Southern Exposure

2 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 SOUTHERN EXPOSURE - A special supplement to the Austin Daily Herald

“The Vineyard”Ballroom

• Perfect location for weddingreceptions, banquets, holidayparties, meetings and privatedinners.• Seats up to 480 people• Small groups are welcome• Two-sided full service bar• Outdoor area by lake forwedding ceremonies.

Wedgewood Cove Golf Club2200 West 9th StreetAlbert Lea, MN 56007

507-373-2007

18 Hole Championship Golf CoursePasta Night every Tuesday • 4-8pmSunday morning Breakfast • 8-11am

Sundays Kids 12 & under eat FREE off of Kids MenuFriday & Saturday Prime Rib Available

Happy Hour Daily • 3-6pm

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE - A special supplement to the Austin Daily Herald THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 3

Soaring through the 2010Southern Exposure

The Austin Daily Herald’s 2010edition of Southern Exposureaims to give you a slice of life insouthern Minnesota. Whetheryou’re planning a staycation orjust an afternoon away, we hopeyou to get out and see what south-ern Minnesota has to offer.Inside, you’ll find stories and

guides on three different topics:Relocation: Southern Expo-

sure provides pertinent informa-tion on local businesses andorganizations. Stay informedabout your area schools and lead-ers.

Out and about: From apple or-chards to campgrounds, trails toparks, there’s more than one wayto watch the leaves change across

the region.Destinations: If the weather

doesn’t cooperate, there are manyplaces to visit indoors. From mu-seums to businesses, there areplenty of unique spots to visit inthe region. Look inside to learnabout a christian-based camp andother places to visit.While we can’t show all there

is to see in the area, Southern Ex-posure aims to give you snap-shots of the many differentplaces to visit in southeast Min-nesota. If you want to share yourfavorite destination — whether itbe a bike trail, business or park— post a comment to our websiteat www.austindailyherald.com.

Herald file photoAlong with Austin Skate Park, there are many other parks and destination spots for picnics, sports andentertainment this fall.

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE

By Jason Schoonover

BROWNSDALE — They quit thebusiness twice, but they kept comingback. It’s in their blood.Larry and Karen Sheely own Mid-

west Garden Art, 23200 State Highway56 between Interstate 90 and Browns-dale, where they make and sell cementlawn statues.For the Sheely’s, their store is far

more than a retail business, it’s a way oflife.Larry makes all his own molds and

pours the concrete statues himself.Karen handles all the painting. Larrydescribed pouring concrete as a lost artthat is only done by about five other peo-ple in Minnesota.Larry and Karen combine their skills

to make and sell a variety of cementstatues. Many of the figures includethings like angels, dogs, fireman, deer,eagles, birdbaths, flower planters andmany more. Eagles and deer are someof the biggest sellers, Karen said.Since the Sheely’s are retired and op-

erate the business out of their home ina garage converted to a shop, they don’thave set daily hours. According to theirbusiness cards, they’re open by hit, missor appointment.While Karen admits Larry first

sparked an interest in the art before shedid, she said it becomes a passion that’shard to shake.“I always tell everybody it gets in

your blood,” she said. “You just can’tquit. It’s so challenging making the newmolds and seeing them come out andpainting them the first time. It got in myblood.”Larry and Karen have quit the busi-

ness twice. The two sold their moldstwice to leave the business, sellingabout 325 molds each time. As Karensaid, it was in their blood, and theywere back in business within a year.However, Larry doesn’t regret selling

his molds. They made good money sell-ing the molds, and Larry said he keptmany of his master molds.“Every time I remake them, I make

them better than I did the other time,”Larry said. “I can take my master andsay, gosh that should have hair lines.The face should be different, and I makeit different.”


ELDERLYDISABLED

INDEPENDENTApartments For RentRent Based On Income

For More InformationCall 507-434-5556

or email: [email protected]

Mower County Housing Authority59039 220th StreetAustin, Minnesota

OPENINGS NOW:Friendship Village, Brownsdale

CenturyPlastic Inc.

Hayfield • Minnesota

Proud To BeA Part Of TheCommunity

DESTINATIONS: MIDWEST GARDEN ART

Brownsdale couplekeeps rare art alive

WWhhaatt’’ss yyoouurr

ffaavvoorriittee ssppoott??

Have a favorite destination notmentioned in Southern Exposure?

Visit www.austindailyherald.comand post a comment about yourfavorite spots in Mower Countyand Minnesota.

We just may include them in oneof our upcoming publications.


By Matt Peterson

The Mower County Historical Soci-ety holds a Fall Harvest Celibration atthe Mower County Fairgrounds Satur-day, Sept. 25. Sample pumpkin pie, makeyour own apple cider, candles, dolls andchurn butter. There will also be a toytractor raffle and a bake sale. For moredetails visit www.mowercountyhis-tory.org or www.exploreminnesota.com

•Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch isjust off Mower/Freeborn Road (Co. 36)and less than a mile south of State High-way 251 at Corning. Directions: north ofAustin on 218, turn left (west) at Lans-ing Corners Restaurant (large red build-ing) onto County Road 2 ( 270th St); gothree miles; go around the curve to thenorth 1/4 mile. Then turn left onto 273rdStreet.Visitors can pick their own pump-

kins and vegetables, enjoy picture tak-ing and let their kids play. It opens foractivities on Saturday, Sept. 25. Farmer

John’s is open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to 12p.m. weekdays and until 6 p.m. on week-ends. However, it is also open to schooland pre-school groups in the mornings.Farmer Johns’ Pumpkin Patch is lo-

cated at 90537 273 Street in Austin. Formore information, call 507-437-9180.

•Oak View Nursery in Owatonna,a landscaping and horticulture busi-ness, opens a pumpkin patch fall week-ends from Sept. 25 through Oct. 31.Visitors can enjoy the corn maze,wagon rides, animals, photography,pumpkin painting, wooded trails, asnack shop and gift shop, mini golf,football toss and several other gamesfor kids. Oak View is open Saturdays 10a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5p.m. Oak View is located at 7921 Coun-try Road 45 South Owatonna, MN 55060.Please call 507.451.0454, or visitwww.oakviewnursery.net.

•Tweite’s Pumkin Patch in Byronhas more activities than one can expe-

rience in a day. That’s because it ismore than just a pumpkin patch; it is alarge acreage with plenty of things forchildren, as well as adults, to do. Forkids, it starts with Pumpkinville. It is ahuge play center with a three-tower cas-tle, fort, pirate ship, sand pit, games,puppet shows and several mazes.Adults can enjoy picking their own

pumpkins, concessions, walking trails,wagon rides and Tweite’s infamouscorn maze. This year’s festivities openweekends from Sept. 25 through Oct. 22.Tweite’s is now open weekdays fromOct. 4 through 22, too. Tweite’s is locatedat 1821 Frontier Road SW Byron, MN55920. For more information call (507)365-8035 or visit www.tweitepump-kins.com.

Willing to travel farther? Minnesotahas many more pumpkin patches. Sev-eral directories can be found online:www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org,and thepumpkindirectory.com.

Herald file photoPumpkins — like this one at Farmer John’s PumpkinPatch last year — are ripe and ready for picking as thecalender turns to fall.

OUT AND ABOUT: PUMPKIN PATCHES

Fall is all about pumpkins


538 Highway 218 SouthBlooming Prairie, MN 55917

Open Monday-Saturday and 2 EveningsMAIN STREET DENTAL

314 East Main, Blooming Prairie, MN507-583-7528 • 1-888-933-6828

Fax: 507-583-2389

583-2144 • Blooming Prairie

Welding • Welding RepairPipe & Tube BendingMetal Fabrication

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER 4TH - WINE TASTING @ SERVICEMAN’S CLUB

DECEMBER 3RD - HOLIDAY DAZZLE

• ADAMS— Adams is the “Dairy Cap-ital of Mower County” and its pride indairy farming shows 24/7 throughout theyear.For more than 50 years, the Mower

County American Dairy Association hashosted the annual dairy princess pageant. In addition, Adams City Park along the

west edge of the city is the perfect place forpicnics, family reunions and camping, andthe Cedar River Golf Course is a hotspotfor golfers throughout the season.

• BROWNSDALE — Welcome to theroller skating hotspot of Mower County.This is not just another “cute” little

town to visit.It’s a destination and a roller rink helps

make it so.Brett and Ronda Rohler own and oper-

ate the Rohler Rink located at the southedge of Brownsdale off Minnesota High-way 56.The Rohler Rink has become popular

for businesses and industries, as well as or-ganizations, who book parties at the recre-ation center.The Brownsdale attraction attracts

skaters from the Twin Cities and otherout-of-the-area places, according to theRohlers. It also has its share of “regulars,” who

enjoy rolling around the rink on skates tomusic beneath the bright lights. For more information, call (507) 567-

2133 or (507) 273-0650.

