Progress 2023

2023 Progress

Boho Chandelier features natural beauty products and more

Lorie Skarpness

Park Rapids Enterprise

Boho Chandelier is a new business in Park Rapids that developed out of two women’s specialties coming together under one roof in the former Stacked High Deli.

Owners Trista Barstow and Lisa Tovar opened their new shop in October 2022 at 122 Main Ave. S. after selling their merchandise at the Hubbard Prairie Farmer’s Market last summer.

Both women grew up in the Menahga area.

Boho Chandelier was a name they came up with together. Boho is to represent the artsy, fun, crafty and colorful side of what they do and Chandelier is to represent the classy side of their business.

“While we have done some fun updates to the interior, we wanted to keep some of the nostalgia of the building and we kept a corner bench from the restaurant and we have the original three train sets displayed on the track that runs along the entire store,” Barstow said.

Each woman also has their own brands in the store.

Wild Bare Care is Tovar’s specialty. The decor and gift side is Barstow’s and is named the Dekco Shoppe.

“When we met at the farmer’s

market, we were each selling our own products and then we came together and created Boho Chandelier as our store together,” Barstow said. “It is a shared space featuring both of our brands.”

Handmade skin care, soap and bath products are made by Tovar right in the store.

“They are all made from natural ingredients,” Tovar said. “Most of the products are vegan because they are plant-based. I also use pure essential oils. We’re setting up a refill area for products like soap, shampoo and laundry soap. We use glass bottles and are trying to do sustainable, zero-waste products. For example, there are toothpaste tablets instead of toothpaste tubes. You chew the tablets and you get the toothpaste wet to brush your teeth. Another thing offered is a dish soap bar with biodegradable packaging. My daughter and I infuse our own oils and make salves, balms and other products from that.”

The retail side of the store features cabin accessories and home to camper decor, fashion accessories, a variety of earth-friendly products such as bamboo hair brushes, soy candles and handcrafted items.

Tippy Canoe showcases small, regional brands

By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise

Park Street Inn owners Mike and Katie Johnson opened the Tippy Canoe in May 2022 in downtown Nevis.

“One small business helping another, that was our goal,” said Mike.

The couple bought the Victorianstyle bed and breakfast overlooking Halvorson Beach in Sept. 2020 from Linda Hayle, who had owned it with her husband for many years. “Her husband passed away, so it just became too much for her,” said Katie. “We were looking for a way to move up north, so that was our way.”

The Johnsons previously lived in Cannon Falls, in southeastern Minnesota.

“We’ve had a resort in the family for 17 seasons now,” Katie explained, speaking of the Knotty Pines Resort. “We were driving up to go there all the time, and then my sister bought that and we bought the Park Street Inn right around the same time.”

“I love it up here,” said Mike, who enjoys snowmobiling and ice fishing. “I wouldn’t move back down there.”

“And our daughter really likes the school here,” Katie added. Hattie, 8, is in second grade at the Nevis School. “She’s our innkeeper in training, and she helps out up here.”

When they started carrying products by small, regional producers, they decided to rent a separate storefront space, partly to avoid having customers blocking traffic in front of the inn.

“We didn’t want people parking on our property to shop in our store,” said Katie. “We didn’t think our neighbors would appreciate it, either.

So, they moved into part of the former bank building at 101 Main St. W., shared with Amelia’s Salon and the Hemptress, with their shop’s entrance facing the giant tiger muskie across Bunyan Trails Road.

Ironically, Katie noted, the same Halvorson family originally owned both the bank and what is now the Park Street Inn.

“I don’t know when this was added on,” she said of the shop’s location. “The pictures I’ve seen from way back then didn’t have it. This was an empty lot. But it’s obviously been on for quite some time.”

Already there when they moved in, she said, were the rustic log

CANDY CONNOISSEURS

Bryan and Beth Hirts take ownership of Aunt Belle’s Confectionary

By Shannon Geisen Park Rapids Enterprise

Bryan and Beth Hirt are concocting a delicious candy empire.

In mid-May 2022, they became the new owners of Aunt Belle’s Confectionary.

This is a mere year off their purchase of Cuzzins Candy Store, directly across the street, in 2021.

“It’s funny because Beth actually just came in here one time to buy turtles over Christmas and they were talking,” Bryan recalled. “All of a sudden, we got a call two weeks later.”

Ray and Karen Carlson offered to sell Aunt Belle’s to the Hirts. The Carlsons purchased the famous fudge shop in 2019.

Bryan said they hesitated, at first. After multiple conversations, the couple realized the two candy stores are markedly different from each other.

