discover blooming prairie 2014

Blooming Prair ieE l l enda l e • Hope • Geneva

Your Guide To Blooming Prairie & The Surrounding Communities BPLeader.comYour Guide To Blooming Prairie & The Surrounding Communities BPLeader.com

Discover Blooming Prairie

Get Professional Resultsin Your Own Backyard.

HUSQVARNA555• Cylinder displacement: 59.8 cc• Power output: 4.3 hp•X-Torq®engine cuts emission and fuel consumption

Price:$639.95

HUSQVARNAPZ60• Engine manufacturer: Kawasaki• Engine name: FX Series• No turning radius by individual wheel-drive

Price:$ 10,499.95

HUSQVARNAMZ5225• Engine manufacturer: Kohler• Engine name: Courage Pro V-Twin• No turning radius by individual wheel-drive

Price:$4,699.95

HUSQVARNAR220T• Engine manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton• Net power at preset rpm: 12.6 kW @ 3000 rpm• Min. clearance circle by articulated steering

Price:$3,899.95www.husqvarna.com

Copyright © 2013 Husqvarna AB (publ). All rights reserved.

MINER'S OUTDOOR & REC507-583-2712

Hwy 218Blooming Prairie, MNwww.minersoutdoor.com

Get Professional Resultsin Your Own Backyard.

HUSQVARNA555• Cylinder displacement: 59.8 cc• Power output: 4.3 hp•X-Torq®engine cuts emission and fuel consumption

Price:$639.95

HUSQVARNAPZ60• Engine manufacturer: Kawasaki• Engine name: FX Series• No turning radius by individual wheel-drive

Price:$ 10,499.95

HUSQVARNAMZ5225• Engine manufacturer: Kohler• Engine name: Courage Pro V-Twin• No turning radius by individual wheel-drive

Price:$4,699.95

HUSQVARNAR220T• Engine manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton• Net power at preset rpm: 12.6 kW @ 3000 rpm• Min. clearance circle by articulated steering

Price:$3,899.95www.husqvarna.com

Copyright © 2013 Husqvarna AB (publ). All rights reserved.

MINER'S OUTDOOR & REC507-583-2712

Hwy 218Blooming Prairie, MNwww.minersoutdoor.com

Hours:Monday-Friday: 8:00am-5:30pm

Saturday: 8:00am-Noon

507-583-2712Hwy 218 | Blooming Prairie, MN

www.minersoutdoor.com


Discover Blooming PrairieEllendale•Hope•GenevaAdvertisers Index

A.J. Lysne Contracting Corporation ................31A Touch of Charm ...........................................27Ag Power .........................................................33B to Z Hardware ...............................................13Blooming Prairie Chamber of Commerce .......8Blooming Prairie Country Club .......................12Blooming Prairie Servicemens Club ................13Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie .............19Cash Wise Foods ..............................................41Central Valley Cooperative ..............................12Dairy Queen - Blooming Prairie ......................16Darrick’s Preferred Auto .................................15Deml Heating & Air Conditioning ..................44Ellendale Muni ................................................21Farmers & Merchants State Bank ....................4First National Bank .........................................27Floor Tech, Inc .................................................9Geneva Bar & Grill ...........................................38Geneva Lumber ...............................................40Geneva Meats / Dean’s Smoke Shack ..............39George’s of Geneva ..........................................32Holiday Inn & Suites ........................................36Holman Agency, Inc ........................................5Home Sellers of Minnesota..............................5Hy-Vee, Owatonna ..........................................34J&H Liquors .....................................................14Jensen Heating, A/C, & Plumbing ...................40Jesse’s Boot Repair .......................................... 10Johnson and Doerhoefer P.A. ......................... 11JR’s Construction ..............................................6

Hope CreameryEllendale Days

Krejci Ford, Inc ..................................................7Lerberg’s Foods ............................................... 21Looks Unlimited.............................................. 22MJ Hydrostatics .............................................. 43Main Street Dental ............................................9Mark’s Repair ................................................. 35Mayo Clinic Health System ............................. 18Metal Services ................................................ 48Mike’s Repair .................................................. 29Miner’s Outdoor & Rec ......................................2Minimizer ..................................................24-25Misgen Auto Parts .......................................... 22New York Life Insurance ................................ 15Oak View Nursery .......................................... 17Prairie Plumbing & Heating Inc. .................... 10R&R Insurance ............................................... 14Realife Cooperative ......................................... 29Reese Brothers Repair..................................... 38RWP Design & Build ....................................... 39Salinas Auto Repair ...........................................6Sportstitch .........................................................7St. Clair’s for Men ........................................... 37Steele County Land�ll ..................................... 37Steve’s Meat Market ....................................... 20Sunopta Grains and Foods, Inc ...................... 47The Bakery ........................................................8The Leader ...................................................... 45TT Motorcycles ............................................... 16Whispering Oak .............................................. 30Worlein Funeral Homes ........................... 17, 35


Farmers & MerchantsState Bank Est. 1904

507-583-6688245 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie, MN

www.fmbankmn.comFax: 507-583-7214

Email: [email protected]

The Farmers and Merchants State Bank is a family owned, independent bank. We are very proud of our 100 years of service to the community. In our institution, our customers

know us and we know them, most on a �rst name basis and that is the way we like it! We pride ourselves on fast,

friendly, superior customer service.

Online Banking • Many Accounts to Choose From • Club Discounts • Loans

Discover Blooming PrairieA special project of

The Leader135 W. Pearl St., Owatonna, MN 55060

PublisherRon Ensley

Advertising DirectorDebbie Ensley

Managing EditorJe� rey Jackson

Media ConsultantsBetty Frost, Shawnea Hull, Steve Arnold, David Weeks

Advertising DesignKeeley Krebsbach, Nikkie Gilmore, Jenine Kubista,

Kelly Kubista, Naomi Kissling, Matt RoosmalenCover Design

Keeley KrebsbachPage Design

Tony Borreson

Discover Blooming Prairie is distributed to readers of The Leader, and is available at local businesses and the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce.

All rights reserved ©2014

TABLE OF CONTENTSBLOOMING PRAIRIE AT A GLANCE .................. 6A LOOK BACK .........................................................10INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE..............................12AWESOME BLOSSOMS........................................14BLOOMING PRAIRIE PUBLIC LIBRARY ..........15GREEN SPACES .......................................................16ELLENDALE .............................................................19CITY MAP .................................................................23OLD-FASHIONED 4TH OF JULY .......................26WHERE WE PLAY....................................................27BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB .......................................34GENEVA ....................................................................38GETTING TOGETHER ............................................40PLACES OF WORSHIP ..........................................45HOPE ..........................................................................46


STEVE & LISA VAITH, REALTORS®Brokers/Owners, GRI, e-PRO

423 E. Main St. • BlooMing PrairiE

www.HomeSellersMN.com

O�ce: (507) 583-7233Lisa’s Cell: (507) 456-3741

Steve’s Cell: (507) 456-1545

We work with ALL realtors & can show ALL listed properties

Call 507•583•7294For a Free Quote!

Bringing all lines of Insurance to the Blooming Prairie & Surrounding Areas since 1985

P.O. Box 248Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Keith Holman | Carol Holman

Life • Long-term Care • Medicare SupplementsHome • Auto • Farm

Bringing all lines of Insurance to the Blooming Prairie

HOLMAN AGENCY INC.

Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, opens its doors and invites you to experience visiting, working, going to school and living where integrity and quality are present and a part of our normal life.

I am honored as the president of the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce to encourage you to come, walk a bit, talk a bit and experience the home of the legendary Awesome Blossoms.

