Discover Blooming Prairie

Page 1Discover Blooming Prairie 2013

2013

Your Guide To Blooming Prairie & The Surrounding Communities Leader

The

LeaderThe

LeaderA Free Publication Serving Blooming Prairie and Ellendale

BPLeader.com

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Page 2 Discover Blooming Prairie 2013

220 3rd Street NW, Blooming Prairie, MN507-583-4434 | www.prairiemanorinc.com

& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments

We Strive to maintain our goals:• Promotion of a therapeutic and caring environment for all our residents• Respect for each individual's choices• Encouragement of healthy lifestyle• Provide a clean, safe, friendly and home-like setting for all residents

Services Provided:Skilled Long-Term Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy

Speech Therapy • Hospice • Therapeutic Diets • Social ServicesActivities • Weekly Church Services • Barber & Beautician

Our professional staff are trained, licensed and educated in providing quality care and supervision twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

We pride ourselves in the work we do.

Our motto, “Quality Care with a Small Town Touch”

is what sets us apart.

Skilled Nursing Home

Housing with Services

Discover Blooming PrairieEllendale•Hope•GenevaAdvertisers Index

A.J. Lysne Contrating Corporation ..................31

A Touch of Charm ...........................................17

Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club ...............6

B to Z Hardware ...............................................10

Blooming Prairie Chamber of Commerce .......8

Blooming Prairie Country Club .......................11

Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie .............15

Car Time of Owatonna ....................................18

Cash Wise Foods ..............................................14

Central Valley Cooperative ..............................29

Darrick’s Preferred Auto .................................12

Deml Heating & Air Conditioning ...................22

Ellendale Muni ................................................17

Farmers & Merchants State Bank ....................5

First National Bank .........................................12

Geneva Bar & Grill ...........................................36

George’s of Geneva ..........................................37

Glenn’s Motorcoach Tours ..............................33

Heavy Metal ....................................................9

Holiday Inn & Suites ........................................25

Holman Agency, Inc ........................................7

Home Sellers of Minnesota..............................4

Jensen Heating, A/C, & Plumbing ...................37

Jesse’s Boot Store .............................................4

Joe’s Repair Service, Inc........................... 11

Johnson and Doerhoefer P.A. .................. 13

Krejci Ford, Inc .......................................... 8

Lerberg’s Foods ........................................ 35

Looks Unlimited....................................... 35

Main Street Dental .................................. 19

Mark’s Repair .......................................... 30

Metal Services of Blooming Prairie, Inc .. 40

Mike’s Repair - Extinguisher Services ...... 16

Miner’s Outdoor & Rec ............................ 27

Minimizer .......................................... 20, 21

Misgen Auto Parts ................................... 19

Prairie Manor Care Center ........................ 2

Prairie Plumbing & Heating ...................... 7

Salinas Auto Repair ................................... 9

Sportstitch, Inc ........................................ 10

St. Clair’s for Men .................................... 31

Steele Waseca Cooperative Electric .......... 28

Steele County Land�ll .............................. 18

Steve’s Meat Market ................................ 34

Sunopta Grains and Foods, Inc ............... 39

The Leader ............................................... 38

Whispering Oak Assisted Living .............. 24

Worlein Funeral Homes ...................... 6, 29

Ellendale Days Blooming Prairie Christmas Program


Discover Blooming PrairieEllendale•Hope•GenevaAdvertisers Index

A.J. Lysne Contrating Corporation ..................31

A Touch of Charm ...........................................17

Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club ...............6

B to Z Hardware ...............................................10

Blooming Prairie Chamber of Commerce .......8

Blooming Prairie Country Club .......................11

Boys & Girls Club of Blooming Prairie .............15

Car Time of Owatonna ....................................18

Cash Wise Foods ..............................................14

Central Valley Cooperative ..............................29

Darrick’s Preferred Auto .................................12

Deml Heating & Air Conditioning ...................22

Ellendale Muni ................................................17

Farmers & Merchants State Bank ....................5

First National Bank .........................................12

Geneva Bar & Grill ...........................................36

George’s of Geneva ..........................................37

Glenn’s Motorcoach Tours ..............................33

Heavy Metal ....................................................9

Holiday Inn & Suites ........................................25

Holman Agency, Inc ........................................7

Home Sellers of Minnesota..............................4

Jensen Heating, A/C, & Plumbing ...................37

Jesse’s Boot Store .............................................4

Joe’s Repair Service, Inc........................... 11

Johnson and Doerhoefer P.A. .................. 13

Krejci Ford, Inc .......................................... 8

Lerberg’s Foods ........................................ 35

Looks Unlimited....................................... 35

Main Street Dental .................................. 19