Gummies and taffies are top sellers at Cuzzins, he noted, while handmade fudge, caramel and chocolate treats appeal to Aunt Belle’s customers.

Bryan took a leave of absence from his teaching position at Century Middle School to manage both candy stores. Beth remains a physician’s assistant specializing in family medicine at Essentia Health, helping wherever she can with the businesses.

Katie

walls and the stone fireplace in the corner, where they keep an electric fire going year round. “It doesn’t put out heat unless we tell it to, so we get the cozy vibe in here all summer long,” said Katie.

Mike built the store displays out of antique-looking scraps of barn wood they had collected. He also contributes pieces of birch bark art, such as baskets, using bark harvested from trees that either fell down or were harvested in town, while Hattie sometimes brings painting supplies to the shop and makes canvas art to sell.

Supporting local

“The inspiration for the shop was local food brands and treasures,” Katie said. “A lot of these bags that you see hanging and displayed, those are my day-job customers.”

Contributed / Boho Chandelier

Owners Lisa Tovar and Trista Barstow feature a variety of merchandise in their store, including natural products and fun cabin decor.

Robin Fish / Enterprise

and Mike Johnson, owners of the Park Street Inn, opened the Tippy Canoe in May 2022 at 101 Main St. W., part of the building shared with Amelia’s Salon and the Hemptress, facing the giant tiger muskie across Bunyan Trails Road. With them is their Siberian husky-German shepherd pal, Flip.

Beth and Bryan Hirt took over Aunt Belle’s Confectionary in May 2022.

AUNT BELLE’S: Page B7

Amish Oak and American Furnishings continues under new owners

By Shannon Geisen Park Rapids Enterprise

Amish Oak and Americana Furnishings is newly operated by a husband-and-wife team.

Lisa Baymler and Brian Koons, who both grew up in Wadena, purchased the business in August 2022.

Koons is a 1991 Wadena High School graduate. Baymler graduated in 1992.

“He was my first junior high boyfriend. And he broke up with me at the lake, here in Park Rapids,” she recalled.

“At the Hubbard dam,” Koons added.

They stayed friends throughout their lives, marrying other people and having children. They reconnected when they were in their 40s.

“We’ve been married for five years,” Baymler said.

The couple also own Lyle’s Shoes, with locations in Park Rapids and Wadena.

Investing in community

“We bought the Lyle’s Shoes in Wadena about five years ago. That sort of came up as a joke,” Baymler recalled.

She was a human resources consultant in the Cities at the time, when a high school classmate told them that Lyle’s was going to sell or close its doors. Koons worked for Canadian Pacific Railroad, and still does. The classmate urged them to buy the establishment, located in downtown Wadena since 1955.

“My parents had been really involved in the community, on city council and school board,” Baymler said. “I looked at my younger son and said, ‘Hey, should we own a shoe

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store in Wadena?’”

The couple jumped in.

“We decided we wanted to reinvest in the community that grew us. It would be sad to have a building sitting empty,” Baymler said.

Lyle’s Shoe’s will celebrate its 68th anniversary this year.

They always intended to expand to Park Rapids, so when “a great building opened up,” they branched out to their second location.

Quality craftsmanship

When Baymler and Koons learned that Amish Oak and Americana

Furnishings was for sale, they saw another opportunity.

“It’s a really great business and quality, things that we believe in,” Baymler said. “We didn’t want to lose a great business in this town.”

They retained the staff and core products.

The store sells Amish, Americanmade, customizable hardwood furniture. They offer oak, cherry, maple, hickory, pine or walnut, along with rustic species of most, according to the website (www. amishfurnishings.com).

With 25 years of experience working with Amish craftsmen, the couple said the store collaborates with some of the best furniture makers in the business.

They continue to work with skilled, Amish builders in Ohio or Indiana.

The couple are attending markets this spring and are excited to bring new pieces to Park Rapids.

“We’re hoping to see some different styles, see what the trends are,” Baymler said.

Customers are interested in transitioning from “disposable” to “lifetime” furniture, she noted. They’re switching from cheap, assembly-required pieces to durable, solid, high-quality furniture.

Baymler recently launched a YouTube channel, called “Amish Undercover,” where each week she picks a different piece of Amish furniture at the store and talks about it.

“A lot of people don’t know what the difference is between regular and Amish furniture,” she said. “To me, the difference is heart. The builders really care how they work together, how it’s put together, if you’re happy with the quality.”

For example, Baymler ordered a customized office chair. She chose the wood, stain and leather.

As for new products, Baymler said, “We’ll likely change out some of the decor,” shifting with the latest decorative trends and rotating new products throughout the store.