• GRAND MEADOW — GrandMeadow resembles the typical Minnesotasmall town. With a population of 945, thecommunity boasts a downtown that fea-tures a city hall, a community center and alibrary, not to mention a post office, a hard-ware store, a grocery store and a bank.Located along Highway 16 east of

Austin, Grand Meadow is anchored by acemetery and features an elaborate schoolfacility that houses all grades.“I like Grand Meadow,” says library di-

rector Brenda Johnson. “I feel a little bitsafer. People are friendly and a lot of peo-ple know each other.”Dining options include a diner, a

bar/restaurant and a convenience store

that offers sandwiches and pizza.

• LEROY — It could be called the “an-chor” of the Shooting Star recreation trail.The trailhead is here and from LeRoy,

the biking and hiking trail takes visitorsthrough Lake Louise State park and west-ward across the Mower County prairie. It’sapproximately 15 miles long stretchingfrom LeRoy through Taopi and now toAdams; www.visitleroy.com.

Other nearby towns:• BLOOMING PRAIRIE — The city

of Blooming Prairie belongs to four differ-ent counties.Located in the extreme southeastern

corner of Steele County, it touches Mower,Dodge and Freeborn Counties, too.Blooming Prairie began as a railroad

town.An official of the Minnesota Central

Railroad gave the town its name.Incorporated in 1873-74, the one thing

that has remained constant in the commu-nity’s existence is its annual IndependenceDay celebration.Local historian Harold Severson (now

deceased) claimed the Fourth of July cele-bration was “as big then as it is now.”

• ST. ANSGAR, Iowa— St. Ansgar isas good as advertised.Perhaps not enough can be said about

the Blue Belle Inn, one of the region’smost popular bed and breakfast estab-lishments.The dining is superb with cuisine un-

rivaled anywhere.The accommodations are elegant, part

old world charm, part modern day pam-pering.Just to see it is to appreciate Victorian

era homes, and St. Ansgar has more ofthem.First Lutheran Church, the oldest

Lutheran church west of the MississippiRiver, adds history to spiritual ambiance.The industrial park is completely full

across U.S. Highway 218 from giant GrainMillers Inc.The downtown central business dis-

trict has — take the St. Ansgar Chamberof Commerce’s words for it — somethingfor everyone.Window-shopping, browsing, buying

... whatever the reason, it’s a treat forevery visitor.The Cedar River runs through it to

add to the natural pleasures at visitors’disposal.

DESTINATIONS: STAYCATIONS

Small towns offerstaycation spots

By Matt Peterson

Ironwood Springs, a Christian-themed camp and ranch, hosts an arrayof activities for various groups thatseek peace and fun.The ranch started in 1976 when Bob

Bardwell, camp director, decided to re-alize his vision. This vision, to open aChristian camp, grew when he workedat a Christian ranch in Colorado yearsbefore. In 1973, Bob finished seminaryand got married. That same year, he wasparalyzed in a construction accident.Bob was able to see the Lord’s calling;the land that his father had purchasedhad begun its transformation into thecamp it is today. It gets its name from itsnumerous ironwood trees; the bubbling,nearby springs; its primary focus ofChristianity and its layout as a ranch.In 1978, the first lodge was built. And

after that, the camp continued to grow.Today it encompasses a pool, tenniscourts, barns, cabins, a dining hall,camping, animals and a horse riding fa-cility. It also offer horse riding classesand hold other seasonal activites suchas the chuckwagon: a horse-drawnwagon ride with a western-style campand cookout.The camp’s most recent addition was

a Miracle Lodge built in 2007. The lodge,which features housing for retreatgroups, was built through the extensivehelp of volunteers. It welcomes manyvisitors each year. Along with the lodge,Ironwood also has a log chapel for serv-ices.For recreation, Ironwood offers

trails, wagon rides, horse rides, zip

lines—and sleigh rides and tubing inthe winter. Furthermore, Ironwood ishome to the National Wheelchair Recre-ation Camp every year. Participants canenter the wheel chair race or take inwheelchair softball, a pulling contest,wheelchair accessible climbing wall,wheelchair basketball, trail riding, thewild wave, water skiing, canoeing,scuba diving and bowling.Ironwood springs is open for reserva-

tions for weddings, reunions, youthcamps, retreats, church groups, clubsand even single families.


MONDAY - THURSDAY • 11AM - 2AMFRIDAY & SATURDAY • 11AM - 3AM

SUNDAY 11AM • 1PM437-3249

421 N. Main StreetAustin, MN

JOIN US FOR LUNCH! Free Lunch Delivery

Thank you Mower County for votingus Best Pizza 7 years in a row!

MAMA MIA!

We are looking forward to serving you in downtown Austin for another 30 years!

DESTINATIONS: IRONWOOD SPRINGS

Photo by Matt PetersonMany trails for both walking and horse riding weave throughout Ironwood Springs.

The Miracle Lodge is just one of many thingsto take in at Ironwood Springs ChristianRanch near High Forest.

Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch islocated at 7291 County Road 6 SWStewartville, MN 55976. Its operationrelies heavily on the support ofvolunteers. For more details on upcomingevents, reservations or volunteer work,visit www.ironwoodsprings.com or call507-533-4315.

Stewartville’s Christian-based getaway

12 Month Interest Free Financing with Payments.

Mohawk Fall Sale!!!October 1st - November 15th

507-433-6440201 11th Street NEAustin, Minnesota

tbredcarpets.com

• Mohawk Berber Carpet starting at $.95 per sq. ft.• Mohawk Smartstrand Sorona as low as $2.09 per sq. ft.• Mohawk Laminate 20 Year Warranty starting at $1.69 per sq. ft.• Mohawk Prefinished Hardwood as low as $3.59 per sq. ft.• Mohawk Ceramic & Porcelain Tile starting at $2.49 per sq. ft.

BESTPRICESOF THEYEAR!

The local hub for city government andpublic works is the Austin MunicipalBuilding, located blocks from downtownon Fourth Avenue Northeast. For non-native residents, visit the Wel-

come Center on 308 Fourth Ave. NW forlanguage and other services. More infor-mation is available at (507) 434-2863.

Important facilities include:Electric, gas and waterAustin Utilities500 Fourth Ave. N.E.(507) 433-8886www.austinutilities.com

Freeborn-Mower Cooperative2501 E. Main St., Albert Lea(507) 373-6421

Austin Utilities serves households inthe Austin area; the Freeborn Mower Co-operative is responsible for rural resi-dences outside the city.

TelephoneQwest(800) 244-1111www.qwest.com

Have information ready prior to speak-

ing with a Qwest operator, who will needto know the address to apply the accountand if and how names will appear in thedirectory.

Cable television/InternetCharter Communications2206 Oakland Ave. N.E.(888) 438-2427

Driver’s licenseAustin Driver’s License Exam Station430 10th St. N.E.(507) 434-2675

Mower County License Bureau is openMonday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to4:30 p.m. Applicants must go to Albert Lea for

services Thursday and Friday; (507)377-5125

License platesMinnesota Auto License BranchUS Bank Building301 North Main St.(507) 433-8744To register a vehicle, contact the Min-

nesota Auto License office. Individualsneed a vehicle title and proof of insurance.Mower County Recycling Center

1111 Eighth Ave. N.E(507) 437-9551

Austin Medical Center: Located on1000 First Drive NW, the AMC is part of theMayo Health System and offers a widerange of services, including flu shots.Main number: 507-433-7351

Austin Area Chamber of Com-merce: Representing local businesses, thechamber organizes a number of events, in-cluding the annual Fourth of July cele-bration and is a good source forcommunity information.

Sandy Forstner is the executive director.Main number: [email protected]

Austin Convention and Visitors Bu-reau: The CVB works to attract visitors toAustin. It’s a good source for information on up-

coming meetings, tours and conventions,as well as lodging contacts. Cheryl Corey is the executive director.Main number: [email protected]


See Austin’s Board Certified Hearing Care ProfessionalsAmy Baarsch, BC-HIS & Nina Best, BC-HIS

Call Today 1-507-433-6214 • Toll Free 1-877-333-6125Stop in and see our Testimonial Book!

Cresco and Albert Lea Service Centers

608 1st Drive NW • Austin, MN

Audibel Hearing CentersAustin’s Center For Hearing Excellence

Since 1961

Lifetime Written Warranty • Free Estimates Free Loaner Car • State of the Art Shop

Family Owned & Operated

604 18th Ave. NW • Austin(507) 437-2611

Fax (507) 437-4260

BBOODDYY SSHHOOPPTTIINNYY’’SS

1-877-727-1995127 South Broadway • Albert Lea

507-373-0751

“You design it we produce it”Embroidery, Screen Printing,Business Logos, Hats, Jackets,Denims, Sweatshirts, T-shirts,

Sports Teams, Uniforms

RELOCATION: AREA FACILITIES


Adams Health Care Center507-582-3263 • Adams, MN

Adams Home Health Agency507-582-7704

Cedar Court Assisted Living507-582-7704 • Adams, MN

Cedar Court ApartmentsIndependent Living • 507-582-3263 • Adams, MN

APARTMENTSNOW AVAILABLE!

HAMILTON AUCTION CO.

