Isanti Local Business 2012

local INSIDE

businesses

GIVING YOU A GLIMPSE INSIDE YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES • 2012

INDEX

Page Business 2 3 4

5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12

Twin Pines Auction Service - Almelund Rush City Bakery Rush City Liquor Perry’s Auto - Rush City Don Julio - North Branch JJ’s Bowl & Lounge - North Branch Anderson Koch Ford - North Branch Lampert Lumber - North Branch Rush City and North Branch Chambers North Branch Liquors - North Branch ECM Post Review Soft Dental - Rush City Wayne’s Greenhouse - North Branch

2

Inside Business • 2012

Twin Pines Auction Service has solutions to your ‘stuff ’ problems Got stuff ? Lee Ann will sell it for you.

A new venture in life is taking an award-winning auctioneer with 22 years of experience to new places.

Lee Ann Vande Kamp, of Twin Pines Auction Service, offers solutions.

“What do I do with all this stuff?”

Lee Ann has solutions.

“How do I get rid of these things?”

Lee Ann has solutions.

Lee Ann said many people don’t have a lot of time, or are retiring, downsizing or have inherited stuff and don’t know what to do or where to begin.

Twin Pines Auction Service has solutions for all of these people including for anyone liquidating a business.

And that is one of her goals in this new e n d e avo r : to offer solutions to sellers who don’t quite know what to do.

Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Lee Ann focuses on the areas of Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

She can conduct an auction at a business, a home, in a warehouse... offering expertise for the sale of a single item or entire business inventories.

Today, however, a great majority of auction action is taking place online, says Lee Ann. Online auctions are exciting because the platform she uses has over 130,000 buyers around the world.

Items get global exposure, she noted, making the potential for your items to be seen greater, with the possibility of getting a higher price.

The convenience of online bidding is also a plus, for the seller and the buyer, she said.

People can shop 24 hours a day, rain or snow, it doesn’t matter.

There are more technical advantages too, like the use of youtube videos to display an item. People will not only get a good look at things such as large machinery, but can see through the video how it works.

Twin Pines Auction Service’s promise to you is to sell your stuff and get as much as they can for you.

In addition, Lee Ann enjoys doing charitable auctions, and has one for Family Pathways coming up in September.

In today’s fast paced, quickly changing global economy

it is crucial to select a leading professional when selling your property.

Twin Pines Auction Service offers live and online auction solutions; selling estate property, commercial/business equipment and surplus inventory, manufacturing and construction equipment, RV, marine and power sports equipment, vehicles and trailers, specialty and charitable fundraising events.

Knowledgeable, experienced and trustworthy, Lee Ann welcomes the opportunity to visit with you about Twin Pines services.

She can meet with people pretty much any time, and accepts e-mail and phone calls. If you need to get rid of “your excess stuff,” call her today at 651-600-0535.

twinpinesauction@gmail.com • www.twinpinesauction.com

What is Inside Business?

So much of what we do at the Post Review involves stories about the communities of North Branch, Rush City, Stacy, Harris and the surrounding area.

These stories usually involve a lot of facts and figures about the governmental bodies and the school districts that serve these

communities or they talk about some of the interesting things that people who live in these communities do for enjoyment.

Once a year, we take a different approach to the way we do things. We take a look at the businesses in our area. People are genuinely interested not only in

Julian L. Andersen, Publisher Marge Winkelman, President Jeff Andres, General Manager Steve Rajtar, General Manager MaryHelen Swanson, Editor Derrick Knutson, Associate Editor Jon Tatting, Reporter Victoria Dahlin, Sports Reporter Mary Eslinger, Advertising Shelley Schmidt, Production/Layout

the products and/or services that are provided to the community by these businesses, but also interested in the business owners and the employees who work there. Often times there is much excitement when word gets around of a new business coming to town or if changes are

happening to a business already established in the community. People want to know.

The advertising, production and news staff at the Post Review put together this issue of Inside Business. This anticipated section gives businesses an opportunity to tell their

story. Many of the readers of the seven previous editions of the Inside Business have made comments that they have learned something new about a business that they have been patronizing for years.

Others have always wanted to know more about a business but have never

taken the time to ask.

We hope in reading this eighth edition of the Post Review’s Inside Business that you will discover something new about one of these businesses that are featured in the following pages.

