Rush City Many Faces by ECM Publishers

Rush City THE MANY FACES OF

2013 Community Guide

Rush City Chamber Directory

www.rushcitychamber.com publishers of the ECM Post review and scotsman

A handy reference throughout the year

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

This Rush City Area Community Guide is produced by ECM Publishers Inc.

This guide is brought to you through the ECM Post Review Editor is Derrick Knutson, Advertising Consultant is Mary Eslinger Copy compiled by ECM Publishers, Inc. ©2013 ECM Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

This book may not be reproduced in any way without written permission of ECM Publishers, Inc.

About the cover: - Post Review staff photos www.hometownsource.com

CONTENTS

Chamber of Commerce........................................ 19-26 Chisago County Fair................................................. 11 Chisago County Historical Society........................... 36 Chisago County Parks............................................... 35 Churches.................................................................... 15 Community Read...................................................... 34 East Central Minnesota Chorale................................ 7 Events & Activities Calendar.................................... 41 Fishing.................................................................... 8-10 Food Shelf.................................................................. 29 Government/Phone Numbers.............................. 16-18 Grant House Hotel & Eatery................................ 32-33 Health Care/Medical Services.............................. 12-13 Hunting...................................................................... 29 Library....................................................................... 34 Map – Chisago County Map..................................... 42 Minnesota Correctional Facility............................... 40 Music Festival............................................................ 38 Public Transportation............................................... 28 Rush City Aquatic/Recreation Center...................... 14 Rush City Community Service Award................. 37-38 Rush City Schools................................................. 27-28 Rush City Teacher Crippen retires...................... 39-40 Rush City Women’s Club........................................... 30 Service Clubs............................................................. 31 Welcome...................................................................... 5 Youth Organizations................................................. 10

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS AmericInn................................................................... 6 Annette Schellbach’s Daycare/Preschool.................... 9 Auto Value Parts Stores............................................... 5 Carlson Heating & Sheet Metal................................ 29 Coldwell Banker Pro IV............................................ 44 Country Charm Mercantile...................................... 31 Debbie’s Barber Shop.................................................. 3 East Central Energy.................................................... 3 East Central Sanitation & Recycling.......................... 9 ECM Post Review...................................................... 11 Ecumen North Branch Senior Living......................... 2 Ecumen Parmly Life Pointes/Point Pleasant Heights.. 6 Fabric, Fashions & More........................................... 29 Fairview Pharmacy.................................................... 36 Hermann Insurance.................................................. 44

Lampert Lumber......................................................... 2 North Branch Vet........................................................ 6 Perry’s Auto Salon, Inc.............................................. 27 Peterson’s Country Mill............................................ 30 Plastech Corporation................................................ 16 Prefer Paving............................................................. 10 Rush City Car/Truck Wash....................................... 36 Rush City Foods.......................................................... 5 Rush City Liquor....................................................... 30 Rush Printing.............................................................. 5 Soft Dental................................................................. 43 The Grant House Hotel & Eatery............................... 3 Trio Wolf Creek Online High School......................... 7 Wild Mountain/Taylors Falls Recreation................. 35 Wilma’s Therapeutic Massage..................................... 3

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Discover Rush City, a fine place to live Welcome to Rush City, Minnesota, a small town rich in history with a face to the future. It was a great place to live in the 1800s, and it remains a great place in the 21st century. Rush City might look like a sleepy little village, but it’s full of busy people doing a lot of exciting things. With all the town and area have to offer, it’s easy to see why Rush City is an attractive place to live and do business. Rush City has housing for all stages of life. There are many commercial businesses and an industrial park with successful companies that offer jobs to many people. A quiet community, Rush City still boasts of having many of the amenities that people look for in larger towns. Among them are gas stations/convenience stores, a full-service grocery store, a thrift shop, video stores, banks, a pharmacy, day care and preschool services, auto repair, parts and sales businesses, car wash, storage facilities, coffee shops, a fabric store, insurance agents, a bakery, funeral home, municipal liquor store, realtors, post office, modern medical and dental services, a longterm care facility with an Alzheimer’s unit, and a school system that serves children from birth through high school. There is even a store dedicated to party needs and a lively bowling alley. Community safety is assured by a well-trained and equipped volunteer fire department, and policing is done through a contract with the Chisago County Sheriff ’s Office. Rush City is the home of a regional airport, the only one between the Twin Cities and Duluth, and can accommodate small jets. There is a flight school there, too. There are churches of many denominations for spiritual development and growth. The centerpiece of the downtown area is an exciting aquatic

center with pools for every age group. This facility draws people from far and wide and offers great recreation all summer long. In addition to fun and relaxation, swimming lessons are offered for many ages beginning with toddlers. Other recreational opportunities in the Rush City area include boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and summer ball leagues. On almost any given night from spring to early fall, the ball fields are being used with solid competition. Folks who enjoy living in Rush City can participate in clubs and organizations that have opportunities to serve the community as well as share quality time with friends and neighbors. Senior citizens can gather at the community center in the senior housing building, where a dining site offers noon meals and special programs. And Rush City is fortunate to have a branch of the East Central Regional Library. Special events include the annual citywide garage sale, and the city hosts the Chisago County Fair in July, with its big county fair parade. During the school year there are concerts, athletic events and theatrical productions to attend at the schools. It’s easy to see why the folks like Rush City. You can keep as busy as you want, or just come home and relax. Rush City is a good place to do business, a great place to raise a family and a wonderful place to call home. We hope you’ll find the information in this community guide helpful. Many thanks to the sponsors and the Rush City Area Chamber of Commerce for making it possible. — ECM Post Review

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East Central Minnesota Chorale

The East Central Minnesota Chorale is a civic choir representing more than 10 East Central Minnesota communities. Their mission: To bring fine choral music, performed at a high artistic level, to East Central Minnesota. Join the Chorale The Chorale welcomes all capable singers who love the challenge of fine quality choral music. Adults of all ages, young and older, sing in the chorale. If you are interested in becoming a chorale member please contact the chorale director, Mark Potvin at ecmcdirector@gmail.com. Rehearsals are held September through early May on Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Cambridge Lutheran Church, 621 Old North Main Street in Cambridge. History David Clarke founded the East Central Minnesota Chorale in 1980. Clarke was choral director at Cambridge High School, and after leaving Cambridge, became director of music at Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina. Dr. Dennis Port, now the conductor of the Bethel University Choir, also served as director for a few years. Mark Potvin, Choral Director at Princeton High School,took over as music director of the Chorale in September 2007. Throughout the years the Chorale performed in several cities in East Central Minnesota, and the Twin Cities. They also took regional tours, performing in Duluth, Grand Forks, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Rochester, Marshall, and other Minnesota towns. The Chorale performed at the state convention of the American Choral Directors Association, as well as the ACDA regional convention in Lincoln, Nebraska. Over 150 East Central Minnesota residents have been members of the Chorale. Performances The chorale repertoire includes everything from classical Re-

naissance to Contemporary styles, including classic choral selections, oratorios, folk songs and spirituals, as well as Broadway and pops arrangements. The Chorale has invited local high school choirs to join them in Major Works/ Scholarship concerts and has performed with orchestra and professional soloists. The concerts provide a unique experience for area high school singers. The Chorale annually awards two vocal music scholarships at this concert. The concert season typically includes 3-4 Christmas Concerts, the February Scholarship Concert, and 2 Spring Concerts. Occasionally there are additional special event concerts scheduled as well. Unum Vox, high school honor choir In 2009 the East Central MN Chorale launched a project for regional high school students. “Unum Vox” (one voice) is an elite honor choir designed to enrich the typical high school choir experience by allowing students from various schools to excel in a common pursuit of quality singing at the highest possible level. Auditions are open to 10-12 grade choral students. Unum Vox rehearses from 6-8 pm on Sunday evenings at the Cambridge Lutheran Church in Cambridge. They usually perform in concert with the East Central MN Chorale. Mark Potvin also is the director of this choir.

The Chorale is very thankful and proud to have received funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council.

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Area Fishing

Area Fishing North Branch area is home to many lakes, streams and rivers for various activities. For fishing, you will find: East and West Rush Lake, Fish Lake, Goose Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Sunrise Lake, Sunrise River and St. Croix River. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has an abundance of information available on local waters, including species of fish available, quality of the water, water depth, and locations. The DNR also offers general information on fishing and hunting. They offer the following information on local lakes and rivers. Additional information can be obtained at the DNR web site, www.dnr.state.mn.us, or by contacting the area fisheries supervisor at 320-384-7721. Rush Lake Rush Lake is actually made up from two lakes: East Rush and West Rush. The two are located west of Rush City with one access maintained by the Minnesota DNR. Each access has two cement loading ramps of concrete and docks for easy launching of boats and watercrafts. East Rush Lake is accessible from the northeast end in section 11. There is enough room for approximately 30 vehicles and their trailers. The second access is on West Rush Lake located on the west-central side the lake off Co. Rd. 4. This area also can accommodate 30-40 vehicles and trailers with onsite portable restrooms. These two lakes connect to form Rush Lake through a channel that is accessible to the public. Special regulations on both lakes include a 24 to 36 inch protected slot for northern pike and a 48 inch minimum for muskellunge. Characteristics of East Rush Lake are quite different from that of West Rush. Many people will tell you the fishing is not the same on either one, but is all the fun on both. East Rush is approximately 1,359 acres with a maximum depth of 24 feet, and water clarity of 2.40 feet. The lake is managed primarily for muskellunge and walleye and secondly for large mouth bass, black crappie, bluegill and northern pike. Fish species in the lake include Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Large mouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Golden Shiner, Freshwater Drum, Walleye, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch. West Rush Lake is approximately 1,464 acres with a maximum depth of 42 feet and water clarity of 3.1 feet. Fish species found in West Rush are similar to those of East Rush. Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Large mouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Walleye, Yellow Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Muskellunge, Painted Turtle, Snapping Turtle and White Sucker. Fish stocking on both East and West Rush Lakes dates back to the early 1900s, which consisted of sporadic stocking of such spe-

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

cies as northern pike, large mouth bass, crappie, sunfish, walleye and muskellunge. Walleye fingerling stocking began in the 1970s and continues to the present day. Current plans call for annual walleye fingerling stocking. Muskellunge stocking began in 1968 and currently muskellunge fingerlings are stocked every year. Rush Lake Island SNA, locally know as Crane Island, protects one of the state’s largest heron rookeries, with as many as 500 active great blue heron nests each year. Black-crowned night herons are also found in this rookery. A few great egrets have begun to nest on the island in the last decade. The best time for viewing is in the spring and early summer from a boat. Landing on the island is not permitted between April 15 and July 15 in order to protect the young herons. NOTICE: Eurasian watermilfoil is present in Rush Lake and extra caution is urged to thoroughly inspect boats and trailers and remove all vegetation. State law requires the removal of drain plugs and draining of water from all live wells and bait buckets before leaving any lake. Fish Lake Fish Lake is located west of Harris, off of Co. Rd. 10. It has an oval shape and is about 1.3 miles long. The shoreline is roughly half developed with homes. There is one public access, owned by the county, on the East Side of the lake. A fee is required on weekends and features an overflow parking area able to accommodate 25 vehicles and their trailers. The lake is approximately 314 acres with a maximum depth of 57 feet and water clarity of 7.4 feet. Fish Lake has dominate bottom substrate, sand, muck and clay. More than half of the lake area is no more than 15 feet deep. Species found in the lake include: Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Painted Turtle, Snapping Turtle, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch. Fish Lake is managed primarily for walleye and northern pike, and populations of largemouth bass and panfish are also present. Current plans call for walleye and fingerling stocking annually. Thirty species of aquatic plants were sampled throughout the lake. Fairly diverse populations of various emergent, submergent and floating-leafed species were present. Recently the presence of Eurasian water milfoil was confirmed in Fish Lake. Extra caution is urged to thoroughly inspect boats and trailers, and drain any water when leaving the lake to reduce the risk of spreading the exotic species to uninfested waters. Goose Lake Located northwest of Harris, Goose Lake has one Minnesota DNR managed access on the East Side of the northern basin. It has a small parking area for about 5 vehicles. Goose Lake is about 754 acres divided into two basins and has a maximum depth of 55 feet with water clarity of 5.8 feet. There are two basins that make up the lake. The northern basin is shallow and subject to winterkill, while the southern is deep and has plenty of oxygen. Goose Lake is primarily managed for walleye, northern pike and large mouth bass; secondly for black crappie and bluegill sunfish. Species found in this lake are: Black Bullhead, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Snapping and Painted Turtle, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch. Stocking dates back to 1908, and has included various species of fish. Walleye have been stocked on a regular basis since the 1970s, with current plans calling for annual stocking of walleye fingerlings. There is a 17 inch minimum length regulation for walleye, and there is a possession limit of 5 crappies.

Fishing – see page 9

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Fishing – from page 8 Horseshoe Lake Horseshoe Lake is located west of Harris near Stark, a small town off Co. Rds. 8 and 63. There is a concrete public access on the lake, which can accommodate a few vehicles and trailers. Horseshoe Lake is 197 acres with a maximum depth of 53 feet. Species found in this lake include: Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Bowfin (Dogfish), Common Carp, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, White Crappie, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch. The lake is managed primarily as a northern pike lake. Although the lake suffered a partial winterkill 20 years ago, fish populations have rebounded and no winterkill has been recorded since. Good numbers of northern pike, largemouth bass, and bluegill sunfish are present, with varying numbers of crappie. Sunrise Lake Sunrise Lake is located north of Lindstrom, off of Co. Rd. 14. The lake is 742 acres with a maximum depth of 21 feet and water clarity of 2.7 feet. Species include black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, large mouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow bullhead and yellow perch. A fee is charged for the private access on the east side of the lake. The Sunrise River consists of two branches that come together east of North Branch. The South Branch of the river has two dams which create the North and South Sunrise pools. While primarily managed for waterfowl, both of these pools have public access and provide some opportunities for northern pike and panfish fishing. Good fishing opportunities are available on the Sunrise River at Kost Dam and in the town of Sunrise down to the confluence with the St. Croix River. Walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike can be caught in these parts of the river.

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St. Croix River Designed as a Wild and Scenic Waterway by the Minnesota DNR (Department of Natural Resources), the St. Croix River flows just a few miles east of Rush City. Excellent bank fishing can be found at little used accesses on the Minnesota side, off of Old Ferry Road and the Old Government Road east of Rush City. Anglers find success fishing for walleye, muskie, northern, small mouth bass, catfish and sturgeon. However, all sturgeon caught must be immediately released back into the water. The St. Croix is a river of two moods-the upper river is a wild stream of lofty pines and myriad white-water tributaries; the lower is a placid river of quiet tree-shaded backwaters. The heavily wooded banks of the upper St. Croix valley are predominantly birch, maple, oak, aspen and basswood. The extensive forests of white pine that once covered the slopes disappeared during the valley’s logging boom in the last half of the 19th century. The St. Croix has little prime waterfowl habitat and hunting pressure is light. However, waterfowl which may be found in the area are mallard, wood duck, ring-necked duck and blue-winged teal. Upland game birds include ruffed grouse and woodcock. The most plentiful game animal is the white-tailed deer. Other wildlife along the St. Croix include beaver, raccoon, otter, mink, muskrat and fox. In addition to catfish, the St. Croix harbors walleye, northern pike, largemouth and small mouth bass, muskie and sauger. The beautiful character of the St. Croix has earned the river its status as Minnesota’s first stream in the national wild and scenic rivers system. Administered by the National Park Service, the St. Croix National Scenic River way was designated in 1968 to preserve the scenic qualities of the river and to provide adequate access for recreational users. Fishing license Information You can purchase Minnesota fishing licenses from county auditors or their agents, including resorts, bait and tackle shops, outfitters, some service stations and convenience stores, and many other popular businesses or online at www.dnr.state.mn.us. You can also get your license and fish stamps by calling 1-888-665-4236. There is a small charge by phone of $3.50 beyond the regular fee for the license. Yearly license fees are $22 for individuals 16 and over, $35 for married couples and $10 for a 24-hour license. Other license options are available; information will be on the DNR website or wherever fishing licenses are sold. Area Hunting Hunting opportunities in the North Branch area included whitetail deer, wild turkey, waterfowl of many kind, pheasant, bear, grouse and other small game. Most of the land in the area is privately owned and permission is a must to hunt on these lands.

