Discover blooming prairie 2014

Blooming Prairie Ellendale • Hope • Geneva

Your Guide To Blooming Prairie & The Surrounding Communities

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MINER'S OUTDOOR & REC 507-583-2712 Hwy 218 Blooming Prairie, MN www.minersoutdoor.com

507-583-2712 Hwy 218 | Blooming Prairie, MN www.minersoutdoor.com

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Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00am-5:30pm Saturday: 8:00am-Noon

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Blooming Prairie

Discover Blooming Prairie Advertisers Index A.J. Lysne Contracting Corporation ................31 A Touch of Charm ...........................................27 Ag Power .........................................................33 B to Z Hardware...............................................13 Blooming Prairie Chamber of Commerce .......8 Blooming Prairie Country Club .......................12 Blooming Prairie Servicemens Club ................13 Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie .............19 Cash Wise Foods ..............................................41 Central Valley Cooperative ..............................12 Dairy Queen - Blooming Prairie ......................16 Darrick’s Preferred Auto .................................15 Deml Heating & Air Conditioning ..................44 Ellendale Muni ................................................21 Farmers & Merchants State Bank ....................4 First National Bank .........................................27 Floor Tech, Inc .................................................9 Geneva Bar & Grill ...........................................38 Geneva Lumber ...............................................40 Geneva Meats / Dean’s Smoke Shack ..............39 George’s of Geneva ..........................................32 Holiday Inn & Suites ........................................36 Holman Agency, Inc ........................................5 Home Sellers of Minnesota..............................5 Hy-Vee, Owatonna ..........................................34 J&H Liquors .....................................................14 Jensen Heating, A/C, & Plumbing ...................40 Jesse’s Boot Repair .......................................... 10 Johnson and Doerhoefer P.A. ......................... 11 JR’s Construction ..............................................6

Ellendale Days

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Blooming Prairie

Ellendale•Hope•Geneva

Krejci Ford, Inc ..................................................7 Lerberg’s Foods ............................................... 21 Looks Unlimited.............................................. 22 MJ Hydrostatics .............................................. 43 Main Street Dental ............................................9 Mark’s Repair ................................................. 35 Mayo Clinic Health System............................. 18 Metal Services ................................................ 48 Mike’s Repair .................................................. 29 Miner’s Outdoor & Rec ......................................2 Minimizer ..................................................24-25 Misgen Auto Parts .......................................... 22 New York Life Insurance ................................ 15 Oak View Nursery .......................................... 17 Prairie Plumbing & Heating Inc. .................... 10 R&R Insurance ............................................... 14 Realife Cooperative ......................................... 29 Reese Brothers Repair..................................... 38 RWP Design & Build ....................................... 39 Salinas Auto Repair ...........................................6 Sportstitch .........................................................7 St. Clair’s for Men ........................................... 37 Steele County Landfill..................................... 37 Steve’s Meat Market ....................................... 20 Sunopta Grains and Foods, Inc ...................... 47 The Bakery ........................................................8 The Leader ...................................................... 45 TT Motorcycles ............................................... 16 Whispering Oak.............................................. 30 Worlein Funeral Homes ........................... 17, 35

Hope Creamery

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TABLE OF CONTENTS BLOOMING PRAIRIE AT A GLANCE .................. 6 A LOOK BACK .........................................................10 INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE..............................12 AWESOME BLOSSOMS........................................14 BLOOMING PRAIRIE PUBLIC LIBRARY ..........15 GREEN SPACES .......................................................16 ELLENDALE .............................................................19 CITY MAP .................................................................23 OLD-FASHIONED 4TH OF JULY .......................26 WHERE WE PLAY....................................................27 BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB.......................................34 GENEVA ....................................................................38 GETTING TOGETHER............................................40 PLACES OF WORSHIP ..........................................45 HOPE ..........................................................................46

Discover Blooming Prairie A special project of The Leader 135 W. Pearl St., Owatonna, MN 55060 Publisher Ron Ensley Advertising Director Debbie Ensley Managing Editor Jeffrey Jackson Media Consultants Betty Frost, Shawnea Hull, Steve Arnold, David Weeks Advertising Design Keeley Krebsbach, Nikkie Gilmore, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista, Naomi Kissling, Matt Roosmalen Cover Design Keeley Krebsbach Page Design Tony Borreson Discover Blooming Prairie is distributed to readers of The Leader, and is available at local businesses and the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce.

All rights reserved ©2014

Farmers & Merchants State Bank Est. 1904 The Farmers and Merchants State Bank is a family owned, independent bank. We are very proud of our 100 years of service to the community. In our institution, our customers know us and we know them, most on a first name basis and that is the way we like it! We pride ourselves on fast, friendly, superior customer service.

Online Banking • Many Accounts to Choose From • Club Discounts • Loans

507-583-6688 245 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie, MN www.fmbankmn.com Page 4

Fax: 507-583-7214 Email: fmbank@citlink.net Discover

Blooming Prairie

Welcome to Blooming Prairie Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, opens its doors and invites you to experience visiting, working, going to school and living where integrity and quality are present and a part of our normal life.

I am honored as the president of the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce to encourage you to come, walk a bit, talk a bit and experience the home of the legendary Awesome Blossoms.

The greatest assets in Blooming Prairie are its residents — people of all shape, color, ethnic background and description who continually and willingly put aside personal agendas and ideologies for a common greater good.

These folks have a strong work ethic, are faith-based, value a high quality of family life, and recognize the importance of education.

The result of this strong foundation is a community that invests in each

other, is willing to learn new things and embrace change while standing firmly on who we are — a quiet and trusting community ideally located at the apex of four counties with quick access to Interstate 35 and 90. We are surrounded by a strong agricultural base and are very thankful to our families that farm.

Blooming Prairie has created a climate where business can succeed, attested by our cluster of area manufacturers and active business community. Leadership and sacrifice in our school system has created an environment that focuses on a wellrounded and fully equipped student.

Our city itself has progressive and innovative thinkers who have positioned our little city with infrastructure for growth. Our citizens feel safe because of our police force and our volunteer ambulance and fire depart-

ments. Our military veterans provide activities and education to the entire community, and residents of all ages feel supported, valued and needed.

I graciously invite you all to come and enjoy our community whether it is to join us for our famous OldFashioned 4th of July, our numerous charitable events or Chamber of Commerce social activities. Blooming Prairie is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. I am very proud to show it off.

Johnson

Tamzen R. Johnson is the president of the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce.

Tamzen owns Johnson & Doerhoefer PA and is active in many community organizations.

