Profiles in Steele Co 2022

Profiles IN STEELE

MARCH 2022

A look into our future

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2022

Profiles

IN STEELE

Inside these pages, you will have a look at the future leaders of Steele County. From the fifth grade student who supports local nonprofits to the young man who kept the doors to a 60-year-old business open, it is safe to say we are in good hands as the younger generations move forward in the world. Steele County is a treasure trove of young, bright minds full of innovative ideas and great ambition, it was hard for us to select only a few to highlight in Profiles in Steele.

Additionally, we had recent stories in the Owatonna People’s Press of young professionals doing amazing things we loved so much, we decided to share them with you again as a special bonus.

Some of the names and faces you’ll see may be familiar to you, while others may be brand new.

Either way, every person mentioned in these pages are someone to watch — they are on the cusp of greatness.

This annual publication is a product of the Owatonna People’s Press staff, covering weeks of photography, interviewing, writing, designing and creative advertising efforts.

We hope you enjoy Profiles in Steele for weeks and months to come as we take a look into our future.

Content

Nolan Baker leaving his mark as Owatonna’s youngest downtown business owner.... 4 Lauren Kozelka becomes owner of century-old jewelry store....................................... 10 Fardouza Farah sets out to advocate for women, survivors of sexual assault.............. 11 Young, humble barber Bobby Gutierrez keeps 60-year-old shop in business............... 14 Natural leader Ava Hess hopes to leave things better than she found them.............. 17 Rian Grunwald’s historic wrestling career leaves lasting impact on girl’s sports ........ 20 Young philanthropist Linden Aarsvold supports local nonprofits.................................. 23 Single mom Jenna Tlusty turns passion project into side business............................... 27 Tess Brown believes it ‘only takes one person’ to make an impact............................... 29 Landen, Logan, Braylon: How three boys helped make the school a safer place....... 32

2022

Profiles IN STEELE

is a special project of the Owatonna People’s Press.

Regional President/Publisher RANDY RICKMAN

Managing Editor ANNIE GRANLUND

Regional Circulation HUDSON MROTZ

Regional Advertising Director TOM KELLING

Regional Editor PHILIP WEYHE

Media Consultants AMBER CASTERTON CRYSTAL HOBART Design Layout KATE MCGILLEN

Profiles in Steele 2022 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Owatonna People’s Press at no additional charge and is available at the front counter of the Owatonna People’s Press. All rights reserved. ©2022

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Despite having yet to graduate high school, Nolan Baker says his age has yet to hold him back as a downtown business owner. His business, Baker Tech Services, is currently located at 209 W. Bridge Street. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

Nolan Baker leaving his mark as Owatonna’s youngest downtown business owner

By TOM NELSON Guest Writer

A

passion for technology and a keen business sense developed at an early age have been the basis for Nolan Baker’s remarkable story of success as a downtown business owner in Owatonna.

Baker, who is a senior at Owatonna High

School this year and just turned 18 years old in November, has already established Baker Tech Services, a thriving IT services company located at 209 W. Bridge Street in downtown Owatonna.

The company provides a wide range of technology services and it is already providing IT assistance and

solutions to over 30 area businesses, along with a full line of residential technology services.

Discovering his passion

Baker was introduced to the world of computers and technology at an early age, and later grew that interest into a popular light display at his family home on the

south side of Owatonna during the holiday season.

He continued, “My first venture into the tech IT thing was a light display on my house, “My father has done IT at with the lights dancing Federated [Insurance] along to the music … for over 35 years, so I’ve That was the first time always been around that I messed around with crowd, and I’ve always programming.” enjoyed watching whatever they were One of his father’s friends working on,” Baker said. and co-worker, Steve “Just watching them got Frank, had built a similar me into it. light display at his house, and that inspired Baker

to create a control box for the light display in fourth grade.

“I remember watching [the light show] and thought it was really cool, so I scrounged up the money and bought the parts to build the box. It sat in my basement for three years while we tried to figured out how to use it, and then in my seventh

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | Page B5

Baker Tech Services Location: 209 W. Bridge Street, Owatonna, Minn.

Phone: 507-414-7800 E-Mail: info@bakerts.com Website: www.bakerts.com Facebook: bakertechservices grade year we had time, so I said let’s get it done,” Baker said. “I went and grabbed the box, came upstairs and sat at the kitchen counter a few nights trying to get it together, and eventually it did. We have been doing the lights ever since.”

Baker later built his own computer in eighth grade, and then connected with his first projects outside of his home.

someone there to help me out and give me support,” Baker said.

“After Trinity, a few other local businesses called me, and at that point we kicked it into gear and said let’s do it!”

Pierce commented on Baker’s success story, saying the young student had the motivation necessary to make his business idea a reality.

“We’ve had kids here that have started “I started working at businesses in high Trinity [Lutheran Church], school but nothing to which is my church, and the scale of what Nolan I assisted them with has. He is just very a couple of projects. intelligent and driven,” They got some new Pierce said. “He’s just computers and they got a lot of energy, is so decided to give ‘this smart with computers kid’ a shot to see if I and he’s been able to could set it up for them,” take that and turn it into he said. “Sure enough a business.” we got them all set up and configured, and it Serving his worked really well.”

community

He continued to do additional work for Trinity, and also added services for two other area churches — all before his sophomore year of high school.

As Baker looked into his dream of putting together Baker Tech Services, the need for these types of services locally was a driving factor in the process.

“I sat down and said, this is a real thing, and it is something that could work,” Baker said.

“I started figuring things out from there and said to myself, ‘How do we do it, what do we have to do to get moving, what’s my customer base and how do we get more customers?’”

“Why I got into the IT thing was that I saw a need for it here in Owatonna,” Baker said.

“We really don’t have much for local IT. Over the last couple years, we’ve grown pretty quick.”

The birth of the business

of Baker’s business, as COVID-19 dramatically changed the day-to-day world and created new opportunities in IT. “As bad as COVID was for some businesses, for us it worked out pretty well,” Baker said.

“There were a couple churches in town that had to do live streaming and they needed that whole set up. In addition, companies had to work remotely.”

“For us, there isn’t rarely a service that we won’t do,” Baker said. “The shortfall of other IT businesses that I see is they only do your computers or WIFI. I look and say, why would we handle just that when businesses want so much more and there is so much more market to be made.”

The various services provided by Baker Tech Services includes servers management, long range wireless, networking, firewalls, routers, WIFI, cameras, security systems, audio video needs, phone systems and and E-Mail.

“The bonus is that when people work with us they are going to get one contractor for everything Internet connected,” Baker said.

“When we come in, they are not calling separate He continued, “We had to help some new clients contractors for internet access, for cameras, for get set up to work from email, computer repair home and that was a big project for us, too. We — it’s all handled under one house, which is spent quite a few late really nice for people. It nights at the beginning keeps it simple.” of COVID preparing businesses.”

This type of business acumen is something An example of this was that has driven Baker’s Baker Tech Services’ work with setting up tech early success. support for large Zoom “He really understands calls, and setting up a temporary call center to things,” Pierce said. help people connecting “Some people just to those virtual meetings. have that innate understanding on how

to run a business.”

Expanding

As his business has grown over the past few years, Baker has added staff to his crew at Baker Tech Services. One of his good friends that has become a company expert with phone systems is Jack Ruiter.

“If I have a phone systems that needs to be set up, I kick it over to him,” Baker said. “It is really great to have some there who knows what he is doing with that type of thing.”

In addition, Baker’s crew includes local residents Jacob Seykora, Nick Pilcher and Dylan Meiners.

One of the notable projects that the team has worked on recently was the installation of cameras and other technology at the Steele County Fairgrounds.

“There are cameras all over the fairgrounds now and we came in and did that,” Baker said. “We designed the systems, pulled all the fiber optic cable from one end of the fairgrounds to the other and mounted all the antenna poles, cameras and wireless links.”

Baker said his entire crew was involved in the

week-long project at the fairgrounds.

The initial work done has resulted in other projects at the fairgrounds and has impressed Steele County Free Fair Manager Scott Kozelka and the Fair Board of Directors.

“I actually met him through the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce, and I asked to come and look at some projects we were looking at doing, from updating our phone system to possibly doing some security cameras throughout the fairgrounds,” Kozelka said. “He came up here and gave me an idea, and I asked him if he would be interested in doing a presentation to our full board. Just to show them how the systems would work, he rented a boom truck and put antennas on top of our grandstand, so when he did his presentation, he was actually showing our board of directors how the cameras worked with live footage on things going on at the fairgrounds.”

Kozelka said Baker, along with Ruiter, impressed

Baker

Continued on page 7

Pierce added that Baker not only saw a need in his community, but he has been turning out “top notch” service.

In addition, an introduction to business class taught by Scott Pierce at Owatonna High School helped inspire Baker into the creation of his business.

“When people have him come in, he does such a good job word gets around and I think that is the key,” Pierce said.

“Nolan does such a good job.”

“It was because of that class that really showed me what to do, and it was really nice to have

Often in the world of business, timing can be everything. Such was the case for the start

Baker Tech Services, a downtown Owatonna business owned and operated by Owatonna High School Senior Nolan Baker, provides a wide range of technology services and it is already providing IT assistance and solutions to over 30 area businesses, along with a full line of residential technology services. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | PAGE B6

Ambassadors from the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism visit with Baker Tech Services; 209 West Bridge St., Owatonna, to welcome it as a new member in April 2021. Nolan Baker is the owner. Baker Tech Services can help with business and residential technology needs including computers, WiFi, security cameras, phone systems, data recovery and more. (Photo courtesy of Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism)

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Baker

Continued from page 5

the 17-member board, leaving them in awe at the two teen boys. The presentation quickly dispelled any concerns about the relative young age of Baker and his crew.

Baker said the “age” question is sometimes asked when working with clients. Fortunately, the company’s reputation and being a hometown kid has helped remove some of those concerns.

“I’ve walked into places and we sit down at the first initial client meeting and I go over what I think they want and what they have now.

“Since then, he has done They look at it and at the tons of stuff around here end of the meeting and for us,” Kozelka said. “He they have to ask, ‘How is almost part of the old are you?’” Baker said. team here. Our directors “We tell them, and then and our office staff here, their response is ‘You say we need to check seem to know what you with the ‘boys’, meaning are talking about, so let’s Nolan and Jack, to see give you a shot.’ The nice how to fix something thing is that I’ve never or get something done had someone say no to now.” me because of my age.”

Age is just a number

Kozelka went on to say how amazing it is to see “young kids” develop such a passion for the world of sales and business.

“Those are the kind of kids you want to give a chance,” Kozelka said.

Amy Swain, who runs the Amy Swain Hearing Center in Owatonna, added her insight into working with the youthful crew at Baker Tech Services.