“We’re likely to upgrade our kitchen accessories area,” she added, pointing out the need for access to nice knives, glassware and cookware in town.

The RedBarn-MN offers local, handmade, fresh goods

By Shannon Geisen Park Rapids

The adorable red barn, highly visible on State Hwy. 34 in Park Rapids, is getting a fresh name, products and mission statement.

Laura Morger purchased the store in mid-December 2022. She’s rebranding it RedBarnMN.

“Our focus really is to go back to local, handmade and fresh,” she said, adding the business will continue its relationship with Carter’s Farm, selling their fresh strawberries and vegetables.

“We’re really sticking to that locally made, locally produced,” Morger continued.

RedBarn-MN’s motto is “local goods by good people.”

Popular packaged staples – Watkins products, jams and jellies – will remain, but Morger is introducing more handmade items, like apparel, toffee nuts, mocktails, wood-burned art, leather wallets and purses,

Minnesota books and wooden board games.

“We’re trying to do local goods for a truly unique gift for yourself or someone else,” she said.

Morger has a strong background in marketing. She is a marketing director/consultant for consumer businesses and banking.

She also owns an online business, called Mae’d, where she creates hand-drawn stickers and calendars. She sells those products on Etsy and her website as well as wholesale around the country.

“I started that in the middle of COVID and ended up building that out to be pretty successful, so this felt like the next great marketing challenge,” Morger said of RedBarn-MN.

She’s formed relationships with other artists like herself across Minnesota, North Dakota and the country.

RedBarn-MN will have space for consignments “or to just sell

their goods wholesale.”

“We’re trying to give space to people’s work and crafts,” Morger said.

The shop will host fair and flea markets during the summer. Four are scheduled for 2023: May 19-20, June 16-17, July 14-15 and Aug. 18-19. She’s looking for crafters and vendors.

Crafty summer classes are on the docket as well.

Morger currently lives in Minnetonka, but she and husband Andrew are looking for property in the Heartland Lakes area. Her parents live in Detroit Lakes, his in Duluth.

“We’ve been here a lot. We grew up basically on the weekends in lake country,” Morger said. A grand re-opening is planned for the first week of May. The store is currently open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at RedBarn-MN.com or on its Facebook page.

Shannon Geisen/Enterprise

Husband-and-wife team Brian Koons and Lisa Baymler took ownership of Amish Oak & Americana Furnishings in Aug. 2022. The store is located at 403 Main Ave. S., Park Rapids.

The store works closely with expert Amish furniture makers who handcraft pieces like this bent oak glider or the elm round table.

Enterprise

Shannon Geisen/Enterprise

Laura Morger is a busy mom and a new business owner. She’s cuddling her 10-month-old, Margaret. In Dec. 2022, Morger bought the RedBarn-MN

Headwaters Golf Course makes major renovations

By Vance Carlson Park Rapids Enterprise

Park Rapids’ Headwaters Golf Club has a reputation as one of the best public golf courses in Minnesota.

After renovations and additions to the clubhouse and outside area were completed in the summer of 2022, Headwaters can now claim to have one of the top patio areas at a public golf course in the state.

“We now have a clubhouse area to match the golf course,” said Headwaters Golf Club general manager Tadd Usher. “We’re the No. 4 ranked public golf course in the state by Golf Advisor and now we have the facility to match. The patio rivals any in Minnesota.”

Headwaters added a 5,000 square foot outdoor patio, including a 40-by-60-foot event tent to its outdoor area. The space also includes an outdoor bar and two bathrooms. Headwaters also expanded its upper deck while adding new windows, siding, entry ways, cedar deck railings and handicap accessible ramps along with new cart paths.

The original clubhouse was built in 1968 with the pro shop being added in 1975. Usher said the timing was right to make the renovations.

“We upgraded everything. We hadn’t done much to the building since it was built,” said Usher. “The board decided that since we’re doing well financially, it was time to expand and do more to the facility. It was a good time to do it. Business is up, so we could afford to do it.”

Another reason for the upgrade was to host weddings and reunions. The upper and lower deck patios can accommodate 300 people.

“We feel the community will embrace it with all the extra seating. We now have more space for people to book weddings and other events,” said Usher. “It’s been well received by everybody.

La Rancherita Market features a variety of Mexican foods

Contributed / La Rancherita

A variety of traditional Mexican bakery items are featured at La Rancherita Mexican Market located at 100 2nd St. East in Park Rapids. In addition to sweet treats, the market features dried peppers, spices and Mexican hot chocolate.

Everyone is impressed with the design and the end result. It’s been very popular so far. Members and guests really enjoy the outside bar and love sitting on the patio. It’s been a great addition.”

