.

Outdoor opportunities abound in Pine River.

Fishing

The Pine River area boasts more than 430 lakes of various sizes, all teeming with game fish.

Anglers will find walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish, all abundant and ready to take your bait.

Public accesses are available on almost all area lakes, making it easy to get your boat into the water.

Visit the Pine River Information Center for all area public access maps.

Doug Zaske Broker/Owner 218-587-4424 • Cell: 218-820-8688 PO Box 152, Pine River, MN 56474

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Canoeing/Kayaking

The Pine River is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designated canoe route, with nearly 60 miles marked as a water trail for travel. The DNR offers free maps for its water trails that show campsites, mileage, obstructions and portages, and any rapids. Free maps of the Pine River system are available at the Information Center in Pine River. Check at the Information Center for river conditions.

The Pine River has only Class I and II rapids, which are easily navigated. The local river is great for both beginning and experienced kayakers and canoeists.

Originating north of Backus, the Pine River flows through the city of Pine River, the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and the city of Crosslake enroute to the Mississippi River. Dams are located in Pine River and Crosslake. Along the way, the river drops 85 feet, an average of 2.3 feet per mile. The river’s width varies from 25 feet to 150 feet.

Canoe and boating guide maps are available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/canoeing/ pineriver.

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Hunting

Pine River is the hub of thousands of acres of public land just made for hunters.

Whitetailed deer, bear, ruffed grouse, geese and ducks are always abundant and you’ll find it easy to access public land.

Hunting licenses are available at several Pine River Chamber members’ stores throughout the hunting season.

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Golfing

The area abounds with golf courses, including Wildwedge Golf and Mini Golf in Jenkins. Wildwedge is a 9-hole golf course and fun mini golf course. Wildwedge is seven miles south of Pine River on Highway 371.

Other easily accessible courses are Whitefish Golf Course, Crosswoods Golf in Crosslake, Emily Greens in Emily and Golden Eagle Golf at Fifty Lakes.

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Skating

The city of Pine River has a public ice skating rink located just west of the post office. Skaters can park on the plowed parking lot at the site and skate from daylight until 10 p.m.

The rink includes a 16- by 16-foot heated warming house to accommodate large groups.

The warming house has shelves and outlets for coffee or hot chocolate makers or roasters.

The rink also has a portable toilet.

Donations and advertising on the rink boards helped contribute to the project.

Donations are still sought for more planned improvements. For updated information on the rink, visit Friends of the Pine River Ice Rink on Facebook. Free skates and helmets are available through Pine River-Backus Community Education.

Camping

Plenty of camping opportunities exist in and near Pine River: • DNR campground at Spider Lake in the Foot Hills State Forest.

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campground/Recreation Area in Crosslake.

• Riverview RV Park at Highway 371 and County Road 44.

• Forbes City Park on Highway 84 in Pine River, across from the dam.

• Tuck-A-Way Resort & Campground on Lake Hattie.

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Area Trail Maps

Paul Bunyan • Heartland • Mi-Gi-Zi • Itasca Wilderness Heartland Trail Distances in Miles

See larger map on page 23

Paul Bunyan Trail Distances in Miles

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Cut Lake Skiing/Mountain Bike Trail

Trails

We welcome ATVers, hikers, snowmobilers, skiers & bikers The Pine River area boasts hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts who like to hike, bike, walk, snowmobile, ski or ride an all-terrain vehicle.

The Spider Lake area is just 10 miles west of Pine River and is known for its miles of ATV and snowmobile trails that wind through the Foot Hills State Forest.

Pine River is the “Birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail,” with the former railroad

bed turned recreation trail traveling directly through Pine River along the west side of Highway 371. You’ll find this trail that runs from Brainerd to Bemidji to be perfect for walking, biking and Rollerblading in spring, summer and fall, while snowmobiles take over the trail in winter.

Pine River also anchors the northwest corner of the popular Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, a 54-mile route through 14 area

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jurisdictions that offers scenic beauty and informational kiosks. You’ll find a couple of hiking venues along this route as well - the Veterans Hiking Trail off County Road 16 and the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area off County Road 11.

Skiing

The Cut Lake cross country ski trail lies just 10.5 miles west of Pine River on County Road 2, offering 16.5 kilometers of trails that range from easy to difficult.

Benches are located throughout the trail system, along with a couple shelters and fireplaces.

Other Cass County cross country ski trails include: • Hiram Trail: 8 miles west of Hackensack on County State Aid Highway 6.

• Goose Lake Trail: Halfway between Hackensack and Longville near the Woodtick Trail. continued on page 22

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Goose Lake Ski Trail

• Washburn Trail: Southeast of Washburn Lake near Outing.

The Lake Country Nordic Ski Club grooms cross country ski trails when adequate snow is available.

Skiers can also visit the groomed Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center ski trails and the Shingobee Recreation Area trails. These trails are not managed under the state’s Grants-in-Aid program

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and do not require a ski pass.

To contact the Lake Country Nordic Ski Club, email lakecountrynordic@ gmail.com. Visit http://chitwood1.wix. com/lcnskiclub or http://www.skinnyski. com/trails/ski/ for grooming information.

Follow the club on Facebook at Lake Country Nordic Ski Club.

Maps for area cross country ski trails are online at www.co.cass.mn.us/ maps/map_trails.html.

Snowmobiling

Pine River is the center of some of the greatest snowmobiling in north central Minnesota. The Paul Bunyan Trail travels through Pine River, and snowmobilers use this trail to access other area trails and Snowway One, 10 miles west of Pine River.

You’ll find several area snowmobile clubs grooming trails often during the winter when adequate snow is available.

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continued from page 21

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Spider Lake Trails Foothills State Forest

PINE RIVER 10 MILES Spider McKinley Forest Road

Snowmobile maps are available at the Pine River Information Center.

ATVing

The Spider Lake trails west of Pine River travel 29 miles through the Foot Hills State Forest. From smooth and sandy to rough and rocky, the trails provide a challenging ride as they curve around lakes and ponds, follow ridges and traverse several hills and slopes throughout the forest.

ATV trails are open yearround, except on groomed, signed snowmobile trails and during spring thaw.

Parking and trail access are located 12 miles west of Pine River to south on Spider McKinley Forest Road.

Camping sites are available along the trails as well.

36th St. SW

PARKING: From Pine River: go 12 miles west on Co. Rd. 2, then south 1.5 miles on Spider McKinley Forest Road.

From Leader: go north on Co. Rd. 64 for 11.8 miles. Turn east on 36th St. SW and go 1.3 miles to the parking area.

Foot Hills State Forest at a Glance TRAILS: 8.6 miles cross-country skiing Hiking Mountain Biking 40 miles Class I ATV 40 miles Class II ATV 40 miles off-highway motorcycling 11 miles off-road vehicles

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Pine River 587-2067 Pequot Lakes 568-7353

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PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Come shop in Pine River

We offer unique shopping and service oriented businesses Come spend an afternoon exploring downtown Pine River and all it has to offer.

