The flag near Stewartville City Hall flew at half-staff last week after Sgt. Nick Dickhut, a 2007 graduate of Stewartville High School, was killed in combat in Afghanistan.
The Stewartville City Council, at its regular meeting last week, discussed adding a bit of greenery to the parking area between Stewartville City Hall and the Stewartville Care Center. Councilperson Lori Miller-Beach said that people refer to the area as an "asphalt jungle."
Rachel Beaver of rural Racine, right, talks with Ana Walter, 9, also of rural Racine, as the two sit near the Florence Park shelter on a beautiful morning last Tuesday, June 19. Beaver, Ana's babysitter, said that the two decided to spend some time in Stewartville last week. The shelter is undergoing a $50,000 facelift.
Crews began moving dirt last week to clear the way for a 60,000 square-foot FedEx package distribution center to be built on 7.5 acres of land in the Schumann Business Park. The new business is expected to hire about 30 employees and pay about $33,000 per year in taxes to the city of Stewartville, city officials have said. Mayor Jimmie-John King thanked the city's staff for its work to welcome FedEx to town. "It's hard to believe the extra time and effort they put in," King said. "It was a tireless effort. They did a fantastic job, each and every one of them. I can't thank them enough."
Robert Foss, a 1959 graduate of Stewartville High School, former Stewartville mayor and councilperson and a long-time business executive, left, was the featured speaker at the Stewartville Area Community Foundation's annual dinner of Sunday, April 15. Bruce Trulson, chairperson of the Foundation, is at right.
The new FedEx package distribution center is beginning to take shape in the Schumann Business Park. The 60,000 square-foot structure is being built on about 7.5 acres of land in the park, located west of Kwik Trip North in north Stewartville. Barb Neubauer, city finance director, has said that the new business is expected to hire about 30 employees.
Ty Wilcox, 5, a kindergartner at Bonner Elementary School, uses the water hose under the watchful eye of firefighter Jim Elliott at the annual Stewartville Fire Fighters Open House last Wednesday, Oct. 10.
From left, KaitLyn Higgins, 17; and her sisters Madasyn, 11; and Lauryn, 15; all decked out in fire hats, take a photo of themselves at the Stewartville Fire Fighters Open House at the Stewartville Fire Hall last week.
From left, Isaac Algyer, 4; Payton Dahle, 7; and Conner Algyer, 6, all of Rochester, work on dragging a mannequin at the Stewartville Fire Fighters Open House at the Stewartville Fire Hall last Wednesday evening, Oct. 10. Hundreds of Stewartville and area adults and children attended the event.
City Council candidates who took part in last week's forum include, front row, from left, Daniel J. Ware and Gary Stensrud. Back row, from left, Wendy Timm and Lori Miller-Beach. Stensrud and Miller-Beach are the incumbents.
Public works employees from the city of Stewartville tended to a broken water main on Main Street near the Professional Building on Tuesday, Oct. 16. Below, water bubbles up from near Main Street just south of C&M Screen Printing. Workers include, clockwise from left, above, Scott Priebe, Eric Domino, Owen Sass and Sean Hale. Zak Breitenbach, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, is standing in the background. Mark Stevens, public works director, said that the main broke when water put pressure on the corroded bolts that held the main together. "The water pressure blew the top off," Stevens said. "We caught it when it happened right away. The loss of water wasn't that bad." It didn't take workers long to fix the main with new gaskets and bolts, Stevens said. "When they blacktop the streets in the southeast part of town, we'll blacktop the area where the main broke," Stevens said.
Broken water main
Stewartville's firefighters were called to Legends Concrete, 6892 31st Ave. Southwest, Rochester last Thursday, Oct. 18 at about 12:45 p.m. Firefighters controlled a brush fire at the scene, said Mike Podein, a member of the Stewartville Fire Department. "It was nothing serious," Podein said.
Stewartville Firefighters on the scene of a brush fire in SW Rochester.
Rebecca Gisel, key account manager for Alliant Energy, presents a customer rebate check for $42,426.58 to Karl Clausen, director of management information systems and quality for Geotek of Stewartville. Gisel said that Geotek received the rebate for installing six large, energy-efficient ceiling fans. "The fans allowed us not to have to put in air conditioning," Clausen said. Geotek will reinvest the money back into the business, Clausen said.