(507)584-0133130 State Hwy. 16 ,Dexter, MN 55926

Located Off I-90 at Dexter,MN Exit them 1/4 Mile E. on Hwy 16

WWee AArree HHeerree FFoorr AAllll YYoouurr AAuuccttiioonn NNeeeeddssReal Estate • Farm Equipment • Household

DESTINATIONS: LOCAL GET AWAYS

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s home, Spring ValleyJust a 45-minute drive from Austin,

Spring Valley is a home of luscious fallcolors, antique shops, Mystery Cave and ahistorical tribute to Laura Ingalls Wilder.Wilder and her husband, Almanzo, oncemade Spring Valley their home and at-tended the area Methodist Church built in1876.The church’s museum is open daily

during the summer months and on theweekends in September and October.Admission is $4 for adults and $1.50 for

students; (507) 346-7659.

Brownlow’s Red Owl, LeRoyTo Kay McCloud, Brownlow’s Red Owl

is more than a family business, it’s anidentity for her family and the city ofLeRoy.Located in downtown LeRoy, Brown-

low’s Red Owl is one of only two remaningRed Owl grocery stores along with Ma-sons Red Owl in Green Bay, Wis. To markthe history of the chain, which spannedthe Midwest until about 20 years ago, Mc-Cloud, has turned the store into a sort ofRed Owl museum.McCloud, manager of Brownlow’s, has

been collecting Red Owl antiques for aslong as she can remember because hergrandfather and father owned the storebefore her.“I think it’s important because it’s been

in my family for 80 years,” she said. “Mygrandpa, he loved Red Owl. We always

called him Mr. Red Owl when we weregrowing up.”Many of McCloud’s collectibles are

items she collected from the store over theyears, and things from the shop’s base-ment. Once she became the manager forher father, Robert Brownlow, about sevenyears ago, she’s continued her search for

collectibles at antique stores and onlinethough eBay.The store also sells T-shirts and Red

Owl memorabilia.

The Rose Pedaler, Rose CreekJust minutes from Austin, the Rose

Pedaler in Rose Creek is a frontier-style,

real log cabin that houses visitors andtourists year-round. The Rose Pedaler fea-tures an old-fashioned interior withwooden furniture and a wooden spiralstaircase. It contains three guest sweetswhere visitors can enjoy the feel of what afrontier hotel was like. It also has an eventroom large enough for weddings, familyget-togethers, hunting parties and more.Rose Pedaler also offers a continentalbreakfast, houses a gift shop and is rightnext to the Shooting Star Scenic Bywayand Recreational Trail.Rose Pedaler resides at 16931 Highway

56 Rose Creek, MN 55970. For more info,call 434-0500, or visitwww.rosepedaler.com.

Grand Meadow Veterans MemorialAustin isn't the only area town with a

monument to honor local veterans. TheGrand Meadow American Legion mademajor additions to their memorial thissummer at Veterans Memorial Park."It's to honor those who served," said

Leland Ottman, commander of the HarryT. Anderson American Legion Post 140."Whether it was during war time or not, ifyou signed on the line, you're signing upto do whatever they tell you needs to bedone."The memorial is shaped like an octa-

gon of benches with two open sides. In thecenter of the octagon is a large flag pole,donated by a legion member who recentlydied, at the center of a star.

Herald file photoInside the Wilder House museum across from the historic church in Spring Valley.

The perfect destinations for autumn drives

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Southeastern Minnesota has a wide vari-ety of bike trails, each with its own uniqueset of scenic landscapes.The longest of area trails, the Root River

Trail spans 60 miles and includes towns likeLanesboro, Preston, Whalan, Rushford andHouston. The trail passes through 300-footbluffs and scenic valleys.The shooting Star Trail currently runs

from LeRoy to Adams, and the trail will even-tually reach Rose Creek and Austin. The 15-

mile trail offers views of farmland, LakeLouise State Park natural grasses and flow-ers which make for an enjoyable fall ride. Blazing Star Trail currently starts along

side Albert Lea Lake and runs through Myre-Big Island State Park toward Hayward. When completed, the trail will span 20

miles and connect with the Shooting StarTrail. Despite recent funding concerns, organiz-

ers envision a set of combined trails that willone day cross all of southeast Minnesota.


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159 18th Street SW • Owatonna • (507) 455-10003142 Wellner Drive NE • Rochester • 507-536-7700

132 North Broadway • New Richland • 507-463-0502After Hours Emergency Only • 507-456-5822

Main Street Dental ClinicOpen Monday-Saturday and 2 Evenings

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OUT AND ABOUT: BIKE TRAILS

Herald file photoTwo men start a bike ride on the Shooting Star Bike Trail in Adams.

More than 90 miles of trail and counting

—Apple Ridge Orchard &Vineyard47418 240th Avenue, Mazeppa,Minnesota 55956507-843-3033www.appleridgeorchard.comOpen: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily throughOctober, varying hours in November.

Apple Ridge specializes in family fun,according to owner Vince Steffen. Theorchard gives wagon rides, builds cornmazes (this year’s adult maze is morethan four acres large), and barnyard an-imals along with alpacas. With morethan 23 varieties of apples, seven vari-eties of grapes and nine varieties ofpumpkins, you’re guaranteed to findfresh fruit and old fashioned family en-tertainment at every visit. Apple Ridgeis open until around Thanksgiving everyyear, with wagon rides ending in No-vember.

—Whitewater Valley Orchard24496 Highway 74 N., St. Charles507-932-4003Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.

When Cindy Mueske’s father started

Whitewater Valley Orchard, he thoughtdehydrated apple chips would put the or-chard on the map. To this day, about athird of every year’s apple crop goes tothe dehydrators and ends up in morethan 20 stores in Minnesota and SouthDakota. Whitewater also sells pies, applebutter, and other fruits and vegetableslike cherries, strawberries, plums,pumpkins and squash. If you want atour of the orchard, simply call Cindyahead of time and arrange a meeting.


E-mail: [email protected]/stjohns

Saturday at 6:00 PM l Sunday at 9:00 AMChristian Education Hour 10:15 AM

Tom Ogilvie, Pastor l Troy Miller, Director of Christian Education

Sunday Schoolfor all ages 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship!10:00 a.m.

Nursery provided

Wednesday 6:30 p.m.Awana Teen Ministry

Pastor Dale [email protected]

Pastor David [email protected]

Sunday WorshipBeautiful Savior 10:45 am

Trinity 9:00 am

Sunday SchoolBeautiful Savior 9:30 am

Trinity 8:15 am

Adult BibleStudy

Trinity, Sunday 8:15 amBeautiful Savior,

Sunday 10:00 amWednesday Evening 7:00 pm

Beautiful Savior’sSunday Worship

Services are Broadcast on Cable

Channel 6,Thursday Evening at7 p.m. & Saturdaymorning at 11 a.m.

OUT AND ABOUT: APPLE ORCHARDS

Just ripe: Visit an apple orchard this fall

Herald file photoHoneycrisp apples, originally from Minnesota, are among the most prized apples every fall.Look for great deals on this popular variety at local apple orchards throughout Southeast Min-nesota.

By Trey Mewes

It’s a ripe time for apples, and Southeast Min-nesota is home to some of the best apple or-chards in the Midwest. With dozens of applevarieties and wagon rides aplenty, there’s fewbetter ways to enjoy the fall than to visit yourlocal apple orchard. Be sure to act quick, as theseorchards tend to wither on the vine come No-vember.

> APPLES continues on 12


Austin Veterinary ClinicDedicated to ProvidingQuality Care For Your

Pets and Livestock

433-5225 • 24 Hour Phone (5pm-8am Emergency)

Day Phone • 507-433-1261 Adams • 582-78283100 W. Oakland Avenue • Austin, MN

Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday • Saturday 8am-Noon24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

• BOARDING• PET FOODS• SUPPLIES

DOCTORS

J.P. Stevenson, D.V.M.L.E. Meyer, D.V.M.S.K. Olson, D.V.M.

L.A. Meeks, D.V.M.D.C. Rauser, D.V.M.

Turtle Creek Industries can do:Janitorial, Clerical,

Light Assembly, Laundry Work, Lawn Care, Farm Work, Restaurant Work

SPECIAL NEEDS:Individual employers needs for special jobs as seen by the employer

• Turtle Creek Industries specializes in employment for the developmentally disabled individual thru individual job training.If you have work available, call our staff: 433-9025

TURTLE CREEK INDUSTRIES2909 West Oakland Avenue • Austin, MN

Over 30 years serving the Austin area & beyond.

106 W. Oakland AvenueAustin, MN • 437-7217

• Music Books• Rentals & Repairs• Sheet Music• Gift Boutique • Drums • AMPS

• Acoustic & Electric Guitars• Band & Orchestra Accessories• Keyboards & Digital Pianos

Apold Music

Locally Owned &Operated

Free Estimates

The Exhaust Specialists1204 West Oakland Ave. • Austin, MN 55912

1-888-433-2307 • 507-433-2307

—Sekapp Orchards3415 College View Rd. E, RochesterPhone: (507) 282-4544Open: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. July 15-Dec.31.

