Mid MN Business Profile

Mid Minnesota Business Profi le • October 9 & 10, 2013 • 1

October 9 & 10, 2013

Albany Enterprise Melrose Beacon

Sauk Centre Herald

Published by:

AlbaMel

Sauk

Published by:

MID-MINNESOTA BUSINESS

D O I N G B U S I N E S S . . . M A K I N G P R O G R E S S . . .

CommercialIndustrialRetail

You will enjoy reading about local

business people you already know,

and some you may not.Find out about all the products and services

that they offer to continue to make

your community thrive.

Highlighting Area Businesses in:Albany • Avon • Freeport • Melrose • Sauk Centre

B U S I N E S S & I N D U S T R YH E A L T H & M E D I C I N EC O M M U N I C A T I O N S

C O N S T R U C T I O NA G R I C U L T U R E

2 • Mid-Minnesota Business Profi le • October 9 & 10, 2013

One thing small towns throughout Central Minnesota have to offer that perhaps bigger cities do not is a unique and picturesque Main Street. For some, Main Street is what makes the town, it’s what draws people from those big cities off those big highways to stop for a visit and spend a little of their money. But it isn’t easy, and as most business owners will attest, keeping a Main Street business afl oat nowadays is a lot tougher than it was before big box retailers started setting foundations near those highways on the edge of small towns. “Main Street business owners have to be more creative in how they offer their services and market themselves,” said Andrea Kerfeld, Sauk Centre Area Chamber of Commerce Director. “They need to offer personal customer service and friendly, familiar faces.” It’s not only a challenge to draw customers in from out of town, it’s tough to get customers not to leave town to do their shopping. With bigger cities nearby like Alexandria and St. Cloud with more shopping options, local Main Streets are always working to retain the local dollar. And retaining that local customer is as important as anything for Main Street retailers. Kerfeld said business owners in the retail industry can’t survive on just being open nine to fi ve, but have to be open nights and on weekends when most people do their shopping. Kerfeld said not only is it important for business owners to market to the local customer, it is important for residents to shop within their community because that money often makes its way back around to everyone. “Just think of all the causes and fundraisers the business community supports,” she said. “If we don’t support

the business community, they won’t be able to support the community in general. When you buy local, you support the entire town and everything that comes with it.” Kathie Dziengel, who is the director of the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, said retaining the local consumer as a customer is key to business growth. “By shopping locally we keep these stores and businesses open and that in turn keeps the owners living in our town, shopping in our town, their children going to our school, and using our hospitals and clinics” she said. “It all makes for a healthy community.” Dziengel said Melrose’s Main Street is in good standing with the majority of businesses fi lled. “We have many businesses to offer our residents,” she said. “We also have our industrial park and other businesses off Main Street which have been here for some time, and also some new ones which are an asset to the community.” Sauk Centre Main Street business owners reported a strong summer, saying customer traffi c from out of town, an improving economy, new products lines, and working together to promote Main Street have all been keys to the success. “The businesses are working together better than I have ever experienced before,” said Pam Borgmann, who owns Main Street Coffee Company. “Businesses are coming up with good promotions and are also willing to help to make them a success.” Borgmann said one area of improvement would be for the city government to be more helpful in promoting Sauk Centre and what will bring people to Sauk Centre and keep them here. “We have great potential,” she said. “But it is underutilized.” Down the road in Avon, reports are also good on the state of their Main Street. They report positive growth in business the past fi ve years. Chamber Director Matt Kreuzer said

there are still many challenges for Main Street business owners, including enticing people to shop locally, maintaining a positive populating growth trend, and fostering collaboration between civic groups, businesses and families because of busy schedules. “Avon’s Main Street enjoys a high traffi c count (from HWY-9), enabling businesses signifi cant exposure to not only residents of Avon, but many daily commuters that drive Avon’s Main Street every day,” said Kreuzer. “We have a great chamber of commerce and city offi cials that are very approachable and easy to work with.” Kreuzer also stressed the importance of shopping locally, saying it is “critical to the local business community.” “There are many studies that demonstrate the importance of spending dollars locally,” he said. “The reality is that when we choose not to spend local, we jeopardize the future of local businesses. When businesses close or leave town, I feel we all lose.” Albany’s Main Street was under construction this summer, but new buildings are popping up, including a new dental offi ce and a new offi ce

building. The reconstruction of Railroad Avenue may have slowed down business some, but it also gave businesses the chance to improve their storefronts and curb appeal. Over in Holdingford, Main Street is maintaining business. Because it is more of an agricultural community, there are not a lot of Main Street businesses. Holdingford’s Main Street is also not a main artery for travelers to get through town. The Holdingford Commercial Club serves as the chamber of commerce by trying to help support area businesses by promoting events. All in all, Main Streets throughout western Stearns County seem to be doing just fi ne. But Kerfeld says the key to maintaining and growing business is being creative in marketing services and products and earning the business of the local customer. “I see Main Streets holding their own,” said Kerfeld. “The shop local message is a lot stronger these days. It’s a challenge and they have to stay on their game, though. Having your lights on and your door open isn’t going to be enough.”

Main Streets in Western Stearns County are holding their own, but retaining the local customers is key to continued growth.


Profi lesProfi les CommercialIndustrialRetail

Doing BusinessDoing Business. . . .. . . .

Making ProgressMaking Progress

Enjoy reading about local


and some you may not.

by BRYAN ZOLLMANSTAFF WRITER

The State of Main Streets

Melrose has many businesses on and off of Main Street.

Sauk Centre’s Main Street was made famous by Sinclair Lewis. Albany’s Main Street has undergone many major renovations this summer, including updates to businesses.


How Much Speed is Enough?Do you enjoy streaming TV shows and movies or video chatting with friends and family? Do you work from home? Do more than four people in your home use the Internet all at the same time?

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Do you need more speed? Call now!Based on service area, some restrictions apply. Speeds not available in all areas, availability of speed tiers varies by location; and speeds will fluctuate due to many factors. Speeds indicate potential maximum download, service is asymmetrical. 1Gb available in Melrose only.888.99.ARVIG | arvig.com

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Discover the benefits of

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Call today!! 320-356-9226

We at Sensational Styles & Spa take pride in the Professionalism & Care we give to you, our client and friend. Our goal is to provide you with the highest-quality products and services humanly possible. We are here for you and because of you. Thank you for your patronage. We look forward to greeting you on your next visit. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover.

Sensational Styles & Spa opened March 17,1993 (St. Patrick's Day) and is owned by Theresa Eichers. The business has progressed from two stations, a massage therapist and nail technician in 1994 to seven stylists stations, two relaxing massage rooms, a facial room, waxing room, tanning bed, pedicure room, two nail stations, a fully remodeled basement and fi replace in our lounge and a patio out back for clients who wish to relax outside during chemical services in the warmer months of the year.

We are a full service day spa providing all hair, nail and body services, including massages, skin care, essential oils by Young Living and waxing. We provide all natural and organic cleaning products and products for our clients’ and staffs’ health. We feel truly blessed for the business we have received from our loyal clients in and around the area.

Business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m to 4 p.m

Services offered by Sensational Styles & Spa include: Gift Certifi cates, Spa Packages, Website Specials, In Salon deals for our valued clients and Senior Citizen discounts.

Sensational ServicesMASSAGESDeep Tissue MassageRelaxation MassageHot Stone MassageRaindrop TherapyRefl exologyIt Works Body Wraps

HAIR CARE SERVICESStyle CutsPermsHair RelaxationColoring HighlightsLowlightsUpdo’sMoisturizer TreatmentsDemineralizing TreatmentsRecell Treatments

NAIL SERVICESPedicuresManicuresShellacAcrylic NailsParrafi n Dip

SKIN CAREProfessional Facial & Body WaxingEar CandlingFacialsMakeup ApplicationsMicrodermabrasionChemical PeelsFull line of Professional makeup “YoungBlood”Skin Care “Sacred Nature”Goat Soap

Theresa Eichers

Amber Ehrlichmann

Gloria Kleinschmidt Brooke Swarthout

Audrianna CampbellJoyce Wielenberg

Jessica Orbeck

Missy DonabauerSamantha Gertken

Kathrynne Quistorff

MDeb Rolfes

Tara Petron

Beth Doub

103 North Avon Avenue • Avon, MN [email protected] • www.sensationalstylesspa.com

Sensational Specialists


Freeport State Bank: Your Business and Community Partner Customer service has been the top priority at Freeport State Bank since it was founded in 1908. Freeport State Bank offers: * “Internet Banking” provides safe and convenient access to your accounts 24 hours a day, allowing you to conduct business from the comfort of your home or work place. Freeport State Bank’s ATMs are conveniently located at Freeport State Bank - Melrose Branch, All Stars Sports Bar and Grill-St. Rosa, Brasky’s-Meire Grove, Corner Pub-Freeport, Hillcrest Family Restaurant/Stubby’s Tavern-Albany, Melrose Bowl, New Munich Hofbrau and Spiritz Liquor-Melrose. * Children are important customers at Freeport State Bank, where we offer the “Smart Savers Club” for children up to age 16 who can open their own account and save for the future. This Club provides members with an awards program along with a great interest rate. * The “Young at Heart Club” was established more than 20 years ago and is over 400 members strong, giving customers age 55 and older opportunities to save and socialize with monthly meetings and exciting out-of-town trips. * The “Christmas Savers Club” is a year-round savings plan. The plan allows customers the convenience of automatic transfer or to make your own deposits. In October, customers receive a check for the full amount they have saved, including interest - just in time for Christmas shopping. * Through the “Community Partnership Program”, donations are made to public and parochial schools, community and educational programs and in support of numerous church, non-profi t organizations and youth and adults sports teams. Freeport State Bank has been a part of the community for over 105 years, with offi ces in Freeport, New Munich, Melrose and our new offi ce in Greenwald, where we are committed to offering complete banking services with a friendly, dedicated and knowledgeable staff. Freeport State Bank offers a full range of Commercial, Agricultural, Real Estate and Secondary Market, SBA/FSA and Personal Loan Products. Other services include a low interest rate Visa credit card, the SHAZAM® Debit Card, convenient checking accounts and competitive interest rates on savings and certifi cates of deposits. For all your fi nancial needs, see us fi rst at our convenient locations in Freeport, New Munich, Melrose and Greenwald or visit our new website at www.freeportstatebank.com.

For Over 105 Years,Freeport State Bank Has Served

Our Customers With Sound,Trusted Banking Services

“Customer Service Is Our Priority”

www.freeportstatebank.com

4 OFFICES TO SERVE ALL YOUR FINANCIAL NEEDS!

The Freeport Offi ce Is Located At111 Main Street East

The New Munich Offi ce Is Located At601 Main Street

The Greenwald Offi ce Is Located At450 1st Avenue North

The Melrose Offi ce Is Located At219 Main Street East

Freeport (320) 836-2126 • (800) 252-9856New Munich (320) 837-5297 • (320) 256-7342Melrose (320) 256-7208 • (800) 337-0292Greenwald (320) 987-2265 • (800) 337-0292

“Customer Service Is O

FDICMEMBER

Freeport • New Munich • Melrose • Greenwald

Billmark’s Insurance Services, LLC opened an of ce in Sauk Centre on October 1, 2012. Local agents, Darcy Jennissen Pfeffer and Claire Rieland, together with owners Marty Trierweiler and Keith Meyer, look forward to helping you with all your insurance needs. They will use their combined experience of over 29 years to design an insurance plan that is speci c to your needs. Billmark’s Insurance Services, LLC is an independent, full service insurance agency serving the greater Sauk Centre and Alexandria lakes area. There are four locations: Sauk Centre, Alexandria, Brandon and Parkers Prairie. Billmark’s was founded in 1989 with Marty Trierweiler and Keith Meyer becoming owners of Billmark’s in 2010. Billmark’s currently employs 23 people with much growth expected. The agents at Billmark’s are what sets them apart from their competition. The agents are part of the local community and are willing to go the extra mile for their customers. Things like a dedicated claims specialist to help when you need it most, access to over 30 insurance companies and someone always available to answer your questions, are just a few ways the agents at Billmark’s strive to provide you with an outstanding insurance experience.

512 Main Street S, Ste 2 • Sauk Centre, MN 56378Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm • Appointments available anytime

www.billmarks.com • 320.351.2436

Come See Us Today for All Your Insurance Needs!

Heartland Security Services, winner of the 2012 Security Pro Dealer of the year for the Great Lakes Region, protects nearly 7000 customers in Minnesota and Northern Iowa from variety of security concerns.

Heartland Security provides residential and commercial alarm systems as well as per-sonal emergency response systems. We also protect agricultural operations with power loss and temperature monitoring. Each Heartland Security system is uniquely designed to meet

We strive to provide exceptional service to our customers, along with competitive rates and superior equipment. Call today for a free, no obligation, security analysis.

213 N. 8th Ave W. Melrose, MN 563521-888-264-6380www.heartlandss.com

S

2M1-w

rity analysysisis.

A Subsidiary of: Stearns Electric Association

and Runestone Electric Association.

Cooperative Members: Ask about your discount!


230 Church Ave., Albany • 320-845-2195334 Golfview Drive, Albany • 320-845-2969

• Independent & Assisted Living Apartments• Memory Care Unit• Nursing Care Center• Mercy Manor Apartments

“Senior Living at Its Finest in Albany, MN”

Quality Care...Caring People.

~ MOM is home to 200 seniors.~ MOM has 170 staff.~ August 2014 MOM will be celebrating her 55th anniversary!~ MOM exists to provide the best quality of life for those entrusted to her.~ MOM Foundation’s purpose is to help area supporters make a meaningful and profound impact to MOM.

www.motherofmercymn.comFind us on Facebook

Mother of Mercy Campus of Care

Mercy Manor & Mercy Manor II

38489 Tristan Road, Freeport, MN 56331Phone: 320-836-2865

We are here to serve you.“Quality Workmanship is Our Guarantee.”