DIGGING IN -- Crews continue to make progress to improve Second Street Southwest and the infrastructure underneath. Workers expect to complete the east portion of the job near Central Intermediate School by the time school starts. Work will include installation of new curb and gutter and placement of new water mains and sewer mains under the street. Crews will also repave the street and install new driveway approaches. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, said crews expect to substantially complete the project by Nov. 1.
Jim Kuisle displays the cake that was served to celebrate the opening of St. Bridget's Catholic Church's new social hall.
St. Bridget's Catholic Church celebrated the opening of its new 3,744 square-foot social hall, at left above, on Sunday, Oct. 21. Jim Kuisle, a member of the church committee that planned the new structure, said that church members worked together to build the fellowship hall. "This has been a family project," he said.
Mindy Mejia of St. Paul, standing at right, discusses The Dragon Keeper, her first novel, with an audience at the Stewartville Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 20.
Firefighters who attended a meeting with representatives of Five Bugles Design of Eau Claire, Wis. last week hold architects' drawings of the new Fire Hall, projected to cost an estimated $1.6 million to $1.8 million. Residents will decide the fate of the new Fire Station in a referendum vote some time next year, possibly in the spring. Firefighters include, from left, Vance Swisher, assistant fire chief; Greg House, a member of the firefighters' building commitee; Bob Robertson, also a member of the firefigh<!--1up-20-->ers' building commit<!--1up-20-->ee; and Steve Wolf, fire chief.
Patty Stensrud of Stewartville, left, hands a check for $3,000 to Gene Gustason, administrator of the Stewartville Care Center. The money will be used toward the purchase of a new van for Care Center residents. Stensrud applied for the funds from the IBM Community Grant program. To be eligible for the funds, she put in many hours of volunteer work in the communty.
The cast of "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" will present the play at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center this Friday, Nov. 16 and Saturday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. both evenings, and this Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.
Charlie Brown (Nathan Lange) seeks advice from Lucy (Adriana Nelsen-Gross) during a dress rehearsal of the Stewartville School District play, "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown."
Snoopy (Christina Meline), the World War I flying ace, takes down German aircraft during a dress rehearsal for the Stewartville School District's "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown," which will debut at the Performing Arts Center this Friday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.
As Lucy (Adriana Nelsen-Gross) pressures him for a kiss, Schroeder (George Skare) describes his new holiday in "Beethoven Day" during a dress rehearsal for "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown," the classic musical to be presented at the Stewartville High School Performing Arts Center this Friday, Nov. 16 and this Saturday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. both evenings, and this Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.
Residents turned out in large numbers to vote in local, state and national elections on Tuesday, Nov. 6. In all, 2,900 local residents cast their ballots at the Stewartville Civic Center that day. Cheryl Roeder, city clerk, had expected a strong turnout. Voters usually show up in large numbers in a presidential election year, she said.
Workers for the city of Stewartville's public works department placed Christmas lights on the large tree near City Hall last Wednesday, Nov. 14. Above, from left, Eric Domino and Scott Priebe get a closeup view of the tree. Below, Owen Sass, standing left, and Sean Hale feed the lights to Steve Wolf, Stewartville fire chief, who places them on a branch near the top of the tree.
Nels and Nicole Pierson, owners of the downtown building that is home to the Stewartville STAR newspaper, have installed three new upstairs windows at the front of the building. Earlier this year, the Piersons paid the city of Stewartville $1 for the building with the stipulation that they'll replace the windows within one year and finish restoring the structure within three years.
Workers continue to make progress on the new 60,000 square-foot FedEx package distribution center being built on 7.5 acres of land in the Schumann Business Park. Barb Neubauer, city finance director, has said that the new business is expected to pay about $33,000 per year in taxes to the city of Stewartville.
Liz Howe sits at her dining room table, which is adorned with green depression dishes she received from her grandmother years ago. She says she consented to include her house in this year's Christmas on Display House Tour in honor of her late husband Ken, who made the house what it is.
Steve and Sheila McNeill, pictured with their daughter Marie, are looking forward to welcoming guests to their home during the Christmas on Display House Tour this Saturday, Dec. 1. "We've never done anything like this before," Sheila said. "It's kind of fun to get into the spirit of the holidays."