Lorie Skarpness

Park Rapids Enterprise

Lucky No. 7 is located at 200 Main Ave. South in Park Rapids.

Owner Chad Johnson previously owned Up North and Wild Loon Outfitters in Park Rapids.

“Lucky No. 7 is owned in partnership with Angela Vanderveer,” he said. “We also took over Superior Embroidery when the owner retired.”

Lucky No. 7 specializes in doing

in-house printing.

“I have over 600 decals people can choose on the wall and get it free for any garment they put it on,” said Johnson.”It only takes 30 seconds to print each one. I like to do custom printing, to get people’s visions out on a t-shirt.”

In addition to a variety of apparel in sizes infant to adult, the store also carries jewelry, mugs, novelty gifts and toys. “I’m also trying to get into swimwear,” he said.

New Dogs Paw owner loves her job

Lorie Skarpness

Park Rapids Enterprise

Stephanie Keranen took over ownership of the Dogs Paw on State Hwy. 34 west of Park Rapids in October 2022 after working there as an employee since 2015.

“I started doing kennel attendant work for Deanna Deitchler, the former owner who opened Dogs Paw in 2008. From there, I went to customer service. About six years ago, I took over as manager for the facility. I love going to work every day and that’s huge for me. This was the perfect fit for me and something I look forward to doing for many more years to come.”

Keranen has two dogs and one cat. She also has ducks and raises and sells rabbits. She grew up in the Wolf Lake area and graduated with a college degree in biology.

“I decided to work at Dogs Paw for a while and what was going to be a temporary job turned into a business I own. I think God brought me to where I needed to be.”

The facility offers doggie day care to 8-12 dogs during the week. The dogs are placed in play groups based on their energy level. They can also board up to 60 dogs in 39 suites.

New chamber president pleased with area’s growth

“Those are individual rooms for dogs and often there are multiple dogs in one family,” she said. “We don’t have dogs with runs but have staff going to let them out 5-7 times a day or more and once at night.”

There are also three cat condos for boarding in a separate area.

There are approximately 15 employees at the business, ranging from part- to full-time.

“Deanna still works as a groomer,” she said. Grooming includes a nail trim, ear cleaning, a bath, brush and blow dry. Haircuts are also available.

“My priority as a business owner is creating a safe, healthy and comfortable environment for dogs,” she said.

The store also carries healthy dog and cat foods, cat litter, toys and treats sourced in the U.S. and Canada.

“We also have CBD products for pets,” she said. “It’s recommended for both calming and joint health for dogs with mobility issues because CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect. Everything has been tested and approved. We’re very selective about what we carry.

Dogs Paw is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

A&W under new ownership

By Shannon Geisen Park

Rapids Enterprise

Derek Ricke, a 2008 graduate of Park Rapids Area High School, became the new CEO/president of the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce in Aug. 2022.

“I’ve really enjoyed the first few months in this role, and I’ve learned a lot,” he said. “I’ve always had a lot of pride in our community. That has gone to another level now that I’m seeing more of what’s happening behind the scenes. We have so many tremendous people and organizations making an impact in a variety of ways.”

The Heartland Lakes Development Commission (HLDC) and its Executive Director Mary Thompson is one example, Ricke said.

“The housing development she’s working on will be a huge asset to our community, in terms of economic development and the area’s housing market. That’s not to mention the resources and assistance they’re providing current and potential new businesses for our area,” he said. “Between The Hangar and the HLDC team, we have incredible business development resources right here in our community.”

Ricke noted there is “great energy” from new business owners in the community, business expansion and development of previously vacant buildings.

“At times in the past, I think there’s been a perception our area has been stagnant or even resistant to growth, but from what I’ve seen over the past few months, that couldn’t be farther from the truth,” he said. “There’s also been an investment in the natural resources and outdoor recreation we all love with Deep Lake Park and the groundbreaking of the Itasca-Heartland Connection Trail extension. I think we have every reason to be very proud and excited about the growth of our community.”

Ricke said he’s grateful to work alongside so many business leaders who “are emotionally and personally invested in helping our community thrive.”

He continued, “I’ve also been extremely impressed with how cooperative and collaborative our community is. We have an extensive list of non-profit and civic organizations doing incredible work, and they wouldn’t be able to do much of it without the extraordinary support they receive from local businesses. Former Chamber director Nicole Lalum coined the phrase, ‘We all do better when we all do better,’ and I think it’s evident that has become part of the culture here, which is great to see.”

ALDI cleared to develop store in Park Rapids

By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise

The Park Rapids City Council approved a conditional use permit (CUP) on Jan. 24, 2023 for ALDI to build a 20,664-square foot grocery store at 1310 1st St. E.

