Austin Daily Herald
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Progress 2015
Austin Daily Herald
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Progress 2015
Austin Daily Herald
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Progress 2015
Community
8. Hormel Institute’s Craig Jones: Expanding roles 9. ArtWorks Center: Bringing clay to life 10. Hormel Foundation: Investing in Austin 12. Through the Years: Rose Creek Fire Department 14. Vision 2020: A vision of the future 16. Dave Pike, sheriff’s office: To protect through tech
Business
18. Arlen Schamber: A history with Spam 20. Brownsdale: Rohler Rink rolls ahead 22. LeRoy: Travel Lanes more than a bowling alley 26. Adams: Corky’s is a corner of convenience 28. Worlein Funeral Home: Tradition meets the future 30. Dexter: Q&A with Wayne Dietrich of R&S Grain Systems
Education
54. Pacelli High School: An adventure for exchange students 56. Standout teachers: Amy Thuesen, Austin; Amalie Niethammer, Southland; Linda Pulchinski, Pacelli; Kyle Rosedahl, LeRoy-Ostrander; Dennis Conroy, Hayfield; Michelle Southworth, Blooming Prairie; Michael Keefe, Grand Meadow; Brian Hagan, Lyle 60. Riverland Fire/EMS: Training for emergencies 62. Riverland: Striding into the future; recognizing former students
Faces
34. Cornerstone: Church expands role in Austin 36. Jon and Brianna Boyer: A draw to serve 38. Q&A with Glenn Monson, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
66. 68. 72. 74. 75. 78. 80. 82. 83.
Sports
Through the Years
Health
Agriculture
Faith
Austin Bruins: Preparing players for the next level Blooming Prairie: Awesome Blossom seniors raise the bar Grand Meadow: The Sloans’ coaching family tree Jordan Castro: Dedicated to disc golf success
50. Q&A: Sandy Anderson on Refreshed Dining 52. A web of possibilities: Health kiosk could be big for Mayo, schools
84. 85. 86. 87.
Lyle Area Cancer Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin Hormel advertising campaigns Austin flooding and mitigation
90. The Hansons: A legacy in farming 92. Jackson Koenigs: Balancing sports and chores
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Design by Eric Johnson & Jason Schoonover
Austin Daily Herald
40. 42. 44. 48.
Sean and Lindsey Williams: A creative team Larry Dolphin: A teaching spirit at the nature center Peggy Keener: Global living, local giving Tom Dankert: A man about town Hayfield: Lori Kindschy at the helm in growing town Tom Stiehm: A year of change Terese Amazi: From the badge to the reel Jeff Baldus: Planting a charitable foundation Q&A with Justin Osborne, Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery
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Progress 2015
Craig Jones is a vital part in this go around of the Hormel Institute expansion. He was also a driving force in the first expansion project. Photo by Eric Johnson
Craig Jones
Age: 58 Current town and hometown: Austin Hobby: Jones has built and flown his own airplane. Why he’s in Progress: As the Hormel Institute’s building coordinator, Jones helps to oversee the Institute’s new $28.5 million expansion.
Expanding roles
Craig Jones is leading his 2nd Hormel Institute expansion By Trey Mewes There’s one man at the Hormel Institute who knows its network systems inside and out: Craig Jones. Jones has been at the Institute since Aug. 16, 1976, or “a few years” as he puts it. Since then, he has become the manager of research support services and building coordinator. He’s the person the Institute relies on to keep its computers, instruments and mainframes in working order, but he’s also a key player behind the Institute’s biggest project yet: a $28.5 million expansion. Jones is no stranger to expansion efforts. He was also involved with the Institute’s expansion more than seven years ago, which
resulted in a $23.4 million new two-story building, major renovations to the Institute’s original building, 20 new labs and about 60 new employees. As the representative for the Hormel Institute, Jones assisted the Hormel Foundation in planning for the first expansion, which was completed in 2008. He’s a little more hands-on this time around. “This time it’s similar, but I have a little bit bigger role in helping decide which ways we go on some of the design features,” he said. Jones is helping architects and engineers design the new 74,000-square-foot expansion, especially when it comes to keeping the expansion efforts similar to the Institute’s current facilities and adding to the
Institute’s formidable technology network. “We want to make sure it’s compatible with what we’ve got,” Jones said. “We wanted to make sure it looks the same as the current building, like they were all built together.” The latest expansion will add about 20 labs and 120 more employees to the Institute once the project wraps up later this year. Institute leaders secured $13.5 million in state bonding funds in 2012 and matched that with contributions from the Foundation, which further donated $9.5 million for technology and recruiting efforts as the Institute finishes this expansion. Work on the expansion began in September and Jones has been on site every day
with workers to help oversee construction. He makes sure the project’s small details are put in place as work continues so nothing has to be redone. It’s his goal throughout 2015 to ensure the project’s designs are carried out. “Get the building done,” Jones said with a laugh. The Institute will drastically change once the expansion is complete. After all, 10 years ago there were only about 60 Institute employees to research cancer. Once the Institute staffs up to about 250 employees, Jones will have a lot more to oversee. “When we did the other one, we had no idea that we were going to be expanding this quickly,” he said. P
Live Learning Center will promote collaboration
Austin Daily Herald
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This artists renderings shows what the new $4.5-million Live Learning Center at the Hormel Institute will look like. Photo provided
The Hormel Institute’s $28.5 million expansion isn’t the only project under construction. Institute officials announced a new $4.5 million Live Learning Center last November, which will be finished at the same time as the expansion. “It’s a really interesting thing to do it now,” Zigang Dong, executive director of the Institute, said. Dr. The center will have a 250seat auditorium with theaterstyle seating. That includes up-to-date communication technology will be installed for better broadcasting and online conferencing. With the new technology, researchers in the auditorium will be
able to participate in presentations and discussions with other scientists from anywhere around the world. The Institute’s researchers have many collaborations throughout the United States as well as with scientists in numerous other countries. Technology in the auditorium will greatly ease the process of collaborating and presenting research to other scientists Dong around the world without having to spend the money and take the time to travel. It also will enable the Institute to reach larger audiences and host more international conferences. “We have collaborators all over the world,” Dong said. “With this technology, they’re right next door.” P
BRINGING CLAY TO
LIFE S
Photos by Eric Johnson
Pat Kroymann gives her glaze a second to rest after dipping a piece of her pottery at the Austin ArtWorks Center.
ince the Austin ArtWorks Center opened in the old bank building on Main Street in Austin, one of the most popular activities that’s been offered is pottery. Forming, spinning and shaping clay into decorations or even usable dishes has been taken up by several eager hands in Austin. Art instructor John Sullivan is more than happy to take his students along as they learn the intricacies of bending the clay into art. P
John Sullivan takes students in an Austin ArtWorks Center pottery course through the application of a glaze. ABOVE: Finished pottery serves as a backdrop to pieces waiting to be glazed in the basement of the Austin ArtWorks Center.
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ABOVE LEFT: Marva Blake coats a piece of her pottery in glaze during a pottery class at the Austin ArtWorks Center. ABOVE RIGHT: Pieces of pottery are ready to be fired in the Austin ArtWorks Center’s kiln.
Gary Ray has led the Hormel Foundation through some of the biggest donations since it’s inception and the organization is looking to give even more.
Investing in Austin’s future
Photo by Eric Johnson
The Hormel Foundation has given $118 million to the community and shows no signs of slowing By Trey Mewes
Austin Daily Herald
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In 1941, Jay C. Hormel gathered together a group of people to help build a foundation and trust to support Austin-area organizations. The result of that decision? The Hormel Foundation, a unique organization largely focused on funding research for the Hormel Institute. You wouldn’t know it right away, however. In its first year, the foundation gave a whopping $10 to the local branch of Ducks Unlimited. Since then, about 75 years later and more than $118 million given to the community, the foundation has transformed into an incredible, unique function of Austin. Yet in some ways, it’s only just begun. The foundation is practically the only organization of its kind in the U.S. specifically charged to give money to one community: the Austin area. What’s more, the foundation is a huge beneficiary of Hormel Foods Corp. — the foundation owns about 48 percent of Hormel’s stock. With Hormel’s historic growth over the past 10 years, the foundation has grown too — the nonprofit had about $660 million in assets at the end of 2013. Much of that money is going to go directly
Hormel Foundation contributions
Over the past 15 years, the foundation has given $82 million to the community, or about 69 percent of its total contributions to Austin.
2000: $2,896,913 2001: $4,934,983 2002: $2,874,636 2003: $2,938,195 2004: $2,893,568
2005: $3,058,279 2006: $3,223,139 2007: $3,373,086 2008: $5,879,689 2009: $6,820,727
to the Austin community over the next few years as more community projects start up. From Vision 2020 to breakout research, the foundation stands as not only the information hub of much of Austin’s development, but one of the primary factors behind Austin’s impending growth. “The thing I always go back to is the knowledge and the wisdom that George and Jay had back in those days,” Gary Ray, executive director of the foundation, said. “To think that this legacy, and how they set it up and how it’s still going, is just amazing to me.”
Achieving goals
The Hormel Foundation is charged with a mission: Help fund projects under its
2010: $5,875,886 2011: $5,755,776 2012: $6,991,846 2013: $8,401,778 2014: $16,132,996
supporting organizations, all of which have a stake on the foundation’s board of directors. That includes the Austin Area Foundation, Austin Community Scholarship Committee, Austin Public Schools, Cedar Valley Services Inc., city of Austin, Mayo Clinic Health System — Austin, the Salvation Army, The Hormel Institute; United Way of Mower County, and YMCA of Austin. Riverland Community College and the Austin Community Charitable Fund are also part of the foundation’s mission, though they don’t sit on the board of directors. Through these organizations — especially through groups like the United Way — the foundation grants funds to major projects, programs and even construction
such as the Apple Lane Child Care Center at Riverland’s Austin West campus. “Our funding has to go to a supported organization, or we could lose our tax-exempt status,” Treasurer John Gray said. In addition, the George A. Hormel Testamentary fund can be used to fund smaller projects. The fund, which has about $1 million, is usually used for about $65,000 annually in small-scale projects which don’t necessarily fit into the foundation’s funding guidelines. Youth sports, the Austin Symphony Orchestra and the Mower County Humane Society among other groups have benefited from testamentary fund money. That doesn’t mean the foundation can’t give money to nearby areas, necessarily. Many area nonprofits receive funding through the United Way, which in turn can receive funding from the foundation. School books in nearby districts, a community pool and even weekend backpack programs to provide students in need with food and other necessities have all benefited from the foundation. “In any given year, there’s roughly 28 organizations that ask for funding through the United Way umbrella,” Gray said. “So that’s quite an area there.”
—Gary Ray, Hormel Foundation director
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$5 million
F Center Interpretive O Center U N $23 million D Hormel Institute’s 2015 A expansion T I O $335,000 N Austin ArtWorks Center Jay C. Hormel Nature
C O $750,000 N Pacelli Catholic Schools T fundraising campaign R I B $2.7 million dome, turf U Wescott upgrades T I O $2 million N Apple Lane Child Care S Center renovation
Progress 2015
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It’s a really good feeling and it’s good for the community.
M million A $3.2 Oak Park Mall economic J development grant O R
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Foundation funding falls into three categories, for the most part. The Hormel Institute is by and large one of the biggest pieces of the foundation’s efforts, as the world-class cancer research lab receives a majority of its funding from the foundation. Yet the foundation also examines requests under two other categories — educational benefits and community needs. “Those are the three things we really look at when we start to talk about allocation of money,” Ray said. “That can cover a variety of things in the community.” In recent years, they gave to projects such as the Hormel Institute’s expansions — a $24 million expansion completed in 2008 and a $28.5 million expansion set to finish this year — a $3 million renovation of Riverland Community College space to improve the Apple Lane Child Care Center and a recent $3.2 million economic development investment so the city of Austin could buy the Oak Park Mall. Each of those issues represent huge gains for the community. The first Institute expansion created more than 60 jobs and the recent expansion is expected to bring about 120 jobs to Austin. The Apple Lane renovation allowed the daycare center to take up to 300 children. The Oak Park Mall deal will help Hy-Vee create a new 60,000- to 90,000-square-foot store as well as give more economic development space to the city of Austin once Hy-Vee cedes its old building to city officials.
“We have an obligation to ensure that when we do commit money, it’s going to bring a benefit for that kind of money,” Ray said. Foundation officials are set to commit money to a large swath of projects over the next few years that will change the Austin area through Vision 2020, the community improvement initiative. The foundation normally receives requests and acts accordingly, but many foundation officials are also members of Vision 2020 Committees, so they can see how Vision 2020 will benefit the community from firsthand experience. Not every Vision 2020 project gets funded, of course. There have been several projects, including a recent push to provide a data-fiber network to the community, where the foundation has requested Vision 2020 volunteers do more research or tweak their proposal to better benefit as many people as possible. In the network project’s case, those volunteers came back to the foundation with Gig Austin, a proposed $35 million plan that’s arguably the most transformative project Austin will experience by 2020. Yet by and large, more than $120 million will be spent over the next few years on construction projects, education programs, and life-changing initiatives to make Austin a better place. All of that fits in with the foundation’s mission to help Austin grow, a unique mission for a unique organization. “We’re very unique, for this kind of money we’re talking about, to give this much money back,” Ray said. “It’s a really good feeling and it’s good for the community.” P
Austin Daily Herald
Projects galore
THROUGH THE YEARS
Rose Creek Fire Department 21
Current roster of firefighters.
Significant fires:
Adams Bowling Alley, Austin Downtown Fire and Beaver Trails Campground. Rose Creek firefighters respond to a house fire in Rose Creek as smoke billows over Oak Street in November 2013. Herald file photo
Austin Daily Herald
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T
he Rose Creek Fire Department has been fighting fires since 1949, and continued adding new equipment and resources in ‘14. 1949 — Rose Creek Area Fire 1941
1957
2007
Department forms. The first fire chief was Jack Hegge. 1975 — A new Chevy pumper truck was purchased from Clarey’s Fire. 2000 — A new Chevy pickup was purchased to replace a 1975 Ford pickup. 2003 — The fire department moves into a new Fire Station/City Hall at 105 Maple St. SE. 2007 — A new Pierce Pumper is purchased from Clarey’s Fire to replace the 1975 Chevy pumper. 2010 — The department purchases a jaws of life tool. 2014 — The department purchases grain bin rescue equipment. P
Rose Creek firefighters put water on a house in Rose Creek in November 2013. Herald file photo
The Rose Creek Fire Department moved from its old location, pictured left, to a new location, pictured right, at 105 Maple St. SE in 2003. Photos by Brenda Landherr
Some of the Rose Creek Fire Department members posed for a photo.
Austin Daily Herald
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Photo provided
Laura Helle
Age: 34 Hometown: Victor, Iowa Current town: Austin Fun fact: Helle was a journalism major in college. Why she’s in Progress: Helle represents Vision 2020, arguably the most impactful community project in Austin today.
A vision Of the Future Story by Trey Mewes
Vision 2020 will have a huge impact on the community in 2015
Austin Daily Herald
14 Progress 2015
Laura Helle has the patience of a gardener. According to Vision 2020’s Director of Creative Vision, it takes time to plant a tree and watch it grow. You start off planning where to drop the seeds, then you cultivate the soil, water and wait. And wait. And sometimes wait some more. At the end of the day, the trees grow into a forest. That’s what Vision 2020 has become over the past few years: a series of ideas that are still coming to fruition, some faster than others. “I know sometimes people get impatient with the process, but there’s a whole big picture there,” she said. For Helle, Vision 2020 is becoming clearer as it embarks on what could be a transformational year for the community. Several projects are poised to be announced or start this year, from a community recreation center to a community-wide high-speed data fiber network. Other projects are still gathering research from the community, such as Austin Aspires. Still other projects are continuing their efforts to finish small projects that will end up becoming something much larger once everything comes together. That’s as it should be. The trees are growing. The forest is filling in. Helle and hundreds of volunteers, community leaders and organizations are helping to make Austin grow. Vision 2020 has accomplished much over the past three years. The community improvement initiative started in 2012 after several months of research and input from the community — residents submitted more than 4,000 ideas to Vision 2020 organizers to create a new atmosphere in Austin. From those ideas, Vision 2020’s steering committee created 10 overarching goals to accomplish over an eight-year period, with the end date of 2020 in mind. “The trick here is we’re working on transformational change for the community. Some of it is infrastructure and some of it is more culture change,” Helle said. “So when I think about Business Friendly Environment, when I think about Community Pride and Spirit, even in some ways Austin Aspires, those are going to be long-term, brick-by-brick, person by person changes.” Heading into 2015, Vision 2020 is set to make huge strides. After several years of research, community input, small program successes and even a failure or two, Vision 2020 could announce large-scale plans which will forever change the face of Austin.
“It’s going to incredible to see,” Austin Mayor Tom Stiehm said. “They’re doing a lot of good work right now.” Though some projects may take longer than others, Helle is confident in the changes that come. “The best day to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the second best day is today,” she said. “I feel like we are planting trees every day.”
Business Friendly Environment
Austin’s business community has grown closer over the past few years through a series of monthly networking meetings started by Vision 2020 organizers. The meetings, according to Helle, are designed specifically to get more local entrepreneurs connected with one another to grow their businesses from within the community. Helle said the networking opportunities allow local businesses to fill consumer needs and continue to help the local economy get stronger. “People are becoming more aware of the need to shop local,” she said. Aside from networking opportunities, the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce is set to embark on a new media campaign to replace Buy Mower Grow Mower, which Helle said has likely run its course. “They’re wanting to make it a buy local message but also bigger,” she said. “You know, we’re a community together and this is part of what we do as a community.”
Community Pride and Spirit
Volunteers have accomplished much with the Community Housing Improvement Initiative. The Freeborn/Mower Habitat for Humanity has taken charge of the volunteer-led effort to help fix home exteriors for people in need over the past year, and more homes are expected to benefit in 2015. The Austin Housing and Redevelopment Program is continuing a similar effort for residents in the South Crane neighborhood just east of the Hormel Foods Corp. plant. Up to $25,000 in loans are available for residents to use to make major renovations to their homes, whether it be fixing a roof, improving siding or fixing windows. The city of Austin will forgive up to 95 percent of those loans if the applicant lives at the home they want to fix. I.J. Holton Intermediate School’s Peer Power Partners,
which matches general education students with special education students, has expanded to Ellis Middle School, which means the program serves about three times the amount of students as last year, according to Helle. “They’re still on track to add the high school next fall,” she said. Helle said the committee is also working on a community service challenge for residents in 2015. Residents will be asked to volunteer 24 hours over the next year to emphasize the importance of volunteerism and to honor those who already volunteer within the community. “There’s no paperwork, there’s no standards, there’s no keeping track of stuff,” Helle said. “It’s just shining a light on volunteer service.”
Education Leaders
The committee’s crowning achievement is Austin Aspires, a new nonprofit designed to match community organizations with area schools to get even more opportunities for students. The nonprofit is based off of the Cincinatti-born STRIVE network, which has brought private businesses to the table to find ways to help their schools. Former Austin teacher Jennifer Lawhead was hired in July to helm the group. “Since then, she’s been having conversations with a lot of people, including students, including parents and grandparents, including residents who don’t have kids in the school system,” Helle said. “She has thousands of conversations that she has recorded and she’s pulling together some themes about what people are saying.” The idea behind the conversations is to not only reach out to underserved areas of the community, such as Austin’s communities of color, but to find how groups can better serve each other with available resources. Lawhead is also speaking with other communities to find how other places have undergone change. “It is a very slow process,” Helle said. “The beginning is establishing relationships and building trust between the community organizations and the area schools. ... It is slow going.” Austin Aspires could be around for longer than the year 2020 to help ensure Austin’s schools grow along with the community.
Perhaps the biggest project to hit Austin will be a $35 million data fiber network designed to give residents data speeds of up to 1 gig per second. That’s hundreds of times faster than current Internet speeds, which could bring in more economic development and increase the area’s quality of life. Vision 2020 is modeling the project in part on the Google Fiber initiative, which Austin took part in a few years ago. A data fiber network could bring a lot of benefit for residents provided prices and plans are comparable to local Internet options. A recent study showed Austin could likely sustain a data fiber network if more than 40 percent of residents signed up for service and another survey showed a majority of residents would sign up.
Residents are set to get even more bike racks in the downtown area this spring as the city of Austin takes out downtown kiosks to put in 11 racks around the city. In addition, city workers are set to build 1.6 miles of trail in the area this summer. The city will put in a sidewalk/trail on the south side of a replacement bridge on East Side Lake, which will extend to 12th Avenue. A 10-foot wide asphalt trail will go from the Bandshell Community Park by the Cedar River, past the Wastewater Treatment Plant and connect to Fourth Street Southwest. Finally, the city plans to build a trail alongside 10th Drive Southeast during a street reconstruction project in the area this sumer. Yet the committee also plans to increase bike safety education in the area. “They have a bit of a hybrid challenge,” Helle said. “They’re not only working on trails, they’re working on a culture change here in the area.” Vision 2020 volunteers have recently written a grant to the Minnesota Department of Transportation to get flashing lights installed at various intersections to warn drivers of nearby pedestrians and bikers. In addition, area schools are planning more bike safety courses for students, as well as another Bike Safety Day this spring.
Waterways
The Cedar River Watershed District is gearing up for a large year. The CRWD received a $1.5 million grant from the Minnesota Clean Water Fund last year to move forward on a $2.1 million initiative to implement a series of projects along the Dobbins Creek Watershed’s 25,700 acres over the next few years. The Targeted Watershed Demonstration Program, as it’s officially known, also requires CRWD officials to match the grant with $200,000 in funding, and officials say Vision 2020 is helping to get $100,000 from The Hormel Foundation.
This artists rendering shows what the Spam Museum will look like. Courtesy of RSP Architects
Destination Downtown
The Spam Museum’s upcoming move will dominate this committee’s plans over the next few years. Hormel Foods Corp. announced the move in May. Demolition on various buildings surrounding the property began in September and construction is expected to start early this year. If all goes well, the museum will be open in spring or summer of 2016. “Our focus for 2015 is all of the changes that are coming with the Spam Museum project,” Helle said. “We’re really working on keeping communication lines open with Hormel Foods in terms of the construction timeline.” Knowing when construction will affect businesses will be a large part of the committee’s efforts, but volunteers will also work on tourism plans with the neighborhood as the Spam Museum comes to fruition. In addition, the committee is also preparing more networking and demographics data to business owners to help them plan their business strategies. P
Progress 2015
Community-Wide Technology
Bike/Walk Trail
On a recent level, the district and Vision 2020 asked the Mower County board to help fund two sediment basins north of Austin in the Dobbins Creek sub watershed. The basins are, in essence, earthen berms that will trap storm water for up to 24 hours before moving it downstream. The basins will also help catch sediment and other materials, which will help clean the watershed. “The thing that makes me really excited is Dobbins Creek feeds into East Side Lake,” Helle said. “We know that tons and tons of sediment are gathering in East Side Lake every single year, so when we start being able to level that off to where we’re not adding that sediment, then we can seriously look at the water quality of the lake depth and if a dredging project is feasible or not.”