“Yes, I had some hesitation, but when [Nolan] first came to my office he was so confident and truly seemed to understand

The Baker home on Murray Street continues to draw attention. The family’s light display has been set up by the son, Nolan Baker, who has been heading up the household decor team since he was in middle school. Baker is currently a senior at Owatonna High School. (File photo/southernminn.com)

my whole system,” Swain said. “Then he went over to my new Rochester location where the office space was being built out. There were three men from Benike

Construction in the office at the time. They saw him come into the office and didn’t say anything at first. Then when Nolan started telling them what needed to be done for

the computer system they were really listening.

When Nolan left, they looked at each other and commented on how Continued on page 9 much Nolan knew. They were impressed, and so

Baker

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Baker

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was I.” Swain found out about Baker Tech Services through an online search and has been pleased with the work and service provided.

“My hearing aid clinic has four locations, and I needed advice on how to be able to share patient files from one location to the next,” Swain said. “Nolan helped me in putting in a server that would allow me to do just that. He had the insight needed to make sure everything was wired in properly.

One of the best things he did was to customize my computers.”

Next on the horizon

Another growing portion of his business is technology provided to agriculture. As the farming business has benefited from the use of computers and technology, the need for IT services on farms has grown, such as monitors and cameras placed in grain bins.

“These things are connected to the internet and you have to figure out a way to get your grain bin connected to the monitors,” Baker said.

“Normally the grain bins are out in the middle of nowhere, so we create wireless links between the grain bin and their home so they can see what is going on out

The company also provides complete services for residential customers who may need assistance in setting up home computers, printers, phone systems, televisions, security systems or entertainment systems. In particular, older customers appreciate having a technology resource in the community.

“The greatest generation may not have children or grandchildren in town to help them out with their computer or help them set up their new iPhone,” Baker said.

“What people really like is that if they don’t have family in town, they still have a place to go to get things set up correctly.

Baker continued, “The bonus is that it is not them talking on the phone to someone and trying to figure out what button to click. We go to their house or they stop in at the office, and we help them get set up.

It makes it some much easier for them and we can show them how do it or we can write them a little manual that shows them how to text, email someone or what you have to do to turn your TV on.”

Nolan Baker was introduced to the world of computers and technology at an early age, with his father working IT at Federated Insurance. Before entering high school, Baker began working on tech projects for his local church, and has since expanded to multiple churches, businesses, nonprofits and residential homes. (Tom Nelson/southernminn. com)

Baker, Nolan is one of four children in a family that includes older siblings Payton Baker, of Eau Claire, and Landyn Baker, of Kansas City, and younger sister Erin Baker.

Baker’s shop is currently located in downtown Owatonna and offers The entrepreneurial about 1,200 feet of office spirit seems to run in and storage space. As the Baker family as his business grows, he Nolan’s grandfather, is looking to possibly Bob Baker, ran a wood floor refinishing business build a new location in the future that would for many years and his cousin runs a business in include more space for equipment storage Lakeville. and workshop space The son of Rod and Amy to facilitate custom

manufacturing of things like mounts for monitors, antennas and cameras.

He intends to stay in the area and build upon the business he has created here.

“It is really nice to be able to work with people in town, talk with local business owners and be a local business owner,” Baker said.

The local touch is a trademark of Baker Tech Services, and it provides clients with a chance to stay local with its IT service needs and not

“I think the future is bright for him. He’s always coming up with new ideas and “I think our clients say, ‘Why would I bring he’s doing it the right way. He’s networking, in someone from the and as part of the outside when I can Owatonna Chamber of bring in a local person Commerce that allows to do the same thing at the same price.’ We’re a him to network a bit local business and not more and allows him to tell them about what 100 miles away. We are he does,” Kozelka said. just down the road from a lot of our clients,” Baker “He has knowledge, too, from security systems to said. different equipment for things like weather alerts Baker is definitely one and cameras on our of Owatonna’s up and coming business talents, midway. He and his crew are amazing kids, and I according to Kozelka. can only wish them the best as they go forward.” have to deal with a call center miles away.

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Lauren Kozelka becomes owner of century-old jewelry store

By EMILY KAHNKE emily.kahnke@apgsomn.com

F

or being a mere 28-years-old, Lauren Kozelka wears many hats. Some of her notable hats include: Owatonna Business Women President, CoFounder of Box Babes, mother of two young children and, most recently, business owner.

Kozelka and her husband Kyle became official owners of Kottke Jewelers on Dec. 29, taking a leap on letting the 100-plus year old staple to downtown Owatonna become an even bigger, brighter part of their lives.

“My dream became a reality when I signed the papers,” Kozelka said.

“My dad always said the day I started here that I was Bill’s succession plan … He told me that in 2010, and here I am.”

Becoming the owner of Kottke’s wasn’t initially in Kozelka’s vision plan for her future. When she first started, Kozelka needed a job to bring in some cash while she was still attending high school.

“I only got the job because someone Bill [Kottke] knew recommended me,” Kozelka recalled. “Bill only hired someone by recommendation, and even then it took him a while to finally hire me.”

Growing up on a farm, Kozelka recalled taking an interest in the whole farming operation, eventually attending college at South Dakota State for agricultural business.

“I wanted to give back to the community I grew up in in the agriculture world,” Kozelka said.

“That didn’t work out. I didn’t love it.”

HISTORY OF KOTTKE JEWELERS Founded in 1919

by Carl Kottke and John Jurgenson, three generations of Kottke family have been helping people celebrate life events with fine jewelry and engagement rings in Owatonna, making Kottke Jewelers a mainstay downtown.

Carl Kottke bought out his partner in the late 1920s and the store remained solely in the Kottke Family until Matt Kottke sold the business to General Manager Lauren Kozelka.

Kozelka moved back home to Owatonna and attended Riverland Community College while continuing to work at Kottke’s. Rekindling her love for jewelry, fashion and business, Kazelka still felt she owed it to herself to earn a college degree.

In late December, Lauren Kozelka, along with her husband Kyle, became owners of Kottke Jewelers, the jewelry store that has been a fixture in downtown Owatonna for more than a century. They are committed to maintaining the Kottke legacy for the next 100 years. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)

is a true passion for me that I never thought I’d discover. I have to thank Bill for introducing me to something I found a love for that I didn’t want to give up.”

Three generations of the Kottke family have owned and operated the store since first That’s when she enrolled opening in 1919, ending in college in Winona and with Matt Kottke selling completed her degree in the store to Kozelka. business administration Some in the community and human resource are wondering what new management. Living ownership, specifically in Wisconsin with ownership outside of the Kyle, Kozelka began family, will mean for the searching for jobs in that store. area.

“We want to keep Eventually, the company the well-established Kyle was working for traditions alive at the offered him a transfer store,” Kozelka said. “The to Owatonna. The feel of walking into a pair jumped at the modernized 1919 store, opportunity right as well as the name, will away, and shortly after remain the same. We relocating back to her want the transition to be hometown in 2015, seamless for everyone, Kozelka was offered the and when people open store manager position the door, they’ll see we at Kottke Jewelers. are still here in the same capacity we always “At that moment, life have been and always really came full circle,” will be.”

Kozelka said. “Jewelry

Ambassadors of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism visited Kottke Jewelers in January to welcome Lauren and Kyle Kozelka as the new owners of the store. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)

Kozelka said the only change she would make to the way the store operates is eventually adding more of an e-commerce option where their full inventory would be available to shop on the store’s website.

Being an active member of the community in various organizations,

and now as a business owner, Kozelka is elated by the opportunity to join the ranks of her fellow downtown business owners that she has grown close to over the years as manager of the store.

“I’m proud of myself for accomplishing all that I have and only being 28 years old,” Kozelka said.

“I love being so closely tied with the other likeminded business women in the community, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. This is truly just the beginning.”

Reach Reporter Emily Kahnke at 507-4442376. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | Page B11

Fardouza Farah sets out to advocate for women, survivors of sexual assault

By EMILY KAHNKE emily.kahnke@apgsomn.com

I

n October of last year, an Owatonna High School student took the stage at the Women’s March in Minneapolis before more than 10,000 people to speak about and advocate for reproductive freedom for all women.

Throughout her high school career, Fardouza Farah has been making waves both locally and internationally with her advocacy work. Notably acting as president of the Minnesota Youth

Against Sexual Violence (YASV) for the last two years, Farah leads the state chapter of the nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to making strides towards justice for sexual violence survivors.

“I stumbled upon this my sophomore year and I was really passionate about the topic,” Farah said. “I feel like these issues get ignored or shoved under the rug, so I thought I would get involved — especially because Minnesota is

During her speech, she lacking in that area in comparison to the rest of revealed that she was 17 at the time and was the country.” blown away by the As president of the reaction of the crowd.

Minnesota chapter, Farah is responsible “A lot of people couldn’t believe I was 17,” Farah for meeting with state said. “It was really cool senators, organizing fundraisers and other to see their reaction, and it gave me some events. She also is confidence in that responsible for being I might actually be a speaker at many of making a difference.” the events. She recalled giving her speech at the rally, saying it was Farah has been working incredible and honoring with the organization and Minnesota to be able to speak legislators to change about topics she was laws surrounding passionate about.

people convicted of sexual assault claiming parental rights to children, specifically children conceived as a result of the assault, and said the lobbying work she has done is doing well at this point in time.

The group also provides sexual education through webinars and educational information through social media pages.

Coming to Minnesota

turbulent time in South Africa until she was 12, Farah witnessed many protests surrounding the femicide that was occurring at the time, along with and the many racial issues and injustices happening simultaneously. She recalled protests happening throughout the country and in her

Farah

Continued on page 12

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In her spare time, Fardouza Farah enjoys hanging out at the arcade at Sparetime Entertainment with her friends.

(Photo courtesy of Fardouza Farah)

Fardouza Farah (second from left) is the oldest in her family, with two younger brothers. She said her mother has served as one of her biggest role models throughout her life. (Photo courtesy of Fardouza Farah) Fardouza Farah is one of 150 students across the nation to receive a $20,000 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Less 0.25% of applicants are chosen to receive the scholarship. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)

Farah

Continued from page 11

neighborhood during her fifth and sixth grade years.

“It was hard to digest as a kid,” Farah said. “There were peaceful protests, but also a lot of not-sopeaceful protests. The protests surrounding racial issues in my neighborhood tended to not be very peaceful.”

When her family initially left South Africa, they settled in Rhode Island for a year before moving to Rochester to be closer to other family members, finally settling in Owatonna following her father working in the city.

It was here where she was establishing her roots, allowing her participation in extracurricular activities and advocacy work to increase.