Civil Engineer Ryan Anderson with ISG, the applicant on behalf of ALDI, said they first looked at building a store in Park Rapids a couple years ago, but it was “put on pause on our end” at that time. Late last year, they revisited the idea, and the project has moved forward since then.

“We are excited to be in this community, and excited to break ground once the snow melts,” he said.

The CUP was approved with seven conditions.

Contributed / Stephanie Keranen

Stephanie Keranen is the new owner of Dogs Paw. She has two dogs. Apollo is a standard poodle and Freya is an Australian shepherd.

Contributed / Lori Breitweser Glen and Lori Breitweser of Park Rapids, at left, acquired the A&W Restaurant from Skip and Julie Shepersky in Feb. 2022. The Sheperskys said they look forward to retirement and traveling. The Breitwesers have prior restaurant management experience.

Derek Ricke

Dally bros. have hands full with dock & lift biz

By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise

In May 2022, brothers Sam and Danny Dally purchased Timber Creek Dock and Lift Service at 19820 Expedition Drive.

Danny had previously worked there for three years under former owner Ben Tande. “This will be Sam, meanwhile, was an attorney in Brainerd before they invested together in the store located just north of the Dorset Corner Liquor Store.

Danny said they do pretty much anything to do with docks and lifts – sell, repair, install in the spring and take out of the water in the fall. For a select few clients, they also provide winter storage.

Asked what drew him to working in the dock and lift business, Danny said he and wife Lizzie were then running Rocky Ridge Kennel, a pet boarding son, River, was born.

He said Lizzie found Timber Creek’s listing on Indeed, a job search website. “I came down and the wintertime and have three months for family

He also liked the idea of being outdoors and working on the lakes, doing installations and

service calls. Also, he and Sam grew up at the Red Door Resort on the north end of Mille Lacs Lake.

Since taking over the business, Danny has been running service calls and installs full-time. During

that time of year, he said, “I’m out on the water every day. I’m right with the guys, employees, Meanwhile, Sam does sales, though he also comes out on the water three or four times a week to help with installs.

“They hustle spring and fall, so we can have director of the Walker Just for Kix dance program. “I just do odds and ends, if they ever need anything

Sam estimated that they have 12-13 employees working for them during the busy season. “I think

He said they currently have 850 seasonal clients, almost all within a 10-mile radius of their store.

Products sold at the store include aluminum dock stairs, captain’s chairs, benches and other accessories; even weed rollers. Among the sectional docks are all-cedar models, docks with aluminum decking in a cedar frame, and all-aluminum ones.

“The water industry, it seems like it’s a pretty sometimes call Johnson’s On the Water or Charlie’s Boat and Marine, or even other dock and lift better, or to coordinate dock and boat installs.

Danny said he enjoys the work and plans to do it for a good while – “for as long as my body lets

Tunnel construction to begin for Itasca-Heartland Connection Trail

In Nov. 2022, Gladen Construction Inc. of Laporte was awarded the bid to construct a tunnel under U.S. Hwy. 71.

This is part of phase 1 of the Itasca-Heartland Connection Trail, a multi-purpose, paved trail between Itasca State Park and the Heartland Trail.

Projected tree clearing for the project is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2023.

Installation of the 12-by-12-foot boxed culvert tunnel is expected to begin on Sept. 5, 2023, with completion no later than Oct. 7, 2023.

Safe access routes to Minnesota’s most popular park have long been a priority, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) considers This trail would increase outdoor opportunities for cyclists, walkers, snowmobilers, families and children, including both local residents who are active trail users and visitors to this region.

For more than a decade, a citizen-led committee has been actively developing a plan for the ItascaHeartland Connection Trail with input from a variety of stakeholders.

The trail will be located primarily in county and state-owned lands, showcasing the abundant natural and cultural resources of the region.

In 2020, the Minnesota Legislature included

$2 million in its bonding bill for engineering and design of the trail segment located within Itasca State Park and for construction of a trail tunnel under U.S. Hwy. 71.

When additional funds are available, the second phase of trail construction will continue 13 miles east to Emmaville on county land. The third phase will go south eight miles from Emmaville on a county road right-of-way to the intersection with the Heartland Trail, where a trailhead would be constructed.

An additional $2 million bonding request is at the Minnesota Legislature this session.

A bill (SF1810) was introduced by District 5 State Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids) in the Senate.

District 5A Krista Knudsen (R-Lake Shore) agreed to author the companion bill (HF1766) in the House.