STEVE & LISA VAITH, REALTORS® Brokers/Owners, GRI, e-PRO

HOLMAN AGENCY INC. 423 E. Main St. • BlooMing PrairiE

We work with ALL realtors & can show ALL listed properties Office: (507) 583-7233 Lisa’s Cell: (507) 456-3741 Steve’s Cell: (507) 456-1545

www.HomeSellersMN.com Discover

Blooming Prairie

Bringing all lines of Insurance to the Blooming Prairie & Surrounding Areas since 1985

Home • Auto • Farm

Life • Long-term Care • Medicare Supplements

Call 507•583•7294 For a Free Quote!

P.O. Box 248 Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Keith Holman | Carol Holman Page 5

Blooming Prairie at a glance THE BASICS

Location: 1.41 square miles in southeast Steele County County: Steele, Dodge Distance from the Twin Cities: Blooming Prairie is south of the Twin Cities From Minneapolis About 78 miles (85 miles by car) or 1 hour and 24 minutes by car From St. Paul About 75 miles (89 miles by car) or 1 hour and 25 minutes by car Elevation 1,293 feet

We Do it All! Brakes • Oil Changes• Cosmetic Repair Tire Repair • Batteries • Electrical Air Conditioning/Heating Jesus Rodriguez • Jose Rodriguez Cell: 507-219-0798 • 53866-269th St. Lansing, MN Page 6

(507) 583-6620 656 3rd St NE, Blooming Prairie Discover

Blooming Prairie

Area code 507 Zip code 55917 Population 1,996 (according to the 2010 census) 1,970 (2012 Census Bureau estimate) Median age 40.5 Median family income (2011) $41,338 Housing (2011) Estimated median house value $107,968

GOVERNMENT

Mayor Harold Peterson City Council Brad Clark Tara Gimbel Mary Kittleson

Bill Newman The city council meets at 7 p.m. every second Monday of the month.

City Administrator Michael Jones Deputy City Clerk Terri Zwiener Administrative Assistant Laura Larson

KREJCI FORD INC Your Service Minded Dealer

341 East Main Street Blooming Prairie, 55917 341 East Main MN Street Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

“Yourone one stop stop logo “Your logoshop” shop” “Your one stop screen logo shop” Custom Embroidery | Screen Printing custom embroidery printing Promotional Products |screen Tuxedo Rentals custom embroidery printing promotional products tuxedo rentals Awesome Blossom Merchandise promotional products tuxedo rentals

507-583-7001 507-583-7001 -5 583-7 7 001 “No Order is too Big or too Small” as our versatile equipment can handle any size order. Whether you are a business, school, non-profit organization, sports team, or a budding entrepreneur the need to communicate your brand is critical to your success.

www.sportstitch.net Discover

Blooming Prairie

14 Time President’s Award Winner

218 Hwy N, Blooming Prairie 507-583-2046 | www.krejciford.com Page 7

Blooming Prairie City Hall 138 Highway Avenue S. P.O. Box 68 Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 (507) 583-7573 The city hall is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Blooming Prairie Police Department Chief Paul Wayne 138 Highway Avenue S. Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Non-Emergency (507) 583-7885 Emergency 911 Blooming Prairie Fire Department Chief Dean Naatz 138 Highway Avenue S.

Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Non-Emergency (507) 583-2088 Emergency 911 Blooming Prairie Ambulance Service Director Jeremy Halverson 333 2nd Ave. N.E. P.O. Box 363 Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Non-Emergency (507) 583-7573 Emergency 911 E-mail: bloomingprairieambser@frontiernet. net Blooming Prairie Emergency Management Coordinator Jacob Peterson 138 Highway Avenue S. Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Phone: (507) 583-7573

Blooming Prairie Area

Chamber of Commerce

MISSION STATEMENT To provide a framework for community growth and development by encouraging financial investment, coordinating business activities, promoting commerce and fostering a sense of community pride.

P.O. Box 805 138 Highway Ave. South, Blooming Prairie

(507) 583-4472

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The

BAKERY In Blooming Prairie

More than just bread.

Cakes, Pastries, Pies, Breads & Deli Items 507-583-4433

345 E Main St, Blooming Prairie Tuesday thru Friday: 6 AM-5 PM • Sat: 6 AM-2 PM

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Blooming Prairie

MUNICIPAL SERVICES

Blooming Prairie Wastewater Treatment Plant Public Works Director Keith Doerhoefer Plant Operator Sue Penkava Assistant Plant Operator Pat Wehner After Hours Emergencies call: (507) 475-0996 Blooming Prairie Street Department Public Works Director Keith Doerhoefer Head of Maintenance David Johnson After Hours Emergencies call: (507) 475-0996 Blooming Prairie Public Utilities Utilities Manager Rick Kittelson P.O. Box 55 146 3rd Ave. S.E.

Less Than Excited About A Trip To The Dentist?

Relax. It’s Main Street Dental.

Our “Gentle-Care” Dentistry makes going to the dentist a pleasure. Well, sort of.

But we will do whatever we can to make you comfortable. That’s a promise.

BLOOMING PRAIRIE • (507) 583-2141 405 East Main Street, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

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Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 (507) 583-6683 After Hours Emergencies: (507) 475-2819 E-mail: rdkbppu@frontiernet.net Website: SMMPA

SCHOOLS

Blooming Prairie Elementary School Principal Chris Staloch 123 2nd St. N.W. Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Phone: (507) 583-6615 Fax: (507) 583-4415 Blooming Prairie High School Superintendent-Principal Barry Olson 202 4th Ave. N.W. Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Phone: (507) 583-4426 Fax: (507) 583-7952

Floor Tech Your source for all your flooring needs Laminate and hardwood flooring • Cork flooring Flooring installation • Carpet and tile flooring Stain resistant carpet • Commercial carpet Granite tiling • Porcelain • Vinyl • Ceramic Environmentally Responsible Flooring

OWATONNA • (507) 455-1000 1170 E. Frontage Road, Owatonna, MN 55060

Call us now for a consultation!

ROCHESTER • (507) 536-7700 3110 Wellner Drive NE Rochester, MN 55906 NEW RICHLAND • (507) 463-0502 132 North Broadway, New Richland, MN 56072 www.mainstreetdentalclinics.com

507-583-2276 322 E. Main Street Blooming Prairie

Blooming Prairie

507-552-1637 2201 E. Main Street Albert Lea Page 9

A look back Blooming Prairie can thank the railroad for its name and for its existence.

But it didn’t start with the railroad, not completely at least.

Back in 1856, John Blythe built a log cabin on 160 acres of government land, then known as the Oak Glen Township, which was at the time part of Dodge County. That same year, the township was annexed by Steele County.

Settlers — many of them men working on the railroad for the Minnesota Central RailMain Street road — continued to

PRAIRIE

PLUMBING & HEATING INC.

arrive in 1856 and 1857. What they found was a vast prairie covered with tall grass and, of course, flowers.