Mark’s Repair .......................................... 30

Metal Services of Blooming Prairie, Inc .. 40

Mike’s Repair - Extinguisher Services ...... 16

Miner’s Outdoor & Rec ............................ 27

Minimizer .......................................... 20, 21

Misgen Auto Parts ................................... 19

Prairie Manor Care Center ........................ 2

Prairie Plumbing & Heating ...................... 7

Salinas Auto Repair ................................... 9

Sportstitch, Inc ........................................ 10

St. Clair’s for Men .................................... 31

Steele Waseca Cooperative Electric .......... 28

Steele County Land�ll .............................. 18

Steve’s Meat Market ................................ 34

Sunopta Grains and Foods, Inc ............... 39

The Leader ............................................... 38

Whispering Oak Assisted Living .............. 24

Worlein Funeral Homes ...................... 6, 29

Ellendale Days Blooming Prairie Christmas Program


Work hard,

Play Harder.

JESSE'S BOOT Store

112 Hwy 218 S, Blooming Prairie(507) 583-9900

STEVE & LISA VAITH, REALTORS®Brokers/Owners, GRI

ACTIVE Membersof the MLS

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

A special project of the The Leader

135 W. Pearl St., Owatonna, MN 55060

PublisherRon Ensley

Advertising DirectorDebbie Ensley

Managing EditorJe� rey Jackson

Media ConsultantsBetty Frost, Diane Gengler, Rachel Ebbers, Deb Theisen

Advertising DesignJenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista, Keeley Krebsbach,

Paul Ristau, Naomi Kissling, Nikkie GilmoreCover Design

Kate Townsend-NoetPage Design

Tony Borreson

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

All rights reserved ©2013

Discover Blooming PrairieTABLE OF CONTENTSBlooming Prairie at a glance......................6

A look back ................................................... 10

Investing in our future .............................. 12

Awesome Blossoms ................................... 14

Where we play ............................................. 15

City map ......................................................... 23

Getting together ......................................... 24

Blooming Prairie Public Library ............. 31

Places of Worship ....................................... 32

Ellendale ........................................................ 34

Geneva ........................................................... 36

Hope ................................................................ 38


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

Blooming Prairie, Minn., opens its doors and invites you to experience visiting, working, going to school and living where integrity and qual-ity 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 ex-perience 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 willingly put aside personal agendas and ideologies for a com-mon greater good. These folks have a strong work ethic, are faith-based, value a high quality of family life, and recognize the importance of education.

The result of this strong founda-

tion 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 ide-ally located at the apex of four coun-ties with quick access to Interstate 35 and 90. We are surrounded by a strong agricultural base and are very thankful to our families 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 sacri� ce in our school system has created an environment that focuses on a well-rounded and fully equipped student. Our city itself has progres-sive and innovative thinkers who have positioned our little city with infrastructure for growth. Our citi-zens feel safe because of our police force and our volunteer ambulance

and � re departments. Our military veterans provide activities and edu-cation 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 o� .

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

Welcome toBlooming Prairie

Johnson


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

www.worlein.com

BLOOMING PRAIRIEBLOOMING PRAIRIEFUNERAL HOMEFUNERAL HOME

PREPLANNINGLeaving Solutions

Not Problems• Specializing in personalizedprearrangement & prefunding plans

Call Mary Kittelson Today!• NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultant

507-583-7561507-583-7561507-583-7561

PLANSPLANS

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 55917

THE 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

Blooming Prairie at a glance


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 • Longterm Care • Medicare SupplementsHome • Auto • Farm

Bringing all lines of Insurance to the Blooming Prairie

HOLMAN AGENCY INC.

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

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 Peterson

City CouncilBrad ClarkTara GimbelMary KittlesonBill NewmanThe city council meets at 7 p.m. every second Monday of the month.City AdministratorMichael JonesDeputy City ClerkTerri Zwiener

Administrative AssistantLaura LarsonBlooming 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. Monday through Friday.

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


CommerceBlooming Prairie Area

CommerceBlooming Prairie Area

CommerceofChamber Blooming Prairie Area

Chamber Blooming Prairie Area

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

KREJCI FORD INCYour Service Minded Dealer

14 Time President’s Award Winner

218 Hwy N, Blooming Prairie218 Hwy N, Blooming Prairie507-583-2046 | www.krejciford.com

Blooming Prairie Fire DepartmentChief Dean Naatz138 Highway Avenue S.Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Non-Emergency (507) 583-2088Emergency 911

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

Blooming Prairie Emergency ManagementCoordinator Jacob Peterson138 Highway Avenue S.Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Phone: (507) 583-7573


Salinas Auto RepairAuto Repair

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

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

Air Conditioning/Heating

We Do it All!We Do it All!