The greatest assets in Blooming Prairie are its residents — people of all shape, color, ethnic background and description who continually and will-ingly put aside personal agendas and ideologies for a common greater good. These folks have a strong work ethic, are faith-based, value a high quality of family life, and recognize the impor-tance of education.

The result of this strong foundation is a community that invests in each

other, is willing to learn new things and embrace change while standing � rmly on who we are — a quiet and trusting community ideally located at the apex of four counties with quick access to Interstate 35 and 90. We are surrounded by a strong agricultural base and are very thankful to our fami-lies that farm.

Blooming Prairie has created a climate where business can suc-ceed, attested by our cluster of area manufacturers and active business community. Leadership and sacrifice in our school system has created an environment that focuses on a well-rounded and fully equipped student. Our city itself has progressive and innovative thinkers who have posi-tioned our little city with infrastruc-ture for growth. Our citizens feel safe because of our police force and our volunteer ambulance and fire depart-

ments. Our military veterans provide activities and education to the entire community, and residents of all ages feel supported, valued and needed.

I graciously invite you all to come and enjoy our community whether it is to join us for our famous Old-Fashioned 4th of July, our numerous charitable events or Chamber of Commerce social activities. Bloom-ing Prairie is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. I am very proud to show it off.

Tamzen R. Johnson is the president of the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce. Tamzen owns Johnson & Doerhoefer PA and is ac-tive in many community organizations.Johnson

Welcome to Blooming Prairie


Jesus Rodriguez • Jose RodriguezCell: 507-219-0798 • 53866-269th St. Lansing, MN

(507) 583-6620656 3rd St NE, Blooming Prairie

Brakes • Oil Changes• Cosmetic RepairTire Repair • Batteries • Electrical

Air Conditioning/Heating

We Do it All!

Blooming Prairie at a glanceTHE BASICSLocation: 1.41 square miles in southeast Steele CountyCounty: Steele, DodgeDistance from the Twin Cities:Blooming Prairie is south of the Twin CitiesFrom MinneapolisAbout 78 miles (85 miles by car) or 1 hour and 24 minutes by carFrom St. PaulAbout 75 miles (89 miles by car) or 1 hour and 25 minutes by carElevation1,293 feet


Custom Embroidery | Screen PrintingPromotional Products | Tuxedo Rentals

Awesome Blossom Merchandise

“Your one stop logo shop”

custom embroidery screen printing

promotional products tuxedo rentals

507-583-7001

341 East Main Street

Blooming Prairie, MN 55917


Awesome Blossom Merchandise


custom embroidery screen printing

promotional products tuxedo rentals

507-583-7001

341 East Main Street


www.sportstitch.net

-558833-77000011

www.sportstitch.netwww.sportstitch.net

“No Order is too Big or too Small” as our versatile equipment can handle

any size order. Whether you are a business, school, non-profit

organization, sports team, or a budding entrepreneur the need to

communicate your brand is critical to your success.

KREJCI FORD INCYour Service Minded Dealer

14 Time President’s Award Winner

218 Hwy N, Blooming Prairie507-583-2046 | www.krejciford.com

Area code507Zip code55917Population1,996 (according to the 2010 census)1,970 (2012 Census Bureau estimate)Median age40.5Median family income (2011)$41,338Housing (2011)Estimated median house value$107,968

GOVERNMENTMayorHarold PetersonCity CouncilBrad ClarkTara GimbelMary Kittleson

Bill NewmanThe city council meets at 7 p.m. every second Monday of the month.City AdministratorMichael JonesDeputy City ClerkTerri ZwienerAdministrative AssistantLaura Larson


CommerceBlooming Prairie Area

ofChamber

MISSION STATEMENTTo provide a framework for community growth

and development by encouraging �nancial investment, coordinating business activities,

promoting commerce and fostering a sense of community pride.

P.O. Box 805138 Highway Ave. South, Blooming Prairie

(507) 583-4472

507-583-4433345 E Main St, Blooming Prairie

Tuesday thru Friday: 6 AM-5 PM • Sat: 6 AM-2 PM

The BAKERY

In Blooming PrairieMore than just bread.Cakes, Pastries, Pies, Breads & Deli Items

Blooming Prairie City Hall138 Highway Avenue S.P.O. Box 68Blooming Prairie, MN 55917(507) 583-7573The city hall is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-day through Friday.

EMERGENCY SERVICESBlooming Prairie Police DepartmentChief Paul Wayne138 Highway Avenue S.Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Non-Emergency (507) 583-7885Emergency 911Blooming Prairie Fire DepartmentChief Dean Naatz138 Highway Avenue S.

Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Non-Emergency (507) 583-2088Emergency 911Blooming Prairie Ambulance ServiceDirector Jeremy Halverson333 2nd Ave. N.E.P.O. Box 363Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Non-Emergency (507) 583-7573Emergency 911

E-mail: [email protected] Prairie Emergency ManagementCoordinator Jacob Peterson138 Highway Avenue S.Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Phone: (507) 583-7573


Less �an Excited About A Trip To �e Dentist?Relax. It’s Main Street Dental.

Our “Gentle-Care” Dentistry makes going to the dentist a pleasure. Well, sort of.

But we will do whatever we can to make you comfortable. �at’s a promise.

BLOOMING PRAIRIE • (507) 583-2141405 East Main Street,


OWATONNA • (507) 455-10001170 E. Frontage Road,Owatonna, MN 55060

ROCHESTER • (507) 536-77003110 Wellner Drive NERochester, MN 55906

NEW RICHLAND • (507) 463-0502132 North Broadway,

New Richland, MN 56072www.mainstreetdentalclinics.com

Floor TechYour source for all your flooring needs

Call us now for a consultation!

507-552-16372201 E. Main Street

Albert Lea

507-552-1637

507-583-2276322 E. Main Street Blooming Prairie

Laminate and hardwood flooring • Cork flooring Flooring installation • Carpet and tile flooringStain resistant carpet • Commercial carpetGranite tiling • Porcelain • Vinyl • Ceramic

Environmentally Responsible Flooring

MUNICIPAL SERVICESBlooming Prairie Wastewater Treatment PlantPublic Works DirectorKeith DoerhoeferPlant OperatorSue PenkavaAssistant Plant OperatorPat WehnerAfter Hours Emergencies call: (507) 475-0996Blooming Prairie Street DepartmentPublic Works DirectorKeith DoerhoeferHead of MaintenanceDavid JohnsonAfter Hours Emergencies call: (507) 475-0996Blooming Prairie Public UtilitiesUtilities ManagerRick KittelsonP.O. Box 55146 3rd Ave. S.E.

Blooming Prairie, MN 55917(507) 583-6683After Hours Emergencies:(507) 475-2819E-mail: [email protected]: SMMPA

SCHOOLSBlooming Prairie Elementary SchoolPrincipal Chris Staloch123 2nd St. N.W.Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Phone: (507) 583-6615Fax: (507) 583-4415Blooming Prairie High SchoolSuperintendent-PrincipalBarry Olson202 4th Ave. N.W.Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Phone: (507) 583-4426Fax: (507) 583-7952


PRAIRIE PLUMBING & HEATING INC.

• Air Conditioning• Furnaces• Boilers

438 Highway Ave. SouthBlooming Prairie, MN

- Covering a 45 mile radius of Blooming Prairie -

Larry Christianson, Owner

• Plumbing Fixtures & Supplies

507.583.7266License PM061705

An Independent dealerAn Independent dealer

Work hard,

Play Harder.

JESSE'S BOOT Store112 Hwy 218 S, Blooming Prairie • 507-583-9900

Hours: Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM • Sat. 9:30 AM - Noon

A look backBlooming Prairie can thank the railroad for its

name and for its existence.But it didn’t start with the railroad, not com-

pletely at least.Back in 1856, John

Blythe built a log cabin on 160 acres of govern-ment land, then known as the Oak Glen Town-ship, which was at the time part of Dodge County. That same year, the township was annexed by Steele County.

