Experience SE MN 2017

Experience SE Minnesota

2017-2018 Relocation, Visitor & Community Reference Guide

Published by The Mower County Shopper

• C alendar of Events • A ctivities • L odging • Dining • Shopping • Recreation • Senior Living

Riverland Community College, a member of Minnesota State, is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.

Copyright © 2016 Riverland Community College. All rights reserved.

Proudly serving Austin and the surrounding communities since 1940, Riverland Community College offers over 100 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.

Austin, Albert Lea, Owatonna, Online | riverland.edu

Are you a victim of crime?

Crime Victims Resource Center (CVRC) provides support services to individuals who have been victims of crime. Some of the specific crimes we work with are: • • • • •

Accidents involving intoxicated driver Assault Burglary Sexual Abuse/Assault Stalking

• • • • • •

Child Abuse Domestic Abuse Elder Abuse Harassment Terroristic Threats Theft

CVRC services are free and confidential.

For more information or to request our services, call 507-437-6680. crimevictimsresourcecenter.org facebook.com/CrimeVictimsResourceCenter

2

Experience SE Minnesota

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

C ontent Welcome to the SE Minnesota Area

Welcome 3 Dining 4-5 Employment 6-9 Automotive 10-11 Senior Focus 12-14 Churches 15 Calendar of Events 16-30 Surrounding Areas • Albert Lea 31 • Brownsdale 32 • Dexter 33 • Lyle 34 • Rose Creek 35 • Mantorville 36-37 • Adams/Blooming Prairie 38 • Osage, IA/St. Ansgar, IA 39 • Spring Valley 40 • Bluff Country 41 Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 42 Trails 43 Austin Parks & Rec Dept 44 Recreation 45 Austin City Government 46 New Resident Info 47 We are proud to bring you the 2017-2018 Experience SE 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.

Shopper The Mower County

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

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.

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota

3

D ining Tips for a successful family night out Dining out is incredibly popular. According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurant industry sales in 2016 were expected to exceed $782 billion in the United States alone. But dining out is not exclusive to the United States.

Restaurants Canada reports that the Canadian restaurant industry accounts for nearly 4 percent of the country’s economic activity while directly employing just under 7 percent of the country’s entire workforce.

Dining out would seemingly appeal to diners from all walks of life, but parents of young children may find it difficult to enjoy dining out with tots in tow. The following tips

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

15% Off Wine

Cheers Liquor 502 12th Ave NW • Austin, MN • 507-437-3521 Free Bag Of Ice With Purchase

Monday-Thursday 8

am-8 pm

• Friday & Saturday 8

am-10 pm

· Do your homework. Parents should take some time before choosing a restaurant to examine the menus and policies of any establishments they are considering. Many restaurants make their menus available online, so parents can compare menus of various establishments to determine which have the most kid-friendly fare. Some restaurants have children’s menus, while others do not. Examine menus ahead of time so you don’t arrive at the restaurant only to sit down and discover it does not have anything your children are likely to eat. In addition, determine if restaurants have any specific rules regarding children. Some might not allow youngsters after a certain hour, while others might go above and beyond to accommodate families. · Dine during off-peak hours. Parents concerned about how their children will behave in a restaurant setting can

Mama D’s

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

can help parents of young children make the most of their nights out as a family.

5:00-8:00 pm THURSDAY NIGHTS

Find Us on

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

Vietnamese Top Noodles 4

507.378.6262

Our Famous BBQ Ribs

Marty Herman, Owner

Mon-Sat 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

10 E Main St, Racine, MN

Daily r Salad Ba

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

El patron Mexican grill

Authentic Mexican Cuisine

LUNCH SPECIALS 11 am-2 pm

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

501 1st St NW, Austin

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

Gift Certificates Available

1 COUPON PER TABLE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER COUPON. EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 • AUSTIN LOCATION ONLY

507-355-2267

Experience SE Minnesota

% 10 OFF Total ticket price

www.mowercountyshopper.com

D ining get kids used to the dining out experience by dining during off-peak hours, such as late afternoon or very early in the evening. Restaurants are less crowded during these times, and that can lessen concerns parents might have about upsetting other customers. · Bring something to keep kids occupied. Parents may want to bring something along to keep kids distracted in case the restaurant is busy or meals take longer to prepare than expected. While tablets with video games or movies might keep kids occupied on road trips, it’s best to avoid bringing something noisy into a restaurant setting. Coloring books, word search puzzles or traditional books won’t distract or upset fellow diners and can help keep kids occupied until dinner is served. · Ask to be seated at a kid-friendly table. When being seated, ask the hostess to seat your party in an area where kids won’t be distracted or grow antsy. A corner booth can make for a cozy family meal, and kids won’t be distracted by fellow diners or even other youngsters in the restaurant. · Explain restaurant etiquette to youngsters before going out. If the family dinner table at home is short on etiquette but long on fun, explain to youngsters that the same rule does not apply at the restaurant. Parents can explain that it’s still okay to have fun when dining out, but that the volume needs to be turned down and everyone must remain in their seats unless they need to use the restroom.

Parents can calm their nerves about dining out with youngsters by employing a few strategies that can make family nights out on the town enjoyable for all involved.

1977 Great Food in 2017!

Great Food in

We can’t offer 1977 prices but we can offer great food and pricing today!

In-House Smoked Meats

1.00

$

OFF Any Dinner or Entree Dine In ONLY

Coupon not valid with any other offer.

Dining Room Hrs: Mon-Sat: 5:00-9:00 pm Bar Hours: Mon-Fri 2:00 pm-Close Sat & Sun Noon-Close

www.windriftlounge.com Book Early! Retirement - Birthdays Any Special Event

507-437-7132 • 2511 11th St NE

Bev Skalicky serving you for 20 years

BREAKFAST SPECIALS EVERY DAY Served 6:00-10:30 am

1426 1st Ave NW, Austin • 433-6000

food...

You Got It! Great Great Service...

at the B&J Bar & Grill

Check Us Out on Facebook www.bandjbarandgrill.com

DAILY LS! SPECIA

5.00

$

Burger Basket Night Mondays 5-8 pm

“Families Welcome”

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

507-433-9830

Charitable Gambling

Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:30 am-11:00 pm Fri & Sat 10:30 am-1:00 am Sun 11:00 am-10:00 pm Published by the Mower County Shopper

• Loaded Bloody Mary Bar Sundays only • Outdoor Patio • Wide Screen TVs

Experience SE Minnesota

5

E mployment Cooperative Response Center in Austin

"Make a Difference" Advancement Opportunities Flexible/Consistent Hours Comprehensive Benefits Referral Bonuses Paid Training Team-Environment

Focusing on the Human Side of Technology®

"A Best Place to Work in SE MN"Award Winner for the last 4 years is now hiring:

Customer Service Representatives!

Competitive wages starting at $11.00/hour!

Shift Differentials from 75¢ to $2.00 extra per hour!

Serving Austin, Albert Lea, Owatonna, & Kasson areas Start your career now by applying with us at: jobs.thementornetwork.com/search-jobs/woodvale/746/1 Requirements: • Valid license for driving positions • 18 yrs of age • Ability to pass a background study

GROW WITH REM AAE/EOE

Benefits Offered to All Employees, including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability Insurance & much more! ✥ Comprehensive Training Program ✥ Annual Incentive Program ✥ Rewarding Wellness Programs To apply: • Complete the CRC Application available at www.crc.coop, or • Stop by CRC: 2000 8th St NW, Austin For questions about CRC: call Emily Belshan, HRD Generalist at 507-437-2637 or email: employment@crc.coop

GREAT BENEFITS!

GREAT PEOPLE!

Now Hiring!

Apply On Line

www.bellisiofoods.com

6

Our Passion is Food! Love Your Job! 㼃㼑㻌 㼍㼞㼑㻌 㼠㼔㼑㻌 㼘㼍㼞㼓㼑㼟㼠㻌 㼙㼍㼚㼡㼒㼍㼏㼠㼡㼞㼑㼞㻌 㼛㼒㻌 㼜㼞㼑㼜㼍㼞㼑㼐㻌 㼒㼞㼛㼦㼑㼚㻌 㼒㼛㼛㼐㼟㻚㻌 㼃㼑㻌 㼙㼍㼗㼑㻌 㼍㻌 Apply in Person

Experience SE Minnesota

㼟㼠㼞㼛㼚㼓㻌 㼕㼚㼢㼑㼟㼠㼙㼑㼚㼠㻌 㼕㼚㻌 㼜㼑㼛㼜㼘㼑㻌 㼍㼚㼐㻌 㼍㼞㼑㻌 㼜㼞㼛㼡㼐㻌㼠㼛㻌㼎㼑㻌㼕㼚㻌㻿㼛㼡㼠㼔㼣㼑㼟㼠㻌㻹㼕㼚㼚㼑㼟㼛㼠㼍㻍㻌

1118 N Main St, Austin

www.mowercountyshopper.com

E mployment LOOK NO FURTHER

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Starting wage ranging from $21.20 to $26.20 based on qualifications MECHANICS

Must have 2 years of experience and/or 2 year technical school degree and be able to demonstrate welding ability REQUISITION #1114

ELECTRICIANS

Must have 2 years of experience and/or a 2 year technical school degree. A premium is paid for MN Class A Journeyman Electrical license.

REQUISITION #1113

Candidates currently pursuing their technical degree education will also be considered.

BENEFITS

• H ealth Care, Dental, Vision AND Prescription Drug Benefits • L ife & accidental death & dismemberment insurance • Educational assistance - up to $3,500/year!

• 9 paid holidays • Paid vacation up to 6 weeks • Profit sharing WOW! • Night & weekend premiums • Pension & 401K • Short-term disability

Austin, MN Plant

Apply at: www.hormelfoods.com/careers Equal opportunity employer/disability/vet

Endless Opportunities for

Motivated People at McDonald’s

• Flexible

Hours

• McScholars Tuition matched up to $10,000 • Archways

to Opportunity

Tuition reimbursement $700 or $1050

1009 W Oakland Ave • Austin, MN 1402 14th St. NW • Austin, MN

Austin | Albert Lea | Owatonna Online at riverland.edu

Proud to be an Education First Employer Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota

7

E mployment QUALITY PORK PROCESSORS

A Great Place to Work

1,300 Employees Strong!