Fred Kappauf ’s parents bought whatwould eventually become Sekapp Or-chard in 1962, turning a small, run-down apple orchard into close to 30acres of apple trees. Now, Kappauf is incharge of about 25 varieties of apples aswell as other crops like sweet corn,pumpkins, pears, plums, squash, zuc-chini, beats and other fruits and vegeta-

bles. Pick Your Owns for pumpkins andapples are held on weekends.

—Johnson Oakside Orchard9824 SW 75th St., Ellendale507-465-8398Open: 12 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Gary and Judy Johnson first plantedapple trees in 1985 as “kind of a retire-ment thing.” It’s slowly becoming a full-time job for the Johsons, as theirreputation for making the best $3caramel apple sundaes in the area isgrowing. The 12 varieties of apples theysell at $6, $8 and $12 a bag don’t hurt ei-ther.

—Preston Apple & Berry Farm645 Highway 16 and 52 E., Preston507-765-4486http://www.bluffcountry.com/appleberry.htmOpen: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April throughOctober9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday fromNovember to January10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays fromNovember to January

Homemade apple pie, 28 apple vari-eties, apple cider, honey, maple syrup,jams and Sunday afternoon wagon ridesare what Preston Apple and Berry Farmoffer this fall. In the Spring, Preston of-

fers garden seeds, bedding plants andother gardening essentials. Strawber-ries and raspberries are offered in thesummer.

—Big Woods Orchard321 E. 8th St., WinonaPhone: (507) 452-1352 or (507) 454-5201

Though Big Woods doesn’t sell applesat their farm, they are at the WinonaFarmer’s Market every Saturdaythrough November. During the pastdecade, the orchard’s grown to hold1,500 trees on four acres with six vari-eties of apples to sell.

From Page 11

OUT AND ABOUT: APPLE ORCHARDS


• Free consumer checking• Free or low cost business checking• 5 Star Package discounts• Variety of credit cards with rewards• Free Bill Pay and Internet banking• Home equity loans and lines• Vehicle loans• Business and Agriculture loans• Mortgage Loans• Investments• S.T.A.R.T. - We reward you to save!• And much more!

• Land Drainage• Backhoeing • Consulting• Conservation Construction• Wildlife Ponds • Road Boring

Huseby Insurance507-582-3253 • Adams, MN

First American Insurance507-567-2279 • Brownsdale, MN

Heartman Insurance507-437-4503 • Austin, MN

Sterling State Insurance507-437-3282 • Austin, MN

R&R Insurance507-583-7971 • Blooming Prairie, MN

Security Insurance507-373-6446 • Albert Lea, MN

First American Insurance507-553-4486 • Stewartville, MN

United Prairie Insurance507-451-3450 • Owatonna, MN

RELOCATION: MOWER COUNTY GOVERNMENTMower County has a number of public

officials who can help you with a varietyof topics. Here are some of the most use-ful contacts in the area.

Mower County Board of Com-missioners: •Tim Gabrielson, First District commissioner(507) 433-2598District includes the following town-

ships: Lansing, Red Rock, Udolpho andWaltham. The following cities are in theFirst District: Brownsdale, Mapleview,Waltham and Ward 1, Precinct 1 of theCity of Austin.

•Raymond Tucker, Second District commissioner(507) 584-6366 or (507) 584-6767

District includes the following town-ships: Adams, Bennington, Clayton, Dex-ter, Frankford, Grand Meadow, LeRoy,Lodi, Marshall, Pleasant Valley, Racineand Sargeant. The following cities are inthe Second District: Adams, Dexter, Elk-ton, Grand Meadow, LeRoy, Racine,Sargeant and Taopi.

•David Hillier, Third District Com-missioner(507) 437-4216District includes the following town-

ships: Austin, Lyle, Nevada and Windom.The following cities are included in theThird District: Lyle, Rose Creek and theWard 2, Precinct 2 of the City of Austin.

•Dick Lang, Fourth District Commis-sionerHome: 437-3414

Work: 437-7897 or 434-0589District includes all of the Third Ward

of the City of Austin.

•Mike Ankeny, Fifth District Commis-sioner507-433-4157District includes Ward 1, Precinct 2 and

Ward 2, Precinct 1 of the City of Austin.

County coordinator: Craig Oscarsondoesn’t vote at board meetings, but hehelps the county government runsmoothly in all aspects.(507) [email protected]

Auditor-treasurer: Questions aboutelections, birth certificates and propertytaxes, among other items, can be directedto Douglas Groh.

[email protected]

County attorney: Kristen Nelsen is incharge of the Mower County court [email protected]

Sheriff: Terese Amazi has been sheriff of Mower County since [email protected]

Environmental services:Angie Knishdirects this department and also handlesplanning and zoning issues in the [email protected]

When Tom Brokaw helps open a build-ing’s doors, the place must be pretty im-portant.That was a case with the SPAM Mu-

seum, which ceremoniously opened inJune 2002 with a little help from the fa-mous NBC news anchor.In the years since, the canned-ham

shrine has welcomed hundreds of thou-sands of visitors.Hormel spokesman Bill McLain said he

thinks people are drawn to the museumbecause the unique meat has become an“iconic symbol.”“Everyone seems to have a SPAM

story,” he said. “People come and are in-trigued by a museum dedicated to it.”Upon first entering the museum, guests

can gaze upon the SPAM wall — a collec-tion of nearly 3,500 cans on display.Next, it’s time for a video history of

SPAM — who knew that it’s so popular inHawaii? — before entering a replica of anold George Hormel meat market.After learning about how George

Hormel transferred the company to hisson, Jay, museum-goers can see how im-portant SPAM was during World War II.No, the ham and pork product was

never fired at anyone, but it did play a piv-otal role in the food line as a number of sol-diers gobbled it up. In fact, Dwight D.Eisenhower — a five-star general in thewar and later a U.S. president — com-mended the meat in a letter that is on dis-play.Also in this section is a war monument,

dedicated to Hormel workers who losttheir lives while in service. Brokaw firstunveiled the tribute when on-hand for themuseum’s grand opening.For those looking for less history and

more interaction, the museum offers a few

hands-on displays as well.There’s a SPAM canning factory, where

you can try your hand with stuffing themeat — actually, beanbag replicas — intocans while racing against a clock. If you’rereally looking for the full experience, youcan don a Hormel lab coat and hard-hatwhile working.The SPAM Museum is located on 1937

SPAM Blvd. (yes, SPAM was invented in1937) and is open 10-5 Monday through Sat-urday; 12-5 on Sunday. Admission is free.


LEAVE IT TO BRYANTTO FIND A WAY TO MAKE EFFICIENCY

MORE EFFICIENT.What could be better than a Bryant® heating product? Two, of course. And we’re calling it theHYBRID HEAT® dual fuel system. The premise is pretty simple. By combining the benefits ofboth our gas furnace and electric heat pump, now you can get the ultimate in heat efficiency.In fact, the cost to heat with the HYBRID HEAT dual fuel system by Bryant is less than that ofany gas furnace alone. So now, regardless of how cold it gets outside, you can be sure you’regetting the most out of your heating dollar. It’s just another reason Bryant is making sure you

can feel comfortable this winter.

433-5652*Federal tax credit 30% of cost up to $1500, subject to

a $1500 per homeowner for all improvements combined.

Rebates End Deember 31, 2010

Up To $1,370with add-ons

Bryant Rebate

Up To $550Utilities

Up To $1,500Tax Stimulus*

Total PossibleSavings of

$3,420Heating & Cooling, LLC

Sales and Service

DESTINATIONS: THE SPAM MUSEUM

History in a can


Experience Counts�� 24 years Law Enforcement experience �� 22 years in Mower County

�� Since 2004 all budgets controlled by the Sheriff have been $700,000.00 under budget

�� $440,000.00 saved in the radio communications project by partnering with the State Of Minnesota.

This Radio Communications Project benefited Public Safety for every citizen of Mower County. There are countless users including 60 Law Enforcement professionals, Fire Departments & Ambulance Services of Mower County/Austin.Involvement in a number of Community/Volunteer Organizations

• Jailer• Deputy Sheriff• Use of Force Instructor• Undercover Narcotics Investigator• Child Protection Investigator

• Welfare Fraud Investigator• Chief Deputy Sheriff• Narcotics K-9 Handler• Elected your Sheriff in 2002

MJ O’Connor Inc.MJ O’Connor Inc.MJ O’Connor Inc.

Residential & Commercial

Over 43 Years

ExperienceOver 29 yearsin Business

1507 14th St. NEAustin, MN 433-5017

Mike Jan Mick

Plumbing • Heating • Cooling • Refrigeration & Boilers • Sales Service • Installation • Commercial • Residential • Service Contracts

MN LICENSE #58584-PM


For Reservations Call 507-352-2056or E-Mail us at [email protected]

Our internet address is:www.maplespringscampground.com

Located West of Forestville State Park on Beautiful Forestville Creek

Owners:John & DorisPalmer,

Lois VanderPlas

MAPLE SPRINGSCAMPGROUND INC.

& COUNTRY STORE21606 Country Road 118Preston, MN 55965

STAY CLOSE TO HOME, HAVE MORE FUN AND SAVE MONEY!