Work hard,

Larry Christianson, Owner

- Covering a 45 mile radius of Blooming Prairie • Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Furnaces Fixtures • Boilers & Supplies An Independent

dealer

438 Highway Ave. South 507.583.7266 Blooming Prairie, MN License PM061705 Page 10

Play Harder.

JESSE'S BOOT Store

112 Hwy 218 S, Blooming Prairie • 507-583-9900

Hours: Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM • Sat. 9:30 AM - Noon

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Blooming Prairie

The sight was enough that the wife of one railroad official called the place “Blooming Prairie.” And the new name stuck not only for the settlement of wooden shacks, but for the entire township.

The land was also perfect for the farmers who settled in the area to grow wheat. And with wheat being the big crop for the area for decades, a flour mill was soon built.

It wasn’t the only building erected or business begun in that era. Indeed, after the first rail station was completed in the 1860s, others — those not connected with the railroad — came to town, including merchants who came to the village to set up shop. The business provided all kinds of goods and service. There was

a blacksmith and a general store that stocked food products. The village had a hotel and even a post office.

By 1867, Blooming Prairie had established itself as a city. But it wasn’t until 1873-1874 that the Minnesota State Legislature passed the act that officially incorporated Blooming Prairie as an individual village and the first city council was elected.

The incorporation brought a flurry of improvements to the village. Streets were graded. Hitching posts for horses were built along Main Street.

Sidewalks were leveled. Trees were planted in vacant lots.

And the city built its first city hall, complete with city council chambers, a jail and a fire station.

Johnson & Doerhoefer P.A. “ Committed to our clients, providing consistent, efficient, and prompt service.”

Individual and Corporate Income Tax Preparation | Nonprofit Accounting and Tax Preparation Partnership Tax Preparation | Bookkeeping | Estate and Tax Planning | Payroll Services Federal and State Reporting Forms | FAFSA Reports | New Business Entity Choice and Set-Up

HOURS OF OPERATION January-April: M-F, 9-5, April 16-December: M-F, 9-3 Evening and Saturday appointments available

507-583-7528 314 East Main Street Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Discover

Blooming Prairie

www.johndoercpa.com Page 11

Investing in our future From its earliest days, even years before it was officially incorporated as a village, the Blooming Prairie community has had a school.

In the early years — 1868 — the school, like the community itself, was small. Built at a cost of $700, the school house was a one-story building with just one teacher, J.K. Bucklin.

As the community grew, so did the need for a larger building to educate the children who live in and around the village. So in 1873, a mere five years after that first school building was built, it was sold and the building converted into a meat market.

In its place, a new two-story school house was built, carrying a price tag of $3,000.

The 9 hole "Blooming Prairie" course at the Blooming Prairie Country Club facility features 3,026 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. The course rating is 34.8 and it has a slope rating of 12.

Blooming Prairie golf course opened in 1936.

• Clubhouse Appetizers and Entreès • Banquets and Receptions • Ladies League • Men’s League FALL 2014 MEGA GOLF Golf all day Tuesday and Wednesday with a cart for $28.00! Deal also includes a free burger basket!

(507) 583-2887 PO Box 788 Blooming Prairie www.bpcountryclub.com

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Serving Southern Minnesota with Agronomy, Precision Agriculture, Fuel, Propane, Heating and Cooling sales and service.

Give

us a call at:

800-270-2339 or 507-583-6661

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Blooming Prairie

That second school house would be used for more than 25 years until the growing population demanded yet a larger facility. An eight-room brick building was erected in 1899 — a building that served the community for many years before being demolished.

Today, Independent School District 756 has two school buildings — the elementary school, which serves grades kindergarten through sixth, and the Blooming Prairie High School, which serves seventh through 12th grades.

The high school is renown for the strong athletic teams it fields, including the 2013 state champion girls softball team. But the school is also recognized for its strong programs in the arts, as well as excellent academics.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Blooming Prairie Schools is to provide challenging opportunities for lifelong learning in a safe and caring environment.

Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club

1. The school will provide opportunities for all to increase achievement.

2. The school will provide an atmosphere conducive to learning.

3. The school will provide quality facilities.

4. The school will operate effectively and efficiently.

BLOOMING PRAIRIE SCHOOLS

Blooming Prairie Elementary School Principal Chris Staloch 123 2nd St. N.W. Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Phone: 507-583-6615 Fax: 507-583-4415 Blooming Prairie High School Superintendent-Principal Barry Olson 202 4th Ave. N.W. Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Phone: 507-583-4426 Fax: 507-583-7952

Get the job done right.

Make Reservations for Your: Wedding Reception | Business Meeting Organization Meeting | Graduation Party Family Reuinion | Bridal or Baby Shower Tea or Birthday Party | Anniversary Celebration For Current Schedule of Activities, See Channel 12

The Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club is an excellent facility for seating up to 350 people, with ample parking available. There is a stage with wing entrance doors, a dance floor, and very good lighting and acoustics. The Servicemen’s Club also has excellent food service, and an alcohol and non-alcohol beverage service available.

507-583-7884

210 4th Street, NE • P.O. Box 2011 Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Discover

Blooming Prairie

B to Z Hardware carries a complete line of paints and sundries; and we'll mix colors to match your painting projects.

• Electrical and Plumbing supplies for maintenance and repairs • A full line of Lawn and garden tools, fertilizers and seeds • Automotive and Tool Sections

We also rent equipment for all types of projects!

Contractor • Homeowner • Industrial • Party

Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 8:00am - 4:00pm

BZ to

323 East Main St. Blooming Prairie, MN

HARDWARE

(507) 583-4469 Page 13

Awesome Blossoms What’s in a name? To paraphrase Shakespeare, a Blossom by any other name would be just as Awesome.

But the Blooming Prairie’s Awesome Blossoms — the nickname for the high school teams — are not about to change that name. And there have been attempts to change it in the past.

Back in the 1950s and ’60s, there were votes taken to replace “Blossoms,” as they were then called, with a more “ferocious” nickname. When the Blooming Prairie boys basketball team qualified for the state tournament, a campaign began to change the name to a tougher sounding moniker. But, just like all the votes that proceeded it, the update was voted down.

And how exactly did that name come about?

Blooming Prairie historians say that the nickname was first used by a newspaper in Austin more than 100 years ago. When Austin sports teams played

R&R

Insurance Agency

students from Blooming Prairie, the paper wrote that Austin played the “Blossoms” team. Eventually the name stuck.

And when did those Blossoms become Awesome?

The current mascot was created by Tom Ressler in 1979. The “fighting flower” was supposed to look more ferocious than the previous one, but when people saw it, they instead said it looked “Awesome.” The Blooming Prairie Blossoms became the Awesome Blossoms.

