Fillmore County Journal Progress Edition - 1.28.19

Monday, January 28, 2019

COMMUNITY PROGRESS EDITION 2018-2019

A SPECIAL SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU BY

THE FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Canton l Chatfield l Fountain l Harmony l Lanesboro l Mabel l Ostrander l Peterson l Preston l Rushford l Rushford Village l Spring Valley l Whalan l Wykoff

IN THIS SPECIAL SECTION CANTON PREPS FOR “THE BIG ONE” PAGE 2

FIND A HOME AT HOMESPUN HARMONY PAGE 3

THE PARKWAY MARKET & COFFEEHOUSE’S FORMULA PAGE 5

FILLMORE COUNTY

JOURNAL

INNOVATIVE FAMILY BUSINESS PAGE 7

OSTRANDER CARE & REHAB FEELS LIKE HOME

“Where Fillmore County News Comes First”

PAGE 6

TIM PENNY: WHY I LOVE WHERE I LIVE Go online to view this section!

PAGE 11

MABEL SMOKEHOUSE IS COOKIN’ UP AWESOME FOOD PAGE 12

SEMCAC IS CHANGING LIVES, ONE PERSON AT A TIME PAGE 14

MINNWEST BANK: AG ROOTS, TECH GROWTH PAGE 15

WWW.FILLMORECOUNTYJOURNAL.COM

Page 2

Monday, January 28, 2019

Canton preps for “The Big One”

By Rich Wicks Residents of coastal California have long been worried about “The Big One,” referring to the fears that a major earthquake will eventually cause catastrophic damage to the population there.

In the small Minnesota town of Canton, residents are preparing for a different type of “big one.”

Every August, Canton holds their annual “Day Off” celebration, and every fifth year, an especially large celebration is held, known locally as “the Big One.” Five years ago, in 2014, was the most recent Big One, and 2019 is again such a year.

Recently, five Canton residents sat down to explain the history behind Canton’s Day Off. In most small towns, a relatively small group of people is responsible for much of the work in keeping traditions going, and that is true in Canton. Brenda Wilder, Linda Snyder, Cindy Duckett, Cindy Shanks, and Jackie Ward comprise the core of

the Canton Community Association. The group puts on Bingo every Tuesday, as a fundraiser to generate money to put on the Day Off celebration.

Originally, Canton Day Off began in 1903, and was an annual event through 1955, but then was dropped. Eight years ago, the event was revived, and it’s been evolving and growing since.

Jackie Ward explained, “We plan Canton Day Off, we do Trunk or Treat and the Santa Day, the lighted parade. And, we attend parades all summer long. We do bar Bingo every Tuesday, and that’s what raises our money.”

Ward added regarding the Bingo, “We have a very loyal following of players, and if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be having Canton Day Off.” She estimated 35 to 40 people usually show up for Bingo, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the ZZ Tap. Players regularly show up from several surrounding communities, including Ossian, Harmo-

Photo by Rich Wicks

ny, Spring Grove, Ridgeway and Cresco. Occasionally, a special session of Bingo is held, such as New Year’s Day, which saw around 60 players. The original Bingo caller was Marc Prestby, Fillmore but Carl Ernst has now taken County’s over the regular weekly Bingo caller duties.

Dennis Every year, Day Off includes Facts Machine a dance featuring live music, Bingo, BBQ cookoff and bean bag toss tournament. Every fifth year, the event also includes a Bloody Mary contest, Poker Run, fireworks and kids activiAGENCY Inc. ties, all-school reunion, and a 5k run/walk.

Linda Snyder pointed out that, “There’s the activities, which are awesome, but the Association also donated to the Veterans Memorial, the Historical Society, helped with the playground and gazebo, so the money gets fed back into the community.”

Brenda Wilder added, “We started Bingo so we could make money to get a really good Res 507-765-2297 326 Parkside Dr. SE band… and my dream was to get fireworks.” She went on to Cell 507-251-5535 Preston, MN 55965 share that in 2014, “We hired the band Cherry Gun, and they absolutely loved Canton, and they’re from the Cities… We put them up in Harmony in the hotel. And they were hungry, so we fed them.” She explained that this evolved into a yearly This is our chance to say, “Thank You” to our customers event in which a breakfast feed is held, and is now a part of the for your patronage and loyalty. annual event.

We appreciate the opportunity serve you since Come for a little fun, foodwe’ve and had talk.toWe appreciate it.1976 Canton Day Off continues to spread, mostly by word of mouth, but also via local newspapers, their website, and their Facebook 10% Off Feb. Feb. 34-15 - 12 page. The Big One draws an 20% Off Filters estimated 2,000 attendees, and this year expects to be bigger PARTS DEPOSIT: and better than ever. This year’s worth $110 when you use it! Any Amount.

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Find a home at Homespun Harmony

By Julie Little Marsha LaFreniere has a passion for knitting and crocheting that she recently translated into Harmony’s newest storefront on Main Avenue, Homespun Harmony. Originally from Albert Lea, LaFreniere spent 10 years in the Air Force, where she moved around a lot. She met her husband in Rochester and they looked for a place to set down roots. That place was Harmony and a country home they both fell in love with instantly. “I got married, moved to Harmony, and changed jobs all in the same year!” Those were good changes but they were stressful too, and LaFreniere found that she needed an outlet for her stress. “I love how relaxing knitting and crocheting can be,” she says about her hobby.

“Some people de-stress with yoga, others bike, I prefer to sit and create with yarn.”

This is not something she carried with her from childhood. It began when LaFreniere started working in Winona.

There was a store there called Yarnology just five blocks from where she works. Walking in, she immediately loved the feel of it and the sense that Yarnology was its own community.

“The shop was homey and I liked the vibe. I took a beginner’s class and a lady there took the time to work with me.