Post Review subscription rates: $42.00 within 50 miles of North Branch and Rush City for one year. Over 50 miles from North Branch or Rush City $44.00 for one year (except Alaska, Hawaii and foreign countries) Senior citizens: age 62 and over, deduct $3 from either subscription rate. Single copy price $1.00; mailed single copy, $2.25

Order subscription online at: ecmpostreview.com

Deadlines: 4 p.m. Friday in the North Branch office Address: ­6241 Main Street, Ste. 103, North Branch, MN 55056-0366 Phone: 651-674-7025 - FAX 651-674-7026 E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com • Web site: www.ecmpostreview.com

Rush City Bakery

Inside Business • 2012 3

celebrates 30th anniversary

By Jon Tatting In 1982, Daryl Seim envisioned running a small town bakery where people would line up down the street for good doughnuts.

Well, that didn’t happen, but his ambition in the retail and wholesale markets has put Rush City on the map as a place where some of the best baked goods come to life. Just ask a local regular or a Gophers fan enjoying his catered food from a suite at TCF Stadium.

The Rush City Bakery is celebrating its 30th anniversary under owners Daryl and his wife Wendy Seim who are joined by bakery manager Tim Price and a proud team of 30 employees at 450 South Eliot Ave. “We’re still having fun after 30 years,” said Daryl over coffee and a doughnut at the bakery. “We want to thank the community for supporting us.”

As a business, the downtown bakery predates the 1930s, and it was a coffee shop serving breakfast and lunch when Daryl took ownership in 1982. Once it was his, it didn’t take long to learn that his vision — customers waiting in the street for doughnuts — was not to be.

“The Rush City community was on the smaller side, so that didn’t happen,” said Daryl, who can smile about it now.

Eventually, he began to expose the bakery to a larger market by trucking out his goods to Tom Thumb and other food, fuel and convenience stores locally and around the metro area. “Three big trucks are filled every night,” he said.

The business took another step forward when Daryl received a call from a man who saw his doughnuts at a metrobased convenience store. The man was a chef for the Honeywell company and was interested in Daryl’s baked goods.

As a result, the Rush City Bakery got into contracting with corporate catering companies that bring a slice of the bakery to many Twin Cities hospitals, financial institutions, cafeterias, industries and much of the University of Minnesota campus. Goods in demand typically include desserts, buns, breads, cupcakes and doughnuts, Daryl noted.

“The staff steps up and gets the order out,” said bakery manager Tim Price. “We can make 500 dozen buns on the drop of a hat.”

Still, the bakery has not forgotten its roots in retail and service to the community, as they love their regular customers and continue to keep their goods on hand locally.

“Our retail business does phenomenal,” Daryl noted. “I feel we’re blessed to still be here. We had a lot of help along

the way.”

Added Wendy, “Our regulars are by the clock, and we appreciate their business. We’re grateful for all of our dedicated employees.”

‘Roll with the best’ Price, who’s been with the bakery for 16 years, takes pride in the business that lives by the logo, “Roll with the best,” and makes the necessary adjustments to changes in the market.

“We’ve gone back to more scratch baking and making our own fillings. We have great apple filling right now,” Price explained. “You can’t sacrifice the product. We refuse to do that.”

The bakery typically goes through 100 pounds of apple filling per day and makes 10,000 items from doughnuts, sweet rolls, breads to cookies also per day. If needed, they also can make 800 cakes a day for special events, while 20,000 dozen Christmas cookies are created over a single holiday season.

Rush City Bakery has received awards from the Upper Midwest Bakery Convention, and Price had success at the recent Braham Pie Day. He won a first place for his sour cream apple pie, which later auctioned off for $80, and a second place for his chocolate dipped banana cream pie, which auctioned off for $140.

And though his fresh raspberry pie didn’t place, it still attracted a high bid of $120. All of the proceeds went back to the community.

“We make good pies here,” said Price, noting people can request the pies he entered at Pie Day. Wedding cakes The bakery’s custom created wedding cakes are made from scratch by its award-winning bakers and decorators. In fact, people can set up a visit and enjoy a complimentary tasting of some of their cakes and fillings.

Select one of the bakery’s signature flavors or customize your own combinations using the shop’s ala carte selections.

The bakery can accommodate many special requests.

Brides and grooms can bring their own ideas or browse through the shop’s wedding album. Also on hand is a wedding cake consultant who will sit down with you in creating your own personalized wedding cake.

Stop in or check out www.rushcitybakery.com for more details.

Contact info The Rush City Bakery is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

For more information, call 320-358-3115 or 612-332-8933, e-mail info@rushcitybakery.com or log onto rushcitybakery.com. They also can be found on Facebook.