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One of the most impactful changes to Austin will likely be announced this year as Vision 2020 organizers prepare to publicly announce a $40 to $50 million effort to build a new community recreation center. The group has collected data and worked with architects for the past few years to narrow down potential sites for a rec center. At one point, the committee looked at 24 sites but volunteers say there are two possible locations for a new center, both in downtown Austin. That includes the old Austin Utilities downtown power plant site, which Vision 2020 volunteers have long looked to use as a rec center. Consultants CCI Planning and SEH toured the facility last summer as part of the city of Austin’s downtown master plan update and agreed the site could be used as a rec center after major renovations were done. Helle said the committee has yet to announce which site the rec center will be built as volunteers are working with property owners on land prices. The center could include an aquatic center, a gymnastics area, a fitness area, classrooms for community events, flexible areas and even more amenities, according to Helle. “Until the site is announced, we’re not going to go further in the design process because so much of the design is site-specific,” she said. The rec center project got an early start when Vision 2020 and Austin Public Schools announced in November an athletic dome would be built at Wescott Athletic Complex. The dome will cover Art Hass field, which will become turf along with another field during the project. The $5 million renovation is expected to wrap up by fall 2015 and be open to the public this winter.
Helle said Austin Utilities could work with Jaguar Communications to run the network provided the utility company’s board of directors approve a plan. For now, the plan is waiting on state and federal action to update telecommunication laws to allow utility companies to get into the fiber network business more easily. “We think regulations around that phone switch referendum should loosen up, which really makes Austin Utilities a major player,” she said.
Austin Daily Herald
Community Recreation Center
Dave Pike
Age: 43 Current town and hometown: Brownsdale Hobby: Pike collects antique cars, though he’s down to just one car at the moment.
Why he’s in Progress: Pike has helped area law enforcement get up-tospeed on the latest technology improvements available.
Mower County deputy Dave Pike demonstrates how he uses the computer in his squad car at the LEC. Photos by Eric Johnson
Austin Daily Herald
16 Progress 2015
To protect through tech Updated computers, radios helping cops serve community
Progress 2015
ABOVE: The computer in deputy and Austin police cruisers is the hub of information for the officer with maps and background check capabilities. BELOW: The radio from a Mower County deputy squad car rests in the middle and has both analog and digital communication.
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Sgt. Dave Pike has always been interested in technology. The Mower County Sheriff’s deputy is the point person behind the county and area law enforcement technology efforts. As such, he’s been a bit busy over the past few months after Austin police and sheriff’s deputies recently upgraded their computer network. “It was just something I enjoyed,” he said. Pike was involved when the county and city switched to a computer system inside cruisers eight years ago, so he knows how valuable the county’s recent upgrades have been. This past summer, all Austin and Mower County cruisers were upgraded to a 4G network, which represented a huge jump in technology for police. “We’ll get access to things in real time,” he said. Officers have access to much more information inside their cruisers than they did even a year ago. Pike said police can access everything from a mugshot for residents with warrants to personalized maps, either from the county’s system or from Google, to find their way to a call. Deputies can keep track of cruisers out on the road, which allows them to coordinate where they travel the county. “They tend to drive the other way [from a fellow cruiser],” Pike said. “That way we cover more of the county.” In addition, the computer network allows cruisers to be connected to events as they
happen. Officers and deputies can update police reports live so coworkers and supervisors are aware of any situation, whether it be a drug arrest or an animal complaint. What’s more, Austin and Mower County law enforcement can work with officers from nearby Grand Meadow, Brownsdale and other area law enforcement, all of whom operate on the same network. The system also cuts down on repetitive paperwork, according to Pike. Say an officer pulls someone over for speeding. The officer decides to give the driver a ticket for going more than 20 mph over the speed limit. Once that officer punches information into the computer, all he or she has to do is push a button to print out paperwork for the driver. The ticket information is automatically put into the police department’s system and copied over to the Mower County Court Administration’s records, which saves a lot of time with a few simple key strokes. Mower County’s new computer system also allows law enforcement to work with and track outstanding records from nearby counties. Pike said Mower, Fillmore and Houston are able to check each others’ records, and more counties are joining together as police technology becomes widespread. “It’s a great tool for us,” he said. Pike will continue to help the county by acting as an administrator over its systems, but he’ll also be on the road and ready to serve. “It’s just another means for us to protect our community,” he said. P
Austin Daily Herald
By Trey Mewes
A history with Spam Arlen Schamber left retirement to lead his 2nd Spam museum build
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By Jason Schoonover
little more than a year into retirement, Arlen Schamber got a call from Hormel Foods Corp. asking him to return to help lead the project to build a new Spam Museum. “I said,’You know, that sounds like fun,’” Schamber said. Not much could have lured Schamber, 63, out of retirement, but now he’s leading the project to build a new museum on Austin’s North Main Street between Second and Fourth avenues, a project announced by the city and Hormel in May of 2014. “The Spam Museum, that’s kind of different,” Schamber said. “That’s a neat thing.”
But Schamber had a history with Spam even before he led the first project to build the 1101 N. Main St. museum.
Spam in South Dakota
Schamber was introduced to Hormel’s famed canned meat at an early age growing up on a dairy farm in Freeman, South Dakota. After working long hours milking cows and doing chores, he remembers his mother cooking fried potatoes and Spam. “The smell would just be wafting through the house, and you come in and you’re just hungry from working all day,” he said. But when Schamber accepted a job with Hormel in 1974 after graduating from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, he didn’t know Hormel was the company responsible for Spam. By the time Schamber retired from Hormel as a supervising staff engineer in April of 2013, he could boast of an active career. He started with the company’s Fremont, Nebraska, plant in 1974 before being transferred to a now defunct Twin Cities division in 1976 and to Austin in 1980. In the 1980s, he helped design and build offices for Quality Pork Processors, and he was involved as a leader or part
of support team for the kill and cut plant in Fremont and the team that built the Dubuque, Iowa, plant. He led the project to build the original North Main Street Spam Museum in the early 2000s, and he lead the corporate north expansion and remodel, which opened in 2012.
‘A unique opportunity’
Schamber and a team are already hard at work on the new museum. “It’s a unique opportunity to take it downtown, and I think more people can make use of it,” Schamber said. Schamber admitted the museum is more of a public project than most for the company, as many aren’t as public. “We don’t normally go public with our projects,” Schamber said. “But this one is in the public eye. It’s going to be a really good thing for Austin.” A design committee of people from different areas of Hormel are discussing what exhibits should move to the new museum and what should be new exhibits. “Is this really what we want to be putting out there for the public to come to look at?” Schamber said. “Is it a good representative of the company? Does it represent Spam the way it should be represented. I mean Spam is a good product, but it’s also a great fun product.”
Arlen Schamber stands in front of the old Spam Museum. Schamber had a key role in building this museum and will have a similar roll in the new museum going up on Main Street. Photo by Eric Johnson
Arlen Schamber
Age: 63 Current town: Austin Hometown: Freeman, South Dakota Job: Retired Hormel Foods supervising staff engineer, but he returned to lead the project to build the new Spam Museum Fun fact: His father served Spam as a master mess sergeant in the Aleutian Islands during World War II. Why he’s in Progress: He’s helping lead the project to build a new Spam Museum.
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•The World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta, Georgia •Volkswagen's Autostadt, Wolfsburg, Germany •The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, Green Bay, Wisconsin •The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, Ohio •Ripley's Believe It or Not!,
known product. “It’s liked around the world,” he said. “It’s an interesting product.” “It’s really sort of Americana,” Vuksta added about Spam. “But it’s being embraced globally, which I think is very interesting and I think part of the story.” Lichtenberg said it’s been exciting to delve deeper into the brand and learn more about it. “There’s a great history here,” he said. “The World War II era and everything from then to now is just fascinating.” Each brand is unique and subsequently JRA aims to design a museum to fit the feel and personality of each. “When we’re designing, there isn’t a Jack Rouse style or design,” Vuksta said. Coca-Cola has a unique pop-culture
London, England •Jim Beam American Stillhouse and Distillery Tour, Clermont, Kentucky •The Crayola Experience, Easton, Pennsylvania •Science Center Singapore, Singapore •Sochi Adventureland for 2014 Olympics, Sochi Russia identity, while Volkswagen’s museum featured more of the company’s hightech design and was precision engineering. “You can’t look at our work and go, “Oh, Jack Rouse designed that,” Vuksta said. “Each project has a very specific design.” The goal is to reinforce the brand. “Really our job is to make the brand engaging, create an emotional connection with the audience,” Vuksta said. In January, JRA presented a concept for the museum to Hormel Foods executives, and it planned to delve deeper into data and archives of the product ahead of the groundbreaking later this year. “There’s still an awful lot of design to do,” Vuksta said. P
Artist rendering courtesy of RSP Architects
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Schamber and his team have plenty of help on the new museum. Hormel hired design firm Jack Rouse Associates (JRA), which Schamber called one of the best ones out there. “I’m really pleased to have them as part of the team,” Schamber said. JRA has worked on other museums around the country and the world, including the Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta. RSP Architects is working on a floor plan and has done preliminary drawings on the museum. McGuff will be the general contractor, and the group has done a lot of work around Austin, including the original Hormel Institute, the corporate north addition and an addition at St. Olaf and Our Savior’s churches. When construction work gets underway, Schamber said local contractors will get the chance to bid for work on the project. “We want to do as much as we can local,” Schamber said. “That’s the objective.” After he helped lead the first museum project, Schamber remembers several relatives visited the museum as part of bus tours. “They’d get on these bus tours and they’d come around and see the Spam Museum because Arlen built the Spam museum,” he said. “That’s pretty unique.” Schamber and his wife, Mary, a retired teacher, took their grandchildren to the old museum too. “They enjoy that,” Arlen said. The couple has two daughters, Rachel and Gretchen — who both live in Burnsville — and five grandchildren with a sixth due in February. P
ack Rouse Associates has helped design museums for some major brands: Coca-Cola, the Green Bay Packers, Volkswagen, Jim Beam and Crayola. Soon, it will add Spam to the list. “Spam is just as iconic as Coca-Cola, as Volkswagon,” JRA Creative Director Randy Vuksta said. Along with a Hormel Foods Corp. team, JRA was brought on board to help design the new Spam Museum being built in downtown Austin. JRA specializes in designing theme and amusement parks, brand-centered museums, sports stores and halls of fame, and museums. JRA strives to bridge the gap between the public and the company, aiming to look at the project from the perspective of a young mother or an 80-year-old on a bus tour and what they would want to see. “We see ourselves as audience advocates because the public — the people that actually come to the museum — are the one component that’s missing when these projects get developed,” Vuksta said. Part of that is getting into the culture of a community and a product. Lichtenberg said Spam doesn’t take itself too seriously, meaning it’s a fun, well-
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‘Pretty unique’
Design firm to help crack the can on Spam J What other museums has JRA helped design?
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Schamber said about half the exhibits will be moved over, but they’ll be refurbished to go with five to six new exhibits. The World War II exhibit, a favorite at the old museum is highly likely to be moved over. “There’s going to be some of the old and some of the new,” Schmaber said. “It’s going to tie together, I think, rather nicely. It’s going to be pretty neat.” The WWII exhibit is one of Schamber’s favorites, as his father and uncles served in the war, and his father told stories of serving Spam to soldiers as a master mess hall sergeant in the Pacific Theater.
at the rink Brownsdale Rohler Rink holds many memories yet looks to the future By Jenae Hackensmith As 51-year old James Parker picked up his skates, he recalled visiting the Rohler Rink off and on for 30 years. “Good rink, good clean fun,” Parker said. Now living just outside of town, he has frequented the rink for the last two and a half years. He and his girlfriend’s son went to the New Year’s Eve all night skate to skate into 2015. Along with many people ranging from children to adults, both Cody Wiseman, 17, and his sister Tori Wiseman, 15 — who live in the Twin Cities — were back in Brownsdale visiting family for the holidays. They were excited to meet up with friends and family at the rink. “I just like roller blading,” Tori said. “I don’t get to do it a lot.” “It’s just kind of like a fun time,” she added. “There’s not a whole lot of them so it’s kind of a fun thing to do.” When Brett and Ronda Rohl bought the business in 2005, they took over more than
Erika Rohl rents out skates during a New Year’s Eve skate at the Brownsdale Rohler Rink. Photos by Eric Johnson a roller rink. They took over a Brownsdale community staple. “Ronda wanted to buy it,” Brett Rohl
said. “She likes skating, her and the kids do.” The first roller rink at the site was built in
1955, but it burned down and was rebuilt larger by original owner Mark Staples. After several years in operation, the building was empty for more than two years before the Rohls took it over. Brett said the rink’s success has been in part due to the memories made years ago. “I’ve got people that have been married for 50 years and come back,” Brett recalled. Even the family has fond memories of the rink. The Rohls’ oldest daughter, Tanya Vanderpool, remembered skating when she was young. “Some of my best memories was skating around here with my first crush, you know, holding hands on the rink floor,” Vanderpool said. “You know, when mom and dad said, ‘We’re having a party at the rink’ that was like the jackpot growing up.” The rink gets about three or four large groups per month, many of which are school groups. Brett said the groups come from Mankato, Owatonna, Rochester, Fairbault, Stewartville, Dodge Center, Southland, Grand Meadow and others.
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Brett Rohl
Age: 48 Current town: Waltham, Minnesota Hometown: Wanamingo, Minnesota Job: Drives semi-truck for Hayfield Window Hobby: Brett enjoys deer hunting on his land. He enjoys hunting both on his own and with his family. Last year, he got three bucks in a half-hour of getting to his stand. Why he’s in Progress: Brett and his wife, Ronda, took over the Rohler Rink in Brownsdale in 2005 after it sat empty for two and a half years. The rink has been a community staple for many years and doesn’t look to close anytime soon.
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Kids skate during a New Year’s Eve skate at the Brownsdale Rohler Rink.
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Brett estimated about 50 to 60 people skate each Friday. Much of the business is also teens and children coming to skate on the weekends or holding birthday parties. Brett said they also rent the rink for wedding receptions. “A lot of people thank you for still being open and still having the place,” Brett said. Brett said his motto is to treat all his customers kindly. “That’s the only way you’re going to keep business is if you appreciate them and do fair deals,” he said. About 650 pairs of skates came with the building, but that wasn’t enough for the skaters. The Rohls needed to get roller blades, and they picked them up wherever they could. Eventually they purchased a bulk of rental skates, but they still break out the old blades when they get large groups of similar-sized feet. The Rohls try to keep the rink with the times, playing newer music with music videos and keeping the building up to date. But Vanderpool said some things have stayed the same. “I know people have said they really like this carpet style because it’s been there since we were kids,” she laughed about the purple, patterned carpet that covers much of the nonskate area. Someday the Rohls hope to add on and create more skating space. The roller derby had shown interest in using the space for practice but it wasn’t large enough. Yet Brett said the town is happy they are there, and the business sustains itself, so they will keep on skating. Now with children of her own, Vanderpool and her four siblings come to help run the rink and give their parents a night off every so often. Brett’s son, Jeremy Rohl, dresses like a clown and helps entertain for birthday parties. “I’ve seen the acts for almost nine years now, but it’s just fun to watch him and watch the kids just smiling,” Brett said. He added, “We’re waiting until the grandkids get big enough and then they can help.” P
Rolling ahead Travel Lanes more than just a bowling alley Story by Jenae Hackensmith, Photos by Eric Johnson Stop by LeRoy’s Travel Lanes & Supper Club on most Tuesday nights and you’ll find 61-year-old Thomas Bye — like many others — enjoying a game with friends. “In the winter time you need something to do to break up the week,” he said. Bye has bowled at the alley since it was established and doesn’t foresee that changing anytime soon. “It’s the only bowling alley in town,” he said with a laugh. For area residents, Travel Lanes has been more than a bowling alley. It’s been a community staple for school children, church groups and more since 1999. Owners Jim and Brenda Gronwoldt know what it means to LeRoy. “It means a lot to the community,” Jim said.
A big draw
Although Jim said alleys aren’t a dying breed, the world of technology and computers has taken place of many alleys. He noted schools making bowling a sport has helped people keep the game thriving.
Jim Gronwoldt co-owns the Travel Lanes & Supper Club with his wife Brenda, in LeRoy.
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Thomas Bye puts some body English into a roll during league play at Travel Lanes. from the alley. The alley also has open bowling on the weekends, and the nine employees host birthday parties, school groups, church groups and 4-H groups. “It’s really nice that they have something besides an electronic feature to do,” Jim said.
‘Are you sure?’
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The Gronwoldts purchased Travel Lanes in May of 2003. Jim had been looking for an alley for three years while working as a service technician for McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing in Dodge Center. After a friend told him the alley in LeRoy was for sale, he didn’t wait long to snatch it up. “It’s where we ended up,” Jim said. “It’s what we could make work.” Brenda recalled asking several times, “Are you sure?” and Jim laughed when he said it was never his wife’s idea.
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“The best thing I like about bowling: Anyone can bowl,” Jim said. “I don’t care how old you are, how young you are. Golf, not so much.” The alley attracts bowlers from many surrounding communities: St. Ansgar, Iowa; Riceville; Presco; Elm, Iowa; Spring Valley; Stewartville and Hayfield. “We draw from a big area,” Jim said. “It just couldn’t happen in a small town because it takes people to do it.” Those people come to Travel Lanes for leagues five nights a week, including men’s league, ladies’ league and mixed-group leagues. Jim said that’s what fills the business at night in the small town. Bye is a regular bowler in leagues on Tuesday nights and a substitute bowler on Thursday nights. He enjoys bowling not only for the sport but also to visit friends and break up the cold winter nights. It doesn’t hurt he lives a short walk away
BRENDA GRONWOLDT
Age: 55 Current town: LeRoy Hometown: Riceville Job: Own Travel Lanes Hobby/fun fact: Enjoys inventing new foods, and reading in her spare time. Why she’s in Progress: Brenda owns the Travel Lanes bowling alley with her husband, Jim. Though she wasn’t sure about purchasing the alley in the beginning, she has had a great time cooking for the attached restaurant and creating new foods. She loves the family atmosphere, and if she doesn’t know her customers by name, she usually knows them by what food they order. The couple lived in Kasson for 14 years prior to moving to LeRoy. Since they bought the alley, they have added automatic scoring and continue to update furnishing such as windows, furnaces and equipment on the kitchen line. They also updated the outside of the building. Jim and his wife agreed they love the family atmosphere the place has taken on over the years. “The really nice atmosphere, friendly staff,” Brenda said. “It’s really nice.” But Travel Lanes is more than just a bowling alley. Along with the alley, Jim and Brenda own an attached liquor store, a bar and grill restaurant with Brenda’s homemade food, a lounge, a 300-seat banquet room in the basement, and the business offers catering. The banquet room has hosted events like wedding receptions, graduation parties and anniversary parties. Jim has enjoyed owning the alley for the last 12 years and wants people to experi-
JIM GRONWOLDT
Age: 56 Current town: LeRoy Hometown: Riceville Job: Own Travel Lanes Hobby/fun fact: Enjoys bowling, has been to nationals about 25 years in a row. He also enjoys golf. Why he’s in Progress: Jim and his wife own the Travel Lanes bowling alley in LeRoy. The alley has been a big part of the community, and Jim has enjoyed all 12 years of owning and working at the alley. ence his employees’ hospitality. “I’m hoping that they feel warm about it and that they’re happy with the service that they receive,” he said.
The next 12 years
Jim and Brenda hope the alley will continue on for many years. Their son, Brandon, works at the alley, and they hope one day he may take over the business. “Staying full, happy, cheerful, people still coming in the door,” Jim said. “I feel if we can accomplish a kind, courteous respect that they would expect somewhere, and the food here is awesome, that they’ll always come back. You don’t always have that in a small town.” Brenda has appreciated the community’s support over the first 12 years. “We’re hoping to be here for a long time because the community’s fabulous to us,” Brenda said. “Let’s see what the next 12 years does,” she added. P
The Tuesday Niners bowling team warms up before league play.
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A corner of convenience
Corky’s has provided 30 years of service in Adams Story by Rocky Hulne, Photo by Eric Johnson
Corky Kresbach is owner of Corky's Corner in Adams, a centerpiece of the town as you drive through on Highway 56.
D
rive through any small town in America today and there’s likely a small convenience store anchoring one of the main drives, but chances are it’s a chain like a Kwik Trip or a Casey’s. The locally owned and operated gas station is starting to become a relic of the past. But not in Adams. For the past 30 years, Corky’s Corner has provided local residents with a place to get gas, get food and maybe a chat with neighbors. But when Corky Krebsbach decided to buy a vacant garage in 1981, he never thought he’d turn it into what it is today. Corky’s Corner started off as a mechanic shop that happened to have gas pumps and offered a few snacks. By 1987, the store sold some groceries, but still fixed cars. By 1990, the store stopped fixing cars and became an exclusive convenience store. In 1996, Krebsbach bought the building next to Corky’s, expanded the store and added a Piccadilly’s Pizza. As if owning and running a store isn’t hard enough, Krebsbach also farms 1,300 acres and raises pigs on the side. “My whole family has always been pretty hard workers,” Krebsbach said. “I got a good work ethic from my parents, and you just keep going and going. When you’re young you think you can do everything. [Now] I’m getting burned
Corky Krebsbach
Age: 61 Job: Owner of Corky’s Corner convenience store in Adams Hometown and current town: Adams Fun fact: Corky also farms and raises pigs. out on doing it all.” Krebsbach opens up the store nearly every weekday and he usually leaves the store to go farming at around 1 or 2 p.m. While farming can be hard, Corky’s also keeps him busy as it offers a full menu of snack items, a tanning bed and videos for rent. Of course, sometimes Krebsbach’s work includes him catching up with old friends. He started work in Adams as a mechanic 40 years ago, so there are few people Krebsbach doesn’t know in town. “I’ve been in business in town 40 years,” Krebsbach said. “I’ve seen kids that were really little grow up and have kids, and now their kids are having kids. Generations of people have come through here. I knew a lot of these people’s grandpas.” Krebsbach said the days are getting harder and harder for him to keep up with, and he’s actually looking into selling
“There are very few mom and pop’s around anymore. I think what helped us survive is that we remodeled, and I made a professional looking convenience store.” — Corky Krebsbach Owner, Corky’s Corner the store within the next few years. He wants the store to stay locally owned as he feels there are advantages to that. Over the years, Corky’s Corner has donated to local fundraisers and has been a big part of the community. Krebsbach said when he first opened the store, there were a lot of small towns with their own locally owned gas stations. “There aren’t a lot of us left anymore,” he said. “A lot of them have been bought up. There are very few mom and pop’s around anymore. I think what helped us survive is that we remodeled, and I made a professional-looking convenience store.” P
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“I’ve been in business in town 40 years. I’ve seen kids that were really little grow up and have kids, and now their kids are having kids. Generations of people have come through here. I knew a lot of these people’s grandpas.”