Residential Agricultural

CommercialIndustrial

• Custom Welding & Repair

• Machining• Forming & Shearing

• Steel Supplies on Hand for the Do-It-yourself

Welder

We can handle jobs large or small

Back in 1979, Dick Christenson and Arlan Pearson each had an interest in welding and machining, and they fi gured the Melrose

community had a need for these services. They opened CAP Enterprises, Inc., in Melrose, and today, 33 years later, it continues to be a company that serves welding and machine shop needs in Melrose and the surrounding areas, with services like custom aluminum and stainless steel welding, machining and farm repair. New attributes include automated plasma and fl ame cutting, robotic welding and automated sawing, which lends to more accuracy. “Not many people offer this type of repair,” said Christenson. CAP Enterprises, Inc., employs fi ve people and is open Mondays through Fridays, from 8 to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.

CAPEnterprises, Inc.

Located at 511 3rd Ave. SW in Melrose.Call CAP Enterprises at (320) 256-3900.

DAHLIN’S“Your Local Hometown Grocery Store”106 Avon Ave. S, Avon • 356-7472

Store Hours: Monday to Saturday 8-8, Sunday 8-6Serving the Area for 39 Years!

Th ank you for your continued support!Dahlin’s Supermarket-AvonDahlin’s Super Market in Avon will be celebrating its 39th anniversary.• Th ey make fruit or food baskets, vegetable or meat & cheese trays to order all year-round.• In the spring a complete line of fl owers and vegetable plants are set up outside of the store.• In the summer the Avon Boy Scouts sell hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, and rootbeer fl oats during Spunktacular Days in front of the store. During the Avon Chamber’s city-wide garage sale, the Avon Women of Today sell hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, and rootbeer fl oats. Th ey also have many non profi ts or youth groups selling throughout the summer. Th e Avon Boy Scouts have an aluminum can recycling bin for donations. Th ey also now have a clothing/shoe drop box. A portion of the proceeds go to Avon Women of Today. • In the winter on Santa Day Dahlin’s sponsors sleigh rides.• Th e store carries Minnesota Lottery tickets, on-line or instant. In October 2003, Dahlin’s was lucky enough to sell the $95.45 million lottery ticket to the Happy Huskers.• As a service to our customers we carry postage stamps and have a drop box for Bueckers Sanitary Service payments. Dahlin’s has a drop box for Labels for Education. Th ey also have a discount program with Holy Family School. Customers at Dahlin’s will fi nd themselves helped by a high-quality, friendly staff which includes Jackie Girard and Dan Dahlin, owners; Shannon Malbraaten, Kathy Lemke, Laurie Blackmore, Karen Hennen, Mariah Kurtz, Emily Schindler, Emma Komppa, Chelsea Maile-Galvan and Lyndsey Ostendorf.

• Groceries• Meats• Cold Spring Bakery• Health & Beauty Aids• WondeRoast Chicken

1131 Sinclair Lewis Avenue • Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1923www.std-iron.com • (320) 352-6525

Standard Iron & Wire Works, Inc. Standard Iron is committed to fabricating quality metals products to meet the changing needs of the industry and our customers. Standard Iron was founded in 1930 and currently has facilities in Sauk Centre, Alexandria, Monticello, Grand Island, Neb., and Monterrey, Mexico. We are a growing company with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. We employ welders, machinists, NC machine operators, painters and material handlers. For more information on Standard Iron or to apply on-line, visit us at www.std-iron.com.

Over 80 Years of Custom Metal

Fabricating Experience!

O


Albany Country Albany Country Floral & GiftsFloral & Gifts

One of the best things in life is being able to bring a smile to someone’s face - for Kitt y Eickhoff , it’s something she gets to do for a living. Eickhoff owns Albany Country Floral and Gift s, and prides herself in the store’s warm and welcoming atmosphere. “No one is ever disappointed in gett ing fl owers or gift s and we love being a part of that,” she said. Along with fl owers, you can fi nd a litt le bit of everything, such as greeting cards, purses and antiques. Eickhoff and her employees are always coming up with new and fresh ideas for arrangements and bouquets. “We are professionals at what we do,” she said. “We continue our education not only in fl oral design, but also in customer service. We don’t take our customers for granted.” Eickhoff ’s “chief nice manager,” Diane, makes all their customers feel at home and welcome and the delivery staff always delivers with a smile.

Albany Country Floral & Gifts

401 Railroad Avenue • Albany401 Railroad Avenue • Albany

320-845-4776 • 1-800-291-5597320-845-4776 • 1-800-291-5597

~ In times of joy and times of sorrow, let us help you with your fl oral and gift needs. Albany Country Floral off ers in-home fl oral consultations for funeral and wedding preparation.

Melrose • 320-256-262816 Industry Parkway Drive NW

Employees at Warrior Boats, Inc., located in the Melrose Industrial Park, build high-performance fi berglass fi shing boats from 17 to 21 feet long. The company, originally based in Maple Lake, Minn., was purchased in July of 2011 by Charles Barth, Al Leinen, Pat Brookshaw and David Andersen. The Warrior product line was developed with input from fi shermen, dealers and customers to build the best fi shing machine for the toughest fi shing conditions in the northland. Construction of the new facility in Melrose was completed in February of 2012 and production of multi-species deep-V boats, with a washdown interior, started shortly after, by a talented crew of 12 full-time and two part-time craftsmen. Their product line is sold through dealers in the upper Midwest--Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Montana. Owners and employees are passionate about the fi shing industry. Warrior Boats Inc. co-owner and Pro Staffer David Andersen was the 2005 In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail Champion and the 2005 Minnesota Walleye Trail Team of the Year winner. Warrior Boats Inc. co-owner Chuck Barth and his fi shing partner, Perry Dreyer, recently won the 2012 Leech Lake Walleye Tournament.

Warrior Boats, Inc., is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Trips to the drug store aren’t always wonderful. Prescriptions can be expensive and confusing – but at K&S Pharmacy customers are guaranteed to feel like family. “Our mission is to serve all our customers to the absolute best of our ability with compassionate, friendly, quality service,” said owner Karla Schneider with 17 years of experience. “We want our customers to realize they are our number one priority!” Schneider owns the pharmacy with her sister, Sarah Grutsch, with 11 years of experience. Schneider’s career path stemmed from her love of science, math and her love of people. Grutsch fell into it after working as a pharmacy technician and completing her degree in economics.K&S Pharmacy is a new destination on Avon’s main street and is sure to be a one-stop shop. “We strive to be a benefi t to our community and the surrounding towns,” Schneider said. “We want to offer our support because we love living and working in ‘small-town’ America – that’s where our roots are

and those are the people and communities we want to succeed.” The pharmacy has now been open for a little over a year and Schneider said she and her sister are loving every minute of it. “We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and are extremely pleased with how it has progressed” she said. “It’s a dream come true and we are very blessed and grateful for everyone’s support.” Along with fi lling prescriptions, customers can pick up toiletries, cards, gift-wrap, school and offi ce supplies and even hometown Husky and Husker apparel.

107 Avon Ave. S., Suite #1, Avon, MN

320.356.1000M-F 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. & Sat 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Like us on Facebook at K&S Pharmacy

“Compassionate, Quality Service, Because We Care!”“Compassionate, Quality Service, Because We Care!”

Husky & Husker

Apparel Now

Available!

Now offering fl u & other adult (18+) vaccinations. Walk-ins welcome.

No appointment needed!

People helping people...Central Minnesota Credit Union has been built from the ground up by its members since 1939. The credit union was chartered in Melrose in 1939 under the philosophy of ‘people helping people’.

As a member-owned organization, our vision is enhancing the lives of members and community through strength, service and growth. CMCU has always been willing to go the extra mile and help members with their financial needs. We are also committed to serving our communities by sponsoring events, volunteering and contributing to local organizations.

888.330.8482 | myCMCU.orgfacebook.com/myCMCU


226 12th St. • Sauk Centre, MN320-352-0309

Your Local Helpful Ace Hardware

Crew!

Ace Hardware

Home Improvement Retail Store

•201

3

Ace Hardware has ranked “Highest in

Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement

Retail Stores, Seven Years in a Row” by J.D. Power.

For the seventh year in a row, congrats on the hardware.

Dave, Store Manager

Leon

Marilyn, Assistant Manager

Derek Jackie

Julie Allison

Not pictured: Gary and Merissa

Quality and effi cient products drive the staff at Jim’s Snowmobile & Marine to love what they do. With a showroom that is always changing with the seasons and personalized assistance from experienced sales staff, its no wonder customers leave happy and come back often. Jim’s Snowmobile & Marine is a dealer of Polaris, Arctic Cat, Weeres, Hewitt docks and lifts, Alumacraft, Mercury, Yamaha and Evinrude. Located conveniently in Holdingford, Jim’s has something for everyone to fully enjoy all Minnesota offers. A wide selection of boats, pontoons and snowmobiles fi lls the showroom at Jim’s, but that is only the beginning. Polaris Rangers, Razors and ATVs for work and play keep customers on the go all year round. New to the Polaris lineup this year is the diesel commercial vehicle, the Brutus. The entire team at Jim’s is honored to play a role in the memories you make with your family and friends as you capture the excitement of Minnesota’s great outdoors year after year. There are always great times and great memories at Jim’s Snowmobile & Marine!

320-746-2165 • www.jimssnowmobileandmarine.com

Holdingford130 River St. We have the toys you

need to fulfi ll your time. ATVs, Boats, Pontoons,

RZRs, Rangers, just come and take a

look...you won't be disappointed, just busy!

Kraker Insurance Agency: 66 years of service

Ask me about Accident Forgiveness.

Feature is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Safe Driving Bonus® won’t apply after an accident. In CA, you could still lose the 20% Good Driver Discount. Allstate Indemnity Company: Northbrook, IL © 2010 Allstate Insurance Company

KIA INSURANCE AGENCIES, INC.320-256-3611KIA INSURANCE AGENCIES, INC.320-256-3611

The Kraker Insurance Agency in Melrose has been doing business in the community for 66 years. We offer excellent service for all your insurance needs - auto, home, motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, life, and health. We also have commercial lines for all your business needs. Our agency has the insurance to fi t your life and your budget. As part of the Independent Agency System, we represent many different companies: Safeco, State Auto, Dairyland, Progressive, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Allstate, Mendota and many others. For more information, give Erin or Mary a call at 320-256-3611. The business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. till 5 p.m. The offi ce is located at 502A Main Street East, Melrose.


Stearns Electric Association has been serving Central Minnesota since 1937. Today the co-op provides electric power to nearly 25,000 homes, farms and businesses in Stearns County and parts of Morrison, Todd, Douglas, Kandiyohi and Pope counties.As a cooperative, Stearns Electric is owned by the consumers who purchase its electricity. Theco-op refers to these consumers as members. Each member has a share in the co-op and is eligible to participate in the election of the co-op’s nine Boards of Directors.

By far the most popular service provided by Stearns Electric is its EnergyWise programs. These programs provide members with nearly half-price electricity, cash and monthly credits on electric

bills. In exchange for the savings on their electric bills members agree to allow the co-op to manage the electric use of these appliances during peak load periods of the year. By cycling air conditioners on and off during the hottest days of the summer, the co-op is able to reduce the amount of energy needed during those peak times. Add to this the impacts of controlling hot water heaters and irrigation systems, the co-op is able to dramatically cut peak needs for electricity with minimal discomfort to customers. The program is unique in that it allows members to save money and conserve energy while assisting Stearns Electric in maintaining stable electric rates. Today, Stearns Electric is one of fastest growing electric co-ops in the state. Membership growth and participation in EnergyWise programs contribute to the co-op’s ability to provide its members with one of the lowest electric rates among all electric utilities in the Midwest.

In an effort to address Minnesota’s growing needs for additional sources of energy, Stearns Electric offers the Wellspring Wind Energy Program. Wellspring Wind Energy is a voluntary program that allows members to purchase wind energy in blocks of 100 kilowatt-hours (kwh) each month at a special rate. Customers can purchase one block or enough blocks to meet their normal monthly electric usage.

Stearns Electric members currently subscribe to more than 1,200 blocks of wind-generated energy per month. By selecting Wellspring Wind Energy, customers will cause electricity generated by wind to be displaced to the overall power supply. While the electricity

remain indistinguishable, it will have

a positive impact on the environment because it reduces the consumption of non-renewable resources. Purchasing two blocks of wind energy each month for one year is the equivalent of not driving your car 6,000 miles or planting an acre of trees.

Stearns Electric prides itself on being a good neighbor in the region. In 1993, the co-op initiated Operation Round Up®, a charitable giving program that provides donations to community organizations in the six county area served by the co-op. Operation Round Up® is funded by Stearns Electric members who allow the co-op to round up their monthly energy bill to the next dollar. The average annual donation is about $5 per member, but this small change adds up to thousands of dollars in funds. The funds are deposited in a trust fund which is administered by the Stearns Electric Trust Board, a group of nine citizens operating independently of the cooperative. The Board meets regularly to review grant applications. Since Operation Round-Up® inception in 1993, over 3,500 grants totaling more than $1.6 million have been awarded to community organizations in Stearns Electric’s service area.

in both Melrose and St. Joseph. Both

to 4:30 p.m. Phones are answered 24 hours a day to take outage reports and emergency calls.

Stearns Electric Association is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, a national alliance of electric cooperatives committed to serving their members with integrity, accountability, innovation and a long standing commitment to communities.

Headquarters900 Kraft Drive SE

Melrose, MN 56352

29643 Frontage Road St. Joseph, MN 56374

Outage or Emergency

We’re working for you.

lifestyle. We do our very best to make sure that you get the most value for your energy dollar by providing you with competitive rates

and a variety of products and services.

SCHLENNERWENNER &

CO.CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

& BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

www.swcocpas.com

Q: HOW DO YOU PICK A CPA? A: EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE. Schlenner Wenner & Co. prepares all types of tax returns including farm, small business, individual, partnerships, corporation, gift , estate, fi duciary, and not-for-profi t. As an authorized electronic fi ler since the inception of the program, Schlenner Wenner & Co. fi led over 6,600 returns electronically in 2012. We prepare monthly, quarterly and yearly fi nancial statements (compiled, reviewed and audited) for cli-ents in a variety of industries.

THE CHOICE IS CLEAR. Certifi ed Public Accountants & Business Consultants Providing Quality, Personalized and Timely Ser-vices Since 1964. Your Most Valuable Financial Asset.