The Higgins family is looking forward to welcoming guests to their home for the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Christmas on Display House Tour this Saturday, Dec. 1. From left are Michelle, holding Ari, 2; Ava, 8; Aiden, 12; Jason and Alex, 15.
Kevin Johnson of Radcliffe Homes likes the look of the new Marvin windows in the main-floor meeting room at Stewartville City Hall.
Barb Neubauer, city finance director, stands among the desks, tables, computers and equipment that were moved from employees' offices to the main-floor meeting room as workers installed new windows at Stewartville City Hall last week.
Melissa Sue Martin, administrator of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce, displays a life-sized Christmas card that was included as part of the Chamber's WinterFest celebration at Florence Park on Saturday, Dec. 1.
Members of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce WinterFest Committee hold a number of life-sized Christmas cards that were on display at Florence Park for WinterFest on Saturday, Dec. 1. Chamber members include, from left, Lonnie Boe, Mark Podein, Chamber president; Patty Stensrud and Melissa Sue Martin, Chamber administrator. In next week's issue, the STAR will include the names of the artists who won the People's Choice Award for the life-sized Christmas card contest.
McKenna O'Neill, 6, a first grader at Bonner Elementary School, puts books in alphabetical order at the Usborne Books booth at the Holiday Extravaganza at the Stewartville Civic Center on Sunday, Dec. 2. Nichol O'Neill, McKenna's mom, looks on in the background. "There have been quite a few people," Nichol said. "It has been steady."
Kathy Dux of rural Stewartville, right, talks with Rachel Perkins, an independent consultant for Arbonne International, at the Holiday Extravaganza at the Stewartville Civic Center on Sunday, Dec. 2. Hundreds of local and area shoppers browsed among the items offered at about 40 businesses.
Bob Bardwell, director of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, right, accepts a $5,000 donation check from Casey Berg, UPS driver, last week. The UPS Foundation, supported by grants from UPS, donated the money. Ironwood Springs will use the funds to help pay for audio equipment, a wheelchair-accessible mini-golf course and Ironwood's National Wheelchair Sports Camp, Bardwell said.
State Sen. Carla Nelson, right, rang bells for the Salvation Army at Fareway of Stewartville on Friday, Dec. 7. Ardis Copple of Stewartville, left, took over the bell-ringing after Nelson finished her shift.
After a winter storm dumped seven to eight inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Thursday, Dec. 20, city crews used the city's new Snowblast snowblower to remove snow from the city's parking lots and side streets. Mark Stevens, public works director, said that the new machine makes snow removal much more efficient. "There's an unbelievable difference," he said. "(The new machine) is rated at 1,500 tons an hour. That's a lot of snow. It's cutting our trucking time way down." Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, agreed. "We're clearing our parking lots more quickly," he said.
STREET WORK CONTINUES-- Workers continued to dig down to reach the water and sewer pipes under Second Street Southwest last week. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, said that the work continued on schedule as of last week, but that recent heavy rains may delay progress a day or two. "We've appreciated the cooperation from the residents," Schimmel said.
Luke Lonien (far left) wades in shallow water which has overflown from the Root River banks onto the bike trail underneath the HWY 63 bridge in Stewartville on August 19. Lonien's buddies, from left Tim McGouirk, Garret Nosbisch and Erik Nosbisch look on.
THE FINISHING TOUCHES -- Just in time for the start of school, workers blacktopped Second Street Southwest near Central Intermediate School last week. Crews continue to replace the water and sewer pipes under the street in an area west of the school. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, has said that the entire Second Street Southwest project is scheduled for completion by Nov. 1.
PREPARING FOR SCHOOL -- Brian Montgomery, left, and Dan Harris, city of Stewartville public works employees, painted a new crosswalk near Central Intermediate School last week. Students will start walking between the lines in large numbers on Tuesday, Sept. 4, the first day of school.
WAS IT ARSON? -- The State Fire Marshal and the Olmsted County Sheriff's Department are investigating a possible arson case at this home at 3331 68th St. Southeast in Simpson. Anyone with information about the case may call the arson hotline at 1-800-723-2020. Rewards of up to $2,500 will be available for persons who provide information leading to the identification of those responsible for the fire, said Steve Wolf, Stewartville fire chief.