Soon, the staff recognized me when I walked in and greeted me by name. They would share stories and it became a place I’d go over my lunch breaks to work on a project and relax.

It was like my third home.”

You live in your first home; work in your second home; and sometimes, if you’re lucky, you find a third home, a special place where you just belong.

Homespun Harmony could be that place for fiber hobbyists in Fillmore County.

When you walk in the door of Marsha LaFreniere’s shop, the first thing you notice is the color. Winter in Minnesota can be drab and monochromatic, but stepping into Homespun Harmony you’ll be surrounded by the exuberant colors of a summer garden, the brilliant tones of stained glass windows, the warm shades of a verdant woods and more. Yarn of every hue imaginable rests on open shelves, in baskets or hangs from the walls. Just inside the door is a cozy grouping of chairs and gliders draped with afghans knit or crocheted by the owner’s family.

Even though LaFreniere’s maternal grandmother and great-grandmother both worked with fibers, she did not learn from them. “My paternal grandmother did embroidery and she taught me that, so I have embroidered since I was a little girl. But it’s a meticulous craft. I wanted to do something that I could relax with. Crochet is beautiful. I picked up a beginner’s book and taught myself,” LaFreniere recalls.

“Eventually I wanted to make sweaters. I looked for sweater patterns to crochet and didn’t find too many. There were lots of knitting patterns, however, so I learned to knit. That was early in 2018.”

Anyone interested in learn-

ing to knit or crochet can take a beginner’s class at the shop.

With the class you get your first skein of yarn, a crochet hook or knitting needles, depending on which skill you’re learning, and two 1-hour sessions.

In the first session you’ll learn the basics. You’ll go home and practice, then come back the next week to learn additional crochet stitches or learn knitting on and fastening off. With just these skills you’ll be able to make some beautiful, useful items for yourself or to give as gifts. Lessons are suitable for any age. Recently, 9-year-old twins came to the shop for lessons they received as a birthday gift. Starting with some stained glass or bulky yarn, an infinity scarf comes together quickly and these yarns will hide beginner mistakes or inconsistencies nicely.

LaFreniere welcomes knitters and crocheters to come with projects they need help on. She offers coaching and assistance absolutely free. On Tuesday nights you will also find an informal group that meets at the shop to be experienced and helpful. Each group member has her own area of experSee HOMESPUN Page 4 ➤

Marsha LaFreniere with a selection of Malabrigo yarns. Newer wools are soft, colorful, and washable.

Photo by Julie Little

Thank you for supporting us over the years!

Caring for families in the Rushford area since 1951.

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Page 4

Monday, January 28, 2019

Continued from Page 3

tise. One makes hats for babies and delivers them to local hospitals. Another specializes in knitting cotton dishcloths. If you would like to make something but don’t have any ideas, LaFreniere can help there too.

“When I went to Yarnology,” she says, “the displays of sweaters and other finished projects made me feel that I could do this!” Shoppers will find some examples of finished items in the store and be able to see how a given yarn knits up, how it feels, how it drapes, and there will be more examples to come.

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A back wall of the shop has a variety of free patterns and if you look in a book and find your perfect pattern, LaFreniere can help you get that pattern for a few dollars instead of having to purchase the whole book.

The appeal of Homespun Harmony for LaFreniere is the creation of a wonderful space to spend time in, to surround herself with yarn, color, and community, to be her own boss and to feel as though she is having too much fun to consider it work. “When I first came up with this idea I developed a three-year plan leading up to opening my shop. But then I talked with Chris Giesen of the Harmony EDA. He knew that the owner of Essence of Harmony was thinking about selling,” she recalls. Chris thought that it might be a good spot for her shop. “I was planning to rent to start,” says LaFreniere, “but I thought I’d take a look anyway. It was one of those ‘aha’ moments.

Even though the building was filled with second-hand items, when I looked, what I saw was a yarn store and I’ve learned not to ignore my intuition.”

The owner didn’t want to rent so LaFreniere bought. She saw the large windows, the sunlit spaces, the high ceilings, the ideal lighting, and had to have it. Her slow steady plan merged onto the superhighway.

The way she sees it, she can’t lose. “I’m a big yarn nerd,” she smiles, “If all else fails, I will have yarn for the rest of my life and I’m ok with that.”

From the welcome she’s received in Harmony, failure is not likely to happen. “The community is special, people talk with each other, and they support one another” LaFreniere says. “People stop by just to tell me they’re happy I’m here and to wish me luck.

Kerry Kingsley gave me a table for my classes as a welcome gift. People ventured out in awful weather for my ribbon cutting ceremony – snow, sleet, a cold wind. It’s all heartwarming!”

Chris Giesen at the EDA was very helpful in the establishment of Homespun Harmony.

“I would encourage anyone wanting to start a new business to talk with the EDA,” LaFreniere advises. “They are a wonderful source of advice, Chris really knows the community, and all the help is free. LaFreniere has a Master’s in Accounting degree and is a CMA (Certified Management Accountant). She and her husband recently opened the Preston Liquor Store so she, unlike many other entrepreneurs, has already had experience starting a new business. “I had a business plan but if you don’t have a plan, the EDA can give you resources and Chris personally walks you through each piece.

Even if you just have an idea, my advice would be to contact your local EDA!” With the EDA’s encourage-

ment, Marsha LaFreniere has created a business she loves.

She wants you to love it too.

Studies have shown that there is something soothing about holding soft warm yarn in your hands. It’s a comfort akin to petting an animal. There’s also colors, patterns, the act of creation, and the sense of satisfaction in making something with your own hands. “What we’ve learned through studies is that people, both men and women, need “me” time,” LaFreniere shares. “This is a place to come for an hour or two to get that time.”