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— Corky Krebsbach
The Worlein Funeral Home staff: Front row, from left: Tom Paulson, Patty Urlick, Mary Kittelson, Judy Pryor, LaVonne Brinkman. Back row: Steve DeFor, Duane Dahlback, Jim Stough, Paul Worlein, Dan McRaith, Mark McGuire, Mark Bjorlie, Bob Brinkman, Bob Weis. Photo by Eric Johnson
Worlein Funeral Home presses ahead while remembering its roots By Jenae Hackensmith The past and the present have made a good combination at Worlein Funeral Home. While the business is working on a new museum to chronicle its history, its employees continue to look for new ways to translate that tradition into today’s practices. “We’re continually reaching out and trying to find out what we could be doing better, what we could do different, what we could add to our service to provide the people that we work with the best possible experience,” Worlein’s Community Services Director Mary Kittelson said. Worlein, which has been in business for more than 100 years, has received much acclaim for its efforts in recent years. Along with receiving the National Funeral Directors Association’s Pursuit of Excellence Award for seven straight years, Worlein was one of only four funeral homes in the county to win association’s Best of the Best Award last year. Part of Worlein’s success last year was due to “Embracing Grief,” a 2013 video made in partnership with KSMQ Public Television that won a national Telly Award in 2013 and the Best of the Best award in 2014. Owner Paul Worlein said the funeral home has been busy in other areas as well, working to keep up with the times and technology.
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LEFT: The old Worlein Funeral Home used to stand where the park currently sits just past the Cedars of Austin. This photo was estimated to have been taken in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Statues and plantlife now grace the location. RIGHT: Ward and Margaret Worlein were the parents of current owner Paul Worlein. Photos provided
We’re continually reaching out and trying to find out what we could be doing better.
—Mary Kittelson, community services director
Awards Worlein has won the past seven years:
2008 – National Funeral Directors Association Pursuit of Excellence Award 2009 – NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award 2010 – NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award 2011 – NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award Finalist for Austin Chamber Business of the Year 2012 – NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award 2013 – NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award 2014 – Relay for Life Top Team Award NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award NFDA Best of the BEST Award
The old Worlein Funeral Home chapel looked very different in the 1930s or 1940s than the new building’s chapel looks today. Photos provided people and we have a lot we have an excellent of families, so we have, staff and facilities, and over the years we’ve we work very hard to worked with generaimprove all the time to tions.” keep up on whatever is necessary.” Coping with In smaller communities like Austin or grief Blooming Prairie, it’s not The funeral home has always easy to stay one been involved in many step removed from the projects to help families grief, according to Paul. through grief, some “It’s always different resonating with people because you know these even before the passing John George Worlein people and they know of a loved one. was the great-grandfather you, so the idea that you “The funeral home … to current owner Paul can be objective about strives to be a resource liWorlein. [it] only goes so far,” brary, or a resource cenPaul said. ter for people who are There are definite adgrieving in all forms,” vantages to knowing a family well — beKittelson said. ing able to make them more comfortable Besides helping with funeral services during the time of loss and better underand arrangements, Worlein staff complete standing their needs — but it can also be at least one community project each year. difficult. Perhaps the most known is “Embracing “You’re emotionally involved someGrief,” a video that features six families who times,” Paul said. “We get to know a lot of talk about how they coped with grief.
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Despite looking to technology, the funeral home hasn’t forgotten its roots. The staff is working to finishing the museum, which will feature coffins, removal baskets, casket hardware and furniture making tools, and old photos. The museum will be open to the public and will be featured in tours and classes. The old museum downstairs will be converted to an additional gathering space to use for meetings and a grief support group the home hosts. John George Worlein started the business near what’s now the Peace Plaza by the Cedars of Austin. He built handcrafted wood furniture and caskets in the 1800s. His son, John Julius Worlein, graduated in the first class of licensed embalmers in Minnesota. In 1946, John Julius Worlein’s son Ward Worlein started operating the funeral homes in Austin and Lyle, which were later combined into one Austin facility. Eventually, Ward’s sons, John and Paul, joined him in the business. A second location opened in Blooming Prairie in 1990. The Austin home moved to its present location, 1801 Fourth St. NW, in 1993. “When it came time to build a new funeral home here, it was a project that the three of us were involved in,” Paul said, referring to himself, his father and his brother. Today, Paul owns the family business. Over the years the staff has grown to include four funeral directors and several full-time employees, but there are many busy behind the scenes. “I guess we try to do our very best for families that we serve,” Paul said. “I think
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A family tradition
The video has been shown many places, DVDs have been passed out and it’s available for free online. Kittelson’s had many people tell her it helped them through the grieving process. “It’s not just people who have had a loss, but people who are anticipating a loss, people who have loved ones who have terminal illnesses, or long-term illness,” Kittelson said. “I’ve had some of those individuals watch it and tell me how helpful it was to them to know that it will be OK.” Another project helped educate children and parents on the effects of bullying and how it can lead to tragedy. Another featured a seminar about grief at the funeral home with outside speakers, and another partnered with pharmacies and public health on a hand sanitizer campaign. The business also offers classes about women and diversity in funeral service. Along with its projects, Worlein utilized technology to offer more services. According to Paul, the business is able to record services, show videos at services or visitations, has an updated sound system, and has a Facebook page and website. People can also send online condolences. “Technology has definitely been part of what we’ve been doing,” Paul said. “We’ve got good staff, good facilities, and just continue to grow.” Families have more options available than previous years, such as cremation, making a loved one into a diamond or jewelry, putting ashes into an urn, alkaline hydrolysis, or a “green” funeral. Pets can also be cremated or buried. Kittelson is happy with how far Worlein has come and hopes it will continue to grow. “I hope that people look at it and think that this is a dedicated group that will work their best to do whatever they can to help this family through their loss,” Kittelson said. P
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“You change because everything else changes,” he said. “Funerals have always evolved over time, so it’s just the people that decide what they want, and the funeral homes try to provide that.”
QA &
with:
Wayne Dietrich
Wayne Dietrich is in charge of the family business at R&S Grain Systems in Dexter. Q: How long have you been the vice president of R&S Grain Systems? A: Probably about six years. Q: How would you describe R&S Grain Systems? How long has the company been around? A: My parents started it in the 1970s. When was it now? About 1972. They were the first two employees we had. We’ve got about 22 employees right now. We make and install farm equipment under two companies: R&S Grain Systems and R&S Installation. They used to be one and the same, but thanks to the U.S. government and some tax reforms, we split them into two a while back. Q: What do you do as vice president of R&S Grain Systems? A: I oversee the whole company, basically. My main role is to sell equipment and then I run the installation crew, which is R&S Installation. Q: When did you get started? A: In 1983. We still farmed, so I farmed with my mom and dad and then worked at the business with them. At that time, I was jack of all trades, master of none, probably.
Back then it was just one company, so we’d manufacture stuff and we’d also install stuff. Q: How is the company doing in 2015? A: It grows bigger every year, I guess. We keep adding more equipment and more product lines, plus we make more product, so that’s a win. Q: How do you feel about working at a family business like this? A: Gratifying. It’s definitely better than going into a factory job and doing the same thing day after day. Q: What do you do when you’re not at work? A: I enjoy the outdoors and enjoy being out on water. I like to go turkey hunting and deer hunting. I like fishing as well. P
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The Austin area has enjoyed significant growth in recent years.
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Employment is growing, and our economy is expanding and diversifying. Austin is a great place to be today. We are working to make it an even better place tomorrow, through the work of community partners involved with Vision 20/20 and the Business Friendly Committee.
Pictured Left to Right: Erich, Gene, Amy, Stephen, Alvina LeTendre (owner), Josh, Debbie, Jeff, Johnny, Gary LeTendre (owner), Joe
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Rock solid
Cornerstone church expands and solidifies its place in Austin Story by Jenae Hackensmith, Photos by Eric Johnson
Cornerstone Church Lead Pastor Dave Simerson, Youth and Young Adult Pastor Brandon Harrison, Executive Pastor Cory Goetz and Next Generation Pastor Aaron Broberg represent the face of the church that just completed a major expansion of the Sterling Main Street Mall location.
ABOVE: Aside from the expansion product, Cornerstone moved its reception area to an alcove just off the main entrance. BELOW: Aaron Broberg points out some of the new features that were part of Cornerstone’s expansion.
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oing to church at a strip mall may sound a little odd at first, but Cornerstone Church has not only made the space work, it’s expanded on it. The church, located in the Sterling strip mall at 1403 First Ave. SE in Austin, finished a $550,000 expansion last August to add more space, much of it for the church’s youngest members. “It all started with just needing more space,” Executive Pastor Cory Goetz said. “We had kids piling into rooms that just weren’t big enough to hold them.” But it wasn’t always that way. Goetz recalled there were about 75 members when he started in 1998. Now about 800 people attend weekly, with about 1,200 members overall. The church also has about five full-time employees — four of them pastors and one counselor — and four part-time employees. The church started in 1991 with one pastor, and organizers rented the Ellis Middle School auditorium for service. They moved around a bit, and around 2005 the church purchased the space — once a movie theater — in the strip mall. The church finished the facility’s main floor in July of 2007 and the second floor in October of 2008. With growing membership, the church needed to expand. After acquiring about 5,600 square feet of space from neighboring Sterling Main Street, the Cornerstone crew renovated the nursery into the information center and some kids’ classrooms into a second lobby area near the sanctuary. They also made a wing specifically for the children. Goetz recalled parents dropping children off in several different places for kids’ church. “One of the primary things we wanted to accomplish was to create one place for families to go,” Goetz said. The children services now have a more secure drop off and pickup area. Next Generation Pastor Aaron Broberg said that’s not the only impact from the new youth area. “The space has made it very easy for parents to get their kids more acclimated to the church,” Broberg said. For church member Natalie Bunnell, the church’s expansions have been a welcome addition. “It’s great because there’s been so much more room,” Bunnell said. “We’ve really grown, especially in that 3 to 5 year age.” Bunnell plans to take over the preschool class department and is excited for more space and the single check-in and drop off area. “I think it is nice to have all the children in their own wing — it’s more contained, it’s more secure,” she said. “It makes it more convenient, especially if you’re outnumbered by your children.” Many church members have been excited about the renovations, regardless if they have young children. Broberg said the overall reaction from church members has also gone well. “The whole church wanted to really invest [in] this expansion, the money, the renovation, for the next generation coming up,” he said. But Goetz noted it wasn’t just about the youngest church goers. Many of Cornerstone’s Life Groups also meet at the church, where they now utilize the extra space. “We talk about kind of our biggest demographic is the 30s and 40s, but our foundation and our structure and our backbone is our seniors who have been here forever and pray and pray and pray for this church and its people,” Goetz said. The church added a third Saturday night service in October of 2014 to accommodate for the growing congregation. After a smooth renovation, the church is ready to keep expanding in numbers. “We really want this to be a tool,” Goetz said. “We want it to get used and we want it to be full of people, and we want it to be a place where people have a really good, warm feeling about it.” P
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A local area Church Directory is printed every Friday in the Austin Daily Herald
Brianna Boyer
Age: 15 Current and hometown: Austin Job: Freshman at Austin High School Hobby: She enjoys music, languages, and loves to read. Why she’s in Progress: Brianna traveled to Asia on a mission trip with her father, Jon. She hopes to major in linguistics and return to Asia when she is older.
Jon Boyer
Age: 48 Current town: Austin Hometown: Mountain Home Village, California Job: President of Precision Signs LLC of Austin Hobby: He enjoys working with youth at Faith Evangelical Free Church Why he’s in Progress: Jon traveled to Asia to deliver production center equipment to villagers.
Jon Boyer and his daughter Brianna traveled to parts of Asia in 2014 on mission trips.
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A draw to serve
Brianna Boyer, from left, Project Video volunteer Kathree Win, Jon Boyer and videographer with the Free Burma Rangers Edward Win stand at the campus of the Karenni Bible School in Mae Hong Song. Photo provided Before the trip, Jon and Brianna raised about $10,000 to buy the production center equipment and about $6,000 to travel overseas. Jon was impressed by how much the Austin community and their church, Faith Evangelical Free, supported the trip.
“Just to see the amount of support that we got from this community was tremendous. To me, I would say that was the highlight,” Jon said. Many people donated to their cause, including a church men’s group Jon is in-
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When Jon Boyer heard God’s call to serve in Asia, he wasn’t sure he heard right but he didn’t hesitate to go. Jon and his 15-year-old daughter Brianna Boyer traveled to Asia last October to visit several villages with Project Video, a group that works to get technical equipment into churches that can’t afford it. “When I started to see what they were doing and what a significant impact it has on others, their lives over there, that was what made me realize the value in it,” Jon said. “And quite frankly, I just felt like God was calling me to do it, and it was obvious because everything came together.” Brianna was excited to join her father on the trip because she loves traveling. “I just felt like it gave me a chance to do something good out there,” she said. The project the duo took on included building and equipping Project Video’s 12th video production studio in Asia. This studio went to Karenni people who live in Burma and Thailand. While working with Project Video, the duo got the production equipment to Mae Hong Song in Burma, and set up and dedicated the production center.
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By Jenae Hackensmith
Austin Daily Herald
Business owner, daughter bring production center to Asian village
volved in, a teacher of Brianna’s, and more. Jon was glad people wanted to be a part of the project. Teachers and administrators at Austin High School were also excited for Brianna — even though it meant missing almost a month of classes — because of the education benefits she would receive from the trip. While over there, Brianna saw a school at the Karenni village which had no walls and a dirt floor. She and her father also visited remote villages, some with limited electricity. “They have nothing but they would send you out the door with food and just anything,” Jon said. “The hospitality is incredible.” Brianna agreed. “Everyone was so nice, and they just gave, they weren’t, like selfish at all.” The trip was Jon’s second to Asia after a December 2013 trip to teach a class at a college on conflict resolution. Jon’s older daughter, Amanda Boyer, worked as a teacher in Asia in 2014, and Jon visited her during his first trip. Neither Jon nor Brianna are finished now that the trip is over. Jon headed back to Asia in February, this time with his wife, Anna Boyer. They plan to help student refugees transition into being able to make a living and provide for themselves. As for Brianna, she came back to the United States with hopes to major in linguistics and eventually go back to Thailand to do ministry work. “I came back and I had my whole life planned out,” she said. “I just feel drawn to over there,” she added. P
QA &
with: Glenn Monson
Two decades of faith in Austin
Glenn Monson is one of the longest-tenured pastors in Austin, having served at Our Saviors Lutheran Church since 1996. Q: What motivated you to go into the ministry? A: When my wife and I were first married, we were members of a church in Chicago. I was involved in teaching adult Sunday School. The more I did of this the more I liked it. I began thinking about being in ministry. One day my wife said, “I don’t know why you don’t think about being a pastor; I think you’d make a good one.” I said, “Really?” And the rest is history. Q: When did you start at Our Savior’s? What has kept you here? A: I started as an associate pastor in 1996. I enjoyed seven-plus great years with Don Deines being the senior pastor. When Don was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease and had to resign, I was called to be the senior pastor. That was 2004. Since then, the congregation has completed a building program and done a lot of great ministry, which I have enjoyed very much. Q: How has the church changed since you came to Austin? A: All churches have changed in the last 20 years. Twenty years ago the pattern of worship for an active member was weekly worship. Now because of very busy and complex lives, even active members are often occasional worshippers. Twenty years ago, we thought of doing ministry in “silos”; children, youth, young adults, married, single, seniors, etc. Today we often do ministry intergenerationally. I like that. Q: What are some strengths of Aus-
tin’s church community, and how could it be better? A: There are many fine churches in Austin. There are diverse worship styles and diverse leadership styles. There is something for everyone. There are also ethnic churches for non-English speakers. We would be stronger if we collaborated more in ministry. Our best moments working together were in flood relief together in the early 2000s. Q: What are some of your proudest accomplishments at Our Savior’s? A: How Our Savior’s ministry makes a difference in the lives of real people here and around the globe is what I’m most proud of. When I think of the Emmanuel Health Center we built in the Central African Republic and I know that lives are saved there every day, I’m proud. When I see a single mom in Austin who is alive and well today because she received support in her time of crisis, that makes me glad. Q: If you were on a deserted island, what books would you bring? A: I know you expect me to say this, but I’d definitely bring my Bible. I go to the scriptures every day for strength and assurance. Beyond that I’d probably bring a book on the proper golf swing, since I would have lots of time to work on that! Q: If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would buy? A: I would probably pay for a vacation at some exotic place with all my favorite people. Beyond that I’d pay off the
building loan at Our Savior’s. Q: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? A: I always wanted to be a professional musician, which I was for 15 years before I became a pastor. I have always loved music and I still love performing. Q: If you could have starred in one movie or TV show, what character would you be? A: I think I would be Steve McQueen in “The Great Escape.” He was a pretty cool customer. Q: What would be on your bucket list? A: To visit Norway and see the fjord where my great-grandfather was born and raised. Q: What’s the most embarrassing thing that happened to you while on the job? A: People at Our Savior’s will remember this: One Sunday I was preaching about God’s love being everflowing like the mighty Niagara (Falls). At end of the sermon when I meant to say “Niagara,” instead I said, “like the mighty Viagara.” That got a laugh — actually a lot of laughs! Q: If you could spend one day with one person in history, who would it be? A: Abraham Lincoln. I wonder how he even made it through a day when the Civil War was on and slavery was dividing the country. We think there’s division in our country today; it must have been unbelievable in those days. P
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Bruins moving players on to the next level Story by Rocky Hulne
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Christian Folin of the Minnesota Wild shoots the puck against the Buffalo Sabres during the game on Nov. 13, 2014 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Folin is the Bruins’ biggest success story as he is the first player from Austin’s NAHL team to make the NHL ranks.
Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images
“The run we had last year brought the guys closer,” Lehr said. “We want to make sure that we don’t forget that we were part of something pretty special. CJ Smith and Lucas Kohls came to Minnesota once already with Lowell, and it was great to see those guys. We text back and forth a lot, and it’s fun when we run into each other.” Since Folin has played in the Twin Cities, he usually has one or two former Bruins at every home game. He likes to talk to his old teammates and they can also offer helpful advice. “It’s always nice to see them and get feedback,” he said. “It’s great to have their support.” P
•Christian Folin played at UMassLowell, Minnesota Wild and now Iowa of the AHL. 5 assists and 1 goal in 29 games. •Keegan Asmundson at Canisius College 7-5-4 record with 16 starts and 92 save percentage. •Jon Gehrt at Hamline University 6 assists and 2 goals in 19 games. •Charlie Adams at Hamline University 8 assists and 8 goals in 17 games. •Jeremy Finger at UMass-Boston 5 goals and 8 assists in 20 games. •Connor Quinn at St. Olaf 7 shots in 17 games. •Tyler Bruggeman at St. Scholastica 7-4-3 with 91.7 save percentage in 14 games. •Jack Walsh at Gustavus 3 goals and 4 assists in 21 games. •Cory Ellis at Gustavus 1 goal and 7 assists in 21 games. •Cody Hotchkin at UW-Superior 7 goals and 5 assists in 20 games. •Wes Judnick at UW-Superior 1 goal and 7 assists in 21 games. •Matt Hansen at Colorado College 4 assists in 23 games. •Brandon Wahlin at UW-Eau Claire 8 goals and 15 assists in 18 games. •Chris Fischer at UW-Eau Claire 1 assist in 6 games played. •AJ Reid at Air Force 6 goals and 8 assists in 29 games. •Mike Bond at Bethel 2 assists in 11 games. •Riley Colvard at UW-Stout 1 goal and 4 assists in 13 games. •Nolan Kirley at UW-Stout 2 assists in 9 games. •Austin Nelson at UW-Stout 3 goals and 3 assists in 19 games. •Cody Dixon at Concordia, Wis.
4 goals and 10 assists in 19 games. •Nick Lehr at Minnesota Gophers 0-1 with 89 save percentage in 1 game. •CJ Smith at UMass-Lowell 12 goals and 12 assists in 27 games. Smith was a one of 20 semifinalists for the Walter Brown Award, which is given to the best American-born hockey player in New England. •Lucas Kohls at UMass-Lowell 0 games played. •Joe Schuldt at Michigan Tech. 0 games played. •Easton Viitala at Northern Michigan 0 games played. •Jay Dickman at Bemidji State 0 games played. •Drew Anderson at Augsburg 5 goals and 8 assists in 18 games. •Eli May at Augsburg 1 goal and 5 assists in 18 games. •Dillon Kelly at Adrian College 4 games played. •John Simonson at University of North Dakota 4 assists in 17 games. •Kody Reuter at Iowa State 6 assists in 33 games. •Patrick Nelson at Arizona Wildcats •Josh Bretner at Arizona Wildcats 1 game played. •Charlie Manley committed to RPI and now with Waterloo in USHL •Guillaume Leclerc committed to UMassLowell and now with Madison in USHL •Jason Pawloski committed to Minnesota State-Mankato and now with Green Bay in USHL •Brennan Sanford committed to Michigan State University and now with Cedar Rapids in USHL •Casey Jerry committed to Minnesota StateMankato and now with Cedar Rapids in USHL •Sam Kaupilla committed to St. Lawrence and now with Green Bay in USHL —All stats as of Feb. 3
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Former Bruins playing at the higher level
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ustin has seen an influx of Minnesota Wild No. 5 jerseys. That’s because the Austin Bruins and the community played a key role in helping Wild defenseman Christian Folin reach his goal to play in the NHL. For Folin, reaching his goal is the result of many years of hard work that included a two-year stint with the Bruins. Though perhaps the most famous former Bruin, Folin is not the lone player to use a stop at the Bruins to propel to the next level. Watch the Austin Bruins play on any given night and you’ll see a lot of talent on the ice. What Austin head coach Chris Tok sees is a lot of potential that needs to be molded into something college teams can use. Though this is only the Bruins’ fifth season, the team already boasts an extensive number of former players skating at the college ranks, and a few of their alumni are playing in the USHL to sharpen their skills before heading to college. The biggest difference between the NAHL and the USHL is the patience it takes for coaches to develop players. Most USHL players already have their college commitments down, but a lot of NAHL players are still fighting to get noticed. “It’s a lot of patience,” Tok said. “Kids are worried about where they’re going to play next year, and they feel they need to do something special to get noticed. We’ve got to get them to play as a team so they can get better.” Folin came to Austin from the USHL when the coaches didn’t think he was ready for that level. After a stint with the Bruins and UMass-Lowell, Folin then made the big step to the NHL has a defenseman for the Wild, though he was reassigned to Iowa of the American Hockey League on Feb. 12. Folin exemplifies the type of player Tok and the Bruins look for: He had the will to work hard on his own and never had to be constantly told to work on things. Tok said the players who advance to the Division I level are the self-motivated ones who work hard on their own. Folin has never had a problem with working hard. “You have to keep working,” Folin said. “Everyone’s going to face adversity and that’s a part of life. You just have to focus and play your best hockey.” Folin credited Tok with helping him transition from the European style of hockey to the American style, which involves more skating up and down the ice instead of side to side. Folin still talks to Tok on a regular basis and still considers his former coach a big influence. Another famous Bruin is Nick Lehr, who is now a backup goalie for the Minnesota Gophers — the same role he started in for the Bruins. “So far it’s been great,” he said. “I like the coaches, the team and the fans. I have a lot of respect for [Gopher goalie Adam Wilcox] and all of the work he’s put in. He’s an all-around good guy. I’m putting in my time and waiting for my turn.” That kind of growth is just part of the game. Many Bruins players were stars on their high school teams, but things usually take a drastic turn when they come to Austin to play in the NAHL. The Bruins must break their players of bad habits, like taking a shift off or not working hard in practice. The jump to the NAHL can be humbling for some players, according to Tok. “The biggest thing is understanding you’re not the big fish anymore,” Tok said. “Some of these kids are getting healthy scratches for the first time in their lives, and they take it like it’s a slap in the face. They’ve got to work for everything they get.” No matter what path players take after their time with the Bruins, they will always be bonded for life from the time they spent playing and practicing in Austin. Lehr said last year’s run to the NAHL’s Robertson Cup Finals left a lasting impact on the entire team. Lehr still keeps up on how his former teammates are doing in college.