If awarded, the appropriation would be used to complete phase 1, acquire land for phase 2 and for the environmental review, predesign, design and construction of a paved multiple-use trail to connect Itasca State Park to the Heartland trail, beginning from the park’s contact station to the park’s southeast boundary and through the tunnel to be constructed under U.S. Hwy. 71, continuing from there about two miles and, with any remaining funds, provide a trailhead at or near the proposed trail’s southern junction with the Heartland Trail.

Robin Fish / Enterprise Brothers Sam and Danny Dally – pictured with Danny’s wife, Lizzie, and their sons River, 5, and Cash, 7 months - bought Timber Creek Dock and Lift in May 2022.

Contributed/Eric Haugland This photo shows clearing work on the east side of U.S. Hwy. 71, less than a mile south of the Hwy. 200 intersection. It’s in preparation for installation of 12-by-12-foot boxed culvert tunnel for the Itasca-Heartland Connection Trail.

A 39-year tradition

With fudgey delectables made fresh daily in the storefront window and chocolatey scents wafting onto Main Avenue, Aunt Belle’s Confectionary is a well-established enterprise in Park Rapids.

Bryan said customers frequently comment, “Oh, I came here with my grandma” or “My mom used to work here.”

“It’s fun to talk and listen to those different stories and where people are from and why they come here,” he said.

Parenting Solutions was started by Joe Johnson to offer a variety of group and individual sessions in Park Rapids, Detroit Lakes and Bemidji.

Johnson was the FATHER Project coordinator for almost 12 years, working with thousands of fathers in many communities, schools, treatment centers and jails. He is a master trainer/consultant for The Nurturing Fathers Program for the state of Minnesota as well as a licensed community health worker.

Johnson has received many awards for his efforts to improve the lives of fathers and families, including “Leader of the Year” from the Minnesota Fathers

Customers are even bringing in tantalizing goodies from candy shops around the state for the Hirts to sample and consider. For instance, someone shared chocolate-covered licorice.

“We did try it, and then we started doing it,” Bryan said. “It’s fun, that part of it, too.”

Bryan is thankful for Aunt Belle’s experienced staff.

“It was mostly hands-on learning for me,” Bryan said. “Luckily, when Ray left, all the staff stayed on. They taught me everything over the summer. And they’re still teaching me as we go. It’s so nice to have their knowledge and leadership.”

Bryan soon learned that holidays, like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, are especially filled with

and Families Network, and “Professional of the Year” from The Nurturing Fathers Program.

Group sessions at Parenting Solutions include a variety of topics, such as the five love languages for healthier relationships, effective parenting styles and dealing with trauma.

During one-on-one sessions at Parenting Solutions, Johnson helps participants develop goals. He also provides resources for enhancing life skills and job searches. Johnson is a resource for families dealing with separation, divorce or child custody issues. He also makes referrals to mental health and addiction resources when requested. There is no cost to participate in the Parenting Solutions program, which is offered through a contract with Hubbard County. Inquiries may be made via call or text: 218-841-0097 or by emailing parenting. solutuions22@gmail. com

special requests. Orders are shipped nationwide.

He praised Beth for handling social media. “She’s the one researching and reaching out to other people to get new stuff into the store,” he added. “She looks and tries to find new candy.”

They are also partnering with local businesses, like with Park Rapids Floral to offer a package of chocolate with flowers.

The rear of the shop, called Grandpa’s Cabin, is dedicated to up-north gifts and decor. Local products are featured, such as Leah Bervig’s Bloom jewelry and the Little Dorset Shop’s notecards.

“We’re really trying to reach out to people around here that do awesome stuff. We like their product, so we’ll give you a platform,” Bryan said.

Their apparel is made by Kim May’s company, Adventures Up North. “But then we wanted to carry her line as well,” Bryan said of the printed mugs, sweatshirts and T-shirts.

Carly Helfrich, a Park Rapids graduate, makes cocktail infusion kits. Her products are now sold at Aunt Belle’s. “I coached her in swimming,” Bryan said.

New owners making Park Theater “a vintage refresh”

By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise

A downtown Park Rapids landmark changed owners last fall.

Pam and Scott Wilson announced on Sept. 2, 2022 that they were selling the Park Theater to Tim and Rachel Oberg, previously of Massachusetts.

Originally from California, Tim got to know the area while vacationing here with his parents, who are friends with Scott and Pam. Rachel grew up in Ontario and loves cold weather, so she wasn’t deterred by the area’s winter weather.

“We just fell in love with the town,” she said. “We’re excited to be a part of this particular community.”

“This is such a great old theater, built in 1939,” said Tim. “We’re just very excited to be a part of its ongoing history.”