Homespun Harmony has a variety of yarns to suit a variety of hobbyists. You’ll find everything from economical and easy-care acrylics to high quality wools. LaFreniere stocks Merino wool that is washable and dryable. Multi-colored Malabrigos have such personality that they are their own accessory - no jewely needed.

And what makes LaFreniere really happy are the Superwash

Merino yarns. There is no need for handwashing, blocking, sizing, or laying out to dry. What you make with Superwash wools won’t shrink. And if some “helpful” person throws your creation into the washer, no problem. If you used to knit but haven’t in awhile you might want to explore what’s new and experience the convenience and beauty of new fibers. If your new or past handmade sweaters could benefit from blocking to achieve that higher level of perfection, balance, ideal drape and shape, Homespun Harmony provides that service. “Ninety percent of the time a sweater will only need to be blocked once to attain and maintain its ideal shape,” says LaFreniere. Most of all, if you need a little relaxation in a color-filled but still soothing atmosphere while engaging in a productive pastime, stop by Homespun Harmony, 45 Main Ave. N. - open Tuesdays 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays 10-6.

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Page 5

The Parkway Market & Coffeehouse has the right formula

Caleb Lauritsen-Norby assists customer Jen Zawislak at The Parkway Market & Coffeehouse.

Photo By Barb Jeffers

By Barb Jeffers tourism, marketing for some “We are like a natural foods of the major tourist attractions store that also has pop rocks such as Mall of America and and some of these weird things Valleyfair. that no other natural foods “I had friends in the tourstore would have,” says Caleb ism community up in the Lauritsen-Norby of The Park- twin cities — friends who way Market & Coffeehouse of were always telling me I would Lanesboro, Minn., “But that love Lanesboro,” states Caleb. mix works,” he states.

About five years went by and Caleb and his partner Blake finally he and Blake visited Lauritsen-Norby purchased the Lanesboro a few years ago. business a couple years ago “We started looking at real and opened The Parkway Mar- estate the next day,” he says. ket & Coffeehouse on January The couple purchased a farm 1, 2017, in the quaint corner place outside of Whalan, building located at 201 Park- Minn., thinking it would be way Ave. N. in Lanesboro’s a summer-time and weekend main downtown intersection. retreat.

Caleb manages the grocery “But it didn’t take long for us store as well as a separate online to figure out that moving fullbusiness. time is what we wanted to do,” Caleb grew up near Monte- he explains. video, Minn., graduated high When asked why he wanted school and then attended Gus- to own and manage a grocery tavus Adolphus College. He store Caleb replied “I had no lived in the twin cities for a experience in the grocery busifew years where he worked in ness — so maybe that’s been

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a good thing for figuring out how to make a tiny little store like this work in a tiny little town like Lanesboro,” and it seems he has found a formula that draws customers into the store just to see what they will find next.

“We have to appeal to three different audiences that don’t necessarily overlap a lot — the core natural foods group, which is our main shoppers, the tourists, and then there are other folks that might just need an onion in the middle of dinner and it’s 7 p.m. and we can really save them a lot of time if they can come down here and grab what they need and be back home in five minutes,” explains Caleb.

“This store is very much a natural foods focus for our local customer base and also in some ways a general convenience store but then I fill in that with things that appeal to tourists like the nostalgic candies here that you don’t see every day or the mix and match craft sodas,” he adds.

“It seems like just about every week that goes by I start seeing another new face of someone who says, ‘I thought this store was only for tourists,’ or, ‘I wasn’t sure what was here,’” notes Caleb. “They come in and they think, ‘oh wow, I can get my bananas and my butter and bread here any day of the week,’ and we are here and we are open and we are convenient,” states Caleb.

“I’m kind of a green grocer at heart,” says Caleb, and knows that it would be difficult for people in Lanesboro to get fresh produce during the winter months if not for the produce they provide. Customers can always find fresh and interesting produce at The Parkway Market & Coffeehouse.

With a coffee bar installed by a previous owner, Caleb says, “It’s something I’m a big fan of and I’m very particular about,” further explaining, “one of the big driving reasons for us to take over the store was making sure that Lanesboro still had a place you could get good coffee all year round,” which he is very proud of.

“I’m confident now that we have the best cup of coffee in the county, at least, and I think most of our customers would agree with that,” he states.

With quality equipment and quality products, Caleb has introduced customers to the coffee bar and full espresso bar, using fresh roasted coffee beans from Kickapoo Coffee in Viroqua, Wis., who roasts coffee beans for The Parkway Market & Coffeehouse each week, and fresh milk from Kappers Big Red Barn in Chatfield, Minn., among other fresh ingredients.

Some of the drinks offered include a variety of lattes (including chai latte), cappuccino, truffle mocha, frappes and hot chocolate.

The Parkway Market & Coffeehouse also offers tea, either by the cup or in bulk by the ounce. Caleb works with a direct importer from San Francisco so they get good quality tea.

With over 100 vendors, you can imagine there is a very

diverse inventory at The Parkway Market & Coffeehouse.

“We are just so small I have to put a little bit of thought into everything that goes on the shelf but my only rule is that it just has to be something I like because if it doesn’t sell I eat it and we try something different,” says Caleb.

See PARKWAY Page 6 ➤

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Page 6

Monday, January 28, 2019

Continued from Page 5

The variety of items available in the store in so vast it is hard to generalize what you can find there. Fresh bakery items, fresh dairy products, produce and other staples can be picked up anytime. The freezer section holds different meats, pizzas, and so much more, including lobster tails at last check.

Tin,foil, baggies, napkins, and other household items line the shelves, as well as last minute food items you may need such as pasta, salad dressing and cereal. Personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, shampoo and soap are available to customers who find themselves running low.

Having a commercial kitchen the store can also offer freshly made sandwiches, salads in the summer and other fresh food options.