Fishing – see page 10

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Fishing – from page 9 Wild turkeys are fast becoming one of the most popular game for Minnesota hunters, probably due to the illusiveness and intelligence of wild turkeys. Hunting rules, regulations, and application procedures vary depending on the game sought and the geographic area. Licenses can be purchased through the DNR, or at a variety of businesses, such as bait/tackle stores, sporting goods stores, convenience stores, and some gas stations. The DNR has hunting regulations books available at its state and regional offices, with complete information also in its web site. Available through the DNR are Public Recreation Information Maps (PRIM). The maps bring together the most up-to-date information on federal, state, and county lands and their recreational facilities, making it easier to find that unique spot for your outdoor enjoyment. Each map displays parks, forests, waterfowl production areas, and wildlife management areas. In addition, each map show facilities such as state trails, fishing piers, campgrounds, historic sites and more. PRIM maps can be purchased for $5.95 plus S&H at DNR regional offices. For complete and up-to-date information on hunting and fishing rules and regulations, please visit the DNR web site: www.dnr. state.mn.us or call (651) 296-6157. Hunting license Information You can purchase Minnesota hunting licenses from county auditors or their agents, including resorts, bait and tackle shops, outfitters, some service stations and convenience stores, and many other popular businesses or online at www.dnr.state.mn.us. Deer license fees are $31 for individuals 18 and over. There are special licenses that may be purchased depending on the zone in which you are hunting. Please refer to the DNR web site for complete information at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Organizations

AWANA AWANA club is open to students in preschool to grade six. Meetings are held Wednesdays, September through May at 6:30 p.m. at the Rush City Baptist Church. There is a Youth Group led by Jason Karlsson: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday for Grades 7-12 and Sunday’s Bible Study. Look for a schedule change in the fall for meeting times. Call the church for more information at (320) 358-4014. www.rushcitychurch. org Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts The scouting program is for boys in grades K-12. There is also a Coed Venturing Program. This is a Youth led organization where the youth decide what to do and when to schedule events. Some examples are: rock climbing, boating, and basketball games. For Scout information, please call Grant Weber, gweber@nsbsa.org, or visit the web site at www.adventureiscalling.org. Girl Scouts Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys serves all girls in K-12 and offers leadership development programs that build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Troops form all year long. Join Girl Scouts today and discover your skills, connect with your community, and take action to change the world. For information, call 1-800-845-0787 or go online to GirlScoutsRV.org. Financial assistance available. 4-H Clubs Janet Schweigert, (320) 358-3911, leads the North Star 4-H Club. The active club in the Harris area is the Golden Gophers that meet in town. There are about 400 young people in the 4-H program in Chisago County clubs. For more information on 4-H call (651) 277-0150.

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The Chisago County Fair:

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the perfect community get-together By Derrick Knutson Summers are filled with fairs: the Minnesota State Fair, and seemingly countless county and city celebrations. So what makes the Chisago County Fair different from the rest? Perhaps it’s the sense of community this fair exudes at every turn. The Chisago County Fair is a chance to get to know one’s neighbors, enjoy the most glorious days of summer, see local talent and taste an assortment of delectable foods. The 2013 Chisago County Fair takes place July 18-21 in Rush City. It’s hard to miss—just take a left on Fairfield Avenue by “The

Big Tank.” Fair activities include a talent show, parade, demolition derby, horse and livestock shows, moto-cross and, of course, numerous rides that induce shouts of delight from riders. There’s also a “Kid’s Day Saturday,” which includes games, pedal pulls, a magician, clowns, balloons, sack races, a duck pond, a pig pen, fair hair, face painting and more. The fair welcomes many vendors. Those who would like to become a vendor at the fair can call 320-358-0296 or e-mail info@chisagocountyfair.org.

This future motorist got her face painted during Kid’s Day Saturday at the 2012 Chisago County Fair.

4H members, some young like this girl, and others who are in early adulthood, showcase their animals at the Chisago County Fair.

It Is All About You. To subscribe, call 763-689-1981 or go to www.ecmpostreview.com

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Medical Services

Fairview Rush City Clinic Fairview Clinics - Rush City, 760 W. 4th St., Rush City, (320) 358-4784, offers primary and specialty physicians caring for children and adults, as well as laboratory, x-ray, mobile digital mammography, physical therapy, podiatry, and anticoagulation clinic. Clinic hours are Monday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic is part of Fairview Health Services, which also operates Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview and University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital. Fairview Pharmacy Rush City is located next door to the clinic in Rush City. Open six days a week, the pharmacy provides full prescription services including mail order prescription refills and many generic drugs at reduced cost, as well as a full selection of nonprescription medications, cards and gifts. Lakes Region Emergency Medical Services Lakes Region EMS is a private, not for profit ambulance service providing Advanced Life Support care to all of Chisago County and parts of surrounding areas. Our primary service area encompasses 450 square miles of rural and suburban areas with a current population of 51,000 persons. We have ambulances staged throughout the county at stations in Chisago City, North Branch and Rush City. From these three locations, we provide 24 hour 911 emergency and non-emergency response, as well as interfacility transports for multiple surrounding hospitals. In addition to our 911 response, we provide several education opportunities for professional and civilian needs. We are passionate about fulfilling our promise to provide state-of-the-art patient care, outstanding customer service through dedication to the communities we serve and financial health and responsibility. For more information, please visit our website at www.lrems. com or call us at 651.277.4911. Fairview Lakes Medical Center Residents who live along the I-35 corridor northeast of the Twin Cities have easy access to convenient state-of-the-art care at Fairview Medical Center, (651) 982-7000. Located at 5200 Fairview Blvd. in Wyoming, and easily reached by Highway 61 (County Road 30) and I-35, the medical center offers everything from routine diagnostics to trauma care, same-day and inpatient surgery, specialty medicine, cancer care, heart care and surgical and nonsurgical orthopedics provided in the new orthopedic center opening in May 2013. Three times nationally recognized for heart care, Fairview Lakes Medical Center provides complete hospital, clinical, surgical, diagnostic and rehabilitation services, including 59 inpatient beds, five operating rooms, and 80 patient exam rooms in 10 medical clinics staffed by 50 onsite medical providers. The recently expanded Lakes Cancer Clinic is staffed by two University of Minnesota Physicians oncologists. Specialty services at Fairview Lakes Medical Center include: family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, general and orthopedic surgery, cancer care, heart care, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, dermatology, neurology, ophthalmology and optometry, urology, rheumatology, ear, nose and throat and audiology and hearing aid sales, obstetrics and gynecology, psychology, sports medicine and other medical specialties including acupuncture, pain clinic, outpatient chemotherapy and infusion therapy and allergy services. Consulting specialists are available in nephrology, gastroenterology, pulmonology and several pediatric sub-specialties. Sleep medicine is offered nearby at Fairview Sleep Centers – Chisago City. A birthing center with spacious and relaxing private rooms accommodates women and their families before, during and after giving birth. A Fairview pharmacy and University of Minnesota Physicians Radiation Therapy Center are located onsite, and Meadows on Fairview, assisted living and memory care facility and the Meadow View rent-subsidized apartments for older adults are located across the street. You can walk in to Urgent Care without an appointment from noon to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Call 855-FAIRVIEW (324-7843) at any time 24/7 for an appointment at any Fairview clinic or make a clinic appointment online at fairview.org/clinics. If you have a simple health problem, you can skip the trip to the clinic and obtain an online diagnosis for only $25, by going to Fairview.zipnosis.com. Golden LivingCenter-Rush City Golden LivingCenter in Rush City provides short-term and long-term skilled nursing care to the Rush City community and surrounding areas. The facility not only provides nursing services, but also physical, occupational, and speech therapies; IV services; TPN services; individualized nutrition and recreation programs, and much more. With a capacity of 49 residents, of which 22 beds are designated for our therapeutic secured Alzheimer’s care unit, approximately 50 percent of all of their admissions return home within the first year. Golden Living Center also provides various services to the community including outpatient therapy services and blood pressure checks. A staff of about 65 associates cares for the residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are also employment opportunities available within the facility and company that provide for training and advancement. It is located at 650 Bremer Ave. at 320-358-4765. Burnett Medical Center Burnett Medical Center, located at 257 West St. George Ave. in Grantsburg, WI, has a family practice clinic and specialty care clinics in the areas of audiology, cardiology, clinical psychology, ear-nose-throat, general surgery, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, podiatry, and urology. It also has a fully equipped hospital with urgent care and 24/7 emergency services, along with nursing home care. Burnett Medical Center is located just off Hwy. 70, west of Grantsburg. The general number is 1-800-293-5353.

Medical Services – see page 13

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Medical Services – from page 12 Cambridge Medical Center Cambridge Medical Center is a regional medical center providing clinic and hospital services to residents in East Central Minnesota. The medical staff of nearly 100 physicians and providers represents a wide range of medical specialties including: allergy, anesthesiology, audiology, cardiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, endocrinology, ENT, family medicine, general surgery, hospitals, infectious disease, internal medicine, nephrology, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology, occupational medicine, oncology, ophthalmology and optometry, orthopedics (surgical and non-surgical), pediatrics and adolescent medicine, plastic and reconstructive surgery, podiatry, psychiatry and psychology, radiology, spine/back, urology, and vascular services. Cambridge Medical Center provides comprehensive inpatient hospital medical services including medical care, intensive/ coronary care, emergency services, general surgery, maternity care, mental health, and chemical dependency care. The medical center has 86 licensed hospital beds and has over 3,672 annual inpatient admissions. Over 16,000 patients are seen in the emergency department each year. Outpatient medical services include short stay surgery, chemotherapy, occupational medicine, and physical and rehabilitation therapy. The medical center averages over 91,000 outpatient visits. A same day clinic is open 7 days a week for non-emergency health care needs. The Same Day Clinic hours are: M-F 10:00a – 8:00p, Saturday 9a - 5p, and Sunday 11a – 5p. Allina Health Cambridge Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy, is located just inside the clinic entrance for patient convenience. Pharmacy hours are Monday – Friday 8a – 9p, Saturday 9a – 6p, and Sunday Noon to 6p. Comprehensive eye care is provided by ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians in the full-service eye clinic and optical shop located in the medical center. A large selection of frames for all ages, as well as contact lenses are available. Eye clinic hours are: Monday-Friday, 8a to 5:30p, Tuesday 8a to 7p, and Saturday 8a – noon. Cambridge Medical Center is affiliated with Allina Medical Clinic in North Branch serving people in Chisago County. Allina Medical Clinic-North Branch offers comprehensive care in family practice, orthopedics, obstetrics, gynecology, psychology, and diabetes education. Both Cambridge Medical Center and Allina Medical Clinic are part of Allina Health System, a non-profit network of hospitals, clinics, and other health care services located throughout Minnesota and eastern Wisconsin. Point Pleasant Heights Independent Living – The Companionship of Friends, and The Active, Carefree Retirement Lifestyle You’ve Earned. Interested in the perfect place to live in retirement? Take a walk. Or, go swimming, practice putting, do some gardening, work out, catch a fish, join a book club, peddle your bike, have your family over for dinner, or visit with a friend. At Point Pleasant Heights, 63 apartments and 44 picturesque town homes are designed for independent living and provide options in floor plans, lifestyles and rents while connecting residents to a wealth of community amenities and services. Offering privacy and security within a community of friends and neighbors, these maintenance free, single-level homes include updated kitchens, floors, bathrooms, and spacious living areas. Plans range from one bedroom to two bedrooms with two baths. Basic cable, on-site garages, emergency system, and a reduced membership in the Vitalize! Wellness Centre are additional conveniences included within the monthly fee. Staying active and happy is a way of life as residents enjoy a daily lunch or dinner – served restaurant style in the inviting dining room – optional exercise programs, Studios of Art, a beauty and barber shop, putting green and small garden spaces for personal use. Call (651) 257-4035 for more information. Ecumen’s Parmly LifePointes Ecumen’s Parmly LifePointes is a beautiful 60-acre community located along the shores of Chisago City’s Green Lake. It is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of wooded areas, gardens and walking paths. Begun in 1904 by dedicated Swedish immigrants, this Ecumen community has a tradition of more than a century of serving the Chisago City area. Parmly LifePointes features a wide range of housing options, including town homes and apartments, housing with supportive services, rehabilitation care, skilled nursing services, specially-designed memory care houses. Also adult day care with curb-to-curb service. With its diverse combinations of accommodation and services, Parmly LifePointes empowers people to live fully in a community they’re proud to call home. A key Ecumen value is wellness, and the Vitalize! Wellness Centre is a fantastic resource for nurturing physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational and social wellness for the entire Chisago City community. It includes a warm water pool, personal trainers, a state-of-the-art fitness room with smart key virtual training; group exercise programs; massage therapy; a serenity garden plus Studios of Arts that is open to the public. We create home for older adults wherever they choose to live. For more information, call (651) 257-0575 Ecumen North Branch We invite you to the neighborhood, to a thriving community, to a place you’ll be proud to call your own. Unlike other communities that promise a “home-like” atmosphere, Ecumen North Branch has based its entire philosophy on providing a true home for residents and guests. It’s a senior living and health care community that feels a lot like a small town, with four distinct neighborhoods, surrounding a bustling Town Center. Here, you’ll find assisted living and memory care, as well as specialized health care and short-term rehabilitative care. Most importantly, however, you’ll find comfort, convenience and a greater sense of independence. Welcome to the next generation of senior living.

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Rush City Aquatic Center

The Rush City Aquatic/Recreation center is located at 305 South Eliot Avenue in downtown Rush City. This year it opens June 3rd. It has a full size gym with locker space and an outdoor aquatic facility with a 165 ft. slide, diving pool, lap pool, zero entry play area, and a 26 ft. drop slide. Activities include swimming lessons for ages 6 months up to advanced skill levels, open swimming every day and water aerobics. Also included is a fully stocked concession area for ice cream treats, snacks, pop, water, candy, nachos and much more. Private rentals available for birthday parties, etc. Call the pool after June 3rd at (320) 358-3074. For questions before June 3rd, call the high school at (320) 358-4795. Please see the www.rushcity.k12.mn.us web site for complete rules and regulations for the Aquatic Center. Admission Prices If you come to the pool between 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., this will allow you to swim the entire day until 6:30 p.m. Ages 8 and under is $5, 9 - 61 is $8, 62 and up is $5 and a Family Pass is $25 (family pass includes dad, mom and immediate family). If you come to the pool between 3 and 5 p.m., this will allow you to swim until 6:30 p.m. Ages 8 and under is $4, 9 - 61 is $6, 62 and up is $4 and a Family Pass is $18 (family pass includes dad, mom and immediate family). **$1.00 admission charge for anyone who enters the pool and does not swim. Pool patrons who choose to leave and return during the open swimming session must get their hand stamped before leaving. You will then be allowed to re-enter on the same day at no charge. If you do not get your hand stamped, you will have to pay to re-enter. Sunday special: one free admission with every paid admission of equal or greater value. Nightly Special (5:00-6:30 p.m.): $1.50 per person Sunday-Saturday. Passes Season Passes for ages 8 and under is $85, 9 - 61 is $150, 62 & up is $85 and a Family Season Pass is $250 (Dad, Mom and Children). **Individual season passes and family season passes will be available beginning May 6th at the High School. Beginning June 3rd, all passes will be available at the Rush City Aquatic Center (358-3074). All Passes are Non Refundable and Non Transferable

Pool Hours Sunday through Saturday: Open Swimming: 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., (no 1/2 hour break). Fair dates: July 18-21, normal pool hours. Private Rentals Restricted to following times: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays Only. $85 per hour/rate could increase if large party uses pool. For more information, call the pool after June 3rd at 358-3074. If you have questions before June 3rd, call Rush City Schools at 358-4795. Appropriate forms must be filled out for private rental usage. Available upon request. Punch Cards Concessions Punch Card: Price: $10 (25 cent increments) Concessions Punch Cards will remain in the concessions area and may be used for purchases of concessions only and only by the person whose name appears on the card. Non-refundable. Admission Punch Card: Price: Ages 9 - 61 $80, Ages 8 & under/62+ $50. 2 sessions FREE! May be used by family members only (unless parent/ guardian present). Punch cards will remain in the concession area at all times. Non-refundable.

2013 Swimming Lesson Information Lesson Prices: $40 Rush City Residents, $45 Non-Residents

Levels Preschool Aquatics Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills (must be 5 yrs of age) Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills Level 3: Stroke Development Level 4/Part 1: Stroke Improvement Level 4/Part 2: Stroke Improvement Level 5: Stroke Refinement Level 6: Personal Water Safety/Fitness Swimmer

Sessions & Sign up Dates (10 a.m.-Noon @ the Aquatic Center on the dates listed) Session 1: June 17-21; June 24-28 - Sign up June 1 Session 2: July 8-12; July 15-19 - Sign up June 22 Session 3: July 22-26; July 29-August 2 - Sign up July 13 Session 4: August 5-9; August 12-16 - Sign up July 27 Swimming lesson registration for residents and non-residents will be on the same day. You MUST sign up in person. No mail registrations accepted. Sessions/Classes will be on a first come basis. Maximum of 150 kids per session. Swimming lesson fees are non-refundable. Transfers will be made up to four (4) working days before the session/class is scheduled to begin. Payment is due at sign up. Notification of lesson times will be sent by mail.