Heavy Metal specializes in precision CNC machining while being committed to providing exceptional value through

competitive pricing, superior quality, dependable on-time deliveries, and outstanding customer service.

HEAVY METAL, LLCCNC MILLING AND TURNING

507-583-0050335 HWY AVE SOUTH | PO BOX 306

BLOOMING PRAIRIE, MN 55917EMAIL: TYLER@HEAVYMETAVYMETA AVYMETAVYMET LLLC.COM

MUNICIPAL SERVICESBlooming Prairie Wastewater Treatment PlantPublic Works DirectorKeith DoerhoeferPlant OperatorSue PenkavaAssistant Plant OperatorPat WehnerAfter Hours Emergencies call: (507) 475-0996

Blooming Prairie Street DepartmentPublic Works DirectorKeith DoerhoeferHead of MaintenanceDavid JohnsonAfter Hours Emergencies call: (507) 475-0996

Blooming 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

SCHOOLS

Blooming Prairie Elementary SchoolPrincipal Chris Staloch123 2nd St. N.W.Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Phone: (507) 583-6615Fax: (507) 583-4415

Blooming Prairie High SchoolSuperintendent-Principal Barry Olson202 4th Ave. N.W.Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Phone: (507) 583-4426Fax: (507) 583-7952


BZBZtoBZBZtoBZBZtoBZBZtoBZtotoHARDWARE

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!

• 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 - 4:00pmSaturday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Custom Embroidery | Screen PrintingPromotional Products | Tuxedo Rentals

www.sportstitch.netwww.sportstitch.net

“Your one stop logo shop”

custom embroidery screen printing

promotional products tuxedo rentals

507-583-7001

341 East Main Street



Awesome Blossom Merchandise


custom embroidery screen printing

promotional products tuxedo rentals

507-583-7001

341 East Main Street


www.sportstitch.netwww.sportstitch.net

-558833-77000011

“No Order is too Big or too Small” as our versatile equipment can handle 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 communicate your brand is critical to your success.

A look backBlooming Prairie can thank the railroad for its

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

completely at least.Back in 1856, John

Blythe built a log cabin on 160 acres of government land, then known as the Oak Glen Township, 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 Railroad —

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

that the wife of one railroad o� cial called the place “Blooming Prairie.” 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 decades, a � our mill was soon built.

Main Street


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.

• Clubhouse Appetizers and Entreès• Banquets and Receptions

• Ladies League • Men’s League

(507) 583-2887 (507) 583-2887 (507) 583-2887 PO Box 788

Blooming Prairie

FALL 2013 MEGA GOLFGolf all day Tuesday and

Wednesday with a cart for $35.00!

Automotive and Commercial Truck Repair & Service

Brake Repair | Tire Changing Equipment

(507) 583-7994163 5th St NW

Blooming Prairie, MN

It wasn’t the only building erected or business begun in that era. Indeed, after the first rail station was completed in the 1860s, others — those not connected with the railroad — came to town, including 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 office.

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 officially incorporated Blooming Prairie as an individual village and the first city council was elected.

The incorporation brought a flurry of improvements to the village. Streets were graded. Hitching posts for horses were built along Main Street. Sidewalks were leveled. Trees were planted in vacant lots. And the city built its first city hall, complete with city council chambers, a jail and a fire station.

Blooming Prairie CreameryBlooming Prairie Schools


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

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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

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

Sign up today and you can help promote school pride

and generate income for the NRHEG school system

every time you use your card. It’s never been easier

to help the kids in our communities, and it’s accepted

everywhere MasterCard is. Contact any of our friendly

bankers today, and start giving back to NRHEG Schools!

Panther Debit Card

Support

NRHEG Schools

EXCLUSIVELY AT:

Investing in our futureFrom its earliest days, even years before it was o� cially

incorporated as a village, the Blooming Prairie community 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 building 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.

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.


“ 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


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 � elds, including the 2013 state champion girls softball team. But the school is also recognized for its strong programs in the arts, as well as excellent academics.

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 conducive to learning.

3. The school will provide quality facilities.

4. The school will operate e� ectively and e� ciently.

BLOOMING PRAIRIE SCHOOLS

Blooming Prairie Elementary SchoolPrincipal Chris Staloch123 2nd St. N.W.Blooming Prairie, MN 55917Phone: 507-583-6615Fax: 507-583-4415

Blooming 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 Awesome.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 “Blossoms,” 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.

