Brainerd Lakes Progress Edition - 2018

Edition Progress g BRAINERD LAKES AREA

B R A I N E R D D I S PAT C H L A B O R D AY S P E C I A L

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SERVING THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA SINCE 1881

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018

Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch

Construction crews work inside the new Thrifty White Pharmacy building going up on the corner of Washington Street and Second Street North in Brainerd near Hardee’s.

Shingobee Builders Inc. is the general contractor on the project.

Lakes area economy is red hot

correction. And businesses are watching interest rates for increases, but Mau said there is optimism about the future.

“I’m feeling very positive,” he said.

After the Great Recession hit, crushing construction and then nearly everything else, Mau said it wasn’t until 2011 and 2012 when business got back to pre-recession levels.

“This year is as good as it gets,” Mau said.

Another area feeling positive is the Cuyuna Lakes area. A recent Thursday night had lots of vehicles in Crosby loaded with mountain bikes and kayaks along with pedestrians and a large group of helmeted children riding their bicycles.

Nick Miller, who is an owner of Prairie Bay’s Iron Range Eatery in Crosby, said the expansion to the Range has been a good one and the change is evident with the pedal and paddle economy blooming.

Tyler Glynn, economic development officer with Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation, said another indicator is a rise in housing permits. Strong wages help people feel confident in establishing themselves as homeowners. There is a shortage of employees for manufacturing positions.

But the draw of the lakes area is readily seen when Mike Bjerkness, workforce director at BLAEDC, posts a human resource director spot for area companies and gets 40, 50 and 60 applicants.

On the retail side, new businesses joining the community are also a sign

Renee Richardson Managing Editor Employees are in short supply and that’s not going to change anytime soon, forcing employers to be more flexible in order to keep workers and find ways to automate where possible.

“And that’s not just a Brainerd issue, that’s a Minnesota issue, that’s a coast to coast issue,” said Matt Kilian, Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce president, noting they’ve known for a long time now there will be a lack of people in the workforce. As baby boomers get older and are retiring from the workforce every day, Forbes used Pew Research Center data to note the baby boomer representation in the workforce is reducing steadily, with an about 10 percent reduction forecasted in the next decade.

It’s an obstacles and opportunities mix.

“So businesses are dealing with that in different ways, some of these jobs are just getting phased out because they are able to use technology in different ways,” Kilian said.

Kilian said businesses are also looking at more flexibility in scheduling, parttime work and in the people they consider to fill openings. That is meaning more opportunities for prospective workers who may have been on the sidelines — those with disabilities, older workers and those with criminal histories.

“I think this is the silver lining, potentially, for the workforce shortage, is that more people have opportunities,” Kilian said. “We’re utilizing a lot more of the workforce now, which I think is good. And the other thing I think is good from the labor side, is that there is an increased amount of attention on the work experience.”

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FLEXIBILITY: Page S5

Construction points to confidence, investment in future Renee Richardson Managing Editor Small and mid-size business owners in retail and service industries and manufacturers in the lakes area agree the economy is cooking.

While motorists may remember the summer of 2018 for its challenges with major road arteries closed for construction, business owners may think of it as an indicator of investment confidence, job creation and record revenue.

“From my perspective, from the chamber’s perspective, business in the Brainerd lakes area couldn’t be much better,” Matt Kilian, Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce president said.

Kilian said 2017 was a remarkable year for businesses.

“And this year, for a lot of them, has exceeded last year based on what we see in tourism and retail and capital purchases — and construction is a telling indicator of confidence in their business and the economy,” Kilian said. “I hope it keeps going, but right now I think we are at a fever pitch and it doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of stopping.”

For workers, that means a plethora of opportunities. Hiring signs continue to be a common sight. Area manufacturers and restaurateurs point to the challenge in hiring to meet the demand or help fuel expansions. Businesses may point to 2008, in the superheated economy before everything came crashing down, as a record year. Last year, Kilian said, chamber members reported a best year ever and this year is exceeding that marker.

Construction spending is a telling indi-

cator of confidence.

And construction — noticeably absent during the Great Recession — is visible specifically in Brainerd and Baxter. Not only through the public investment in infrastructure with roads, roundabouts and trails — not to mention the publicly approved spending to renovate and build facilities with the recent referendum for the Brainerd School District — but in the private sector for residential, commercial, medical and commercial spending on construction, from Casey’s General Store in Baxter to Thrifty White Pharmacy in Brainerd and a plethora of Dollar Generals across the lakes area communities. Other examples are the CentraCare Specialty Clinic in Baxter, the completed $7.7 million expansion of Essentia Health’s Baxter Clinic, and groundbreaking for a Cuyuna Regional Medical Center clinic in Breezy Point. In Nisswa, Nor-Son crews are busy on a $30 million expansion to construct a 60-room hotel, wedding chapel and recreation center at Grand View Lodge. The expansion will allow the resort to accommodate as many as 1,500 guests.

Steve Mau, owner of Brainerd General Rental, also has plans for a major project to tear down his current building just off Highway 371 in Baxter and build a new facility on the same lot. Mau bought the business here in 2001 and while the business hasn’t gotten back to where it was in 2008, Mau said last year was good and this year is shaping out to be even better.

So much better that Mau described it as red hot to the point he wondered if there was another shoe to drop in a market

Flexibility a key in employee retention

Table of Contents Lakes area economy is red hot................................ S1 Flexibility a key in employee retention.................. S1 Destination Downtown Business Challenge ........ S2 Falls Fabricating........................................................... S3 Aeropipe fills Parker Hannifin void in Deerwood .. .. S4 Family celebrates Ruttger’s 120th anniversary.....S13 Challenges for lodging industry............................S13 Cuyuna Range recognized .....................................S14 Diversity of businesses helps boost Baxter Village ..S25

Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport .........................S26 All in the Family .....................................................S27 Maple Ridge Produce .............................................S37 Aitkin Bakery ..........................................................S39 Pequot Lakes businesses reflect on year ..............S41 Sportland Corners property in Nisswa.................S43 RemWhirl strives to keep up with whirlwind of new architectural trends.....................................S44 Deerwood ice hockey camp is fun for all ...........S46

Mother-daughter profit from sew-sew work ......S49 Dogs go full tilt at Full Tilt Agility Training .......S52 Brainerd business owner breaks glass ceiling .....S54 Stories in these pages for the annual Progress Labor Day edition have photo galleries and videos. To see these stories in a different way, go to the Dispatch homepage for links to videos and the Dispatch podcast -- DispatchCast.

Progress Edition 2018

S2 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Destination Downtown Business Challenge continues to spark interest, entrepreneurs Finalists from 2017 advance business goals

Renee Richardson Managing Editor There were those who wondered if a second $50,000 prize to get a startup or a business expansion off the ground amounted to the idea that lightning never strikes twice in the same spot.

Good thing for Brainerd lakes area entrepreneurs the National Weather Service already debunked the myth by noting lightning often strikes the same place — repeatedly.

When the idea arose to tap into the energy created with the first Destination Downtown Business Challenge with a sequel, there were skeptics.

Would there be enough entrepreneurs out there to do it justice? After all, 49 applications came in for the first contest in 2017 — well beyond the 25 organizers initially hoped for — and the three finalists are all moving forward with their business plans in Brainerd.

Not only did the second iteration of the business challenge spark the interest of entrepreneurs, it enticed even more people to see if their idea was the one with the potential to catch fire and win — all 73 of them.

“It just blew away the entire committee,” said Matt Kilian, Destination Downtown contest steering committee member and Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce president. Kilian noted people thought getting about 50 applicants for a second contest may be a stretch. Instead they received a mix of potential startups with retail, experience-based businesses and eateries among others.

“We have a really great batch,” Kilian said of the second group of contestants.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

Brenda Billman-Arndt teaches a class on soap making Wednesday, Aug. 15, at her store, the Purple Fern Bath Company in downtown Brainerd.

by a contest in Princeton and then taken further here, gave them a rallying cry, Kilian said. As did Brainerd’s Top 10 status for a potential $500,000 prize to benefit multiple downtown businesses as part of the Small Business Revolution - Main Street revitalization project. While Brainerd didn’t reach the final five, groups were already coming together to rally for the community building on the momentum.

Kilian noted in scouting places for a An entrepreneurial spark site visit from the Small Business RevKilian said he thinks a majority of olution crew, he went to The Olde Open people wanted to see a revitalization of Window for the first time. downtown Brainerd, but weren’t sure “When I went in it I was like ‘Wow, this how to make it happen. The Destination is downtown’s version of a Christmas Downtown Business Challenge, inspired

Point-type store,’” Kilian said, noting it is larger than it looks from the exterior and his wife is now a regular customer.

It might be a similar experience for others who haven’t ventured downtown in years, yet seem assured nothing is there.

Kilian said it was a mentality of trying something again for the first time.

Kilian said it’s an example of what people may find if they take the time to go downtown and see what shops are there.

By doing that, and participating at that level, they may find something they love, he said.

“I’m excited about it,” Kilian said of downtown Brainerd. “I really feel it’s just a matter of time. I feel we have

enough momentum, there’s enough organizations that are energized around it all doing complementary things, that it’s just a matter of time before you can look at that area and say that it’s revitalized. It’s always going to be a work in progress, but I think that if you fast-forward five to 10 years from now I think people will be amazed with what they see and the experiences down there, which is awesome.

“There are not a lot of communities that have that.”

Kilian said he’s taken half a dozen calls from communities across the state with

BUSINESS CHALLENGE: Page S8

Advertorial

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Widseth Smith Nolting Guides Progress Through Planning and Growth

By Sue Sterling

Growth, vision, stewardship and revitalization are at the core of Widseth Smith Nolting’s relationship with the Brainerd lakes area’s communities.

Part of the Brainerd area since 1978, WSN works with communities and businesses to help them plan, grow and invest in the future. WSN offers wide-ranging expertise in many fields – engineering, architecture, surveying, environmental, geospatial, water resources, funds development, communications and more. Firmwide, their more than 200 employees are located in eight offices across Minnesota and North Dakota.

As you explore the Brainerd lakes area this summer and fall, watch for the many construction sites where WSN

has had a role in helping shape, grow and advance our communities: ● Baxter’s Excelsior Road project west of Highway 371 is nearly complete, after 20-plus years of planning. ● Traffic studies will help determine where the new elementary school in Baxter will be located, and what street/ road improvements will be needed to offer safety and support for the school district’s many upcoming projects. ● Site planning and platting is complete for Grand View’s new Garden Cottages and hotel. WSN is also providing modeling to improve Grand View’s handling of water supply and stormwater. ● Crosslake’s Manhattan Point Boulevard has seen a 1.5-mile

reconstruction and completion of a multi-use trail, which now extends to County Road 66. ● Crosslake, Crow Wing County, Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) and WSN are working on a water quality study and making provisions in current projects to pretreat stormwater prior to it reaching lakes. ● Pequot Lakes is working with WSN on the turnback of Old Highway 371, downtown development plans and Trailside Park improvements. WSN has been working with the city to improve its roads and infrastructure for many years. ● The Solar for Schools project is a multi-phase undertaking that will see the construction of solar arrays to serve

area schools. WSN’s role is to ensure structural stability for roof installations and site planning and land survey for ground installations. The first three schools on the docket are CLC’s Staples and Brainerd campuses, Pequot Lakes and Pine River-Backus. ● Crosslake Community School will be open for students this fall!

WSN’s team is thrilled with the forward progress the Brainerd lakes area continues to make. In this busy construction season, we are seeing the culmination of planning and a renewed vitality in our surrounding communities—and WSN is proud of the role it has played as well as humbled by the synergy of the communities, individuals and leaders it serves.

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Progress Edition 2018

www.brainerddispatch.com

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S3

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Rep. Ron Kresha (second from left), R-Little Falls, listens to John Sorenson regarding a piece of equipment during a tour of the Falls Fabricating plant in Little Falls, along with Carmen Yasgar and Dan Ortloff.

Falls Fabricating makes investments, works with challenges

Jennifer Kraus Staff Writer LITTLE FALLS — Falls Fabricating spent $2.3 million in equipment upgrades the past five years — and continues to make an investment to keep the metal manufacturing company viable in the historic town of Little Falls in central Minnesota.

Falls Fabricating was founded by Laurel Lohse in Deer Creek and began as a repair/light manufacturing facility. The business relocated to Little Falls in 1987, employing 25 workers during that time.

Falls Fabricating was acquired by Al and Susan Williams in 1991 and they began further expansion in 1992. The company relocated in 1996 to its current location on the 600 block of Ninth Avenue Northwest in Little Falls.

The business was growing and its man-

ufacturing capabilities were expanded to accommodate a growing customer base.

This resulted in a new building in 1996, and a warehouse a year later. Today, the production building/warehouse is 110,000 square feet and the office space is 5,000 square feet.

William Spell, an American entrepreneur based in Minneapolis and owner of Spell Capital Partners, purchased the company in 2007. Spell and James Rikkers, senior managing director with Spell Capital, toured the Little Falls plant this past May, along with Rep. Ron Kresha, R-Little Falls. The tour was organized to discuss how the company operates and what challenges the company faces.

Falls Fabricating is a metal fabricating business employing 87 people. It is the fourth largest corporation in Little Falls and the largest custom reservoir man-

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ufacturer in the Midwest. The company offers a range of fabrication services in precision sheet metal, machined components and welded assemblies. From 26 gauge through plate, standard and special shapes in steel, aluminum, stainless and other metals, company officials stated the business has the modern specialized machinery and knows how to tackle the most difficult requirements asked by its customers.

Dan Ortloff, president of operations of Falls Fabricating, said a majority of the company’s business comes from the Minneapolis market and is located within a 300-500 mile radius of Little Falls.

“Once you get outside of that (mileage radius) you look at your trucking costs going up,” Ortloff said. “The capital markets we serve are strategically placed and are a good mix.”

Most of the company’s customers have been with them for 25 years, but there also are customers they began serving a few years ago.

“We have a very stable, solid good mix of customers,” Ortloff said. “It’s nice and consistent.”

Some of the company’s customers include Toro, Safelite AutoGlass and Red Devil.

Spell said there are companies out there that have one customer making up most of their business. When the company loses that one customer, it takes a big financial hit and may be out of business.

Spell said Falls Fabricating is successful as it strives on having multiple customers, which also means it does not have to

FALLS FABRICATING: Page S5

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Crossing Arts Alliance

by Nicole Stracek

Located in their new building in the heart of downtown Brainerd on Laurel Street, the Crossing Arts Alliance is a 500-member arts organization comprised of artists, art enthusiasts and interested community members.

The mission is to act as a gateway to arts through access, education and experiences. Established in 2000, the Crossing Arts Alliance offers a wide variety of art related events, exhibits, workshops and showcases local art that can be purchased at the gift shop and gallery.

Art aficionados who want to learn a new skill and engage with like-minded people will enjoy the various workshops taught by talented individuals. For the little art enthusiasts, both budding and experienced, the Crossing Arts Alliance offers monthly kids art classes through the Crossing Arts Kids programs.

Children of all ages can experience the arts through a wide variety of classes and workshops meant to encourage their creative endeavors and explore new outlets. Crossing Arts Kids also includes special exhibits, summer camps, Arty Parties and more.

Additional events include the famous Second Saturdays and is an opportunity to visit with featured member artists, enjoy unique trunk shows with visiting artists, workshops and more. With a mission to inspire and enrich the community for those who create and for those who appreciate the arts, the Crossing Arts Alliance provides unique art related events that both inspire and enrich the community. If you want to help promote the arts and artists in the lakes area, become a member of The Crossing Arts Alliance. Memberships are available in a number of categories and includes inside access to the latest arts events, discounts and much more.

From local art exhibits to arts related classes, events and workshops, the Crossing Arts Alliance’s mission is to inspire and enrich the community through art. For more information visit their website at www.crossingarts.org or email Lisa Jordan, Executive Director at info@crossingarts.org.

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Come Join Us For: Art Exhibits Local Art & Fine Craft For Sale Monthly Kids Arts Classes Workshops & Events

Open To The Public.

Membership Has Benefits, Become A Member Today!

Find us at 711 Laurel in the heART of downtown Brainerd! crossingarts.org 218-833-0416

Progress Edition 2018

S4 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Aeropipe fills Parker Hannifin void in Deerwood CEO returns to lakes area after career spent coast to coast

Gabriel Lagarde Staff Writer DEERWOOD — Fifty jobs may not seem like much to an outside observer, but when that fills a hole the size of Parker Hannifin — or roughly equal to a tenth of Deerwood’s population — then maybe the arrival of Aeropipe and what it means to this tiny town makes a little more sense.

Fifty full-time, well-paying, unionized jobs with full benefits, from engineers to office staff to receiving, and — wait, there’s more — room for future expansion. Not a bad deal for a site on Front Street that — going back to the sudden departure of manufacturer and jobs-creator Parker Hannifin in 2016 — stood as an empty shell of has-beens, a far cry from what it was and what it now will be.

No doubt, the coming of Aeropipe is a boon for Deerwood, Mayor Mike Aulie said, especially considering every business vacancy in the town has now been filled. What often gets lost in the shuffle, he noted, is how much these jobs benefit communities across the lakes area.

“From the standpoint of the city of Deerwood, we’re pretty excited,” Aulie said. “It was a loss when Parker Hannifin moved, we understood why they were doing it. … It’s a little town. Between Aeropipe and Magnum (Machining), it’s going to be a lot of local jobs, bringing in work for local people.”

Aeropipe represents a joint venture between a host of corporate entities — the likes of Infrastructures Technologies LLC, Lyuna, Onset Capital Partners, Composite Consultants, Specialty Composite Systems and others. However, the central figure who ties this intricate web together is Joe Rosemont, CEO of Aeropipe.

Rosemont — a Yale drop-out with a penchant for talking shop about corpora-

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

Joe Rosemont talks about Aeropipe starting up in Deerwood.

tions at a mile-a-minute pace — draws upon an array of roles, experiences and business environments in his own work.

Originally a son of Pillager, Rosemont’s path has taken him to Connecticut and New York, then to the West Coast in San Francisco and Los Angeles, down to the Arizona desert and other locations — as such, Aeropipe’s arrival in Deerwood represents something of a homecoming for Rosemont as well.

One lesson from his career? A general dislike for corporate models that put short-term returns over long-term research and development — a philosophy, Rosemont noted, that ultimately makes a company profit more and ensures a product both producer and customer can be proud of.

“A lot of companies have done away with (research and development) altogether, because when you answer to stockholders and all that, it all comes down to return on investment,” said Rosemont, who noted that by bringing together the capital to form Aeropipe, the venture essentially gives him the tools and wiggle room to run the operation more to his liking.

So what is the gist of Aeropipe’s business model?

“Essentially,” Rosemont said. “(It’s) taking technologies the government had been using for years and years, making them cheaper and more efficient and usable for the civil and structural market.”

Then, what is Aeropipe as a product?

“Aeropipe is a very advanced material used — in the aerospace industry — to repair aerospace (vehicles), like planes,” said Rosemont, who said the aerial form of the technology is about 15 years old, while Aeropipe in its current form goes back to about 2013. “Then we decided to take that technology, reduce the properties a bit and reduce the cost, so that we have a pipe liner so that could repair infrastructure.”

About 20-30 percent of water loss in the United States is tied to leaky pipe, Rosemont noted, and — at least for now — Aeropipe is going to primarily deal in the high-pressure water piping. It’s a niche market with little competition — a niche market, as in a $20 billion industry, to say nothing of the nuclear, oil, industrial, gas, sewer and storm water, and other forms of piping. Rosemont said Aeropipe will be primarily selling to municipalities, at least initially.

By inserting aeropipe as an internal sheath, miles of heavy, buried piping can be repaired and sealed with mini-

Purple Fern Bath Company

By SHEILA HELMBERGER ing classes, bath bomb making classes, and already planned for this holiday season, gift making workshops.

Offerings include rotating soap classes, bath bombs classes and a Scrubs and Suds class that teaches participants how to make a scrub, Owner, Brenda Billman-Arndt (in orange) teaches for either the one of her soap making classes. foot, lip or body, and participants partner that with a hand-crafted bar of After winning the Destination Downsoap. Themes differ each month such as town Business Challenge last year, Brenda a pumpkin in October and peppermint in Billman-Arndt’s business has been up and December. running for three and half months. She’s busy planning for her first fall and holiday Two work tables in the back can accomseason as a business owner. modate groups up to 12. Billman-Arndt says she will keep her classes small, so they Shelves on either side of the room hold maintain a more personal feel. She will also Billman-Arndt’s own creations and those accommodate private parties or classes for from other artisans, some that are far families, showers, birthday parties and paraway, and some, such as those from a goat ties for kids. farm in Pequot Lakes and a potter from Pine River, that are local. “I strive to carry a high-quality product and I want to focus on other people’s specialties. When you’re shopping here, you’re really supporting two small businesses.”

Since opening she’s been slowly adding classes. She enjoys teaching others to make items she has enjoyed using herself for years. “I’ve used handmade soaps most of my adult life. They’re so much better for your skin and they don’t have the harsh detergents of commercial soaps. They’re beautiful and creative.”

The shop’s calendar includes soap mak-

mally-invasive procedures — this, compared to the difficult range of options, from sealing individual leaks to replacing entire pipelines with old-fashioned manpower and hardware.

Calling it the “main step,” Rosemont noted the Deerwood facility is one of a group of sites that make up the multistep process to create Aeropipe. While the raw material is delivered in bulk rolls, the Deerwood facility takes these rolls into pipe liner, reshaping and welding and calibrating the product until it’s suitable for use.

For a manufacturing job, it’s an easy-going operation in terms of risk — workers will be wearing safety glasses and occasionally gloves, but the materials pose little risk, whether it’s physical or chemical in nature. It’s a clean operation, Rosemont noted, with natural-based epoxies and waste more suitable for a compost heap than an industrial setting.

“Our product is 100 percent environmentally friendly, it’s 100 percent green,” Rosemont said.

In terms of setting, that’s where the old Parker Hannifin site comes in — it was a perfect choice, Rosemont said, fitting Aeropipe’s needs like a glove.

“It was how all the electrical supply was, the air supply, the layout of the building,” Rosemont said. “Everything kind of fit in exactly how we pictured building out the facility.”

The bones of the building may fit the bill perfectly, but much of the interior and amenities need a serious face-lift.

Hence the workload — when Rosemont spoke to the Dispatch, he was in the middle of another 12-hour day, doggedly toiling to reshape the facility into what he needs. Degreasing the factory floor, sanding surfaces, gutting the bathrooms, furnishing offices — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., five 001762858r1

Advertorial

Oh, my!

The wonderful aroma that greets you when you walk into the Purple Fern Bath Company is the first thing you notice. And it’s not over yet. There will be plenty of delightful things to sniff before you leave.

From candles to scoop-yourown bath salts to handmade deodorants and shampoo bars.

Exterior of Aeropipe in Deerwood.

If you’re interested in making your own soaps at home, a section in the shop highlights supplies, such as melt and pour bases to do just that.

“It’s really a three-prong business,” she says. It’s a boutique; there are supplies and I have the classes. “This is for doing,” she says pointing around the room, “this is for inspiration and this is for fun.”

Check out the current hours or class offerings at purplefernbath.com, or on the store’s Facebook page.

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Jeremy Millsop / Brainerd Dispatch

days a week, for more than a month and a half. He said, tentatively, operations should start up sometime mid-October.

Then, perhaps a project will come to fruition that easily might not have been.

Deerwood wasn’t really part of his plans only a short time ago, Rosemont admitted, until he and a friend were traveling through the lakes area and they decided to check out the old Parker Hannifin building on a whim.

And, as they say, the rest is history — though, there’s a good chance not only the building’s practical benefits factored in the decision, but also Rosemont’s own personal history, in Pillager, before the Los Angeleses and New York Cities of the world.

“One of the things I take pride in is that now I’m able to help create jobs and give back to the community I grew up in,” Rosemont said. “Which is — well, let’s face it, it’s a nice thing to do.”

GABRIEL LAGARDE may be reached at gabe.lagarde@ brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5859. Follow at www. twitter.com/glbrddispatch.

FOR YOUR

INFO Aeropipe

H City: Deerwood.

H Number of Employees: 50.

H Interesting Fact: Aeropipe, which uses advanced material to manufacture liners for leaky high-pressure pipes, is 100 percent environmentally friendly, according to CEO Joe Rosemont.

We would like to sincerely thank the community for all of the support and for an amazing first summer in Downtown Brainerd!

HANDMADE BATH & BODY GOODS

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND STAY IN THE KNOW ABOUT OUR UPCOMING CLASSES!

PAMPER YOURSELF CUSTOM GIFT BASKETS AVAILABLE 719 LAUREL STREET DOWNTOWN BRAINERD LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

(218) 454-1699 WWW.PURPLEFERNBATH.COM

Progress Edition 2018

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FALLS FABRICATING From Page S3

do massive layoffs as some industries have had to do.

Average salary The biggest challenge the company faces is finding new employees — a common problem for businesses of all kinds.

A majority of the employees live in the Little Falls area, but some commute from as far north as Pequot Lakes, south from Elk River and east from Browerville.

The average base pay is $18 an hour at Falls Fabricating. However, when health and dental benefits and life insurance are taken into account, it brings the average salary for an employee to an estimated $63,024 a year. Ortloff said while the average base pay is $18 an hour, employees like welders, machinists and others make more, and are around the same rate as those working in the Twin Cities area.

Kresha said it is important for him to know how much an employee costs. He said the issue is brought up a lot in discussion at the Legislature and he plans to use the figures in further discussion with other lawmakers.

Falls Fabricating offers several incentives to attract new employees, besides its competitive pay and health benefits.

FLEXIBILITY From Page S1

Kilian said while reports show wages are steady, the benefits are better as is the focus on the workers as people. In that regard some of the benefits are more intangible, but meaningful to people, such as flexible scheduling.

“I don’t know what the future is going to hold for it, but we’ll figure it out a year at a time,” Kilian said.

Employee retention

Tad Schoeppner, marketing director for the Lakes Area Human Resources Association, said keeping workers is an important topic at the top of industry conversations. Key is learning why people do leave their jobs.

“Ideally, we find people don’t leave their companies, they leave their boss or their supervisor or their manager,” he said. “So you have to make sure that working relationship is there.”

Schoeppner said the job might also not be what the employee expected.

fabricating industry.

The company’s top priorities are training and safety. As of May 11 — the day the company hosted its plant tour — employees operated 520 days without a reportable injury. Since then, the company had one employee who had a minor injury. As of Aug. 9, the company is operating on 70 days without a recordable injury.

“The good news is it was minor injury and the employee was OK and back to work the next day,” Ortloff said.

“We spend a lot of time on safety and we have a good safety record. We spend a lot of time with additional training with our welders and machinists to bring up their skill level which brings more value to us and better training for themselves. We spend on average about 6-12 hours with each employee. If an employee wants to move up we will do whatever we can to help them.”

Training is done with every employee and done annually. The company believes a skilled workforce is key to continue its success in the long run. Ortloff said there Trade school opportunities is an extra expense per employee to conSpell said the company encour- tinue to train employees to keep up their ages high school graduates to go to skill level, but it benefits everyone. trade schools to learn the skills to be “Our hope is we train them well to give a machinist or a welder, instead of them the ability to leave but they want spending all their money on a four-year to stay,” Ortloff said. “They want to stay college. Spell said they want students to here because we treat them well and it’s know they can make a good living in the not feast or famine. We are not hiring a The company offers meals on occasions and prizes, such as T-shirts, to create a fun atmosphere for employees.

Spell said the company offers wage increases to help retain employees. They also listen to their employees to find out what their needs are. Spell said times are changing and employees want to work different shifts, such as working three 12-hour days, or 4 10-hour days. He said the managers are willing to work with their employees to make them happy so they want to stay with the company.

Another factor that is important in attracting potential employees to work the open positions is having a thriving community for them to live in. They said this means having great schools, hospitals and other amenities to draw people to Little Falls.

The company anticipates it will expand its presence in area colleges and high schools to work with their industrial arts programs to help draw future employees, Ortloff said.

Companies may offer more training for supervisors or managers to give them more skills in working with employees, they may focus on work/life balance and altering working hours for workers, including more part time.

A big push is working with new staff members and treating employees as though they are wanted, Schoeppner said, adding it involves making a point to check in with new hires.

“Getting feedback from those employees and doing stay interviews has become really popular,” Schoeppner said. “You know, seeing why people are staying.

We’ve actually had companies do newhire roundtables after about four weeks where they sit down with the new hire and discuss how is it going, ‘Is the job what you thought it was?’ How was your training? Is there anything we could be doing better?’ that type of thing. And then trying to make those employees feel appreciated and wanted as well.”

Companies may be more familiar with exit interviews as employees leave the job. But once the employee is headed out the door, the cycle of trying to fill the spot and train a new worker can be both

Advertorial

Baxter Café & Catering: Just Getting Better

By Sheila Helmberger

The keto diet is helping people get healthier and you may be able to have your meal customized to stay on target. If you have dietary concerns, they will modify the menu to accommodate you if possible. Even gluten-free folks have a place at the table.

It’s All about Quality Even the tag line on Kevin’s email is about quality: Try to be the best in what you do. Even if the best isn’t good enough it will be if you keep trying. With over 60 combined years in the restaurant business, Kevin and Marilyn have done an outstanding job of providing quality meals for every palate and it keeps getting better.

In addition to running the restaurant, Kevin and Marilyn also offer catering. You’ll find the catering menu on their website at baxtercafe.com. Need flexibility? Contact them for special items.

Kevin and Marilyn are committed to offering their best to customers.

Baxter Café & Catering may have a new sign, but the owners and quality are the same. As customer Kathy H. sums it up, “I don’t know, they were good before, but I think they’re even better now!

“We are proud to own one of the few locally owned family style restaurants in the area” Kevin, Owner

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expensive and time-consuming. The stay interview provides a chance to act earlier and keep employees.

Obviously, wages have a lot to do with it, too, and whether companies are competitive in the marketplace. Another key issue, Schoeppner said, is having the right person as the trainer and the right people in management positions.

“We’ve seen companies use like a buddy system where they’ll team new employees up with someone who kind of knows the ropes and shows them where things are at and sits with them at lunch so they don’t feel they are out on an island,” Schoeppner said. “There are so many factors to it, it’s not like there is one magic pill that is going to make it all work.”

As for the shortage of workers, Tyler Glynn, economic development officer at Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corp., said automation and employee training is important, as is providing more data on where workers are needed, skills in demand and options for good-paying jobs that don’t demand thousands in student loans to get. The ability to work remotely or off-site and have greater flexibility with hours, along

bunch of people and then laying them off two months later. You can’t do that anymore. We need to give them a reason to be here and that is to have a competitive pay and to offer them an environment like we have here.”

Part of the safety and training also is needed as the company purchased stateof-the-art equipment. Spell said what takes an employee three hours to do will take the equipment 15 seconds to do.

Having the new equipment and employees trained to use them helps keep the quality of the product top-notch and the customers happy.

JENNIFER KRAUS may be reached at jennifer.kraus@ brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851. Follow me at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.

FOR YOUR

INFO Falls Fabricating

H City: Little Falls.

H Number of Employees: 87.

H Interesting Fact: Falls Fabricating is one of the largest reservoir manufacturers in Central Midwest.

with allowing staff members to self manage, is all part of the mix, Glynn noted.

For employers it may mean looking at all the options and seeing what they can incorporate into their workplace. With new employees, Schoeppner said they are seeing companies show them career paths to show there are options to grow with the company.

“It’s definitely an employee market out there, if they don’t like where they are at right now or if something turns for them, there are more employers begging for their services,” Schoeppner said.

“It’s hard to drive down the street and not see a hiring sign.”

Steve Mau, owner of Brainerd General Rental, said with so many employers looking for staff, the wages will have to reflect the market and hat will impact everyone as workers get to an improved standard of living.

Demographics

By 2020, there will be more older adults than school-age children in the state with 1.6 million adults age 65 and older and 1.3 million children age 5 to 17. Young

FLEXIBILITY: Page S7

Baxter Cafe & Catering would like to say THANK YOU! to all our dedicated customers and staff members!

Gerald Barthel Scott Borders Lydia Benson Gavynn Bentz Brittany Comings Samantha Mitchell Chad Lakin

Brittni Davis Kadyn Larson-Gourhan Johnathan Durham Floyd Davis Pamela Ohman Keyanna Pikula

Randi Roseman Hillary Stumpf Jacob Stumpf Luke Ulm Lisa Ullrich Nate Vogt

We wish everyone a Safe & Fun Labor Day Celebration!

Don’t forget to stop in your locally owned Baxter Cafe & Catering

Take out!

7788 Fairview Rd, Baxter

218-829-1739

www.BAXTERcafe.com

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Many Brainerd lakes area residents and visitors long considered a little restaurant along the frontage road of 210 off Golf Course Drive as their “stompin’ grounds.” Friends met at Country Kitchen to share good food, good coffee, and good stories. You may have noticed the sign at 7788 Fairview Road now reads “Baxter Café & Catering.” Kevin and Marilyn Stumpf are still here, still serving up good food and good coffee to go along with those good stories, but they’ve made some changes.

A Labor of Love Owning a franchise limits what you can do but now that Kevin and Marilyn are independent owners, Baxter Café & Catering is even better than it was. The new menus have the “up north” look to reflect the flavor and history of the Brainerd Lakes Area with Paul Bunyan, the railroad and of course fishing.

Each day a different homemade soup, like creamy wild rice, broccoli, or chicken dumpling, will have you thinking of Mom and Grandma. So will the flapjacks; even Paul Bunyan would come back for more. Do you like omelets? You’ll find them to be delicious at Baxter Café & Catering and breakfast is served all day long.

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S5

Progress Edition 2018

S6 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

ECONOMY IS RED HOT From Page S1

of confidence both in this micropolitan, in central Minnesota growth and in their own ability to finance expansions and capital investments. The year started with Dick’s Sporting Goods opening in Baxter. Ground was broken for a new retail development by Culver’s in Baxter with a Sleep Number mattress store anticipated. Construction on a new car wash on an open lot near Radco is also expected to start soon in Baxter. Renewed development interest was expressed recently before the Baxter City Council for the open land just off Novotny Road in Baxter near Jack Pine Brewery.

Work is continuing on Washington Street with the construction of the new Thrifty White Pharmacy. Also anticipated is the redevelopment of the Gander Mountain site in Baxter. The Gander Mountain site is being redeveloped to serve as the retail home for several businesses — Gander Outdoors, Camping World, Overton’s and a multi-tenant retail development.

A building is also slated for construction next to the Caribou Coffee and Aspen Dental with considerable speculation on what that could be.

Among new businesses opening this year was the Casey’s General Store. The store includes groceries and prepared foods, indoor seating, made-fromscratch pizza and doughnuts, chicken tenders and sandwiches and five fuel pumps just off Highway 210 in Baxter and

Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch

Crews work at the Baratto Brothers project near Culver’s restaurant on Dellwood Drive for the Northwoods Crossing development. brings Casey’s back to the Brainerd lakes area. Casey’s opened in June and reported hiring 20-25 employees with nearly 10 full time.

The number of dining options continued to grow and change with Senor Patrons adding a well-received Mexican restaurant menu to downtown Brainerd and with Country Kitchen taking on a new name with Baxter Cafe and Catering as Kevin and Marilyn Stumpf create a new chapter for their restaurant career here.