There has been great support by the people of Lanesboro and the surrounding area according to Caleb. “Our core business is

our local customers who live in Lanesboro or live close by,” he says, adding, “they might not do all their shopping here... but they will fill a cart and get most of their food for the week here,” he states.

Along with running the grocery store Caleb also spends time working on their online business, planetbrick.com. “We sell Lego parts online — they go all over the world,” he comments. “We have the best selection of Lego parts in the country,” adds Caleb, so having space upstairs in the building for the online business works very well. Employees are crosstrained on both businesses to help in any way needed. The income from planetbrick.com helps tremendously, states Caleb.

The Parkway Market & Coffeehouse is open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week for the convenience of their customers. For more information phone (507) 467-2500 or visit Facebook.com/ParkwayMarketAndCoffeehouse.

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Ostrander Care & Rehab feels like home

By Rich Wicks There’s been a nursing facility in Ostrander for approximately 50 years, but the staff there can tell you that it’s not “business as usual.” Janice Howe, administrator of Ostrander Care & Rehab explains, “We are a family-owned company, the owners are Grant and Andrea Thayer, out of Batavia, Ill. They own five facilities in Wisconsin, and then this facility. And Grant was actually the administrator here years ago. We are a 25-bed skilled nursing facility, with a six bed assisted living attached.”

Howe stated that the facility offers a variety of services besides 24-hour skilled nursing, including post-surgical therapy, IVs and tube feeding, hospice service, and memory care. She added, “We also have outpatient therapy services. And we actually have our facility van so that we’re able to transport them and then take them home.”

Although Howe has been the administrator only since October 2017, she said the facility has a number of staff who have worked there for many years.

Tracy Adams (director of nursing since February 2018) added that she started five years ago as a floor nurse. Adams also shared that several employees have begun as high school students and ended up making a career at the facility. Approximately 30 employees work at the facility, but Howe and Adams encourage anyone interested to come in and apply for a job. Howe also stated that, “We have a lot of local staff. We have a mother, daughter-in-law, friends, cousins, aunts… everybody’s kind of related.” She said the small town atmosphere naturally lends itself to quality care.

When asked what else makes the facility special, Howe replied, “I think one of our huge advantages is all of our rooms are private rooms, and they’re very large rooms.” Adams agreed, and pointed out that because it’s a smaller facility, “We’re able to do more resident-centered care, more of their preferences. We did obtain some grant money and we were able to remodel our dining room... and we also remodeled and made a bistro in our day room, and it’s utilized every day.”

Adams and Howe said the meals and activities are also strong features. Adams said the facility is small enough that meals are, “Home cooking; nothing out of a box.”

She also highlighted a few of the activities and outings, led

by Activity Director DeeDee Payne, including trips to an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, fishing at Lanesboro, bowling, bingo, and parties and events such as “Haunted Hallways” for Halloween. The residents and tenants also enjoy strong involvement from the local auxiliary group, as well as a quilting group that comes in weekly.

See OSTRANDER CARE Page 7 ➤

Director of Nursing Tracy Adams and Administrator Janice Howe welcome visitors to Ostrander Care & Rehab.

Photo by Rich Wicks

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Monday, January 28, 2019

Continued from Page 6

Howe added, “It’s a nice small town. We’ve got volunteers from the community that come in. We have a coffee group a couple times a week.”

Howe mentioned that the staff is expecting the annual audit from the State of Minnesota

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anytime soon. This is a requirement for all nursing facilities in Minnesota, and some staff may be stressed as they await the audit. But she added that her philosophy is, “I always tell our staff, if you do the same things every week, the (State audit) will go off without a hitch.”

Looking toward the future, Howe mused, “I’d like to see the community increase, so the nursing home would increase.

There are still people who like the country (rather than city life), so I’d like to see this town prosper.”

Howe and Adams pointed out that the facility residents and tenants are very active in local events, such as participating in Ostrander’s annual Uff Da Days and other nearby parades.

Located at 305 Minnesota Street in Ostrander, the facility’s phone number is (507) 6572231. Howe summarized that the best thing about the facility is, “Everybody gets treated like family.” She welcomes anyone interested to call or stop in and see for themselves.

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Page 7

An innovative family business puts the customer first

By Annie Lewis Norman A. Kopperud probably wouldn’t recognize Norman’s Electric Service (NES), the business he started in 1946. “Our dad was a visionary,” Glen Kopperud said. “But even he wouldn’t have predicted how different his business is today. Technology and electronic advances have played a huge role in dramatically changing our work. What he would recognize though, is that we’re still a family business that puts the customer first. He’d be very happy about that!”

NES is located on Hwy. 43 in Rushford Village on the original homestead that Norman and his wife Helen raised their family.

Norman was a hardworking man who was fondly referred to by his family as “Stormin’ Norman.”

He started the business with the philosophy of team work and customer service. He put the customers’ needs as the main focus and that’s how it is still run today.

The company was set up and continues to be a non-union shop. In the early years, the primary business was agricultural and residential wiring. They soon branched out into commercial and industrial and became the business that schools, nursing homes, churches and large industries relied on for lighting and electrical projects. Norman was always striving to be innovative by breaking new ground.

One of his projects was designing, building and installing the first cable television system in Rushford in 1950.

In 1980, Norman’s son Glen and his wife Letitia joined the business and shortly after, Norman’s other sons, Tom and Jerry, got involved. Recently, Megan, Glen and Letitia’s daughter, came on board as office manager, along with her husband Pete LaFleur. As the next generations became a part of the business, they wanted to maintain Norman’s vision to stay ahead of the rest by continuing to offer innovative ideas and excellent service to their customers.

“Today, we’re working on cutting-edge products and shipping them to places like Poland and Mexico,” Glen said. “It’s pretty amazing when you think about how the world has changed in the last 20 years. We can be even more customer focused through the use of technology.