Buy flowers or a homemade baked good for your hosts if you’re staying with or visiting friends. Find other gifts or any needed items at our hardware store or auto parts stores.

You can find new and secondhand furniture in Pine River, as well as special

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services such as glass and pipe cutting and everything from soup to nuts!

Pine River also offers specialty shops such as the new alpaca yarn and knit goods shop.

If you’re looking for a car or other vehicle - or parts, full service, body work or tire replacement for a vehicle - you can shop for those businesses right here in Pine River!

Gardiner’s 3 Businesses In One Convenient Location

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You can also renew your license plates or purchase ATV or boat licenses at an official Department of Motor Vehicles business downtown.

Find great bargains at two thrift and antique shops in the city.

The Serenity Now Yarn & Alpaca Shop is your new go to shop for yarn, crafting supplies and alpaca goods in the charming town of Pine River!

A fr iend l y store to make your new craft ing home!

• Yarn • Craf t Supplies • Local Ar tisan Creations • Alpaca Products • Unique Gif ts • Classes You may also take classes and learn new hobbies.

231 Barclay Avenue Downtown Pine River 218-587-1107 www.serenitynowalpacas.com

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Top things to do in Pine River

• Stop at the Information Center to pick up maps and brochures.

• Pick up a bag of doughnuts at the bakery or grocery store.

• Hike or bike or snowmobile the Paul Bunyan State Trail.

• Attend the weekly duck races on Fridays from late June to mid-August.

• Bowl up a storm at Community Bowl and Pizzeria.

• Enjoy a picnic beside the Pine River.

• Camp at the city park and area campgrounds.

• Ride your ATV or snowmobile on Spider Lake trails.

• Take a car/bike tour of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.

• Hike or mountain bike the Cut Lake Trails.

• Buy your fishing, hunting and ATV licenses.

• Fish at the dam or on one of 430 lakes within 30 miles.

• Canoe or kayak the Pine River (maps are available at the Information Center).

• Swim at the public beach above the dam.

• Play bingo, cribbage, meat raffle at the Pine River American Legion.

• Practice your basketball shots in the Pine River-Backus Schools lot.

• Play disc golf at the Pine River-Backus

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Schools grounds course.

• Check out the geocaching trail along the Paul Bunyan Trail.

• Watch the Summerfest Parade (last weekend in July).

• Attend the Cass County Fair (last weekend in June).

• Visit the farmers market in front of the Pine River Depot Fridays (late May-late September).

• Check out a book at the Pine River Public Library.

• Play ball at fields east of Pine River (County Road 1 East).

• Watch birds on the river & area wooded areas.

• Shop downtown stores and Highway 371 stores.

• Exercise at the new River Fitness Center.

• Fly your airplane into the Pine River Regional Airport.

• Eat at local and area cafes and restaurants.

• Enjoy a vintage soda at GuidePoint Pharmacy on Barclay Avenue.

• Shoot trap at the Fish and Game Range.

• Hunt thousands of acres of public land.

• Take the historic walking tours through Pine River.

Check out our new and completely renovated facility in Downtown Pine River.

Join Today!

Call Owner Sharon Gensmer!

612-390-1081

218 Barclay Ave. Pine River, MN 56474 • Affordable memberships, $5 Day Passes.

• Inquire about our class offerings: Barre, Yoga, TRX! • See us on for upcoming Classes

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• Check out the Historic railroad depot (open Saturdays in summer).

• Take a horseback trail ride (Pine River Trail Rides).

• Enjoy the annual lutefisk dinner (second Saturday in October at First Lutheran Church).

• Attend the Lakes Bluegrass Festival (weekend before Labor Day).

• Check out the Community Garage Sale Days (first Friday-Saturday in August).

• Attend the Heritage Days 1830s encampment (second weekend in September).

• Take a trip up Highway 84 for the Arts Off 84 Art Crawl (Labor Day weekend).

• Skate at the community open air ice rink.

• Attend the Parade of Lights and fireworks (second weekend in December).

Pine River Public Library

The Pine River Library is located just a block off Barclay Avenue at the corner of Park Avenue and Second Street. It is one of nine Kitchigami Regional Library System branch libraries. The library offers free internet access.

Your library card is good at all nine Kitchigami library branches: Pine River, Walker, Wadena, Brainerd, Bemidji, Blackduck, Cass Lake, Longville and Park Rapids, as well as the Mobile Library. Your library card also gives you access to the library 24 hours a day online. Just visit www. krls.org and click on “Search the Catalog.”

There are online resources such as Auto Repair Reference Center and Novelist, and links to MnLink, MyHealth Minnesota and many more.

Access eBooks and eAudios online through the Cloud Library as well.

LIBRARY INFORMATION: Phone: 218-587-4639 Address: 212 Park Ave. Email: pineriver@krls.org HOURS: Monday 1:00-6:00 pm Tuesday 10:00-6:00 pm Wednesday 12:00-5:00 pm Thursday 10:00-5:00 pm Friday 10:00-3:00 pm Saturday 10:00-1:00 pm The library is closed most federal holidays.

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Dining in Pine River Options are nearly endless

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218-587-2588 300 Barclay Ave., 2 Blocks Off Hwy. 371 Downtown Pine River

Whether you want a quick bite to eat or a leisurely sit-down meal, a good cup of coffee or an ice cream dessert, you can satisfy any craving in Pine River.

Start your day with fresh bread, doughnuts, cookies and more at the town’s bakery on Barclay Avenue. If you want a traditional, home-cooked breakfast, try the cafe, also on Barclay Avenue, or the restaurant on the southern edge of town.

If you’re out for a good burger, try the already mentioned restaurants as well as the American Legion. Looking for a great pizza? Try any restaurant, as well as the community bowling alley!

Indulge your sweet tooth at the bakery, and if you’re craving ice cream Pine River is home to Dairy Queen.

Try a vintage soda on the corner building at Barclay Avenue downtown.

Pine River has a coffee shop if you’re looking for a hot cup or a fancy coffee. The city also is home to convenience stores and a grocery store with a deli department for snacks and meal planning, as well as a liquor store if you’re looking for adult beverages.

There’s no need to venture from Pine River when you’re hungry. We have options from snacks to tide you over to major meals to fill you up.

hours

“The Best Little Place Around” Breakfast served ALL DAY Check out our daily specials on Facebook Known for ...

Create Your Own Omelet & Build Your Own Hashbrowns

Open Monday-Saturday, Sunday - Call Ahead for Hours

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PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

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Don’t forget to order your DQ cake!