Photo by Jim Rosvold
Austin Daily Herald
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University of Minnesota Golden Gopher goalie Nick Lehr, a former Austin Bruin, sits in the net against Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Ooks in an exhibition game at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis.
Truly Awesome
Blossoms Story by Rocky Hulne, Photos by Eric Johnson
Rumpza , hagen are BP’s all-time leading scorers
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John Rumpza
Taylor Hagen
Career points: 2,010 Career rebounds: 1,220 Career Blocks: 195
Career points: 1,489 Career rebounds: 875 Career Blocks: 283
Age: 18 Hometown: Blooming Prairie Hobby: Camping Job: Summer janitor
*As of Feb. 12
Age: 17 Hometown: Blooming Prairie Hobby: Playing golf Job: Lifeguard
*As of Feb. 12
hen Blooming Prairie seniors John Rumpza and Taylor Hagen first started playing basketball, they never thought they would be their school’s all-time leading scorers together. They certainly didn’t think they’d have that feat accomplished by their junior seasons. But that’s exactly what happened. Rumpza, a 6-foot-5-inch center on the boys basketball team and Hagen, a 6-foot-1-inch center on the girls basketball team, are the school’s all-time leading scorers, and it’s going to take a big effort for anyone else from BP to come close to their scoring marks. As of Feb. 3, Rumpza had 1,935 career points and Hagen currently had 1,450 career points. “I remember thinking in elementary school that it would be cool to have 1,000 points and when I got that, it started setting in that I would get Matt [Zellmer’s] record,” Rumpza said. Hagen had the same approach as Rumpza when she first started playing. The varsity game was fast for her at first, but she learned to adjust, and eventually she was thriving. “I didn’t really know that [the scoring record] was possible when I first started playing,” Hagen said. “After a few years, I knew that was going to be my goal. It feels good to have your name in the record book.” Hagen and Rumpza each play a similar style on the court as they have a solid jump shot to compliment their inside game. Each is the top rebounder on their squad, and they also provide solid inside defense. But it’s no secret the two are the teams’ top scorers. Hagen said the hardest part for her on the court is getting double teamed and trying to find the opener scorer.
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BP created a different landscape
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Bemidji State University, but his heart was in football. When Rumpza started playing varsity basketball, the Awesome Blossoms weren’t exactly a force in the Section 1A tournament, but he helped lead BP to the Section 1A title game in his sophomore season. “I think we changed the culture a little bit,” he said. “When I was in eighth- and ninthgrade, [BP] was strictly a football town. And I think we’ve kind of transformed that in the last few years. We’ve been able to win a subsection, and it’s been a good time.” The BP girls basketball team also had its success on the court. The Awesome Blossoms made it to the Section 1A West title game in Hagen’s junior season and the team improved its record in Hagen’s first three varsity seasons. “Throughout the years our record has gotten so much better,” Hagen said. “It feels good to know that we’re playing at the Section level now.” P
Austin Daily Herald
Rumpza said his biggest challenge is simply catching the ball when teams bring a double team toward him. Hagen earned a full athletic scholarship from Division I University of Northern Iowa. She also plays volleyball and track and field in BP, but she plans to focus on basketball when she gets to the collegiate level next season. “Basketball is pretty much my life,” she said. “I love it and I wouldn’t give it up for anything. I play it all year round.” Rumpza and Hagen are friends and have been happy to see each other succeed. “It’s not a competition,” Rumpza said. “It’s definitely fun to see Taylor excel. She’s got her scholarship and that’s pretty exciting to see for her.” Rumpza has enjoyed his time on the basketball court, but he will be playing college football at Division II Winona State University with a partial athletic scholarship. Rumpza had a scholarship offer in basketball from Division II
The coaching family tree Grand Meadow head football coach has had support from his coaching sisters Story by Rocky Hulne, Photos by Eric Johnson
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rand Meadow High School head football coach Gary Sloan had just completed his greatest coaching accomplishment. His Superlarks had won their second straight nine-man football title, and the sun was glistening on a cold Minnesota day at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. After basking in the thought that his team had been to three state title games and won two of them, it wasn’t long before Sloan was talking to a couple of other coaches: his sisters Deb Harvey, who was a long-time high school volleyball coach, and Cindy Owen, who is the volleyball coach at Austin High School. While Sloan was happy to have won two straight titles, his sisters were probably just as happy for him. Harvey followed the team on the sideline as a photographer and Owen looked on from the crowd during GM’s state run.
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“We were in it through thick, thin and all of the cold too. It’s been a lot of fun and we’re very proud of him. He’s worked very hard and he deserves all of the accolades that are coming his way.” — Cindy Owen Gary Sloan’s sister, Austin head volleyball coach
State-of-the-art, high banked, 3/8 mile dirt track. Don’t miss as local and national “Dirt Daredevils” battle it out at speeds up to 100 mph!
Tickets available at the speedway or online! Take advantage of reserved, discounted tickets, seating options and more.
could’ve predicted just how long they would end up coaching. “I don’t think any of us went into this thinking we’re going to coach for X number of years,” said Harvey, who is now coaching the Grand Meadow junior high volleyball team. “You coach and you have a rewarding season or a good season and you’re back the next year and the year after that, and then you look back and it’s like ‘Wow, that was 35 years.’” One of the perks of coaching is there is always next year.
Conveniently located next to the speedway. Bring the family and join in the fun. With competitive pricing and a family atmosphere Deer Creek Campground has become a great getaway. Weekly, monthly and yearly discounts available!
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Sloan, who graduated from Ellen-
and football team when he was in elementary school. Owen competed in volleyball, basketball and track, and Harvey would’ve played sports, but they weren’t available for girls when she was in high school. But there was a softball field near the Sloan farm where the family would play for hours and hours, and there were plenty of competitive games of Auntie I Over. Once the siblings started coaching, Sloan, Harvey and Owen were in it for the long haul. Although, none of them
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Making a difference
dale-Geneva in 1980, was the youngest and the only boy in a family with four children on a dairy farm. Harvey graduated from high school in 1973 and Owen graduated from high school in 1978. Sloan recalls enjoying his time on the family farm with his older sisters. “We got along well for the most part,” he said. “Just like any siblings we had our issues.” The Sloan family was always into sports. Sloan competed in football, basketball and track and field in high school, and he was a manager for the basketball
Austin Daily Herald
“We were in it through thick, thin and all of the cold too,” Owen said. “It’s been a lot of fun and we’re very proud of him. He’s worked very hard and he deserves all of the accolades that are coming his way.” Sloan has more than 160 wins as the head coach at Grand Meadow. Harvey, who coached at Hayfield for 24 years and at LeRoy for 11 years, had a career record of 554289-2 overall. Owen has 30 years of coaching experience in volleyball and softball.
For Owen, after the last game of many of her seasons she was already trying to organize the roster for the following season. While winning is fun, Owen has also learned to keep things in perspective — state championship caliber teams are rare to come by. “A lot of people look at your win-loss record and that’s maybe not what you need to look at all of the time,” Owen said. “It’s where you started and where they end up. You keep doing it because you feel you can make a difference.”
A teaching family
Sloan, Harvey and Owen have all gotten into teaching as well as coaching, and all three of them have experience in teaching special education. Sloan takes a teaching approach with his football team, but he said the classroom is also a great place to build up a team’s chemistry. “You get to know kids a lot differently coaching them than you do teaching them,” Sloan said. “The better relationship you can have with them both in the classroom and on the field, the harder they’ll work for you. It makes the job easier when you have a good relationship [with players and students].” While many coaches spend late nights thinking about decisions they made or how they’ll get past their next opponent, the profession can also be rewarding for a lifetime. Harvey still gets Christmas cards from players she coached 20 years ago and Owen said some of her former players have come back to her and said they now understand why she coached them the way she did when they were in high school. One of the best parts about three children from the same family being coaches is they had a support system for each other
Gary Sloan and his sisters Cindy Owen, from left, Cheri Krejcl and Deb Harvey are photographed together at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis last year on the day of the Nine Man Prep Bowl. Photo provided as coaches, and it helped bring the family closer. Cheri Krejci, the only sibling of the Sloan family who didn’t coach, became a fan of all of her sibling’s teams and traveled to follow the Grand Meadow Superlarks, Hayfield Vikings and the Southwest Star Concept Quasars when Owen was there. Krecji’s daughter Lindsey got into coaching, Owen’s son Ben referees in basketball, her son Ryan works with children and sports, and Deb’s son Matt coaches JV basketball in Stewartville. There may also be another Sloan ready to step up and coach. Tyler Sloan, a junior at Grand Meadow, had a lot of input with his dad last season, and he has shown an interest in coaching in the future.
“If you talk to Tyler, he’s the coach of our team anyway, and he led us to the championship,” Sloan said. “[My kids] have seen how big of a commitment coaching is and how big a part of my life it has become. I would support that if they want to do it, but it they don’t want to that’s fine too.” The Sloan family also gave their mom a chance to support her children in something well after they were in high school. Harvey recalled one game when she was coaching in LeRoy and Owen was coaching in Preston. The two teams faced off and their mother sat right in the middle of the crowd in the top row by the net, making sure she wasn’t closer to one side
or the other. “She wouldn’t cheer for either one of us. She was all of our fans,” Harvey said. With his two state championships, Sloan definitely has bragging rights over his sisters, but he was just glad to have them along for the ride to share in the joy he’s had on the football field in the last two seasons. As far as when he will stop coaching, Sloan isn’t sure. “I’m going to do it as long as I’m having fun doing it and as long I feel like I’m doing a good job for the kids,” he said. “If either one of those two things ever stops, I’ll walk away. Right now I can’t really imagine being a teacher and not coaching anymore.” P
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46 Progress 2015
Austin Daily Herald
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Progress 2015
Dedicated T S O
UCCESS
Story by Rocky Hulne, Photos by Eric Johnson
Jordan Castro tees off from the first hole at Driesner Park.
Austin Daily Herald
48 Progress 2015
Castro is making a big impact in the disc golf world
Jordan Castro
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Progress 2015
Age: 20 Hometown and current town: Austin Job: Jimmy John’s delivery driver Fun fact: Castro has competed in disc golf tournaments in 15 states.
Austin Daily Herald
Earlier this winter, Jordan Castro was in his Austin basement staring at a disc golf basket with a net behind it. He wound up for another shot. In a relatively short time, Castro worked his way up to be the top ranked amateur disc golfer in Minnesota, and he’s looking to compete at the pro level next season. This is no coincidence. Castro has put in the time and played in big tournaments that have helped him excel at his sport of choice. “My shorter game is really my weakness right now,” Castro said. “Every shot is different, and if you throw a bad shot, you’ve just got to work on the next one. You’ve got to focus and be positive the whole time. I’m not going to say I don’t hit trees, but it’s unlikely that I hit trees, because I practice all of the time.” Castro took fourth in the AM Worlds last summer and took sixth in the AM nationals. One of the highlights of Castro’s summer was meeting Paul Macbeth, who won three-straight world championships. Castro is looking forward to playing against Macbeth this summer. “Whoever is the most consistent wins, and [Macbeth] is really playing well right now,” Castro said. “He’s really cool, and I look forward to hanging out with him Jordan Castro lifts a shot toward a hole while and playing with him.” playing around at Driesner Park in Austin. Castro Castro has become the face of is the top-ranked disc golfer in Minnesota. disc golf in the Austin area and beyond, and he’s using his recognition to spread the game he loves. Castro is often recognized at tournaments from the Youtube videos of him hitting shots that are on the Internet. He also gets the occasional fan who sends him mail. Over Christmas, Castro sent 10 of his discs to a child who couldn’t afford them because his family had fallen on hard times. “It kind of keeps me out of trouble,” Castro said of disc golfing. “I wasn’t big into trouble before I started playing, but since I started playing I’ve been trying to help out kids. I want to spread the game and help everybody who needs it. It’s awesome to hear people saying I’m good and they want to be like me. I’m trying to set an example for the younger kids.” One draw of disc golf is anyone can play it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man, woman, a boy or a girl, you can probably throw a disc. If you throw it enough times, you may get pretty good at it. Castro has learned to embrace competition, and he’s really looking forward to the upcoming summer season. He’s hoping he can transition from a big-time amateur disc golfer to a solid pro disc golfer. “I just like to compete. I can’t wait for next year,” he said. “I’ve played against plenty of pros and some of them are really cool and some of them are kind of jerks. It really depends on if they’re in competitive mode or if they’re just in hanging out mode.” P
QA &
Sandy Anderson heads up the Refreshed Austin program and the program underneath that — Refreshed Dining. Photo by Eric Johnson
with: Sandy Anderson A refreshing approach to healthy eating
Sandy Anderson is the head of Mower Refreshed, which kicked off Refreshed Dining last year. Q: How’d the idea for Refreshed Dining come about and how does it work? A: The idea was community-driven like all the initiatives Mower Refreshed undertakes; community members reached out to us stating that they didn’t feel it was very easy to eat healthy when dining out in our area. We then launched a survey and did some focus groups to discover if there were others who felt the same way, surface any patterns of thought, and possibly identify local restaurants that consumers perceived as making healthy eating easier and more accessible. Here’s how it works for restaurant owners: Visit our website mowerrefreshed.org/ refreshed-dining/ to fill out and submit a Refreshed Dining Application (simple and short). Once approved a volunteer team
member will connect with the owner to provide information for employees on what it means for them to be a Refreshed Dining location and window clings to promote to consumers they are a Refreshed Dining location. Benefits for participating businesses include free promotion in our weekly Wellness Wednesday e-blasts, Refreshed Newsletter (folks can sign up for both at mowerrefreshed.org and keep informed on current locations), and on our website. In 2015, our collaboration with Mower County Statewide Improvement Program is allowing us to offer participating restaurants a nutritional consult at no cost. The team is considering other ways they can promote
and support Refreshed Dining locations in the near future. Q: How is Refreshed Dining different from other healthy eating initiatives? A: The team of volunteers developing the criteria for Refreshed Dining locations purposefully decided to keep it simple and easy to engage for both the owner and consumer. They developed — with input from health professionals, survey feedback, and restaurant owners — eight criteria that could realistically be achieved and then expanded upon by the business owners. This model creates a natural “best practices” that the restaurant owners are driving and we hope will inspire other
restaurant/cafes to see that they too can implement some of the ideas that consumers stated they want. The team wanted the initiative to be sustainable and not place an additional burden on business owners financially or otherwise. There are other programs in communities that require a financial commitment, extensive menu renovations, and nutritional value information that is expensive and difficult especially for smaller businesses. They are typically paired with complicated brochures for consumers to maneuver when determining where to eat. Q: What’s the response been like to Mower Refreshed?
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50 Progress 2015
•3B Eatery:
Offering $1 side salad every Wednesday. Other items include turkey or veggie burgers, hummus with veggies, non-breaded baked, as well as gluten free bread, pizza and pasta options.
Q: What’s your No. 1 vice or guilty pleasure food? A: Anyone who knows me … quality black coffee. If I’m really feeling like breaking the rules … milk chocolate mocha, skim milk and whip (still miss the amazing mochas from Gymocha!) Q: If you were on a deserted island, what books would you bring? A: May seem trite but my Bible, any book by Francis Chan: a new favorite author of mine, and a Jane Austin novel to be certain!
Vegetate sandwich with cranberry wild rice bread at the Coffee House on Main. Photos provided
Q: If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would buy? A: All that was needed to finish our seventh home we are renovating and the labor for someone else to do the work.
Offering homemade foods, made with natural ingredients, such as a whole wheat peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and several other sandwiches, paninis and salads.
Coffee House on Main:
Offering Albacore tuna salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing and vegetables, a vegetable sandwich and a green salad, among other items.
Q: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? A: A mom. Q: If you could have starred in one movie or TV show, what character would you be? A: Seinfeld … thinking Elaine and I could have had some fun together. I can do her classic dance to an Earth, Wind and Fire song pretty well.
•Perkins:
Offering 10 percent off Fit Favorites every Wednesday. Fit Favorites entrées are under 600 calories, including a Belgian waffle platter, banana whole wheat French toast and more.
Q: What would be on your bucket list? A: Traveling to Europe or back to South Korea with my husband. Q: If you could spend one day with one person in history, who would it be? A: Jane Austin in a beautiful garden sipping a hot mocha! P
•Brick House Coffee House:
A boy chows down on a Brick House whole wheat peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
•Steve’s Pizza:
Offering $1 off salads on Wednesdays.
Progress 2015
Q: What has you most excited about Refreshed Dining? Three things: 1. The potential to impact population health over time. Americans are eating more of their meals away from home due to busy lifestyles; this trend is impacting the rise in chronic non-infectious diseases such as diabetes. Research has shown as restaurants offer healthier food that is affordable, attractive, and intentionally promote it, more consumers chose it. 2. The incredible amount of creativity that is surfacing from the participating restaurants as they find ways to offer more healthy options and still make a profit, as well as the best practices for restaurants in Mower County are being developed by the owners themselves. It’s inspiring! 3. This simple model of positive change was created by community residents and business owners who desire to see Mower County create trends towards wellness.
Re•freshed Dining sites:
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Q: What’s one success story from Refreshed Dining? A: We received an email from a local consumer recently describing an unpleasant experience when requesting a food item be adapted to a healthier portion and less cheese. The community member went on to say that she was so grateful that there were restaurants stepping up to intentionally make healthy dining easier and promote wellness in Mower County. She was excited to visit the participating businesses trusting that she wouldn’t have to apologize for not wanting the extra cheese and requesting a smaller portion.
Q: What’s one quick, easy tip to improve your day-to-day health? A: Add a tiny healthy habit to your day by attaching it to something you already do … squats when you’re brushing your teeth or listing five things you’re grateful for when your head hits the pillow. Tiny add ons that can result in big changes over time.
Austin Daily Herald
A: Once restaurant owners understand what Refreshed Dining is and is not they are excited! Refreshed Dining is not about taking choices away, it is about creating environments where healthy food options are intentionally promoted, attractive and affordable. It goes beyond the food to the experience as well, such as TV free zones so people can connect over a meal and recyclable take out containers that improve the health of consumers and our environment.
What’s in a Mayo Clinic Health Connection kiosk? Photo by Eric Johnson
Headphone jack, speakers
Screens:
Main one is to talk with health provider; lower is for diagrams instructions.
Stethoscope
for hearing internal body sounds — heart and lungs
Otoscope
to look inside ear, nose and throat
to communicate with health provider.
Thermometer
to measure body temperature.
Dermascope
used for magnified look at skin, eyes, back of the throat
Blood pressure cuff measures blood pressure
Pulse oximeter
monitors oxygen saturation of the blood, pulse
A web of possibilities Online health kiosk could hold big solutions for Mayo, Austin schools By Jason Schoonover
A
Austin Daily Herald
n Austin Public Schools and Mayo Clinic Health System partnership could have big implications for both. Last year, the district went to Mayo with a simple question: “Can we do something to provide easier access — less costly access — for our staff?” according to Superintendent David Krenz. The district has faced multiple health care issues. Costs have increased after seeing hefty health insurance increases for several years — well before the Affordable Care Act. Availability to see physicians was another issue, with it often taking several months for people to arrange appointments. That often led staff to opt for urgent care or even emergency room visits when certain sicknesses and illnesses came up, and such visits are costly. The solution, Mayo and the district hope, is Mayo Clinic Health Connection, a kiosk that allows patients to be treated for basic care via teleconference through the HealthSpot platform. Krenz But the two kiosks planned for Austin Public Schools may have a broader impact as this is the first time Mayo is bringing these kiosks directly to an employer. “All of Mayo Clinic is waiting to see what we learn from these two,” Austin and Albert Lea CEO Dr. Mark Ciota said.
In and out care
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In October, Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin and Albert Lea rolled out the first HealthSpot within Mayo at the Austin campus for staff and dependents. Ciota Since then, Ciota said they’ve learned a lot, especially that the kiosks work well for acute care issues — the types of things a patient would go to urgent care for: a cough, allergies, vomiting/diarrhea, sore throat, etc.
Clinical Operations Manager Melissa Barr demonstrates how an electronic stethoscope works in the HealthSpot kiosk at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin last October as Operations Administrator Scott Ramsey listens from several rooms away. The kiosk, part of the Mayo Clinic Health Connection program, will allow patients to be treated for acute care via teleconferencing. Photo by Jason Schoonover
The concept of bringing health care directly to workers is becoming more common. Albert Lea and Red Wing public school districts have clinics within the schools, and Quality Pork Processors in Austin opened a clinic in 2013. The health care industry is changing, and Ciota said they’ll be subject to different payment methods and have to adapt to treat groups of patients as efficiently as possible, even if that means less revenue for the clinic — which the kiosks could. But the technology-heavy kiosks present a culture change for school staff and for the way people receive health care. The changes won’t happen or be embraced overnight. Krenz admitted change takes time. “It’s hard to really know what to anticipate,” Krenz said of district staff. “They don’t know what they are.” Medical center staff proved a good test group for the kiosks as most are tech savvy, and Ciota expects the teachers to adapt quickly too, and the district is already trying to ensure that happens. The district is working to educate staff on the kiosks to help encourage use to make sure employees are comfortable using them. Clinic employees and dependents proved a small sample size compared to the nearly 700-plus employees for the district; however, Ciota said they’re ready for the increased volume. “We knew and anticipated that,” he said.
Future expansion?