Settlers — many of them men working on the railroad for the Minnesota Central Rail-road — continued to

arrive in 1856 and 1857. What they found was a vast prairie covered with tall grass and, of course, � owers.

Main Street


“ Committed to our clients, providing consistent, ef�cient, and prompt service.”

HOURS OF OPERATIONJanuary-April: M-F, 9-5,

April 16-December: M-F, 9-3Evening and Saturday appointments available

Individual and Corporate Income Tax Preparation | Nonpro�t Accounting and Tax PreparationPartnership Tax Preparation | Bookkeeping | Estate and Tax Planning | Payroll Services

Federal and State Reporting Forms | FAFSA Reports | New Business Entity Choice and Set-Up

“ Committed to our clients, providingJohnson & Doerhoefer P.A.

507-583-7528314 East Main Street

Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 www.johndoercpa.com

The sight was enough that the wife of one railroad o� cial called the place “Blooming Prai-rie.” And the new name stuck not only for the settlement of wooden shacks, but for the entire township.

The land was also perfect for the farmers who settled in the area to grow wheat. And with wheat being the big crop for the area for de-cades, a � our mill was soon built.

It wasn’t the only building erected or business begun in that era. In-deed, after the � rst rail station was completed in the 1860s, others — those not connected with the railroad — came to town, includ-ing merchants who came to the village to set up shop. The business provided all kinds of goods and service. There was

a blacksmith and a general store that stocked food products. The village had a hotel and even a post o� ce.

By 1867, Blooming Prairie had established itself as a city. But it wasn’t until 1873-1874 that the Minnesota State Legislature passed the act that o� cially incorporated Blooming Prairie as an individual village and the � rst city council was elected.

The incorporation brought a � urry of im-provements to the village. Streets were graded. Hitching posts for horses were built along Main Street. Sidewalks were lev-eled. Trees were planted in vacant lots. And the city built its � rst city hall, com-plete with city council chambers, a jail and a � re station.


Serving Southern Minnesota with Agronomy, Precision Agriculture, Fuel, Propane, Heating and Cooling sales and service.

Give us a call at: 800-270-2339 or 507-583-6661

centralvalleycoop.com

• Clubhouse Appetizers and Entreès• Banquets and Receptions• Ladies League • Men’s League

(507) 583-2887 PO Box 788

Blooming Prairie

FALL 2014 MEGA GOLFGolf all day Tuesday and

Wednesday with a cart for $28.00! Deal also includes a free

burger basket!

The 9 hole "Blooming Prairie" course at the Blooming Prairie Country Club facility features 3,026 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. The course rating is 34.8 and it has a slope rating of 12.

Blooming Prairie golf course opened in 1936.

www.bpcountryclub.com

Investing in our futureFrom its earliest days, even years

before it was o� cially incorporated as a village, the Blooming Prairie com-munity has had a school.

In the early years — 1868 — the school, like the community itself, was small. Built at a cost of $700, the school house was a one-story build-ing with just one teacher, J.K. Bucklin.

As the community grew, so did the need for a larger building to educate the children who live in and around the village. So in 1873, a mere � ve years after that � rst school building was built, it was sold and the building converted into a meat market.

In its place, a new two-story school house was built, carrying a price tag of $3,000.


Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club

Make Reservations for Your:Wedding Reception | Business Meeting

Organization Meeting | Graduation PartyFamily Reuinion | Bridal or Baby Shower

Tea or Birthday Party | Anniversary CelebrationFor Current Schedule of Activities, See Channel 12

The Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club is an excellent facility for

seating up to 350 people, with ample parking available. There is a

stage with wing entrance doors, a dance floor, and very good lighting

and acoustics. The Servicemen’s Club also has excellent food service,

and an alcohol and non-alcohol beverage service available.

507-583-7884210 4th Street, NE • P.O. Box 2011

Blooming Prairie, MN 55917BZtoHARDWARE

323 East Main St. Blooming Prairie, MN

(507) 583-4469

B to Z Hardware carries a complete line of paints and sundries; and we'll mix

colors to match your painting projects.

We also rent equipment for all types of projects!

Get the job done right.

• Electrical and Plumbing supplies for maintenance and repairs • A full line of Lawn and garden tools, fertilizers and seeds • Automotive and Tool Sections

Contractor • Homeowner • Industrial • Party

Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pmSaturday 8:00am - 4:00pm

That second school house would be used for more than 25 years until the growing population demanded yet a larger facility. An eight-room brick building was erected in 1899 — a building that served the community for many years before being demolished.

Today, Independent School District 756 has two school buildings — the elementary school, which serves grades kindergarten through sixth, and the Blooming Prairie High School, which serves seventh through 12th grades.

The high school is renown for the strong athletic teams it fields, including the 2013 state champion girls softball team. But the school is also recognized for its strong pro-grams in the arts, as well as excellent academ-ics.

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of Blooming Prairie Schools is to

provide challenging opportunities for lifelong learning in a safe and caring environment.

1. The school will provide opportunities for all to increase achievement.

2. The school will provide an atmosphere con-ducive to learning.

3. The school will provide quality facilities.4. The school will operate e� ectively and ef-

� ciently.

BLOOMING PRAIRIE SCHOOLS

Blooming Prairie Elementary SchoolPrincipal Chris Staloch123 2nd St. N.W.Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Phone: 507-583-6615Fax: 507-583-4415Blooming Prairie High SchoolSuperintendent-Principal Barry Olson202 4th Ave. N.W.Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Phone: 507-583-4426Fax: 507-583-7952


Awesome BlossomsWhat’s in a name? To paraphrase Shakespeare, a

Blossom by any other name would be just as Awe-some.

But the Blooming Prairie’s Awesome Blossoms — the nickname for the high school teams — are not about to change that name. And there have been attempts to change it in the past.

Back in the 1950s and ’60s, there were votes taken to replace “Blos-soms,” as they were then called, with a more “ferocious” nickname. When the Blooming Prairie boys basketball team quali� ed for the state tournament, a campaign began to change the name to a tougher sounding moniker. But, just like all the votes that proceeded it, the update was voted down.

And how exactly did that name come about?Blooming Prairie historians say that the nickname

was � rst used by a newspaper in Austin more than 100 years ago. When Austin sports teams played

students from Blooming Prairie, the paper wrote that Austin played the “Blossoms” team. Eventually the name stuck.

And when did those Blossoms become Awesome?The current mascot was created by

Tom Ressler in 1979. The “� ghting � ower” was supposed to look more

ferocious than the previous one, but when people saw it, they instead

said it looked “Awesome.” The Blooming Prairie Blossoms became the Awesome

Blossoms.The nickname has also won the school

and the community national recognition, and routinely the “Awesome Blossom” nickname

lands Blooming Prairie on a list of most unusual names, including those of USA Today, Sports Illustrated and TotalProSports.com. And the

name is not only unusual, it’s unique. According to one study, Blooming Prairie High School is one of just 80 schools in the United States with a one-of-a-kind nickname. That really is Awesome.

340 E Main Street • Blooming Prairie • 507-583-7557

Mark your Calendar!Bar Bingo: Mondays @ 6:30 PMWine & Women Wednesday: 6-10 PMBloomin’ Grapevine Wine Club: Sept. - MayHoliday Dazzle Wine & Beer Tasting: Nov. 6Holiday Dazzle Downtown Festivities: Dec. 5Harvey’s Holiday Cheer: Dec. 13New Year’s Eve Munchies & Champagne

Holiday Dazzle Downtown Festivities: Dec. 5Harvey’s Holiday Cheer: Dec. 13New Year’s Eve Munchies & Champagne 2015 Events:

Customer Appreciation Day: April 4 (29 Years of Business)Bean Bag League: May.-Aug.

