Four CNC machinist students made their way from underdog to winners at the recent Project MFG Advanced Manufacturing Competition. The National Championship was held at the Gene Haas Foundation Center in Greenville, S. C.; the three-day competition was videotaped as season 3 of Clash of Trades. After a grueling 20 hours, the team of Ellery Kiesel of Winona, Austyn Warren of … [Read more...]
Joe’s Pizza Palace and Pub a popular place
There is a new gathering place in Mabel, Minn., that will have you feeling like royalty from the moment you walk in the door. Joe’s Pizza Palace and Pub is now open and serving happy customers. Owner Joe Houdek is pleased to have the new business up and running after a complete renovation was done. “We re-did the whole thing,” states Houdek. His Amish friends did most of … [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...]
Harmony firemen implement electronic firing system for Fourth of July fireworks
As the oohhs and aahhs come to an end, and the honking fades, lines of cars begin the slow exodus from their viewing spots around the Harmony Golf Course. Excitement and appreciation for a spectacular fireworks display may linger with the spectators for hours or even days as the Fourth of July finale brings the holiday to an end. Few may think about the relief and satisfaction … [Read more...]
El Barco Mexican Restaurant comes to Rushford
The people of the Rushford area have been waiting and hoping for another restaurant to open in the former Stumpy’s location for a long time. Soon the wait will be over. El Barco is scheduled to open mid-July, according to new owner Juan Bacilio Vaca. When Vaca first came to Rushford to look at the available former Stumpy’s restaurant building, he felt, “Something is good in … [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...]
Dr. Stephanie Jakim, with OMC Preston since the beginning, retires after 29 years
After almost 29 years of providing medical care to residents of Fillmore County, Dr. Jakim, of the Preston Olmsted Medical Center, is ready to retire. Whether it’s a routine immunization, or treating injuries, many have become familiar with Dr. Jakim’s friendly face. Dr. Stephanie Jakim is originally from Lima, a town in Ohio named after the capital of Peru. She grew up in a … [Read more...]
Gabby Lou’s Kitchen opens in Harmony
Imagine a place filled with the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls; a place where the coffee pot is never empty and the lunch specials are as good as (or better than) your mom used to make. Imagine a place where friends and family gather for good conversation and comfort food at its best. With Gabby Lou’s Kitchen opening in Harmony, you don’t just have to imagine sitting … [Read more...]
The end of an era for local drive-in
The Spring Valley A&W has been a staple of the community since it opened in 1956, then owned by Roger and Marge Simpson. Their son and his wife, Mark and Kathy Simpson, purchased the business in 1987 and ran it until they retired in 2017 when Tom Evanoff purchased it. For the past five years, Evanoff has enjoyed sharing the nostalgia of the drive-in, which first drew him … [Read more...]
Cold treats in cold weather now possible in Chatfield
When driving through Chatfield this winter, you may see an unusual sight — a plowed parking lot and cars in the drive through of Dairy Queen. That’s because, for the first time in years, the Chatfield Dairy Queen is now open year round. When Yoel and Michelle Topel took ownership of the franchise located just off of Highway 52 on March 15 last year, they knew they wanted to … [Read more...]