park rapids enterprise | Wednesday, March 30, 2022
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2022 PROGRESS
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2022
PROGRESS Take this job and love it
Local voices offer hints for moving past the Great Resignation By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise “Locally, we’re finding that there’s help wanted signs everywhere,” said Mary Thompson. In January, Thompson spoke at the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association’s annual meeting about the Great Resignation. The executive director of the Heartland Lakes Development Commission told the PRDBA about a phenomenon that has been affecting businesses nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic began, making it difficult to retain and recruit employees. “I think there’s a couple things,” Thompson said in an interview in February. “We’ve been seeing, or expecting, that the Baby Boomers were gonna start retiring through this period of time, so we were expecting that there would be a lot of workers leaving the workforce anyway. I think the pandemic sped it up a lot, and that a lot of early retirees just said, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore.’” Besides this, she said, many younger workers struggle with finding daycare when their children are out of school, and some don’t feel safe in the workplace due
to the risk of catching COVID-19. “It’s really been a lot more difficult to attract workers to the jobs that are available,” said Thompson. “Employers have to be a lot more creative about finding ways to attract workers, and a lot more willing to look at things besides just pay. Because it’s not just pay anymore.” It’s flexibility, she said. It’s autonomy. It’s opportunities for advancement that are becoming more important when workers have a choice to stay put or move forward with a new job. On the local level, Thompson called on the business community to recognize that “we can’t bring in enough workers to take the jobs that we have, much less any more that we want to grow. And even if we could, we don’t have enough housing to take care of that.”
Robin Fish / Park Rapids Enterprise
Executive Director Mary Thompson had her 5-month-old Havanese-rat terrier mix puppy, Finley, with her Feb. 1 at the Heartland Lakes Development Commission office, an example of a type of flexible employment she said workers are looking for.
place,” she added. “Now, I don’t think any employer is trying to mistreat their employees, or that employees are thinking that they’re entitled. They’re just tired and Tired and shellshell-shocked.” shocked Workers have become Thompson contrasted burned out, Thompthe current job market, son said, and that puts which favors the inter- employers in a no-win ests of workers, with the situation. “If you don’t era of the 1950s and 60s have people show up, when “the employer was there’s not a lot you can the ruler.” do except lean on the “And that’s why labor ones that are there,” she unions came in the first said, noting that some
employers have relaxed their attendance expectations to where someone can be a no-show today and still have a job tomorrow. “What they’re finding is that that really has a negative impact, because the really good employees who show up every single day are saying, ‘How does that work?’ They don’t mind working the overtime if the folks who are not as committed have a consequence,” she said.
No going back
“It’s not gonna return to what it was, when there was just an abundance of employees and there were more employees per job,” said Evie Fowler. “It’s kind of the other way around now. We’ve got all these jobs and no employees.” Fowler is the Career Force team leader with Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (RMCEP) of Hubbard, Wadena and
Todd counties, based in Wadena. Fowler said there are even more factors in play, from the workers’ perspective, than general burnout with the way things were. Variables include “the extra unemployment pay, incentive checks to stay home, the fear of COVID, being sick,” she said. “I think there is some of that still out there,
RESIGNATION: Page B6
Entrepreneur center called ‘The Hangar’ opens Lorie Skarpness Park Rapids Enterprise
Shannon Geisen / Enterprise
The Hangar is located at 100 8th St. E. on Hwy. 71, north of the Park Rapids Fire Hall.
“Hangar has that connotation,” she said. “We want to help entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs and business people take flight. We were thrilled to receive some assistance from the Industries have a new resource in Park Rapids. The Hangar is located at 100 8th St. of Park Rapids, a non-profit that proE. on Hwy. 71, north of the fire hall vides assistance to businesses in the in the gray brick building that was community. Sanford of Bemidji also formerly Seip Pharmacy and the city provided us with a contribution to help liquor store, and will offer 24-hour with the renovation of The Hangar. access to office space and equipment. They believe it’s worthwhile for the “When you talk about entrepre- economic vitality of the community.” neur centers, you want to create a launch-off place where you can get Membership options the groundwork to get to the next The Hangar will serve three groups level,” said Heartland Lakes Developof people. ment Commission (HLDC) Executive THE HANGAR: Page B2 Director Mary Thompson.
Two Loon Candy offers sweet treats in Nevis Tracy and Joe Ganley, who also own Muskie Waters in Nevis. “Muskie Waters moved candy over The oldest building in Nevis was restored and is home to a new busi- to the fully restored, early-1900s ness, Two Loon Candy. building in 2020 to make room for A variety of cheesecakes are social distance regulations during offered, along with bulk candy, car- COVID,” Tracey said. “With great amel apples, fudge, toys and some support from the community owngift items. ers, we decided to keep the candy The shop is located on the town’s shop at the new location in 2021 and only one-way street, near the named the store Two Loon Candy. post office. Lorie Skarpness Park Rapids Enterprise
Two Loon Candy is owned by
TWO LOON: Page B2
Contributed / Tracy Ganley
Two Loon Candy in Nevis offers a variety of sweet treats, including fresh-baked cheesecake.
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Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | park rapids enterprise
parkrapidsenterprise.com
Park Rapids Enterprise moves into Bruhn Plaza
TWO LOON From Page B1
By Shannon Geisen Park Rapids Enterprise The Park Rapids Enterprise has new digs. The newspaper’s former location at 203 Henrietta Ave. N. officially sold to Ameriprise Financial on Oct. 1, 2021. The sale of the 7,000-square-foot building was part of a strategy to “right-size” the newspaper’s physical footprint. Technological advances in publishing have profoundly impacted the newspaper industry. The reality is that newspapers no longer need large physical spaces for equipment and people. Space once designated for developing rolls of film, storing paper archives and warehousing clunky newspaper production equipment is a remnant of the industry’s past. Today’s newspapers are produced with laptops, digital cameras and the internet. Archives have gone digital and up into a cloud. The Enterprise’s new location is Bruhn Plaza on State Hwy. 34. The new address is 1011 1st St. E., Suite 6. Office hours are the same: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon Friday.
