As we have done each year for some time now, here is a review of some of the changes that have happened in area businesses during the past year.
Kimball
AK Graphics: Monday Feb. 29, 2016, Kimball Fire Department responded to a fire at AK Graphics in downtown Kimball. Everything in the print and embroidery business was destroyed. Rehab Boutique in the front of the building was also destroyed. To rebuild, they gutted the building and started from the bare walls and floors. In a short time, with a lot of hard work, both businesses were up and running in a brand-new facility. A neighboring business, Son of a Butcher Bar & Grill, suffered smoke damage; it was closed several days for intensive cleaning.
Casey?Äôs General Store: Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, Casey?Äôs General Store raised $1,018 in sponsorship cards to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association. As a reward to the highest-selling employees, they got to ?Äúpie?Äù their managers.
Diva?Äôs Hair & Body Care Professionals: Owner Donita Knaus sold her salons in Kimball and Annandale to stylist Erin Bollman last fall. The name is now Diva?Äôs Inc. Salon & Spa
Ehlinger & Associates, Inc.: Thomas Ehlinger Agency of American Family Insurance changed its name to Ehlinger & Associates, Inc. Owner Tom Ehlinger opened a branch office in Waite Park Feb. 15, 2016, adding Michael Brower to the group. The Waite Park office was recognized this year under the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification Program.
Harvest Bank: With four area locations, the main office is in Kimball. Harvest Bank has redesigned their website, launched a mobile banking app and bill pay within the past year. They now offer Kasasa rewards checking and savings accounts.
ISD #739 (Kimball Schools): The new, state-of-the-art track was completed last fall; several track meets have been scheduled on the new track in Spring 2017. A ribbon-
cutting ceremony is scheduled for April 10.
The district is moving forward with plans to add a building onto the west side of the Wirth Gym, a custom tension-fabric building being donated by Legacy Building Solutions. If all goes well, this project could be completed this summer. The 4,700 square feet of new space would be used by wrestling programs during that season, and batting practice for spring sports. The Wrestling Boosters have stepped up to help raise additional funds needed to complete the project.
Kimball Area Fire Department: March 12, 2017, marked the 100th anniversary of the Kimball Fire Department which began as a bucket brigade out of the basement of City Hall. A big celebration is scheduled for July 22.
After 30 years with the Kimball Area Fire & Rescue, including six as chief, John Gohmann retired.
Kimball Post Office: Patty Nelson officially became Postmaster of the Kimball Post Office May 4, 2016.
Monday morning, Nov. 7, Nelson discovered that the lock had been removed from the blue mail collection box outside in the Post Office parking lot. At some point after 4 p.m. Saturday, someone broke into the box and removed outgoing mail that had been deposited there. Some was recovered in a ditch outside of town, but not all. The case is still unsolved, and there is a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever committed this Federal crime.
Kimball Tae Kwon Do: Kimball Tae Kwon Do welcomed its first-ever black belt, William Serbus, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016. William trains under head instructor Matt Serbus, who is second-degree Kukkiwon, third-degree Moo Duk Kwan, and self-defense certified. Once housed in the Kimball Community Ed building, Kimball Tae Kwon Do now teaches classes in The Body Strength & Training Shed.
Land O?ÄôLakes Oil and Propane: Matt Powell is a new employee at Land O?ÄôLakes. The company has an updated website and are now on Facebook as well. Both owners, Glenn Winter and Steve Gohman, suffered major health issues last April, within two weeks of each other. They have also added to their fleet, with a new tandem LP delivery truck with a 5,300-gallon capacity, and they have expanded their capability for selling diesel exhaust fluid.
Millner Heritage Winery & Cidery: Millner officially added the word ?ÄúCidery?Äù to their name, now offering three varieties of cider. Millner won awards for three of its wines in the 2016 State Fair International Cold Climate Wine Competition in August.
They continue to expand and improve their events facilities, both indoors and outdoors, and host several events themselves each year. The winery is a popular location for weddings.
Powder Ridge: Last fall, Powder Ridge tried something new: a Comedy Night. It sold out in advance, and was such a success that they?Äôre doing it again April 22.
Janet Robinson will retire this month after many years at Powder Ridge. If you had your wedding or event there, you probably worked with Janet. They?Äôre having a retirement bash for her April 8, and everyone is invited.
Savanna Prairie: Savanna Prairie assisted living apartments officially opened Monday, Aug. 1, 2016. There are 16 assisted living apartments, in a building attached to Heritage House of Kimball. Both are owned by Kathy and Jim Birchem.
Soapbox Laundromat: Last month the building was abruptly closed with a sign on the door. In fact, the building was sold to Steve Merten of Central MN Realty. All of the laundry and pet wash equipment has been removed, and Steve is remodelling it into office space.
The Body Strength & Training Shed: Donita Knaus purchased the former lumberyard last year, and transformed the massive space into a full gym with space for a variety of fitness classes. There is a separate area for massage and infrared treatments. The Body Strength & Training Shed opened its doors Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. It is open seven days a week, from early morning into late evening, and they offer affordable memberships.
Tri-County News: Mary Knaus retired from marketing and advertising, and Jayne Harff transitioned into that role. Raven Koltes was hired in January to replace Jayne as office manager.
At the Minnesota Newspaper Association convention in January, the Tri-County News won both first and second place for best Local Breaking News Coverage, both stories written by Jean Doran Matua. Graphic artist Sue Hughes won an award for ?ÄúBest Use of Color in Advertising.?Äù And editor Jean Matua won the on-site ad contest.