A food manufacturing facility located in Rochester, MN, a FDA/USDA food processing facility is looking for self-motivated, energetic, positive people.

Excellent Vacation Pkg., Paid 8hr. for Holidays, Medical & Dental, and 401k available.

Looking for full time work? Benefits?

Paid Holidays? 401K? Check out our website: www.qppinc.net

Our Employees & their Families Appreciate Our FREE Medical On-Site Clinic Services

Call Kelsey at 507-923-4955 for more information.

This position is in Rochester, MN 3707 Commercial Dr SW.

We look forward to meeting you!

If you are looking for a company that you can grow with, this is a great opportunity

PROUDLY PROUDLY PROUDLY PROUDLY PROUDLY

100% 100% 100% 100% EMPLOYEE OWNED EMPLOYEE OWNED EMPLOYEE OWNED EMPLOYEE OWNED

PROVIDING MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT TO OUR COMMUNITY!

EMPLOYEE OWNED

PROVIDING MANUFACTURING PROVIDING MANUFACTURING PROVIDING MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT PROVIDING MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT PROVIDING MANUFACTURING TO OUR COMMUNITY! SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT TOTO OUR COMMUNITY! OUR COMMUNITY! SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT

TO OUR COMMUNITY! TO OUR COMMUNITY!

FOLLOW US! FOLLOW US! US! FOLLOW ContractFOLLOW Engineering US! US! and Manufacturing FOLLOW

lou-rich.com lou-rich.com

lou-rich.com

8

® ® Contract Engineering andand Manufacturing Contract Engineering Manufacturing ® ® almco.com Contract Engineering and Manufacturing

®

Contract almco.comEngineering and Manufacturing

almco.com

Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com

E mployment

The Right Ways to Update a Résumé The job market can be competitive, as new graduates flood the field each and every year. But graduation season is not the only time of year when the competition to find work gets heated.

The start of the new year tends to be one of the busiest times of year for new hires. According to the employment resource Simply Hired, the first Monday after New Year’s Day tends to be the busiest day for job search activity. Companies are returning to full production after the holidays, and as a result there is a flurry of new activity. This means applicants can use the last quarter of the year to prepare for job searches they will institute once the calendar turns.

Many job seekers may benefit from revamping their résumés before beginning their search. It’s not uncommon for recruiters to receive thousands of résumés for each job opening they post, and the sheer volume of applicants can make it difficult for job seekers to get their résumés seen. In such instances, job seekers must take steps to tip the odds in their favor. By following these guidelines, job seekers may have a better chance of getting their résumés into the right hands. · Put a professional purpose. Modern standards may suggest that listing a career “objective” is old fashioned. However, it is helpful to customize your résumé so that it is geared toward the position for which you are applying. A career objective may reflect how you are a strong candidate for each specific job you apply for. Use some specifics that tie into to the particular job or company and you may catch the hiring manager’s attention in the process. · Embrace keywords. Many employers now use application tracking software to sift through the scores of résumés that are submitted for each opening they post. Keywords make it easy for employers to sort through thousands of résumés. The right keywords will flag your résumé and increase your “relevancy score” in the main HR/recruiting software programs available. Adapt your

résumé for each application you submit. Use some of the words listed in the initial job posting and description. In addition, look at similar job postings and incorporate some keywords listed in those ads so that you have all the bases covered. · Highlight what you have done. Rather than listing every job responsibility and position in chronological order, use a résumé to highlight specific career accomplishments. This is a time to be your biggest fan and tell the world all of the great things you have accomplished. Remember to include evidence to back up the claims. According to a 2015 survey by CareerBuilder, employers say that résumés that include links to a candidate’s portfolio, website or blog garner more attention than résumés without such links.

Updating a résumé with the goal of standing out among a crowded pool of applicants is a great way for job seekers to land a new job.

Looking for a rewarding career?

JOIN OUR TEAM!  

Great Benefits Package  Competitive Wages Family Friendly Workplace To apply: www.PossAbilities.org

Foot Routes Available Now

Part Time Once a Week on Tuesdays Anytime Before 8:00 pm

Routes Open In All Areas of Austin

Also in several small surrounding towns Call Today for More Info Work 1 to 4 Hours on Tuesday

Contact the Shopper Today

Phone 507-396-6394 or e-mail: circulation@mowercountyshopper.com 3405 W . Oakland Ave, Austin, MN Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota

9

A utomotive Choose the right tire for your vehicle and season Motorists spend hours behind the wheel and spend lots of money on maintenance to ensure their vehicles are in top working order. But tires are one area of maintenance that often goes unchecked, even by the most diligent automobile owners.

Tires undergo a lot of wear and tear, which only highlights the importance of proper tire maintenance. But many drivers do not give tires a passing thought until there is a problem, such as a flat or excessive wear. Also, some drivers

Glynn’s Motor Mart

HANSON TIRE SERVICE

“Your One Stop Shop”

GRAND MEADOW Hwy. 16 & County Rd. 8

507-754-5677

• • • • • •

Alignment Brakes Tune-Ups Suspension Oil Change Air Conditioning

Auto • Truck

Bruce

Matt

• Farm Tires

1200 North Main • Austin Mon-Fri 7:30 am-5:30 pm • Sat 7:30 am-12:00 pm

433-3419 • 1-800-246-3419

C AS

COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE & SALES

WE DO DIESEL REPAIR ON MOST VEHICLES

See our pre-owned auto selection at

www.casautosales.com

Viper Remote Start Dealer

think that all tires are the same, failing to realize that the kind of tires vehicles need depends on various factors. In addition to the size and type of vehicle, drivers should consider the type of driving they do and the driving conditions they routinely encounter before choosing tires for their vehicles. Many vehicles come off the lot with all-season passenger tires because these tires are among the most versatile.

However, if you live in a particular climate or do a lot of driving that requires specific traction or maneuverability, all-season tires may not be the best bet. The following are descriptions of common tire types and the conditions in which they might make the best fit.

All-season All-season tires provide all-season versatility, good wear and ride comfort. They can be dependable tires and offer light snow traction as well.

All-season tires provide adequate protection in many conditions, but do not offer specific benefits in any one area.

They’re likely to be satisfactory for a vast array of drivers.

All-season tires are typically offered in touring and passenger types. Touring will provide lower road noise and better handing, while passenger varieties offer a smooth ride and longevity.

Summer tires Summer tires are designed to offer traction and maneuverability in warm weather. Orbital grooves and complex treads maximize traction in hot, humid weather. If you live in an area where the temperature is consistently steamy, summer tires may be a good investment.

Winter tires A safety precaution for many people who live where conditions often include snow, ice and cold weather, winter

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

10

Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com

tires can be lifesavers. These tires are designed using several different types of rubber, and feature tread designs that maximize traction during inclement conditions. Winter tires also come in various subcategories. Studdable winter tires provide the extra security of added studs to enhance traction on ice. Performance winter tires offer better dry road handling, but traction on snow and ice may be compromised.

Performance tires Performance tires offer a sports car feel. These are meant for drivers who want to feel the road and increase lowspeed traction. The higher the level of performance, the increased level of handling and stability at high speeds.

Truck tires Trucks, pickups and SUVs also have a variety of tire types.

There are off-road varieties, which will offer an aggressive tread design for off-road traction and other obstacles. Light truck tires help provide durability and traction. Specially designed SUV tires may be large, but can still offer comfort-focused applications designed for on-road driving.

Drivers looking for better performance from their tires should speak with a tire retailer about the options available to them.

A utomotive Since 1961

TINY’S

BODY SHOP

Lifetime Written Warranty Free Estimates • Free Loaner Car State of the Art Shop Family Owned & Operated

507-437-2611

604 18th Ave NW, Austin

ENVIROBASE® High Performance ECO FRIENDLY

67 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE

101 South Main St, Austin • Bryce Orth, manager Call 433-3439 to schedule your appt • WALK INS WELCOME FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com

Recycled Parts are better for you and the environment. Save Money - Think Green!!

Check out our selection of used vehicles and repairables at watsonautomotive.com

507-433-1856 • 800-658-7222 26008 U.S. Hwy 218, Austin, MN Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm; Sat 8 am-noon; Closed Sunday

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota

11

S enior F ocus Make Vacations & Travel a Key Component of Retirement When the time comes to bid farewell to conference calls, meetings and daily commutes, retirees have open schedules to fill with whichever activities they choose. Travel is one exciting way to pass the time.

Traveling can be a rewarding prospect for active seniors, particularly those who successfully preplanned for retirement and have the income to fund various excursions.

Many seniors, both in the United States and Canada, find that travel tops their to-do lists once they retire. According to Senior Travel magazine, new travel options are emerging for newly minted retirees looking for something a little different from the status quo.

The list of destinations retirees have at their disposal is limitless. The following ideas are some of the more popular ways retirees choose to travel. · Road trips rule. Taking to the highways and byways is an excellent way to see the country. Seniors can customize their routes depending on which places they want to visit.

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

Au

IBEL® and Cresco, IA. and Cresco, IA. Au IBEL® IBEL® Hearing Centers Au IBEL® AuCenters IBEL® Hearing Centers Hearing Hearing Centers 11Hearing Centers 11 11 Improving the Lives of

Improving the Lives of the Hearing the Hearing Impaired...

Improving the Lives of theat Hearing Improving the Lives of the Hearing Impaired ...

One Patient athe Time.

Improving the Lives ofPatient the Hearing Improving the Lives ofat Hearing One a Time

Impaired One Patient at a Time.

Impaired ...Impaired One...Patient Patient at aa Time.

Time.

Impaired ...

One at ... One Patient at a Time.

507-433-6214 507-433-6214 507-433-6214 507-433-6214 Toll Free 507-433-6214 Toll Free 877-333-6125 Toll Free Toll Free Tolla udibel.