THE HANGAR From Page B1
The first group is entrepreneurs who are looking at starting a business. “They may be looking for guidance, mentoring and equipment to get started,” Thompson said. The second group is small business owners. “They may want to create a report and need access to a really nice, multi-function printer that can also fax and scan, staple and threehole punch, or really good internet, or they need to print a poster or blueprint on our wide-format machine. You can send your job to the machine from home and it will sit there until you come and scan your card, and then it prints.” The third group is remote workers. “Maybe they need a place to meet with a client besides at their kitchen table, or
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Shannon Geisen / Enterprise
Renovations are complete at the Park Rapids Enterprise’s new office in Bruhn Plaza. Staff, from left, are Robin Fish, Todd Keute, Karen Holtan, Kelly Hoeke, Kathy Dennis, Cindy Warne and Vance Carlson. Not pictured: Jayne Merila, Lorie Skarpness and Shannon Geisen
ication to Forum Communications Company, the Park Rapids Enterprise, and the Park Rapids community is greatly appreciated,” said Aaron Becher, vice president of FCC newspaper operations. Todd Keute assumed publisher and advertisWelcoming a new ing director responsipublisher bilities at the Enterprise. Candy Parks, adver- He currently serves in tising manager for the the same roles for the Park Rapids Enterprise, Blackduck American, retired in March 2022. Bemidji BuyLine Shop“Her 40 years of ded- per and Bemidji Pioneer. The plaza is better-suited to staff and multimedia needs. “It’s exciting,” said operations manager Karen Holtan. “For me, I’m just looking forward to a bright future in our new building.”
a place to have a Zoom meeting, or just want someone to bounce ideas off or chat with,” she said. Regular hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Memberships range from a one-day pass to unlimited access. “If somebody’s here on vacation and they need to run in and do a few things for the office, they can get a day pass for $20. A pass for five consecutive days is $75. Each membership comes with a different amount of print allowances. There are also monthly plans ranging from $70 for five days, $135 for 10 days and $250 for unlimited access and $30 worth of printing. If you’re a person who wants to work from midnight to 6 a.m., you could do that.” The facility also has a conference room with a phone that can be reserved by non-members for meetings for a fee of $40 for four
Park Rapids
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www.parkrapidsenterprise.com
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Keute said, “I look forward to being part of the Enterprise team with a continued focus on local journalism and marketing, using both our print and digital platforms. It’s an exciting time at the Enterprise, as we are settled in our new location and will be planning an open house in the future.” The Enterprise remains committed to the community, Keute continued, delivering news that readers love
and trust. This year, the Enterprise celebrates its 140th anniversary. Two years after Park Rapids became a town, one year before Hubbard County was established and nine years before the railroad came, Henry R. Cobb published the first edition of the Park Rapids Enterprise on July 25, 1882. Shannon Geisen can be reached at sgeisen@ parkrapidsenterprise.com.
The name and logo were designed after the iconic Minnesota state bird with a native theme.” The “Two” in the business name is because the couple has 12-year-old twins, Buster and Maya. “They are my taste testers,” Tracy said. “In our logo there is a ‘B’ on one loon and an ‘M’ on the other loon for the twins,” she said. The shop’s logo was designed by local artist Jenny Meyer. “There are at least a dozen varieties of cheesecakes baked fresh daily and sold by the slice or by the pie,” Tracy said. The Ganleys totally restored the building, including the original tin ceiling, wood floor and walls. “We took every single piece of wood off the walls, re-sanded it and put it back up,” she said. The building had been standing empty for years. Most recently it served as a martial arts dojo and the Hobby Hut, where handmade items were sold. “It was the town hall at one point and also the Star Theater a long time ago,” Tracey said. “I think that was a vaudeville type of theater. The building is at least 100 years old.” Two Loon Candy is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Park Rapids Revolving Loan Fund,” she said. “We also have the Main Street Revitalization Program.” Thompson said her staff will be helping coordinate the activities of The Hangar, run the copier or find resources they need.” An open house is tentatively planned for this spring. The Hangar is open for business now, and visitors are welcome to stop by to visit or sign up for memberships. “I think The Hangar provides anothRobin Fish / Park Rapids Enterprise er quality of place that Mary Thompson, back left, along with Alisha Hendrickson (seated) and Karen Acker, are ready to will help attract workwelcome entrepreneurs and business people to the new Hangar facility on Hwy. 34 in Park Rapids. ers to the community,” she said. “We are going hours or $75 for the fee, bottled water, pop Alisha Hendrickson is to start offering trainday. A widescreen TV and a snack bar will a full-time staff person ing opportunities in the with Zoom capabilities be available. and Karen Acker a part- near future. It’s realwill also be available. time staff person. ly exciting we have the The conference table A shared space Thompson said HLDC opportunity to add this The building is divided is a resource to help to our community. We will fit 10-12 people into two sections, The entrepreneurs with a want it to be a vibrant for meetings. The rest of the space Hangar and the HLDC business plan, resources and welcoming place includes tables and office, which has free and financing options. for people.” chairs for people to resources available to “I can help with appliLorie Skarpness can be work on their laptops business owners and cations to financial tools reached at lskarpness@ and a kitchenette. Cof- entrepreneurs. available, such as the parkrapidsenterprise.com
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park rapids enterprise | Wednesday, March 30, 2022
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Chocker’s Bakery welcomed in Menahga Wadena Pioneer Journal staff Michelle Wagner started making baked goodies out of her dorm room but has since found a much better location to share her talents at Chocker’s Bakery in Menahga. Wagner, who lives in Park Rapids, opened up as the new bakery owner in December 2021. The bakery features breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries and more. Chocker’s, named for Wagner’s grandmother, is open Tuesday- Friday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to noon. The bakery was welcomed by the Wadena County Small Business Welcome Wagon. This initiative launched in October 2021. Volunteers, organized by the
Economic Alliance, visit new business owners and provide them with a welcome bag to thank them for making an investment in our community. The bag is filled with goodies and promotional items from over 15 local businesses throughout the county. They hope that the initiative helps entrepreneurs feel supported and included in the Wadena County small business community. You can read Wagner’s entrepreneur story and find out what you’ll be eating when you next visit by searching her website at https:// wolf-chinchilla-b4c9. squarespace.com/ about-us. Visit them at 111 Main St. NE, Menahga.
Contributed photo
Liz Olson, Mayor of Menahga (left); Katie Heppner, Executive Director of the Economic Alliance; Michelle Wagner, owner; and Andrea Haverinen, President of the Economic Alliance Board of Directors take part in the Wadena County Small Business Welcome Wagon.
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4. How are new businesses financed? New business financing options typically fall into two categories: debt and equity. New business owners often depend on their own resources for start-up capital. 75% of new businesses use personal savings while 19% report using a bank loan for startup capital. Unconventional sources can also play a critical role in meeting a firm’s financial needs. 17% of new employer businesses report using credit cards while 11.3% of new employer firms used no capital. 5. How large is the small business financing market? Based on the June 2020 Call Reports, total small business loans $1 million or less amounted to $895 billion. Most of these loans were from the Paycheck Protection Program. Small businesses also use other lending sources, such as finance companies, online lending platforms, and other unconventional sources. The total funding market was roughly $1.4 trillion in 2020. 6. How much capital do startups need? Businesses can start with a range of capital. Over half (50.9%) of all employer firms start with less than $25,000. Meanwhile a sizeable number (12%) use over $250,000 to start. 7. How important is bank financing to business owners?