Cruise for Cancer Ride: June 27Street Dance: July 3

B.O.B Ride: “Toys For Tots“: July 25

Harvey & Nancy Farr, Owners

All event details are available at J & H

J & H Liquors

Cruise for Cancer Ride: June 27

B.O.B Ride: “Toys For Tots“: July 25

(507) 583-7971236 Main St E, Blooming Prairie

Carl R. Peterson, CICCertified Insurance Counselor

R&R Insurance Agency

-Health-Auto

-Home-Crop


"Fix it fast, fix it RIGHT, and get it to you at a fair price."

FREELOANER CAR

With Service Work!

FREE SERVICES(With service work)

• Loaner Cars • Nitrogen with Tires • Alignment Checks

• Tire Rotation • Battery Charging & Checks • Pickup & Delivery within 15 miles • Service Light Code Checks • Free Towing for the Year

A New York Life Agent is...

• Focused on Your Goals• Well-trained and up to Date• More than Life Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Long Term Care Insurance

Sue ZwienerAgent, New York Life Insurance Company

308 E Main St, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

(507) 583-2200

• Mutual Funds*

• Investment Annuities*

• Retirement Income

* Registered Representative with NY LIFE Securities, LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency

Blooming Prairie Public LibraryThe Blooming

Prairie Public Library is a branch of the Owatonna Public and a member of the SELCO (South-east Libraries Coop-erating) Regional Library system.

As a branch of the Owatonna Public Library, the Blooming Prairie Public Library shares the same mission — “to provide for the informational, recreational, education-al and cultural needs of the residents of Owatonna, Blooming Prairie and rural Steele County through organized collections of various media and access through technology to other resources” — and — “to provide better library service for everyone.”

Located in the City Center build-ing at 138 Highway Avenue South in downtown Bloom-ing Prairie, the library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; from

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday.

Preschool storytime is held at 10:30 a.m. Tues-days and features reading, rhymes and songs for all preschoolers and their families.

For more information, call the Blooming Prairie Public Library at 507-583-7750.


NOW BLENDING

Stop in and get yours

today!

317 HWY Ave SBlooming Prairie

507-583-2296507.583.6604

www.tt-motorcycles.com 402 East Main St. Blooming Prairie

Southern Minnesota’s Leading Aftermarket Harley-Davidson®Parts, Sales & Service Dealer

DOMINATOR 800800cc V-Twin Motor60 HorsepowerFully Automatic12” Aluminum Wheels6 Gallon Tank

Southern Minnesota’s Leading Aftermarket

• All Service Repairs• Tires• Oil Changes• Accessory Installation

• Genuine Original Replacement Parts• Insurance Repairs• Custom Building & Fabrication• High Performance Motor Building

A800282 TT motorcycle blooming guide 9-28 kmk

Green SpacesCENTRAL PARK

Located at the heart of Blooming Prairie, at the corner of Main Street and Center Avenue, Central Park boasts both a pavilion and a gazebo, both of

which can be reserved by calling city hall.The park is also the location for most of the

Fourth of July celebration’s activities.

Central Park


507-583-7561418 Highway Ave. S Blooming Prairie, MN

www.worlein.com

BLOOMING PRAIRIEFUNERAL HOME

PREPLANNINGPLAN TODAY - FEEL GOOD

ABOUT TOMORROW.• Specializing in personalizedprearrangement & prefunding plans

Call Mary Kittelson Today!• NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultant

507-583-7561

PLANSPLANS

EAST SIDE PARKLocated at the intersection of 5th Avenue and

2nd Street NE — in the middle of a residential area, thus giving easy access for children — East Side Park has both a basketball court and play-ground equipment.

FIRE DEPARTMENT PARKJust o� U.S. Highway 218, next to the Service-

men’s Club, is Fire Department Park, which plays host to annual corn and brat feed of the Bloom-ing Prairie Fire Department. The park’s pavilion may be reserved by calling city hall.

East Side Park Fire Department Park

Pumpkin Patch

7921 County Rd 45 S., Owatonna507-451-0454 • www.oakviewnursery.net

Giant Slide • Wagon Rides • Corn Maze • Mini Golf Spooky Shack • Bounce House • Tug of War

Paintball Target Range for Kids • Petting Zoo • And More!

Corn maze, Haunted House & Hayride

7921 County Rd 45 S., Owatonna7921 County Rd 45 S., Owatonna7921 County Rd 45 S., Owatonna7921 County Rd 45 S., Owatonna7921 County Rd 45 S., Owatonna7921 County Rd 45 S., Owatonna7921 County Rd 45 S., Owatonna7921 County Rd 45 S., OwatonnaOpen Weekends Sept. 20-End of October | Sat. 10:00am-6:00pm • Sun. Noon-6:00pm

NEWRide The

Oakview Express!

Giant Slide • Wagon Rides • Corn Maze • Mini Golf

Pumpkin Patch


You and your family are important to us. Whether you are sick, need routine care or it’s time for a well-child visit,

Dawn Ritter, certi� ed nurse practitioner can meet your needs locally. She has been with Mayo Clinic Health

System for 15 years and will begin seeing patients in Blooming Prairie on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Clinic Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Appointments now available in Blooming Prairie.

To schedule an appointment, call 507-583-7225.

Mayo Clinic Health System • 405 E. Main, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

mayoclinichealthsystem.org

You and your family are important to us. Whether you are sick, need routine care or it’s time for

a well-child visit, Dawn Ritter, certi�ed nurse practitioner can meet your needs locally. She has

been with Mayo Clinic Health System for 15 years and is now seeing patients in Blooming Prairie.

GREEN GARDENS PARKA “small but relaxing park that is hard to miss.”

That’s how the city describes Green Gardens Park, which is located on a lot downtown where a building used to sit, just o� U.S. Highway 218 and Main Street E. The buildings that surround it have been painted to help the park, the city’s smallest, blend into the buildings.

VICTORY FIELD PARKAcross from Blooming Prairie High School, o� Main Street W is Victory Field Park — a park that not only has a pavilion and playground equip-ment, but also, for the sports-minded, has two softball �elds, a tennis court and an ice rink. The park is also used Fourth of July activities, includ-ing the �reworks.

Green Gardens Park Victory Field Park


Open School Year: Monday - Friday 3pm to 6pm, open Summer: Monday - Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm

Our mission is to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring community members. Volunteers are always welcome, from helping at events to supporting kids with homework or games! If you’d like to learn more about volunteer opportunities at our Blooming Prairie Club, please contact us at 507-583-6699.

Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie is a place for all kids ages six to 18. Join us for fun and friendship weekdays after school and during the summer!

Healthy meals are served in our newly renovated, commercial-quality kitchen! Thank you to the Blooming Prairie community and the congregation of First Lutheran Church of Blooming Prairie for your generous support of our kitchen renovation!

CALL US AT 507-583-6699 TO JOIN!

Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie | 401 SE 4th Street | Blooming Prairie MN 55917 | 507-583-6699 | www.bgclubroch.org

Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie


EllendaleThe youngest of all incorporated cities in Steele

County is the city of Ellendale, a community that owes its existence and even its name to the rail-road. So indebted is the town to the railroad that even to this day the city sign bears an image of a train.

As the story goes, in the year 1900, Thomas Brown, an o� cial for the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, was looking to establish a new town along the railroad’s path north to Min-neapolis. Speci� cally, the railroad was looking to establish that town somewhere between Albert Lea and Owatonna — a town that would bene� t the farmers in the area who could ship out their produce and bring in supplies over the rails.