Lil’ Tots Swimming Lessons Lil’ Tots I: Enjoy swimming with your child! This class builds swimming readiness by emphasizing fun in the water. Ages 6-24 Months • Cost $30 Time: 6:35-7:05 p.m. (30 minutes) Days: Tuesdays (8 Sessions) June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13 Sign up Tuesday, June 11 @ Center from 12:30-6:30 p.m. Maximum number of students is 30, with 2 instructors; 1 per 15 students. PARENTS MUST ACCOMPANY CHILDREN IN WATER! Lil’ Tots II: Will increase water familiarity and confidence for children 24-48 months. Cost: $35 • Time: 6:35-7:15 p.m. (40 minutes) Wednesdays: June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14 Sign up Tuesday, June 12 @ Center from 12:30-6:30 p.m. Maximum number of students is 30, with 2 instructors; 1 per 15 students. PARENTS MUST ACCOMPANY CHILDREN IN WATER!

Prices, Dates & Times Subject to Change!!!

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

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Rush City Area Churches Rush City Bible Church 260 West Third Street Pastor Greg Gritz, 320-237-5329 Worship: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Harris Evangelical Covenant Church 43680 Gates Ave. P.O. Box 158, Harris • 651-674-7565 www.harriscovenant.org • Handicapped Accessible Steve Weihsmann, Interim Pastor • blackandchrome@gmail.com Chris Kelly, Youth Pastor • chriskelly81@hotmail.com Worship: Sunday, 10:15 a.m. • Sunday School: 9 a.m.

First Evangelical Lutheran Church 1000 South Jay Ave., PO Box 73 • Rush City • 320-358-4076 Pastor Laurie W. O’Shea Worship: Sunday at 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. • Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. www.rushcityfirstlutheran.org Email: office@rushcityfirstlutheran.org

St. John’s Lutheran Church, LC-MS 980 West Fourth St., PO Box 368, Rush City • 320-358-3623 e-mail: stjohns@midco.net • Pastor John E. Beck Worship Service: Sunday 9:00 a.m. Family Bible Hour: Sunday 10:20 a.m. Monday 1 p.m. - Longer Look Bible Study

First Lutheran Church of Harris 6481 438th St. (corner of 438 and Gates), Harris • 651-674-4971 Pastor Therese Helker Handicapped Accessible Worship: Sunday 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 9:30 a.m. email: firstlutheran@q.com

Fish Lake Lutheran 43353 Cedarcrest Trail, west of Harris 651-674-4252 Pastor Dale Stiles www.fishlakelutheran.org Handicapped Accessible. Worship: Sunday at 10 a.m. Sunday School at 9 a.m. Adult Education at 9 a.m. Nursery available. Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. -1 p.m.

Rush City Baptist 1080 West Fourth Street, Rush City • 320-358-4014 www.rushcitychurch.org Pastor David Melin • email pastordave@rushcitychurch.org Worship: Sunday at 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. AWANA (K-6th Grade) – (Sept-May) Youth Group (Grade 7-12), Pastor Jason Karlsson

Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush Point

600 Rush Point Dr., Stanchfield • www.calvaryrushpoint.com Pastor Keith Kolzow, 320-358-4829 www.calvaryrushpoint.com or calvaryrushpoint@juno.com Worship: Sunday 10 a.m. 11:00 fellowship (Sept.-May) Nursery Provided • Sunday School at 9:30-11 a.m. June-August: Worship at 9:30 a.m. Fellowship 10:30 a.m.

Church of the Sacred Heart

415 W. 5th St., PO Box 45, Rush City 320-358-4370 • Father Shane Wasinger www.sacredheartrushcity.org email: sacredheart@Q.com Mass: Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.; Confession: Saturday, 4-4:30 p.m.

Living Water Fellowship 915 W 8th St., Rush City 320-358-3818 • Pastor: Lee Beecher Worship: Sunday at 10 a.m. and Children’s Church Emial: lwfinrc@gmail.com Also on Facebook

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Government – City of Rush City City Hall 325 S. Eliot Ave. P.O. Box 556 (320) 358-4743, FAX (320) 358-4067, open M-F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. City Administrator Amy Mell (320) 358-4743 City Deputy Clerk Sue Hochstatter (320) 358-4743 Accounts Clerk Lisa Ripp (320) 358-4743 Mayor Dan Dahlberg (320) 358-3675 Council members Jamie Amundson Mick Louzek (320) 358-3138 Al Hoffman (320) 358-3189

The Rush City Council meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Planning Commission Members are: Mitch Haugrud, (320) 358-0218, Jeff Jacobson, (320) 358-4628, Jim Larsin (320) 358-3594, Vacant, Jim Hofstetter, (320) 358-0053, and Ron Sellers (320) 358-9999. The Rush City Planning Commission meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. City Attorney Peter, Grundhoefer, Grundhoefer & Alliegro, LLC (651) 257-2624 City Engineer Barry Peters, SEH Inc., St. Paul (800) 325-2055 Rush City Volunteer Fire Department Bob Carlson, chief (320) 358-4743

Bob Oscarson (320) 358-4249

Police - Chisago County Sheriff ’s Department Jason Foster - Sargeant (320) 358-4741 Rush City Regional Airport Don Swanson, manager (651) 674-4145 Public Works Superintendent Ray Benolken, maintenance garage 51569 Forest Blvd. (320) 358-3142 Rush City Liquor (municipal) 1235 W. 4th Street Carol Hanson, manager (320) 358-3215 Park Board Sarah Scherr, Bill Aagaard, Dave Scherr, Bob Frandsen, Channa Tastsides. Meets the third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. RC EDA Dave Chmiel, Dennis Pederson, Tim McDonald, Mike Carroll, Jason Oare. Meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:45 p.m.

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Government – City of Harris

Harris is a small city of just over 1,200 residents. Harris is dedicated to preserving its open spaces, natural features and rural character while allowing controlled and prudent growth. City Hall is located at 43970 Ginger Ave., PO Box 111, Harris MN 55032. Phone number is 651-674-7546. City Council meets on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at City Hall at the corner of Ginger Ave. and County Road 9. City Council: Mayor Diane Miller, Council Members are: David Maack, Doug Payne, Randy Carlson and John Rossini. City Administration: a City Clerk, City Treasurer Marlys Balfany, Public Works Jason Zastera, Building Inspector Steve Thorp, City Engineer Stantec, Representative Chuck Schwartz. Planning Commissioners meet the first Monday of even month: Brian Landgraf, Cindy Gregoire, Sara Wald, Denise Still, John Rossini (Representative of the City Council). City Hall is open Monday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Closed on Wednesday and Friday. The City of Harris is easy access from the interstate Highway 35 with many accommodations. The Harris Country Store is convenient, selling gas and other necessities. Cars-R-Us will provide you with automotive needs. Happily Ever After provides body art. Country Charm Mercantile has antiques, gift items, an organic pantry, second hand stone, and a museum on Harris history.

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Grampa Joe’s Marine can handle all of your boating needs and Fish Lake Bait will help you with bait and tackle. The Fuse is now open serving food and beverages. Local churches have also been growing in the community: Apostolic Gospel Church, Elmcrest & Stark Rd., Harris, 651-674-8338; Harris Covenant Church, 43680 Gates Ave., Harris, 651-674-7565; First Lutheran Church, 6508 Gates Ave., Harris, 651-674-4971. One of the more prominent businesses in Harris is the Kaffe Stuga restaurant. It draws people from all over the state with its homemade cooking and friendly atmosphere. Every year in December, they host a day to serving nothing but a lutefisk dinner. All day long, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., lutefisk, Swedish sausage, rutabagas, potatoes, ham, rolls, salads and a smile. People come from all over, and line up outside, sometimes in weather just above zero degrees, just to get a seat. Harris has a major business in the rural area. Knife River, located southeast of Harris on Harder Ave., is involved in many aspects of road work, blacktopping, cement, gravel, and crushed rock. The Harris Family Ice Fishing Event is held on Fish Lake the first part of February each year. It is a fun event for the whole family from first timers through professionals. Harris Farmers Market is held each Sunday from 11-3 from June to October. You can find plants, flowers, honey, wool/yarn, crafts and many other items.

Government – Townships, County, State Township Boards Nessel Township Town Hall 49205 Acacia Trail Stanchfield, MN 55080 (320) 396-2702 Meets second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Township Board Stan Iskierka, clerk, (320) 358-0760, Tom McKenzie, chairman, (320) 358-3844, Mary Rahman, treasurer, (320) 3580157, Ray Henderson, (320) 358-3088, Helen Leier (320) 396-3830, Betsy Rising, (320) 358-4017 and Michelle Meis, (320) 358-3251. Rushseba Township Town Hall 51445 Forest Blvd. Rush City, MN 55069 Meets the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Township Board John Kay, clerk, (320) 358-4569, Peter Johnson, (320) 3583581, Jon Moulton, (320) 358-3534, Rodney Swanson, treasurer, (320) 358-3545, and Marty Youngbauer, (320) 3583522.

Fish Lake Township Town Hall 2170 Brunswick Road, Harris, MN 55032 (651) 674-7709 Meets the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. Township Board Andrea Nekowitsch, clerk, (320) 358-3924, Sharon McAndrew, treasurer, (651) 674-8597, Corey Johnson, supervisor, (651) 674-0660, and Diane Larkin, supervisor, (612) 8601743. County Commissioners District 1 - Lora Walker (Center City) (651) 213-8831 District 2 - Rick Greene (North Branch) (651) 583-2513 District 3 - George McMahon (Chisago City) (651) 257-2701 District 4 - Ben Montzka (Wyoming) (651) 462-4200 District 5 - Mike Robinson (Rush City) (320) 358-3223 State Senator Senate District 32 - Sean Nienow, GOP, 105 State office Building, 100 Doctor Martin Luther King Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155, 651-296-5419; Cambridge, (763) 689-1623; e-mail: sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn. State Representative District 32A - Brian Johnson, 233 State Office Bldg., 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, (651) 296-4346, e-mail: rep.brian.johnson@house.mn.

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Chisago County would like to remind citizens and others that our telephone numbers have changed and request that you start using the new numbers. Many of the old numbers have expired or will expire in the near future. Chisago County Government Center telephone number listing 313 North Main Street, Center City.............................................................651-257-1300 Toll Free Dial “1” & then.......................................................................888-234-1246 Administration.............................................................................................651-213-8830 HR/Personnel........................................................................................651-213-8866 Job Line.................................................................................................651-213-8860 Assessor.......................................................................................................651-213-8550 Attorney......................................................................................................651-213-8400 Auditor........................................................................................................651-213-8500 Board of Commissioners..............................................................................651-213-8830 Court Administration...................................................................................651-213-8650 Emergency Management.............................................................................651-213-6313 Extension Office...........................................................................................651-277-0151 Heartland Express........................................................................................763-689-8131 Toll Free Dial “1” & Then......................................................................888-234-7840 Highway/Public Works Center City...........................................................................................651-213-8700 Almelund..............................................................................................651-583-3253 Harris....................................................................................................651-674-4411 Household Hazardous Waste........................................................................651-237-0912 Human Services General Info..........................................................................................651-213-5600 Child Support.......................................................................................651-213-5647 Financial Services..................................................................................651-213-5640 North Branch Line.......................................................................................651-674-4433 Parks Department........................................................................................651-674-2345 Probation.....................................................................................................651-213-8350 Public Health...............................................................................................651-213-5200 Recorder......................................................................................................651-213-8580 Sheriff Emergency Dial..................................................................................................... 911 Jail.........................................................................................................651-257-2931 Non-Emergency....................................................................................651-257-4100 Toll Free Dial “1” & Then......................................................................888-234-1256 Treasurer......................................................................................................651-213-8540 Veteran Services...........................................................................................651-213-5600 Zoning/Environmental Services....................................................................651-213-8370

Chisago County Website: www.co.chisago.mn.us The Chisago County website has made it easy to locate and find information. If you look under “Quick Links”, which is located on the left side on the home page you will find an item titled: “TOPICS A-Z.” Provided are phone numbers & links to a department or entity to receive additional information on the topic. Questions or comments should be directed to County Administration at 651-213-8830.

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Rush City Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 713 Rush City, MN 55069 www.rushcitychamber.com 320-358-4639 director@rushcitychamber.com “The Rush City Area Chamber of Commerce, through the cooperative efforts of businesses, professionals, farmers, community organizations and all interested persons strives to promote civic, commercial and industrial progress and to enhance the quality of life in the Rush City area.”

2013 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As part of a mentoring program to learn about business interested students are selected to become liaisons between the school and the chamber. Pictured are: Samantha Oscarson, junior; Garret Pearson, senior; Hannah Fleischhacker; sophomore

Chamber Board of Directors: Seated: Brenda Dahl, Director; Donnie Peterman, Director; Sandy McCall, Treasurer. Standing: Jill Bolejack, President; Kristin Lang, Director; Lyn Eby, President-Elect; Jeana Mikyska, Executive Director; Lori Engel, Director; Erin Oare, Director. Not Pictured: Holly Wheaton, Past President; Paula Busch, Director; Brenda Dahl, Director

RUSH CITY AREA 2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS • January 19th • March 23rd • May 11th • May TBD • May 18th • June 2nd • June 9th • June or July TBD • July 20th • August 16th & 17th • September TBD • October 25th • December 7th

Community Service Award Banquet - Recipients: Bill and Millie Peters Music & Art Festival Bowling Tournament @ Chuckers Bowl Rush City Garage Sale Day Spring Wine Tasting Event Rush City City Wide Clean Up Day Graduation Fly-In Music & Art Festival Crazy Golf Tournament @ Bulrush Chisago County Fair Parade 11th Annual Music & Art Festival Fall Golf Classic Fall Wine Tasting @ Chuckers Santa Day

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

rush city area CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Rush City Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 713 Rush City, MN 55069 320-358-4639 www.rushcitychamber.com director@rushcitychamber.com You are invited to join the Rush City Area Chamber! Promoting existing and new businesses, tourism and our community as a whole. Mission The Rush City Area Chamber of Commerce, through the cooperative efforts of business, professional, farmers, community organizations, and all interested persons, strives to promote civic, commercial and industrial programs and to enhance the quality of life in the Rush City area. Networking & Marketing Opportunities Networking Lunch, Chamber Meetings, Committee Involvement, Chamber Page in the Scotsman, Informational Resources, Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities, Statewide Business Events, Website Advertising, Information Kiosk, Bi-annual Rush City Area Map and Annual Community Guide. Everyone is Welcome! We encourage individuals and couples to join the Rush City Area Chamber of Commerce. Though you may not own a business, you do support local the area businesses.

Meetings & Networking The Executive Board is meeting monthly to conduct business, and anyone is welcome to attend. Chamber Networking Lunch Meetings are being held on the 4th Thursday of each month from 12-1 p.m. (contact Chamber office for location (varies each month). As a Chamber Member, your business will benefit as Rush City grows through the business to business networking and support this Chamber offers. Chamber Members receive priority referral to both visitors and local customers to service their needs. welcome to rush city! Located just one hour north of the Twin Cities metro area on I-35, Rush City embraces small town values and hospitality that define “Minnesota Nice.” Although modest in population, this city is growing residentially and commercially. From great learning facilities to the aquatic recreation center, diverse economic base of agri-business, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, correctional facility, and tourism, Rush City is a great town to call home! Rush City is the site of the longest paved, lighted air runway on the I-35 corridor, making the area very accessible and also has the largest industrial park (employing over 700 people) between the metro area and Duluth. Fishing, camping, groomed snowmobile trails and recreational opportunities include picturesque natural environments encompassing woods, rivers and lakes. Thanks to ECM Publishers for making this directory possible! Jeana Mikyska, Executive Director Rush City Area Chamber of Commerce

Rush City Area Chamber of Commerce Members Accountant Duane McCall, CPA 651-429-0724

1265 W. 3rd St., Suite #102 PO Box 643 Rush City, MN 55069 mcdusand@aol.com Full-service accounting office specializing in general accounting and financial reporting for businesses. Tax preparation and reporting for business, individuals, and non-profit organizations. Assistance with regulatory reporting for non-profit organizations with charitable lawful gambling.