We have 69 sites * 24 tent sites * 45 E/W sites with 30/50Amps * Come - Fish - Watch & Listen to the Birds *Hike Nature Trails * Relax & Listen to the Sounds of Nature. Our Country Store has Groceries *

Camping & RV Supplies * Fishing Tackle & Bait *Schwan's Ice Cream Treats * Fire Wood * Ice * Pop* Snacks & Much more to fill your Camping Needs.

FREE Wi-Fi

Go south ofWykoff on County Road 5,

then East 1.5Miles on County Road 118

Coordinates: N.46.63514/W.092.23598

Fresh PressedApple Cider

Highways 14 & 61, LaCrescent, MNPhone: 507-895-4583

Hours: Open Daily 8am - 8pmGift Certificates Available

Firmly rooted in LaCresent, MN since 1957

Hand Dipped Caramel Apples

Largest & FreshestApple Selectionin the Area

FreshFallProduce

WWW.BAUERSMARKETPLACE.COM

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS! Austin

56

16Minnesota

30

63Wykoff••Dexter

Adams

••Elkton

7

• Spring Valley

90

••

BLUFFCOUNTRY

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 17SOUTHERN EXPOSURE - A special supplement to the Austin Daily Herald

APPLESOver 30 Varieties of Eating

& Baking ApplesHoneycrisp, Honeygold, Fireside, Regent, Haralson, and Lots More!

CRAFTS• Fall Decor • Apple Turnovers• Hand Dipped Caramel Apples

& Turtle Apples• Gourmet Honey • Jams & Jellies• & Many Other Wonderful Items

Fresh Apple Cider

Open Daily thrumid November

Apple Stand:2 blocks South

of Hwy. 16stop lights.

Stand507-895-8221

LEIDELʼS

43

16Minnesota

44

74

30

139

••

52

52

6343

••Wykoff

Cresco

••Lanesboro

9

18

52

23

• Decorah

• Chatfield

• Spring Valley

Harmony •

• Mabel

• Rushford

30

90

N

Leidel’s Apples

Bauer’sApples

••Preston

Preston Apple& Berry Farm

Branding Iron

Maple SpringsCampground

OakenwaldTerrace

Amish Tours of HarmonyGenerations of Harmony


You are always welcome here!

Nancy UlwellingCell 279-0427

Art HollerudCell 438-1090

William DanielsonCell 438-7728

www.semnrealtors.com

ASSISTED LIVING APARTMENTS

The Privacy of Individualized Apartments,Combined with the Ease of Living that

comes from Fully Prepared Meals, House-keeping and Laundry Services

SKILLED NURSING HOME FACILITY

Individual Care To Meet Each Resident’s Needs:

Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

HOME HEALTH CARE

Providing Assistance in the Comfortand Privacy of Your Home

ADULT DAY PROGRAM

Live At Home But Spend The Day With Us

ADULT DAY PROGRAM 2

Separate Day Program Specializingin Memory Loss Disorders

• Swimming• Family FunNights

• Basketball• Indoor Track• Raquetball• Tennis• Gymnastics

• Whirlpool• Youth Sports• Afterschool• Group ExerciseClasses

• Licensed Pre-school

• Child Care• Fitness Equipment Center

The Bluff Country of Southern Min-nesota is a perfect autumn getaway, wovenwith bursts of color, rolling paved roadsand acres of corn as far as the eye can see.Noted as a best-kept secret, the affec-

tionately nicknamed “mountains of Min-nesota” do not lure thrill-seekers oradventurists, and they like it that way. A drive from Rushford — the entrance

to the bluffs, nestled in a deep valley — tothe cornfields of Caledonia and back intothe picturesque scenery of Harmony, is aday or even a weekend vacation away.

Relaxation in RushfordStep back in time in Rushford, where a

museum and replica chapel speak of daysgone by.A small town surrounded by big hills,

the quaint community draws bicyclists tothe trailhead of the Root River Trail,where the Rushford Area Historical Soci-ety’s Rushford Depot now sits.


Perched on the Shores of Lake Pepin among the bluff sin Lake City, Minnesota.“The most romantic spoton the river.” Fantasticviews from eachSuite. Rent by theday, week ormonth.

Luxury Condominium Resort

Downtown Lake City108 E. Lyon Ave. • Lake City, MNMon-Sat 10-5:30 • Sun 10-4

651-345-2882

OUT AND ABOUT: BLUFF COUNTRY

Herald file photoA view of a cornfield beneath the bluffs of Bluff Country east of Rushford.

Plenty to do, seein bluff country

> BLUFF continues on 20


As the warm days of late summer linger on, it is diffi-cult to think about snow and cold weather. However,autumn will be here soon and how much you save onenergy bills this winter will depend largely on whatyou do now. The heat and humidity of summer can behard on your home's exterior surfaces and on yourheating and cooling system. The following are stepsyou can take to help make your home more warm andcozy—and energy efficient—when the cold weathercomes.

Doors and Windows• Replace worn weather stripping around all doors and windows.

• Caulk around gaps in windows and door glass.• Install storm doors if you have them.• Consider replacing older windows with newer, more efficient models.

Sealing and Insulation• Proper attic insulation is essential both for keepingyour house warm and saving on winter heating bills. Add or replace attic insulation as necessary.

• Add foam insulation to electrical outlets and switches on external walls. Remember to turn off power first!

• Check for and seal holes hidden in attics, basements, and crawlspaces that can cause drafts and air leaks.

Heating System• Have your heating system checked by a certified professionalbefore cold weather arrives.

• Clean vents and other heating system components.

• Replace your furnace's filter and continue toreplace it regularly throughout the heating season.

• Consider installing a programmable thermostat to more efficiently regulate temperature.

Tax Incentives & RebatesMany of your home energy-efficiency projects areeligible for tax credits and rebates. Visit www.en-ergystar.gov for tax credit qualifications andwww.austinutilities.com for rebates available toAustin Utilities customers.

Don’t forget our November Conserve & Save HouseCall Workshop Monday November 8th 7 p.m. at theJC Hormel Nature Center. Call Dave at 507-433-8886 to reserve your spot today.

TODAY’S TOPIC:Autumn Energy-Saving Tips

The museum, on the National Regis-ter of Historic Places and built by theSouthern Minnesota Railway in 1867,features the 1890 Grinde School build-ing, presented to the historical societyin 1991 by the City of Rushford. A tiny,restored Episcopal chapel stands nextto the museum. Established in 1867, thechurch has a red door and traditionalsteeple.Take in the scenic overlooks on

Magelssen Bluff Park; canoe the RootRiver, or sample the area eateries anddo some shopping. Camping is availableat the Creekside Park Campground andNorth End Park, and lodging is also pro-vided by Meadows Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Another worldHarmony takes pride in its other-

worldly neighbors — its Amish commu-nity.According to Rosella Peterson, assis-

tant director at the Harmony VisitorCenter, an estimated 1,000 people live inthe Amish community, known for theirsimple living , plain clothing and black,

horse-drawn wagons.Five Amish farms sell merchandise,

ranging from the popular furniture tohoney. Tours are available year-round;guides will accompany you in your ve-hicle, or you can rent a CD. Tours aretypically about two hours.“Each Amish has their own line of

work that they do,” said Rosella Peter-son, assistant director at the HarmonyVisitor Center. “If there is a sign outfront, they are open to tourists.”Amish tours are available at

www.amish-tours.com andwww.rmamish.com.

Discover wildernessBirdwatchers, campers, wildflower

enthusiasts and trout anglers will wantto check out Beaver Creek Valley StatePark near Caledonia. The park has pic-nic areas and eight miles of hikingtrails, and its bubbling stream is thehighlight of the woods. Drive-in, walk-in and electrical sites are available forRV campers and tenters.

From Page 19

Herald file photoAmish men heading south into Harmony.



One of the oldest cities in Minnesota, Caledoniabears the nickname “Wild Turkey Capital of Min-nesota,” and is home to the state’s oldest jail. For more information about Beaver Creek Val-

ley State Park, visitwww.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/beaver_creek_valley/index.html.

Fluff in the bluffsAbout 15 stay-at-home moms serve as vital em-

ployees at Austin’s Angora Goats & Mohair in ruralHarmony, where signature mohair socks are spunand shipped across the country.Angora goats, miniature fainting goats and Old

English babydoll sheep produce yarn, blankets,sweaters, cheese and meat for owners Jim and AdaAustin.Visit www.austinsmohair.com for more infor-

mation about merchandise, store hours and visits.

Treasures foundWhether you are a window shopper or antique

fanatic, Harmony offers a wide variety of art gal-leries, Amish gift shops, antique stores, bed andbreakfasts and restaurants.A walk down Har-

mony’s downtownsidewalks will bringyou to On theCrunchy Side, whichadvertised a chalk-board a chicken en-chilada lunch andchocolate cream piedessert that day.A can’t miss is

Slim’s Woodshed, thecountry’s largestwoodcarving mu-seum that includes

antiques, a gift shop, classroom, woodcarving sup-plies and more. Visit www.slimswoodshed.com.I Love Antiques, Ann-tiques & Collectibles,

Meadow Lane Art Gallery are just a few of thequirky stops during your visit.Harmony is busiest from May through the end

of October.