Find us on DQcakes.com S TOWN DR SW

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NISSWA 25312 South Main St. 218-963-2163

4. Holiday Station 218-587-2821

5. Lifehouse Coffee 218-587-3332

8. Pine River American Legion 218-587-9151 9. Station 371 218-587-4700

10. Barstock Liquors 218-587-3166 11. Community Bowl & Pizzeria 218-587-3100

12. GuidePoint Pharmacy Vintage Soda Fountain 218-587-2500

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371

3. Dairy Queen 218-587-4762

7. Pine River Bakery 218-587-2545

PINE

Relax and stop in for a special treat.

2. Cozy Cottage Café 218-587-2588

6. Pine River Family Market 218-587-2488

WEEKEND!

PEQUOT LAKES 30699 State Hwy 371 218-568-5440

PINE RIVER 306 Front St. 218-587-4762

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1. Bites Grill & Bar 218-587-2564 1

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OPEN ALL HOLIDAYS! • We accept Credit Cards

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Following is a listing of Pine River food and beverage establishments:

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PINE RIVER

AMERICAN LEGION FRASER -– NELSON NELSON POST 613 FRAZER POST 613 218-587-9151 • Hwy. 371, Pine River • Bar Open at Noon Mon-Sun

• Bar Bingo - Tues. & Sat. Starting at 7 • Drinks & Beer Specials • Mexican Tuesdays • Pizzas Best Around • Full Kitchen • Burgers • Pull Tabs Always Available • Meat Raffle Friday at 5:30

FREE HALL RENTAL TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Resorts, Motels, Campgrounds & Fairways RESORTS

Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

1. Heath’s Resort David & Carol Heath.................................. 218-587-2286 2. Kilworry Resort Norma & George ...................................... 218-543-4587 3. Black Pine Beach Resort Bob & Lynn Scharenbroich..........................877-575-1455 • 218-543-4714 4. Towering Pines Resort Judy & Roger Nies.... 800-950-0267 • 218-543-4738 5. Ruttger’s Pine Mountain Camping Resort Bill & Candy Ruttger............................................................ 218-947-4099 6. Mountain View Resort Jack & Renita Tesch...................... 218-947-3233 7. Pine Mountain Resort Jay Schmidtke................................. 218-947-4047 8. Sandy Pines Resort Scott Oldre........................................... 218-947-4467 9. Tuck-A-Way Resort & Campground Todd Malecha...... 218-587-4725 10. Pleasant Pines Resort Milo & Joanne Tritz....................... 218-675-6618 11. Ada Pine Beach Resort Pat & LeRoy Invie..............................www.adapine.com • 218-587-2848 12. Hidden Haven Resort Skip & Wendy Hanson................... 320-293-7591 13. Cousins Cabins Lynn Edlefson & Stacey Davis.................. 218-947-3006

MOTELS

Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

1. Cedarwood Motel........................218-587-2208 • 800-390-2208

2. Rodeway Inn.................................218-587-4499 • 800-450-4499

3. AmericInn Lodge & Suites.........218-568-8400 • 888-568-8400

CAMPGROUNDS

Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

1. Riverview RV Park Jeff & Marilyn Chelbecek.........218-587-4774

2. Highview Campground & RV Park Terry & Sherry Klungseth ......................... www.highviewcampground.com • 218-543-4526

3. Ruttger’s Pine Mountain Camping Resort Bill Ruttger .................www.pinemountaincampground.com • 218-947-4099 4. Mountain View Resort Jack & Renita Tesch.......218-947-3233 5. Sandy Pines Resort Scott Oldre...............................218-947-4467 6. Tuck-A-Way Resort & Campground Todd Malecha...........................................................218-587-4725

7. Pleasant Pines Resort Milo & Joanne Tritz........... 218-675-6618 8. Wildwedge Golf & RV Park.................................. 218-568-6995 Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

FAIRWAYS

1. Whitefish Golf Course/Proshop............................... 218-543-4900

2. Wildwedge Golf & Mini Golf................................... 218-568-6995

3. Deacon's Lodge................................ 218-562-6262 • 888-437-4637

4. The Pines at Grand View Lodge..... 218-963-3146 • 800-432-3788 5. The Preserve at Grand View Lodge... 218-963-3146 • 800-432-3788

6. The Garden Course at Grand View Lodge ............................................................ 218-963-3146 • 800-432-3788

7. Crosswoods Golf Course............................................ 218-692-4653

Come stay with us in Pine River

We offer a multitude of lodging options within 15 miles of downtown

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BEER • WINE LIQUOR

OPEN SUNDAYS 11AM - 5PM

MONDAY-SATURDAY 9AM -10PM • HWY. 371, PINE RIVER • 218-587-3166

Rodeway Inn

of

PIne RIveR

HWY 371, NEXT TO KIMBER CREEK FORD, ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE PAUL BUNYAN TRAIL

Award Winnin Prope g rty

• Free Continental Breakfast • Free Wireless Internet • Microwave & Fridge Upon Request • Pet Fee Applies • Easy in/out for Trucks & RVs • Discount Construction Rates Available

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When you come to enjoy all Pine River has to offer - from our recreational trails and tall pines to our retail and dining options to our exceptional events - you’ll find a place to stay no matter what your preference.

Book a stay at one of our area hotels and motels, or choose to stay at one of our famous lakes area resorts!

We have resorts and campgrounds that cater to RVs, and we have many, motel, resort and camping options within easy driving distance.

Check the Lodging listings above for information.

Dedicated to Customer Service Remarkable Wine Selection

• Pizza and Snacks available at Front Desk • Close proximity to many area lakes and chain of lakes

Direct Phone: 218.587.4499 OR 800.450.4499 Online Reservations: WWW.RODEWAYINN.COM/HOTEL/MN078

PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

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To Spider Lake OHV Trails

Map courtesy of E. & M. Consulting, Chaska, MN 800-572-0011

Pine River Riding Stable Trailrides

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800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

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Pine River

You’ll find everything you need year-round Pine River offers a wide array of services that both residents and travelers require.

You’ll find a medical clinic, public school, churches, an airport, ambulance service, car repair centers, hardware store, banks, barbers and hairstylists, dry cleaning drop-off, florist, insurance agents, real estate agents, carpet business, optometrist, library, funeral directors, manufacturing, lawn service, tree service, physical therapists, senior citizen care, restaurants, caterers, baker, coffee shop, excavators, contractors, plumbers, electricians, builders, laundromat, feed store and more.

As a bonus, you’ll discover that most - if not all - of these services are available just about every day of the year.

Pine River is truly a self-contained community that welcomes customers new and old and is ready to service any need you have. Please check out all the Pine River Chamber member businesses listed in this guide. You’ll see what we mean!

We’re proud to have a community that is able to offer reliable service that you can depend on. Pine River is ready to serve you.

Pine River Railway Depot Visit this historical place

Pine River area history has been preserved with the historic Pine River Railway Depot located near the Chamber Information Center and along the Paul Bunyan State Trail.