Construction continues on the western extreme of Second Street SW.
The demolition of the bath house at the old pool began on Sept. 18, as construction of the new aquatic center continues just south of the demolition site.
A backhoe clears the debris of the bath house at the site of the old pool.
A new image and a new logo were unvieled at the Sept. 19 Open House at city hall for Stewartville's Cable Access Channel "Stew 19." Those in attendance enjoyed a hearty stew to eat as the meal portion of the celebration. Stew 19 board members and volunteers at the event included, front row, from left, Lucien Cole, Jackie Evans, Kevin Koenigs. Back row, from left , Dave Thompson, John Lemanski, Bill Schimmel, Joel Packer, Don Dereeng and Dan Simmons.
Scores of customers shop for good deals at the Farmer's Market at the ACE Hardware parking lot each Friday from 3-7 p.m.
NEW POOL TAKES SHAPE --Stewartville's new swimming pool, scheduled to be completed next June, is beginning to take shape. This photo shows the old pool filled in to what will be a new parking lot.
NEW POOL TAKES SHAPE --Stewartville's new swimming pool, scheduled to be completed next June, is beginning to take shape. Here, a worker contemplates his next task as he stands near the structure that will become the deep end of the pool.
NEW POOL TAKES SHAPE --Stewartville's new swimming pool, scheduled to be completed next June, is beginning to take shape. Brian Teff of Pool Constructors of Eagan, works near the zero-depth area. Teff said that the pool's shell should be finished by the end of this week.
WALKING IN FIREFIGHTERS' SHOES -- Joel Packer, a member of the Stewartville City Council, left, and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, appreciate the Stewartville Fire Department all the more after suiting up for a controlled burn of a house near Grand Meadow on Monday, Oct. 29. Packer called members of the Stewartville Fire Department "a fantastic group of dedicated professionals."
Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, left, and Mayor Chuck Murphy hold plans for Stewartville's new grocery store, which will be built on land to the right of First Farmers&Merchants Bank, the building at far left in the background.
Bob Bergland, right, was honored at the city of Stewartville's annual appreciation open house last Wednesday, Dec. 12. Mayor Chuck Murphy presented Bergland with the Mayor's Award for Community Service.
Jackie Evans, left, was honored at the city of Stewartville's annual appreciation open house last Wednesday, Dec. 12. Mayor Chuck Murphy presented Evans with the Mayor's Award for Community Service on a Board or Commission.
Jenni Cachiaras, employed by Peters Photography, who worked from photographs to complete an oil painting celebrating the sesquicentennial. Highlights of her work include drawings of the Opera House, Lake Florence, the Sears House and more.
Cake designer Margaret Lex, at left, and Ardis Copple, dressed in 1800s fashions, cut the cake during January's opening sesquicentennial ceremony.
Owen Sass, left, and Sean Hale, city public works employees, hold one of two sesquicentennial banners that were on display near the entrances to the city in 2007.
Stewartville painter Charles Pearson, left, and Mayor Chuck Murphy unveil Pearson's portrait of Stewartville founder Charles Stewart. The unveiling took place at a reception at First Farmers&Merchants State Bank in March.
The Stewartville STAR's camera captured a number of highlights during 2007, including, Wanda Keefe of Stewartville, left, enjoyed the new farmers market near Ace Hardware.
BACK IN TIME - Laurie Helmers of Stewartville portrayed Marcia Tysseling at the sesquicentennial cemetery walk on Sunday, July 8,
The children who attend Wee Care at St. John's Lutheran Church presented the story of Jesus's birth at the church in December. Students who attended dress rehearsals for the event included Mrs. Kathy Dux's Monday, Wednesday and Thursday butterfly class and Mrs. Lori Torgerson's Monday and Wednesday butterfly class.
Steve Gausman, president of Five Bugles Design of Eau Claire, Wis., presented plans for Stewartville's new Fire Hall to the Stewartville City Council and a number of Stewartville firefighters last week. Gausman estimated that construction costs for the new building will be slightly less than $1.8 million.
Wendy Timm, newly elected to the Stewartville City Council last Nov. 6, takes the oath of office to begin a new term on the Council on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, administered the oath to Timm and to Councilperson Gary Stensrud, seated at far left; and Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated second from left.