Making her voice heard In February 2021, Farah was one of two

Minnesota students to represent the state as a delegate to the United States Senate Youth Program. She also received a $10,000 scholarship to continue her educational development. Typically, the winners would take a trip to Washington D.C. to see the nation’s government in action.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trip was a virtual one. Farah was still able to speak with many politicians and legislators, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and President Joe Biden.

“That was a really cool experience, even though it was virtual,” Farah said. “My goal is to lead a political campaign across Minnesota, so it was great to see the country’s government at work and to meet with all the national politicians.”

The qualifications needed to receive the scholarship included being an active participant in student council and other leadership positions,

which Farah excels at.

In school, she is involved in Mock trial, Speech, National Honor Society, SHOC, Green Team, Girls United, Link Crew and Colorguard. In fact, Farah is the first person to wear a hijab and join the Owatonna High School Colorguard.

“I love my color team.

That made it a lot easier for me to adjust, sometimes I felt singled out because my costume had to have modifications and the parades in the summer get really hot because of the extras to my costume, but I remember one parade where there were kids and their mom were also wearing a hijab and they seemed really excited seeing me down there,” Farah recalled. “It was a really cool reaction, and I ended up breaking down in front of my color team later because it was so sweet to see me being an inspiration to other kids like me to do things they wouldn’t normally consider doing.”

While speaking in front of 10,000 people at a rally for the Women’s March, Fardouza Farah was able to meet with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. (Photo courtesy of Fardouza Farah)

Farah also participates on the executive board of the International Central Asian Project, where she tutors a group of girls in Kyrgyzstan twice a week as well as helps with all of the scheduling involved, tutoring the girls and helping them learn English. Farah cofounded the FL tutoring service, which is a non-

profit organization in Minnesota that provides free tutoring for lowincome students.

“I speak Somali and English, so it’s really fun to help them learn a new language,” Farah said. “They really want to learn, and it’s so gratifying to be part of that experience.”

Accolades and fun times

Among other things, Farah was one of the less than 0.25% of the 68,000 applicants chosen to receive a $20,000 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, she was one of just 150 scholars chosen from across the nation this year.

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | Page B13

Fardouza Farah recalled after her first colorguard parade, she broke down in front of her teammates following some children in the crowd being inspired by her being the first member of the team wearing a hijab. (Photo courtesy of Fardouza Farah)

Owatonna High School students Fardouza Farah (left) and Wilo Omot (right) spoke at a vigil for George Floyd and other impacted by police brutality in 2021. (File/ southernminn.com)

Superintendent Jeff Elstad said he is continuously impressed by the strides Fardouza Farah recalled giving her speech at the rally saying it was incredible and honoring to be able to speak Farah makes, both about topics she was passionate about. During her speech she revealed that she was 17 at the time and was blown academically and away by the reaction of the crowd. (Photo courtesy of Fardouza Farah) personally.

“She has an unlimited ability to take hold of her life and her future. She is gifted at debate and has proven that through speech and mock trial competitions. She is an exemplary student and she is going to be a star.”

— Owatonna Superintendent Jeff Elstad on Fardouza Farah

Last summer, she also worked with Minnesota Planned Parenthood to organize volunteers to knock on doors and participate in a phone bank with the intention to encourage and educate people about the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I worked on this vaccine campaign 40

hours a week throughout the summer as my summer job,” Farah said. “We were able to make a huge impact on the community and spoke with more than 10,000 people over the summer.”

as she puts it. Despite having a busy schedule, she frequently makes time to hang out with her friends at Sparetime Entertainment playing arcade games and has brunch at Central Park Coffee every Saturday.

With all of her extracurricular activities, Farah is still able to have a “pocket of happiness”

“All of the baristas know me there,” Farah laughed. “I don’t like keeping to-do lists, I keep

“She has an unlimited ability to take hold of her life and her future.

She is gifted at debate and has proven that through speech and mock trial competitions,” Elstad said. “She is an exemplary student and she is going to be a star.”

Looking ahead

Following graduation, Farah plans to attend my schedule in my head, college for political and I always make time science with a pre-law to be with friends and track. She said she has hang out and have fun. applied to a dozen Enjoying the simpler colleges across the parts of life make things nation. Though she has seem less hectic to me, yet to choose a school, but being busy doesn’t she said if she were to feel like a burden. I have get an acceptance fun doing everything letter from Yale University, because I am so she would like to go passionate about all the there to pursue a career things I’m involved in. ” as a lawyer.

“I think with a law degree and being a lawyer I wouldn’t want to work in a corporate law setting,” Farah said. “I’d really like to work with non-profit organizations.”

Farah also said she would be interested in holding some sort of elected office in the future, but whether that’s at a local or national level, she has yet to decide.

“I do think that legislators kind of have the most power in this country in making changes,” Farah said, adding that she plans to continue to be a fierce advocate and leader for positive change.

Reach Reporter Emily Kahnke at 507-4442376. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | PAGE B14

Young, humble barber

Bobby Gutierrez keeps 60-year-old shop in business

By SHAYNA LEWIS shayna.lewis@apgsomn.com

F

rom hair cuts to beard trims, hair salons and barbers help people feel good, fresh and ready to take on the world.

Bobby Gutierrez, the owner of Thee Barber Shop, is originally from Texas. He came to Minnesota in 2001 after his parents separated. His maternal grandmother lives in Mankato, and that is where Gutierrez currently resides. As a child, Gutierrez would spend six months in Minnesota with his mother, and six months in Texas with his dad.

Growing up, Gutierrez always saw himself owning his own business.

He watched his dad, taking inspiration from him, as he was a owner of a restaurant in Texas as well as another business.

“I would see what my dad did, and so from a young age I knew I wanted to own a shop,” Gutierrez said. “I knew it was going to take some time and work, but I got there.”

Thee Barber Shop Prior to Gutierrez owning the shop, it was once called, Johnson’s Barber Shop, and the original owner, Gary Johnson, opened the shop in 1959.

“I’ve been in this industry for 63 years,” Johnson said. “A long time.”

Johnson knew Gutierrez from previous work experience. Gutierrez worked part time at the shop before exploring more options.

“I worked almost two months straight without a day off,” he said. “I got burnt out.”

Around the time of the pandemic, Gutierrez was ready to open up his own shop. Johnson, who now works part time at Thee Barber Shop, called Gutierrez and told the young man if he was looking to buy a shop, Johnson had the space available.

Gutierrez became the owner of Thee Barber Shop on Sept. 15, 2020.

“It’s going pretty good,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez went to school to be a barber, where he attended a nine month program, completing 1,500 hours. When he first started, he perceived it as you are always cutting hair, but that wasn’t always the case.

Thee Barber Shop takes clients through walkins, no appointments needed.

“You have to be there all day, six days a week,” Gutierrez said.

“Somedays you might get two to three haircuts, and some days you don’t get one at all, but you have to be there to complete the hours.”

According to Gutierrez, he tries not to have clients favor one person over another. Although that can sometimes be difficult when a client knows that a specific barber has mastered a specific style.

“I’ve been coming here since I was a child,” one client said. “Mr. Johnson used to cut my hair.”

Bobby Gutierrez, George Castaneda-Samaniego and Gary Johnson cut hair side-by-side. Although the inside of the building has changed, the atmosphere is still one to enjoy, just as it’s been for more than six decades. (Shayna Lewis/ southernminn.com)

“We all cut hair.

Someday I might be on vacation, so they’ll have to go somewhere else,” Gutierrez said. “I’m not the Kardashians; I don’t have money to fly you to me.”

George “Loco” Castaneda-Samaniego went to school at Moler Barber School in Columbia Heights and now works for Guiterrez.

“It’s awesome working here,” CastanedaSamaniego said. “I love it. It’s the best job I’ve had.”

Castaneda-Samaniego has been working at Thee Barber Shop for about four months.

Thee Barber Shop hours Sunday: CLOSED Monday: CLOSED Tuesday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to Noon If you have questions, give Thee Barber Shop a call at 507-124-7830 “George is a great stylist,” Gutierrez said.

“Everyone here is very talented.”

Clientele

Gutierrez’s favorite type of client is when they want their whole head shaved; the “Dr. Phil” special. According to Gutierrez, it’s not

necessarily his favorite, it’s just the easiest. He likes a bit of a challenge to see how far he can take or do something.

The stylists do their best to make sure that the client is satisfied, but since most people just want easy haircuts, Gutierrez said it’s hard to mess it up.

“I still make mistakes as a barber, I just don’t want people to think we do it on purpose because that’s far from it,” Gutierrez said. “We give haircuts as if we

Gutierrez Continued on page 16

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Thee Barber Shop has been owned by Bobby Gutierrez since Sept. 15, 2020. Gutierrez worked at Johnson’s Barber Shop part time while Gary Johnson was still the owner.

(Shayna Lewis/southernminn.com)

Gutierrez Continued from page 14

ourselves were in the chair.”

On Gutierrez’s very first day as a barber, he had to cut a five year old girl’s long hair — and he had to shave it off completely. According to Gutierrez, the little girl was crying and it broke his heart. He went home that day and spoke with his wife, saying he wasn’t sure if cutting hair was for him.

“I didn’t put a razor on it, I just used my clippers,” Gutierrez said. “The parent’s wanted me to use a razor, but I felt like then I had to step in and say something, like this is as much as I can do.”

Gutierrez said even if he was in an accident that would cause him to lose his memory, he would still remember that incident.

Clients will come in and have an image in their mind, but with different types of hair, sometimes it’s not going to turn out the way the client expects.

“No matter how much I tell people that it’s not going to happen, I feel bad,” Gutierrez said. “But everyone is different, and not all hair is the same.”

sure he is doing his job right, and he enjoys talking with the clients.

Thee Barber Shop staff consider themselves as diaries and counselors; they listen to their clients, but for Gutierrez, his main reason is he sees cutting hair as art.

Johnson’s Barber Shop was established in 1959. Gary Johnson, the owner at the time, has been in the industry for 63 years. He now works part time at Thee Barber Shop at 82 years old, working for the new owner Bobby Gutierrez. (Photo courtesy of Gary Johnson)

“Everybody’s hair is different, and you have to shape the hair to how they want it,” Gutierrez said. “I never get bored with it. When someone comes in with a different type of hair, it can be challenging, but you have to give it a shot.”

Gutierrez shared a story of how a client went into the shop, showing a picture of a boy with waves in his hair.

Because of the clients hair type, the style wasn’t Inspiration going to work.

“I wish I could snap my fingers and give him what he wants,” Gutierrez said. “But you have to deal with reality.”

2022 hair trends

According to Gutierrez and CastanedaSamaniego, the most popular trend that people are trying out is the mullet. From Gutierrez explained that celebrities to residents his wife is very supportive in Owatonna, everybody in his career, reminding rocks the mullet him after that first day differently. that he went to school for this and should keep “Mullets are definitely trying, not letting one coming back,” person ruin his day.