Free 877-333-6125 877-333-6125 877-333-6125 coni

· Genealogical tourism is popular. People hoping to trace their ancestry and visit their ancestral homelands are one of the fastest-growing travel segments. Visiting an old church in Europe where ancestors were married or buying food from a market in which a great aunt or uncle once worked leads retirees on many international adventures. Such trips provide travelers with a unique opportunity to understand their roots up close and personal while enjoying some international travel along the way. · Exotic tours can be exciting destinations. History buffs or adventure-seeking couples may be particularly attracted to exotic travel destinations that are slightly off of the beaten path. Travel tours may take vacationers to destinations such as excavation sites or backpacking through the

Adams Health Care Center

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

11 11

RV travel can be as comfortable or as rustic as travelers prefer. Many seniors spend months traveling in their campers, which offer many of the same amenities of home. Campsites and special RV hook-up sites offer the other necessities of traveling the open road.

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

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 Adams Health Care Center

Cedar Courts Apartments Assisted Living Meals • Housing and Much More!

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

Field Crest Care Center ~ CMS 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.

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

877-333-6125 a coni udibel.a udibel. coni coni audibelhightech.com aaudibel. udibel. coni Amy Locally owned and operated, with the strength of a national network. If you travel, you will find an Audibel !

Amy Baarsch, NBC-HIS

Nina Best, NBC-HIS

Amy Baarsch, Nina Best, Locally owned and operated, with the strength of a Baarsch, Nina Best, Amy Baarsch, Nina Best, Locally with the strength strength NBC-HIS NBC-HIS national If you travel, find an Audibel !

Locallyowned ownedand andoperated, operated, withnetwork. the ofofaayou will Amy Baarsch, Nina Best, Locally owned and operated, with the strength of a NBC-HIS NBC-HIS national find an anAudibel Audibel! !

NBC-HIS NBC-HIS nationalnetwork. network.IfIfyou you travel, travel, you you will will find national network. If you travel, you will find an Audibel !

12

NBC-HIS Hearing Aid Wearer

Experience SE Minnesota

NBC-HIS

318 2nd Street NE, Hayfield

507-477-3266 x116 www.fieldcrestcare.com

www.mowercountyshopper.com

S enior F ocus rainforest. With passport in hand, seniors can go just about anywhere their desires take them. · Enjoy a relaxing seaside trip. A seaside vacation can be the perfect trip for seniors who want to put their feet up and sip some cocktails while watching the waves lap the shores. Many beach resorts offer all-inclusive packages for different age groups. Meals, excursions and hotel rooms can be bundled into one affordable, confusion-free price. · Go cruising. Speaking of all-inclusive vacationing, cruising seems tailor-made for those ages 50 and older because it offers the convenience of accommodations, food, entertainment, and transportation all in one. The various activities offered on the ship mean travelers can find ways to spend their time how they see fit. Cruising couples can opt to spend all of their time on the ship enjoying carefully prepared meals and entertainment or disembark and explore the various ports of call along the way.

Now that they have more free time, retirees can gear up for travel adventures to remember.

we care

Companion Memory Care Memory Care Assisted Living Independent Living

CEDARS SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY A place to call home

700 1st Dr NW, Austin • 507-437-3246 • www.cedarsofaustin.com

The Austin Village Co-op

All the comforts of home... with a carefree lifestyle • Independent Senior Living • Affordability • Sense of Community • Heated Garage & Car Wash • Variety of Floor Plans • A Secure Facility We have lived at the Village Cooperative in Austin since it first opened in 2007, and have enjoyed every moment.

Larry & Karen Wilson

Combining a maintenance free life style with the pride of owning our own home makes for a great retirement life.

Call Norma for more information

507-433-1310

2301 10th St. NW, Austin, MN (quietly located behind Wal-Mart)

“Slip” into the ease of LeRoy - Hometown Comfort with High Quality Care Respite Care, Assisted Living and Memory Care • Dedicated, caring & trained staff on-site 24 hours a day • RN and/or LPN available 7 days/week • Emergency call system • Exercise program • Daily activities • Real Home Cooking • Weekly Housekeeping and Laundry available

Lady Slipper - MN State Flower

• Spacious apartments & suites • Recreation spacious rooms with pool table for activities/events • Garage units available • Transportation within city limits • Accept private pay • Accept Medical Assistance county/state waiver program

Wildwood Grove A great place to call home

410 East Main St LeRoy, MN

507.324.9515

www.wildwoodgrovemn.com

www.villagecooperative.com

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota

13

S enior F ocus MAYER FUNERAL HOME

Serving All Faiths in the Austin Area

Compassion, Caring, Service with Respect

Jack Koppa Funeral Director

Kathleen M. Dufault Funeral Director

Established 1915 ~ “Over 100 Years of Service” 600 2nd St NW, Austin • 507-433-1817 www.mayerfh.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 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

• • • • • • • •

WILDWOOD GROVE 410 East Main Street, LeRoy, MN • • • • • • • • • • 507-324-9515

14

Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com

C hurches Austin Christian Fellowship 1110 24th Ave. SW, Austin • 437-6327 Austin Church of Christ (Christian) 103 2nd St SW, Austin • 433-2894 www.austincofc.org Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (WELS) 2103 8th St SW, Austin • 437-6461 Bethlehem Church 1500 4th Ave. SE, Austin • 433-3705 www.bethlehemfree.org office@bethlehemfree.org Cedar River Church of Christ 1006 12th St. SW, Austin • 437-4927 Christ Episcopal Church 301 3rd Ave NW, Austin • 433-3782 www.christchurchaustin.org office@christchurchaustin.org The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints 404 31st St. NW, Austin • 433-9042 Crane Community Chapel 1111 9th St NE, Austin • 433-5844 www.cranechapel.org Cornerstone Assemblies of God 1403 1st Ave SW, Austin • 433-7008 www.cornerstoneaustin.org Faith Church 1800 12th St SW, Austin • 437-1000 www.faithchurchaustin.org First United Methodist Church 204 1st Ave NW, Austin • 433-8839 www.austinfumc.org firstumc@questoffice.net

Grace Lutheran Church 2001 SE 6th Ave, Austin • 433-3445 www.graceluthaustin.com Holy Cross Lutheran Church (LCMS) 300 16th Street NE, Austin 437-2107 International Word Fellowship Church 827 NE 4th Ave, Austin • 437-7448 Jehovah’s Witnesses 2115 5th Ave SE, Austin • 437-6441 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) Living Bible Church 301 4th St. SW, Austin • 433-5574 www.austinlivingbible.com Moscow Lutheran ELCA 25826 870th Ave, Austin 507-373-0069 or 507-373-1737 New Beginnings in Christ Church 21966 State Hwy 56 (Intersection of 1-90 & Hwy 56) 507-533-4962 www.newbeginningsinchristchurch.com Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 1600 W. Oakland Ave, Austin 437-4516 www.oursaviorsaustin.org

First Congregational Church, UCC 1910 3rd Ave NW, Austin • 433-2301 www.churchataustincongoucc.org

Queen of Angels Catholic Church 1001 E. Oakland Ave, Austin 433-1888 www.austincatholic.org

Grace Baptist Church 437-2473 www.gbcmn.com East Campus - 100 4th Ave SE, Austin

Rebirthing Faith 1922 5th Ave NE, Austin MN 438-0820 Rebirthingfaith1922@gmail.com

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church 30456 Mower Freeborn Rd, Austin 437-3000 www.roglutheran.org Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church Co. Rd. 46 (East of) Austin 433-6709 Salvation Army 409 1st Ave NE, Austin • 473-4566 www.usc.salvationarmy.org St. Augustine Catholic Parish 405 4th St NW, Austin • 437-4537 www.staugustinestedward.org St. Edward Catholic Parish 2000 W. Oakland Ave, Austin 433-1841 www.staugustinestedward.org St. John’s Lutheran Church 1200 13th Ave NW, Austin • 433-2642 www.stjohnsaustinlcms.org St. Mark’s Lutheran Home Chapel 400 15th Ave SW, Austin • 434-7215 St. Olaf Lutheran Church 306 2nd St NW, Austin • 433-8857 www.solc.org St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Member Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC) 2100 16th St. SW, Austin 433-8191 www.stpaulclcaustin.com Trinity Lutheran Church - WELS 63047 230 St, Austin • 433-4006 Westminster Presbyterian Church 802 4th St SW, Austin 433-3258 www.westminsteraustin.com United Pentecostal Church Spanish Services 1000 1st Ave, Austin 507-446-0472

Experience SE Minnesota

15

C alendar of E vents

Masonic Pancake Feed Monthly on the first Saturday • 9:00 am-12:00 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.

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 April 2017 the love of our craft. Gatherings include opportunities to work on your own pieces as well as special April 7th - 4:00 - 8:00 pm programs with guest speakers presenting ideas, techBrownsdale Firemen’s Fish Fry - Fire Hall niques, and samples. For more information, call Chris Jensen at 507-433-7115 April 10th • 5:30-8:00 pm History Happy Hour Hormel Historic Home Social hour begins at 5:30 pm, presentation at 6 pm.

Refreshments available. Free for members of the HHH, Friends of the Library, and Mower County Historical Society; $5 for non-members. For more information, call 507-433-4243

x

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

It’s FREE!

RECYCLE!

W hen In Doub t Call!

In 2016 Mower County Residents recycled 1,700 tons of these materials . . .

Acceptable Items • Newspapers • Magazines • White Office Paper • Cardboard • Pressed Board - Chip Board • Glass Bottles & Jars • Aluminum Cans • Tin Cans • Plastic Containers With the

ITEMS WE CANNOT ACCEPT

• Window Glass • Scrap Aluminum • Plastic Bags • Styrofoam of any kind • Plastic lids or caps • Plastic plates or cups • Any other type of plastic item • Garbage Please dispose of these in your garbage!

Not currently recycling?

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

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

16

Experience SE Minnesota

April 11th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and information, call 507-437-4561 April 15th • 1:00 pm Easter Egg Hunt - Brownsdale City Park (weather permitting) April 18th • 9:00-11:00 am Packer Dome, Wescott Field Enjoy lots of fun activities during open dome times. All families and caregivers with young children are invited to participate. Cost is $2 per child or $5 per family. For more information, call Dan at 507-460-1928 April 18th • 10:00-11:00 am Hearth and Home Series Hormel Historic Home Topics vary for these free events. Coffee and snack provided. For more information, call 507-433-4243 April 18th • 7:00-8:00 pm Stan Tekiela - Birds’ Nests: Amazingly Ingenious and Intricate Jay C Hormel Nature Center Few creatures craft such brilliant and involved homes as birds do. From holes drilled into trees to intricately woven cups, these magnificent structures are worthy www.mowercountyshopper.com

o w w R i

A A A O p

A F R S

A R J J F

of our admiration. This talk is full of fun details told with Stan’s great sense of humor. Cosponsored with Austin Audubon, free and open to the public.