4

Inside Business • 2012

Specials and convenience abound at Rush City Liquor has established itself as the go to spot in the area for beer, wine and an assortment of other spirits. The store is located at 1235 West 4th St., a few steps away from Rush City Foods, Family Pathways and within walking distance of Rush City’s new Dollar General store.

Rush City Liquor moved to that location three years ago after leaving its old building off Highway 61.

Carol Hanson, manager of the store for 19 of the 42 years it has been open, said the store is doing “really well.” The municipal liquor store offers friendly service from its eight part-time employees and any profits made Rush City Liquor is a convenient one-stop location for all your beer, wine and liquor go to the city’s general fund needs. Located just off I-35 in Rush City, it’s the perfect store to swing by on the way to help keep property taxes up to or back from the cabin. down.

The store is always stocked has become a popular place for customers. special is ongoing the entire year.” Also with a large inventory and a vast variety of “There’s been a lot of wear and tear,” the throughout the year is a 10 percent off all alcohol. “We’ve increased our wine volume manager of the beer cave said. Rush City wine sale every Tuesday. (including local, cold, imported, Asti and Liquor customers can purchase keg beer There’s perhaps no other better place champagne) and will continue to do so,” for all of those special occasions, from along 1-35 north of the Twin Cities metro Hanson said. wedding receptions to tubing down the to stock up on beer and other alcohol on She noted Rush City Liquor allows pa- river, Hanson said. the way up to the cabin. “We’re right off trons to sample some of its inventory durThe store also offers a lot of discounts. the freeway and people know we’re here,” ing wine tastings three times a year. The Monday is senior’s day; a sale table fea- Hanson said. “It’s easy on, easy off. Monext tasting is coming up Oct. 26 at Chuck- tures discounted items; and whenever a pa- torists don’t have to wait at any stoplights ers Bowl & Lounge in Rush City. In addi- tron buys from the store he or she could be to get here.” There’s also an ample amount tion to sampling an assortment of wines, eligible for cash back on a future purchase. of parking for vehicles such as campers Hanson also said the liquor store some- “We have a rewards card for every $10 they and those hauling boats. times brings out various beers and liquors spend,” Hanson said. “Twenty punches Doors are open at Rush City Liquor for people to taste. on the card is good for $10 off their next 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, The store’s beer cave, a walk-in cooler in- purchase. Plus, they get to enter a quarterly and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. sulated with help from an electronic door, contest to win a $25 gift certificate. That For more information, call 320-358-3215.

Perry’s Auto Salon Perry’s Auto Salon Inc. in Rush City, Minn., is an auto body repair and paint shop serving East Central Minnesota since 1978.

Owner and operator Perry Lindberg,

offers quality craftsmanship in a hometown atmosphere

and his team have always taken great pride in delivering quality craftsmanship to their customers in a hometown atmosphere.

This legacy continues as Perry’s enjoys

Perry Lindberg, owner and operator of Perry’s Auto Salon, is often seen in car shows and parades with a beautiful classic car he has restored.

welcoming their client’s next generation as patrons. Perry’s Auto Salon is grateful for these loyal customers.

Whether a project is large or small, Perry’s Auto Salon views each project as an opportunity to showcase their commitment to excellence.

This involves something more than just getting the job done; it involves an attention to detail and a refusal to compromise their This November Brad Nelson will have been high standards of service. employed at Perry’s Auto Salon for 33 years.

Because of this, Perry’s Auto Salon was awarded a Despite this high standard of service, 100-percent Customer Satisfaction Rat- their prices remain fully competitive. ing by Customer Research, Inc. If you are involved in an accident, towPerry’s Auto Salon uses state-of-the-art ing and car rental are available. Perry’s equipment and employs I-CAR Trained Auto Salon provides expert claim hanand ASE Certified Technicians with a dling, working with all insurance compacombined experience of 120 years, and nies to negotiate your claim on your becontinues their mission of excellence with half in your best interest. on going industry education and training.

875 S. Bremer • Rush City, MN • 320-358-4211 • www.perrysautosalon.com

Inside Business • 2012 5

Enjoy the don julio experience lunch Monday-Friday. Served between 11am and 2:30pm After hours, 1.00 extra.

Lunch Special No. 1 - 6.00 Chile relleno, taco, beans and guacamole salad.

Lunch Special No. 2 - 6.00

Burrito with lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, rice and beans.

Lunch Special No. 3 - 5.00 Burrito, taco, rice.