For instance, if one of our customers is having a problem, we can instantly troubleshoot via computer and remotely connect into their system, often fixing the problem right on the spot.”

NES offers total solutions to electrical concerns and needs, including engineering, layout, plans and specifications, pricing, installation, documentation and service. Their expertise in automation allows them to provide a total electrical package not offered by most electrical contractors. NES is recognized in SE

Minnesota as a leading contributor in the electrical industry by customers, inspectors, distribuSee NES Page 10 ➤

Glen Kopperud oversees operations of NES and maintains his dad’s vision to stay ahead of the rest by continuing to offer innovative ideas and excellent service to their customers.

Photo by Annie Lewis

Celebrating

65 years!

Established in 1954

115 Main Street South Chatfield, MN

507-867-3610 507-765-9805 FAX: 507-765-2234

21142 U.S. 52 Preston, MN

Color Copies Need Flyers, Brochures?

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Page 10

Monday, January 28, 2019

Norman’s Electric Service (NES) is located in Rushford Village on the homestead that founder Norman A. Kopperud and his wife Helen raised their family. Pictured in front are Megan LaFleur and Glen Kopperud. In the back, left to right, are Jerry Kopperud, Clay Anderson, Jed Kinneberg, Ben Gravos, Tom Kopperud, Todd James, Ryan Rusert, Chris Vitse and Pete LaFleur.

Photo submitted Continued from Page 7

Megan LaFleur, Glen Kopperud’s daughter, joined NES a few years ago along with her husband Pete. “We’re fortunate to have great employees and family who want to continue working with the business,” Megan said.

Photo by Annie Lewis

CELEBRATING 33 YEARS in business!

507-545-3900 Fax: 507-545-3901

4707 County Rd 7 SE • Eyota, MN Lumber - Building Materials Builders - Remodelers - Designers www.chatfieldlumber.com

Rushford Ace Hardware Serving quality products since 1866!

507.864.2540 402 South Mill Street, Rushford, MN

24 hour towing service Oil Changes • Brakes • Tire Service Suspension • Diagnostics • General Repair

ESTABLISHED IN 2010

24 hou r Towing Service

Isaac Hurst • southlandautoanddiesel@gmail.com Office: 507-724-8778 Cell: 507-358-5718 512 West Tracy Road, Spring Valley, MN 55975

tors and their fellow contractors.

“We work with hundreds of customers,” Glen said. “Most of our work is done in industrial and commercial markets, but we’re still here for all our customers. On occasion, we’ll get a call from someone whose lamp is broken and we’ve fixed it. It’s still a family business and a part of our community. Sometimes we’ll get a check in the mail with a nice note thanking us for our service. That makes us feel good.”

Education has played a huge role in keeping up with the times. Glen obtained his master electrician licensure and NES was able to branch out into many different areas in the electrical contracting business. Tom, a graduate of Dunwoody College in Minneapolis, expanded NES into the Industrial Automation Technology field. Whereas Jerry, also a graduate of Dunwoody and of Dakota County Vocational School, focused his attention on received his lineman’s training and expanding the business into underground and overhead power distribution.

Their 11 employees have credentials including one Master and five Journeyman licenses.

Continuing education has included General Electric’s Nela Park in Cleveland, Lithonia Lighting in Atlanta and many others. As they continue to grow, they broaden their areas of expertise to provide a total electrical solution to customers, continuing to make service and innovation their priority.

“We’re fortunate to have great employees and family who want to continue working with the business,” Megan said. “I serve as the office manager, but that also covers HR and overseeing our safety program, which has become a critical component in serving our customers. We have to comply with safety and other regulations in order to remain competitive in the global marketplace. It’s a big job, but I love it and the best part is I get to work with my family and our dogs!”

Floor Coverings, Appliance Sales & Service

Root River Appliances & Floor Coverings

MOREM ELECTRIC, INC. 715 Main Ave. N, Harmony 507-886-4541

1945-2019 74 Years and 4 generations serving the electrical needs of Harmony & the surrounding area

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

• Industrial • Commercial • Agriculture • Residential • Solar Installation

Torgerson Family 1947-2014 Brian Ostby, October 2014 - Present

Monday, January 28, 2019

Why I love where I live

By Tim Penny President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation There have been moments throughout my life when opportunities arose to move to a different part of the state of Minnesota, or even a different part of the country.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love living in southern Minnesota and that there are many reasons why I choose to stay here. As the president of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), I can’t imagine a better way to serve this region which has always been my home.

In 1862 my great-great-grandfather homesteaded in rural Freeborn

County northwest of Albert Lea on the shore of Penny Lake. Our family lived and farmed in that same area for the following three generations. My generation and my children’s generation are the fifth and sixth to call rural southern Minnesota home.

As a young man I aspired to serve this region and was fortunate to do so for six years in the state senate and 12 years in Washington. Upon leaving Congress I was determined to make a future for myself and my family in rural Minnesota close to my home roots. The presidency at SMIF culminates my commitment to and passion for southern Minnesota, and I am so fortunate that the 20-county region served

by SMIF is much the same as the region I served while in Congress.

As I travel throughout the area I have the pleasure of visiting with many partners and hearing their hopes and dreams for their communities. People live here because of family, work, good schools,

Proudly serving our customers since 1992

K&R EquipmEnt, inc.

custom bagging & manuRE hauling

Randy Ristau

9’ & 10’ Ag Bag

&

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The Best in Animal Care for 51 Years Harmony: 507-886-6321 Cresco: 563-547-3121

Drs. Aggen, Otto, Rein, Norman, Remold, & Collins

Large and Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Featuring: • Digital X-Ray Imaging • In-House Laboratory capabilities for all species • Full Dental Services utilizing state of the art dental equipment

Page 11

open spaces and beautiful landscape. They stay here because there is a common vision for a future that embraces change, diversity and innovation.