Schlenner Wenner & Co. Certifi ed PublicAccountants & Business Consultants

Schlenner Wenner & Co., is a regional independent CPA fi rm dedicated to serving clients with profes-sionalism and integrity. Th e fi rm’s professional staff ’s attention to detail and personal touch promote excellent working relationships with their clients. Schlenner Wenner & Co., a member of the McGladrey Alliance, has a signifi cant presence in Central Minnesota by maintaining offi ces in St. Cloud, Albany, Little Falls, Monticello and Maple Lake. Th e fi rm focuses on serving accounting, tax, payroll, QuickBooks, and business consulting needs of their business, individual, not-for-profi t, and governmental clients. Th e fi rm has been providing high quality, value-added professional services since 1964 to St. Cloud and the surrounding areas. Schlenner Wenner & Co. currently has 10 partners and 50 employees, including 27 Certifi ed Public Accountants. Th is allows them to off er a broad range of services to their clients. Industries served include agriculture, construction, transportation, telecommunications, retailers, wholesalers, printing, government agencies, dealerships, not-for-profi t organizations and manufacturing. Th e partners of the fi rm are Jim Schlenner, Mike Wenner, Bob Hengel, Steve Schueller, Molly Th ompson, Pat Plamann, Brian Bastian, Brian Mackinac, Cory Ritter and Bill Buckentine. Schlenner Wenner & Co. has local offi ces at 115 6th St. in Albany; 109 E Broadway in Little Falls; and 630 Roosevelt Rd. in St. Cloud.

Albany320.845.2940Little Falls320.632.6311

St. Cloud320.251.0286Maple Lake320.963.5414

Monticello763.295.5070

An Independently Owned Member, McGladrey Alliance

(From left) Aaron Smith, Trese Willenbring, Jamie Marien & Bob Hengel.

Eagle Lake Manufacturing, LLC Eagle Lake Manufacturing keeps up to date with the latest technology to provide quality customer service in hydraulics manufacturing. The business began in 2004 and is growing rapidly, said owner Dave Smith. Eagle Lake Manufacturing currently has 19 employees working two shifts in its manufacturing plant in Sauk Centre, just south of I-94. They specialize in hydraulic and pneumatic manifolds. In the past three years, the company has added fi ve new machines to help keep up with the fast-

growing industry. “We are a job shop, but we are 100 percent focused on producing hydraulic manifolds,” said Smith. “Our products are used across the world on agricultural equipment, construction equipment, rescue vehicles and anything else using mobile hydraulics.” Eagle Lake’s manifolds are distributed to customers such as John Deere, Case, Caterpillar, Bobcat and Gehl, just to name a few.

Eagle Lake Manufacturing is growing so fast that they are planning a 5,000-square-foot expansion and plan to add three to fi ve employees. A big reason for their growth is their dedication to their craft. “Customer service comes fi rst,” said Smith. “We strive for unprecedented quality, fast quotes and on-time deliveries.”

Sauk Centre • 320-351-4580

For more information on Eagle Lake Manufacturing, visit their website at

www.eaglelakemfg.com


by RANY OLSONSTAFF WRITER

Agriculture, manufacturing, retail and service industries provide the majority of employment and business activity in Stea-rns County, which leads the state in agricul-ture production. This diverse level of economic activity has helped Stearns County become the sev-enth most populous county in Minnesota. The area stretching from western Stea-rns County up through St. Cloud is home to over 200 manufacturing fi rms. From 2000 to 2010, Stearns County gained about 17,500 people, a 13.1 percent increase. This compares as a much faster growth than the statewide average of a 7.8 percent increase. This strong outstate growth is based on the rich array of manufacturing companies that dot the landscape of Stearns County.

Albany Top manufacturing fi rms in Albany in-clude Wells Concrete, located just outside of town, with over 100 employees. Wells Concrete creates concrete products used by architects, building owners, developers and contractors throughout the upper Midwest. Kraft, a dairy manufacturing plant mak-ing cheese powder, has over 60 employees. Master Mark Plastics is a lawn and gar-den accessory manufacturer utilizing recy-cled plastic as well as recycled scrap wood. A combination of those materials is used to form their popular Rhino Deck and Rhino Edge products. Albany Manufacturing is a steel manu-facturer making parts for large machinery.

Avon Columbia Gear has two state-of-the-art plants encompassing over 235,000 square feet in Avon. The company is an integrated supplier of custom gearing and power transmission products, including internal and external precision spur and helical gears, spline gears and shafts, complete gearbox assemblies and related mechanical transmission products. The Barrell Mill is a cooperage special-izing in premium wine barrels and infusion spirals. Their products are made from the fi nest oak they can fi nd that is hand-select-ed and aged to perfection. They purchased a cooperage that was going out of business in 2004 and built a brand uniquely for the bev-erage industry and custom wood displays for marketing all types of products. Tischler Wood's custom wood cabinets produces custom cabinets to create a warm, inviting space in homes. Established in 1994, they take great pride in crafting custom wood solutions to meet a homeowner's needs. Prefi nishing Specialist, Inc. (PSI) is a divi-sion of Western Building Products special-izing in high-volume door and millwork fi n-ishing. They have a 50,000 square-foot offi ce, warehouse and production space to service the commercial, architectural and residen-tial markets. Acrytek Plastics, Inc. manufactures durable outdoor marine plastic products that hold un-

der all kinds of conditions to withstand every-thing Mother Nature can dish out.

Belgrade Belgrade Steel Tank just turned 50 years old and has its roots in building equipment for farm elevators across central Minnesota. Today they market tank products to the concrete industry and to agriculture, includ-ing ready-mix and block plants. Bayer Built Woodworks in rural Belgrade is a two-step distributor of millwork, selling exclusively to building product retailers. Products include exterior and interior doors, stair systems, storage systems, mouldings and deck railings. Walz Design Woodworks, also in rural Belgrade, builds handcrafted cabinetry for residential and commercial projects with an emphasis on extreme precision and match-ing the design and build that their custom-ers want. The company does business across Minnesota and the midwest.

Brooten Glacial Woods Products (GWP) has main-tained a reputation as one of the largest, most professional custom wood turning manufacturer in the U.S. The company spe-cializes in custom and stock wood compo-nents. MaxBat, whose owner, Paul Johnson, is the son of GWP's owner, Dick Johnson, man-ufactures baseball bats for both the profes-sional and amateur-level player. One of their biggest customers is the Minnesota Twins baseball team. Lakeside Foods operates a frozen vege-table processing facility in a 65,000- square-foot facility on the outskirts of Brooten. They incorporate tunnel freezers and individually quick frozen (IQF) technology that sustains the freshness of the frozen peas, cut sweet corn, corn on the cob and lima beans pro-cessed there.

Cold Spring The granite industry has played a major role in the county's economy, with granite from the region being shipped all over the world. One of the area's largest fi rms, Cold-spring, is a quarrier and fabricator of granite and other natural stone and a bronze manu-facturing company with headquarters in Cold Spring. The company was known prior to 2013 as Cold Spring Granite. Products include bronze memorials, granite memorials, bronze signage, custom diamond tooling, blocks, private estates, columbariums, community mausoleums and granite and limestone manufactured to specifi cations. They employ about 900 as of last count. Coldspring has quarries and fabrication facilities located in New York, Minnesota, South Dakota, Texas, California and Canada.

Freeport Whirlwind Steel Buildings, Inc. is a manu-facturer of pre-engineered metal buildings and metal building components for the ag-ricultural, commercial, governmental, indus-trial, institutional, residential and self stor-age markets. Millwood Metal Works is a custom metal

fabrication shop specializing in HyDefi nition plasma cutting, precision fl ame cutting, CNC (computer numerical control) forming, large and small weldments, shearing, punching and sawing. Quality Trailer is a leading manufacturer of quality trailer products.

Holdingford Berkon Outdoors manufactures fi sh houses, trailers and docks. Polar Tank Trailer, LLC specializes in stain-less steel, aluminum and carbon steel cus-tom tank trailers. Seitz Stainless is a custom and contract fabricator of stainless and alloy tanks, pres-sure vessels, heat exchangers and custom equipment for food, dairy, pharmaceutical, beverage and semiconductor applications. Two Rivers Enterprises is a custom stain-less steel manufacturer that designs, fabri-cates, customizes, manufactures and even installs custom stainless steel products for the food processing, foodservice and restau-rant and commercial food sanitation indus-tries.

Melrose Jennie-O, based in Willmar, produces over 1,500 turkey-based products and reci-pes and operates a plant in Melrose. Proliant Dairy is part of a global family of privately-held companies owned by the Lauridsen Group, Inc. (LGI), that specializes in the development and production of in-gredients for animal and human health and nutrition. Proliant Dairy focuses on the dairy ingredient business at its dairy plant recom-missioned in 2008. Melrose Dairy Proteins, LLC is a cheese and whey protein concentrate plant utiliz-ing the milk from over 50,000 dairy cows from throughout the region. The plant can process up to four million pounds of milk per day. Monson Feeds and Melrose Feed Mill manufacture feed stocks for area livestock and dairy producers. Melrose Metalworks, Inc., is an estab-lished manufacturer in the CNC Milling and Turning industry. Midwest Automatic Products, estab-lished in 1973, is a source for precision-machined components manufactured in a 21,000-square-foot facility. They machine metal component parts for industries such as light and heavy industrial, agriculture, automotive, food service, eyewear, medical and communication. Carstens Industries is a leader in the fi -berglass industry, best known for its line of world-class duck boats. They are a custom fabricator of corrosion-resistant fi berglass products. Cap Enterprises provides stainless steel and aluminum welding along with fabrica-tion forming of steel. They specialize in cus-tom work for agriculture or light manufac-turing fi rms. Warrior Boats specializes in fi shing boats and has been operating in Melrose since 2011. They also produce custom boat trail-ers through Blue Shores Fabrication (Mill-wood Metalworks) in Freeport.

New Munich R-Way Pumping is a manure pumping and custom manufacturing company. Worms Lumber and Ready-Mix has three plants in New Munich, Sauk Centre and Long Prairie and specializes in concrete solutions

throughout central Minnesota. It has been a family-owned business since being founded by Mathias Worms in Meire Grove in 1916.

Paynesville AMPI (Associated Milk Producers, inc.) is a dairy marketing cooperative with 2,900 member farms across the upper midwest. Nelson's Plastics, Inc. is a custom plastic extrusion and fabrication shop focusing on polyethylenes and polypropylene. Louis Industries is a modern steel pro-cessing facility complete with lasters, tur-rets, welding, inspection and metal forming equipment. Skinz Protective Gear is just that, a com-pany focusing on protective gear for use at home, or on bicycles, motorcycles or snow-mobiles.

Richmond C and D Granite is a third-generation granite company working with contractors and homeowners to add granite features to homes. Backes Wood Products LLC manufac-tures electric fi replaces, silhouette door and window casings, silhouette mirrors, wood paneling, pine doors, log siding and log fur-niture furnishings for homes. Murphy Granite Carving, Inc. offers qual-ity and professional grave marker services. Schaefer's Cabinet Shop manufactures cabinets and offi ce furniture.

Rockville Maselter Cabinets, Inc., builds new or re-modeled cabinets. Tom Maselter Custom Cabinets and Fur-niture builds customized cabinet and furni-ture home products. Granite Tops, LLC, specializes in custom fabrication of all stone countertops. Stonecrafters, Inc., is a granite fabricator.

Sauk Centre Felling Trailers, Inc. builds over 3,000 small, medium and large trailers annually with plants operating in Sauk Centre, the site of company headquarters, and Litch-fi eld. Standard Iron offers contract manufac-turing and architectural metal services such as welding, punching, tube bending, form-ing, machining, profi ling and paint and line work. Bayer Interior Woods is an outsource supplier to custom cabinet makers and provides cabinet doors, face frames, drawer boxes, body components or a complete cab-inet set. Centerline Tank and Trailers, founded in 1972 as Engle Fabrication, is a custom tank designer and builder specializing in stain-less steel tanks and tank equipment. Minnesota Sawdust and Shaving Com-pany manufactures turkey and dairy bed-ding for area farmers. They start with Aspen logs and turn them into small, curly shav-ings and screen them for use as livestock bedding.

St. Martin Rotochopper, Inc., produces high-qual-ity, industrial horizontal grinders, asphalt shingle grinders, wood chip processors and other equipment that turns waste materials into engineered fi ber products, like colored landscape mulch, animal bedding and com-post.

MID-MINNESOTA BUSINESS Profi lesProfi lesCommercialIndustrialRetail

Stearns County Alive with Manufacturing Activity

Melrose Metalworks, Inc., is an established manufacturer in the CNC Milling and Turning industry.

Cap Enterprises of Melrose is one of dozens of manufacturing fi rms adding a rich array of jobs and economic activity to the small towns across Stearns County.


Albany Medical Center: 320 Third Avenue 320.845.2157 • Avon Medical Clinic: 108 Stratford St. W. 320.356.7602 • Albany Area Hospital: 300 Third Avenue 320.845.2121“Our Family Caring for Your Family”

Albany Area Hospital & Medical Center (AAHMC) delivers quality health care services to the people of Albany, Avon, Holdingford, Freeport and the surrounding areas. The organization includes the hospital, a medical center in Albany, and a satellite clinic in Avon. AAHMC is one of the largest employers in Albany with 92 employees and is part of Unity Family Healthcare in Little Falls, Minnesota. Unity Family Healthcare is owned by Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI). CHI is a national non-profi t health organization with headquarters in Englewood, Colorado. The faith-based system operates in 18 states and includes 87 hospitals; 40 long-term care, and residential-living facilities; two community health-services organizations; two accredited nursing colleges; and home health agencies. CHI facilities are located in both rural and urban communities and each year provide millions of dollars in charity care and community benefi t, including services for the poor, free clinics, education and research. With approximately 85,500 employees, CHI ranks as the nation’s third-largest faith-based health system and has a deep-rooted commitment to rural health care.

MEDICAL STAFF AAHMC offers a host of primary care, urgent care and emergency care services through its medical staff.