Lunch Special No. 4 - 5.00 Chile relleno, rice and beans.

Lunch Special No. 5 - 5.00 Enchilada, rice and beans.

Lunch Special No. 6 - 5.50

Two chicken enchiladas with rice, topped with lettuce, sour cream and tomatoes.

Lunch Special No. 7 - 6.00

Enchilada, chalupa and quesadilla.

Speedy Gonzáles - 6.00

Taco, enchilada, and choice of rice or beans.

Quesadilla Fajita - 7.00

Choice of fajita-style chicken or beef, served with guacamole salad.

Lunch Fajitas - 7.00

A lunch-sized portion of sizzling fajitas with your choice of beef or chicken and guacamole salad.

Huevos Mixtos - 7.00

Scambled eggs mixed with grilled bell peppers and shredded pork topped with green tomatillo sauce, rice and beans.

Huevos Ranchero - 6.00

Two ranch-style eggs topped with Mexican sauce.

Served with Mexican rice, refried beans and tortillas.

Huevos con Chorizo - 6.00

Mexican sausage mixed with eggs and served with rice, beans and flour tortillas.

Lunch Chimichanga - 6.00

Flour tortilla soft or fried, filled with beef tips and topped with lettuce, tomatoes and guacamole.

Served with rice and beans.

Pronto - 5.50

Quesadilla topped with chicken or beef, lettuce, sour cream, rice and beans.

Quesadilla Rellena - 6.00

Chicken or beef quesadilla with guacamole salad and choice of Mexican rice or beans.

Taco Salad - 6.00

Crispy, flour tortilla shell with beef or chicken, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and sour cream.

Taquito Plate - 6.00

Two chicken taquitos topped with nacho cheese.

Served with Mexican rice or refried beans and guacamole salad.

Burrito Fajita - 6.50

Choice of fajita-style chicken or beef topped with nacho cheese. Served with rice or beans.

By Jon Tatting People with an appetite for authentic Mexican food and ambiance can find it under one roof at Don Julio Authentic Mexican Restaurante in North Branch.

Accompanied by a relaxing, fun and even romantic atmosphere, the restaurant has become a hot spot for local families, friends, couples and even co-workers over lunch and dinner since opening in time for Cinco de Mayo 2010.

Claiming to have “the best margaritas in town,” the business at 5466 St. Croix Trail is located along the line of storefronts that stretch east from County Market.

Owners Jorge and Erica Morales, who first launched Don Julio in Forest Lake, have since opened a third restaurante in White Bear Lake.

“People will feel like they’re in Mexico,” said E. Morales of the atmosphere that includes Spanish music playing in the background. “Whenever you want Mexican, we want you to come to Don Julio and be a part of our heritage and culture through our food and environment.”

Egg & Ham Burrito - 6.00

A flour tortilla filled with egg and ham. Served with rice, pico de gallo and topped with cheese dip.

Lunch Margarita - 3.50

5

$ 1/2 OFF! Buy 1 Lunch...Get the 2nd

OR

O Order of F $30 or F more!

One coupon per table. Not vaild on Friday & Saturday after 5pm or with other offers. Exp. 9/15/12

Catering is available at Don Julio, which can be reached at 651-674-5990 Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday through Saturday For more information, visit donjuliomexicanrestaurant.com

6

Inside Business • 2012

JJ’s Bowl, ‘ Where good friends meet’ Fall league starts first week of Sept.

JJ’s Bowl and Lounge is the area’s No. 1 source of entertainment and fun. It offers bowling leagues for both adults and youth along with a full bar and live music every weekend. Mixed leagues are forming and will bowl every other Sunday. They also have mixed leagues on Friday evenings.

JJ’s Bowl 651-674-8371

Some of the entertainment options offered at JJ’s are: • 12 synthetic lanes with automatic scoring • “Moonlight” bowling Saturday nights • Cosmic Rock ‘N’ Bowl — Fridays at 9 p.m.

• Bumper bowling equipped • Complete pro shop • Video games

JJ’s Bowl and Lounge is conveniently located a half-mile north of the stoplights on County Road 30 and Highway 95. The bowling center offers a dozen bowling lanes along with a complete pro shop and a variety of entertainment on the weekends. Stop in to sign up for a league, polish your bowling game or simply have a fun evening with family and friends.