RSVP by Monday, April 17th (507-437-7519 or info@hormelnaturecenter.org).

April 20th • 7:00 pm Author Visit: Faith Sullivan Austin Public Library Open to the public. Refreshments will be served prior to the presentation April 21st - 23rd and 27th - 30th • 7:30-9:30 pm Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College Seussical April 22nd • 1:00-2:00 pm Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Dedication of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Interpretive Center Jay C Hormel Nature Center For more information, call 507-437-7519

C alendar of E vents EMERGENCIES HAPPEN! Heart Attacks! Choking!

U-2-CAN: SAVE A LIFE TAKE CPR CLASSES IN AUSTIN AT LIFE SAFETY 4-U!

Pam HollrahAsleson, Owner phollrah-asleson@ RNCandC.com

507-440-5733 business 507-481-4469 cell Website: LifeSafety4-U.com

Together, We Are Building a Better Community

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

Whether you are working toward a bachelor’s degree or completing a technical program, we’ll help you get there.

Minnesota residents pay in-state tuition rates so we keep your education affordable too!

Published by the Mower 2017 County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota

17

C alendar of E vents

Has Your Current “Trash Hauler” Let You Down? � � ii,!) n;i 00):s 00):s n.> eil,iJ � �

April 22nd - 30th Austin’s Tenth Annual Community Pride Day It’s Spring cleaning time! Join in keeping our city a beautiful place to live from April 22-April 30th.

NEW: Please stop in our office to pick up your bags and sign up for designated areas around the city to clean up trash left by the winter; including parks, trails and public places. Protective gloves will also be available. PARK & REC HAS MOVED TO 500 4TH AVE NE April 23rd • 12:30-3:30 pm Stepping Out for Autism Walk For more info & registration form visit http://www.hormelhistorichome.org April 23rd • 3:00-4:30 pm Forte Milers Presents “Grand Ole Barbershop Harmony” Historic Paramount Theatre, Austin Traditional country western songs sung in the barbershop a capella style Tickets $12 in advance, or $15 at the door. Student tickets $5 and children 5 and under are free.

May 2017 May through October Brownsdale Farmers’ Market • 5:00 - 7:00 pm Fridays and posted special days, City Park May 1st RED BIKES 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. May 4th • 6:00-8:00 pm SPAM Museum Have a taste of southeastern Minnesota wines along with SPAM appetizers. For more information, call 507-434-6420 WE WORK FOR YOU!

18

www.WynAlexander.com

Experience SE Minnesota

May 5th - 7th MN Junior Spring Classic Beef Show www.mowercountyshopper.com

Mower County Fairgrounds For more information, go to www.mnjrspringclassic. com or facebook.com/minnesotajsc. For questions, contact Noah Carroll at carro481@umn.edu.

May 5th - 7th Austi-Con Austin Armory - Minnesota National Guard 2nd Annual gathering for gamers of all types.Opportunity to play, trade, build your collection, learn more about this fun hobby. Admission $10 for the weekend. Charity silent auction running throughout this event with proceeds going towards the Autism Day Camp program, which is ran through the Hormel Historic Home. For more information email Michael at jormiboced@gmail.com.

C alendar of E vents www.austinareaarts.org. For more information, call 507-434-0934 May 5th & 6th Brownsdale City Wide Sales Bargains and treasures throughout the city. For more information, call 507-567-2167 May 6th • 9:30 am-4:00 pm Austin City-Wide Rummage Sale Austin Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept.

Now located at 500 4th Ave NE

May 5th • 7:30 pm C. Willi Myles - America’s Everyday Comedian Historic Paramount Theatre, Austin One of the country’s most high energy, side-splitting show for all ages. An audience-driven interactive performance that will keep you laughing. Tickets #20 in advance, $25 day of, on sale now at the Austin Artworks Center or online at

• Summer program & Swim lesson registration opens April 3 • Pool opens June 12 at 1:00 • Doggie dip is August 18 • Summer ice at Riverside Arena • 15 miles of City trails • 10 miles of Nature Center trails • 28 Parks

TAX FREE –William, Percussion Student

Music lessons for 14 instruments and voice, all ages.

Community programming through schools. Learn more at macphail.org/austin.

MAKE PLANS TO BUILD YOUR HOME IN AUSTIN

The City of Austin, Mower County and School District #492 have partnered to promote new construction of single-family and multi-family homes by offering a five-year property tax abatement of any increased valuation.

This project runs August 1, 2016 through December 31, 2019.

Residents and property developers can take advantage of this adopted policy during this limited time frame to abate taxes, for five years, on 100% of any new construction value.

Let us help move your project from the drawing board to reality and grow Austin one house at a time.

To facilitate your new housing project, contact:

MacPhail Center for Music at Riverland Community College | 1600 8th Ave NW | Austin, MN 55912

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota

19

C alendar of E vents

May 7th • 8:00 am-1:00 pm Brownsdale Firemen’s Breakfast Brownsdale Fire Hall

Col. Dave Thompson Broker/Auctioneer 2017 MN Champion Auctioneer

Call 507.438.9646

Sell your Real Estate, Land, Guns,Coins & Collections at Public Auction - Auctions Work!

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

REUSE

R E S T O R E

REMAKE

REFINISH

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

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

20

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

Experience SE Minnesota

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

May 7th • 2:00-4:00 pm Austin Symphony Orchestra: Homecoming Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School Enjoy this orchestra reunion, welcoming back pianists Roberto Plano and Paola del Negra in this performance of Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 (From the New World). Season tickets available (senior and college student rates too); contact Sonia Larson at 507-433-8719 or email sonial@charter.net, or Sue Radloff at 507-396-2613 or email fiddlesue@yahoo.com, or go to www.austinmnsymphony.org.

May 7th • 5:30-8:30 pm Austin Symphony Orchestra Fundraiser Evening Austin Country Club Following the season’s final concert performance, Homecoming. Tickets $50 per person, includes meal and musical performances. For more information, contact Sonia at sonial@charter.net or 507-433-8719, or Sue at fiddlesue@yahoo.com or 507-396-2613.

May 8th • TBD-6:00 pm History Happy Hour Hormel Historic Home.

Free for members; $5.00 non-members May 9th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more info, call 507-437-4561 May 16th • 10:00 am Hearth & Home- Historic Austin Neighbors Hormel Historic Home - Free May 20th Austin High School Big 9 JV/V Softball Tournament - located in Todd Park May 25th, 30th, June 10th Section 1A/1AA/1AAA/AAAA Softball Tournament - located in Todd Park

www.mowercountyshopper.com

May 26th 1A/AA WEST SUB-SECTION SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT - located in Todd Park May 27th • 6:00-10:00 pm Driller MMA Fights Holiday Inn Conference Center For more information, call 507-433-8000

June 2017 June 3rd & 6th 1A West Section Baseball Tournament - Riverland Baseball Complex June 9th - 11th 14U AAA/AA Baseball Tournament Riverland Baseball Complex Free admission. For more information, email Brian Lillis at lillisb51@hotmail.com June 9th - 11th Atlantis Swim Federation Swim Meet Austin City Pool For more information, call 507-433-1881

C alendar of E vents June 12th • 2:00 pm Songwriting Workshop with Charlie Maguire Hormel Historic Home Participants will create an original song that Charlie will perform at the evening’s History happy Hour Event. Free program. For more information, call 507-433-4243 June 12th • 6:30 pm Hormel Historic Home History Happy Hour Concert - Charlie Maguire - Free

Owatonna Groundsmasters, Inc 507-455-0081 or 800-238-1767 • Design • Blow Outs • Installation • Parts • Service • Start Ups ★ State Certified Backflow Testing ★

COMMERCIAL ☼ RESIDENTIAL We service all brands of sprinkler systems www.groundsmasters.net

June 9th, 10th & 11th Adams Dairy Days Check us out on the Adams Booster Club Facebook for events and times.

June 9th - 11th All Stars U14 AA Baseball Tournament Riverland Baseball Complex June 12th - 15th Gifted and Talented Conference Riverland Community College For more information, email Amanda at amanda@hormelhistorichome.org.

June 12th Municipal Pool - OPENS 1:00 pm Pool Hrs.: Mon - Fri 1:00-4:30 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 Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota

21

C alendar of E vents June 13th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more information, call 507-4374561 June 14th - 17th • 7:00-9:30 pm June 18th • 2:00-4:30 pm Peter and the Starcatcher Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College

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

w Ron’s Pa n Shop 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

Cutting-edge Cancer Research

A Summerset Theatre production - this year celebrates 50 years of Summerset! For more information, go to www.summersettheatre.org.

June 16th - 6:00 - 8:00 pm Brownsdale 4-H Auction & Ice Cream Social City Park June 17th Dexter - Sunflower Daze Check us out on Facebook - Dexter Sunflower Days June 17th & 18th Girls Fast Pitch Softball Twister Tournament North Todd Complex June 19th • 2:00 pm Koncert for Kids by Tricia and the Toonies Hormel Historic Home - Free June 22nd - June 26th SPAM®Town Challenge Marcusen Park & Riverland Baseball Complex Annual event bringing in teams from multiple states for some outstanding baseball. For more information, contact John at John.Frein@Donaldson.com.

June 22nd and July 25th 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 6:00 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 23rd - 25th All Stars U10, U11, U12, & U13 Baseball Tournament

801 16th Ave NE, Austin • 507-437-9604

www.hi.umn.edu

22

Experience SE Minnesota

June 26th - 30th Circle of Friends Day Camp Hormel Historic Home An educational and fun experience for children on the Autism Spectrum. The camp serves kids entering 1st through 5th grades and is staffed by Special Education Professionals primarily from the Austin Public Schools and Mayo Clinic Health System www.mowercountyshopper.com

Albert Lea/Austin. For more information, call 507433-4243 June 30th • 10:30 am-10:30 pm Freedom Fest Bandshell Community Park, Austin Annual celebration of our nation’s Independence Day, with parades, sports, games, vendors, food, music and entertainment, dances, contests, fireworks and more For more information, call 507-4334243 June 30th • 6:30 pm Peace Garden Concert Austin Community Jazz Band Hormel Historic Home Free Concert! Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the beautiful peace garden.

