Experience Magazine 2016-2017

Experience SE Minnesota

• Calendar of Events • Activities for All Seasons • Lodging Experiences • Dining Opportunities Published by The Mower County Shopper

2016-2017 Relocation, Visitor & Community Reference Guide

Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. © 2016 Riverland Community College. All rights reserved.

Community.

College.

Proudly serving Austin and the surrounding communities since 1940, Riverland Community College offers over 90 academic programs including the first two years of a four-year education, bachelor’s degree partnerships, and workforce-ready technical careers – all at a fraction of the cost of most colleges and universities.

Success Starts Here

SM

Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. © 2016 Riverland Community College. All rights reserved.

Albert Lea Austin Owatonna Online | 507-433-0600 | riverland.edu

Are you a victim?

Are you a victim of crime?

Crime Victims Resource Center (CVRC) provides support services to individuals who Crime Victims Center (CVRC)Some can help. provides andwith options haveResource been victims of crime. of theCVRC specific crimessupport we work are: to

residents in the Mower County area who Accidents are victims of• crime, including: • Elder Abuse

involving • Harassment intoxicated driver • Accidents involving • Elder abuse • Sexual Abuse/ • driver Assault • Harassment intoxicated Assault • Assault • Burglary • Sexual• Abuse/Assault Stalking • Burglary • Child Abuse• Stalking • Terroristic • Child Abuse • Terroristic Threats • Domestic Abuse/ Threats • Domestic Abuse/Assault • Theft Assault • Theft

are free confidential.

ServicesServices are free andand confidential.

2 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

Crime Victims Resource Center 101 14th Street NW, Austin • 507-437-6680 www.mowercountyshopper.com

Mantorville

Blooming Prairie

Spring Valley Austin Bluff Country

Rose Creek Adams

LeRoy

Lyle St Ansgar, IA

We are proud to give you the 2016-2017 Experience Southeast Minnesota Guide. This guide provides information about upcoming events in Austin & the surrounding areas. Visitors as well as local residents can use this as a reference to keep up with community events. This publication is produced and published

by The Mower County Shopper and supported by the businesses featured inside. We all strive to keep our economy strong. Support your local merchants and take advantage of what your community has to offer.

Locally owned and operated businesses contribute substantially to our economy. Dollars spent locally stay in the community longer and therefore create greater local wealth. Shop local, it just makes cents.

S hopper The Mower County

3405 W Oakland Avenue • Austin, MN 55912 • 507-437-7731 Fax 507-437-7733

Hamilton Auction Co. Call for all your Auction needs!

507-584-0133 130 State Hwy 16 Dexter, MN

www.hamiltonauctioncompany.com

Create your Dream Kitchen.

Custom Cabinetry by

Content Welcome to the SE Minnesota Area Welcome to Austin 3 Calendar of Events 4-19 Surrounding Areas 20-33 • Albert Lea 20-21 • Blooming Prairie 22 • Brownsdale 23 • Lyle 24-25 • Mantorville 26-27 • Osage, IA 28 • St. Ansgar, IA 29 • Spring Valley 30 • Bluff Country 31 • Adams 32 • Rose Creek 33 Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 34 Trails 34-35 Dining 36-37 Senior Focus 38-39 Automotive 40-41 Churches 42-43 Austin Parks & Rec Dept 44 Recreation 45 Austin City Government 46 New Resident Info 47 The information contained in this guide has been published in good faith on the basis of information supplied to the publishers and designers.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this guide at the time of publishing, the publishers and designers cannot guarantee its accuracy and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation.

Voted Albert Lea’s Best Waste Disposal Service for the past 4 years!

NO BS WITH TS (no bad service)

THOMPSON SANITATION, INC.

2205 4th Street NW, Austin

507.433.3586

Published by the Mower County Shopper

www.thompsonsanitation.com

507-256-4370

Now serving city of Austin residents

g vin / er orn s s b yr ree er 33 he F ow ea M ar t

Looking for a Home to Buy?

Go to the Shopper's website www.mowercountyshopper.com or our Facebook page and click on the link to the

MLS Homes Book

Austin AreA Homes For sAle

FREE tion

Publica

2 Weeks Published every

March 11, 2016

at 507-437-7731 County Shopper call the Mower this publication, To advertise in

You'll find a detailed listing of Austin area homes for sale listed by several local realtors!

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 3

Calendar of Events 120 YEARS IN AUSTIN Doing the Most Good

Worship and Service Center

Col. Dave Thompson

409 First Ave. NE • 507-437-4566 Sundays 10:00 am

Food Shelf

Broker/Auctioneer

409 First Ave. NE • 507-437-4566

507.438.9646 cell 507.433.6784 home

704 10th St. NE •507-433-7203

Donation Center

Salvation Army Store

209 4th St SE • 507-437-4566 Mens, Women's & Children's Clothing, Furniture, Household Goods and Miscellaneous​

PO Box 87 • Lansing, MN iauctionitall@gmail.com ThompsonAuctionService.com

Studies show a green environment can reduce stress, anxiety and depression!

Find a park near you and get outside, enjoy nature and de-stress!

Austin is home to 28 Parks, 15 miles of trails and another 10 miles in the Nature Center alone! www.ci.austin.mn.us

Become part of our team!

An aggressive fast-growing global food ingredients company is expanding production and is hiring for the following full-time opportunities

MAINTENANCE POSITION

Take care of all maintenance state standards and OSHA compliance standards.

• Boiler checks, WWTP checks •Troubleshoot, repair and maintain functional parts of all mechanical equipment throughout the plant • Preventative maintenance, continual improvement projects • Class 2 license required

LAB TECH PRODUCTION POSITIONS

Ideal applicants will have: Previous food industry experience, stable work history & a positive work ethic

We are proud to offer competitive wages, employer supported health and dental coverage, PTO, the opportunity for advancement.

Please send resume to: hr@amtechingredients.com AMTECH INGREDIENTS, LLC 517 ADAMS AVE, ALBERT LEA, MN 56007 Physical & Drug Screen Required

4 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

Twilight Tales: Evening Storytime Weekly on Thursday, until May 26 • 6:30-7:00 pm Austin Public Library A half-hour story-time program for preschool age children accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Free. For more information, call 507-433-2391.

Keepsake Quilters Guild Meeting Monthly on the first Thursday • 7:00-8:30 pm

St John’s Lutheran Church, Austin Monthly get-together of quilting fans young and old. The Keepsake Quilters Guild’s goal is to encourage and inspire new and experienced quilters, and to share the love of our craft. Gatherings include opportunities to work on your own pieces as well as special programs with guest speakers presenting ideas, techniques, and samples. For more information, call Chris Jensen at 507-433-7115.

Masonic Pancake Feed Monthly on the first Saturday • 9:00 am-1:00 pm Austin Masonic Lodge, 315 A Main St N, Austin

The Austin Masons are hosting an all you can eat pancake feed for $5 per person. Come and enjoy Pancakes, Sausage, Orange Juice, Milk and Coffee.

April 2016 RED BIKES ARE COMING! The goal of the Red Bike program is to encourage healthy living and reduce traffic congestion. Red Bikes will be available around town for the community to hop on and ride. Instruction signs will be posted on red racks with bikes.

RIDE. RESPECT. RETURN. April 12th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and information, call 507-437-4561 April 12th • 6:00-7:30 pm Intro to Glass Fusing Austin ArtWorks Center Choose between designing jewelry, wind chimes, or a 5-inch plate. Learn about fusible glass, tools and safety practices you will need to get you started with this exciting medium. Use of tools and glass for your project is included. Students will finish their project during class. Items will be fired in our kilns and the finished piece can be picked up approximately 1 week after class at the ArtWorks Center. Cost: $40 | Ages: 13+. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

April 13th • 5:30-7:30 pm Uncork and Create Austin ArtWorks Center Love art but don’t know where to start? Follow guided instruction, socialize with fellow art lovers, and sip on a glass of wine as you recreate a model painting to take home at the end of class.

Cost $40 | Ages: 16+. For more information, call 507-434-0934. www.mowercountyshopper.com

Calendar of Events April 14th • 5:30-6:30 pm Large Hole Suede Bracelet Austin ArtWorks Center Instructor is Kim Kahn-Waletzke. Cost: $25. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

out of the great outdoors. Performing on banjo, mandolin, 6 and 12-string guitars and bass, and with outstanding threepart vocal harmonies, Wild Spirit is “like a prairie wind blowing through a concert hall.” This program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 507-437-7519.

April 15th-20th Calico Hutch Quilters Retreat Austin Conference Center For more information call Calico Hutch Quilt Shop 507-377-1163

April 21st- May 1st Young Frankenstein Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College, Austin It’s alive! Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick and a leggy lab assistant, Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes

April 17th • 2:00-4:00 pm Opera Festiva!

Historic Paramount Theatre For more information call 507-433-8719.

April 18th • 6:00-8:30 pm Eberhart Night of Poetry Hormel Historic Home, Austin Finalists from the Eberhart Poetry Contest will be treated to the poetic sharing of Minnesota poet, Sharon Chmielarz. This event is in partnership with the Friends of the Austin Public Library, Austin Public Education Foundation, and the Historic Hormel Home; the event is open to the public. The finalists from each building are invited to read their poem during the event. School winners will be announced after all poems are shared. Certificates and Awards will be presented at that time.

Caring Pregnancy Center

808 Oakland Ave W, Austin | 507.437.7595

Pregnant? Struggling with parenting?

We are here to help.

Our mission is to provide practical help and advice to women, guiding them through unplanned pregnancies and sharing with them the good news of salvation.

What We Do

Physical assistance Emotional support

Spiritual support Educational support

Who We Are

We are a non-profit pregnancy center in Austin, whose purpose is to help educate women & families about pregnancy alternatives

April 19th • 7:00 pm Stan Tekiela - “Feathers: A beautiful look at a bird’s most unique feature” Jay C Hormel Nature Center, Austin This presentation, based on Stan’s award-winning book, is stunningly illustrated with hundreds of feathers and fun facts all delivered with Stan’s sense of humor and playfulness. This program is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by April 18th. For more information, call 507-437-7519.

April 19th • 6:00-8:00 pm Hand building Flower Planters Austin ArtWorks Center Learn how to make a planter for your patio using the coil technique. Both the traditional technique using a puki, and the free-form technique will be taught. The decoration and glazing you choose will be dependent on what is appropriate to your piece. Cost: $70; Ages: 18+. For more information, call 507434-0934.

April 21st • 7:00 pm Earth Day Celebration: Douglas Wood & the Wild Spirit Band Jay C Hormel Nature Center, Austin The Wild Spirit Band members are: international best-selling author and acoustic music wizard Douglas Wood, ace Minnesota flat-picker and guitarist Steve Borgstrom, and bassist Bryan Wood. They play great American music that comes straight Published by the Mower County Shopper

Offers

• Daily trips from Mankato to Rochester & Southern MN destinations in between • Private Charters • Connections to 1000’s of locations with Jefferson Lines

Southern MN Connection Mankato, Albert Lea, Austin, Rochester As low as

Austin locations: • Ankeny’s #5 1400 14th Street NW • Mayo Health System 1000 1st Dr NW

Connections to 1000’s of locations with Jefferson Lines

$

6.00 each way

Rochester locations: • Mayo • Airport • Sinclair Fuel

Albert Lea location: Burger King, 2011 E Main St

50 Sibley Parkway, Mankato Experience SE Minnesota ~ 5

Calendar of Events SIGN UP NOW FOR LESSONS PIANO • GUITAR • BASS • DRUMS

QUALIFIED TEACHING STAFF Lessons Available Monday thru Thursday & Saturday • Music Books • Rentals & Repairs • Sheet Music • Gift Boutique • Ludwig Drums

• AMPS • Korq Keyboards & Digital Pianos • Takamine & E.S.P. Guitars

• Band & Orchestra Accessories

April 21st Community Noon Lunch United Methodist Church of Brownsdale Free will donation For more information call Susan Amick at 507-567-2644

Apold Music

Over 30 Years Serving the Austin Area & Beyond

106 W Oakland Ave, Austin, MN 437-7217

R E S T O R E

REUSE

REMAKE

REFINISH

of his ancestors as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds. Susan V. Hansen directs, and the musical is recommended for ages 13 and up.

Tickets are $16 or $50 for a season pass; may be purchased by going to www.riverland.edu/theatre/tickets or at the box office in person or by phone. For more information or to order tickets, call 507-433-0595.

REPURPOSE

Olde Tyme Antiques

R E 50422 262nd St, Austin, MN • 507.437.3343 or 507.438.7070 P Judy & David Laskewitz, owners L 4 miles N of Austin on Hwy 218, then 2.5 miles W on 262nd St Our 2nd bldg is open with many projects needing new life.

A Please call ahead to make sure we are open.

C E REVIVE REIMAGINE REINVENT REPAIR

R E F R E S H R E P A I N T

April 22nd & 23rd Austin High School Elks Softball Tournament North Todd Complex April 23rd • 10:00 am Stepping Out for Autism Walk For more info & registration form visit http://www.hormelhistorichome.org April 23rd • 10:30 am-12:00 pm Kids’ Studio Saturday - Painting/Drawing Austin ArtWorks Center Let the kiddos loose on the studio and watch the magic happen (or get some me-time by shopping in our retail gallery or listening

Visit Our Garden Center Proud to be a Member of the Austin Community!

1000 18th Ave NW, Austin, MN • 434-8159 6 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Calendar of Events to the sweet sound of silence in our lounge upstairs). Cost: $20 | Ages: 4+. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

April 24th • 3:00-5:00 pm Forte Milers 50 Years of Barbershop Harmony Historic Paramount Theatre, Austin The Forte Milers Barbershop Chorus will be joined by the St. Croix Crossing Quartet and Sopha Sisters Quartet - from Cresco, Iowa! Tickets $12 in advance, or $14 at the door. For more information, call 507-434-0934 April 28th • 5:30-8:30 pm Beginners’ Acrylic Austin ArtWorks Center Hands-on practice of the basics will give you the confidence to start painting at home! Cost: $60 | Ages: 13+. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

April 30th • 9:00 am - Noon Austin’s 10th Annual Community Pride Day It’s Spring cleaning time! Join in keeping our city a beautiful place to live. Begin your day with coffee, hot chocolate and donuts at the VFW (300 4th Ave NE). Here you will sign up for for designated areas around the city to clean up trash left by the winter; including parks, trails and public places.