The nickname has also won the school and the community national recognition, and routinely the “Awesome Blossom” nickname lands Blooming Prairie on a list of most unusual names, including those of USA Today, Sports Illustrated and TotalProSports.com. And the name is not only unusual, it’s unique. According to one study, Blooming Prairie High School is one of just 80 schools in the United States with a one-of-a-kind nickname. That really is Awesome.

J & H Liquors

Mark your Calendar!

-Health -Home -Auto -Crop Carl R. Peterson, CIC Certified Insurance Counselor (507) 583-7971 236 Main St E, Blooming Prairie

Bar Bingo: Mondays @ 6:30 PM Wine & Women Wednesday: 6-10 PM Bloomin’ Grapevine Wine Club: Sept. - May Holiday Dazzle Wine & Beer Tasting: Nov. 6 Holiday Dazzle Downtown Festivities: Dec. 5 Harvey’s Holiday Cheer: Dec. 13 New Year’s Eve Munchies & Champagne

2015 Events:

Customer Appreciation Day: April 4 (29 Years of Business) Bean Bag League: May.-Aug. Cruise for Cancer Ride: June 27 Street Dance: July 3 B.O.B Ride: “Toys For Tots“: July 25

All event details are available at J & H Harvey & Nancy Farr, Owners

340 E Main Street • Blooming Prairie • 507-583-7557 Page 14

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Blooming Prairie

Blooming Prairie Public Library The Blooming Prairie Public Library is a branch of the Owatonna Public and a member of the SELCO (Southeast Libraries Cooperating) Regional Library system.

As a branch of the Owatonna Public Library, the Blooming Prairie Public Library shares the same mission — “to provide for the informational, recreational, educational and cultural needs of the residents of Owatonna, Blooming Prairie and rural Steele County through organized collections of various media and access through technology to other resources” — and — “to provide better library service for everyone.”

Located in the City Center building at 138 Highway Avenue South in downtown Blooming Prairie, the library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Wednesday; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday.

Preschool storytime is held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and features reading, rhymes and songs for all preschoolers and their families.

For more information, call the Blooming Prairie Public Library at 507-583-7750.

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308 E Main St, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

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• Loaner Cars LOANER CAR • Nitrogen with Tires With Service • Alignment Checks Work!

• Tire Rotation • Battery Charging & Checks • Pickup & Delivery within 15 miles • Service Light Code Checks • Free Towing for the Year

(507) 583-2200 * Registered Representative with NY LIFE Securities, LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency

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Blooming Prairie

Page 15

Green Spaces CENTRAL PARK Located at the heart of Blooming Prairie, at the corner of Main Street and Center Avenue, Central Park boasts both a pavilion and a gazebo, both of

which can be reserved by calling city hall.

The park is also the location for most of the Fourth of July celebration’s activities.

Central Park

NOW BLENDING DOMINATOR 800

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317 HWY Ave S Blooming Prairie

507-583-2296

800cc V-Twin Motor 60 Horsepower Fully Automatic 12” Aluminum Wheels 6 Gallon Tank

Southern Minnesota’s Leading Aftermarket Harley-Davidson®Parts, Sales & Service Dealer • All Service Repairs • Tires • Oil Changes • Accessory Installation

• Genuine Original Replacement Parts • Insurance Repairs • Custom Building & Fabrication • High Performance Motor Building

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East Side Park

Fire Department Park

EAST SIDE PARK

FIRE DEPARTMENT PARK

Located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 2nd Street NE — in the middle of a residential area, thus giving easy access for children — East Side Park has both a basketball court and playground equipment.

PREPLANNING PLAN TODAY - FEEL GOOD ABOUT TOMORROW.

Just off U.S. Highway 218, next to the Servicemen’s Club, is Fire Department Park, which plays host to annual corn and brat feed of the Blooming Prairie Fire Department. The park’s pavilion may be reserved by calling city hall.

Pumpkin Patch

• Specializing in personalized prearrangement & prefunding plans

Corn maze, Haunted House & Hayride

PLANS

Call Mary Kittelson Today!

• NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultant

507-583-7561

Giant Slide • Wagon Rides • Corn Maze • Mini Golf Spooky Shack • Bounce House • Tug of War Paintball Target Range for Kids • Petting Zoo • And More!

NEW

BLOOMING PRAIRIE FUNERAL HOME

507-583-7561

418 Highway Ave. S Blooming Prairie, MN www.worlein.com

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Blooming Prairie

e Ride Th ss! xpre E w ie v Oak

Open Weekends Sept. 20-End of October | Sat. 10:00am-6:00pm • Sun. Noon-6:00pm

7921 County Rd 45 S., Owatonna 507-451-0454 • www.oakviewnursery.net Page 17

GREEN GARDENS PARK

VICTORY FIELD PARK

A “small but relaxing park that is hard to miss.”

That’s how the city describes Green Gardens Park, which is located on a lot downtown where a building used to sit, just off U.S. Highway 218 and Main Street E. The buildings that surround it have been painted to help the park, the city’s smallest, blend into the buildings.

Across from Blooming Prairie High School, off Main Street W is Victory Field Park — a park that not only has a pavilion and playground equipment, but also, for the sports-minded, has two softball fields, a tennis court and an ice rink. The park is also used Fourth of July activities, including the fireworks.

Green Gardens Park

Victory Field Park

Appointments now available in Blooming Prairie. yourare family are important to us. Whether sick, need routine or it’s for You andYou yourand family important to us. Whether you are you sick,are need routine care or care it’s time fortime a well-child visit, a well-child visit, Dawn Ritter, certified nurse practitioner can meet yourbeen needs locally. hasHealth Dawn Ritter, certified nurse practitioner can meet your needs locally.

She has with MayoShe Clinic Mayo Health System for 15inyears and isPrairie now seeing patients in Blooming Prairie.

Systembeen for 15with years andClinic will begin seeing patients Blooming on Tuesday, Sept.

16.

Clinic Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Mayo Clinic Health System

•

405 E. Main, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

mayoclinichealthsystem.org

To schedule an appointment, call 507-583-7225.

Page 18

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Blooming Prairie

Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie is a place for all kids ages six to 18. Join us for fun and friendship weekdays after school and during the summer!

Healthy meals are served in our newly renovated, commercial-quality kitchen! Thank you to the Blooming Prairie community and the congregation of First Lutheran Church of Blooming Prairie for your generous support of our kitchen renovation!

CALL US AT 507-583-6699 TO JOIN!

Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie Open School Year: Monday - Friday 3pm to 6pm, open Summer: Monday - Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm

Our mission is to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring community members.

Volunteers are always welcome, from helping at events to supporting kids with homework or games! If you’d like to learn more about volunteer opportunities at our Blooming Prairie Club, please contact us at 507-583-6699.

Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie | 401 SE 4th Street | Blooming Prairie MN 55917 | 507-583-6699 | www.bgclubroch.org

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Blooming Prairie

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Ellendale The youngest of all incorporated cities in Steele County is the city of Ellendale, a community that owes its existence and even its name to the railroad. So indebted is the town to the railroad that even to this day the city sign bears an image of a train.

As the story goes, in the year 1900, Thomas Brown, an official for the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, was looking to establish a new town along the railroad’s path north to Minneapolis. Specifically, the railroad was looking to establish that town somewhere between Albert Lea and Owatonna — a town that would benefit the farmers in the area who could ship out their produce and bring in supplies over the rails.

The farm of Elling Ellingson, halfway between those two cities, was chosen as the site for the new town. The name of the town would be “Ellendale,” named in honor of Ellen Dale Ives, the

wife of the president of the railroad and a woman known for her humanitarian endeavors.

The city of Ellendale was incorporated in 1901.

Even before the actual incorporation of the city, businesses began to spring up in Ellendale — a bank, a grocery and dry goods store, a furniture shop/mortuary, livery stables, a meat market, two elevators and a lumberyard. In September 1901 — just a month after the village’s incorporation — stockyards were built south of the depot.

Ellendale was growing. By the end of that year, the population was 200. By 1910, the population had doubled to 300.

THE BASICS

Location 0.96 square miles in southern Steele County, near the Freeborn County line and just west of the intersection of Interstate 35 and Highway 30.

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County Steele Elevation 1,280 feet Area code 507 Zip code 56206 Population 691 (according to the 2010 census) Median age 39.6

GOVERNMENT

Mayor Roger Swearingen City Council Duane Goebel Scott Groth Dick Lassahn Dean Reiter City council meetings are held

at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of the month in the meeting room adjacent to the city office in the city hall.

Ellendale City Offices 502 2nd Street P.O. Box 285 Ellendale, MN 56206 507-684-2681 The city offices are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Police Police protection for the city of Ellendale is contracted with Steele County.

Non-emergency: 507-451-8232 Emergency: 911 Ellendale Fire Department 705 2nd. Street

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Ellendale, MN. 56026 Non-emergency: 507-684-9800 Emergency: 911 Ellendale Ambulance Service 505 3rd Street P.O. Box 172 Ellendale, MN. 56026 Non-emergency: 507-688-2745 Emergency: 911

UTILITIES

Water, sewer and garbage pickup are city services. Rates are as follows: Residential users are charged for water at a base rate of $27 per month, plus $7 per 1,000 gallons of usage with a minimum usage charge of 1,000 gallons per month.

Residents are charge $12 per month for sewer and $11 per month for garbage.

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Commercial water rates are the same as residential rates, though sewer rates vary and are based on water usage.

No garbage service is provided for commercial accounts Call city hall for further information, 507-684-2681.

Electrical service for the city of Ellendale is provided by Alliant Energy, 1-800-255-4268.

Natural gas service to Ellendale is supplied by Minnesota Energy Resources, 1-800-889-4970.

Telephone service is provided by Frontier, 1-800-921-8101 or Eventis, 1-855-368-3687.

Both Frontier and Eventis also provide Internet service, as does Radio Link Internet, 1-507-4174176.

Eventis also provides cable television services, as does Midconti-

nent Communications, 1-800-8881300.

SCHOOLS

Ellendale is part of the New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva school district, known as NRHEG. NRHEG Elementary School (Grades K-6) 600 School Street S Ellendale, MN 56026 Phone: 507-684-3181 NRHEG High School (Grades 7-12) 306 Ash Avenue S New Richland, MN 56072 Phone: 507-465-3205

ELLENDALE DAYS

The annual celebration, held to celebrate the city, which was founded in 1900, is a four-day event — Thursday through Sunday — that

includes, among other things, a parade, various games and activities for youth and adults, street dances with live entertainment, and the ever-popular tractor pull.

ELLENDALE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

On Saturdays throughout the summer months, including September, the City of Ellendale hosts a summer concert series with various artists performing. All concerts begin at 7 p.m.

Saturdays and are held at the bandstand, located east of Ellendale Café on 2nd Street and south of Main Street. Concerts are free of charge. Bring your own lawn chairs.

City website www.ellendalemn.com

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Public Schools

City Parks

Swimming Pool

Public Utilities

City Hall

Ambulance

Police Dept.

Fire Dept.

Water Tower

Road

City

Railroad

City of Blooming Prairie

Steele County

Page24 24 Page

Discover Blooming Prairie 2014 Discover DiscoverBlooming Blooming Prairie 2014 Prairie Discover Blooming Prairie

Page Page25 25

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July

For nearly 40 years now, Blooming Prairie has been the scene of one of the largest, if not the largest, Fourth of July celebrations in southern Minnesota.

Dubbed “Old-Fashioned Fourth of July,” the event stretches over two days and draws an estimated 35,000 or more visitors to the streets of Blooming Prairie and is the largest city-wide celebration of Page 26

the year in the community.

True to its name, the Fourth of July celebration truly is “oldfashioned,” boasting bean-bag tosses, horseshoe tournaments, tractor pulls (including antique tractors), and classic car shows.

The celebration stays current though by adding new and exciting attractions each year.

Two attractions, however, remain at the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July are the fireworks

display — held at 10 p.m. at Victory Field — and, of course, the Fourth of July parade, which routinely brings in 125 units to participate.

The Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce is responsible for putting together the celebration, including the vendors, entertainment and parade participants. For more information, call the chamber at 507-583-4472.

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Blooming Prairie

Where we play VICTORY FIELD ICE RINK Located in Victory Field Park, the Victory Field Ice Rink was truly a community effort meant to help Blooming Prairie residents enjoy great Minnesota winter outdoor recreation in their own hometown.

The community saw the need to replace the old rink that was really nothing more than water that was put down on the grass of Central Park and left to freeze.

The old rink had neither boards around the rink nor a proper warming house.

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Not so with the Victory Field Ice Rink, which boasts not only a new warming house, big enough to facilitate the number of people at the rink, but also permanent boards that remain all year long.

There are also restrooms, an equipment rental office with snacks, and a lounge.

The rink itself is regulation size and has lighting for night activities.

The rink, 100 4th Ave. SW, was the result of the city’s efforts to secure grants to assist with the cost and the generosity of individuals and businesses that also donated funds to pay the extra costs.

Warming house hours are 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday during the winter months. If inclement weather forces the closing of Blooming Prairie schools, the ice rink will be closed as well.

For more information, call 507-5832315.

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PINE SPRINGS PARK If you’re looking for a concrete swimming pool to cool during the hot summer months, Pine Springs Pool is not the place.

It’s better.