Anderson & Koch Ford, Inc. is ‘your kind of Ford store’ Anderson & Koch Ford, Inc. is a family-owned business that has been in North Branch for three generations. The dealership has been in business for over 50 years, with Jay Young and Bill Young as current owners. They employ 27 full and part-time staff. This dealership includes the sale of new and used vehicles, as well as a complete service and collision center for all types of vehicles. As recipients of the President’s Award by Ford Motor Company for six consecutive years, customer service is clearly its focus. Bill Young remarked, “We really try to be a service company that sells Fords — customer service is the backbone of our business.”

Anderson & Koch Ford, Inc. is a member of the North Branch Area Education Foundation, Lion’s

Club of North Branch and the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce. The business supports the NBAEF activities, youth athletics and encourages its employees to support local activities by volunteering or offering financial support. As strong supporters for the “Buy Local” campaign, Anderson & Koch Ford, Inc. used a local contractor on its latest building project. The dealership went so far as requiring that the materials were bought locally at Lampert Lumber.

Anderson & Koch Ford, Inc. is the premier car dealership north of the metro. It’s located at 5577 St. Croix Trail, North Branch. To contact the dealership call 651-674-4465, e-mail anderson@mcg.net or visit www.andersonandkochford.com.

We’re your kind of Ford Store!

Anderson & Koch 651-674-4465

Sales, Service & Collision Center

Inside Business • 2012 7

Call on Lampert

By Jon Tatting It’s been a busy year at North Branch Lampert Lumber, which has been breathing life into people’s building and remodeling projects for 40-plus years.

In fact, Lampert Lumber as a company is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, said Charlie Hult, manager of the North Branch store.

Located at 39451 Flink Ave., just north of ShopKo, the business offers a staff with strong building and construction backgrounds. Share your vision, and they will help design that new sunroom, kitchen, three season porch or extra bathroom or bedroom.

The Lamperts team has recently

Lumber for all your building needs

grown to include a sales support staffer, driver and lumber yard worker, as the building market appears to be making a slight and hopeful comeback.

“More new homes are being built this year,” noted Hult. “This while people are building decks, pole barns and new additions (on their existing homes).”

Since 1971, North Branch Lampert Lumber has been offering its expertise and top-notch products — from lumber to fine building materials — for major projects or those smaller fixes around the house.

From diverse lines in hardware to paint, cabinets and flooring, customers will find windows, doors, siding, millwork, tile, carpeting, wallpaper, paneling, tools, plumb-

ing items, insulation and more at the home center.

Through the home center, goods can be delivered right to the customer, while there’s a number of different sized trucks to meet these needs.

Lampert Lumber offers a rental service, allowing customers to rent items such as Bobcat machines, trenchers, power tools, skid steers, wood splitters, lawn and garden equipment and even tables and chairs for social events.

Embracing today’s technology, the business can be accessed at lampertlumber.com/locations/ north-branch. Customers can shop online, without having to pay for shipping, sign up for e-mail blasts for special deals, and we have a

Facebook page, said Hult.

Lampert Lumber, a member of the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce, takes pride in its involvement in the community — from sponsoring events at the county fair to providing goods for those working on an Eagle Scout project.

North Branch Lampert Lumber, at 651-674-4415, is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

North Branch Lampert Lumber is located at 39451 Flink Ave., just north of ShopKo.

8

Inside Business • 2012

6th Annual Fall Golf Classic The Rush City Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in the 6th Annual Fall Golf Classic. All of the funds that the Chamber raises at this tournament help support all the Chamber sponsored events that take place throughout the year.

What: 18 hole 4 person scramble Where: Bulrush Golf Course, Rush City When: Friday, September 21st, 2012 (11:30 am registration and lunch & 1:00 pm shotgun start) Cost: $60 for individuals and $240 for a team (please register by Mon., Sept. 17th)

What’s included: Lunch, 18 holes of golf w/cart, dinner and the chance to win many great prizes!!!! Chance to WIN a new car, cash and other great prizes…

Please send in entry form with your full payment to reserve your spot in the golf classic to Rush City Chamber.

Entry form available at www.RushCityChamber.com OR call 320-358-4639

Chucker’s Bowl Rush City

Save the date

t er 1s b m Dece ta Day San h City s in Ru

PO Box 713 • Rush City, MN 55069 www.RushCityChamber.com •320-358-4639 CHAMBER OFFICE HOURS Wednesday & Thursday 8 a.m. to noon

Inside Business • 2012 9

North Branch Liquors’ profits go to city

Store works to keep alcohol away from minors Municipal liquor began just after Prohibition as a means to control the sale of alcohol.