Protective gloves and garbage bags will be available.

April 30th • 10:30 am-12:00 pm Kids’ Studio Saturday - Clay Austin ArtWorks Center Let the kiddos loose on the studio and watch the magic happen (or get some me-time by shopping in our retail gallery or listening to the sweet sound of silence in our lounge upstairs). Cost: $20 | Ages: 4+. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

April 30th • 11:30 am-1:00 pm 7th Annual Taste of Nations 210 4th Street NE, Austin Explore and learn about numerous different countries and cultures! Free admission for the food samples, entertainment, education and fun! For more information or to volunteer, call the Austin CVB at 507-437-4563.

Quality You Can Count On. People You Can Trust.

Call 437-6500 for your heating & cooling needs

1001 4th St SE, Austin

TAKE US FOR GRANITE

It’s FREE!

In 2015 Mower County Residents recycled 1,800 tons of these materials . . .

Acceptable Items • Newspapers • Magazines • White Office Paper • Cardboard

• Pressed Board - Chip Board

May 2016 May 1st • 8:00 am- 1:00 pm Firemen’s Breakfast Brownsdale Fire Department Free will donation.

• Tin Cans

Published by the Mower County Shopper

W hen In Doub t Call!

RECYCLE!

• Glass Bottles & Jars

May 2nd • 7:00-9:00 pm Austin Artist Series: Fascinating Rhythms of the World Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School

Part of the Austin Artist Series. Fall membership campaign from September 1 to 15 - series tickets $45 for single adult,

x

Would you Be Interested In Saving $ and Helping the Environment?

• Aluminum Cans • Plastic Bottles With the • Bucket Shaped Plastic Containers With the

WE CANNOT ACCEPT • Window Glass • Plastic Bags • Garbage • Any Other Plastic Item • Lids of Any Kind Milk

• Styrofoam

• Plastic Food Containers

• No Scrap Aluminum

Not currently recycling?

Call MC Recycling Center for information on how to get started.

507-437-9551. Curbside collection 437-9551 www.co.mower.mn.us/recycling.html is free where available.

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 7

Calendar of Events $95 for family, $15 for student. For tickets or more information, call Nancy Dolphin at 507-433-9387.

May 3rd • 10:00-11:00 am Hearth and Home: Raising Kids in Exotic Places Hormel Historic Home, Austin Presented by Peggy Keener. Free program. Light refreshments served. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

May 4th • 6:00-7:00 pm Homemade Postcards Austin ArtWorks Center Inspired by the popular book series and blog “Post Secret,” this class will walk you through creating your very own little piece of “post art.” We will use a variety of different materials, and you’ll get to take home your postcard at the end of the night. Cost: $30 | Ages: 13+. For more info, call 434-0934.

May 5th, 10th, 12th & 17th • 6:30-8:00 am Spring Bird Watching Jay C Hormel Nature Center, Austin Meet in the Nature Center parking lot at 6:30am and join fellow birders for a hike on the Nature Center trails. Join us for any part of an hour and a half. This is the prime migration period and an excellent time to see a variety of colorful birds.

This program is free and open to anyone interested in birding by sight and sound. Binoculars will be provided upon request.

For more information, call 507-437-7519.

Hearing Care Excellence Care in Austin, Hearing Albert Lea and Cresco, IA. Excellence in

May 6th • 5:30-8:30 pm 300M4FREEDOM Presents Chris Hawkey Holiday Inn Conference Center, Austin For more information, call 507-433-8000.

Au

Austin, Albert Lea

Hearing CareExcellence Excellence Hearing Care & Cresco, IA. in Austin, AlbertLea Lea Austin, Albert HearinginCare Excellence and Cresco, IA. and Cresco, in Austin, Albert LeaIA.

IBEL® and Cresco, IA. Centers Hearing Au IBEL® Au IBEL® Au IBEL® Hearing Centers Hearing Centers Hearing Centers 11 11

1111

Improving the Lives of the Hearing Improving the Lives of the Hearing Improving the Lives of the Hearing the Lives Hearing Impaired ...Improving One atofathe Time.

Impaired ...Patient One Patient at a Time.

Impaired ...Impaired One Patient a Time. ... OneatPatient at a Time.

507-433-6214 507-433-6214 507-433-6214 507-433-6214 Toll Free Toll Free 877-333-6125 Toll FreeToll Free 877-333-6125 877-333-6125 a udibel. a udibel. coni coni 877-333-6125

& STATE LICENSED & STATE LICENSED

AmyNina Baarsch, Best,

Locally owned and operated, with the strength a AmyofBaarsch, Locally owned and operated, with the strength of a national network. If you travel, you will find anNBC-HIS Audibel ! national network. If you travel, you will find an Audibel !

a udibel. coni

Locally owned and operated, with the strength of a national network. If you travel, you will find an Audibel !

Locally owned and operated, with the strength of a national network. If you travel, you will find an Audibel !

8 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

May 6th - May 8th 8th Annual Minnesota Junior Spring Classic Beef Show Mower County Fairgrounds For more information, call 507-433-1868.

May 6th • 9:00 am-1:00 pm Defensive Driving Class Mower County Senior Center This is the refresher course required for the 10% discount on insurance premiums. Cost for members is $16, non-members $19. Future classes: June 24th from 9 am to 1 pm. For more information or to sign up, call 507-433-2370.

NATIONALLY BOARD CERTIFIED

&CERTIFIED STATECERTIFIED LICENSED NATIONALLY BOARD NATIONALLY BOARD & STATE LICENSED NATIONALLY BOARD CERTIFIED

a udibel. coni

May 6th & 7th Brownsdale City Wide Sales

NBC-HIS

NBC-HIS

Amy Baarsch,

Nina Best, NBC-HIS

Nina Best,

NBC-HIS Amy Baarsch,NBC-HISNina Best,

NBC-HIS

May 6th & 7th • 10:00 am-5:00 pm Spring Used Book Sale Austin Public Library Sponsored by AAUW and the Friends of the Austin Public Library. Donations of gently used books, CDs, DVDs welcome.

For more information, call 507-433-2391.

NBC-HIS

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Calendar of Events May 6th • 7:30-9:30 pm Comedy Night Historic Paramount Theatre, Austin Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets available at the Austin ArtWorks Center or online at www.austinareaarts. org. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

May 7th • 9:00 am-5:00 pm Austin City-Wide Rummage Sale May 7th • 10:30 am-12:00 pm Kids’ Studio Saturday - Painting/Drawing Austin ArtWorks Center Let the kiddos loose on the studio and watch the magic happen (or get some me-time by shopping in our retail gallery or listening to the sweet sound of silence in our lounge upstairs).

Cost: $20 | Ages: 4+. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

May 7th • 1:00-4:00 pm 5-in-1 Wrap Bracelets Austin ArtWorks Center Instructor is Kim Kahn-Waletzke. This wrap bracelet adds three more skills to the basic wrap. Learn how to mix herringbone, macrame, and chain to a wrap. Cost: $60 | Ages: 16+. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

May 7th Austin High School JV/C Softball Tournament North Todd Complex May 10th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more information, call 507-437-4561 May 10th • 6:00-7:30 pm Fused Glass Wine Charms and Bottle Stoppers Austin ArtWorks Center Join your friends for a fun night out! Create beautiful fused glass to incorporate into a wine bottle stopper and charms while enjoying a glass of wine (a cash bar will be available).

Beginners welcome! In this class you will learn the basics of glass cutting, safety and use of tools. All materials supplied.

Items will be fired in our kilns and will be ready for pick up at the ArtWorks Center approximately one week after class.

Cost: $45 | Ages: 18+. For more information, call 507-4340934.

May 14th • 8:30 am-12:00 pm Austin’s Puzzling Competition Holiday Inn Conference Center, Austin 2 to 4 member teams compete to complete a 1000 piece puzzle first! Open to the public - invite your friends and family!

Cost is $10 per person; includes puzzle and refreshments for participating teams. Team registration required by May 6 stop by or call the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau for a registration form or more information - 507-437-4563.

Published by the Mower County Shopper

May 14th • 9:00 am-2:00 pm County Electronics Recycling Event Mower County Fairgrounds For more information, call 507-437-9949 May 14th • 10:30 am-12:00 pm Kids’ Studio Saturday - Clay Austin ArtWorks Center Let the kiddos loose on the studio and watch the magic happen (or get some me-time by shopping in our retail gallery or listening to the sweet sound of silence in our lounge upstairs).

Cost: $20 | Ages: 4+. For more information, call 507-434-0934

Top Ten Nails

PROFESSIONAL NAIL CARE FOR LADIES & GENTLEMEN

Acrylic Nails, Gel Nails, Pink & White Manicure, Spa Pedicure

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-7 pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sunday Closed Gift Certificates Available

507-434-2543 501 1st St NW Austin

SMART CLINIC at Sterling

Family Friendly Medical Practice Infants to Young Adults:

• Well Baby and Well Child Exams & Immunizations • Ear Infections • Strep Throat • Sports Physicals • Sexually Transmitted Infections • Teen Health Education & Disease Prevention

Women's Health:

• Annual Exams • Postpartum Support • Birth Control • Menstrual Issues Menopause • Sexually Transmitted Infections • Immunizations

Adults and Seniors

• Immunizations • Male Annual Exams • Chronic Disease Management • Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) • Shingles • Arthritis • Minor cuts and bruises • DOT Physicals • Diabetes • High Blood Pressure Looking for a Primary Care Provider? We are accepting new patients.

The Nurse Practitioners at Smart Clinic have a total of over 25 years’ experience, with expertise in family medicine, cardiology, womens health, urgent care and pediatrics. Appointments are not necessary but are encouraged to minimize your wait time.

507.437.0036 507.437.2990/Fax 1305 1st Avenue SW, Austin www.SterlingSmartClinic.com

Complete Care for All Ages!

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 9

Calendar of Events Oakwoods Trails Campground A True Getaway!

• Volleyball • Horseshoes • Walking Trails Located 1 mi. N of Oakland off Co. Rd. 34 (890th Ave.) 23614 890th Ave, Austin • 507-437-6165 www.oakwoodstrails.com

awn Shop P s ’ n o R I90 Exit 178A 2203 4th St. NW, Austin, MN 55912

Now Selling New and Used Guns Hours: Tues.-Fri 10-6; Sat. 10-2 • 437-1301

We Buy or Loan Money On: Guns - Gold TVs - VCRs/DVDs Stereos - US Tools Digital Cameras - Coins

May 14th - May 16th Mini-Hobby Gaming Tournament Holiday Inn Conference Center, Austin Opportunity for gaming enthusiasts to get together and play a variety of campaigns, scenarios, and board games. For more information, call 507-433-8000.

May 21st • 10:00 am-5:00 pm Annual VFW Classic Car Show Austin VFW Post 1216 For more information, call 507-433-6039.

May 26,31, June 2nd 1A/AA West Sub-Section 1A/1AA/1AAA/AAAA Softball Tournament North Todd Complex May 27th Section Softball Tournament North Todd Complex May 27th • 5:00-7:00 pm Austin ArtWorks 2nd Floor Gallery Opening Austin ArtWorks Center For more information, call 507-434-0934.

Hormel Historic Home Banquet Hall & Peace Garden

Self Guided & Guided Group Tours Available

Meetings Cocktail Hours Anniversaries Conferences Fundraisers Concerts Weddings

“Where the Past Inspires the Present”

Showers Dinners Baptisms Seminars Receptions Holiday Parties

Contact Amanda Barber at amanda@hormelhistorichome.org or by calling 507.433.4243 www.hormelhistorichome.org

May 28th - September 24th Canoe and Kayak Rentals The Nature Center rents canoes and kayaks for use on Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake or on our pond, available Monday-Saturday (no rentals on Sundays or City of Austin holidays), May 28th - Sept. 24, 2016. Life jackets, paddles and canoe/kayak rollers are provided. Fee $10.00 for up to three hours. Purchase a punch card for $25.00 and receive five canoe or kayak rentals for half the fee! Call 507-437-7519 for more information.

May 28th • 6:00-9:00 pm Driller MMA Fight Holiday Inn Conference Center For more information, call 507-433-1881.

May 28th-30th 1A West Sub-Section/Section Tournament Riverland Baseball Complex

June 2016 June 4th & 5th AA Baseball Tournament North Todd Complex

Paid for by the POPPE for the People campaign.

10 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

June 3rd - 5th • 8:00 am-8:00 pm 15th Annual Three Rivers Flea Market/Rummage Sale Mower County Fairgrounds Set-up day for this annual event. Free admission and free www.mowercountyshopper.com

Calendar of Events parking. Event held rain or shine - vendors indoor and out.

Spaces still available - for info, call Tessa at 507-219-9826 or 507-219-9762, or email yllwdrgnfly13@yahoo.com.

June 3rd • 3:00-8:00 pm Summer Kick-Off Downtown Austin

Sponsored by V2020 Downtown Austin. Food, vendors, games, music - fun for all.

June 10th, 11th & 12th Adams Dairy Days More information is on page 32. Check us out on Facebook for additional events and times.

June 11th & 12th Riverland Baseball Complex All Stars U14 AA Baseball Tournament June 13th Municipal Pool - OPENS 1:00 pm Pool Hrs.: Mon thru Fri 1:00-4:40 pm Mon, Wed, Thur 7:00-8:30 pm Saturday 1:00-6:00 pm; Sunday 2:00-7:00 pm Adult Lap Swim 12:00-1:00 pm Monday - Saturday Watch for the “OPEN” Flag Near The Diving Well That Indicates The Pool Is Open June 13th • 5:30-8:00 pm History Happy Hour: Antique Evaluations Hormel Historic Home, Austin Take advantage of the opportunity to get antiques appraised

by Mark F. Moran. Social hour begins at 5:30 pm and the presentation at 6 pm. Cash bar available. Coffee, water and appetizers provided. Free to members of the HHH, the Mower County Historical Society and Friends of the Library; $5 for non-members. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

Speed Queen

Real Value Laundry's BEST CLEAN! BEST RINSE! for You!