A number of existing businesses are adding to their offerings with Walmart installing a drive-thru for grocery pickup

Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch

and Instacart offering grocery and product delivery from Costco and Cub Foods to homes in Brainerd, Baxter, Barrows, East Gull Lake, Lake Hubert, Pillager, Riverton, Merrifield and Loerch. For both residents and visitors looking for ways to save precious time, these services may find a following while helping residents who don’t have easy access to either drive or haul their groceries home. It’s just part of the ever evolving marketplace and the addition of services here. In some cases, companies found new homes like Sears’ move from Baxter to east Brainerd.

Even with the heating economy, there

are challenges. Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop closed suddenly, as did Papa John’s and Burger King. Herberger’s announced this spring it was closing all of its 250 stores, including Brainerd’s last large department store. When Herberger’s finally closes its doors in the Westgate Mall it will leave a large spot to fill and a vacant anchor position for the mall. It’s unclear what the future may be and mall officials could not be reached for comment on whether the Herberger’s site could become a single space to fill by

ECONOMY IS RED HOT: Page S7

Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch

Casey’s General Store with groceries and prepared foods along with fuel stations Construction continues on the expansion at Grand View Lodge resort in Nisswa with opened in June just off Highway 210. this recreation center in addition to a hotel and wedding chapel.

Advertorial

LINDAR Creates Plastic Products for Industries Worldwide LINDAR is a plastic thermoforming company in Baxter that specializes in concept design, prototyping, and production of food packaging, paint products, and custom commercial plastic products. Thermoforming is a highly effective manufacturing process that uses heat, pressure, and/or vacuum to form plastic around customized molds.

The company was founded in 1993 and is dedicated to quality, safety, innovation, and continued growth in the plastic thermoforming industry.

By maintaining that focus, LINDAR has grown from a small, one-product company, to one that offers a diverse range of products in the food packaging, paint, and industrial markets.

to grocery stores, bakeries, and your home. The packaging ranges from a wide variety of baked goods to deli and produce packaging, as well as a full line of cake and pie containers.

“We’re also especially excited about our new PAINTWELL paint trays and liners for commercial and DIY projects,” said Dave Fosse, LINDAR’s director of marketing. “They are specially engineered to distribute paint smoothly and evenly onto the roller to make painting go faster and easier. The paint tray liner installs easily on the tray and provides the best application possible.”

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PAINTWELL paint trays and liners are available in 9.5- and 18-inch sizes for all commercial applications. And when From medical, agricultural, and lawn drips happen, a built-in drip-guard and garden equipment to construction, contains the mess. industrial, and recreational vehicles, LINDAR has developed plastic products “Our innovative team works evfor hundreds of industries worldwide— ery day to continue setting trends in such as engine covers for commercial plastic thermoforming,” said Fosse. lawn mowers—and ships products “With a staff that is now 150-strong throughout North America, the EU, and continuing to expand, our can-do South America, and Central America. team efforts provide the energy and momentum to deliver state-of-the-art, LINDAR also specializes in designing thermoformed products.” and producing food packaging with styles to improve product safety and To learn more about LINDAR’s capafreshness. Their Simply Secure tamper bilities, innovation, and career opporobvious containers ensure that comtunities visit www.lindarcorp.com. mercial goods arrive fresh and safe

LINDAR Corporation designs, manufactures, and ships thermoformed plastic products from its facility in Baxter.

Progress Edition 2018

www.brainerddispatch.com

ECONOMY IS RED HOT From Page S6

a large retailer or become more than one space, like the other side of the mall changing from big box to Dunham’s and Big Lots. There may be other opportunities as well, as lakes area history shows there is more than one option when looking at shuttered big box retail space.

Ascensus, one of Brainerd’s largest employers, transformed the East Brainerd Mall space left vacant when J.C. Penney moved to Baxter, as well as the former Pamida store, into office space.

Ascensus made the move from Baxter to Brainerd’s east side in 2009.

The River to Rail initiative seeks to continue to build on momentum with Destination Downtown and the reinvestment in the city’s core city blocks with a focus on the area between the Mississippi River and the former Brainerd railyard hub that is now the Northern Pacific Center with ideas for art, green space, trails, reinvestment. The beautification efforts are part of the goal to grow the tax base and attract workers to relocate here.

Updates to buildings were evident this year in the Brainerd Eye Care building, once the Greyhound Bus Depot, and in renovations to Laurel Street buildings from Sage on Laurel to the Koop Building, building on work by Joe and Nick Phelps, which created a home for the Crossing Arts Alliance and Lakes Area Music Festival space in downtown Brainerd last year.

All that work and voter approval this

spring of the Brainerd School referendum, total proposals with costs and interest of $335 million is an attraction for further investment, BLAEDC’s Glynn said.

He said it shows businesses coming in and people looking to move here, investing in the future and helping in economic development and recruitment. Glynn, who moved to Nisswa with his family about four years ago from Rochester looking for a better work/life balance and a quality area to raise children, said they’ve come to appreciate the lakes area much more now that they live here full time The BLAEDC Unified Fund, combined from funding pools from local, state and federal resources, offers gap financing to assist businesses on projects with loans from $25,000 to $500,000. A key eligibility for applicants is in job retention or job creation. Glynn said to date they’ve made seven loans with $504,020 out to businesses throughout Crow Wing County. The projects have created 34 jobs and retained 37 in the area. The United Fund pool has $2.8 million.

“It’s been very successful,” Glynn said of the combined gap financing.

Overall, Glynn, who manages the Unified Fund and works with prospective businesses looking to locate and expand in the area, said more jobs are being created here. Glynn sees good, solid, steady growth ahead.

“My feeling is we are on the rise,” Glynn said. “... This market is a solid market.”

Renee Richardson, managing editor, may be reached at 218-855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com.

Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchBizBuzz.

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S7

FLEXIBILITY From Page S5

adults, age 18-24, will number about 671,188 from data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau and Minnesota State Demographic Center.

When Susan Brower, Minnesota state demographer, was in the lakes area for a presentation to Brainerd and Baxter, she outlined projections for the lakes area in terms of population growth.

Brower reported Crow Wing County has historically been a net importer of people across age groups, except for those in their late teens and early 20s.

The projected labor force in Crow Wing County is projected to decline and then even out with less than 32,000 people age 16 and older dropping below 31,000 by 2020 before rising above that mark about 2028. The state demographer’s office projects the population age 16 to 64 to below 29,000 by 2020 and stay just below that mark into 2030. If not for the state’s populations of color and those foreign-born, the size of Minnesota’s workforce would be declining, according to data from the Census Bureau looking at changes between 2011-2015. In terms of greater diversity, the Census Bureau shows of those age 85 and older, 96 percent are white. Of the state’s population of those younger than 5 years old, 69 percent are white.

1,500 — Essentia Health - Central Region.

947 — Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.

897 — Brainerd School District.

720 — Grand View Lodge.

532 — Breezy Point Resort.

500 — Ascensus.

455 — Clow Stamping.

442 — Crow Wing County.

430 — Madden’s Resort on Gull.

380 — Cragun’s Resort.

320 — Walmart.

300 — Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge.

275 — Cub Foods/SuperValu (three stores) 261 — Central Lakes College.

260 — Anderson Brothers.

240 — Pequot Lakes School District.

220 — Mills Automotive.

210 — Bang Printing.

200 — City of Brainerd.

185 — Costco.

175 — Bethany Good Samaritan.

175 — Woodland Good Samaritan.

150 — Crosby-Ironton School District.

145 — Minnesota Care.

140 — Landis+Gyr Inc. 110 — Northstar Plating.

97 — Nortech Systems.

94 — Crow Wing Power.

Source: Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corp. with numbers updated as of April 2017.

Modest growth

Crow Wing County is expected to grow modestly through 2050. ► 2015: 63,877 ► 2020: 65,189 ► 2025: 66,303 ► 2030: 67,282 ► 2035: 68,296 ► 2040: 69,256 ► 2045: 70,221 ► 2050: 71,365 Source: Minnesota State Demographer’s office.

By the numbers - Brainerd

► 1,082 — the number of businesses in Brainerd. ► 13,447 — total employees. ► 13,797 — residential population.

Source: Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corp.

By the numbers - Baxter

► 658 — total businesses. ► 9,156 — total employees. ► 8,210 — residential population.

Source: Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corp.

Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch

Road crews work next to the strip mall with Boomer Pizza near Cub Food in Baxter on the newly constructed Excelsior Drive. Edgewood Drive now connects behind the strip mall with a roundabout and the former Edgewood will be the Boomer Pizza parking lot.

Renee Richardson, managing editor, may be reached at 218-855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch. com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ DispatchBizBuzz.

Major employers in Crow Wing County

FOR YOUR

INFO

H The seven county metro area accounted for the majority of the population growth in Minnesota between 2010 and 2015. During that time, Minnesota grew by 179,000.

H 73 percent of Minnesotans live in an urban area of the state.

H Minnesota is divided into four groups: entirely rural, town/rural, urban/town/rural mix, entirely urban. Wadena, Todd, Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison counties are considered a town/rural mix. Aitkin County is entirely rural and Mille Lacs County is urban/town/rural mix. This decade: the entirely urban group is adding 35,700 people a year while the non-urban groups are losing 400 or more people per year.

H Showing the draw for jobs in the lakes area: On average, workers in the area spent 21 minutes on their commute and travel 15 to 20 miles.

H Babysitter/nannies earn $12.68 an hour on average in Minnesota.

Source: Indeed.

Employees, workplace

Advertorial

Engaging People.

Connecting Resources.

Building Community:

20 YEARS OF PHILANTHROPY IN OUR COMMUNITY

Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation

By REBECCA FLANSBURG

“We make a living by what we get.

We make a life by what we give.”

– Sir Winston Churchill

know what the needs are of the community and help her legacy continue to have a lasting impact. Through her ICL Fund at BLACF, she chose to support Giving has been at the core of the the Lakes Area Police Chaplaincy in Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foun- their work. The chaplaincy serves when dation (BLACF) since its inception in an officer must inform a family of a 1998. BLACF’s death or at the supporting scene of an acorganization, cident, where Communityemotions run Giving, has high. The ICL offices in BrainFund continues erd, Alexanhelping area dria, Willmar recipients even and greater St. after LindCloud. They man’s passing all work with and is one of today’s leaders the BLACF’s and influenclargest unreers to develop stricted fund.

ICL grant presentation to Greg Meyer of effective ways “Last year, Salem WEST in March of 2017. to support we made a future genera$10,000 grant tions. BLACF continually seeks to link from Hope’s fund to Salem WEST donors with the needs of the commu- to help them recover from an arson nity by creating permanent funds that fire,” Samp confirmed. “Hope would produce a lasting impact and leaves a have been delighted with that gift powerful legacy. and where the Foundation is today.

Her story is just one example of all “We make a life by what we give.” the amazing people and funds we are Hope Lindman had been blessed by honored to host. One thing I’ve learned family, friends and success in business. is that there is a story behind every After growing up in the Great Depresdonor and every fund. These funds are sion era, and not knowing where her often left in memory of a loved one family’s next meal might come from, or as a tribute to one’s faith. So many Lindman knew first hand how the people in this community have done kindness of others could help someone remarkable things in their lifetime, get through those times and wanted to and these funds can provide a chance pay that love and generosity forward. to continue that good work after we In 1998, Lindman created one of the are gone. Charitable giving is a powerfirst funds with BLACF and called it the ful thing.”

ICL Fund -- In Christ’s Love. Hope chose to have her fund become an unrestrictFor more information on Brainerd ed fund that grants could be made out Lakes Area Community Foundation, of for the betterment of the communi- visit them on the web: www.commuty once she passed away because she nitygiving.org/BLACF or contact Samp understood that the foundation will at ksamp@communitygiving.org

BLACF’S AWARD IN PHILANTHROPY RECIPIENTS

Impacting our Community Through Grant Making and Community Leadership $4.7 Million in Total Grants Since our Founding Over $1 Million in Grants Given in 2017-18 2017-18 BLACF Grants Included:  Cuyuna Range Youth Center for Youth Development  CLC Foundation for Workforce Development Efforts  Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce for Career Depot Project  Riverview Church/Warehouse for After School Program  Brainerd Rotary Foundation for the STRIVE Program  Bridges of Hope for Self Healing Community Project  City of Brainerd for the Brainerd Riverfront Project  Salem WEST for Emergency Funding After Fire Destruction  Initiative Foundation to Support Nonprofit Building Efforts  Brainerd Women’s Fund for Local Granting  Spirit of Hope Fund to Support Local Benevolence Funding  Brainerd/Baxter Youth Center - The Shop for Programming  Junior Achievement to Offer Youth Entrepreneurism in Schools  Lakes Area Music Festival to Support Outreach Program  BLAEDC for a Corporation Key Recruitment Program  United Way for Local Volunteer “Get Connected” Project  Community Action Council for Local Newcomers Club

Join Us In Creating Your Own Legacy!  Make strategic investments in causes you care about.  Simplify giving with a donor advised fund.  Maximize the tax advantages of your giving.  Leave your local charitable legacy.

Contact Karl Samp, Executive Director 218-824-5633 · 320-257-9727 www.CommunityGiving.org/BLACF © Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation - All Rights Reserved.

Progress Edition 2018

S8 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch An artistic rendering provides a look at what the Purple Fern Bath Company could look The Purple Fern Bath Company in downtown Brainerd offers retail store and classes in like as 2017 Destination Downtown applicant Brenda Billman-Arndt prepared her busisoap making and brought a concept to reality as the first Destination Downtown Business plan before winning the business challenge. ness Challenge winner.

BUSINESS CHALLENGE From Page S2

a desire to find out what Brainerd is doing. “I think we are onto something.”

The next frontier will be regular, predictable, weekly activities and events downtown, Kilian said.

“I think that is going to be the next thing to do,” he said.

How can residents and visitors be part of the effort? Kilian said people should make a point of walking around downtown to see what is there and step inside a shop where they’ve never been before.

“I think when people do that, they are amazed and surprised and find something they really love.”

Purple Fern

Nate Grotzke, Close-Converse Preferred Properties in Brainerd, serves on the contest’s steering committee and is chair of the judging committee. He said picking 10 contestants to move on for the second Destination Downtown contest was a difficult decision as many were worthy of Top 10 inclusion.

Next, contestants meet with a team of coaches, consultants and 11 judges. The final three will be named in October. The winner will be announced Nov. 15 at the annual Brainerd Lakes Chamber Celebration of Excellence dinner.

One of the judges is last year’s winner, Brenda Billman-Arndt. She opened her store Purple Fern Bath Company on Laurel Street in May. Kilian said Billman-Arndt, who is also serving on the steering committee, is providing valuable

first-person insight.

“It’s awesome to see that there are that many applicants this year,” Billman-Arndt said. “It’s encouraging for downtown. It’s encouraging for the entrepreneurial spirit and for small business. It’s really great. It’s fun to see.”

Billman-Arndt said as she watched the new applicants put their dreams forward she’s been thinking back to a year ago when she was in the same situation. Just a few months ago, she was nervous as her first customers came through the door.

“Things are feeling a lot more settled in life now,” Billman-Arndt said. “I have my business open. I’m getting my classes established. I keep seeing repeat customers, which is really wonderful to see and now I’m just working on just building up the store. I’m in the fun part.”

For Billman-Arndt, the contest gave her the push to take an expanded hobby and go even further with it.

“It’s going really great. I keep saying this, but the community support has just been amazing,” she said. “I hear it day after day ‘It’s just so nice to see businesses like this coming into downtown’ and you know people want it, they really do and they are supporting it, which is good to see.”

As far as the contest goes, Billman-Arndt joked being on the judging side was more fun and it gave her a chance to see what was going on in the background when last year she was focused on her business plan. She said it was impressive to see all the work behind the scenes.

As for recommendations, Billman-Arndt suggested giving the appli-

pub and restaurant.

Mattson renovated the apartments above the Last Turn. He purchased the building adjacent to the Last Turn and is updating the exterior and interior, already moving a full kitchen into the addition. Mattson ordered furniture in August and said he is on track for opening the additional dining space in September, which will provide more breakfast and lunch options. Much of his efforts thus far may not be as readily noticeable to the naked eye but have gone into updating the building with a new roof and new furnaces.

He has visions of bringing in events from trade shows to weddings and private parties. The plan is to add a brewery next spring.

Mattson had a contest to name the addition and has the choice boiled down to three options but he’s waiting to do the name reveal at a later date. Mattson said he does have a concern about parking, which he said is a real issue when adding events without adding parking Microdistillery and Last Turn nearby.

The Desrochers wanted something they projects move forward could do together that would incorporate The two other contest finalists, Bill and Lisa Desrocher with their craft their skills. Both have degrees in food distillery and Ed Mattson’s Last Turn science. Bill Desrocher said the contest Saloon expansion, also plan to be open helped them fast-forward their dream for business in Brainerd by the year’s for a microdistillery. In addition to the end. Mattson purchased the Last Turn social tasting area, their business vision Saloon and Eatery in downtown Brainerd includes a view into the distillery and in 2016. His vision for the Last Turn is to tours. Customers taste the spirits to try bring back the historic areas of the build- the different flavors and then may puring now underused such as the ballroom chase a small bottle to take home. They with its 17-foot ceilings and second-floor can see a future with distribution to other space by working on it in phases.

The plan calls for an event center, brew BUSINESS CHALLENGE: Page S9

cants more time to write their business plans, an intensive project as people are often juggling their day jobs.

As for Purple Fern, Billman-Arndt is looking at adding a tub to her showroom to help showcase her bath products. She added classes and hosted her first bachelorette party. And she’s working with a yoga instructor to offer a 45 minute yoga class at the bath company and then participants will be able to make a product after the yoga session.

A scrubs and subs class each month offers a different theme, like coffee or peppermint and gift-making sessions are in the works as the holidays approach. A September class offers a fall colors soap making class.The chalkboard behind the counter noted some classes were already full. Billman-Arndt is looking to expand stations for the classes without getting too big. She’s had a lot of moms and daughters take classes together and enjoys the laughter that comes with the group sessions.

Advertorial

JN Tree Service

Safety is Key in Tree Removal

By Sheila Helmberger JN Tree Service offers the services of a certified arborist who can advise you in all facets of tree removal and tree restoration.

When the heavy storms moved throughout the area in recent years, JN Tree Service was instrumental in helping residents and business owners with the overwhelming job of cleaning up that lasted for months afterwards.

JN Tree Service specializes in lot and wood clearing, brush clearing and chipping as well as stump grinding. The company can also provide the services needed to keep your existing trees healthy, something most of us often neglect. “There’s regular basic maintenance that your trees need,” said JN Tree Service owner Joe Nelson. “It’s important to get your tree dead wooded. We do complete pruning and trimming.”

As beautiful as the trees in the lake country are, sometimes they can cause problems, too. Downed trees can become fire and safety hazards. If you have a tree that has become hung up in your yard because of age or weather and you would like to have removed, it can be sometimes be tempting to try to take care of the job yourself. Even if you’re confident you know what you’re doing, it is a dangerous job with a risk of personal injury or harm to your home or other buildings. The team at JN Tree Removal has the right equipment to do the job not only efficiently, but safely as well. With one of the largest trucks in the area, they can take it down and mulch it on the spot. The job will be done fast and efficiently.

One of the best parts of living on a lake is enjoying the view. Nelson and his crew can

JN TREE SERVICE OFFERS LOT CLEARING — WOODS CLEARING — TREE REMOVAL AND TREE — TRIMMING — STORM CLEANUP — BRUSH CLEARING AND CHIPPING — STUMP GRINDING

help clear the line of vision so you can make the most out of it.

For more information on the company and to learn more about JN Tree Service and what they can do for you, log on to www. jntreeservice-landscaping.com or call 800630-2960.

Fall is the time to trim your oaks and elms!

Getting to the root of your tree and landscaping needs!

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Bill and Lisa Desrocher

BUSINESS CHALLENGE From Page S8

Road, Suite 3, in Baxter in the building with Salon El Rio.

Character and craftsmanship

businesses, perhaps a resort that includes their spirits in a mixed drink, but creating a quality experience in Brainerd is their first focus, they said when named finalists last year.

In August, Lisa Desrocher reported after months of searching for a site in Brainerd, they purchased the former Tom’s TV building at 25 Washington St NE. The site offers almost 6,000 square feet and will house the distillery, tasting room and warehouse. Lisa Desrocher said renovation of the site is pending permits from the city, state and federal government. Their target date to start distillery operations is by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Tom’s TV is still going just in a different, smaller location. The business is now settled into 7760 Excelsior

When the second contest was announced at summer’s start during a launch party, Kilian said Brainerd’s future was brighter and better than its past. He spoke before a gathering in the newly renovated Koop Building in downtown Brainerd.

The building on Laurel Street was previously the Iron Rail bar before undergoing a recent large-scale renovation.

“When I first moved into town there were a few things people said about downtown,” Kilian said. “Either downtown Brainerd was dying or it was dead. The rumors of Brainerd’s demise are greatly exaggerated. Downtown Brainerd is back.”

Kilian said people always want character, authenticity, craftsmanship, and that is what downtown offers.

“Over the past year, we have seen a lot of energy and momentum in downtown

Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch

The Last Turn Saloon and Eatery in downtown Brainerd is undergoing an expansion with a full kitchen part of the anticipated dining area in the building adjacent to the Last Turn.

Advertorial

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‘Being a good neighbor’ is foundation of Good Neighbor’s business approach

For 35 years, residents in the Brainerd lakes area have enjoyed the benefits of receiving home health care in the comfort of their own homes, thanks to Good Neighbor Home Health Care.

Like its name implies, Good Neighbor takes a “being a good neighbor” approach to home health care, just as it did in 1983 when Sherrie Christensen started the business out of the basement of her home. Whether her neighbors needed medical care, homemaking services or just companion care, Good Neighbor has been and always will be committed to bringing compassion, respect, professionalism and a personal touch to those who they help. Good Neighbor specializes in tailoring their services to each client’s individual needs.

Servicing the Brainerd lakes area, Good Neighbor sets itself apart from its competition by offering a full range of skilled medical care as well as non-medical services, all of which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Its staff is experienced in caring for clients with dementia, as well as many other chronic diseases.

“We first started our business with just homemaking services and

companion care,” said Christensen, Good Neighbor’s president and administrator. “We recognized that people were going into the nursing home even when they didn’t need to. But to stay at home, they needed help. It didn’t take long before we added skilled medical services to the list of services we offered. We’ve been working with some families so long that we’ve helped multiple family members.”

Good Neighbor’s list of medical services, which are administered by registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, includes pain management, IV therapy, wound care, and medication management. Physical and Occupational therapists provide therapeutic exercises and activities, strengthening programs, ultrasound treatments and safety and cognitive assessments.

Non-medical services include homemaking, laundry, cooking, errands and transportation, as well as offering companionship. Good Neighbor also has home health aides who help with personal care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding and more.

For more details, visit www.gnhomecare.com.

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S9

Brainerd,” he said. “We want to strike while to move their business vision into a going the iron is hot and find the next big busi- concern capable of generating millions. ness idea that will take us to another level.”

The $50,000 prize package includes a $20,000 extreme marketing makeLocation, location, location over from Range, a Deluxe Company. In There are about 18 spots for new busi- addition the prize includes a first-year nesses in downtown Brainerd when the leasing subsidy and a variety of valuable 11 spaces in the Downtown Mall on South business services, the chamber reported.

Seventh Street, are added to the mix. Kil- Prize sponsors are offering significant ian said David Pueringer deserves credit contributions, Kilian said. for the way the renovation work is fixing How the contest started up the Downtown Mall. Another spot The Destination Downtown contest was undergoing a major transformation is the former Iron Rail bar on Laurel Street with inspired by the Small Business Revolution Sarah Hayden Shaw, behind the work initiative, championed by the Minnesoto change the former Blue Ox Bar into ta-based Deluxe Corporation. The “Main the restaurant Sage on Laurel. Her new Street” contest searches for “America’s project recently renovated the top-floor most inspiring small towns,” the comapartments, created a 3,750-square- pany’s website states. The winning town foot event and performance space with receives a $500,000 revitalization effort.

Brainerd was nominated two years ago exposed original 1923 pressed tin ceiling called Rumbly Hall on the main floor and and while the city wasn’t in the top list, it drew Deluxe’s attention by receiving a SE’z Bar in the lower level. more than 3,000 nominations.

Deluxe was familiar with the lakes Destination Downtown detailed Contest organizers describe the three- area after previously purchasing Brainstep process as the probe, the plan and erd-based business Range. Paul Niccum, Range CEO, approached the Brainerd lakes the pitch.

To be eligible, entries had to offer a chamber about contributing to a smaller, new business startup or an expansion, local effort. A variety of businesses and perhaps a second or third location for an organizations put their talents forward existing business, or provide an signifi- in support of a potential new business cant expansion of a downtown business — offering advertising, legal help, archiby offering a new concept, product or tectural design, workforce development service line. To enter, contestants were and more. The local business communitasked with answering five questions for ty added $30,000 of value to create the the probe, which judges used to deter- $50,000 prize and offered resources to help an entrepreneur to give them every mine the Top 10.

Applicants were asked to describe their advantage for first-year success.

Renee Richardson, managing editor, may be reached at business idea, as well as customers and competitors, their own qualifications 218-855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com.

Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchBizBuzz. as entrepreneurs and how the business would benefit Brainerd’s downtown area.

The second step involves the business plan as the contestants work with the FOR YOUR Small Business Development Center at Central Lakes College to build the business plan. And contestants are asked to choose a desired site in the downtown area organizers named Opportunity Square. The multi-block area of downDestination Downtown town — bordered by South Sixth Street, Front Street, Maple Street and Eighth H 11,100 -- the average daily traffic for vehicles on South Sixth Street, Street — was first identified because it which can climb 30 percent higher had 13 vacancies. The deadline to have for summer weekdays, 50 perthe second phase completed is Sept. 16. cent higher on summer weekends The last phase, between Oct. 8-12, has and 100 percent higher on holiday the contestants meeting with an architect weekends, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation who is able to illustrate what the business as an indicator of the people in the vision the applicants have in their mind’s downtown area. eye. Contestants meet with experienced H 49 -- the number of Destination executives as they prepare for what orgaDowntown Business Challenge apnizers call a “Shark Tank” style preplicants in 2017. sentation before the panel of 11 judges.

H 73 -- the number of applicants for The “Shark Tank” refers to a structured the second Destination Downtown reality TV series returning this fall in its Business Challenge this year.

10th season where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas in search of funding from self-made millionaires and billionaires

INFO

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S10 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Geritol Frolics Final Curtain Come One! Come All!

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Let us entertain you!

Geritol Frolics last performances Oct. 4,5,6,7,11,12,13 and 14

Visit our website www.geritolfrolics.com

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September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S11

Advertorial

A Bittersweet End for the Geritol Frolics Come See the Final Shows of the Beloved Local Variety Show

By CARISSA ANDREWS

2018 marks a pivotal year for the locally renowned musical variety show, the Geritol Frolics. With the exception of a two-year hiatus, the Geritol Frolics has been delighting audiences from all over the world with its unique blend of humor, creativity, and music for the past 31 years. However, this year, the senior citizen show will take its final bow as the cast, crew and production teams move on to their next stage.

“You’re as young as you act, you’re as young as you feel…”

Getting seniors involved in theatre was one of the driving forces behind the concept of Geritol Frolics, as envisioned by original director, Bob Dryden, when the show was performed at CLC. While this is still a wonderful side benefit, the truth of its evolution means so much more.

Most people get to a point in their life where their children are grown, perhaps their caregiving days have come to an end, and the house is increasingly silent. It’s at this point, many will start turning inward to dreams they put on hold while they were more outwardly focused. This is where the Geritol Frolics have been able to instill a sense of inclusion, community and comradery for those seeking to fill the void by giving theater a try.

“Many seniors still have ‘the itch’ to act, and we give a way to scratch it,” said director and producer Ed Yunker.

“We also tailor our acts for our actors as we dig through songs to pair the right one with the right person. Yvonne and I pride ourselves on having all four voices represented—sopranos, altos, tenors and bass—as well as a five-piece orchestra.”

In some cases, cast members have transformed in front of the eyes of their castmates as they take to the stage, going from small and demure—to vibrant and alive as they stand in the spotlight.

The youngest of the all-volunteer cast involved in the Geritol Frolics are 55 years young; with the average typically around 72 years young. This year, however, the cast and crew members from all of past performances received the message this would be the final year for the show and many answered the call to come back. This means you’ll see actors you haven’t seen for years. It also means the

average age is closer to 77. Because this year will be the grand finale for Geritol Frolics, there will be a few nostalgic performances from performers who were a part of the original shows. In fact, the two oldest dancers on stage this year are over 90. This year’s show will be a collection of some of the greatest performances from all the past years.

While the couple would love for someone to pick up the reins for the show, the truth of the matter is, times are changing. And it means making some tough choices. Once the show wraps up this year, the nonprofit will be dissolved as all of the equipment, props, and costumes are donated or liquidated.

“I want to go out on a high note. Pun intended,” said Ed.

Reserve your tickets for the grand finale of Geritol Frolics now…

Why is this the last year?

You won’t want to miss the final shows of this local sensation. We expect seats to fill up fast, so be sure to get in and purchase your tickets quickly.

Online tickets go on sale Aug. 15 at geritolfrolics.com and both in-person and phone sales begin Sept. 5, at the Geritol Frolics Box Office located in the Franklin Arts Center. To order yours by phone, dial the Box Office at 218-8254993. Please be advised, the Box Office is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m.

- 3 p.m.

The Geritol Frolics has been an allconsuming love affair for husband and wife duo, Ed and Yvonne Yunker. The two met while participating in the show back in the early 90’s and picked up the torch when the college made the tough decision to discontinue its production.

The two co-write and produce new shows

Tickets are $18 for general admission (side section seating), and $20 for premium seating (the entire center section).

These prices include the $3 box office ticket processing fee.

each year, spending hours discussing what topics they want to touch on and how they will help their performers shine in the limelight. Around town, they’re even known by many as “Mr. & Mrs. Geritol Frolics.”

The years have continued to progress forward, as they do, and everyone in the cast and crew are unsurprisingly aging. This includes the Yunkers. Many involved in the show have been with the show for 14 years and are simply looking to travel or head into new adventures while they still can. It’s not to say there aren’t other challenges on everyone’s minds. When you have a group of senior citizens coming together for a show like this, illnesses, tragedies, and other surprises can devastate the production.

However, health isn’t the only issue—in recent years, pulling in new performers who want to participate has become a painstaking task. People have a lot going on these days and many seniors aren’t sure they want to spend so much time rehearsing and performing when they could be doing other fun things.

For more information on the show, those involved, and the history of the Geritol Frolics, visit geritolfrolics.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ GeritolFrolics.

Special thanks…

“We cannot bring down the final curtain without expressing our deepest gratitude to the many organizations and businesses from area communities who have provided support. Whether it was donation of time or money, advertising in our program, or simply allowing us to hang a play bill in their establishment, it was important to us and it made it possible for us to continue year after year,” said Yvonne Yunker, producer and co-writer.

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Progress Edition 2018

S12 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com Advertorial

Clow Stamping To Add More Jobs With Continued Growth

By Sarah Nelson Katzenberger

MERRIFIELD — Manufacturing is hot and Clow Stamping is riding the wave of a healthy economy and high demand.

“We weren’t even anticipating it,” said CEO Reggie Clow. “Our customers are feeling good about the economy and that has helped a lot.”

Clow also sites 2018 tax reductions as a factor in the company’s growth this year, with sales increasing an impressive 22 percent over the previous year. Industry-wide, manufacturing is booming with impressive sales increase and new jobs.

“Manufacturing is doing well and we are really benefiting from it,” Clow said.

Clow Stamping launched its business in 1970 as a family business and has grown to be a leading provider in the metal stamping industry. Clow’s parents, Everett and Gladyce, founded the company in St. Louis Park and its rapid growth and desire for a more rural setting, resulted in a move north to its current property in Merrifield.

Reggie Clow took over the business as president and CEO in the early 2000s. In January of 2018, he handed off the role as president to long-time employee, Lori Davies. “Small business owners never really retire,” Clow laughed. “But I’m starting to slow down.”

Even through several economic recessions over the last four decades, Clow Stamping has managed to maintain consistent growth by anticipating changing needs in the industry and getting ahead of the curve. “There have been a lot of ups and downs,” Clow said. “But overall, it seems like it has been mostly ups.”

The Merrifield facility has expanded several times over that last few decades, with plans for an additional expansion planned for this year.

Clow said he remembers the days of manufacturing parts for Xerox machines

and as technology changed, copier parts were replaced by parts for agricultural and off-road vehicles. “We’ve managed to adjust and keep a steady presence in the market through it all,” Clow said.

Clow Stamping ships products in more than 25 different markets in nearly every state as well as several American-owned companies overseas.

With changing technology and necessary job skills, Clow Stamping is looking to add automation within the next year, what he calls a great addition to an already competent workforce.

Clow said the company’s workforce has remained adaptable and has played a vital role in Clow Stamping’s overall success.

“We really challenge our employees,” Clow said. “More often than not, they not only meet, but exceed our expectations.”

Clow Stamping has 490 employees, 60 of whom have joined the company in the last two years. The company is looking to add 45 new positions this year, with 30-40 of those positions in production. Clow said new jobs available don’t need experience and come with in-house training. “Everybody is looking for help,” Clow said. “It’s a great time to be in the market for a new job.”

Clow credits his staff for Clow Stamping’s continued success and ability to stay competitive in an ever-changing market. “They work so hard — seven days

a week for the last year,” He said. “I feel so fortunate to have the people on staff that I have — and at every level. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”

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Thank You

To all our employees and clients.

It is our honor that we are working with such dedicated people.

Enjoy your holiday.

23103 COUNTY RD 3, MERRIFIELD, MN 218.765.3111 | WWW.CLOWSTAMPING.COM

Edition Progress g BRAINERD LAKES AREA

B R A I N E R D D I S PAT C H L A B O R D AY S P E C I A L

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SERVING THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA SINCE 1881

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

The pool and Bay Lake offer a wide range of activities for Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge guests. Guests can take a swim in the pool, go tubing on the lake or take a canoe or kayak out.

Family celebrates Ruttger’s 120th anniversary

ness for a long time, but he is starting to slow down.

“Chris is doing a good job and we have good people working here,” Jack Ruttger said. “We’re doing real well. … I’m happy. We keep the property clean.”

As the demographics of the Brainerd lakes area population skew older, businesses in the lodging and tourism industry are expecting greater challenges in employee recruitment and retention.

This is the conclusion of a recent study of the lodging workforce in Crow Wing and Cass counties, conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension Tourism Center.

Although many of the difficulties described by survey respondents — nearly all owners or managers of lodging businesses — apply across industries, the area’s strong representation in jobs in accommodation along with food and beverage offers the chance for an in-depth analysis of predicaments among tourism-focused employers.

These challenges include transportation, housing, government benefits and assistance programs, substance use, a lack of workers and a perceived lack of soft skills among potential employees.

The U of M reported tourism is a leading economic driver in Minnesota, accounting for $15 billion in gross sales, 265,000 full- and part-time jobs, $5.4 billion in wages and 18 percent of state sales tax revenue. While Crow Wing and Cass represent 1.4 percent of all employment in the state, 8 percent of the state’s accommodation jobs are located within the two north-central counties.

“The tourism industry in Cass and Crow Wing counties has struggled to fill positions,” the study reported. “Since 2014, the regional Accommodation and Food Services industry has averaged over 500 vacancies, even when accounting for seasonal fluctuations.

Unfortunately, future demographic shifts are pointing toward significant labor force contractions in both counties, which could lead to significant challenges for area tourism, the broader economy and the community.”

