Lisa Pickett always enjoyed watching people get their hair done, so naturally, when the time came to choose her career, she waved other options and got straight to work with her scissors. Pickett, who grew up in and graduated from Preston, Minn., attended Austin Area Technical Institute in 1983-84, where she received her certification in cosmetology. Pickett began working … [Read more...]
The whole place is Ace
Todd Jones knows hardware. It’s in his blood. His family ran the hardware store in Spring Valley since 1965, and for many years it operated as a Coast to Coast Hardware store, then due to a merger became a True Value store. Todd took over the family business in 2003, and in 2013 the store moved to the current location at 630 North Pleasant in Spring Valley (next to Kwik Trip … [Read more...]
Hong Kong restaurant opens in Chatfield
There is a new and exciting restaurant now open in Chatfield, Minn., and it is unlike any other eating establishment in Fillmore County. Hong Kong restaurant opened its front door on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, and the door has been swinging open and shut almost on a constant basis since. The anticipation was high in the area as residents waited for the Hong Kong … [Read more...]
New owners “meating” customer needs
The brats are just as delicious as ever, but the “Kraut” is on the side now. That’s one way to summarize what’s happening at Valley Butchery and Meat Market in Spring Valley. Another description would be: the more things change, the more they stay the same. The business has a new name, but was known for the past 50 years as Kraut’s Locker. Effective July 1, Ken and Janell … [Read more...]
Serenity Hills now open
A new and unique rental venue is now available just outside of Preston, Minn., that has much to offer for a wide variety of events. Nestled in the countryside, although conveniently located just off of Hwy 52, Serenity Hills is the perfect place to hold your next special occasion. This time of year, with the corn standing well over six feet tall, the building is almost … [Read more...]
Postal Service eyes January rate hikes
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is planning to raise virtually all rates a bit in January, apparently including a one-cent hike of the Forever Stamp, to 50 cents. And it’s also hoping it will soon get the power to implement larger rate hikes. The USPS will raise rates for both market-dominant mail (such as First Class and Marketing Mail) and competitive mail (such as Priority … [Read more...]
JAC’s reopens with new owners
After a few weeks of being closed for remodeling, JAC’s Bar & Grill in Chatfield, Minn., will soon be opening with new owners behind the tap and in the kitchen. Jamie and Robin Arthur of Rochester, Minn., purchased the business on July 10, 2017, and have been busy making changes and improvements since. When asked why they bought the business, Robin stated, “He’s always … [Read more...]
New business gives vibrant life to old storehouse
The perfect wine, brew, or cup of coffee takes time, patience, and skill to create. The vision for Lanesboro’s newest business was as thoughtfully put into motion. Tucked into the former 1932 Lanesboro Granary is The Granary, Coffee, Wine & Beer, where an inviting atmosphere, rustic industrial interior, and mouthwatering aromas beckon. Owners Kristen Asleson and Kimberly … [Read more...]
E2 Boutique opens in new location
A favorite shopping spot in Lanesboro, Minn., is open once again after moving to a new building right next door to their former location. Barb Soma, owner of E2 Boutique, states that, “The opportunity to buy the building,” was a motivating factor. By purchasing the building she could “make it the way we wanted to,” including adding “real dressing rooms,” she notes. The … [Read more...]
Lanesboro school moves ahead with daycare expansion
Construction on Lanesboro Public School’s daycare expansion will begin at the end of July, with a projected completion date of August 11. The district is looking forward to growing the daycare program and continuing to meet the needs of the community. Superintendent Matt Schultz informed the school board that the district is one of the finalists for the $25,000 Monsanto … [Read more...]