Public works employees from the city of Stewartville took the Christmas lights off the tree near City Hall last Tuesday, Jan. 8.
For the fifth consecutive year, Barb Neubauer, right, and the city of Stewartville have earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Mayor Jimmie-John King presented the award at last week's City Council meeting. Neubauer is the city's finance director.
HELPING THE FIREFIGHTERS -- Jarrod Wellik, president of the Stewartville Firefighters Relief Association, right, presents a check for $34,000 in charitable gambling to Mayor Chuck Murphy, who accepted the check on behalf of the city of Stewartville. The check represents the amount the association made in charitable gambling in 2007. The Stewartville Fire Department will use the money to purchase new equipment and replace apparatus.
A WORK IN PROGRESS -- Workers continue to make progress on the bathhouse being built near the site of the city's new pool, which is expected to be completed this June.
INVESTIGATION -- Olmsted County Sheriff's Office deputies investigating a suspicious death at an apartment at 104 Second Avenue Southwest cordoned off the area with tape on Monday morning, Jan. 28.
TRAFFIC MISHAP -- John Michener, 29, of Rochester, cut his forehead and was treated at the scene after a two-vehicle accident near the intersection of South Main Street and Fourth Street on Monday, Feb. 18 at 9:38 a.m. Michener drove northbound on Main Street's outer right lane when a driver operating a semi northbound in the left lane turned into the Michener vehicle, causing significant damage to the front end of the car, said Kirby Long, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy.
JUST BROWSING -- Hanah Distad of Wabasha, right, offered "Original Photography" by Tamra Distad at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's 12th annual cabin fever flea market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 16. Ron Henry of J&R Antiques & Gifts, Pine Island, left, looks over a few of the displayed items.
Theresa Whitcomb of People's Energy Cooperative presented a $2,500 check to Mayor Jimmie-John King at last week's Stewartville City Council meeting. The city plans to use the grant money to help pay for an initiative to establish more shovel-ready lots in the Schumann Business Park. "Thank you on behalf of the city," King told Whitcomb. "People's Co-op has always been a good partner with the city."
POOL'S PROGRESS -- Sean Hale, lead water operator for the city of Stewartville, above, stands near the recently installed circulation pumps that will carry water to and from the city's new pool, scheduled to be completed this June. "These new pumps will be a lot more maintenance-friendly than the pumps at the old pool," Hale said. "They will regulate themselves so we don't have to mess with them." The new building will also house locker rooms, showers and a concession area.
POOL'S PROGRESS -- The city's new pool is scheduled to be completed this June. Here, from left, Russ Lane of the Champion Group, Owen Sass of the city's public works department and Hale stand outside the new pumphouse/bathhouse being built in conjunction with the construction of the new pool. The new building will also house locker rooms, showers and a concession area.
NEW LIGHTS? -- Mark Stevens, public works director for the city of Stewartville, inspects the base of a streetlight along Main Street. City officials are considering replacing the lights, which are showing signs of wear and tear about 15 years after they were installed. The bright lights have brought Stewartville a measure of notoriety, with many residents familiar with posters and postcards depicting a photographically manipulated airliner descending toward the glowing bulbs, accompanied by the words, "Cleared to Land Runway 63 South." The City Council and city administrators are considering replacing the older lights with fixtures similar to those now lining Highway 30 East.
PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE -- Mayor Chuck Murphy signs a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Stewartville. Carma Bjornson, family resource director at Child Care Resource and Referral, looks on.
Tom Johnson of Rochester is one of eight area artists whose work was featured at a reception for "The Rural Scene Art Show" at First Farmers&Merchants State Bank last Thursday, April 3. Johnson put a number of his works on display, including three watercolors depicting Stewartville and area landmarks. Clockwise from lower left. Johnson's works include "North Main, Stewartville," a drawing of Tom Bro's dentist office; "Southwest of Stewartville," a picture of a barn; and "Stewartville STAR," which depicts a section of downtown Stewartville. A large gathering of local and area residents enjoyed the show, which highlighted works by Johnson, Sharon Brodhun, Jenni Cachiaras, Donna Cortese, Gayle Dahl, Jim Elton, Charles Pearson and Tammy Schneider. The artists' works will be on display at the bank through this Friday, April 11.