The farm of Elling Ellingson, halfway between those two cities, was chosen as the site for the new town. The name of the town would be “El-lendale,” named in honor of Ellen Dale Ives, the

wife of the president of the railroad and a woman known for her humanitarian endeavors.

The city of Ellendale was incorporated in 1901.Even before the actual incorporation of the city,

businesses began to spring up in Ellendale — a bank, a grocery and dry goods store, a furniture shop/mortuary, livery stables, a meat market, two elevators and a lumberyard. In September 1901 — just a month after the village’s incorporation — stockyards were built south of the depot.

Ellendale was growing. By the end of that year, the population was 200. By 1910, the population had doubled to 300.

THE BASICSLocation 0.96 square miles in southern Steele County, near the Freeborn County line and just west of the intersection of Interstate 35 and Highway 30.

Celebrating 41+ Years of Smokin’ Success...

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210 5th Ave W, Ellendale • (507) 684-2331 Monday-Friday: 8-5 PM • Saturday: 8-1 PM


We are your local community connection for high quality foods, friendly service and great prices.

Our family-owned store offers a convenient one-stop shop where you can �nd everything you

need from the everyday essentials to specialty items from around the world.

120 5th Ave. P.O. Box 308, Ellendale, Minnesota

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LERBERG’SFOODSFOODS~Since 1901~

www.lerbergsfoods.com (Visit our website to sign up for our weekly ad!)

(507) 684-2472

CountySteeleElevation1,280 feetArea code507Zip code56206Population691 (according to the 2010 census)Median age39.6

GOVERNMENTMayorRoger SwearingenCity CouncilDuane GoebelScott GrothDick LassahnDean ReiterCity council meetings are held

at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of the month in the meeting room adjacent to the city o� ce in the city hall.Ellendale City O� ces502 2nd StreetP.O. Box 285Ellendale, MN 56206507-684-2681The city o� ces are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

EMERGENCY SERVICESPolicePolice protection for the city of Ellendale is contracted with Steele County.Non-emergency: 507-451-8232Emergency: 911Ellendale Fire Department705 2nd. Street

Ellendale, MN. 56026Non-emergency: 507-684-9800Emergency: 911Ellendale Ambulance Service505 3rd StreetP.O. Box 172Ellendale, MN. 56026Non-emergency: 507-688-2745Emergency: 911

UTILITIESWater, sewer and garbage

pickup are city services. Rates are as follows:

Residential users are charged for water at a base rate of $27 per month, plus $7 per 1,000 gallons of usage with a mini-mum usage charge of 1,000 gallons per month.

Residents are charge $12 per month for sewer and $11 per month for garbage.

Ellendale Muni

507-684-9422217 5th Ave West, Ellendale, MN

Great Food! Cold Beer!Happy Hour Specials Monday - Saturday: 3 - 6 PM

All day Sunday!

Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!

Monday - Wednesday:10 AM - 10 PM

Thursday - Saturday:10 AM - 1 AM

Sunday: 11:30 AM - 8 PM

Hours:


4031 SW 161st St.Ellendale, MN

507-684-2088 or507-456-2459

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Commercial water rates are the same as residential rates, though sewer rates vary and are based on water usage.

No garbage service is provided for commercial accounts

Call city hall for further informa-tion, 507-684-2681.

Electrical service for the city of Ellendale is provided by Alliant Energy, 1-800-255-4268.

Natural gas service to Ellendale is supplied by Minnesota Energy Resources, 1-800-889-4970.

Telephone service is provided by Frontier, 1-800-921-8101 or Even-tis, 1-855-368-3687.

Both Frontier and Eventis also provide Internet service, as does Radio Link Internet, 1-507-417-4176.

Eventis also provides cable tele-vision services, as does Midconti-

nent Communications, 1-800-888-1300.

SCHOOLSEllendale is part of the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva school district, known as NRHEG.NRHEG Elementary School(Grades K-6)600 School Street SEllendale, MN 56026Phone: 507-684-3181NRHEG High School(Grades 7-12)306 Ash Avenue SNew Richland, MN 56072Phone: 507-465-3205

ELLENDALE DAYSThe annual celebration, held to cel-ebrate the city, which was founded in 1900, is a four-day event — Thursday through Sunday — that

includes, among other things, a parade, various games and ac-tivities for youth and adults, street dances with live entertainment, and the ever-popular tractor pull.

ELLENDALE SUMMER CONCERT SERIESOn Saturdays throughout the summer months, including September, the City of Ellendale hosts a summer concert series with various artists perform-ing. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Saturdays and are held at the bandstand, located east of El-lendale Café on 2nd Street and south of Main Street. Concerts are free of charge. Bring your own lawn chairs.City websitewww.ellendalemn.com


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Discover Blooming Prairie 2014 Discover Blooming Prairie 2014Page 24 Page 25Discover Blooming Prairie Discover Blooming Prairie


Old-Fashioned Fourth of July

For nearly 40 years now, Blooming Prairie has been the scene of one of the largest, if not the largest, Fourth of July celebrations in southern Min-nesota.

Dubbed “Old-Fashioned Fourth of July,” the event stretches over two days and draws an estimated 35,000 or more visitors to the streets of Blooming Prairie and is the largest city-wide celebration of

the year in the community.True to its name, the Fourth

of July celebration truly is “old-fashioned,” boasting bean-bag tosses, horseshoe tournaments, tractor pulls (including antique tractors), and classic car shows.

The celebration stays current though by adding new and exciting attractions each year.

Two attractions, however, remain at the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July are the �reworks

display — held at 10 p.m. at Vic-tory Field — and, of course, the Fourth of July parade, which routinely brings in 125 units to participate.

The Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce is re-sponsible for putting together the celebration, including the vendors, entertainment and parade participants. For more information, call the chamber at 507-583-4472.


fnbwaseca.com | 507-684-2691 | 507-451-5818

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Where we playVICTORY FIELD ICE RINK

Located in Victory Field Park, the Victory Field Ice Rink was truly a community e� ort meant to help Blooming Prairie resi-dents enjoy great Minnesota winter outdoor recreation in their own hometown.

The community saw the need to replace the old rink that was really nothing more than water that was put down on the grass of Central Park and left to freeze. The old rink had neither boards around the rink nor a proper warming house.

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Not so with the Victory Field Ice Rink, which boasts not only a new warming house, big enough to facilitate the num-ber of people at the rink, but also per-manent boards that remain all year long. There are also restrooms, an equipment rental o�ce with snacks, and a lounge. The rink itself is regulation size and has lighting for night activities.

The rink, 100 4th Ave. SW, was the re-sult of the city’s e�orts to secure grants to assist with the cost and the generosi-ty of individuals and businesses that also donated funds to pay the extra costs.

Warming house hours are 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday during the winter months. If inclement weather forces the closing of Blooming Prairie schools, the ice rink will be closed as well.

For more information, call 507-583-2315.


507-455-3735235 22nd Street SE., Owatonna

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PINE SPRINGS PARKIf you’re looking for a concrete swimming pool

to cool during the hot summer months, Pine Springs Pool is not the place.

It’s better.The man-made pool — sometimes called the

“swimming pond” — has a sand bottom and is fed from the natural spring located beneath the city block on which it sits.

Those natural spring waters are treated with chlorine to make certain that algae and bacteria do not grow and to ensure that the pool is safe for swimming.


A picnic area with a gazebo have also been added to make the pool more welcoming.

Located on the corner of 1st Avenue and 1st Street NW, Pine Springs is one of the largest swim-ming pools in the area. The pool has three sec-tions. The � rst is four feet deep, the second � ve and a half feet deep, and the third 11 feet deep. The � rst section has a plat-form for children to jump o� of and swim around. There is a diving board platform at the third sec-tion. There are also sand-boxes near the � rst sec-tion for children to play in.