Information compiled by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Labor Market Information Office supports this assertion. Projections show the labor force in the two counties is expected to decrease by nearly 1 percent between 2020-30.

“Despite large gains in workers aged 20 to 44, the decline in the number of workers aged 45 to 64 was even greater,” the analysis stated. “In total, the combined region may lose over 2,900 workers in the 45- to 64-year-old age group as the last of (the) Baby Boom generation leaves the workforce.

RUTTGER’S: Page S15

AGING: Page S21

Jennifer Kraus Staff Writer DEERWOOD — Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge is a community in and of itself.

It is believed to be the longest, continuously owned family resort in Minnesota — started 120 years ago by Joseph and Josephine Ruttger. Today their great-grandson, Chris Ruttger, runs the resort and his parents, Jack and Ann Ruttger, continue to live on the property.

Jack Ruttger, 88, isn’t quite fully retired from the business — he can be seen driving around the resort in the golf cart working on smaller projects.

This past spring, Ruttger’s renamed its 18-hole championship golf course Jack’s 18 to honor Jack Ruttger. Other parts of the resort are named in honor of influential people in the resort’s history and include Ruby’s Dining Room, named after longtime hostess Ruby Treloar; Auntie M’s, named after Jack Ruttger’s sister Mae Heglund; Zig’s Restaurant and Bar, named after longtime guest and golf course designer Haas Ziegler; and Alec’s 9, the original nine-hole resort course, named after Jack Ruttger’s father Alec Ruttger.

Ruttger’s has a lot to celebrate in its rich history. The resort is situated on 500 acres on the north end of Bay Lake, off Highway 6 on Tame Fish Lake Road in Bay Lake Township. The resort offers 170 guest rooms, with a full occupancy of more than 400 guests. Ruttger’s employs about 300 during the peak season and as few as 20 when the resort is closed for the winter.

The resort offers several different types of lodging and golf, and there also are four restaurants — Ruby’s Dining, the regular dining room, Bear Pine Bar and Grill and Zig’s Restaurant and Bar. It’s home to four retail stores — The Country Store, The Garage, Lobby Shop and Ruttger’s Pro Shop, along with coffee and ice cream shop Auntie M’s, Fine Line Salon and Spa and a conference center. Then of course there is the lake with a large beach, a swimming pool, fishing off the dock, boating and an activities director on site coordinating an abundance of events for families to partake in.

Ruttger’s has it all with the goal that guests don’t have to leave the property if they don’t want to.

So what has kept this family resort going for 120 years?

Guests and employees would say the Ruttger family is the reason for the resort’s success.

Jack Ruttger says good, clean accom-

Photo courtesy of the Ruttger family

This is what the pool looked like years ago at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge.

Photo courtesy of the Ruttger family

Jack and Ann Ruttger hold their son Sandy, who died in 1973. The Ruttgers had four children and their son Chris is president of Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. modations and hospitality.

“People on vacation want to have fun,” Jack Ruttger said. “Treat them well. Hospitality is a big deal. I think we have done pretty well with that. Chris is really good with people. My daughter is the same way, but she is not here.”

Jack said he has been in the resort busi-

Aging population, tightening labor market presents challenges for lodging industry

Progress Edition 2018

S14 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch

Downtown Crosby on a hot Saturday summer afternoon in August. The city is reinventing itself once again as an outdoor mecca with downtown businesses opening to serve those drawn to the Cuyuna Range natural resources.

Crosby recognized by Outside as a ‘Best Place To Live’ and one of ‘America’s Smartest Towns’

For a small town with a population of 2,337, the Crosby area, along with the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, has been getting a lot of press — and the national excitement about the local mountain bike trails continues to grow.

The latest media recognition is found in the cover headlines of the recent edition of Outside magazine: “The Best Places to Live” and “America’s Smartest Towns.” In the Outside article, Crosby’s example was included in the “Six Habits of Highly Successful Cities.”

The reason given for their success was the way it embraced adventure recreation by “investing in trails . . . to transform culture and cash flow.” Since the mountain biking trails opened in 2011, “nearly 30,000 cyclists and close to $2 million has been added to the local economy each year,” said the article. But the biggest benefit seen by Outside — and why it’s a “Best Place to Live” — was the change in lifestyle, which attracted new breweries,

dining establishments, and even a woodfired pizza eatery that is located right on the trail.

In the article, Aaron Hautala, president emeritus of the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew and owner of RedHouseMedia, mentioned that the hospital, a major employer, loves the new area businesses that their recruiters can show to the doctors. Plus, “biking is just one anchor tenant — with the nearby natural and mine lakes, we feel like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding could be others.

The diversity will lead to sustainability.”

Dr. Howard McCollister, a doctor and surgeon with Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby, has seen firsthand how the area’s attractions appeal to medical professionals.

“The Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area and the infrastructure, amenities, and cultural change it has created in our local communities over the past seven years have become some of the most valuable tools we have in recruiting tal-

ented, young physicians to the area,” said McCollister.

The recreation area mountain bike trail system has grown from state-wide interest to now much- larger, national and even international recognition. It was recently recognized by People for Bikes with the Places for Bikes, “Bike Destination Tourism Award” — a national designation provided by an industry benchmark authority. Outside has also named the Crosby area among the “top 25 places to visit in world right now,” and Men’s Health said it’s a top 5 winter fat-biking destination in the United States. The Cuyuna Lakes Chamber also sees increasing interest in the region as a recreation destination.

“Last year it was estimated 185,000 people visited the recreation area,” said Jessica Holmvig, executive director of the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber. “The Chamber has received requests for visitor information from all over the United States and Canada — we have even been getting

requests from France, Yugoslavia, and Germany! The Cuyuna region is unique and its charm is infectious.”

The city of Bentonville, Ark., was another location mentioned in the Outside article as a swiftly-rising and not-tobe missed mountain biking destination.

Hautala recently spoke at the two-day inaugural Arkansas Bike Summit, which was hosted by Visit Bentonville.

“The trails in Bentonville were a high bar of excellence — the highest bar I’ve ever seen,” said Hautala. “The trail starts in the middle of town amid art galleries, eateries, movie theaters, and shops. You’re literally immersed in a city on a cool mountain biking trail.” The transformation of the Crosby area was partnership work at its finest. Its origins began years ago with the back-breaking labor of the miners and their families who initially worked to excavate and

CROSBY: Page S21

Some think it’s the fries that make McDonald’s so successful.

WE KNOW IT’S OUR EMPLOYEES. So on this Labor Day we just wanted to say…

Thanks!

Brainerd West (50’s Store) | Brainerd East (PlayPlace Store) | Baxter Wal-Mart

Progress Edition 2018

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RUTTGER’S From Page S13

Slowing down, but not stopping — Jack Ruttger said he still enjoys doing things around the resort.

“I have to do something useful,” Jack Ruttger said. “At the end of the day I want to feel like I have done something that is worthwhile. At my stage in life I am not too active anymore. If you rake up something you feel like you have done something.”

When asked what the biggest challenge has been over the years, Jack Ruttger said cash flow. The resort is a seasonal business, with income starting in April and ending in November. Jack Ruttger said over the years Ruttgers have expanded their season, but they have to be careful as they need enough cash flow to pay staff when they have guests and to pay the extra expenses.

Ruttger’s opens about Easter each year and closes after Thanksgiving.

For the past 33 years, Ruttger’s has celebrated Oktoberfest in October with live German music, beer and food, entertainment, craft shows and activities for all ages. More recently, the resort began a Thanksgiving buffet, along with special packages for lodging in an attempt to expand the season.

President Chris Ruttger said there are a lot of traditions throughout the resort’s history, and many families come back year after year. One family through its generations will be approaching its 100th year of coming to the resort.

When asked why the families keep coming back, Chris Ruttger said families like that it’s a smaller property, all in one area. And the fact some things at the resort have stayed the same, while other things have changed.

“People can stay in their cabin or a condo and it’s an easy walk to where they want to go,” Chris Ruttger said. “Their kids can wander around and they can hang out with other kids at the resort with no concern.

“Things that have changed is we used to have formal dinners, now it is less formal.

Things change with the times. There are some families who come here for the week, and others for a few days. Before there was no alternative, you had to book a week. But times have changed and now we have a mix. It’s a whole different operation now.”

Chris Ruttger said back in the day when Ruby’s Dining Room was formal the guests would eat at the same table for each meal at the same time each day.

Ruttger’s began adding more condos and didn’t have enough seats for everyone, which was challenging, Chris Ruttger said. Now families don’t want to eat at the same time everyday in a formal

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S15

setting, so the resort has adjusted to Chris Ruttger replied, “He said he would accommodate families’ needs and wants like to take it over as he has heard this all in today’s generation. his life. But I don’t know. When you are Chris Ruttger said his 14-year-old son 14 you are still figuring stuff out. And us Sam is starting to help around the resort, kids, when we were growing up my parbut it is different from when he and his ents tried to not make it seem that it was siblings worked at the resort. expected of us to take over the resort. …

“We grew up living here and We each have to find our own way.

“There are four of us kids (today) my parents still live originally. Our brother here,” Chris Ruttger said.

Sandy (Alexander John “We don’t live on the III) died in a car crash resort now so it is a in 1973 when I was little different and younger. My siswe have to get ters, Julia and Sam here.

Mary, and I “When we worked at the were kids we resort and got up in the things fell morning and into place. it was free My sisters range for us. (both work Then when outside of the we got a litresort) and I tle older we was privileged would help to be running out with somethe resort.” thing and pretChris Ruttty soon we were ger looks up to in our teens and his parents, like we had a summer many do. job. My first job “My mom on payroll was in the marina Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch and dad are — then it was Jack Ruttger smiles as he stands on Ruttger’s Bay tireless,” Chris said. called the boat- Lake Lodge 18-hole championship golf course, Ruttger are house. A lot of which was renamed Jack’s 18 to honor him. Jack, “They fun memories. I 88, can still be seen doing work on the property. He always there to did front desk, said it makes him feel good to be doing something. meet and greet people and kids programs, they genuinedifferent jobs ly love seeing throughout the the guests. My dad is years. I supervised the especially gifted with dining room and that reaching out to new was demanding.” guests or staff. I Chris Ruttger think they just recalls when he have a sense of was young his what is right parents left and what the the house right thing to and told do is. him he was “It’s fun in charge of to still be in answering (the resort the phone business). with two There are a lot lines. It was of Minnesota winter so it family resorts wasn’t busy, and I am thankbut Chris Ruttful for the ones ger said he was who survived and petrified.

He it’s a great way said it rang to live. once — and “My dad is he survived.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch slower movWhen asked if Sam will President Chris Ruttger of Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge ing, but he’s 88 take over the sits on the deck with Bay Lake behind him and talks and he still gets resort when about all the traditions and memories that have been around. It has been 30 years he gets older, made throughout the resort’s 120-year history.

since I have been taking over and he is very good at trying to let me run things.

Some family businesses have had to have consultants come in when they pass it down to the next generation. “(Jack Ruttger) is well loved.”

Resort life Employees share their views

Ruttger’s Marketing Manager Dave McMillan guided a reporter and photographer on a tour of Ruttger’s to offer a glimpse of what resort life is like for staff.

Marina Life

The first stop was the beach to talk to Tim Lasky, in charge of the marina. This is Lasky’s first summer at the resort and he works 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. five days a week.

“I enjoy it because I get to work with people,” Lasky said, whose full-time job is as an instructor at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. “People are very nice here. I needed some extra income for the summer and Dave called me and provided me with the opportunity so I took him up on it. My family has stayed here in the past.”

Lasky said a normal day for him is making sure boats are ready for guests to take out onto Bay Lake. He said if they want to go water skiing or tubing, he can take them out. The resort has four pontoons, two speedboats and five fishing boats, as well as canoes and kayaks.

“When it’s really nice out all the boats are out,” Lasky said. “When I am not checking people in, I am doing maintenance and making sure the gas is full in all the boats.

“We take care of our guests, and when it’s nice they want to spend time on the lake.”

Activities and events, oh my

Activities and events are happening at the resort daily. Laura Marsolek is in charge of it all as the activities coordinator. Marsolek has a staff of about 22 employees who help run the activities smoothly, seven days a week. Activities include Summer Concert Series, movie nights, and events like Beer and Bacon Bonanza and Blues and BBQ Bash.

The list of activities are long and broad and include pontoon cruises, chooseyour-brew cruises, family portraits, water tubing, yoga on tap, Zumba classes, bingo, karaoke, guided nature hikes, kayak/canoe tours, bonfires with s’mores and games large in size, such as Giant Jenga, dominoes, Angry Birds, dartboards and cornhole.

Marsolek also runs Kids’ Kamp, which is an outdoor interactive summer camp for children ages 4-13. Kids’ Kamp is celebrating its 80th year and it runs every

RUTTGER’S: Page S16

Advertorial

Crow Wing County Fair wouldn’t happen without community support

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five years, reported this was one of its best years at the Crow Wing County Fair. Doucette says when the midway has a strong year, so does the rest of the county fair.

The first week every August, the Crow Wing County Fair opens as the fifth largest fair in the state. But when the fair ends, it doesn’t mean the fairgrounds become dormant.

The fairgrounds are bustling with activity throughout the year.

The community is invited to the fairgrounds Sept. 8 to commemorate and honor the sacrifices of the members of Brainerd’s A Co. 194th Tank Battalion who suffered the infamous Bataan Death March in 1942 in the Philippines. The 21st annual Brainerd Bataan Memorial March begins at the National Guard Armory. Participants will then run along 13th Street at the fairgrounds where 62 American flags will be held by family members of fallen soldiers and survivors. A ceremony starts at 8 a.m. at the Armory with the march starting at 9 a.m. Hot air balloon rides will be available at the fair parking lot. Visit www. brainerdbataan.com for more information.

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More than 80,000 people visit the Crow Wing County Fair during fair week in early August. This end-of-summer tradition wouldn’t take place if it weren’t for the dedicated staff, fair board members, volunteers and exhibitors. Even local business owners have dropped everything to help make sure the annual fair is always a success.

“There are so many people instrumental in making this happen.

It’s beyond comprehension,” says Gary Doucette, general manager.

“It’s a community-spirited event.”

Doucette adds that local firefighters, area law enforcement and emergency responders are critical for fair safety.

“This doesn’t happen without them,” he says. “They aren’t behind the scenes, they are the scenes.”

New at the fair this year was Wild Tiger Discovery, an educational exhibit that included real tigers.

The exhibit was so popular that Doucette says it will be back next year. Plans are already in the works for new grandstand events next year. Unfortunately Friday’s rain hampered attendance, but Doucette says it made for greater, steady attendance on Saturday.

Doucette says Armstrong Entertainment, which has provided midway entertainment for the past

Progress Edition 2018

S16 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Tim Lasky, who is in charge of the marina at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, takes a break from cleaning out a pontoon to talk about his job. Lasky said his family used to stay at Ruttger’s and now he works there.

The Marina at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge offers many different types of boats for guests to use.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Laura Marsolek talks about all the activities there are for guests and the public at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. Marsolek coordinates all the events. The resort has events open to the public, such as live music and movie nights.

RUTTGER’S

planning excursions for families, such as a canoe or kayak challenge. Marsolek said they also promote activities outside the resort, such as the zip lining with the Brainerd Zip Line Tour at Mount Ski Gull in Lake Shore.

Marsolek, who has a theater background and performs in local productions, loves her job and being able to spend time outdoors.

“I get to set up fun performances and get to do creative problem solving,” she said. “I love seeing things come together, like events like the Beer and Bacon Bonanza. We’re doing a new event coming in October called a zombie apocalypse that should be fun.”

Cooking for the guests

From Page S15

day but Sundays. Children do a variety of activities from swimming, to scavenger hunts, to hiking and having a kids’ night out. Marsolek said the camp offers children a fun-packed day and allows the parents to do adult activities, such as playing a round of golf, tennis, pickleball or shuffleboard.

Marsolek said new outdoor activities were added this season with resort staff

When families are not out on the lake or doing an activity, they are typically eating.

Terry Dox has been the resort’s executive chef for the past 36 years and Michael Murnane has been the resort’s food and beverage director for two seasons. There are about 40-45 employees in the food and beverage department.

Dox, who has become a legend at the resort, will retire at the end of this season. He has had a great run and has fed a

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Advertorial

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by Sue Smith-Grier

If you haven’t met them yet, meet the nearly new kids on the block, Dale and Cathy Womeldorf, owners of 371 Furniture & Mattress. Along with their sales team Bob, Karen and Mike, the Womeldorfs provide customers with exemplary service including same day delivery for in-stock items.

when they hear buffet,” Murnane said.

“But it’s all from scratch and we have four different entrees, a full salad bar and a full dessert bar. We have a pastry chef on board. We like to say we are a buffet

RUTTGER’S: Page S17

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Terry Dox, the executive chef for the past 36 years at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, works in the kitchen preparing dinner this past summer.

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Keeping it Local Unlike some furniture stores where you see what you want, order it, then wait for who knows how long for it to be delivered, 371 Furniture & Mattress caters to area residents. They deliver on the same day you buy it as long as it’s in stock. If you need help deciding what to choose, Karen, the company’s interior designer, will be happy to help you find the perfect look.

High Quality Furniture Speaking of best known names, 371 Furniture & Mattress is the only authorized retailer of FLEXSTEEL in the Brainerd lakes area. Let sales manager Bob help find your next sofa or comfy chair. With the wide selection of styles and colors you are sure to find the perfect piece for any room that needs furnishings.

While they carry some of the best known names in furniture, Dale and Cathy also support the regional Amish artisans. Amish furniture is among the most beautiful and well made on the market. Simple and traditional, you’ll find solid wood Amish pieces make any room look elegant.

lot of bellies, he said.

“I like the people, we have a great staff,” Dox said as he was cutting up raw walleye, preparing them for dinner. “My sous chef has been here for a long time.

Walleye is our No. 1 speciality. People come here and think they need walleye.”

Dox works seven days a week and mainly does dinner.

“I make a lot of soups,” Dox said.

Dox said the main reason he works at Ruttger’s is Jack Ruttger.

“He is the reason why most of us are here,” Dox said.

Even though Murnane is new to Ruttger’s, he said he feels at home at the resort.

“Ruttger’s is such a special place, it is so deep in history,” he said. “It’s been here for so long and Jack and Chris Ruttger are still very hands on. They are the reason why people come back year after year. They are like family.”

Murnane moved to Crosslake from the Twin Cities when he took the job at Ruttger’s last summer. Murnane oversees the food and beverages at all the restaurants.

He said one of the resort’s strong points with food are its buffets.

“Some people will turn their nose up

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

We want to let you know how much we appreciate your patronage and we look forward to serving you now and in the years to come.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

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Stellar Service Customers are highly satisfied with the pricing and quality of furniture Dale and Cathy offer. However, they rave about the customer service. A couple of years ago the Womeldorfs made customer service a top priority. Today it’s still a priority customers greatly appreciate. If you haven’t taken the time to stop in 371 Furniture & Mattress, you should. You’ll be amazed at what you find.

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MON & THURS: 9-8 • TUES, WED, FRI & SAT: 9-6

Progress Edition 2018

www.brainerddispatch.com

From Page S16

on steroids. The buffets are open to the public.”

Murnane said he doesn’t do any cooking. He makes sure the food and beverage operations goes smoothly.

“If the guests have any special requests I take care of it,” he said. “We have a little bit of everything. I get the liquor, beer and wine lists together for all our events.

There may be something here or there that needs to be taken care of or staff to be managed and I take care of that.”

Employees working with food and beverages are a combination of full, part and seasonal time staff. There also are international students working in this department.

“The biggest challenge for me is staffing,” Murnane said. “It’s hard to find enough people to cover all of the shifts.

Being in a more rural area as opposed to being in the Twin Cities you don’t have enough people who are available to work.

Everyone wants a job and everyone is hiring. … It’s hard to say, ‘Why don’t you come work for us for four months and then go somewhere else?’”

“I didn’t expect it would turn into such a great adventure for me for the summer.

I would recommend to the people from Poland to come here for holidays because it is so nice.”

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Jagoda Ostrowska, 26, of Poland, smiles at the counter of Bear Pine Bar and Grill at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. This was her second summer working at the resort.

First point of contact

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Michael Murnane talks about the food and beverage business at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. Murnane is on his second season at the resort.

International adventure

Ruttger’s has 31 international students, mainly from Poland and the Czech Republic, this season, with 15 working in the food and beverage department.

This is the second summer working at Ruttger’s for Jagoda Ostrowska, 26, of Poland. It will also be her last as she will no longer be a student next summer.

“I really like it here,” she said. “People are nice. Last year and this year I worked in the bar.

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After talking with people in the food and beverage department, the tour moved to another part of the building — an important part — the reservation desk/office. There are four people who take reservations. Reservations are taken seven days a week.

Tami Price, the reservations manager, said there may be times when one or two employees are taking reservations or all four will be in the office. Price works year-round, sometimes working an 11-hour shift, and the other three workers are seasonal.

“I have been here 22 years,” Price said.

“I started in this department and have stayed here and I love it. I get Christmas Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch cards and photos of families from their stay here as you can see on my wall. I The front desk at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. have more photos on my Facebook of these families than I do of my own. Lots of families come here year after year.”

John Adams, Fridley, is a customer Price said there are many family stories who’s come to the resort since 1993. she could share. She said on Mother’s Adams said his family comes for four Day one year, a grandfather introduced days and they love it. her to his new grandbaby. She said she “We came up here every summer but has watched this baby, who is now 10, two years when I was unemployed,” grow up. She said she has seen so many Adams said. “I just think the customer children grow up who now stay at the service is tremendous, the views of the resort as parents themselves with their lakes are fantastic — my wife thinks this children. There are several families who is the best place on Earth. The accommostay in touch with her year-round. dations are good and it feels like almost Price said most of the time, when a family. The Ruttgers are always gracious. returning family calls to make a reser“We started coming in October for the vation, she knows exactly what lodging fest. … You feel like you are in paradise.” accomodation they want and any spe-

Advertorial

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cial requests, to make sure their stay is enjoyable. Price said one family always wants a table with an umbrella to sit in the front of the cabin, another wants a floor lamp and another wants a recliner.

Price said she doesn’t get any odd requests, unless you count some of the “pet friendly” requests.

“People brought a hamster that just had babies and they couldn’t leave them at home,” Price said. “We have had birds. … We try to help people out if we can.”

The biggest challenge Price said in helping their guests is finding babysitters. She said she used to have a big list of potential babysitters, but now she struggles finding enough.

Price agreed with the other employees that her job has changed as the length of stay has changed for families.

“Booking full-week vacations is dwindling,” she said. “We have had changes in our packages and do a lot of a la carte. People don’t want to be locked into being here for dinner.

After 9/11, (and the recession worsened) Grandma and Grandpa couldn’t pay for everything so the kids started to pay their share of the stay.”

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Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Ruttger’s golf professional Dave Sadlowsky is on his fifth season at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. Sadlowsky worked an office job for 15 years in the construction management field before becoming a golf professional.

Hitting the links

When guests are not on the water, they are on the greens.

Ruttger’s golf professional Dave Sadlowsky is in his fifth season at Ruttger’s. Sadlowsky worked an office job for 15 years in the construction management field before becoming a golf professional. Changing his career path was a good decision.

“I enjoy coming to work every day,” Sadlowsky said. “It’s great being in resort country and there is so much history here.”

Sadlowsky is in charge of running the daily operation of the golf courses.

“I really don’t have a schedule,” he said. “My schedule is most days, but I love it.”

Sadlowsky, who is from Avon and who lived in the Twin Cities metro area for many years, said working at Ruttger’s was perfect for his wife, Jill, and their two sons.

“My wife’s family is from the Crosby and Aitkin area,” Sadlowsky said. “So this was one area she would agree to move to. My father-in-law, Bill, has been a ranger here for about a dozen years.

We’ve been playing here off and on for a number of years.”

Maintaining the grounds

While Sadlowsky oversees golf operations, Joe Wollner, Ruttger’s golf course superintendent, oversees the grounds.

RUTTGER’S: Page S18

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RUTTGER’S

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S17

FREE CONSULTATIONS! 218-656-7304 | 1-866-344-0702 | Jeff@ouradnikagency.com

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Progress Edition 2018

S18 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Perennial gardens surround the buildings on the grounds at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge in Bay Lake Township.

RUTTGER’S From Page S17

“This is my 19th season and when I was hired here by Jack I said this is the kind of place I would love to retire at,” Wollner said. “And 19 years later I am 66 and going to retire. It’s been great.

Jack is one of the best people.

“When people ask me what my responsibilities are I say, ‘If it’s on the ground, it’s mine.’ I don’t do any of the buildings. The lawn areas, both golf courses and the grounds at the resort are my responsibilities.”

Wollner has 24 employees to help him maintain the grounds. He and his assistant each work 12 days straight and then get two days off. When Wollner first Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch started, his position was 12 months and Sixteen-year-old Sam Sadlowsky of Aitkin, now it is 10 months. the son of Ruttger’s golf professional Dave When asked what his secret is to keep Sadlowsky, putts a ball into the champion- well-groomed greens, he said a good ship golf course Jack’s 18. staff and an adequate budget.

“I have two brothers who also are golf green superintendents and when we get together we talk about grass, the legal kind,” Wollner said. “We’re originally from Iowa and … my mom was a manager of a small 9-hole golf course.

“As a golf course superintendent, we all rely on other superintendents on helping each other out.”

Wollner said when he started he was only in charge of the golf course greens.

Through the years, he took on helping the gardening/maintenance staff with the resort grounds. He said the maintenance staff does a great job with the perennial gardens around the property, though if it were up to him, “it would all be mowed down,” he said with a grin.

Wollner said the property encompasses about 250 acres and he maintains about 200 acres of it. He said his staff mows the Joe Wollner, greens every day; and the fairways are perintendent, bilities at the mowed three times a week.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Ruttger’s golf course sutalks about his responsiresort. He said staff mow the greens everyday.

RUTTGER’S: Page S19

Advertorial

From a Rock and a Hammer to Gems and a Loupe

There is nothing quite as satisfying and inspirational as a good story about simple beginnings that blossom into unimaginable realities. Such is the story of E.L. Menk Jewelers. The seed was planted when Ed Menk’s grandfather handed little Ed his old dollar pocket watch.One day Ed found a pretty rock and decided to break it open with his dad’s hammer. That cost him a trip to the doctor. The rock splintered and a piece got into Ed’s eye.

Ed cites these two incidents as the foundation for his journey into the fine jewelry business. He studied watchmaking at St. Paul Technical School and from there apprenticed with Morgan’s Jewelry in Winona, MN, for two years. His dedication to excellence was rewarded with the Harold Donkersgoed Award for achieving the highest score in the Minnesota licensing exam.

He also met and married his beautiful wife, Susan, during this time.

Ed and Susan finally settled in Brainerd, where Ed worked for Bud’s Jewelry for a few years before purchasing Ron’s Jewelry on their 9th wedding anniversary. The store was named Watchmakers Jewelry but was changed to E.L. Menk Jewelers due to significant changes in the watch industry.

E.L. Menk Jewelers has been housed

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If you are looking for something particularly unique, have a conversation with Ed or his staff and let them guide you through making the decision that fits your style and personality. The friendly service, wealth of information, experience and artistry will have you coming back for all your watch and jewelry needs. Stop in today and brighten your life with something beautiful!

Corner of 7th & Laurel • Downtown Brainerd 829-7266 www.elmenkjewelers.com 001760076r1

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www.brainerddispatch.com

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S19

RUTTGER’S From Page S18

“We do have push mowers, too,” he said. “I have five international students from Poland and they are the best workers. They do trimming, use the push mowers, do a lot of manual stuff.

“It’s always fun, there is always something different with this job. The staff here is different and that is what keeps it fun. If I didn’t like my job I wouldn’t be here so long. This is my last season.

I’m retiring. I have a garden at home to maintain. I do golf, but the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is golf here as I would critique everything.”

Wollner said there are lots of fun stories to share that happen along with golf courses. A common story is missing golf carts that seem to get stuck and left in the water.

“This happens all the time,” Wollner said. “Just have to get the tractor out and pull them out. It’s just something we are used to dealing with.”

Miranda Westhoff, who is the director of retail, doesn’t have to deal with the types of things found on the golf course.

Westhoff is in charge of the four retail stores on the property, which includes Auntie M’s, a coffee and ice cream shop.

Westhoff, who grew up in Crosby and graduated from Brainerd High School, started working at Ruttger’s in 1998, working in the food and beverage department. She worked there for 11 years and when the position opened for the director of retail, she eagerly grabbed it.

“My family grew up with a hardware store,” Westhoff said, so she was around the retail industry and enjoyed the work.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge is a community within itself. It is among the longest, continuously owned family resort in Minnesota. It has been in the Ruttger family for 120 years, started by Joseph and Josephine Ruttger.

“When I was looking for an extra job and was hired at Ruttger’s I just fell in love with the place.”

Westhoff said she has a staff of 10 and each store is unique. Ruttger’s Bay Lake Country Store is stocked with higher-end specialty apparel, shoes, jewelry, decor and other gift items. The store first opened in 1906 and originally sold groceries.

The Garage is located next to the Country Store and is a former gas station. The Garage is filled with Ruttger’s apparel for women, men and children, along with home decor, gifts and toys. The third retail store is the Lobby Shop located in Ruttger’s main lodge, including a selecSteve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch tion of clothing and accessories, gifts, Miranda Westhoff, director of retail at Rutt- home decor and souvenirs. ger’s, talks about four stores mansaid the shops are all open 17-3852_Labor Daythe Ad.qxp_Layout 1 she 8/2/17 12:23 PMWesthoff Page 2 ages. Westhoff started working at the re- when the resort is open. Last year before sort in the food and beverage department. the resort closed she added some Christ-

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mas items in the Lobby Shop.

“I love this place and I love working for Ruttger’s,” Westhoff said. “They genuinely care for you and that is huge to me. That makes me want to be here and work as hard as I can. Appreciation goes a long way.

“When I first started working in retail, the challenge was in buying things people would want to buy, but my numbers show I am making good choices and making money for the resort and people are buying memories of the resort.”

Westhoff said two of her children also work at the resort.

Dave McMillan ended the tour by stating from the very beginning when Joseph and Josephine Ruttger opened the resort, it was important to them that they owned and operated a family resort.

“The heart of Ruttger’s is it is a family resort,” McMillan said.

FOR YOUR

INFO

Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge

H City: Rural Deerwood.

H Number of employees: About 300.

H Interesting or little known fact: It is longest, continuously owned family resort in Minnesota. It has been in the family for 120 years.

RUTTGER’S: Page S20

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Graphic International Brainerd Packaging Savings and Loan has been

Celebrating 40 years world-class automation. serving the Lakesofarea for 95 years.

Have you ever thought about what goes into creating the food or beverage packaging you bring home? Chances are, much of it originated via automation machinery made at Graphic Packaging 2017inmarks International Crosby. 95 years of service to the Lakes Area for Brainerd In 1978, Bill and Edna Minneapolis and headed north to foundyou Minnesota Automation Savings andEverson Loan.leftWe are excited to share with about how in Crosby. Since that time, the business grew and was purchased in 1991 by what is now Graphic Your association is growing and expanding. We believe that Packaging International (GPI).

The corporate headquarters of GPI is located in Atlanta and they have more 17,000visit employees every is providing you with excellent customer service onthan in more than 70 locations in North and South America, Europe, and Australasia. It is a leader in the key.

After all, at Brainerd Savings and Loan, you are not just a packaging design for food, beverages, and other consumer products.

GPI incustomer, Crosby houses the corporation’s Packaging Machinery Division, which designs and builds you are an owner! automation machines sold to customers worldwide. Since the company’s origins, GPI has grown to 100 plus employees and they are now celebrating 40 years of creating the machines that automate assembly lines Labor for multiple solutions.

Machines include those that place or bottles This Daypackaging we want to take a moment and thank ourcans dedicated into multi-pack paperboard cartons, those that place hangtags on bottles, or affix decals to packages, employees. For 95 years the employees of Brainerd Savings and Loan among countless other applications.

“We complete the entire process of creating new machine—from to finish,” Matt have been your partner fora Your banking start needs.

Thatsaidtradition Sundquist, general manager of Graphic Packaging in Crosby. “Ultimately, the automation process continues today. Our staff of Universal Bankers have a whole new allows our customers to produce products more quickly, to do more with less, and to do it around the clock.” array of banking products, services and tools to share with you. We From an initial idea to the completed machine, facilitating the automation takes a full range of look forward to visiting with you about everything from traditional specialists, from state-of-the-art engineering and robotics, to electricians, machining, welders, and ® electrical/mechanical technicians. parts can gofrom into just one machine, and machines banking to mobile3,000 banking, our local Visa cardconstructed and range from the biggest one to date at 81-feet-long to the shortest machine at two-feet long. ® CardValet (our newest security tool) to our Universal Banker “Through the machines built right here in Crosby, more products can be packed more quickly and easily around the world,” Sundquist. project.

Goingsaidabove and beyond is just our way of doing business.

In addition to the U.S., customers for the customized machinery are also found in China, Singapore, We deliver on our commitments and take your financial needs Japan, Netherlands, UK, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and Brazil. Upon completion, customers of GPI often travel to Crosby for hands-on with the in team who built their machinery. This brings a and Your best interest. seriously….we work training for you wide range of international guests to the area who are also eager to sample the tourism opportunities, such as fishing on Lake Mille Lacs, mountain biking in Cuyuna, or golfing.

Due toThe their focus on product excellence,and GPI continues to grow seeks qualified personnel—such board of directors employees ofandBrainerd Savings and as engineers, machinists, welders, and electrical/mechanical technicians—to join their dedicated team.

Loan to our community - this community that we all They also thankare andtuned credit theinoriginal pioneers, Bill and Edna Everson, for their foresight in locating in Crosby. salutes the determination and innovation of its employees, past and present, who daily callGPIhome.

We spend time volunteering in our communities, accomplish feats of engineering that many said were impossible just a few years ago.

serving in various city and county government roles, volunteering for non-profits, our schools and our churches.

The banking industry has seen many changes in the past 95 years.

Mike We are Thielen proud of our history and are excited to partner with you to Kelly Ziegler achieve your financial goals in the future. With great leadership and dedicated employees, Brainerd Savings and Loan will continue to lead the way by providing you with banking Your way... whenever and wherever you want it.

Bill Everson

A HUGE THANKS

Graphic Packaging International has been manufacturing automation machinery in Crosby for 40 years and continues to expand its use of leadingedge technology.

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Chuck Gifford, Mary Manlick and Kelly Ziegler

to all our employees for making this possible!

Your hard work in design, innovation and manufacturing is greatly appreciated.

Have A Great Labor Day!

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In Your Best Interest.

975 3rd St. SW, Crosby, MN 218-546-2100 l www.graphicpkg.com

Progress Edition 2018

S20 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Photo courtesy of the Ruttger family

Joseph and Josephine Ruttger started Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge 120 years ago.

It is believed to be longest, continuously owned family resort in Minnesota.

The dining hall in its early days at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge.

RUTTGER’S From Page S19

Resort History

When Joseph Ruttger first settled on Bay Lake in the 1880s, he had no intention of operating a resort.

As was common in the early 1900s, resorts evolved to accommodate a growing number of tourists, specifically fishermen. That included Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, which has remained in family ownership since Ruttger and his wife, Josephine, started it in 1898 — 120 years ago.

Ruttger came to the United States from Germany, eventually ending up in St. Paul, where he worked as a machinist.

When respiratory illness threatened his health, he left the city and arrived in Bay

Lake as part of a cooperative farming colony experiment. His job was to revive a former sawmill.

