Doors that are usually open had to close suddenly during the March-April shutdown. The ticket window was dark, and the popcorn popper was still and quiet. The seats, so recently filled with friends and families, sat empty, and an empty theatre could have been a sign of the times. No new movies could have meant no more movies if the theatre closed down, but with the incredible … [Read more...]
Stand-out rustic charm at Baukol’s Barrels
Rustic decor is all the craze nowadays and it is a style type that is considered natural, aged, organic, and maybe even a little rough around the edges. For those hoping to add more rustic charm to their home or to a special event, there is a business in Preston, Minn., that fits the bill. Baukol’s Barrels is a custom furniture and decor store that specializes in creating … [Read more...]
Gift ideas from The Creamery and Nordic Lanes, Rushford
The Creamery and Nordic Lanes in picturesque downtown Rushford is the go-to place for that hard-to-buy gift. Continue reading for a list of unique gift ideas — the Creamery and Nordic Lanes, a family-owned and operated business. James and Debra Kitchens own and manage The Creamery and Nordic Lanes. Debra Kitchens and Creamery Manager Daren Chambers have worked at The Creamery … [Read more...]
Experience RockFilter Distillery during the holiday season
The holidays have arrived, which means stress for a lot of people. Anxiety at having to attend family get-togethers, going to work parties with co-workers you might not like, buy presents for family and friends that you keep putting off because you do not know what to buy them. RockFilter Distillery in beautiful downtown Spring Grove offers the perfect environment, safe and … [Read more...]
First brewery in Lanesboro in 100 years now open
A new business venture means more opportunities for fun and relaxation in Lanesboro, Minn., as Sylvan Brewing has opened its doors. Opening the business not only fulfills a dream Andy and Karen Heimdahl have had, but also gives local residents and tourists an additional option for making memories with friends and family. “We were kind of looking for a lifestyle change where … [Read more...]
The Sweet Stop and Sandwich Shoppe reopens with improvements
Everyone knows that renovations of any kind can be stressful. So what better time to do them than during 2020, a year marked by intense stress for just about everyone? When Mike and Brenda Eickhoff temporarily closed the The Sweet Stop and Sandwich Shoppe in Preston on July 26, they saw an opportunity to finally get some renovations done that had been on their list for a while. … [Read more...]
Otto Bremer Trust announces second phase of emergency fund to focus on restoring small businesses and critical services
SAINT PAUL, October 13, 2020 — The Otto Bremer Trust (OBT), one of the nation’s largest charitable organizations, today announced the initial recipients of program-related investments and grants for the second phase of its Community Benefit Financial Company (CBFC) $50 million emergency fund. Announced in July, this second phase of the fund focuses on a network of … [Read more...]
Harmony Telephone Company receives award totaling $9.7 million for rural high-speed broadband
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue announced Harmony Telephone Company as a recipient of a ReConnect Program award totaling $9.7 million. “The need for rural broadband has never been more apparent than it is now – as our nation manages the coronavirus national emergency. Access to telehealth services, remote learning for school children, and … [Read more...]
One happy farmer
By Wanda Hanson Amber Feine-Rasmussen has been farming full-time since 2003 when she asked her father if she could join him in the family operation. Amber had been attending UWSP (University of Stevens Point); she’d made the dean’s list and enjoyed her soils and water classes, but was tired of “sitting in a concrete box” and hated having to take tests. She had figured out … [Read more...]
Browsing broadband career with Jill Huffman
For Jill Huffman, her passion has always been technology-driven. “I like technology, I like the advancements in technology and what it does to change people’s lives.” Jill is General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Spring Grove Communications, Harmony Telephone and MiBroadband. The trajectory of her career path began after graduating from Preston High School in 1992. … [Read more...]