Progress Neighbors Saturday, February 23, 2019 • Albert Lea Tribune
With the closing of Albert Lea’s bowling alley last year, a number of Albert Lea leagues have transferred out to Trapper’s Lanes in New Richland. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune
Two area bowling alleys
KEEP SPORT ALIVE New Richland, Northwood businesses are remaining 2 in area; alleys appeal to bowlers from Albert Lea By Sam Wilmes
sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com
B
owling alleys across the country are facing challenging times as the sport’s popularity has reportedly declined and bowling alleys close, including Holiday Lanes in Albert Lea last summer. Strike Zone in Northwood and Trapper’s Lanes in New Richland are staving off the trend and providing the sport to small communities.
small towns can be a rare source of entertainment. “Just seems like in the smaller town it can run to stay alive because there’s not a lot to do in a smaller town, and so it gives something for people to do and families to do without having to drive a long ways,” she said. Severson estimated she works about 55 hours per week between the bowling alley and Mason City-based Anytime Fitness, a center the couple also owns. Strike Zone owners set to “You don’t buy something without change, remain bowling alley Ryan and Jeri Severson, Strike wanting it to succeed,” she said. “So Zone owners, were expected to sell I think it’s good for the community. the building by the time this article We do give back to the community came to press to a new owner who for proms and booster club and a lot would keep the building, 1003 N. of organizations.” The couple has owned several busiEighth St., as a bowling alley. “It’s a dying commodity, and now nesses since high school, and they most of them are turning into enter- have extensive local backgrounds, tainment centers, so we have arcade both graduating from Northwoodgames, we have darts leagues, we Kensett High School. Severson spoke of the variety she have shuffleboard league tables, and we also have a full menu, so sees in her position. “I like the variety, and I like the that brings in a variety,” Jeri Severcommunity and the son said. “I don’t think friendships that we’ve you could solely rely acquired,” she said. on bowling.” “And it’s something Strike Zone is open new every day. It’s not at 4 p.m. Tuesdays always simple, and it’s through Sundays. not always predictable, League play takes but that’s the challenge place on Tuesdays, in owning businesses.” Thursdays, every She acknowledged it other Saturday and has been hard for the every Sunday. Darts couple to find workers, leagues take place and most who work there Tuesdays, Wednesdo so one night a week as days, Fridays and Sun— Jeri Severson they work different jobs days, and shuffleboard or attend school. play is on Tuesdays. Despite the challenges, she called Sand volleyball competition takes it “the most rewarding” business she place in the summer. Severson said bowling is “a good has owned. “It’s a good business for Northpastime, just like golfing.” “You gotta have something to do wood,” Severson said. “And it’s a good other than being in front of a TV or place for family and friends just to being on your video games,” she said. hang out. If you’re an entrepreneur, “It’s just more active.” To Severson, bowling alleys in See BOWLING, Page 2
“It gives something for people to do without having to drive a long ways.”
What’s inside?
Birds of a feather Hollandale couple builds town of birdhouses for tree ravaged by tornado. Page 5
‘Just love people’ Pastor at Victory Life Church in Geneva is getting involved in the community. Page 6
Transporting SomeWhere Else
‘Thinking outside the box’
Conger bar and grill broadens its horizons in the last year. Page 8
Kelly Gau studio moves from Albert Lea to Lake Mills. Page 9