June 30th - July 4th • 2:00-4:00 pm Hormel Institute Open House The Hormel Institute Learn about The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, which was established in 1942 by jay C. Hormel, founder of Hormel Foods Corp, as a philanthropic institution. Today, The Hormel institute’s world-class cancer research focuses on discoveries leading to a better understanding of how cancer works and more effective ways of preventing and controlling cancer. A 2016 expansion added 20 additional labs, a cryo-electron microscope, and the Ray Live Learning Center. For more information, call 507-437-9601

C alendar of E vents Ethel and Norman Thayer return to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th year. They know time is now against them, but the years have been good and, perhaps, another summer on Golden Pond still awaits them. For more information, call 507-433-0595 or go to www.summersettheatre.org.

July 6th • 6:30 pm Hormel Historic Home - Peace Garden Concert Lehto and Wright Celtic/American Music - Free Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the concert.

Delivering the Power of Human Connection Your Local Electric Cooperative

Worship and Service Center 409 First Ave. NE • 507-437-4566 Sundays 10:00 am

Food Shelf

409 First Ave. NE • 507-437-4566

Donation Center

704 10th St. NE •507-433-7203

Salvation Army Store

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

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

July 2017 July 1st Spamtown Disc Golf Tournament Singles will play two rounds at Todd Park with a 9 am sign up at the #1 pavilion in Todd Park. For more information, call Deb or Greg Huckaby at 507433-1611 July 5th - 7th • 7:00-9:30 pm July 8th - 9th • 2:00-4:30 pm On Golden Pond Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College Published by the Mower County Shopper

Richard Owens, Jr 507-279-1590

Before You Buy...Let's Take A Look!

RDO

HOME INSPECTIONS LLC

Inspecting Southern Minnesota Experience SE Minnesota

23

C alendar of E vents STERLING REAL ESTATE

SKALICKY APPRAISALS 1426 1st Ave SW, Austin 507-433-1833 • 800-864-3842

LONNIE SKALICKY Broker/Owner

Certified Federal Residential Appraiser

newhome@smig.net

Real Estate lic #90224; Appraisal lic #4001490

July 7th, 8th & 9th Rose Creek Fun Days 150th Celebration Check us out on our Facebook page for events and times. City of Rose Creek Facebook page; Rose Creek Fun Days Facebook page; Rose Creek Sesquicentennial Facebook page July 8th - 9th Atlantis Swim Federation Swim Meet Austin City Pool For more information, call 507-433-1881

austinsterlinghomes.com

July 10th - July 15th Austin Clean Water Festival Jay C Hormel Nature Center.

Celebrate the importance of clean water with a variety of family-friendly activities and events. For more information, call 507-437-7519 July 11th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more info, call 507-437-4561 DICK'S 433-7822 • TOM'S 437-2557 1810 OAKLAND AVE E • AUSTIN, MN

WHATEVER YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS ...

We’ll help you reach them.

Thrivent Financial offers a full range of products and services to help you achieve financial security, including: • Estate and legacy strategies • Health insurance • Life insurance • Education funding options • Retail brokerage • Retirement options • Managed accounts • Mutual funds • Annuities We’ll create a financial strategy that reflects your goals and values.

Chad L Thomas Financial Associate Martha A Vrieze, FIC, RICP®, CLTC® Financial Associate 109 1st Ave SE • Austin, MN 55912 507-437-2694 Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent.

Investment advisory services, including fee-based financial planning services, are available through qualified investment advisor representatives only.

For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures.

20328 R9-16 Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota • Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836

24

Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com

July 12th - 16th Waseca County Fair Waseca, MN www.wasecacountyfair.org July 12th - 16th Winona County Fair St Charles, MN www.winonacountyfair.com July 13th • 6:30 pm Hormel Historic Home Mac and Reino - Free

C alendar of E vents July 18th - 23rd Rice County Fair Faribault, MN www.ricecountyfair.net July 19th - 22nd Wabasha County Fair Wabasha, MN www.wabashacountyfair.org

July 15th • 12:00-2:30 pm Spruce Up Austin Yard and Garden Tour City of Austin Annual opportunity to visit area homes with exceptional landscaping and yard decor.

July 15th Austin Park and Rec Men’s D/E Softball Tournament - North Todd Park July 17th • 11:00 am-7:00 pm 20th Annual A.P.E.F. Golf Event Austin Country Club Golf entry registration is $130.00 per golfer. The Packer Classic is the Austin Public Education Foundation’s biggest fundraiser. Money raised enables the Foundation to provide all kinds of educational opportunities for Austin Public School students, that would not be possible through school district funding. To date the APE Foundation has awarded over $380,000 in grants to enrich and enhance learning in the Austin Public Schools.

UPCOMING EVENTS Mower Co. Fair Fall Harvest Celebration Christmas in the County

Aug. 8-13 Sept. 23 Dec. 8-9

Free Admission during Fair Week

FREE! LUNCHBOX HISTORY SERIES Held the 4th Thursday of every month April through October at 12:00 pm: April 27, May 25, June 22, July 27, Aug 24, Sept 28, Oct 26.

at the

Mower County Fairgrounds Tuesday to Friday 10am - 4pm Tours available May l - October 30 Research Library open year 'round.

1303 6th Avenue SW• Austin, MN 507-437-6082 www.mowercountyhistory.org

July 18th • 5:30-7:30 pm Ag Appreciation Summer Cookout Mower County Fairgrounds - Plager Bldg Sponsored by Austin Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Committee July 18th - 23rd Fillmore County Fair Preston, MN www.fillmorecountyfair.com

UllJIIID

[JJ[J](fJfJ!]]!][J]�

2400 Mvers Road. Albert Lea• 313-1960 Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota

25

C alendar of E vents

July 19th - 23rd Dodge County Fair Kasson, MN www.dodgecountyfreefair.com July 20th • 6:30 pm Hormel Historic Home JCA - Jamie and Cody Acoustic - Free

www.AustinMN.com 301 N Main St, Ste 101, Austin 507-437-4563

July 21st - 23rd MSF U14 AA Baseball State Tournament Riverland Baseball Complex

Stop by our new office location and pick up a FREE 2017 Visitor Guide

JEANNE POPPE MN Representative District 27B 507.438.7857 Paid for by the Poppe for the People Committee

Qualified Shoppers:

Local Sales WITH Local Service

ONLY AT

12 monthly payments same as CASH!

DONKERS

Hometown Appliances

507-433-8608

1107 1st Ave SW • Austin

Manufacturing & Fabrication 25863 650th Ave, Dexter, MN 55926 507-584-6794 • Fax: 507-584-6634 www.rsgrain.com

WE HAVE ON HAND: • Belts • Bearings • Electric Motors • Nuts & Bolts • Roller Chain • Pulleys • Dodge Gear Drives • Hubs We also have a Laser for your custom cutting needs

26

Experience SE Minnesota

July 21st - 23rd Minnesota State Swim Championship Austin Municipal Pool Atlantis Swimming Federation. For more information, call 507-433-1881 July 22nd • 2:00 pm Mower County Relay for Life Mower County Fairgrounds 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 12U Southern Minny GFP League Tournament North Todd Complex July 24th - 30th Olmsted County Fair Rochester, MN www.olmstedcountyfair.com July 25th 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 6:00 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! www.mowercountyshopper.com

July 27th • 6:30 pm Hormel Historic Home Jolly Huntsmen Polka Band - Free July 28th • 7:00-9:30 pm Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College The infamous tale of Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, who returns to 19th century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. Featuring some of the most chilling music ever written for the stage. For more information or tickets, call 507-433-0595 or go to www.summersettheatre.org.

C alendar of E vents August 8th - 13th Mower County Free Fair Austin, MN www.mowercountyfair.com Free admission to all the fun you can stand! Fair food, grandstand shows and events, midway, animals, horticultural displays, art and photos, games, entertainment and more! Don’t forget the free admission to Mower County Historical Society buildings and exhibits. For more information, call 507433-1868

Opening the Door to Your Dreams

July 29th & 30th 14U/16U/18U Southern Minny GFP League Tournament - North Todd Complex

Karen Baldridge Realtor, GRI

August 2017 August 1st - 6th Freeborn County Fair Albert Lea, MN www.freeborncountyfair.com August 1st Brownsdale - National Night Out 6:00 pm Kiddie Parade; 6:00-8:00 pm Free Supper & Activities; More information TBA August 5th Brownsdale Fest - Check us out on our City of Brownsdale Facebook page for details August 5th • 8:00 -11:00 am Brownsdale Firemen’s Breakfast - Fire Hall August 5th - 6th 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 8th - 12th Goodhue County Fair Zumbrota, MN www.goodhuecountyfair.com Published by the Mower County Shopper

Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

507-438-3082

510 W Oakland Ave, Austin

Changing Lives, One Smile at a Time!

No matter how simple or complex your needs may be, you want a compassionate and caring team. You want a dentist who is highly skilled, exceptionally trained and trusted.

NELSON DENTAL

EXCEPTIONAL SMILES Dr. Sean

At Nelson Dental we’re exceeding patients’ expectations everyday.

507-433-9515 www.thenelsonsmile.com

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

Experience SE Minnesota

27

C alendar of E vents August 8th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more info, call 507-437-4561 August 12th - 13th Cedar Valley Memories 22nd Annual Power Show Located 2 Miles West of Osage IA on Hwy 9 Mitchell County Historical Society Event & Demonstrations - featuring Allis-Chalmers of All Types * Flea Market. Saturday, August 12th - Tractor Pull at 1:00 PM and Sunday, August 13th - Cowboy Church at 9:00 am with Kids Pedal Pull at 1:00 PM. Omelet Breakfast & Lunch on Grounds. For information call 641-220-4165 or 641-330-2017 www.mitchellcountyhistoricalsociety.org August 14th • 6:30 pm Hormel Historic Home History Happy Hour - MN Music History by the Bissen Band - Free August 15th - 20th Steele County Free Fair Owatonna, MN www.scff.org

28

Experience SE Minnesota

August 16th - 20th Houston County Fair Caledonia, MN www.houstoncountyfair.com August 17th Municipal Pool - Austin Pool Closing Date August 17th 21st Annual 50’s Cruise Night Spring Valley, MN August 18th • 6:00 pm 8th Annual Doggie Dip Austin Municipal Pool $2 for one dog and two human companions. Additional human companions are $1. No memberships accepted.