This commitment to a bright future for our children, business owners, small towns, and new immigrants directly connects to the work that we do at SMIF in Early Childhood, Economic Development and Community Vitality.

Over the past 32 years SMIF has listened to the needs of this region and aligned our resources with those needs, investing more than $111 million back into southern Minnesota. In each county there are loan clients, grant recipients, or program participants that we have had the honor of supporting throughout the years.

There are so many reasons why people love living here, and at SMIF we are infusing that theme into the work we do over the next few years as we embark on a $3.5 million “Love Where You Live” endowment campaign to strengthen our region’s future. We believe this theme gets at the root of everything we do at SMIF. This campaign will allow us to support more entrepreneurs, prepare more children for their future, and increase financial investments in our communities, putting SMIF in a position to continue making this region a place people want to call home.

I can’t believe how lucky I am to have served this region for so much of my life. I love where I live because of the people. You are what makes southern Minnesota special.

You can find more about our new campaign at smifoundation. org/lovewhereyoulive.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. You can reach me at timp@smifoundation. org or (507) 455-3215.

About Tim Penny Tim Penny is the President & CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. Tim represented Minnesota’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1982–1994.

About Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in the 20 counties of

south central and southeastern Minnesota. The Foundation has provided more than $111 million in grants, loans and programming within the region during the past 32 years.

SMIF’s key interests include early childhood, community and economic development. To learn more about our work and mission, visit www. smifoundation.org.

Proudly serving for 3 years!

Anderson Auto LLC 507.864.7711

Butch Johnson Insurance Agency Auto . Home . Life . Commercial . Health

Celebrating 37 Years of Business

507.864.2800 200 Mill Street, Rushford, MN

Thank you for letting us serve you !

608 HOUSTON ST NW PRESTON, MN 55965 (507) 765-3846

WWW.PRESTONSERVICEPLUS.COM

Grow with us in 2019 Industry

School

Housing

We are celebrating 8 years

thanks to you!

CHATFIELD, MN 507-867-1448

HOURS: M-F 8AM-5:30 PM

City of Rushford, Minnesota-City Government Rushford-Peterson Schools Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce

Page 12

Monday, January 28, 2019

Mabel Smokehouse is cookin’ up awesome food

When you buy from a mom or pop business, you are not helping a ceo buy a third vacation home. you are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom or dad put food on the table, a family pay a mortgage, or a student pay for college. our customers are our shareholders and they are the ones We strive to make happy. thank you for supporting small businesses!

H When Darrell Peterson, owner of the new Mabel Smokehouse Bar & Grill, was asked what he liked best about the restaurant business, he didn’t hesitate and immediately said the people are. “I love the customers! It’s fun to cook for them and see them enjoy a good meal.” Arlo and Mary Helen Schmitt are two of those customers. “Darrell’s brisket is tremendous,” Arlo said.

Photo by Annie Lewis

At MinnWest Bank, we’ve been serving our communities for ready to serve you!

Doers Welcome.™

Commercial, agricultural and personal banking that gets things done.

www.minnwestbank.com

Proudly serving this area since 2001.

LARRABEE-ESSIG INSURANCE AGENCY 121 S. Main Street, Chatfield www.essigagency.com Office 507-867-3188

Assisted Living of Preston

Providing Care For 10 Years!

• Apartment Rental & Utilities • 24-Hour Staff • 24-Hour on-call nurse • 3 Meals per Day

• Activities • Housekeeping • Laundry • Emergency alert system

E.O.E 1-507-765-3837 www.traditionspreston.com

By Annie Lewis When Darrell Peterson was asked what he liked best about the restaurant business, he didn’t hesitate and immediately said the people are. “I love the customers,” Peterson said. “It’s fun to cook for them and see them enjoy a good meal. The very best thing is when they come back and tell their friends and family about it!”

That’s what has been happening since Peterson opened the doors of the Mabel Smokehouse Bar & Grill in mid-December.

He spent many months getting the restaurant ready and it’s been busy ever since. The restaurant is located in downtown Mabel at 134 S. Main Street.

Peterson did extensive renovations to make the place warm and inviting. He added four sinks and other improvements to bring the restaurant up to code and compliant with health regulations.

“I’ve been cooking for as long as I can remember,” the Mabel native said. “I have worked for a number of restaurants and owned one a few years ago. It’s my passion, especially smoking meats. It’s been my specialty for a long time and I keep working at it to perfect it. I have fun playing around with the heating and different smoking techniques. People tell me that it keeps getting better and better.”

Arlo and Mary Helen Schmidt, who live just north of Mabel, said they come because the food is delicious. “My wife is an outstanding cook,” Arlo said. “If she says something is good, then you know it’s good.

Darrell’s brisket is tremendous.

We ordered one to eat here and another to take home for later.

It has a great flavor and you can tell it’s a quality cut of meat.”

Mary Helen added that the restaurant is very clean and the prices are reasonable.

See SMOKEHOUSE Page 13 ➤

Serving since 1895 ARMONY AGRI

SERVICES, INC.

OVER 100 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO AGRICULTURE IN SOUTHEAST MN Web: www.harmonyagri.com rs menteCaor.ea for 65 yea le p Im lf Marzo to serve th

is proud

Family Owned & Operated since 1954

PRODUCT LINES WE CARRY ARE:

AGCO Tractors, FARMHAND, SIMPLICITY LAWN MOWERS, GLEANER AGCO, HESSTON, MASSEY FERGUSON, NEW IDEA, SUNFLOWER, SUMMERS and WHITE Planters We also have used equipment, a lawn & garden department and have great parts and a service department to help serve you better.