Advertising/Printing DB Signs 320-629-8919

30567 Crooked River Road Pine City, MN 55063

dennis@dbsigns.biz Commercial indoor/outdoor signs, electric light up signs, and full color printing.

Great Ideas Vinyl Lettering and Designs 320-358-3926 or 612-990-4468 greatideasrc@peoplepc.com

280 W 4th St. Rush City, MN 55069

Commercial and recreational vehicle lettering and graphics, logo design, variety of indoor and outdoor signage, banners, window lettering, magnetic signs, custom decals and stencils, real estate signs and frames, installation supplies, vinyl removal, t-shirts and sweatshirts, standard and “see-thru” vinyl printing.

Rush Printing, Inc. 320-358-3190 250 W 5th Street PO Box 562 Rush City, MN 55069

jhaugrud@rushprintinginc.com Commercial printer specializing in envelopes, letterhead, business forms, and cards. High quality color printing. Office supplies and specialty papers, invitations and cards.

Appraiser James R. Ertz Appraisal Service 320-358-3337 - Office 651-253-5568 - Cell PO Box 336 Rush City, MN 55069

jimertz@northlc.com East Central Minnesota real estate appraiser & real estate sales since 1978.

Apparel Cynthia’s Bridal Emporium 320-358-0701 51275 Falcon Ave. Rush City, MN 55069

bridalemp@hotmail.com www.cbridalemp.com Bridal, prom, special occasion dresses, shoes, jewelry & accessories. Tuxedo rental also available. Home-based full service bridal and formal wear.

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Apparel North Branch Outlets 651-674-5886 or 800-409-3631

38500 Tanger Dr. Suite 115 North Branch, MN 55056 Hwy. 95 & I 35

www.northbranchoutlets.com North Branch Outlets, (formerly Tanger Outlets) welcomes you to shop from over 30 brand name manufacturers. You will find the lowest prices everyday from manufacturers like Nike Factory Outlet, GAP, Old Navy, OshKosh B’Gosh, Carter’s, Corningware, Dress Barn, Bath & Body Works Outlet, Maurices and more. MonSat 10am - 8pm, & Sun 11-6

Attorneys/Legal Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. 651-325-6560 3673-463rd St. Harris, MN 55032 Lori Engel, Independent Associate/ Group Benefits Specialist

loriengel@prepaidlegal.com Throughout your lifetime you'll need legal assistance for such events as traffic tickets, property purchases, warranty disputes, foreclosure, drawing up your will, living will, or healthcare directive. As a PPL Member, you can expect to have these legal services at your fingertips for less than $1 per day.

Auctioneer JJ's Auctioneering 612-801-3068

10800 385th Street North Branch, MN 55056

jjsauctioneerservice@hotmail.com www.jjsauctionservice.com Auctioneering service that does both online and live auctions. We also do benefit and fundraising auctions. Our service has many avenues to liquidate your items.

Automotive Affordable Repair 320-358-9935

7220-490th St. Rush City, MN 55069

G&G Auto Supply 320-358-3651

105 W. 4th St, PO Box 605 Rush City, MN 55069 jeffhaugrud@yahoo.com Automotive, truck, tractor supplies and accessories. Automotive paint & body shop supplies. 25+ years of experience with twice daily shipments from our St. Paul warehouse.

Jerry’s Auto Repair, Inc. 320-358-3476 1265 W 3rd St, PO Box 551 Rush City, MN 55069

Jerry’s repair offers full service auto and truck care performed by an honest, skilled and licensed mechanic. Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5:30.

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Automotive Perry’s Auto Salon, Inc. 320-358-4211

875 South Bremer, PO Box 298 Rush City, MN 55069

perry@perrysautosalon.com www.perrysautosalon.com Serving Rush City Area for over 30 years. Auto body and collision repair. Certified technicians. Loaner cars available. Computerized estimates.

Rush City Tire & Auto 320-358-4440 320 S Bremer Ave. Rush City, MN 55069

rushcitytire@hotmail.com We are a full service tire and auto repair facility employing ASE Certified auto technicians providing over 50 years total experience. Business hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Aviation Hawk Aviation 320-358-3665

51601 Forest Blvd. Rush City, MN 55069

mark@hawk-aviation.com www.hawk-aviation.com Flight school, aircraft charter, rental, pilot supplies.

Bait Rush Lake Resort & Campground 320-358-4427 51170 Rush Lake Trail Rush City, MN 55069

We rent boats, boats w/motors, and pontoons. We also have overnight camping and seasonal camping. We store fish houses and have lake access for ice fishing. Full service bait shop, live bait, tackle, pizzas, sandwiches, cold beer and more.

Banks & Credit Unions Lake State Federal Credit Union 800-247-0695 6241 Main Street North Branch, MN 55056

www.lakestatefcu.org "Experience the Credit Union Difference. Join Us: 19,000 Members Strong". We offer a wide range of financial services including: consumer, mortgage and commercial loans, internet banking, personal and business checking/savings programs to all Chisago County residents.

Banks & Credit Unions Northwoods Bank 320-358-0800

1275 W 4th St Rush City, MN 55069

www.northwoodsbank.com Full-service community bank, providing personal and business checking and savings accounts along with much more. Specialize in mortgage loan origination and financing. We offer the ability to apply for a mortgage loan in person or online 24/7 by visiting www.approvedin20. com. Anytime telephone banking, online banking, and online bill pay. Lobby hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and by appointment on Saturday a.m. Drive up hours 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Unity Bank 320-358-3600

1180 W 4th St Rush City, MN 55069

www.unitybanking.com Full service commercial bank offering big bank products with small town customer service for over 125 years. Lobby hours: Mon. - Thurs. 8:30 - 4, Friday 8:30 - 5:30, Drive up: Mon. - Thurs. 8-5 & Fri 8 - 6 & Sat 9 - Noon

Business Services The Bolejack Group, LLC 831-277-2362 or 320-358-0905 PO Box 296 Rush City, MN 55069

www.iloverushcity.com jill@iloverushcity.com Real estate investments and business development. www.realhomepro.com jill@realhomepro.com Real estate sales with Coldwell Banker Pro IV Real Estate.

Car Wash Rush City Car/Truck Wash 320-358-3933 125 S Field Ave Rush City, MN 55069

Serving the community since 1976. Selfserve & auto wash discounts. Featuring the Storm Touch Free Auto Wash System. Two step pre-soak, wheel wash, tri-foam, Rain-X, self service bays for cars, trucks, RVs, trailer. Located east off 35, North on Fairfield Ave. Behind RC Foods. Open every day 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Casinos Grand Casino Hinckley 800-472-6321 777 Lady Luck Drive Hinckley, MN 55037

www.grandcasinosmn.com Casino-Entertainment-Hotels-Food! 24-hour gaming, bingo hall, big-name/ live entertainment, great restaurants, huge buffet, variety of first class lodging facilities, #1 rated RV park in MN, convention center, special events, Kid's Quest & more!

Catering/Banquet Hall Chucker's Bowl & Lounge 320-358-0879

PO Box 551, 1270 W 3rd Street Rush City, MN 55069

chuckersbowl@gmail.com www.facebook.com/chuckersbowl Chucker's Bowl & Lounge is a modern bowling center boasting 16 synthetic lanes, a game room and a full service bar. The Spare Room at Chuckers Bowl hosts a variety of activities and is available for private events, receptions & parties of any size.

Firefly Bistro 320-358-0882

PO Box 708 Rush City, MN 55069

www.fireflybistro.net For all your catering needs.

Grant House Hotel & Eatery 320-358-3661 80 W. 4th St. Rush City, MN 55069

thegranthouse@aol.com www.granthousehotel.com

Chiropractic Care Perreault Chiropractic 320-358-3441 263 W 4th Street PO Box 86 Rush City, MN 55069

perrchiro@midco.net Family chiropractic service for over 33 years. Dr. Roger Perreault, Dr. Nicole Sly, and Dr. Julie Perreault provide quality care to the Rush City, Harris and North Branch areas. Techniques include diversified, Gonstad, Activator, and soft tissue. Acupuncture and manual manipulation to accelerate healing from motor vehicle accidents, workers' compensation injuries and many other injuries and illnesses. Nutritional counseling as well as extensive experience in baby care and sports injuries. Providers for most insurances and in-house plan for the uninsured.

Churches First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City 320-358-4076 Fax 320-358-3365

1000 South Jay Ave., PO Box 73 Rush City, MN 55069

pastor@rushcityfirstlutheran.org www.rushcityfirstlutheran.org A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the America. Founded in Rush City on April 26, 1876. Our mission statement: Being God's Love in the World.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church 320-358-4370

425 S Field Street, PO Box 45 Rush City, MN 55069

sacredheart@q.com Parish Office is open Tues., Wed., and Thurs. from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. We have weekly masses on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. and morning Masses at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursdays and Saturday night Mass at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday Mass at 9:00 a.m.

St. John’s Lutheran Church (LC MS) 320-358-3623 980 W. 4th St., PO Box 368 Rush City, MN 55069

stjohnspastor@midco.net www.stjohnsrushcity.org Our mission at St. John’s is to reach out and help people experience a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

Community Organizations Chisago County Historical Society 651-257-5310 PO Box 146 Lindstrom, MN 55045

Chisagohistory@frontiernet.net www.chisagocountyhistory.org Source of countywide history and heritage information. Research library, local historic sites, educational programs and genealogy workshops. See website for current schedule of events. Open by appointment. “Preserving and sharing history...every day.”

Community Partnership 651-674-4085 38460 Lincoln Trail North Branch, MN 55056

www.cpyf.org Working with agencies, organizations and communities to build a drug-free Chisago County. Our Children First Club in Rush City provides a safe, structured place after school for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students.

Community Organizations North Chisago Historical Society 320-358-4525 PO Box 556 Rush City, MN 55069

push.mn@gmail.com Local history society that encourages everyone to tell us your local family story, report past experiences that helped to create our community either through our newsletter or at our monthly program. Monthly programs are the first Tuesday of each month, usually at the Rushseba Town Hall. The public is always welcome. Email stories to Pat at above email, and program ideas to Irma at 651-674-4703. Stories, Photos, and memberships ($15/single $20 family/year) may be mailed to above address.

Rush City Food Shelf 320-358-0903 720 W 14th St. Rush City MN 55069

rcthiel@mgdinternet.com www.rushcityfoodshelf.com Food assistance provided to seniors on a fixed income, households with high medical, one parent households, families that are low or no-income. No appointments necessary come to the food shelf on Tuesdays between 2-5 p.m. to apply, please bring proof of address.

Rush Lake Improvement Association 320-358-4660 PO Box 677 Rush City, MN 55069

secretary@rlia.org • www.rlia.org This association of members is formed w/the purpose to improve & preserve the quality of the lake. The association is supported by its members who pay annual dues and the sale of Pull tabs at several local locations. Meetings are held the 3rd Sat. of the month @ 8:30am @ the Nessel Town hall. Check our website for more information or call David Cartwright, President at above number.

Rush City Jaycees 320-358-3037 PO Box 662 Rush City MN 55069

rcjaycees@gmail.com The Rush City Jaycees are a non-profit organization that serves the Rush City and surrounding areas with a variety of events aimed at community members of all ages. We help men and women ages 18-40 develop their leadership skills, social responsibility and fellowship to make a positive change in our community.

Rush City Many Faces â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2013

Community Organizations Rush City Women's Club 320-358-4465 2984 485th St. Rush City MN 55069

janshairandwig@yahoo.com Our club, established in 1921 was 90 years old in 2011. Our object is mutual benefit and community betterment. Our 35 members are friendly and looking for others to join in! Our yearly community calendar sale is a great way to list your family's birthdays and anniversaries, as well as see local activities time and dates. We earn money to fund two, $500 Rush City Scholarships. At Christmas we enjoy helping Santa remember the folks at our local Golden Living Health Care Center. Come join us for some informative speakers, delicious food, and a club that is determined to remain strong, enjoy each other and support our town, Rush City!

Construction/ Home Improvement Carlson Heating & Sheet Metal 320-358-4282 PO Box 132 Rush City, MN 55069

Plumbing, heating, air conditioning, radiant floor heating, new construction and remodeling, rotary drain cleaning, water softeners, walk-in bath tubs, water heaters sales and service. Celebrating 50+ years in the Plumbing & Heating Business!

East Central Pallet, Inc. 612-205-2975 1200 S Field Ave PO Box 11 Rush City MN 55069

Remanufacture wooden pallets.

East Central Rip Rap 320-358-3104

1854 Goose Lake Narrows Rush City MN 55069

East Central Rip Rap specializes in Shoreline Stabilization.

Lindstrom Painting & Window Cleaning 320-358-3419 50856 Lakeview Drive Rush City, MN 55069

www.lindstromspainting.com scott@lindstromspainting.com We would like to share our 20+ years of quality and timely experience with you. We pride ourselves in quality work and finishing our jobs on time. Fully insured, free estimates. All your interior & exterior painting needs. Window washing & power wash available. Family owned & operated.

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Construction/ Home Improvement Prefer Paving & Ready-Mix, Inc. 320-358-3539 PO Box 709 Rush City, MN 55069

jamieamundson@gmail.com www.preferpaving.com Pave/blacktop, residential and commercial projects. We also deliver ready-mix concrete, color and stains also available. Sell recycle gravel, rock & retaining blocks.

R&G Wiener Construction 320-358-3440 or 320-980-0864 725 W 9th Rush City MN 55069

Construction company specializing in excavating and sewer work. Does work on city lines and septic systems. We sell all types of dirt (black, sand, gravel and recycle, etc.). Delivery available. Snowplowing and construction excavation. Trust and respect will bring forth success!

T&T Sports & Lawn 320-980-1327 9001-465th St. Harris, MN 55032

www.wesellsleds.com sledman2000@hotmail.com Lawn Maintenance, snow removal, and Spring/Fall cleanups.

Up Top Construction, Inc. 320-358-8785 3685 Rush Lake Rd. Rush City, MN 55069

uptopconst@peoplepc.com Complete remodeling contractor for roofing, siding, windows, gutters, additions and remodels.

Dental Soft Dental General & Specialty Practice 320-358-4733 1220 W. 3rd St. Rush City, MN 55069

contactus@softdentalmn.com www.softdentalmn.com www.facebook.com/SoftDental Drs. Nguyen, Saari, Vu, and Tyler offering general and esthetic dental services; Dr. Hoover limited to periodontics and dental implants; Hours: Mon. 9-6, Tues.-Thurs. 8-5; Fri. 8-4.

Engraving & Gifts Treasured Haven Farm 320-358-3581 53407 Government Road Rush City, MN 55069

www.treasuredhavenfarm.com info@treasuredhavenfarm.com As a family owned century farm, we offer a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Seasonal Vegetable Program; Organic Fruit Buying club; seasonal Cross Country Running Adventures and obstacle course races; custom laser engraving and gifts; sawmiling; naturally-grown hay; and much more.

Event Planning Serendipity Designs for All Occasions 651-363-0880 PO Box 247 Rush City, MN 55069

info@serendipityforevents.com www.serendipityforevents.com

Farm Fresh Foods Treasured Haven Farm 320-358-3581 53407 Government Road Rush City, MN 55069

Funeral Services Olson Funeral Chapel 320-358-4735 115 W 4th St, PO Box 441 Rush City, MN 55069

mcarroll@genesiswireless.us www.funeralandcremationservice.com One of the oldest funeral providers in East Central MN, we treat you as family. Call on us to discuss your personal funeral wishes. We welcome your questions regarding costs, pre-arranging services, cemetery markers and monuments, funeral insurance, out of town situations, end of life needs, hospice wishes, etc.

Government/ County Offices City of Rush City 320-358-4743 325 S Eliot - PO Box 556 Rush City, MN 55069

cityhall@ci.rush-city.mn.us www.rushcitymn.us Economic development & Housing resource assistance, airport administration & basic municipal services & utilities. Hours: 8 - 4:30 M-F

MN Correctional Facility, D.O.C. 320-358-0401 7600-525th St. Rush City, MN 55069

www.doc.state.mn.us The level 4, close-custody facility has reached its operating capacity of 1,015 adult male offenders. The facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary mission is to protect the public by incarcerating offenders & to provide industrial, academic, vocational & rehabilitative opportunities to offenders.

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Government/ County Offices Chisago County HRA-EDA 651-674-5664 38871 7th Ave, PO Box 815 North Branch, MN 55056

contactus@chisagocounty.org www.chisagocounty.org Housing & Redevelopment Authority- Economic Development Authority: Provides business financing and site assistance, TIF, Tax abatement, home rehabilitation programs, senior housing. Small Business Development Center Satellite Office.