August 19th River Rats Car Show Lafayette Park Sponsored by the River Rats Car Club. Registration fees ($10) will support the local veteran memorial pavers, and show proceeds will be donated to the

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Austin Area Foundation. Registration from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, opening ceremony at 11:30 am, awards at 3 pm. Program will include awards for top 60 cars, top motorcycles and rat rods, specialty trophies, best of show, silent auction, dogtags to the first 150 registered cars, children’s games, bounce house, bean bag tournament, craft sale, flea market/swap meet, beer garden, food, music by DJ, and more. Rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the Austin Veterans Memorial.

August 26th & 27th MN Statewide High School Mountain Bike Ride Austin Mountain Bike Course Race course is 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.

August 26th & 27th 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! Join us for this fabulous celebration of the arts, because art works!

September 2017

C alendar of E vents September 12th Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more info, call 507-437-4561 September 16th • 10:30 am-3:00 pm Downtown Austin Harvestfest 2017 September 23rd 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. Call 507-437-6082 for more information.

September 30th • 11:00 am-3:00 pm 2017 Regional Highland Cattle Regional Show Mower County Fairgrounds See the most unique and majestic breed of beef cattle around. These are the beef animal of choice of the British Royal Family, who keep a large herd of HIghlands at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. This is a family event for both exhibitors and the public.

Please check www.mowercountyfair.com for updates. Call Mark Schulz, organizer, at (507) 5821073 or go to mark@flatlandfarms.com for more information.

September 9th • 8:00 am - Noon 5K Your Way Receive over $20 in Hormel Coupons! Games and activities for the whole family following the race.

Register at Active.com: Keyword ‘5K Your Way’ Check out the event on our Facebook page!

September 9th - September 13th National Barrow Show Mower County Fairgrounds Visitors come from around the world for this show.

Starts out with delicious Windsor Pork Chop dinner on Sunday. Call fairgrounds office at (507) 4331868 for more information.

Published by the Mower County Shopper

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

Experience SE Minnesota

29

C alendar of E vents October 2017 October 10th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more info, call 507-437-4561 October 12th Ladies Night Out Held annually the second Thursday in October, this event raises funds for Riverland scholarships for nontraditional female students. For more information contact 507-437-4561 October 13th & 14th Brownsdale - Fall City Wide Sales October 13th & 14th • 6:00-9:00 pm Halloween Warm-Up Jay C Hormel Nature Center, Austin Annual kid-friendly Halloween event, featuring a wagon ride along the trails, friendly spooks and goblins, hot apple cider, and lots of fun. For more information, call 507-437-7519 October 14th • 4:00-8:00 pm Brownsdale Firemen’s Fish Fry - Fire Hall October 31st 5:00-7:00 pm Brownsdale - Halloween Cookies & Hot Chocolate - Community Center

November 2017 November 7th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more info, call 507-437-4561 November 11th Turkey Bingo • 5:00-9:00 pm Brownsdale Fire Department November 17th & 18th Hormel Historic Home, Austin Holiday Open House Events For more information check www.hormelhistorichome.org or call 507-433-4243 November 17th - 18th

30

Experience SE Minnesota

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. Call 507-433-4243 for more information.

November 18th • 5:00-9:00 pm Thanksgiving Feast Fundraiser Holiday Inn Conference Center For more information and tickets contact the Jay C Hormel Nature Center at 507-437-7519 November 24th 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

December 2017

December 2nd • 2:30 pm Merry TubaChristmas!

Historic Paramount Theatre, Austin Community Christmas concert featuring the tuba, sousaphone, euphonium, and baritone. All players of these instruments are invited and encouraged to join the fun - rehearsal in the morning, performance in the afternoon.

December 8th • 4:00-6:00 pm December 9th • 3:00-7:00 pm Christmas in the County Mower County Historical Society Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, including bake sale, silent auction, horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides, raffle, children’s activities, cookie decorating, pine cone bird feeders, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and even blow the 1004 train whistle. For more information, call 507-437-6082 December 12th • 5:00 pm Austin Chamber Business After Hours For location and more info, call 507-437-4561 December 16th • 6:00-9:00 pm Driller MMA Fight Holiday Inn Conference Center For more information, call 507-433-8000 www.mowercountyshopper.com

Calendar of Events 2017 April 15 • National Theatre Live in HD: Amadeus May 5 & 6 • Crossroads of Destruction. Freeborn County Fairgrounds May 13 • The Amazing Race May 13 • Met Live Opera in HD: Der Rosenkavalier May 17-21 • ACT “Nana’s Naughty Knickers” May 19 • Syttende Mai Banquet (Norwegian Independence Day) May 31 • Patriot Tour. Bergdale Harley-Davidson June 3 • Kids Triathon June 9-10 • Eddie Cochran Celebration June 21 • Wind Down Wednesday June 24 • Cory Goodnature Memorial Golf Tournament July 3 • 4th of July Parade July 4 • Old Car Company Car Show July 4 • 4th of July Fireworks July 12 • Carnival in the Park. Fountain Lake Park July 19 • Wind Down Wednesday July 19-23 • ACT “Mary Poppins”

SPLASH PAD NEWS

$130,000 has been raised toward the goal of $150,000

A lbert L ea

July 28 • Relay for Life August 1-6 • Freeborn County Fair August 16 • Wind Down Wednesday August 25-26 • 10th Annual Big Island BBQ, Steak, Chili Cookoff September 9-10 • Ryan Truesdell Memorial Softball Tournament October 7-8 • 31st Annual Big Island Rendezvous & Festival

The Land Between the Lakes www.cityofalbertlea.org

~ Flowers ~ Gifts ~ Decor • Jewelry • Wall Art • Plants • Cards • Fresh & Silk Flowers

SHOPPING OVER 25 STORES & BUSINESSES

Much More!

Department Stores Specialty Shops

216 S. Broadway Ave. Downtown Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-2081

Shopping Hours M-F 10-9, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5 Some business & holiday hours vary

• Sweatshirts • Baby Blankets • Hats •

Reinertson's Embroidery

New & Re-Purposed Furniture, Decor & Gifts

DINING & FUN

It’s a Beautiful Stitchuation

Custom Embroidery for personalized gifts, work wear and bulk orders!

230 S. Washington, Albert Lea

507-373-0751

Hours: Mon-Thur 8:30 am-5:00 pm www.reinertsonsembroidery.com • Jackets • Towels • T-shirts •

Gifts & Decor 122 W. Main Downtown Albert Lea 507-402-5650

Custom Orders by Appointment Thurs. 10-5, Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-3

www.thecolorwheel.us

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Pizza Ranch Plaza Morena Cinema 7 Theatre

COMMUNITY EVENTS

northbridgemall.com Located just off I-90 (Exit #157) | Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MN

507-377-3185

Experience SE Minnesota

31

B rownsdale

Schedule of Events 2017

ci.brownsdale.mn.us.tripod.com

(Click on Calendar of Events)

Easter Egg Hunt • Saturday, April 15th - 1:00 pm, City Park (weather permitting) Farmer’s Market • May through October - 5:00-7:00 pm, Fridays and posted special days Firemen’s Breakfast • Sunday, May 7th - 8:00 am-1:00 pm Brownsdale Fire Hall 4-H Auction & Ice Cream Social • Friday, June 16th - 6:00-8:00 pm, City Park National Night Out • Tuesday, August 1st - 6:00 pm Kiddie Parade; 6:00-8:00 pm Free Supper & Activities; More Information TBA Brownsdale Fest • Saturday, August 5th Firemen’s Breakfast • Saturday, August 5th - 8:00-11:00 am, Fire Hall Fall City Wide Sales • Friday & Saturday, October 13th & 14th Firemen’s Fish Fry • Saturday, October 14th - 4:00-8:00 pm, Fire Hall BOAT PROPELLER REPAIR Sand Blasting Halloween • Tuesday, October 31st - 5:00-7:00 pm, Community Center • Aluminum Boat Repair/Skegs Cookies & Hot Chocolate • Cavitation Plates • Aluminum/Stainless Turkeytime Bingo • Saturday, November 11th - 5:00-9:00 pm, Fire Hall Welding • Prop Repair/Prop City Wide Light Contest - TBA Rehubbing New & Rebuilt Propellers For event details check us out on the Rod & Ron Kester 507-567-2016 City of Brownsdale Facebook page 303 W Main, Brownsdale, MN

You bought insurance for your phone.

Frontier Lounge THERAPY HOURS

MONDAY-THURSDAY 5-7 PM

FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR 5-7 PM

1/2 Price Can/Bottle Beer, Mixed Drinks

TUESDAY TAPPERS Now Serving 16 oz. Glass for $1.50 Pitcher for $6.00

What about your life?

Are you one of the 30 million Americans who doesn’t have life insurance?1 Schedule a SuperCheck® today to see how I can help protect your family – your world.

Darrell B. Ingvaldson, LUTCF

Wolf's Den PIZZA!

112 Mill St. South, Brownsdale

PPIPE PI IIP IPE PEE JA P JJAC JACKIN JACK ACK ACKIN ACKING ACKI A AC CKIN CK CKI C K KIIIN KIN NG N G AND JACKING TUNNELING SYSTEMS

100 S Mill Street PO Box 298 Brownsdale AG (507) 567-2296

DRIVEN FOR CUSTOMER SUCCESS

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.