Owned and managed by the nonprofit Heritage Group North, the depot is the only property in Pine River to ever be listed on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places. A plaque proclaiming this achievement hangs on the exterior of the historic depot.

The depot is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following days: May 23, June 6 and 20, July 11, 24 and 26, Aug. 1, 15 and 29, Sept. 5 and 12.

Built in 1895, the original depot building underwent various additions and alterations until about 1913. Since 1913, it remained essentially unchanged, except for removal of the canopy over the open-air waiting area that extended off the building’s south end.

A $362,000 restoration project completely restored the depot to its 1913 Northern

Pacific Railroad appearance, including reconstruction of the canopy.

When built in 1894, the railroad opened much of north central Minnesota to logging, provided access to and settlement of the area, and accounted for the development of many area communities.

Today, the former rail bed is the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which runs from Brainerd to Bemidji, and right through the heart of Pine River.

H

ousing with Services changes everything. Except the place you live Assisted Living from the Good Samaritan Society offers the assistance you need to keep you living at home. Helping you stay well or recover from sickness or injury To learn more, call (218) 536-0167

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Senior Living Apartments Assisted Living

PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Pine River is growing

City adds up to 50 jobs and new housing With the start of 2020, the city of Pine River saw major growth in both business and housing.

The city can anticipate creation of more than 50 jobs with business developments in the former ALCO building, the new Black Line Conversions LLC facility and expansion of the local Essentia Health clinic as well as other businesses. In addition, property development will create places for new families.

BLACK LINE LLC Black Line LLC on the north end of Pine River is a facility designed for finishing and outfitting Yetti Ice House shells manufactured by partners in Voyager Industries of Brandon, Minnesota.

This new facility is 24,000 square feet and is required to create 25 new positions to receive a five-year tax abatement from the city, school district and Cass County. Those positions pay a minimum $15 an hour.

TRU BDM GENETICS After years of vacancy, the former ALCO building got new life through a partnership between BDM Genetics of Fort Lupton, Colorado, and Tru Ag LLC, of Wheaton, Minnesota. The team planned to renovate the former retail building into a laboratory facility for the breeding, growing and processing of hemp seed specifically designed with legally licensed CBD oil production in mind.

The facility at full capacity is expected to employ up to 20 people with annual incomes of $40,000-$50,000 a year.

The facility will not process CBD oil, but instead will provide seed to area farmers interested in growing plants for CBD oil production.

PINE RIVER FAMILY MARKET The local Pine River Family Market grocery store started the new year with a new owner,

but not an inexperienced one.

The business has existed in various forms, under various names and various owners since 1968, over 50 years. At the end of 2019, former owner Chuck Welte handed the keys over to Chuck Lindner, a fellow grocer who shares an accountant with Welte.

Lindner and partners Steve and Susan Haggen, of Warroad, own Doug’s Supermarket in Warroad, Lake of the Woods Foods in Baudette, Pine Ridge Liquor between Warroad and Roseau, and Dollar Savers.

Welte chose Lindner in part because of his experience as well as his relatability and conviction to his business communities. Under Welte the store has regularly donated to the school, local organizations and individuals.

Lindner values the same type of local participation.

Lindner is flirting with the idea of adding a Caribou Coffee to the building, much like his Warroad store, though such an addition would wait until Lindner gets to know the store and the community.

GUIDEPOINT PHARMACY Lisa Struss, a familiar face from the former Pine River pharmacy location near the park in downtown Pine River, decided to revive a bit of Pine River history.

Most recently, a building on the corner of Barclay Avenue and First Street was used as an old-fashioned diner and pizza parlour. Long before that, it was a pharmacy. Under Lisa and Cy Struss, it has returned to its legacy as a pharmacy, complete with its original, vintage soda fountain bar.

The rear of the building will focus on operating as a pharmacy, but the front will serve old-time sodas and ice cream and sell old-fashioned candies and general store items.

The Strusses are partnering with the growing GuidePoint Pharmacy company, which offers

Collision Repair • Insurance Claims Auto Glass Replacement

800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Opening in Downtown Pine River Spring 2020 200 Barclay Ave • Pine River MN 56474

218-587-2500

Voted Best Pharmacy, Two Years In A Row!

Pharmacist - Lisa Struss

218-587-2290 Open: Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm Hwy 371 South, Pine River

services such as deliveries and medication packs separated into daily dosages.

PASANO PROPERTIES LLC Local mover-and-shaker Nate Sauvageau, owner of Outdoor Specialties, is working to create housing for the city’s growing workforce.

His group, Pasano Properties LLC, is constructing six three-bedroom, single-level homes consistent with demand identified by a city housing study. The homes are expected to weigh in around the $250,000 price range.

The properties are located across the street from the new Essentia Health Clinic project.

Pharmacist in Pine River for 25 years

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www.guidepointpharmacy.com PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Health industry expands in Pine River New Essentia Health clinic being built

The Pine River Essentia Health Clinic has been the talk of the town since 2017, when a new clinic building project was first announced for the city. State funding and other changes delayed the project shortly after.

In May 2019, the Essentia Health board of directors gave approval for the project to move forward and the groundbreaking took place at the end of October 2019. Site prep work began shortly thereafter.

The new facility will be 17,000 square feet, built on land between Pine River State Bank and the Pine River Post Office that Paul and Lynn Hunt sold to Essentia Health. The new facility is expected to expand operations at the clinic from three doctors to include two nurse practitioners with room for expansion. In total, the clinic is expected

We’ll offer lab and X-ray services as we do today, but the footprint of the clinic will allow us to expand our primary care access.

to add up to five new staff including the nurse practitioners.

“We’ll offer lab and X-ray services as we do today, but the footprint of the clinic will allow us to expand our primary care access,” Essentia Health Vice President of Operations Bill Palmer said at a Pine River Chamber of Commerce event. “We have the capacity to add to that. If we someday have to add another

218-587-2279

- 47 218-587 Bait - Tackle Kerosene Drive Thru Car Wash

— Essentia Health Vice President of Operations Bill Palmer

doctor or nurse practitioner, we have space to do that.”

Expanded services could include more cardiology outreach, orthopedics, podiatry, urology, OB-GYN, general surgery, physical therapy and mental health services.

The Pine River Pharmacy, purchased

by Essentia Health in 2019, will also be located in the new clinic building.

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On-Off Road Diesel Deli Self-Serve Car Wash (weather permitting)

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HWY 371, PINE RIVER — 1 block South of the stoplights 32

PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Lakes Bluegrass Festival has new home Southland brand of music flourishes in Pine River to be an event where parents can bring their kids and not worry about trouble. It was also created to promote bluegrass music, a true American roots musical style, and to give back to the community supporting it.

The festival was successful from the very beginning by both creating reasons for folks to journey to the lakes area and by being financially solvent. Only rainy days could depress the crowds and now huge tents insure against any rainouts.