DONKERS

Hometown Appliances

Delivering the Power of Human Connection Your Local Electric Cooperative

1107 1st Ave SW, Austin

507-433-8608

Frigidaire • Speed Queen • Bosch Whirlpool Fisher • Samsung • Toro Local Sales with Service

2501 Main St. E., Albert Lea, MN 507-373-6421 This institution is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Treating Guests Like Neighbors ~ That’s the AmericInn Way ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

FREE Hot Home-Style Breakfast Inviting Indoor Pool Free Hotel-Wide Internet Rewards Program

1700 8th St NW, Austin | 507-437-7337

Unique Jewelry at Affordable Prices 10K, 14K and Sterling Silver Jewelry, Men’s Titanium Jewelry & Citizen Watches, 401 N. Main • Austin Wedding & Baby Gifts, Jewelry & Watch Repair, Batteries & Engraving 433-7080 “Your only locally owned jewelry store” We gladly accept Chamber Bucks

June 14th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more information, call 507-437-4561 June 15th • 7:00-8:00 pm Austin Community Band Concert in the Park Bandshell Community Park Free concert! Bring your blanket or lawn chair for a perfect summer treat.

June 16th - August 25 • 9:30-10:30 am Summer Senior Specials Jay C Hormel Nature Center, Austin On seven select Thursdays and one Saturday, the Nature Center will offer another great year of Senior Specials, which provide patrons (age 55 and older) with FREE coffee or tea, a cookie, and a concert or natural history program, and an optional opportunity to take a staff-led nature-themed tour of the trails on one of our two access vehicles. Preregistration is Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 11

Calendar of Events AUSTIN

ROCHESTER

M-F 11-6 Th 11-8 Sat 11-5

M-F 11-7 Sat 11-5

$10 OFF

$10 OFF

purchase of $100 or more

purchase of $100 or more

everythinghobby.com

•••11 811111' 86II IIIOllill.l) IOI IOUL •a1111a1110 JJ

GP serv1 · e GPS Services (507) 582-1GPS

Farm- Tech, Inc (507) 582-7725

required for all of the programs, with a separate access vehicle signup. For more information, call 507-437-7519.

June 16th - August 25th • 1:00 pm Nature Play Afternoons On seven select Thursdays and one Saturday, get outside and discover nature with your child! Enjoy free canoe or kayak rentals, pond, scooping for aquatic critters, nature programs, archer, netting dragonflies & butterflies, crayfish hunting, survival games, and/or self-guided nature trail activities. Canoe and kayak availability is first-come, first-served, for an adult (16 & over) with a child (adults must accompany children).

For more information, call 507-437-7519.

FREE Senior and Family Nature & Music Programs in Ruby Rupner Auditoriumduring Nature Play Afternoons. www.hormelnaturecenter.org for dates and details.

June 18th & 19th All Stars U13 Girls Fast Pitch Softball Twister Tournament North Todd Complex June 20th • 1:30 pm Free Summer Concert Hormel Historic Home, Austin - Banquet Hall Oscar’s Big Break - provided by A Touch of Magic

Reach for Something Better.

Earn your degree from Kaplan University. > More than 180 programs, including associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as certificate programs > Convenient scheduling with classes offered online > Earn credit for work/life experiences—including military training* > Scholarship or grant available to eligible new students† > One-on-one career assistance‡

Serving Southeast Minnesota.

For comprehensive consumer and gainful employment information, visit www.kaplan.edu/info. *Kaplan University does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning Assessment policy. †Scholarships and grants may only be available for a limited time. May not be combined with any other Kaplan University scholarships, discounts, grants, or tuition reductions. Terms and conditions apply. Contact an Admissions Advisor. ‡Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

Take the next step.

Call 800.274.2530 (Toll Free) or visit KaplanMN.com.

12 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

OC EXPERIENCE SE MN 02/16

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Calendar of Events June 21st - 25th • 7:30 pm & June 26th • 2:00 pm Shrek the Musical Frank W. Bridges Theatre Riverland Community College, Austin

A Summerset Theatre production. Set in a mythical sort of land, this is the story of a reclusive ogre who makes a deal with other fairy tale characters who have been evicted by the evil Prince Farquaad, then makes a deal with Prince Farquaad to rescue his fiancée, Princess Fiona. Shrek does so, but notices something odd about this princess - why does she always run off when the sun sets? Suitable for all ages. For tickets or more information, contact the Box Office at 507-4330595 or go to www.summersettheatre.org.

Dexter

Elevator & LP, Inc • LP Gas • Hubbard Feed •O n Sight Grain Pick-up Check With Us Before You Buy!

Dexter, MN 507-584-6422

June 23rd - June 26th SPAM®Town Challenge Baseball Tournament Marcusen Park, Austin Premier semi-pro baseball tournament begun in 2005, featuring the top 16 teams from Minnesota and surrounding states.

For more information, email john.frein@donaldson.com.

June 23rd and July 26th GENE RODEN MEMORIAL TRACK MEETS - The Austin Noon Kiwanis will be sponsoring two track meets for anyone ages 3 and up at Westcott field. Field events begin promptly at 6:15 pm and running events begin at 6:30 pm. Both meets are free of charge and all participants will receive ribbons.

Bring your family and friends for an evening of fun!

June 24th • 9:00 am-1:00 pm Defensive Driving Class Mower County Senior Center This is the refresher course required for the 10% discount on insurance premiums. Cost for members is $16, non-members $19. For more information or to sign up, call 507-433-2370.

June 24th, 25th & 26th Red Rock Revival - Brownsdale, MN Check us out on our City of Brownsdale Facebook page for details

We are a family-owned motorcoach tour company based out of Rochester, MN, offering over 20 great tours a year at affordable and competitive prices. Our tours go throughout the lower 48 states & into Canada.

Come along and join the fun!

Check out our tours at www.jagtours.com or call us toll free at 866-277-8687 C-Store: Gas, Food, Deli Restaurant: Daily Specials Bar: Happy Hour Specials

Open 5:00 am to 11:00 pm 236 S Main St, Dexter exit 193

507.584.1801

Restaurant Open 6 am to 9 pm

507-440-6384

New Menu Bar Hours Coming Soon 3 pm to Close Mon - Fri Noon to Close Happy Hour 4-7 Saturday & Sunday Sunday-Thursday Food served ‘til 10 pm Located next to I-90 Exit 193 236 S. Main St. • Dexter Thursday, Friday 507-584-1492 & Saturday

WE SPECIALIZE IN

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION! Rolling Gree n Fencing, Inc.

June 25th & 26th All Stars U12 AA Wood Bat Baseball Tournament North Todd Complex All Stars U10/U11 AA Baseball Tournament North Todd Complex June 29th • 7:00-8:00 pm Austin Community Band Concert in the Park Bandshell Community Park Free concert! Bring your blanket or lawn chair for a perfect summer treat.

CHAIN LINK • VINYL • WOOD • ALUMINUM ORNAMENTAL • HI-TENSILE • ELK & DEER FENCING

507-433-4845 2408 4th St NW • Austin, MN

WE CAN FENCE ANYTHING IN OR ANYTHING OUT Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 13

Calendar of Events July 2016 July 1st • 6:30 pm Free Summer Concert Austin Community Jazz Band Hormel Historic Home, in the Peace Garden (Rain site Banquet Hall) July 1st - 4th Freedom Fest Bandshell Community Park, Austin Parades, music, games, food, vendors, sporting events, and of course fireworks! For more information, call 507-437-4561.

July 2nd Spamtown Disc Golf Tournament Singles will play two rounds at Todd Park with a 9 am sign up at the Izaak Walton Cabin in Todd Park. For more information, call Deb or Greg Huckaby at 507-433-1611.

July 8th, 9th & 10th Rose Creek Fun Days - Check us out on our Facebook page for events and times July 9th • 7:00-10:00 pm Minnesota Southbound Rollers Derby Mixer Packer Arena For more information, email MinnesotaSouthboundRollers@gmail.com.

July 11th - July 15th 3rd Annual Clean Water Festival Jay C Hormel Nature Center, Austin Celebrate the importance of clean water with this family-fun event filled with a variety of hands-on, entertaining, and educational events and activities. Enjoy activities and guest presenters throughout the week and have fun learning about, and playing in water! All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 507-437-7519.

July 12th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more information, call 507-437-4561

DOORS & FLOORS, INC. Your One Stop for Everything From

Window Treatments to Laminates

101 11th St. SE Austin, MN 55912 507-433-3420 Open Monday Thru Friday 8 am to 5 pm, Thursday 8 am to 6 pm, Closed Saturdays 14 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

• Carpet • Ceramics • Laminates • Vinyl • Window Treatments • Doors • Windows

July 13th - July 16th • 7:30-11:00 pm & July 17th • 2:00-7:00 pm Murder Room Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College, Austin A Summerset Theatre production. A zany spoof of British mysteries featuring a cast in “a plethora of hilarious situations”.

Secret chambers, secret panels, and trap lids galore operated by the most ridiculous contrivances. For tickets or information, contact the Box Office at 507-433-0595 or go to www.summersettheatre.org.

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Calendar of Events July 19th AG Appreciation Cookout Held annually the third Tuesday in July, this event promotes agri-business in the Austin Area and establishes links between agriculture and the business community. The event also supports the National Barrow Show, 4-H Ribbon Auction, Dairy Princess, Pork Ambassador and similar programs. For more information call 507-437-4561 July 20th - July 22th Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Conference Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center For more information, call 507-437-4563.

July 22nd - 24th Riverland Baseball Complex MSF U14 AA Baseball State Tournament July 23rd • 8 am-Noon 5K Your Way Receive over $20 in Hormel coupons. Games and activities for the whole family following the race. Live Music. Register at Active.com: Key work ‘5K Your Way’ Check out the event on our Facebook page!

July 23th • 2:00 pm-2:00 am Mower County Relay for Life Mower County Fairgrounds

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Been DECLINED for Life Insurance?

We offer GUARANTEED ISSUE WHOLE LIFE! NO MEDICAL EXAM NECESSARY

$25,000 Death Benefit.

Male Age 30 Male Age 40 Male Age 50 Male Age 60 Male Age 70

$567.25 per year $733.25 per year $988.25 per year $1,414.50 per year $2,146.50 per year

Rates available for women also, males listed purely as a price comparison.

Procrastination costs.

Call today: (507) 272-8836 Wyn Alexander

Serving southern MN & northern IA. Wyn will come to you.

Prices based on a non-smoker and subject to change.

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 15

Calendar of Events The American Cancer Society Relay for Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. With the support of thousands of volunteers like you, the American Cancer Society is helping save more than 500 lives a day.

July 23rd & 24th 16U/18U Southern Minny GFP League Tournament North Todd Complex July 24th • 6:30 pm Free Summer Concert Going To The Sun Band Hormel Historic Home, in the Peace Garden (Rain site Banquet Hall), Austin July 26th GENE RODEN MEMORIAL TRACK MEETS Austin Noon Kiwanis will be sponsoring its second meets for anyone age 3 and up at Wescott Field. Field events begin promptly at 6:15 pm and running events begin at 6:30 pm.

Meets is free of charge and all participants will receive ribbons.

Bring your family and friends for an evening of fun!

July 29th • 2:00-10:30 pm 125th Anniversary Celebration - Hormel Foods Corp!

North Main St from 1st Ave NW to Austin Municipal Pool Celebrating 125 years in business with the Band Perry performing live, fireworks, games, food, and all sorts of fun. In addition, celebrate the Grand Opening of the newly rebuilt SPAM® Museum downtown.

July 30th & 31st 12U/14U Southern Minny GFP League Tournament North Todd Complex

August 2016 August 1st • 6:30 pm Free Summer Concert Bissen Family Band Hormel Historic Home, in the Peace Garden (Rain site Banquet Hall) August 3rd - 6th • 7:30-11:00 pm & August 7th • 2:00-7:00 pm Harvey Frank W. Bridges Theatre Riverland Community College, Austin Elwood P. Dowd is an affable man whose best friend is a 6 foot, three and a half inch tall invisible rabbit named Harvey.

His family’s efforts to have him committed to a sanitarium to spare them social embarrassment leads to some unforeseen results. For tickets or more information, call the Box Office at 507-433-0595 or go to www.summersettheatre.org.

August 6th Brownsdale Fest - Check us out on our City of Brownsdale Facebook page for details.

Firemen’s Breakfast - 8:00 am-1:00 pm Brownsdale Fire Department August 9th - 14th Mower County Free Fair Mower County Fairgrounds Affordable fun for everyone! Youth & open livestock shows, free stage entertainment, grandstand events, arts/crafts, horticulture, children’s farmyard, games, midway and your favorite fair foods! For more information, call 507-433-1868.

August 6th & 7th MSF/NSF U12-U14-16D Girls State Fast Pitch Tournament North Todd Complex MSF/NSF U12-18C Girls State Fast Pitch Tournament North Todd Complex August 9th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more information, call 507-437-4561 August 13th & 14th Cedar Valley Memories 21st Annual Power Show

16 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Calendar of Events Located 2 Miles West of Osage IA on Hwy 9 Mitchell County Historical Society Event & Demonstrations featuring Small Gas Engines of All Types. Saturday, August 13th - Tractor Pull at 1:00 PM and Sunday, August 14 Cowboy Church at 1:00 with Kids Pedal Pull at 1:00 PM. Omelet Breakfast & Lunch on Grounds For information call 641-220-4165 or 641-330-2017 August 19th • 6:00-7:30 pm 8th Annual Doggie Dip Austin Municipal Pool $2 per dog/2 people free (additional people $1.00) No memberships accepted.

August 20th • 11:00 am-4:00 pm

Veterans’ Memorial Car Show LaFayette Park, Austin Sponsored by the Cedar River Rats Car Club. Registration fee $10. Registration from 11 am to 1 pm, show from 1 pm to 4 pm. Program will include opening and closing ceremony with 21 gun salute, awards for top 25 cars, silent auction, dog tags to the first 150 registered cars, children’s games, bounce house and climbing wall provided by the National Guard, food, and live music. For more information, call John at 507-4386635 or Mike at 507-438-2186.