Auto | Home | Life | Annuities | Business | Farm & Ranch LIMRA Life Insurance Consumer Studies, Facts About Life 2016. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company,* FarmBureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company*/West Des Moines,IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services LI170 (3-17)

1

32

Experience SE Minnesota

800.533.0386 | akkerman.com

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Mower County Summer Experience 3.76 x 2.5.indd 1

3/22/2017 3:23:16 PM

D exter

Saturday, June 17, 2017 • Beanbag Tournament - uptown, time TBD. Registration Information Contact: Del Mees 507-438-7986 • Kickball Tournament - Dexter Park, time TBD. Registration Information Contact Breaan Wagner 507-273-3430 • Volleyball Tournament - Dexter Park, time TBD. Registration Information Contact Amanda Mathews 507-438-0323 • V endors: 3 Independent Crafters: Jamberry Nails, Scentsy, Mary Kay, Metal Yard Art, 31 Bags, Jarvita Coffees.

• Food Stand - Concessions and Beer Garden at the Dexter Park during the day • Beer Garden - Uptown in the evening • FREE Band Concert featuring “County Line Drive”, 8:00 pm - midnight AND MUCH MORE!

Check us out on Facebook Dexter Sunflower Days

Hamilton Auction Co. Call for all your Auction needs!

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

www.hamiltonauctioncompany.com

Sunflower Days Dexter

Elevator & LP, Inc www.unitedfsb.com Adams 15 4th St. NW, Adams, MN 55909 507-582-3448 Dexter 235 S. Main St, Dexter, MN 55926 507-584-6441 Rose Creek 61255 170th St, Rose Creek, MN 55970 507-437-4678

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

Dexter, MN 507-584-6422

o e G e k a L a z a l P l e v a Tr NEW OWNER Tom Allen

I-90 Exit 193 at Dexter, MN

507-584-1801

Open 5:30 am-10:00 pm

Now Located Inside Convenience Store Open 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Off Sale Liquor Hours: 10:00 am-8:00 pm

Published by the Mower County Shopper

Experience SE Minnesota

33

L yle

Independence Days Celebration Friday, June 23rd

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

Saturday, June 24th

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

Sunday, June 25th

Church Services in the Park................................................. 10 AM Food at the Legion – “Smokin Brothers BBQ”.................. 1-6 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 FREE Pony Rides/Train Rides in the park.......................... 1-5 pm Horse Shoe Tourney – Legion........................................... 2:00 PM Entertainment - Big Ben & Brian...............................1:30-3:00 PM Water Fights at the Fire Hall.............................................. 2:00 PM Pedal Pull – City Park......................................................... 3:30 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

Thank you to the Lions Club for helping to sponsor this great weekend!

CITY LOTS AVAILABLE REDUCED BY 1/2 PRICE LYLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

NEW JO JOHNSON ADDITION IN LYLE CALL 507-325-2311

Lyle Area Cancer is a no n profit raising money for cancer organization research at The Hormel Institute, M ayo Foundation and The University of Minne sota. Fundraising events are held througho ut the year.

38th Annual Auction &

Events raised

$215,500!!

and was pledged to the Fi fth District Eagles Cancer Telethon. $2.6 million raised over all 1980-2016

Calendar of Events 2017 April 15 • Spaghetti Supper Lyle American Legion, 5:00-8:00 pm Fundraiser for Fireworks - 7:00 pm Live Auction May 20 • City Wide Sales June 23, 24 & 25 • Independence Day Celebration (See Complete Schedule on Page 24) October 7 • Fall Fest - Vendors & Food

Lyle American Legion Post 105

Lyle Body Shop

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

Jim walker • 507.219.9694

507-325-4134

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

402 1st Street • Lyle, MN 55953 Email: lyle_bodyshop@yahoo.com

Lyle, MN

Lots 1-5 •$8,600 This includes all water, sewer and street assessments.

Lots 6-15 •$7,000 plus an assessment for curb, gutter and pavements (assessed at a later date)

Buyer assumes all closing costs. Construction to include landscape must be completed within 1 year of the date of the purchase agreement.

34

Experience SE Minnesota

R

www.mowercountyshopper.com

t a p

Prairie Vision’s 19th Annual Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride Saturday, June 24, 2017

R ose C reek

Rose Creek Days 2017 150th Celebration

Ride begins and ends at LeRoy, MN at the Trailhead Registration begins at 6:30 am with Ride Start at 7:00/8:30 am

Friday, July 7th

host the 19th Annual Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride. This ride covers flat terrain, wild flowers, oak savannah, tall grass prairie, corn and soybean fields, small towns, and country life. Checkpoints and the rural towns of Rose Creek, Austin, Ostrander, Taopi, and Adams are a part of the routes. The 20 and 40-mile rides are on bike trail only. Organizers have Professional mowing comes home! chosen rural blacktop roads Commercial-quality for you to enjoy. Excellent mowing at a residential rest stops with food and waprice. ter are provided. All routes are fully-supported, some Legendary Power & Durability are patrolled with motorcyUlven’s Hardware cles and are fully-supported 507-433-8245 with sag wagon.

Saturday, July 8th

• Kickball Blacksocks Tournament- 4 pm-?

• Fireman’s water fight- set up 8 pmA great opportunity to ride with Start 9 pm - Front of Ulven’s Hardware family and friends through Prairie • Beer Garden in the Park Vision country. The communities of LeRoy, Taopi, Adams, Rose Creek, • Free DJ- Scott Foller/US Country 99.9 and Austin are working together to • Concessions Stands in the Park

™

104 Main Street, Rose Creek, MN

High Pressure Cleaning Equipment Dealer Sales & Service *Hot & Cold Washers *KO Cleaning Products

102 3rd St S, Rose Creek, MN • 507-433-2227

Patios / Retaining Walls / Sod / Design & Installation

Jason Weis

Owner 63118 200th St • Rose Creek, MN 55970 507-437-4751 • Cell 460-0277 weislandscapingllc@gmail.com

Published by the Mower County Shopper

• K Softball Tournament- Contact Zach Stratton • Volleyball- contact Heidi Olson • Flea Market/Craft Show in the Park- Contact Denise Lewison or Becky Hartwig 10 am-7 pm • Kids Carnival in the Park (after the parade) • Parade- 12 pm-1:30 ? Contact Craig Weis • Rose Creek All School Reunion- 2-4 pm at the School - Contact Linda Felten • Rose Creek Fire Department Windsor Chop Supper in the Park- 5-8pm?

• Beer Garden in the Park • Food Vendors in the Park • Dance Saturday Night • Memorabilia Display at City Hall- 9-5pm?

• Fireworks? (depends on funding) Dusk

Sunday, July 9th • Car and Tractor Show - 10 am registration, Show 12-3 pm - Contact Dave Nelsen • Softball Tournament • Concession Stand in the Park • Bean Bag Tournament in the Park Most of the activities are in the city park.

There is a City of Rose Creek facebook page, Rose Creek Fun Days Facebook page, and Rose Creek Sesquicentennial facebook page Experience SE Minnesota

35

M antorville

Mantorville Theatre Company 2017 Show Schedule

Reservations 507-635-5420 or www.mantorvillain.com

Melodrama Auditions Sunday, May 21 & 22 at 6:30 pm Melodrama Season June 16 - September 9 October Murder Mystery Show October 6-29 Holiday Show: The Rented Christmas Nov. 17 - Dec. 3 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

~ Gifts ~ Artwork

Celebrating over 160 years

~ Classes by Local Artists

Historic Mantorville

is located in southeast Minnesota, alon g the South Branch of the Middle Fork of the Zumbro Riv er, in a landscape of rolling hills amid the prairie farm land of Dodge County.

Known as the source for Mantorville Limestone, our rich history is evident by the limestone buil dings in our historic downtown area. The Mantorvill e Historic District, along with other locations outside of the District, is listed on the National Registry of Historic Plac es. Many of the original limestone buildings remain viab le to the community today. We are home to the historic Hubbell House and are the county seat of Dodge Cou nty Mantorville is a quaint hamlet, reminis cent of a time in the past. Founded in 1854, the City is one of the oldest in Minnesota. The City is named afte r Peter and Riley Mantor, brothers who came to the sett lement in 1853.

Its population of 1,197 enjoys the rela xed atmosphere and simplicity. In the summer you can enjoy a stop at the Chocolate Shoppe, or play at Riverside Park. Of course, you can sit on the river bank and see the children fish or watch the lazy water flow over the dam . You won’t want to miss the Melodramas at the Opera House. Remember, save time to visit the many antique and gifts shops.

M

emorabilia Antiques & Collectibles

507-635-5419

9 West 5th Street, Mantorville, MN

~ Used Books

MANTORVILLE SQUARE

~ Unexpected Treasures

* Antiques * Collectibles * Gifts

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

507-635-5554

416 N. Main St. Mantorville, MN In Historic Mantorville, MN

502 N. Main St (Hwy 57)

507-635-2331

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

36

Reservations Appreciated hubbellhouserestaurant.com 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

Experience SE Minnesota

STUSSY CONSTRUCTION, INC. & PAULSON ROCK PRODUCTS 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

Schedule of Events

Farmers’ & Artisan’s Market Riverside Park Tuesdays - May thru October - 11 am-5 pm Art Guild Anniversary Tea • May 6 Classical Books. Call 635-5665 for tickets Spring Fling • May 18, 19, 20 - Opera House Rummage & Bake Sale; Plant Exchange Garden Tractor Show and Parade Melodrama Season Opens Auditions on May 21 & 22. Performances begin on June 12. www.mantorvillain.com Stagecoach Days • June 24-25 Remember everyday life as it was in the early days of Minnesota. Living history demos & displays, costume contests, music, games, art show, tastings and food. www.facebook.com/Mantorvillestagecoach Art Guild Kids’ Summer Art Camp www.mantorvilleartguild.org Dodge County Free Fair • July 19-23 www.dodgecountyfreefair.com 17th Annual Big Iron Truck Show • Sept. 8-9 bigironclassic.com 52nd Annual Marigold Days • Sept. 9-10 www.marigolddays.com Antique & Flea Market, Flower Show, Music, Parade, Dance and More

M antorville

Zumbro Bend Rendezvous • Sept. 23-24 zumbrobendrendezvous.org Fall Festival • October 28 Hay Rides, Ghost Stories & Pumpkin Painting Dodge County Historical Society Wine Tasting & Silent Auction • November 2 Small Business Saturday • November 25 Olde Fashioned Christmas • Dec 2 Caroling, Sleigh Rides, Santa, Children’s Crafts and Open House at Businesses Events subject to change www.mantorvilletourism.com

52nd Annual Marigold Days Sept. 9 & 10, 2017 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

37

A dams

Adams Dairy Days June 9, 10, 11, 2017

Friday • 20 mile Garage Sale - along the Shooting Star Trail (LeRoy, Taopi, Adams & Rose Creek) • Dodgeball Tournament 3:30 • Pork supper at Sacred Heart Church 5:00-8:00 pm • Kids Outdoor Movie 9:00 pm - car wash lot Saturday • 20 mile Garage Sale - along the Shooting Star Trail • Lions Club Pancake Breakfast & Silent Auction, 8​:00​am-Noon • 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

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

www.schmitzelectric.com

507.582.1111

• 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 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 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​ • American Legion Military Museum - open after the parade • ​Chicken Fry - American Legion, 5:00-8:30 pm​ • Ice Cream Eating Contest • Milking Contest • Cash prize drawing - behind the Legion after the milking contest ​Check the Adams Booster Club Facebook page for more events and times​!