OPEN24 HOURS

495 WEST N STREET,OWATONNA

(507) 451-7220www.cashwise.com

495 WEST N STREET,

• Groceries• Fresh Produce• Meat Service Counter• Pharmacy• Video• Copies 7¢/Fax• 1 Hour Photo• Key Making• Dry Cleaning• Deli/Catering

• Bakery - Photo Cakes,

• Natural Foods Dept.• Floral - Custom Design, Funerals & Weddings• Check Cashing• Money Orders 19¢• We Serve FREE Coffee• Cash Wise Liquor Conveniently Located Next Door• Fast & Friendly Service!• Online Shopping

no job too big or small

Weddings & Graduation www.cashwisedelivers.com

Groceries Fresh Produce Meat Service Counter • Natural Foods Dept.


OUR VISIONTo give every child access to a safe,

nurturing, educational environment, that positivily effects

their lives.

Service Hours:• 3-6 PM, Mon. - Fri.

during the school year,• 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Mon. - Fri.

during the summer

OUR PROGRAMSFor Ages 6-18Designed and

delivered with key youth development objective in mind,

each of our activities falls within one of

five Core Programs:

Unit Director, Mary Sherman-Ahrens

401 4th St. S.E.Blooming Prairie, MN

(507) 583-6699

Donate Your TimeDonate Your TalentDonate Your Treasure

• Education & Career Development• Sports, Fitness & Recreation• Character & Leadership• Health & Life Skills• The Arts

here we playwVICTORY FIELD PARK

Across from Blooming Prairie High School, o� Main Street West is Victory Field Park — a park that not only has a pavilion and playground equipment, but also, for the sports-minded, has two softball � elds, a tennis court and an ice rink. The park is also used for Fourth of July activities, including the � reworks.

VICTORY FIELD ICE RINKLocated in Victory Field Park, the

Victory Field Ice Rink was truly a community e� ort meant to help Blooming Prairie residents enjoy great Minnesota winter outdoor recreation in their own hometown.

Victory Field Park


• We meet State Fire Marshal Codes!

• Certified & Insured

Heidi, Mike, or Courtney Hartle

455-0388 or 456-8521if no answer call

456-8519 or 456-8521 Mikeor 456-8521 Mikeor

Available to meet your needs! Don’t get caught with yours not inspected!

Ag & Truck Tire

Sales & RepairFeaturing:

MichelinB.F. Goodrich

FirestoneAg & Truck Tires

Mike’s REPAIR

Emergency or on the Farm Repair

507-455-0388(After Hours 507-455-0483)

870 32nd Avenue NW, Owatonna, MN

455-0388

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.

Not so with the Victory Field Ice Rink, which boasts not only a new warming house, big enough to facilitate the number of people at the rink, but also permanent 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 result of the city’s e� orts to secure grants to assist with the cost and the generosity 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.

CENTRAL PARKLocated 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


A TOUCH of CHARM

507-583-7637Downtown Blooming Prairie

Hours: Monday - Friday:

9:30 - 5:00 Saturday: 9:30 - 4:00

Unique Gifts and Full Service Florist

You deserve the finest accents, your family and friends the finest gifts.

We'll help you find them both at A Touch of Charm.

atouchofcharmonline.com

Monday - Friday:

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

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

Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!Kitchen open @ 11 AM Daily!

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 swimming pools in the area. The pool has three sections. 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 platform for children to jump o� of and swim around.

Pine Springs Park


There is a diving board platform at the third section. There are also sandboxes near the � rst section for children to play in.

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

Swimming lessons — both morning 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.” Thorson (1891-1973) was honored by Blooming Prairie, Steele County and the state of Minnesota as the Outstanding Senior Citizen of 1972.

BLOOMING PRAIRIE COUNTRY CLUBConsidered 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.

Blooming Prairie Country Club

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

1150 Hoffman Drive,1150 Hoffman Drive,Owatonna, MNOwatonna, MN

Used Vehicle CenterUsed Vehicle CenterUsed Vehicle Center

Monday - Friday:Monday - Friday: 9 a.m - 6 p.m. 9 a.m - 6 p.m.

Saturday:Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

1150 Hoffman Drive,

People You Know!Cars You’ll Like!

Prices You’ll LOVE!

507-446-9218

www.cartimeofowatonna.comView Our Full Inventory at:


The fun, well-kept USGA course is open to the public, but also o� ers memberships.

The club house features a pro shop with everything a golfer may need for a day on the links. 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 receptions, 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.

EAST SIDE PARKLocated at the intersection of 5th Avenue and

2nd Street NE — in the middle of a residential area, it provides easy access for children — East Side Park has both a basketball court and playground equipment.