Castaneda-Samaniego said.

“I’m scarred for life. I was hesitant to go back the “I can never look at a next day,” Gutierrez said. mullet and think, that “But I toughed it out, and ain’t right,” Gutierrez now look at me.” said. “Just because you see one you don’t like, Although cutting hair doesn’t mean it’s wrong. may seem like an easy That’s just the way the job, there are challenges person wanted it.” that they face every day.

Gutierrez enjoys being According to Gutierrez, a barber as he doesn’t very course hair can be have someone leaning challenging to work with. over his shoulder making

Gutierrez is inspired by everyone around him. From the people he grew up with to the clients that sit in his chair, he is always learning new things.

“In an industry like this, you have to have an open mind,” Gutierrez said. “You can’t go in thinking you know everything, because you really don’t. You’re always learning.”

Johnson, the previous owner, inspires Gutierrez.

At 82 years old, he said Johnson never misses a beat. According to Gutierrez, he wants to be like him in the way that he wants to keep working and keep busy.

At the moment, Gutierrez said works quite a bit and doesn’t see his kids as much. He explained that when he’s older he’ll spend time with his grandkids and when they are older and don’t want to visit him as

Bobby Gutierrez, George Castaneda-Samaniego and Gary Johnson cut hair side-byside. Although the inside of the building has changed, the atmosphere is still one to enjoy, just as it’s been for more than six decades. (Shayna Lewis/southernminn.com)

much, he doesn’t want to be just sitting around.

As for Gutierrez’s hopes and dreams for the barber shop, he’ll one day open a shop in another location or two. He tries to please everybody, and that’s a very difficult job to do because her said it’s simply not possible.

According to Gutierrez, he goes to sleep at night knowing he gave it 110% on a daily basis.

“We try to service everybody, no matter who they are or where they come from,” Gutierrez said. “As long

A sign inside the barber shop fits, as the stylists consider themselves as diaries or counselors, helping their clients through problems. (Shayna Lewis/southernminn.com)

as they come in with respect, they are more than welcome. There’s no other way I would have it.”

Reach Reporter Shayna Lewis at 507-333-3133. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | Page B17

Natural leader

Ava Hess

hopes to leave things better than she found them

By EMILY KAHNKE emily.kahnke@apgsomn.com

L

eader. Role model. Inspiration.

Humble.

Those are just a few words teachers and peers of Ava Hess often select to describe the young woman. A senior at Owatonna High School, Hess is a multiactivity student who believes in the power of helping others, giving back and remaining down-to-earth.

“She gives so much of her time and talent to the community and her school,” said Hess’ mother, Jesse Hess.

“She’s just fascinating to us, and she doesn’t give herself enough credit for the things she does.

She’s just Ava.”

Music for the soul Her truest love, however, is found in music.

Hess was one of nine Owatonna High School Within the school, Ava students to have been Hess is a member of selected to participate the National Honor in the Minnesota Music Society, Students Helping Educators Association Others Choose (SHOC), (MMEA) All-State Link Crew, band, is an Ensembles in February elementary tutor, and is 2020. Hess, who plays on the soccer team. Hess the flute, was chosen to has also been involved perform in the Concert in Student Council since Band. the third grade, an area she says has become one of her biggest passions.

HESS

Continued on page 18

Ava Hess says one of her proudest moments as a Student Council representative was being able to plan homecoming activities in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said they were able to overcome some obstacles and still make it a fun event for everyone. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)

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HESS

Continued from page 17

She has enjoyed music for as long as she can remember. After attending a week-long camp at Concordia College with other students to practice and make new bonds and friendships, she said she was excited to perform and see the friends she made at the camp again.

“I enjoy music because of its ability to express feelings and thoughts that cannot be expressed through words,” Hess said. “I also enjoy it because music has given me so many great memories and friendships over the years.”

“I’m passionate about Student Council. I have a lot of friends I’ve made through it and I really enjoy planning events especially,” Hess said. “I was very surprised when the advisor, Sandra Justice, announced that I received the scholarship. I really didn’t think of myself as winning, even when I applied.”

One of Hess’ proudest moments as a Student Council representative was being able to plan homecoming activities in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It wasn’t a normal planning experience because of the pandemic and things being shut down, but I’m proud of the work we did in a shorter period of Student time than normal,” Hess said. “We weren’t able leadership to have a dance, but In March, Hess was awarded the Minnesota we still had royalty and a pep fest outside and Association of Student we planned some virtual Councils (MASC) scholarship. She was one events. So we still had a lot of fun, even though it of two winners of the ended up raining during scholarship. According the outdoor pep fest on to the MASC website, the track.” students chosen to

“I think my favorite part of (running a business) is definitely packing up and sending the orders, knowing that they will be put to good use and hopefully be enjoyed,” Ava Hess said. (Submitted photo)

areas of the state to collaborate and bounce ideas off of one another, allowing time to bond and, most importantly, have fun.

“The Southeast Division Convention is really fun,” Hess said. “It’s a really close knit group of student councils, which is important to me. No

“She’s just fascinating to us, and she doesn’t give herself enough credit for the things she does.

She’s just Ava.”

The future for Ava

Following graduation this summer, Hess is planning to attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She wants to major in graphic design, entrepreneurship and advertising. Though student council has been a large part of her life so far, she admits she is unsure if she plans to continue to participate in student government in college.

“I’m not really interested in the politics of student government,” Hess said.

“I enjoy event planning and creating flyers and advertisements on social media and to have — Jesse Hess, mother of Ava Hess around the community.

I’m still deciding, so we will see what happens receive this scholarship other clubs, other than with that.” demonstrate exceptional Hess is also an avid the marching band that participant in regional qualities of leadership I’m involved in, are as Hess admits that until and character and have student council close knit — we just have last year, she was contributed significantly conventions. She said a lot of fun.” unsure of pursuing a she enjoys gathering to the success of their career in graphic design with student council local schools and following graduation. members from other communities.

She frequently made

Ava Hess is very close with her family — especially her sisters. She said she looks up to them more than most kids. (Photo courtesy of Ava Hess)

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Ava Hess has been playing the flute for many years and was one of nine Owatonna In October 2020, Ava Hess launched her own Etsy store selling personalized greeting High School students to play at the All-State Ensemble in in Minneapolis in February. cards. So far, she has sold in 40 states and 5 countries. (Photo courtesy of Ava Hess) (Photo courtesy of Ava Hess)

“After I took a graphic design class, I developed a love and passion for it,” Hess said. “I started making graphics for some businesses and clubs around school and took over some of the school Instagram pages. I found it really enjoyable to be making posters and graphics for Student Council, National Honor Society and things like that.”

and prints them and sells them all over the world.”

Ava Hess has sold more than 300 of her personalized greeting cards in 40 states and five countries, including Australia and Norway.

She said she began her business with the hope of spreading joy. Her cards range from basic greeting cards, to ones themed around Harry

neighbors to play the games and enjoy some snacks and beverages.

Hess also sold some of her greeting cards at the carnivals, and her sister sold masks during their annual carnival last year, as well as adding a raffle and prizes.

“I feel like I’ve made a difference in my time at Owatonna schools,” Hess said. “I think I made the biggest impact with events and projects through the Student Council. We were able to voice our opinions, and eventually were able to get some things In 2019, Hess and her changed for the better family were able to of the whole student travel to the sanctuary to body.” deliver their donations in person.

“I enjoy music because of its ability to express feelings and thoughts that cannot be expressed through words.”

— Ava Hess

A business venture

Hess’ love for graphic design, advertising and interest in entrepreneurship paid off when she launched her own small business in October 2020. With school going virtual and many of her extracurricular activities being postponed or canceled, Hess started selling greeting cards on Etsy at “Art Avie Co.” “Ava has been making cards since she could write,” Jesse Hess said. “She was always sending handmade thank you cards, birthday and Christmas cards to people. It’s really awesome what she makes on her iPad

Potter, Marvel characters and more. She plans to expand her business from just greeting cards and digital calendars to add art prints and stickers.

“It was a really gratifying experience for all of us, especially my little sister to be able to deliver the check in person as well as see the sanctuary,” Hess said.

“The stickers have been quite challenging to figure out so far,” Hess aid. “But I’ll figure it out and get those up and running soon, hopefully, because stickers are really popular right now and they’re fun, too.”

A living legacy

Hess and her two sisters, Emma and Cora, also developed a carnival fundraiser to benefit The Elephant Sanctuary, as well as local non profits.

They made carnival games in the front yard of their home and invited family, friends and

Hess has also served as one of the student advisors to Owatonna Superintendent Jeff Elstad during her sophomore year. Every couple of months, student advisors would meet with Elstad and other administrative staff to discuss ideas on how to improve the school, from what school lunches students enjoy to allowing backpacks to be carried by students from class to class again.

Elstad said Hess has been a model student, and is a true inspiration to not only her fellow students, but to many of the administrative staff and adults in the community as well.

“Ava is committed to her growth as a student and learner and as a member of our

community,” Elstad said.

“She has had an impact as an entrepreneur and is an all around role model for her peers.”

Reach Reporter Emily Kahnke at 507-4442376. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | PAGE B20

Rian Grunwald’s

historic wrestling career leaves lasting impact on girl’s sports

By STEPHEN MCDANIEL stephen.mcdaniel@apgsomn.com

T

he history of high school wrestling in the state of Minnesota has been changed forever, and current Owatonna High School senior Rian Grunwald will forever be cemented into the history books as being the first of her kind.

As she leaped into the arms of Owatonna’s head wrestling coach Derek Johnson, she signaled No. 1 with her left hand — directly after making not just Owatonna High School history, but Minnesota high school history while she sported the Owatonna royal blue.

“It means a lot to me to represent Owatonna,” said Grunwald after her championship match.

“I’ve been a part of this

and the other girls around the state just like her were opened up to a whole other world of opportunities, and with her senior season wrestling for the Owatonna Huskies lining up with the first year of sanctioned girls wrestling, she knew she had to make the most of it.

Journey to the top

With sanctioned girls wrestling came the first ever MSHSL sponsored girls individual section wrestling tournament that would determine who was going to compete in the first ever MSHSL Girls State Wrestling Championships. When she stepped out onto Owatonna senior Rian Grunwald celebrates as she’s announced as the champion following her victory Saturday the mat inside Hastings night in the state championship at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. (Ben Camp/southernminn.com) High School on Saturday, Feb. 19, the prolonged

“It’s just cool that I was the first one, and now it’s something other girls are able to work to accomplish.”

— Rian Grunwald program for so long, and they just sanctioned girls wrestling this year, so I haven’t been able to support my team that way until this year, so it feels good to be able to get my name out there for the team.”