NORTHERN BAIT INC. Jim, Dave & Greg May 218-237-5125 Serving the area over 75 years!
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While the financing needs of small businesses differ, established firms with a proven record have a better chance of obtaining funds from bank lenders. 63% of business owners did not use bank financing. Of those firms using bank financing, roughly 46% of them obtained $50,000 or more from a bank. The comparable percentages for male, female, and equally-owned firms using bank financing were 49%, 37% and 45% respectively. A small percentage (10%) of all firms obtained less than $5,000 from a bank. Receiving less credit than needed may hinder future growth potential of the business. 8. How much debt do small businesses carry? The amount of debt that a business carries differs with age, size, and industry of the firm. According to the 2021 Small Business Credit Survey, 79% of all small employer firms and 59% of nonemployer firms had an outstanding debt in 2020. The majority of young firms are likely to have less debt compared with established firms (Figure 3). This report primarily uses the most recent financing data available from the US Census Bureau’s Annual Business of Survey (ABS). The 2018 ABS is used which covers characteristics of employer firms for reference year 2017. Statistics from the ABS data used pre-date impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. All other sources reflect data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Bachleitner brings love of dogs to K9 Grooming Lorie Skarpness Park Rapids Enterprise
FAQ about small business finance By U.S. Small Business Administration 1. Why do small businesses seek financing? Small businesses borrow mainly for four reasons: to start a business, purchase inventory, expand, or to strengthen the firm’s financial health. Firms choose different means of financing depending on the intended purpose. 2. What percentage of small businesses seek financing? The financing needs of small businesses vary greatly by employer and non-employer firms and by age and industry. According to the Federal Reserve Banks, in 2020, the share of employer firms seeking financing was 37%. 24% of non-employer firms sought financing. Only 37% of employer firms received the full amount sought in 2020. 29% of larger nonemployer firms received full funding, compared to only 17% of smaller nonemployer firms in 2020. 3. Where does small business financing come from? Business financing comes from numerous sources categorized either as internal (family and friends/personal savings) or external (bank loans). Existing businesses often use retained business earnings. 77% of businesses used business earnings as their primary source of funding in 2019, compared with 64% in 2016.
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Amanda Bachleitner is bringing seven years of grooming experience to her new business, K9 Grooming in Park Rapids. Located just off Hwy. 34 at 501 1st St. E., Suite 4, the shop was previously known as K9 and owned by Georgia Peterson. Bachleitner ran a kennel in Parkers Prairie and did grooming at several shops, including K9 where she worked as a groomer for the past two years. She grew up in Park Rapids and is a 2015 graduate of Park Rapids Area High School. She said eventually she would like to move her family back to Park Rapids. “It’s a long drive, especially in the winter,” she said.
For that reason, Bachleitner will not be offering doggy daycare. “I groom all sizes, shapes and kinds of dogs,” she said. “I’m very caring and compassionate for people’s pets. But since I live in Bemidji, doing doggy day care would be hard as some dogs were in day care until 6 p.m.” K9 Grooming will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment only. She will also offer skunk baths when needed. Bachleitner has three dogs of her own: an Australian shepherd, a border collie mix and a golden retriever. “Luckily, my dogs haven’t been sprayed by a skunk, but last spring I worked in Perham, I had two or three dogs coming in every week for skunk baths,” she said.
Contributed / Amanda Bachleitner
Amanda emphasizes helping every dog at K9 Grooming feel comfortable. This golden retriever, Mabel, is one of her three dogs.
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LIVE & ONLINE Auctions!
Celebrating 73 Years!
Serving the area for 74 years! (Established in 1948 as Jack’s Outboard)
Charlie Kellner, Owner • 218-732-3451 1401 E. 1st St. (Hwy. 34 E.), Park Rapids
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Wednesday, March 30, 2022 | park rapids enterprise
parkrapidsenterprise.com
The new Ameriprise office has been remodeled and includes a fireplace. Ameriprise bought the building on Henrietta Avenue formerly occupied by the Park Rapids Enterprise.
Contributed / Ameriprise
Ameriprise Financial moves Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC is a diversified financial services company founded in 1894. Arise Wealth Management is a franchise of Ameriprise Financial owned by Gina Rypkema. It has five financial advisors: Rypkema,
Hal Sanders, Shelley Lof, Donna Gunderson and Justin Moody; practice manager Nancy McCoyne and two executive assistants, Jen Anderson and Alyssa Schroeder. The company provides financial planning prod-
ucts and services, including retirement planning, wealth management, employer plans, asset management, insurance, annuities and estate planning. They also have two offices located in Bemidji.
Laporte’s The WoodShed transformed to upscale pub By Shannon Geisen Park Rapids Enterprise The WoodShed, formerly known as 3rd Base Bar & Grill, has a new look, new menu and new owners. Nick Wood and Karl Lemke purchased the Laporte business in March 2021. “We changed the whole look of the building. We put in new floors. We added big-screen TVs. We put in a 1,600-foot patio outside for outdoor eating. We put a golf simulator in the rear-end of the building,” Wood said. “We’ve been having a whole bunch of fun with it.” Wood said they used all local contractors to remodel the bar. Lemke is originally from Laporte, but no longer lives there. His parents used to own the grocery store, Wood explained. Wood’s wife, Victoria (née Raddatz), also is from Laporte. They moved back to the area about
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three years ago. Wood hails from Maine originally. A chef with 25 years of experience, Nick revamped the whole menu. “It’s more of an upscale pub grub, at this point,” he said. “We use all fresh, locally ground meat from the local butcher, all kinds of fun stuff like that.” Although he’s been in the restaurant industry for decades, this is the first time Nick has owned his own business. “I’ve been a chef all over the U.S. and management of restaurants all over the U.S. for years upon years,” he said. The WoodShed draws cyclists, snowmobilers and side-by-side enthusiasts from the neighboring Heartland Trail. “We’re still the home of the Lake Garfield ice racers, too,” Nick added. Victoria is the establishment’s social media and marketing expert. Shannon Geisen can be reached at sgeisen@ parkrapidsenterprise.com.
