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...]
Root River Fest set to make big impact for Fillmore County
Later this summer, eager crowds will pack into the Fillmore County Fairgrounds in Preston for the first annual Root River Fest. Created by the Fillmore County Agriculture Society, the two-day weekend festival is the county’s first full-scale music festival and proceeds will benefit the Fillmore County Fair, including grounds and programs. It is “Founded on the roots of the true … [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...]
New employee has four legs and a big heart
The newest employee at Hoff Funeral Home wasn’t able to fill out an application, but he still got the job based on his people skills and big heart. Charlie is a therapy dog. This special seven-month-old labradoodle joined the Hoff staff in April as “Chief Comfort Officer,” providing comfort to grieving families at Hoff locations throughout Southeast Minnesota. “We heard … [Read more...]
Root River Outfitters under new ownership
Just as summer is in full swing and many people are enjoying time in the water, the new owners of Root River Outfitters in Lanesboro, Minn., are getting their feet wet as well. Caleb Rissman, along with his parents, Kevin and Holly Rissman, purchased the business because “it’s something Caleb has had an interest in for probably three or four years,” says Holly. They were … [Read more...]
Kingsland aims to join Southeast Conference
In the first full board meeting since Superintendent John McDonald’s departure, the Kingsland School Board met in regular session July 17, with all regular members in attendance: Doug Plaehn, Deb Larson, Ann Oeltjen, Jackie Horsman, Tiffany Mundfrom, and Heather Betts, along with Interim Superintendent James Hecimovich. The board discussed the possibility of leaving the Three … [Read more...]
Whalan Council tackles long agenda
As the Whalan City Council met on Monday, July 10, 2017, the council had a list of old business and new business to attend to. All council members were present, including Mayor Marlys Tuftin, Owen Lewis, Everett Johnson, Wyatt Berekvam, Kim Berekvam along with City Clerk Lolly Melander and City Maintenance worker Lanny Landsverk. Motion was made by W. Berekvam, with second … [Read more...]
A business opportunity awaits
Many people go through life with a thought in the back of their head that some day they may want to open a business of their own - perhaps a bar and grill. If this describes you or someone you know, then look no further. When the former Bent Wrench Bar & Grill in Fountain, Minn., went up for auction on Monday, June 12, 2017, the Drury family, owners of Drury’s Furniture … [Read more...]
Woodworking hobby keeps Chuck and Brad Sikkink busy
When Chuck Sikkink sold his farm and moved into Harmony in 2005, he joined the Harmony Ambulance Service as an EMT. Being on call meant that he had to stay near home, so he started woodworking as a hobby to occupy his time. At first, his son Brad teased him about his new hobby, but eventually he became interested in it as well. In the summer of 2012, he started woodworking … [Read more...]