Dr. Daron Gersch, board-certifi ed in Family Medicine Dr. Nathan Brever, board-certifi ed in Family Medicine Dr. Libby Brever, board-certifi ed in Family Medicine Charlene Gerner, RN, PA-C, special interests: family medicine and women’s health Teresa Hamiel, PA-C, special interest: family medicine Eric Fly, PA-C, emergency medicine and urgent care Esther Doele, CFNP, emergency medicine and urgent care Dan Rickard, PA-C, emergency medicine and urgent care Josh Arickx, PA-C, emergency medicine and urgent care

URGENT CARE AAHMC provides extended hours for acute illnesses and injuries to better serve our patients. The urgent care service is available from 12 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. Urgent care allows increased access to our providers for annual physicals, well-baby and well-child check-ups, and the time needed to manage the care of each patient as well as to establish new patients. Urgent care provides immediate care for acute, non-life threatening illness and injury and is a critical component of our health system. Some symptoms appropriate for urgent care include: upper respiratory infections, urinary

tract infections, minor burns, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, acute sprains and strains. Cooperation between patients, their primary care providers, our emergency department and our urgent care team creates a network of care options that puts the patient in the right hands for the right level of care at the right time.

COUMADIN CLINIC The Coumadin Clinic helps patients monitor and manage the medication they take to prevent blood clots. Clinic hours are Monday through Thursday mornings. Providers have established guidelines for a registered nurse to check patients’ blood and adjust their dose of warfarin (Coumadin), as well as other medications patients may be taking or need (such as heparin shots or vitamin K, the antidote to Coumadin).

DIABETES HEALTH COACH The Diabetes Health Coach method is a person-centered approach to wellness, not just disease management. When you visit the health coach, the certifi ed diabetes educator will get to know you as a person and work with you to create a personalized wellness plan that educates, motivates and empowers you. It is designed to help you fi nd the tools within yourself to make positive changes in your behavior and lifestyles. Coaching appointments are Monday through Thursday afternoons.

FOUNDATION The mission of Albany Area Healthcare’s Foundation is to raise funds needed for the continued improvement of the services and facilities in order to serve the needs of patients in our service area. Through donations from families, individuals and organizations, the foundation builds partnerships between the area communities and AAHMC to improve area health. Currently the foundation is working on raising funds for cardiac telemetry.

SWING BED PROGRAM Albany Area Hospital also offers a swing bed program. The transition to swing bed is after a three-day hospital stay and includes skilled nursing, physical or occupational therapy, medication administration, as well as a weekly visit by the patient’s attending provider. Patients in the swing bed program can be transitioned to AAHMC from any health care facility. A requirement is that the patient is actively participating in making progress towards established goals. The swing bed program allows our area residents to be close to home while patients maintain or return to their highest level of independence. The swing bed program offers rehab services to allow patients to “come back home” near their family and friends while they recover from major illness or surgery. By receiving services locally, patients can maintain ongoing contact with their

friends and loved ones. The low staff-to-patient ratio provides for more personal contact during the recovery process. Our therapy staff is highly qualifi ed and has a great reputation for delivering rehab services in a positive, caring manner, focused solely on making patients well.

HOSPITAL & CLINIC SERVICES The hospital and emergency department are open 24 hours a day. The emergency room is staffed with an on-call provider and trained registered nurses. Licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, imaging and lab technologists and technicians are also available 24 hours, 7 days a week. In keeping with the commitment to provide exceptional and up-to-date patient care, Albany Area Hospital installed a bone density machine. A bone density (DEXA) exam is the most accurate way to test for bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. In addition to inpatient medical and surgical services, AAHMC continues to expand its surgery and outreach specialty services. Surgeries are performed on both outpatient and inpatient basis. General, orthopedic, ophthalmology, and urology surgeries are performed by surgeons from Little Falls and St. Cloud. Outreach specialty services include orthopedics, cardiology, stress testing, podiatry, urology, internal medicine, gastroenterology, MRI, mammography, and nuclear medicine. Physical, occupational and speech therapies are performed by the AAHMC staff.

COMMUNITY HEALTH The staff is active in sharing information on health care careers through high school students. Tours are given to kindergarten students and human anatomy classes as well as education presentations to students in the area schools. AAHMC has also collaborated with Dr. David Kroska to offer the L.I.F.E. (Lifestyle, Food & Exercise) program. L.I.F.E. program participants learn how many chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer, are frequently associated with unhealthy food choices and a lack of physical activity. The eight-week educational program consists of two-hour seminars each week. Sessions provide extensive education on diet, exercise and nutrition, as well as practical and behavioral aspects of healthy living. The fi nal session covers menu planning and food preparation tips. These sessions are held twice a year. The administration and the Advisory Board of Directors of the Albany Area Hospital and Medical Center are continuously developing strategies and looking for opportunities to enhance the services offered locally. For more information about any of the programs or services provided by the Albany Area Hospital & Medical Center, visit our website at www.albanyareahospital.com or call 320.845.2121.

Daron Gersch, MDCharlene Gerner, PA-C

Teresa Hamiel, PA-C

Libby Brever, MDNathan Brever, MD

Albany Area Hospital & Medical Center

Avon Medical Clinic

PRIMARY CAREURGENT CARE

Eric FlyPA-C

Eric Fly Dan RickardPA-C

Dan Rickard Josh ArickxPA-C

Josh ArickxEsther DoeleCFNP

Esther Doele

Health Care Services Include: Family Medicine • Urology

Emergency Medicine Internal Medicine • Urgent Care

General Surgery • Obstetrics Orthopedics • Podiatry

Sleep Studies • Swing BedsPhysical, Occupational & Speech Therapies

Diabetes & Nutritional EducationPartnered with our af liate

Albany Area Home Health & Hospice

SIGNS • BANNERS • ENGRAVING

470 INDUSTRIAL DR. HOLDINGFORD, MN • 320-746-0746

AVINGCUSTOM APPAREL & EMBROIDERY

www.everythingsigns.com

Everything Signs was started by Robb Berscheid in August of 2007. Originally starting with just signs, Everything Signs now offers a variety of services including: Signs, Banners, Laser Engraving, as well as Embroidery and Screen Printing.

541 R.R. Avenue, Albany, MN • 320-845-4770

Lucy Maus, owner of The Hairitage Shoppe in Albany, has been bringing local residents’ beauty to the surface for 28 years. In September, Lucy welcomed Albany native, Brittany Bauer as an independent stylist at the Hairitage Shoppe. Brittany has come back to her hometown with nearly fi ve years of experience as a talented stylist. Lucy and Brittany are excited to serve their clients with haircuts, styling, color services, perms, waxing and ear piercing. “Adding Brittany to the business allows better

“For all your hair care needs at a reasonable price, call The Hairitage Shoppe,” Maus said.

availability for clients as well as new ideas,” said Lucy. While Lucy carries the Biolage line of hair care products by Matrix, Brittany offers Redkin products for all hair types and styles. Brittany brings current trends to the ever-changing hair care industry. She also offers manicures to her clients and, while she enjoys all aspects of her job, hair coloring is her favorite service to provide. Call Lucy and Brittany at the Hairitage Shoppe today to schedule your appointment! Come See

Us Today!

Lucy Maus

Brittany Bauer


Profi lesProfi les CommercialIndustrialRetail

Doing Doing BusinessBusiness

Making Making ProgressProgress

Enjoy reading about local


and some you may not.


AlbanyHome

Bakery531 Railroad Ave., Albany320-845-2963

Bakery fr esh rolls, bread, fr ozen breads, bars, cookies, made-to-order design cakes for all occasions!

Albany Home Bakery, 531 Railroad Ave., off ers fresh rolls, bread, frozen breads, bars, cookies and made-to-order cakes. Albany Home Bakery specializes in frozen bread dough, along with frozen cinnamon rolls and kolachies. Th ey also have baked fresh rolls and donuts daily, along with baked- fresh cookies and bars. Th ey also specialize in home-made bars: magic, mound, scotcheroo, salted nut roll, pumpkin, rice krispie, caramel bars, etc. One of the bakery’s most sought-out specialties is the chewy almond-type cookie, which is dipped in chocolate. Th is cookie is called “Florentine.” We can make gluten free cookies by special order. Albany Home Bakery has been in business for more than 45 years and is under the ownership of LuAnn Jopp as of Jan. 1, 2002. Husband Tim helps out and does most of the deliveries and errands. Th ey have eight employees: Rita, Mary Kay, Rita G., Bev, Elaine, Danielle, Tom and Judy.

Albany Home Bakery is open Monday through Friday 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call the staff of the Albany Home Bakery to place your special orders by calling 320-845-2963.

Hours: Monday-Friday 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Saturday 4 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kane Transport In 1949, Joe and Louis Kane started Kane Brothers with one truck that hauled gasoline and fuel from Minneapolis to western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. Today, Kane Transport directs a fl eet of 180 trucks and 250 trailers, and employs 135 drivers who operate out of fi ve main terminals: Inver Grove Heights, Marshall, Duluth, Chippewa Falls and Sauk Centre, where more than 50 people are employed. Over the years, Kane Transport has diversifi ed their hauling capabilities to include gasoline and diesel, asphalt, propane, anhydrous ammonia and water. This diversity allows Kane Transport to keep the family business strong, as well as the Sauk Centre community.

Pictured from left: Pete Kane, Bob Kane,Pat Kane, Gail Kane and Angela KaneDonald Thoennes, Alexandria was awarded

the 2009 Minnesota Driver of the Year.

Kane Transport keeps it in the family for 60-plus years

“The greatest personal reward of being involved in a family business isthe ability to work towards a common goal with people you love.”

- Angela Kane, CFO Kane Transport

Albany Mutual Insurance Co. continues over 118 years of service

~ PLEASE CALL ONE OF OUR AGENTS LISTED BELOW: ~

Apollo Insurance, Albany .................................................................... 320-845-7070Apollo Insurance, Melrose ................................................................... 320-256-7401George Reber ....................................................................................... 320-845-2857Heinen Insurance ................................................................................. 320-597-2672Lieser Insurance ................................................................................... 320-243-7144North American Insurance .................................................................. 877-254-3191Scegura Insurance ............................................................................... 320-746-2582Schiffl er Insurance ............................................................................... 320-845-2887Schmidt Insurance ............................................................................... 320-356-9440St. Martin Insurance............................................................................. 320-548-3556Stearns Insurance, Albany ................................................................... 320-845-2151Stearns Insurance, St. Cloud ................................................................ 800-320-7262Vanguard Insurance ............................................................................ 320-732-6629

Albany Mutual Insurance Company has a long tradition of providing farm and homeowners insurance to Central Minnesota. In 1895, Albany Mutual Insurance was incorporated to provide insurance to the farms and homes in the Albany area. Since then, it has combined the re insurance with other companies that provide the wind, liability, and other coverages to form a single package policy. The unique value that Albany Mutual Insurance Company brings to its policy holders is that the money received in premiums is reinvested in the surrounding area, in addition to being used to pay any claims that may arise. The company is currently represented by 13 independent agencies protecting more than 1,400 farms and homes in Stearns, Todd, Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Meeker, Pope, and Kandiyohi counties. Since 1895, Albany Mutual has been owned by its policyholders and managed by an elected board of directors.

Albany Mutual Insurance Company

HOME OFFICE:141 5th Street, P.O. Box 301,

Albany, MN 56307

[email protected]

www.albanymutual.comA Century of Serving Our Neighbors... Pat Raeker, Manager


320-256-7118 • www.whisperingoakswinerymn.com

Chris & Terri Ellering33578 Co Rd 30, Melrose, MN

Book Your: Birthdays • Meetings

Ladies Night Out • Anniversariesand other special occasions

Decades ago, Native Americans walked a path along the shore of Black Oak Lake and picked wild grapes on their way to nearby villages. Today, Black Oak Vineyard rests less than 100 yards from the lake–the source of the grapes’ early nourishment. Today Black Oak Vineyard and Whispering Oaks Winery make up a single operation owned and managed by Chris and Terri Ellering in Melrose, Minnesota. This year, they entered their Elegance and La Crescent in the International Cold Climate Wine Competition and both were awarded silver medals. Their Frontenac Gris is a two time medal winner earning a bronze and gold medal. Black Oak Marquette is a silver medal winner. Every wine Whispering Oaks has entered in a competition has medaled. Directions from I-94 east: take exit 137 for New Munich. Turn left off the ramp. Go three miles through New Munich, take a right onto County Road 30. We’re three miles down on the right. From I-94 west: take exit 135 for Melrose. Go right off the ramp and head down County Road 13 for about three miles. Take a left onto County Road 30 and you’ll fi nd us one mile down the road. Hours: Memorial Day weekend to the end of September, Saturdays and Sundays 1-5 p.m. Starting the fi rst Saturday in October through second Saturday in December 1-5 p.m., Saturdays only. After second weekend in December, open by appointment for all your wine needs.

ChChCh ii &&& TT ii lElEllll ii

BBTs

sM

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Tune-Ups • Tires • Alignments • Exhausts • Computer Diagnostics • Brakes & MORE

KAVY’S AUTO & TRUCK GARAGEKAVY’S AUTO & TRUCK GARAGE

320-352-6992 • 888-326-7553133 US Hwy. 71 N. • Sauk Centre, MN 56378

YOU STALL...WE HAUL - NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

40+ Years

Experience

When it comes to nding the right mechanic for the job, experience matters. And experience is exactly what Kavy’s Auto and Truck Garage provides. With experience comes quality service and care, both for the customer and their vehicles. With more than 40 years experience in the automotive eld, owner Dave Kortan, along with of ce manager and technician Tami Notch, have extensive knowledge in the automotive care industry. Dave is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certi ed and has continued his education to keep up with the latest technology to ensure the right decisions are made when caring for a customer’s vehicle. Kavy’s Auto began out of Dave’s home garage in 1991 and moved to its current location at 133 Highway 71 in 1997. In 2012, Kavy’s became a Napa Auto Care Center. As a Napa Auto Care Center, Kavy’s is able to provide Napa Auto Service Credit Cards available through GE Capital to help customers with larger purchases. Kavy’s specializes in automobile and truck repair, diagnostics and maintenance, tire sales and alignments. Most importantly, though, Kavy’s specializes in customer service. Both Dave and Tami have their customers’ best interest in mind and pride themselves on the quality of work that leaves their garage.