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Contributed / Nick Wood
This “epic” feast is called a Dirty Burger. It’s a burger Contributed / Nick Wood patty with pulled pork and hand-breaded, deep-fried Nick Wood and Karl Lemke co-own The WoodShed, jalapenos smothered with beer cheese over a bed of formerly known as 3rd Base & Grill, in in Laporte. fries, explained Wood
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Kimball’s Sawmill & Logging (218) 573-3454 Owner: Kelly Kimball Park Rapids, MN
ITASCA REGION INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
We are an Independent Insurance Agency
Park Region Insurance Agency was started by Ron Engst on July 1, 1979. Itasca Insurance and Realty was started by Mary Hile in 1952 and sold to Ron Engst on April 1, 1981. The Agency name then changed to Itasca Region Inurance Agency.
218.732.9785 1012 1ST ST • PARK RAPIDS “PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AT A FAIR PRICE”
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Ken’s Auto & Lock Shop Auto Shop Started in 1981 Collector and Classic Car Repair Since 2000
Stop and see our wind turbine!
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park rapids enterprise | Wednesday, March 30, 2022
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Wine Not? shares love of the blood of the grape By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise A wine bar that opened at the tail end of last year’s tourist season has already made a sensation with its industrial-rustic farmhouse decor and classy food and drink options. Karen Acker opened the Wine Not? on Aug. 5, 2021 at 110 4th St. W. in downtown Park Rapids, formerly the home of the Moose Creek furniture store. She employs six parttime workers during the off-season and plans to hire school teachers for their extended summer hours. Acker completely renovated the space, replacing carpet with hardwood floors, whitewashing the original log-cabin walls, tearing down and adding interior walls to create a kitchen and a mop sink area, adding a concrete-topped bar and a gliding barn door. Besides walk-in customers, she said the place has also entertained clubs and organizations, birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers and reunions with its easily rearranged tables and chairs, its whimsical yellow couch corner and a private party space labeled as the “Grape Escape.” Acker has also hosted murder mystery games, paint and sipping classes with local artists, a yoga and wine class and wine tastings. She plans to
Robin Fish / Park Rapids Enterprise
Karen Acker opened Wine Not? in August 2021 at the former home of Moose Creek, 110 4th St. W. in downtown Park Rapids.
host a succulent planting class with wine on the side, and wants to offer wine-making kits and classes next fall and winter. “I’ve made several batches at home,” she said. “Love it.” Wine Not? also features a small retail area, mainly offering winethemed merchandise. The timing of her opening was hard, Acker said. “I had one month of summer. So, August was absolutely phenomenal,
with tourists. This winter was great up until, like, January, February.” She said she has received good feedback from everyone who has come in, with the atmosphere being what people seem to like most. “I usually get people walking in and the first thing they say is, ‘Oh, this is so cute!’ or ‘It’s so cozy in here, so welcoming.’ That’s probably the biggest thing, and the next thing is the yellow couches. People love
those yellow couches!” Acker said her goal is to help people learn about wine and break down their fear of it. “I want it to be an open experience,” she said. “Anybody can come in, feel comfortable, even if they’ve never touched a glass of wine, ever, and have no idea what it is. We’re here to help teach about different wines, and we’re also here for the people that are wine connoisseurs.” She brings in wines
from all over the world and all over the country, including New Zealand, Argentina, Slovenia, France, Italy, Germany and California. “I also offer wines from three different Minnesota wineries,” she said, naming Forest Edge in Laporte, Carlos Creek in Alexandria and Cannon River in Cannon Falls. Acker said her biggest seller is a Moscato from Piedmont, Italy “that just flies off the shelves. I can’t keep it in stock.”
For the red lovers, she said her Cabernet from Paso Robles, Calif. is a top seller. Wine Not? also offers beers, seltzers and soft drinks, in case someone comes in with a friend who isn’t a wine drinker. They also serve appetizers, a soup of the day and at least two flavors cheesecake from the U.G.L.Y. Cheesecake Company in Brainerd. “I don’t know if there’s such a thing as a bad cheesecake, but I haven’t had a bad one from them yet,” said Acker. Originally from Omaha, Neb., Acker said she has always loved wine and had a passion to learn more about it. “In Omaha, wine bars are huge,” she said. “We had probably 10-15 that I can think of, right off the top of my head. I always had this desire to do one, and just never got around to it as a real estate agent.” She and her fiancé, Scott Bedell, came to the area in July 2020 to buy the Lake Itasca Tours boat and fell in love with Park Rapids. “I love the beauty of it,” she said. “I love the people here. As we were looking at the boat, we were coming downtown to shop and eat and stay at the hotels, and I realized that there’s not a wine bar here. There was a brand-new brewery here … I said, ‘They need a wine bar here.’ That’s what kind of sparked it.”
Gartners form mother-and-son real estate team Lorie Skarpness Park Rapids Enterprise Brandon Gartner, a 2007 graduate of Park Rapids Area High School, never expected to be in business with his mom, Rhonda. But that’s what happened in November 2021 when the duo, who are both licensed real estate agents, opened Gartner TeamKeller Williams at 601 1st St. E. in Park Rapids, just off Hwy. 34. The building used to house a title company. Rhonda has been a licensed real estate agent for nine years, and Brandon has been licensed for over a year. “My mom is an excellent operations manager,” he said. “Keller Williams is strong in technology. What makes us
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stand out is we hire a professional photographer and take advantage of our social media platforms, like the capacity to run ads on Facebook.” Last week, another member, Janelle Lake, joined the team. Brandon said the best part of the job for him is being able to help people. “We’ve been able to help a lot of families get into new homes and recently sold a resort,” he said. His advice for anyone looking to buy or sell a home is to talk to a mortgage lender and real estate agent. “Those experts are there for a reason,” he said. “It’s not simple to buy and sell a home. It’s a big decision.”
Quilt & Yarn Shop Celebrating 36 years serving the quilting & knitting needs of the community! Open Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Winter Hours 10-4
Main St., Park Rapids 218-732-3896
DORSET STORAGE CENTER Brian & Kari Wiese -owners since 2006
218-732-5108
www.dorsetstoragecenter.com 20582 County 7 - Park Rapids BRIAN HILLESLAND, BRIAN NBC-HIS HILLESLAND, NBC-HIS
1992 1992
001703498r1 001703498r1
Celebrating 30 years!
National Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist National Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist BRIAN HILLESLAND, Wadena Office 223 N. Jefferson St.NBC-HIS Wadena 56482
Park Rapids Opened in 200056482 Wadena Office 223Location N. Jefferson St. Wadena 1st Street East,Opened Park Rapids Park618 Rapids Location in 2000 Tuesdays am - 3 pm, other 618101st Street East, Parktimes Rapidsby appt. Tuesdays 10 am - 3 pm, other times by appt. Toll Free 1-800-631-4946 218-631-4966 Toll Free 1-800-631-4946 218-631-4966
Serving the community for over 25 years! 1994: Cottage Style Opened 1995: Senior Building Opened
55+ & Cottage-Style Apartments
218-732-0730
Office: 705 E. River Drive, Park Rapids www.gmmco.org
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Brandon’s wife, Shannon, is a senior accountant for Best Buy. The couple lives north of Park Rapids. They moved to Park Rapids from the Twin Cities after Best Buy offered her the opportunity to work remotely. The couple has two boys. The oldest is 3 and the youngest is 10 months old. “They are a big reason why we moved here, so they can grow up where I grew up,” he said. “We love Park Rapids.” Brandon also serves on the board of the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. “The best part of Park Rapids is the people,” he said. “You walk into any building and someone knows you and says hi.”
218-732-4465
www.lmsupply.com 1307 1st Street East Park Rapids Serving the Area for Over 30 Years!
FABRICATION AND STAINLESS STEEL WORKS, INC.
Welding • Machine Shop • Pontoon • Deck Handrails Boat & Dock Repairs • Driveway Gates • Walk-ins Welcome Steel, Stainless & Aluminum Sales
George Darchuk Sr., Owner 1608 Industry Ave., Park Rapids, MN 56470 (218) 732-1427 • Fax: (218) 732-1439 www.darchuksfab.com
1999 - Moved into Park Rapids 2002 - Moved to current location HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm • Closed on Saturdays Nov. thru March Saturday’s Starting April: 9am-2pm
Hwy. 71 S., Park Rapids • 237-DANS (3267)
www.dansall.com
MARINE SERVICE CENTER
Amish Oak & Americana Furnishings
Amish Furniture...Yet so much more! 403 South Main – Park Rapids 800-286-7625 • 732-9544 www.amishfurnishings.com Open Year ‘Round
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Brandon Gartner
Rhonda Gartner
Dean & Tom Walsh Logging , Inc. Logging the area for 37 years! Plantation Thinning Services Dean (218)820-0829 • (218)732-5459 Park Rapids, MN
Park Rapids
AKELEY -1985 • NEVIS -1978 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 3 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER!
“Skills That Heal and Hearts That Care!”
Serving the Area for 27 years!
218-732-3119
17261 State Hwy 34 Park Rapids, MN 56470 Email: info@arkanimalpr.com Website: arkanimalhospitalpr.com Owner: Dr. Mia Long, DVM Associate: Dr. Vickie Wang, DVM
ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE FOREIGN & DOMESTIC
We are a
Auto Care Center
Full Service Automotive Repair Specializing in electrical & driveability problems Family Owned & Operated 218-732-1164 501 MAIN AVE S. PARK RAPIDS 1-888-732-1164
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parkrapidsenterprise.com
‘Poster child’ boss shares secrets of long-term employment the first person that sees the customer, that represents you.” Also, Wilkins said, it’s important to recognize Mary Thompson with the Heartland Lakes Development Commission called Monika Wilkins “the them when they do a good job. “Always make sure poster child for doing really great things for her you compliment them on that,” she said, adding employees” – things that really work to recruit and that if you need to discuss a concern with them, you do it private and start by mentioning something retain workers, and that aren’t about wages. positive about their work. This puts them at ease The owner of Monika’s Quilt and Yarn Shop in and makes them more likely to accept criticism and downtown Park Rapids, Wilkins has been in busicoaching, she said. ness for 37 years and currently has seven or eight Wilkins said she also trusts her employees to employees. Some of them have been with her for choose yarn and fabric colors, prints and collecabout 15 years. tions from sales reps’ catalogs “because they’re the “There’s only one full-timer,” she said. “(One) front-line people” in touch with what customers only works Saturdays. Most of the gals want only want and like. three days a week, and they pick out the ones “They’re involved in choosing,” she said. “Therethey want.” fore, they’re invested. They’re proud.” Wilkins said the shop’s staff sets their own schedOver the years, Wilkins said, she and her employule. “I say, all I need is three people in this place,” ees have become friends, sharing joys and sorrows. she said. “I don’t care which day you want to choose Only once has she had to fire someone. More often, to work, just make sure it goes on the schedule.” her employees have continued working until they Her employees work it out between themselves, moved away, went back to school or retired for she said. health reasons. Wilkins also stressed the importance of setting They have also received holiday bonuses and clear expectations – like being loyal and honest – shared potluck dinners in the classroom at the back and treating them with respect. “Your employees of the shop, where customers gather for monthly are just as important as you,” she said. “You’re not show-and-tell sessions. better than they are. “If it wasn’t for my staff, I wouldn’t have this Robin Fish / Park Rapids Enterprise “You want them to respect you? You’d better business running the way it is and having the rep- Monika Wilkins, owner of Monika’s Quilt and Yarn Shop, says the respect them as well, because they’re the ones who utation that it has,” Wilkins acknowledged. “I give secrets to retaining quality employees include respect, flexibility will help you keep your business running. They’re all the credit to them.” and recognizing when they do good work. By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise
RESIGNATION From Page B1
even with vaccinations, because as you know, people are still getting sick.” Fowler said she has learned, by talking with RMCEP’s job seekers, some of the reasons many applicants have been “ghosting” employers by not showing up for scheduled interviews or their first day on a new job. For example, there’s the too-complicated online application process. “Sometimes they don’t understand the verbiage,” Fowler said, adding that computer algorithms dump applicants who answer a question incorrectly on a reject pile. “You don’t even get to an interview. That’s something I share with employers – you really missed the boat on some great employees. “They might not know everything you’re asking for that job, or fit everything, but if you can get
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Potential strategies that Thompson suggested include: ► Making workforce training opportunities available to engage workers’ career interests. ► Providing job-sharing opportunities for workers who don’t want to work full-time. ► Having a job coach work alongside someone who can’t perform certain tasks unaided. ►Recognizing achievements or increased levels of skill. ► Being a more welcoming community to outsiders moving in, with interesting things to do. ► Adding more movein ready housing for the growing workforce. In addition, Fowler suggested that employers: ► Include a specific wage offer, or range of wages, when advertising for a position. This saves job seekers the time of applying for positions that pay less than they need to make ends meet. ► Show appreciation to employees, for exam-
someone that’s honest and ethical and a hard worker, and they can be trained on your systems, that’s a great employee.” Fowler said many employers need to simplify their applications, some of which have become so complicated, with pages and pages of questions, that it discourages job seekers Contributed / Evie Fowler from applying. “Really, Evie Fowler with Rural an application should Minnesota CEP helps bring job take 10-15 minutes,” seekers and recruiters together she said, “and then ask in Hubbard, Wadena and Todd the rest in the interview. counties. Give them a chance to working remotely, havmeet face to face.” ing self-check registers and more. Turning the corner From the perspective The situation calls for creative solutions, of attracting workers that are sitting it out back into Thompson said. “Not everyone can the workplace, Thompincrease wages,” she son cited an article in said. “Maybe it’s find- the McKinsey Quarterly ing someone who would titled “‘Great Attrition’ work really great if they or ‘Great Attraction’? could come to work after The choice is yours.” “The article was they drop their child off at school. … Maybe it’s really trying to think about bringing the dog about things that some to work. … And they’re employers could do to also gonna have to prompt people to get out think about technology and start thinking about and innovation” – like work again,” she said.