Head underground“Niagara Cave is a big attraction,” Rosella Pe-

terson emphasized.Open for more than 75 years, the cave has been

rated one of the Top Ten Caves in the United Statesby gorp.com.At a constant 48 degrees, Niagara Cave features

stalactites, stalagmites, fossils and even a 60-footwaterfall. There is also a gift shop.More than 430 weddings have been performed at

its Crystal Wedding Chapel since 1934.Niagara Cave is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

daily in September and weekends in October; off-season appointments are available. Discountedrates are available for schools, churches, 4-H clubs,scouts and other groups.Visit www.niagaracave.com to learn more.


Excellent for RVs, Boats, Campers, Vehicles, Equipment, Farm Machinery.Call 433-3376 for rates and space availability.

Also, consider reserving the fairgrounds now for your event next year. Auctions/Estate Sales, Flea Markets, Class Reunions, Wedding Receptions,

Company/Group Picnics, Livestock Shows/Sales, Car Shows/Sales, Music Events, Horse ShowsFair Office Phone: 433-1868 - www.mowercountyfair.com

Mower County Fairgrounds700 12th Street SW • Austin, MN

Winter Storage Space Now Available!

• Manufactured in Minnesota since 1925• New Austin location, serving all SouthernMinnesota and Northern Iowa

• Quality, Reliable Service• Water Softeners• Iron Filters• RO Drinking Water Systems• Water Coolers and Bottled Water• Bacteria and Virus Drinking Filters• Winona, Rochester, Austin and Albert Leastore locations.


From Page 20



Whirlpools for Two • Air ConditioningRomantic Fireplaces • Murder MysteriesRetreats/Seminars • Private PartiesOpen for Lunch Monday-Saturday.

Open for Dinner every Friday & Saturday Evening.

PPiicckkeett FFeennccee AAnnttiiqquueess224444 WW.. 44tthh ,, BBooxx 449922SStt .. AAnnssggaarr,, IIAA 5500447722

664411--773366--GGIIFFTT““SSiimmppllyy CChhaarrmmiinngg””HHoouurrss:: TTuueessddaayy--SSaattuurrddaayy 1100--55

• Families• Seniors• Children• Pets• Weddings

Lisa Dockstader, Photographer 211 East 3rd Street • St. Ansgar, IA

Book Your Fall Family

Portrait Now!

Full ServiceQuilt Shop

Let us fill your quilting fabric needs...Now at TWO locationsSt. Ansgar & Mason City!Finest fabrics, notions, Classes & friendly, helpful staff.

308 W. 4th St. ~ St. Ansgar 641-736-23001631 4th St. SW ~ Mason City #115 Willowbrook Mall 641-423-5176

www.saintlystitches.com

LARSON’S MERCANTILEUnique Signs & Gifts • Fall & Holiday DecoratingHardy Mums • Scrapbooking • Fabric & Crafts

Stop in during the Harvest Fest October 2nd and see what’s new!

323 Main Avenue • Clear Lake, Iowa641-357-7544

Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm • Sunday Noon-5pm

• Candles • Jewelry • Antiques • Jim Shore • Lang Center • Willow Tree Angels

• Rugs • Wall Decor • Folk Art • Pottery • Books • Byers’ Carolers • Williraye Studio• “Life is good” Clothing & Accessories

The sixth annual Harvest Festival inClear Lake, Iowa offers it all: a chance tostroll down a crowded Main Street, achance to sample some great wines and achance to hear some jazz music. Theevent takes place Saturday, Oct. 2.The wine tasting runs from noon to 5

p.m. Live music will also take place allday throughout different locations. Therewill also be the popular grape stompingcontest from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Other eventsthroughout the day will include winecharm making, salsa making, flowerpounding, pumpkin roll relay and a fallcolors tour “aboard the main street trol-ley.”There will be a Harvest

Vendors/Farmers Market that runs from9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which includes fresh pro-duce, mums, pumpkins, dried flowers,baked goods, mennonite and amishgoods, harvest related vendors, streetartists and food. For more information, call (641) 357-

2159; or visit www.clearlakeiowa.com forevent times and descriptions.

OUT AND ABOUT: CLEAR LAKE

Herald file photoThe Clear Lake Harvest Festival is returningfor its sixth year October 2.

Clear Lake Harvest Festival

CLEAR LAKE HARVEST FESTIVALThe Clear Lake Harvest Festival sellswine kits each year; this year’s bagincludes a festival pass to allactivities, 15 wine-sampling tickets, awine glass and other gifts. The Harvestbags are only for tasting wine, butvisitors can still buy bottles of wine.

Number of bags (for wine tasting) soldin the past five years:

2007 — 6802008 — 8752009 — 9502010 — (will be selling 1,000 bags)


1855

3714 4th St. NW, Austin507 433-3454

1891

Austin Daily HeraldAustin’s only source for local news since 1891

310 2nd Street NE • Austin, MNCall 433-8851 to subscribe today!www.austindailyherald.com

1912

“Austin’s Premier Performing Arts Center & Gathering Place”

125 4th Ave NE • 434-0934 or toll free 866-434-0934For a Calendar of Events Please Visit www.paramounttheatre.org

1929 1930

1936

1868


www.usbank.com

1917

Professional Insurance with Personal Service329 N. Main St., Suite 103 • Austin • 433-4998

www.cobrown.com

C.O. BrownInsurance Agency

Agents: Richard FischerCeleste Krause

Your policy comeswith an agent!

1940

437-4561

Minnesota’s B&B CapitalLanesboro prides itself on its

unique bed and breakfasts, artsand entertainment, eateries andexpansive bike trail system.The town’s old buildings and

shops attract visitors yearlong;however, fall is the most scenicseason to visit Lanesboro. Nestledbelow vast hills, bluffs and fields,Lanesboro offers visitors a sceniclook at every juncture. Notable at-tractions are the CommonwealTheatre, which boasts plays fromrenowned writers and perform-ers, and the Root River/Preston-Harmony Valley Trail system forbikers. The bike trail spans 60miles and joins the towns of Har-mony, Preston, Lanesboro, Wha-lan, Peterson, Rushford andHouston. There are multipleplaces to rent bikes and plenty ofparks and rest areas.For more area info visit

www.lanesboro.com.

OUT AND ABOUT: BLUFF COUNTRYFrom Page 21

Herald file photoAmish tours out of Harmony.


1961

AUSTIN, MINN. Since 1961

Austin’s Oldest Locally Owned & Operated

604 18th Avenue NW • Austin, MN(507) 437-2611


1966Commercial & Residential

Asphalt Paving

Seal Coating

Parking Lot Sweeping & Striping

1967

1940DRS. ELROD, GREEN

& HYLAND, D.D.SDavid A. Elrod, D.D.S.Peter B. Green, D.D.S.Bobee J. Hyland, D.D.S800 First Avenue SW • Austin507-437-8208

www.elrodgreendds.com

Originated by Dr. Swift

WelcomingNew Patients!

1952

1952 1954

507 433-34671900 8th Street NE, Austin, MN 55912

1962GARY GROH

CONSTRUCTIONResidential & Commercial Parking Lots

Concrete Slabs • Garage Slabs • Driveways • SidwalksCurb Cuts • Curb Gutter • Colored Stamped Concrete

911 5th Ave NE, Austin, MN437-4264 or 437-4980

GROHCONCRETE.COM

1960

433-2303www.cedarvalleyservices.org

Serving the people of Mower County in areas ofEmployment and Contracted Services by

building buisness partnerships for 50 years.

Not sure who to contact about localgovernment? Need to schedule a doctor’sappointment? This list should help youfind some useful resources in Austin.

Austin City Council: Meets on thefirst and third Mondays of each month at5:30 at city hall, 500 Fourth Ave. N.E. Thepublic is encouraged to attend.

•Brian McAlister, First Ward coun-cilman Home: [email protected]

•Jeff Austin, First Ward councilmanHome: [email protected]

•Dick Pacholl, Second Ward council-manHome: 507-433-1760

•Steve King, Second Ward council-manHome: [email protected]

•Marian Clennon, Third Ward coun-cilwomanHome: [email protected]

•John Martin, Third Ward council-manHome: [email protected]

•Janet Anderson, at-large council-womanHome: [email protected]

•Mayor: Tom Stiehm, a retired detec-tive of the Austin Police Department, hasbeen mayor since January 2007.City hall: 507-437-9965 Home: 507-437-4092

RELOCATION: CITY GOVERNMENT

Austin City Council

CHECK USOUT ONLINE!


1969GERARDACADEMY

For emotionally & behaviorallychallenged adolescents.

433-1843

Austin, MN1969

1970 1970

1973Mower CouncilFor The Handicapped111 North Main Street, Austin, MN507-433-9609

1974Locally

Owned &Operated

Free Estimates

The Exhaust Specialists1204 West Oakland Ave. • Austin, MN 55912

1-888-433-2307 • 507-433-2307

1975

326 North Main Street, Austinwww.hlwb-cpa.com

HILL, LARSON,WALTH & BENDA, P.A.