August 20th • 6:00-9:00 pm Minnesota Southbound Rollers vs Cedar Rapids Roller Girls Packer Arena, Austin Come out to watch and support first ever Flat Track Roller Derby league out of Austin/Albert Lea. For more information, email MinnesotaSouthboundRollers@gmail.com.

August 23rd • 6:30 pm Free Summer Concert Sena Ehrhardt and Cole Allen Acoustic Hormel Historic Home, in the Peace Garden (Rain site - Banquet Hall) August 27th & 28th Austin ArtWorks Festival Downtown Austin Power Plant Annual celebration of the arts that features visual, performing, media and literary artists with ties to the Austin region. Includes displays and exhibits, hands-on audience participation, seminars, and the opportunity to purchase unique items - jewelry, pottery, watercolor and oil paints, photographs, furniture, clothing, and more! For more information, call 507-434-0934.

September 2016 September 10th - September 14th 70th Annual National Barrow Show Mower County Fairgrounds Visitors come from around the world for this show. It starts out with a delicious Windsor Pork Chop dinner on Sunday. Call fair Published by the Mower County Shopper

grounds office at (507) 433-1868 for more information.

September 10th • 12:00-6:00 pm & September 11th • 9:00 am-4:00 pm Minnesota Statewide High School Mountain Bike Race Austin Mountain Bike Trail Race course open Saturday to allow racers to become familiar with the course. Kids in grades 7 to 12 across the state will be invited to participate. For more information, contact Spencer Sammon or Gareth Hataye, Austin mountain bike team coaches.

September 12th All Member Invitational Golf Outing-A.M.I.G.O. Day. Held annually the Monday following Labor Day, and hosted by the Chamber’s Ambassadors, is a day of golf, food, and fun.

For more information call 507-437-4561 September 13th Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more information, call 507-437-4561 September 24th • 11:00 am-3:00 pm Annual Fall Harvest Celebration Mower County Historical Society

Annual celebration featuring arts and crafts, wagon rides, demonstrations, pioneer activities for the whole family, Thresher’s dinner, bake sale, live music, gunny sack races and candy blast, and much more. Outdoor exhibits open, including railroad car, log cabin, blacksmith’s shop. Free and open to all ages. For more information, call 507-437-6082.

September 28th - October 1st MCCE, Austin Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Inn Conference Center For more information, call 507-437-4561.

Pam Hollrah-Asleson, RN, CLNC Pam is an RN and Certified Legal Nurse Consultant. She has been a nurse for 40+ years. Pam owns Life Safety 4-U in downtown Austin and teaches CPR and babysitting classes. As mom, grandma and survivor of life she wants to help you save lives.

507-440-5733 • 108 3rd Ave NW, Austin We're on the corner of N Main & 3rd Ave NW - across from Austin Chamber Office

EMERGENCIES HAPPEN, B-PREPARED!

UllJIIID

[JJ[J](fJfJ!]]!][J]�

2400 Mvers Road. Albert Lea• 313-1960 Experience SE Minnesota ~ 17

Calendar of Events October 2016

November 2016

October 11th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more information, call 507-437-4561

November 4th • 5:30-9:30 pm

And That’s My Story Hormel Historic Home, Austin Enjoy an evening of music, stories, good food and fun. The celebration continues on Saturday with breakfast, dialogue with the storytellers and the opportunity to share your own stories. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

October 13th Ladies Night Out. Held annually the second Thursday in October, this event raises funds for Riverland scholarships for non-traditional female students. For more information contact 507-437-4561 October 14th &15th • 6:00-9:00 pm Halloween Warm-Up Jay C Hormel Nature Center, Austin Come experience the enchanted forest with bats, trolls, owls, and witches! Every ten minutes, a group of 25 are led into the boo’tiful forest to meet the assorted spirits that reside there.

Established in 1983 this annual event is co-sponsored with Matchbox Children’s Theatre and is intended for children ages 4-11. Tickets are sold off site beginning in September at Super Fresh Produce and Bakery. For more information, call 507437-7519.

October 15th • 4:00-8:00 pm Brownsdale Fire Department - Fish Fry

November 5th • 9:00 am-12:00 pm And That’s My Story Hormel Historic Home Second part of Austin’s storytelling event, featuring breakfast, dialogue with the storytellers, and the opportunity to tell your own story. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

November 5th Thanksgiving Feast Fundraiser Holiday Inn Conference Center For more information and tickets contact the Jay C Hormel Nature Center at 507-437-7519.

November 8th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more information, call 507-437-4561 November 10th - November 16th Calico Hutch Quilters Retreat Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center For more information, call 507-433-8000.

November 12th Bingo • 5:00-9:00 pm Brownsdale Fire Department November 17th-19th Holiday Open House Events Hormel Historic Home, Austin For more information check website or call 507-433-4243 November 19th Hormel Historic Home Holiday Tea & Tour Hormel Historic Home, Austin Treat yourself to a tour of the 1871 home stylishly decorated for Christmas, and enjoy tea and a treat. All ages welcome.

Tickets available at the Hormel Historic Home or online at www.hormelhistorichome.org. For more information, call 507433-4243.

November 25th Christmas In The City Held annually the day after Thanksgiving, this event promotes Austin as a great place to shop and celebrate the holiday season. For more information, call 507-437-4561

18 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Calendar of Events December 2016

February 2017

December 3rd Merry TubaChristmas!

Historic Paramount Theatre, Austin Annual concert ringing in the holiday season with the tuba, sousaphone, bass and euphonium. All players invited to participate - registration and rehearsal begins at 11:30 am before the performance. Audience encouraged to sing along! Free program - for more information, call 507-437-4563.

YMCA Winter Indoor Triathlon – Austin YMCA Sweetheart Dinner – Hormel Historic Home Paint the Town Pink – Austin Annual Chamber Awards Meeting & Banquet-Austin

December 13th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more information, call 507-437-4561

March 2017 Austin Home & Vacation Show – Packer Arena Foodie Throwdown – Hormel Historic Home, Austin

July 2017

December 17th • 6:00-9:00 pm Driller MMA Fight Holiday Inn Conference Center For more information, call 507-433-1881.

July 7-9, 2017 Rose Creek Sesquicentennial Celebration Softball & Kickball Tournaments throughout the weekend All School Reunion for Southland & Parade on Saturday Classic Car Show on Sunday

January 2017 MinnesotaFest - Holiday Inn in Austin Lyle Area Cancer Auction - Lyle American Legion Austin Wedding Showcase – Hormel Historic Home Austin Noon Lions Pancake Feed – First United Methodist Church

Coloring Hair Cuts Hair Styling Perms

Gift Certificates Available Walk-Ins Welcome Tuesday 8:00 AM-8:00 PM Wednesday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Thursday 8:00 AM-8:00 PM Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM-1:00 PM Closed Sunday & Monday

Austin, MN | 507- 437-4170 1207 1st Ave SW - Near the Intersection of 1st Ave SW & 12th St SW Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 19

Albert Lea

Designing Your Dreams...

Our knowledge and customer service is the perfect building block of any project you can dream up. We strive to exceed your expectations in everything we do.

Our business is serving you!

New Homes

Kitchens Bathrooms Remodels & Additions

Calendar of Events 2016 Apr. 16 - MET LIVE Opera in HD: Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux Apr 16 - Fountain Lake 5 Run & Tiger Trot Apr. 25 - Civic Music Salut Salon Apr. 30 - MET LIVE IN HD: Strauss’s Elektra May 5-14 - ACT “The Kitchen Witches” May 7 - Freeborn County Bike-A-Thon May 7 - Crossroads of Destruction May 15 - Bolshoi Ballet: Don Quixote May 21 -Land Between the Lakes Paddle, Peddle & Run May 27th - Annual Fireworks Fundraiser June 4 - NT LIVE: Coriolanus June 8 - Wee Wednesday & Wednesday on the Water June 10-11 - Eddie Cochran Weekend June 11 - Mainly Marathons June 15 - Wind Down Wednesday June 25 - Cory Goodnature Memorial Golf Tournament July 3 - 4th of July Parade July 4 - Old Car Company Car Show July 4 - 4th of July Fireworks Qualit y Used Clothing for Men, Women & Children Designer Brand Names Small furniture Household misc

All of our member businesses stand ready to serve you!

CLOTHES & MISC ON CONSIGNMENT 123 N. Broadway, Albert Lea 373-0388 Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat. 10-3; Closed Monday

1725 W. Main St., Skyline Plaza Albert Lea, MN 56007 507.373.3938 www.albertlea.org

Freeborn Lumber is your destination.

Come visit our showroom today!

971 Plaza St, Albert Lea, MN

507.377.4284 Monday-Friday 7:30 am-5:00 pm, Thurs. until 7 pm

www.freebornlumber.com 20 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

A Store Full of Fun for Everyone!

PARTY | GIFTS | TOYS Proudly Located in Historic Downtown Albert Lea

122 S. Broadway | 507-373-7746 M-F 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Thurs. till 7 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-3 pm

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Albert Lea

The Land Between the Lakes www.cityofalbertlea.org July 13 - Summer Carnival @ Fountain Lake Park July 14-23 - Act: The Wizard of OZ July 18 - Chamber Ambassador Scholarship Golf Outing, Wedgewood Cove (Rain date the 25th) July 20 - Wind Down Wednesday July 29 - Relay for Life Aug. 2-7 - Freeborn County Fair Aug. 10 - Wee Wednesday & Wednesday on the Water

Broadway B ET W E E N 105 N.Downtown FRIENDS Albert Lea

We Have the Shoes That Fit Your Needs

“Put Yourself in Our Shoes” • • • • • • •

Aug. 15 -Fountain Lake Park Movie - The Wizard of Oz Aug. 17 - Wind Down Wednesday Aug. 26-27 - Big Island Cookoff Aug. 31 - Cruise to the Cove Sept. 10-11 - Ryan Truesdale Memorial Softball Tournament Oct. 1-2 - 30th Annual Rendezvous Festival

KEEN Brooks Dansko Merrell Sperry's Skechers New Balance

boutique

Wide • Narrow Kids • Men • Women Casual • Dress • All Season Even Smartwool Socks

Unique Women’s Clothing, Fun Accessories Purses, Scarves, Jewelry, Gifts, Special Events

507-383-7481

beckyjohnson@betweenfriends.boutique

129 S Broadway, Albert Lea

Hours: Tues, Wed, Fri: 10:00-5:30 Thurs: 10:00-7:00 • Sat: 10:00-3:00

507-373-6793

M-T-W 9:30-5:30, Thurs. 9:30-7:00, Fri. 9:30-5:00, Sat. 9:30-3:00

Between Friends Boutique

ALBERT LEA

"The Land Between the Lakes"

Beautiful State Park and Lakes, Pelican Breeze Cruise Boat, Award Winning Museums, Theater, Fantastic Shopping, Outdoor Recreation, Great Lodging & More!

800-345-8414 Published by the Mower County Shopper

www.albertleatourism.org Experience SE Minnesota ~ 21

Blooming Prairie Calendar of Events 2016 May 14 • Citywide Garage Sales July 3 & 4 • Old Fashioned 4th of July July 20th • Golf Fun Day September 17 • Annual Car Show and Crazy Days November 6 • Wine Tasting December 2 • Holiday Dazzle

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration The 4th of July is the city’s biggest celebration of the year. Come and enjoy Blooming Prairie’s famous old fashioned 4th of July celebration, the largest small town celebration in southern Minnesota. Every year, 20,000 or more people flock to our city to celebrate our country’s independence. Ask anyone, and they will tell you that this is the place to be. We have activities that the whole family can enjoy. After all, Blooming Prairie is the #1 destination for 4th of July family entertainment!

The Blooming Prairie Chamber of Commerce is responsible for putting together the festivities, including vendors, entertainment and the famous parade of over 100 units. If you’re interested in being a part of this great celebration, contact the B.P. Chamber of Commerce at 507-583-4472 or go to the B.P. Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Bring your wheels to Blooming Prairie on Saturday, August 13th for the 3rd Annual Car/ Truck/Tractor/Motorcycle Show. Over 60 beautiful vehicles for you to see along with music and food! The show runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club on Hwy. 218. Call the Chamber office for more details 507-583-4472.

Local grocers providing fresh meat, produce, and a variety of local products

Custom Golf Carts & Husqvarna Outdoor Power Equipment www.MinersOutdoor.com

Hours: 7:30 am-8:30 pm 317 Highway Ave South Blooming Prairie

507-583-2296 22 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

237 Hwy Ave South Blooming Prairie 583-6671

507-583-2712

Hwy 218 South, Blooming Prairie

Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce

Invites you to Blooming Prairie’s

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration July 3rd & 4th

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Brownsdale Schedule of Events 2016

ci.brownsdale.mn.us.tripod.com

(Click on Calendar of Events)

May to Oct. 14th (every Friday) 5:00-7:00 pm, Farmer’s Market, City Park April 21st - Community Noon Lunch at Brownsdale United Methodist Church. Free will donation.

For more information call Susan Amick at 507-567-2644 May 1st - Firemen’s Breakfast - 8 am-1 pm. Brownsdale Fire Hall Free will donation For event details May 6th & 7th - City Wide Sales check us out on the June 24th, 25th & 26th - Red Rock Revival City of Brownsdale Facebook page August 6th - Brownsdale Fest August 6th - Firemen’s Breakfast - 8 am-1 pm Brownsdale Fire Hall Free will donation

BOAT PROPELLER REPAIR Sand Blasting • Aluminum Boat Repair/Skegs • Cavitation Plates • Aluminum/Stainless Welding • Prop Repair/Prop Rehubbing New & Rebuilt Propellers Rod & Ron Kester 507-567-2016 303 W Main, Brownsdale, MN

October 15th - Fish Fry - 4-8 pm Brownsdale Fire Dept - Fire Hall November 12th - Bingo - 5-9 pm Brownsdale Fire Dept - Fire Hall

Brian Gerhart 103 Main W, Brownsdale, MN

507-567-2626 www.brownsdaleautobody.com

Get added relief.