Health & Beauty Anytime Fitness 320-629-8987 925 Main Street S Pine City, MN 55063

pinecitymn@anytimefitness.com Over 1 million members choose Anytime Fitness. Why? Because it's convenient, affordable, and fun. With 24/7 access to thousands of our clubs around the globe, you can work out on your terms. Fitness has never been so easy. Our clubs at a glance: 24-hour access, 24-hour security, convenient parking, anywhere club access, private restrooms, private showers, tanning, personal training, classes, cardio tvs, health plan discounts, cardio and strength equipment and wellness programs.

Hairdo or Dye 320-358-3157

237 W. 4th Street Rush City, MN 55069

hairdoordye@yahoo.com www.hairdoordyesalon.com An Eco-friendly salon. We sell sulfate free, paraben free, cruelty free and vegan friendly products. We use certified organic haircolor and do our part to help reduce waste and protect you, us and the planet. Our highly trained team customizes every service to your unique individual style. Offering a wide range of services for your whole family.

Individual Members Friday, Scott Halls, Jared P Nelson, Loring & Marlys Redfield, James

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Industrial Bolt Modifications 320-358-3104

1804 Goose Lake Narrows Rush City, MN 55069

Bolt modifications does custom machining.

Dennis Kirk, Inc. 320-358-4791 Business 800-328-9280 Toll Free 320-358-4019 Fax 955 S. Field Ave. Rush City, MN 55069

www.denniskirk.com Power Sports Retailer with a store located in the Rush City Industrial Park.

Horizon Milling 320-358-4758 ext. 3 PO Box 594 Rush City, MN 55069

mike.ginal@cargill.com tracy.smoley@cargill.com

Maxxum, Inc. 320-358-3239

1350 South Field Ave. Rush City, MN 55069

www.maxxuminc.com Maxxum provides technology “End of Life” services and New/Used Commercial Office Furniture.

McDonald Distributing Co. 320-358-4734 or 320-358-4566 - fax 1255 S. Field Ave. Rush City, MN 55069

michellep@mcdonaldnet.com Wholesale beverage distributors.

Plastech Corporation 320-358-4771

PO Box 7, 920 S. Field Avenue Rush City, MN 55069

www.plastechcorporation.com Plastech is a custom plastic injection molder.

Insurance AFLAC 763-691-4215

10614 Freedom Road Pine City, MN 55063

Katherine_Koffler@us.aflac.com www.aflac.com Independent agent for supplementary insurance working with small businesses since 1955. Family and individual coverage available.

Insurance Hermann Insurance Services, Inc. 320-358-3744 or 320-358-3723 Fax 310 W 4th St Rush City, MN 55069

hermann.insurance@gmail.com www.hisins.us Our 3 locations in Rush City, North Branch and Isanti are available to serve all of your insurance needs. We sell auto, motorcyce, home, life, health, boat, RV, ATV/snowmobile and business insurance. Call or stop in for a quote!!

Laundry Maytag Laundries 320-358-3880 PO Box 127 Rush City, MN 55069

frandsenbr@gmail.com maytagcoinlaundry.com Locally owned & operated coin laundries in the East Central Minnesota area. Locations include Pine City, North Branch, Forest Lake, & Lexington.

Lodging AmericInn Lodge & Suites 651-674-8627 38675 14th Ave. North Branch, MN 55056

americinn@sherbtel.net www.americinn-northbranch.com The areas finest lodging facility featuring a pool, whirlpool, steam room, enhanced continental breakfast, and high-speed Internet access. The property also offers 1,200 square feet of meeting space. Book your reservations now!

Grant House Hotel & Eatery 320-358-3661 80 W. 4th St. Rush City, MN 55069

thegranhouse@aol.com www.granthousehotel.com Totally restored historic hotel and restaurant built in 1896 and listed on the national Registry of Historic Places. Our restaurant serves great home cooked meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ten private rooms all with full bathrooms, each with its own vintage charm, invites you to experience a great nights sleep. Space for events and catering also available. Open 7 am-8 pm Tues. - Sat., 7 am-3 pm Sun.

Rush Lake Resort & Campground 320-358-4427 51170 Rush Lake Trail Rush City, MN 55069

We rent boats, boats w/ motors, & pontoons. We also have overnight camping and seasonal camping. We store Fish Houses and have lake access for Ice Fishing. Full service bait shop, live bait, tackle, pizzas, sandwiches, cold beer and more.

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Medical Fairview Lakes Rush City Clinic 320-358-4784 760 W 4th St Rush City, MN 55069

www.lakes.fairview.org Complete family practice including obstetrics, lab, e-ray, mammography, rehabilitation, respiratory care and cardiac rehab. Appointments available Monday through Friday with varying hours to serve early AM, daytime and evening hours.

Newspapers ECM Post Review 651-674-7025 234 S Main Street Cambridge, MN 55008

Derrick.Knutson@ecm-inc.com www.ecmpostreview.com Your hometown source of news since 1875. See us online at www.ecmpostreview.com. We offer a wide range of delivery and printing services. We print business cards, single to multiple page flyers and brochures, business stationary, calendars, and much more. Call us today for a free quote.

Real Estate Coldwell Banker Pro IV 320-358-0822 1220 W 4th Street Rush City, MN 55069

www.realhomepro.com Coldwell Banker Pro IV Realty provides honesty, integrity & quality service in all real estate transactions with buyers and sellers; becoming the leader in real estate for East Central Minnesota. Complete Real Estate Service covering East Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. A progressive updated view at marketing Real Estate. “We Welcome the Chance to Serve You.”

Coldwell Banker Pro IV Kathy & Clare Lillis, Associate Broker, CRS, ABR, GRI 651-248-7888 Clare 651-248-7757 Kathy 320-358-0822 Office 320-358-4752 Fax 1220 W 4th Street Rush City, MN 55069

klillis@realhomepro.com clillis@realhomepro.com www.realhomepro.com As award winning Realtors, Clare & Kathy Lillis have gained a reputation for providing exceptional real estate services in East Central MN for buyers and sellers. Their combined 50 years of experience in many aspects of real and estate and commitment to excellence will help make your real estate transaction pleasant. They look forward to serving you. SUCCESS THROUGH SERVICE - Named #1 Team in MN by Coldwell Banker '08.

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Real Estate Coldwell Banker Results Jeana Mikyska, Realtor 763-286-5546 885 SW 7th Street Pine City, MN 55063

jeana@cbresults.com www.changeyourstreet.com Now is the time to buy (you can't afford to rent!). Inventory is low - now is the time to sell! Coldwell Banker Results serves a wide area of river front, lakeshore, recreational and residential property in Pine, Chisago, Kanabec and surrounding commmunities. Work with a Realtor that delivers results not promises.

Knutson Real Estate, Inc. 320-629-6500 285 W 5th Rush City, MN 55069

knutsonrealestate@msn.com www.knutsonrealestate.com We offer commercial and residential real estate sales with offices in Rush City, Pine City, and the surrounding area. Residential Appraisals.

Recreation Bulrush Golf Club & Rush Hour Bar & Grill 320-358-1050 605 Brookside Parkway Rush City, MN 55069

www.bulrushgc.com Bulrush Golf Club is located just 45 minutes North of the Twin Cities. The Course measures from 5,234 yards from the forward tees, to 6,929 yards from the championship tees. The course design will captivate golfers of all skill levels. It’s beautiful terrain, wooded areas and wetlands are the best kept secret in MN. Rush Hour Bar & Grill is located at Bulrush Golf Club offering a variety of delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, & pizza. We are available for tournaments, corporate events, & small parties.

Chucker’s Bowl & Lounge 320-358-0879 PO Box 551, 1270 W. 3rd St. Rush City, MN 55069

chuckersbowl@gmail.com www.facebook.com/chuckersbowl Chucker’s Bowl & Lounge is a modern bowling center boasting 16 synthetic lanes, a game room and a full service bar. The Spare Room at Chuckers Bowl hosts a variety of activities and is available for private parties and events of any size.

Grand Casino Hinckley 800-472-6321 320-384-4723 777 Lady Luck Drive Hinckley, MN 55037

www.grandcasinosmn.com Casino-Entertainment-Hotels-Food! 24 hour gaming, bingo hall, big-name/live entertainment, great restaurants, huge buffet, variety of first class lodging facilities, #1 rated RV park in MN, convention center, special events, Kid's Quest & more!

Recreation T&T Sports & Lawn 320-980-1327 9001-465th St. Harris, MN 55032

www.wesellsleds.com sledman2000@hotmail.com Lawn Maintenance, snow removal, and Spring/Fall cleanups.

Treasured Haven Farm 320-358-3581 53407 Government Road Rush City, MN 55069

Wild Mountain - Taylors Falls Recreation 651-465-6315 PO Box 235 Taylors Falls, MN 55084

www.wildmountain.com Fun For All Ages!! Wild Mountain is located just 7 miles north of Taylors Falls. A great park for the whole family! Group picnics and Birthday Parties Welcome. Wild Mountain Ski & Snowboard Area, Wild Chutes Snow Tubing, Water Park, Alpine Slides, Go-Karts. Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours, Canoe and Kayak Rental, and Wildwood RV Park and Campground.

Restaurants Bulrush Golf Club & Rush Hour Bar & Grill 320-358-1050 605 Brookside Parkway, Rush City, MN 55069

www.bulrushgc.com Bulrush Golf Club is located just 45 min. North of the Twin Cities. The Course measures from 5,234 yds. from the forward tees, to 6,929 yds. from the championship tees. The course design will captivate golfers of all skill levels. It’s beautiful terrain, wooded areas and wetlands are the best kept secret in MN. Rush Hour Bar & Grill is located at Bulrush Golf Club offering a variety of delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, & pizza. We are available for tournaments, corporate events, & small parties.

Creekside Pizza & Café 320-358-1411 4 S. Dana Ave Rush City, MN 55069

smellymelly34@gmail.com Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We deliver up to 10 miles. Homemade soups, dinners, pasta, pizza and baked goodies.

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Restaurants Grant House Hotel & Eatery 320-358-3661 80 W4th St. Rush City, MN 55069

thegranthousehotel@aol.com www.granthousehotel.com Totally restored historic hotel and restaurant built in 1896 and listed on the national Registry of Historic Places. Our restaurant serves great home cooked meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ten private rooms all with full bathrooms, each with its own vintage charm, invites you to experience a great nights sleep. Space for events and catering also available. Open 7 am-8 pm Tues. - Sat., 7 am-3 pm Sun.

Retail Fabric Fashions & More 320-358-3693 485 S Dana Ave PO Box 21 Rush City, MN 55069

vthorn@fabricfashions-more.com www.quiltfabricandmore.com We are conveniently located just 1 mile East of I-35 in downtown Rush City. There are quilts to be purchased or fabrics, threads, patterns & machines to create your own masterpiece. Stop in for all your quilting needs.

North Branch Outlets 651-674-5886 or 800-409-3631

38500 Tanger Dr. Suite 115 North Branch, MN 55056 Hwy. 95 & I 35

www.northbranchoutlets.com North Branch Outlets,(formerly Tanger outlets) welcomes you to shop from over 30 brand name manufacturers. You will find the lowest prices everyday from manufacturers like Nike Factory Outlet, GAP, Old Navy, OshKosh B’Gosh, Carter’s, Corningware, Dressbarn, Bath & Body Works Outlet, Maurices and more. MonSat 10am - 8pm, & Sun 11-6

Schools Rush City Public Schools PO Box 566 Rush City, MN 55069

www.rushcity.k12.mn.us

320-358-4855 320-358-4795 High School 320-358-4724 Elementary 320-358-3635 hood

District Office Rush City CE Jacobson Early Child-

Rush City Schools demonstrates its commitment to excellence through innovative educational programs, small class sizes, and quality instruction in modern facilties. Smartboard, IPads and computers are integrated into instruction and the district is proud of its tradition of excellence in academics, fine arts and extracurricular activities.

Senior Living Golden LivingCenter-Rush City 320-358-4765 650 South Bremer Ave. Rush City, MN 55069

kelsey.callahan@goldenliving.com www.goldenliving.com Golden LivingCenter Rush City is a 49 bed skilled nursing facility. We specialize in short term rehab, Alzheimer’s care, and long-term care. We provide care for complex medical conditions and provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Towing East Central Towing 320-358-4869 54323 Ivy Avenue Rush City, MN 55069

www.eastcentraltowing.com eastcentraltowing@gmail.com

Transportation Clark Transportation 612-490-0409 PO Box 444 Braham, MN 55006

Mid Minnesota Trucking 320-358-1105 PO Box 5 Rush City, MN 55069

midmn@hotmail.com www.midminnesotatrucking.com Mid Minnesota Trucking is a family owned and operated company specializing in Truckload and LTL service in Minnesota. We offer our customers the highest quality of service at a very competitive price. We also provide dedicated routes, direct shipments, same day and next day delivery service to your customers. From Moose Lake, MN to the Twin Cities and everywhere in between! Other areas in Minnesota available upon request.

Utilities Culligan Water 320-629-3130 1230 Main St. S Pine City, MN 55063

Jamie.Kempf@culliganwater.com www.culliganwater.com Culligan has served the area since 1947, with water conditioning, purification, salt and bottle water delivery and commercial equipment. Culligan offers 24/7 service and free water tests are available any time of day or weekends.

Utilities East Central Energy 800-254-7944 412 N Main St Braham, MN 55006

www.eastcentralenergy.com East Central Energy is a member-owned electric cooperative that serves nearly 57,000 homes, farms and businesses in east central Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. ECE provides electricity, Internet and long distance services, as well as community and business development and environmental services.

East Central Sanitation & Recycling 320-358-4078 PO Box 27 Rush City, MN 55069

ralph@eastcentralsanitation.com www.eastcentralsanitation.com East Central Sanitation is owned by Brad Cook, Loren Jennings, & Jerry Moses. Est. 1969. In business for over 40 years, providing residential & commercial refuse & recycling collection.

Federated Co-ops Inc. 763-389-2582 320-358-3292 502 South 2nd St. Princeton, MN 55371

dmeelberg@federatedcoop.com www.federatedcoops.com Federated Co-ops, Inc. recently completed a merger with CAP-Trico Cooperative. Federated Co-ops is a diversified supplier of energy products, agronomy and crop inputs, and various consumer lifestyle products. Federated Co-ops, Inc. is a customer-owned company with ownership by over 48,000 customers and managed by a board of directors.

Federated Co-Ops, Inc. 800-909-4778 or 320-629-7435 5734 State Highway 70 Pine City, MN 55063

dsaumer@federatedcoops.com www.federatedcoops.com A customer owned company with professional propane service in your community. Competitive prices, first fill (on new construction), low-cost tank leases, pre-buy, scheduled deliveries and budget payment options. 24-hour emergency service available.

Minnesota Energy Resources 651-322-8907 2665 145th St. W Rosemount, MN 55068

www.minnesotaenergyresources.com Minnesota energy Resources is a natural gas utility serving customers in 51 counties and 165 cities. Our distribution method is one of the most contemporary by industry standards . MN Energy offers rebates for installing high-efficiency natural gas equipment. Clean, reliable energy. 888-889-9508.