East Side Park

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

MINIMIZER

Minimizer, a company with an international footprint, is proud to be a job-creating engine in a rural community, employing 53 hard-working people. Headquartered in Blooming Prairie, MN, USA, Minimizer manufactures poly truck fenders, poly toolboxes, customized mud flaps, and bracket kits.

Family owned and operated for 3 generations, Minimizer parent company Spray Control Systems, Inc., was founded in 1983. Minimizer aims to provide products tough enough to please tough people in a tough industry.

After raising three generations in the heavy truck industry, we think we’ve got the right combination of expertise, an attitude bent on hard work, and a sense of justice and equality towards both our customers, employees, and community.

500 MINIMIZER WAY SE, BLOOMING PRAIRIE, MN 55917

MINIMIZER PRODUCTS

• TESTED AND TORTURED • DAILY BY TRUCKERS FOR TRUCKERS

YOU’LL FLINCH LONG BEFORE

THEY DO.

AN AMERICAN FAMILY OWNED COMPANY FOR 30 YEARS

MINIMIZER.COM 800.248.3855

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS...

Page 21Discover Blooming Prairie 2013Page 20 Discover Blooming Prairie 2013

MINIMIZER

Minimizer, a company with an international footprint, is proud to be a job-creating engine in a rural community, employing 53 hard-working people. Headquartered in Blooming Prairie, MN, USA, Minimizer manufactures poly truck fenders, poly toolboxes, customized mud flaps, and bracket kits.

Family owned and operated for 3 generations, Minimizer parent company Spray Control Systems, Inc., was founded in 1983. Minimizer aims to provide products tough enough to please tough people in a tough industry.

After raising three generations in the heavy truck industry, we think we’ve got the right combination of expertise, an attitude bent on hard work, and a sense of justice and equality towards both our customers, employees, and community.

500 MINIMIZER WAY SE, BLOOMING PRAIRIE, MN 55917

MINIMIZER PRODUCTS

• TESTED AND TORTURED • DAILY BY TRUCKERS FOR TRUCKERS

YOU’LL FLINCH LONG BEFORE

THEY DO.

AN AMERICAN FAMILY OWNED COMPANY FOR 30 YEARS

MINIMIZER.COM 800.248.3855

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS...

Page 21Discover Blooming Prairie 2013Page 20 Discover Blooming Prairie 2013


FIRE DEPARTMENT PARKJust o� U.S. Highway 218, next

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

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 East. The buildings that surround it have been painted to help the park, the city’s smallest, blend into the buildings.

Green Gardens Park

Fire Department Park

The ultimate in comfort and peace of mind

1500 E. Main St Owatonna MN

507-451-6388

Family Owned & Operated Since 1969

[email protected]

Free Estimates New Construction Remodels / Finishes Additions Furnaces Air Conditioners Garage Heaters …and MORE


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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

Maryann Schlaak, Director903 Calverly Court

Ellendale, MN 56026(northwest edge of

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

4 Ef�ciency Apartments

What do we What do we What do we What do we What do we What do we What do we What do we What do we What do we have to offer?have to offer?have to offer?have to offer?have to offer?have to offer?have to offer?have to offer?have to offer?have to offer?have to offer?have to offer?have to offer?

• 25 Deluxe One and Two Bedroom Units with dishwasher, refrigerator, stove, washer/dryer, and under cabinet lighting• 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

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 individuals, schools and families alike participating 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, restaurant coupons and lodging assitance to individuals and their families as they go through cancer treatment.

But the activities begin long before the September 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 displayed in a � eld east of Highway 218 from Main Street.


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 volleyball teams even don the color to show solidarity 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 BANQUETOn 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.

2365 43rd Street • Owatonna, MN • 507-446-8900 • Exit 45, next to Cabela’s • www.holidayinn.com

theAdventure!

• Pizza Package• Birthday Party Package • Serengeti Water Park

• Holiday Inn Kids Eat Free Program• Many nearby Attractions• Awesome Family environment

• Plenty of smiles!• Meetings & Receptions up to 300

Let us help you plan the perfect family get-away!

Experience


OLD-FASHIONED FOURTH OF JULYFor 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 Minnesota.

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 Victory 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 responsible for putting together the celebration, including the vendors, entertainment and parade participants. For more information, call the chamber at 507-583-4472.


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


Steele-WasecaCooperative Electric

507–451–7340800-526-3514

2411 W. Bridge St.Owatonna, MN

www.swce.coop

Your Touchstone Energy ® Partner

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 football teed up for the opening kicko� — runners and walkers gather to participate either in a six-mile run, a three-mile run or a three-mile walk for individuals, or a three-mile walk for teams. And after the adults are done, children can participate in the three-block race, known as the Widdle Wobble, led by a turkey.

