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Whalan seizes an opportunity

By News Team

Thu, Jan 26th, 2012
Posted in All Progress Edition



Dubbed the "New Minnesota Resort," Cedar Valley Resort in Whalan is a prime example of the growth that can be found in small towns. This May, the resort will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their official opening. To say that much has changed since their inaugural year, when they were part of only a handful of resorts in southeastern Minnesota, would be an understatement of epic proportions.

Owner and operator Larry Johnson always dreamed of creating a resort for families. However, the original concept didn't quite include the sprawling premises that Cedar Valley offers today. It also didn't specifically include the location, which has lent itself perfectly to Johnson's initial vision.

Nestled along the Root River and situated next to the Root River State Trail, the site was previously home to Cedar Valley Fur Farm, a mink ranch begun by Johnson's father, Gene. "Ranching was always my father's business. I spent 22 years working with him, but this was my dream," says Johnson. When the ranch closed in 1999, Johnson and his wife, Sheryl, took a chance.

Beginning with a mobile home on the property that Johnson had lived in for 14 years, they thought their initial "season" with their test plot would be 30 weekends. It ended up being over 100.

Early on, guests' requests for more lodging, both in quantity and size, fueled the rapid growth. The Johnsons didn't want the same situation as the Bed & Breakfasts in the area. Instead, knowing their market early on, they aimed for not just couples, but larger groups and families. Johnson acknowledged, though, that they were slightly unclear of what direction it would all go. Full-scale resorts like theirs were considered uncharted territory in the county.

In May of 2001, they built and opened three new cabins at the resort; the Wolf, Moose, and Whitetail. Made in rustic, log-sided fashion with cozy interiors, the first cabins were capable of housing between 11 and 18 guests. Decked out in natural charm, they featured Amish-made, knotty oak cabinetry, expansive porches, and scenic views. Of course, for those less than rugged guests, they also included all the modern amenities.

By 2002 it was clear the resort was on the right track and two more 18-person, 4-bedroom, 2-bath cabins were constructed and opened: The Bear and the Eagle Cabins. One year later, the Johnsons added the Loon Cabin, an expansive 6-bedroom, 4-bath charmer that can accommodate 22 guests.

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Whalan seizes an opportunity

By News Team

Thu, Jan 26th, 2012
Posted in All Progress Edition
Comments



Dubbed the "New Minnesota Resort," Cedar Valley Resort in Whalan is a prime example of the growth that can be found in small towns. This May, the resort will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their official opening. To say that much has chan ..... 
[Read the Rest]

Branding committee seeks to build Rushford's identity

By News Team

Wed, Jan 26th, 2011
Posted in Progress Edition
Comments



"To creatively establish a unique community identity, promote a welcoming environment for visitors and prompt new residents and businesses to locate to a 'captivating Rushford'." - Rushford Area Branding Committee mission statement

W ..... 
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Whalan: A small town with nationally recognized charm

By News Team

Fri, Jan 22nd, 2010
Posted in Progress Edition
Comments

Just a hop, skip and a jump from Lanesboro down Highway 16 east is Whalan, a close-knit Norwegian community. Because of its close proximity to Lanesboro, Whalan also enjoys a thriving tourist trade. With a population that hovers around 65, the town' ..... 
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Spring Valley progress

By News Team

Fri, Jan 22nd, 2010
Posted in Progress Edition
Comments

It's obvious that Spring Valley Mayor Jim Struzyk takes a lot of pride in the accomplishments of the city. He has represented the city as mayor and city councilman since the 1990's and says the reason he got involved was that "the City was 5 million ..... 
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Rushford sees big changes

By News Team

Fri, Jan 22nd, 2010
Posted in Progress Edition
Comments

A bevy of at least eight projects seemed to wrap up Rushford's year, many of which also seemed to draw a considerable amount of media attention and some controversy at times.

The 2009 Street and Utility Improvement Project, geared at updatin ..... 
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Determined Rushford Village works out solutions

By News Team

Fri, Jan 22nd, 2010
Posted in Progress Edition
Comments

Starting out with a definite list of determined goals, the city of Rushford Village made ample progress during the course of last year. According to City Clerk Joyce Iverson there are still some matters which are progressing forward, but not yet at ..... 
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Preston's ambitious dream for the future

By News Team

Fri, Jan 22nd, 2010
Posted in Progress Edition
Comments

National Trout Learning

Center

Preston has been building on some new ideas in 2009 which will extend into the coming year or years. City Administrator Joe Hoffman said he was very excited about the efforts to establish a National Trou ..... 
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Peterson continues community improvement

By News Team

Fri, Jan 22nd, 2010
Posted in Progress Edition
Comments

With LGA cuts looming large on nearly every small municipality, the city of Peterson recognizes the tasks lying before it. As a city with a population of under 500, and state and district leadership being able to offer little assistance, the city co ..... 
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Olmsted County Journal