Life and health insurance One Agent for Life from Farm Bureau. and Auto and Home and Farm & Ranch and Business I can help you with your health insurance and help protect your family’s future, too.

Call me insurance today.

All the you need from

one agent. I take simple seriously.

Contact me today.

Established in 1973, Akkerman develops, manufactures and supports quality pipe jacking and tunneling equipment that accurately installs a variety of underground infrastructure.

Located in Brownsdale, MN, Akkerman offers small town values coupled with a global perspective.

800.533.0386 | akkerman.com

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Darrell LUTCF DarrellIngvaldson, B. Ingvaldson, LUTCF 100 S SMill 100 MillStreet Street Brownsdale, PO Box 298 MN 55918 Brownsdale 507-567-2296 (507) 567-2296

Auto | Home | Life | Business | Farm/Ranch | College | Retirement Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. Health insurance policies are underwritten by an insurance company that is not Bureau Life Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company,* affiliatedFarm with our companies. *Company providers of Farm BureauProperty Financial&Services LI153C‐ML‐1 (11‐14) Western Agricultural Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services M131 (3-15)

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 23

Lyle Lyle Independence Day Celebration Friday, June 24th

Food Specials – Lyle Liquor................................................ 5-9 PM Bean Bag Tourney – Lyle Liquor............................................ 7 PM Music – Lyle Liquor.............................................. 8 PM-MIDNIGHT

Saturday, June 25th

Truck, Tractor & Semi Pull – South End of Town............... 10 AM Lyle Classic Car Show – City Park............................10 AM - 4 PM Street Dance – Legion – “Extreme DJ”............................ 8:00 PM 3B Eatery will be open...............................................8 AM - 10 PM

Sunday, June 26th

Church Services in the Park................................................. 10 AM Food at the Legion – “Smokin Brothers BBQ”........11 AM - 6 PM Grand Parade.......................................................................... Noon Flag Presentation & Speakers........................................... 1:00 PM Bingo Stand – Southside 4-H........................................... 1:00 PM Stump Jumpers – Mud Bog Races - South End............ 1:00 PM Kids Games in the Park..................................................... 1:00 PM Horse Shoe Tourney – Legion........................................... 2:00 PM Entertainment in the Gazebo - Big Ben & Brian......1:30-3:00 PM Water Fights at the Fire Hall.............................................. 2:00 PM Pedal Pull – City Park......................................................... 2:30 PM Little Miss Lyle.................................................................... 3:30 PM Talent Show......................................................................... 4:00 PM ** Fireworks **........................................................................DUSK FREE ADMISSION TO ALL EVENTS Lyle City Hall 507-325-2311 Visit us at www.lylemn.org email: cityoflyle@frontiernet.net

24 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

Lyle is recorded as one of the oldest towns in Mower County. First permanent settlement in Lyle which, was then yet unnamed was made in May, 1854, by Orlando Wilder, Eben Merry, John Tift, Wm. Bean, James Foster and his son, Return Foster.

Wilder was a native of Vermont. Coming with him were Wm. Bean, step father of his wife, also his brother, Jackson Wilder, and Lewis West. They drove ten yoke of oxen and brought a small amount of household goods, arriving May 6, 1854. They immediately made a claim in section 33 and constructed a bark covered log house.

Bean also took a claim in section 33. Others of the party fenced 65 acres of land across the line in Iowa and planted corn, potatoes, and garden vegetables.

In the fall of 1854, Wilder went to McGregor, a distance of 120 miles to meet his wife, who returned with him. He had replaced his original house with a frame house where they were still living in 1894. Most of the settlers who came in 1855 and 1856 stayed only a short time.

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Lyle ift Shoppe The Silver Pear Ge unique!

d th Where you fin oor/garden r deco to outd drive!!

From home ur yo th 's wor sculptures. It

AMleEry FASPicTtuFre R al Framing G .

Expert

ique que to un from anti tyle.

We frame your lifes fit to e We fram

42 507-438-12le , MN

et, Ly 315 1st Stre om e335@aol.c

fastfram rame.com www.fastfitt, Owner Mary F. W

Lyle Area Cancer is a non profit organization raising money for cancer research at The Hormel Institute, Mayo Foundation and The University of Minnesota.

Fundraising events are held throughout the year.

37th Annual Auction and Events raised $227,185!!! and was pledged to the Fifth District Eagles Cancer Telethon $2.4 million raised overall 1980-2016

Calendar of Events 2016 April 16 • Spaghetti Supper Lyle American Legion, 5:00-8:00 pm Fundraiser for Fireworks - 7:00 pm Live Auction May 21 • City Wide Sales

401 1st St, Lyle, MN Open Tues-Sun

Toeterville, IA 641-713-4598 Lyle, MN 507-325-4668 www.ncountrycoop.com

Sunday Breakfast All Day Long

507-325-9966

Homemade everyday!

Catering ~ Weddings ~ Birthdays Anniversaries ~ Graduations Business Meetings MENTION THIS Conferences or AD FOR A FREE any other events, BEVERAGE WITH YOUR MEAL customized menus

Lyle American Legion Post 105 * Newly Remodeled Club Room * Pull Tabs Available * Hall Rental with Seating for 100 * Horseshoes every Thursday from June on

507-325-4134 Lyle, MN

"We can paint almost anything" New Cars • Old Cars • Trucks • Motorcycles

Lyle Body Shop

402 1st Street • Lyle, MN 55953

Jim walker • 507.219.9694 Email: lyle_bodyshop@yahoo.com

Beginning May 21 • 3rd Saturday of each month - Farmer’s Market in the Lyle City Park 1:00-4:00 pm. Vendor space available. Call Diana at 507-325-2311 for more information.

June 24, 25 & 26 • Independence Day Celebration (See Complete Schedule on Page 24) October 1 • Fall Fest - Vendors & Food Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 25

Mantor ville Mantorville Theatre Company 2016 Show Schedule Reservations 507-635-5420 or www.mantorvillain.com

April 1 - 24, 2016 “No Sex, Please, We’re British!”

Melodrama Auditions Sunday, May 15 & 22 at 6:30 pm June 10 - July 3, 2016 “Jack Eagle: a Real American Hero” or “Eagles May Sore But Veisels

Never Fall From the Sky” July 8 - 24, 2016 “Mariegold Will Heal My Heart” or “Mum’s the Word!”

July 29 - August 14, 2016 “The Ladies’ Man” or “Three Weddings and a Criminal” August 19 - September 10, 2016 “Wheeling and Dealing” or “No Pedaling Allowed” October 7 - 30, 2016 All Hallow’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: “Noir Suspicions” All shows (except October) are Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm.

General Admission Seating. Tickets may be purchased online at www.mantorvillain.com Reservations: Call 507-635-5420

Celebrating over 160 years

M

emorabilia

~ Gifts ~ Artwork ~ Classes by Local Artists

Antiques & Collectibles

~ Used Books

~ Unexpected Treasures

SHOW TIMES & TICKET INFO CALL 507-635-5420 Full Season Show Schedule at www.mantorvillain.com

BRING THIS AD FOR $1 OFF In Historic Mantorville, MN

507-635-2331

Tuesday-Friday 11:00-2:00 and 4:00-Closing • Saturday 11:30-2:30 and 4:00-Closing • Sunday 11:30-Closing Closed Monday

Visit our web site for more information

26 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

MANTORVILLE SQUARE

* Antiques * Collectibles * Gifts 507-635-5554

416 N. Main St. Mantorville, MN

STUSSY CONSTRUCTION, INC. & PAULSON ROCK PRODUCTS

502 N. Main St (Hwy 57) Reservations Appreciated hubbellhouserestaurant.com

507-635-5419

9 West 5th Street, Mantorville, MN

a gallery & studio www.mantorvilleartguild.org Open Tues-Sat 11-5 and Sunday 12-5

61906 240TH AVE. MANTORVILLE, MN 55955

OFFICE: 507-635-3441 FAX: 507-635-5494 QUARRY: 507-635-2421 EMAIL: STUSSY@KMTEL.COM SANDANDGRAVELMN.COM

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Mantor ville Dodge County Free Fair • July 13-17 www.dodgecountyfreefair.com 16th Annual Big Iron Truck Show • Sept. 9-10 bigironclassic.com

Schedule of Events Farmer’s & Artisan’s Market Riverside Park Tuesdays - May thru October - 11 am-5 pm Art Guild Anniversary Tea • April 30 (rescheduled) Call 635-5665 for tickets Spring Fling • May 12-14 Rummage & Bake Sale; Plant Exchange Garden Tractor Show and Parade

51st Annual Marigold Days • Sept. 10-11 www.marigolddays.com Antique & Flea Market, Arts & Crafts, Flower Show, Music, Parade, Firemen’s Dance and More Zumbro Bend Rendezvous • Sept. 24-25 zumbrobendrendezvous.org Fall Festival • October 29 Hay Rides, Ghost Stories & Pumpkin Painting Dodge County Historical Society • Nov 3 Wine tasting & Silent Auction Olde Fashioned Christmas • Dec 3 Caroling, Sleigh Rides, Santa, Children’s Crafts and Open House at businesses

Mantorville Stagecoach Days • June 25-26 Mulligan Stew Dinner • March XX, 2017 Tractor Pull, Theatre, Art Show, Music, Wine Tasting Events subject to change and more. Facebook: Mantorvillestagecoach www.mantorvilletourism.com Art Guild Kids’ Summer Art Camp www.mantorvilleartguild.org

51st Annual Marigold Days Sept. 10 & 11, 2016

Handipped Chocolates, Ice Cream & Old Fashioned Candies 420 N. Main Street, Mantorville, MN 507-635-5814 www.chocolateshoppe.co

It all began with the humble marigold, a hearty and colorful little flower native to the Americas.

Initially begun as a flower show to promote the planting of marigolds throughout the Mantorville community, with the sponsorship of Marigold Dairies, this event has grown to be on one the region’s best known and most attended annual festivals.

Marigold Days offers something for everyone. Antique & Flea Market, Arts & Crafts, Flower Show, Quilt Show, Car Show, Melodramas, Music, Dances, a 5K Run, Firemen’s Dance, lots of really good food, a Grande Parade, Fireworks and a Baseball Tournament.

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 27

Osage, IA The City of Osage owns and maintains nine park sites for a total of 275 acres.

The facilities and areas include: • 9 park shelters (Burnham Park, Bob Muller Park, JC Field & Park, Rotary Soccer Park, Davidson Park, City Park, Water Tower Park, Harmony Park, and Spring Park) • 4 baseball fields (Bob Muller Park & JC Field Park) • 2 outdoor basketball courts (City Park & Spring Park) • 1 fishing area (Spring Park) • 2 nature areas (on trails into and out of Spring Park)

• 7 playgrounds (Burnham Park, Bob Muller Park, JC Ball Park, City Park, Water Tower Park, Harmony Park, Spring Park) • 1 primitive campground (Spring Park) • 2 horseshoe courts (located at the Mitchell Co Fairgrounds) • 1 skate park (Davidson Park) • 4 soccer fields (Rotary Soccer Park) • 3 tennis courts (City Park & JC Ball Park) • 1 sand volleyball court (City Park) • 9-hole Frisbee disc golf course (Davidson Park) • 3-mile limestone trail (Harry Cook Trail to Spring Park)

The Osage Park & Rec Department also sponsors many Youth Recreation Programs, including: • Fall/Spring Soccer • Summer T-ball, Softball, & Baseball • Girls Tennis

“Like” Osage Park and Recreation on Facebook for advance notice of cancellations and announcements.

The Cedar River Complex

Events Center Wellness Center Aquatics Center Auditorium Join us for a refreshing swim, a quality performance, your wedding reception, or an invigorating workout. Contact us for information on rentals, tours, membership, and more!

CEDAR

RIVER

COMPLEX www.cedarrivercomplex.com

809 Sawyer Dr. Osage, IA 50461 641.832.3600

28 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

Cedar Valley Memories 21st Annual Power Show Sat & Sun, Aug 13-14, 2016 Located 2 Miles West of Osage Iowa on Hwy. 9

Mitchell County Historical Society Event Featuring . . .

Small Gas Engines of All Types• Flea Market $5 Buttons good for both days • Children 12 & under FREE

Saturday, August 13th ~ Tractor Pull at 1:00 pm Sunday, August 14th ~ Cowboy Church at 9:00 am; Kids Pedal Pull at 1:00 pm

Demonstrations: • Steam Engines • Threshing • Baling • Plowing • Small Engines of all types • Antique Tractors • Blacksmith • Shingle Mill • Corn Shelling • Horse Drawn Equipment • Screw Making • Knitting Machine • Spinning Wheel • Weaving • Carving • Model Railroad • Music and Much More Exhibitors Are Welcome!

Omelet Breakfast & Lunch on Grounds www.mitchellcountyhistoricalsociety.org For Information Call 641-220-4165 or 641.330.2017 www.mowercountyshopper.com

St. Ansgar, IA Schedule of Events 2016

www.stansgar.org • 641-735-4444 Monday, April 18th • Annual Meeting Saturday, April 30th • City Wide Garage Sales Saturday, June 18th • Oatmeal Days Fun on 4th Street, Sidewalk Sales, Parade Contact Joyce Crowley 641-713-4848 Saturday, July 16th • Herb Festival Vendor Booths, Garden Tours, Pedal Tractor Show, Dinosaur Park Contact Kathy Falk 641-713-4698

Monday, Oct. 31st • Trick or Treat Tromp 5:00-6:30 pm within St. Ansgar city limits 6:00-7:00 pm with businesses on 4th Street Food Drive for Mitchell County Food Bank Drop off items at the St. Ansgar State Bank Contact St. Ansgar Police Dept 641.713.4921 Nov. 26th • Small Business Saturday Drawings for 5 Chamber Bucks, $10 each Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 3-4 Hometown Christmas Saturday 9 am -5 pm, Sunday 1 - 4 pm Specials in Shops, Santa’s Workshop Carolers

Saturday, Sept. 10th Fall Festival Food, Vendor Booth, Fun for the whole family! Contact Kari Nelson 641-713-4698

r Side Doo es AntiquOpen by

chance or Appointment

Kathy Falk

Tel: 641-713-2354 Cell: 641-512-5705

329 West 4th Street St. Ansgar, Iowa

Whirlpools for Two • Air Conditioning Romantic Fireplaces • Murder Mysteries Retreats/Seminars • Private Parties Open for Lunch Wed-Sat 11:30-2:30 Dinner by reservation

641-713-3113

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Come visit our Winery, Bel-Aire Winery & Orchard Vineyard and 4351 Dancer Ave, Saint Ansgar, IA Orchard! www.belairewinery.com 641-420-7092

belairewinery@gmail.com www.facebook.com/belairewinery Experience SE Minnesota ~ 29

Spring Valley

Schedule of Events

May 13th Wilderfest-Ultra Endurance Gravel Road Bicycle Races Alexander 380 - Starting at 5 am Born out of the desire to go further and see more May 14th Royal 162 - Starting at 7 am Almanzo’s big brother @ 162 miles Almanzo 100 - Starting at 9 am The granddaddy of gravel road races July 15th - 17th Root River Antique Tractor Show

August 17 - 21 Ag Days with fun for the entire family, including; A&W Cruise Night, Little Huskers 1K race, street dance featuring “Time Machine,” Fireworks, Grand Parade, food vendors, Tractor Show, Brave Community Play, softball, bean bag and volly ball tourneys and so much more!