THE ARTIST -- Charles Pearson of rural Stewartville, a noted wildlife painter, is one of eight artists who took part in a reception for "The Rural Scene Art Show" at First Farmers&Merchants State Bank last Thursday, April 3. Pearson put a number of his works on display at the show, including "Stewartville Bridge over the Root River," at right, drawn from a faded old postcard from Councilperson Joel Packer; and "Sunset at St. Bridget's," at left, which shows two deer in the foreground and St. Bridget's Catholic Church in the background.
UNFURLING THE BANNER -- A banner commemorating the state of Minnesota's 150th year of statehood arrived in Stewartville last week, courtesy of Chatfield mayor Curt Sorenson, standing second from left, who brought the banner from his city. Stewartville city officials who celebrated the occasion include, front row, from left, Cheryl Roeder, Barb Neubauer, Deb Lofgren, Don "Buck" Amos, Pat Johnson, director of the Stewartville Public Library, and Mayor Chuck Murphy. Standing in back, from left, Dick Uptagrafft, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; and Ann Hutton of SELCO.
POOL DONATIONS -- Steve Paulson of Elcor Construction, presented $5,000 checks last week to Margaret Nelson, treasurer of the Stewartville Area Community Foundation. The money will be used to help purchase two deluxe water slides for Stewartville's new pool, which is scheduled to open in mid-June. A group that has given $225,000 in donations and pledges urges other Stewartville residents to contribute toward the purchase of the water slides.
POOL DONATIONS -- Leon Lipkie of Sunshine Sanitation, below left, each presented $5,000 checks last week to Margaret Nelson, treasurer of the Stewartville Area Community Foundation. The money will be used to help purchase two deluxe water slides for Stewartville's new pool, which is scheduled to open in mid-June. A group that has given $225,000 in donations and pledges urges other Stewartville residents to contribute toward the purchase of the water slides.
REVIEWING THE PLANS -- Local residents, city officials and representatives of area firms reviewed plans for the Third Street Southwest project at a meeting at the Stewartville Civic Center last week. From left are Phil Waugh, Matt Boe of Boe Electric, Steve Paulson of Elcor Construction and Don Borcherding of Yaggy Colby Associates.
Hundreds of Stewartville and area residents attended the Stewartville Area Historical Society's annual Cabin Fever Flea Market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 16. Vicki Meredith, president of the Historical Society, said that 30 vendors sold crafts, antiques, food, knickknacks, tools, wine racks, lawn ornaments and more from 54 tables. "It's fun," Meredith said. "Some of the same vendors are back, and you always get a few new ones. That's what makes it interesting." Above, from left, Ginny King, Nancy Momeny and Jan Lubahn look over a few items.
Vance Swisher, assistant fire chief for the Stewartville Fire Department, right, speaks to Stewartville residents, at left, from left, Virgil Clark and Tom Ranzenberger at an open house at the Stewartville Fire Hall on Tuesday evening, Feb. 26. The event gave residents a chance to ask questions about the Fire Department's proposal to build a new Fire Station. Stewartville residents will decide whether to build the new facility in a referendum vote.
Mike Podein, a Stewartville firefighter, points to plans for Stewartville's new Fire Hall (drawings of which appear below), as Mike Thompson of Stewartville looks on at a Fire Department open house on Tuesday evening, Feb. 26.
About two weeks ago, Mayor Jimmie-John King signed a proclamation declaring April "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Stewartville. The mayor is flanked by Allison Johnson, a lead social worker at the Olmsted County Child Resource and Referral Crisis Nursery, left; and Sonja Risley, a social work intern.
Nine Stewartville firefighters responded to a fire at the parking lot west of Sammy's Family Restaurant on Wednesday, April 3 at about 1:50 p.m. A 1984 Honda motorcycle caught fire, tipped over and fell toward a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, which was soon swallowed up in flames.
Jim Otto is one of the many waiters who served spaghetti and meatballs at the Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner. Members of the St. Bernard's Men's Club sold 566 advanced tickets to the event and served about 120 more guests who bought tickets at the door.
Lily Lukes, 4 1/2, of Stewartville, enjoys her spaghetti and meatballs at the Mama Tranchita Dinner at the Riverview Greens Country Club on Tuesday, April 2. "It's yummy," she said.