That didn’t pan out, but Ruttger never left the area. He homesteaded Big Island on Bay Lake, known today as Malkerson Isle of the Pines and located across from today’s resort. He married and the couple lived on the island. In 1894, Ruttger traded the island to be on the mainland. They came by rail to Deerwood. They came for the fresh air and fishing. People also wanted to stay there, creating the resort.

As more people ventured to the area to fish and to keep cool by the lake, they sought a place to stay and meals. First they stayed in tents, and then Joe and Josie rented their four sons’ rooms and Josie began charging for the meals she cooked. Thus, the Ruttgers found themselves in the resort business.

Advertorial

A Closer Look At LASIK

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By SARAH HELMBERGER

Think you’re too old for LASIK surgery? Afraid an astigmatism or a past procedure for cataracts might make it impossible? Not true, says Jay McMonagle, certified ophthalmic assistant at Northern Eye Center in Brainerd.

“Almost anyone can have LASIK today,” he says. McMonagle works beside Dr. David Sabir, who has been doing the procedure for over 20 years at Northern Eye Center, where they perform between 100 to 150 surgeries a year. In most cases, if the patient is healthy and the cornea has adequate tissue there’s no reason to put it off any longer.

In addition to the Lasik procedure, Northern Eye Center also offers a procedure called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) similar to LASIK except no cornea flap is made.

Having the surgery itself is quick,

relatively painless, and if you’ve been wearing corrective lenses and contacts for a long time, it can change your life.

Preoperative exams will take a look at corneal tissue and other parts of the eye, and a consult with Dr. Sabir will determine which procedure will give the patient the best result. Northern Eye Center offers a free screening to find out if an individual is a candidate for LASIK. Only a short time is spent at the office the day of the surgery.

Patients receive a mild sedative, mostly to help them relax. “Both procedures last only about 15 minutes, barring complications, and are painless for the most part.” says McMonagle, “Some patients say they feel some slight pressure is all.”

Once it’s over, McMonagle says the recovery is quick. “You won’t have much pain after LASIK, it’s more of an uncomfortable feeling, similar to leaving a contact in too long. We send them home with a regiment of eye drops that help with the discomfort. A lot of people see 20/20 after.”

After surgery some people may find they need ‘cheaters’ for reading or seeing up close.

How long the results last will depend on each person. McMonagle says there’s no way to predict.

Some people who had it done in the early 90s are still seeing great today. Some patients may need an enhancement after a few months.

LASIK surgery can be done more than one time if there is enough tissue remaining on the cornea to repeat it.

Soon families started to vacation at the lodge, mainly to fish, and also to escape the heat. The Ruttgers’ original home, built in 1901, remains part of the lodge offices. The fireplace was once in their living room. The log dining hall built in 1922 is still used today.

Joe and Josie’s oldest son, Alexander (Alec, Chris Ruttger’s grandfather) took over the resort on Bay Lake. The three younger brothers, Max, Bill and Ed, started their own resorts, one on Whitefish Lake (Ruttger’s Shady Point Lodge) and two on Gull Lake (Ruttger’s Pine Beach, which later became Madden’s Resort; and Ruttger’s Sherwood Forest Lodge).

Alec and his wife, Myrle, invested in expansion of the resort. They took over in 1920, and Alec borrowed $3,500 from a bank to build 12 cottages and remodel the property.

Photo courtesy of the Ruttger family

Alec and Myrle’s son, Jack, and his wife, Ann (Chris’ parents), took over management in 1955. They grew the conference facilities and doubled the number of rooms. A conference center and indoor pool were built in the early 1970s, and 10,000 square feet of conference space was added in the mid-1980s.

The two generations of Ruttgers bought a motel in the Florida Keys in the early 1950s, which they operated in the winter for 20 years, selling it in the late 1970s.

The family tried a couple of times, in the 1970s and 1980s, to keep the resort open year-round.

The current generation of Ruttger’s on Bay Lake includes Chris and his wife, Joanne, and their son, Sam. Chris took over resort management in 1992.

JENNIFER KRAUS may be reached at jennifer.kraus@ brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851. Follow me at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.

Progress Edition 2018

www.brainerddispatch.com

AGING From Page S13

“Given this, the 25- to 44-year-old age group is set to become the largest part of the area labor force, and account for approximately 40 percent of the total by 2030. Overall, the labor market will remain tight in the foreseeable future, requiring long-term workforce planning from regional employers and communities alike.”

As part of the study, the U of M Tourism Center conducted in-depth interviews with selected survey participants and hosted community conversations to foster discussion on solutions to workforce challenges. The lack of workers, particularly in the peak tourism season, is leading some lodging owners and managers to evaluate the long-term viability of their businesses.

One participant noted the severity of the situation in comments: “...It’s make or break on the micro level, and on the macro level it can drive you crazy, because it doesn’t matter how much money you throw at it, you’re not going to get people to come work.

Without workers, we can’t be a resort.

It is that serious.”

The lack of housing arose as a central factor affecting recruitment from outside the area, including international workers. Several businesses surveyed indicated interest in participating in the J-1 or F-1 visa program to employ seasonal international employees, but without places to house these workers, a complicated process becomes even more complicated. Addressing this concern appeared a crucial factor for participants in broadening employee recruitment.

Another issue complicating labor recruitment is the cyclical nature of jobs in the field. For resorts offering weeklong stays, some employees — such as those in housekeeping — may only be required to work one to two days a week, most often a weekend. Combined with the seasonal nature of many positions, employees often seek greater stability along with the opportunity for benefits, the study noted.

So how can area businesses face these challenges and address the writing on the wall? Some of the solutions presented for the lodging industry included exploring new sources of employees, partnering with businesses with opposite or complementary employee needs and collaboration within communities.

Although the tourism industry has typically been reliant on youth work-

ers for seasonal jobs, tapping into the growing part-time labor force of senior citizens could offer a new source of employees, the study noted.

The senior population in Crow Wing and Cass counties is expected to grow by 22-37.9 percent between 2015 and 2025, according to the Center for Rural Policy and Development.

“Seniors today are often planning a long glide into retirement that involves downscaling their current job or switching to work that is less demanding on their time and/or physical well-being that they can … continue past age 65,” the study stated. “The majority of seasonal residents surveyed by the University of Minnesota Extension plan to transition permanently to their second home. … For seniors planning a long glide into retirement, part-time employment in the vicinity of their retirement property may be appealing.”

Others who might benefit from seasonal or part-time employment include those with disabilities and “workampers,” or those who combine work with a recreational vehicle lifestyle.

Partnerships with businesses with opposite or complementary employee needs offer another outlet for solving workforce challenges. This could include employee-sharing with resorts with winter tourism seasons, for example, or staggering check-in/check-out days at nearby resorts to share housekeeping staff members. Assistance with off-season employment is another opportunity to increase interest in summer jobs, the study noted, and participants indicated interest in a more formal network supporting this practice.

Solving housing and transportation issues could be as simple as increasing community collaboration, the study stated. Businesses could seek housing among community members, such as those with “mother-in-law apartments” or fellow resort employees with rooms to spare. Participants indicated interest in ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, along with creating opportunities for school bus drivers during summer months. Businesses might also consider establishing carpooling networks among employees.

Overall, the study concludes with a familiar refrain for those immersed in workforce issues: it’s all about working together.

“Many workforce issues are complex and affect communities well beyond the local tourism industry. Bringing together businesses and community partners will be critical to addressing workforce challenges.”

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S21

Renee Richardson / Brainerd Dispatch

A mural on a brick building in Ironton highlights what the Cuyuna Lakes area has to offer in mountain biking on its red earth.

CROSBY From Page S14

extract a living from the mines. After mining shut down and pulled out, the abandoned mines filled with water and became lakes. However, it took the efforts of many individuals, groups, community stakeholders, government agencies, and state agencies such as the Minnesota DNR, as well as elected representatives and senators, to fully change the direction.

Almost 40 years ago, local townspeople started with a massive clean-up of the former mine areas that had become a dumping ground, which helped spark the vision of constructing the trails in what had become the recreation area in 1993, and then led to 15 new businesses (plus two more on the way) established in the community over the last few years.

Crosby Mayor Bob Novak is enthused about the renewed sense of positivity and

community pride.

“I’ve been here my whole life and today is as bright as it was many, many years ago,” said Novak. “I also celebrate the smart decisions made by so many city administrations — Ironton, Crosby, Deerwood, Cuyuna, Riverton, Trommald — along with the grassroots volunteers, in bringing the CCSRA vision to life. It’s a major recognition that we all share together. I’ve never seen the communities more positive and excited about our future together.”

Hautala believes that the area’s progress is not at the finish line, but it’s just beginning to run.

“With Outside’s 16 million active-lifestyle participants on notice,” said Hautala, “plus a supportive, human-powered, outdoor recreation community that stretches across the country and across the pond — even into Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland — the future of the Cuyuna region as a ‘Best Place to Live’ looks promising indeed.”

Advertorial

Holiday Inn Express® Brainerd-Baxter Hotel and Three Bear Waterpark

By REBECCA FLANSBURG

and the community, laser tag newcomers and enthusiasts will enjoy available specials for Unlimited Laser Tag Monday through Thursday and also birthday parties who would like to make laser tag part of their special day. Laser tag is also a safe, low impact and painless physical activity that players at any fitness level can enjoy.

“Our laser tag arena is a great way for players to engage in an active, family-friendly challenge where teamwork is the key to victory,” General Manager Thomas Vasecka noted. “It’s an exciting and thrill-oriented activity for all ages and a way to work together, problem solve and experience team-building exercises. When groups come in and play against other teams, they start as strangers, but leave as friends. So this Labor Day weekend, we invite guest and members of the Brainerd lakes area to stop by Holiday Inn Express® and Three Bear Waterpark and experience our new Laser Tag Arena and Arcade for themselves.”

HAVE A BLAST! LASER TAG!

EN

NOW OP

THANK YOU TO THE STAFF AT HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS.

Have a Safe & Happy Labor Day Weekend!

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Holiday Inn Express® Brainerd-Baxter Hotel and Three Bear Waterpark is well-known for their modern up north guest rooms, excellent amenities like free Wi-Fi access, a 975-sq-ft meeting room, complimentary, hot Express Start Breakfast Bar, mouth-watering fare from their Three Bear Grill and a convenient location that is near major businesses and attractions. Vacationers and local alike also enjoy the hotel’s 30,000-square foot waterpark that features body and tube slides, lazy river and activity pool.

But what many may not know is that Holiday Inn Express® is now the first location in the lakes area to offer a new, exciting and state of the art Laser Tag Park and Arcade. Great for all ages, this new offering is bringing a whole new experience to the area.

The Cragun’s Laser Tag Park & Arcade was added in 2016 and has since become a popular adventure for those looking for an action-packed birthday party activity or just a unique way to spend an afternoon. Open to guests

15739 AUDUBON WAY (HWY 371) • BAXTER, MN 56425

(218)824-3232 • www.brainerdhi.com 001760201r1

Progress Edition 2018

S22 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

CHOOSE SHANNON’S AUTO BODY FOR COLLISION REPAIR IN BRAINERD, MN & BEYOND. We are proud to provide service to customers across Aitkin County, Cass County, and Crow Wing County.

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Shannon’s Auto Body has provided auto body repair in Brainerd, MN since 1996.

 We

go above and beyond to make sure you receive the repair services you deserve.

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We can repair vehicles of every make and model.

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Our company is an I-CAR Gold Class Member, ASE Certified, and Sikkens Waterborne Certified.

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Our team is committed to 100% customer satisfaction.

CONTACT US 13540 Ironwood Drive Brainerd, MN 56401 HOURS Monday - Friday 8am-5pm

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218.829.6764 www.shannonsautobody.com

www.brainerddispatch.com

Progress Edition 2018

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S23

Advertoria

Quality Collision Repair & Mechanical Services by Shannon’s Auto Body Your vehicle is an investment —we’ll treat it that way.

by Carissa Andrews

After a collision, we know the only thing on your mind is how to get your vehicle back up and running as quickly as possible.

If this is the first time you’ve found yourself in this situation, your biggest concern may be finding the right repair shop to do the best job for the right price. This is especially true as technology in vehicles continues to evolve—making your newer car or truck an extremely complex machine. Not every mechanic will be well-versed in the latest technology for repairs. You’ll want to find a collision center who will treat your vehicle like the investment it is.

While Shannon’s Auto Body now boasts a 17,000-square foot facility, with more than 15 employees dedicated to repairing your vehicle—we have humble roots. Shannon Christian started the business out as a small repair shop in 1996 and it has grown ever since. Boasting 28 bays to work on vehicles, Shannon’s Auto Body is a full-service auto body repair shop here in the Brainerd lakes area with an average of 55 cars in various stages of completion at any given time. Rest assured we know what it takes to service and repair your vehicle in a timely and quality manner.

our primary goal with everything we do.

We see it every day and know how overwhelming of an ordeal a collision can be. That’s why we’ll do our best to take the stress off your shoulders. We’ll work directly with your insurance agency ensuring everything is handled for you and claims are processed right the first time. We’ll even arrange to have your vehicle towed to us, as well as set you up with a rental vehicle comparable to yours for the duration of the work. Get everything taken care of for you right here in one convenient location.

Considered to be a “destination location” due to our off-thebeaten-path site, our customers find us mostly due to the outstanding referrals from friends and family. But you don’t have to simply take our word for it. If you head over to Facebook, you’ll find over 70 reviews from our happy customers. Over and over again, you’ll spot ones like this latest one:

“I am beyond impressed and satisfied with the service I received from Shannon’s Auto Body.

Shannon was incredibly accommodating from start to finish. He gave me a vehicle to use for the time my vehicle was being serviced and made sure it was a vehicle comparable to my own. The entire staff was friendly and my issue was resolved in a timely manner. To top it all off, not only did they repair my vehicle but they cleaned and polished the outside as well as detailed the inside! I feel like I got a new car! 10/10 will always recommend Shannon’s Auto Body to anyone in need of a great body shop!” - Brandy R. With a record like ours, we know you’ll be thrilled with the repairs to your vehicle, as well as the exceptional customer service you’ll receive.

We specialize in complete vehicle diagnostics and in-house collision repair. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing our shop is an I-Car Gold Class Member, ASE Certified, as well as Sikkens Waterborne Certified—all distinctions setting us apart from our competitors. When you trust your vehicle to us, it will come back looking and driving better than ever. We proudly provide a range of auto repair services to cover all the bases in getting your vehicle back to pre-collision condition. Some of these services include: paintless dent repair, hail damage repair, windshield replacement, frame straightening, wheel alignment, computerized paint matching, diagnostics, and more—all provided by our on-site full-service mechanical shop and full-service detail shop.

Accidents can damage more than just the exterior of your vehicle. That’s why it’s important to have your car or truck diagnosed and repaired properly by a team you trust to do the job right. This can mean running a variety of inspections and tests to pinpoint every aspect of your vehicle affected by the collision—especially the ones you can’t see. The last thing we want is for you to leave our lot and find out we missed something— which is why we offer a lifetime guarantee on all paint and workmanship of all body repairs. Your 100 percent satisfaction is

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New for 2018: With winter not too distant in the future, it’s best to be prepared. Shannon’s Auto Body now offers sales, services and parts for both Western Snow Plows and SnowEx plows. Gear up your truck with the right snow plow to help you make it through Minnesota’s winter months.

Visit shannonsautobody.com to have a look around at the many services we have available to you. Reach out and have any questions quickly answered by our rock star customer service team. We know you’ll find we are committed to providing you with the very best experience auto repair has to offer. If you’re ready for an estimate, stop by our shop located at 13540 Ironwood Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401. We’d be happy to provide you a written estimate in just a few minutes.

Proudly serving customers across Aitkin, Cass, and Crow Wing counties.

Love working on vehicles?

Do you have an interest in vehicle mechanics and repair?

We’re always looking for quality-minded team players to join

our staff. If you feel you’re a good fit and interested in applying, email a copy of your resume to amie@shannonsautobody.com. We look forward to speaking with you.

Progress Edition 2018

S24 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com Advertorial

Essentia Health provides specialty services for women of all ages.

BY JODIE TWEED

Osborne, Brainerd Clinic, who provide lowrisk prenatal care. Essentia Health also has four women’s health advanced practitioners: Jordan Benson, RN, CNP, IBCLC; Lori Gutierrez, RN, CNP; Kaley Gadbois, PA; and Jessica Sampson, APRN, CNP. The teams also work closely with Visiting Reproductive Endocrinologist Randle Corfman, PhD, MD. Dr. Corfman is founder of The Midwest Center for Reproductive Health, P.A., located in Maple Grove, and is nationally recognized for his innovative methods of assisting couples to achieve pregnancy through infertility treatment and care.

Many couples may not be aware that Essentia Health offers fertility treatments for both women and men, along with artificial insemination and high risk obstetrics, right here in Brainerd.

Essentia Health provides expectant families with a wealth of information and pregnancy support. The Essentia Health “Oh Baby” app is available free through Google Play and the iTunes store. The app offers features like an appointment scheduler and what a mother can expect during her pregnancy. After the baby is born, the app can be used to track immunizations and pediatric appointments, as well as offer local resources on

breastfeeding, mom support groups and classes held at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center Family Birthplace.

Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center is a designated “Baby-Friendly” birth facility, the international gold standard in care for mothers and babies. It is the first of two facilities in Central Minnesota to earn this international designation.

Dr. Westerberg says women’s specialty care at Essentia isn’t limited to pregnancy and childbirth. They offer the full gamut of health care for women of all ages, for teenagers seeking help with their menstrual cycles to women suffering from urinary incontinence and heavy menstrual bleeding, both common problems. Sometimes it’s difficult for patients to seek help, fearful that surgery may be their only option.

“There are so many options that aren’t surgical options,” explains Dr. Westerberg.

“When we have an opportunity to share with them what their options are, they are amazed with the simple fact that they don’t have to live like this if they don’t want to. It’s empowering for women.”

Essentia Health-Baxter Specialty Clinic is located at the Baxter Clinic, 13060 Isle Drive, Baxter. For appointments, call 218-454-5935.

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A woman’s healthcare needs are uniquely her own and always evolving. That’s why it’s important to find the right medical professional or team to partner with you in your OB/GYN care.

Dr. Patricia Westerberg, an obstetrician/ gynecologist at Essentia Health in Brainerd/ Baxter, understands the impact that she and her colleagues can make in a woman’s life.

Whether they are facing fertility struggles, pregnancy and childbirth, or medical problems such as urinary incontinence, Essentia Health’s women’s specialty professionals are here to help.

“I think it’s an incredible privilege to be able to take care of patients,” says Dr. Westerberg. “We want to find the right solution for each patient. Not everyone is going to have the same treatment plan; we’re going to find out what’s best for them.”

Essentia Health has five obstetrics and gynecology physicians on staff — Dr. Alicia Prahm, Dr. Pamela Rice, Dr. Steven Senica, Dr. Kirsten Sjostrand and Dr. Patricia Westerberg — with support from five family medicine physicians — Dr. Emily Day and Dr. Shiela Klemmetsen, Baxter Clinic; Dr. Sara Lokstad, Crosslake and Emily clinics; Dr. Jennifer Mahling-Stadum and Dr. Sarah

Edition Progress g BRAINERD LAKES AREA

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SERVING THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA SINCE 1881

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018

Diversity of businesses helps boost Baxter Village Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Eight businesses are located in the two buildings of the Baxter Village off the west side of Highway 371 on Edgewood Drive.

Theresa Bourke Staff Writer BAXTER — A rollercoaster is perhaps the best way to describe the Baxter Village’s history.

First opened in 2005, the commercial center has had its ups and downs and has seen a whole host of businesses come and go.

Original developer Andy Anderson — now president and CEO of Nor-Son Custom Builders — had big plans when the facility opened 13 years ago.

“Back in ‘05, the economy was going along very well,” he said. “I felt the demand along with the growth allowed for a unique design that wasn’t in the area quite yet. … I wanted to create kind of a village-type look.”

With three phases planned, Anderson began to see his vision come together when the first building complex came to fruition in October 2005. The four tenants were Famous Dave’s, Among the Pines, Tumbleroos and the Gumdrop Tree, according to a Brainerd Dispatch article published at the time.

Phase Two came in 2007, but things didn’t go quite as planned after that.

“The first building was built, the second building was built, and then the growth really stopped when the economy turned,” Anderson said. “That’s why the third building hasn’t been built yet.”

Though he was pleased with the work he accomplished in the years he had it, Anderson bid farewell to the Baxter Village in 2011.

“If the opportunity hadn’t come I might have done things differently, but the opportunity came to part ways with it, and away it went,” he said. “That’s just part of business.”

As foreclosure forced the door shut on

Anderson’s Village, restaurateurs Rich Proctor and Steve Letnes opened a new one — literally.

Famous Dave’s closed by the time Proctor and Letnes came in 2013, so they saw an opportunity.

“It just made financial sense,” Proctor said. “Our main goal was to get a restaurant in here, and then both retail centers were for sale, so we just figured for what we pay in rent we could probably just pick it up.”

So the duo bought the village and opened The Boulder Tap House where Famous Dave’s once stood.

Today, eight businesses call the Baxter Village home. From north to south, they are: The Boulder Tap House, Among the Pines, Bloom Designs, Pearle Vision, Ardor Boutique, Big Stone Therapies, CrossFit Grow and Center for Pain Management.

Among the Pines

Of the original Baxter Village tenants, only one remains — Among the Pines.

A business owner since 1998, Sue Conway relocated her gift shop and knitting studio from Pequot Lakes to the brand new Baxter Village in 2005 and has been there ever since.

“I love it. I think I should be the poster child (for the Village),” Conway said. “If they have people that want to come and rent here, they should come and talk to me because I have been here since ‘05; I have been making it work.”

Because of customer demographics and ongoing talk of the Highway 371 bypass in Pequot Lakes, Conway decided Baxter would be a better location for her business, which began as a home decor and gift store with a knitting studio in the back. But a few years after moving to Baxter, Conway decided the community

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Among the Pines Boutique is the only original Baxter Village tenant still open today.

didn’t really need another gift shop. “‘What else interests me?’” Conway said she asked herself at the time. “And clothing interested me.”

The store then transformed into half clothing and half knitting before Conway decided to do away with the knitting studio altogether.

Today, Among the Pines is a women’s clothing boutique also specializing in local handmade jewelry.

“Generally the focus for me is to find vendors that won’t be selling anywhere else, not only in Brainerd/Baxter, but actually up to Nisswa and Pequot,” Conway said. “That’s not always easy, but I do have a lot of really exclusive, very loyal vendors that when you walk in here it’s not going to be the same everywhere.”

That exclusivity is what sets Among the Pines apart from big box stores.

“People who want to shop at a boutique are going to follow that thought process where they’re not looking to be repeats,” Conway said. “Target’s great for Target things, but they really want to identify themselves.”

Conway and her team of personal stylists help Among the Pines customers find the right clothes and accessories for their identity through honesty — sometimes brutal honesty.

“They (customers) don’t think you’re going to be honest, and we’re like, ‘No, because you’re going to walk out there and be our billboard,’” Conway said.

“We’re going to really help people walk out of here feeling amazing.”

Personal stylist Jessica Richau helps with that goal.

“I’d say the best part about the job is helping that person that comes in and they have a unique need, like they need a dress for a wedding, or they just need some good wardrobe staples,” Richau

said. “And I think when they walk out of here with something that makes them really feel incredible, that’s the best part about the job.”

Richau, a longtime Among the Pines customer, likened her job to being backstage at a concert because she gets to see the inner workings of one of her favorite businesses. The personal stylist brings her knowledge of children’s clothing to the store, which Conway said just expanded to include a little girl’s section.

Another new endeavor for Among the Pines is the potential for online shopping.

“We’re chatting about a website,” Conway said. “Probably not everything in the store, but … things that will feed from our Facebook page and our Instagram page for those insomniacs that like our store.”

The online presence would add to the success Conway has enjoyed since moving her store to the Baxter Village.

“We continue to grow. We lose some people every year, but there’s a lot of people that walk in and are kind of shocked that we’ve been here since ‘05,” she said. “I encourage people to look around because businesses come and go, not only in the Baxter Village, but in town. Support your local community.”

Besides getting people to explore the community, Conway said more variety and more businesses in general in the Baxter Village would help to boost her customer base. But there’s one she would especially like to see.

“I feel like a coffee spot would be brilliant in here,” she said. “ Let’s do a PSA (public service announcement); Dunn Brothers Coffee, there’s a lovely spot right next to me.”

BAXTER VILLAGE: Page S28

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch - Gallery and Video

The Boulder Tap House serves as the anchor of the Baxter Village commercial facility along Highway 371.

Progress Edition 2018

S26 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

The Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport is experiencing increases in terms of passengers boarding planes and fuel use by private pilots.

Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport Spreads its wings, soars into 2019

fliers or private aviators.

The Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport is It might seem a little obvious to say, coming off a banner year in 2017 when but things at the Brainerd Lakes Regional the terminal served more than 20,000 passenger commutes (or, in aviation Airport are on the up and up.

The Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport jargon, an “enplanement,” a term for has a wide array of uses — from servicing each time a passenger boards a plane). small sports aircraft all the way up to jet The increase amounts to an average planes such as a Boeing 757, providing monthly increase of 18.1 percent over package and mail transportation, medical the previous year. December alone saw helicopter services, charter flights, avi- a 41.7 percent increase compared to onics, training, private aircraft housing, 2016. This represents the latest leap in an upward trend extended back years. as well as commercial travel, and more.

“This airport is the best of both worlds As recently as 2014, the airport served — it’s the smaller airport where you can 16,000 passenger commutes.

These trends, Wright said, are continuenjoy aviation from a recreational standpoint, yet it’s big enough to enjoy the ing in 2018.

“It’s other people coming from outlarger amenities like the bigger airports,” side of the Brainerd lakes area, coming Director Steve Wright said.

The proof is in the pudding — both in in to experience what we have to offer,” terms of commercial flights, corporate Wright said.

Gabriel Lagarde Staff Writer

Wright said, as a whole, the airport is approaching the threshold in terms of passenger commutes, a 50 percent load factor, when they may look at adding another carrier beyond Delta Airlines.

The summer months, in particular, are rising above that benchmark in terms of traffic, he added, while the winter months bring the yearlong average down a notch for the time being. Until then, it’s a matter of preparing the airport to properly accommodate and serve that influx.

Much of that, Wright said, could be credited to business flyers — a subset of the customer base that, compared to tourist travel, remains relatively steady throughout the year.

Andy Larson is a public speaker who often travels across the country to lecture on financial services. His expertise is primarily in retirement services and pension

funds — a role, he noted, that regularly takes him to faraway places, from New York City to Los Angeles and everything in between.

Larson said the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, in terms of travel, is a sound option because of its expediency — whether it’s the 30-second trek from the free parking lot to the terminal, the exceptionally short wait times in security and baggage-claims, or the smooth 20-minute commute to the Twin Cities. He noted the airport’s reliability in terms of flight times is also comparable or better than larger competitors in the metro markets.

“There’s just something I don’t like about sitting 45 minutes in a security line, so I fly out of Brainerd,” said Larson, who

AIRPORT: Page S33 001762371r1

Advertorial

Holden Electric

ElEctric co., inc.

written by Sarah Nelson Katzenberger

Celebrating 61 Years of Service WISHING ALL OUR HARD-WORKING EMPLOYEES & AMERICANS

to the project — a longtime Holden Electric specialty. “It’s quite a bit of work to put a whole signal system in,” Osbakken said. “A lot of people think the state does it, but most of the time it’s contractors like us.”

In addition to the Sixth Street project, Holden is working on College Drive and the new Cypress connection across State Highway 210 in Baxter.

Osbakken said he sees no signs of slowing down for Holden Electric. In addition to the projects in the lakes area, Holden has completed lighting service to 54 intersections between Duluth and Bemidji. Osbakken is anticipating the chance to win contracts in the lakes area as schools begin their building projects over the next several years. “We have the advantage of being local and being well established,” Osbakken said. “So we are hoping to be competitive on future projects.”

Osbakken credited the team at Holden Electric in making the company a success for so long. “We have a great team,” he said.

“It’s the kind of company where a lot of the guys spend their entire career here — that’s what we really pride ourselves in.”

HAPPY LABOR DAY

Holden Electric has been a premier electrical contractor in the Brainerd Lakes Region since 1957. Agate Electric opened in 1999 along Minnesota’s North Shore and grew to be one of the largest in that region. Holden Electric in Baxter is now the Corporate Headquarters for both businesses and we couldn’t be prouder. Our strength of over 75 employees allows us to serve customers throughout our region.

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For more than 60 years, Holden Electric has provided first-rate electrical contracting services to the Brainerd lakes area. What started as a two-man operation has evolved into a sizeable team of 80 employees operating both in Brainerd and Two Harbors serving a large part of central and northern Minnesota, as well as northwest Wisconsin.

“We are really growing and expanding right now,” said owner Rick Osbakken.

“It’s an exciting time for us.”

Osbakken started his career in electrical contracting with Holden Electric in 1990. In 1999, Osbakken returned to his hometown of Two Harbors where he started his own business, Agate Electric. In 2015, Rick returned to Holden and bought the company from Tim Holden, who retired.

Osbakken has kept Agate Electric operating up north to allow Holden Electric to keep a presence in both markets.

Osbakken said you can’t drive through the lakes area right now without passing by a current or recently completed Holden Electric project — Dick’s Sporting Goods, Petsmart, Thrifty White, Northern Orthopedics.

“We are working on a lot of the projects and people don’t even realize we are there,” Osbakken said.

One of Holden’s staple services is providing street signal electrical work, something Osbakken said he remembers doing as an apprentice with the company back in the 1990s.

The company is currently deep in the trenches on South Sixth Street in Brainerd adding street lights and signals

•

218-829-4759 7669 College Road, Baxter estimating@holdenelectric.com

w w w. h o l d e n e l e c t r i c . c o m

Progress Edition 2018

www.brainerddispatch.com

All in the Family:

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S27

Readers share stories of families in the workplace

Petals & Beans has several family connections

My name is Carey Rasinski and my daughter Dyana Rasinski and I own a business called Petals & Beans, located in Nisswa.

We have been in business for 13 years.

We are even in the building that my father owned, Barney Briggs, and it was built by my husband, Ray Rasinski of Rasinski Construction.

She is the florist and I run the coffee part of the business. We are both co-owners.

When Dyana’s daughter was born, she came to work with her from the tender age of 7 days old. We started out at the Northland Center, which is across the street from where we are now.

Three generations at Custom Upholstery & Awning Center LLC

Nisswa, which is owned by Judy’s sister, Donna, and her husband, Bruce Galles.

The area was so inviting they decided to open Custom Upholstery Center in Nisswa with their youngest son, Jim, as a partner. In 1990, their oldest son, Gary, joined the business as well.

In 1999, they decided to build a new and improved facility north of Brainerd on Highway 371. Gary wanted to take the business farther; adding awnings as an expanded product line. Hiring an awning salesman and installers to the crew was necessary to give full service to their customers. That is when Custom Upholstery and Awning Center was born.

Later on, Gary added marine restoration and aluminum fabrication to the business, hiring multiple talented workers.

In 2012, Seal Canvas Products contracted the business as its manufacturer for some of their products like the famous Seal-A-Door.

In 2015, Gary’s daughter, Kacee Cruikshank joined the business as the office manager and project coordinator, bringing organization and creativity with her fresh eye to the daily duties.

All three generations work together daily. Some ask how we do it. We all have a common goal of loyal and honest service to our customers. The family bond and employee commitment has helped keep the business growing.

We are Fried Fruit & Fried Olives

by Tempting Foods Inc.

We (Frederick “Cheeseking” and Carol “Olivequeen” Helmer) are a family-run Custom Upholstery and Awning Center is business who have worked together in celebrating 30 years in the Brainerd lakes the concession business for over 30 years area, three generations working together with our daughters starting at the ripe age of 10 and 12. to serve our loyal customers and friends.

We began with a retail store proDave Cruikshank started his upholstery career in 1963 in Minneapolis with his viding quality fresh and frozen foods wife, Judy. In 1966, they moved to Cali- and then shifted into food concessions, fornia with their son, Gary, when he was building popular concessions for football, two years old. In 1969, they had another semi-professional and little league baseball, hockey and softball leagues in the son named Jim. Dave joined a team of upholsters in Brainerd lakes area. We also volunteered the California Car Show industry. He in several of these capacities, even dougained recognition and awards. In 1970, bling sales for the various youth school he then started Auburn Auto Interiors in and church organizations in the area.

Then we became one of the major food Auburn, Calif.

Nine years later they sold the business concessions and professional catering at and moved to Roundup, Mont., raising Brainerd International Raceway for 17 cattle and horses until 1988. years, serving our delectables to famous They moved back to Minnesota after people such as Paul Newman, Walter a family trip to Upper Cullen Resort in Payton, Michael Jordan, some of the great

Submitted Photo

Three generations stand in front of the Custom Upholstery and Awning Center sign.

They include manager Kacee Cruikshank (left), Gary Cruikshank, owner; Judy Cruikshank, co-owner; and her husband, Dave Cruikshank, founder. racers of Kenny Bernstein to John Force and of course, our wonderful customers enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Over the years we persevered to our dream of being a part of the Minnesota State Fair. Testing and tasting started, and after 14 years of applying and the the creation of a brand-new concession trailer in 2007, we did it! Fried Fruit-on-a Stick was born!

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Page S31

“Serving the Lakes Area with Integrity Since 1979” 218-829-1777

Advertorial

Fall is a great time to call Positive Realty

By JODIE TWEED While many homeowners may think spring is the best time to list their homes, you may be at an advantage if you list your home with Positive Realty this fall.

Jeremy Johnson, salesman with Positive Realty said there is a lot of turnover in the market in the fall as homeowners want to be into their new homes before the snow flies.

Positive Realty has been locally owned and operated in the Brainerd lakes area since 1979. Jack Antolak, Clint Nelson and Joe Zak started the firm as a three person office and Positive Realty now has 25 real estate agents and four administrative staff members who work at offices in Brainerd, Baxter & Nisswa.

Johnson said the company had a productive year as more homes and businesses continue to sell. Positive Realty offers experienced and knowledgeable staff; the average real estate experience is 20 years for its agents.

A recurring theme is that the Positive Realty agents are very personable and easy to work with.

“We have a family-type business atmosphere,” added Antolak. He said company-wide, the staff feels a strong connection to the community.

Many are deeply involved in local churches, clubs and organizations and volunteer their time for charitable events. Our agents feel very connected to our community,” Antolak explained.

They also take time to take care of their customers. Positive Realty owns its own moving vans. The vans are available for customers to use, and local charitable organizations may request to use the vans if they need them. It’s another way that Positive Realty takes care of their customers and gives back to the community.

If you’re in the market for a new home or you are thinking about selling yours, stop by or call Positive Realty. While people may think you should contact a real estate agent after you’ve decided to sell your home, Johnson recommends consulting an agent early on in the process, even before you may be ready to list your home.

Johnson said an agent can guide sellers in what home projects they should tackle before they list.

You don’t want to spend money on home improvement projects that aren’t necessary to selling your home.

When pricing your home, Johnson said many sellers think they need to build in a little “wiggle room” into their listing price. However, most sellers actually get more money for their property if they price it well from the start.

Today’s home buyers are savvy and have more likely been searching for a new home for awhile.