August 18 4 - 9 pm 20th Annual Cruise Night at Spring Valley A&W Drive-In. Celebrating 60 years of serving draft root beer and fantastic food. This year’s Cruise Night is dedicated to Marge and Roger Simpson, founders of Spring Valley A&W Drive-In.

Music & Fun in the Park Friday, June 17th - Lost Faculties Friday, June 24th - LP and the 45’s Friday, July 1st - TBD Friday, July 8th - Gopher Tones Friday, July 15th - Uptown Jazz Friday, July 22nd - Rochester Big Band

Carhop Service, Dine In or Take Out

Music is scheduled from 6:30-8:30 pm on Friday evenings There will also be activities for the kids.

Music & Fun in the Park is locally sponsored by: Spring Valley Area Community Foundation Osterud-Winter Foundation Home Federal Savings Bank

brating 60 Years e l e C of Serving You Join us

August 18th for our 20th Annual

730 N Broadway, Hwy. 63 Spring Valley, MN 507.346.7486 www.AWesomeAWdrivein.com 30 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

Cruise Night

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Bluf f Countr y Inland from the Mississippi is Bluff Country, where streams meander through peaceful valleys, as do bike trails that lure visitors to small towns along the way, including Harmony and Lanesboro, home to the Commonweal Theatre.

There are many Amish homesteads in the area, and shops carry their quilts, woodwork and other handcrafted items. Niagara Cave and Mystery Cave tours are other area highlights.

• Underground Waterfall • Wedding Chapel • Stalactites • Fossils

Come & See the Natural Beauty of Niagara Cave!

Enjoy the refreshing 48 degrees year round.

Picnic areas, Gift shop & Gemstone mining available. Walking shoes are recommended.

VOTED BEST FAMILY DESTINATION 2009-2015

Nationally recognized as one of the best caves in the U.S.

CAVE

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA’S PREMIER BED & BREAKFAST Historic... Romantic...

Elegant... Museum Caliber Bob, Ruth Ann & Marion Lund 218 Winona Street, Chatfield

507-867-3806 Info@oakenwaldterrace.com

www.oakenwaldterrace.com

Historic Scanlan House Bed & Breakfast Inn Take a Step Back in Time

The Primrose Room

The Victorian Room

Enjoy an exceptional Victorian lodging experience in one of the oldest and most recognized operational B & B’s in Lanesboro!

and 18 Hole Miniature Golf Course

•Concession stand available •Ice cream •Sandwiches •Beverages

Call 507-886-6606 or 800-837-6606 www.niagaracave.com Open weekends - April. Open Daily - May thru September Fall Schedule - Check Website or Call

2 mi. south of Harmony on Hwy. 139 then 2 mi. west on County Road 30.

Bluffscape Amish Tours Tours Daily April - October 10am & 1:30pm No Sundays or Religious Holidays Saturdays only in November

The Masquerade Room

“One of the Top 10 Places to Wake up in the State of Minnesota.”

Sumptuous gourmet breakfast to tingle the taste buds Fine linens and lace • Period antiques Beautiful Victorian flower gardens And quiet moments with someone you love

OPEN YEAR ROUND

www.ScanlanHouse.com

708 Parkway Avenue South • Lanesboro • 800-944-2158 or 507-467-2158 The Little River General Store is located right off the “Root River State Bike Trail”, downtown beautiful Historic Lanesboro, MN Over 60 miles of paved bike path are calling you for a day full of fitness and fun.

Enjoy a summer day on the Root River in one of our many colorful and lightweight canoes or kayaks.

All equipment is NEW at beginning of season.

Canoe & Kayak Rentals Bicycle Rentals

ReSeRvATiONS AT: Stone Mill Hotel & Suites 102 Beacon St. e, Lanesboro, MN

Check Out Our

SUPER SPORTS STORE! • Padded Bike Shorts • Bike Jerseys • Helmets • T-Shirts • Bike Bags

Bikers on the Root River Trail

• Speedometers • Life Jackets • Canoe & Kayak Paddles • Gadgets Galore and So Much More!

www.LRGeneralStore.net

(507) 467-3070

bluffscape@hotmail.com Make Your Reservation Today!

1-800-994-2943

Published by the Mower County Shopper

A Step Back in Time Lanesboro, Minnesota

www.bluffscape.com

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 31

Adams

Adams Dairy Days June 10, 11, 12, 2016 Friday • 20 mile Garage Sale - along the Shooting Star Trail (LeRoy, Taopi, Adams & Rose Creek) • Dodgeball Tournament 3:30 • Kids Outdoor Movie 9:00 pm - behind the American Legion

Saturday • 20 mile Garage Sale - along the Shooting Star Trail • Lions Club Pancake Breakfast & Silent Auction, 8​:00​AM - Noon • 5K Run/Walk, Kids Mile Fun Run​​, registration 8:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic School​ • Big-Cup Golf Tournament​,​9:00 am • ​Youth Bean Bag Tournament Register 12:15 pm and throw at 1:00 pm • Sanctioned Kiddie Pedal Pull, 2:00 pm • Adult Bean Bag Tournament​, 6:00 pm, registration with throw at 7:00 pm​- behind the American Legion • Steak Fry - American Legion, 5:00-8:30 pm​ • Live Music featuring “​ ​Wasted Weekend​”​​, 8:00 pm​- ​ behind the ​American Legion

Corky’s Corner, Inc. 507-582-3552 • Adams, MN OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 6 AM TO 10 PM

• Piccadilly Pizza • Videos • Groceries • Donut Connection™

• Heating • Ventilating • Air Conditioning • Electrical • Plumbing Our company is a 4 generation family business

Wiste AUTO SERVICE

Mark Wiste

308 W Main Street, Adams, MN

507-582-3528

www.schmitzelectric.com

Owner/ Certified Technician 407 1/2 W. Main St, Adams, MN

507.582.1111

Chemical • Fertilizer • Feed • Grain • Seed • Soil Sampling • LP • Refined Fuels

Grand Meadow 507.754.5125 • Rochester 507.289.4086 Ostrander 507.657.2236 • Leroy 507.324.5347 • Elkton 507.754.5041 Spring Valley 507.346.7261 • Wykoff 507.352.5281 • Chester, IA 563.565.2415

32 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

Sunday • Pickup and Tractor Pull, 11:00 am​ • Coronation of Dairy Days Prince and Princess​ • ​Grand Parade​, 1:00 pm​​ • Kids Games and Food - after the parade • Adams Fire Department Kids’ Water Fights​ • The Kracker Jacks Drumline performs at the park after the parade • American Legion Military Museum - open after the parade • ​Chicken Fry - American Legion, 5:00-8:30 pm​ • Ice Cream Eating Contest • Milking Contest • Elvis (Brad Boice) performance​, 6:00 pm​behind the American Legion ​Check the Adams Booster Club Facebook page for more events and times​!

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Rose Creek 18th Annual Bike Ride Shooting Star Trail Saturday, June 25, 2016 Rides begin and end at the Rose Pedaler at Rose Creek. Century riders: plan to begin by 7:00 am.

Others begin from 7:00-8:30 am. Registration begins at 6:30 am. Rain or Shine – We Ride!

This is a wonderful opportunity to ride with your family and friends through Prairie Visions country. The communities of LeRoy, Taopi, Adams and Rose Creek are working together to host this event. The terrain is relatively flat while you ride past a lake, rivers and streams, woods and wildlife. Of particular note are the wildflowers and remnant tall grass prairie segments. Of course, you will ride past farms of corn and soybean fields and pass through small towns. All routes also pass near many of the 300’ tall wind generators.

The shorter rides are great for families with young children to ride together. Even the smallest riders will be able to pedal successfully on the new and smooth trail.

Excellent places to stop for food are along the routes.

Manned rest stops every 12 miles or so are provided along the trail and along the rural roads with motorcycle coverage and a sag wagon.

More information at: Rydjor Bike Shop - Austin 507-433-7571 or Sharon Jacobson 507-324-5199

Rose Creek Fun Days July 8th, 9th, 10th, 2016 Don’t miss Rose Creek Fun Days with events including: Kickball Tournament Softball Tournaments Bean Bag Tournaments Medallion Hunt Fireman’s Supper Saturday Night Dance Most of the activities are in the city park.

Check out events and times on our Facebook Page STROUP & LEWISON DISTRIBUTING, LLC High Pressure Cleaning Equipment Dealer Sales & Service *Hot & Cold Washers

*KO Cleaning Products

102 3rd St S, Rose Creek, MN 507-433-2227 Friday Saturday Sunday July 7-9, 2017

Softball & Kickball Tournaments throughout the weekend All School Reunion for Southland & Parade on Saturday Live Music & Fireworks Sat. night

Classic Car Show on Sunday Call 507-437-6105 for Parade Entries, Sponsors, Volunteers & more information

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Professional mowing comes home!™ Commercial-quality mowing at a residential price.

Legendary Power & Durability

Ulven’s Hardware

104 Main Street, Rose Creek, MN

507-433-8245

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 33

Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 1304 21st St NE, Austin, MN 55912 Phone: 507-437-7519 Fax: 507-437-8246 Email: info@hormelnaturecenter.org Interpretive Center Hours: Monday thru Saturday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Trail Hours: 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. daily This year is the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center’s 45th anniversary and what better way to celebrate than to break ground for the new Interpretative Center this spring. You can enjoy watching the construction process throughout the year.

Phase One of this project was started in the Fall of 2015 with a new 3,840 square feet maintenance facility and expanding the parking lot by 30 spaces.

Phase Two will begin this spring. The new interpretative

Trails

I&S Group’s architectural rendering of the proposed exterior design for the new Interpretive Center center will be 16,760 square feet and will include: - An exciting new exhibit display area designed by award winning Split Rock Design Studios that will be three times larger than our current display area, - An indoor/outdoor aviary for the birds of prey - The Gordon Lonning Resource and Conference Room - A new Fireside Room for relaxing, reading and viewing birds outside the windows - A new 20 seat Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Theatre - Four rain gardens and new landscaping - Geothermal heat and solar arrays and more!

The new interpretative center is being built with a generous grant from the Hormel Foundation and funding from the Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, the City of Austin and the Hormel Food Company Charitable Trust in addition to the generous community individuals, families, businesses and organization donors .

Historic Bluff Country Scenic Walking Tours Houston • LaCrescent • Peterson • Rushford • Spring Valley

Follow the lush Root River Valley and wind your way through what feels like a landscape painting of woodsy hills and dramatic dolomite bluffs. Go to

34 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

www.bluffcountry.com for self-guided driving and walking tours and downloadable brochures of the region.

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Trails The Shooting Star Trail

22 miles of 8 foot wide asphalt in excellent condition.

The eastern trailhead is in LeRoy on MN 56 near US 63.

The trail goes immediately through Lake Louise State Park on toward Taopi and Adams, right past the city park and on to the western trailhead in Rose Creek, 5 miles south of I-90 on MN 56, which is just a few miles outside of Austin.

Parking & Rest Areas: You will find plenty of parking at the trailhead at LeRoy, at the Adams City Park, near the Rose Creek trailhead and at the Rose Pedaler on MN 56 and at the Taopi rest area. Restrooms and picnic areas are found at the Adams City park adjacent to the trail, at Taopi and at the LeRoy trailhead. Bike racks have been placed at a number of key places and rest benches, too.

Places to Stay: Riders who wish to stay overnight may contact the Rose Pedaler/Log Cabin Inn (SE edge of Rose Creek on MN 56) or Sweets Hotel (on Main Street in LeRoy on MN 56). It will also be “camping season” at Lake Louise State Park, one of the top-rated camping facilities in the MN State Park system. Adams City Park also has overnight camping and an outdoor swimming pool near the park.

Food Service: Rose Creek, Adams and LeRoy establishments offer choices of fine dining, down-home cooking, and take out.

Sightseeing & Historical Interest: All the cities, Rose Creek, Adams, Taopi and LeRoy have other places of interest to visit, such as historical buildings, prairie preserves with many native wildflowers, including some rare ones.

Pristine Prairie and Native Wildflowers: Much of the trail has been built over what was once the railway of the old Milwaukee Road which dates back to the opening of the pristine prairies. That means this trail takes a person through remnants of the centuries-old tall grass prairie.

Lake Louise State Park: Because the trail runs through the park with its own picnic and camping facilities, hiking trails and even horse facilities, NO park admission fee is required for those who enter the park on the trail.

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail 18.5 miles of paved surface on the north branch and 5 miles on the south branch

The Wapsi-Great Western Line (WGWL) Trail is a 23.5 mile paved rural escape with a Northern Branch of 18.5 miles and a Southern Branch of five completed miles. The trailhead is located in Riceville, nestled in northern Iowa off U.S. Highway 9. The majority of the trail runs on abandoned railroad beds and winds through rural countryside. Less than one mile is on shared roadway.