Whispering Oak offers mature adults the independence and

privacy of their own apartment, with the convenience and

companionship of living in a larger, supportive community.

Independence& Security

For more information or to schedule your personal tour,

call 507-684-3026

Susan Doty, Director903 Calverly Court

Ellendale, MN 56026(northwest edge of

Ellendale, just off Hwy. 30)www.thewhisperingoak.com

We Have Openings!

What do we have to offer?

• 25 Deluxe One and Two Bedroom Units with dishwasher, refrigerator, stove• Centrally located elevator • Garage availability• Planned social activity• Second �oor beauty salon, internet lounge with �replace• Community room, featuring a TV area • Pool table • coffee, juice & snacks

• Secured facility • Private shower• Scheduled Transportation to appointments • Individually controlled heating and air conditioning• Washer/Dryer provided per unit


Pool hours during the summer are from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mon-day through Thursday and 1 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Memberships are available for indi-viduals and families, as are coupon books.

Swimming lessons — both morn-ing and evening sessions — are available for a nominal fee.

For more detailed information about Pine Spring Pool, including swimming lessons, contact the pool during normal business hours at 507-583-7401 or contact City Hall.

Pine Springs Pool was built and dedicated to public use in 1961, a gift to the city by local attorney Glenn S. Thorson, who was known to people in the community as “Mr. Blooming Prairie.”

The 2013 Hormel Foods “Spirit of Excellence” was presented to the A J Lysne employees on July 17th, 2014. A J Lysne has been awarded the Spirit of Excellence from Hormel Foods every year since 2004. “This award is presented annually to suppliers who have attained service standards

of excellence and who have assisted Hormel in their quest for superior customer satisfaction.” This award is based on, our role in the Quality Improvement Process (QIP), mutual respect, trust, our long term relationship and con�dentiality.

These are all areas that we have strived for long before the Spirit of Excellence award program.

Founded in 1898, A. J. Lysne is an experienced, full-service design-build contractor with expertise in construction management, industrial plant management, historic renovation and heavy equipment moving. The A J Lysne employs a team of highly skilled professionals in southern Minnesota

and northern Iowa. For more information about A J Lysne, contact Allen Lysne at [email protected], call 507-451-7121 or visit www.ajlysne.com.

And the Award Goes to...

507.451.7121 • 3249 N Co. Rd. 45, Owatonna, MN 55060 • www.ajlysne.com


Thorson (1891-1973) was honored by Blooming Prairie, Steele County and the state of Minnesota as the Outstanding Se-nior Citizen of 1972.

BLOOMING PRAIRIE COUNTRY CLUB

Considered one of the � nest nine-hole golf courses in southern Minnesota, the 36-par course of the semi-private Blooming Prairie Country Club features 3,026 yards of golf from the longest tees. The club, which opened in 1936, has a course rating of 34.8 and has a slope rating of 127.

The fun, well-kept USGA course is open

to the public, but also o� ers memberships.

The club house fea-tures a pro shop with everything a golfer may need for a day on the links.

George’s of Geneva

Tues: Chicken Special

Wed: Walleye Dinner

Thur: Steak & Shrimp Steak & Lobster

Fri: Slow Roasted Prime Rib or All you can eat Fish

Sat: Slow Roasted Prime Rib or BBQ Ribs

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There is also a snack bar with a full menu of food choices, snacks, beer and soda.

And, the Blooming Prairie Country Club o� ers accommodations for banquets and recep-tions, with space that can accommodate up to 100 guests comfortably. The meal can be catered by the club or can be catered from the outside. For more information about the Blooming Prairie Country Club, call 507-583-2887.


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Boys and Girls Club

If ever there were an organization that the whole of Blooming Prairie gets behind and supports, it’s the Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie.

The club, which calls itself a “facility-based youth development organization,” serves more than 130 area children between the ages of 6 and 18 years of age with programming both after school and all day during the summer months.

The stated purpose of the Boys & Girls Club of Blooming is “to o� er relevant, life-enhancing activities that help youth succeed in life.” Its mission is “to enable all young people, espe-cially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring community members.”

To ful� ll that mission, the Boys & Girls Club uti-lizes a comprehensive youth development strat-egy, which it describes as “a structured method that instills in youth positive self-esteem and competencies key to their development.” The strategy aims to foster in every youth a sense of belonging, a sense of usefulness, a sense of in� uences and a sense of competence.


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Its programs are designed and delivered with those key youth development objec-tives in mind, with each of the club’s activities falling in one of � ve core programs: Education and Career Devel-opment; Character and Lead-ership; Health and Life Skills; the Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

Though the club’s perma-nent site is at 401 4th Street SE in Blooming Prairie, the club is currently — and temporarily — meeting at the Blooming Prairie El-ementary while the site is undergoing a renovation. Programming will be held at the school until the club no longer needs it.

Recognized for the 7th consecutive year by the National Funeral Directors Association for going the extra mile to provide superior

service to the families we serve, and our communities.


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The Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie is a branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester.

Though it falls under the umbrella of the Rochester club, the Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie does not receive any � nancial help from Rochester. Instead, the club is self-sustaining, meaning that it has to � nd the funds to run its own program.

That’s where the Blooming Prairie community steps in.

In the summer of 2014, local churches in Blooming Prairie banded together and made renovation of the Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie’s site part of the churches’ mission proj-ects. The churches included First Baptist Church, First Lutheran Church, Red Oak Grove Lutheran

Church, St. Columba-nus Catholic Church and Trinity Lutheran Church.

Also, Karing 4 R Kids, a subcommit-tee at First Lutheran Church, undertook a project to help the club by selling more than 2,000 pieces of a custom-made puzzle

to raise money to upgrade the kitchen and � x the roof of the Boys & Girls Club. When the � nal pieces of the puzzle were laid, more than $10,000 had been donated toward the renovation.

In 2013, proceeds from the annual Gobble Wobble — an annual run/walk that takes place on Thanksgiving Day in downtown Blooming Prairie — went toward the Boys & Girls Club. More than 100 people participated in one of the six events that collectively make up the Gobble Wobble.


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Steele CountyLandfill

Helping make a difference in Steele County since 1974.

Monday - Friday:7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

507-583-77669420 S.E. 64th Ave.,

Blooming Prairie, MN

Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

The annual Ribfest, which in 2014 was held for the � rst time in conjunction with the Blooming Prairie Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, bene� ted the Boys & Girls Club.

And every year for the past nine years, the Boys & Girls Club hosts an annual gala at the Blooming Prairie Service-men’s Club, with proceeds from the event going toward children’s programming at the club. In addition to the banquet that is served and to the auctions — both live and silent — some of boys and girls in the club perform and annual awards are presented to community members.

The Blooming Prairie Boys & Girls Club unit director is Mary Sherman-Ahrens.

Membership to the club is $20 per month or $10 per

month for children receiving free or reduced lunch at school.

The phone number for the Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie is 507-583-6699.


GenevaLocated just over the Steele

County line in neighboring Freeborn County, sits the community of Geneva.

According to the Minnesota Historical Society, the com-munity now known as Ge-neva was � rst settled in 1855. The settlement came about when Milton Morey, a native of Vermont, moved to New York state. Once in New York, he heard about the lands in Minnesota, still a territory at that time and not yet a state.

Morey ventured to an area near Austin, Minn., where he was told about a town site

near what was then called Black Walnut Lake. In 1855, Morey moved his family there, staked a claim and rechris-tened both the town and the lake as “Geneva,” named after

a Geneva Lake, a 2,214 acre lake in New York.

