When it comes to working women juggling their careers and family, Judy Christian, owner of Stumpy’s Restaurant and Bar of Rushford, Minn., has a few words of advice. “You gotta make time for both,” states Christian, and showing her children what hard work is has also given them a chance to spend time together as a family. Christian purchased Stumpy’s Restaurant and Bar from … [Read more...]
Harstad becomes Chatfield’s first female firefighter
Jill Harstad has always had a burning desire to become a firefighter, and recently that passion for helping others became a reality. Harstad, 35, grew up in Lanesboro, Minn., and graduated from Lanesboro High School in 2000. After marrying her husband, Andy and moving to Chatfield, she set her sights on becoming a firefighter with the Chatfield Fire Department. When asked … [Read more...]
Julie Kulsrud runs authentic Mexican restaurant in Fountain
When Julie Kuslrud opened Los Gables in 2006, she had plenty of experience as a waitress, having worked as one at various restaurants for most of her adult life. However, running her own restaurant was a whole new ball game. On top of that learning curve, she also knew nothing about Mexican food. “I didn’t know an enchilada from a burrito,” she said, laughing. So why did … [Read more...]
Burdey’s Cafe owner passionate about building customer relationships
Rushford native Kristin Burdey always had a soft spot for the idea of owning a little eatery, but never really gave the concept any detailed planning. Instead she dove into work for a franchise restaurant and excelled in her position. Throughout her time there, she saw little things she would do differently if she ever owned her own place. “I met my husband in the restaurant … [Read more...]
Pickett a “permanent” fixture in Preston
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...]