You will traverse through five biospheres: prairie, wetland, farmland, marsh and woodlands. You will cross three waterways: Wapsipinicon River, Watson’s Creek and Lake Hendricks. You may encounter white tail deer, muskrat, otter, turkey, pheasant and numerous native species.

The WGWL Trail has been designated as the interstate connecting trail between Iowa and Minnesota.

Only one mile is unfinished in Iowa before connecting to Minnesota’s Shooting Star Trail in southern Minnesota. Come support us as we finish the connection!

The WGWL Welcome Center and Trailhead is located at 110 E Main St. in Riceville.

More information about the trail can be obtained from: Mitchell County Conservation Board 1879-3 Hwy. 9, Osage, Iowa

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 35

Dining

7 Ways to Be Kind to Restaurant Food Servers The restaurant industry is booming, with new restaurants entering the challenging foodservice market every day. The National Restaurant Association says restaurants in the United States’ generate roughly $2 billion in sales on a typical day. Media Edge, a Canadian trade resource, says the foodservice industry play a major role in Canada’s economic growth by providing so many jobs.

We carry beer, liquor and a wide variety of domestic and imported wines from vineyards you know and trust.

502 12th Ave NW, Austin, MN • 507-437-3521

%

Free Bag Of Ice With Purchase

15 Off Wine Cheers Liquor

Monday-Thursday 8 am-8 pm Friday & Saturday 8 am-10 pm

Food servers are among some of the hardest working employees in the foodservice industry, but sometimes their efforts go unrecognized. The following are a handful of ways diners can show their appreciation to the men and women who work hard to ensure their customers enjoy their dining experiences.

1. Recognize that waiting tables is no easy task. Waiting tables is both physically and mentally demanding. Servers spend hours on their feet carrying and balancing plates of food during their shifts. Servers also must anticipate the needs of diners and do their best to accommodate them.

Acknowledge that servers’ jobs are not easy when dining out, and express your gratitude for their had work whenever possible.

2. Recognize that slow food often is not servers’ faults. Very often a food server has no control over how fast the food comes out of the kitchen. A very busy meal service can stall an inexperienced kitchen. Don’t blame the server because

Mama D’s

10 E Main St, Racine, MN

507.378.6262

Our Famous BBQ Ribs 5:00-8:00 pm THURSDAY NIGHTS

Daily r Salad Ba

Vietnamese Top Noodles Mon-Sat 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

501 1st St NW, Austin

M-Th 11 am-11 pm Fri & Sat 11 am-1 am Sunday 8 am-10 pm Breakfast on Sunday Only

Full Menu Available for Lunch and Dinner

Pool Tables & Darts • 10 ft. Projector TV • Volleyball • Outdoor Patio Live Entertainment

Call Us to Host Your Next Event or Party

Find Us on

Marty Herman, Owner

507-355-2267

Gift Certificates Available

36 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

103 Front St., Hayward, MN | 507-377-1000 www.mowercountyshopper.com

Dining the food took longer than expected to arrive on your table.

If you’re in a hurry, let the server know in advance so he or she can work with you.

3. Look up at your server. Eye contact shows respect and it will help get your order across clearly - reducing the likelihood of a mixup regarding your order.

4. Put down your phone. Distracted diners are sometimes to blame for slow service. In 2014, a popular New York restaurant took matters into its own hands after constant complaints of slow service. After examining surveillance footage of the dining room from 2004 to 2014, the restaurant owner discovered the wait staff hadn’t changed its techniques, but the customers’ use of cell phones had slowed table turnover from one hour and five minutes to one hour and 55 minutes. Taking pictures of food, texting before ordering or asking a server to take a group photo can contribute to slower service, which puts added stress on servers.

5. Holidays can put a monkey wrench in restaurant flow.

Certain times of the year are popular for dining out.

El patron Mexican grill

Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Wednesdays Margarita Special $3.25 Flavored Margaritas $3.50

3 FABULOUS LOCATIONS

Austin, MN 1906 8th St NW, Ste F I-90 Exit 178 507-355-2045

Owatonna, MN 369 18th St SE 507-413-6235

Winona, MN 1415 W. Service Dr 507-961-0241

Mon-Thu 11 am - 9:30 pm; Fri - Sat 11 am - 10:00 pm; Sunday 11 am - 9:00 pm

%

10

OFF

Total ticket price

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and winter holidays are busy times for the restaurant business. Diners should recognize this and exhibit extra patience when dining out during these busy times of year. If you aren’t up for the crowds, abbreviated menus and other factors that come with holiday dining, choose another day to go out.

6. Tip with courtesy and respect. Tips are important to servers because their income may not be steady. Some restaurants do not pay servers minimum wage, expecting their salaries to be offset by tipping. Tip according to how the service was, not the taste of the food or beverages. A 15 percent tip is customary, but you may want to tip 20 percent for exceptional service. Don’t dine out if you cannot afford or do not plan to tip.

7. Ask ahead of time if you need a split bill. Multiple checks can prove time-consuming. Address this need early on and pay as punctually as possible.

The restaurant business is fast-paced and challenging.

Customers can do their part by being patient and pleasant patrons and showing their servers the respect they deserve.

food...

You Got It! Great Great Service...

at the B&J Bar & Grill

Check Us Out on Facebook www.bandjbarandgrill.com

DAILY LS! SPECIA

Burger Basket Night Mondays 5-8 pm

1 COUPON PER TABLE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER COUPON. EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 • AUSTIN LOCATION ONLY

Monday-Friday Daily Lunch Specials Wednesday 5-9 pm Taco & Nacho Bar Thursday 5-9 pm Burger Night Open 7 days a week 11 am to Close

Friday 5-9 pm Fish Fry Saturday 5-9 pm Steak Sandwich Night

Published by the Mower County Shopper

5.00

$

“Families Welcome”

HOME OF THE NEW BRUINS BURGER 114 4th Ave. NE, Austin

507-433-9830

Charitable Gambling

Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:30 am-12:00 am Fri & Sat 10:30 am-1:00 am Sun 11:00 am-10:00 pm

• Loaded Bloody Mary Bar Sundays only • Outdoor Patio • Wide Screen TVs Experience SE Minnesota ~ 37

Senior Focus

& Heather Haus Assisted Living

Cedar Court Apartments & Assisted Living

"Quality Care with a small town touch"

See the

810 W. Main St, Adams, MN 55909

Senior Focus Section

Independent Living

• Laundry Facilities • Activities • Continental Breakfast

• Meals on Wheels delivery • Attached Garages

Assisted Living

• Spacious studio, 1 & 2 bedroom apts.

• 24 hour supervision • Emergency pull cord system

• 24 hour safety check • Activities • Access to Adams Nursing Home for visiting

monthly in the

Services and Cares Available

220 3rd St. NW, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

• Medication Monitoring • Three meals a day w/Administration Assist. • Therapeutic diets • Personal Care Assistance available • Non-Diabetic and • Housekeeping Service Diabetic Nail Care • Laundry Service • Therapy on site as needed • Full Service Salon Contact: Cindy Jax, RN, Director 507-582-7704, fax 507-582-3275 Email: cjax@adamshcc.com

507-583-4434

www.prairiemanorinc.com

Mower County Shopper

www.MowerCountyShopper.com

Senior Living

ADAMS HEALTH CARE CENTER 810 W Main St, Adams, MN 55909 507-582-3263 AUSTIN VILLAGE COOPERATIVE 2301 10th St NW, Austin, MN 55912 507-433-1310

Housekeeping

Hospice Services

Social Events

In-House Rehabilitation

Enclosed Garage

24 Hr Assistance

Wellness Program

Scheduled Transportation

Worship Service

Memory Care

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Services & Amenities

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

CEDARS OF AUSTIN 700 1st Drive NW, Austin, MN 55912 • • • • • • • • • • • • 507-437-3246 CEDAR COURT APARTMENTS 810 W. Main St, Adams, MN 55909 • • 507-582-7704

• • • • • • •

FIELD CREST CARE CENTER 318 2nd Street NE, Hayfield, MN 55940 507-477-3266

• • • • • • • • • • •

GRAND MEADOW SENIOR LIVING 210 East Grand Ave, Grand Meadow, MN 55936 507-754-5212

• • • • • • • •

PRAIRIE MANOR CARE CENTER 220 3rd St NW, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 507-583-4434

• • • • • • • • • •

PRAIRIE SENIOR COTTAGES 1602 W. Fountain St, Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-379-9000

• • • • • • • • •

38 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Senior Focus Adams Health Care Center

AHCC is committed to providing the highest quality nursing care and rehabilitative therapies. Our committed, reliable and trustworthy care team take pride in providing outstanding care for you and your family.

Skilled Nursing Staff • Individual Care Planning • Homelike Atmosphere Weekly Physician Visits • Therapies • Home Health Services Ministerial Visits • Group and Individual Activities Rehab Therapy - 5 Days a Week

Meals, Housing and much more!

810 W. Main St, Adams, MN 55909 www. adamshcc.com 507-582-3263

Prairie Senior Cottages Allowing residents to ‘be themselves’ in a normal, home setting

Assisted Living for Those with Memory Loss For more information call Nicole 507.379.9000 1602 W Fountain St, Albert Lea

Field Crest Care Center ~ A 5-Star Facility ★ A Great Place to LIVE and WORK ★ We offer a small community, big hearts and caring, compassionate employees to care for you and your loved ones 318 2nd Street NE, Hayfield, MN

507-477-3266 x116

www.fieldcrestcare.com

The Austin Village Co-op

All the comforts of home... with a carefree lifestyle • Independent Senior Living • Affordability • S ense of Community •H eated Garage & Car Wash • Variety of Floor Plans

Call Norma for More Information

507-433-1310 2301 10th St. NW Austin, MN

(quietly located behind Wal-Mart)

www.villagecooperative.com

Published by the Mower County Shopper

we care Companion Memory Care Memory Care Assisted Living Independent Living st

700 1 Dr NW, Austin • 507-437-3246 • www.cedarsofaustin.com Experience SE Minnesota ~ 39

Automotive

Maintain Tire Balance Auto Clinic - Bartley Automotive

433-2751

www.midtownautoclinic.com 703 17th Ave NW, Austin, MN

507-433-4512 COLLISION CENTER

ALL MAKES & MODELS • We accept all insurance estimates • Free loaner cars with repairs • Free estimates • Courtesy transportation

In The Usem Family Since 1923

CSI has been Certified by Assured Performance, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization, and officially recognized by Ford, GM, Chrysler and Enterprise.

CSI is now one of Best-in-Class collision repair businesses across the

United States and the only collision repair facility in South Central MN certified to repair the 2015 Ford F-150 military grade, aluminum-alloy body and high-strength 70,000-psi steel frame.

They have the right tools, equipment, training and facility necessary to repair the participating manufacturers' vehicles to the manufacturer specifications.

This is essential to help ensure the fit, finish, durability, value, and safety of vehicles.

1410 21st Ave, Austin • 507.437.2837

Hrs: M-Th 7:30 am-5:30 pm; Fri by appt only; Closed Sat & Sun

40 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

& Alignment for a Smooth Ride

It is easy for motorists to take their tires for granted when everything is working correctly. Wheels and suspension systems bear the weight of cars and trucks and must bear the brunt of rough roads, pot holes and any additional obstacles, so some wear and tear is to be expected.

Many drivers know to monitor their tire pressure, but it’s also important to check for worn treads and inspect tires for punctures or damage. Proper tire alignment and balance also is essential for a comfortable and smooth ride.

Balance Balancing tires involves equalizing the weight of the combined tire and wheel assembly so that each tire spins smoothly on the road. Tires are mounted on the wheel assembly, and the chances of this assembly having precise weight distribution is nearly impossible without a little help. According to Discount Tire, the slightest imbalance in the tires, even as little as half an ounce, can be felt by drivers.

Unequal mass can make tires wobble, causing noticeable vibrations.

Mechanics will test tire balance by putting it on a balancing machine. The machine will spin the tire and determine the tire’s heaviest point.

Counteracting weights will be placed on the tire hubs to create a more uniform balance of weight. Lead weights are often used, but some are being phased out for other metals, such as zinc, because of the medical and environmental implications of lead. www.mowercountyshopper.com

Automotive Tires that are not balanced will not only cause vibration, they also can lead to uneven wear.

Alignment Tire alignment is another way to reduce wear on tires and help avoid steering and “pulling” problems. Bridgestone Tires defines tire alignment as an adjustment of the vehicle’s suspension, or the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels.

When tires are not properly aligned, drivers may notice uneven tread wear. Misaligned tires also may cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right. Drivers who notice their steering wheel is off-center or vibrating when they are driving may need to adjust their tires’ alignment.

Camber, or the inward or outward angle of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle, will be adjusted. In addition, “toe,” or the extent to which the tires turn inward or outward when viewed from above, will be adjusted. Caster angle also helps balance steering, stability and cornering. Caster is the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side of your vehicle.

When tires are balanced correctly and aligned, vehicles will offer a smooth ride with little to no vibrations. Having tires serviced can maximize their performance and lifespan.

’SOP Y IN H

Family Owned & Operated

T DY S

604 18th Ave NW, Austin

1961

fax 507-437-4260

BO Since

507-437-2611

Lifetime Written Warranty • Free Estimates • Free Loaner Car • State of the Art Shop

Your New Home for AAA in Austin

 Best warranty in the industry  Free written estimates (pre-work)  Comfortable and clean customer waiting area  Touchless car wash open 24 hours

ASE Certified Technicians

Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm Saturday & Sunday closed

Full Service Auto Repair

Any Make, Any Model Stop by for all your automotive needs

FREE Car Wash with Any Service Please present coupon with service.

Expires 5.31.16

Customer First. Service the Best!

1009 8th Ave SE, Austin | 507.437.7114 OVER wangenauto@hotmail.com www.WangenAutomotive.com 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE!