MARZOLF IMPLEMENT CO. 1221 Highway 63 South, Spring Valley, MN 55975 507-346-7227 • www.marzolfimp.com

MOUND PRAIRIE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY Serving our customers since 1884 (800) 846-6914

115 East Cedar Street, P.O. Box 708 Houston, MN

www.moundprairiemutual.com

cedar Valley resort & Outfitters

Open All Year-Round!

3, 4, 6 & 8 Bedroom deluxe loGSIded caBInS Located on the Root River Trail 4 1/2 minutes East of Lanesboro on Hwy 16

all built between 2001-2009

507-467-9000

Monday, January 28, 2019

Continued from Page 12

The restaurant is currently open seven days a week, and

beginning in February, will be open on weekends for breakfast.

Hours will be Monday through Thursday from 4-9 p.m.; Friday 4-10 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m. to

800 Home Street, Rushford, MN Phone: 507-964-7714 • Fax: 507-864-2842

www.goodshep-rushford.org

“People Matter at Every Age!”

Providing quality nursing care services since 1965

Senior Apts. Bremmer Suites. Child Care. Nursing Home

g n i t a Celebr

! s r a 75 ye

Mon-Fri 7:00am-5:00pm, Sat 7:00am-Noon Emergency Service Available • 507-765-9871 • Preston, MN

Formerly Hanson Tire

Spring Valley Chevrolet Buick SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • BODY SHOP • TOWING

507-346-7337 • 120 E. GRANT STREET SPRING VALLEY, MN 55975 WWW.SPRINGVALLEYCHEVYBUICK.COM

Celebrating 2 years in business!

Have you been in an accident?

10 p.m. and Sunday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to Peterson, they should have their liquor license by the Super Bowl.

The restaurant seats 38, but Peterson plans to expand 10 feet off the side of the building, which would double the seating capacity. “We own the building, which makes a big difference,” Peterson said. “Right now, it can get crowded pretty quickly, but we’re managing to keep up.

Our take-out business is booming. You can get anything on the menu and it will be ready for pick-up within a short time.

We’re planning to have a patio this summer and serve pizzas in addition to our regular menu.”

The most popular item is the brisket sandwich and the Smokehouse, a half-pound burger with brisket and cheese.

Friday nights are the fish and shrimp specials. “We have an excellent two-piece cod dinner with potato, bread and salad for $7.95,” Peterson said. “The gulf jumbo shrimp dinner is $8.95. Prime rib is Saturday nights and eventually we’ll do chicken on Thursdays and ribs on Wednesday. When we begin serving breakfast, it will be a full breakfast menu that will include omelets, pancakes, eggs, meat and potatoes.”

When asked what’s the most challenging thing about the restaurant business he said everything is. “There is a lot of work and details that go into running a restaurant. From training staff, shopping, cooking, cleaning, finances, menus, greeting customers and ensuring that every meal is top-notch, it’s more than a full-time job, but I love it. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”

Currently, Peterson employs three staff, but plans to add two more employees. The regular menu includes something for everyone in the family, including grilled cheese, burgers, onion rings and fries. For takeout, call (507) 493-5502.

Undoubtedly, the most-read newspaper in Fillmore County.

Collision Center

Page 13 We are your #1 source for legal notices.

If you ever have any questions about legal notices, we are here to assist.

Call us at 507-765-2151, or e-mail us at news@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Over 31 years in business

Bill’s Gun Shop 19708 Kava Rd. Preston MN 55965 507-765-2762 Since September 1, 1979

Thank you

to all of our cutomers for letting us serve you for 40 years!

Thank you

for letting us serve you!

COMMITTED

to helping owners grow

CALL FOR AN ESTIMATE!

We can take care of all your banking needs.

www.chsrochester.com 507-289-4086

Quality Service With A Personal Touch

ESTABLISHED IN 1931

LOOKING FOR A FRIENDLY BANK WHERE ALL DECISIONS ARE MADE LOCALLY?

We are your #1 source for legal notices.

Park Lane Estates Assisted Living

Serving you for 74 Years!

111 Fillmore Place SE, Preston, MN 507-765-9986 • 507-259-3291

Established in 2001

Lobby: M-Thurs 9-3, F 9-4:30; Drive-up: M-Th 8:30-4, F 8:30-4:30, Sat. 9-noon

Serving you for 126 Years!

If you ever have any questions about legal notices, we are here to assist.

Lobby: M-Thurs 9-3, F 9-4:30 Drive-up: ; M-F 8:30-5:30, Sat. 9-noon

Call us at 507-765-2151, or e-mail us at news@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Providing Quality Senior Living for 18 Years!

Page 14

Monday, January 28, 2019

Semcac is changing lives, one person at a time

Semcac employees approximately 235 people who are making a difference in lives of many people.

Photo submitted

By Melody Swofford “We are helping to change lives one person at a time,” said Wayne Stenberg, Executive Director of

the Semcac office in Rushford.

He states, “In 1966 the Economic Opportunity Act was established and passed by the federal govern-

Established in 1953

CELEBRATING 66 YEARS!

Thank you for letting us serve you!

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18 SE 3rd St. • Chatfield 1-507-867-4120 1-888-766-8748 www.rrsbchatfield.com

Take A Look At All The Services We Offer

Serving our customers since 2014

Cyrus Kulsrud - Owner Cy Guy’s Auto Repair 105 Main St. S. Chatfield, MN 55923 507.867.4320

• Vehicle Inspections • Oil Changes • Recommended Services • Brakes • Suspension Work -Shocks/Struts/Ball Joints • Steering Work -Tie Rods/Power Steering Components • Alignments • Wheel Bearings • Diagnostics -Warning Lights • Engine Repair and Replacement • Exhaust • Transmission Repair and Replacement • Electrical Repair • Tire Repair and New Tire Replacement • Tire Rotation • Rattles - Vibrations - Noises

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ment. Their mission was to fight America’s war on poverty. Senator Walter Mondale awarded the organization their first $30,000 grant to help those in need.” In 1967 some concerned citizens of Winona County joined the war against poverty when they learned about the Economic Opportunity Act and started the Winona Citizens Action Council. Their goal was to obtain funds to help families or individuals in need. Fillmore and Houston counties joined and not long thereafter, the Southeastern Minnesota Citizens Action Council, or Semcac was created and in 2004, Wayne D. Stenberg was hired as the Executive Director in the Rushford office. Stenberg earned his Certified Community Action Professional certification in 2015 and is a member of many boards that promote community action.