The festival is operated under the umbrella of the Pine River Area Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Sponsors are an essential part of the festival’s ongoing success. Local businesses derive traffic from

218-587-2900 Hwy 371 • Pine River Competitive Rates Superior Service

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Pine River Brainerd Little Falls Pierz www.hannekeninsurance.com

800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

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Who would have ever guessed that Pine River, Minnesota, would become a hotbed of bluegrass music? Bluegrass music, once thought of as strictly a Southland brand of music, has come to Pine River and from all accounts is flourishing here!

The Lakes Bluegrass Festival will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2020 at a new site. Fifteen years ago, Tim and Cindy Roggenkamp introduced the festival to the lakes area. They pulled up their bootstraps and created a venue that has continued to draw more and more bluegrass music lovers from all corners of the United States and Canada.

There were growing pains to be sure. The festival started by showcasing bluegrass bands on the deck of a trailer with a tarp draped across acting as a roof. There were concerns from neighbors thinking that a “rock concert” was starting. Many of those concerned residents had never heard bluegrass music and didn’t know the type of folks who would attend such a festival.

The festival started with the idea of becoming a true family event. It continues

the festival crowd throughout the week the festival is in town.

The first festival was held on Labor Day weekend in 2002 at the Ski Gull complex on the west side of Gull Lake. It featured one nationally touring band, the Bluegrass Patriots from Colorado. Since that time dozens and dozens of national bluegrass bands have graced the stage. Regional and local bands also perform to adoring crowds.

Each year new bands are invited to perform. A list of this year’s bands is listed on the ad on the back page of this brochure.

The festival is moving to a new site just north of Pine River in 2020. The festival had outgrown the original Pine River space at the Cass County Fairgrounds. The new site will allow for more electrical hook-up campsites as well as open camping on a beautiful, tree-studded 24 acres.

The festival committee also chose to keep ticket prices affordable. Advance tickets are sold up to Aug. 1.

This year’s festival takes place Aug. 26-30, the week before Labor Day weekend and will continue to use that weekend into the future.

For Tim and Cindy Roggenkamp it has been a long haul from that first festival and they continue to serve as Entertainment Coordinators for the festival. More than 200 volunteer slots are filled by local residents and seasonal visitors.

800-637-0770 PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Heritage Group North stays active Nonprofit organization ramps up local events

Heritage Group North has had a growing presence in Pine River for more than a year.

The group’s activities have been increasingly visible since the celebration of the lost Spurrier Hotel. Before 1964, the building stood on the current Sweet Cars property. It was demolished for abandoned highway plans. In 2018, HGN held an event re-enacting the hotel’s opening with the same dishes from that night, the same raffle drawings and guest speakers related to or inspired by speakers from 100 years ago.

In 2019, HGN decided to make Lost Pine River an annual event. The Land O’ Lakes creamery was once a major part of the community, hence it became the next “lost” business to be honored. Members re-created the creamery’s annual membership meeting in an event that included raffle items approximating those from the company’s 1957 meeting and featured affiliated speakers. Also present were exhibits from the creamery’s past.

The annual Tea at the Station in September always draws a crowd for tea, tea foods and a presentation on Pine River history with attendees decked out in hats and gloves.

HGN decided to revive another long-lost Pine River tradition inspired by hardwood floors and tin ceilings uncovered in the former Silbaugh’s building. HGN members determined that for many years an annual masquerade ball at the Barclay Hotel was the social event of the year. From 1901 to many years later, one of three ballrooms hosted a masquerade ball on New Year’s and sometimes other holidays.

Though no longer a New Year’s event, HGN hosted a Masked Ball in November with a live orchestra that performed 19001920 music and events to make masks and teach people to dance. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, making it a possible annual occurrence.

With 2020, HGN plans to highlight the history of Pine River’s education systems. HGN began gathering historical information, photos and exhibits on the various former Pine River school buildings and area country schools. Among other plans, HGN sought a grant to have all Backus and Pine River yearbooks digitized.

In addition, since 2019 HGN has been working to preserve a 1903 farmstead on the outskirts of town. HGN had an eligibility study done on the farm for the National Register of Historic Places with the goal of not only getting it added to the register, but developing the farm as it is into a living history museum.

A feasibility study for the project was also started in 2019. The image for the project includes plans for a petting farm and education on sustainable agriculture, cultural and ecological education. Lessons would include history of farming and agriculture in the local area including practices of native indigenous people.

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PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Seeking resilient, sustainable living

Pine River is home to Happy Dancing Turtle/Hunt Utilities Group Happy Dancing Turtle, a nonprofit, and Hunt Utilities Group, a research and development company, are based in Pine River on the Hunt Utilities Group Resilient Living Campus.

Hunt Utilities Group (HUG) endeavors to create products that make living resilient more realistic for all.

Their research has lead them in many directions working to clean water, heat homes and design building shells that are energy efficient.

Happy Dancing Turtle (HDT) is known for its long-running event, Back to Basics (B2B), the region’s premier sustainable living event. B2B is co-hosted and held at Pine River-Backus Schools.

This family-friendly event is dedicated to educating participants on topics like solar energy, beekeeping, gardening, health and wellness, self-sufficiency and many others.

Held annually in February, this year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 15,

2020. Visitors can expect a huge vendor fair, a wide variety of 40-plus workshops, keynote, kids’ program, lunch and more.

Register for all or part of the day, and remember the vendor fair is open to the public, all day, for free. Planning ahead,

800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

put the 15th annual Back to Basics in your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021!

HDT also teaches children about sustainability through summer camps, in-school and after-school activities, and other programs in two locations! In 2018, HDT opened a hub in southeastern Minnesota serving students and families in that area, too.

At the main campus in Pine River, HDT staff utilize nearly two acres of growing space to trial and demonstrate different growing techniques and philosophies.

Visit www.happydancingturtle. org for program details, schedules and information.

Also, visit www.hugllc.com for updates on HUG projects past, present and future.

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Pine River Regional Airport plans for future Facility provides pleasing, safe, technologically updated experience

Pine River’s regional airport east of the city is in a constant state of renewal to provide for a pleasing, safe and technologically updated experience for its users.

One small renewal in 2019 was the installation of a new compass rose. Under summer blue skies, volunteers of the Ninety-Nines all-female pilot organization descended on the runways in Pine River to apply fresh blue and white paint to replace a compass rose covered by a recent apron paving project.

Members of the Ninety-Nines were responsible for installation of the original compass rose,and members Trudy Amundson, of Breezy Point, and Tracy Davenport, of Champlin, were among the volunteers who painted that compass rose at the Pine River Regional Airport approximately 15 years ago. They returned with other members to give the runways a new coat of paint and an important directional beacon.