By 1856, the town had its � rst post o� ce. And the town was incorporated on Nov. 24, 1889.

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Geneva Bar & GrillDaily Specials

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Mon: Burger Basket Night

Tue: Taco Fiesta Night

Wed: Wing Night

Fri: Fish Fry, BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Flat Iron Steak

Sat: Prime Rib, BBQ Ribs, Shrimp, Chicken, Flat Iron Steak

Thurs: Bar Bingo


Summer Sausage • Bologna • Weiners Brats • Bacons • Hams & More!

We process your Venison, Beef, and Pork.

Give us a call to schedule your order!

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507.256.4390407 W Main St, Geneva

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• Custom Design & Build • New Construction• Additions & Remodels

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THE BASICSLocation: Geneva is located in northeast Free-born County, at the intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 45.County FreebornElevation1,227 feetArea code507Zip code56035Population555 (according to the 2010 census)Median age38.3

GOVERNMENTMayorSteve BaileyCity CouncilJames Beenken

Jannell TufteRichard WeckwerthTa� Worrell

SCHOOLSGeneva is part of the New Richland-Hartland-El-lendale-Geneva school district, known as NRHEG.NRHEG High School(Grades 7-12)306 Ash Avenue S.New Richland, MN 56072Phone: 507-465-3205


Getting togetherPAINT THE TOWN PINK

Even as it has raised awareness about cancer, the Blooming Prairie Cancer Group has worked hard to raise money to � ght the dreaded disease through its annual Paint the Town Pink event — an event that has businesses and individu-als, schools and families alike participat-ing in the event.

The event culminates in a two-day auction in September to raise money for the Eagles Cancer Telethon, support a community fund to give gas cards, res-taurant coupons and lodging assitance to individuals and their families as they go through cancer treatment.

But the activities begin long before the Sep-tember auction. The cancer group starts selling pink � ags for its annual Field of Flags in April.

The � ags, which honor and remember those who have had cancer or are battling it, are dis-played in a � eld east of Highway 218 from Main Street.

413 W Main St, Geneva

507-256-0045

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Leading up to the auction are numerous other displays of pink — in schools, businesses, residences and even on the roadways. The high school football and vol-leyball teams even don the color to show soli-darity in �ghting cancer.

New in 2013 was a Memorial Walk — a two-mile walk that took participants along a path through Blooming Prairie marked with pink ribbons and decorations.

ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET

On the third Thursday in November, the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce

as well as guests from the community come together for its annual banquet, held at the Servicemen’s Club — a banquet that gives the people of Blooming Prairie a chance to see and hear about some of the accomplishments of the chamber in the city throughout the year.

Area businesses decorate the tables with centerpieces of their own creation for the banquet and new

o�cers for the chamber are recognized.The highlight of the evening is the awarding

of the “Citizen of the Year” by the chamber — an honor that recognizes someone who has served the community.


The banquet is open to the public.

For more information, call the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce at 507-583-4472.

GOBBLE WOBBLEStarted in 2010, the Gobble

Wobble has quickly become a Thanksgiving tradition on the streets of Blooming Prairie. And the event has grown in popularity and numbers every year since its inception.

Beginning early in the morning — long before the turkey is served or the foot-ball teed up for the opening kickoff — runners and walkers gather to participate either in a six-mile run, a three-mile run or a three-mile walk for indi-viduals, or a three-mile walk for teams. And after the adults

are done, children can partici-pate in the three-block race, known as the Widdle Wobble, led by a turkey.

Begun by race organizer Lin-da Klemmensen, the Gobble Wobble raised funds for the Pine Springs Pool in Blooming

Prairie. This year, the event will raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Blooming Prairie.

RIBFESTFor three years now, the

Servicemen’s Club has been the site for the Blooming Prairie Rib-fest Cook-O� in June — a fund-raiser that bene�ts the Boys and Girls Club of Blooming Prairie.

HOLIDAY DAZZLEIf the Fourth of July cele-

bration is a long-standing tra-dition in Blooming Prairie, the community’s Holiday Dazzle, held on the first Friday of De-cember, is quickly becoming a similar tradition.

The celebration, put on annually by the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce, is meant to pro-vide a chance for downtown businesses to showcase their products during the holiday season. It’s also meant as an event that allows everyone — even the biggest Scrooges of them all — to have some holiday fun.


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In fact, one highlight in every Holiday Daz-zle celebration is the annual Scrooge contest in which four contestants vie for the honor of being named the town’s Scrooge for the year. Whichever of the four contestants raises the most money wins the honor. The funds raised go toward replacing and purchasing Christ-mas lights for the downtown businesses.

But there’s more, including wagon rides down Main Street, instrumentalists playing music, and, of course, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

For more information, call the chamber at 507-583-4472.

CITY-WIDEGARAGE SALE

Twice a year — in May and then again in September — Blooming Prairie residents and businesses come together to hold a city-wide garage sale. The sale is sponsored by the Bloom-ing Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce.

CHAMBER GOLFFUN DAY

For nearly two decades, the Chamber Golf Fun Day serves as an annual fund-raiser for the cham-ber. The event, which has a shotgun start, is open to the public. Held at the Blooming Prairie Coun-try Club, the golf tournament features a theme for which participants often dress the part.


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September 13, 2014 • Vol. 3, No. 37

LeaderThe

A Free Publication Serving Blooming Prairie and Ellendale

bpleader.comMaking bracelets for a cause, 2A

Alcohol violation prompts

Ebeling’s resignation, 3A

By ASHLEY STEWART

[email protected]

BLOOMING PRAIRIE — Nearly two

months a� er announcing that the Bloom-

ing Prairie clinic would reopen later this

summer, Mayo Clinic Health System in

Austin and Owatonna have set a date.

� e clinic will open on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

“We are very excited to be able to

collaborate between the Owatonna and

Austin campuses to reopen the Blooming

Prairie clinic,” said Dr. Brian Bunkers,

CEO and president at Mayo Clinic Health

System in Owatonna and Faribault. “We

have been able to create a new stream-

lined model of care that will meet the

health care needs of patients locally in

the Blooming Prairie area.”

� e Blooming Prairie clinic, which

was operated by Mayo Clinic Health Sys-

tem in Austin, closed in August 2013 a� er

the clinic’s nurse practitioner resigned,

and there was no one willing to sta� it.

In January, Tammy Kritzer, the opera-

tions administrator for both the Austin

and Albert Lea campuses of Mayo Clinic

Health System, said Mayo was looking

beyond Austin to staff the Blooming

Prairie clinic.And in July, Mayo Clinic Health Sys-

tem in Owatonna announced that one of

its medical providers will � ll the position

at the Blooming Prairie clinic.

Clinic set to reopen TuesdayLocation has been closed

since August 2013

By ASHLEY STEWART

[email protected]

BLOOMING PRAIRIE — For the Prihoda family,

the Blooming Prairie Cancer Group’s 14th annual Paint

the Town Pink weekend is about hope.

“Now when people get cancer, it doesn’t have to

be a death sentence. You can be a survivor,” said Sara

Gillette, the daughter of Steve Prihoda, a local farmer,

who died more than eight years ago a� er a rare cancer

diagnosis.Gillette and 14 family members participated in

the second annual Memorial Walk, which is one of

the cancer group’s events, on Sept. 6 in memory of

Steve and in honor of his brother, Jim Prihoda, a

cancer survivor.“We went to the cancer auction with him the year

before he died, and we’ve been coming ever since,”

Gillette said.Shelley Prihoda, Steve’s wife, said the weekend has

been encouraging for her family since her husband

died.“Blooming Prairie is very supportive,” she said.

“� is is a big deal for a small community.”