They have researched home values in the Brainerd lakes area and, most important, they know what they want. This is why most showings occur within the first couple weeks of a listing and

From grapes to strawberries, pineapple to bananas, apples, peaches, pears — a variety of mixed fruit-on-a-stick nestled in a feather-like sweet batter, warmed to a golden brown to capture and preserve the sweetness of the natural fruit! Sprinkle with powdered sugar, cinnamon and sugar or chocolate for your warm berry

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why some homes sell quickly with multiple offers, Johnson said.

“I wish I had a crystal ball sometimes and I knew exactly what price to list properties,” Johnson said. “The market dictates the price. The market will tell you if your price is too high, and it’s important to have an agent that pays attention to it.”

People buy homes any time of the year. Fall may sometimes mean there are fewer homes on the market, but the key to a well-positioned home is to attract the right buyer. For many buyers, fall is their favorite time of the year. The busy summer is over and they’re ready to commit to investing time in looking at homes in person.

An experienced real estate agent knows how to help clients prepare their home before it is ready for sale, how to price their home to compete in the current market and, of course, find prospective buyers. They understand that buying or selling a home is a big decision.

Agents at Positive Realty understand what their clients need to buy or sell a home, and they work hard to make that happen.

To learn more about Positive Realty, visit their website, www.positiverealty.com or call (218) 829-1777.

Jack Antolak

Clint Nelson

Joe Zak

Rod Carlson

218-831-1990

218-820-3025

218-820-8838

218-820-8629

Mike Pikula

Jeff Torfin

Katharine Herold

Mark Schmutzer

218-821-3733

218-232-0399

218-838-3777

218-831-1955

Jeremy Johnson

Andy Hayes

Brad VanVickle

Tina Anderson

218-838-0540

218-820-3527

218-851-7400

218-330-1650

Curt Lovitz

Marlys Meyer

Patrick Buckley

Gina Meixner

218-839-2121

218-820-5771

218-820-3099

218-820-4525

Mark Meixner

Tim Nelson

Keith Schwankl

Nikki Turcotte

218-820-0696

218-821-9552

218-330-7360

218-330-6490

Broker/Owner

Realtor/Agent

Realtor/Agent

Realtor/Agent

514 South 6th St. • Brainerd

Broker Associate

15244 State Hwy 371 • Baxter

Broker Associate

Realtor/Agent

Realtor/Agent

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Ken Oaks

Jana Froemming

Patty Ball

Sharon Wynn

Andrew Blaeser

218-820-1682

218-820-3282

507-219-1212

218-866-2351

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Broker/Owner

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Our mission is to continue to foster long-term relationships through trust and integrity.

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We asked and our readers didn’t disappoint.

This year’s reader-submitted entries for the Brainerd Dispatch/Echo Journal Progress Edition were focused on family-owned businesses and what it’s like working with family.

The Brainerd lakes area is filled with families working side-by-side — some have moved on to the next generation and some to the next generation after that.

One common thread was found: Working with family is a rewarding experience.

We hope you enjoy reading about these family-owned neighborhood businesses and hearing a little bit about what they do.

Progress Edition 2018

S28 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

BAXTER VILLAGE

to the facility.

Hughes, like Conway, has seen a lot of From Page S25 changes in the Baxter Village over the years, as Big Stone Therapies opened there in 2006. Previously located between Famous Dave’s (now The Boulder Tap House) and Morey’s Seafood Markets (now across the street), the business outgrew its 2,000-square-foot facility and moved to where it sits now with double the space.

Baxter’s Big Stone Therapies is one of the company’s five private practice locations and joins more than 30 other Big Stones throughout the Midwest, primarily in southwestern Minnesota. Some locations are long-term care facilities and others are located within hospitals, including one at Lakewood Health System in Staples.

Within its 4,000 square feet of space in Baxter, the staff at Big Stone offers physKelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch ical therapy, occupational therapy and Gallery and Video health, speech language pathology, athDavid Hughes, part-owner of Big Stone letic training and other specialty services.

Therapies, talks about the services ofA physical therapy gym sits in the fered at the Baxter Village clinic. center of the clinic and includes an anti-gravity treadmill, a traditional treadmill, an elliptical, a recumbent Big Stone Therapies elliptical bike, parallel bars and a leg David Hughes, part-owner of Big Stone press machine. The anti-gravity treadTherapies on the other side of the Bax- mill offloads a certain percentage of a ter Village, agreed about new businesses user’s bodyweight — up to 80 percent helping the current tenants.

— to reduce stress on patients with con“I think that when it was built and ditions like arthritis while still allowing started, the hope was that it would fill for the walking motion. up and be busy. It’s been better probably Occupational health includes working the last two to three years,” Hughes said, with local companies to do pre-employnoting the additions of Ardor Boutique ment screenings and assess a potenand CrossFit Grow, which are fairly new tial employee’s physical abilities. Clow

Stamping Co. is one example.

“They do press operations and make product there out of metal, and so they have to lift, push and pull certain amounts of weight,” Hughes said. “So our therapists then assess that.”

Functional capacity evaluations is another part of occupational health. If someone gets hurt at work, ending up with a permanent disability, therapists will assess how much work that person can still safely do.

Four therapists at Big Stone have backgrounds in sports medicine and work with high school athletes on concussion management and other training exercises.

Hughes himself is certified as a golf fitness pro and recently started offering evaluations for golfers to help with their physical capabilities — not necessarily their golf swings.

“We’ll look at people’s capacity to get in positions and hit a golf ball, looking at their flexibility, mobility, hip strength, low back, thoracic mobility,” he said. “We would identify flexibility or weaknesses and then provide them with exercises.”

Two therapists are vestibular certified, meaning they work with patients with balance, dizziness or vertigo issues to determine the cause of their symptoms.

A speech therapist visits the clinic a couple days a week to work with adults with speaking issues that might come from a stroke or other neurological causes.

A couple therapists are certified in the Parkinson’s disease program, Big and Loud.

“A speech therapist would work with someone with Parkinson’s because as they develop Parkinson’s, not only do they have the physical limitation and short shuffling motions, but they also kind of lose their voice, so they aren’t able to project,” Hughes said, noting the therapists help patients with the ability to express what they need and regain their voices.

Big Stone’s office manager works with Crow Wing Energized and a program through the American Diabetes Association to provide educational resources on weight loss and healthy eating to community members.

The Baxter clinic also provides staff members to cover therapy needs at two nursing homes in Aitkin and Little Falls.

Hughes said the clinic used to have a pediatric program for kids but has since transferred that service to the Big Stone facility at Lakewood Health in Staples. Hughes and his team work primarily with patients from middle Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch - Gallery and Video school up to adulthood.

An anti-gravity treadmill is one of the pieces of equipment used at Big Stone Therapies With all of these different services hapin Baxter Village. pening at Big Stone Therapies, the Baxter

Village has been a good fit.

“I think the only challenges we’ve really ever had is that the building has open spaces,” Hughes said. “It’s pretty good location-wise, it’s not hard to find, it’s easy to access on and off the highway, the stoplight only a block away to get either direction. So (location) really hasn’t been a significant challenge.”

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch Gallery and Video

Todd Halls has owned CrossFit Grow for five and a half years and moved his gym to the Baxter Village about a year and a half ago.

CrossFit Grow

The location has also proved advantageous for CrossFit Grow owner Todd Halls, who moved his gym from Gull Lake Dam Road to the Baxter Village about a year and a half ago.

“Clearly the exposure is nice,” Hall said of the development’s location right off Highway 371, “but just having the extra room, being in the proximity to town has helped a lot of our athletes because they work in Brainerd or Baxter, and it’s just closer and more convenient.”

Halls — who has owned CrossFit Grow for five and-a-half years — expanded his business space with the move to Baxter, allowing him to add more equipment and meet the demands of a growing business.

But CrossFit Grow isn’t your typical gym.

“We’re not in the business of trading for gym access,” Halls said. “We offer personal coaching with focus on fitness, nutrition and accountability. … It’s all set classes.

It’s small-group, personal training.”

BAXTER VILLAGE: Page S29

Advertorial

DON’T MISS THE FIREPLACE SALE! AUG 20 - SEPT 7

Brock White’s Superior Service Meets Your Masonry & Fireplace Needs

By Nicole Stracek

Serving the lakes area since 1978, Brock White specializes in supplying masonry products, fireplaces and landscape products for both commercial and residential projects, providing exceptional customer service combined with a wide variety of materials, accessories, tools and supplies.

Clients can count on the team at Brock White for product expertise and exceptional customer service.

With the cold winter months on the horizon there is nothing better to warm a home and heart with a beautiful handcrafted fireplace.

Add an element of warmth and elegance to a living room space or bring the indoors outside by incorporating an outdoor fireplace to any exterior living space. Known in the lakes area as the place to go for both wood burning and gas fireplaces and stoves, clients can count on the customer-orientated team of specialists to provide expert insight on purchasing decisions and access to the latest products and materials.

Brock White has a wide range of stone suppliers including Buechel Stone, Montana Rockworks, Glacier Stone, Krukowski Stone and Boral Stone, offering full bed and thin veneer stone. Brock White also carries geotextiles, shore land restoration and erosion control products from leading manufacturers. Branch Manager Travis

Ohman takes pride in his team’s ability to provide clients with the tools and experience needed to stay current on the latest exterior landscape trends. “We offer products from some of the best manufacturers in the country. We are known for our exceptional customer service and provide materials to construction professionals and homeowners at great prices. With numerous stores throughout the Midwest we can get almost anything constructionrelated and get it fast.” Construction professionals can take solace in Brock White’s ability to deliver products to the work site location while providing access to a wide variety of materials.

Ohman also said, “We have a fairly new website www.BrockWhite. com that shows our products and what branches they are carried in.

Another thing our local branch here in Brainerd/Baxter does is gas fireplace service. We are NFI (National Fireplace Institute) certified and can get the fireplace cleaned and working like new.”

Conveniently located in Baxter, Brock White provides clients with superior service combined with expert insight on the latest trends in fireplaces. Hurry in to take advantage of the 30th annual fall fireplace sale that runs through Sept.7, or visit www.BrockWhite.com for a complete list of materials and services.

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BAXTER VILLAGE From Page S28

The classes focus on strength and conditioning.

“We run the same programming for the whole day, and then it changes daily,” Halls said.

All classes have one or more coaches, with the coach to athlete ratio never exceeding 1-to-15.

“Everything is scalable and tailorable to wherever you’re at in your journey,” Halls said. “So we can have somebody that’s brand new on their second day training doing the same workout as somebody who’s been with us for four years, just varying the intensity and loads, etc.”

Workouts are tailored to fit even the gym’s youngest athletes — 5-year-olds.

“Kids have basically the same needs we do, right?” Halls said. “We hinge, we squat, we press, we pull. So we have them focus on basic strength movements with light loads.

“We teach them about nutrition and sportsmanship, and they get game time every day to keep it fun.”

CrossFit Grow also tailors its workouts to fit athletes up to retirement age.

“Any age, any ability,” Halls said. “It’s about healthy lifestyle … so much more than just coming to the gym.”

It’s also about building a community.

“Anybody that trains here for even a couple days can’t help but notice the fact that we’ve got a very social community-oriented environment — positive, supportive, etc.,” Halls said.

And again, the location helps.

Progress Edition 2018

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S29

“I wouldn’t say there’s been any challenges in relation to where we’re located.

It’s been all positive,” Halls said. “It has been a good experience being in the Baxter Village.”

Center for Pain Management

Staff at the Center for Pain Management, on the south end of the village, had similar remarks.

“Being right off of 371 like that, it’s pretty good,” nurse manager Jennifer Zayas said. “And being local into the community is really nice for the patients.”

Sitting in the Baxter Village since 2011, Baxter’s Center for Pain Management is one of four in the state, joining locations in Bemidji, Sartell and Alexandria.

As the name implies, the four facilities specialize in pain management interventional procedures.

“We have a procedure room that’s set up like an OR (operating room), and we perform injections on … the cervical spine, the thoracic, lumbar spine, different joints,” Zayas said. “Pretty much from head to toe is what we say.”

Patients can also receive steroids and numbing medication and a treatment called radiofrequency neurotomy, which requires the burning of nerves to reduce pain.

“We also place spinal cord stimulators,” Zayas said. “So we do trials for those and place those in our ambulatory surgery center in Alexandria.”

Providing patients with sedation before procedures is something the center prides itself in.

“A lot of pain management interventional procedures, they don’t provide sedation to help relax patients and make

Theresa Bourke / Brainerd Dispatch

The Baxter location of Ardor Boutique is the business’ second location, with another store in Nisswa. it through the procedure,” Zayas said.

“But that is something that we offer for all of our patients.”

Anything that sets the Center for Pain Management apart from other clinics is beneficial, as Zayas said there’s plenty of competition around.

“We were at first drawing a lot from northern, Bemidji and down,” she said of the Baxter clinic when it opened. “But when we opened up our Bemidji clinic, then those patients like to stay in the Bemidji area. So I think the challenges are just the general competition — Crosby’s pain management, Essentia’s pain management.”

But Zayas — who is stationed primarily in Sartell but works with all four facilities — again noted the accessibility of the clinic’s Baxter Village location right off 371 as an advantage working in its favor, even though walk-ins don’t account for a lot of the center’s business.

“The majority of our business is based on referrals,” Zayas said. “But also patients knowing about us helps because patients always have a choice.”

And, luckily, the challenges of the location are minimal.

“Being part of a strip mall is sometimes a challenge,” Zayas said. “It just depends on who your neighbor is, but we’ve had excellent neighbors.”

always open.”

Nina Halls opened the store in 2017 as a second location to join the Nisswa Ardor Boutique she started in 2015.

The boutique carries women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories and gifts.

“We carry fashion jewelry, and we also carry handmade jewelry,” Halls said.

“And one of our handmade jewelry lines is from a local designer.”

The boutique’s place in the Baxter Village has come with a few challenges for Halls.

“People don’t realize there’s as many businesses in the Baxter Village that there really are,” she said. “People are in the habit of driving past. … ‘Oh, we didn’t even realize you were there.’ We get that all the time.”

But Halls has an idea she thinks could help her and her business neighbors.

“Personally, I think that sidewalks coming off this way and/or things like that, even coming across from the water park, would be extremely advantageous because people can’t just walk over,” she said.

Bloom Designs

Bloom Designs owner Kate Kuepers also noted the quietness of the area and a lack of people passing by on foot, but as her business doesn’t rely a lot on walkins, she doesn’t see it as a huge issue.

Ardor Boutique “I think if I had wanted to run a flower At the other end of the Baxter Village’s south building lies Ardor Boutique, shop, it maybe wouldn’t be as condumarked with a wooden logoed bench sur- cive,” Kuepers said of the Baxter Village.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch - Gallery and Video “But for what I need right now as far as rounded by bright flower pots.

The Center for Pain Management -- on the south end of the Baxter Village -- specializes Inside the boutique, a sign welcomes in interventional procedures.

BAXTER VILLAGE: Page 30 customers with the phrase “ARDOOR is

THE G N I OR HON

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Hackensack: 218-675-5661 Wadena: 218-632-9675

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Progress Edition 2018

S30 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

BAXTER VILLAGE From Page S29

the services I offer … it’s a nice spot.”

Those services include floral arrangements for weddings — which Kuepers considers the primary focus of her business — but she also used her interior design expertise to expand to wedding planning as well.

“It was kind of a natural extension of my business, where I was doing planning for brides but not really recognizing that I was doing it,” she said. “So about three years ago I started officially offering it as part of my services.”

Kuepers works with brides of varying needs, whether they want to come to her store and pick everything out or if they just need a few floral arrangements.

“It’s a diverse mix of clients,” she said.

When Kuepers started her floral business seven years ago, she didn’t have a retail space but instead used her home.

“It got to the point where I had filled our basement, our garage and two storage units. And I was just like, ‘This is enough. I need to separate,’” she said.

“My husband calls it separation of church and state, so it’s like house and work.”

About three years ago, Kuepers moved into the Baxter Village and finally gained that separation she needed.

“It changed my business,” she said of the move. “I all of a sudden had a little bit more room to work. I had recognition that I didn’t necessarily have before.”

And she gained a whole studio to fill with her flowers, decorations, table settings and bridal accessories in a convenient location for her clientele.

“I love it because it’s central to all of the different areas I’m at,” she said. “I do a lot of work at Grand View (Lodge) and Madden’s (on Gull Lake) and the NP Event Space, and I’m kind of right in between, and it’s easy to get to.”

The Baxter Village has fit Kuepers’ needs well over the past three years.

“As far as … improving upon for my needs, I don’t really have anything (to change),” she said, noting her neighbors may have different views. “My retail friends may say something different because they’re looking at it in a totally different light, and they would probably be more attuned to those things.”

Even though she’s enjoyed her Baxter Village location, Kuepers is set to move into the Northern Pacific Center in January.

“That was done for multiple reasons, the biggest being I work out there almost every weekend, so now to have my studio located right next to where my brides and grooms are touring,” she said, “as far as moving inventory and setup, it’s going to cut down on my labor.”

Plus, she said, the Northern Pacific Center is a beautiful space and has some new renovations.

“We’re excited to make the move,” she said. “And, again, we’ll be close to one our venues that we’re at a lot.”

Pearle Vision

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch Gallery and Video

Bloom Designs owner Kate Kuepers works on a flower arrangement at her studio.

Similar to Bloom Designs, Pearle Vision is a destination business that doesn’t get a lot of traffic from passersby, but owner Chris Zimmerman said the Baxter Village has still proven to be a good location for his eye care business.

“Since we moved here, probably sales are up 30 percent,” Zimmerman said.

Pearle Vision was previously located down the road in the current Family Chiropractic building at the Westgate Mall in Brainerd and Baxter. Zimmerman’s dad — an optometrist — moved north from Mankato to work at the Westgate Mall location in 1979. He bought the business in the mid-1980s, bringing it into the family.

“Then he owned it until my wife and I bought it in ‘99,” Zimmerman said, noting he moved to the Baxter Village four years ago.

Though the now-owner isn’t an optometrist, he has worked in the eye care business for the last 30 years.

“I generally made the eyeglasses,” Zimmerman said of his starting position

Advertorial

Saluting Women in Manufacturing at Pequot Tool & Mfg., Inc.!

Pictures of Rosie the Riveter are seen all across the country during Women’s History month. She symbolizes many things: strong women standing in the gap, working hard, ready to fill non-traditional jobs. Pequot Tool salutes women in manufacturing this Labor Day. This salute is more than just lip-service.

Nestled among the pines in Jenkins, Pequot Tool and Manufacturing is an example of enduring family ownership. Josef and Agnes Goerges founded the company in 1981 and now the second generation of Goerges own and operate the business.

This company is a leader in providing innovative solutions to their customers’ diverse needs by producing high quality component parts and complete assemblies.

Women make up over 16 percent of Pequot Tool and Manufacturing’s workforce.

Women in Non-Traditional Jobs Nationally women hold approximately a third of manufacturing jobs. These positions include everything from working on the production line to being owners and running the business. Pequot Tool reflects the progress of women in manufacturing. We have females in management, administration and technology.

Debby Hoel, HR Manager states, “The company’s culture and excellent training programs encourage women to not only join the company, but to excel in their positions.”

Pequot Tool is one of very few companies

in northern Minnesota with a formal apprenticeship program registered with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry, Division of Apprenticeship. Job roles include CNC Machinist, Quality Inspector and Press Brake Fabricator.

While apprenticeship rules limit the number of employees formally enrolled, many more employees enjoy the same training opportunities through dual training programs funded through the PIPELINE program.

A Career Path, Not Just a Job “Pequot Tool provides a well-defined career ladder for each position within the company that lays out the skills and abilities needed to succeed and then rewards that progress with appropriate compensation and benefits” explained Debby Hoel. “People may not realize that manufacturing affords excellent career opportunities for women. For one, there are several career fields within manufacturing when considering support and technical fields.

These are well paid high demand jobs.”

Pequot Tool & Manufacturing, Inc., believes in promoting success. Enhancing lives by partnering to create opportunities for success is not only Pequot Tool’s Purpose Statement, but something the company aspires to achieve every day. It is in that spirit we are saluting our women team members at Pequot Tool this Labor Day!

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A sports bar that’s popularity has amplified the village.

“Boulder Tap House has been a tremendous asset to the center and also to the area,” Anderson said, admitting the restaurant seems to fit in with the area a little better than Famous Dave’s.

Other business owners were happy about the addition as well.

“The restaurant is really key to the whole overall image,” Conway, of Among the Pines, said, noting how frustrating it was when business dwindled due to the loss of Famous Dave’s and other village tenants.

And if Proctor and Steve Letnes’ track record is any indication, The Boulder Tap House is here to stay. The two have also held onto Poncho and Lefty’s TexMex Grill for the last 20 years, Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill and Bar for the last 15 and The Boulder Tap House in Alexandria for three.

With a strong restaurant and a variety of other offerings, the Baxter Village seems on the up and up. And it may continue to keep moving that way.

“We have a lot of people looking right now,” Proctor said of the few empty Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch spaces that still lie within the village.

Chris Zimmerman, owner of Pearle Vision in Baxter, bought the business from his “And our goal is to definitely fill them up.” dad in the 1980s.

Though he can’t claim ownership anymore, Anderson still takes pride in seeing what the Baxter Village has become.

“Obviously the area’s very special to at Pearle Vision at age 18. “That was pretty much behind the scenes stuff at me, and I’m proud of how it turned out. I that time for a couple years because I was think it looks great,” he said. “As things recover and have recovered, you’re seeing just right out of high school.”

From working behind the scenes to more and more progress. … And it’s nice running the place, Zimmerman now now to see cars filling up the parking lot oversees the business’ staff of an optom- and moving forward.”

THERESA BOURKE may be reached at theresa.bourke@ etrist, a manager, a lab tech and two brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5860. Follow her on opticians. Together, Pearle Vision staff Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchTheresa. members perform eye exams four days a week and also sell eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.

FOR YOUR Because much of Pearle Vision’s business is appointment-based, Zimmerman said location isn’t as important as it might be for others.

“I could be anywhere, pretty much,” he said. “I guess some of it’s walk-by trafThe Baxter Village fic, but not a lot.”

H City: Baxter.

But the Baxter Village has given Zimmerman the additional space he needed H Number of business in Baxter for inventory, thus benefiting his busiVillage: Eight separate businesses ness in the long run. within the facility.

“This move has been excellent for us,” he said.

INFO

The Boulder Tap House

Rounding out the Baxter Village on the north side is The Boulder Tap House, a restaurant Rich Proctor described as a “burger and beer place.”

“We have 41 taps and sell a lot of burgers and wings,” he said. “It’s an elevated sports bar, I guess you could say.”

H Interesting or little known fact: The last of the three buildings planned for the facility back in

2005 was never built because of the struggling economy.

Progress Edition 2018

www.brainerddispatch.com

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S31 and personal standpoint and it’s truly a joy that I can work side by side with him every day. He has the answer to every little question that a young, aspiring small business owner can throw at him.

We’re excited for what the future will bring and hope that we can continue to thrive for another 20 years with the help of everyone in our little community.

Thanks to everyone for the support for us and all the small businesses — you are the reason we are here.

Husband and wife team at Edina Realty

Pat and Nick Heinen are a well-known husband/wife team with Edina Realty.

They have been selling in the entire Brainerd lakes area from Nisswa, Crosslake, Deerwood and Walker since 1988.

Pat and Nick share an office, ethical working philosophy and a genuine commitment to build an honest, trusting relationship with their clients. They work very hard to exceed expectations and they greatly appreciate referrals from them.

Pat and Nick have earned many designations and awards over the years, such as CRS, GRI, e-Pro and Edina Realty’s President’s Circle and Lakeshore Specialists.

Submitted Photo

Three generations of family members are pictured in front of the Fried Olives on a Stick food stand. They include Alison Gominsky (back, left), Fred “Cheese King” Helmer, Kristin Erlandson, Joseph Gominsky, Cole Erlandson, Scott Erlandson, Luke Erlandson, Carol “Olive Queen” Helmer, Torrey Gominsky, Ava Erlandson (front), Jonathan Gominsky and Louis Gominsky.

ALL IN THE FAMILY From Page S27

pie-on-a-stick! Healthy inside, fun outside is a must for all ages to enjoy anytime of day. Our fresh real fruit Fruity Tooty Smoothies are a refreshing thirst quencher or our fresh fruit cups for a healthy snack anytime and easy to carry around for kids to adults.

Did you know olives are a fruit? In 2013 we introduced our award winning Deep Fried Olives which were voted the “Best New Fair Food” by the people! They are green queen olives, stuffed with cream cheese, dipped in a seasoned, crunchy batter served on-a-stick with dipping sauce. Cheesy plus salty plus crunchy equals awesome olives to capture a delicious state fair experience! Then came

real Bacon Wrapped Olives and our Blazin’ Olives with Jalapenos. In 2016, we decided to head to our neighbors across the border to the Wisconsin State Fair.

So how does a family work this long together in a business?

Everyone brings their own talents, expertise, ideas and we assign different tasks each person can handle. Of course, it is not easy some days but we know we are in it together and have each other’s backs whether someone has an emergency like a fire in the fryer, a downpour of rain on the catering tent ready to collapse, food product not showing up on time, to 10-12 people all sleeping in one camper for 17 days at the Wisconsin State Fair or 18 days at the Minnesota State Fair!

We also enjoy working with extended family from siblings, spouses, cousins, friends and even high school teams to earn money for trips. Everyone is crucial

for the success of this unique, crazy but fun adventure! We strive on providing delicious, exciting state fair foods for our amazing customers and are grateful for the opportunity. We now have three generations working our dream.

Highway 25 Liquor to change hands from father to son

Greetings from me, Dane, and my dad, Cowboy, from Highway 25 Liquor, the liquor store on Mill Avenue right next to the Holiday Station.

Dad has owned the store for 20 years and this spring, I’ll be taking over ownership after working there as an employee for the last eight years and countless hours hanging out with Dad as a kid.

It’s an exciting time for our little place.

Having your dad as a boss may not be easy sometimes but I honestly couldn’t ask for a better mentor from both a professional

Pat and Nick Heinen

Neighbors helping neighbors at Good Neighbor

For as long as I can remember, my family has been in the business of caring for others. Even before I was born, my newlywed mom and dad (Sherrie and Dale Christensen) postponed starting their life together by moving into my grandparents’ house to care for them as they battled serious health issues. That was before home health care was even a thing. But moving my grandparents to a nursing home wasn’t even a consideration for my parents as they were convinced that it was the best thing for

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Page S32

Advertorial

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Motorization also allows homeowners to set window treatments to lower and raise in groups by room and at certain times of day.

“It makes sense to think through things like, protecting your carpet from sun fade or allowing your plants some morning sun,” Larsen said.

Budget Blinds in Brained is family-owned and operated and services the greater Brainerd lakes area as well as clients within about 100 miles. Larsen and her husband, Michael, run the business with their son, Jordan. The Larsen family takes pride in their business and attribute their high level of customer satisfaction to their effort to make clients feel right at home.

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“It’s affordable at every price point and easy to use,” said Jane Larsen, owner of Budget Blinds of Brainerd.

Coming legislation will soon ban the use of cords to open and close window treatments due to the risk of strangulation, mainly among children and pets. The move is driving down the cost of adding motorization to window treatments of nearly every style. “Businesses are adjusting to the change,” Larsen said. “The focus is now on making motorization something anyone can afford.”

With technology quickly changing, motorization is available in virtually every type of window treatment — from shades to drapery to wood blinds. Larsen said the shift is practical for homeowners, making window treatments available and useable in previously difficult options. For example, treatments on high positioned windows which can be a nuisance to adjust can be lowered or raised with the push of a button.

Many motorization options come with a slender, easy-to-use wand that recharges in a USB ports and, with an extended battery life, only requires charging about once a year. “They’re very simple and reliable,” Larson said, “Should an issue come up they are easy and economical to replace.”

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Jane and Michael Larsen

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Progress Edition 2018

S32 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com they thank us for our help and compassion, that really brings a smile to my face. Submitted by Sara Sundberg, Baxter, chief financial officer, Good Neighbor Home Health Care. www.GNHomeCare.com

Foley Locker is a family business

children bought a small resort with property acreage at Nokay Lake Township on Heron Lake in 1968.

We spent much summertime up here running the resort and bar so we were up here when Mr. Clark, hardware store owner, died. We decided to purchase it but it needed much work. We talked with the kids and everyone was OK with helping.

After many repairs, we were open seven days a week so all of us were busy. We had a true Mom and Pop store. We sold gas, propane, bait, hardware, housewares, cut glass, some food, chips, candy, pop.

Ron died Aug. 1, 1987, of a heart attack at 59. So, at 57, I (Joyce) became the hardware lady. But back in the ‘80s they still weren’t used to a woman running a man’s business. Local businessmen didn’t like it and some salesmen wouldn’t come to the store. I figured someday they’d get over it when I put on two additions in 1987 and 2000. I followed all the rules so no one would call the county. It didn’t help. They tried anyway.

Our city kids came up and helped at the open houses and anniversary, serving food. All the kids went to the hardware conventions. Everyone gave their opinions and much was discussed.

I believe my children benefited greatly by owning a store. They’ve learned people skills, handling money, helping people beyond waiting on them, how to solve problems and good work ethics. They all are very good workers.

As I got older, they thought I should retire so at 78 years old, I sold the store to my son, Rick, in 2008. So he runs the store now, Weidell’s Hardware Hank.

I’m now 88 years old and still like hardware.

Three important lessons I learned: Respect for others, kindness and responsibility.

— Compiled by DeLynn Howard, Staff Writer.

In 1971, Jerry and Linda Gall founded Foley Locker and launched a business that continues today as Grand Champion Meats in Foley. We started out as the typical neighborhood butcher shop and today we are that and much more.

The business is now run by me, their youngest daughter, Kelly Gall Washa, and my husband, Tony Washa, but you will find Jerry there on most days. I have been working with my father since I was Submitted Photo a teenager and hope one day to pass the Good Neighbor employees include Dale Christensen (left, back), Mike Christenson, tradition on to one of my own two chilSherrie Christensen (front), Sara Sundberg and Shannon Christensen. dren, Makana or Waylon. It’s something I’m passionate about and can’t imagine resources to finance and am now chief doing anything else.

ALL IN THE FAMILY Our “family” includes more than 20 financial officer. And I love it. My mom is still president and administrator. My dad, employees — many of whom have been From Page S31 here more than 10 years. for everyone if they stayed in their home, who retired from the Crow Wing Sheriff’s Over the years, a lot has changed. We where they were comfortable and familiar. Department, is executive vice president. opened a second retail store in Crosslake.

My older brother Mike worked for the Little did they know that 10 years later Our lake home is in Crosslake and it just they would realize how important home city of Brainerd for many years but now seemed like something was missing up health care was in the overall scheme of works here as well. Mike’s wife, Shannon, here. So we decided opening another health care and that they’d be starting an is our director of nursing and has been on store would be good for the communiagency that provided all levels of health staff for more than 20 years. So there are ty and it’s been a great six years so far. care at home. In 1983, Good Neighbor Christensens up and down the ranks.

We’ve met some great people and look I love working for my parents. It’s way Home Health Care was born in the baseforward to the summers and spending ment of my parents’ house. I was just 3 better than I thought it would be. Even lots of time in Crosslake. years old but I remember watching car- though my mom is family, it’s easy for us Tony and I have both earned Master Meat toons on TV in our home and having to to go into work mode to solve problems. Crafter recognition and we have introduced answer the door when employees would We’ve always been close, which helps, and many new products and services. we’re very similar, which also helps. We’re come to the office.

At the same time, there is a lot that Good Neighbor started with five open and honest with each other, which is hasn’t changed: free samples, national employees who offered homemaking ser- a big reason that we work so well together. and state award recognition year-afAt home, we always talk shop when we ter-year and our famous sausage, snack vices and companion care such as cleaning, cooking, errands and laundry. Two get together as a family. It comes naturally sticks, bacon and ham. years later, nurses were hired to provide because we’re all involved in the business. medical services such as pain manage- It usually starts with, “Did I tell you…?”

Three great lessons learned Ron and Joyce Weidell and our eight ment, wound care, IV therapy, medica- We can shut it off but it always comes back around. Our work is something we all tion management and physical therapy.

Good Neighbor grew fast while I was in know and we’re passionate about it so it’s school, as word got out that the staff pro- always at the forefront of our minds and vided a personal, compassionate and pro- we’re always looking for ways to provide fessional service for those who preferred better service to our clients. We try to stay to receive health care from the comfort of away from complaining, though.

The thing I love about working at Good their homes. “Neighbors helping neighbors” was their mantra and they proved Neighbor is not just working with my family, but also my extended family: it day in and day out.

When I graduated from high school, I the staff. I appreciate that we all work went to college for a business degree. I together as a team. What we do is so didn’t really consider working at Good important and valid. We’re keeping peoNeighbor. I was going to do my own ple in their homes as long as possible. It’s thing, on my way to changing the world. a difficult thing for people to admit that they need help. It’s so personal for them.

But not in the family business.

That was until 2002, shortly after I grad- Our entire staff is dedicated to creating a uated from college. My mom offered me a comfortable environment for our clients job as human resources assistant. I thought, so they can stay in their homes as long as “Why not?” and moved home to give it a possible. That gives me, my family and Submitted Photo shot. Instantly, it felt right. I thought, “Of our entire staff great satisfaction.

When you hear stories that people say Husband and wife Tony Washa (left) and Kelly Gall Washa (middle) are pictured with course this is what I want to do.”

I eventually moved from human they’re so appreciative of what we do or and Kelly’s father, Jerry Gall, who founded Foley Locker, with his wife, Linda.

Advertorial

YMCA: Healthy Weight and Your Child

By SHEILA HELMBERGER

As one of the partners in the community health collaborative Crow Wing Energize, the YMCA is working with others in the area to promote healthy living for residents.

One of the areas of focus for YMCA CEO Shane Riffle and Crow Wing Energize coordinator Cassie Carey, is childhood obesity. A new class will be introduced at the YMCA in December called Healthy Weight and Your Child that will target the subject, and allow parents and children to learn together how to make positive changes in lifestyle, diet and exercise.

about their role in changing the health of the family. “Information will be shared in the group on how to make some changes on the foods in the pantry, limiting screen time and how to encourage their kids to go out and get that hour of physical activity every day,” Riffle explains.

The ultimate goals of the program are to: Reduce BMI, track behaviors on nutrition and physical activity, reduce waist circumference and boost self-esteem.

The YMCA is a cause driven 501c3.

“We raise money every year to make sure we can offer financial assistance to those who can’t afford to join,” says Riffle. “We use a sliding income scale to best ensure that membership and programs are truly available for all.”

001755854r1

Participants will come from recommendations by staff at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center and will be free of charge thanks to grants from YMCA of the USA and the EssenThe Healthy Weight and Your Child tia Health - St. Joseph’s Foundation. class fits within the three areas of foTo participate, kids must be between cus of the YMCA: Youth Development, the ages of seven and 13 and fall in the Healthy Living and Social Responsibil95th percentile of weight. ity.

The program is designed to have 26 parent and child sessions that will be held over the course of 13 weeks. The group will start together as a family and meet with a trained facilitator at each session. Then they will split up into two groups. “The kids will go off to do about an hour of physical activity,” says Riffle. “Not dodgeball or baseball – a type of game where participants go in and out. It will be a game or activity where there is constant movement and participation, with no winner or loser. It’s meant to be fun.”

Meanwhile, parents will talk

Progress Edition 2018

www.brainerddispatch.com

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S33

AIRPORT From Page S26

travels via the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport roughly four to eight times a month.

“A lot less time, a lot less complications.”