CUSTOM CABINETRY
sales@swiinteriors.com • www.swiinteriors.com
218-573-3131 • 800-573-0724
Nick’s service
1988-1999 ~ Steve’s Conoco 1999-2006 ~ Nick’s Conoco 2006 ~ Nick’s Service Sept. 1, 2017 ~ Moved to new location in the former Ken’s Transmission Shop Hwy 71 South (218) 732-5119 - Nick Gartner, Owner After Hours Towing (218) 252-6440 14632 150th Street - Hwy 71 South Park Rapids
Home Care Services Now providing services to Veterans as part of the VA Community Care Network Heidi Clements & Helen Drewes, Owners
218-573-2238 • 1-800-535-5895 www.northstarnursing.com
Welcome To
Grocery, Deli, Dry Cleaning CELEBRATING 20 YEARS! & Pharmacy Store Hours: 7 Days a Week 7am-9pm • coborns.com Mon.-Fri.: 9am-7pm Sat. & Sun.: 10am-2pm
209 1st St W Park Rapids
(store) (218) 732-0182 • (Rx) (218) 732-0836
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®
Winery & Gallery Gallery opened in 2000 New owners: Steve & Kristin Twait 2016 35295 State 64 Laporte, MN
218-224-3535
forestedgewinery.com
(218) 237-6735 • Member SIPC Jay L. Pike - Financial Advisor Dan Pike - Financial Advisor 2017 718 FIRST STREET EAST
Jay.Pike@EdwardJones.com Daniel.Pike@EdwardJones.com
Gary’ Trailer Sales Custom Trailers Built To Suit Your Needs
• Heavy Duty and Super Duty • Car Haulers • Golf Carts • Utility • ATV • Garden Tractor • Zero-Turn Hustler Lawn Mowers • Motorcycles • Horse Trailers • Stock Trailers • Parts & Accessories
218-732-3941 • 800-630-8638 12 mi. north on Hwy 71 to Two Inlets Rd. then 7 mi. west
Celebrating 20 Years!
Northern Convenience Park Rapids • 218-732-1940 Lottery • Deli to use towards FREE food, gas and car washes
Your Complete Convenience Store
Located on East Hwy 34 next to L&M Fleet Supply
ple, by offering discounts, holding a Christmas party or recognizing their accomplishments. Fowler said she has heard many people say they quit their jobs because they didn’t feel respected or valued. ► Call job seekers back in a timely manner with a yes or no, rather than leaving them hanging with their hopes up while they could be applying for other jobs. ► Follow up after scheduling an interview. For example, call to say you’re looking forward to seeing them next Tuesday and confirm the time. This shows them you’re looking forward to meeting them. ► Set up a profile on minnesotaworks. net and post keywords for their job openings, then check your mailbox every day for resumes. Anyone on unemployment is required to post a resume on Minnesota Works, which uses keywords to match them with recruiters. ► Become an Inclusive Workforce Employ-
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er through the State of Minnesota. This lets job seekers who are veterans or involved in the justice system know you’re willing to give them a chance. ► Look for resources on careerforce.com. Career Force centers can help spread the word about job opportunities, advise employers about posting careers on social media, and offer grants to help job seekers train for a career change or to cover the costs of starting a new job, such as getting clothes, tools and car repairs. ► Participate in Career Force’s monthly Workforce Wednesday discussions on Zoom. “It’s got a ton of people sharing what they’re doing and how they’re getting and keeping employees,” said Fowler. ► Get involved in the community. For starters, RMCEP is planning a job fair at the Park Rapids Armory from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 1. Robin Fish can be reached at rfish@ parkrapidsenterprise.com.
Hwy. 71 South 218-237-8528 www.parkrapidsaviation.com Serving seniors for 20 years!
Comfort • Compassion • Community
Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved One
Owners: Ed & Beth Heltunen www.rosehavenliving.com 37 6th St. SE, Menahga • (218) 564-4268
Your Complete Avionics Solutions Partner
Park Rapids
Avionics
218-237-1525
301 Airport Rd., Hwy 71 South, Park Rapids www.parkrapidsavionics.com Thank you for your loyalty and referrals!
Celebrating 20 years!
WARNICK’S JANITORIAL SERVICE and Floor Care Commercial - Residential Bonded - Insured Carpet Cleaning Tile Cleaning Home & Office Cleaning Window Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Odor Remediation
218-732-5019
Cell: 218-255-0343
JEFFREY M. WARNICK, OWNER
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Contributed / Jamie Kruchowski
Jamie and Jessica Kruchowski are the owners of J&J Autobody. They hope some of their children will be part of the family business one day, too.
J&J Autobody specializes in collision repairs Lorie Skarpness Park Rapids Enterprise
Kruchowski said he learned the skills for his job from experience. “I was self-taught,” he said. “I started when I J&J Autobody opened in August 2021 at 649 Westwas 14. I had the knack for it and it just came natern Ave. in Park Rapids. urally to me. I learned by trial and error painting The shop is named for owners Jamie and Jessica my own cars in high school. Once I was out of high Kruchowski. Jamie does the repairs and Jessica does school, I started working professionally.” the administrative work. He worked in his brother’s shop, Joshua’s ColliThe couple has four children and all of their sion in Park Rapids, for eight years, and then Auto names start with a “J” as well. “Hopefully in the Craft in Park Rapids for two years before deciding to future, one of my kids will want to work with me,” open his own shop. said Jamie. Jaydon is 8. Jayson is 6. Jayce is 2 and Kruchowski said these days knowing how to fix a car’s computers, cameras and other technical Justina is 1.