Begun by race organizer Linda 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 Ribfest Cook-O� in June — a fund-raiser that bene� ts the Boys and Girls Club of Blooming Prairie.


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

www.worlein.com

We are a family dedicated to serving others during the most difficult time of life.

The greatest strength of our funeral homes is the personal attention to detail and the range of services provided to all families.

Our goal is to serve and meet the individual needs of all our families the way we would want to be served, with the utmost integrity. We’ve built a reputation on being perfectionists in all our work.

BLOOMING PRAIRIEBLOOMING PRAIRIEFUNERAL HOME

www.centralvalleycoop.comToll Free: 800-270-2339

Agronomy | Fuel & LPHeating, Cooling & Electrical sales and service

HOLIDAY DAZZLEIf the Fourth of July celebration is a long-

standing tradition in Blooming Prairie, the community’s Holiday Dazzle, held on the first Friday of December, is quickly becoming a similar tradition.

The celebration, put on annually by the Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce, is meant to provide 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.In fact, one highlight in every Holiday

Dazzle 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 Christmas 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.


• Oil Change/Safety Check • Tire Service & Alignment

• Computer Diagnostics • Electrical• Transmission Service & Rebuilding

• Rear End Rebuilding• Brakes • Tune-ups • Air Conditioning

• Fuel Injection Cleaning• Cooling System Service/Flush

Complete Automotive Service

1181 Brady Blvd NW • Owatonna • 507-451-1412Behind the recycling building

Your Local Tread Pros Dealer

CITY-WIDE GARAGE 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 Blooming Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce.

CHAMBER GOLF FUN DAY

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


3249 N County Road 45 • Owatonna, MN • 507.451.7121 • ajlysne.com

The Lysne name has been prominent in the southern Minnesota construction industry for 114 years. Providing broad general contracting and construction management services, A.J. Lysne consistently delivers creative, on-budget solutions to building and renovation challenges.

It can be done. We can do it. Call us today.

Owatonna’s Premier Builder













The Lysne name has been prominent in the southern Minnesota construction industry for 115 years. Providing broad general contracting and construction management services, A.J. Lysne consistantly delivers creative, on-budget solutions to building and renovation challenges.






117 N. Cedar Owatonna

507-451-2406

Blooming Prairie Chamber of Commerce Memberof Commerce Member

Mon.-Fri. 9AM-5:30PMThurs. 9AM-8PM

Sat. 9AM-5PM

Quality Menswear At Competitive

Prices If a large selection of

quality clothing, displayed in a friendly atmosphere,

sta�ed by a knowledgeable sales team appeals to you, St. Clair’s should be your

personal mens store.

www.stclairsformen.com

Blooming Prairie Public LibraryThe Blooming Prairie Public Library is a branch

of the Owatonna Public and a member of the SELCO (Southeast Libraries Cooperating) 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, educational 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 building at 138 Highway Avenue South in downtown Blooming 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. Tuesdays 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.


ASSEMBLIES OF GODVibrant Life Assembly of God702 S. 3rd St.EllendaleWorship Service10:30 a.m., Sunday

BAPTISTFirst Baptist Church104 1st Ave. NEBlooming PrairieWorship Services10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Sunday

CATHOLICHoly Trinity Catholic Church of Litomysl9946 24th Ave. SE.Rural OwatonnaWorship Service9:30 a.m., Sunday

St. Aidan Catholic ChurchHwy 30 and 3rd St.EllendaleWorship Service9:30 a.m., Sunday

St. Columbanus Catholic Church114 E. Main St.Blooming PrairieWorship Services5:15 p.m. Saturday; 8:30 a.m. Sunday

St. Mary’s Catholic ChurchRural GenevaWorship Service10:45 a.m. Sunday

LUTHERANCommunity Lutheran Church (ELCA)106 3rd St. SEGenevaWorship Service9:30 a.m. Sunday

First Lutheran Church (ELCA)434 1st St. S.W.Blooming PrairieWorship Service8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday

First Lutheran Church (AFLC)503 Radel CourtEllendaleWorship Service9 a.m., Sunday

First Lutheran Church (LCMC)HopeWorship service9 a.m. Sunday

Pontoppidan Lutheran (ELCA)Lemond, Minn.Worship service10 a.m. Sunday

Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA)5881 SE 118th St.Blooming PrairieWorship Service9 a.m., Sunday

Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA)7126 S.W. 98th St.EllendaleWorship Service9 a.m., Sunday.