Six months later

They said the community has responded well and given them a lot of positive feedback.

Tim said that even when he decides to show a small, artsy, independent film, there are people in the

community who do come out for that.

“That’s kind of fun,” he said, “to try new things like that and see folks show up for it.”

The couple has changed more than the spelling of “theater” – bringing it in line with the neon sign facing the street. They peeled the wood paneling off the box office and concession stand, revealing the original decor beneath. They installed credit card acceptors at all points of sale. They introduced a new logo, branded apparel and a website (parktheater. mn) with online ticketing, and updated their Google search to display what’s playing and when. They’re also using social media to connect with the community, including “peek behind the curtain” videos.

Other old-new touches include tables in the lobby that came out of storage, which the Obergs believe to have been amid the theater’s original decor, as well as a map chest in which guests can browse through old movie posters for sale.

“We’re peeling back the layers and getting that vintage vibe,” said Tim.

“Tim has this great collection of

old film cameras, movie props and all sorts of movie books and things,” said Rachel. “It’s been a cool opportunity to put his collection in the lobby.”

‘Save the clock tower’

And now, they’ve turned a screen over to playing oldies, with a different double or triple feature every week.

It’s part of a fundraiser to replace a computer that processes the encrypted files needed to project new, Hollywood movies.

The fundraiser takes its “Save the clock tower” slogan from the movie “Back to the Future.”

Tim said, “People really like it. I really like it, to the point where we’re joking about, ‘Do we have to fix it?’”

Even when it is fixed, the couple said, they might keep using the screen for encores of classics like “Singin’ in the Rain,” “The Sting” and “Rear Window.”

They can still play the older movies, Tim said, using a disc licensed by the studios without that first-run encryption.

For more information, visit parktheater.mn, call 218-214-REEL or email hello@parktheater.mn.

September

Charlie’s Boat(s) and Marine gets new name, new owner

By Robin Fish Park Rapids Enterprise

Charlie’s Boats and Marine is now Charlie’s Boat and Marine.

According to new owner Andrew Carmichael, the name change was necessary so he could register the business with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

The long-time Park Rapids business is located at 1401 1st St. E. Previous owner Charlie Kellner closed the sale with Carmichael on July 15, 2022.

The business does sales and service of Suzuki outboards, Forester pontoons and ShoreMaster docks and lifts, and also winterizes, shrinkwraps and stores boats for the offseason.

An employee at the store for the prior six years, Carmichael said he started out not knowing anything about outboards. He is now a certified technician with Evinrude and Suzuki. Though he regrets not going to school to study marine tech and business management, he learned a lot on the job and is thankful that Kellner trusted him to take the reins.

Becoming his own boss

Carmichael said Kellner mentioned that he wanted to retire, and Carmichael asked him what he had planned and that he’d thought about purchasing the store.

“It all just kinda fell into place,” said Carmichael.

For three years, he said, Kellner stepped back and let him take the

Scooter’s serves coffee with a smile

A new drive-through coffee shop opened last August in Park Rapids.

Scooter’s Coffee is located at 100 Park Ave. S., the southeast corner of State Hwy. 34 and U.S. Hwy. 71, where there was previously an Orton’s convenience store.

The drive-through kiosk became one of nearly 500 stores in a rapidly growing chain with locations in 26 states. Scooter’s Coffee was founded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles in Bellevue, Nebraska, and is headquartered in Omaha.

The chain is known for serving drinks with happy-face stickers on the cups to brighten customers’ day. Menu items include specialty espresso drinks, coffee, fruit smoothies, Red Bull infusions, cold brew, pastries, breakfast items and canned flavored lattes.

TIPPY CANOE

From Page B1

She sells packaging produced and printed in St. Paul, supporting small businesses in Minnesota, the Dakotas, and parts of Iowa and Nebraska.

“Pretty much everything in here is going to be Minnesota or North Dakota,” Katie added. “We’re keeping everything local, and we are not bringing in big brands. Small brands, people we really want to help.”

In addition, she said, a lot of the products they sell have “hyper-local ties” to the Heartland Lakes area, such as relatives or a family cabin. They range from Minnesota-themed gift cards, puzzles, jewelry, towels and apparel to snacks, grain-free breakfast cereals, baking mixes,

spices, dips, jams, drink mixes, frozen pizzas, sauces, syrups, infused oils and even chocolate-covered crickets.

“The strawberry rhubarb jam is actually our rhubarb from the Park Street Inn that we supply,” said Katie, going on to point out a salsa made a college friend, barbecue sauces sourced from vendors at last year’s Bands and BBQ, honey made in Park Rapids, seasonings by a local cabin owner who also supplies local restaurants, microwave popcorn from Pierz and garments printed in Detroit Lakes.