After years and years of petitions and pleas from wrestlers, parents and coaches, the Minnesota State High School League took to a vote in early May 2021 to determine if girls wrestling would be an officially sanctioned sport in Minnesota.

By a 44-4 vote, Grunwald

journey through a maledominated sport while searching for the proper recognition was going to finally pay off.

Grunwald and a fellow teammate, freshman Isabelle Townley, took part in the first ever girls section individual tournament, and it ended with Grunwald grinding out a 1-0 decision over New Prague’s Destiney Lofton and a 3-1 decision over Rosemount’s Kamdyn Staulter for earn Owatonna’s first ever girls section title.

Owatonna senior Rian Grunwald signs her letter of intent to wrestle for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point during National Signing Day. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

With the section title secured and her ticket to the first ever girls state wrestling championships punched, Grunwald knew that being able to close her long high school wrestling career out with a state title would be the perfect ending.

“I’m working really hard,” Grunwald said in the days leading up to the state championships.

“I’m very hopeful that I’ll take the state championship, but I got to work for it.”

In the inaugural season of MSHSL-sanctioned girls wrestling for the

state of Minnesota, on the 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX, Grunwald embraced the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage by defeating all comers, including a dominant 10-2 major decision in the championship bout.

The Husky wrestling

team captain brought home the program’s 30th individual state championship.

“This is a storybook situation where the first year being sanctioned is her senior year,” said Johnson. “Even if she hadn’t had the weekend she had, she’s already a

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | Page B21

From left to right: Landen Johnson, Rian Grunwald, Jacob Reinardy and Andrew Nirk.

All four will serve as Owatonna’s wrestling captains heading into the 2021-22 wrestling season. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

trailblazer.”

Grunwald reached the championship match by defeating a tough challenger, Lanna Walter of Sauk Centre, and in a tight match that required additional time to determine who’d wrestle in the finals, Grunwald prevailed with a 10-6 victory.

Nothing was going to stop Grunwald from etching her name in the history books as she dominated Madelyn Strohmayer of Aitkin with a 10-2 major decision and becoming the Minnesota State High School League’s first ever state champion to wrestle at 114 pounds.

The birth of a champion

described by Johnson as a “trailblazer” for girls wrestling in Owatonna all started when she was a little kid.

Grunwald first became interested in wrestling in elementary school when she often attended her older brothers wrestling competitions. Over time, her interest in joining the sport was sparked, and she joined the Huskies wrestling team once she got to high school.

At this point, girls in wrestling weren’t nearly as common and necessitated an adjustment period for some of the boys on the team, which makes the amount of success that she’s achieved even sweeter for Grunwald and her family.

The journey to becoming “It’s been a ride,’” said an historic champion her mother, Tiffany and what can be best

Grunwald. “It hasn’t always been easy, especially seeing it for her in her first year in the high school room and not all the wrestlers accepted it, not all the parents accepted it, ‘she’s a girl, she shouldn’t be on the team.’ Seeing where she is today, we’re just proud of her.”

Over time, as girls wrestling grew and the landscape of the male-dominated sport began to change, Rian Grunwald and her family received plenty of positive support and encouraging messages from opposing wrestlers, coaches and parents every time Owatonna would attend a tournament or a meet.

It wasn’t until her junior season when Grunwald got the opportunity to

Owatonna senior Rian Grunwald earned the first ever girls section title in school history with her first place finish at 114 in the Girls Section 1-4 tournament. (Photo courtesy of the Owatonna Wrestling Association)

win her first ever varsity match for the Huskies, and just over a year later, she was getting her arm raised in the middle of a mat surrounded by a packed crowd inside the Xcel Energy Arena with all eyes on her.

an important figure in Owatonna’s wrestling room, which led to Johnson selecting her, alongside three other seniors, to be the team captains for a 2021-22 wrestling season with some high expectations.

a hard-worker, just awesome to be around,” Johnson said earlier in the season. “It’s a great coincidence that all those virtues are in this trailblazer, because it could’ve gone a different way.”

Representing Owatonna

“There was a reason why she was named as one of the captains. Yes she was the first, but she happens to be a great person, a great student,

He continued, “Girl or boy aside, she’s just a

Despite the lack of opportunities early on, Grunwald rose above it and became

Grunwald Continued on page 22

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Grunwald

Continued from page 21

great leader in the room all around.”

Her success on the wrestling mat has led her to being one of the only girls in Owatonna history to move up to the collegiate level to wrestle after she committed to wrestle for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Pointers.

Grunwald landed on the Pointers after she and her family went to UWSP in August 2021 and were able to meet the coaching staff and tour the campus that’d eventually be waiting for her. While she did tour with other schools, the feeling of home that UWSP offered her was too much to pass up.

The tipping point was her second visit to Stevens Point after taking a trip to Augustana, where she realized how much she loved the Stevens Point campus, and with an opportunity to continue girls wrestling, it became clear where her heart resided.

Even though Grunwald is going to further advance her already prolific wrestling career, she’s also kept her future outside of competing on the mat in mind.

She’s preparing to study sociology, while also minoring in criminal justice.

“After college, I plan on being a police officer for a few years, and then I’ll move up to be a detective,” Grunwald said.

A lasting impact

As the Owatonna senior prepares to transition into the next chapter of her life, the foundation she left behind in the local wrestling room will be felt for years to come as the numbers of girl’s in high school wrestling increases every season.

She helped mentor current freshman Townley, who was also a state tournament qualifier, as well as serving as a perfect role model for all of the younger girls in the area who are going through the same beginning phase she went through earlier on in her life.

“Being the first girl high school wrestler, it starts off being what I can be, but it leaves something for other girls to accomplish and I’m sure there’ll be a ton of girls that come through this room and accomplish great things,” Grunwald said. “It’s just cool that I was the first one, and now it’s something other girls are able to work to accomplish.”

The walls around and inside of Owatonna’s wrestling room are scattered with names, pictures and accolades from some of the best wrestlers that have built up the legacy that is Owatonna wrestling.

Owatonna freshman Isabella Townley (middle) and senior Rian Grunwald (middle right) were honored alongside the other girls from Section 1AAA for qualifying for the first ever girls state wrestling tournament during the Section 1AAA individual tournament. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

But through all of the greats to wrestle in a Huskies singlet, Grunwald is leaving behind an historic legacy that’s blown the door of opportunity open for those that follow in her footsteps.

One thing is for certain, the name ‘Grunwald’ will forever be synonymous with the words “champion” and “trailblazer” in Owatonna wrestling history.

Reach sports reporter Stephen McDaniel at 507-444-2375. Follow him on Twitter @OPP__Sports. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

Owatonna senior Rian Grunwald faces off against Austin’s Will Mullenbach during the Section 1AAA quarterfinal round. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

Owatonna senior Rian Grunwald leaps into coach Derek Johnson’s arms following her Owatonna senior Rian Grunwald wrestles during Saturday’s state championship at the victory in the state championship Saturday night at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. (Ben Camp/southernminn.com) (Ben Camp/southernminn.com)

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | Page B23

Young philanthropist

Linden Aarsvold supports local nonprofits

By TOM NELSON Guest writer

An Owatonna fifth grader has combined her love of baking, dogs and talking with people into a small business that is focused on giving a helping hand to area non-profit organizations.

warmer months, takes orders from customers at Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas through online promotions, and has supplied a local dog day care facility with product.

adopted two years ago,” said Amanda Aarsvold, Linden’s mom. “I thought dog treats would be a way to combine her love of dogs, love of baking and how much she loves to talk to people.”

Linden Aarsvold, an 11-year resident of Owatonna, is the driving force behind her dog treat baking business called Aspen Trails Barkery (Bakery). Named after her pet dog, Aspen, the venture sells homemade dog treats at the Owatonna farmers market during the

Proceeds from the sale of her product have then gone to help support area nonprofits, including Let’s Smile, Inc., Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity and the Steele County Humane Society.

In addition, Linden Aarsvold had an interest in trying to sell something, and at 9 years old, she decided to make the plunge into the business world.

Aarsvold

“Linden has always been a dog lover, and Aspen is our pup that we Continued on page 24

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Linden Aarsvold makes dog treats at her home in Owatonna to help support local nonprofit organizations. Organizations she has helped includes Let’s Smile, Inc., Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity and the Steele County Humane Society. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

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Aarsvold

Continued from page 23

“I wanted to sell something in the summer and my mom told me I couldn’t bake anything because it could go bad, and I couldn’t sew anything because it was too complicated,” Aarsvold said. “So we settled on doing dog biscuits, because they are simple and a lot of people have pets.”

She continued, “We also decided that we didn’t want to keep all of our money it would be fun to donate it somewhere.”

The treat of a smile

The first beneficiary of funds generated by the Aspen Trails treats was Let’s Smile, Inc., a local non-profit that helps supply dental care services to local children in need along with dental care education programs to area schools. Let’s Smile, Inc. is run by its founder Holly Jorgensen, who is a former neighbor of the Aarsvolds.

“My mom and Holly (Jorgensen) were good friends, and she decided it would be a good idea to help her and I thought that would be a great idea, too, because I

Linden Aarsvold’s dog, Aspen, serves as the inspiration for the fifth grade student’s own business — Aspen Trails Barkery (Bakery). Aarsvold makes and sells homemade dog treats at the Owatonna’s farmers market. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

van for Let’s Smile’s equipment) to be able to haul all our supplies and equipment to school based clinics.”

“Linden must have seen that on Facebook and then I saw this cute little video online with Linden and I thought, ‘I should watch it since

took me by surprise.

I was honored that a little girl like Linden was helping other kids in our community, and that she wanted to do this for us.”

Passion in the kitchen

Aarsvold’s interest in baking was the starting point for the business

“Linden is going to change the world.

She is already making such a huge impact in our community. As she gets older, she is going to continue to do that and impact whatever community she is living in.”

— Holly Jorgensen, Let’s Smile, Inc.

think it is important that everyone has a great smile,” Aarsvold said.

Jorgensen added, “If you want to find out about someone who is going to make a difference in this community, it’s her!

Linden is a go-getter and two years we were raising funds to get our Molar Roller (a transport

she is a friend of ours,’” Jorgensen said. “It just shocked me, because in her video she was advertising that she was making homemade dog treats, and all of the proceeds were going to go to Let’s Smile and our new Molar Roller. I had no idea she was doing this and it completely

and it grew from there.

“I like baking and it was something simple I could do,” Aarsvold said.

“I like making treats and I thought it was a good idea — and I have my own sampler [Aspen] here at the house. We found our recipes online and some of them we tweaked a little bit. This

Linden Aarsvold standing by the logo on the Let’s Smile, Inc. Molar Roller that she created for the Aspen Trails Bakery. Wanting to start her own business, Aarsvold decided to donate a large portion of her proceeds to the local non-profit. (Submitted photo)

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | Page B25 and selling homemade dog treats. The baking process takes place in the family’s kitchen at their home in Owatonna.