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

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Rush City Schools

Rush City Independent School District #139 is a progressive education system that has produced model programs that are being used or studied across the nation. The surrounding community has always given strong support to its school system, and the district provides educational opportunities for children from birth to grade 12. Rush City schools are fully staffed with approximately 887 students, 57 teaching staff and 28 classroom assistants. The surrounding school grounds contain excellent recreational opportunities: Andy Saloka Football Field, Bill West Track, playgrounds, tennis courts and numerous softball and baseball fields. The district is proud of its tradition of excellence in academics, fine arts, community education and extracurricular activities. Rush City Early Childhood Rush City Schools has had a long tradition of offering high quality early childhood programming. Our community has taken great pride in getting our youngest learners off to the best possible start. All early childhood classes are offered at C.E. Jacobson Elementary. Preschool registrations for the 2013-14 school year will begin in April 2013. Preschool classes meet either two or three days per week, mornings from 8:15-10:45 a.m. or afternoons, from 12:15-2:45 p.m. School district transportation is available to 4- and 5-year-old students. Register your child today by calling 320-358-3635. � �� In addition to preschool Early Childhood Family ��classes, �� Education (ECFE) classes� �� are available for �� children ages birth �� through kindergarten entrance. ECFE class schedules for the � �� 2013-14 school year will be available �� in August 2013. ECFE also offers drop in play times,� reading and spe��programs, � ��field ��trips �� cial events to the community. Free Early Childhood Screenings � �� (ECS) are provided during the school year for all children prior � �� to kindergarten enttrance. �� For more information, �please visit www.rushcity.k12.mn.us, or �� call 320-358-3635. �� C.E. Jacobson Elementary �� What does it take to �� educate students � in �� the 21st�� century? It takes a facility designed for change, it takes community support, it takes groups of people working together, and it takes exceptional teachers. C.E. Jacobson is fortunate to offer all of these components to the children of Rush City. At C.E. Jacobson Elementary, we provide an environment that promotes academic excellence and encourages �� personal growth and development. Math and reading programs place students in �� groups that match each child’s current institutional level. This placement program encourages advancement and allows stu�� dents to achieve success at their own level. Specialized staff in�� Title �� cludes Special Education, I, Physical Education, Music and Media teachers. Programs for Gifted/Talented students such as Knowledge Bowl, Academic Triathlon and Project Seek give students the opportunity to compete academically with other stu-

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dents or expand their knowledge in a wide variety of unique experiences. One area we are proud to highlight is our venture with technology supports in the classroom. Over the past several years, we have installed nine interactive SmartBoards and accompanying devices so that teachers can bring the outside world of education easily to their students. We have been helped along the way with our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and thank them for their generous support! This technology creates a learning environment that is not like any you have seen before. With endless resources for teachers through networking and the internet, all grade levels truly have the world at their fingertips. A variety of sports-related activities also is offered for elementary students. These are available through the school district and the community education program. Sports for boys and girls include hockey, softball, baseball, basketball, wrestling, golf, track and gymnastics. C.E. Jacobson Elementary currently instructs approximately 499 students. A caring staff encourages students to respect people and their property, develop and demonstrate a healthy sense of pride and take responsibility for their actions. Rush City High School Rush City High School has modern facilities with approximately 407 students. RCHS has a graduation rate of nearly 100 percent, with more than three-fourths of graduating seniors going on to further education and training through colleges, universities, technical schools and the military. Approximately 15 percent of Rush City’s students achieve “A” Honor Roll status for four consecutive quarters yearly. About 20-25 percent of all students regularly make the “A” Honor Roll.

Schools – see page 28 ��

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Schools – from page 27 RCHS offers many courses and electives to its students. Students will again have a variety of elective course offerings, including German I & II, AP Psychology, American Sign Language I and II and Medical Terminology on Interactive TV. Students may participate in a wealth of curricular and cocurricular activities including: athletics, fine arts, band, chorus, theater, speech, yearbook and Future Farmers of America. Over 75 percent of RCHS students participate in at least one extracurricular activity. Students have the opportunity to take college-level classes for up to 33 college credits, as well as take classes at area colleges during the school day. Brent Stavig is the principal of RCHS (bstavig@rushcity.k12.mn.us). Community Education Rush City has course offerings for young and old through its Community Education program for lifelong learning. Classes range from academics and athletics to health, safety and personal enrichment. They are offered at normal fees throughout the year. Community Education also sponsors several outings to events such as plays, performances, offerings and other events and activities are available on our website (www.rushcity.k12.mn.us) and through the District newsletter, published five times a year and mailed to Rush City area residents. Bob Schlagel is the contact person and can be reached at (320) 358-4795 or rschlagel@ rushcity.k12.mn.us. School District Contacts Superintendent Vern Koepp (vkoepp@rushcity.k12.mn.us) (320) 358-4855 ext. 391 51001 Fairfield Ave. P.O. Box 566, Rush City, MN 55069 Rush City High School Principal- Brent Stavig (bstavig@rushcity.k12.mn.us) (320) 358-4795 C.E. Jacobson Elementary School Principal- Melody Tenhoff (mtenhoff@rushcity.k12.mn.us) (320) 358-4724 Community Education Bob Schlagel (rschlagel@rushcity.k12.mn.us) (320) 358-4855 ext. 265 Counselor Heidi Larson (hlarson@rushcity.k12.mn.us) (320) 358-4855 ext. 267 Early Childhood Family Education P.O. Box 566, Rush City, MN 55069

Coordinator- Julie Thom (jthom@rushcity.k12.mn.us) (320) 358-3635 St. Croix River Education District Director- Kim Gibbons (320) 358-3616 School Board Scott Tryon, Carol Cook, Brenda Nessel, Channa Tastsides, Brian Anderson and Stefanie Folkema. Monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in Room 201 at Rush City High School. School board meetings are open to the public, and you are encouraged to attend. Rush City School website www.rushcity.k12.mn.us. At this site you can read updates from the superintendent, school principals and school counselor. You also can find information about lunch programs, school events, athletics and school sports calendars.

Public Transportation Chisago-Isanti County Heartland Express

245 2nd Ave. SE, Cambridge, MN 55008

763-689-8131

toll-free 1-888-234-7840 • Fax: 763-689-8134

Chisago-Isanti County Heartland Express is a rural public transit program which is funded by the State of Minnesota and supported jointly by Chisago and Isanti Counties. Our mission as a leader in rural transportation is to provide prompt, friendly, cost-effective transportation to the residents of the county. Whether you ride once a month, or every day, this service is for you. Current passengers include people going to work, school or college, medical appointments, shopping, day care outings, volunteer work, Senior Dining Sites, beauty or barber shops or just out to eat. All buses are handicapped accessible and there are no restrictions, everyone can ride! We invite you to try our service just once and find out how

easy it is to catch a ride on a warm bus, with friendly welltrained drivers and a staff committed to providing the very best service possible. We operate Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For best service call by 3:00 p.m. the working day before. If you get the answering machine just leave your name, best telephone number to reach you and your ride information and we will get back to you. Do you have any questions? Just give us a call at 763-6898131 or toll-free 1-888-234-7840. Office hours are M-F, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We offer city bus service in Cambridge & North Branch. Those buses run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Area Hunting

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Hunting opportunities in the Rush City area include whitetail deer, wild turkey, waterfowl of many kind, pheasant, bear, grouse and other small game. Most of the land in the area is privately owned and permission is a must to hunt on these lands. Wild turkeys are fast becoming one of the most popular game for Minnesota hunters, probably due to the illusiveness and intelligence of wild turkeys. Hunting rules, regulations, and application procedures vary depending on the game sought and the geographic area. Licenses can be purchased through the DNR, or at a variety of businesses, such as bait/tackle stores, sporting goods stores, convenience stores, and some gas stations. The DNR has hunting regulations books available at its state and regional offices, with complete information also in its web site. Available through the DNR are Public Recreation Information Maps (PRIM). The maps bring together the most up-to-date information on federal, state, and county lands and their recreational facilities, making it easier to find that unique spot for your outdoor enjoyment. Each map displays parks, forests, waterfowl production areas, and wildlife management areas. In addition, each map show facilities such as state trails, fishing piers, campgrounds, historic sites and more. PRIM maps can be purchased for $5.95 plus S&H at DNR

regional offices. For complete and up-to-date information on hunting and fishing rules and regulations, please visit the DNR web site: www.dnr.state. mn.us or call (651) 296-6157. Firearms Instruction In Rush City, there are Gun Safety/Firearms training classes each spring at the Rush City High School. The class, approximately 65 in size, runs for six weeks and includes a field trip where the students learn safe firearm handling practices. Volunteer instructors are longtime residents of the Rush City area and take time to train students and parents on the safe handling of firearms and hunting rules and regulations. For more information, contact the Rush City High School at 320-358-4855. Search the DNR’s website for upcoming classes. Hunting license Information You can purchase Minnesota hunting licenses from county auditors or their agents, including resorts, bait and tackle shops, outfitters, some service stations and convenience stores, and many other popular businesses or online at www.dnr.state.mn.us. Deer license fees are $31 for individuals 18 and over. There are special licenses that may be purchased depending on the zone in which you are hunting. Please refer to the DNR web site for complete information at www. dnr.state.mn.us.

The Rush City food shelf, located at 720 W. 14th St. in the Community Center, has been in operation for approximately 20 years. It offers food to those who have low or no income, disabled, seniors on a fixed income, single parent households, have high medical expenses, or who have encountered emergency situations. Approximately 230 individuals and 100 households are assisted each month (more during the holiday season). Food and monetary donations come to the food shelf from local

businesses and civic groups, schools, individuals and churches. Monetary donations may be sent to P.O. Box 178, Rush City, MN 55069. Much of our food is purchased from Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank. The food shelf is open every Tuesday from 2-5 p.m. Contact the Food Shelf at (320) 358-4428 during open hours. The website is www.rushcityfoodshelf.com.

Rush City Food Shelf

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Rush City Women’s Club

In 2011, the Rush City Women’s Club celebrated its 90th year. Rush City Mayor Nancy Schroeder read a proclamation declaring May 23 as Rush City Women’s Club Day. The Rush City Women’s Club members number 55 at the present. Over the years the women in the club established the first public library, the first city park, raised funds for scholarships for graduating RCHS seniors, and explored a variety of topics from dealing with teenagers, to cancer, to politics, and even opera. The mission from the beginning has been Community Betterment and Mutual Benefit. At a luncheon that day in May, Marvel Anderson shared the researched history of the club, mostly taken from minutes of the meetings, noting the solid heartfelt contributions made by the women from 1921 to the present. The club was organized in September of 1921 upstairs in the building which is now the gun shop on Main Street. Some of the things the Rush City Women’s Club did over the years included contacting local radio stations asking for more family friendly programming, and especially asking that murder mystery programs be aired only after 9 p.m. The club opposed the selling of hard liquor, and practiced religious and race tolerance. In 1950 they adopted a resolution to have the Cocoa Cola machines pulled out of the schools because the soda caused tooth decay. They were against crime and sex stories in the newspapers. In the 40s, they lobbied the county commissioners for a county nurse. The RC women helped in the US war effort, made pajamas for the Red Cross and collected books for the military. In 1957, 45 women from the county met in Rush City where the topic of discussion was “Teenagers, what to do with them.”

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One of the major contributions of the RC Women’s Club to the community was the establishment of the public library. The club ran it and maintained it from 1923-1965. In the mid-30s they had 3000 books in the library. The library has been housed in both of the city’s former creamery buildings, the pump house, a church basement, the Rush City School and the Municipal Hall. After 40 years, the city council voted to manage and maintain the facility. Today, the RC library is a modern facility, well equipped and remodeled and located on Main St. It is now a branch of the East Central Regional Library system. The Women’s Club established and maintained a city park from the late 30s to 1941 when the city took over, but that didn’t mean the ladies stopped caring about it. In 1946, they sent a letter to the village saying they were unhappy with the appearance of the park. And they also lobbied against baseball games being played at the park. As a group they studied programs on world events, got involved in the fight against cancer, learned about marijuana and even studied the National Rifle Association. The learned about tuberculosis and the mantoux test. In 1939, they asked themselves if their club was serving the community to the fullest extent or if they only talked but did nothing about it? In 1941 they sent a letter to a state commissioner about getting a patrolman on the corner of Hwy. 61 (now Forest Blvd.) and Main St. They were concerned that people were not observing the 30 mph there and children used that crossing to get to school. In the early decades they were also interested in getting a bandstand, community center, restrooms, a 10 cent store and more factories. The women raised funds over the years by holding bake sales, apron sales and white elephant sales, among other things. In 1946, they raised $165 for band uniforms. One year the club made arrangements with a plastic company in town to have club members work the lines for one day. They raised $100 for the city’s fireworks fund. A fundraising project over the years, and still their current project, is the production of a community birthday and activities calendar. The sale supports the two $500 scholarships given each year. Current officers are: president Jan Twingstrom, vice president Ceil Shinler, secretary Shirley Jones and co-treasurers Donna Burch and Dorothy Siljendahl.

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

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Rush City Area Service Clubs Rush City American Legion & Auxiliary The Rush City American Legion began in 1919 with 48 Charter members. and today there are 55 members. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Rush City Community Center. Call Ken Opatz for Auxiliary information at (320) 358-3155. Rush City VFW Grothe Jacobson VFW Post #6692 was established in Rush City in 1946, with the Auxiliary being established later that same year. There are approximately 111 current members. Meetings are held the third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the VFW, 45 S. Alger Ave., Rush City. Call manager Julie Perreault at (320) 358-3114 for more information. Rush City Lions The Rush City Lions service organization was established in Rush City in 1971 and today has over 50 members. Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Rush City Community Center in winter and at the Lions’ building at the fairgrounds from May to the first meeting in October. For more information, please contact president Andy Schoeberl (320) 358-3919 or Lion Dave Schroeder (320) 358-4030. Rush City Women’s Club The Rush City Women’s Club is a civic organization that began in 1921 and celebrated their 90th year in 2011. Today, the group gathers for events for the community and surrounding areas, fundraisers and with a more relaxed casual dress. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 6 p.m., August through May at the Senior Center. Call Jan Twingstrom at (320) 358-4465 for more information. Jasper Masonic Lodge #164 The Jasper Masonic Lodge began in 1886, providing financial support to: Shriner’s hospital, MN Masonic Cancer, Heart Hospitals, and educational scholarships. Today meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the months September to May at Lodge Hall on West 4th St., Rush City. For more information, please call Mike Carroll at (320) 358-4354. Order of Eastern Star The Jasper Chapter #28 of the Order of Eastern Star was established in 1890 with 22 members. Today it is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong, with 40 members in the Rush City area. Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month except July & August at the masonic hall on fourth Street in Rush City. For more information, call (320) 358-3322. Double R.C. Riding Club The Double R.C. Riding Club participates in local shows in June at the riding arena located north of Rush City. There are organized trail rides for club members and rides in the Chisago County Fair

parade each year. For those of you who love horses and riding, call Rich or Deb Thompson at (763) 250-0960 or e-mail: doubler/ cakarushcityridingclub for more information. “Red Hots” Red Hat Club For information on becoming a member and for club information, call Gerry Roll at (320) 358-4100. There are about 18 in this group. They go out once a month and have fun. It is open to new members. If 50 and older wear red and purple, if under 55 wear lavendar and pink. Rush City Garden Club Started in 1990, the Rush City Garden Club meets the third Thursday of the month at Rushseba Town Hall at 9 a.m. New members are always welcome. The club helps promote and encourage a clean, beautiful town with garden growing contests yearlong. For more information, contact Jean Magnuson at (320) 358-3322. Chisago County Agricultural Society The Chisago County Agricultural Society board meets throughout the year to plan the Chisago County Fair held at the fairgrounds each year in Rush City. They are responsible for organizing and operating the fair. The Chisago County fair will be held Thursday, July 18 to Sunday, July 21, 2013. Contact Mike Hochstatter for more information at (320) 358-0296. Rush City Sno-Bugs The Rush City Sno-Bugs is a non-profit, locally established snowmobile club in existence since 1975. The Sno-Bugs currently have a strong, active membership of nearly 100 volunteers who donate many hours building and maintaining snowmobile trails and encouraging snowmobile safety and awareness. They are proud of the snowmobile trail system and the more than 50 miles of groomed trails. For information contact Frank Mitchell, 320-358-3603. Rock Creek Lions The Rock Creek Lions meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Rock Creek Community Center. The group donates scholarships to both Pine City and Rush City High Schools graduating seniors as well as scholarships to Pine Technical College and hosts an annual Halloween party for the area children, delivers fruit baskets to seniors in December, pays for tickets to the Shrine Circus for the children in the Pine City and Rush City schools, holds a senior appreciation dinner in April and operates bingo in the fall and winter at Pine City’s two nursing homes. Contact Jeff Haugrud for more information at (320) 358-3651. Rum River Bandits Men’s Amateur Baseball Men’s amateur baseball for young adults in Wyoming, Braham, North Branch, Rush City, Cambridge and Isanti. For more informaiton, check our website: www.htosports.com/rumriver or call Tom (763) 742-3972.