Career Q and A A Closer Look at Jobs in Mid-Minnesota

How many years of experience do you have?25-1/2 years.

Describe your job duties:My job duties are peeling eggs, cleaning and assorting turkey gizzards by size and packaging polish sausages in jars to be pickled. I do all record keeping, bookkeeping, ordering of supplies, cleaning and sometimes loading pallets of products to be shipped out on trucks. Also, I do some deliveries to our distributors, the PH testing of products and setting up HACCP programs (hazard analysis and critical control points). What skills do you need to be good at your job?Be alert and on time. Keep your mind on what you’re doing. Also computer skills and secretary skills are helpful and also attending all the HACCP classes to keep up with the new and existing programs. What is the biggest challenge at your job? Being sent to better processing school. Getting a book with 16 chapters in it, putting it into fi ve days of schooling. That was pretty hard.

What do you enjoy most about your job?I enjoy the record keeping and bookkeeping the best. Also, I enjoy working with the eggs, gizzards and sausages. Having nice enjoyable coworkers makes the job a lot easier and fun.

How many years of experience do you have?10 years. Describe your job duties:I do anything and everything that come through the door from repairs to manufacturing. What skills do you need to be good at your job?Ability to weld and now how to run equipment-benders/sheer/plasma/torches. Communication-ability to understand customer needs.Knowing geometry, angles and general math Ability to do a good job in a timely fashion. What is the biggest challenge at your job?Learning new equipment and technology and the ability to do maintenance on them, to keep them running smooth and trouble shoot problems. What do you enjoy most about your job?Coming to work and having different things to do everyday and new challenges to fi gure out.

How many years of experience do you have?17 years.

Describe your job duties:Creating designs for customers to be printed on the apparel they order.

What skills do you need to be good at your job?Knowledge of the computer and art programs.

What is the biggest challenge at your job?Sometimes just coming up with a design or logo the customer likes. Trying to always have new ideas.

What do you enjoy most about your job?Coming up with a design the customer loves. I have kids, so having the freedom to take off when I need to be with them is great. It is a friendly, fun environment to work in.

How many years of experience do you have?1 year

Describe your job duties:I mainly work with customers on consumer loans right now (which include vehicles, personal expenses, etc). I am starting to work with the real estate side of lending as well.

What skills do you need to be good at your job?I think it’s important to be able to listen and relate to customers. Each customer has a unique situation and it’s a lender’s job to be able to identify those needs and give them the right solution.

What is the biggest challenge at your job?Being fairly new to the industry, the toughest part so far has been keeping up with all the new rules and regulations that are now enforced on banks. It’s also very diffi cult to have to tell customers things that they don’t want to hear. Everybody has wants and needs and sometimes putting the two into perspective for the customer can be a challenge.

What do you enjoy most about your job?The people I get to work with on a daily basis. Being from Sauk Centre, it has been great expanding on old relationships and creating new ones along the way. I’ve really enjoyed the interactions I’ve had with my coworkers and the bank’s customers.

How many years of experience do you have?6 Years

Describe your job duties:I review and analyze clients’ insurance needs. I then go to market to fi nd the client the best rate for the coverage they need. After the policies are in place, I am the client’s go-to person for any changes and/or additions to policies, as well as anything they might need or have questions on.

What skills do you need to be good at your job?Good communication skills are key! Every day I am doing business in person, over the phone, via email, and social media, so being able to multi-task, and organization are also very important to doing my job right!

What is the biggest challenge at your job?The insurance world constantly changes, so keeping up with these changes is probably the biggest challenge. I attend continuing education constantly to stay on top of these changes.

What do you enjoy most about your job?I really enjoy everything about my job! I enjoy fi nding my clients great rates, and making sure they are covered the way they need to be! I take pride in my service to my clients! It’s very rewarding to make sure they are taken care of and at the same time paying the very best price around.

How many years of experience do you have?My parents started the business approximately 40 years ago so I was raised with it. You could say the business and I grew together. I have been full-time about 10 years, from 2003. Describe your job duties:Caring for plants-watering and fertilizing, disease control, etc. Helping customers with their gardening and landscaping needs. What skills do you need to be good at your job?You need to truly enjoy fl owers, plants, etc; also knowing about common diseases, bugs and other plant problems. Being as helpful as possible with customers. What is the biggest challenge at your job?The weather. Everything depends on the weather in the nursery/landscaping business. What do you enjoy most about your job?The spring, fi lling the greenhouse with beautiful bright fl owers and the nursery with shrubs and trees; helping customers plan their fl ower gardens and container planting; and having/hearing customers compliment on how great all the plants look. It makes the long days and plant tender loving care all worth it.

Jody WienerGraphic Designer at

Freeport Screen Printing

Sarah OlmscheidGarden Center Caretaker/

Customer Service at Spaeth Sodding & Nursery

JoAnn NielandProduction Manager at Scherer Enterprise, Inc.

Jason ChristensonWelder and Machinist at

CAP Enterprises

Matt HoeschenLoan Offi cer at Minnesota

National Bank

Claire RielandIndependent Insurance

Agent at Billmarks Insurance Services, LLC.


Cheryl Fuechtmann, Jody Wiener and Kim Bauer

115 1st Avenue NFreeport, MN 56331

320-836-2393 E-mail: [email protected]

Cheryl Fuechtmann and Kim Bauer, Owners

r

Freeport Screen Printing Freeport Screen Printing, Inc. is located at 115 First Ave. N. in Freeport. Since 2004, partners Kim Bauer and Cheryl Fuechtmann, along with artist Jody Wiener, have been providing screen-printed and embroidered apparel such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and jackets to a variety of schools, clubs, businesses and individuals in the surrounding area. They strive to offer a quality custom garment at a competitive price, along with superior customer service. Kim, Cheryl and Jody invite you to stop in and put their over 35 years of combined experience to work for you. They will help you with every detail of your order from selection of merchandise, to artwork, to customized colors for your logo. Freeport Screen Printing, Inc. business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday by appointment. You can reach them by phone at 836-2393 or email, [email protected]

As an independent mobility professional, I dedicate my time to providing high-quality

NEW and USED mobility equipment directly to you. Purchasing power mobility equipment is an excellent option for anyone who desires the

advantages and quality of life that is directly related to increased mobility, freedom, and

independence. We off er aff ordable pricing on quality, name-brand equipment that is easy to use and designed to meet your needs. I serve the Twin Cities metro area and all of Central Minnesota by

providing personalized, in-home sales and service for all of your power mobility needs, and I look

forward to serving you.

Your Mobility Destination...My retail showroom is conveniently located at 107 Avon Ave S. Avon, MN. Please call ahead to arrange for a visit as I am often on the road keeping sales and service appointments. Make MN Mobility your destination for increased freedom and independence

Call 320-356-7274

Mobility Scooters Power Wheel chairs

Access Ramps • Accessories

Sales & Service

www.mnmobility.com

Career Q and A A Closer Look at Jobs in Mid-Minnesota

Mike EggertShop Foreman at Galaxy Precision, Inc. of Albany

Jennifer KomisPersonal Lines Insurance

Agent of Apollo Insurance Agency

Patrick “Pat” RaekerGeneral Manager at

Albany Mutual Insurance Company

Lisa Kramer-BeuningAdministrative Assistant/

F&I Manager at Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Marilyn SchroederAssistant Manager

at Ace Hardware in Sauk Centre

Carson PantherDistiller at

Panther Distillery

How many years of experience do you have? 34 years Describe your job duties: Daily scheduling of operations. Optimize operators and machines in order to meet customer requirements. What skills do you need to be good at your job? Patience, good listener, problem solving. What is the biggest challenge at your job? A lot of times a customer will require a quick and on time delivery. Sometimes the same day. That quick response to customer satisfaction can be very challenging at times. What do you enjoy most about your job? Working with people who have a strong desire to be successful. We have a lot of that here at Galaxy Precision, Inc.

How many years of experience do you have?I have been with Apollo since November of 2007.

Describe your job duties:It is my job to help my clients gain the knowledge and understanding of insurance, as well as to review their policies and give them recommendations on how they can improve their insurance program. It is also my job to keep up-to-date with changes so I can do my best to help the customer.

What skills do you need to be good at your job?You need to have good oral and written communication skills and the ability to think outside of the box. You also need to be personable and empathetic, having a genuine care for the customer, and having ethics and sticking to them.

What is the biggest challenge at your job?Keeping up with our industry’s changes. Insurance companies are always introducing new discounts, surcharges, or coverage changes; and insurance laws and court cases have resulting eff ects as well.

What do you enjoy most about your job?Having great conversations with my clients! I honestly love it when they call and ask me questions, because it means that they care! The fact that someone cares enough to question what is happening and reason with it.

How many years of experience do you have? 16 years as manager of this company, 33 years as a MN licensed agent. Describe your job duties: I do all aspects of the operation of this company: underwrite new applications submitted by insurance agents; process and pay claims; set up and bill out new policies; I simply do everything in this offi ce, even snow shoveling. What skills do you need to be good at your job? All kinds of offi ce skills are needed, such as understanding the computer system, letter writing abilities, etc. But being a person able to communicate with the general public is a must. What is the biggest challenge at your job? It would be the ever changing world of technology; computers and programs change way too quickly for this “baby-boomer”. What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy being able to provide an insurance product at anaff ordable price from a company that has been around for over 118 years

How many years of experience do you have?10 1/2 years Describe your job duties:A little bit of everything, my main tasks include: Managing the websites,all the Advertising and Promotions, Main F&I Manager where I help people get loans for their vehicles and sign the required paperwork.

What skills do you need to be good at your job? Patience, a good personalityand a good sense of humor. What is the biggest challenge at your job?Making sure customers are taken care of in a timely manner and making sure the I’s are dotted and T’scrossed. What do you enjoy most about your job? The people. I’m a people person. Over the years I’ve had a cubical job and it drove me crazy. I love greeting people and trying to help them any way I can. Plus my co-workers are pretty awesome too, most days it feels like one big happy family.

How many years of experience do you have? At this job 1 year! Describe your job duties:Supervising employees, get ads out on time, changing season 1 inventory.

What skills do you need to be good at your job? People skills, both with customers and employees. Organization..... What is the biggest challenge at your job? Getting ads out on time. Finding the right product for customers in plumbing and electrical. What do you enjoy most about your job? The employees and customers. Getting new products in.

How many years of experience do you have?1 year

Describe your job duties:I weigh grain, tend to the stills (checking still temps, etc.), transfer mash, bottle product and lead distillery tours.

What skills do you need to be good at your job?I need to be up-to-date and knowledgeable on distillation processes. Be consistent and detail orientated so that each batch is just as good as the last. Being a handyman is also very important in this business. When something breaks it needs to be fi xed as soon as possible so we can continue production. If we cannot fi x it ourselves it could mean that our current batch might not turn out or that we might not make an upcoming product deadline.

What is the biggest challenge at your job?Maintaining patience! During the cooking process you have to be very thorough to yield the best product and that often leads to a continuous eye that will not try to speed up the process.

What do you enjoy most about your job?I love making all our products (White Water Whiskey, Spiked Apple Spirits and Bad Medicine Gin). I enjoy the science behind the distillation process, and the history we are creating as a business as the fi rst legal whiskey distillery in Minnesota.


FROM CLASSIC STYLING TO THE MOST CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS,SELECT FINELY CRAFTED CABINETRY FROM THE WOODSHOP OF AVON

TO ENHANCE THE BEAUTY OF YOUR HOME.

At the Woodshop of Avon, if it can be imagined, it can be built. The history of The Woodshop of Avon is a classic story of friends, tradition, and good old Midwestern work ethic. It started with two men fueled by a love for the craft, and a commitment to designing and building quality products. The Woodshop of Avon has now grown to become a leader in custom built cabinetry. In 1981, The Woodshop of Avon was founded by John Harlander and Mark Caspers with humble beginnings in John’s single stall garage. The company quickly outgrew the garage and set up shop in a larger facility in Avon, Minnesota. Over the years, we have met the increasing demand for our cabinetry. By the time the company celebrated its 12th Anniversary, an additional offi ce and showroom were added in Edina to better serve the demand in the market. 1995 marked the corporate headquarters’ move from Avon to the neighboring community of Albany, Minnesota. This move was necessary so that all operations, including manufacturing and fi nishing, could be under one roof. The Woodshop of Avon’s manufacturing and fi nishing departments, as well as showroom and offi ce space, remain at this location today. The company, which began with two men and a dream, has grown to over 50 employees and 3 locations since its conception in 1981.

WE MAKE CABINETRY AN ART!

3918 SUNNYSIDE ROAD, EDINA, MN 55424 • 952.927.80021452 RAILROAD AVE., ALBANY, MN 56307 • 320.845.7141

WWW.THEWOODSHOPOFAVON.COM

FINE CUSTOM CABINETRY FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME.ALSO FEATURED ON THE

TODAY SHOW

New Showroom Coming Soon to Albany

Pam (Goebel) Rue grew up in Freeport and always dreamed of having a business there someday. The small-town atmosphere and hospitality of Freeport drew Pam to open a gift and décor store there this summer. One of the nicest things about Décor and

More is that there is something for everyone.

• Funeral Memorial Gifts • Wedding Gifts • Baby Gifts • Kids Puzzles, Toys and Books

• Candles • Cards • Holiday Décor • Jewelry • Kitchen Gift Sets • Sports Décor • John Deere.....and much more.

Delivery to the Freeport or Melrose schools and funeral

homes is free.

Come see what we have to offer!

Secure your future with With outstanding agents and award-winning service, Apollo Insurance Agency has served the Albany community for more than 20 years, helping to provide insurance protection for businesses and individuals. Apollo Insurance Agency has grown to become the largest insurance agency in greater Minnesota with over $50 million in annual sales. Much of the growth is a result of the specialization in commercial property and casualty, while group health, life and personal policies represent the balance. The agency invests heavily in education development for all of its employees, including professional education courses, agency software management and Microsoft training courses. Other tools the agency uses are state-of-the-art technology and Applied Systems software to manage all aspects of client policies. Two members of the team have won the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agent Association’s “Young Agent of the Year” award. In April 2005, the agency was also selected from over 4,000 candidates as the recipient of the “Agency of the Year” award. Apollo Insurance Agency is deeply committed to the Albany area with countless charitable endeavors and active memberships in local community organizations. They actively donate time and resources to organizations like Albany Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club of Central Minnesota, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, the Boy Scouts Central MN Division, St. Cloud State University, Ducks Unlimited, the Salvation Army and the United Way. Utilizing an alliance with more than 40 different insurance markets, Apollo Insurance Agency maintains the exibility needed to provide customers with what they expect from an insurance agency. These strong alliances give their agency a competitive edge in terms of service, ef ciency and cost.