The man-made pool — sometimes called the

“swimming pond” — has a sand bottom and is fed from the natural spring located beneath the city block on which it sits.

Those natural spring waters are treated with chlorine to make certain that algae and bacteria do not grow and to ensure that the pool is safe for swimming.

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A picnic area with a gazebo have also been added to make the pool more welcoming.

Located on the corner of 1st Avenue and 1st Street NW, Pine Springs is one of the largest swimming pools in the area.

The pool has three sections. The first is four feet deep, the second five and a half feet deep, and the third 11 feet deep. The first section has a platform for children to jump off of and swim around.

There is a diving board platform at the third section. There are also sandboxes near the first section for children to play in.

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What do we have to offer?

Whispering Oak offers mature adults the independence and privacy of their own apartment, with the convenience and companionship of living in a larger, supportive community.

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Pool hours during the summer are from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Memberships are available for individuals and families, as are coupon books.

Swimming lessons — both morning and evening sessions — are available for a nominal fee.

For more detailed information about Pine Spring Pool, including swimming lessons, contact the pool during normal business hours at 507-583-7401 or contact City Hall.

Pine Springs Pool was built and dedicated to public use in 1961, a gift to the city by local attorney Glenn S. Thorson, who was known to people in the community as “Mr. Blooming Prairie.”

And the Award Goes to...

The 2013 Hormel Foods “Spirit of Excellence” was presented to the A J Lysne employees on July 17th, 2014. A J Lysne has been awarded the Spirit of Excellence from Hormel Foods every year since 2004. “This award is presented annually to suppliers who have attained service standards of excellence and who have assisted Hormel in their quest for superior customer satisfaction.” This award is based on, our role in the Quality Improvement Process (QIP), mutual respect, trust, our long term relationship and confidentiality.

These are all areas that we have strived for long before the Spirit of Excellence award program.

Founded in 1898, A. J. Lysne is an experienced, full-service design-build contractor with expertise in construction management, industrial plant management, historic renovation and heavy equipment moving. The A J Lysne employs a team of highly skilled professionals in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. For more information about A J Lysne, contact Allen Lysne at al@ajlysne.com, call 507-451-7121 or visit www.ajlysne.com.

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Thorson (18911973) was honored

by Blooming Prairie, Steele County and the state of Minnesota as the Outstanding Senior Citizen of 1972.

BLOOMING PRAIRIE COUNTRY CLUB

Considered one of the finest nine-hole golf courses in southern Minnesota, the 36-par course of the semiprivate Blooming Prairie Country Club features 3,026 yards of golf from the longest tees. The club, which opened in 1936, has a course rating of 34.8 and has a slope rating of 127.

The fun, well-kept USGA course is open

to the public, but also offers memberships.

The club house features a pro shop with everything a golfer may need for a day on the links.

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Blooming Prairie

There is also a snack bar with a full menu of food choices, snacks, beer and soda.

And, the Blooming Prairie Country Club offers accommodations for banquets and receptions, with space that can accommodate up to 100 guests comfortably. The meal can be catered by the club or can be catered from the outside. For more information about the Blooming Prairie Country Club, call 507583-2887.

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Boys and Girls Club If ever there were an organization that the whole of Blooming Prairie gets behind and supports, it’s the Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie.

The club, which calls itself a “facility-based youth development organization,” serves more than 130 area children between the ages of 6 and 18 years of age with programming both after school and all day during the summer months.

The stated purpose of the Boys & Girls Club of Blooming is “to offer relevant, life-enhancing activities that help youth succeed in life.” Its mission is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring community members.”

To fulfill that mission, the Boys & Girls Club utilizes a comprehensive youth development strategy, which it describes as “a structured method that instills in youth positive self-esteem and competencies key to their development.” The strategy aims to foster in every youth a sense of belonging, a sense of usefulness, a sense of influences and a sense of competence.

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Its programs are designed and delivered with those key youth development objectives in mind, with each of the club’s activities falling in one of five core programs: Education and Career Development; Character and Leadership; Health and Life Skills; the Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

Though the club’s permanent site is at 401 4th Street SE in Blooming Prairie, the club is currently — and temporarily — meeting at the Blooming Prairie Elementary while the site is undergoing a renovation.

Programming will be held at the school until the club no longer needs it.

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The Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie is a branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester.

Though it falls under the umbrella of the Rochester club, the Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie does not receive any financial help from Rochester. Instead, the club is self-sustaining, meaning that it has to find the funds to run its own program.

That’s where the Blooming Prairie community steps in.

In the summer of 2014, local churches in Blooming Prairie banded together and made renovation of the Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie’s site part of the churches’ mission projects. The churches included First Baptist Church, First Lutheran Church, Red Oak Grove Lutheran

Church, St. Columbanus Catholic Church and Trinity Lutheran Church.

Also, Karing 4 R Kids, a subcommittee at First Lutheran Church, undertook a project to help the club by selling more than 2,000 pieces of a custom-made puzzle to raise money to upgrade the kitchen and fix the roof of the Boys & Girls Club. When the final pieces of the puzzle were laid, more than $10,000 had been donated toward the renovation.

In 2013, proceeds from the annual Gobble Wobble — an annual run/walk that takes place on Thanksgiving Day in downtown Blooming Prairie — went toward the Boys & Girls Club.

More than 100 people participated in one of the six events that collectively make up the Gobble Wobble.

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The annual Ribfest, which in 2014 was held for the first time in conjunction with the Blooming Prairie Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, benefited the Boys & Girls Club.

And every year for the past nine years, the Boys & Girls Club hosts an annual gala at the Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club, with proceeds from the event going toward children’s programming at the club. In addition to the banquet that is served and to the auctions — both live and silent — some of boys and girls in the club perform and annual awards are presented to community members.

The Blooming Prairie Boys & Girls Club unit director is Mary Sherman-Ahrens.

Membership to the club is $20 per month or $10 per

month for children receiving free or reduced lunch at school.

The phone number for the Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie is 507-583-6699.

Steele County

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Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Page 37

Geneva Located just over the Steele County line in neighboring Freeborn County, sits the community of Geneva.

According to the Minnesota Historical Society, the community now known as Geneva was first settled in 1855.

The settlement came about when Milton Morey, a native of Vermont, moved to New York state. Once in New York, he heard about the lands in Minnesota, still a territory at that time and not yet a state.

Morey ventured to an area near Austin, Minn., where he was told about a town site

near what was then called Black Walnut Lake. In 1855, Morey moved his family there, staked a claim and rechristened both the town and the lake as “Geneva,” named after

a Geneva Lake, a 2,214 acre lake in New York.

By 1856, the town had its first post office. And the town was incorporated on Nov. 24, 1889.