In the long-term, the Pine River Regional Airport has formed a Master Plan Advisory Group to plan for the airport’s next 20 years of development.

Airports in Minnesota develop master plans such as this to address the future infrastructure demands for their airports for a span of 20 years. The master plan process allows airport users, local units of government and the general public to engage in planning. Master planning also provides framework for future developments and is often consulted to determine an airport’s qualification for certain grants and state aid.

Though drafted with a 20-year time span

in mind, a master plan can be revisited under certain circumstances during that 20 years.

In Pine River, some of the most important topics have been runway extensions, hangar area development and updated instrument approach procedures for better all-weather capabilities. The planning process is expected to wrap up at the end of 2020 with implementation starting in the first half of 2021 if the plan is approved with no issues.

Road trip. We didn’t choose the perfect playlist. Or program the GPS. But we did fuel the car that made you realize there are no wrong turns, only new adventures.

When the energy you invest in life meets the energy we fuel it with, amazing journeys happen.

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PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Pine River-Backus School

Planning for improvements and celebrating successes The Pine River-Backus School District continues to plan for improvements and celebrate successes.

As part of its strategic planning process, the school district conducted an online survey and hosted public meetings to gather feedback from the community. Community members identified celebrating student success as a strength of the district. They also share that the further development of career technical programs should be prioritized in the future. The school board has used this data to from the strategic planning process to develop priorities for the district in the areas of student achievement, student support, workforce development, communications and marketing, academic programs and facilities.

The district has been intentionally engaged in the work around the High Reliability Schools framework for the past year. This framework helps the district analyze the use of key elements that successful school districts use.

In December, both the high school and elementary schools were certified in level 1 of the framework honoring the work done by staff members of the learning community.

The school district celebrated a huge success in September 2019 with the official dedication of the district’s solar array, a product of nearly seven years of planning.

Pine River-Backus, Pequot Lakes and Central Lakes College collaborated to have large solar arrays constructed at their facilities to offset energy costs at no cost to the schools or taxpayers. The Pine River-Backus array alone is an 808 kW solar system with more than 2,000 modules. The project resulted

in the creation of not only several large arrays of solar panels, but also a more clearly defined and documented system for other groups to recreate the multijurisdictional, multi-discipline local project. This local project is now being used as a model across the nation.

The schools had begun reaping benefits from the solar project starting in October 2018. By the time of the dedication a year later, the measurable savings were presented and those numbers have only grown since then and far exceed expectations. For 2019,

P

the school’s array had saved the district $46,312.66 compared to 2018. That’s an average savings of $3,859.56 per month.

Other celebrated successes were the return of the Pine River-Backus High School football team after a year off and a new press box and bleachers.

IVER-BACKUS SCHOO R E www.pr LS IN 0

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CATCH THE PRIDE! To Teach and Inspire students to Grow, Excel, Reach, and Succeed in partnership with our learning community.

800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Phone Numbers

Emergency (Fire, Police, Medical)......................... 911 Cass County Sheriff............... 218-547-1424 Cass County Sexual Abuse Crisis Line (Collect calls accepted)...... 218-547-3939 Crisis Line Referral Service... 800-462-5525 Pine River City Hall......................587-2440 Pine River Public Transportation for appointments.................. 866-925-7433 Jefferson Lines Pick Up & Drop Off at City Hall..........www.jeffersonlines.com Pine River Police Non-Emergency........................587-3333 Pine River Post Office...............587-4793 Road Report (Brainerd)......... 218-828-2460 Road Report (Minnesota)...... 800-542-0220 Pine River Post Office 330 Barclay Ave. W............ 218-587-4793 Library ................................... 218-587-4639 Essentia Clinic....................... 218-587-4416

HENRY’S WOODWORKING • Kitchen & Bath

Cabinets Rough Sawn • Furniture • Custom Small Batch Interior Pine Doors

Pine River Area Parks Liberty Park

Next to the Pine River American Legion Club on Highway 371. Playground, volleyball courts, picnic table.

Forbes Park

Over the Pine River Bridge, left on Highway 84 (2 blocks). Camping, picnic shelter, restrooms, running water, fire rings. Forbes Park Building available for rent.

Pine River Dam Park

Children’s playground equipment, Lions picnic shelter, fishing pier, new children’s swimming beach, DNR canoe/kayak access. To reserve the Lions log shelter house, call the City of Pine River at 218-587-2440.

Softball Park

Highway 1, east of town. Concessions building, picnic table, bleachers and dugouts.

Do You Need a DNR License?

Visit DNR license agents in Pine River: Gardiner’s Hardware 203 Barclay • (218) 587-2585

Holiday Stationstore #164 300 Front St • (218) 587-2821

M-F 7:30-4:30, Sat By Appointment Only, Closed Sun

218-587-4899 • www.henryswoodworking.com 4 miles N on Cass Cty 42, Pine River • henryswoodworking@tds.net

WIPPLER PRECAST THE AREA ’ S LEADING SUPPLIER OF QUALITY SEPTIC TANKS

947-7537

(877) WIPPLER • (218) 820-8598

Pine River Dept. of Motor Vehicles Licenses 239 Barclay Ave • (218) 587-2400 Station 371 112 Front St. S. • (218) 587-4700

Area ATMs

Bites Grill and Bar Cozy Cottage Cafe First National Bank, Backus Holiday Station Store Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union Pine River American Legion Pine River Family Market Pine River State Bank • Station 371 U.S. Bank

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• Propane • Gasoline 218-947-4433 OR 218-947-3537 • Diesel Fuel • Propane Equipment WALKER 218-547-1688 Sales and Service Serving Backus, Pine River, Hackensack, Longville, Walker & Surrounding Areas.

BACKUS-PINE RIVER

PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Recycling Bins & Transfer Sites Backus – City Hall

Barclay Township – Harriet Club

Ponto Lake Township – Town Hall

Cass County Transfer Station: (218) 587-3500 or (888) 910-2425 ext. 1 2 miles north of Pine River on Highway 371

37 Years & Still Digging It Right!

Summer hours (April 1-Oct. 31): 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Winter hours (Nov. 1-March 31): 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Area Churches

Faith Assembly of God Church 218-587-2109 • 510 First St. N., Pine River

Faith Lutheran Church 218-543-4878 • 11 mi. E. of Pine River on CR 1 First Lutheran Church (ELCA) 218-587-2316 • 309 Second St. N., Pine River

Maple Hill Lutheran Church (ELCA) 218-587-2093 • 4 mi. W. of Pine River on #2, 5 mi. S. on #26

• Road Building and Repair • Basements • Black Dirt • Fill Dirt • Sand • Field Rock

• Class 5 • Dozer Work • Building Demolition • Septic Systems (design & install)

Mildred Bible Chapel 218-587-2562 • 4 mi. N. of Pine River on Hwy. 371 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 218-587-4203 • 203 Second St. N., Pine River

Pine River Baptist Church 218-587-2684 • 285 CR 2 W. (2 blocks W. of 371) Pleasant Hill Community Church 218-568-5289 • S.W. of Pine River on CR 1

Riverview Church 218-587-2021 • 310 Norway Ave., Pine River United Methodist Church 218-587-4091 • 348 Barclay Ave., Pine River

Whitefish Community Church 218-543-6779 • 6876 CR 1 (7 mi E. of Pine River on CR 1)

Additional Business Resources

Cass County Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit that provides confidential assistance to new or expanding businesses in Cass County. Contact CCEDC Executive Director Mike Paulus: 218-547-7262 or email cass.edc@co.cass.mn.us.