General Aviation

On the general aviation side — which accounts for about 50 percent of airport business — Wright said similar trajectories are emerging alongside the commercial flights — long story short, the amount of fuel flowage (which is the most accurate way to track private plane usage) is also increasing at an encouraging clip.

NorthPoint Aviation — a corporate presence that partners with the airport to accommodate general aviation flyers — said the airport is beefing up its maintenance operations and is now certified to repair aircraft larger than 12,500 pounds, whether they’re aluminum or composite constructions.

As such, it’s now certified as a service station by the Federal Aviation Administration and sports an array of maintenance services, particularly for sea planes, which are a common fixture for the lakes area.

“That was a pretty good accomplishment on our part,” Northpoint General Manager Joe Birkemeyer said. “That also opens the door to become a service center for manufacturers like Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft — most of those require you to be a repair station before you can be a service center for them.”

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Passengers prepare to go through the security checkpoint at the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport recently for a commercial flight.

to expand,” Birkemeyer said. “It gives us a new fresh entrance to the general aviation public, so all your corporates and single-engines. That’s going to attract more new customers.”

Wright said bids were made and constructions costs were submitted in May — with a local company, Nor-Son Construction, billed as the contractor.

The expansion will total about 4,000

square feet, Wright said, an addition that includes a reception counter forming the main hub of the arrival/departure terminal, as well as a public waiting lounge, conference rooms, pilot resting rooms, a pilot testing room, a pilot lounge, bathrooms and other amenities. Beyond the internal developments, designs intended to update the exterior of the terminal to blend the original

GABRIEL LAGARDE may be reached at gabe.lagarde@ brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5859. Follow at www. twitter.com/glbrddispatch.

Expansion

Previously, Wright said there are plans for expansion on the site of Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport.

In general terms, more facilities and hangers for private businesses, predicated on newly installed water/sewer infrastructure on the western and northwestern portions of the airport.

Wright said steps are being taken to build an addition onto the main terminal, which would serve as the offices for NorthPoint Aviation. The addition would address a lingering issue, namely space limitations in the terminal, which place the NorthPoint’s reception area and the terminal’s restaurant, Wings Cafe, in the same area, within sight and hearing of each other.

The benefit of the addition is to maintain the intimate connection with NorthPoint while establishing a distinct space for each business to operate.

“Wings has been a good partner, but this allows them room to expand and us

structure with the new addition.

Final costs, Wright said, look to be about $1.7 million from preliminary designs to the final touch of paint — costs, to be carried by the joint partnership of Crow Wing County and the city of Brainerd, as well as as $1.9 million federal grant, which will be used for the addition and other capital amenities that need to be addressed.

FOR YOUR

INFO Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport

H City: Brainerd.

H Number of employees: 90.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

The Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport services small sports aircraft all the way up to jet planes such as a Boeing 757, providing package and mail transportation, medical helicopter services, charter flights, avionics, training, private aircraft housing as well as commercial travel, and more.

H Interesting or little known fact: In 2017, the airport served more than 20,000 passenger trips. This represents a 18.1 increase over 2016, while the month of December saw a 41.7 percent increase alone. To put it in perspective, the airport was only serving 16,000 passenger trips as recently as 2014.

Advertorial

Lakes Area Hidden Gem

by Sue Ready

lodge attraction with 30,000-square feet of indoor fun. It’s available free to hotel guests and open to the public for a fee.

The waterpark area includes a tube and bodyslide, zero depth entry, snack bar and basketball hoops. Their indoor/outdoor hot tub is the largest in the area. Private party rooms are available, perfect for your next birthday party. Don’t forget to visit the Gold Mine Arcade next door with a stunning array of arcade games.

Hungry? Treat yourself to a stop at Baxter Bar and Grill offering many locally sourced foods with daily lunch and dinner specials.

Thinking of planning a family reunion, special gathering or birthday party? Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes offers a destination not to be overlooked.

Baxter’s Bar & Grill at Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes

Come in and check out our new menu

(but we kept your old favorites too!)

Daily specials for food and drinks!

Come in and experience it for yourself... fine dining with a casual atmosphere.

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Looking for a destination that offers a rustic cabin-style feeling with hotel conveniences in the heart of Brainerd lakes? Arrowwood Lodge in Baxter has a lodge feeling with its 102 cozy, cabin-inspired rooms and suites. Each room is spacious, larger than a standard hotel room with many choices: standard, premier, kitchen suite, cinema suite, kids’ suite and a loft suite.

A virtual tour of the rooms is available at www.arrowwoodbrainerd.com along with an updated list of room specials and lodge promotions. A complimentary breakfast buffet starts your day with a variety of delicious items.

While Arrowwood Lodge is a family friendly resort, they are also attentive to the needs of business guests with a 7,000-square foot state-of-the art flexible meeting conference and event space.

There is theater seating for groups up to 500 people and in house audio-visual equipment available.

The versatility and possibilities are endless with the Sand Ballrooms covering 5,200 square feet which can be divided into two breakout rooms. They are ideal for both social and business events including wedding receptions, family reunions, seminars and trade shows. White Sand Ballroom has an impressive two-story gas field stone fireplace. Red Sand Ballroom also features the fireplace with access to an outside fire pit. Arrowwood Lodge can give you the wedding of your dreams with complete wedding facilities including access to an outdoor courtyard with a pergola perfect for a wedding ceremony.

Award-winning culinary full service catering and event management is available for all events.

There is no shortage of things to do at the lodge. One can’t help being impressed with the Paul Bunyan Waterpark, a top

Baxter’s Bar & Grill | 6967 Lake Forest Road Baxter, MN | (218) 822 - FOOD www.arrowwoodbrainerd.com 001754570r1

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HAPPY Labor Day Brainerd Store

Baxter Store 33 Years of Providing the Lakes Area great service, fresh produce, award winning meats while also providing the best in Deli, Bakery and Floral Services.

Thank you to not only our local customers but our dedicated, hardworking Staff !

Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day! BRAINERD 417 8th Ave. NE BAXTER 14133 Edgewood Dr. N. Better fresh. Better value. TM

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Cub Celebrates 50 years and the 50 cents Specials!

Advertorial

Your Local Cub is Proud to be serving the Lakes Area for 33 years

By REBECCA FLANSBURG

Baxter Store

Brainerd Store in-store savings as well. Busy families love they can spend less time clipping coupons and more time saving money.

But without a doubt, the most anticipated addition is Cub’s new grocery delivery service. After many months of research and conversations, Cub partnered with Metrobased fulfillment company, Instacart to bring this new option to Minnesotans. By mid-June of this year, all Minnesota Cub Foods were busy implementing this new offering which in turn allowed Brainerd lakes residents to experience the area’s firstever grocery home delivery.

This new service, initially limited to specific areas around Brainerd and Nisswa, is just another example of Cub Foods’ commitment to serving all generations of grocery shoppers. All staffing and coordination of deliveries is handled by Instacart allowing Cub Foods to retain its focus on what they do best; saving shoppers money while providing a stellar in-store shopping experience.

Patterned after the idea of personal shoppers, Instacart employees consist of locally hired team members who fill the orders that Cub customers place online. Instacart team members go through in-depth training on customer service, how to select the best produce and cuts of meat and how to keep customer’s orders cold or frozen while out on delivery.

It’s also important to note that Cub Foods’ competitive pricing is the same whether groceries are bought online or in the store.

This new online service is affordable and easy to navigate as well. Grocery delivery is free for the first Instacart order and

after that, delivery costs start at just $5.99 for a two-hour or scheduled delivery with a purchase of $35 or more or $9.99 if the order is under $35.

There is a $10 order minimum on all orders.

Customers also have the option to purchase an “Express Membership” as well and details can be found on Cub’s website. There is also an option to tip an Instacart team member before and after the delivery.

“Our grocery delivery option has proven to be very popular by not only the seniors in our area, but busy families on the go as well,” noted Bryan Jelinski, Brainerd Cub’s Store Director. “Having essential groceries delivered by your local and trusted grocer is a great alternative to subscribing to some of the pricey and limited online meal delivery companies. We want to support the fact that all of our customers have specific ways they like to shop and this includes home delivery.

Cub Foods is dedicated to building a future for the future generations who prefer to use technology in every aspect of life and for those customers who just want to save time.”

For those customers who may be unsure if they are eligible for Cub’s new grocery delivery option, Jelinski advises shoppers go to shop.cub.com and enter their zip code to see if they are in the range of grocery delivery.

“Cub Foods has always been adamant about being on the cutting edge of what our customers are looking for in a premier shopping experience with a hometown feel,” Jelinski added. “We are proud to have been part of this community for so many years and we will

continue to be tuned in to the latest trends or other ways we can save our customer money while adding new conveniences and options. As a supporter of Lakes Proud, Cub Foods of Baxter and Brainerd would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Lakes Area visitors and shoppers. Together, we wish everyone a safe and festive Labor Day weekend.”

Other Valued-Added Reasons to shop Cub Foods: *Signing up for a Cub Rewards is free and easy.

Simply visit the Service Desk at both locations and start saving. * For non-Smartphone users, Cub flyers and coupons are still available in the store and they welcome manufacturer’s coupons as well. * Friday Freebies! Every Friday is a new way to save or get free products. Visit either store for details or watch for the Friday Freebie deals on their Facebook Page. * In celebration of Cub’s 50th anniversary, customers can discover a new 50 cent deal every Thursday! *Open 24/7 for shopping ease and convenience. *From floral and pharmacy to groceries and fresh party platters, Cub Foods has everything lakes area guests or locals need all under one roof.

Links: Grocery delivery Digital offers available online and in the Cub app Quick & Easy Meals for highquality, affordable meals that are ready in minutes.

50 Cent Thursdays; https:// www.cub.com/community/ cub-50th/50-cent-deal.html

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For 50 years, Cub has been offering great values on groceries while continually adding new options and services as part of their vision of providing customers with the best shopping experience possible.

This family-owned and operated full-service grocery store is proud that, though they have never wavered from their mission of offering thousands of grocery and household items including fresh produce, meat and seafood, deli and bakery, healthy natural and organic food products and so much more. Much has changed at Cub Foods over the last five decades including a new tagline in 2018 that sums it all up -- Cub for Life.

Being dedicated to listening to the needs and requests of their customers has inspired this long-standing local business to add many new and innovative services to their already impressive lineup of value-added amenities and perks.

To date, Cub has implemented unique and time-saving incentives like their new self-serve fresh meat case, applying grocery purchases toward discounts on gas at participating Holiday Station stores and scheduling prescription refills for easy pick up at their in-house pharmacy.

Another popular feature that Cub shoppers are raving about is the new online Quick & Easy Meals portal on the Cub.com website that shares high-quality, affordable meal ideas. To make sure customers can always get the best deal on all their groceries, Cub’s digital offers and weekly ads can be viewed via mobile device along with exclusive

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Edition Progress g BRAINERD LAKES AREA

B R A I N E R D D I S PAT C H L A B O R D AY S P E C I A L

www.brainerddispatch.com

SERVING THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA SINCE 1881

A roadside stand has products for sale at Maple Ridge Produce farm near Aitkin.

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch-Gallery and Video

Freshly ground and growing: Maple Ridge Produce finds success south of Aitkin

Chelsey Perkins Community Editor AITKIN -- It might be easier to list what Maple Ridge Produce farm doesn’t grow, rather than what it does.

Erik Heimark’s ambitious garden spilled over with greens, vegetables and flowers of numerous varieties in late July, nestled into a picturesque farmstead south of Lone Lake in rural Aitkin. Amid rows of heirloom watermelon radishes, red Bibb lettuce and dahlias, Heimark beamed with pride at what he described as his greatest accomplishment this growing season: giant, bountiful tomato plants in a high tunnel.

“The fruit is so heavy, it’s really weighing the trellises down,” Heimark said.

“We’re going to get record yields out of this thing.”

The plot Heimark transformed from an overgrown hay field littered with beer and vodka bottles over three years is a handful, he said, but could be twice the size and still not meet the demand of local produce consumers. And when he’s not tilling and weeding, you can find the 29-year-old Aitkin native selling at farmers’ markets in Aitkin and Grand Rapids, grinding grain, baking bread loaves and buns by the hundreds, brewing an unpleasant but essential fish emulsion fertilizer or tending to chickens, goats, Yuri the husky/German shepherd mix or Pippin the tailless cat.

Or maybe you’ll find him at Long Lake Conservation Center, where he continues to work part-time as a naturalist.

Check the charmingly rustic farmstand at the end of his driveway, too. He could be restocking rabbit meat or decorative gourd birdhouses.

Heimark and his husband, Jay Rigdon, together run the 18.5-acre farm along with business partner Lauren Betz, friend Bo Martin, three employees and up to five disabled adults from the Aitkin County Developmental Achievement Center. They are some of the many young farmers supplying for an exploding customer base seeking locally grown and organic products.

“I think it’s growing like wildfire, actually. I can’t keep up,” Heimark said.

“I’m kind of in a pickle, because how do I continue to meet the demand? …

We’ve gotta get more farmers, or our farmers have got to increase production, or something.”

While Heimark’s business is in its first years, his tenure as a farmer and

Produce staple is practically as local as it gets, made from wild rice, maple syrup, wheat, rye and eggs, all sourced from area farmers. Only the cranberries hail from outside the region.

Meanwhile, Heimark managed Gilby’s Orchard in Aitkin, nurturing apples, pumpkin and squash for autumn visitors.

He and Rigdon, who works as a carpenter, lived in town but hoped to find someplace with a bit more room. They learned of a property in need of a little love on 380th Avenue, complete with an outdated house decorated with gray shag carpet, popcorn ceilings and tired linoleum.

Surveying the parcel today, it’s difficult to imagine its life as anything but the Pinterest-worthy retreat they now call home. A classic Volkswagen van sits in the yard near a reclaimed wood doghouse. A flower-lined path leads to the back door, where an antique red water pump turned fountain trickles. The inside of the couple’s home reflects Rigdon’s carpentry and design skills, featuring vintage appliances, timber beams, stone accents and farmhouse antiques.

While the home and grounds are a treat for the eye, the roadside farmstand is the star. Assembled from barnwood and carefully selected branches to form a small hut, the unmanned store features a refrigerator and freezer filled with not only Maple Ridge breads and produce, but the products of several other local farmers and makers. Visitors will find teas, jams, chickens and rabbits, bath products, firewood, gourds and more.

A lockbox serves as the cash register, an on-your-honor system Heimark said both works well and is required with his exceedingly busy schedule.

“We can’t afford to sit here and watch Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch-Gallery and Video the stand,” he said. “People are remarkErik Heimark of Maple Ridge Produce farm near Aitkin samples cherry tomatoes from ably honest if you expect them to be.”

Eventually, Heimark plans to expand his high tunnel. Heimark said he expects a record yield from the shelter. the stand into a little grocery store, one serving as another outlet for the distrihomesteader is anything but. He grew sold at the farmers’ market. When a parbution of local goods. up on a farm, where his parents raised ticularly cold spring and summer foiled “We want to grow all the other local small grains the family ground into their the garden’s productivity, however, Heifarmers up with us, so we buy and sell a own fresh flour. After graduating from mark turned to another skill: baking. lot of products from other farms,” he said.

Aitkin High School in 2007, he went on “I started baking bread for the farmers’ The grocery store is just one of Heito attend college at the University of market, and that seemed to sell really, mark’s future ambitions. While he now Minnesota in the Twin Cities and live the really well,” he said. “I wanted to make rents commercial kitchen space at the metro life. But it wasn’t too long before sure my bread was unique.”

Aitkin Bakery, he hopes to soon have homesickness overtook Heimark, drawHeimark incorporated the fresh, hyperhis own storefront for retail sales of his ing him back to the community in which local grains from his parents’ fields and baked goods. His breads are gaining pophe was reared. watched as it flew from the shelves. ularity among those who’ve previously Heimark became reacquainted with He began to produce different flavors, rural life by growing a garden at his par- including his most popular variety, cranMAPLE RIDGE: Page S38 ents’ farm, the vegetables from which he berry-wild rice bread. The Maple Ridge

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Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch-Gallery and Video

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch-Gallery and Video

Bread baked by Maple Ridge Produce farmer Erik Heimark is one product for sale at the A chicken wanders near the wheel of a classic Volkswagen van at Maple Ridge Produce farm’s produce stand near Aitkin. farm near Aitkin.

From Page S37

avoided gluten, he said, due to their incorporation of pesticide-free grains.

“I’ve got probably a dozen people that were sworn off gluten and they’re now eating my bread just because all the ingredients are grown organically,” Heimark said.

He’d love more space to produce breads for his wholesale customers as well, which include Prairie Bay Restaurant, Iron Range Eatery, Riverwood Healthcare Center, the Aitkin School District and two nursing homes. His breads can also be found in community-supported agriculture shares distributed by Sprout Food Hub in Little Falls.

Soon, farming and baking will become his full-time job, and it’s clear it’s one he loves, even if it comes with difficulties.

He’s learned a lot along the way, he said -- like how hard it is to be an organic farmer, and the need to specialize in a smaller array of products. He can’t wait to buy a flamethrower to torch the ever-encroaching weeds, for instance.

But mostly, he revels in how it’s all progressed.

“I’ve been surprised at how well it’s worked out to work with other farmers, to carry their stuff,” Heimark said. “When everyone is together, then it all works out really well. We’re better together than doing our own thing.”

CHELSEY PERKINS may be reached at 218-855-5874 or chelsey.perkins@brainerddispatch.com.

Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchChelsey.

FOR YOUR

INFO MAPLE RIDGE PRODUCE

H City: Rural Aitkin.

H Number of employees: About 10, including part-time help.

H Interesting or little known fact: Erik Heimark grinds a minimum of 3,120 pounds of wheat in a year to produce enough fresh flour for

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch-Gallery and Video

Goats check out the visitors at Maple Ridge Produce farm near Aitkin.

his breads.

Brainerd Elks Lodge 615 Making Memories for Youth & Veterans in 2018.

We Proudly Support Our Communities NEW Youth on Stage Open Mic for youth ages 10-25 Jr. Elks “Antlers” Youth Program For Ages 12-20 - Join Us! Scholarships & Student of the Month $15,500 A personal Dictionary to each 3rd Grader in our Region $2,500 Central Lakes College Veterans Dinners $2,000 Brainerd High School Symphonic Band Meals to The SHOP drop-ins $2,500 Educational materials to VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic $1,500 St. Cloud Veterans Hospital Bingo $1,100 Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot, Americanism Essays, And more...

Elks have the largest Drug Awareness Program in the nation.

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MAPLE RIDGE

God Has Invited You Do Not Let God Down

“A Loving Church” “A Non-Denominational Fellowship of Believers”

This past year we celebrated 25 years of being part of this great community. We thank not only our people but our customers who we have come to know and appreciate.

9:00 AM Sunday School 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service

24646 Hazelwood Drive, PO Box 627 • Nisswa, MN 56468 • 218-963-2626 www.christcommunitynisswa.com

It has also been a pleasure working with the many fine local organizations that support our area youth, sports teams, women’s organizations and service clubs to promote the lakes area and built better community.

We are looking forward to the next 25 years!

Glen and Sandy Cook

To our employees for another phenomenal year of team work and dedication.

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Experimenting in the kitchen: Aitkin Bakery finds new life in cooperative effort

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch-Gallery and Video

Bakers Terry Butenhoff (left), Jayne Mlynar and Patty Dickhausen talk in the kitchen area at the Aitkin Bakery.

Chelsey Perkins Community Editor AITKIN -- Julie Ince visits the Aitkin Bakery once a week.

It’s the miniature lemon curd bundt cakes that lure her through the door, but she also enjoys the mystery of the new offerings she might find behind the glass.

“It’s all just really good,” Ince said as she purchased her weekly staple. “There’s always something different to try.”

On an early August morning, Ince settled on a second mini delight, a chocolate fudge bundt procured from a dizzying array of cookies, tarts, pies, candies, rolls, cupcakes, bars and doughnuts.

It’s not just the desserts Ince Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch-Gallery and Video comes for, the Aitkin woman said A display of sweets for sale at the Aitkin Bakery.

-- the women behind the counter

make the experience.

“I just like all of it,” she said.

“Really nice ladies. … They’ve got their own thing.”

More than 80 years after the business first opened its doors, it still looks, smells and tastes like a traditional bakery. But there’s a twist: it now serves as home base for four entrepreneurs and their own small businesses, with room to welcome others for whom a storefront or kitchen facility might otherwise be unattainable.

That day and most Fridays and Saturdays, Dorine Bentley-Sorben, Terry Butenhoff, Jayne Mlynar and Patty Dickhausen busied themselves with rolling, glazing and oven timing.

“Maybe you want to try something out, but you’re not really sure whether it’s going to work out and you don’t really want to invest

a fairly large amount of money in a commercial kitchen,” said owner John Ziebarth. “It was sort of an opportunity to give it a try and make it happen. We’ve been pretty successful at that so far.”

Ziebarth is at the helm of the Aitkin Bakery commercial kitchen incubator, a shared space permitting anyone from hobby bakers to those with grander ambitions to rent the use of industrial ovens, massive mixers and roomy counter space.

Following the closure of the original bakery in 2013 and another traditional venture early this year, Ziebarth began exploring the idea of a common kitchen after he was approached by someone interested in renting the space.

AITKIN: Page S40

Advertorial

Brainerd Savings & Loan continues to serve the Brainerd Lakes Area Brainerd Savings & Loan has been handling the banking needs of the Brainerd Lakes Area for nearly 100 years. At Brainerd Savings & Loan you are not just a customer you are an owner.

The employees of Brainerd Savings & Loan believe that customers, with every visit, deserve excellent customer service.

This Labor Day, and every day, they say thank you to their dedicated staff. Brainerd Savings & Loan’s staff of Universal Bankers has a whole array of products, services and tools to share with you. They look forward to visiting with you about everything from traditional banking to mobile banking, from local Visa® and card Valet®. Going above and beyond is just their way of doing business. They deliver on their commitments and take your financial needs seriously… they work for you and in your best interest.

The Board of Directors and employees of Brainerd Savings & Loan are tuned in to this area. They spend time volunteering, serving in various city and county government roles. They volunteer for non-profits, schools and churches. This is area is important to them because this area is also their home.

Brainerd Savings & Loan is proud of its history and is excited about the future. They look forward to partnering with you to achieve your financial goals. Because of dedicated employees, committed leadership and sound financial philosophies Brainerd Savings & Loan will continue to be the area leader in the banking industry.

Banking Your way… whenever and wherever you want it.

In Your Best Interest.

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AITKIN From Page S39

He learned the concept of shared commercial spaces wasn’t new -- the Minnesota Department of Agriculture notes at least 17 such licensed facilities throughout the state -- but it would be new to Aitkin. What was once the realm of church basements transitioned to more formal settings as regulations modernized, paving the way for a concept promoting cooperation and support among like-minded dreamers.

“What we discovered was an awful lot of people in town had small businesses but didn’t have a place to bake (or) to cook, and so they would come to us and ask if they could rent the space or lease the space,” Ziebarth said. “If it works for them, they’ll expand out and they’ll buy new space, invest the kind of money it takes to put this together.”

Butenhoff, 59, heard about the incubator from Erik Heimark of Maple Ridge Produce, who was the first to begin using the bakery to produce hundreds of loaves of his locally sourced bread. A longtime candy maker and baker, Butenhoff thought the space seemed a good fit for her to launch Terry’s Treats.

As she rolled out crust for her lemon meringue pies, Butenhoff watched the clock, running behind on returning to her State Farm Insurance office in town. Her blueberry pies, featuring berries from her own patch, baked in the oven nearby.

“My mom bakes. I come from a family of six kids,” Butenhoff said. “I’ve been making my dad lemon meringue pies since I was in high school.”

On another counter, Dickhausen, 52, splayed out batches of molasses cookies, her grandmother’s recipe. Dickhausen and Bentley-Sorben, 60, work together as part of the Miss Patty’s Cookies team, offering 10 other varieties that Friday morning.

Bentley-Sorben greeted customers and manned the register while her mini peach pie tarts cooled in the back.

“I was the baker of the family. I’ve always enjoyed it,” Bentley-Sorben said. “It’s just something that’s been in the family.”

Giant caramel rolls baked by Mlynar, 58, glistened with glaze as she cut seven-layer bars nearby. Her specialty is buns and other yeasted breads, some of the offerings of her business Kneading Dough.

While the bakers each have their own aims, the storefront at Aitkin Bakery offers an opportunity for collaboration -- in the vein of the ubiquitous farmers market, the group launched a twice-weekly bakers market. It serves as a chance for revenue, but also the chance to try out new desserts and hear from

It’s a work in progress, but it’s a challenge the women said they enjoy. They take orders for one another, talk up each other’s offerings and, of course, serve as taste testers of their fellow bakers’ goods.

Bentley-Sorben said the goal is to fine-tune the process so each of the bakers won’t need to be at the bakery every day of the market.

“Then they don’t have to be here for the weekend but they still will get some money,” she said. “It’s all teamwork.

This small community, we need it.”

“It’s different when you’re just yourself and your kitchen and doing your thing,” Ziebarth said. “But when you have to negotiate a variety of things to get the day done. … that’s part of business, that’s part of learning to negotiate with either business partners or other businesses.”

Future plans are formulating as the incubator takes shape. Lefse is on the Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch-Gallery and Video docket for this autumn, along with classCarly Rassler (left), Perry Rassler, Nyla Rassler and Jeanne Shaffer decide between a es to teach others the Scandinavian art. variety of treats at the bakery in Aitkin.

Wholesale licensing is on the wish list for the small business owners seeking the community which treats they expansion, and the invention of new crave. The offerings are made fresh sweet delights is always underway. from scratch, setting it apart from Aitkin’s bakers are dreaming big, and the larger retail offerings of area the city’s residents and visitors appear to grocery stores. be taking notice.

“It’s all from scratch, so we don’t “The community seems to love it,” have preservatives in anything,” Ziebarth said. “I love it.”

Butenhoff said. “So that makes it The Aitkin Bakers Market is 9 a.m.-3 all a little touchier, too. But that’s p.m. every Friday and Saturday at the also why we’re doing it. Otherwise, Aitkin Bakery, 15 Second St. NE. For you can get frozen stuff and throw more information on kitchen rental and it in the oven and call it whatever. availability, visit www.aitkinbakery.com Which a lot of bakeries have to do.” or call Ziebarth at 763-772-5955. Find Ziebarth sees more in the bakery Kneading Dough, Maple Ridge Produce operation than simply a weekend and Miss Patty’s Cookies on Facebook. respite for a sugary pick-me-up.

For the Aitkin businessman, the CHELSEY PERKINS may be reached at 218-855-5874 concept offers the chance to foster or chelsey.perkins@brainerddispatch.com.

Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchChelsey opportunity for the city’s residents and grow the economic base of the Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch-Gallery and Video community.

Baker Dorine Bentley-Sorben stands by the register “I’m not about to tell you that a at the front counter of the Aitkin Bakery.

FOR YOUR bakery is the kind of industry that is going to maintain Aitkin for the that this is the be-all-end-all. If their busirest of its life, that’s not realistic,” he ness takes off, eventually they’re going to said. “But I think that encouraging small have to invest in their own facility.” businesses and encouraging small operBut those who wish to bake their famations to get started allows families who ily’s Christmas cookies or prepare for a AITKIN BAKERY normally would just have to move for eco- graduation party are welcome, too. The COMMERCIAL nomic reasons, it allows them to stay and space is available for rent by the hour, it allows Aitkin to maintain. That’s what along with refrigerator and freezer space KITCHEN INCUBATOR we need to do, we need to start that cycle and dry storage. Caterers might also find H City: Aitkin. of business, of industry, of jobs, so that the space amenable to large-scale events, H Number of users: Four businesses there are jobs in the community.” versus navigating the home kitchen. regularly use the commercial The facility also serves as a training As customers stream in and out of the ground for future small business owners, bright, cheery bakery located along a busy kitchen facility. replicating the environment and chal- Highway 169, conversation and laughter H Interesting or little known fact: lenges of managing cash flow and inven- rings through the building. Learning to From about 1935 through 2013, the tory, building relationships and estab- work together, share counter space and Aitkin Bakery was a mainstay in the lishing a business plan. coordinate baking times unite the small “It’s a transition sort of opportunity,” business owners in a common goal, and community as a traditional bakery.

Ziebarth said. “I don’t have any illusions their camaraderie reflects those tasks.

INFO

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Pequot Lakes businesses reflect on year with no road work, new highway open Some report customers are finding them again

Nancy Vogt Echo Journal Editor After almost a full year with no major road construction and the four-lane Highway 371 bypass open, some Pequot Lakes businesses are reporting that people are slowly starting to find them again.

“We are recapturing some of the business we lost. We’re definitely on the upswing from last year,” said Greg Larson, manager of SuperAmerica Express in the Oasis Center on the former two-lane Highway 371, now called Patriot Avenue.

“It’s not what it was, but it’s certainly heading in the right direction.”

Lisa Kaneski, co-owner of Dairy Queen in the Oasis Center, agreed business is starting to stabilize.

“When the bypass opened up, our sales went down by about 10 percent,” Kaneski said in an email. “That doesn’t sound like that much, but I feel like we lost that incremental business during our off hours, so it made the store a little trickier to staff correctly. This summer, we have regained about 4 percent of that.”

And Corky Ledoux, manager of Pequot Lakes Supervalu on that same stretch of Patriot Avenue, also said business is better this year than last year. Business grew every year since the store opened, then stopped with the road construction and change in traffic patterns. But Ledoux said business is still good.

“Customers are slowly finding us back,” he said. “We’re still a thriving business in the community.”

Pequot Lakes endured two summer seasons of highway construction that included detours that disrupted businesses and residents as the $50 million, 9.5-mile four-lane highway was built east of downtown. When it opened early last October, it took with it traffic that used to flow right through downtown Pequot Lakes.

Despite that, some Pequot Lakes businesses are having banner years.

“We’ve been up,” said Beau Hanson, who owns Lucky’s restaurant on Government Drive with his wife, Amy, who also agreed the restaurant has been busier than usual.

“We’re not really a driveby. We’re a destination,” Beau said.

Expressions Shoe Center, in its 20th year on Main Street/County State Aid 001755598r1

Lisa Kaneski, co-owner of the Dairy Queen drive-thru window.

Highway 11, also is having a record year because it is a destination, said owner Dean Brandt.

“A high percentage of local residents (and repeat clientele) know Expressions Shoe Center is in Pequot Lakes, so they come here regardless of road conditions,” Brandt said, noting the only issue his business had was when the highway overpass bridge was built on Highway 11, diverting traffic coming from Breezy Point south and away from downtown.

“That cost $50,000 in sales.”

Brandt said Pequot Lakes lost business from tourists and others staying

she is seeing new customers.

“For me, it’s a thumbs up,” Sommers said.

The Celtic Cottage, also on Main Street, is also seeing new customers who didn’t realize the store existed, said owner Susan McGuire-Hardy.

“I like now because this is now the main entrance into Pequot, so they’re coming by our store now,” she said, noting she is amazed at how many people didn’t know her store was there, or that Pequot Lakes had an American Legion or a full-service flower shop. “I look at this as a plus.”

Business at the Hungry Loon Cafe in the Jack Pine Center is up 25 to 30 percent, said Dave Sjoblad, attributing that to being on the main drag and, like Expressions Shoe Center, to advertising.

While the opening of the highway bypass hurt Latte Da Coffee & Gifts, on Rasmussen Road/County Road 112, during the off-season when people no longer stopped for coffee on their way to work, owner Sarah Blaeser said this summer has been amazing and the best since she opened six years ago.

“Tourists are finding us. They’re spending some money,” she said.

Some businesses still report that business is down, including Tara Bundy, owner of Leslie’s clothing store on Rasmussen Road.

“I think because of the bypass, a lot of businesses are missing people who used to have to drive through to Breezy Point and now don’t have to drive by,” she Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal said, noting those motorists used to have in Pequot Lakes, hands a meal through the to stop at the four-way stop right outside her store.

On the other side of the former twoat Breezy Point Resort who used to go lane Highway 371 (Patriot Avenue), the right through Pequot Lakes to get to longtime owner of Weise Crafts & Variety Highway 371. said numbers were up a bit in July, but “So basically since the road opened, new customers aren’t driving by and it hasn’t cost me any business. People stopping like they did previously. Carolhave found me,” he said. “We’re having jean Weise said there were more families a record year this year. We had a record in the area in July, but most of her cusyear last year.” tomers are regulars.

Similarly, Deb Sommers, owner of “A lot of loyal people that shop the Seeds of Sommer in the Jack Pine Cen- small-town businesses, they like the ter on Main Street, said her store is a smaller communities to shop in,” Weise destination and road construction never said, adding she has noticed more comhurt her business. In fact, now that Main munication among businesses to send Street/CSAH 11 is a main road into Pequot Lakes from the highway, Sommers said

PEQUOT LAKES: Page S42

Advertorial

Great food, Great prices, Great service-Pequot Lakes Supervalu

BY REBECCA FLANSBURG

tomers also appreciate the store’s relaxed lounge area that includes couches, a 60” flat screen TV, hot coffee and a cozy stone hearth fireplace.

Savvy consumers also know that one of the many benefits of being a Supervalu shopper is convenience.

“We have a new program that we are working on what called E-Grocery,” shared Store Manager Corky Ledoux.

“Once in place, this option will allow our customers to place grocery orders online.

They can then swing by the store and pick it up when it’s ready.”

Ledoux added that this new service is just another way that Pequot Supervalu is dedicated to saving their customers time and money. Programs like their Pump Perks program continue to be wildly popular and customers appreciate being able to earn $.10 per gallon of gas, up to 15 gallons, for each $100 spent in the store.

“We still look forward to seeing and greeting our loyal customers when they shop us in person,” Ledoux concluded.

“Visitors to our store will enjoy great food, great prices and great service.

That’s just the Pequot Lakes Supervalu way of doing business.”

To learn more about Pequot Supervalu or to view their weekly specials, visit them on the web: https://www.pequotlakessupervalu.com.

Your local grocer and partner for all your party supplies.

Thank You

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Since 2010, Pequot Lakes Supervalu has been bringing more to the table by providing the best grocery value in a convenient one-stop venue. By blending value, service and selection to serve their customers, this thriving grocery store provides locals and visitors alike with consistently great-tasting food, at lower prices, along with a hometown feel.

Pequot Lakes Supervalu’s dedication to an upscale shopping experience is evident as soon as customers cross the threshold. As a family-owned and operated grocery store, Pequot Supervalu is known for quality, service and freshness and a friendly staff who take pride in going the extra mile for customers to ensure that every shopping trip is an exceptional experience.

Easily accessible off of Patriot Avenue, shoppers will find Pequot Lakes Supervalu’s shelves, coolers and displays stocked with everyday essentials along with a wide variety of natural and organic products, fresh produce, a bakery filled with delicious treats, a fully-stocked frozen and dairy section and an exceptional meat department with USDA Choice Meats. For shoppers on the go, Pequot Supervalu’s deli is home to their popular fried chicken, a wide assortment of deli trays for any occasion, and Heat-andEats options for “grab and go” meals and snacks. Lakes Area Pharmacy is a handy source for prescription refills and cus-

Employees For All Your Hard Work And Dedication.

30581 Patriot Ave. • 218-568-5001 www.pequotlakessupervalu.com Locally owned and operated

SAVE ON GROCERIES. SAVE ON GAS.

Progress Edition 2018

S42 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

PEQUOT LAKES

are traveling ‘through’ Pequot to another destination are no longer stopping.