So far, both sides are pleased with the partnership. “Austin Public Schools have just been fantastic to work with,” he said. Mayo’s goal is to provide high quality while reducing the cost. The endeavor is a true partnership, and Ciota said they want to hear from the schools on how to improve. “We want input from them,” he said. Initially, the district expects the partnership to last about two to three years, at which time the idea will be reassessed. If it goes well, the district could one day add more kiosks at other schools and potentially open them up to students and their families. Mayo is also watching closely. If successful, the kiosks could be used further at Mayo and in other locations. “It’s an honor that the system has provided that kind of confidence in the team that we have here,” Ciota said. P
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The kiosks will be installed in Ellis Middle School and the former Home Health Care and Hospice building at 408 Fourth Ave. NW this spring. That puts kiosks on the east and west sides of town near two hubs for the district’s nearly 700 employees — Ellis and I.J. Holton Intermediate School to the east and Austin High School to the west. Renovations to make space for the kiosk at Ellis cost about $30,000, but Krenz said that should be made up through the money saved by utilizing the kiosks. The district anticipates the kiosks will help decrease the cost of health care. The kiosk will cost about $50 per use, compared to $100 or more to go in for a traditional appointment. “There’s really no additional cost to us,” Krenz sad. “We’re looking at potential cost savings.” The district anticipates saving money by potentially having fewer sick day for appointments thanks to the quick care in kiosks. “Those are the kind of soft savings that you hope to take care of too,” Krenz said. The kiosks will be available to district staff
A culture change
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Reduced costs
and their dependents, but not to students. They’ll also be available to staff not on the district’s insurance. Along with being a money saver for the district and Mayo, Krenz anticipates it will save staff money too. “It’s a significant cost savings for them, and it provides a certain level of health care they might not already be receiving,” Krenz said.
Austin Daily Herald
“We do find that they are quite efficient as far as being able to easily get an appointment, get what you need and get out,” he said. For things like severe abdominal pain or potential appendicitis, people would still want to go to the ER. In the kiosk, a patient teleconferences with a Mayo provider — who can be anywhere — and uses common medical devices like a stethoscope; a thermometer; a dermascope; an otoscope to look inside an ear, nose or throat; and a pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen saturation of the blood and the patient’s pulse. The district’s kiosks will be staffed by Mayo nurse practitioners, who will be able to help with any anxiety. Mayo employees manning the kiosks was important, according to Ciota, for patients’ privacy and to keep the district out of healthcare. “We want to do the healthcare so they can do the business of teaching students,” Ciota said. Initially, the kiosks will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. While Krenz hasn’t been treated through a kiosk, he was impressed by what he saw in demonstrations. “It really is very interesting,” he said. The clinic and district anticipate the kiosks will improve the immediacy of care, with shorter wait times see a medical professional. With the kiosks, district staff can go for quick kiosk checkup over lunchtime. The aim is to get patients in and out quickly. The average appointment takes about 15 minutes — 9 to 10 with the provider and the rest for registration and prescriptions. “We don’t want the wait time to be longer than 15 minutes,” Ciota said.
I Adventures
in learning
Pacelli High School brings students from around the globe to Austin Story by Jenae Hackensmith, Photos by Eric Johnson
Chinese foreign exchange student Nick He studies during a class time for foreign exchange students at Pacelli High School.
t’s not every year that six students come from the same country to study abroad in Austin. But in the 2014 fall semester, Pacelli Catholic Schools hosted six girls from Colombia. “It’s difficult of course because you have new people, new city, new country, new culture, and it’s ok to feel scared,” student Sara Restrepo said. “But if you want, you can do it. If I can do it, my friends can do it, other people can do it, you can. Don’t be scared, it’s OK. And it helps to grow up, and it’s the best experience you can have in your life.” The six girls represent just a handful of the many foreign exchange students to take advantage of Pacelli’s exchange student program. In eight years, Pacelli has built a strong exchange program and Principal Laura Marreel has noticed many positive results for both traveling students and local students. “I think it’s a real asset,” she said. “I think it’s a great place for international students to come, because of our size and our closeness and everyone knowing everyone. I think that’s really helpful for kids that are coming overseas without families.”
Around the world to Austin
Sara and her five classmates came from Comunidad Colegio Jesús Maria, an all-girls Catholic School in Colombia. Although she was nervous at first, Sara described studying at Pacelli as a great experience. “Now I feel more free, more independent,” Sara said. International Student Facilitator Catalina Ferreira-Truong helped start the program in 2007. Originally from Colombia, Ferreira-Truong had connections with students who wanted to study abroad. That first year, about seven students came to Pacelli from other countries. Since then, the program has expanded to host more than 20 sophomores, juniors and seniors each year. Students have come from many places: France, Montenegro, Colombia, South Korea, China and more. The program doesn’t just focus on academic studies. The students get a full range of new experiences and are encouraged to become a part of their host family, to participate in activities with them, and to try new things they may not have in their countries. Marreel has been impressed by what the students accomplish and the confidence they gain just from traveling to and living in another country. “They really step out of any comfort zone that they have and take chances,” she said. For senior Hongwei Cui, 18, — known to his friends as Johnson — the trip has been full of experiences. Johnson came to America the second semester of the 2013-2014 school year and returned for the full 2014-15 school year. “So happy about that because I make lots of friends, lots of different cultural for the other country, and people are very friendly,” said Johnson, whose second language is English. “So just so glad that I come to here.” Johnson has experienced many things Pacelli and Austin have to offer, such as prom, track and student council as the international student representative. He also saw snow for the first time in Austin, built snowmen and tried skiing for the first time.
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Marreel has been impressed by Johnson’s ability to adapt to American life, and do it with a positive attitude. “He just is a ‘Give it everything,’ ‘This is the experience I’m going to have and I’m going to make it,’ and he tries everything,” Mareel said. Johnson was baptized April 27, 2014, at Cornerstone Church, and was the first international student to be elected as homecoming king. Mareel said he has been a good role model to all the students at Pacelli. “He’s a friend to all the kids,” she said. “Every grade knows him.”
Pacelli teacher Linda Pulchinski helps Columbian foreign exchange student Maria Mejia.
‘A big adventure’
NUMBER
OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS TO STUDY AT PACELLI EACH YEAR AND WHICH COUNTRIES THEY REPRESENTED
2013-2014: 22 students from Korea, Colombia, France, Germany and China 2014-2015: 27 students from China, Korea, Colombia, France and Montenegro
Progress 2015
2010-2011: 14 students from South Korea, China, Colombia and Spain 2011-2012: 17 students from South Korea, China and Colombia 2012-2013: 20 students from China, Korea, Colombia and Spain
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2007-2008: 9 students from Germany and South Korea 2008-2009: 18 students from China, Germany, Colombia and South Korea 2009-2010: 12 students from Germany, China, South Korea and Colombia
Austin Daily Herald
Yet it’s not just the exchange students that benefit from the experience. “It’s a learning experience for the Americans and all the students here, plus the families, plus the students coming,” Ferreira-Truong said. “There is so much to share and learn from each other and that contributes to the society, the community. It’s beneficial for everybody.” Marreel said the program better prepares all the students for college by working with ideas and beliefs from a wide variety of backgrounds. It helps students grow in their interpersonal communication and collaboration skills, she said. Several maintain the connection made studying abroad by staying in touch with each other for years later. The teachers and staff have also learned a good deal from the exchange students, including how the school systems differ, as well as government systems. Marreel also said she has learned not to take certain things for granted that aren’t available in different countries. She has also become more comfortable talking to and getting to know someone from a different culture. But it’s not always easy to make friends at a new school or get used to a new culture. Organizers have added things like potlucks, lunches and mini-trips with Ferreira-Truong throughout the years to bring the exchange students together to talk about their experiences and remember they’re not alone. Although no American Pacelli students have gone to other countries to study abroad, Ferreira-Truong hopes to add that in the future. “It is a big advantage to go out to another country,” Ferreira-Truong said. “No matter what country it is, you will learn something, you will bring something back in the experience.” The opportunity is there, as she said many parents of exchange students have offered their homes if students wanted to travel from America to their country to study abroad. In Austin, finding host families hasn’t been an issue for Pacelli. Ferreira-Truong said there are requirements for host families, but all types of families are welcomed. “As long as they have a big heart and they meet the requirements for hosting then they can be a host family,” she said. They haven’t had many bad experiences with students and host families, and many stay in touch over the years. Some host families even travel to their student’s country. “The best reward that the family can get is the experience; making a lifelong friendship,” Ferreira-Truong said. P
Of The
Area’s Best
Students choose their stand-out teachers Students have many teachers over the years — parents, siblings, friends, sports coaches and church members — but the teachers in the classroom can have a large influence. Students often see these teachers on a daily basis, people who help mold and shape who they will become in the future. Many area students have been inspired by one
Amalie Niethammer
Age: 31. Hometown: Colby, Wisconsin. Current town: Albert Lea Teaching grade/Subject: Fifththrough 12th-grade Instrumental Music. Years with the school: 4 Fun fact/hobby: Ms. Niethammer enjoys playing music and golfing.
Linda Pulchinski
Age: 31. Hometown: Austin Current town: Austin. Teaching grade/Subject: Ninththrough12th-grade language arts, literature, grammar, writing and vocabulary. Years with the school: 36 Fun fact/hobby: Ms. Pulchinski enjoys reading, and one of her favorite books is “The Giver.”
Amy Thuesen
Age: 39. Hometown: Dagmar, Montana. Current town: Austin Teaching grade/Subject: 10ththrough 12th-grade, media classes such as journalism, Channel 4 News and video production. Years with the school: 3 Fun fact/hobby: She went to school in a two-room country school-house in Montana through seventhgrade, which was not uncommon for the area at the time.
Michael Keefe
Age: 39. Hometown: Antioch, Illinois. Current town: Grand Meadow. Teaching grade/Subject: Ninththrough 12th-grade high school sciences, including physics, chemistry, physical science and others. Years with the school: 10 Fun fact/hobby: Mr. Keefe had fun teaching in Alaska for three years. He taught Yupik Eskimo students every subject in a small coastal village right on the Bering Sea.
Austin Daily Herald
Kyle Rosedahl
56 Progress 2015
Age: 51. Hometown: Rochester. Current town: LeRoy Teaching grade/Subject: Eighthgrade algebra one, ninthgrade algebra two, 10th-grade geometry, 11th-grade probability and statistics and 12th-grade advanced math. Years with the school: 28 Fun fact/hobby: Mr. Rosedahl enjoys any type of hunting, especially bow-hunting deer.
Southland Becoming a band teacher is hard; it requires many skills that cannot be taught in a college classroom. Amalie Niethammer not only meets these requirements, she exceeds them. Most people have one thing that stands out about them. “Mrs. N” as we call her, has many. Not only is she extremely nice and smart, she also has a great
Pacelli My name is Katherine Ethen, and I have gone to Pacelli Catholic School since I was 5-years-old. During that time, I have had many wonderful teachers that have helped me with not only my education, but life in general. I believe my all-time favorite teacher would have to be Mrs. Pulchinski. I have had her for a teacher since fourth grade, and I still have her this year as a senior. Throughout all that time, she has
Austin To me, a great teacher gives students tools to find and create their own success, and that’s exactly what Ms. Thuesen did for me. I was lucky enough to have Ms. Thuesen as my journalism adviser last year. Though I wasn’t able take the class with the rest of the students, she worked hard to still get me involved
Grand Meadow Mr. Keefe has helped me fine-tune both my high school career and my college plans. Mr. Keefe is the high school science teacher, so he teaches many classes including chemistry, biology, and physics. Instead of reading through the textbook and teaching right out of a book like many teachers, he has created his own curriculum. This curriculum just so happens to include YouTube videos. The videos
LeRoy-Ostrander I am a senior at LeRoy-Ostrander High School and I want to tell you about an outstanding teacher in our school. The person I want to tell you about is Mr. Rosedahl. I have had Mr. Rosedahl as a math teacher for six years, and I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge in those years because of his teaching. He has a passion for teaching math and everyone in his classes sees it. Mr. Rosedahl knows how to get the point across to students by teaching
or more teachers throughout their school career, and were excited to weigh in on some teachers that have stood out in their lives. Some of these teachers have been at these local schools for a long time, while some are newer to the job. Regardless of style or age, these teachers have inspired their students and helped shape them into who they will become.
sense of humor that can help brighten anyone’s day. Her fun personality has allowed Southland to come out of its shell. Only teaching at Southland for a few years, Mrs. N has added more energy and excitement to each concert and performance. She also created groups outside of the classroom. She is the director of the Southland Drumline, which participates in many parades and events in the surrounding
areas. She also put her leadership into action by organizing and improving the Southland National Honors Society program. With all of her success as a teacher and director, Mrs. N has had a lasting impression on graduates and students from Southland. My classmates and I can trust her with any problem we face, in or out of school.
been a stupendous teacher. She is extremely passionate about everything she teaches: literature, grammar, vocabulary, humanities, and more. She has a way of making every day in class entertaining, whether it’s small crafts that go along with the course, or by making small quips throughout the class. There are a few students I know who aren’t so fond of her teaching methods; they think she’s tough and overworking. But I think that’s what makes her such a great teacher. She isn’t afraid to
make us reach our potential, and she knows that while she does like being our friends, real friends push each other to reach their full potential. All this year, she has told my senior humanities class that we are seniors, and she expects the best from us and she knows we can deliver. And that’s another thing I like about her; she never loses hope. She will always be the teacher that encourages all of her students.
by taking the class as an independent study. She has greatly impacted the school because she cares so much not only about her work, but also her students. Though she gives guidance and shows students the way, she also gives them a fair amount of freedom to learn on their own and be independent. Ms. Thuesen is also very receptive
to ideas from her students and encourages the pursuit of them. Last year, a couple journalism students went to a journalism convention in San Diego and she worked diligently to make it happen for us. Her hard work and passion is what makes Ms. Thuesen a standout teacher to me.
range from amazing chemical reactions (and explosions) to in-depth processes such as mitosis. These videos help the class and I better understand what he is explaining. This is much better than looking at pictures in a book. In addition to the videos, Mr. Keefe spends a lot of his time talking with students about random things. He works hard to build relationships with all of his students. He jokes and laughs along with all of the students and even makes some of
us laugh. I am currently taking an AP Calculus class along with three other college classes throughout the year, which may sound like a lot — and it is — but with the help of teachers and personnel in my school like Mr. Keefe, I have been able to adjust to a rigorous school schedule. He is just an all around amazing, or standout, teacher.
them in a way that high school students will understand. This is so important for a teacher to do because it makes students want to learn and actually enjoy what he is teaching. If someone in the class does not understand something, he will talk to them one-on-one and work out the problem until the student knows how to do it. He wants every student to succeed in his classes as well as life. Mr. Rosedahl makes the classes fun, too. Every two weeks, in our advanced math class we have a “Food Friday,” where we have breakfast in class. This
keeps the students interested and makes class fun. He commits himself to teaching and does a wonderful job. Mr. Rosedahl always talks to every student, everyday, and makes him or her feel good about themselves. He makes sure everybody feels included and important. I feel this is a part of what makes him a great teacher. Mr. Rosedahl has had a huge influence on every student that he has taught, and I feel he is one of the best teachers in the area.
—Maggie Vlasaty, junior
—Katherine Ethen, senior
—Alexandra Smith, senior
—Dylan Jech, senior
——Jacob Souhrada, senior
Age: 48. Hometown: Austin Current town: Austin Teaching grade/Subject: Sevenththrough 12th-grade social studies Years with the school: 15 Fun fact/hobby: Mr. Hagan loves to fish.
Dennis Conroy
Age: 51. Hometown: Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Current town: Hayfield Teaching grade/Subject: Sevenththrough 12th-grade band, and seventh- through eighth-grade general music, jazz band, pep band and marching band. Years with the school: 21 Fun fact/hobby: Mr. Conroy has become somewhat of a fanatical bicyclist in the last couple of years and last year rode more than 2,000 miles on bike. He also likes woodworking and recently built a few pieces of furniture for family members.
Lyle Public School Mr. Hagan has stood out in my life because of the way he teaches, how he treats his students, and the things he does for his students. He puts all his lesson plans caught up-to-date on the school website — and even on the white board — to make sure we know what we’re doing that day. He also uses unique ways to help us learn and remember what he teaches us, such as playing
Hayfield The word standout, when used as a noun, can be defined as a person or thing of exceptional ability or high quality. So, what qualities and abilities when augmented, create a standout teacher? Understanding, supportive, passionate, competent, erudite. These are all words that may come to mind and are all words describing my band director, Mr. Conroy. Mr. Conroy is the band director at Hayfield High School. He has been teaching for many years and through these years
Ms. Southworth and I have been very close. Not only has she been my “Cheer Mom,” but she has also been my teacher and my speech coach. Ms. Southworth also encouraged me to apply for and eventually receive a partial cheerleading scholarship from Waldorf College. Ms. Southworth has been a big part of my high school experience and will continue to inspire me in my college life.
“Jeopardy,” “Pictionary,” and other games or experiments. For the winners of the games he will usually give some sort of reward to make them work harder, such as extra credit and treats. Mr. Hagan treats his students very well. For example, he is very organized, which makes him able to easily retrieve tests or quizzes a student needs to make up. He also hand-types all of his notes into certain categories on his laptop to help us. No matter what he is
doing, if you need help he will drop what he is doing to come help you or answer a question. Mr. Hagan is a very nice and fun teacher. He will go on student trips as a supervisor, goof around with the students on occasion, and he doesn’t yell but he lets you know you’re doing something wrong when you are. These are the reasons I chose Mr. Hagan as my standout teacher.
has acquired the skills of a standout teacher. My favorite thing about him is how understanding he is with students. He understands students are involved in many extra-curricular activities and events outside of school. Therefore, he does not expect us to dedicate our whole high school career to band. Instead, he works with students to find a balance that works best for them while helping them became great musicians and supporting them in their other activities. Through his years as a director at Hayfield, he has helped the senior-high band
obtain and maintain their streak of 49 years of consecutive superior ratings at contest, giving the band a sense of pride. His passion for music inspires students to work hard while his knowledge helps students to become great players. His vast knowledge in music theory and music history gives students background and new meaning to each piece they play. He is light-hearted and loves to joke around with students, creating a fun atmosphere for learning and rehearsing.
—Jasmine Hohenstein, senior
—Taylor Wobschall, senior
—Kristen Eggler, senior
Progress 2015
Brian Hagan
In Blooming Prairie High School, we have a lot of “Standout Teachers” who will go above and beyond for their students. Looking back on my personal high school experience, one teacher stands out above the rest. The first time I had Ms. Michelle Southworth in social studies, I was a seventh grader. She was one of my favorite teachers right away because she was so understanding. If some-
one didn’t understand something, she’d try a different angle or help that person until they understood it. I had her again in eighth grade for careers as well. Then, when I was a freshman in high school, I joined cheerleading. Ms. Southworth was my coach, and even though cheerleading started in June and I didn’t join until August, she still was very understanding and helped me get caught up with everyone else. From then on out,
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Age: 43. Hometown: Medford Current town: Blooming Prairie Teaching grade/Subject: Eighthgrade global studies and careers and 11th-grade geographic perspective. Years with the school: 13 Fun fact/hobby: Ms. Southworth enjoys gardening and likes to travel.
Blooming Prairie
Austin Daily Herald
Michelle Southworth
tervetuloa
بيحرت добро пожаловать welkom xoş Willkommen croeso
benvenuto
Bienvenida
mehmondo'stlik
वेलकमhoan nghênh 歡迎 maligayang pagdating
välkommen
fáilte roimh
স্বাগত
dobrodošli
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11,000+ members across the state represent Minnesota’s amazing cultural diversity. With our State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) program (a Guard exclusive), we offer more money for college than the Reserves. If you want to obtain a college education, but you don’t want to leave your job, friends, or family, then the National Guard has what you’re looking for. STR max undergrad $17,000yr graduate program $36,000yr Call for more information: Austin Daily Herald
(651) 268-8674 or (507) 384-7213
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Rochester 1715 Marion Rd SE Rochester, MN 55904
Austin 800 21st Street Northeast Austin, MN 55912
There are many young people in Mower County who are in need of positive adult role models in their lives. Recognizing this MOWER COUNTY MENTORING is an organization whose goal is to provide the needed adult role models (mentors) for our in-need youth. The success of this program is reliant on the adult volunteers who become youth mentors. Thank you so much to those who have volunteered their time, resources and energy to be mentors in the past year: Greg Baskin Chris Beaver Mark Beirele Carolyn Bogott Brytnie Carolyn Miguel Garate Jolynn Winkel Gentz Royce Helmbrecht Linda Johnson Arlen Knight Ken Kroupa
Vicki and Pete Kuhlman Kathy Leisen Jennifer Lloyd James Loven Shari Mason Steve Mason Mark Nibaur Mike Carter Heidi Olson Rachel Olson Brian Schotanus
Melodee Morem Zach Aberg Greg Storey Robert Stratton Jessica Shaw Holly Long Scott Long Matt Neisen Jeremy Williams Sa Ba Taw Olivia Hunter
Mower County Mentoring
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is a United Way funded organization
Training FOR
Emergencies Photos by Eric Johnson
T
he Riverland Fire and EMS Training programs have been offering students from around the area the chance to train and study for fields in fire and medicine. Over the last few years, the programs have seen a boost especially after the dedication of 3,500 feet of space by the college to be utilized as a Fire/EMS Training Center. Riverland’s Fire and EMS Training programs feature hour-based and credit programming and help push the growth of the programs themselves, including a vast array of mobile units. There’s also the new full scale, furnished house that can be used in a variety of ways by both fire and EMS students that includes EMS simulating real calls and fire students performing search and rescue training. The elements at play for both fire and EMS students allow for the training to take place on site and in one way, making it incredibly convenient for the students to earn their degree.
Mobile training units
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• Two ambulances • Survival trailer • SCBA trailer • Extrication trailer • Hazmat trailer • LP trailer • Ventilation trailer • Tip over tractor • Driving emergency vehicles trailer • Soon-to-be-mobile air filling station for live burns • Soon-to-be-grain bin rescue and rescue tube trailer P
Seth Andrews of Owatonna practices clearing an airway during a skills class that went over different ways to induce artificial breathing.
Riverland firefighting instructor Terry Peterson guides students through the burn trailer as flames build.
Rodney Emery of Cannon Falls puts on his helmet as he gets ready to take a turn in the burn trailer at Riverland Community College.
Christopher George of Geneva watches EMS instructor Jason Fife demonstrate an artificial breathing technique during a class at Riverland Community College.
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Tanks and bunker gear sit out during a training day in the Riverland Community College burn trailer for firefighting students.
Riverland strides into the future
Riverland Community College President Adenuga Atewologun and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Mary Davenport are spearheading the college into the future, laying forth their goals for the two-year school. Photo by Eric Johnson
On 75th anniversary, college sets five-year plan into motion
Austin Daily Herald
“ ” We hope to come back and be invited to a 100th-year anniversary party.
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—RCC President Adenuga Atewologun
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iverland Community College hit its 75th anniversary in 2015, but nobody is slowing down. In fact, things are speeding up.