Outstanding Agents. Award Winning Service.With Additional Central Minnesota Offi ces in St. Cloud, Monticello, Melrose & Alexandria

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and others by appointment. 601 Railroad Avenue • Albany • (320) 845-7070 or (800) 338-4388 • www.apolloinsurance.com.

A strong business philosophy, education and experience lead to a unique service experience for all of their clients.

apollo insurance

agency

apollo Call our Albany offi ce at 320-845-7070

to learn more or to obtain a quoteCall Toll free: 800-338-4388 insurance

agencySecure your future with help from our team!

Mary SauererJulie Bogard Jennifer Komis Kevin Johnson Betty Fischer Jan HerzogAnita Borgerding


BeaBeaconconMelrose

Sauk CentreSauk CentreSauk CentreHeraldHerald

Your Hometown Newspapers

CANARYCANARYCANARYClassyThe

CountryAcrescres

ST RPublications

Remembering 25 YearsBy Dave Simpkins | Publisher/Editor

I pestered Don Griswold for 15 years. From the rst time I met him as a rookie newspaper man at the Albany Enterprise in 1973, every time I saw him, I’d say, “If you ever think of selling the Sauk Centre Her ald, please give me a call.” I believed then as I believe now, Sauk Centre is a nice town to newspaper in as well as to live in, raise a family and grow a business. On a cold February day he called. We sat for four hours, we ate cake, we drank coffee, we ate donuts, talking about newspapering, politics and the weather before he said he was ready to retire and wondered if I would be interested in buying the Herald. I was publishing the Grant County Herald in Elbow Lake at the time. Sauk Centre would be a big jump from that. I was scared and thrilled and on July 15, 1988, I opened the doors for the rst time.

Big Stories The rst stories I covered as a new editor all came out of Sinclair Lewis Days. Since then there have been many events, res, murders, business changes, accidents, elections and big storms to ll our pages. The big stories of the powerline ght and the teacher strikes were behind us but farm issues and our school would continue to be big news. We were suffering a drought in 1988 that saw many farm ers quit, sparking a steady decline of farmers due to low prices, high land prices and consolidations. Not all farming news has been bad. Good news happens too, like last year when Minnesota’s number one dairy county nally got a Princess Kay of the Milky Way in Christine Reitsma. School issues have continued in the headlines as declining enrollments and revenues have caused teacher and program cuts. One story we got involved in was the saving of the cupola over Bryant Library, joining the Great River Library System and the subsequent remodeling of one of the last Carnegie Li braries in the state.

Technology In 1985, I was the rst newspaper publisher to use a com puter to produce a newspaper. I’ve never seen a computer upgrade I didn’t like. Pagination, digital photography, WiFi, Smartphones and social media make this news-gathering job much easier and more creative than ever before. Bringing the Internet to Sauk Centre was a big thrill. We wanted to put the

Herald online in 1996 but there was no In ternet service in town. So we started our own, eventually sell ing it to diversiCom. Looking ahead, I can see our local newspapers providing video news and programming.

Publications Newspapering gives us so many opportunities to create new, interesting publications. In 1998 we started the Dairy Star, which is now the largest dairy publication in the mid west, covering dairy in four states twice a month. We also publish the Sauk Centre Herald, Melrose Beacon, Albany Enterprise, Mid-Minnesota Shopper, Classy Canary, Old Times, Minneso ta Trails and now the Country Acres out of this of ce.

Owners Jeff Weyer brought extensive sales experience to the Her ald and Mark Klaphake came with a solid farm background. We combined the two talents to form a three-way partnership to run the Dairy Star. Joyce Frericks became our bookkeeper in 1999 and grew into advertising manager and now business manager. Bryan Zollman joined our staff in 2004, adding a broad experience in sports writing and warm, touching columns. In 2007, Zollman and Frericks bought a share of the Her ald. In 2010 we merged the Sauk Centre Herald and the Dairy Star creating a ve-person partnership we called Star Publi cations, which purchased the Albany Enterprise and Melrose Beacon. We settled into the following positions: Mark Klaphake-General Manager, Joyce Frericks-Business Manager, Dave Simpkins-President and Inspirational Leader, Jeff Weyer-Sales Manager, Bryan Zollman-Managing Editor. An exciting part of Star Publications today are the many talented, committed and professional people on staff, making the future brighter. We’ve seen many changes in the last 25 years and there are many changes to come. As long as there are communities there will be community news and we’ll be there to cover it.

Mid-Minnesota

Albany-Avon-HoldingfordTHE ENTERPRISE

DAIRY ST R

Owners pictured from left: Mark Klaphake, Jeff Weyer, Joyce Frericks, Bryan Zollman, Dave Simpkins


211 Stratford St., Avon • 320-267-0440 e-mail: [email protected]

Avon Marine started out as a family business in 1975 and is still in the family to this day. Duane and Gloria Pierson opened the shop more than 30 years ago and ran it until the 90s when they sold it out to Crystal Pierz Marine. Their son, Randy, kept the business going with a smaller custom shop called Gran Prix International, LLC, mainly working on specialty boats. When Crystal Pierz closed up shop, Randy jumped on the opportunity to move back into the space and re-create Avon Marine. The business now specializes in the service restoration and storage of boats, motors and watercraft. “Avon Marine is doing what it does best, which is to take care of customers’ boats and give service beyond what the big sales shops can do,” Randy said. During the winter months Avon Marine continues to stay busy. One of the many services offered is watercraft restoration. Whether it comes to upholstery, fl ooring, or fi ber glass repairs there isn’t a task that can’t be handled. During the down time not only do they specialize in watercrafts, but also repair go carts, snowmobiles, and four-wheelers. Randy runs the shop with Pete Collier and still gets help from his father, Duane, from time to time. “Our experience really sets us apart,” Randy said. “We treat customers’ boats like they’re our own. We make the best decisions on proper service, giving our customers the best value.” Randy said he enjoys seeing customers throughout the season, from the spring right up to putting the boat away for the year.

Boat Storage & Winterizing

Sttooraaaaaggggggggeeeeeeeeeeeeee &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& teerriiziiiinnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg

ti l LLC i l ki

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Arnzen Construction Inc., 29033 County Rd. 17, Freeport (St. Rosa), has been selling Berg barn equipment for more than 60 years and is the largest Berg dealership in the United States and Canada. Besides dealing in Berg equipment, Arnzen also builds homes, dairy barns, commercial buildings, steel frame buildings and pole buildings. They also sell Jiffy, Dynavent, and J&D barn equipment, headlocks, gates, WIC feed carts, straw choppers including Agromatic straw choppers, cow mats including Simplex & Kraiburg brands, and much more. Arnzen caters to the small dairy farmer, as well as meeting the needs of the larger dairy farmer. In the past year, there has been lots of interest in free-stall barns with robotic milking. The business has grown over the past 60 years. Several years ago they built a new shop and show room complete with of ces that are shared with St. Rosa Lumber. The show room displays the products Arnzen Construction, Inc. sells. Arnzen Construction employs 50 full-time employees. In addition, the company is now offering welding repairs to be done in-house or, for the customer’s convenience, portable welding. The ACI Welding skid loader attachments include material buckets, rock forks and bale forks. Arnzen Construction is owned by John Arnzen and Robert Arnzen. ACI Welding is managed by Mike Arnzen. The owners and employees of Arnzen Construction would like to thank everyone for their support in the past years. Arnzen Construction, Inc., hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to noon. The telephone numbers are 320-836-2284 or 1-888-276-1751.

888-276-1751Shop: 320-836-2284Fax: 320-836-2050

29033 County Road 17Freeport, MN 56331CONSTRUCTION, INC.

www.strosalumber.com

You Name It, We Weld It...• Free Stalls • Barn Equipment • Repairs • Custom Parlors

• Latches & Gates • Iron Railing • Ornaments

St. Rosa Lumber, Inc. is an ef cient lumberyard with an experienced staff providing good, quality materials. The lumberyard, which came into the area in March of 1998, shares building space with Arnzen Construction. Al, John, Jason, Jim, Ed, Shawn or Josh will help design and help customers decide what is the best product for any project. The company builds homes, pole sheds, dairy barns and commercial buildings. It also does remodeling projects. The company can contract your project from start to nish. Offering computer drafting and assisting in the design of oor plans to turning the key. It is also a full retail lumberyard with a picture display and huge showroom. Now you can come in and see bigger samples of true colors, doors, windows, etc. for building your project. St. Rosa Lumber also offers boom trucks to help speed the delivery of materials, and the materials are stored inside until they are needed. Among the featured products at St. Rosa Lumber, Inc. are the Whirlwind and Fabral Steel Siding products, Thermo-Tech windows and doors, Andersen windows and doors, Edco Siding, seamless rain gutters, Genovations decking materials, wood and berglass doors and much more. Also this year a big feature is the Star Steel Frame Building. St. Rosa Lumber also has residential lots and a newly-built home for sale in the Little Falls area. St. Rosa Lumber is owned by Al Leinen and John Arnzen, and located at 29033 Co. Rd. 17 in St. Rosa and has 14 full-time employees. The telephone number is (320) 836-2284 or 1-888-276-1751. The fax number is 320-836-2050. It is open from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. The owners thank their customers for their business and continued support.

RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL“From Design to Turn Key”

“Build With the Best!”

29033 County Road 17Freeport, MN 56331Al Leinen or John Arnzen

ST. ROSAST. ROSALUMBER INC.LUMBER INC.

(320) 836-22841-888-276-1751

AGRICULTURE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL John or Bob Arnzen

Offering the largest selection of garden statuary, fountains, concrete lawn and landscape ornaments available. Diamond and Windsor retaining blocks. Five colors to choose from

at competitive prices. New color mulch is available in Red, Gold and Mink.

• Professional Design & Installation• Cultured Sod• Trees, Shrubs & Evergreens• Greenhouse• Lawn Seed• Retaining Blocks• Paving Stones• Stepping Stones• Landscape Rocks

Spaeth Sodding & Nursery of Melrose Spaeth Sodding and Nursery is a family business which has helped beautify the Melrose area for more than 35 years. Not only does the rm do sodding, but for more than a decade Rick and Paul Spaeth have also been in the nursery business, offering a large selection of Minnesota hardy nursery stock. Rick is now the owner-manager. Spaeth Sodding and Nursery offers trees, shrubs, sod, paving stones, stepping stones, grass seed and professional landscape designing. During the last few years, Spaeth Sodding and Nursery has added an assortment of landscaping block. Spaeth’s has expanded its line of services to include professional installation of paver patios and retaining walls. Diamond and Windsor retaining blocks are offered in ve colors, priced competitively. New colored mulch is available in red, gold and mink. Presently, the rm offers a wide array of annuals and perennials, garden plants and hanging baskets. The rm also has, on hand, the largest selection of cement and aggregate lawn ornaments in the area. Spaeth Sodding and Nursery is on Stearns County Rd. 13, south of Melrose. The telephone number is 256-4634.


Comprehensive,coordinated care

Delivering comprehensive, coordinated careefficiently to you —

it’s part of our commitmentto quality care.

www.centracare.com

MID-MINNESOTA BUSINESS Profi lesProfi lesBuying locally is a great way for consumers to fi nd the products and services they're looking for and help their local economy along the way. The small businesses in your community may be owned by your next door neighbor, who relies on his or her fellow townspeople to keep the business going strong.

Buying locally is not only benefi cial for local business owners, but buying locally benefi ts consumers and members of the community in a number of ways.

* Buying locally creates jobs. The number of unemployed men and women has gradually declined in recent years, but those fi gures are still high in many communities. Buying

locally creates jobs in your community, potentially creating a job for you or a friend or family member.

* Buying locally helps the environment. Buying within your community reduces the amount of fuel you're likely to use for a weekend shopping trip while also reducing pollution. In addition, many local store owners use local materials and ingredients, reducing the amount of fuel consumed to get products into the store.

* Buying locally creates a more closely knit community. Juggling a career and a family can make it hard for men and women to get to know their neighbors and other members of their community. Buying locally is an opportunity to strengthen that bond

with your neighbors, creating a close knit community in which residents may feel safer and more comfortable.

* Buying locally is more convenient. Convenience is paramount to many consumers, and buying locally saves both time and money. Driving to a faraway mall or shopping center or paying costly online shipping fees is not nearly as quick or convenient as shopping within your community, where you can purchase and take home items on the same day without using a full tank of gas or paying for shipping.

* Buying locally benefi ts your local economy. In 2004, the consultancy Civic Economics was commissioned by Chicago's A n d e r s o n v i l l e

Chamber of Commerce to examine the economic impact of 10 local businesses against that of chain businesses. The study found that of every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 remained in the local economy, while only $43 of every $100 spent at chain stores remained in the local economy. That's a signifi cant boost to your local economy, and all it requires is shopping at local retailers.

* Buying locally can increase your property value. Homeowners might be able to increase the value of their homes by buying locally. A joint study from Independent We Stand and Civic Economics found that cities with a strong centralized small business district had a 54 percent greater increase in

property values than communities that did not have such a district. A more thriving local community, including a thriving shopping district, is no doubt attractive to prospective home buyers.

The reasons for shopping locally are many. In addition to helping local business owners, consumers who shop locally are also helping themselves.

The many benefitsof buying locally

Doing Business...Making Progress


Chris Schneider has been towing in the area for over six years. Chris had a dream to one day own his own towing company. Last April, Chris heard that Rahn’s Oil & Propane was considering selling their towing business and Chris

took the plunge into business ownership. Chris’ business, Shaggys Towing, can handle small trucks, regular to

medium duty autos, motorcycles and farm equipment.

Program 320-256-(PULL)7855 into your phone so you have the

number when you need it!