CPAThe CPA. Never Underestimate the Value.

Certified Public Accountants

433-2264

1975

1976

ERV SCHIECK & SON

Siding & WindowsBlown Insulation • Walls/Attics

Seamless Gutters

437-3853Lic 0002800

Since1976

We welcome new patients!405 East Main Street • Blooming Prairie • (507) 583-2141

159 18th Street SW • Owatonna • (507) 455-10003142 Wellner Drive NE • Rochester • 507-536-7700

132 North Broadway • New Richland • 507-463-0502After Hours Emergency Only • 507-456-5822

Main Street Dental ClinicOpen Monday-Saturday and 2 Evenings

1976 19761301 18th Avenue NW

Austin, MN

550077--443377--77663344

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

The Mower County Senior Center, whichspans 15,000 square feet, kicked off a capi-tal fundraising campaign July 27, 2009 toraise $100,000 for upgrades and remodel-ing. The renovation project, which cost$237,000, received $92,000 from The HormelFoundation and $45,000 from the City ofAustin. The Senior Center had its grandre-opening June, 24, 2010, and celebratedthe building’s 35th year of existence.Items that were renovated included

lobby walls and flooring; theadvocacy/chore offices, which provideservices such as helping seniors with oddjobs or providing information on renters’rebates and legal advice; refurbished ex-ecutive and transportation offices; up-graded handicap restrooms; new flooringin the dining hall; additional recreationspace for active seniors; and a coffee shopwith computers and the use of wireless In-ternet that replaced the Used a Bit store.The Senior Center also now offers moreevening programs.

Herald file photoCharles Mills shows off the Nintendo Wii system for Liz and Earl Day during the Mower CountySenior Center's open house.

DESTINATION: MOWER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER

A bigger, bettersenior center

NUMBERS TO KNOW:

Mower County Senior Citizens Center:(507) 433-2370; 400 Third Ave. NE.

PROGRAMS AT THE CENTER:

Advocacy program: (507) 433-3462 —This program strives to keep seniorsindependent. The advocates work withseniors and their families on a variety ofareas, from budgeting, finding housingappropriate to senior needs andrecovering from being scammed.

Chore: (507) 433-8376 — This programassists seniors with their chores, bethey lawn care or painting. It isresponsible for the repainting of severalhomes owned by seniors in the past fewyears.

Austin-Mower County Area Transit:(507) 437-9459 — Many seniors usethis method of public transport to getaround the area.

Senior Dining: (507) 433-3120 — This program provides inexpensive,nutritious meals for seniors at thesenior center every weekday at lunchstarting at 11:30 a.m. Price is $3.50 forseniors and $5.50 for those under 60.


Piece of Mind is PricelessBurglar and Fire Alarms,

Closed Circuit Videosystems

1978

CallAustin Communications, LLC

433-96502001 29th Avenue SE • Austin, MN

Over 40 Yearsof service!

1978

Always FREE Delivery!507-437-3249VOTED BEST PIZZA 7 YEARS IN A ROW421 North Main Street

1979

1981

Brownsdale, MNI-90 & Highway 56507-437-4636

T R U C K I N G

1981

House of

Total Hair CareBarber & Beauty

Cathy Murphy • Deb Morgan • Marv Steiff

507-433-5122301 1st Avenue NW • Austin, MN

1982 1982Lincoln WebsterApartments

A NICE, QUIET, SECURE, CLEAN,SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME

437-4264

Heating & Cooling LLC

SALES & SERVICE

443333--55665522103 3rd Street SE • AUSTIN

1983 1983

701 18th Avenue NW, Austin • 433-7593

Screenprinting • EmbroideryAdvertising Specialties

—Bustad, 8th Street & 14th Avenue SW—Bandshell Community, Fourth

Street & Ninth Place SW—Crane, Eighth Street and 16th Av-

enue NE—Cullen, Between 10-12th Street &

11th Avenue SW—Decker, 19th Street & Sixth Avenue

NE—Early Morning Lions, Oakland

Place NE—East Side Lake, Eighth Avenue &

Oakland Place NE—Galloway, Eighth Street & Second

Avenue SW—Honor Guard, Eighth Street NE—Horace Austin, North Main Street—Kaufman, Eighth Street & 11th Av-

enue SE—Lafayette, South Main Street &

Eighth Avenue SE—Lafayette East, South Main Street &

Seventh Place SE—J.C. Hormel Nature Center, 1304

21st St. NE—Murphy’s Creek, Seventh Street &

24th Avenue NW—North Driesner, Eighth Street &

Oakland Place SE—Northwest, 12th Street & 13th Av-

enue NW—Orchard Creek, 16th Avenue SW—Rotary Centennial, Main Street &

Eighth Avenue SE—Sherman, 14th Street & Sixth Av-

enue NW—Shirley Theel Memorial, 400 25th

St. SW—South Driesner, Oakland Place SE

—South Grove, 21st Avenue & 4thDrive SW—Sterling, 17th Street & Fifth Avenue

SW—Sutton, 12th Street & Oakland Place

SE—Todd, 11th Street & 21st Avenue NE—Whittier, Seventh Street & Third Av-

enue SE—Wildwood, 10th Street & 16th Av-

enue NE—Worlein, 606 1 Drive NW

Park Regulations—All city facilities and parks are to-

bacco free.—Pets are prohibited from the follow-

ing parks: Todd; Marcusen; MorningLions; Shirley Theel; Lafayette and Na-ture Center.—Pets are allowed at all other parks

with the following restrictions: must be ona leash except for designated areas, own-ers must clean up after pets.—Permits are required for kegs in any

Austin park and can be obtained at thePark and Recreation Office. There is atwo-week waiting period and $10 fee. Glassis not allowed in the parks—Parks are closed from 10:30 p.m. to 7

a.m. Speed limit is 15 mph. Camping is notallowed, no driving on the grass, no hit-ting golf balls.—The bandshell is available by filling

out a request form from the Parks andRecreation Office. Electricity is availablefor a $25 fee—Burning in parks is prohibited.

OUT AND ABOUT: PARKS, CAMPGROUNDS

Yogi Bear Campground Resort atBeaver Trails is just east of Austin on I-90. It offers many things to experience,such as a giant jumping pillow, pool andwaterslide, bean bag toss, cart and scooterrentals, petting zoo, mini golf, mini trainrides and more.See all their seasonal activities online

at www.beavertrails.com.

Oakwoods Trails Campground is asix-acre facility with 21 campsites justoutside of Ausitn. It has horseshoes, sandvolleyball, fishing, and wildlife. Electric-ity, water and showers are available. It islocated at 23614 890th Ave. Austin, MN55912. Phone: 507-437-6165.

River Bend Campgrounds, 13380State Highway 105, Austin, MN 55912, of-

fers pleasant riverside sites. It has newowners and nice residents. Phone: (507)325-4637.

Other nearby campgroundsAlbert Lea Austin KOA—12 mi NW,

84259 county road 46, Hayward, MN.Phone: (507) 373-5170.

Crystal Springs RV Resort—15649SW 35th Ave, Ellendale, MN 56026, (507)684-2406; (507) 951-6320 (Mobile).

Maple Springs Campground Inc—39mi E, 21606 County 118, Preston, MN (507)352-2056.

Riverview Campground—2554 SW28th St, Owatonna, MN 55060-5055, (507)451-8050.Valleyview Campground—23750 US

52, Preston, MN 55965-1183, (507) 765-2227.

List of Austin Community Parks

Southeastern Minnesota camping guide

Disc Golf—Todd Park at 11th Street NE and

21st Avenue NE, has a 27-hole course lo-cated throughout the wooded and rollingtrain of the prk. Course maps and score-cards are available at the Prks andRecreation office at 121 Fourth Ave. NE.For more information, call 433-1881.—Driesner South at Eighth Street SE

and Oakland Place SE, also offers a nine-hole course. Maps and scorecards areavailable at the Austin Parks and Recre-ation office.

Golf—River Oaks Golf Club, an 18-hole

layout on the Cedar River, is open to thepublic and houses a spacious meetingand events room for special occasions.Green fees are $15.00 for nine holes or$25.00 for 18. Cart rentals are $7.50 fornine holes or $12.50 for 18. Membershipsare also available. River Oaks is locatedat 54384 244th St., Austin. For more in-formation call 433-9098 or visitwww.rivergolf1.com.—Meadow Greens, located at 25238

540th Ave., is another Austin course with18 holes, practice range and chippinggreen. Nine hole green fees are $14, $20for 18. $21 for 9 with a cart or $30 for 18holes, range fees are $3 for 30 balls; mem-berships are available, too. Meadow

Greens also can facilitate events. For in-formation call 433-4878 or seewww.meadowgreensgc.com.—Cedar River Country Club, located

in Adams off of State Highway 56, is an18-hole design with a range and diningarea. For info, call 507-582-3595; also seewww.cedarrivercountryclub.com.