Residential & Commercial Erosion & Storm Water Management Certified State Certified, Bonded & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES!

www.SchruppExcavating.com

218-587-4038

3003 36th St. S.W., Pine River fax: 218-587-3473 • email: schruppex@uslink.net 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Central Lakes College Small Business Development Center assists small business start-ups or expansions. The SBDC features business training seminars and a number of services available to small businesses. Contact SBDC Director Greg Bergman at 218-855-8145 or email gbergman@clcmn.edu.

The Pine River Area Economic Development Group meets monthly in Pine River to support cooperative business relationships and advocate for businesses in the community. Call 218-587-4000.

The City of Pine River has a revolving loan fund for new and existing businesses located in the city of Pine River. For more information, contact Pine River City Hall at 218-587-2440.

Region 5 Development Commission in Staples assists communities and organizations with economic development, including research and business plan creation. For general inquiries, email info@regionfive.org or call 218-894-3233.

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Member Directory & Advertisers — All Area Codes are 218 Unless Listed —

CHURCHES

Sandy Pines Resort.......................................947-4467

Faith Assembly of God................................587-2109

Tuck-A-Way Resort.......................................587-4725

First Lutheran Church..................................587-2316

Whitefish Area Lodging Association...........................www.whitefish.org

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church...................................... 587-4203 Riverview Church............................................587-2021 United Methodist Church......................... 587-4091 Pine River Baptist Church...................... 587-2684

CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS

Arts Off 84....................................www.artsoff84.com

Cass Co. Faith In Action...........................675-5435 Central Lakes Rotary............................. centrallakesrotary.com Crow Wing/Cass Country United Way................................................. 829-0228 Pine River Art Club........................................587-5282 Pine River Game & Fish Club...............587-2637 Pine River Legion.............................................587-9151 Pine River Lions.............................................. 587-2564

Wildwedge Golf & RV Park...................568-6995

MEDIA/ADVERTISING

Discover Racks.....................................800-432-3703

RETAIL AUTO AND BOAT LICENSE Pine River Dept. of Motor Vehicles......................................... 587-2400 AUTO DEALERS Kimber Creek Ford......................................... 818-4419 Sweet Cars...........................................................820-3159

Echoland/Piper Shopper..............800-432-3703

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS Auto Value............................................................587-2476

Echo Journal...........................................800-432-3703

Kimber Creek Ford........................................818-8204

Hubbard Broadcasting, WJJY, KLIZ-FM, KBLB & KUAL.................... 828-1244 USA Northland Directory...............866-944-8777

NAPA Auto Parts..........................................587-2900 BAIT & TACKLE, FISHING & HUNTING LICENSE Gardiner's Hardware................................... 587-2585 Holiday Station Store....................................587-2821

REAL ESTATE

Close-Converse Commercial Properties....................................................828-3334 Eagle Lake Realty...........................................839-7700 Gilchrist Realty.................................................587-4466 Heartland Real Estate................................ 587-4424 North Pointe Realty Advantage...........232-2237

LEISURE

Station 371........................................................... 587-4700 FEED STORE Bjerga’s Feed Store.......................................587-2887 FLOORING Pine River Carpet............................................ 587-4154 FLORIST Sherwood Florist.............................................587-2802

BOWLING Community Bowl & Pizzeria.................. 587-3100 CASINO Northern Lights Casino................800-252-PLAY EVENTS CENTER Anderson Farm Event Barn.....................851-7670

Freshest Grocery in the Lakes Area Locally Owned & Operated

GOLF Wildwedge Family Park/Par 3............568-6995 THEATERS Bear Pause Theater......................................675-5357 TRAIL RIDES Pine River Riding Stable...........................587-5807

LODGING

SAVE ON GROCERIES. SAVE ON GAS.

30581 Patriot Avenue • 218-568-5001 www.pequotlakessupervalu.com

MOTELS & HOTELS AmericInn Lodge & Suites.................... 568-8400 Northern Lights Casino.................866-652-4683 Rodeway Inn.....................................................587-4499 RESORTS/CAMPING Ada Pine Beach Resort............................. 587-2848

Supplying Wood for Over 4 Generations

Black Pine Beach Resort...........................543-4714

Cousin's Cabins..............................................947-3006 Hidden Haven Resort........................320-293-7591

Birch Oak Maple

River View RV Park.........................................587-4112

Backus, MN

218-947-4032

Available in 8’ Lengths or 24” Used for Outside Wood Boilers Delivery Included

001656052r1

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PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Member Directory & Advertisers — All Area Codes are 218 Unless Listed —

FOOD AND BEVERAGES Lifehouse Coffee............................................. 587-3332 Pine River Bakery.......................................... 587-2545 Pine River Family Market........................ 587-2488

HEALTH & WELLNESS River Fitness......................................................830-9475

PHARMACY Essentia Health Pharmacy......................587-3222

Select Therapy................................................. 587-5022

GuidePoint Pharmacy................................587-2500

LUMBER/WOOD PRODUCTS

Barstock Liquors............................................. 587-3166

Christensen Forest Products................587-4969

PAWN SHOP Iron Hills North Gun & Pawn................587-3373

FURNITURE - NEW & SECONDHAND Gardiner’s Hardware Furniture........... 587-2585

Dabill Mill..............................................................587-2825

Tradesmen........................................................... 587-3277

Henry’s Woodworking...............................587-4899

THRIFT STORES Close-Out City...................................................587-3232

Henry’s Woodworking...............................587-4899

K&K Lumber.......................................................587-2482

GAS CONVENIENCE STORE Holiday Station Store....................................587-2821

MANUFACTURING/SALES/SERVICE Northern Sales & Mfg. Ice Castle Fish Houses......................587-5400

Pine River Family Market........................ 587-2488 Station 371........................................................... 587-4700 GIFTS Gardiner’s Hardware................................... 587-2585 Sherwood Florist.............................................587-2802 GROCERY STORE Pine River Family Market........................ 587-2488 HARDWARE Auto Value............................................................587-2476 Barnum’s NAPA...............................................587-2900

Stromberg’s Chicks & Game Birds..................................................587-2222 Trussworthy Components.......................587-8787