North Branch Municipal Each year, Minnesota’s Liquors opened in 1948 as municipal beverage a revenue-producing departfacilities generate ment of the city. Today, the approximately dual purpose of municipal liquor stores is to “Promote $300 million in sales moderation and control in and contribute the sale and use of alcohol beverages, while simultaneapproximately ously generating income for $20 million in our community.” net profits to various Shopping local keeps it local Choosing to shop at North city funds in the cities Branch Liquors directly benwe serve. efits each member of the North Branch community.

Thank you for Shopping your local municiyour support! pal liquor store keeps the money you spend truly local by adding to the profits from sales at the store which are used to help lower the tax burden for city residents and businesses. For example, in 2011, $124,602 of liquor store profits was transferred directly to the General Fund for property tax reduction. In 2012, $128,000 is budgeted to be transferred.

Did you know?

Staff Recommendations

Good location, specials North Branch Liquors operates out of a 6,000-squarefoot building that was built in 2000 located at 5846 Old Main Street, behind the Holiday station on the east side of the freeway. They employ two full-time and eight parttime staff members with a vast knowledge base of the products they offer. They feature monthly, weekly and daily specials on selected beer, wine and liquor. Included in the store’s wide selection are 1,452 wine choices, 1,190 spirits, and 688 beer packages to choose from. The wine selection includes Minnesota and Wisconsin wines, and the craft beer selection continues to expand rapidly.

Tasting Events Twice per year North Branch Liquors’ Wine Club hosts large wine, spirits and beer tasting events. 12 – 15 of the store’s vendors come together to offer samples of 75-100 different types of wine, spirits and beer. These tasting events are held in conjunction with the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce and their fundraising efforts. Tastings are held in the spring (two weeks before Easter), and in the fall (two – four weeks before Thanksgiving). You can stop in at the store and fill out a request card to get on the mailing list so you will receive advance notice/reminders about upcoming events sponsored by North Branch Liquors and their vendors.

The next tasting event is scheduled for Friday, October 26, 2012 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. at the Chisago County Senior Center – Maple Commons on 6th and Maple. Watch for more information posted in the store, on the North Branch Liquors and North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce websites, and the local newspapers as the event date draws nearer.

Wine, Beer and Spirits Learning Seminars An additional and exciting segment of North Branch Liquors’ Wine and Pub Clubs are informational seminars. These are smaller gatherings (maximum of 35-40 attendees per seminar) in a classroom-type setting, where participants learn about a particular topic of interest (i.e.

Wine 101 taught participants about how wine is made, a Pub Club seminar was presented about home-brewing, and Cocktails Are Easy demonstrated specific drink recipe preparation). These seminars give attendees an opportunity to taste a small selection of the presenters’ wines, beers or spirits as they are described in detail.

North Branch Liquors friendly and courteous staff pictured (l to r): Bruce, Deb (Store Manager), Nancy, Jim (Assistant Manager), Jenna, Jeff and Darrell. Not pictured: Jan, Shawn, Jody and Dustin.

You can go to the store’s website at www.northbranchliquors.com to check out the specials in advance of coming to the store, as well as see when the next tasting events are scheduled. Each month there are also several drink recipes posted, and staff recommendations of their personal favorites.

North Branch Liquors offers a senior discount of 10 percent off on Tuesdays, and a case discount on wine or liquor of 10 percent every day. So stop by and say hello to the friendly staff as you pick up some of the “coldest beer in town,” check out our recipe section, or try out some of the “Mix-A-Six” singles selections.

Mix-A-Six

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Joh Trulson alker istrict Joh nter C sults by back ed depu nso nso n 16 416 385, D 1 n 2, ity - W precin arand 4. to w ty c Tru School news has been Bcovered lson alker 3 t: L yle yd ork 8, 43 e Res A rrickthe M C K constantly, too, and readersShover o Chis nuts u ntin rs. M er o ued lts on p whil iff ’s d ago C n e Sar age o years learned about the struggle at th e break putto y in unty 2 ah Binneso ing e Alm ing up jured elun S a M build school buildings, about t duty howgradud T fight a a r is z , s . now hres e . h y Sgt. Inte bac , cr Ab k on ation classes, high schoolmissports and Ja s due ed a w son sup urn vic rnati owne Fos eek the the successes of our alumni tain to injuon ter o p d t f ed a ries wo thro ort th im, s onal t 201 pages of our papers. pohretebdelyer gftaerrdetwo mheensusr-k e Ph he w u g h M sault out i 2 o phy n area in nea rs. Min sic Cha ed hometown her enix S ll r Over the years, this local p Tro d him a ally ewas olis, S nesota yC reig ocie The Stenso nd De ascrow arah of M ast t io n p e d n . u n B n e ty ty paper has provided athly place sub eputieto share Ady llano G 21 a al 2012 d Mrs azey, 4in- a s rou e qu dued a s even Inte t the 2 , Satu . Intern 6, co helicop get on, 7, p, a tualn r sa your weddings, engagements, St arrels nd ar births bov Sko rnation 7th An day, Ju a- wh crete ter to newof Har e nor enson ome d rested . p k Mor hair ris, uo inju sust even ie, Ill al Pa nual M ly pli ich he aving surve e ph do. . y ined . and deaths and wem“ismade a s tim ries, b apeople Pho con t feat The geant rs. als ed con r com project a oto t s in tos He’s e from ut did mithe estants ured n two-ho in ho ; the fl structio pany s for side