Scott Kraemer bought the big tow trucks from Rahn’s Oil & Propane and began his own business as Melrose Towing and Recovery. Scott’s big trucks can handle semis, buses and big farm equipment. Scott, as the

owner of Melrose Towing & Recovery has put trusted drivers in the trucks to take care of all your needs. Program 320-256-WREK(9735) into your

phone to reach them at any time.

(Back, from left) Sophie Sabinash, secretary;

Ben Imdieke, operator of small or big trucks;

Dan Stangler, operator of small trucks; Chris Schneider, owner of

Shaggy’s and operator of big or small trucks; Scott Kraemer, owner

of Melrose Towing and Recovery; (front) Mary,

granddaughter of Scott; Josh, grandson

of Scott; Kieya, daughter of Sophie.

TOWING BIG OR SMALL, ONE CALL DOES IT ALL!

Melrose Towing & Recovery

Shaggys Towing and Melrose Towing & Recovery work

together to help you with whatever your towing needs are.

Call 320-256-PULL(7855) or 320-256-WREK(9735)

and a friendly dispatcher will get you what you need.

Our service starts where you stop.

Shaggys Towing & Melrose Towing and Recovery mascot ‘Mater, one of the original tow trucks owned by Eddie Salzman

“Support your local hookers; give them a tow job.”

Our Family

Buying All Types of Metal and Aluminum Cans • Recycling Plastics, Paper, Cardboard, Glass

KEN PROELL320-352-687811194 225th Ave. • 11194 225th Ave. • Sauk Centre, MN 56378Sauk Centre, MN 56378

of Metal and Aluminum Cans • Recycling Plastics Paper Cardboard G

KEN’S IRON SALVAGE & RECYCLING, INC.& RECYCLING, INC.

Kenny Proell started Ken’s Iron Salvage and Recycling, Inc. with one truck and a cutting torch. That was 25 years ago. Today, the business has grown to be much, much more. Ken’s Iron provides recycling for just about anything. Since its inception, Ken’s Iron Salvage and Recycling has grown to employ 13 workers. Many of them are family members, and those who are not related are still considered family to Kenny. Ken’s Iron also recently added a new scale and offi ce in June 2012. Ken’s Iron is located north of Sauk Centre off of County Road 24 on 225th Ave. But what sets Ken’s Iron Salvage and Recycling apart from the competition is while other businesses charge customers to take their items, Ken’s Iron will often pay customers for items or take them free of charge. That’s why Ken’s Iron has been around for more than two decades and keeps growing steadily year after year.

REC

YC

LIN

G

AC

CEP

TED

• aluminum cans• cast aluminum• copper• brass• radiators• stainless• iron

• electric motors• automobiles• glass bottles and jars (none broken)• newspapers• cardboard/tin cans• 1 & 2 plastic bottles and jugs• plastic barrels

Go to our website to view over 450 Photos www.hulsnursery.com

Paul & Larry HulsMon.-Sat. 8 am to 5 pm; Closed Sundays320.363.8110

10 minutes NW of St. Cloud (Veterans Drive) in St. Wendel

Huls Nursery LLC is a family owned and operated nursery in St. Wendel. The lush nursery is a retail grower of trees, shrubs, evergreens and perennials. Since 1969 Huls has served the central Minnesota area by providing locally grown plant material. Their focus has always been to produce high quality plants that are well adapted to the challenging central Min-nesota climate. “We see our product from start to fi nish,” said Paul. “This makes us stand apart from many other nurseries.” With over 450 items on the lot to choose from, there is something for everyone. “We try fi ve or six new products each year to see if they perform well for our customers,” said Paul. Huls Nursery offers advice and recommendations on both plant selection and design. They also offer references for vendors they know and trust, if customers need help with planting, landscaping or tree trimming. Located just 10 minutes northwest of St. Cloud, Huls Nursery’s fall hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by, call or visit us online to learn more about our products and our commitment to excellence. Preorder your spring trees and plants today!


Sauk Centre, MN (320) 352-6577

SIGNDesign

Located in the Sauk Centre Herald Offi ce522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue • Sauk Centre, MN 56378

Business Signs of All Kinds

Farm Signs

Yard Signs (Political, Garage Sale, Event)

Banners

Boat Lettering

Watercraft Decals

Snowmobile Decals

Fishhouse Decals

Vehicle Letter/Signs

D.O.T. Numbers

MagnetsLogan Thomas,

Designer & Sign Creator

What We Can Do For YouWhat We Can Do For You

DDDDDD.O

MMMMMMMMMaaaaaaa

Full-Color Full-Color Graphics Signage!Graphics Signage!

Ask for Joyce or Logan!Call 320-352-6577

11194 225th Ave. • Sauk Centre, MN 56378

& RECYCLING, INC.Caring for your smile Caring for your smile

starts with making a call: starts with making a call: 320-845-2032320-845-2032 Dr. Jason Spychala and the staff at Albany Family Dentistry strive to create a comfortable, relaxed, and inviting atmosphere to make their patients feel like family. Along with seeing the smiling faces of the team, the sound of laughter is a common gem found in the offi ce; easing the worries of patients. Albany Family Dentistry continually seeks out the best technology to better serve patients. By off ering CEREC technology-assisted crown fabrication, they are able to give their patients crowns in one appointment – off ering convenience and saving time. Albany Family Dentistry also off ers x-rays of superior diagnostic quality with 75% less radiation than conventional x-rays.

421 Railroad Avenue, Albany, MN 56307

To parents/kids: Avoid sugar in sweets, pop, and juice. Use toothpaste with fl uoride when

kids are old enough to spit it out. Lead by example by practicing good oral hygiene in

front of your kids.

To Adults: Brush and fl oss daily. Current research linked health issues such as heart

conditions and diabetes to oral health, making it more and more important to

care for your smile!

Albany Family Dentistry Albany Family Dentistry Dental Health Tips:Dental Health Tips:

New Location Coming Soon!360 Railroad Ave. • Albany MN

Opening the end of October 2013

(320) 845-6930 or 1-800-495-6930551 Railroad Ave., Albany

Hours: Monday, Wednesday - Friday

7:30 am - 5 pm;Tuesday 7:30 am-7 pm;

Saturday 8 am - 12 noon

Lake Country Veterinary Service Lake Country Veterinary Service has been providing care for livestock in the area since June 2003, and care for companion animals since February 2004. Large animal services are provided by three veterinarians; Dr. Curtis Leyk, Dr. Neal Womack, and Dr. Jennifer Revermann. Dairy services include herd health, sick cow medicine, surgery, emergency care, and reproduction (two ultrasound units available for increased fl exibility). These doctors also care for beef cows, goats, sheep and pigs. Small animal services are provided by two veterinarians: Dr. Wendy Womack and Dr. Jennifer Revermann. They include vaccinations, spay/neuter, dentistry, general surgery, sick pet diagnosis and treatment with in-house laboratory and radiology. Small animal appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday night from 5 - 7 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Professional pet grooming is also available by appointment. Dr. Jennifer Revermann is now providing animal acupuncture and herbal services. Animal Chiropractic services are also available by appointment with Pauline Meyer, DC. An excellent support staff of Certifi ed Veterinary Technicians and knowledgeable receptionists is always available to help answer questions or to arrange an appointment with one of the doctors.

Dr. Curtis Leyk

Dr. Neal Womack

Dr. Jennifer Revermann

Dr. Wendy Womack

(across from the Kraft plant)

LARGE ANIMAL COMPANION ANIMAL• Reproductive

ultrasound/herd health• Medicine• Surgery

• Emergency Care

• Vaccination/spay/neuter• Medicine • Dentistry

• Surgery• Acupuncture

• In-house lab/radiology


Galaxy Precision, Inc. Galaxy Precision, Inc., 37429 – 251st Avenue, Albany, is a precision CNC and manual machine shop. The business is owned by Ralph Finken, Mark Finken & Sharon Finken. Ralph is the CEO, Mark is the COO and Sharon is the CFO. After working in machine shops for over 22 years, Ralph started this business alone using manual equipment in 1989.Galaxy machines gear blanks, axles, shafts, rollers and many other custom-made and replacement parts. Galaxy machines steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminum and plastic parts.Parts machined are used on large and small industrial and commercial equipment including drive components. Parts are also made for food processing and pharmaceutical use. Work is done for a number of manufacturers, local, out of state and companies that operate internationally. In 2004 and 2005, 8,000 sq ft of additional shop area and a new offi ce of 1,024 sq ft were added to Galaxy’s existing shop. In 2006 a new 640 sq ft quality control room and scheduling room was added onto the new section of the shop In 2007 a 3,000 sq ft warehouse was also added to the existing building. In 2011 an additional 10,500 square foot building was built for production

and warehouse. A new Haas VF-9 CNC Milling Center was purchased in November 2009 at a price of nearly $200,000. This machine is the biggest CNC mill owned by Galaxy Precision having travels of 40” x 84” and (30) tool holding capacity. These machines have the latest in computer control and also high pressure through the tool coolant and touch probe system which makes machining much more effi cient and gives it additional capability. Galaxy now operates 30 computer-controlled (CNC) lathes and milling machines along with a number of large and small manual machines with digital readouts used to make tooling, fi xtures and one of a kind parts. A new Haas VF-5 CNC Milling Center was added in February 2011 with through spindle coolant and touch-probe system which makes quicker setups on different parts and allow the machine to inspect its own parts. A 50hp computer controlled lathe with an 24” chuck is the largest CNC lathe currently being used at Galaxy Precision. A new large CNC lathe with a 24” chuck was delivered in November of 2011 with a price tag of $250,000. A new horizontal machining center was purchased in August 2012 costing $350,000. This has a pallet changer, 90 tool magazine and 1,000 PSI thru spindle coolant and automatic probing system. Other important machines are (2) computer-controlled horizontal machining centers with rotating pallets, this allows a part to be loaded while another part is being machined. The milling machines can hold up to 90 different tools at one time and have an automatic tool changer, so the different operations can be programmed to continue machining without operator assistance. Galaxy’s largest lathe will swing 40” diameter and turn 10 ft long.All of Galaxy CNC machines have communications with the computer network server in the offi ce to accommodate down loading, updating and storing programs. A newly updated CMM (coordinate measuring machine) was installed in 2011 to replace an older model. The new CMM has the latest inspection software. A new computer system server was installed along with a software program from ShopTech to not only do business online but also to track all jobs going through the shop. This is improving effi ciency and giving better control to make improvements and deliver parts on time. In 2012 Gibbs CAM (Computer-Aided Machining) software was purchased to program the CNC machines in advance using a computer in the offi ce. Galaxy Precision, Inc. is located about four miles northwest of Albany. The company employs 25 people and has been in business for 23 years. Business hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Thursday and 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday. The phone number is 320-836-2184 and the fax number is 320-836-2185. Emails: [email protected] (Ralph), [email protected] (Mark) and [email protected] (Sharon). Website: www.galaxyprecisionmn.com.Galaxy Precision, Inc. • 37429 - 251st Avenue, Albany, MN 56307

Mark Finken Sharon FinkenRalph Finken

Lange Trenching, Inc. Lange Trenching, Inc. has been in business since 1971. It was owned by Annette Lange who then sold it in 2005 to her sons. It is currently owned and operated by brothers, Jeff and Dale Lange. They have years of experience to assist you with all your commercial and residential excavating needs, along with their 15 full-time employees. Among their employees are Jeff and Dale’s sons; Josh, Jordan, Trevor and Tylor Lange. Jeff’s daughter, Jenna Smith is the of ce manager. Lange Trenching, Inc. does more than dig trenches. They excavate, landscape, dig and back ll basements, dig footings for all buildings, snow removal, demolition, road repairs, install septic systems, drain elds and water and sewer lines. They haul material such as gravel, ll, screened top soil, recycled concrete and granite. Throughout the winter, they provide services repairing broken water lines for cities, farms, new construction or wherever they are needed. No job is too small for the business. Through the use of cell phones and two-way radios, they are able to relay messages to the of ce and working locations, improving the service to customers. The rm has its own repair shop, which means faster repair and less down time for the customers they serve. With 42 years of experience, they know what needs to be done to work the land in this area. Lange Trenching, Inc. has a state-approved septic design team. They are also licensed to do lakeshore projects. Equipment operators are experienced and have worked with the rm for many years. Since their beginnings they have grown and expanded as a company, offering more services and adding more equipment. Their equipment list has expanded to backhoes, dozers, excavators, front end loaders, frost ripper, gravel trucks, mini excavators, road grader, street sweeper and skid loaders. Lange Trenching is licensed, bonded and certi ed. They are a member of the Avon Area Chamber of Commerce and NFIB - National Federation of Independent Business. They are located at 111 Dorado Ave., NW in Avon near the public beach. Check out their website for even more information about the company and more services that they offer, www.langetrenchinginc.com Give Lange Trenching, Inc. a call for a free estimate on your next excavating or trenching job. 320-356-7976.

SiteworkBasements

Install & Repair Septic Systems City Water & Sewer Demolition Lakeshore Work

Silt Fencing Hauling Top Soil Gravel Street Sweeping Ponds Recycled Blacktop

LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

Jeff and Dale Lange

INSURANCE SERVICESAlbany

P.O. Box 399, 140 5th Street, Albany, MN845-4020, 845-2151, 356-7622

1-800-685-7262 Fax: 845-4988For all of your insurance

needs... Auto, Home, Farm, Business, Health, Lifewww.stearnsinsurance.com

Stearns Insurance Services of Albany –Providing quality coverage, best value

Stearns Insurance Services, Albany, is committed to being the only source you will need for insurance. Ross Voit’s goal, as agency manager and licensed agent for 25 years, is to be your trusted advisor, listening carefully to your needs and guiding you to the policies that serve you the best.

Stearns Insurance Services is a member of the Stearns Insurance Services, Inc. group that has other agencies in St. Cloud and Holdingford.

No single insurance company can provide the quality coverage with the best value for all the policies you need. That’s why Stearns Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency.We’re not tied to any one insurance company but can shop several different insurance companies to nd the best coverage with the best price and service. We know your time is valuable so we do the shopping for you! Ross and Cheryl are also trained and certi ed to help you with all your MNSURE needs.