MENNONITE13638 750th St.Blooming PrairieWorship Service10:30 a.m. Sunday

UNITED METHODISTUnited Methodist ChurchCounty Road 14EllendaleWorship Service10:30 /a.m., Sunday

Places of orshipw


Glenn’s Motorcoach Tours, Inc ROCHESTER, MN

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507-288-1329 or 1-800-795-8516







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 railroad. 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 Minneapolis. 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 “Ellendale,” 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

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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.

Ellendale At A Glance:

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.CountySteeleElevation1,280 feetArea code507

Zip 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 285

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

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

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GenevaLocated just over the Steele County line in

neighboring Freeborn County, sits the community of Geneva.

According to the Minnesota Historical Society, the community now known as Geneva 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 rechristened 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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THE BASICSLocation: Geneva is located in northeast Freeborn 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 BeenkenJannell TufteRichard WeckwerthTa� Worrell

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

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LeaderThe

A Free Publication Serving Blooming Prairie and Ellendale

bpleader.comSeptember 7, 2013 • Vol. 2 No. 37

Blossoms down Panthers, 12A

Steele-Waseca Cooperative

part of deal to buy territory, 2A

By AL STRAIN • [email protected]

Though they may just be starting out, there is plenty of support showing

already for the Minnesota Southbound Rollers.

� e Southbound Rollers is the name for the roller derby league that will

be based out of Brownsdale in Mower County. Members of the would-be

league are attempting to start a league in southern Minnesota a� er the

success of leagues in other parts of the state.

Last Saturday, the group held a fundraiser in

Blooming Prairie at the Blooming Prairie Service-

men’s Club.“The closest leagues around were in Mankato,

Rochester and Burnsville,” said league co-founder

Jeanelle Karow. “We were like, ‘� ere’s no league in

between.’ We � gured we were just going to start a team,

but then we talked to (a member of another league)

who told us that we weren’t starting a team, we’re star-

ing a league.”� e group is currently recruiting women to join the

league and fundraising to pay for registration and get-

ting the league started. Karow and fellow co-founder

Carley Carranza said they’ve been working on starting

the league for about two months.

Karow said the league will serve the small com-

munities of southern Minnesota like Blooming Prairie,

Ellendale, Geneva, Hollandale and larger cities like

Austin and Albert Lea.� e goal is to get at least two teams in the the league,

though Karow says that the league’s Facebook page has

enough people that would allow for four teams.

Shana Williams, who goes by the name “Sister No

Mercy” when she’s competing, has participated in

other leagues and says she likes a number of things

about competing in roller derbies.

“I really like the camaraderie of the women and the

close-knit group that forms when you’re on the track

together, practicing together and you’re sweating it out

when it’s hot,” Williams said. “You’re all doing the same

horrible, awful drills together and hurting together.

You rally around each other when someone is having

problems o� the track with something or on the track

with something.”

Would-be women’s roller derby league reaches out to Blooming Prairie

Area women practice skating in a group at

Rohler Rink in Brownsdale. (Photo courtesy of

Matt Peterson/Austin Daily Herald)

By ASHLEY STEWART

[email protected]

BLOOMING PRAIRIE — The

Blooming Prairie Chamber of Com-

merce is bringing something new to its

fall city-wide garage sale this year.

For its � rst year, the chamber will

host a motor show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sept. 14 on Main Street in Blooming

Prairie.“A lot of people come to the garage

sales, and this is another reason to bring

people to our community,” said Becky

Noble, chamber director. “We thought

it’d be a good tie together.”

Noble said the chamber is hoping for

a good turnout.“We don’t know how many people

we’re going to have since no one has pre-

registered. We could have 10 or 100,” she

said. “I know people are coming with

tractors, collectible cars and street rods,

but the exact amount will be a surprise.”

And the number of participants in the

show likely will be dependent on weather.

“In the past, we haven’t had good

weather for our city-wide garage sale,

but we’re hoping the weather is really

good so we get a good turnout,” Noble

said.Noble said collectable cars, street

rods, trucks, tractors and antique cars

are welcome to park along Main Street

for the public to view.“It’s a motor-mania type show. Any-

thing with wheels and a motor are wel-

come,” she said.Noble said there is a $10 participa-

tion fee for individuals who wish to

show a car, truck or tractor, but the

public will be able to view them for free.

“We hope we get a good amount of

cars, and we want people to come down-

town to see what we have to o� er and

have fun,” she said.Area residents may also browse lo-

cal garage sales starting at 8 a.m. that

Saturday.Noble said there are more than 10

residents signed up to host a garage sale.

� ere was a $10 fee to hold a garage sale.