Valuation of building permits grew in 2021 By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise
ipal fee and expense report the city submitted to the MinThe city of Park Rapids nesota Department of Labor issued building permits for and Industry, six permits were business and residential con- issued for new commercial, struction worth more than industrial or institutional buildings, totaling $9,469,900 $15.5 million last year. This was an increase by in value. There were also eight buildapproximately 44% from total permit valuation of $8.7 mil- ing permits for new sinlion in 2020, when the econo- gle-family dwellings with my slowed down due to COVID- valuation totaling $2,325,000, 19. However, it also shows and 143 permits for addigrowth compared to pre-pan- tions or alterations totaling demic numbers in 2019, when $3,788,344 in value. The total the city’s permit valuations valuation for all these building construction permits was totaled $14.5 million. According to the 2021 munic- $15,583,244.
Brighter Banking
(218) 237-8000 www.trustarfcu.com Federally Insured by NCUA NMLS #401962
Over 60 Years Combined Experience
2005
Celebrating 12 Years!
Bob Meier - New Owner as of Oct. 2019 001557197r1
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We ServiceWeAllService Makes & Models All Makes & Models Vans,Diesels, Suv’s, Diesels, Boats Trailers Trucks, Cars,Trucks, Vans,Cars, Suv’s, Boats & &Trailers Mon.-Fri. 8 am - 5 pm Mon.-Fri. 8 am - 5 pm 218.237.7600 Master Hwy. 34 West - Park Rapids
Technicians
218.237.7600 • Hwy. 34 West - Park Rapids
Serving the Area for 12 years!
MANY LAKES HOME CARE, LLC PROFESSIONAL • RELIABLE • DEPENDABLE Our Mission Is To Promote And Protect Your Independence
218-732-9394
708 Forest View Avenue, Park Rapids, MN 56470 email: manylakeshomecare@yahoo.com www.manylakeshomecare.com
Serving the area as an electrician for 29 years!
Residential • Commercial • Farm Bucket Truck • Steffes Off-Peak Heating Systems
218-732-3818 Lance Hansen
Licensed, Bonded, Insured • MN Lic. #EA006419
lancehansen@live.com • hansenselectric.com
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components is also an important part of his job. “There’s a lot of technology in these newer vehicles,” he said. Most of his business comes from collisions. “Deer hits are a big one, too,” he added. “From the first week we opened, we’ve been busy. My customers followed me here.” The couple enjoy having their children around their business. “My 2-year-old, Jayce, is so involved,” he said. “He’s always wanting to help. I love it! He’s very helpful. He’ll hold stuff for me, grab tools for me. He knows the names of the tools, too.”
BUSINESS BRIEF
BCH Builders
The city made $122,020 in fee revenue in 2021, including $81,577 in building permits, $38,516 in construction plan reviews and $1,927 in other construction permits. Permit, plan review and inspection expenses totaled $101,102, all for salaries and benefits. Other development fee revenues included $60 for administration and $2,900 for planning and zoning. Expenses included $70,607 in administrative costs, $26,992 for planning and zoning and $450 for other costs.
Brooks Johnson is the owner of BCH Builders. He moved his business from Fargo to the old Wallace Law Office located at 201 1st St. E. in Park Rapids in October of 2021. BCH Builders is a general contracting company that builds commercial and residential structures.
Cali Kombucha MN
Cali Kombucha MN, owned by Bonnie Jo Reed, has relocated to 122 Main Ave. S. in downtown Park Rapids, which previously housed the Stacked High Deli. The new cafe offers a range of flavors of a fermented sweet tea known for its healthy nutrients and antioxidants.
Celebrating 18 years of Music * Magic * Comedy Now That’s Entertainment! Bring the Family! Buy tickets online
jasperstheater.com For Reservations Please Call
218.255.1333
1 mile east of Park Rapids on Hwy. 34
Celebrating 15 years!
Full Service Real Estate Brokerage Serving The Entire Lakes Region
600 Park Ave. S., Park Rapids
218-237-3333
AffinityRealEstate.com
Expert Legal Services • Local Knowledge
Sara Swanson, Roger Zahn, Trent Wilcox, Matt Enger, Zachary Johnson 120 N. Main Ave., P.O. Box 87, Park Rapids, MN 56470 www.tszlaw.com (218) 732-7236
Davis Electric
Davis Electric located at 1104 Birch St. in Park Rapids has new owners. Bergstrom Electric, a corporation in Grand Forks, assumed ownership of the company but kept the name Davis Electric and the employees who were already working there. The company does commercial, residential and industrial projects.
Rustique North
Rustique North, a consignment and gift shop featuring work by local crafters and artists, has relocated to 316 Main Ave. S. in downtown Park Rapids, previously home to a pet supply store.
2 0 0 5 2 JOSH’S COLLISION 0 CENTER 0 9 2014 2 0 1 4 2 0 1 Serving the Area for 17 years!
218-237-5125
Your plumbing, heating & cooling, HVAC & commercial refrigeration service specialists
24 HOUR SERVICE Lic. #38112PM
leadingedgemech.com
“No job too small”
Celebrating 13 years Serving the area!
19 years experience
(218) 237-5660
13267 Eureka Rd., Park Rapids, MN 56470 www.joshscollision.net Shop Manager/Owner: Josh Kruchowski
FAST, FRESH & FAST, FRESH & 218-732-1940 MADE-TO-ORDER! MADE-TO-ORDER! Mon.-Fri. 10:30 am-7 pm • Sat. 10:30 am-4 pm Mon.-Fri. 10:30 am-7 pmSundays • Sat. 10:30 am-4 pm Closed Located in NorthernClosed Convenience, SundaysHwy. 34 E., Park Rapids
218-732-1940
Located in Northern Convenience, Hwy. 34 E., Park Rapids
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
802 1st St. East (Hwy 34 E). Park Rapids, MN
Dec. 16th, 2016: Jamie Kueber, OD purchased Bruhn Optical. Dec. 12th, 16th,2018: 2016:Name Jamie officially Kueber, OD purchased Bruhn Optical. Feb. changed to Kueber Eye Care Feb. 12th, 2018: Name officially changed to Kueber Eye Care
(218) 732-8535
(218) 732-8535 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-5:00pm 1011Hours: 1st St.Mon.-Fri. E. (In the 8:30am-5:00pm Bruhn Plaza Building) 1011 1stwww.kuebereyecare.com St. E. (In the Bruhn Plaza Building) www.kuebereyecare.com
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(218)732-4513
New Owner January 2017: Jeff Cwikla
Continuing the tradition of Ace Hardware in the Park Rapids Lakes Area!
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Robin Fish / Park Rapids Enterprise
Owner Eric Rypkema opened Pedego Electric Bikes in May 2021 at 209 Main Ave. S. in Park Rapids, one of more than 200 stores carrying the California-based product line throughout the U.S.