Dar-BBs Lotsa Stuff Bargain Store.... 838-8947 Thrifty Living....................................................... 587-3451

RESTAURANTS

Bites Grill & Bar.............................................. 587-2564 Community Bowl & Pizzeria.................. 587-3100

Wippler Precast & Concrete................. 587-5209

Cozy Cottage Cafe........................................ 587-2588

OFFICE SUPPLIES Gardiner’s Hardware................................... 587-2585

Pine River Legion.............................................587-9151

The Office Shop..................................800-450-9000 OPTICAL Associates In Eyecare................................ 587-2020

Gardiner’s Hardware/Furniture.......... 587-2585

Pine River Dairy Queen.............................587-4762

SCHOOL & COLLEGE

Central Lakes College............................... 855-8000 Pine River-Backus Schools....................587-8000 Pine River Education Assoc....................587-2510

K&K Lumber.......................................................587-2482

The area’s premier provider of services for persons with disabilities

SERVICES ACCOUNTANT Michael Clayton, CPA .................................587-2616 AIRPORT Pine River Municipal Airport................ 587-3420 ASSISTED LIVING Day Activity Center....................................... 587-2688 Good Samaritan Society.......................... 587-4423 Pine River Group Home...........................587-4888 Riverside Villas................................................ 587-4433 Riverside Memory Care............................ 587-4333 ATTORNEY Bill Hendricks....................................................587-4060

Private, non-profit organization Our Board of Directors is comprised of local community members Provider of both residential and community supports for about 50 persons with disabilities Employs 74 local residents already

Always looking for dedicated, dependable, compassionate employees

Ted N. Lundrigan........................................... 587-2350 AUTO BODY REPAIR Paul’s Large Garage.....................................587-2290 AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR Double A Automotive................................. 587-2558 Kimber Creek Ford........................................818-8204 Master Care Auto Repair..........................587-2232 BANKS & INVESTMENTS Avantax Investments....................................587-4477 First National Bank North, Backus......947-3111

~ SERVING THE AREA FOR 42 YEARS ~

Pine River, MN 218-587-4888 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

NetWorth Asset Management.............587-4463 Pine River State Bank................................ 587-4463 US Bank...................................................................587-2772

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

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Member Directory & Advertisers — All Area Codes are 218 Unless Listed —

SERVICES CONTINUED CANVAS CanvasTech.........................................................587-2279

NATURAL GAS/ENERGY Xcel Energy............................................. 800-895-4999

ROOFING/SNOW REMOVAL Revival Roofing................................................866-0957

Enbridge Energy.................................. enbridge.com

CHILDCARE/DAYCARE Stepping Stones Childcare Learning Center.................................... 568-5299

OPTICIAN Associates In Eyecare................................ 587-2020

SEPTIC SERVICES/TANKS Day’s Sewer Service......................................947-3139

CLEANING Northland Steam Cleaners...................... 851-3152 Servpro, Pequot Lakes...............................568-6923 COMMUNITY SERVICES Cass Co. Faith In Action..........................675-5435 Pine River-Backus Family Center......587-4292 Pine River Day Activity Center............ 587-2688 CONSTRUCTION Knife River Redi-Mix.....................................829-4726

PAVING CONTRACTOR Anderson Brothers Construction................................................829-1768

STORAGE Dabill Storage....................................................587-2825

PLUMBER Comfort Air Plumbing & Heating......820-4328

TELEPHONE/CABLE/INTERNET TDS Telecom.......................................................568-4115

Plumbing Etc.....................................................587-4965 POWER UTILITIES Crow Wing Power.............................. 800-648-9401 MN Power.................................................800-228-4966

North Ward Homes..................................... 568-6600

PROPANE/FUEL OIL Northern Star Cooperative..................... 947-4433

CREDIT UNION Mid Minnesota Credit Union................568-8450

RECYCLING/LANDFILL Cass Co. Transfer Inc.................................587-3500

DENTIST Pine River Dental Arts.................................587-4437

RESEARCH/RENEWABLE ENERGY/SUSTAINABLE LIVING Happy Dancing Turtle................................ 587-2303

DEVELOPER Moser Enterprises..........................................587-2223

Wippler Precast.............................................. 587-5209

Pine River Mini Storage ..........................587-3396

VETERINARY Country Doc Vet Clinic ............................. 587-4196 Pequot Lakes Animal Hospital ......... 568-5095 WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT Omega Solutions................................860-276-8504

Hunt Utilities Group LLC...........................587-5001

ELECTRICIAN Prime Electric LLC..........................................587-2193 ..............................................................................232-2901 EXERCISE CENTER River Fitness......................................................830-9475 EXCAVATION Schrupp Excavating, LLC........................587-4038 FUNERAL HOMES Kline Funeral Home......................................587-2067 GARBAGE PICKUP Waste Partners................................................. 587-8727 HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING Comfort Air Plumbing & Heating......820-4328 Plumbing Etc.....................................................587-4965 HOUSING Pine River Housing Authority............... 587-4929

PEQUOT LAKES 3261 Rosewood St. BRAINERD 810 NW 7th St. BAXTER 7140 Fairview Rd N.

www.steppingstonesmn.com

christel@steppingstonesmn.com serena@steppingstonesmn.com

INSURANCE/INVESTMENTS Cass Company Insurance.......................587-2374 Hanneken Insurance................................... 587-2722 LANDSCAPING Schrupp Excavating.....................................587-4038 MEDICAL Essentia Health (Hospital Brainerd)................................ 829-2861 North Memorial Ambulance..................................911 Essentia Health-Pine River Clinic...... 587-4416

Internet • Digital TV • Phone

1-866-240-5905 tdstelecom.com 42

PINE RIVER CHAMBER 800-PBUNYAN or 800-728-6926 | www.pinerivermn.com

Trevor Harting, Owner

Amanda Kronen, PTA

Emily Deno, DPT

PROUD TO SERVE PINE RIVER AND SURROUNDING AREAS WITH 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS.

Pine River

409 Barclay Avenue, Pine River, MN 56474 Phone: 218-587-5022 | Fax: 855-367-2851 Baxter 14884 Kirkwood Drive Baxter, MN 56425 Phone: 218-824-5027 Fax: 218-824-8011 Crosslake 35544 Sandpoint Drive Crosslake, MN 56442 Phone: 218-692-5020 Fax: 218-692-5021

Inver Grove Heights 5836 Blaine Avenue Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 Phone: 651-455-0535 Fax: 651-455-1565 Pequot Lakes 31009 Front Street Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 Phone: 218-824-5027 Fax: 218-824-8011

Pierz 26814 143rd Street Pierz, MN 56364 Phone: 320-468-0183 Fax: 320-468-2075 Takedown Gym 17192 MN-371 Brainerd, MN 56401 Phone: 218-824-5027 Fax: 218-824-8011