“We do make our treats here and then my mom and dad will help bag up the treats,” Aarsvold explained. “Then we will either sell them at the Farmers Market or my mom will post on Facebook that we are selling them and her friends will buy them and also share with their friends.”

Trips to the Owatonna farmers market are a favorite with Aarsvold, even though it often requires the family to be there at 5:30 a.m. in order to insure getting a spot on sale days.

“We like going to the Farmers Market because it is a little more social and you can sell to a variety of people,” Aarsvold said. “I think it Holly Jorgensen (left) accepts a ceremonial check from Linden Aarsvold to help fund Let’s Smile Molar Roller. is important that people Proceeds from the sale of dog treats made by Aarsvold help fund the contribution. (Submitted photo) can help the community grow.” fall we did something pumpkin pie and turkeys cottage food producer a little different with for Thanksgiving. So As part of the process, license from the state of Amanda Aarsvold we did a variety of fun Aarsvold and her Minnesota, which is a pumpkin spice muffin added, “Part of what treats for Halloween and treats.” family applied for a requirement for making Linden really enjoys

about it, besides getting to make the treats, is getting to talk to people.”

This past summer, Linden Aarsvold diversified her product line at the farmers market with the addition of 3D fidget toys.

“My dad also owns a 3D printer, so toward the end of the summer at the Farmers Market we started selling 3D fidgets for kids so we could raise a little bit more money,” Aarsvold said. “Not only could the dogs get something, but the kids could get something to play with. I really enjoyed helping my dad print them on the 3D printer — I thought that was really fun.”

Giving back

After the initial contribution to Let’s Smile, Inc., Aarsvold and her Aspen Trails dog treat business has also provided contributions to Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity and the

Aarsvold Continued on page 26

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Aarsvold

Continued from page 25

Steele County Humane Society. She has added another contribution to Let’s Smile for equipment at its Smile Space in the Community Pathways of Steele County building.

“I just wanted to sell things, but then we realized we could do it for something more than just selling it and make it for something that mattered,” Aarsvold said. “I thought having someone or something to support would be nice to give the money to since we made quite a bit, and I don’t think I need $300-some dollars at 11 years old.”

ASPEN TRAILS BARKERY Aspen Trails Barkery (Bakery) can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/AspenTrailsBakery Jorgensen also encouraged Aarsvold to come up with a logo for her dog treat business.

Not one to turn down a challenge, Aarsvold drew her own logo for Aspen Trails, which is now featured on t-shirts and the back of the Molar Roller van, along with the other donating sponsors.

“She drew a logo for me and that is now on the back of our Molar Roller because she was Jorgensen praised one of our fantastic Aarsvold for the work she contributors,” Jorgensen has done to help in the said. “I wanted her logo community. be on it.”

“She truly has a philanthropic heart.

She sees the nonprofits in town and see their needs and just goes for it and does it,” Jorgensen said.

In addition, Aarsvold has also helped out with some of Let’s Smile’s Oral Pep Rallies at schools in the community.

“Linden has also volunteered as a Smile Fairy for us,” Jorgensen

said. “She has put on the Smile T-shirt and tutu and helps teach kids how to brush and floss their teeth and why that is important.”

Life outside of business

One of three children, Aarsvold has two younger sisters at home, Ellen (7 years old) and Maren (4 years old). Her mom works at Federated Insurance and her dad, David, works at Wenger Corporation in Owatonna.

The owner of a busy weekly calendar, Aarsvold also participates in hip hop dancing classes at the Unlimited Possibilities Dance Studio, swims with her club team three nights a week, sings in the Lincoln Elementary choir and plays viola

in the school orchestra.

Hobbies include hanging out with friends, being outdoors and sewing.

Amanda Aarsvold provided her insight into what drives her daughter.

“The sales side of things comes very natural to her, but she has always had a big heart,” Amanda Aarsvold said.

“She always wants to make sure that everyone feels included and have the same opportunities, so when she said she wanted to start selling things it was like we had to find something good to do with it.

She continued, “At the beginning of the pandemic, she heard there was a need for masks and we sat at the table for hours sewing

masks to donate to the first responders. Just because that is who she is. She is always the kid who wants to befriend the other kid who needs a little extra help. She is the first to step up when someone needs something and is always willing to volunteer — she definitely has a servant heart and wants to help others.”

A look into the future

At an early age, Linden Aarsvold has made a significant impact on her community and she hopes to continue that trend in the future.

She has interest in entering the health care profession in order to provide assistance to others.

Amanda Aarsvold added, “I think she has lots of great things coming ahead, and no matter what she does she will find a way to help others through her career or other opportunities.”

The work that Linden Aarsvold has already done has placed her among those up and coming young people to watch in Owatonna.

Not only has her work and spirit helped the community, but it has provided inspiration to those she has helped support.

“Linden is going to change the world. She is already making such a huge impact in our community. As she gets older, she is going to “I want to become a continue to do that nurse just because I and impact whatever like helping people, but community she is living I am pretty sure I will in,” Jorgensen said. “She keep a side business definitely has a caring like this, and if I have heart and wants to help family members that in anyway she can. This want to help, I can teach little girl inspires me to them how to do it — do better. If a little girl and what’s important can do this, then why when you are running aren’t we doing it as a business,” Linden adults?”

Aarsvold said.

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as seen

in the

People’s Press OWATONNA

localmatters

Single mom Jenna Tlusty turns passion project into side business

By ANNIE GRANLUND annie.granlund@apgsomn.com

O

ne cup of sugar, half a cup of butter, two eggs, two teaspoons of vanilla, some flour, milk and baking soda, and a heaping helping of giggles – that’s the basic recipe for a Blonde Cakery cake.

Over the last two years, Jenna Tlusty and her young son Tucker have been spending free time in their Owatonna kitchen making cakes, memories and sometimes a mess. The fun way to pass their time at home during the pandemic eventually morphed into its own business, but Tlusty said it continues to be about a creative outlet for the blonde duo.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna.

“One of my biggest mottos in life is ‘mindset is everything,’ and if I don’t have a good mindset and I’m not being positive, that will rub off on Tucker.”

Not wanting to fall into what has commonly been referred to as COVID fatigue, the single mom decided she needed to find an outlet to keep her mind both busy and inspired.

Somehow, she landed on baking.

“I just whipped up a cake one day and started decorating,” Tlusty laughed. “When you’re decorating, I realized quickly that you have to have your mind 100% focused on exactly

BLONDE CAKERY For more information on Blonde Cakery, visit the Facebook page at Facebook.com/blondecakery

“At my full time job as a nurse, I started seeing more and more mental health concerns coming in, so I was well aware that it was something to watch for,” said Tlusty, who works as a family medicine nurse at the

that, so it was a fun way to focus my energy.”

Hobby to business Tlusty quickly enlisted Tucker as her sous-chef and the pair began embarking on a journey of colorful confections in many shapes, sizes

Mistakes aren’t a big deal for these bakers. When they happen, Jenna and Tucker Tlusty simply have a good old fashioned cake fight. (Photo courtesy of Lauren Everhard Photography and Design, LLC).

and flavors. Admitting that Pinterest can be a bit of a “wormhole” when it comes to finding ideas, Tlusty said that she has had plenty of failed experiments when it comes to extravagant decorations.

“When one doesn’t work out – it’s fine. We just have a cake fight instead,” Tlusty said. “We have had many cake

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fights in the beginning.”

disposal.

her genetics.

Prior to turning their hobby into a business, Tlusty said the baked goods typically ended up in the hands of her family members.

Whether it was as a form of payment to her father – her go-to Mr. Fix-It – or a surprise gift to her sisters or nieces, Tlusty always had a very willing audience at her

Coming from a family of creative individuals, Tlusty said she isn’t too surprised that a creative outlet is exactly what she needed to make it through 2020. With one sister into photography, another into music and a mother who used to paint murals, Tlusty said having a unique and artistic flair is just part of

As Tlusty and Tucker continued to experiment in the kitchen, Tlusty’s photographer sister asked if she would be willing to bake a “smash cake” for a 1-year-old photoshoot

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Tlusty

Continued on page 28

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What started as a way to spend time with her young son Tucker has evolved into Jenna Tlusty’s side business, Blonde Cakery. (Photos courtesy of Lauren Everhard Photography and Design, LLC)

and exciting things to do together. Being big into the outdoors, they recently purchased a camping set and have made reservations in a couple state parks to explore throughout the summer. Next, Tlusty said they have their eyes on a

two-person kayak.

“Just knowing that it’s something Tucker and I can do together is definitely my favorite part,” Tlusty said. “The giggles that come out of this kitchen are the best thing ever.”

Reach Associate Editor Annie Granlund at 507444-2378 or follow her on Twitter @AnnieGranlund. ©Copyright 2021 APG Media of Southern Minnesota.

Full-time nurse Jenna Tlusty has been moonlighting over the last year as a baker with her son Tucker. (Photo courtesy of Lauren Everhard Photography and Design, LLC).

Tlusty

Continued from page 27

she had booked. Happy to provide the family with something bright, cheerful and tasty, that one cake opened the door to what would become a lucrative hobby.

“After her clients had their session they took the leftover part of the smashed cake home,” Tlusty said. “The reached back out to my sister and asked who made the cake because they wanted to book the person for their child’s birthday party.”

Though more of an introvert at heart, Tlusty said she was a bit apprehensive about embarking on something that meant dealing with clients and customers. With her entire family rooting

her on, however, Tlusty felt empowered to take on the challenge. In September 2020, the Blonde Cakery was officially born.

At her shop – which is primarily run on Facebook – Tlusty offers cupcakes, jumbo cupcakes, cakes of various sizes, tiered cakes, and cheesecake.

Her cake and cupcake flavors include vanilla bean, chocolate fudge, peanut butter chocolate, marble, almond, strawberry, red velvet and more. Events she typically gets booked for include one-year cake smashes, birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, gender reveals, and most recently weddings.

said the best part of the cakery continues to be the time she can spend with Tucker. Though she said he isn’t great at being the designated egg smasher just yet – despite how much he loves to do it – the baking and decorating holds his attention quite well.

“When I do my fondant work he’s usually next to me and copying me with Play-Doh and when I’m frosting a cake I give him a cup upside down that he can frost and put his own creative twist on things,” Tlusty said, adding that he just loves to be next to mom. “And he is a very good taste tester.”

Money made through the baking business goes into a special Bonding time “play money” fund, Tlusty Though her confectionaries continue said, that the duo can use to find more fun to gain popularity, Tlusty

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Tess Brown www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | Page B29

believes it ‘only takes one person’ to make an impact

By TOM NELSON Guest writer

L

ike many young people, Tess Brown ventured away from home for a few years after high school graduation to experience college life.