Basketball—Riverside Arena Parking Lot, 501

Second Ave. NE—Rotary Centennial Park, Main

Street & Eighth Avenue SE—Sherman Park, 14th Street & Sixth

Avenue NW—South Grove Park 21st Avenue &

Fourth Drive SW

Sand Volleyball—Lions Park, Eighth Street NE and

Oakland Place NE—Todd Park, 11th Street NE and 21st

Street (two pits)—Horace Austin Park along Main

Street North

Soccer—Todd Park, 11th Street NE and 21st

Street

Tennis—Wescott Field, 1300 block of Oak-

land Ave. West (six courts)—Ellis Middle School, 1700 Fourth

Ave. SE (six courts)—The Austin Country Club (four

courts)


1984 1985

1986

1988

1987

REAL ESTATE & AUCTION COMPANYCash for your house in 30 days.OFFERING THE BEST SERVICE SINCE 1987

437-8232 • 1-800-890-8232GEORGE MOLINE • STEVE MOLINE

1990

701 17th Ave. NW • Austin, MN • 433-6720

Bring your friends &family for excellent homecooked meals and fresh

baked goods.

We’re open 365 days a year.

1992

2000 8th Street NW, Austin507-437-2400www.crc.coop

Stacey L. JohnsonPO Box 328

Owatonna, MN [email protected]

(507) 455-5299 • (800) 533-0472Fax: (507) 455-8434

Convenient Insurance Service

Property And Liability • Umbrella • Key Employee Life • IRAsFunding Buy/Sell Agreements • Group Health

1994

1987Development Corporation of Austin

Aggressively supporting new and existing industrial enterprises for the

economic betterment of Austin and Mower County.

John Garry • 507-433-9495329 North Main Street, Suite 106L

Austin, Minnesotawww.austindca.org

OUT AND ABOUT: PLACES TO PLAY

Herald file photoDisc golf is just one of the many fall activties available around the area.

Austin boasts plentyof spots for sports


1994 1995Dr. Joseph P. Ray

FAMILY DENTIST

(507) 582-3563407 LINCOLN STREET NW • ADAMS, MN

HOME (507) 582-1019

Dental Care with a personal touch

ADAMS DENTALCLINIC

1995

Complete Truck & Trailer Repair

437-90001-888-900-2205

Located 4 miles east of Austin on I90 at Hwy. 56(Exit 183)

1996 1996

Specializing In Finding Employees For Your Business117 4th Ave NE, Austin

433-5570*Clerical *Seasonal *Construction *General labor

*Temporary *Permanent

1997

Drive Thru Service • 433-7123Instant Access to the Pharmacist1109 W Oakland Ave, Austin

1997433-6000

1998

Road trips may not be as American asapple pie and baseball, but for some peo-ple, the ones who enjoy venturing out tosome place new, they are an essentialpart of life.Today, the journey begins in Austin,

although Albert Lea works just as well.From here, it’s due east on Interstate 90and then to State Route 16, onto U.S.Route 63, back onto State Route 16, thenonto State Route 80.The destination is Ed’s Museum in

Wykoff, which has become a nationalsensation and where Ed’s dead cat is stillin a box. The trip goes through GrandMeadow and Spring Valley, which bothhave the feel of typical Minnesota towns,complete with the homestyle diners andthe friendly faces.

DESTINATIONS: ED’S MUSEUM

Submitted photoIn this photograph, Ed Krueger places his hand on a box of Wheaties that featured a playablephonographic record. A Minnesota Food Retailers Association sign tacked to the shelvesreads: “The trouble with doing nothing is that you can't stop and rest.”

Collector’s treasuresstill alive at museum

> MUSEUM continues on 30

Herald file photoA back room at Ed's Museum in Wykoff fea-tures a treasure of old-time player pianorolls.


Regular Paramount Hours:Monday - Friday • 9am to 1pmTickets Available at: Chamber Office, HyVee, Hardy Geranium & Tone Music in Albert LeaScott Anderson, Theatre Manager, will be happy to update you on the restoration, tell you about upcoming events, arrange tours, etc.Call or e-mail the Historic Paramount Theatre: 507-434-0934 E-mail: [email protected]


www.usbank.com

507-433-3467www.ipaper.com

1900 8th Street NEAustin, MN

INTERNATIONALPAPER

1304 1/2 10th Drive SE • Austin, Minnesota433-6456

1999

2000

RRDD Diamond Ridge Printing

Quality Printing at Competitive Prices910 2nd Ave. SW • Austin • 434-7580www.diamondridgeprinting.com

20002000 2000

(507) 438-6415 • www.doocrewmn.com

Serving Austin & Rochester Areas!

• Weekly service• Bi-monthly service• One time service• Easy montly billing

The Doo Crew eliminates the most unpleasant aspects of dogownership. For a surprisingly low price, we will find, scoop

& haul away all those nasty “canine calling cards”!

2001

SALES & SERVICE

709 11th Street NE • Austin, MN 55912

507-434-8000

THERMOKING

Blecker Realty,Inc.& Auction Service

“Better Call Blecker”TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTERAustin • 433-3536 Albert Lea • 379-9009

www.bleckerrealty.com2003 2003

2004

• On-Site supervisor• heated floors

• indoor/outdoor runs• air conditioned

• scenic wooded location• flexible drop-0ff

& pick-up• Close Access to I-35

Smaller Facility

More Individualized

Care For Your Pet!

PLUMBINGCCaallllaahhaann

2008

Drain Cleaning • Video Camera Service

Emergency Service on Weekends

507.434.7521

Wykoff, which is rich in history, boastsa population of 460. Wykoff ’s claim to fameis Ed’s Museum, also known as the JackSprat Food Store that opened in 1933.Ed Krueger ran it from 1933 until the

late 1980s. He died in 1989 at the age of 91.Local historians say the building once

housed a saloon and a brewery in the 1800sand then later became a grocery store.Ed’s Museum, which is open every

weekend from Memorial Day weekenduntil Labor Day Weekend or by appoint-ment, is jammed-packed with history.Inside are newspaper clippings from

the numerous articles that have been writ-ten about it, shelves filled with collectiblesand the candy and the pop that was for salewhen Krueger died.“He willed it to the city six years prior

to his death,” said Esther Evers, who helpskeep the museum in prime condition aspart of the town’s historical society. “It washis dream that it would become a museum.He collected when anyone wanted to getrid of something.”His collection is extensive and so is the

merchandise.Visitors can still see the 10-cent Bottle-

caps candy; the Slo-Pokes; and the Three-

Musketeers bars still sealed in the classicwhite wrappers.While the candy was for sale in 1989, it

can no longer be purchased and is simply apart of the museum, Evers said.The store’s collection doesn’t stop there.It is filled with Jack Sprat products, lots

of them; Kool-Aid packets, orange andcherry, that look brand-new; and cans ofstrawberry soda, cola and Diet Pepsi backwhen it still had one calorie.“Wykoff meant everything to him,”

Evers says. “He wanted to save the historyof Wykoff by collecting items nobodywanted. You bet he was proud of his col-lection.”Other museum items include Krueger’s

gallstones in a jar, his gold teeth and his catSammy, who died in 1986.The box, which Evers says still smells

sometimes in the summer, is located downin the basement.Krueger has been called eccentric, but

he was also a lot of other things, includinga well-respected resident of Wykoff and anexcellent record keeper.Visitors can still see his first grocery

list, which included cheese, cocoa and cof-fee. He also kept every copy of Life maga-zine from October 1938 to December 1972.“He saved everything,” Evers said.Upstairs, visitors can tour where he

lived, from the pantry filled with dishes to

the dandruff remover in the bathroom.“He had a lot of unique stuff,” Evers

said.Ed’s Museum, the home of one man’s

possessions, is located on 100 S. Gold Streetin Wykoff.


• Acclaim Studio of Dance• Anytime Fitness• Austin Area Art Center• Cost Cutters• Family Dollar• GNC• Just for Kix• Minnesota Discount Sunglasses• Mower County Human Services• Regis Hairstyling• Two Bears Trading Post• Vision World• Weight Watchers

805 11th St NE • 433-9384

Herald file photoA scarecrow version of Edwin Julius Kruegergreets folks as they mosey into Ed's Mu-seum, a former Jack Sprat Food Store he ranfor decades.

DESTINATIONS: ED’S MUSEUM

From Page 28


When you look around town, what do you see?You see homes, schools, parks, playgrounds.

But itʼs more than that. Itʼs our hometown.Shop locally, invest locally, and

support our local economy.You qualify for membership if you live, work, worship

or attend school in Mower or Freeborn Counties.

Serving the people of Mower County inareas of Employment and Contracted Serv-ices by building business partnerships for

over 48 years.www.cedarvalleyservices.org

• Community or Supported Employment

• School to Work Transition• Center-Based Employment• Mental Health Services• Specialized Transportation

At Comforcare Good Samaritan Center, health is about the wholeperson. Our focus on the whole-person approach allows residents

to live their lives tothe fullest while theirphysical, emotional andspiritual needs are met.

FREE hearing aid consultationfrom a Doctor of Audiology.

We offer many different brands of hearing aids.

Audiologists have theeducation and trainingto recommend the best

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