C AS

COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE & SALES

WE DO DIESEL REPAIR ON MOST VEHICLES

See our pre-owned auto selection at

www.casautosales.com

We Now Do Spray In Box Liners

Call for pricing info

Viper Remote Start Dealer

Call for pricing • 433-9555

FREE 4-Wheel Alignment with 4-Wheel Strut Purchase (Valued at $69.95)

• Total Wheel Alignment • Engine Repair • Tire Sales • Complete Diagnostics • Fuel Injection • A/C Service Special Pricing On Shocks & Struts • Call For Details

103 21st Street SE, Austin • 433-9555 • casautosales.com Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 41

Churches Austin Christian Fellowship 1110 24th Ave. SW, Austin • 437-6327 Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.

Cornerstone Assembly Of God 1403 1st Ave SW, Austin • 433-7008 www.cornerstoneaustin.org Saturday Worship 5:00 pm Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Austin Church of Christ (Christian) 103 2nd St SW, Austin • 433-2894 www.austincofc.org Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

Faith Church 1800 12th St SW, Austin • 437-1000 www.faithchurchaustin.org Sunday Worship 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (WELS) 2103 8th St SW, Austin • 437-6461 Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.

First United Methodist Church 204 1st Ave NW, Austin • 433-8839 Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. www.austinfumc.org firstumc@questoffice.net

Bethlehem Church 1500 4th Ave. SE, Austin • 433-3705 www.bethlehemfree.org office@bethlehemfree.org Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Cedar River Church of Christ 1006 12th St. SW, Austin • 437-4927 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Christ Episcopal Church 301 3rd Ave NW, Austin • 433-3782 www.christchurchaustin.org office@christchurchaustin.org Sunday Holy Eucharist 10:00 a.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints 404 31st St. NW, Austin • 433-9042 Sacrament Meeting 9:00 a.m.

General Aux. Meeting 11:00 a.m.

Crane Community Chapel 1111 9th St NE, Austin • 433-5844 www.cranechapel.org Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

42 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

First Congregational Church, UCC 1910 3rd Ave NW, Austin • 433-2301 www.churchataustincongoucc.org Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

Grace Baptist Church 437-2473 www.gbcmn.com East Campus 100 4th Ave SE, Austin Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.

Jehovah’s Witnesses 2115 5th Ave SE, Austin • 437-6441 Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. - 10:05 a.m. www.watchtower.org Keys to Life Apostolic Church 501 2nd St. SE, Austin • 437-8806 Spanish Classes & Worship www.keystolifeaustin.com Lighthouse of Hope 316 4th Ave NE, Austin (Labor Center) Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

Living Bible Church 301 4th St. SW, Austin • 433-5574 Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00 a.m. www.austinlivingbible.com Moscow Lutheran ELCA 25826 870th Ave, Austin 507-373-0069 or 507-373-1737 Sunday Worship 8:30 a.m.

Grace Lutheran Church 2001 SE 6th Ave, Austin • 433-3445 Sunday Worship 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. www.graceluthaustin.com Holy Cross Lutheran Church (LCMS) 300 16th Street NE , Austin 437-2107 Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m.

International Word Fellowship Church 827 NE 4th Ave, Austin • 437-7448 Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

New Beginnings in Christ Church 21966 State Hwy 56 (Intersection of 1-90 & Hwy 56) 507-533-4962 Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. www.newbeginningsinchristchurch.com Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 1600 W. Oakland Ave, Austin 437-4516 www.oursaviorsaustin.org Sunday Worship 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Saturday Evening Worship 5:30 p.m.

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Queen of Angels Catholic Church 1001 E. Oakland Ave, Austin 433-1888 www.austincatholic.org Sunday Mass 9:00 a.m. (English) Sunday Mass 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. (Spanish) Rebirthing Faith 1922 5th Ave NE, Austin MN 438-0820 Rebirthingfaith1922@gmail.com Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 30456 Mower Freeborn Rd, Austin 437-3000 Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. www.roglutheran.org Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church Co. Rd. 46 (East of) Austin 433-6709 Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

Salvation Army 409 1st Ave NE, Austin • 473-4566 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. www.usc.salvationarmy.org St. Augustine Catholic Parish 405 4th St NW, Austin • 437-4537 Sunday 10:30 a.m. www.staugustinestedward.org St. Edward Catholic Parish 2000 W. Oakland Ave, Austin 433-1841 Sunday 8:30 a.m. www.staugustinestedward.org

St. John’s Lutheran Church 1200 13th Ave NW, Austin • 433-2642 www.stjohnsaustinlcms.org Worship Saturday 6:00 p.m.

Sunday Service 9:00 a.m.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Home Chapel 400 15th Ave SW, Austin • 434-7215 Sunday Service 3:00 p.m.

St. Olaf Lutheran Church 306 2nd St NW, Austin • 433-8857 www.solc.org Sunday Worship 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.

Sudanese (Newer) Service 1:00 p.m.

Published by the Mower County Shopper

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Member Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC) 2100 16th St. SW, Austin 433-8191 Worship Service 9:30 a.m. www.stpaulclcaustin.com Trinity Lutheran Church - WELS 63047 230 St, Austin • 433-4006 Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church 802 4th St SW, Austin • 433-3258 www.westminsteraustin.com Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m.

United Pentecostal Church Spanish Services 1000 1st Ave, Austin • 507-446-0472 Sunday Morning 10:00 a.m.

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 43

Austin Parks & Rec Dept 121 4th Ave NE • www.ci.austin.mn.us For more information on any of these events call 507-433-1881

Summer 2016 Schedule

Municipal pool The pool will open Monday June 13, at 1:00 pm!

HRS: M-F 1:00-4:30; M, W, Th 7:00-8:30; Sat 1:00-6:00; Sun 2:00-7:00. Pool closes August 18.

Swimming Lessons Session 1: June 20-July 1 Session 3: July 18-29

Session 2: July 5-15 Session 4: August 4-12 Golf Lessons Monday & Wednesday June 13-July 20 and July 25 Tuesday & Thursday June 14-July 21 and July 26 Soccer Held June 14-July 31 Tennis Lessons June 13-July 27 Equipment Rental • Volleyball Kits • Volleyball Net & Ball • Picnic Kits • Horseshoe Sets • Golf • Croquet • Disc Golf Kits • Blongo Bell

44 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

Facility Rentals • Todd Park Pavilion • Lions Park Pavilion • LaFayette Park Pavilion • East Side Lake Gazebo • Shirley Theel Memorial Park Pavilion • Riverside Arena • Packer Arena • Municipal Pool PACKER POWER SPORTS TRAINING CAMP June 13-July 27 AUSTIN YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP July 25-27 WATER, NATURE & ADVENTURE June 24, 26 & July 1 SHAKE, RATTLE & READ July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 ADM DAY CAMPS* Fridays – June 27, July 11, 25

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Austin Municipal Swimming Pool

Recreation

Main St. North • 507-433-1881 www.ci.austin.mn.us Olympic-size pool with a 104-foot waterslide with “S” curve.

Wading pool available. Open M-F 1:00-4:45; M & W 6:308:00; Sat 1:00-6:00; Sun 2:00-7:00 from early June through mid August.

3.3 miles of hard-surfaced path starting at the Hormel Century Parkway and finishing at Community Park.

Austin Skate Park

Riverland Community College Complex

Hormel Century Parkway In-line skaters and skate boarders can enjoy a free outdoor Tier 1 park.

Mower County Youth Activity Center (YAC)

Riverside Arena 501 2nd Ave. NE • 507-433-1881 Youth ages 11-18 can enjoy a variety of different activities.

Pedestrian and Bike Trails

1900 8th Ave. NW • 507-433-1881 Four-diamonds, full-size baseball fields, concessions, restrooms available.

Riverside Arena

Chateau Raceway

501 2nd Ave. NE • 507-433-1881 www.ci.austin.mn.us This multi-purpose air-conditioned building features a 17,000 square foot sheet of ice from November through March.

Deer Creek Speedway

200 miles of snowmobile trails that are groomed regularly.

These trails connect with more than 800 miles of trails in Southern Minnesota.

54219 266th St., Lansing • 507-433-4578 Dirt oval track, 3/8 mile long. Friday night beginning at 7:30 p.m., during the summer.

25262 U.S. 63, Spring Valley • 507-346-2342 www.deercreekspeedway.com 3/8-mile dirt oval track with high banks, located on 70 acres.

Races at 6 p.m. every Saturday in the summer.

Disc Golf at Driesner Park South

8th St. SE Rigorous twelve-chain basket course. Course maps are available at Austin Park and Recreation at 121 4th Ave. NE. No fees.

Disc Golf at Todd Park

11th St. NE 27 chain-basket course located throughout the wooded and rolling terrain of the park.

East Side Lake

8th Ave. & Oakland Place NE Located by Oakland Place East, the lake features a boat launch, play ground equipment, shelters and picnic gazebo.

Echo Lanes

1600 10th Dr. SE • 507-437-8241 www.EchoLanesBowling.com 36-lane bowling alley features daily special events.

Snowmobile Trails

The Rec Center Ellis Middle School

1700 4th Ave. SE • 507-433-1881 Various exercise options include swimming, basketball, volleyball and climbing wall. Open Saturdays and Sundays, January - March.

Todd Park

11th St. NE • 507-433-1881 Two complexes featuring nine lit softball diamonds, concession, baseball diamond,playground, sand volleyball courts, 27-hole disc golf course, five open pavilions, and three regulation-size soccer fields.

Wescott Field

1300 W. Oakland Ave. • 507-433-0426 Community Athletic Facility includes a nine-lane Mondo track, three soccer/football fields, a baseball field and six new tennis courts.

YMCA

704 1st Dr. NW • 507-433-1804 • www.ymca-austin.org For youth development, healthy living & social responsibility

Lake Louise State Park

12385 766th Ave. • Mower County Rd. 14 • 507-324-5249 www.dnr.state.mn.us This park contains two spring-fed streams, hiking trails, horse trails, interpretive trail, snowmobile trails, cross country ski trails and bike trails.

Packer Arena

601 NE 7th St. • 1-507-433-1881 www.ci.austin.mn.us 17,000 square foot multipurpose arena. Ice available OctoberApril.

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Hormel Nature Center fun Experience SE Minnesota ~ 45

Austin City Government PLANNING FOR AND INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE BY… Providing a safe, high quality community to raise children, which will encourage generations to remain in (or return to) Austin Coordinating and focusing efforts to create well paying jobs Respecting and understanding the values and cultures of all our citizens Encouraging a healthy, diverse economy and a vibrant, attractive central business district Creating a high level of recreational and quality of life opportunities for all ages Partnering with other elected entities and the private sector to “grow our community together” ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES In the City of Austin, the way we do business is as important as the business we do. Those who work for and on behalf of the City must be trustworthy, dependable, honest and have a high degree of personal integrity.

Through our actions, the citizens we serve should feel that their input and participation is appreciated, that their city government is responsive and that they have been treated fairly, professionally, and with respect.

THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL VALUE: Working as a team, making decisions collectively Providing positive, progressive leadership Providing government services efficiently Treating employees with respect.

46 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

Austin Council Members Back Row: Steve King, Jeremy Carolan, David Hagen and Michael Jordal Front Row: Jeff Austin, Judy Enright, Tom Stiehm, and Janet Anderson CITY GOVERNMENT NUMBERS City Hall - 507-437-9940 Mayor - 507-437-9965 Police Dept - 507-437-9400 or 911 * if emergency Fire Dept. - 507-433-3405 Park & Rec Dept - 507-433-1881 Engineering Dept - 507-437-9950 Street/Sewer Depts - 507-434-0067 Waste Water Treatment - 507-437-7701 COUNTY GOVERNMENT NUMBERS Main Information 507-437-9494 Assessors Office 507-437-9440 Attorneys Office 507-437-9428 Auditor/Treasurers Office 507-437-9536 Board of Commissioners 507-437-9549 Correctional Services 507-437-9454 Coordinators Office 507-437-9549 Court Administration 507-437-9465 Data Processing 507-437-9527 Emergency Management 507-437-9483 Extension Office 507-437-9552

Family Connections Office 507-437-9700 GIS-Data Processing 507-437-9527 Health & Human Services 507-437-9701 Human Resources 507-437-9549 Law Enforcement Center 507-437-9400 Public Works 507-437-7718 Recorders Office 507-437-9446 Recycling & Household Hazardous Waste 507-437-9551 Sheriffs Office 507-437-9400 Veterans Services Office 507-434-2712 www.mowercountyshopper.com

New Resident Info ORGANIZATIONS

Salvation Army (507) 437-4566

United Way (507) 437-2313 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Austin Area Commission for the Arts

Paramount Theatre 434-0934 CHANGE OF ADDRESS

U.S. Postal Service TRASH PICKUP

Waste Management (800) 222-6214

Stewart Sanitation (507) 451-0976

Bustad Roll-Off (507) 433-1772

Thompson Sanitation (507) 256-4370

Waste Removal (507)438-7569 INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS

Jaguar Communication (800) 250-1517

Charter Communications (877) 728-3126

Centurylink (800) 244-1111 Bruins players reading with kids at school

RECYCLING

Mower County Recycling Center (507) 437-9551

WATER

Austin Utilities (507) 433-8886

ELECTED CITY OFFICIALS

City Council (507) 437-9940

ELECTRIC

Austin Utilities (507) 433-8886

COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Mower County (507) 437-9494

NATURAL GAS

Austin Utilities (507) 433-8886

HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT

Austin HRA (507) 433-1866

TELEPHONE

Jaguar Communication (800) 250-1517

Charter Communications (877) 728-3126

Centurylink (800) 244-1111

EDUCATION

Austin Public Schools (507) 433-0966

Riverland Community College (800) 247-5039

Pacelli Catholic Schools (507) 437-3278

MEDICAL CENTER

Mayo Clinic Health System (507) 433-7351

WELCOME CENTER

Welcome Center (507) 434-2863

CABLE TV

Charter Communications (877) 728-3126

DOG & CAT LICENSES

City of Austin (507) 437-9940

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Police (507) 437-9400

EMPLOYMENT

Workforce Center (800) 734-6421

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire (507) 433-3405

SENIOR SERVICES

Mower County Senior Center (507) 433-3120

LICENSE & REGISTRATION

Driver License (507) 434-2675

Vehicle Registration (507) 433-8744

PUBLIC LIBRARY

Austin Public Library (507) 433-2391

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota ~ 47

48 ~ Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com