Since Riverland released its strategic plan in the middle of 2014, leaders have been excited about the future. Vice President of Academic Affairs Mary Davenport said it’s unusual for a new president to step in and start a project like this right away. But that’s what Adenuga Atewologun did after starting as president in July 2013. “The college was ready to go and the pace was set; the expectations were set, and I think that’s what’s making this strategic planning successful,” she said. Atewologun noted the five-year plan was not made solely by Riverland staff at its three locations in Austin, Albert Lea and Owatonna. Many people gave input, including faculty, students and community members. “We had townhall meetings, so we collected very detailed input from our three communities,” Atewologun said. Davenport said the plan has many goals, but overall it asks one main question: How can organizers elevate excellence as one of the older learning institutions in the region? One of the first things leaders did was identify a focus for each of the campuses. “We tried to leverage the strengths that are already existing so we’re not duplicating,” Davenport said. Austin’s east campus will be the liberal arts education village and precision agricul-
ture center; Austin’s west campus will be the science and health center; the Albert Lea campus will be the transportation, green energy and industrial technologies center; and the Owatonna campus will be the allied health, business, information systems and micro manufacturing center. “We realize that we cannot really duplicate, or replicate every equipment and facility in every one of these three campuses, so we decided we’re going to focus on the existing strengths in each of the three communities,” Atewologun said. Organizers hope to gain funding from the state over the next few years to escalate excellence in each focus area. A second goal is to increase and maintain enrollment. “We want to maintain the students, and help them complete their goals because we want to be true to our mission, inspiring personal success to education,” Atewologun said. Leaders hope to make up 4 percent of Minnesota State College and Universities System total enrollment by 2020. In 2014, Riverland accounted for 2.4 percent of MnSCU’s enrollment, but it was 2.7 percent in 2010 and 3.4 percent in 2004. College leaders hope the focused campuses will help attract students, along with partnerships with
business and industrial partners to help with funding and tools to reach student goals. Davenport pointed out one main thing businesses look for when coming to a town is the workforce that area has, and Riverland works to ensure its students leave with skills coveted by businesses. “We are looking at new programs and always want to hear from the employers in the area what their needs are,” Davenport said. Atewologun said those are only two of the many goals of the college’s strategic plan. Riverland has reached out to the local high schools to help students gain a better idea of the available resources. The college has also set other plans in motion, such as its partnerships with other universities. Riverland joined the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education to create opportunities for students to get a four-year degree at Riverland. “Now we’re expanding the opportunities for the students to complete the BS in nursing right here; they don’t even have to relocate,” Atewologun said. The college also has students who take classes through Metropolitan State University, and there is a partnership with Minnesota State University — Mankato to help Iowa students pay instate tuition instead of outof-state tuition.
Riverland recognizes 75 former students By Jenae Hackensmith After attending what would become Riverland Community College in the early 1970s, Don Leathers has never been far from the school. Leathers started at Austin State Junior College — which later became Riverland — and earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1972 before going on to major in English and humanities with a minor in journalism at the University of Minnesota. But he never forgot Riverland and his learning experiences and stayed involved with the college, taking part in the Hall of Fame Committee, the Riverland Athletics Booster’s Club, and the Riverland Alumni and Friends Committee. He is also a parttime umpire for college baseball games, and used to referee for college basketball games. Now, Leathers is one of 75 Riverland alumni to be featured in the college’s 75th anniversary Alumni Connections project. Many careers were represented in featuring the 75 former students: teachers, a farmer, a real estate agent, a photographer, a Mayo Clinic Health Systems researcher, an accountant, a former president at US Bank in Aus-
Retired Theater Director at Riverland Community College Jerry Girton is co-organizing the Alumni Connections project with Riverland employee Marijo Alexander. Photo by Jenae Hackensmith Though it was tough tin and many more. to decide who to feature, Retired Riverland Marijo Alexander, another theater director Jerry organizer for the project, Girton helped lead said each person stood the project and was out in his or her own way. excited about the maShe noted the success of ny careers representso many students shows ed, yet he said this is a what kind of college Riversmall representation Leathers land has been for the last of the many people 75 years, and she believes who have attended it will continue for the next 75. Riverland. “It proves that we’re a com“It’s amazing,” Girton said. “There are thousands that have munity college; we serve the community,” she said. “And [the done every bit as well as these,” students] maybe go away from he added.
Austin for a while, but they come back.” Leathers came back and became a teacher in Glenville for 34 years. He retired in 2010 and now lives with his wife, Marsha, in Austin. Leathers recalled good experiences with classes at Riverland, where he enjoyed learning from and chatting with many professors. “The teachers were really good,” he said. “I can just about remember every teacher I had.” He recalled professors Bill Ruppert and Jerome Carlson for their great lectures, unique senses of humor and intelligence in their fields. “The classes were small, the teachers were good — they challenged you,” Leathers said. “It was a good precursor to going to the university.” Leathers said Riverland has many administrators who are invested in helping students meet their future goals. “It’s a positive place,” Leathers said. “It’s a good place for kids to go and find out who you are, get acclimated to college life and move on, whether it’s to the workforce or a four-year college.” P
Riverland formation and merger timeline College changes name to Austin State Junior College and moves to the current east campus. 1968 — On Nov. 4, The State Board of Education formally approves the formation of Albert Lea Area Vocational-Technical School. 1971 — Austin State Junior College Owatonna Extension Center begins classes at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 20, 1971. 1972 — Austin Area Vocational-Technical School changes name to Austin Area Vocational-Technical Institute. The new technical school is completed that March. That same year, the school moves
to what is now Riverland’s west campus. 1985 — Owatonna Higher Education Center opens as a way to create a seamless link between education, work and the community. 1991 — Minnesota Riverland Technical College forms July 1 and consists of the Austin, Faribault and Rochester campuses and the Owatonna Technical Training Center. 1996 — Riverland Community College is established July 1. The move merges Austin Community College, South Central Technical College - Albert Lea, and Riverland Technical College locations in Austin
and Owatonna. 2002 — The first day of classes are held at Owatonna College & University Center on Jan. 14. While Riverland is the host institution and hosts classes at the center, Concordia University, St. Paul; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Southwest State University; University of St. Thomas; and South Central Technical College also offer classes. 2008 — Minnesota State Colleges and Universities acquires Owatonna College and University Center, with Gov. Tim Pawlenty signing it as part of the bonding bill in April. The sale is finalized Dec. 31. P
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lege opens on the third floor of Austin High School Sept. 3 with 138 freshmen and a faculty of five full-time and four part-time instructors. The school is formed as part of the public school system, with Reuben Meland serving as dean and later president. 1951 — The Austin Area Vocational-Technical School was established in the annex of Austin High School as a part of the public school system. 1964 — Austin Junior College officially becomes a part of the state system of junior colleges. 1966 — Austin Junior
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1940 — Austin Junior Col-
Austin Daily Herald
Davenport said many of the classes have a hands-on focus to help students get a better idea of what career they will be going into. One program even has students interested in teaching work with children at a local elementary school. “Students learn what it’s really like when they go on the job,” Davenport said. “They’ve had more of a taste of it from their classroom experience [than] from just a book or a lecture. They’re doing it.” Riverland isn’t only for students just out of high school. Atewologun said they hope to focus on reaching more populations, such as returning adults. College leaders also hope to follow-up with prospective students who looked but didn’t enroll at Riverland. Davenport said Riverland is a place for people to realize their dreams. “Just the nature of the community college is such that it really lets people see that they can dream of what they want to do, what they want to be, and it’s that gateway to get there,” she said. “There is a place to go and to learn, and whether it’s learning to learn, or learning for a job, that we’re here, and we’re here for the people,” she added. Atewologun noted the staff’s involvement in getting Riverland more publicity through joining outside groups. He pointed out Davenport’s involvement with Vision 2020. But it’s not just the staff who are involved. He said many of the public events they attend include alumni from Riverland. “Perhaps that’s the greatest accomplishment, we don’t sing that song loud and clear enough, but we produce some imminent alumni,” he said. The signs of growth are clear, as the college has produced more alumni by increasing its reach. Atewologun noted the college started with 138 graduates, and it now serves about 5,000 students in three large communities, which he said has added to the economic vitality of the area. “[We] meet the needs of the child, the parents, the grandparents, the great-grandparents, because we are accessible and affordable,” he said. Atewologun said though it was a coincidence the strategic plan launched at the same time as the 75th anniversary, it worked well and leaders hope to be here many more years. “We hope to come back and be invited to a 100th-year anniversary party,” he said. P
SKILLED NURSING HOME CARE
HOME HEALTH CARE
Individual Care to Meet Each Resident’s Needs: Long Term Care Short Stay Rehabilitation
Providing Assistance in the Comfort and Privacy of your home.
ADULT DAY PROGRAM
ASSISTED LIVING APARTMENTS
Live at Home But Spend The Day With Us. Trasportation Provided.
The Privacy of Individualized Apartments, Combined with the Ease of Living that comes from Fully Prepared Meals, Housekeeping and Laundry Services
Separate Day Program Specializing In Memory Loss Disorders
ADULT DAY PROGRAM 2
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Curbside Services Curbside services for recycling pickup (twice per month) are available for residents in the cities of Austin, Mapleview, Brownsdale, Grand Meadow, and LeRoy (within city limits). Visit our website at www.co.mower.mn.us/ Recycling-HHW.htm to see the curbside schedule. How do I sign up for recycling and how much does it cost? Come to the MC Recycling Center (1111 8th Ave. NE) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 1-5 PM to pick up three bins and be given a brief overview of the program. Recycling fees are included in the taxes paid by Mower County residents. As long as you are a resident of Mower County there is no additional cost to you. Why should I recycle? We have to do something with the garbage we produce. American’s produce on average 1600 lbs. of garbage per person every year - about 4.4 lbs. per day Acceptable materials Newspaper, magazines, white office paper, corrugated cardboard, pressed board (ex: cereal box), tin cans, aluminum cans, glass bottles & jars, plastic bottles with or . Visit our website at www.co.mower.mn.us/Recy cling-HHW.htm for more information WE DO NOT accept the following wastes Waxed cardboard (ex: fruit box), frozen food containers made of paper (ex: frozen pizza box), juice container made of paper, window glass or mirrors, ceramic glass (ex: coffee cup), any plastic not in bottle form through , no styrofoam of any kind, no plastic bags of any kind. Drop-off for recycling We do have a drop off area at the Recycling Center located at 1111 8th Ave. NE in Austin.
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Questions/Further information www.co.mower.mn.us/recycling.html or come to the Mower County Recycling office located at 1111 8th Ave. NE, Austin, MN 55912 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 1-5 PM or Call (507) 437-9551.
The
Writer and the
Director Two creative minds, one household
Story and photos by Eric Johnson
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aving someone to bounce ideas off of can be a priceless commodity when it comes to the world of prose and arts.
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It can offer the possibility of reflection and the chance to find something otherwise missed. It’s part of what makes the powerful relationship of husband and wife Sean E. Williams and Lindsey Duos Williams. The fact their mediums are in different areas — Sean writes graphic novels and Lindsey is the theater director for Riverland Community College — provides opportunities for different modes of thought. “It’s good because it’s a different perspective on things,” Sean said. “If I was working with another comic book writer, we would be seeing the same things. Her doing theater causes her to see other types of creativity.” Many may make the assumption that the mediums are vastly different: One is pen-to-paper; the other is more visual from the stage. Yet it’s the circulating creativity that flows between the two that makes it work. “It’s more motivating on a certain level,” Sean said. “There’s a good motivation for creation in our house, and a big part of that is we are creative.” And yet, the bouncing of ideas is not something that happens daily in the Williams household. It’s an easy relationship when it comes to their careers. It’s an easy flow that may or may not involve conversation. “We’re each other’s sounding boards,” Lindsey said. “I know him well enough to know when he’s seeking feedback and when I just need to listen.” For large parts of the day the two work apart from each other. Sean works from home in an upstairs office while Lindsey spends her time at Riverland. So while the two often rely on how one perceives a problem, they both have
Sean E. Williams
Age: 33 Job: Writer Hobby: The family dogs, coffee Hometown: Boisman, Montana Current town: Austin Why he’s in Progress: Comic book and prose writer.
Lindsey Duos Williams
Age: 34 Job: Riverland Community College theater director Hobby: Knitting, running Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota Current town: Austin Why she’s in Progress: Director, teacher, executive director of Summerset Theatre and Riverland theater.
“It’s good because it’s a different perspective on things. If I was working with another comic book writer, we would be seeing the same things.” — Sean E. Williams their own way of working things out. Often times it can be a two-step process. “If I have a problem or am unsure about something I go to Lindsey first,” Sean said. “If I’m really stuck I place what needs to go there and keep moving on.” In some ways it mirrors Lindsey’s own thinking, and it’s something she tells her students when rehearsing for a play and she gets stuck. “There are times during rehearsal when I’m trying to stage a musical number and we’ll come back to something later,” she said. Both agree the break of walking away and coming back makes things go much easier. “So important,” Lindsey said. “Yes,” Sean echoed. “I come back so much more energized,” Sean added. “It’s easy to get into bad habits and to break the habit literally revives you.” While it’s easy for both to go to the other and get feedback, both Lindsey and Sean are big on preparations. However, there is something to be said for thinking too much, something Lindsey tells her students often when they are dealing with issues on set. It’s a balancing act. “I tell my students that they all are thinking too much,” she said. “If you have to do the work, if you don’t do prep work, you’re sunk. I think a lot of people get stuck and want to control that too much.” There is something to be said about trying to do too much, a sentiment shared by both Sean and Lindsey.
Sean ... ... “You have to get through all the bad-stuff part of the process too.”
BELOW: Lindsey Williams Duos runs Riverland actors through a rehearsal from the stage of Frank W. Bridges Theatre. is the expectation that they don’t always have to be involved in what each other is doing. “We’re totally comfortable with silence,” Sean said. “Being at that level of comfortable is priceless.” And maybe it’s something that doesn’t even need any active participation. A lasting part of what makes things work for the both of them is understanding that even the smallest break can make a world of difference. “Even just taking breaks and just stepping away,” Lindsey said. “It’s amazing how things fix themselves.” P
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Lindsey ... ... “You can’t be creating and assessing at the same time. You get it and then step back.”
ABOVE: Sean E. Williams spends his time working from home in an upstairs office.
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The Williams on how to approach a problem
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While they both take steps to remedy a situation that might be causing a certain headache, they admit you can only do one thing at a time. “You can’t be creating and assessing at the same time,” Lindsey said. “You get it and then step back.” “You have to get through all the bad-stuff part of the process too,” Sean added. The driving force behind the creative natures of husband and wife is they’ve mastered a process that includes the journey of getting to the final chapter of a book or final performance of a show. There’s preparation, there’s work, there’s stepping away to circle the problem and come at it from a different direction. It’s all the backbone of understanding that not everything comes instantly. “Part of the problem is people expect immediate reaction,” Sean said. And in their line of work, immediate success isn’t an option. Part of what makes their work partnership so solid
It’s hard not to find Larry Dolphin, naturalist for the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, without a smile, especially when he’s working in his element — nature. Photo by Eric Johnson
A teaching spirit
Larry Dolphin is still focused on education as he leads the nature center into big changes
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By Jason Schoonover arry Dolphin liked what he saw when he first came to Austin to interview for the job of director/naturalist of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. He even climbed the center’s famed boulder to get a better view, but he quickly jumped off before he was spotted by the people conducting the interview. The interview would be one of the shortest he’d have, barely a half-hour as Dolphin remembers, even though he had more to say. But he made his words count. He got the job and knew quickly it could be something he did for a long time. “When I came here, I told Dan Clayton the land manager, ‘I think I’m going to be here for a while,’ because I liked what I saw,” Dolphin said. “I liked the support that I initially noticed from the community.” That was 1988, and Dolphin was 36. Fast forward to 2015, and Dolphin is 63 and leading the nature center into perhaps one of the biggest changes in its history: the project to build a $7 million interpretive center on the northeast corner of the parking lot. In November, the Hormel Foundation approved a $5-million grant for the project, but the nature center is still fundraising for more donations. To this day, Dolphin looks back at his initial interview and thinks he got the job because he emphasized his interest in teaching over administration. Now, education is slated to be a vital part of the new interpretive center.
An early connection to the outdoors Austin Daily Herald
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When Dolphin was growing up in Livingston, Wisconsin, his parents gave him freedom to enjoy the natural beauty of the nearby hill country, especially a bluff where he would sit and enjoy nature. He remember falling asleep there once and a ruffed grouse running across his leg. “I always enjoyed being outdoors and being outside,” he said. After graduating from Iowa-Grant High School, he went on to earn his bachelor’s in natural resources/resources management, a minor
in biology and a master’s in environmental/ conservation education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Before coming to Austin, Dolphin would work a variety of environmentalist and naturalist jobs: He did an internship in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, trapping live grouse to exchange with Missouri for live turkeys to restore the populations of both. “That was really a lot of fun,” he said. He also worked in water management. Dolphin went back to school to work toward his teaching degree but ended up getting a job as a naturalist in Clinton County, Iowa, and he never student taught. He next took a job as a park manager in Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area in Wisconsin to be closer to home. During that time, he was still dedicated to teaching the children and people about the outdoors whenever he could, but the other duties of those jobs kept it from being a focus. “I knew almost immediately that that wasn’t for me,” he said. That’s when Dolphin interviewed in Austin and was hired — as he says — because he emphasized his love of teaching. “I said, ‘I want to teach more than be an administrator,’” Dolphin said. Maria Anderson, who’s worked at the nature center since 2010, praised Dolphin for his passion for teaching. “Larry is a big part of it,” she said. “He’s a great boss and just sets really good examples in his passion for the nature center and for the earth and for the kids.” Anderson said many people call just to talk to him about wildlife and birds, and he always takes the time for them. She described Dolphin as someone who is cool and calm, even when he’s juggling several different duties. “He does a good job of handling all of that and just staying cool and lighthearted,” she said.
A good fit
Despite the brief interview, Dolphin and the nature center were a natural fit. He got a call the next day saying he got the job.
Nature center timeline 1927 — Jay C. Hormel
plants the first of the 200,000 trees he will plant on his land for more than 25 years on what would later become the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. 1971 — The city of Austin acquires 123 acres around the Jay C. Hormel estate and a plan begins for the development of the Nature Center. The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is founded. 1974 — Richard Birger is hired as the Nature Center’s first director. 1975 — U.S. Senator Hubert Humphrey speaks at the dedication of the Nature Center’s interpretative building, which still stands today. 1978 — Fifty-five acres of land is added to the Nature Center. Vince Shay is hired as the second director. 1984 — The Nature Center expands by 101 acres. 1985 — A 125 ton gneiss rock, a glacial erratic is moved 1.5 miles from Todd Park to the Nature Center. 1988 — Larry Dolphin is hired as the third director. 1989 — The Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, a nonprofit organization, is established. 1992 — Margaret
Beck makes a sizable donation for the Ruby Rupner Auditorium and a series of environmental programs. The Jacques Chipault handicapped access trail is dedicated. 1994 — The Ruby Rupner Auditorium is built and dedicated. 1996 — The Nature Center celebrates its 25th anniversary with guest speaker Nina Leopold Bradley. 2002 — The Friends of the Nature Center successfully fundraise to acquire 210 acres to add land north of the tower. The Nature Center currently has 507 acres and more than 10 miles of trail. 2013 — Nature Center leaders announce plans to build new interpretive center. 2014 — Hormel Foundation agrees to give $5-million grant to help fund the $7-million project. 2015 — The maintenance shop will be taken down and moved, and work will begin on a new entrance. Interpretive center project is slated to go out to bids late in the year. 2016 — Construction on interpretive center scheduled to start in spring. 2017 — Dedication for new interpretive center planned for Oct. 1.
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LARRY DOLPHIN
Age: 63 Job: Jay C. Hormel Nature Center director/ naturalist Hometown: Livingston, Wisconsin Current town: Austin Fun fact: He enjoys reading natural history books, especially “The Singing Wilderness,” by Sigurd Olson, “The Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold and “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson Why he’s in Progress: Dolphin is leading the nature center into the project to build a $7 million interpretive center.
Larry Dolphin, left, high fives a man during the Fourth of July parade. Herald file photos “It was a great land for me to be here in Austin,” he said. Along with himself, Dolphin said Austin has been good for his family. His wife, Nancy, is a music teacher, and she quickly got a job with the schools. Dolphin had nothing but good things to say about Austin Public Schools, where his son, Ben, ran cross country, and his daughter, Amber, learned the violin. Amber, 33, now lives in Madison with her husband, Steve, where she teaches violin at Beloit College and plays with a quartet and a band. Ben, 30, works for IBM and is married to Sarah, a nurse. Dolphin has a 2-year-old granddaughter, Payton. While Austin was a good fit for his family, the nature center has also thrived under Dolphin’s leadership. “I really kind of took to this place and the people — the community support,” Dolphin said.
Along with overseeing the addition of Ruby Rupner auditorium, the center has grown. When he started, the center was about 279 acres. It’s 507 today. When asked about his most memorable accomplishments at the nature center, Dolphin doesn’t jump to the expected answer of the new interpretive center. Instead, he first talks about the prairie restoration projects over the years. Just last year, the nature center reseeded a 62-acre piece of land — and they were able to greatly diversify that grassland. “I really liked that fact that we’ve continued to add more land,” he said. “It’s not just for us as humans, but also for more wildlife habitat.” He’s also proud of the center’s programming and learning opportunities. “We’re all about programming, about using our resources out here to help people learn more about their environment, so
Larry Dolphin pulls back a log to help Southgate Elementary third-graders look for critters in 2014.
they’ll maybe also learn how to take care of it better,” Dolphin said. Thanks to community support — especially from the Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center — many of those programs have been offered at a low cost. “We try to make it easy for families and youth to enjoy our programs without a lot expense,” Dolphin said. Dolphin is already looking forward to 2015, especially the second Water Festival, and looking ahead to the Thursday nature plays and other things coming up.
Planning for families
When it comes to the new interpretive center, Dolphin is most excited about the new educational exhibits, which he admits will take a lot of work to get ready. The exhibits at the new center will help people understand their connections to the water, the land and natural resources.
Dolphin and others visited other regional nature centers to view displays. Technology could play a key role, but several they saw were broken down. They want Austin’s displays to be sustainable long term. Much of the remaining fundraising needed for the project will go toward the $1 to $1.2 million dedicated to the educational displays. Anderson, who could transition to a full-time job as the interpretive center project moves forward, said Dolphin and the center have based everything about the exhibits at the interpretive center on trying to teach children and families how to care for the earth and their natural resources. “Everything we’re thinking about and planning with the new building is really based around how to best teach the kids who come through and families too,” she said. P
A LOOK AT THE PLANNED INTERPRETIVE CENTER Proposed exhibits $150,000: Theater fea-
Bathrooms Craft room
Mechanical
Curriculum storage
Children’s play area
Classrooms Exhibits / displays
Curriculum storage Aviary feeding
Office
Lobby
Bathrooms
Fireside
Directors office Conference room
turing a video history of Jay C. Hormel $50,000: Jay C. Hormel historical display $30,000: Live birds of prey exhibit $45,000: Live Minnesota snake and amphibian exhibit $80,000: Aquarium on Minnesota fish $90,000: Animals of the night $55,000: Renewable energy exhibit $100,000: Early childhood room with interactive exhibits $45,000: Soil and water conservation exhibits $90,000: Weather, phenology, climate exhibit, $65,000: Geological Time-line Exhibit $60,000: Prairie/soil plant exhibit $55,000: Ecology of the forest exhibit $50,000: Endangered species exhibit $35,000: Prairie management exhibit TOTAL ESTIMATED COST:
$1 million
Artists rendition/floor plan courtesy the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Austin Daily Herald
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Peggy Keener has been busy since returning, taking as many opportunities as she can to get involved. Photo by Eric Johnson
lobal living, local giving
Peggy Keener
Age: 76 Current hometown: Austin Fun fact: Aside from her status as an award-winning author and her global travels, Keener was instrumental in teaching the Japanese English in the 1960s, and once spent six months living and homeschooling her children in the jungles of Indonesia. Why she’s in Progress: After an astounding life traveling the globe, Keener and her husband have come back to Austin where she has become a busy volunteer.