by J n g o w o t o on T o very important aspect ofd our coverthre world from early ur the rrific cr ight e n ma upattin She d,” Ch oing rk. t riff ’s isag inte e categ comp arou 60 in helico ash. B nded in erig rett Hop putting o C pas e y many age. We truly enjoy even rview, ories, eting nd thir jet fue pter a lted in a hea pe saidCapt. ounty n lth. crow ing go fitness- includin in pe d-degr l, Baze d dow side Keit of r w w e y s c h T Fos ed h m faces on our pages possible, after s by h ned M n. B ear a g the ent o e bur ter’s 20, e as ns uffered f h en he fore er husb rs. Inte azey w nd and of N , Jeffrey Sh licopt er bo over 4 as rn a a o all, this is your paper.

Baz sold-o nd, Jos ationa 15 s e went er explo dy whe 0 renb Micha rth B Salo, u u e e l n ph de ta rg pres y is o t will roch, el Keali ranch, the udienc , be- c herapy eries, 1 n to e d. base ident Sch And since the is a e.

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T 9 . pag m -inc for six months. Because of war shortages, rebuilding es 1 -10 .com Cal o sUbs 8-19 • Su l 65 C bsc ecmpostreview.com email: 651- 674 -7025 1-6 rIbe ribeeditor.postreview@ecm-inc.com would not happen until the following year.

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The ECM Post Review is a combination of two newspapers: the Rush City Post, established in 1874 and the North Branch Review, established a few years after that. The newspaper covers Rush City, Harris, North Branch, Stacy, Almelund and surrounding areas. We also cover the Chisago County Board of Commissioners to keep track of what’s happening in the entire county. Our staff is made up of an editor, an associate editor, a news reporter, a sports reporter and one salesperson.

We have been the Post Review since 1974 when the Rush City Post and the North Branch Review joined together. And we have been the hometown paper all those years.

During the early years publishers put as much news as possible on the front page, even made note of the passing of local citizens right on the front. The pages were big, almost twice as wide as they are now.

You couldn’t sit in the claw-foot tub and easily read your local paper in those days.

Our headlines spoke of wars and depressions. We’ve been there through good times and lean, grand openings, the coming of the freeway, ribbon cuttings, demolitions and construction of homes and businesses.

One of the most enjoyable things to do in our office is to look through the old volumes, and we have them back to the late 1800s, especially the advertising because prices have changed so much over the years. You wouldn’t believe what you could buy for 25 cents many long years ago. Grab a couple volumes from your teenage years and you’ll take a walk back in time that will give you goose bumps.

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Inside Business • 2012 11

2012 scholarship recipients 1220 W. 3rd Street, Rush City, MN, 320-358-4733 www.softdentalmn.com facebook.com/SoftDental pinterest.com/SoftDental youtube.com/softdentalmn

Soft Dental adds another doctor, now has social media access To keep up with an ever changing world, Soft Dental at Rush City has joined the social media trend and is now on Facebook (facebook.com/SoftDental), Pinterest (pinterest.com/SoftDental), and YouTube Channel (youtube.com/softdentalmn).

All this media access helps to build better relationships with their patients.

“It’s so the patients have a place they can go to engage with the office on a daily basis,” said Marketing Director Shana Munson. At these sites patients will find dental tips, education, humor, and much more.

To their staff, Soft Dental has added a new general dentist, Nancy Lam D.D.S., who works Wednesdays through Fridays at the Rush City office.

This brings the dental staff to four general dentists and one specialist.