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

‘You just don’t find a Grant House anymore’ New owner Barbara Johnson feels a connection with the historic hotel and eatery in downtown Rush City

ners with a share of the ownership. From the government world, which had her serving thousands of troops being transported to the Middle East earlier in her flying days, to small town business ownership, Johnson admits she still feels stress, but in a different way. She consumed herself with thinking about the hotel and restaurant all last summer. And it has yet to stop. “I’m feeling more stress because I want to get The Grant House up to speed,” she said. “When I purchased it, I saw a lot of things I wanted to do immediately. For one, I wanted to redecorate all the rooms in the hotel.” Johnson calls herself a “repurposer,” meaning she likes to use things that are second hand, things that had meaning in another’s life at some point. She began collecting and purchasing items reflective of the historic eatery and hotel and put them in storage throughout the summer. The Grant House Hotel & Eatery as it stands today. “I shared my vision with my good friends (one, an artist; the other, a professional floral designer) who By Jon Tatting helped redecorate the rooms,” she noted. “The jon.tatting@ecm-inc.com first room took three days.” Barb Johnson wants the story behind From the main dining area to the Rose The Grant House known to all who Room to the 11 renovated rooms that visit and treasure it. make up the hotel in the upper floors, The nostalgia, the architecture, the her mission was and continues to be old brick and mortar, the French adding the right touch that complecarpet, the history — from the fire ments the history, beauty and enviof 1895 to records indicating freronment, overall, that makes The quent visits by President Ulysses Grant House one of a kind. S. Grant — and the people who In fact, she is planning on cretake pride in its place in the Rush ating a “history wall,” complete City community. They all drive with old pictures and things to her to bring the establishment show people the historical path back to what it once was through the Grant House has taken. “I want a vision with no end. people to know where it started, Johnson, who lives in Burnsville, how it got here and everything in is approaching her third month of between,” she explained. “It’s been owning The Grant House Hotel & traumatic for the old girl.” Eatery, 80 West 4th St., which was preIn her research of The Grant House, viously owned by Todd Johnston. She Johnson quickly became attracted to the closed on the business Nov. 29, 2012, which interior’s fine woodwork, done by a gentlewas not in the plans after retiring man who spent around six years from a rewarding career as a flight Barbara Johnson is the new owner of and likely seven figures worth of attendant for the U.S. government. The Grant House Hotel & Eatery in Rush renovations. In an interview last week, she City. She is excited to be a part of both the “It took a lot of love and vision said she discovered the opportunity historic establishment and the community. of grandeur to renovate this girl when her ex-husband in San Diego from the way she started out, and contacted her about this hotel and it took him four years to complete restaurant business that was up for sale in a town north of the woodwork,” she said. Yet it was never in good enough the Twin Cities. shape to open for him at the time, she added. “I said to him, ‘Why in the world would I buy a hotel and She has learned about the unique relationship between eatery, and where is Rush City?’” recalled Johnson of her The Grant House and the community that’s housed it since initial reaction upon hearing the news. “He said to check 1880. it out and see.” “Rush City was an integral part of the hotel, and the hotel So she made the trip north in June of last year and in- was important to the town. It has stood the test of time, as stantly fell in love with what she saw and felt upon setting other businesses have come and gone. The Grant House foot in the front entry. has survived. Somewhere in her bones she has the will to “Right when I walked in, I knew I had to have it. It was live in spite of all,” said Johnson of the tough economic mine,” she said with enthusiasm. “I remember saying, ‘This times and even the fire of 1895 that couldn’t stop the estabis beautiful, this is beautiful.’ It kind of spoke to me. The lishment from enduring. rest is history, and I jumped in with both feet.” In addition, Johnson is proud of her staff, as all 14 emIn her first days as owner, Johnson said she “Barbified” ployees who worked for Johnston are still on duty. The the place by dressing the dining room tables with fresh, Grant House reminds her of growing up in a small town new tablecloths and putting her collection of antique China outside of Lakeville where her mom and dad were proprion display. Also helping out have been her daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Dan Clarke, who are minor partGrant House – see page 33

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

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Grant House – from page 32 having been diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago. She also had 17 surgeries. “The Grant House is a survivor, and I guess I am, too,” she said. “Maybe we can relate.” Johnson is optimistic with the direction The Grant House is taking under her leadership. This spring, she’ll be taking it outside and planting flower beds and an herb garden to match the beauty on the inside. Always the “repurposer,” she even has a few iron bed frames with head and foot boards from the 1800s that can be used in the flower bed. “It was ready for the scrap yard,” she confessed.

In the basement of The Grant House, Johnson has found many nuggets of history, including this framed wedding portrait, that have survived the age of time. Do you know who the couple is? Johnson would love to know. etors of a gas station. “I didn’t expect this kind of family environment,” she admitted of the bond she has with the staff. “I’ve forgotten what this is like, what a small town really offers. We have each other’s back, even when life happens.” As for the community, “There are gracious people here in Rush City,” she noted. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be here. There is a lot to the town that’s fun and vibrant. People care here.”

Johnson has spent much time and effort renovating the hotel rooms in the upper floors. She added of people’s feelings toward The Grant House, “People really love this place. There’s a lot of pride with people here. It gives me motivation to do more. Customers can expect great home cooking at a great price and great customer service. You just don’t find a Grant House anymore.” Johnson firmly believes The Grant House has a life of its own and had a say in its longevity. “She has decided to survive. She found me. I had no intention of buying anything. I was retiring and going to work part-time and getting reacquainted with family and all the special occasions,” she explained. Her connection with the hotel and restaurant also comes into play with each of their abilities to survive. While The Grant House was rebuilt about a year after the original structure burned in 1895, Johnson is now cancer free after

Many enjoy eating and socializing in The Grant House’s Rose Room, which features this old-fashioned fireplace. Down the road, Johnson wants to install a stone pathway that will take her guests down to the two ponds in the back of the building. She likes the idea of a gazebo in that area, too, for people to dine, read a book and perhaps attend a wedding ceremony one day. She also wants to have a few old quilts on hand, so people can have a good old-fashioned picnic with kids running around or a romantic outing with wine and wine glasses. “This vision is in my head,” she said of why she doesn’t write her ideas down. “I know exactly what I want. I want people to enjoy the outside, too.” Johnson added, “I’m anxious to get started. I have people volunteering to help me plant flowers. People are so interested in donating things.”

The original Grant House as it appeared from 1880-1895, until a fire destroyed it that last year. The building that stands in its place today was constructed in 1896.

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Rush City Public Library

The Rush City Public Library: Great books and a whole lot more! The Rush City library is one of 14 branches of the East Central Regional Library (ECRL) system that serves the counties of Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine. Outlying areas are also served through seven Outreach stops and two Link Sites. It’s easy to obtain a free library card which entitles you to services and materials at all of the ECRL sites. Simply bring two forms of identification to the library (one showing your current address). Some of the materials and services available at your library include: • Books for all ages • Computers with internet access • Magazines and newspapers • Interlibrary loan • Online access to your account to place orders, check status, etc. • Large print books; Books on CD • Music CDs; Children’s Book & CD sets (great for family trips!) • Copier, fax machine, scanner • Meeting space • Storytime for Preschoolers • Dynamic Summer Reading Program • Wireless access (bring your laptop or other wireless device) • Book club kits • Digital Immigrant classes • eBooks and eAudio

• DVD movies for all ages • Research assistance • Reference databases (including Chilton’s Automotive Repair and Ancestry Library Edition) • Used book sales • Visits by authors and other special guests Weekly hours of operation are: • Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. • Thursday & Friday: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. • Sunday & Monday: Closed The Rush City Library is located at 240 West 4th Street; phone 320-358-3948, e-mail: rushcity@ecrlib.org. Preschool Storytime Storytime is a great way to introduce children to books and the library, and help them develop a lifelong love of learning. Plus, you’ll get to meet other children and adults who also love to read! Personnel from Lakes & Pines Head Start work with the Rush City library to lead preschool children, ages 3-5 years, in songs, stories, fingerplays, simple crafts, activities and more! Storytime at the Rush City library is held most Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. and dismissal is by 3:00 p.m. – in time to meet big brother or sister after school! Please call the library at 320-358-3948 with any questions or to confirm the Storytime schedule. For more information on “Happenings” at the library, see our web site at: ecrl.lib.mn.us/rushcity.html.

Consider supporting your local library by becoming a member of the Rush City Friends of the Library! Meetings are held monthly on the 2nd Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. Call ahead to confirm.

We look forward to seeing YOU at the Rush City Library!

Rush City Launches 3rd Annual Community Read

Mayor Dan Dahlberg kicked off the 2013 Rush City Community Read by reading his mayoral proclamation on January 23rd at the Rush City Public Library. Joining him at the brief ceremony were members of the Rush City Friends of the Library, which was instrumental in planning the program. In this third annual community read, people are encouraged to turn the pages of Louis L’amour’s ‘Last of the Breed,’ along with the youth companion novel, ‘The Sign of the Beaver,’ authored by Elizabeth George Speare. Both titles are available at the library in print, eBook and book on CD formats. Students can talk all about “The Sign of the Beaver” during a youth book discussion at C.E. Jacobson Elementary School on March 5th at 3:00 p.m. Entire families are invited to enjoy this event, which will be preceded by a viewing of the 2007 movie based on the book. This unrated historical wilderness adventure stars Keith Carradine and Annette O’Toole. Pop-

corn will be served and there will be a brief book/movie discussion after. For both adults and tens, we have an author adventurer, Tyler Fish, who will be speaking about his book, “Forward, the First American Unsupported Expedition to the North Pole.” This event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30 p.m. at the library. Also, youth and adults are invited to an exciting and informative event featuring an experienced local outdoorsman who will share adventure stories and give tips about surviving and thriving in Minnesota’s winter outdoor wonderland! This event will be held on Thursday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the library. The event ends with a big, 3-week long book sale from March 9th to March 23rd during regular open house at the library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the sale will offer great prices, and all proceeds will go directly into Rush City library programs and materials.

Rush City Many Faces â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2013

Chisago County Parks

Chisago County Commissioners strive to improve the quality of life through county parks, trails and open space. County Parks provide close to home access to lakes, rivers and unique natural resources. Local Parks are popular for family reunions, company picnics and special events, shelters at the parks are often reserved for this use. County Parks and Trails offer benefits custom tailored to your interests. New opportunities have been added in recent year. A 9 hole disc golf course, hiking trails, bank fishing and playground equipment at the Dennise Frandsen County Park offers activity for visitors of all ages. An off-leash dog area at Checkerboard Park opened in 2012. Bank fishing is also popular at the Kost Dam Park. This park is graced with a water impoundment created by a dam built in early 1900s to provide hydro power for area farmers. The water flow over the spillway is a popular area for bank fishing. For fitness or pleasure enjoy hiking,

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biking or skating on the 16 mile hard surface Sunrise Prairie Trail. Geo-caching is also available in all the parks and trails all around Chisago County, another fun activity for all ages. Swimming beaches are available at Fish Lake and Checkerboard Park. Shelters are available to reserve at all the parks, call early to reserve your date. Contact the Parks Department at 651-674-2345 or e-mail limork@co.chisago.mn.us. Find additional park information, photos and directions at www.co.chisago.mn.us click on Recreation at the top of the page. The parks headquarters is located at 38871 7th Ave., North Branch, MN 55056. The Parks office is normally open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. pending staff availability. Vehicle permits are required for all vehicles entering Fish Lake Park on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Parking permits are $3.00 per day or $20.00 per season.

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Historical Societies

Cheewin Lodge continues to be a gathering place for people. This group is working together on their fiber arts projects.

The Chisago County Historical Society has been collecting and sharing stories and artifacts about the county since the early 1900’s. Today, it has museums and historical displays throughout the county so that all the communities have access to its rich educational resources. At the Fairgrounds in Rush City, the county society has several reconstructed buildings that are open free of charge during the County Fair and by appointment. Two of the most significant are the 1869 log home of Michael and Mary Delmore (early Rush City pioneers) and the 1902 log lodge from the first YMCA camp in Minnesota (near Green Lake by Chisago City). It should be noted that the Rush City Food Shelf is maintaining the garden area adjacent to the log lodge and sharing its produce with local participants. Other displays

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are located in the old town hall at Sunrise, in the Clover Blossom school at the Almelund Threshing Grounds near Palmdale, in the Government Center at Center City, and in the Gustaf Anderson House at Lindstrom. The County Society maintains a history research library which is open limited hours daily and by appointment. The library is filled with pioneer family genealogy information, microfilms of local newspapers, and lots of local community books and historical data. Educational programs and workshops are held on a regular basis – watch for announcements in the local newspapers. Three major ongoing projects that the county society has been working on are videotaping former service members for the National Veterans History Project with the Library of Congress, photographing and posting all the local cemetery markers in the internet at FindAGrave.com for genealogists to use, and promoting the continuance of heritage fiber and textile handiwork through groups that meet monthly. The Rush City area Heritage Fiber and Textile group meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday evenings at the Community Center on Fourth Street. Membership is open to anyone interested in Chisago County history and does not require volunteering your time or services except as you are willing and able. Members receive a quarterly newsletter and advance information about local workshops. For more information, please call 651-257-5310, or email chisagohistory@frontiernet.net, or visit the website www.ChisagoCountyHistory.org. The County Society is an IRS 501(c)3 educational non-profit and is registered with the MN Attorney General office as a charitable organization. The society is supported by donations, membership dues, and grants. Financial contributions can be done online by visiting GiveMN.org

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Rush City couple awarded for service to others

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Bill and Millie Peters receive 2012 Rush City Community Service Award By Jon Tatting jon.tatting@ecm-inc.com

One Rush City couple probably gets more out of helping others than those on the receiving end of their acts of kindness and compassion. And the community has taken notice as Bill and Millie Peters were selected for the 2012 Rush City Community Service Award. The Rush City Chamber of Commerce recognized the couple during a special awards banquet Jan. 19 at Chucker’s Bowl & Lounge in Rush City. Millie said she and Bill learned they won the award during a phone conversation last November with Mike Carroll, who received the honor in 2011. “I told Mike, ‘You have to be kidding,’” she recalled. “It is an honor.” Getting involved Bill and Millie moved from the Twin Cities to the Rush City area in 1996, when they found the lake home they were searching for to start retirement life. Previously, Bill owned R&R Specialties, a refrigeration and ice arena service, out of Bloomington, Minn., for 20 years. He graduated from Minneapolis West High School in 1951. Millie worked in customer service for American Fruit and Produce out of Eagan before taking a job as bookkeeper for her husband’s company. She’s a graduate of Sibley High in West St. Paul. After selling the business, they headed north and settled on a place off East Rush Lake in the Shorewood housing development. They became members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church where they found opportunities to serve others. For 12 years, they and another couple participated in the Adopta-Highway program, picking up trash along a 1-mile stretch of Co. Rd. 1 — just a mile or so west from where they live. “There was a lot of trash, and cars would honk in support of us,” Bill said. Added Millie, “It was a good project, a rewarding task. Afterward, we went to the Rush City Bakery and had the biggest rolls (apple fritters, for sure) in the case. That was the highlight of the day.” Yet the couple was just getting started in their service to the community, which quickly became home. They answered a call about 10 years ago to start the Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Rushseba Town Hall. With help from many volunteers and other local churches, part of the duty is picking up people if they need a ride to the feast and serving others Meals on Wheels-style. “A lot of people want to help, whether to serve food or help clean,” said Millie. “One volunteer just wanted to wash pots and pans. It’s tough sometimes to fill positions (based on the volume of people wanting to volunteer). The people we serve are kind of scraping by (and going through) hard times. To volunteer is rewarding. It makes you feel grateful.” Christmas Caring Tree Bill and Millie also got involved with the Christmas Caring Tree, a Rush City Cares project, which gives the community the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for children, from infants to senior high age, of local families in need. Families must live in the Rush City school district area and can apply at their child’s school or local food shelf. The event is held at the grocery center mall where shoppers can pluck a tag with gift ideas — as requested from each participating child — off of the

Photo by Jon Tatting Bill and Millie Peters said they felt honored to be chosen for the award. They are pictured inside their home facing East Rush Lake in the Shorewood housing development west of Rush City. “caring tree.” “One time a young man asked for sheets, as some children ask for basic things,” Millie said with a sad look in her eye. “We have a $35 maximum/minimum (price limit), but some people will go all out. One year, a guy bought a bike with helmet.” Once the gifts are purchased and matched with the children who requested them, the parents are able to claim the presents at the Rush City Community Center. Some families are even chosen to receive $50 gift certificates to buy food at the grocery store. When the parents arrive, emotions of joy lend a sobering reminder of the project’s mission and meaning behind the Christmas season. “They (some parents) are so young,” Millie observed. “Some of them cry. One woman reacted, ‘I’m so grateful. I got gifts, and now I also have groceries.’ How can you not cry? This is why we’re doing this.” She credits the Rush City Lions, Thrivent Financial and Rush City Cares for providing donation money, which assures all families who apply receive gifts. Bill and Millie have a heart for children all over the globe, too. Through Operation Christmas Child, they help fill shoeboxes with school supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, stuffed animals, candy and more for boys and girls in third world countries. Destinations have included Haiti and small countries in Africa. “It’s quite an operation,” she noted. When word arrives Bill has enjoyed his time with the Rush City Lions, an organization that just awarded him his 10-year pin. He also received the Melvin Jones Fellow award around five years ago for dedicated humanitarian services to the community. “It’s a good bunch of guys and gals,” he explained. “Some of the projects we come up with are heart warming, such as building a wheelchair ramp and maintaining it for folks. Some members have carpentry skills. We’re there when word arrives.” Bill serves in other capacities, as well, including treasurer on

Community Service Award – see page 38

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Community Service Award – from page 37 the Shorewood Sanitary District Board. Living in a community within a community, Shorewood residents have their own sewer and roadway system. “We maintain that for 108 families,” he said. Millie, too, wears multiple caps in the community, from sitting on the Thrivent Financial Board to being a long-time election judge to serving as treasurer for the Rush City Cares group, which is managed by local pastors. “Pastors call me with needs in the community; the money strictly comes from donations,” she explained, noting it gives temporary financial help to members of the Rush City community who are in a crisis situation. She also belongs to the Rush City Women’s Club, a 90-year-old organization that gives scholarships to high school seniors. And her work continues at church where she is alter guild and serves on the Parish Hall ministry and church council. When asked why they volunteer, Bill and Millie say they have the time, their health and means to give back to others less fortunate. They enjoy the work and understand a lot of people are struggling right now to makes ends meet. They’ve gotten to know and appreciate the community, too. “The people here are outstanding,” said Bill. “Through my involvement with the Lions, it feels good to reach out to others. Even a smile can make a difference.” Millie summarized her feelings by citing her favorite Bible verse: “This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

Photo by Melanie M. Hedberg Past Rush City Chamber President Holly Schellbach presented the 2012 Rush City Community Service Award to Bill and Millie Peters on Saturday evening, Jan. 16 at Chucker’s Bowl & Lounge in Rush City. More than 100 family, friends and community members braved the brisk evening to celebrate the couple for their outstanding volunteerism throughout the community.