Stearns Insurance Services has access to many ne insurance companies such as Auto-Owners, Allied, North Star Mutual, Western National, Progressive, Elmdale Mutual, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Zurich, General Casualty, Grinnell, Travelers and Medica, along with several other specialty, life and health carriers.

Whether your needs are for personal, farm, life, health or business insurance, Stearns Insurance Services of Albany has the solution that’s right for you.

Ross, and Cheryl Johnson, Customer Service Agent, are there to answer any questions you may have on insurance concerns.

Albany MutualAllied GroupAuto-Owners

Blue Cross & Blue ShieldContinental Western Group

Elmdale MutualForemost

Ross Voit,Agent

Cheryl Johnson,C.I.S.R.

General CasualtyGrinnell MutualHealth Partners

MedicaNorth Star MutualPaynesville Mutual

Preferred OneProgressiveRAM Mutual

TravelersWestern National

Zurich


• Occupational Therapy• Speech Therapy• Social Work

• FREE Chronic Disease Management Classes

• Skilled Nursing Care• Home Health Aide• Physical Therapy

161 4th St., Ste. BAlbany, MN

Albany Area Home Health & Hospice puts their patients’ needs fi rst by off ering around-the-clock access to registered nurses and assistance whenever it is needed. “Patients agree that home healthcare is the best decision they’ve made for themselves,” said Cindy Nienaber of Albany Area Home Health and Hospice. “Rather than going to therapy twice a week, therapy goes to the patient.” Patients can expect a friendly, competent staff , the latest technology in healthcare and a continued commitment to the care and compassion they deserve. “We are a small town

group of people so we really know our clients and their needs,” Cindy said of their staff of about 10 employees. Each employee has their own specialty in medical treatments, disease and medication education, rehabilitation programs, personal care and end of life care. “I enjoy building relationships with our patients and their families,” Cindy said. “Meeting them on the street and knowing that our program gave them the care that made a diff erence at a diffi cult time is a great feeling.” In an eff ort to serve patients and the community even better, Albany Home Health & Hospice off ers chronic disease management classes two times per year. Th e classes give attendants the opportunity to learn how to successfully manage symptoms related to chronic conditions such as arthritis, fi bromyalgia, chronic pain, high blood pressure, dementia and diabetes. Th is type of class is evidence-based and has been proven to help patients manage health conditions in many ways such as becoming active in their health care and gaining confi dence to ask questions regarding their treatment. Contact Cindy and her team today to fi nd out how you can benefi t from FREE chronic disease management classes!

Our Home Health services include:

320-845-2440

Ramler Trucking Inc. Our father, the late Ambrose Ramler, founded Ramler Trucking, Inc., Albany, in 1954. This year marks our 59th anniversary. In the early years, Ambrose provided transportation of farm animals from local farmers to the South St. Paul stockyards. On his return trip, he would backhaul feed products, hardware supplies, building products and liquor to the area merchants. In 1982 Ambrose retired. Jack and Doris Ramler and Greg and Sue Ramler entered the business in 1975 and 1982 respectively. Since then, Ramler Trucking Inc. has grown to 68 tractors, including 34 company, and 34 Owner/Operators. Our trailers consist of 120 refrigerated trailers, 30 regular fl atbeds, 6 expandable fl atbeds that stretch out to 80 feet, 15 tanker trailers, and four dry vans. Ramler Trucking Inc. employs 45 offi ce personnel and drivers plus 34 contract drivers. Jack handles payroll and human resources. Greg, Chris, Brian, Tammy, Eric and Kim are the dispatchers. Doris, Sue, Ingrid and Chas take care of all other offi ce duties. One of our largest customers is Gold ‘N Plump Poultry, with plants in Cold Spring, Luverne, MN, and Arcadia, WI. We provide them with plant-to-plant transfers and also deliver their chicken products to distribution centers throughout the 48-state area. We haul approximately 150 loads per week for them. Working for Wells Concrete Inc. has proven to be a great match-up for us. It is fascinating to haul the oversized loads to the sites and watch a building rise in a matter of weeks. We have hauled loads that are 12 to 14 feet wide as well as loads that are 120 feet long in which you remotely steer the rear trailer axle from your cab. These longer loads require a front and rear escort. We have 4 such escort vehicles. In our tankers, we haul inedible animal BI-products. These are used as ingredients for dog and cat foods. As part of the National Fleet Safety Awards Program, Ramler Trucking, Inc. this year received a Platinum Safety Award. This makes it the 15th consecutive year that we received the award. We attribute this to our high-quality drivers and mechanics that are employed here. In 1999, a spin-off company was established which we named Ramler Truck and Trailer Repair Inc. We operate out of a 27,000 square foot building with 22 service bays at 400 13th street in Albany across from the water tower. Recently we entered into a purchase agreement on two adjoining lots with another 5000 sq. ft. building for expansion reasons. We employ 15 full-time mechanics, two parts salespersons as well as 3 part-time employees. Our mechanics can perform anything from engine overhauls, welding steel or aluminum, refrigerated trailer repairs, to tire repairs and heavy-duty alignment. In 2008 we added a Robotic aluminum wheel polishing machine. The machine is manufactured by Vehicle Inspection Serve or VIS. This machine can take an old oxidized and pitted wheel and give it a mirror-like shine. This year we purchased another machine built by VIS that you drive a truck onto one axle at a time. We call it the shaker machine because it moves an axle back and forth and then side to side while you can visually check for any loose components. This has greatly reduced labor costs by cutting the time it takes to trouble shoot a problem. We also operate Ramler Truck Brokerage Inc. With this company, we can broker any additional loads to other carriers that our fl eet is too busy to handle. Doing this, we can meet all of our customers’ needs. All three businesses are now employee owned or an ESOP (Employee Stock Option Purchase). The ESOP is in its third year and proves to be a great retirement benefi t to our valued employees while still maintaining the company’s heritage and longevity.

400 13th St., Albany, MN 56307320-845-4500 • 1-800-732-8958

Fax 320-845-7245

Truck & TrailerRepair


SAUK CENTRE ST. JOSEPH ALEXANDRIA

I appreciate your interest in my business! My name is Mary Richter owner of Pack N Go Travel since 1996. I created my agency with the idea of giving my clients the personalized attention that is needed to plan their travel. I can offer you personal service throughout the planning process, and even after your vacation is over. I am committed to working with you to fi nd the perfect vacation within your budget, giving you the best value for the money you are spending. Pack N Go Travel is a Professional Independent Travel Agency. Travel is my exclusive focus which gives me more fl exibility and availability to best tend to your needs. As a full-time travel advisor I combine specialized travel solutions with superior client service. I am here to fi nd the best value on a vacation package for you. Pack N Go Travel is connected with one of the largest travel networks in the industry, Travel Quest/Travel Leaders. I work with a large variety of suppliers, including airlines, hotels, car rentals, tour operators, cruise lines, and travel insurance worldwide to provide my clients with the best deals on the market. Travel professionals put a great deal of time, effort and funds into their education. We learn about the multitudes of destinations available to you through classes, seminars and inspection trips. We develop relationships with the tour operators, resort managers, restaurant owners and a myriad of other resources. We study airlines’ fare patterns, routes and schedules. By utilizing the professional tools at our disposal, we can advise you well and help you make the very best choices for your trip. I look forward to making your next trip a memorable and enjoyable one, so contact me today and get packing! Whichever you prefer; a phone call, e-mail, or a meeting in person for more personal attention we can review your travel needs to fi nd the perfect destination for you. Call me at 320-845-7123 or e-mail me at [email protected] to begin your travel planning today!

Mary Richter, AlbanyPack N Go Travel is part of the Travel Quest/Travel Leaders Network.

[email protected] • 320-845-7123 or 320-250-4044

Volunteer projects our employees are involved in:

• Youth Sports Coaching• Rotary- Strive• LP/SC Lions• School Volunteers• Christian Mothers• Volunteer Fire & Rescue• Relay for Life

• Parish Council• St. Michael’s Foundation• EDA Board• Church Volunteer...and Many More

320.352.5211 • 320.732.2133 • 218.863.6688320 352 5211 • 3200 732 2133 • 218 863 6688Sauk Centre • Long Prairie • Pelican Rapids

Member

FDIC

Working with you to make our community strong

Investing in our community...

Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is proud to be entering our 16th year of business. Our staff has stayed strong with twenty-one members, overall having more than two hundred years of combined experience. Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is a 5 Star Dealership.

Being certifi ed as a 5 Star Dealer means our sales and service staff has the most up-to-date training to ensure top-quality performance. Our highly-trained staff puts the customer fi rst by providing fi rst class service and sales performance with each and every one of our customers. The dealership’s inventory consists of more than 150 new and used vehicles for sale and over 150,000 parts and accessories in stock. The parts and service departments are equipped with 10 stalls and hoists for your service needs. We work with lenders and have on-the-spot fi nancing available for your convenience. Jim, Jon, Collin, Daryl, Lisa, Karla and Bryan are committed to getting you into the vehicle that you want at a fair price. We even buy vehicles.

Bruce, Sue, Chad, and Amy are at the service counter to answer any questions you may have about your vehicle and set up all your appointments. Our trained technicians specialize in servicing Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Plymouth, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Buick. They will repair any make and model, including imports. Attached to our service facility and open to the public seven

days a week is a touchless automatic car wash. The sales department is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our service department is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. We want to thank our local customers and we are grateful for the trust that you have put in us. We would also like to welcome any new customer to come in and visit us to see why they should put their vehicle in hands they can trust.

320-845-2801 • 800-392-3426

34650 225th Avenue • Albany, Minnesota 56307www.AlbanyChrysler.com

www.facebook.com/albanychrysler


Diversifi ed Financial Planning Servicesfor Individuals and Small Businesses

Mike Feldewerd

Diversifi ed and Guardian are now working under the same roof in an effort to save their clients time and money. With the combination of these two great companies in the same location they are able to be more effi cient in the bottom line. That is, offering a cus-tomer experience that is second to none, presenting each client with endless retirement and insurance options and properly protecting their clients and their family’s futures.

Our new offi ce is now open, located in the intersections of Railroad Avenue and 6th street (571 Railroad Avenue, Albany.) Stop in today!

Bob Deters

If you are a hard working person who is about to retire, or who has already retired, now is the time to contact Bob Deters with Diversifi ed Wealth Management (previously Navigator Financial). As a local retirement specialist, Bob is able to integrate all aspects of retirees’ fi nances into a sound plan and avoid making mistakes that could cost your retirement fi nancial security. A local retirement specialist sees the painful, devastating mistakes retirees make, cringing at the needless and easily avoidable fi nancial messes brought into their offi ces. They see retirees running out of money, paying a fortune in unnecessary taxes, losing money and having to go back to work. While it may be too late for some, it’s not to late for YOU! Call Bob and his team today and with a few questions and a couple minute of your time, they will lead you down the path of fi nancial freedom. Wherever you are in your steps to retirement, Diversifi ed Wealth Management will be by your side to see you to your goal! Call Bob at (320) 845-2166.

Making the most of your money is vital but time consuming, especially when it comes to getting the most out of your insurance coverage. Reviewing policies each year and making sure you are getting the most competitive rates available can be a cumbersome task. Mike Feldewerd and his team at Guardian Insurance Agency in Albany offers clients a free side-by-side comparison of over 50 insurance companies to assure you are receiving the most competitive quote available. If you want to fi nd out if you are over paying for your own auto, home or business insurance.

Diversified Wealth Management-Albany

guardian insurance agencies-albany

MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER

Give Mike and his team a call today toll free at

(855) 433-8377.

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC and Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., Bob Deters, Representative. Diversifi ed Wealth Management and the Securities America Companies are independently owned.

530 County Road 50 Avon, MN 56310(320) 356-7301

www.columbiagear.com

Columbia Gear provides gear products, transmission and drive components to the Construction, Agriculture, Rail, Mass Transit, Mining, Wind Energy, Oil & Gas Industries.

ntering Albany Apothecary, customersare greeted with friendly faces to assist

them with prescriptions, over the counter items, gifts or photos.

“Our mission is to deliver the highestquality pharmaceutical care possible on a very personal and individual basis,” said owner Will Seiler.

“We really enjoy serving our communities,” Seiler said. “There is no better feeling than getting a ‘thank you so much.’

We have a wonderful community and itmakes it easy to come to work every day.”

Seiler also attributes his staff – Pat Toenies,technician; Trish Preusser, technician; MaryKulzer, technician; Dana Crumley, pharmacist; and Kelly Wolford – to Albany Apothecary’s sterling reputation.

“We do everything we can to serve ourcustomers and to make them happy,”he said.

E


Open to the Public!

Touring Panther Distillery of Osakis, MN is like visiting an old friend. Walking through the door of this distillery you are immediately greeted as if you are family, by gift shop/tour manager Char Petroske, Master Distiller Brett Grinager, Owner Adrian Panther, or one of the 7 other friendly local faces employed there. Everyone at Panther Distillery is passionate about their whiskey and can walk you through a detailed tour of the distillery and whiskey making process. Your tour starts and ends in the gift shop where there are several items to purchase; however, the heart of your tour is in the fascinating dis-tillery itself. As you are guided through the distillery by one of the many talented and knowledgeable Panther Distillery employees they explain everything about the whiskey making process from the fi eld to your glass. Details, from picking the local farmer and fi eld the corn will come from, to the bottling and legal sales of their whiskey in an establishment or liquor store near you, are very exciting. The entire Panther Distillery family would like to invite you into their home for a tour and a sample of one of their three liquors (White Water Whiskey*Spiked Apple Spirits*Bad Medicine Gin). As the Panther business and family continues to grow make sure you’re part of the fun by visiting the distillery in person, through their website or on their Facebook page.

Distillery Hours:Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 4 pm

www.pantherdistillery.com 300 East Pike Street

Like us on Facebook!

p )

ASK FOR IT AT YOUR LOCAL LIQUOR STORE!wwwwwwwww

of Osakis, MN is like visiting an old friend.

ntherdistilllery.com t Pike Streettreet

Come for a Tour...Come for a Tour...

SAMPLE...and a...and a

Osakis, MN320-859-2256

Documents

Mid MN Business Profile