B looming P rairie Calendar of Events 2017

May 13 • Citywide Garage Sales July 2-4 • Old Fashioned 4th of July July 20 • Golf Fun Day at the BPCC September 16 • 4th Annual Car Show and Crazy Days November 3 • 6:30 pm Wine Tasting November 13 • 6:00 pm Annual Banquet December 2 • Holiday Dazzle

Old Fashioned 4th of July The 4th of July is the city’s biggest celebration of the year.

Come and enjoy Blooming Prairie’s Local grocers providing famous old fashioned 4th of July fresh meat, produce, and celebration, the largest small town a variety of local products celebration in southern Minnesota. Hours: 7:30 am-8:30 pm Every year, 20,000 or more people flock 237 Hwy Ave South to our city to celebrate our country’s independence. Ask anyone, and they Blooming Prairie will tell you that this is the place to be.

583-6671

38

Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com

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.

Schedule of Events 2017

www.stansgar.org • 641-735-4444 Monday, April 17th • Annual Meeting Saturday, April 29th • City Wide Garage Sales Saturday, June 17th • Oatmeal Days Fun on 4th Street, Sidewalk Sales, Parade Contact Joyce Crowley 641-713-4848 Saturday, July 15th • Herb Festival Vendor Booths, Garden Tours, Pedal Tractor Show, Dinosaur Park Contact Kathy Falk 641-713-4698

• Whirlpools for Two • Air Conditioning • Romantic Fireplaces • Retreats/Seminars Murder Mysteries, Special Events & Private Parties. Please call or follow us on Facebook to see when we will be hosting our next event.

641-713-3113

Published by the Mower County Shopper

O sage, IA Cedar Valley Memories 22nd Annual Power Show Sat & Sun, Aug 12-13, 2017 Located 2 Miles West of Osage Iowa on Hwy. 9

Mitchell County Historical Society Event Featuring . . .

Allis-Chalmers of All Types • Flea Market $5 Buttons good for both days • Children 12 & under FREE

Saturday, August 12th ~ Tractor Pull at 1:00 pm Sunday, August 13th ~ Cowboy Church at 9:00 am; Kids Pedal Pull at 1:00 pm Demonstrations: • Steam Engines • Threshing • Baling • Plowing • Allis-Chalmers of all types • Antique Tractors • Blacksmith • Shingle Mill • Corn Shelling • Horse Drawn Equipment • 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

S t. A nsgar, IA

Saturday, Sept. 9th • Fall Festival Food, Vendor Booth, Fun for the whole family! Contact Kari Nelson 641-713-4698 Tuesday, 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. 25th • Small Business Saturday Drawings for 5 Chamber Bucks, $10 each Open by chance or Appointment Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 2nd-3rd • Hometown Kathy Falk Christmas Tel: 641-713-2354 Saturday 9 am -5 pm, Cell: 641-512-5705 Sunday 1 - 4 pm Specials in Shops, 329 West 4th Street Santa’s Workshop Carolers St. Ansgar, Iowa

r Side Doo Antiques

Experience SE Minnesota

39

S pring V alley

2017 Schedule of Events

May 19th - 21st Wilderfest-Ultra Endurance Gravel Road Bicycle Races Alexander 380 - Starting at 5:00 am Born out of the desire to go further and see more May 20th Royal 162 - Starting at 7:00 am Almanzo’s big brother @ 162 miles Almanzo 100 - Starting at 9 am The granddaddy of gravel road races July 14th - 16th 35th Annual Root River Antique Tractor Show

August 17th • 4:00 - 9:00 pm 21st Annual Cruise Night at Spring Valley A&W Drive-In. Celebrating 60 years of serving draft root beer and fantastic food.

August 18th - 20th 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!

Music & Fun in the Park Friday, June 16th - Lost Faculties Friday, June 23rd - LP and the 45’s Friday, June 30th - TBD Friday, July 7th - Gopher Tones Friday, July 14th - Uptown Jazz Friday, July 21st - Rochester Big Band

40

Experience SE Minnesota

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

www.mowercountyshopper.com

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.

The members of Bluff Country provide support through their memberships and their personal involvement in the organization.

Financial support is also received from Houston, Fillmore and Mower Coun• 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.

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

B luff C ountry

ties and from community lodging taxes. In addition, the City of Rushford provides the facility for the Regional Visitor Center. Thanks to all of you who make this organization possible!

Historic Bluff Country Scenic Walking Tours

• Houston • LaCrescent • Peterson • Rushford • Spring Valley This official MN Scenic Byway is one of the state’s first designated wildflower routes. The Minnesota Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources collaborate to manage wildflowers and native grasses along the route. The route passes through rich agricultural regions and small rural towns with historic buildings of national significance, bed and breakfasts, golf, swimming pools and city parks. Lake Louise State Park is located on the route. This is a 32 mile drive along Highway 56.

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

CAVE

and 18 Hole Miniature Golf Course

•Concession stand available •Ice cream •Sandwiches •Beverages

ReSeRvATiONS AT: Stone Mill Hotel & Suites 102 Beacon St. e, Lanesboro, MN Call 507-886-6606 or 800-837-6606 www.niagaracave.com Open weekends - April. Open Daily - May thru October 2 mi. south of Harmony on Hwy. 139 then 2 mi. west on County Road 30.

Published by the Mower County Shopper

(507) 467-3070

bluffscape@hotmail.com

A Step Back in Time Lanesboro, Minnesota

www.bluffscape.com Experience SE Minnesota

41

J ay C. H ormel N ature C enter 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 April 22, 2017 • 1:00 pm Earth Day Celebration: Dedication of the New Interpretive Center June 15 - August 24 Summer Senior Specials and Summer Nature Play Afternoons

For a full 2017 Schedule of Events please visit the Hormel Nature Center website at www.hormelnaturecenter.org

July 10-15 • 4th Annual Water Festival Free Family Event!

Enjoy activities and guest presenters throughout the week and have fun learning about—and playing in—water!

Monday, July 10 through Wednesday, July 12 “Water, Water Everywhere!” Class (ages 8-9) Monday, July 10, 7:00 p.m.

Steve Lawler, Mower SWCD—Farmers: Cover Crop Champions Thursday, July 13, 9:30 a.m.

Bill Thompson Model Stream Senior Special Thursday, July 13, 1:00 p.m.

Nature Play Program - Bill Thompson with a model stream presentation using a water table Thursday, July 13, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Water-themed Nature Play - kayaking, pond scooping, water quality testing, water survival game, crayfish hunting Friday, July 14, 1:00 p.m.

Take a tour through the Austin Sewage Treatment Plant to see where your waste water goes Saturday, July 15 Clean Water Service Day - river cleanup, water quality testing, storm drain labeling. Earn a free kayak or canoe rental for your participation! Contact the Nature Center for details on how to get involved (507-437-7519, info@hormelnaturecenter.org).

August 19, 9 am - 5:00 pm • Nature Art Show August 19, 7:00 pm • Natural Community Talent Show

Sole Fide Observatory

PUBLIC VIEWING SCHEDULE: April 1 & 22; May 6 & 27; June 3 & 24; July 1 & 29 August 12 & 26; September 9 & 30 All dates are Saturdays and start at 9:00 p.m.

42

Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com

T rails

The Blazing Star Trail 6 miles of 8 foot wide asphalt in excellent condition.

The Blazing Star State Trail is paved and runs from the north side of Albert Lea Lake in Albert Lea to Myre-Big Island State Park, a distance of approximately six miles.

Future plans call for extending the trail east through the small town of Hayward to Austin’s trail network and the Shooting Star State Trail. The long-term goal is to extend the trail from Albert Lea all the way east to the Mississippi River.

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.

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.

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

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.

Experience SE Minnesota

43

A ustin P arks & R ec D ept 500 4th Ave NE • www.ci.austin.mn.us For more information on any of these events call 507-433-1881

Summer 2017 Schedule

Municipal pool The pool will open Monday June 12, 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 17.

Swimming Lessons Session 1: June 19-30 Session 3: July 17-28

Session 2: July 3-14 Session 4: July 31-Aug 11 Golf Lessons Monday & Wednesday June 12-July 19 Tuesday & Thursday June 13-July 20 Soccer Held June 13-July 30 Tennis Lessons June 12-July 26 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 12-July 26 AUSTIN YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP July 24-26 WATER, NATURE & ADVENTURE June 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 SHAKE, RATTLE & READ July 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 AUSTIN PACKER SUMMER SWIM June 12 - July 28

www.mowercountyshopper.com

Austin Municipal Swimming Pool

R ecreation

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

A ustin C ity G overnment 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: Jeff Austin, Steve King, Paul Fischer, David Hagen Front Row: Janet Anderson, Judy Enright, Tom Stiehm and Laura Helle 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

N ew R esident I nfo

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

Protect your belongings and loved ones!

Contact us today to learn more about any of the services we offer. We'll be happy to come out & meet you at your property to provide you with a free consultation and estimate.

info@timberlineroofingmn.com

Call Gordy at 507-396-4412

48

Experience SE Minnesota

www.mowercountyshopper.com