This staff has been involved in some amazing efforts this year.

In February they participated in the “Give Kids a Smile” day and provided free care to a number of local children.

On Aug. 17 and 18, six staff members participated in the Minnesota Mission of Mercy in Mankato, where they joined thousands of other dental pro-

fessionals in treating about 2,000 individuals who are either uninsured or underinsured. Soft Dental sent two doctors, two hygienists and two members of their business team.

Coming soon is the 4th Annual Community Appreciation Picnic, which is a way of thanking the community, Munson noted.

It should be exciting with its Back to the 50s theme that will include a 50s costume contest, 50s music and nostalgic games for the kids. The picnic is set for Saturday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and will include hamburgers, hotdogs, many salads, and Scoops Ice Cream truck will be giving out free ice cream to all, plus there will be tours of Soft Dental’s high-tech office.

Soft Dental strives to stay up to date with the latest in technology for their patients’ comfort from the waiting room to the dental chair.

Most recently they started using an iPlus waterlase (laser) which allows them to do procedures, that used to cause bleeding, much quicker and with less pain, and no bleeding.

“It’s less traumatic than a drill,” Munson explained.

Children can be treated without the traditional trauma and

they can do same day procedures with minimal amount of anesthesia.

Soft Dental, the dream-come true of Dr. Tuyen Nguyen, whose inspiring story can be found on their website, is extremely proud to present scholarships to graduating students each year. This spring they awarded nine scholarships, eight $500 and one $750 to students at Mora, Pine City, Rush City and North Branch schools.

The $750 scholarship went to Saimin Huang, a student from the SHAPE (South Hennepin Adult Program for Education) in Bloomington, MN, where Dr. Nguyen received assistance and support during his educational journey from Bien Hoa, Vietnam to Rush City, Minnesota.

At Soft Dental, we are a progressive, efficient team working together to provide gentle, caring services and education to our patients.

Dr. Tuyen Nguyen and student Saimin Huang from the SHAPE program in Bloomington, Minn.

Shana Munson, Marketing Director and students Jacob Trantanella and Elizabeth Lynch from Rush City High School

Shana Munson, Marketing Director and student Nancy Moua from North Branch Area High School.

Shana Munson, Marketing Director and students Erik Scalicky and Nicholas Cummings from Pine City High School

Wayne’s 12

Inside Business • 2012

Nursery and Landscaping

offers a huge selection

Wayne Haslach, owner of Wayne’s Nursery and Landscaping began his career in horticulture at the young age of 14 when he began working at Linder’s Garden Center in St. Paul.

After graduating from the Anoka-Hennepin Landscape Career Center, he started his own landscaping business in 1975 with just a pick-up truck and a wheelbarrow.

With hard work and dedication Wayne’s business grew and in 1978 he opened his own nursery and landscaping center, which has continued to grow with the help of his wife Diane as well as his daughter Bonnie, who is now attending horticulture school and intends to stay with the family business.

Wayne’s grows many of its plants in its own greenhouses, but also buys wholesale from Linders and Baileys, as well as from other quality greenhouses located all over the United States.

Wayne’s Nursery and Landscaping has expanded to include succulents, house plants, terrarium bowls and many unique plants.

Wayne takes pride in offering a huge selection of annuals, 10,000 perennials, trees, shrubs, vegetables, fruits, vines, herbs, and water plants, along with landscaping materials to make any project you tackle a work of art.

Customers at Wayne’s Nursery and Landscaping will find the staff knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and appreciative of their business.

At this time of year, fall bulbs and mums are the main attractions at Wayne’s Nursery and Landscaping, but a big day for Wayne’s is Mother’s Day when the nursery is bustling with customers shopping for their mothers as well as for their own yards and gardens.

Wayne’s Nursery and Landscaping has three locations to serve its customers. The Main Garden Center is located two blocks east of the I-35 at the County Road 17 exit and is open spring, summer and fall. The locations at North Branch Outlet Center (formerly Tanger Mall) and at Chris’ Foods (formerly Nelson’s Market) in Pine City are open in the spring through mid-July.

Wayne’s Nursery and Landscaping offers color, color, color.

10,000 perennials, huge selection of annuals, trees, shrubs, vines and Wayne Haslach, owner of Wayne’s Nursery and Landscaping landscaping began his career in horticulture at the age of 14, and 42 years later his own garden center has expanded to materials! include succulents, house plants, terrarium bowls and many unique plants.

6196 Athens Trail Stacy, MN 55079

(651) 462-1500