Pedego shop puts pedal assist in cycling fun By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise “I used to do a lot of biking,” said Eric Rypkema. “I thought, when we started looking at the electric bikes, that it would be a great way to bring something that’s pretty well catching on around the United States, to get more people biking again. It seemed like a niche that we could fill in the Park Rapids area.” Rypkema opened the Pedego Electric Bikes shop during Memorial Day weekend of 2021, one of approximately 210 stores in the U.S. that exclusively carry the California-based line of pedal-assist bicycles. The store is located in the former Wildwood Enchantment storefront
at 209 Main Ave. S. in downtown Park Rapids. It also features bike accessories like backpacks, helmets, gloves, bike racks and trailers, as well as kayaks and paddleboards from the Columbia Heights-based company, Paddle North. “It was a super-busy summer last year,” said Rypkema, who previously worked about 16 years in law enforcement. “We’re very happy with the sales, and the amount of traffic we had through the store was great.” He said the store received positive feedback from customers who bought or rented the bikes last year. “Everybody comes back with a huge smile and says that was the most fun they’ve had in
a long time,” he said. “Some people haven’t biked in a long time, and they might be apprehensive of hills, or they don’t want to slow somebody else down. This just opens that all back up.” Electric bikes open up cycling to a wider variety of people, he said. With an electric motor helping them pedal, riders can travel at 9-20 mph, and there’s also a throttle allowing them to take a break from pedaling, or not pedal at all. “To get the assist to kick in is just an easy pedal, and then the motor’s gonna do a bunch of the work for you,” said Rypkema. The bikes come with a charger that plugs into a standard outlet, and can
be charged with the battery in the bike or pulled out, he said. The low step-through frame styles ensure that almost anyone who can sit on a bike can ride comfortably, he said. “We have trikes,” he added, “for people who have mobility or balance issues.” Bike styles include fat tire bikes for riding on snow during the winter, on sand for beach riding and off-trail, mountain bike-type riding. “You get a little more suspension built into the fat tires without having a suspension fork on the bike,” said Rypkema. There are also regular mountain bikes; a small fat-tire style called the Element that Rypkema described as “an entry-level bike for
everyone to fit onto” – for riders down to five feet tall; a beach cruiser called the Interceptor, with a relaxed seating position; and the City Commuter with a more active riding position. As for why he thought this business would work in Park Rapids, Rypkema described it as a very active community, especially in the summer – “a great tourist area with renting bikes, and people can explore the trails and cover more ground in less time and effort on an electric bike.” He said the pedal assist ensures that people cycling together can keep up with each other. “It’s all about fun,” he said. The shop closed in January and February,
reopening in March from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Rypkema said that when the tourism season returns, it will open from 9 to 7, seven days a week. The business currently employs three people, including Rypkema and one of his three kids. During busier times of year, he said, they may hire a couple more employees. “I used to do triathlons,” said Rypkema, who lives in Nevis. “Riding these last year was quite a lot of fun, too. It’s a great way to commute into work and not be sweaty and messy when you get there. And again, it cuts down your travel time.” Robin Fish can be reached at rfish@ parkrapidsenterprise.com.
IMPACT store offers life-affirming messages By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise “We just want to tell people that they matter and help people say nice things to each other,” said Jennifer Juni, “because we think that in this world today, that doesn’t happen enough. And so, we want to provide people with tools to do that.” Juni is the owner of IMPACT, a store that opened Jan. 29 at the corner of Main Avenue and 3rd Street in downtown Park Rapids. The store features greeting cards, postcards, bundles of valentine-like notes, blank journals, coffee mugs, apparel and other items printed with such messages as “You are seen, you are noticed, you matter” and “If you’re reading this, remember you are loved.” “Everything we offer is all about telling others that they matter, and helping people do that – giving people words to say because sometimes it can be hard to do that,” said Juni. Most of the messages were commissioned from graphic designer Victoria Tinjum of Moorhead, who had worked as an intern for Juni’s photography business in Detroit Lakes. A graduate of Park Rapids High School, Juni (née Spurlin) co-pastors Restoration Christian Church with her husband, Joel. The idea for IMPACT
Robin Fish / Park Rapids Enterprise
After operating an online store for five years, Jennifer Juni (at left) opened IMPACT on Jan. 29 at 301 Main Ave. S., previously a barber shop and a boutique. The store specializes in cards, mugs, books and apparel that remind people that they matter and are loved. Helping bring Juni’s vision to reality is manager Christine Hoggarth, at right.
started when he was approaching age 30. “He said he didn’t feel like he’d done anything to make an impact,” said Jennifer, “which was crazy to me because he was a pastor, a Young Life leader, a soccer coach, dad, husband – you name it, he was doing it, and just touching so many lives. It blew my mind that he didn’t see that. “And so, I reached out to everyone I knew that knew him, and asked them what their favorite memory was with him, how he’d impacted
their life, and how he’d helped them, and then put all of their answers together in a book and gave it to him for his birthday.” Five years ago, she decided to extend a similar opportunity to online customers, and IMPACT Book LLC was born. “We just started seeing people who, I knew, were making a big difference in their world, and they didn’t know,” she said. “We had a friend of ours who took his own life, and when we arrived at his funeral, the church lot, which
was big, was packed, and down the street was lined with cars. I just looked at my husband and said, ‘He had no idea.’ That started to spark the idea to make it a thing for other people to do, too.” As the business grew, it started to become a movement. “We just need to encourage one another and say nice things,” said Juni. “We get so focused on differences that other people have, rather than focusing on the fact that they are human and have a heart.”
When people order IMPACT books at www. tellpeopletheymatter. com, Juni creates a website and sends a link to a list of contacts, who can submit messages and pictures to include in the book. The result is either a small paperback, available for up to 20 contributors, or a larger hardcover with unlimited responses. “We’ve seen them for retirements,” said Juni. “We had a friend who was going through depression, and his wife reached out to us and
asked if we could make one. … He just cried and said it was so beautiful. He said, ‘I didn’t know.’” Even Juni’s business card carries a printed message like “You Matter” on one side and blank space on the back. “Whenever I go to a restaurant, I like to leave my server a note,” she said, “but if you write it on the receipt, then they have to hand that in with all of their receipts at the end of the night. So, I realized I could solve my own problem and just make blank-spaced backs of encouraging little cards that I can then write a note to my server on.” One of her favorite parts of the store is a neon sign saying “You Matter,” which stays lit all the time, providing encouragement even for people walking by at night. The response from the community has been very positive, she said. “Everyone that has heard about it or stopped by has talked so much about how the community needs something like this.” “It’s been able to go only so far on social media, so we’re very excited to actually have a space where we can physically interact with people,” said store manager Christine Hoggarth. “We can be an encouragement, as well as offer people products that help them to be an encouragement.”