Chairole Williamson, chamber pro-

motions committee chair, said some

years local churches and clubs have

fundraisers.� is year, the Boys and Girls Club in

Blooming Prairie will hold a bake sale

and rummage sale during the city-wide

event at 401 4th St. SE.

For more information or ques-

tions, call Chairole Williamson at

US Bank at 507-583-6629 or call the

Blooming Prairie Chamber office at

507-583-4472.

Blooming Prairie Chamber of Commerce to host city-wide garage sale, motor show

DERBYGIRLS

By DEREK SULLIVAN

[email protected]

BLOOMING PRAIRIE — Unlike last

year, parent Jenny Fort had to wait on the

other side of the glass to pick up her son,

Isaac, on Wednesday a� ernoon at Bloom-

ing Prairie Elementary School.

In previous years, parents, like Fort,

could wait for their children in the hall-

ways of Blooming Prairie Elementary

School. But this year, as part of a $60,000

update, the school’s doors are automati-

cally locked until 2:50 p.m., a few minutes

before the end of the school day.

“I don’t mind the wait,” Fort said. “I

didn’t think the school was unsafe before,

but I’m glad they made the changes.”

One key change is a new main en-

trance, which requires all visitors to enter

the school through the o� ce.

Principal Chris Staloch said the safe-

ty upgrades, which also includes timed

locks on all other doors, were being

worked on, even before the Newtown,

Conn., elementary school shooting on

Dec. 14, 2012. On that Friday, 20-year-old

Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 children and

six adult sta� members in a mass murder

at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“We have always known that our front

entrance was easy access,” Staloch said.

“We knew that it would be expensive, but

we had to do it. We really want to make

sure we could funnel people through

our office and know exactly who is in

our building and what they are doing.

And then you see horrible things hap-

pen across the United States, and it re-

minds you that you can no longer just

talk about school safety. Something needs

to be done.”

New year, new security enhancements across district

See DISTRICT on 3A

See GIRLS on 3A



who told us that we weren’t starting a team, we’re star-

� e group is currently recruiting women to join the

league and fundraising to pay for registration and get-



Austin and Albert Lea.

though Karow says that the league’s Facebook pa




Area women practice skating in a group

Rohler Rink in Brownsdale. (Photo cou

Matt Peterson/Austin Daily Herald















In previous years, parents, like Fort,

could wait for their children in the hall-

ways of Blooming Prairie Elementary

School. But this year, as part of a $60,000

update, the school’s doors are automati-

cally locked until 2:50 p.m., a few minutes

before the end of the school day.

“I don’t mind the wait,” Fort said. “I

didn’t think the school was unsafe before,

but I’m glad they made the changes.”

One key change is a new main en-

trance, which requires all visitors to enter

the school through the o� ce.

Principal Chris Staloch said the safe-

ty upgrades, which also includes timed

locks on all other doors, were being

worked on, even before the Newtown,

Conn., elementary school shooting on

Dec. 14, 2012. On that Friday, 20-year-old

Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 children and

six adult sta� members in a mass murder

at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“We have always known that our front

entrance was easy access,” Staloch said.

“We knew that it would be expensive, but

we had to do it. We really want to make

sure we could funnel people through

our office and know exactly who is in

our building and what they are doing.

And then you see horrible things hap-

pen across the United States, and it re-

minds you that you can no longer just



Austin and Albert Lea.� e goal is to get at least two teams in the the league,

though Karow says that the league’s Facebook page has


Shana Williams, who goes by the name “Sister No



about competing in roller derbies.

“I really like the camaraderie of the women and the

close-knit group that forms when you’re on the track

together, practicing together and you’re sweating it out

when it’s hot,” Williams said. “You’re all doing the same

horrible, awful drills together and hurting together.

You rally around each other when someone is having


Area women practice skating in a group at

Rohler Rink in Brownsdale. (Photo courtesy of

Matt Peterson/Austin Daily Herald)

problems o� the track with something or on the track talk about school safety. Something needs














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Serving Blooming Prairie, Ellendale, Geneva, and Hope

In Print and Online

507-451-2840135 West Pearl, Owatonna

bpleader.com

HopeAt 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 township — and Steele Countians produced 375,000 pounds of butter, meaning that it produced more butter per capita than any other county in Minnesota.

Alas, those days are no more. Though there are still large dairy farms in the county, the cheese factories are gone. And of the 24 creameries that existed here, all are gone.

All except one. The Hope Creamery.Unlike many other butter manufacturers, Hope

Creamery — one of the only independently 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, local 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 Ellendale.

THE BASICSLocation: Between Owatonna and Ellendale in Steele County.Elevation Zip Code Area Code 1,201 feet 56046 507


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