Rush City Music & Art Festival in its 11th year

The excitement of two days of music, art, food, and fun comes back to Rush City with the 2013 Music and Arts Festival, Aug. 16 and 17. The summer celebration begins with a spaghetti dinner Friday evening followed by a street dance. And then on Saturday, there’s a full day of events with something for everyone. This includes lots of music, of course, an Art Show and art demonstrations, along with a craft sale. There will be a pancake breakfast Saturday in the morning. Bring the kids because there are special activities for them throughout the day and they will have a great time. They can dance to the music, enjoy the face painting, crazy hair, clowns, participate in the children’s talent show or just have fun on the playground equipment. Car buffs, you can enjoy the classic vehicle show on Main Street, always a terrific event. You’ll maybe drool a bit as you walk up and down the rows of shiny classics that always bring back pleasant memories. Contact Perry @

Perry’s Auto Salon to be part of the car show! If you’re hungry, there will be food vendors all day on Saturday. Thirsty? There’s a Chamber sponsored beer garden starting at noon until midnight. And for the more athletic attendees, there will be a 5K run/walk on Saturday morning – watch for more details to come. Remember your neighbors, too, and bring a food shelf donation and place it at the drop-off site. If you do nothing but sit and enjoy some wonderful music, you’ll have had a fantastic time during this community celebration which wraps up with a lively fireworks display on Saturday evening at dark. You can’t ask for more fun and excitement in August and Rush City’s Music and Arts Festival is the place to be!!! Please check the Rush City Chamber website for event details and specific times of activities and performances. www.rushcitychamber.com

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

‘Last Times’ at Rush City High

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Candi Crippen retires, reflects on 42-year career as school’s health, physical education teacher By Jon Tatting jon.tatting@ecm-inc.com

Candi Crippen discovered something about herself while on a canoe trip in Canada during her youth. Surrounded by the wonders of nature, she found her place. “That canoe trip was my element in high school,” recalled the Owatonna, Minn., native. “I fell in love with the outdoors and everything it had to offer. We had bears visit us.” Teaching was another of Crippen’s “elements,” as evident by her 42 and a half-year career at Rush City High School. Hired in the fall of 1970, she was the school’s health and physical education teacher who reached three generations of students under eight different principals. As with all good things, her long and rewarding career came to an end this month with her decision to retire. Her last day was Friday, Jan. 18, and her dedication to the school district has been noted by both the school and Rush City communities. “The last few days have been hard,” she said in a Jan. 17 interview at the high school. “I would catch myself thinking, ‘This is the last time I’ll do grades; this will be my last class to do exercises; this is the last time I’ll blow a whistle. All the last times...” Actually, Crippen said she could have retired six or seven years ago, but she didn’t have a reason. “I love my job and the kids,” she noted. At semester time this year, however, she thought it was as good a time as any to make the announcement. She said her decades of service at Rush City High have been educational. “I learned a lot about kids and people (in general),” she pointed out. “One of the biggest things is every child is different. Just a smile can make a difference in making a student’s day. They come with such a variety of different backgrounds. I believe if you respect the students, they will respect you back.” Crippen shared what kept her motivated through the years. “Every day was different,” she noted. “Teaching is not repetitive at all. I taught a wide variety of ages (seventh through 12th grade at the high school) and more than 300 students a day. Something different happened every day. It never ever got boring.” Crippen received her bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Mankato State University, which is now Minnesota State University, Mankato, in the spring of 1970. She then discovered a job opportunity at Rush City schools through “a somebody who knew somebody who knew somebody deal,” she explained. So Crippen got into contact with then principal Bill Collins and scheduled an interview right out of college, June or July of 1970. For three decades, she worked in the former high school building by the Rush City pool until the current high school was built some 10-plus years ago. Aside from Collins, she worked under principals Jon McBroom, Dwight Davis, Tim Eklund, Mark Saari, Kim Erdman, Stuart Fuhs and now Brent Stavig, who is in the middle of his first year in the principal’s chair. She said she was the school’s first girls coach in sports including volleyball, basketball, track and softball. “We were one game from going to state in girls volleyball,” she explained of one of many highlights. She advised Pep Club, an

Photo by Jon Tatting Candi pictured inside the gymnasium at Rush City High School. organization of students that made posters and locker signs in support of student athletes and teams, and a cheerleaders group for several years, too. “I enjoyed it all,” she said. Outside of teaching, Crippen was a volunteer EMT for eight years when the Rush City Hospital was up and running in town. She was part of the Rush City Ambulance Service team. “Our first ambulance was a Chevy station wagon with lights on it,” she laughed. “I was sad to see (the hospital) go. It was the closest place for people in Rush City, Pine City and Harris to (receive care). It was a sad day when it closed.” Back at school, one can only imagine the changes that she both welcomed and endured. “The biggest change I’ve seen throughout the years are the kids,” said Crippen. “Now, there isn’t the discipline coming from home like there used to be. It shows in the classroom when there’s no discipline at home.” She believes social networking websites like Facebook, cell phones and some of the technology of today have not been helpful either. “Kids are cruel to each other on those,” she explained. “Kids don’t respect each other anymore. Technology leads to a lot of unnecessary drama. It’s scary sometimes.” Yet the job has been a rewarding one for Crippen, who reached her third generation of students in the gym and classroom. To put it another way, “I’ve had students, their parents and their grandparents,” she noted. “It really scared me the first time when a student said, ‘You had my dad.’ It made me feel old. It’s rewarding, too, seeing the kids grow up, become professionals, get married and have kids of their own.” Also rewarding for Crippen was seeing the look on a student’s face when he or she would say “I get it” or those “ahha” moments from students learning about self discipline, sportsmanship and other life lessons that make good people in life.

Crippen Retires – see page 40

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Crippen Retires – from page 39

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

“To visibly see them get what I’m trying to teach, you could see the light blink on on their faces,” she explained of some of her favorite moments. Crippen said the most important lesson she could teach was how to be a good sport. “Winning isn’t everything,” she stressed. “You learn by losing and hopefully get better. I think sometimes we put too much stress on kids to perform. We need to allow them to have fun, to play, to be a kid, to laugh. Kids don’t go outside anymore. We used to be out from sun up to sun set. I don’t see kids outside anymore.” Crippen also was big on being fair to her students. “They are not objects to boss around,” she explained. “Parents need to realize they can’t be their best friends... They (students) have to make choices, and I would challenge them to make the good choice. If they screw up, fess up to it. I told kids to think, ‘How many choices do you make in a day?’” And another thing,“Be honest, and we can work through anything,” she advised her students. Looking back on her career, she gives credit to students, fellow teachers and the community for their support and keeping things interesting at school. “I’ve learned so many things from so many kids,” she noted. “The people here (at school) and the community are wonderful. We have a close-knit group of people I work with here. We would do anything for each other. You can’t get bored; there’s something different every day. There are frustrating days of teaching, too, but you get over it.” In her last week, Crippen had the chance to meet with the high school’s new health and physical education teacher, Angie Houlahan. The veteran offered some advice — like she would to any new or young teacher. “Don’t be their (a student’s) friend,” she suggested. “You are here to be their teacher. Kids like that structure. They want the discipline, and they want things organized.” In her retirement, Crippen is looking forward to getting back to her other “element” with a move north on her friends’ property by Grindstone Lake near Sandstone.

There, she can fish, go for a walk in the woods with her dogs Maggie and Jessie and take in the great outdoors that she fell in love with during that canoe trip in Canada. “I’m planning on having a conversation with big foot,” she smiled.

Located just north of Rush City is Minnesota’s state-ofthe-art correctional facility which incorporates the latest technology and design elements. It is one of three Level 4 (close custody) facilities in the state. The others are located in Stillwater and St. Cloud. The Minnesota Correctional Facility – Rush City is a 415,953 square foot complex of buildings situated on 385 acres on the north end of Rush City off of Co. Rd. 361. There are 82 acres of land inside the facility’s perimeter fence. Using touch screen computer technology and an electronically controlled perimeter, the facility’s security systems are among the most advanced systems available. The facility’s main support building is in the center of the complex and houses inmate programs and other support services. The support building includes a central corridor for all offender movement to food, medical, visitation, and faith/religious services and industry, education and other program areas.

An administrative building is connected to the main support building by an internal, secure hallway. There are four living units; two are located on the east and two on the west side of the main support building. The four living units are each divided into eight separate areas for control purposes. The correctional facility opened its first phase in December 1999. The facility operates at capacity of approximately 1,000 offenders a day. Offenders at the Rush City facility are involved in educational, industry, and facility support services work assignments. The correctional facility employs approximately 351 staff members. For more information on future job opportunities at the Minnesota Correctional Facility – Rush City, call the Minnesota Management and Budget dapartment at (651) 259-3637, or the facility’s Human Resource office at (320) 358-0421. Please visit our website for more information: www.doc.state.mn.us

Photo supplied Candi Crippen with Stefanie Folkema, who with fellow board members recognized the long-time teacher at the January 2013 school board meeting.

Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City

Minnesota Correction Facility - Rush City www.doc.state.mn.us

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

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2013 Area Events & Activities

Jan. 26-27 Celebration of the Lakes Feb. 2-10 Winter Fest, North Branch, (651) 674-4077 Feb. 9 Snowmobile Radar Run, Rush Lake, (320) 358-0901 Feb. 23-24 Chisago Lakes Home, Garden & Business Show, Lindstrom, (651) 257-1177 Mar. 14 Business Day at the Capitol March 16 Master Gardener’s Bonanza, NB, (651) 277-0151 Mar. 18 Chisago Sportsmans Club Youth Gun Safety Program Don (612) 518-2638 March 23 Community Connections Expo, North Branch, (651) 674-4077 Apr. 7 Shafer-Franconia Fire Dept. Pancake Breakfast Apr. 15-9/15 Karl Oskar House Tours, Sundays 1-4 p.m. Apr. 26 Chisago City Fire Dept. Smelt Fry Apr. 27 Cadillac Dinner, Chisago Lakes Lions, (651) 257-7407 May 4 City Wide Garage Sale, North Branch, (651) 674-7025 May 4-5 Earth Arts Spring Art Tour of the Upper St. Croix River Valley, www.earthartswi.org May 9-12 Chisago Citywide Garage Sales, Chisago City May 10-12 MN Potters Tour of the Upper St. Croix River Valley, www.minnesotapotters.com (651) 674-4555 May Citywide Garage Sale - Stacy, (651) 674-7025 May 11 Citywide Garage Sale - Rush City, (651) 674-7025 May 14-16 Shafer Citywide Garage Sales May 15 Rush City Clean-Up Day May 18 Scandia Fun Run/Walk, www.ScandiaFunRun.com May 26-9/3 “I Can Fish” Fridays, MN Interstate State Park May 27 Memorial Day Services at local cemeteries June 9 Rush City Fly-In June 12-16 Midsummer Days, North Branch, (651) 674-4077 June 15-Oct. Chisago City Farmers Market, 2-6 p.m. Fridays www.chisagocityfarmersmarket-org.webs.com June & July Pioneer School, Taylors Falls Townhouse School (715) 483-3012 June–Aug. Harmony in the Park, Wednesdays, Lindstrom, (651) 257-0620 June 22 Midsommer Dag, Gammelgarden & Karl Oskar House July–Aug. Concerts in the Park, Thursdays, North Branch, (651) 674-1025 June–Oct. Farmers Market, Wed. Eve. & Sat. A.M., North Branch, (651) 674-1025 June–Oct. Farmers Market, Wed. Eve. & Sat. A.M., Lindstrom, 651-257-0620 July 11-14 Karl Oskar Days, Lindstrom, (651) 257-1177 July 13 Pedal with the Police, North Branch (651) 674-8848 July 18-21 Chisago County Fair, Rush City (651) 237-3059

www.ChisagoCountyFair.org July 18-21 Wannigan Days, Taylors Falls, (651) 465-5133 July 19-20 Relay for Life, Almelund, (651) 255-8113 July 25-28 Chisago Lakes Half Iron Man Triathlon, Chisago City (651) 257-1177 July 26-28 Center City Days, Center City, (651) 257-5284 Aug. 3 Stacy Daze, Stacy (651) 462-4486 Aug. 7 National Night Out, Chisago Lakes Area (651) 257-5464 Aug. 9-11 Almelund Threshing Days, (651) 257-1264 Aug. 11 Chisago Sportsmans Club Picnic Aug. 16-17 Music & Art Festival, Rush City (320) 358-3554 Aug. 16-17 Frankie’s Bass Tournament, (651) 257-6334 Aug. 15-18 Ki-Chi-Saga Days Celebration, Chisago City (651) 257-1264 Aug. 17 Spelmanstamma Fiddler’s Festival at Gammelgarden Aug. 31-11/3 Shafer Corn Maze, www.shafercornmaze.com Sept. 12 Community Golf Tournament, Lindstrom 651-257-1177, www.chisagolakeschamber.com Sept. 7-8 Hay Days, Sno-Baron’s Snowmobile Club Sept. 15 Amador Apple Festival, Almelund (651) 583-2883 Sept. 23-25 Stagecoach Days, Wyoming Sept. 25-29 Fall Harvest Festival, North Branch, (651) 674-4077 Sept. 28 Classic Car Show, North Branch, (651) 674-4077 Sept. 28 Fall Harvest Festival Art Craft Fair, North Branch, (651) 674-4077 Sept. 28 Scarecrow Stampede 5K and Fun Run/Walk, North Branch, (651) 674-4077 Sept. 28-29 Alpaca Farm Tour, www.alpacasofmn.com Oct. 4-5 Shafer Days, Shafer, (651) 257-4726 Sept. 24 Ojiketa Art Blitz, Ojiketa Region Park, Chisago City www.ci.chisago.mn.us Oct. 18-19 Ojiketa Haunt, Chisago City, (651) 257-5464 Oct. 19 “Falloween” Festival, Chisago City, (651) 257-5464 Oct. 25-28 Ojiketa Haunt, Chisago City, (651) 257-5464 Nov. 9-10 Area Artisans’ Show at Taylors Falls Depot, (715) 294-2868 Nov. 23 Arts Fest, North Branch, (651) 674-1025 Nov. 28 “Dine and Dash” 5K/10K, Chisago City Nov. 27-12/6 Christmas at the Folsom House Museum, Taylors Falls (651) 465-3125 Nov. 29-12/8 Chisago Lakes Area Lighting Festivals Dec. 6-10 Christmas Celebrations, Chisago Lakes Area Dec. 8 Lucia Dagen at Gammelgarden, (651) 433-5053

For more information on any of the listed events or other events in the area, please contact your local Chamber of Commerce. www.northbranchchamber.com; www.chisagolakeschamber.com; www.rushcitychamber.com; www.fallschamber.org

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Rush City Many Faces â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2013

Chisago County Map

Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

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Rush City Many Faces • Spring 2013

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