For more than half a century, the Gateway Cafe has been a fixture in Wykoff — a place where neighbors gather, stories are shared, and regulars slide into their usual seats. But under the cafe’s new owners, Jennie Moreland and Mary Aakre, this small-town treasure is in the middle of a delicious revival. With a mix of cherished traditions and fresh energy, the Gateway blends … [Read more...]
Four New Teachers Join Grand Meadow Schools
Four new teachers have joined the staff at Grand Meadow Public Schools this year. The Fillmore County Journal posed a set of questions to each of them to introduce them to the community. Dylan Gowlland is the new fifth grade math and science teacher at GM Schools. He … [Read more...]
LeRoy-Ostrander Schools Welcomes Two New Teachers
Two enthusiastic teachers have joined the team at LeRoy-Ostrander Schools this year. Katie Bakke is the new second-grade teacher, and Ian Thomason is the district’s middle and high school special education teacher. Both teachers, who are commuting from Stewartville, bring unique backgrounds and teaching philosophies to their classrooms. Katie Bakke Katie Bakke’s journey to … [Read more...]
Fillmore County, Louise Solar Projects to Bring Significant Economic Impact, Jobs to Area
Two new, large solar fields in Fillmore and Mower counties are expected to make a $30 million economic impact in southeastern Minnesota, including more than $4 million in tax revenue for local townships and counties, as well as the creation of 300 new construction jobs. The two fields are being constructed by Twin Cities-based National Grid Renewables, a farmer-funded company … [Read more...]
Glynn’s Motor Mart: Embracing Tastes and Trends for 3 Decades
Small towns thrive on the stability of their family-owned businesses. In Grand Meadow, Glynn’s Motor Mart is one of them. With owner Jeremi Glynn at the helm, the gas station and convenience store at the corner of Minnesota Highway 16 and Mower County Road 8 has embraced tastes and trends for almost three decades. Adaption is Key Glynn purchased the business in 1994, and … [Read more...]
Grit and Grease: How Larry Arneson Has Kept Arneson Valley Auto Humming for a Quarter Century
You might walk into Arneson Valley Auto In Spring Valley for an oil change or a tune-up. Chances are you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for a man who just put his heart and soul into your vehicle. That’s Larry Arneson. He is 73, has owned his shop for 25 years and has no plans to quit. Never mind that he suffered a stroke last fall. Arneson has grit and a passion for all … [Read more...]
Bluff Brothers Brewing: From Homebrew Hobbyists to Spring Valley’s Newest Taproom
Creating “approachable” craft beers, catering to the preferences of small-town Minnesota. That is the business philosophy Mitchell and Marcus Plaehn have set for themselves at their new venture, Bluff Brothers Brewing, Spring Valley’s newest taproom. “Our goal is to make good craft beer that caters to small-town customers,” Marcus explains. “A lot of people come in and ask, … [Read more...]
Ody’s Country Meats Carves Success With Second Spring Valley Location
As soon as Missi Koebke fills the cooler with pickle-flavored beef sticks, they are gone. Customers at Ody’s Country Meats can’t get enough of the new creation. But the popular flavor is only one reason behind the fantastic sales. The other is the new and easy access customers have to the tasty treat. In September, owner Cody Koebke and his wife opened a second retail … [Read more...]
Meet the New Teachers at Grand Meadow Public Schools
Four new teachers joined Grand Meadow Public Schools this year. The Fillmore County Journal asked each of them a few questions to introduce them to the community. Faith Gehling Faith Gehling teaches sixth grade math and science. She’s also the varsity cheerleading coach and co-advisor for the National Honor Society. Gehling grew up in Grand Meadow, where she graduated … [Read more...]
Chevrolet of Spring Valley leaps into the future with new facility
Two years after Rochester-based Penz Automotive Group spread its roots to Spring Valley by purchasing the Buick Chevrolet store, owner Todd Penz and his team are now taking the dealership to the next level and a new location. June 26 marked the first day of business at Chevrolet of Spring Valley’s new facility at 1100 North Broadway Avenue on the west side of town. New … [Read more...]
Minnwest Bank deepens roots in Spring Valley, opens combined facility
It was a bit like musical chairs among business properties in Spring Valley. When damage from an ice dam prompted Minnwest Bank officials to explore combining their separate drive-up and walk-in facilities last fall, Kwik Trip had already re-located to the former BP site on North Section Avenue. That made the old Kwik Trip building on Broadway available, and it was the perfect … [Read more...]
Penz Automotive Group already passionate about Spring Valley community
When Rochester-based Penz Automotive Group purchased the Buick Chevrolet store in Spring Valley earlier this year, owner Todd Penz and his team immediately focused on becoming involved in the community. “We’re in Spring Valley, and we want to be part of Spring Valley,” he says. He is already researching sponsorship opportunities, and it’s not uncommon to spot Penz, general … [Read more...]
Hop & Barrel aims to be “community center with beer”
Jason Pahl calls Hop & Barrel – the new craft brewery in Spring Valley – his playhouse. That’s because he is the head brewer and loves his job. “I’m a research nut,” he says. “I love figuring out how styles were traditionally done, trying to adapt that to modern ingredients and then finding a way to make a style that is true to style, and finding some ways to play with it … [Read more...]