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Story by Trey Mewes
Austin Daily Herald
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eggy Keener didn’t know she wanted to move back to her hometown until her husband, Glen, suggested it. The Keeners, in their 70s, had moved 27 times around the globe and looked to finally settle down. They had their pick of places they loved, places they wanted to visit, places that sounded intriguing, but they had trouble finding a new home where they wanted to stay forever. That is, until Glen turned to Peggy and said, “Why don’t we move to Austin?” “It would have never crossed my mind to come back here,” she said. “It was just a real surprise and so wonderful of Glen.” So the Keeners packed up their home once again, for the 28th (and hopefully final) time to move from Minnetonka, Minnesota, to Austin in February 2014. It was a 58-year gap for Peggy, who hadn’t lived in Austin since she graduated from Austin High School in 1955. “I had to start completely from zero. I knew nobody in this town,” she said. “But now I know so many people. Austin has just been so welcoming for me and for Glen.” Peggy and Glen have been just as welcoming to Austin. In less than a year, Peggy has become a crucial volunteer for arts and literary causes in the area. “I have no idea how I’ve become so involved,” she said with a laugh.
Peggy has deep roots in the community. Her grandfather came to the area in the 1920s with an idea to open a grocery store. According to Peggy, her grandfather was one of the first people in the area to run a goods-for-cash business rather than the standard grocery delivery. “At the time, it was considered beneath housewives to go out and get groceries,” Peggy said. Most ladies left a list for the grocer, who would deliver goods and keep a tab which would be paid at the end of the month. Not Peggy’s grandfather, however. He realized he needed a continuous cash flow and couldn’t afford large monthly deliveries of new goods. To fix that, he enticed residents to visit his shop, pick out their groceries and pay for them at the cash register. He would ship exotic flower baskets from Mexico — at that time an unheard-of practice — and stock them on the walls to attract Austin’s women to come shop. It solved cash problems for the business and ensured Peggy’s family had a grocery store to work at over the years. “That’s when Austin was just booming,” she said. “I went into Knauer’s and I was talking about my dad’s store. ...[One of the owners] went back and he said there were 38 grocery stores in Austin. Now, we’re including little mom-and-pop stores but he said 38 grocery stores.”
Peggy worked at the grocery store, then run by her father, during high school. After she graduated, she set off for Stevens College, a finishing school in Missouri. She soon reconsidered her decision, however. The formal atmosphere and stuffy lessons ran counter to Peggy’s freewheeling spirit. “You can quote me on this, I was finished and done for after one year,” she said with a laugh. “I hated the place! I felt it was taking me backwards. I went there as a young, confident woman and it was doing everything for me, not allowing me to think for myself.” She transferred to the University of Minnesota and eventually to the University of Colorado, where she met Glen. Though she never completed college, she found a more exciting adventure to complete. Glen worked for the military after school and was transferred to Japan. So Peggy, at 24 years old, with two small children, set off to follow her husband overseas in 1961. Peggy embarked on a storied career of her own while Glen spent his years working for the military. Of course, like many of her exploits, Peggy found herself in a larger course of action than she realized. Then-Japanese Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda had built an enormously popular reputation as an economic wunderkind and was working to increase wages for residents in what would soon be dubbed his “income-doubling plan.”
Peggy Keener, right, has jumped into several causes and volunteer efforts in Austin since returning. Here, pictured with Milly Burroughs, left, and Sue Grove, she was part of a recent book fair where books were supplied by Barnes & Noble. Herald file photo cent fall book sale featuring book orders from Barnes and Noble. The group did so well, Barnes and Noble had to drop off books two days in a row. From there, Peggy became involved with the Austin Area Commission for the Arts and also helps with the Austin ArtWorks Festival. She even sells some of her arts and crafts at the Austin Artworks Center. Peggy may slow her volunteer work as she and Glen settle in and as Peggy works on a second memoir. Yet she likely won’t slow her frenetic pace any time soon. “I have been born with a lot of energy,” she said. “I just go from morning to night.” P
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global travels. Peggy and Glen arrived in Austin last year, to a home built on land her father once sold to family friends (unbeknownst to Peggy until recently), and Peggy looked to get involved in the community. After an invitation to the Ladies Floral Club, she became interested in joining the Friends of the Austin Public Library, in part because she has also written an internationally renowned memoir. “They were the first people to invite me to Austin,” she said. “It was a natural for me to join.” She soon rose to chair the group’s book sale efforts and helped to spearhead a re-
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rials while Peggy and Japanese actors played through skits such as buying groceries, getting a haircut or other basic scenarios. “The Japanese people are a shy people,” Peggy said. “They are not comfortable twisting their mouths in unfamiliar positions, which English requires. And they could do it in the privacy of their homes, where nobody saw. I was the real deal, I was the real accent, so it was a wonderful idea.” Peggy was willing to teach, just as she’s willing to volunteer and coordinate various tasks and programs. Fast forward a few decades, a slew of adventures, three children and more than a few
Austin Daily Herald
Though Ikeda succeeded in strengthening Japan’s post-World War II economy, he also had a grand vision to connect Japan with the outside world: He wanted the Japanese to learn English. “He decided Japan had to become part of the world if they were going to economically survive,” Peggy said. Peggy was hired to work with a Japanese professor — himself a former tutor of current Emperor Akihito — to teach English to Japanese on a TV program three times a week during primetime, where they could practice speaking English. People would buy and study supplementary lesson mate-
Man about town Tom Dankert helped keep the city of Austin vibrant in 2014 Story by Trey Mewes, Photo by Eric Johnson
Tom Dankert, finance director for Austin, has been part of several projects for Austin this year including the purchase of the Oak Park Mall.
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eet Tom Dankert. Dankert is a hometown accountant who graduated from Austin High School in 1987 and Minnesota State University — Mankato in 1991. Meet Tom Dankert. Dankert is the city of Austin’s director of finance and administrative services. He presides over the city’s finances and keeps the lights on, as he likes to say. He took a job with the city in 1996 after working in the private sector and was groomed to eventually take over the city’s finance department. That was after he spent five years as an accountant for a local private firm. “One of the things I was auditing heavily was government entities, including the city of Austin at the time,” he said. “The government entities is kind of where I stuck with during my five years there.” Meet Tom Dankert. Dankert is the guy that took over much of the city’s administrative duties last year after the Austin City Council decided to look for a new city administrator. The city of Austin went 53 weeks without a city administrator, during which time Dankert acted as the de facto head spokesperson of the city. Meet Tom Dankert. He’s one of the people who worked on some of Austin’s biggest projects over the past few months, though
Tom Dankert
Age: 46 Job: Austin’s director of finance and administrative services Current hometown: Austin Fun fact: When he’s not working, Dankert is a family man. He spends his free time attending his children’s extracurriculars and also coached Austin All-Stars youth baseball for several springs. Why he’s in Progress: Dankert is one of the key people in the city of Austin who worked on several high-profile projects in 2014 and will continue to do so in 2015. he’s more likely to share credit than accept it for the city’s involvement in things like the Spam Museum’s move to the downtown area or the Oak Park Mall deal to let Hy-Vee build a new 60,000- to 90,000-square foot building. “We're just kind of the middle-man, we're the small player that has helped facilitate the change,” Dankert said. “Let the Hy-Vees take the credit, let the Hormel Foods take the credit. Deservedly so, they
should get the credit. That's the way I prefer it.” Meet Tom Dankert. He worked with many people, including Mayor Tom Stiehm, Public Works Director Steven Lang, former City Engineer Jon Erichson, City Clerk Ann Kasel, Port Authority Attorney Craig Byram, and a score of other staff to keep the city running and to help work out big project deals in 2014. He contributed to those efforts — especially the $3.2 million deal for the city to buy the Oak Park Mall site, demolish most of the structure there, work out agreements with Shopko, Cinemagic 7 and Younkers to keep their businesses running and pave the way for a large-scale Hy-Vee project. “Those big projects don’t happen with just one person,” he said. “Quite frankly, there’s lots of people behind the scenes doing that work.” Meet Tom Dankert. He’s going back to being the finance director in 2015 after the city hired Craig Clark to be the new city administrator. Dankert doesn’t mind, that however. He prefers being behind the scenes, dotting I’s and crossing T’s as he puts it, so Austin’s elected officials can take the spotlight and other city staff can take the credit. Dankert finds comfort in just do-
ing a good job. “The council support when we go into these things is what makes the job fun,” he said. Meet Tom Dankert. Dankert is the kind of guy who can get embarrassed by too much praise. He once suggested, offhandedly, that the Austin City Council give him a $1 bonus for all his work in 2014 after Council Member Jeff Austin repeatedly praised Dankert’s efforts throughout the year. Dankert had refused a bonus for a long time, however “When I started talking to them, I was like, ‘man alive, just let it go,’” he said. “This is what staff are paid to do.” Meet Tom Dankert. He’s a likeable kind of guy. It didn’t help that the rest of the council really likes the job Dankert does as well. They really did give him that $1 bonus, which the Austin Daily Herald reported on, and which Dankert was subsequently embarrassed by. Meet Tom Dankert. Tom’s one of the most reliable city government employees around. He knows a lot about baseball and numbers, and if you have the time he can probably find you an answer to any question about the city. Well, he and a lot of the city staff, since Tom likes give credit to them. P
Austin Daily Herald
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Growing her community Hayfield clerk faces busy job as city grows with DMC By Trey Mewes
Video, Lottery, Food Stamps, WIC Delivery Wednesday - Call by Noon Senior Citizen Day every Wednesday: 5% discount Laundromat - located behind the store
507-477-3804
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4 East Main Street • Hayfield, MN 55940
Age: 52 Current city: Hayfield Hometown: Cornell, Wisconsin Job: Hayfield City Clerk Fun fact: Kindschy loves to quilt baby blankets for friends and family. Why she’s in Progress: As Mayo Clinic’s Destination Medical Center kicks into gear, towns like Hayfield are poised to become destination bedroom communities. Kindschy has the best view of how much Hayfield can grow from DMC.
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Ryan’s Foods
Lori Kindschy
Austin Daily Herald
It’s no stretch to say Lori Kindschy is a busy woman. The Hayfield City Clerk has to field numerous calls a day, from people who need help with their water bill to residents concerned with taxes. As the head official of Hayfield, she’s the one who connects Hayfield residents with the services they need. “When we take phone calls, you never get someone who’ll say ‘I love my water bill, you put out one heck of a water bill,’” she said. “It’s somebody looking for information or somebody having an inquiry about something.” But Kindschy could become busy over the next few years as Mayo Clinic’s Destination Medical Center takes off. Though the city isn’t as close to a four-lane highway as other places, Hayfield stands to boom as a bedroom community for incoming residents. “We’re slowly growing,” Kindschy said. For Kindschy, who has worked in Hayfield for the past 18 years, that’s a good sign. She and her husband have lived there for decades and Kindschy has been active in Girl Scouts, church groups and more as her children grew up. “I’ve got grandbabies coming too, so I’ll likely get more involved again,” she said. Everyone will likely get more busy once developers take a look at Hayfield. After all, there are 15 lots in two developments near the downtown area ripe for construction. “People may want a smaller town to raise a family in,” Kindschy said. “And maybe we’ll find in the older sector maybe not wanting to be in a big, big town like Rochester.” Hayfield is already connected to Rochester: There are three bus lines from Hayfield to the Med City running each day. The city is growing on its own as well. The population increased from 1,325 to 1,340 people between 2000 and 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but there are signs of more people moving into town with each passing month. For Kindschy, that means more people to help serve. She’s already looking forward to it. “I’ve been doing it so long, it’s second nature, I guess,” she said. P
Austin Daily Herald
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Austin Daily Herald
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A year of change Mayor Tom Stiehm experienced a transformative 2014, in the city and his personal life By Trey Mewes A year can make a big difference in a person’s life. The same is true for a community, as Austin Mayor Tom Stiehm knows. The mayor has presided over a transformative 2014 in city government, and faced numerous highs and lows in his own life. “We’re going through a historic time in Austin right now,” Stiehm said. “With all the changes with Vision 2020, we’re seeing projects now that our children, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren are going to be talking about.” The mayor has experiAge: 63 enced plenty of changes himself. A longtime Current town: Austin Austinite, Stiehm began Hometown: Milwaukee, his 2014 with a goal to Wisconsin change himself while Hobby: Aside from his duties the Austin City Council as a city council member, planned large goals for Stiehm is a big Green Bay the city. Stiehm was moPackers fan. tivated to lose weight in Why he’s in Progress: Stiehm September 2013 after has overcome huge he looked at a photo of obstacles in 2014 both himself with his daughter personally and professional at a community event. Through eating better as the city of Austin’s and long walks with his mayor. dogs, Annie and Harper, Stiehm went from about 275 pounds to about 160. Stiehm went from feeling unhealthy to wearing clothes from 15 years ago when he last felt in shape. In addition, doctors weaned Stiehm off from blood pressure medication starting in January after he cleared a few fitness goals. “My whole life is different,” Stiehm said. “You take a different view of life after eating that good. I used to think I was probably only going to live for about 10 more years. Now with the exercising and eating right, I look forward to living to old age.” The city of Austin made strides as well. The council started the year looking for a new city administrator, among other goals. The council also worked on and eventually passed a rental registration ordinance, oversaw a new city website redesign and switched from paper agendas to digital tablets to cut down on city printing costs. Even the city’s ongoing projects made huge waves in the community. Austin’s North Main Flood Control project, which covers much of the Cedar River in downtown Austin, went from frigid construction in January and February to practically complete by the end of the year. “That flood wall is going to be there forever,” Stiehm said. Not everything went Stiehm’s way in 2014, however. He and his wife, Sarah, lost their home and Harper the dog to a fire in July. Since then, the Stiehms have worked to rebuild their house. They’re scheduled to move in this March. Yet the mayor also heads a new council, a new city administrator — Craig Clark — and a new year of goals to look forward to in 2015. “It’s going to be an exciting time for the city,” he said. P
Tom Stiehm
ABOVE: Mayor Tom Stiehm poses for a photo before Stiehm lost more than 100 pounds. Austin Daily Herald
Photo provided
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RIGHT: Mayor Tom Stiehm and his wife Sarah watch as firefighters battle a blaze at their home in July of 2014. Photo by Eric Johnson
641-713-4921 • City Hall 641-713-4450 • Clubhouse
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Electric - $200
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From the badge to the reel Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi holds up a red rock cod during a fishing trip to San Diego. Photo provided
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fter nearly three decades in the Mower County Sheriff’s Office, Terese Amazi still has the same, simple getaway: a lake. A few months after winning an uncontested re-election bid, Amazi traveled to the Hackensack and Longville area of northern Minnesota to the getaway cabin she and her husband, Wayne, are renovating — what she calls her favorite house. Then, she wheeled her second favorite house — a 6-foot-by-10-foot icehouse — out onto the lake. Amazi’s trip in January is nothing new. Though she’s worked in Mower County law enforcement for 27 years, she’s fished for a lifetime. “It’s my release,” she said. “My husband likes to sit and watch a movie. I like to go out on the lake.” Amazi, 52, grew up in South St. Paul and Alexandria before later graduating from Moose Lake High School. She completed her law enforcement training in Alexandria, where she met her husband, Wayne, who recently retired from the Austin Police Department. The couple have two children: Kandace, 28, and Johnathan, 26. She was first elected in 2002, the first female sheriff elected in Minnesota.
Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi is widely know in the law enforcement community, but away from the badge, she prefers to be outside as often as possible. Photo by Eric Johnson
When sheriff isn’t fighting crime, she’s outside snagging fish By Jason Schoonover
“Oh, they’re fun. They’re a smaller fish, For as long as she can remember, she but they just fight like nobody’s business.” was fishing. While she prefers open water If she doesn’t throw them back — as fishing because it’s easier to move around and she doesn’t have to dig holes, she likes she does many of the bigger, less tasty fish — Amazi preall types of fishing pares most of of and also enjoys ice what she catches fishing. herself. She even “It’s all fishing,” got a smoker for she said. Age: 52 Christmas a few After attending a Job: Sheriff years ago. sheriff’s conference Hometown: Alexandria “Smoked rainin San Diego last Current town: Austin bow trout, oh my year, Amazi took an Fun fact: She volunteers weekly god they are the extra day and fished in the dog section of the Mower best,” she said. for red rock cod — County Human Society. She has Wayne will fish her first time fishthree dogs; one is a rescue. with his wife, but ing on the ocean, Why she’s in Progress: Amazi is Amazi joked it’s which is something the first elected female sheriff more to placate she enjoyed and her. Her children wants to do again. in Minnesota, recently won also fish with her Amazi even has a re-election and is a staple of local on occasion. fishing bucket list: law enforcement Since Wayne fishing in Alaska, isn’t as avid about halibut fishing and fishing as Terese, salmon fishing in a Amazi often brings river; however, she her four-legged fishing partners: her dogs doesn’t have any set trips planned yet. Molly, a 7-year-old golden retriever; Tiggs, She likes fishing croppies in the spring a 4-year-old golden retriever; and Lilly, a and up north she enjoys fishing for rain1-year-old black lab mix. bow trout. “They’ll go anytime,” she said. “They fight,” she said of rainbow trout.
Terese Amazi
Amazi rescued Lilly from the Mower County Humane Society, where the sheriff volunteers to clean once a week. The dogs love to swim or chase and watch much of the wildlife up on the lake, whether its ducks, loons, otters, beavers or eagles. Amazi is active both at work and outside of work. Much has happened during her tenure as sheriff. She was in office when the county board voted to build a new jail, a project she said she’s proud of. And she’s seen squad cars add new technology like computers and updated radio systems. She was a key proponent of making certain ingredients to produce meth harder to purchase, and she was named to Gov. Mark Dayton’s task force on child protection. She also played a key role in meth legislation, child meth lab legislation and a bill making child chaining a felony. Off the job, Amazi is just as active. Along with fishing, she enjoys cross country skiing, snowshoeing — which she said is a bit more work and more exercise — and hiking. For outdoor people, Amazi said there’s a lot to do up north near their cabin. Her children will go up north too, and they’ll pick blueberries. “I’m not a sit around kind of person,” Amazi said. “I like being outside.” P
Austin Daily Herald
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Austin Daily Herald
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By Jason Schoonover Jeff Baldus uses two analogies to describe his work as the first executive director of the Austin Area Foundation. In the first analogy, he describes himself as a farmer out planting seeds to grow the foundation. “We’re a small organization at this point trying to grow,” Baldus said. Baldus was hired as the foundation’s first director last May to help it grow. A big part of his first year has been educating the public on the foundation, what it does and how it is different from other charitable groups. “There’s still a whole lot of education that has to go on,” Baldus said.
Jeff Baldus
Age: 55 Hometown: Austin Job: Austin Area Foundation executive director Fun fact: Is one of the key organizers for the Freedom Fest and owns most of the inflatables and children’s games used at bandshell park used during the Fourth of July celebration. Why he’s in Progress: Baldus is leading the foundation into a bigger role. Baldus admits he’s used to instant gratification. When he owned Austin’s Culver’s from about 1999 to 2009, he’d make a hamburger and get the instant gratification of exchanging money for food with a customer. There’s rarely instant gratification at the foundation. “It’s a much longer process than I would have thought,” Baldus admits. As AAF founder and chairman Mike Ruzek knows, growing a community foundation is a gradual process. “I can certainly appreciate what Jeff is talking about, because it is slow,” Ruzek said. One part of the growth is monetary. AAF set up the Austin Legacy Endowment Fund in 2004 and more recently the Basic Needs Endowment Fund, but such funds take time to grow. Small signs of growth are already visible. Late last year, AAF gave out a record $19,000 in donations — up from $17,000 in 2013. That could climb to about $20,000 next year. The second analogy Baldus uses to describe the foundation is a popcorn machine: The seeds are in and he’s watching eagerly, looking for signs of growth. First one kernel pops, then another and another. Ruzek said two key things will make those
Austin Area Foundation executive director Jeff Baldus is the first to fill the position for the grant organization. Photo by Eric Johnson
kernels pop: visibility and accountability. The foundation’s had a good return on its investments to establish accountability, and AAF has worked on several key projects. It was the fiscal agent for the Mower County Veterans Memorial and is establishing a perpetual care fund. Baldus has already helped improve visibility, and Ruzek praised Baldus and his efforts. “I think our visibility has increased considerably,” Ruzek said. A big mission for Baldus is to get the word out on AAF’s mission and role, which isn’t always easy. Baldus admitted his own board at times struggles to find a simple explanation for the foundation’s community role. But that doesn’t take away from AAF’s role in Austin. Several charitable groups do great work in Austin, but each is unique and addresses a different need. “It’s just getting people to understand the difference,” Baldus said. Baldus described the United Way as the community’s checking account, taking care of more immediate needs each year. In comparison, the Austin Area Foundation is like the community’s savings account. The two will work with some of the same organizations, but AAF focuses on long term commitments and funds that pay out a little at a time to help provide stability. “I’m trying to educate people that we’ve got needs here in this community that we can help them facilitate,” Baldus said. AAF has set up the Alice Qual Fund and a KSMQ fund. For example, he recently worked to set up an endowment fund for a family and is working to explain how it will work. “See, this is a perpetual savings account that will go on indefinitely,” he said. They recently started a basic needs fund, which will support the Salvation Army, the Mower County Senior Center, and other area organizations. “We’re pretty good at supporting local people and local endeavors,” Baldus said. “People like that local touch.” AAF also provided administrative service for Austin’s 150th anniversary celebration and the Austin Dog Park. But it’s not all just about Austin as the foundation can help people make tax-deductible donations to organizations across the country, and it can help college graduates support their alma maters. Baldus is optimistic about the foundation’s recent work and the future. “Things are going great,” he said. Likewise, Ruzek was pleased with the growth since Baldus has taken over, and looking forward to more signs of growth. “You plant seeds and these seeds are going to blossom sometime,” Ruzek said. “We don’t know when but it’s going to happen.” P
Quality Cemetery Memorials Award Winning Designs, Solid Reputation, Competitive Prices. National Recognition by peers for Excellence.