“We actually had something being From Page S41 delivered by a person that lives in our own area. He said, ‘OK, I haven’t really shoppers to each other’s stores.

Farther north, the owners of Cast- been into Pequot much since the bypass. offs Secondhand on Jokela Drive just off How should I get to you from the highPatriot Avenue said they have lost a large way?’ This indicated to me that we probably have many people in our area that chunk of their driveby traffic.

“There is no traffic,” said Dana Firkus, don’t drive into our town anymore,” she who owns the business with his wife, Kim. said. “For instance, if you live in Pine Luckily, the business has been there River, but typically travel to Brainerd, for 16 years so most -- though not all -- you just don’t stop in Pequot anymore.”

Most people -- residents, tourists and regular customers have found Castoffs. If businesses -- have noticed the lighter they were just starting the business, they traffic in town.

Larson, of SuperAmerica wouldn’t make it, the couple said.

Express, said people are getting accli“We’re so thankful we have our repeat mated to the new normal, and he and people,” Kim said.

Some business owners have heard others admitted it’s nice to be able to get from motorists who find it hard to get onto Patriot Avenue without darting into to downtown Pequot Lakes, though that heavy traffic.

“You know, life after the bypass, I was is lessening. concerned.

But I’m excited in the direc“I think even our own residents are tion it’s heading,” Larson said. “The new finally settling into how they get in and normal is busy Pequot, not crazy Pequot. out of town,” Dairy Queen’s Kaneski said.

And that’s what it was.”

“People that have cabins around Pequot have obviously re-learned and been able Nancy Vogt may be reached at 218-855-5877 or nancy. vogt@pineandlakes.com. Follow her on Facebook to find us. I feel like the vacationers that and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Nancy.

Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal

People wait in line at Lakes Latte on Government Drive in downtown Pequot Lakes.

Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal

Government Drive in downtown Pequot Lakes is busy on a Friday afternoon in August.

Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal

Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal

Greg Larson, manager of SuperAmerica Express (Oasis Center), checks a liquor store Dean Brandt (right), owner of Expressions Shoe Center on Main Street in Pequot Lakes, banner outside the store. said he’s having a record year of business.

Advertorial

Commitment to Quality and Service Continues to Drive Waste Partners’ Growth

“We get up early, work hard every day and finish what we start. We utilize some of the best equipment in the industry and strive to improve our service to make it safer and more productive,” Loge explains. “We also work very hard at fostering a working environment our team members want to continue being a part of.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” Loge adds, “there are days where no one wants to be doing what we do.” This is why he hires what he calls rugged individualists. “Our people must persevere through bad weather, impatient traffic, and poor road conditions, not to

He also stated that people who apply to the profession don’t really understand the difficulties of balancing their daily demands until they are on their own. But those who stay committed and have that “Git ‘er done” attitude Waste Partners depends on, become like a family member to whom they are fiercely loyal.

Thanks to all our employees for their hard work and dedication over the years.

Have a safe Labor Day!

Loge finished by saying, “I salute and give thanks to every working person who goes to a job and gives their best every day. Even though you may feel unappreciated at times, you might be surprised to find out how many people really do value your contributions to the community.”

• Family Owned & Operated • Experienced, Safe & Knowlegeable Staff • Clean, Well-Maintained Equipment

Waste Partners is committed to offering the highest quality of service available at competitive prices. We want to serve you.

• Active Involvment in Area Community Organizations & Events • Recycling Service Available in Many Locations

originally written by Jodie Tweed, revised in 2018 by Sue Sterling

Residential Garbage Collection & Commercial Waste Collection Waste Partners, Inc. Website: www.wastepartnersinc.com 2928 State 371 SW Cust Svc: info@wastepartnersinc.com PO Box 677 Pine River, MN 56474 218-587-8727 (office) 218-587-5122 (fax)

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“This growth is an incredible testament to the work on the street our team performs with pride everyday,” Loge says. “Our commitment is to make sure our customers’ needs are met with outstanding customer service. This has fostered the loyalty of our customers so they have no reason to go elsewhere.”

mention working in a top 10 fatality industry,” he added.

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Eric Loge and his father, Gary, started Waste Partners 18 years ago.

When the business began it had 500 customers. Today the client list includes 13,000 of their lake country friends, neighbors and business associates throughout Cass and Crow Wing Counties.

Progress Edition 2018

www.brainerddispatch.com

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S43

Sportland Corners property in Nisswa to be renovated Bank, coffee shop to replace Sportland Cafe building

Nancy Vogt Echo Journal Editor NISSWA -- Lots of Nisswa area residents and repeat visitors likely have fond memories of going out for a hot, homecooked breakfast after church on Sunday or gathering for early morning coffee and conversation at the Sportland Cafe.

The restaurant at one time had a loyal following at its location on Smiley Road, on the northeast corner of the intersection of Highway 371 and County Highway 13 south of downtown Nisswa.

You might better know that landmark intersection as Sportland Corners.

Today, Dave’s Sportland Rental is the only business in that area to retain “Sportland” in its name, but the prominent intersection that has Schaefer’s Foods, Holiday gas station and Wendy’s as its anchors likely will long be known

as Sportland Corners, even though the cafe and adjoining convenience store have been closed for at least 10 years.

Gas pumps and tanks were taken out long ago. The building, parking lot and property have fallen into disrepair that many have called “an eyesore.”

Look for that to change this fall.

American National Bank recently received approval from the city of Nisswa for $570,518 in redevelopment tax-increment financing to build a bank on the property. PJ Smith, of American National Bank, said plans are to close on the sale of the property Tuesday, Sept. 4.

“The very first thing we plan to do is get someone in there to clean up the grounds,” Smith said.

The bank has a contract with Hy-Tec Construction of Brainerd to build the facility, and Smith said the goal

remains to break ground this fall, around mid-October, build over the winter and occupy the building by next summer.

The deteriorating building that housed the beloved Sportland Cafe will be torn down and a two-level building will go up featuring 5,000 square feet on the lower level and 4,000 square feet on the upper level. When complete, the estimated market value is projected at $1.8 million.

The bank is working on a lease to have Stonehouse Coffee as a tenant along with the bank on the building’s lower level. Unlike the open space Stonehouse Coffee shares with RiverWood Bank in Baxter, the coffee shop would have its own, separate space in the American National Bank building.

The bank building’s second level will house bank offices and some professional space to lease.

Many are excited to see the property be spruced up.

“I think it’s great that they’re going to clean it up,” said Teddy Schaefer, store manager at Schaefer’s Foods. “Ultimately, everyone in town wants to see that place freshened up.”

Jolie Bray, registered nurse and clinical supervisor with Good Samaritan Home Care and Hospice, just north of the property, said staff is “super excited they are going to build there. We’ve been waiting.

It’s about time. It’s the perfect corner.”

She said the cleaned up property could attract more business and traffic, and the Good Sam staff would appreciate Stonehouse Coffee going into the building.

“Nurses love coffee,” she said.

Nancy Vogt may be reached at 218-855-5877 or nancy. vogt@pineandlakes.com. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Nancy.

Submitted Graphic

This is a first architectural drawing of the American National Bank building to be built on Smiley Road at Sportland Corners in Nisswa.

Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal

Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal The landmark Sportland Cafe building on Smiley Road in Nisswa, at the intersection of Highway 371 and County Highway 13, should soon be torn down to make way for an American National Bank was scheduled to close Sept. 4 on the Sportland Corners property that once housed the Sportland Cafe and ICO convenience store.

American National Bank building.

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Advertorial

PROGRESS: We are Stronger Unified

The Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation (BLAEDC) is a community-driven, non-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the area’s economic base by expanding business, building community and growing jobs in Crow Wing County. One way BLAEDC is accomplishing their goal is through their new BLAEDC Unified Fund. The Unified Fund is comprised of pooled community resources specifically set aside for area economic development.

As a gap lender, the Unified Fund provides a new funding mechanism to aid in business growth and development needs in the region.

These funds now totaling $2.8 million, which in some cases were lying dormant, have to date funded 7 loans-- investing $504,020, creating 34 jobs and retaining 37 jobs in our greater Brainerd Lakes Area.

Applications are reviewed and voted on by an 11 member board. Members of the board are nominated and selected by the community programs responsible for the pooled funds.

Currently the board is comprised of their Chair Eric Charpentier- CREDI, Vice Chari Brad Chapulis- Baxter, Paul Means- BLAEDC, Mike LarsonBLAEDC, Char Kinzer- Crow Wing Power, Kristi Westbrock- CTC, Bart Taylor- Crosslake, Rosemary FranzenCrow Wing County, Gabe JohnsonBrainerd, Theresa Goble- CWC HRA and Jeremy Millsop- Deerwood.

As with any funding there are regulations that must be closely followed. The Unified Fund helps streamline this process. Currently the BLAEDC Unified Fund is surpassing the baseline goals and are thrilled with the progress they have made in helping to grow the community and are excited for new opportunities.

Progress Edition 2018

S44 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

RemWhirl strives to keep up with whirlwind of new architectural trends

Theresa Bourke Staff Editor CROSSLAKE -- From magazines to smartphone apps, changing technology is also changing the architectural world.

Popular websites and apps like Houzz and Pinterest -- tools anyone can use -help architectural and design firms get an idea of what their clients want.

“We’re really seeing a heightened awareness of architectural style, and I honestly think it has a lot to do with websites like Houzz and Pinterest that are bringing the architectural world to people’s fingertips,” said Dan Whirley, owner of RemWhirl -- an architectural, interior design and landscaping firm in Crosslake. “They’re able to jump online and see what high design looks like, and now that’s becoming the norm. So people tend to come to us with -- it used to be magazine clippings, and now it’s their Houzz profile and their Pinterest profile -- and show us all kinds of pictures, and that’s usually where we start the design process.”

Not only do these tools increase users’ exposure to the architectural realm in general, but they also comprise style and design ideas from all over the

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

RemWhirl, started by Dan Whirley as a home-based business in 2006, specializes in architectural, design and landscape services. Whirley has two other locations in Minneapolis and Castle Rock, Colo.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Dan Whirley, owner of RemWhirl, stands outside of his architectural, design and landscaping firm off County Highway 3 in Crosslake.

country and the world.

“We’re seeing a lot of influence, whether it be from the ... modern in the mountains to the East Coast on some coastal-type products,” said Collin Jacobs, lead designer and department manager of the architectural division at RemWhirl. “We had a client in Switzerland, so we were inspired by their heritage there and pulled that in, and it all worked very well.”

Sources of inspiration aren’t the only changes Whirley’s firm has seen since opening RemWhirl as a home-based business in 2006. Clients’ wants and style preferences change, as is the case with any industry trends.

“Style-wise we’re really seeing a refinement of the pure architectural styles,” Whirley said. “For example, the modern farmhouse has become an extremely popular style, very clean lines but still open and airy and kind of agrarian feeling. People are definitely tip-

ping more to the modern style as of recently, even up here in the northern part of the country.”

Whirley and his team of architects, designers and landscapers help their customers achieve their desired styles -whether it be modern farmhouse, something more contemporary or a completely different direction -- by thoroughly getting to know who they’re working with.

“We do take some time to meet with folks before we engage in a contract and make sure it’s a good fit for both of us,” Whirley said. “Make sure that they value what we do and from a relationship standpoint that we’re going to get along because we spend a lot of time with our clients.”

Those clients come from not only Minnesota or even just the Midwest but from all over the country and sometimes the world, like Jacobs’ Swiss customer. With additional offices in Minneapolis and Castle Rock, Colo., RemWhirl casts a wide net.

Even from the Crosslake office -- which opened

in its location on County Highway 3 a couple years after the business began -- Whirley said he sees a lot of clients from places like Chicago; Naples, Fla.; and Lincoln, Neb. With different geographical regions come different design wants and needs.

A trend Whirley said is unique to his Colorado office right now, for example, is the “work-live” environment.

“It’s studio space or shop space along with living quarters, so it’s kind of a mixed use kind of building,” he said.

Back in the lakes area, water-oriented structures, perhaps known better as boathouses, have become a growing trend lately, thanks in part to a Crow Wing County ordinance passed in 2014 permitting structures up to 120 square feet on shoreline property, as long as they’re at least 20 feet from the water.

“That allows people to store their tubes and their water toys and things like that,” Whirley said.

With the help of businesses like the Mosquito Squad, RemWhirl has seen an increase in demand for outdoor living spaces, too. But the outdoor environment isn’t all Whirley takes into account when working on those designs.

“We like to design where the exterior is an extension of the interior so people can flow in and out of the house without getting hung up with big patio doors and things,” he said. “We’re trying to open the houses up as much as we can now.”

Though it can sometimes prove costly, outdoor dining areas are a specific example of exterior work RemWhirl does.

Whirley said these projects can range anywhere from simply an enhanced grilling space to a full outdoor kitchen, with some of the more popular requests being ice makers and bar setups.

With the ever-changing dynamics of architecture and design, Whirley said he doesn’t foresee any substantial new additions to his Crosslake office in the near future.

“We’re trying to pause for a minute and make sure we’ve got the alligator by the tail right now,” he said. “We are hiring out in Colorado right now. I’d like to see that market get a little more stabilized before we look at our next venture.”

Whatever that next venture might be, it will just further Whirley’s dream of working in the architectural field -a dream he has already achieved with

REMWHIRL: Page S45

Thank You…

To our dedicated staff and caring community.

Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

Dollars raised in our Thrift Store go to help those in need in the Brainerd/Baxter Lakes Community!

Salvation Army Brainerd Lakes MN Accepting Donations, Call For Information

Store Hours: M-F 9am to 5pm, Saturdays 9am to 3pm, Sundays Closed

218-822-3559 001762917r1

609 Norwood Street • Brainerd, MN

s k n a h T A MILLION

We’d like to take a moment this Labor Day to thank all of our employees and the men and women who work hard to serve our community.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

301 N.W. 6th St., Brainerd | 829-4721 Property • Liability • Group Health IRAs Business Life • Disability Income

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PROGRESS EDITION 2018

www.brainerddispatch.com

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S45

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

RemWhirl, an architectural, design and landscaping firm, created offices and a showroom in what was once Famous Dave’s restaurant in Crosslake.

REMWHIRL

FOR YOUR

INFO

From Page S44

RemWhirl.

“I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how things go together and how to solve problems,” Whirley, a Brainerd native, said of his interest in the industry. He noted he enjoyed pounding nails alongside his parents as they built their own house, but wanted to find something else in the construction field that wouldn’t have him working on roofs into old age.

A high school internship led him to the realization that architecture was the right path.

“I went straight to school for architecture and got my first job here locally when I was still in school, so I commuted back and forth from Fargo to Crosslake for my entire college career,” he said.

Then came RemWhirl.

“In 2006 I made the leap and started small,” Whirley said. “And we’ve been growing ever since.”

REMWHIRL

City: Crosslake, Minneapolis and Castle Rock, Colo.

Number of employees: 15.

Interesting or little known fact: RemWhirl is one of the only firms in the state that specializes in all three disciplines of architecture, interior design and landscape design.

THERESA BOURKE may be reached at theresa.bourke@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5860.

Follow at www.twitter.com/DispatchTheresa.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Rustic wood paneling at RemWhirl’s Crosslake facility demonstrates the look many area home and cabin owners are after today.

Advertorial

Schroeder’s Appliance is famous for quality product and customer service

By JODIE TWEED

JULY 19 - DECEMBER 31, 2018

very important to our customers and our customers rely on us. We service anything we sell.”

Owner Chuck Schroeder said he’s noticed that the housing market has been steadily improving because of all of the orders for new appliances he’s seen come in from builders and homeowners.

Schroeder’s Appliance Center remains a family business. Chuck Schroeder’s father and company founder, Ken Schroeder, still works part-time there and Chuck’s sister, Karen Schroeder-Stave, a first-grade teacher, also works part-time.

But then, Schroeder’s Appliance Center has a strong customer base. The locally owned and operated appliance sales business has been in the Brainerd lakes area for more than 56 years. The company was founded in 1960 by Schroeder’s father, Ken, who bought the company from Melon Communications. At the time, radio was popular, and the company sold and serviced radios. The business soon evolved into television sales and repairs, and then transitioned into selling appliances.

Today Schroeder’s Appliance Center is known for its quality name brand appliances and the fact that the company services what they sell. This is a big reason why many people chose to purchase their appliances from Schroeder’s; they know if there is a problem they have a local company to call for repairs.

“We have a service department that takes care of customers,” Schroeder explained.

“We get things taken care of right away. It’s

Chuck Schroeder said word of mouth is one of the biggest reasons why new customers walk through the front door.

They also keep prices low to compete with the larger stores. “Nine times out of 10, our new customers say somebody told them to come here because we take care of our customers.”

When you visit the store, you’ll get personalized service from one of Schroeder’s knowledgeable sales staff. They offer a wealth of knowledge about the appliances they sell, and they can work with you to find the appliance that fits your needs, but also your budget.

*See store associate for rebate form with complete details. Only valid at participating KitchenAid brand retailers. Consumer may choose one model per appliance type up to a maximum of 6 models, with a maximum rebate amount of $1,500 per household. Rebate in the form of a KitchenAid brand MasterCard® Prepaid Card by mail. Additional terms and conditions apply. ®/™ ©2016 KitchenAid. All rights reserved. To learn more about the entire KitchenAid brand line, please visit kitchenaid.com. CCP-19152

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When local contractors need an entire set of household appliances they know to stop

by Schroeder’s Appliance Center in Baxter.

16603 State Hwy 371 North, Brainerd/Baxter • 218-829-3624 (Just North of the Pine Beach Rd)

Schroeder’s Appliance Center has six fulltime and two part-time employees.

“On this Labor Day, I’d like to thank all my employees for the hard work,” Schroeder said.

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SCHROEDERSAPPLIANCE.COM

Progress Edition 2018

S46 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Deerwood ice hockey camp is fun for all Olympian’s dream keeps growing

Steve Jensen is a member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team that played in Innsbruck, Austria.

Frank Lee Staff Writer DEERWOOD -- What started out as nothing but a failed figure skating camp and a dream has become a hockey camp and summertime fun destination that attracts children far and wide.

Olympian Steve Jensen and his wife Sandy are the driving forces behind Heartland Hockey Camp in Deerwood, and they have grand plans for expanding to offer lacrosse.

“We started about two years ago and cleared about 9 acres of land in the northwest corner of our 45-acre parcel to build a lacrosse field, and I’d say we’re about halfway through it,” he said.

The 80-acre campus “in the heart of Minnesota’s vacation land ... is the only self-contained, privately owned hockey camp in the world,” according to Heartland Hockey Camp’s owners.

“We’re excited because we figure that by about 2021, we’re going to start lacrosse camps here, and it’s a really convenient situation for the kids because

a lot of the kids that play hockey love lacrosse, so this will be a nice crossover for kids who want to do two weeks in our program.”

The Jensens Sandy Jensen, 64, and her husband Steve, 63, met when they were 15 years old and have been a couple for almost half a century.

“She loved to skate. She was actually captain of the hockey cheerleading team in high school, and I was captain of the hockey team,” he recalled with an affectionate smile.

“When we got married and I played pro hockey, she followed me all over the country and all over the world.”

The former professional offensive ice hockey player appeared in 438 games in the National Hockey League from 197682. For more than three decades, he has served as camp director and served USA Hockey for almost two decades as a certified hockey official.

“And when I retired from pro hockey, I told her it was my passion and dream to own a summer hockey camp. Well she, of

Advertorial

CTC’s STATE-OF-THE-ART FIBER OPTICS

By Jen Salvevold

Fibers are robust and able to handle any amount of connectivity as they transfer data using modulated light instead of electricity, which gives them much higher bandwidth capacity. This method of data transmission allows fiber internet to be the best option for fast speeds and reliability, and an indefinite amount of bandwidth that can be put into homes or businesses. And what CTC has seen historically, year after year, is bandwidth doubles every year. So there is no slow down within bandwidth growth.

With technology shaping the future of our lives, CTC is setting the standard in telecommunications for the Brainerd lakes area. And they are continuing to improve and expand our rural areas by constantly implementing new equipment. Progress and ambition helps CTC to deliver higher internet speeds and digital TV to complement CTC’s local phone service.

This change for faster internet technology stems from all the new systems, products and devices that utilize internet in this day of age. As life is progressing, and internet is used for more and more, adding fiber optics was a huge breakthrough. Some examples of items we don’t always think about outside of computers and mobile phones that use internet are the hotels and homes with ekey, baby blankets that monitor a baby’s heart rate, and the large amount of home and business smart products. Nowadays you can use your mobile phone to turn on a crock pot, change the temperature on your thermostat, or turn on your paddle fan. The demand for fast and reliable internet is evident in the world we live in. Not only is internet connection important today, but it is also necessary to meet the demands of future internet usage, as we will be prepared for whatever new technology comes our way.

PHOTO BY: Luan Thomas-Brunkhorst

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In 2010, CTC embarked on its biggest fiber deployment project in the history of the cooperative. From 2010-2017 CTC invested $59 million dollars in the fiberto-the-home (FTTH) deployment for their members. Completion of this project in 2017 was three years ahead of their 10-year plan. This progress has exceeded the highest of expectations. This was celebrated by CTC’s Board of Directors and employees as a pinnacle project to future proof of CTC’s advanced broadband needs of the future. All 10 original CTC exchanges now have the fastest and most reliable services on the market yet today. And at this date has allowed CTC to offer fiber optic connectivity to about 90 percent of its total locations and membership.

course, backed me and supported me in the idea,” he said.

When they bought the foreclosed site of the future camp from Deerwood Bank in 1987 after leasing it for two years, the ice rink on the property was only three-quarters completed.

“Our biggest challenge was we were going to come in and just rent the facility for two weeks because someone else owned it and try a hockey camp ... but by the time we were close to opening up … they decided they couldn’t do it, that they weren’t going to make it,” she said.

From that rocky start, they could have easily given up on his dream of opening a hockey camp. But as a member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team who led the team in goal scoring with 52 goals, he was not deterred so easily.

“We were kind of in a bind. We took in money and we had to run a camp … but meanwhile a lot of local people got burned because they had done work, and they weren’t getting paid, so it took quite a while for local people to believe that we were here to stay,” she said.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

He said, “A lot of my hockey friends that I had played NHL and Olympic hockey, none of them had faith in us that we were going to make it because back in those days we’d have been the first private-owned hockey rink in Minnesota. … It was a struggle for us for the first 10 years.”

Heartland Hockey All campers receive up to six hours of ice time each day. The two-hour morning session is dedicated to individual skill development and the two-hour afternoon is focused on team play and group tactics, and, all campers can participate in the open hockey session in the evenings.

“We also just finished a beautiful 4,500-square-foot weight room. It’s got to be one of the biggest weight rooms in Minnesota. I don’t know of any in the Brainerd lakes area that’s as big as this one, and I’m really proud of it. My wife came up with the idea ... and we built a beauty,” he said.

The tranquility surrounding the camp

DEERWOOD: Page S47

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DEERWOOD

Backus, Breezy Point, Crosby, Crosslake, Deerwood, Ironton, Jenkins, Pequot From Page S46 Lakes and Pine River.

“We asked around or different people “enhances each camper’s concentration who they’d recommend because there level and also intensifies the level of are a lot of different camps in Minnesota, everyone’s awareness and appreciation and what I got from most of the people I for the wonderful wide variety of fun- asked was Heartland was one of the best filled recreational activities and world- camps in the state,” Kueker said.

“Most people said how pleased they class hockey instruction,” according to were with the staff and the coaches at the Jensens.

“Nobody else uses our rink but our Heartland, and the fact that it wasn’t just campers. Most rinks you go to, whether high school hockey players helping one it be in Breezy Point or Brainerd, they’re adult coach the kids. It was actually people renting the rink to other people and who played on a more professional level.”

Kueker said he found the camp to be other entities and other groups. Here, we laid out well, the supervision was good, reserve the rink exclusively for our clienand the ice hockey rink was beautiful tele. That’s a really cool feature,” he said.

“Everybody and everything here is with a lot of extracurricular activities, so self-contained and hired by Sandy and I, those were among some of the reasons he Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch and we really take pride in running it well, chose Heartland and entrusted the Deer- Heartland Hockey Camp also offers additional instruction in the classroom. and then the fact that we got a beautiful wood camp with his children.

And there are plans to build new lakefront. We got 64 acres on the lake. …

The water is clean and almost every day dormitories, administrative offices, a dining room and possibly another ice we’re about the only boat on the lake.”

The Jensens said they take great pride rink, according to the Jensens, which in developing “a wide variety of train- will only serve to attract more children ing programs that emphasize fun and and their families.

“My kids loved the camp. In fact, my inspire enthusiasm, along with focusing little boy cried when it was over. He on building a positive self-esteem.”

“We get kids from all over the world didn’t want to go home,” Kueker said.

“He got to fish in between all the hockactually, and some kids come from a big city, maybe New York City, and they’ve ey sessions, and that made him happy as never even been to a lake like ours, so the a clam. And my daughter loves to swim, lake activities become more important so they got to go down to the lake a cousometimes for kids than even the hockey ple of times a day in between their skate sessions and so they had a blast. We’re training,” she said.

He said, “We have bonfires every night. going to go back next year.”

If you are on a college campus that’s FRANK LEE, county and features reporter, may be reached at 218-855-5863 or frank.lee@brainerddispatch.com. running a hockey camp, you can’t have a Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchFL. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch bonfire in the middle of a college campus.

All campers receive up to six hours of ice time each day. The two-hour morning session We can take the kids fishing, and they can is dedicated to individual skill development and the two-hour afternoon session is catch a big, 4-foot northern pike. We’ve focused on team play and group tactics, and all campers can participate in the open FOR YOUR got a miniature golf course here, too.” hockey session in the evenings.

Other camp amenities include: a dryland training center, a soccer field, rinkside condos, cabins, tree houses, apartments, classroom, shooting range, tennis court, dining hall HEARTLAND HOCKEY CAMP pro shop, private beach, dormitory and H City: Deerwood. more that campers’ families can enjoy.

H Number of employees: About 50.

H Trivia: In 2013, television star David Child’s play Boreanaz, with a host of successful series Two of Eric Kueker’s youngest children -- “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”- “Angel” -- 6-year-old Jase and 8-year-old Sarah -“Bones” and currently “SEAL Team” --- went earlier this year to the Heartland talked about his experience at Heartland Hockey Camp. It was their first time, Hockey Camp in an interview with The according to Kueker of Verndale, and Philadelphia Inquirer. A longtime hockey they belong to the Northern Lakes Youth enthusiast, Boreanaz said: “One of the best Hockey Association. experiences I’ve had in my life was taking “We wanted to send them both to camp my son Jaden to the Heartland Hockey because we noticed the kids that go to Camp [in Minnesota] last summer,” he any hockey camp seem to be a lot betsays. “It’s a boy’s dream - all mud and ter than the kids that don’t go to camp smells and mosquitoes. But they have a during the summer. They seem to have great rink. For nine days, fathers skate with more skill and are quicker on the ice or their sons. You live in a dorm with them. what not,” Kueker said.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch “We’re going back, only this year we’re The association supports and serves getting a treehouse cabin.”

A dining room and dormitory are just a few of the many facilities at Heartland Hockey youths in the communities of Aitkin, Camp in Deerwood.

INFO

Advertorial

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S48 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com Advertorial

It’s Not the Market; it’s the Marketing EXIT Lakes Realty Premier

By REBECCA FLANSBURG

The home-buying and home-selling process can be filled with joy and anticipation, but also a healthy dose of stress and worry. But those who enlist the help of an experienced Realtor® find the guidance they need to navigate these life-changing events with ease. EXIT Lakes Realty Premier is exactly that -- a reputable and knowledgeable real estate company committed to those who are looking to buy or sell homes, land or commercial properties.

Rising Above the Competition by Providing Innovative Options

EXIT Realty by the Numbers

The online site REAL Trend, a trusted source of real estate news, reports that The Chad Schwendeman Real Estate Group at EXIT Lakes Realty Premier is ranked 33rd among the nation’s top 1,000 real estate teams and is in the ranking alongside larger markets like Houston, Atlanta, Nashville, Charleston and others.

Committed to their mantra of “It’s not the Market, it’s the Marketing” for their home sellers, EXIT Lakes Realty Premier spends an average of $50,000 in advertising to generate between 600-1,000 home buyer leads per month.

Schwendeman has lived in the Brainerd lakes area for over 25 years and has worked in real estate since 1999. As the sole owner of EXIT Lakes Realty Premier, his extensive area knowledge, insight and experience are second to none. With a team of 10 administrative professionals, 11 buyers’ agents and four listing partners, his team is always poised and ready to make home ownership dreams come true.

Customer for Life

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To learn more about EXIT Lakes Realty Premier, visit them on the web: http://EXITLakesRealty.com/ 001759964r1

Selling a home can be a bittersweet moment in a homeowner’s life. The excitement of a fresh start in a new home is exhilarating, but it can be overshadowed by the challenge of finding a buyer for their current home.

“Being available and responsive to our clients, while also not being afraid to try new strategies are among the many things that sets EXIT Lakes Realty Premier apart from the competition,” confirmed Broker/Owner Chad Schwendeman. “We want to give our clients multiple options that fit their timeline or convenience needs when they require something more than the typical traditional home-selling process.”

By enlisting the help of a reputable and qualified Realtor the first time, home buyers and sellers can avoid common mistakes and save themselves weeks or months of valuable time. With that in mind, Chad and his team at EXIT Realty are proud to offer two new and streamlined home-selling options -- their Buy It Now Program and their Guaranteed Sale Program.

With the Guaranteed Sale Program, home sellers work with Chad and his team at EXIT Lakes Realty Premier and agree on a price. The seller will receive an up-front price in writing and a guarantee that their home will sell at that price within 99 days.

If the home does not seller within 99 days, Chad will buy it at the agreed upon price. **Specific terms and conditions apply** The Buy It Now Program is another option for the home seller who has a rigid timeline or just doesn’t want to experience the sometimes drawn-out process of selling their home.

“Our Buy It Now Program makes the process of selling a breeze,” Schwendeman shared. “Clients can enjoy the convenience of selling their home to us via a no obligation cash offer. Clients who take advantage of this program sell their home ‘as is’ and eliminate the pressure of dealing with financing issues, strangers walking through their home, the uncertainty if their home is even going to sell at all. It is truly a stressfree transaction that lets sellers move on and focus on their future.”

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Edition Progress g BRAINERD LAKES AREA

B R A I N E R D D I S PAT C H L A B O R D AY S P E C I A L

www.brainerddispatch.com

SERVING THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA SINCE 1881

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

The two-story brick building off Superior Avenue in Randall is now home to The Old Creamery Quilt Shop, a creative and colorful endeavor to bring art and culture to the small town.

Mother-daughter profit from sew-sew work

Frank Lee Staff Writer RANDALL -- When Janelle Johnson looked at the former creamery in Randall seven years ago, she didn’t see an old building that was used to store antiques.

She saw possibilities.

The two-story brick building off Superior Avenue in Randall is now home to The Old Creamery Quilt Shop, a creative and colorful endeavor to bring art and culture to the small town.

“She came to me with the idea to buy the building,” said Linda Thesing, Johnson’s mother and business partner. “She had worked out of Camp Ripley and kind of wanted to quit her job out there and

do something different. She wanted to be an entrepreneur.”

Johnson, a 37-year-old from Little Falls, found out who owned the building -- the building wasn’t for sale -contacted the then-owner and made an appointment to see the building.

“She called me and said, ‘Mom, do you want to go see something? And I’m like ‘What?’ She goes ‘That building in Randall,’ and I’m like ‘OK, what for?’ And so that kind of started the whole process,” Thesing said.

“Two weeks later, we owned the building. The building was what pulled us in because it’s unique, and we both knew that if you have something unique,

it’ll pull people in -- and quilters travel -- and we knew that because we’re both quilters.”

Leap of faith Thesing and Johnson own and operate The Old Creamery Quilt Shop, which celebrated its sixth anniversary in June, and The Old Creamery Woolen Mill, a related business venture behind the quilt shop. The mill opened in September 2017 and offers custom processing for a variety of fibers.

“My previous position was the chief financial officer of Larson Boats in Little Falls,” Thesing said of the boat builder that relocated in 2016 to its sister plant in Pulaski, Wis., to save money.

The 59-year-old mother from Fort Ripley and her daughter, who is a veteran, renovated the building in Randall themselves during a six-month period in 2012.

“When we first opened, we had someone make us the shelving to put our product on, but since then, we have come up with our own design ideas and ways to showcase fabric, display merchandise, and we’ve had a lot of fun with that ... part of what we love to do,” Thesing said.

“We like to take old trash and turn it into treasure as far as display pieces. I mean we’ll use old dressers, old tables, old crates -- anything old. We repurpose

PROFIT: Page S50

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Janelle Johnson (left) and her mother Linda Thesing own and operate The Old Creamery Quilt Shop, which celebrated its sixth anniversary in June, and The Old Creamery Woolen Mill, a related business venture behind the quilt shop.

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S50 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

The Old Creamery Quilt Shop has a wide selection of patterns, books and notions, and a vast collection of designer fabrics, including Moda, Benartex, Riley Blake, Northcott and more. couldn’t get it through the VA. The VA process is horribly time-consuming and so much red tape and paperwork that we From Page S49 finally gave up on that.”

Local banks were not helpful either, it, we repaint it, do all of that to create according to Thesing, who claimed they our displays … and that is what gets them would not even return calls the pair had to come back.” made even though Thesing had worked The pair shares a passion for decas a chief financial officer. orating, so renovating the creamery “I had good paperwork. I had a good was like “a dream come true,” accordbudget. I had a good forecast. I had all ing to Thesing. the necessary paperwork to present to a “We had a contractor work with us … bank, and they were still skeptical until but we did a lot sweat equity -- a lot of we went to Little Falls … until we found sweat equity -- to get it ready to go. …

Pine Country Bank … so I’m kind of havBut at the very beginning, we had trouing the last laugh now,” Thesing said. ble getting the financing to get it off the “Minnesota is the No. 1 quilting state ground,” Thesing said. in the United States, and there’s more “That was hard because we were two quilters per area than any other state. … women going in and asking for the We researched all that before we opened financing, and we couldn’t get it. We the quilt shop. … We had all that written

PROFIT

up to present to the bank, so they knew we had done our homework.”

The words “Randall Creamery” in tall capital letters still adorn the facade of the building near Gaffke’s Auto Repair on Sunwood Lane, making them strange bedfellows in the city of 650.

“I knew then I couldn’t do this as a part-time thing, it just wasn’t going to work, so I quit my (Little Falls) job, which was scary, but it’s worked out well,” Thesing said of those early days.

Johnson quit her job, too, at the time -- a career in the Army at Camp Ripley -- and her mother attributes Johnson’s adroitness with marketing due to her youth as a reason for their success.

“She became the longarmer. We bought a longarm quilting machine that puts the pattern on the top of the quilt for the business, along with helping to

manage the business,” Thesing said.

“And I -- because of my background in accounting -- I was able to do all the book work and ordering.”

The women also raise sheep and had the wool processed in Fosston, Minn., but received word that mill would be closing, so they took the bull by the horns and opened their woolen mill on Sunwood Lane.

“We were like ‘Where are we going to get our wool processed?’ and we couldn’t find another in Minnesota that would process our wool,” Thesing said.

“The only other mill in Minnesota was backed up for over a year, wouldn’t take new customers.”

What’s in store The quilt shop has a wide selection of

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Advertorial

By Pete Mohs, Publisher

The name of the PineandLakes Echo Journal may have changed over the years, but the goal of the area weekly newspaper remains the same - to cover the news and promote the businesses in our local communities for our print and digital media audiences.