A top notch business school and a Northwoods location close to her grandparents’ cabin was an attraction for Brown, who received her business administration degree with an emphasis in finance and marketing from Bemidji State University in 2018.

Brown was not one to stay away from her hometown too long, however, as this fourth generation resident soon returned to Owatonna after graduation from BSU. “I knew from the time I was a freshmen in college, I would be a lifer in Owatonna. I plan on being a lifer here and raising my kids here,” Brown said.

“The community is very special to me, mostly because of the small businesses and the people. It is becoming a bigger town with all of the economic development we have started in the past few years, but it still has that small town feel and that is something that appeals to me.”

Brown continued on about her attachment to Owatonna, “I had the opportunity to work at Owatonna Shoes growing up, and I had that chance to work in a small business. That is one thing I really value.

We have a lot of great restaurants and great boutiques in Owatonna and to shop ‘small’ is so real here and it is really easy to do.

“In addition, everyone is so dedicated to Owatonna. Everyone you meet from the farmers who are growing corn and beans outside of Owatonna, to the teachers, to the Federated employees and executives — everyone is so passionate about Owatonna and what it has to offer. It is the people first, and that is what keeps businesses here.”

Developing career

An up and coming professional in the area, Brown had an opportunity to do an internship at Amesbury Truth in Owatonna during the summer after her junior year in college. The internship grew into a newly created full-time position at Amesbury Truth as a digital marketing analyst after she completed she received her degree.

Brown stayed in that position until making the move to join the staff at Owatonna’s Federated Insurance as an advertising project analyst in June 2021.

“Tess is the perfect example of someone who went away to school and came back to Owatonna because she really wanted to be back in the community,” said Julie Rethemeier, director of public affairs and advertising at Federated. “She has the desire to stay in Owatonna and give back to the place that raised her. I would give credit to some good mentors in her lifetime that taught her that.”

Tess Brown also works a few shifts each week at Grace’s Tex-Mex restaurant in Owatonna. Despite already having a successful, full-time career at Federated, Brown says she believes she will always enjoying waitressing because of the people. (Photo courtesy of Tess Brown)

Truth and Federated are a perfect fit for Brown.

“I really like advertising and marketing,” Brown said. “It is definitely something where my sweet spot is — it is where my passion is and it is something that is really natural for me.

In addition, it is really easy to be involved with community relations and employee engagement, both here at Federated and during my time at Amesbury Truth.”

The work she has done in her professional Brown’s professional career at both Amesbury success at Federated

and Amesbury Truth is just part of her story as her boundless energy and a love of her community has resulted in a multitude of community connections for someone who is just 26 years old.

School, Brown joined Owatonna Fitness after graduation from college and eventually earned her spin class instructor certification, which has allowed her to lead those early morning sessions.

Along with her work at Federated, Brown also works as a spin class instructor at Owatonna Fitness and typically leads a class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 5:30 a.m.

In addition to the early wake-up call for her spin class duties, Brown caps her work week by working one or two shifts a week as a server at Grace’s Tex-Mex restaurant in Owatonna.

A three-sport athlete at Owatonna High

“I think waitressing is always something I

would like to do since I get to interact with all our locals, it is easy to work at a place with that good of food and the people are just so kind there,” Brown said.

“Everyone should try serving or working in retail because you just learn an appreciation for service.”

Giving spirit

On the topic of service,

Brown

Continued on page 30

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | PAGE B30

With an already busy schedule, Tess Brown (third from the left) starts two days a week bright and early teaching a spin class at Owatonna Fitness. Owatonna Fitness Instructors are (left to right) Kris Feichtinger, Taylor Granquist, Tess Brown volunteers as a Big to Madison as part of Big Brown, Jason Smith, Katie Randall, Tonya Anderson. (Photo courtesy of Tess Brown) Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota. In October 2022, Brown will have been working with this program for the past. volunteer activities, and hoc committees with shy — and she took me four years. (Photo courtesy of Tess Brown)

Brown

Continued from page 29

Brown is a firm believer in giving back to her hometown.

At present, she is serving on the United Way of Steele County Board

of Directors, has been a “Big” with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota program for the past four years, and is a member of the Junior Achievement (JA) Big Bowl Committee along with helping out as a JA classroom volunteer in

“I would say volunteering and community service it is part of my DNA,” Brown said. “Growing up, my mom was similar and got me involved in a lot of different things.

I volunteered at a lot of different events growing up, and then through sports you do a lot of

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I really enjoyed doing that. Basically, anytime I see a volunteering opportunity that works with my timing I typically like to be involved.”

An example of this involvement is her work with the United Way of Steele County, which began when the group “recruited” Brown to be a corporate campaign leader for Amesbury Truth during the United Way Campaign in 2020.

She was later voted in as a member of the United Way Board of Directors and carried that title over when she joined the team at Federated.

United Way and has assisted with the United Way of Steele County campaign at Federated.

“Pretty much anything we need, Tess is there to help,” said Annette Duncan, president of United Way of Steele County. “She has just jumped right in and has found her voice right away.”

At first, Brown was not sure if her relatively young age would hinder her from being considered for a spot on the Board of Directors, but Duncan reassured her that would not be a

up on that. Tess speaks out and stays attuned to what’s going on in the community. She brings that knowledge back to us and that helps us make the decisions we need to make at United Way. We love having Tess on our team.”

In her association with Junior Achievement, Brown has helped make the annual Big Bowl event a success in recent years and has worked in area classrooms as a volunteer. The recent COVID pandemic limited some of those experiences, but she is

“At her age and the amount of things that she is involved in, and with the boards she is on, Tess is already making a big impact with her leadership, volunteer commitment and her work ethic. I think she definitely is one to watch.”

— Julie Rethemeier, Federated Insurance

She currently serves on United Way’s strategic impact committee, which is responsible for identifying gaps in the community and helping create solutions for those gaps. Brown also serves on the marketing and fundraising committee, has served on other ad

concern.

“I just let her know that we want people from all different walks of life and all different demographics to be part of our community board,” Duncan said.

“I just encouraged her right off the bat to use her voice and not be

hoping to return to with those in-class sessions soon.

“I wanted to get involved in the community when I got back from college and Junior Achievement was one of them,” Brown said. “I am really passionate about career development and paths. I have been

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | Page B31

Tess Brown (second from left) joined the United Way of Steele County Board of Directors after working as a corporate campaign partner in 2020. Brown says she loves giving back through the various events and initiatives with the United Way, including the “Acts of Kindness” event, where volunteers brought snacks and beverages to local downtown businesses. Left to right are Grace McClintock, Brown, Ryan Gillespie, and Annette Duncan. (Photo courtesy of Tess Brown)

Tess Brown is passionate about many things: helping other, spreading cheering, and supporting her hometown of Owatonna. After venturing off to college, Brown immediately returned to Owatonna to both build her life and strengthen the community who made her who she is today. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

works to find a solution.

She doesn’t get knocked down easily and that is a huge key to her success,” Duncan said. “She is definitely a team player, she follows through and she is blatantly honest.

Tess won’t say something just because everyone else is saying it. She will speak her truth and she does it in a respectful way — and people respect her for that.”

Brown’s path has also been influenced by many mentors during her life, and she has high praise for both Rethemeier and Duncan as two individuals who have played a key role in Owatonna.

Because of her career switch from Amesbury Truth to Federated Insurance, Tess Brown (third from the right) has had the opportunity to work closely on two United Way of Steele County campaigns. A team at Federated hosted a “Pizza in the Park” event during their turn as a corporate campaign leader. In the photo (left to right) are Peng Olson, Bill “Julie is one of those women in Owatonna Theis, Jessica Schmitz, Brown, Annie Prokopec, and Tammi Ferch. (Photo courtesy of Tess Brown)

talking about that at the high school in the career development and career prep classes that they have. The Junior Achievement curriculum is a really amazing way to show how education is really important, but also to find out what you are passionate about and what you are good at.”

A lasting impact

In all of her community service endeavors, Brown’s work as a volunteer is driven by a strong desire to help people.

“Why I volunteer is that someone out there needs your help, and if you have the time it could change someone’s life. It only takes one person,” Brown said.

In particular, Brown believes in Owatonna and wants to help improve life in the community and help it prosper.

“I think she genuinely cares about her community,” Duncan said. “She wants this to be a place where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Tess has grown up here and has her ties here, but she is also able to look at it from other people’s perspectives. She is attune to all of that and just a forward thinker.”

Duncan continued, “In order to do the work that needs to be done in any community you need to have those drivers — individuals who are willing to do the

jobs that no one else wants to do sometimes and make those tough decisions. She is right there in the forefront in helping to forge our future and set that pace. If we don’t have individuals like that we kind of plateau and we are not able to achieve our optimum goals…but when you bring in new leaders like Tess, that really helps to open up the opportunities and possibilities that are out there.”

Unlimited potential

Brown’s secret to success has been her motivation, passion and energy that allows her to accomplish goals, give back to the community and set a strong course for her future.

“Tess has come in like gangbusters and has done a fabulous job for us,” Rethemeier said.

“She is eager to learn and super eager for feedback. At a young age like that, she is soaking everything up. She’s driven and has so much initiative.

Tess is fun, energetic, enthusiastic and she just brings everyone up who is around her.

To everyone in her department, she is just a bright light and brings a positive aspect to everything that she does.”

Duncan added her insight into the positive traits that Brown brings to the table.

“No matter what hurdles are thrown her way, she keeps it upbeat and she

who is very easy to look up to, not only with her philanthropic efforts, but also with her poise and polish in the workplace.

She is not only a great human being, but has also mentored me first since starting at Federated.”

Brown continued with her praise of Duncan, “She is someone I look up to — Annette is so hard working and I get to see all of her hard work and efforts change people’s lives through United Way. She is just an incredible person.”

Off the clock

On the personal side, Brown is married to Justin Brown, who works with the city of Owatonna and also serves as a paid oncall firefighter in the city. The couple has

two springer spaniels, Nellie and Nash, and Brown enjoys trying out different breweries and restaurants in southern Minnesota, cooking, reading and just staying busy.

“In my opinion, life is short and I like to do it all and say yes to everything,” Brown said.

Brown hopes to continue her career and personal growth path here in Owatonna in the future.

“I want to continue to grow at Federated, grow my career here and to be continuously involved in community organizations, gaining new experiences, and working with different groups of peoples,” Brown said. “I think the biggest reason I work with people in the community is just so I can continue learning and continue to help whoever I can with whatever I can do.”

Rethemeier added her summary regarding one of Owatonna’s young leaders.