� e family sported “Team Prihoda” on the backs

of their “Paint Blooming Prairie Pink” shirts as they

walked the two-mile route with more than 60 others

area residents.Caleb Ostrander of Blooming Prairie walked in the

event for the second year.

“It’s nice to be outside on a nice day supporting a

good cause,” he said.Ali Mach, a teacher and so� ball coach at Bloom-

ing Prairie High School, participated in the event for

the � rst year.“I wanted to last year, but I wasn’t around,” she said.

“� is weekend is great.”

Mach said the so� ball team has hosted an event

in the spring for the last � ve years to raise money for

the cancer group.“It’s important for the community,” she said.

For the last 14 years, the Blooming Prairie Can-

cer Group hosted a live auction, and has added other

events to raise money for cancer research and its com-

munity fund, which assists local families dealing with

cancer. � e Memorial Walk is one of those things.

Ashley Valek, one of the walks organizers, said she

and her sister, Mandy Doocy, thought it would be a

nice addition to the weekend.

Cancer group raises nearly $45,000 during 14th annual Paint the Town Pink eventAbout 60 people participated in the second annual two-mile Memorial Walk the morning of Sept. 6 in Blooming Prairie. The event was part of the

Blooming Prairie Cancer Group’s 14th annual “Paint the Town Pink” weekend that raises money for cancer research and its community fund. (Photos by

Ashley Stewart/People’s Press)

SUPPORTING THE CAUSE

See EVENT on 2A

See CLINIC on 2A

Reaching Over 6,000

Readers!

News • Sports • Advertising

Serving Blooming Prairie, Ellendale, Geneva, and Hope

In Print and Online

507-451-2840135 West Pearl, Owatonna

bpleader.com

BLOOMING PRAIRIE — For the Prihoda family,

the Blooming Prairie Cancer Group’s 14th annual Paint

“Now when people get cancer, it doesn’t have to

be a death sentence. You can be a survivor,” said Sara

Gillette, the daughter of Steve Prihoda, a local farmer,

who died more than eight years ago a� er a rare cancer

Gillette and 14 family members participated in

the second annual Memorial Walk, which is one of

the cancer group’s events, on Sept. 6 in memory of

Steve and in honor of his brother, Jim Prihoda, a

“We went to the cancer auction with him the year

before he died, and we’ve been coming ever since,”

Gillette said.Shelley Prihoda, Steve’s wife, said the weekend has

been encouraging for her family since her husband

died.“Blooming Prairie is very supportive,” she said.

“� is is a big deal for a small community.”

� e family sported “Team Prihoda” on the backs

of their “Paint Blooming Prairie Pink” shirts as they

walked the two-mile route with more than 60 others

area residents.Caleb Ostrander of Blooming Prairie walked in the

event for the second year.

“It’s nice to be outside on a nice day supporting a

good cause,” he said.Ali Mach, a teacher and so� ball coach at Bloom-

ing Prairie High School, participated in the event for

the � rst year.“I wanted to last year, but I wasn’t around,” she said.

“� is weekend is great.”

Mach said the so� ball team has hosted an event

in the spring for the last � ve years to raise money for

the cancer group.“It’s important for the community,” she said.

For the last 14 years, the Blooming Prairie Can-

cer Group hosted a live auction, and has added other

events to raise money for cancer research and its com-

munity fund, which assists local families dealing with

cancer. � e Memorial Walk is one of those things.

Ashley Valek, one of the walks organizers, said she

and her sister, Mandy Doocy, thought it would be a

nice addition to the weekend.

Cancer group raises nearly $45,000 during 14th annual Paint the Town Pink eventAbout 60 people participated in the second annual two-mile Memorial Walk the morning of Sept. 6 in Blooming Prairie. The event was part of the

Blooming Prairie Cancer Group’s 14th annual “Paint the Town Pink” weekend that raises money for cancer research and its community fund. (Photos by

See EVENT on 2A

Places of Worship

ASSEMBLIES OF GODVibrant Life Assembly of God702 S. 3rd St.EllendaleWorship Service10:30 a.m., SundayBAPTISTFirst Baptist Church104 1st Ave. NEBlooming PrairieWorship Services10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. SundayCATHOLICHoly Trinity Catholic Church of Litomysl9946 24th Ave. SE.Rural OwatonnaWorship Service9:30 a.m., SundaySt. Aidan Catholic ChurchHwy 30 and 3rd St.EllendaleWorship Service9:30 a.m., SundaySt. Columbanus Catholic Church114 E. Main St.Blooming PrairieWorship Services5:15 p.m. Saturday; 8:30 a.m. SundaySt. Mary’s Catholic ChurchRural GenevaWorship Service10:45 a.m. SundayLUTHERANCommunity Lutheran Church (ELCA)106 3rd St. SEGenevaWorship Service9:30 a.m. SundayFirst Lutheran Church (ELCA)

434 1st St. S.W.Blooming PrairieWorship Service8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. SundayFirst Lutheran Church (AFLC)503 Radel CourtEllendaleWorship Service9 a.m., SundayFirst Lutheran Church (LCMC)HopeWorship service9 a.m. SundayPontoppidan Lutheran (ELCA)Lemond, Minn.Worship service10 a.m. SundayTrinity Lutheran Church (ELCA)5881 SE 118th St.Blooming PrairieWorship Service9 a.m., SundayZion Lutheran Church (ELCA)7126 S.W. 98th St.EllendaleWorship Service9 a.m., Sunday.MENNONITE13638 750th St.Blooming PrairieWorship Service10:30 a.m. SundayUNITED METHODISTUnited Methodist ChurchCounty Road 14EllendaleWorship Service10:30 /a.m., Sunday


Hope

At one time, Steele County was king when it came to dairy products.

In 1883, the county boasted four cheese factories that made more cheese — 150,000 pounds of it — than any other county in the state.

By 1884, the county was known for its butter. That year, Steele County had at least 24 creameries, some say more, — an average of two creameries for every town-ship — and Steele Countians produced 375,000 pounds of butter, meaning that it pro-duced more butter per capita than any other county in Min-

nesota.Alas, those days are no

more. Though there are still large dairy farms in the coun-ty, the cheese factories are gone. And of the 24 creamer-ies that existed here, all are gone.

All except one. The Hope Creamery.

Unlike many other butter manufacturers, Hope Cream-ery — one of the only inde-pendently owned creameries in the state — churns out butter the old-fashioned way, in small batches. It is the way the butter is made as well as the ingredients — fresh, lo-

cal cream — that makes this butter prized by chefs, bakers and consumers.

The creamery is located in Hope, Minnesota, a small, unincorporated community between Owatonna and El-lendale.

THE BASICSLocation Between Owatonna and

Ellendale in Steele County.Elevation1,201 feetZip code56046Area code507


SunOptaPO Box 128

Hope, MN 56046507-451-4724800-342-6976

SunOpta4111 30th Ave. S

Moorehead, MN 56560218-287-5510

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Grains and Foods Inc.


605 5th Street NE, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 507.583.2144 ◆ Fax 507.583.2020 ◆ metal-services.com

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sands of times, we’ll produce quality parts for you on time, all the time.

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Laser Cutting CapacityAluminum Up To 3/8 in. x 6 ft. x 12 ft.Stainless Steel Up To 5/8 in. x 6 ft. x 12 ft.Carbon Steel Up To 3/4 in. x 6 ft. x 12 ft.

Our Welding Repair shop is very experienced in all areas of welding. From big jobs to small, we’ve seen it all. Equip-ment repairs include agricul-tural, commercial, livestock, industrial and construction. Metal Services’ portable repair trucks can bring this service right to your door. We special-ize in piping and maintenance projects at your location.

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