The history of the Echo Journal actually dates back to the former Pine River Journal, which was established in 1935. The Journal was sold in 1988 to Keith and Martha Anderson, owners at that time of the Lake Country Echo newspaper. That publication was based in Pequot Lakes and started in 1972. The Andersons eventually sold the two newspapers, and its two shoppers, to Morris Communications, which also owned the Brainerd Dispatch. Morris was later sold to Forum Communications in 2014.

The Journal and Lake Country Echo were combined into the Echo Journal in 2012. That decision increased the coverage area and almost doubled the responsibilities with more events, meetings and sporting events to fill one newspaper.

The Echo Journal staff works in its Pequot Lakes office, but the readership area expands far behind the city famous for its bobber water tower.

The Echo Journal covers the news for dozens of cities in Crow Wing and Cass Counties - including Pequot Lakes, Pine

River, Breezy Point, Backus, Crosslake, Nisswa and Merrifield. The publication also focuses on coverage of the school districts of Pequot Lakes, Pine RiverBackus, Brainerd (Nisswa School) and the Crosslake Charter School.

The Echo Journal staff, plus more than a dozen correspondents, work hard to write stories and take photos or video of the year-round area events.

The Echo Journal staff also produces more than 40 special sections each year - including the annual Love of the Lakes magazine.

Another change that has benefitted Echo Journal readers is the growth of online coverage. For many years, Echo Journal readers needed to wait until the newspaper was delivered to their home.

But the development of digital media has leveled the playing field for weekly and daily newspapers and both can offer immediate 24-7 news coverage.

The pineandlakes.com website, which has almost one million annual page views, is updated with breaking news, event promotions, election results or playoff updates for area high school teams. The Echo Journal supports that coverage with more indepth stories and additional photos for the print audience.

Our goal remains the same - fair and accurate local coverage in a timely manner.

Thanks for supporting our weekly community publication.

Our staff works hard to keep you informed about local news, sports and information.

Thank you to our great employees

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Have a safe and enjoyable

Labor Day

 4285 West Lake St. | Pequot Lakes | 218-568-8521

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September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S51

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Janelle Johnson operates at The Old Creamery Woolen Mill, which opened in September 2017 behind The Old Creamery Quilt Shop in Randall and offers custom processing for a variety of fibers.

PROFIT

things, and for people like that, quilting fills that need,” she said of the From Page S50 shop offering classes.

Colorful quilts -- some with geometric patterns, books and notions, and a vast patterns -- are hung up or sprawled out, collection of designer fabrics, including seemingly in an effort to inspire those Moda, Benartex, Riley Blake, Northcott who enjoy the time-consuming activity to create something of their own. and more.

“I would say the average age of a “You’ll find everything from contemporary and traditional fabrics, to batiks, quilter is probably in -- it’s not a flannels, baby cottons, seasonal prints cheap hobby, it can be expensive -and hand-dyed wools,” according to the that 50 to 100 age group. Typically, they’re retired because it takes time. … quilt shop’s website.

“We knew that we would travel all The demographics are older and more over visiting quilt shops,” Thesing said income because it’s not an inexpensive of quilters like herself. “We would pre- hobby,” she said.

“We do different presentations on tool fer to get in the car and go to another quilt shop because it’s just fun. Every demos, any quilting tools that we want to quilt shop has different fabrics, different demo … and then they get a discount on ideas, different quilts. There are no two that tool, so we try to do promotions like that. … And we do woolen mill tours.” identical quilt shops.”

For those who are not already overThe tin ceilings and hardwood floors in the former creamery, which operated stimulated by seeing myriad prints and until the mid-1970s, immediately alert feeling the different colored wools availcustomers when they enter the building able at the shop, an espresso bar is also part of the premises. that this is no ordinary quilt shop.

“Originally, we hadn’t planned that to “Quilting is very relaxing, and it’s being creative. Certain people need be a part of it, but as we started planning to be creative. I need to be creative. I the layout, the footprint of the buildcan’t sit still. I need to be doing some- ing and what we could all do here, then thing. I love to be creating and making Janelle decided that maybe having a little

coffee shop in it would make it kind of a destination possibly,” Thesing said.

The Old Creamery Quilt Shop’s new yarn area was where customers could sit and enjoy unique sandwiches that were sold, but that came to end in 2014 after the novelty wore off, she said.

“We did really well in the summertime … and in the wintertime, it really slowed down because you don’t have the lakes people … so we decided that we didn’t want to do the sandwich part of it anymore because it’s hard to staff something like that for just a few hours a day,” she said.

“But I love working with my daughter.

We get along really well. From the day we’ve opened this, we’ve never argued over anything -- not one thing.”

The Old Creamery Woolen Mill’s purpose is to process wool for small-scale fiber farmers. The mill can process wool 3 to 11 inches long, with no weight limit.

The wool can come from a variety of animals, such as sheep, alpacas, llamas, goats, rabbits, elk and buffalo.

“I don’t do a thing over there. She takes care of everything and has brought it to the point now, in just a few months, where it can be self-sustaining. She doesn’t even have to be there. She just

has a couple of employees who operated it,” Thesing said.

“On the other side, I’m good at the creative side of things -- designing the quilts and purchasing the fabric and making the samples and all of that, so we complement each other quite well.”

FRANK LEE, county and features reporter, may be reached at 218-855-5863 or frank.lee@brainerddispatch.com.

Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchFL.

FOR YOUR

INFO

THE OLD CREAMERY QUILT SHOP AND THE OLD CREAMERY WOOLEN MILL

H City: Randall.

H Number of employees: Eight employees, including the co-owners.

H Trivia: Quilt shop housed in former creamery.

Advertorial

Hirshfield’s | Your Local Experts

by Nicole Stracek

For almost 125 years, homeowners and professionals alike have turned to Hirshfield’s for paints, wallcoverings and related decorating products. Hirshfield’s is a Minnesota-based, fourth generation, family owned and operated business. Located in the heart of the lakes area, the core values and tradition of excellence continues to be the company’s hallmark for success.

“We’re dedicated to providing the best possible level of service to our customers,” says store manager Jeff Lewis. “Simply put: we care. Paint is a complicated business. It takes an experienced, long-term staff like we have here in the store to get the details right for our customers, so their projects are trouble-free and successful.” Beyond the old-fashioned customer service, you’ll find an unparalleled selection of products and colors. “Color choice is so important for the homeowner,” says Lewis. Hirshfield’s has over 5,000 paint colors from Benjamin Moore and the Hirshfield’s brand (which is made right here in Minnesota). And unlike other paint

stores in the area, Hirshfield’s matches stain.

“A lot of stores send customers to us because they can’t match an interior stain,” Lewis said.

“Hirshfield’s can.”

The newest addition is the Magnolia Home Paint collection: 150 timeless paint colors specially curated by Joanna Gaines. Top quality paints for walls, woodwork and cabinets, including Joanna’s signature shiplap finish.

Need window treatments? Hirshfield’s has you covered. From the complete line of Hunter Douglas window fashions to Hirshfield’s private label collection, the window treatment staff will help you find the perfect fit for your home. They have a keen understanding of color, style and function. But more importantly, they know how to listen, paying particular attention to your personal taste, colors and your space requirements.

A new line of cellular shades is just announced that will coordinate with Hirshfield’s “Color Is” Paint colors. Hirshfield’s can create a fashionable solution for your individual decor and family’s lifestyle. You can trust the window fashions professionals at Hirshfield’s to get the details right — from measuring to installation and everything in between.

“With the age of advanced technology, motorized blinds and shades are being requested by our customers,” Lewis said.

Battery-powered motorized window treatments are easy to install, operate and maintain. The battery pack is hidden behind the headrail so there’s nothing marring the beauty of your window treatments. Shades can be controlled by various methods. Use voice commands with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant or use your phone, tablet or the PowerView remote control.

If you have a decorating project on the horizon, make Hirshfield’s in Baxter your first stop. At Hirshfield’s, they’ll get you started right.

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Over 4,000 Paint Colors Expert and friendly color help Knowledgeable paint pros Color and stain matching Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Full service window fashions showroom and Shop At Home

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Progress Edition 2018

S52 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Dogs go full tilt at Full Tilt Agility Training: Canines come excited, leave exhausted

Jennifer Kraus Staff Writer They jump amazing lengths.

They scurry through collapsible tunnels.

They bark when they are excited.

They listen to their handlers’ commands.

They are the dogs -- such as border collies Gig, Faye and Spot -- who have gone through Full Tilt Agility Training.

Full Tilt Agility Training was started

by Loretta Mueller in 2007 out of her home in Buckman. Mueller, who has been involved with animals all her life, trains dogs and their handlers for agility, among other skills.

Whether people want to go through Full Tilt to train their dog for fun or for sport, Mueller said there are many benefits not just for the dog, but for the people themselves.

“If you are training your dog daily it reduces stress, your dog’s behavior will be more subtle and they will want to be with you,” Mueller said. “You will have more control of your dog and they won’t run away. There are a lot of benefits. You dog learns life skills so they just won’t bolt out the door when they see someone or jump out of your car window and get hit by a car.

“We can help people with leash pulling, house training, crate training, all the basic stuff.”

The American Kennel Club reports agility is one of the fastest growing dog sports in the country -- and for good reason. “It’s incredible exercise for both you and your dog and forges an even deeper relationship between you,” the club noted on its website. “Dog agility is a sport where you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course within a certain time limit.”

Courses typically have between 14-20 obstacles such as tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, seesaws and what are described as pause tables where the dog must stop for a set time. “At each trial (competition) you and your dog will race around the unique courses designed for that day. All of this is done with your dog relying solely on the cutes and body language you use to direct them on course.”

Since the business started in 2007, Mueller moved the training facility indoors to a pole building with state-of-the-art flooring and equipment on Alfalfa Lane, just off Highway 210 west of Brainerd.

Donna Niggeler joined Mueller as the office manager to round out the Full Tilt

ler said. “That is my number one thing. I just want people to work with their dog and for them to see there is so much more that they can do than the everyday stuff.

It is cool to see people’s faces being blown away when they see what their dog can do. We do a reward-based training. We do not discipline. We train all dogs and do all positive rewards when training. We use toys, balls, et cetera.”

Business for agility training is high.

Mueller has been traveling for eight years to do private lessons. One week this summer she was in Indianapolis, then home for a few days then she was off to Chicago.

“I’m not here for the day-to-day stuff. Donna does all that,” Mueller said.

“Donna holds it all together so I can travel. There is such a high demand for it. There is not enough of me to fill the demand. I just do agility when I travel and a lot of times I train people at training clubs or dog clubs.”

And Niggeler said she is “very lucky to have been able to train with Loretta.”

“One of the most fun things for me in my foundation class is having people come to my class who have never even played with their dog, to six weeks later to playing with them,” Niggeler added.

“Their dogs are doing obstacles and they are just having fun. That is half the fun is to see that bond with the dog and the handler. And seeing the confidence the dogs have is huge.”

Foundation classes teach behaviors the dog needs to be safe and successful in agility.

Mueller and Niggeler worked with their dogs this summer. They use short commands -- stay, leave, stop, lie down -as they conduct different training skills, such as having the dogs steadily walking on a A-frame plank, going through a tunnel chute, running through cone Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch obstacles to jumping over single to triple Loretta Mueller, co-owner of Full Tilt Agility Training, works with her border collie named Gig. bar jumps. When the skill is complete, the dog is rewarded, which can be a toy team. Niggeler is in charge of the day-to- and progressive training methods. or a treat. day operations in scheduling seminars Full Tilt instructors mainly teach agilNiggeler said her dogs know when they and private lessons and training dogs ity for sport. However, they teach other are on their way to the training facility. herself. Mueller travels all over the world skills, such as obedience and nose work, “They get excited and are so happy,” teaching agility, coaches a USA World where the dog is asked to find a specific she said.

Agility Team, teaches agility training scent. And even though teaching agility Niggeler has always loved dogs and in-house when she is not traveling and may be at the forefront of the company’s doing things with them. She was attractteaches online classes through the Fenzi mission, the owners’ focus is more on ed to the agility sport and started with a Dog Sports Academy. The academy is the bonding relationship between the dog Labrador. She said she began struggling an online school dedicated to providing and the handler. with the training and was ready to quit high-quality instruction for competitive “If we can get people to play and interdog sports using only the most current act with their dog we are winning,” Muel-

DOGS: Page S53

Advertorial

Brainerd Dispatch Continues to Change and Adapt

By Pete Mohs, Publisher

sections each year - including the quarterly Her Voice magazines and annual Minnesota Home publication.

In the early years, the Dispatch website offered news stories, mostly after the stories first appeared in print.

That decision was made in respect for the print subscribers. But in the past 15 years, that strategy changed with the explosion for the demand of immediate breaking news from all age groups.

Audiences wanted immediate updates on their computers or phones - with the option of gaining deeper knowledge of news and events when the newspaper arrived at their homes.

Today, the Dispatch has an annual audience of more than 19 million page views with 2.3 million users while many also read the Dispatch E-Edition. We also produce podcasts and have expanded our video coverage with breaking news and weekly features. And we are active in social media - like Twitter updates that link our stories to Facebook posts.

The methods of delivery have changed - but the ultimate goal of delivering the news is still the same. We document the accurate history of our local communities - ranging from coverage of city, county and school board meetings, to coverage of hundreds of year-round area events. We also cover the college, high school and youth sporting events for area teams.

Today, 137 years after the Dispatch began in Brainerd, our staff remains dedicated to accurately and fairly covering our area as a multimedia company.

After all, a free and independent press is one of the most sacred principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Working together to keep you informed in print and online.

Local news, local sports, local information for over 130 years.

Thanks to all our employees for their dedication and hard work!

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2017 Denny Newman* Katie Olson DeLynn Howard Jennifer Kraus*

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*employee of the year

www.BrainerdDispatch.com 001758929r1

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The long-time job of covering our community news and promoting area businesses remains the same for the Brainerd Dispatch staff. But what has changed is the way the information is delivered.

The Dispatch was first published in 1881 and became a daily newspaper two years later. From the start, the task was to cover local, state and national news for our newspaper readers. The source to deliver the message was on newsprint. The width of the Dispatch edition was much wider than today and rarely included color photos until the 1980s. A decade earlier, Dispatch reporters had made the switch from writing stories on typewriters to using a desktop computer.

Newspaper production had also changed over the decades -- going from using typesetting machines to pasting columns of type on layout sheets to using the computer to paginating pages in the early 1990s. Photography was also changing from film to digital in 2001, which improved the quality and speed of work for photographers.

The internet was also growing fast in the 1990s and the Dispatch began to transition its news and advertising coverage to a combination of print and online platforms with the debut of the Dispatch website in 1996.

The traditional newspaper readers experienced another change in 2004 when the Dispatch switched from an afternoon edition to a morning edition while the Sunday morning paper was changed to Saturday morning delivery to offer an earlier start to the advertising inserts that filled the weekend edition.

The Dispatch informs and entertains its readers through almost 40 special

Progress Edition 2018

www.brainerddispatch.com

DOGS From Page S52

the sport. Then Niggeler heard about Mueller’s training business and took some private lessons from her to see if she could help.

“We took a year off trials and she started us from the ground level,” Niggeler said. “I had a dog that was phenomenal.

I have been training with her ever since and I am on my third dog. It is a sport I love. It is so fun, I enjoy it a lot.”

Mueller said most dogs want a job of some kind to do to feel useful. Agility training is a fun job for them.

“When dogs leave this facility they are exhausted,” she said. “And we train all dog breeds. A lot of people don’t want to compete, but want to have fun with their dog. This training is good exercise for the dogs and the handlers.

“If you have more than one dog we offer classes to help people to get their dogs to get along and have a calm house.”

At the training facility, dog obedience classes take place Monday nights. Full Tilt not only teaches dog agility, they also do rally obedience training. Rally obedience is where the handler and their dog run through a sequence of obstacle courses.

Mueller said there are signs set up at each station telling the handler what they need to have their dog do. Once it is accomplished they move on to the next station.

Another sport that is taught is fly ball, which is a relay race where the dog goes through jumps and a ball shoots up for them to catch. They began teaching nose work. Mueller said she just started her 14-year-old border collie on nose-work training. She said there are 10 containers set up with scenes and the dog has to find the right scent.

“This is for sport,” Mueller said, as she doesn’t train the dogs to work with law enforcement K-9 officers. “We use birch, clove and ... each stage it gets higher. They start at a novice level then go to intermediate and then to master or excellent level as you have in every sport.”

Mueller recommends that if people want to train their puppy for agility, they should wait until the dog is 15-months to 2-years old.

Mueller has always been an animal lover and has wanted to help others with their animals. As a youngster, Mueller was very active in FFA and showed cattle, pigs and she had farm dogs. She bought her first dog when she was in college. The dog had a lot of behavioral issues, such as separation anxiety, chewed up things and destroyed her apartment.

“I needed an outlet for him,” Mueller said. “I went to my local dog training club which was in Columbia, Mo. I took

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S53

a few classes. It started with obedience and then I moved to agility, and it just caught on and I was hooked. I then got into sheepherding. I had a dog named Ace and he was mix between a border collie and a Labrador retriever pointer. He got me hooked on all the dog training stuff.”

Mueller’s first official dog trial was August of 2004 in Missouri. Three years later, she moved to Minnesota and started Full Tilt Agility Training. The business started in Buckman, then moved to just outside of Randall and this past January moved to its current location, west of Brainerd.

There is special, high technology flooring at the new facility designed for dog agility.

Mueller said it helps relieve pressure on the dogs’ joints. The walls are painted blue as it’s an easy color for dogs to see as dogs are color blind, Mueller said.

Mueller, who has trained thousands of dogs, also coaches a Team USA dog agility team through the UKI International, an agility organization. She said the world team event is similar to the competitions in the Olympics. The Olympics does not have a dog agility category, but she is working on them adding it.

Mueller said each year hundreds of dogs try out to be on the team and only the best are chosen. This year, the tryouts are in Jacksonville, Fla. Once the team is chosen, practices take place in Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch Georgia and then the competition will Donna Niggeler (left) and Loretta Mueller own Full Tilt Agility Training, off Highway 210, be May 16-19, 2019, in Ermelo, Nether- east of Brainerd. Mueller started the business in her home in Buckman. lands. Mueller said her team will compete against teams from more than 65 countries, who come from all over the world.

“I have been doing this since 2015,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

JENNIFER KRAUS may be reached at jennifer.kraus@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851.

Follow me at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.

FOR YOUR

INFO

FULL TILT AGILITY TRAINING

H City: Rural Brainerd.

H Number of employees: Mueller, Niggeler and five part-time instructors.

H Interesting or little known fact: “The flooring is specifically designed for dog sports, it is super light and very supportive of the dog’s joints. The very beginning stages of this business, the dogs were taught in a horse arena.”

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Faye, Donna Niggeler’s tricolor border collie, jumps a gate during an agility training exercise.

Advertorial

Life is short, work somewhere awesome.

The Good Samaritan Society makes a difference in our community WRITTEN BY CARISSA ANDREWS

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The Good Samaritan Society has a reputafour-year RN degree while employed by the tion that precedes them. It’s one deeply organization. Both require working 10-16 entrenched in the love for offering qualhours per week while utilizing the scholity healthcare services to the citizens in arship program. In many ways, it’s like its communities. Since the late 1960s, it on-the-job training and it’s an exceptional has offered senior housing, assisted living way for people as young as 16 to gain the apartments, skilled nursing care, postexperience they need, along with their acute care, therapy and rehabilitations education to enter the nursing field. services—as well as specialized care for seniors dealing That’s not all the Good Our mission is to with Alzheimer’s disease Samaritan Society offers share God’s love in their employees, either. Staff and dementia-related health issues. members who are studying to word and deed by achieve their nursing degree providing shelter They continue to be one of also have access to childcare the largest employers in reimbursement. There is also and supportive the community; employing travel reimbursement for services to older roughing 460 individuals expenses incurred traveling to persons and others and from classes, as well as a from Brainerd to Pine River.

The Good Samaritan Sociprogram to help repay student in need, believing ety is always searching for loans for new hires. that “In Christ’s quality individuals looking Love, Everyone Is to enter the healthcare and All of the Good Samaritan nursing fields. This includes Society locations have worked Someone.” nursing assistants, LPNs, hard to raise the bar when RNs, universal workers, as it comes to the care needs well as maintenance, dietary, and houseof local community residents. The entire keeping departments. We are currently Good Samaritan Society staff are a team of offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus. dedicated individuals who have a common goal in treating residents with love, dignity Good Samaritan Society proudly offers a and respect. Think of not just having a job generous scholarship up to $12,000 for but a profession with a mission. employees while they are working in Long Term Care and seeking a two-year LPN To learn more, visit: www.good-sam.com/ degree. They also offer up to $24,000 in careers scholarship funds for employees seeking a

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Progress Edition 2018

S54 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com

Brainerd business owner breaks glass ceiling Former employee buys auto glass business from founder

Humble beginnings Across from Hardee’s on Washington Street, Greenheck Auto Glass is dwarfed by a nearby car wash and ROC Detail, another automotive-related service provider.

Gary Greenheck founded the glass repair and replacement business in 2006 after working for Harmon AutoGlass for three decades. Upon retirement, Greenheck offered in 2014 to sell the business he started to Pederson, who was hired as the office assistant/bookkeeper in 2012.

“There was a friend who shared a day care with me at the time, and they (Greenheck was) looking for an assistant here, so I applied, and I interviewed and left, and within 20 minutes, I had the job,” she said of her inauspicious beginnings with the locally owned and operated business.

Auto glass replacement, rearview and side mirror replacement, rock chip repair, and personal, commercial, fleet glass repair and replacement are some of the services that are offered.

“When I first started, I figured I’d get fired right away because I was not very good at the job. There’s a lot of stuff to memorize when it comes to windshields and numbers,” she said.

The Better Business Bureau gave Greenheck Auto Glass an A+ rating, and no complaints have been filed with the BBB of Minnesota and South Dakota.

“Overall, the business has grown immensely from our regular customers .... but also to have owner of the business Janzen Auctioneer’s a quality and professional auction company the actually be on site installthat provides exceptional sales and marketing with positive and ing, I get a lot of good profitable results for our auction clients. reviews for that,” she said in reference to herself.

“People do appreciate that. … If they walk out and they’re happy, they will BOB, JEREMY & ASSOCIATES • Aitkin tell their friends they’re 82 Years of Quality and Professionalism happy. Their friends will 218-927-4488 or 218-851-0879 cell • jerjanzen77@gmail.com come here. … And that for complete listing & photos: makes me happy.” www.janzenauctions.com or www.midwestauctions.com/janzen/ An office assistant at 001753920r1 the counter greets customers who can wait in a small reception area while a technician works on vehicles in the garage and workshop, which round out the small business.

“I always imagined that I would work in an industry helping homeless people or the less fortunate,” Pederson said. “But soon

Frank Lee Staff Writer Business owner Karen Pederson is more comfortable with grease under her fingernails than talking about herself or Greenheck Auto Glass Inc. in Brainerd.

“Working on cars is what makes me happy,” Pederson said. “When I was growing up, my dad worked on vehicles, and I was always asking him what he was doing and if I could help.”

The 36-year-old mother of three from the Brainerd lakes area stands out in the traditionally male-dominated automotive industry -- and she knows it.

“I have a urethane supplier that has told me I’m the only woman business owner in a three-state area to own and operate her own glass shop without a partner,” Pederson said.

More than 11.6 million firms are owned by women and generate $1.7 trillion in sales as of 2017, according to the National Association of Women Business Owners.

“At age 14, I changed my oil for the very first time on my Ford pickup truck and since then I’ve just always liked working on vehicles,” Pederson said.

Women-owned firms account for 39 percent of all privately held firms and contribute 8 percent of employment and 4.2 percent of revenues, according to the national association.

JANZEN AUCTION

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Thank you Employees and Customers! Happy Labor Day!

u o Y k n a h T

To our Employees and Clients for Being the Building Blocks of our Business.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

Seated in the lobby of her Greenheck Auto Glass business on Washington Street in Brainerd, owner Karen Pederson knows she stands out in a field traditionally dominated by men. enough I found myself wandering out to the shop and watching the owner and technician install, and I wanted to know why they were doing it, what they were doing -- every step -- and soon he’d be asking me, ‘Would you like to help?’”

Technician Kyle Hamilton joined Greenheck Auto Glass in 2015 and was described by Pederson as a “hard-working, dedicated and caring” employee.

“My mom used to do stain glass, so it’s not unfamiliar,” Hamilton said of the work. “I enjoy it. Karen’s a good boss.”

Hamilton poured an accelerant in a straight line on a piece of glass in the shop, for example, and lit the liquid on fire before cutting the glass into sections for a windshield.

“Every day is different,” he said. “We also see different vehicles. We’ll go out to a farm and work on a tractor one day and then the next day we’ll be in here working on a Mercedes, so there’s just a lot of diversity with what we do.”

Customer service Greenheck Auto Glass offers potential customers a free estimate and mobile service within a 40-mile radius of the business. Pederson’s company also offers in-shop service, free pick up and delivery, or a courtesy vehicle for the customer’s convenience.

“I always discourage people from doing their own windshields just because if they break it on install, it’s kind of on their shoulders to redo it -- and for safety. You have to know what you’re doing, so I discourage them from doing that,” Pederson said of do-it-yourselfers.

The kinds of glass Greenheck Auto Glass has in stock for those who like to work on projects, however, include mirror, laminate, float plate, Lexan and acrylic.

“When you call here, you get a person every time,” Pederson said. “When you come in, you get me. If you ask for me, you’ll get me.”

BUSINESS: Page S55

The working men and women who form the backbone of our economy have earned our admiration, respect and best wishes.

We’re proud to salute them.

We’d like to take a moment to thank our Staff and Patients for a wonderful year!

Enjoy a safe and happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!

Jeffrey E. Olson | Cassandra J. Spitzley | Sam C. Hennies | David M. Ude

Commercial and Residential Construction

“Serving our Members since 1940”

and Architecture

804 Laurel Street, Brainerd, MN 56401 | 218-829-9065

w w w. hy t e c c o n s t r u c t i o n . c o m ( 2 1 8 ) 8 2 9 - 8 5 2 9 • B R A I N E R D, M N

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SERVING THE LAKES AREA FOR 30 YEARS!

(218) 829-4511

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Thank you to our wonderful employees and loyal patrons for making this another great summer!

A SPECIAL

NKUSR THLA L OF O

TO A EMPLOYEES!

Supplying the Lakes Area with all your landscape and masonry needs!

218-732-6633

18813 Eagle Bend Road Park Rapids, MN

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10424 SQUAW POINT RD., EAST GULL LAKE 218.829.3918 WWW.ERNIESONGULL.COM

25559 Main Street • Nisswa, MN 218-961-6724 Open Daily 11am-10pm

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218-829-9674

702 Industrial Park Road Brainerd, MN

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Quality and Service Since 1909

Progress Edition 2018

www.brainerddispatch.com

September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 S55

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch Employee Kyle Hamilton uses fire as part of the glass-cutting process at Greenheck Employee Kyle Hamilton cuts a large piece of glass at Greenheck Auto Glass in Brainerd.

Auto Glass in Brainerd.

Greenheck Auto Glass is a member of the Auto Glass Safety Council and follows its standards for use of the highest quality materials for each and every install.

“The customers are first,” Pederson said. “I am not in the business to be rich.

I don’t ever have plans of being rich, but I have plans of having repeat customers, and that’s how I’m going to earn my business. … Word-of-mouth goes far.”

August Stovall is one such satisfied, repeat customer, but others may know him from his work as the safety director for Anderson Brothers Construction who often travels statewide.

“They were doing our large trucks, replacing windows and windshields on large trucks and equipment -- just from rocks that were kicked up by other vehicles -- or out in the pits sometimes rocks would hit the equipment,” Stovall said.

“I’ve seen Greenheck’s professionalism

and the service provider works on about 10 windshields a day.

“Once you get one construction company, they talk to someone else and then they talk to someone else, and that’s how we get our referrals,” she said.

Greenheck also custom cuts mirrors and picture frames, and will work on house windows if the frames are brought in by customers, but the business is not insured for construction work.

“When someone sees me for the first time, I often get the question ‘Is there a guy around here that can look?’ And I think that’s what keeps me going. It makes me thrive to be able to be ‘I’ll look.

Let’s do this,’” Pederson said.

“I think it’s funny that they come in with a certain scenario, and when they talk to me, they’re usually blown away by the knowledge that I have. I try very hard to be up on everything that’s going on, and I’ll have other glass companies call me or stop by to kind 001759044r1 of pick my brain.”

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

Thank you to all of our loyal customers and dedicated employees.

Buy a dozen cookies & GET THE SECOND DOZEN FOR 25 CENTS

YDE’s

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Have a Safe & Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Sales of Used Appliances Major Appliances Repaired

Service & Parts for ALL Makes!

Sept. 11-15th

PINE RIVER

BAKERY

Thank you my Great TEAM.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

Have a Happy and

30701 Patriot Avenue, Pequot Lakes 0.4 miles south of stoplight • 218-568-5668

Join us Sunday for

9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Services

FOR YOUR

INFO

GREENHECK AUTO GLASS INC.

H City: Brainerd.

H Number of employees: Three, including owner.

H Trivia: Named after founder Gary Greenheck, but sometimes referred to as “Greentech,” “Greenbeck,” “Greenneck” or “Greencheck.”

Go to church website for all the information.

Sunday Services at 9am Sunday School at 10:15 — Please Join Us —

13815 Cherrywood Drive, Baxter, MN www.ChristBaxter.com • 829-4105

215 Barclay Ave. Pine River • 218-587-2545 Julie & John welcome you.

1220 Oak Street, Brainerd

Thank You For Worshiping With Us

FRANK LEE, county and features reporter, may be reached at 218-855-5863 or frank.lee@brainerddispatch.com.

Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchFL.

Now enrolling for Preschool.

Chocolate chip, candy coated chocolate pieces, peanut butter or peanut butter chocolate chip

218-829-5292 • 1-888-892-5292

(Regular Sunday Worship times: 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.)

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From Page S54

and their honesty, and that’s really what makes them really a cut above. When they tell you they’re going to be there at 1 o’clock, they’re going to be there at 1 o’clock. When they tell you the job is going to take an hour, it’s going to take an hour.”

Stovall said he has his company car serviced by Greenheck Auto Glass because he appreciates their honesty.

“I’ve brought it to her other competitors in the past, but at Greenheck, they’re more down to earth. They’re more about being with the customer and being more than just ‘Hey, we’re here to fix your window,’” Stovall said.

“But as far as cost, they’re also pretty (well) priced, and I’ve even asked them that before, like, ‘Wow. I thought it was going to be more,’ and the statement I got back was ‘We’re here for everybody. We try to make it right for everybody,’ and that was one comment I remembered.”

Referrals Greenheck Auto Glass customers includes a lot of tractor-trailers and a lot of fleet vehicles, according to Pederson,

Safe Labor Day!

Laurie Hall 326 W. Laurel St.

Brainerd, MN (3 blocks South of Walgreens)

218-828-0460

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BUSINESS

Happy Labor Day!

Sunday School starts

September 9th at 10:15 a.m.

001759045r1

The clean you expect.

The service you deserve.

Serving The Lakes Area For Over 20 Years

7870 Excelsior Rd., Baxter

218.828.9545 • 877.338.3957 Treatment of eye infections, injuries & glaucoma Consultations for laser and cataract surgery Eye exams • Contact lenses • Eye wear 001755593r1

218-829-4076

Baxter Industrial Park

Steve 33 yrs

Greg 33 yrs

Kelly 7 yrs

Willy 4 yrs

Brad 35 yrs

Brock 2 yr

Marlene 21 yrs

Dave 3 yrs

Dan 6 yrs

Jessi 3 yrs

Scott 20 yrs

Kelsey 3 yrs

Thank you

for your hard work and dedication this past year.

It is because of you that we continue to thrive.

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A Sincere Thank You to all of our Patients and Staff for another great year.

Laura Block Janine Kellig Bev Smith Vicky Merinen Joan Lendway Carmel Hoglund Jake Immel Lorena Horak Kyle Carner Neil Windorski Jake Scharber-Pikula Ramona Beach Derek Kocak Sue Johnson Russ Brugoyne Sheri Zilligan Tina Watson Anna MacArthur Anne Greiger Eric Malone Nick Retka Melode O’Day Erin Retka Tammy Jensen Janice Czech Tim Watson Molly Doble Jessica Wilson Bob Helgeson Julie Mack Bill Bailey 001760368r1

Dr. Jackie McCall

We take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to our dedicated staff.

You are the reason for our solid reputation.

LoAnn 33 yrs

218.829.5137 • baxter.culliganman.com

Progress Edition 2018

S56 September 3, 2018 • September 6, 2018 www.brainerddispatch.com Advertorial

Accra Home Care Services Available

By REBECCA FLANSBURG

funded through government health care programs to help individuals who are unable to fully care for themselves and allow them to stay in their homes. Personal Care Assistants can help with “activities of daily living” such as dressing, As a non-profit organization grooming, eating, bathing, transfers, since 1992, Accra has provided mobility, positioning and toileting, services that support the as well as other health-related independence of the individual. tasks, re-direction of behaviors and Accra knows the individual or family “instrumental activities of daily with disabilities need to find highliving” such as light housekeeping, quality caregivers and are determined laundry and meal preparation for to keep a high rate of pay for those adults.

Personal Care Assistants so the goal When young adults with of long-term care for the consumer, disabilities are preparing to make the remains with the same care provider transition from high school to work for consistency, familiarity and or postsecondary school, services overall care. and programs do not discontinue.

Accra’s customized planning process Accra offers services for children can strengthen the transition to and adults with disabilities, chronic post-school activities by offering diseases, behavioral diagnoses and benefits like enhancing the quality of mental illness who need assistance assessment and planning, fostering with personal care in their home or positive working relationships in the community. These services are between families and professionals Brainerd Labor Day 2018.pdf

1

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8:00 PM

and providing a way for educators and case managers to better coordinate their services.

To qualify for PCA (Personal Care Assistance) services, a consumer must receive Medical Assistance (MA), be eligible for the Alternative Care program for qualifying seniors or pay privately. Consumers, who have already identified their PCA, can direct their own care or have a responsible party assist them. They are also able to communicate these cares to the PCA providing services.

2. Have you had an assessment to qualify you to receive PCA services? If yes, go to Step 3. If no, you will need to contact your county or health plan for a nurse to come out to authorize services.

Tell the nurse at the time of the assessment that you want Accra Care to be your PCA provider.

How to Get PCA Services from Accra Care?

1. Do you have Medical Assistance (MA)? If yes, go to step 2. If no, you will need to apply for MA by contacting your county human services office or you can call MN Care State Office at 651-2973862 or 800-657-3672, or print an application at www.dhs.state. mn.us/healthcare or apply online at www.applymn.dhs.mn.gov

3. Do you have PCA with another company, but want to switch to Accra? If yes, the process is easy.

We will have you sign a change of agency form and help coordinate the transfer of services to our agency.

For further information regarding any of Accra’s services – please call our Brainerd office at 218-270-5905 or 866-935-3515. You can also visit us at www.accracare.org. Accra is also providing educational forums for any school, mental health facility, hospital or Moms’ groups that would like more information on services.

HELPING FAMILIES FOR 25 YEARS.

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Call our Brainerd office and ask about the possibilities!

218-270-5905

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Accra, a nationally recognized name in home care for over twentyfive years, provides services and support to people with disabilities and older adults living at home in their community.