“At her age and the amount of things that she is involved in, and with the boards she is on, Tess is already making a big impact with her leadership, volunteer commitment and her work ethic,” Rethemeier said. “I think she definitely is one to watch. She is an up-andcomer for Federated and our community — and she makes everyone smile, which is great.”

www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | PAGE B32

Landen, Logan, Braylon:

How three boys helped make the school a safer place

By ANNIE GRANLUND annie.granlund@apgsomn.com

F

or many people, middle school is a time of awkwardly figuring out your place among peers, having your first crush, developing a sense of style, and still holding on to the little bit of childhood innocence while simultaneously becoming more independent.

For three boys at the Owatonna Middle School, however, their last year has been spent taking back the halls of the school from others who were wreaking havoc, ensuring the school can remain a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

After two unusual years at OMS — first being forced into distance learning at the in March 2020 and then alternating with a hybrid model the following year, all due to the COVID-19 pandemic — three eighth grade students were ready to start fresh in the fall, hoping to get in at least one “normal” year at the middle school. Unfortunately, a

weird trend circulating on social media was making it difficult for Landen Sturges, Braylon Robbins and Logan Piotrowski to just enjoy time in the school.

“At the beginning of the school year, kids were doing the ‘devious lick’ from TikTok, where they go destroy stuff in the bathrooms at school,” Robbins said, referencing a viral trend from fall 2021. According to PBS, the trend encouraged students to record a video of themselves stealing or vandalizing school property — everything from bathroom soap dispensers and exit signs to fire extinguishers — and then posting the video on TikTok. While the three boys acknowledge the trend made its way to OMS at the beginning of the school year, they are unsure of how much permanent damage had taken place.

“There were definitely some kids causing trouble,” said Robbins.

“Some of the bathrooms

With an obnoxious social media trend seeping into the halls of Owatonna Middle School, eighth grade students Landen Sturges, Logan Piotrowski and Braylon Robbins help keep problems to a minimum through their Hallway App, currently up and running at the school. The three students created the app using the computers in Shaun Robbins’ App Creator class during the first half of the school year. (Annie Granlund/southernminn.com)

ended up being shut down.”

Sturges and Piotrowski agreed it was likely just a small group of kids causing problems during their bathroom breaks,

but all three found it frustrating that it limited the trust the faculty had with the entire student body, ultimately resulting in restricted freedoms.

Opportunity to help

By chance, the three students were in a position to help. Having all signed up the previous school year to

take the App Creator class taught by industrial tech teacher Shaun Robbins — who happens to be Braylon Robbins’ father — the young men stumbled upon the opportunity to help.

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Braylon Robbins shows how the Hallway App appears if a student is checked out of a classroom for too long. After a student returns to the classroom and checks back in with the app, the information is “dumped” into a report sheet that administration at Owatonna Middle School can access. (Annie Granlund/southernminn.com)

While the class starts off with a basic app for a smartphone, allowing students to tweak little things here and there, the final project is building an empty app from a blank slate. The trio, however, had been approached about taking on a bigger challenge — finding a way to limit the destruction happening

during bathroom breaks. They were up for the challenge, which allowed them to skip the final assignment and focus on the bigger picture.

“They basically told us they had a challenge for us, and if we’d like to do it to go ahead,” Piotrowski said. “They gave us the basic base

idea for the app, but none of us has any idea how to do it.”

“There was a lot of looking things up on Google and watching YouTube videos to learn,” laughed Sturges.

Boys

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Logan Piotrowski demonstrates how a student can check out of a classroom for a variety of reasons, including using the restroom or visiting the school nurse. If the student is out of the classroom for too long, the app will turn red. (Annie Granlund/ southernminn.com)

Landen Sturges still provides technical assistance for the teachers when they come into troubles with the Hallway App. He said sometimes it is as simple as forgetting to open the app on the tablets stationed in each classroom, but there are always little bugs, fixes and updates to enhance the overall program. (Annie Granlund/southernminn. com)

Boys

the classroom tablet and select where they are going. They then have the green light — or green screen — to go about their business.

Continued from page 33

Though they weren’t entirely sure how they were going to do it, they had the basic idea of how they wanted the app to function: allow the school a way to track when kids aren’t where they’re supposed to be, without having to put more staff in the

few versions, the boys installed the app on one of the school tablets.

The idea was a student could type in their name and press where they were going, whether it be their locker, the bathroom, or to see the school nurse. One of the buttons wasn’t working, however, so Robbins and Sturges took advantage of a teacher work day to overhaul the issue.

probably redownloaded everything four or five times just to try to fix all the bugs.”

In the backend of the app, Piotrowski said faculty can print off user reports to potentially After that day in the see if there is any school, however, the “The app has it set so concerning behaviors.

Hallway App was you should only be gone The information is officially up and collected after the operational as of Jan. 24. for so long, like if you’re student returns to the going to the bathroom classroom and click you should only be gone Hallway App the return button on the about five or 10 minutes,” The basic functioning Struges said. “If students tablet. of the Hallway App is have been gone for to help staff keep track Of course, there can awhile, or longer than of where students are be user error, which the three creators said is just a part of reality and it will be up to school administration to use good judgement when looking at the report sheets. Robbins gave an example of a teacher who turned — OMS Principal Julie Sullivan a tablet off during the school day, which they should be, the ended up reporting a going and how long student for being out of screen will turn red they are gone. When a the classroom for 350 student asks to leave the and then the teachers minutes. may want to address classroom for whatever that — especially if it’s reason, they are to put something that they “Sometimes people are their lunch number into

“The app these students created is already making a difference in our school. It helps us monitor the amount of time students are out of class and have conversations when there is a concern.”

“We pulled every single hallways for supervision tablet, installed it, did a or locking certain restrooms in the building. quick run through and then would have to redownload it again,” After maneuvering Robbins said. “We their way through a

Stay Happy.

realize happens a lot.”

going to forget about it and forget to press that they’ve returned,” Piotrowski said. “It happened a lot during the first week or two, but it’s probably not going to be that big of a deal or some glaring issue.”

Building trust

The other downfall, according to the three students, is current reception from some of their peers. Sturges said some of the other kids find the app to be “pointless” or that it’s extra steps are too much, but he insists in the long run it’s not that big of a deal.

“They think that’s putting some sort of restriction on them, but it’s not a big deal unless you’re doing something wrong,” Sturges said.“If you’re not causing any problems or doing anything bad or inappropriate, then you’re fine.”

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www.SouthernMinn.com | Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | Page B35 He continued, “But if there is a problem, let’s say a bathroom gets destroyed during the day, the principals can look up who all was out of their classrooms at that time and then look at the cameras.”

couldn’t be happier — or more impressed — with what the three young men have been able to pull off.

“The app these students created is already making a difference in our school. It helps us In the end, the boys monitor the amount agree that the app of time students are will help curb ongoing out of class and have and potential future conversations when issues with misbehavior there is a concern,” and vandalism in the Sullivan said. “It is such school. Piotrowski said an easy-to-use and he believes the infamous practical tool. We look TikTok trend had the forward to putting it in potential to get “really place in all classrooms bad” at OMS, and for next year.”

Sturges said it could have easily gotten to Future endeavors the point where only two With a successful app bathrooms in the school already under their would be open during belts, the three boys all the day — and that they expressed further interest would have to constantly in exploring coding and be monitored. other tech-related fields as they prepare to move into the high school this fall. Piotrowski said he’s looking forward to exploring graphics classes, as well as other programming and technology courses the high school provides.

Sturges said he will As far as how continue with computer administration feels, OMS science classes, but Principal Julie Sullivan is also interested in “This is helping the staff and the students,” Sturges said, adding it will hopefully help strengthen the trust between the adults and kids inside the middle school.

learning about finance and accounting.

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“I’ve been trying to do financing and computer science classes,” Robbins said.

“I also keep looking at the Hallway App and seeing how we can make it more advanced by using something like Java or Python.”

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Hassan receives 16 years prison for 2020 murder at Dartts Park

By ANNIE GRANLUND

annie.granlund@apgsomn.com

music together with their respective instruments of choice. All four boys took an interest in music, and while Blankers took piano lessons as a child, he didn’t continue on with lessons past the fifth grade.

“I kept playing even after I stopped taking lessons,” Blankers said. “By that time I knew how to read music, so I didn’t think I needed the lessons anymore, and any other skill I learned I taught myself.”

Following an emotional victim impact statement read by the brother of Mohamed Aweis Mohamed, Judge Joseph Bueltel sentenced an Owatonna man to more than 16 years in state prison for a 2020 murder in Dartts Park.

Hassan Nur Hassan, 30, was sentenced Friday in Steele County District Court to a total of 201 months in pr is on for t he murder of 32-yearold Mohamed, also of Owatonna, on July Hassan 12, 2020. Of that sentencing, 15 years was for second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony. The remaining 21 months was for second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, also a felony, where Hassan had chased a separate victim with a weapon through Dartts Park just moments prior to fatally stabbing Mohamed.

Hassan pleaded guilty Jan. 13 to both charges, dismissing another count of second-degree murder and one count of theft of a motor vehicle.

Steele County Attorney Dan McIntosh and Assistant County Attorney Christy Hormann prosecuted the case. Frederick Goetz, of Goetz and Eckland P.A. out of Minneapolis, served as Hassan’s defense attorney.

See MUSIC on A3

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Robert Blankers plays the organ nearly every Sunday at Christ Community Covenant Church in Owatonna and substitutes in other local churches when they need him. He has been playing the organ and piano for 75 years, despite no longer taking lessons after the fifth grade.

(Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)

A LIFE OF MUSIC Local organist still playing after 75 years

By EMILY KAHNKE

emily.kahnke@apgsomn.com

Sturges said it would be exciting to see the Hallway App used in other areas of the district, perhaps even coming with them into the high school next year.

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PAGE A32

On a cool Sunday in April 1947, the organist at a small church in Iowa was unable to make it to service. Eleven-year-old Robert Blankers tugged on his father’s sleeve and asked if he could play the organ so the congregation could still have accompaniment to their hymns for the second service that Sunday. The church obliged, and Blankers has been

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playing the organ and piano at Sunday services for various churches ever since.

Blankers is the second of four boys and grew up on a farm tending to crops and assisting his father with milking cows and dabbling in carpentry. Blankers’ father was into music as well and played the cornet — a brass instrument similar to the trumpet, but distinguished from it by its conical bore, more compact shape and mellower tone quality. As a family, they would often play

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“We may be the creators, but the school owns it,” Sturges said. “We’re happy to help and keep helping, and it would be cool to see if they could rent it out to other schools like Faribault or Northfield and let them try to use it.”

Staying informed about local news is more important than ever. That’s why we deliver the Owatonna People’s Press to meet your schedule.

Reach Associate Editor Annie Granlund at 507444-2378 or follow her on Twitter @AnnieGranlund. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota.

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