ANDERSON MEMORIALS
507-437-3636 OR 1-800-658-2560 106 4th Street SW • Austin, MN
OF
Baldus setting the seeds to grow charitable group
Austin Daily Herald
82 Progress 2015
PARADE PROGRESS
Planting a foundation
1870
1891
1913
1927
1930
1886
1887
1895
1912
QA &
Justin with: Osborne
1923
1936
1946
1946
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1920
Q: What has you excited for the business’s future? A: We have always worked on making the winery a destination. These things don’t just happen overnight, its a mindset that after years of trying we are finally starting to realize. Our event space is modern and unique, and it is attracting people from very far away. Our cider brand Loon Juice is poised for success in MN and surrounding states. I think we are making some breakthroughs on Minnesota wines that could really elevate them. We’ve got a good vision and enough talented employees to pull it off. Q: If you were on a deserted island, what books would you bring? A: Big ones. HA! No but seriously, I’d bring a Bible, a book about how to survive on a desert island, and the full unabridged Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Cause I’ve probably got the time for that on the island. To be honest, I don’t read much, I’d prefer a big book of tabs or sheet music and an instrument. Q: If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would buy? A: I’d spring for double meat on my burrito at Chipotle (extra $2.15). Q: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? A: A Northwest Airlines pilot. Q: If you could have starred in one movie or TV show, what character would you be? A: Anthony Bourdain in No Reservations or Parts Unknown. He travels to foreign countries, and eats and drinks his way through off the beaten path. Q: What would be on your bucket list? A: My wife and I like traveling to places where dinner is three hours long and wine comes from a barrel instead of a bottle. I’d probably do more of that. Q: What’s the most embarrassing thing that happened to you while on the job? A: I’ve done many, many stupid things unintentionally at work. Fortunately I rarely work in front of other people. I once had a pump pushing about 25 gallons of wine per minute against a closed valve. I thought the pump was pumping away from the valve. I was on the phone and distracted. I took the hose off and it shot me in the face so hard wine went up my nose and it blew my phone 30 feet across the room. It was a relatively new iPhone so I spent the next two years only talking on speaker phone because that’s the only way I could get it to work. Q: If you could spend one day with one person in history, who would it be? A: Jesus. It’d be so useful and helpful in so many ways. P
Austin Daily Herald
1908
Q: What’s the most difficult part of being a winemaker? A: Making wine is all about variables. There are hundreds or thousands for each wine, and every decision affects the final outcome. As a bit of a perfectionist, the hardest part for me is that I over-analyze and over-taste at each step. Hard work doesn’t make good wine, good decision making along with hard work makes good wine. Right before a wine is bottled, I usually spend two full days drinking that particular wine and tweaking it ever so slightly. Most people probably can’t detect the changes I’m making, but they seem big to me at the time. Q: What skills and attributes does it take to be a good winemaker? A: People always say it’s art and science, you can look at it like it’s a blend of the objective and subjective. The objective part is organic chemistry and having a good handle on that. There are rules you cannot break. That gives you a good starting point. To take your wine over the top, you need to use some bravado and trust your gut if you want to do something great and original. Some rules can be bent, you need to know which ones. That’s the subjective part. Q: What’s your go-to Four Daughters drink after a long day on the job? A: For me, some of my longest days on the job involve drinking, so having some more wine afterwards is not appealing to me. When I get home, Low sodium V-8 is my go to. Drinking wine all day may seem fun, but there are times when you really don’t feel like it. V-8 is like the anti-wine for me. If you see me at the winery during a special event or if I’m giving a tour, you may see me with some Big Boy Blend or I’ll pull some Cabernet out of a barrel. I also like the cider, and I’ve been making the new Gin n’ Loon Juice. That’s my new go-to cocktail: 5 ounce Loon Juice, 1 ounce Prairie Gin (Minnesota made), orange wedge, and poured over ice. Very tasty. Q: Since opening, what are your proudest accomplishments at Four Daughters? A: Awards are fun, they put you on the map and let people know critics like you. The governors cup was great to win, it was like a fairy tale to get it in the first year. We had so much success in these competitions I feel like the point has been made that we have good wine. Since then, the focus has been on making Four Daughters as good of an experience as it can be. I know this past New Year’s Eve was a proud moment for many; our beautiful new event space was completed, we had a 20-piece big band in there playing, and there were dozens of people dancing. We’ve tried for three years to get people to dance, and finally that happened.
Progress 2015
Justin Osborne is the winemaker at Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery, which had a big year introducing Sunflake wholesale wines and Loon Juice Hard Cider.
THROUGH THE YEARS
1951
1961
TINY’S
BODY SHOP AUSTIN, MINN.
Since 1961
Austin’s Oldest Locally Owned & Operated Free Estimates • Free Loaner Car • State of the Art Shop Lifetime Written Warranty 50 YEARS OF SERVICE
604 18th Avenue NW • Austin, MN (507) 437-2611
1965
1966 & ASSOCIATES, INC.
The crowd at the Lyle Area Cancer Auction gives a standing ovation on Jan. 16 after a big donation was announced. Not long after, the auction hit the $2 million mark.
Lyle Area Cancer
Photos by Eric Johnson
W
Daily Lunch & Evening Specials
307 West Oakland Avenue Austin, MN • 437-4135
907 Sykes Street • Albert Lea • 507-373-0689
1970
1971
1976
1977
hen it comes to fighting cancer, Lyle is the little town that could. In 2015, Lyle Area Cancer surpassed $2 million raised to fight cancer and had a record year with $215,000 raised. Here’s a look at the auction’s history:
1980 –The Lyle Cancer Auction starts at the Silver Saddle Dance Hall, raising $5,318. 1982-2002 – Lyle Area
Cancer Auction changes its name and relocates to the Lyle Legion Post 105.
1998 – The auction and breakfast set a record of $15,000. 2000 – LAC starts the victim and survivor banners at the auction only. The auction and breakfast reach another record of $27,200. 2001 – The Lucille John-
son Pool Tournament forms in Carpenter, Iowa, as the first new event contributing to LAC. It has raised more than $377,000 since. Also, LAC builds its first float for area parades and events.
2002 – The first Harley Davidson raffle nets $15,650, which continues to this day. 2003 – The Lyle Area Cancer Auction expands to two buildings: the Lyle American Legion and the city of Lyle maintenance building, later adding a permanent adjoining walkway between the buildings. That same year, the first bus-load of LAC volunteers travels to Rochester to present a $92,500 check to the Eagles Cancer Telethon live on stage. 2004 – LAC celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaches six digits for the first time at $127,200. LAC expands to 12 events. 2005 – LAC starts a website, www.lyleareacancer.org. 2006 – In June, Tracy
Schilling forms the Halfway to January Cancer Bash.
2008 – LAC surpasses $1
million raised to fight cancer and Jeff Ramaker writes the LAC theme song, “Remember Them.” Ramaker and Six Mile Grove create a two-song CD called “Bonded Brothers.” LAC expands to 20 events.
Architects & Civil Engineers Austin • 507-437-8141
Dexter Elevator & LP, Inc.
DE
• LP Gas • Hubbard Feed • On Sight Grain Pick-up
Check With Us Before You Buy!
Dexter, MN • 507-584-6422
1979
1980
1982
1983
2011 – Jerry Sampson starts streaming LAC auction on the web. 2013 – LAC surpasses $200,000 for the first time. 2015 – LAC crosses the $2 million mark for 36 years and also sets a record of $215,000 and has 848 hits on the web stream. LAC celebrates its $2 million footprint by having people sign a large banner with a pink footprint on it. P
Lyle Area Cancer Auction co-chair Larry Rikke displays a shirt given him by Teresa Slowinski, right, after it was announced the auction hit the $2 million mark on Jan. 16. Joining them is Cindy Ziegler.
House of
Total Hair Care • Cathy Murphy • Marv Streiff Massage: Deb Morgan
507-433-5122
301 1st Avenue NW • Austin, MN
Austin Daily Herald
1984
1985
84 Progress 2015
1962
1963
Eric J. Connett
THROUGH THE YEARS
Jesse Grimes
Israel Benitez
Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin
1969 Teresa Hanson
Linda Sistek
SERVING SOUTHERN MINNESOTA SINCE 1963 203 North Main Street Austin, Minnesota
437-4503 1975
T HILL, LARSON, WALTH & BENDA, P.A. 1896 — CPA
1204 West Oakland Ave. • Austin, MN 55912 1-888-433-2307 • 507-433-2307
Certified Public Accountants
326 North Main Street, Austin www.hlwb-cpa.com
433-2264
1978
1978
1981
1981 TRUCKING Austin, MN I-90 & Highway 56
507-437-4636
1983
1983
1987
St. Olaf Hospital in 1938
St. Olaf Hospital in 1954
St. Olaf Hospital in 1976
Austin Medical Center
Rod Nordeng, vice president of Operations, Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea and Austin, cuts the ribbon on the new expansion in 2011. Herald file photo
Progress 2015
The Exhaust Specialists
Founder Dr. Olav H. Hegge, a physician and surgeon, opens St. Olaf Hospital. The hospital served 157 patients during its first year. Today, Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin has an acute care hospital with 80 beds providing Austin and the surrounding communities with a number of medical specialties, ranging from comprehensive trauma care to a family-oriented women’s special care maternity program. 1919 — The Austin Clinic is founded with a staff of four physicians and surgeons: Dr. C. F. Lewis, Dr. Emery Rebman, Dr. C.C. Allen and Dr. W.B. Grise. The clinic was initially located near the clinic site commonly called AMC West near Walgreens. 1929 — Needing more space at the Austin Clinic, physicians move into a new building specifically built for clinic practice. 1959 — Austin Clinic expands its Austin base of operation by opening up another new clinic to meet the increasing demand for medical care in the community. 1989 — St. Olaf Hospital and the Austin Clinic enter a joint venture and work closely together. 1995 — St. Olaf and the Austin Clinic become affiliated with Mayo Clinic Health System, becoming Austin Medical Center. 2011 — On May 23, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Health System rebrand their integrated system to be known as Mayo Clinic Health System. Austin’s clinic is known as Mayo Clinic Health System — Austin. 2013 — The Austin medical center officially merges with Albert Lea to become Mayo Clinic Health System — Albert Lea and Austin. 2013 — In January and February the Austin medical center’s $28 million, 85,600-squarefoot expansion opened in three phases. The first phase included rehabilitation services, orthopedics, podiatry and the pain clinic — which includes the eye center, retail pharmacy, the Mayo Clinic Store and Jazzman’s, a coffee shop. The second included OB/GYN, family medicine, and internal medicine. The final phase was for family medicine. P
85
The CPA. Never Underestimate the Value.
he Austin medical center has gone through many incarnations over the years. Here’s how a clinic and hospital merged and became part of the Mayo system of clinics:
Austin Daily Herald
1974
Locally Owned & Operated FREE ESTIMATES
St. Olaf Hospital in 1896. Photos provided
THROUGH THE YEARS
1988
1989
advertisements
1990
1992
Hormel
H
ormel Foods Corp. kicked off ads for its new Skippy line last year, but there were also new ads for its Austin-based products, like its pepperoni line that’s turning 100. Here are some ads from Hormel’s products produced in Austin: Photos courtesy of the Hormel Foods Corp.
2000 8th Street NW, Austin 507-437-2400
www.crc.coop
1995
1996
Specializing In Finding Employees For Your Business
1915 – Hormel begins dry sausage production. The ad above is of 1929 dry sausage products made at the Austin Plant. 1937 – Hormel introduces Spam Classic.
117 4th Avenue NE • Austin 433-5570 *Clerical *Seasonal *Construction *General labor *Temporary *Permanent
1999
2000
2003 Tidy Trimming
Grooming Salon For Small Dogs
1959 – One billionth can of Spam product
produced.
1963 – Hormel introduces Hormel Cure 81
Open Weekdays from 10am-5pm
507-433-2199
ham.
1970 – The two billionth can of Spam products produced. 2008 – Hormel Foods begins production of Hormel pepperoni Stix and pepperoni minis at the Austin Plant. 2012 – Spam celebrates its 75th anniversary, and launches a new advertising campaign with its first ever Spokescharacter, Sir Can-A-Lot.
Jodi Klukow, Owner/Groomer
2004
DAVE’S LAWN CARE LAWN AERATION • POWER RAKING MOWING & EDGING SPRING & FALL CLEANUP
DAVE DONAHUE Ph: 507-567-2689 Cell: 507-438-3975 Brownsdale, MN
Austin Daily Herald
2011
86 Progress 2015
2013 – Hormel Foods launches Hormel REV wraps and installs two production lines at the Austin Plant to make the product. 2015 – Hormel pepperoni celebrates its 100th anniversary. P
2000
Austin flooding THROUGH THE YEARS
T
Cody Upcraft places sandbags behind a house in southwest Austin in June 2008 as the waters of the Turtle Creek rushes by.
Mayor Tom Stiehm cuts the ribbon, reopening Main Street North Nov. 7, 2014.
Progress 2015
Volunteers work quickly to fill sandbags to try and hold off water from seeping into New Life Vineyard Christian Fellowship in September 2004. Herald file photos
ing to minimize damage caused to houses and businesses. The city would eventually acquire more than 275 residential properties and 10 commercial businesses as of 2014. 2000 — Austin’s second largest flood takes place on July 10. The Cedar River floods to about 23.4 feet, or about 8 feet higher than its banks. 2004 — The area’s largest flood on record hits Austin on Sept. 15. The Cedar River overflows to a record 25 feet, submerging much of North Main Street under four feet of water. The flood prompts a serious look from city officials at preparing a new flood plan. 2004 — Late in the year, after the city of Austin creates a plan to seek $27 million in Local Option Sales Tax funding from the state, a committee is formed to persuade residents to support the .05 cent sales tax increase in a 2006 referendum. 2006 — The referendum passes overwhelmingly in November, allowing city officials to begin flood mitigation efforts the following year. 2007 — Work begins on various flood mitigation projects, including preparations for the North Main Flood Control project which covers the Cedar River in downtown Austin. 2008 — Austin gets another massive flood on June 12, the third highest on record. The Cedar River overflows its banks to about 22.4 feet. 2010 — Austin gets its sixth-highest flood on record on Sept. 24 but sustains minimal damage thanks to previous flood mitigation efforts. The Cedar crests at about 20.6 feet. 2012 — In summer, work on the largest portion of the North Main Flood Control project is delayed as the city works with Sinclair Oil to sort out contamination issues on a former Main Street gas station the city planned to acquire as part of the project. 2013 — Work starts on the North Main Flood Control Project in December. 2014 — By November, about 95 percent of the North Main Flood Control project, including new flood walls, a raised North Main Street, and new substations, are finished. The project is set to wrap up in Spring 2015. P
Flood waters creep across the parking lot of the Mower County Senior Center in September 2004, nearly overtaking the entire lot.
87
1970s — Austin starts buying property located in areas prone to flood-
Austin Daily Herald
he city of Austin has survived quite a few floods during the past few decades. As the area experiences 50- to 100-year floods on an increasing basis, city staff implemented large-scale flood mitigation efforts to combat Austin’s flooding woes.
Austin Daily Herald
88
Progress 2015
Rental Guide Mill Street Apartments 301 North Mill Street ~ Brownsdale
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or email: Lori.Amick.HRA@outlook.com
MOWER COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY 59039 220th Street • Austin, MN
89
RENT BASED ON INCOME
Progress 2015
GOLDEN TERRACE
Austin Daily Herald
Blooming Prairie, MN. It’s just a short jaunt to take you away from the hustle and into the comfort of a small community. You will enjoy a 2 level townhome with a private entry, attached garage, full size private washer/ dryer in the convenience of your home. 2 & 3 Bedroom Units available. Income limits based on your household size apply upon move-in. Rents range from $550-$665. Email us at erdc.prairievillage@yahoo.com or call 1-888-583-2907 for more information on how you can make Prairie Village your new home.
Corey and Kaye Hanson stand in front of their farm south of Austin. The farm belonged to Corey’s parents. Photos by Eric Johnson
Family continues a legacy in agriculture Farmer continues tradition started by great-grandfather in 1800s By Trey Mewes
C
orey Hansen knew he wanted to take over the family business one day. His father, Everett, knew he wanted Corey to work outside of farming. “I always intended to be a farmer, but my dad, he thought it was a good idea to go work someplace else,” Hansen said, sitting inside the office of Corey Hansen Farms south of Austin one cold January morning. “He was absolutely right. I don’t think I would have appreciated the farm as much as I do now if I was just to, say, get out of high school and work on the farm.” A Hansen has farmed the land in rural Austin, just a few miles south of the city, for more than 100 years. Corey’s great-grandfather came to the U.S. from Denmark to start the farm in the 1880s, and Corey continues that legacy today. Corey and his wife, Kaye, took over his father’s farm in 2000 — as Corey puts it, Everett had a deadline to meet since he wanted to retire by the end of the millenium — and
they never looked back. Corey worked with the Smythe company in Austin for several years before he decided to switch to farming in 1997. He had still helped out while he worked in town, but he was drawn back to the farm. “I didn’t realize how good the lifestyle was out here,” he said. That’s not to say everything went smoothly. Though Corey knew farmwork since he was a child, he wasn’t so knowledgable about the business side of agriculture. “After I ran a printing press, I got involved in the financial side of things,” he said. “That’s a bit of a shocker. There’s some pretty big numbers that get thrown around.” Yet he and his wife knew they were meant for the countryside. They had made a plan when they first took over to reevaluate their situation after five years, in case they didn’t make money or if Corey couldn’t handle the pressures of running a 3,000-acre corn and soybean farm operation. Corey remembers plenty of friends and
acquaintances who said he was crazy to turn down a 40-hour-a-week job with good pay to work as the head of a farm. Almost 15 years later, the Hansens have a successful farm, with a small beef operation and chickens as well. “After five years went, we never even talked about it,” he said. “It just came and went … I’m glad things went well.” So well, in fact, that Corey and Kaye are already nurturing the next generation of Hansens to possibly take over the farm one day. Victoria, 13, Gloria, 10, and Lucas, 8, are already talking about living the farm life when they grow up. Lucas thinks he wants to become a farmer at the moment, while his sisters want to live in the countryside and marry farmers, according to Corey. “I always remind them that well, you don’t have to leave this farm if you want to farm,” he said. “You can be the farmer here, you don’t have to go. Just because Luke is the boy doesn’t mean he’s going to take over the farm.” P
The Hanson farm, south of Austin.
Corey Hansen Age: 42 Current and hometown: Austin Fun fact: Corey has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Why he’s in Progress: As a fourth-generation farmer, Hansen represents the region’s willingness to continue a family’s farm business.
Austin Daily Herald
90 Progress 2015
Austin Daily Herald
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Progress 2015
Jackson Koenigs knows hard work. Aside from school and athletics that take up a big amount of his time, he is also heavily involved in work on the family farm just across the border in Iowa. Photos by Eric Johnson
Playing in the farm system Southland junior stays well rounded
W
Austin Daily Herald
92 Progress 2015
hen some high school athletes get home from practice, they might grab a snack, sit on the couch and watch TV, or even take a nap. Jackson Koenigs gets home from practice and helps his dad with chores. Koenigs, who lives on a farm near Stacyville, Iowa, is a junior who plays football and basketball for the Southland Rebels. But he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty on the farm. The farm life isn’t always appealing to today’s generation, but Koenigs enjoys it. “[Interest in farming] seems to be less common,” Koenigs said. “They’re all into the video games, cell phones and that kind of stuff.” Koenigs spends his summers feeding baby calves before football practice, and he’ll milk cows before Saturday games in the winter. When the weather gets bad and snow starts to fall, Koenigs will get up with his dad before school and get some chores done. Besides working on his family’s farm, Koenigs also works for another farmer by helping milk cows. Koenigs said football comes first in the late summer and fall, and farming has helped in that sport. Nothing builds strength quite like lifting bales of hay. “Baling hay and throwing straw bales kind of teaches you work ethic,” Koenigs said. “It’s something different every day. You’ve got to do different things every day and that
“Baling hay and throwing straw bales kind of teaches you work ethic. It’s something different every day.” — Jackson Koenigs keeps you interested. Sometimes it feels like work, but usually I kind of like doing it.” Koenigs has always had a strong work ethic, which showed this past fall when he came back from an elbow injury that nearly ended his season. Koenigs was doing push-ups as soon as he was able and came back to have a solid season at linebacker for the Rebels. Southland head coach Shawn Kennedy said he likes to coach farm kids like Koenigs because they’re used to doing things when they need to be done, not when they feel like doing them. “When you grow up as a farm kid and your dad says you need to get those chores done because those animals need to eat, they only have to say it one time and the kid is doing it,” Kennedy said. Kennedy said all of the players at Southland are hard workers, and Koenigs has led the way for the Rebels. Kennedy said Koenigs has always done what is asked of him without any question. “He’s probably one of the top five mentally toughest kids I’ve coached,” Kennedy said. “He’ll do what he has to, and he’s an ultimate team player. It starts at home and his whole family has great values that they’ve picked up from their mom and dad. It’s a team effort, even at home.” In football and basketball, Koenigs has game nights to shine. In farming, he is active in FFA and 4-H. He said 4-H gives him a chance to show off his dairy steers in front of a crowd. “You get to meet a bunch of new people and kind of show off your animals,” Koenigs said. “I love football, so I do football first and then I’ll go out to the fair and help my family out.” P
Austin Daily Herald
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Progress 2015
Row one: Cindy, Vice President/CCBIA – Dale, President – Steve, President/CEO – Doug, Senior Vice President – Pam, Chief Operations Offic Row two: Sherrie, Teller – Amy, Lead Teller – Maria, Teller – Gloria, Teller – Amanda, Operations Assistant – Marilyn, Customer Service – Connie, Lead Teller Row three: Faye, Vice President – Sandy, Customer Service – Carter, Teller – Dorene, Teller – Kasey, Loan Administrative Assistant – Lisa, Teller
Austin Daily Herald
94 Progress 2015
Ann M. Bode, Ph.D.
Rhoderick E. Brown, Ph.D.
Cancer Biomarkers and Drug Resistance
Membrane Biochemistry
Professor and Associate Director
Professor
Margot P. Cleary, Ph.D. Professor
Nutrition and Metabolism
Mohammad Saleem Bhat, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Molecular Chemoprevention and Therapeutics
Edward “Ted” Hinchcliffe, Ph.D. Associate Professor Cellular Dynamics
Young-In Chi, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Structural Biology
Yibin Deng, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Cell Death and Cancer Genetics
“All of us at The Hormel Institute are profoundly excited for what the future holds with this new expansion, as our cancer research holds tremendous potential to accelerate discoveries related to how humans can prevent and treat cancer.”
Ningling Kang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis
Zigang Dong, M.D., Dr. P.H. Executive Director McKnight Presidential Professor in Cancer Prevention Hormel-Knowlton Professor Cellular and Molecular Biology
D. Joshua Liao, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor
Translational Cancer Research
Sergio Gradilone, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Cancer Cell Biology and Translational Research
Rebecca Morris, Ph.D. Professor
Stem Cells and Cancer
Shujun Liu, Ph.D. James Robinson Assistant Professor
Progress 2015
Cell Signaling and Tumorigenesis
95
Cancer Epigenetics and Experimental Therapeutics
Austin Daily Herald
Associate Professor
THE PACELLI
EFFECt Compassion TENACITY
LEADERSHIP INTEGRITY
SuccesS
Imagine the effects a Faith Filled, Academic Challenge can have on your child! Choose Success! Pacelli Catholic Schools - Preschool -12th Grade - Shamrock Zone Childcare - www.pacellischools.org 311 4th St. NW - (507)437-3278 - 511 4th Ave. NW - (507)433-8859 - Austin, MN 55912