The commitment to all things local goes beyond carrying local brands.

The puzzles they sell are made in the Twin Cities, “and not only do we support them as a local business, but they also support local artists,” said Katie. “So, it’s kind of like, if you

reins, so he could get a feel for the business and make sure it was something he wanted.

“It’s been a long process, but we did get it done,” said Carmichael. “Pretty exciting. I’ve been in the area, and people know me. So, it’s nice to have a locally owned business that’s been here for a long time, to take that over. I think that was a big spark for me.”

Also, he didn’t want to have a boss anymore. “I wanted to do something on my own,” he said.

Contacted for an update seven months later, Carmichael said it’s been going great. “The whole community’s been supportive,” he said.

Changes have included bringing in computer technology. “Getting with times, I guess,” he said. “Work in progress, but we’re getting it.”

They’ve kept the same product lines so far, and Carmichael said he is looking for some additional staff, including a marine tech and a repair yard worker or two. “Kind of a do-all guy, get the boat out, get them ready for spring pickup and cleanup and fixing odds and ends, build docks and lifts and stuff.”

He said his staff is starting to “think spring,” preparing to sell motors, pontoons, docks and lifts, as well as getting boats in winter storage ready for ice-out. “Our first boat goes out the first week of April,” he said. “The fishing boats go first, and then the pontoons follow after.”

Cwikla relocates DL Ace Hardware

By Barbie Porter Detroit Lakes Tribune

DETROIT LAKES — The Beug family is celebrating a bittersweet 80 years of business ownership in Detroit Lakes.

After three generations, Ace Hardware in downtown Detroit Lakes is being sold.

Bruce Beug, who owns the business with his brother, Mark Beug, stated in mid-February that the family is selling the store to Jeff Cwikla.

Jeff owns the Ace Hardware store in Park Rapids and is a resident of Bemidji.

“I started talking to the (Beug) brothers about five years ago and kept in touch,” Jeff said, adding when it came time for the Beugs to sell, it made sense for him to add another store. “I’ve owned the store in Park Rapids for six years, but have been with Ace Hardware for 30 years. I managed a store in Bemidji for many years.”

Jeff has plans to expand the store “significantly”.

come and shop for a puzzle, you’re supporting three local businesses –ours, theirs and the artists.”

Other novelties include Paul Bunyan playing cards, a cribbagebased board game, gluten-free and Vegan products.

Gift boxes and samples

Katie said their products have been doing well.

“We try everything before we put it on the shelf to make sure it’s something we would buy or use at the inn,” she said. “Gift boxes were really popular at Christmastime,” including boxes built around themes such as bloody Marys, snacks, movie night, Minnesota or North Dakota.

Katie said they hope this year to add an employee. Mike added they’re also working on building an online store.

“I have a lot of good plans,” he said. “If someone wants a glimpse of what the store may look like, stop by the Park Rapids store.”

Jeff will take ownership after Labor Day (Sept. 4).

The store will remain at the 801 Washington Ave. location until the JCPenney building (925 Washington Ave.) is remodeled. Bruce said the transition of the hardware store to the new location is expected to be completed by the first half of 2024.

After Jeff moves the store to the new location, the Beug brothers will decide what to do with the current hardware store building. With high visibility along U.S. Highway 10 and on the bustling Washington Avenue, Bruce said there is no shortage of people who expressed interest in either buying or leasing the building during the past several years.

“There is sadness (selling the business),” Bruce said. “That is the case when you let go of anything you care about.”

“We weren’t really sure what to expect,” said Katie. “All we knew was that we wanted to bring in stuff that was good for the trail, good for cabins, repeat business – things that people get hooked on and have to come back and get more.”

Challenges have included making the best use of their small retail space and learning skills outside their comfort zone, such as accounting.

“One of the things that, I think, was really helpful was asking a lot of questions of current business owners,” said Katie. “I asked a lot of people a lot of questions, so we wouldn’t reinvent the wheel.”

Another key to their success was offering samples during the busy season. “That sold a lot of product for us,” said Katie.

“Like the pizzas,” said Mike.

Robin Fish / Enterprise Rachel and Tim Oberg have been owners of the historic Park Theater for about seven months, since

2022.

Contributed / Andrew Carmichael

Melissa and Andrew Carmichael have three kids – Cadin, 13 (at right), Cole, 10 (left) and Connor, 2.

Robin Fish / Enterprise

A drive-through customer awaits a cup of joe with a smiley-face sticker on March opened in August 2022 at 100 Park Ave. S. in Park Rapids.