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THE BASICS

Location: Geneva is located in northeast Freeborn County, at the intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 45.

County Freeborn Elevation 1,227 feet Area code 507 Zip code 56035 Population 555 (according to the 2010 census) Median age 38.3

Jannell Tufte Richard Weckwerth Taff Worrell

SCHOOLS

Geneva is part of the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva school district, known as NRHEG. NRHEG High School (Grades 7-12) 306 Ash Avenue S. New Richland, MN 56072 Phone: 507-465-3205

GOVERNMENT

Mayor Steve Bailey City Council James Beenken

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Getting together PAINT THE TOWN PINK

Even as it has raised awareness about cancer, the Blooming Prairie Cancer Group has worked hard to raise money to fight the dreaded disease through its annual Paint the Town Pink event — an event that has businesses and individuals, schools and families alike participating in the event.

The event culminates in a two-day auction in September to raise money for the Eagles Cancer Telethon, support a community fund to give gas cards, restaurant coupons and lodging assitance to individuals and their families as they go through cancer treatment.

But the activities begin long before the September auction. The cancer group starts selling pink flags for its annual Field of Flags in April.

The flags, which honor and remember those who have had cancer or are battling it, are displayed in a field east of Highway 218 from Main Street.

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Leading up to the auction are numerous other displays of pink — in schools, businesses, residences and even on the roadways. The high school football and volleyball teams even don the color to show solidarity in fighting cancer.

New in 2013 was a Memorial Walk — a two-mile walk that took participants along a path through Blooming Prairie marked with pink ribbons and decorations.

ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET

On the third Thursday in November, the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce

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as well as guests from the community come together for its annual banquet, held at the Servicemen’s Club — a banquet that gives the people of Blooming Prairie a chance to see and hear about some of the accomplishments of the chamber in the city throughout the year.

Area businesses decorate the tables with centerpieces of their own creation for the banquet and new officers for the chamber are recognized.

The highlight of the evening is the awarding of the “Citizen of the Year” by the chamber — an honor that recognizes someone who has served the community.

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The banquet is open to the public.

For more information, call the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce at 507583-4472.

GOBBLE WOBBLE

Started in 2010, the Gobble Wobble has quickly become a Thanksgiving tradition on the streets of Blooming Prairie.

And the event has grown in popularity and numbers every year since its inception.

Beginning early in the morning — long before the turkey is served or the football teed up for the opening kickoff — runners and walkers gather to participate either in a six-mile run, a three-mile run or a three-mile walk for individuals, or a three-mile walk for teams. And after the adults

are done, children can participate in the three-block race, known as the Widdle Wobble, led by a turkey.

Begun by race organizer Linda Klemmensen, the Gobble Wobble raised funds for the Pine Springs Pool in Blooming

Prairie. This year, the event will raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Blooming Prairie.

RIBFEST

For three years now, the Servicemen’s Club has been the site for the Blooming Prairie Ribfest Cook-Off in June — a fundraiser that benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Blooming Prairie.

HOLIDAY DAZZLE

If the Fourth of July celebration is a long-standing tradition in Blooming Prairie, the community’s Holiday Dazzle, held on the first Friday of December, is quickly becoming a similar tradition.

The celebration, put on annually by the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce, is meant to provide a chance for downtown businesses to showcase their products during the holiday season. It’s also meant as an event that allows everyone — even the biggest Scrooges of them all — to have some holiday fun.

Page 42

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Blooming Prairie

In fact, one highlight in every Holiday Dazzle celebration is the annual Scrooge contest in which four contestants vie for the honor of being named the town’s Scrooge for the year.

Whichever of the four contestants raises the most money wins the honor. The funds raised go toward replacing and purchasing Christmas lights for the downtown businesses.

But there’s more, including wagon rides down Main Street, instrumentalists playing music, and, of course, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

For more information, call the chamber at 507-583-4472.

CITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE

Twice a year — in May and then again in September — Blooming Prairie residents and businesses come together to hold a city-wide garage sale. The sale is sponsored by the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce.

CHAMBER GOLF FUN DAY

For nearly two decades, the Chamber Golf Fun Day serves as an annual fund-raiser for the chamber. The event, which has a shotgun start, is open to the public. Held at the Blooming Prairie Country Club, the golf tournament features a theme for which participants often dress the part.

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Toll Free 877-451-2010 or 507-451-2010 3031 County Rd. 45 South • Owatonna, MN 55060 Email: mjhydrostatics@hotmail.com • www.mjhydrostatics.com

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507-451-6388  Page 44

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Readers!

Leader pts Alcohol violation prom 3A Ebeling’s resignation,

The

Ellendale Prairie and g Blooming ation Servin A Free Public

Vol. September 13, 2014 •

3, No. 37

Clinic set to reopen Tuesdayclosed

bpleader.com

Making bracelets for

a cause, 2A

CAUSE SUPPORTING THE

Location has been since August 2013 ART

By ASHLEY STEW .com astewart@owatonna

IE — Nearly two BLOOMING PRAIR that the Bloomcing months after announ reopen later this ing Prairie clinic wouldHealth System in summer, Mayo Clinic have set a date. nna Austin and Owato on Tuesday, Sept. 16. of the event was part The clinic will open s by ing Prairie. The to be able to unity fund. (Photo Sept. 6 in Bloom “We are very excitedOwatonna and ch and its comm the morning of y for cancer resear n the ile Memorial Walk d annual two-m collaborate betwee nd that raises mone reopen the Blooming ipated in the secon l “Paint the Town Pink” weeke 60 people partic Austin campuses to rs, annua About 14th Bunke ’s Dr. Brian Cancer Group Prairie clinic,” said Mayo Clinic Health Blooming Prairie Press) at ple’s nt CEO and preside Ashley Stewart/Peo and Faribault. “We System in Owatonna create a new stream ,” she said. first year. have been able to that will meet the g ever since,” the wanted to last year, but I wasn’t around we’ve been comin “I lined model of care patients locally in before he died, and of d is great.” health care needs area.” d has “This weeken the softball team has hosted an event ART Gillette said.

Prairie wife, said the weeken ing

By ASHLEY STEW Mach said the Bloom to raise money for Shelley Prihoda, Steve’s family since her husband .com clinic, which for the last five years spring her astewart@owatonna the for The Blooming Prairie Health Sysin aging encour Clinic group. a family, been was operated by Mayo August 2013 after IE — For the Prihod ” she said. the cancer tant for the community,” she said. Canin is very supportive, BLOOMING PRAIR Group’s 14th annual Paint died.