Semcac’s main office is based out of Rushford, Minn., and in 2018 it was voted one of the best places to work in southeastern Minnesota. Stenberg confidently recited Semcac’s mission statement, “To empower and advocate for people in order to enhance their self-sufficiency by maximizing community resources.” He went on to say, “Our vision is to help individuals, families and communities thrive, leading a vibrant southeastern region,” and that, “Semcac has a great relationship with the public.”

Rushford Semcac has approximately 235 employees and offers over 25 programs to 12 counties in southeastern Minnesota.

Stenberg said that their 2017 Annual Report reveals that the staff assisted 27,016 individuals to include an additional 58,354 via public transportation. “We have four food shelves in seven county offices which distributed 8,791 food boxes, and we have a homeless shelter in Freeborn County.”

The report also states that 450 individuals got assistance to prevent homelessness in 2017.

Stenberg states, “This is a fulfilling career and it’s rewarding knowing that at the end of the day you have helped make the world a better place.” He went on to say that the Meals on Wheels Program is popular and delivers a balanced meal to homebound seniors or

those confined to their home who are age 60 or older. “Volunteers are important for the daily delivery of hot meals to homebound people.”

Stenberg believes, “One of the greatest gifts you can give is your time.”

Semcac’s Head Start offers programs which encourage the development of certain skills that children need to become healthy and successful learners. According to Stenberg, “We know that children in their pre-school years need exposure to language development, social and emotional development and physical health development to name a few.” Children attend a half-day or a full day program, four days a week at a licensed center, from September to May. He states that this is also a popular program.

Rushford Semcac office provides Weatherization, Volunteer Driver Program, Senior Dining, Senior & Caregiver Advocacy, Rolling Hills Transit, Outreach, Meals on Wheels, Housing Rehab Loans, Homeless Prevention & Assistance, Housing Rehab &

Development, Head Start, Energy Assistance and Family Planning Clinic. They provide food shelves in Preston and Rushford as well.

“Part of our mission is to give assistance to families who are enduring a crisis, especially during the holidays.” Stenberg went on to say that Semcac’s Energy Assistance Program reached 5,291 families last year who were in need of weatherization or energy related repairs. These programs help to empower families and individuals to get through their crisis and help them to become financially stable.

When asked what the future looks like for Semcac, Stenberg replied, “We are going strong and will press on to be the voice for the voiceless.” He states, “A big part of our success is that we hold to our values and will continue to empower individuals and families to climb the ladder out of poverty.

We provide a safety net through community action that becomes their ladder.” To get more information about the programs Semcac offers, you can call the Rushford office at (507) 864-2786.

Celebrating 33 years of business!

Thank you to all of our customers!

WN BR Tire, BaTTery & Transmission Hwy. 16 & 43, RUSHFORD, MN • 507-864-2969 • 1-888-864-7049

B&B Olympic Bowl

Proudly serving our community for over 60 years!

Shelly, Paul and family proudly serving

you for the last 9 years!

Established in 1964

We look forward to continued growth and prosperity in 2019 and beyond.

Preston Dairy & Farm Assoc.

27743 State Hwy 16 Preston • 507-765-2484

601 Hwy 52 W Canton • 507-743-2250

Thank You readers a

nd advertise rs for your s u p p ort, participat ion, and s ense of ownershi p of this publicati on.

Our staff at the Fillmore County Journal would like to take a moment to thank our readers and our advertisers for their support, participation, and sense of ownership of this publication.

Celebrating 108 yearS! 1911-2019 • atM available 24/7!

Serving

our CoMMunity

Without the support of our advertisers, we could not provide meaningful coverage of city council, county board, and school board meetings. We also could not provide free obituaries, along with free birth, engagement, wedding, and military service announcements. Without the support of our advertisers, there would be no sports section, and no recognition of the accomplishments of our youth. And, we wouldn't be able to provide all of the great human interest stories that capture the interests and hearts of our readers.

And, we thank our readers for not only supporting this publication by reading the newspaper cover-to-cover each week, but for also supporting the businesses that advertise in this publication.

SinCe 1911

There is a symbiotic relationship between our advertisers and our readers, for which we are grateful.

www.fmcommunity.com

Our team at the

Fillmore County

Journal loves what we do, and we thank you for letting us be a part of your lives every single week!

Mary Allen, Chatfield Aaron Bishop, Harmony Jana Boyum, Rushford Vern Bunke, Rushford Taylor Case, Preston

our loCationS: 100 Saint anthony St n PreSton, Mn 55965 507-765-3823

507.864.2878 www.myrushfordfoods.com

229 Main St n Chatfield, Mn 55923 507-867-1605

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Tammy Danielson, Fountain Michelle Quanrud, Harmony Sherry Hines, Harmony Barb Jeffers, Lanesboro Kiel Larson, Fountain Eric Leitzen, Hokah Annie Lewis, Mabel Julie Little, Harmony Kathy Little, Houston Yvonne Nyenhuis, Lanesboro Karen Reisner, Fountain

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ESTABLISHED IN 1973

success

152

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CELEBRATING 46 YEARS!