“It’s impor tem in Austin, closed ed, the Blooming Prairie other “Blooming Prairie ” Cancer practitioner resign For the last 14 years, the Blooming Prairie d is about hope. for a small community. the clinic’s nurse , and has added “This is a big deal d “Team Prihoda” on the backs willing to staff it. hosted a live auction research and its comthe Town Pink weeken get cancer, it doesn’t have to and there was no one Kritzer, the operaas they cer Group The family sporte Prairie Pink” shirts others events to raise money for cancer families dealing with “Now when people can be a survivor,” said Sara ing In January, Tammy Bloom Austin “Paint You of their assists local r for both the more than 60 be a death sentence. of Steve Prihoda, a local farmer, munity fund, which Walk is one of those things. tions administrato ses of Mayo Clinic two-mile route with the er walked rial e Memo said she a rare cancer Gillette, the daught and Albert Lea campuMayo was looking in the cancer. Th residents. the walks organizers, be a eight years ago after walked area of than one Prairie said more , ing Valek, died Bloom Ashley who t it would Health System Caleb Ostrander of staff the Blooming in Mandy Doocy, though diagnosis. beyond Austin to ting a and her sister,to the weekend. members participated for the second year.

Gillette and 14 family rial Walk, which is one of event nice to be outside on a nice day suppor nice addition Prairie clinic.

“It’s l Memo Clinic Health Sysry of 2A the second annua And in July, Mayo one of See EVENT on , on Sept. 6 in memo a, a good cause,” he said.

Bloom that at events nced s coach annou ball group’ soft Prihod r and the cancer tem in Owatonna will fill the position Ali Mach, a teache participated in the event for of his brother, Jim Steve and in honor its medical providers clinic.

High School, the year ing Prairie cancer survivor. at the Blooming Prairie auction with him “We went to the cancer 2A on IC CLIN See

es Cancer group rais

ual during 14th ann nearly $45,000

Pink Paint the Town

event

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D A R AV E. • 1 5 2 5 S. CE 0 -2 1 1 R BE SE PT EM

R OVEBlooming Serving Prairie, 0 2PR0 Ellendale, Geneva, and Hope WN E-O ED VEHICLES NEW & TO CHOOSE FROM!

News • Sports • Advertising AT ON Vis it WW W. OW

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PA NY.CO M fo r

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(877) 451-7860 •

NA, MN DRIVE OWATON 1001 HOFFMAN JE EP •

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In Print and Online IA

434 1st St. S.W. Blooming Prairie Worship Service 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday First Lutheran Church (AFLC) 503 Radel Court Ellendale Worship Service 9 a.m., Sunday First Lutheran Church (LCMC) Hope Worship service 9 a.m. Sunday Pontoppidan Lutheran (ELCA) Lemond, Minn.

Worship service 10 a.m. Sunday Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA) 5881 SE 118th St. Blooming Prairie Worship Service 9 a.m., Sunday Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA) 7126 S.W. 98th St. Ellendale Worship Service 9 a.m., Sunday.

MENNONITE 13638 750th St. Blooming Prairie Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday UNITED METHODIST United Methodist Church County Road 14 Ellendale Worship Service 10:30 /a.m., Sunday

EC

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD Vibrant Life Assembly of God 702 S. 3rd St. Ellendale Worship Service 10:30 a.m., Sunday BAPTIST First Baptist Church 104 1st Ave. NE Blooming Prairie Worship Services 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Sunday CATHOLIC Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Litomysl 9946 24th Ave. SE. Rural Owatonna Worship Service 9:30 a.m., Sunday St. Aidan Catholic Church Hwy 30 and 3rd St. Ellendale Worship Service 9:30 a.m., Sunday St. Columbanus Catholic Church 114 E. Main St. Blooming Prairie Worship Services 5:15 p.m. Saturday; 8:30 a.m. Sunday St. Mary’s Catholic Church Rural Geneva Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday LUTHERAN Community Lutheran Church (ELCA) 106 3rd St. SE Geneva Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Sunday First Lutheran Church (ELCA)

Reaching Over 6,000

SP

Places of Worship

RA M DO DG E •

bpleader.com 507-451-2840 135 West Pearl, Owatonna Page 45

Hope

At one time, Steele County was king when it came to dairy products.

In 1883, the county boasted four cheese factories that made more cheese — 150,000 pounds of it — than any other county in the state.

By 1884, the county was known for its butter. That year, Steele County had at least 24 creameries, some say more, — an average of two creameries for every township — and Steele Countians produced 375,000 pounds of butter, meaning that it produced more butter per capita than any other county in MinPage 46

nesota.

Alas, those days are no more. Though there are still large dairy farms in the county, the cheese factories are gone. And of the 24 creameries that existed here, all are gone.

All except one. The Hope Creamery.

Unlike many other butter manufacturers, Hope Creamery — one of the only independently owned creameries in the state — churns out butter the old-fashioned way, in small batches. It is the way the butter is made as well as the ingredients — fresh, lo-

cal cream — that makes this butter prized by chefs, bakers and consumers.

The creamery is located in Hope, Minnesota, a small, unincorporated community between Owatonna and Ellendale.

THE BASICS

Location Between Owatonna and Ellendale in Steele County.

Elevation 1,201 feet Zip code 56046 Area code 507

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Grains and Foods Inc.

Contact us for all your crop planning, crop programs, and grain marketing needs!

- IP, Non-GMO & Organic Soybeans - IP and Organic Sunflower - IP and Organic Corn - Organic Feed Inputs

- Non-GMO feed inputs - Waxy Corn - Full line of agronomy - Corn & Soybean seed

SunOpta PO Box 128 Hope, MN 56046 507-451-4724 800-342-6976

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SunOpta

Sunopta.com

4111 30th Ave. S Moorehead, MN 56560 218-287-5510

Page 47

605 5th Street NE, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 1 17 507.583.2144 ◆ Fax 507.583.2020 ◆ metal-services.com

Agricultural & Commercial Repair

Laser & Plasma Cutting

Plasma Cutting Capacity

Aluminum Up To 2 in. x 8 ft. x 20 ft.

Stainless Steel Up To 2 in. x 8 ft. x 20 ft.

Carbon Steel Up To 2 1/2 in. x 8 ft. x 20 ft.

Laser Cutting Capacity

Aluminum Up To 3/8 in. x 6 ft. x 12 ft.

Stainless Steel Up To 5/8 in. x 6 ft. x 12 ft.

Carbon Steel Up To 3/4 in. x 6 ft. x 12 ft.

Metal Fabrication & Welding

Our Welding Repair shop is very experienced in all areas of welding. From big jobs to small, we’ve seen it all. Equipment repairs include agricultural, commercial, livestock, industrial and construction.

Metal Services’ portable repair trucks can bring this service right to your door. We specialize in piping and maintenance projects at your location.

Page 48

Our metal fabrication shop has the experience and capability to perform sands of times, we’ll produce quality parts for you on time, all the time.

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