Neal Abbott, standing at center left, and Alex Weston, right, provided music from table to table at the Mama Tranchita Spaghetti Dinner at Riverview Greens on Tuesday, April 2.
Annette Fritz
Margaret Lex of rural Stewartville was the featured speaker at the annual meeting of the Stewartville Area Historical Society last Thursday, April 18. Lex, speaking to an audience of about 25, explained how she makes porcelain lace-draped figurines such as the one pictured at left. The STAR will run a feature story about Lex's pastime in its Tuesday, April 30 issue.
Sharon McAtee, a member of the Deacon Board of the Stewartville Assembly of God Church, right, accepts the Stewartville Area Historical Society's Restoration Award at the Society's annual meeting last Thursday, April 18. Vicki Meredith, president of the Historical Society, left, presents the award.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, right, accepts a certificate of commendation from Jeff Harrison, plant operator of Stewartville's wastewater treatment plant, at last week's City Council meeting. The certificate recognizes the city of Stewartville and its wastewater treatment facility staff for the city's "exemplary effort to comply with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's permit program." The commendation also states that the city's efforts "help protect and preserve the waters of Minnesota." The city of Stewartville has earned nine such certificates of commendation since 1992.
Annette Fritz, the featured speaker at the Stewartville Area Foundation Dinner, with Chuck Murphy, a member of the Foundation's publicity committee.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated in center, signed a proclamation last week declaring May as Poppy Month in the city of Stewartville. This month, the Stewartville American Legion Post 164, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 164, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will distribute poppies to residents in exchange for a donation to help veterans and their families. "The memorial poppy, assembled by disabled veterans, pays respectful tribute to those killed in war, and also benefits living veterans and their families," King's proclamation declares. VFW members will distribute the poppies at local stores this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Those from local veterans organizations involved in the distribution include, front row, from left, Charlotte Kath, Peggy Paulson, (Mayor King), Viny Byrne and Marilyn Howard. Back row, from left, Tom Wacholtz, Roger Peterson, Richard Paulson, Wes Alrick and Audrey Farnsworth.
Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, stands near one of the Main Street cabin apartments that will soon be demolished to make way for the expansion of Podein's Power Equipment. The city's Economic Development Authority (EDA) unanimously agreed at a recent meeting that the city should provide the Podeins with a $25,000 revolving loan to demolish the cabins.
BCM Grading of Faribault is continuing its work to reconstruct Second Avenue Northeast and Sixth Street Northeast, two roads that intersect near the entrance to Meadow Park. Bill Schimmel Jr. city administrator, told the City Council last week that the company has taken advantage of sunny weather to make up for much of the time lost due to heavy rains this past spring. "They were set back about two and a half to three weeks, and they've made up about a week and a half of that," Schimmel said. "Now they're only about a week behind."
BCM Grading a Faribault is continuing its work to reconstruct Second Avenue Northeast and Sixth Street Northeast, two roads that intersect near the entrance to Meadow Park. Every year for the past eight years, the city has overseen a major street reconstruction project. City Council members, at a recent meeting, discussed possibly scaling back street work so that the city would oversee a major project every other year rather than every year.
Jerry Burgr, left, was sworn in as the Stewartville City Council's newest member before the Council's regular meeting at City Hall last week. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, right, administers the oath of office. Burgr replaces Judy Hanson, who announced her resignation from the Council in a guest editorial that was published in the Rochester Post-Bulletin on Tuesday, June 4. In the background, from left, are Mayor Jimmie-John King and councilpersons Wendy Timm and Roger Hanson.
The Dog Days of Summer Celebration held Thursday, August 22 was a huge success. The northeast Stewartville businesses that hosted the celebration served 1,000 hot dogs and side items to the community. Businesses involved were Advanced Body Chiropractic, Anytime Fitness, Bobcat of Rochester, Fareway Foods and First Farmers & Merchants State Bank. Here, Robert Hruska, left, grocery manager and Brett Struhar, meat manager of Fareway Foods serve up bacon-wrapped hot dogs, homemade salsa and Harla's famous garlic toast.
Sharon Peterson holds an umbrella to ward off the sprinkles as her granddaughter Arianna Woitas, 8, of Stewartville, contemplates a possible purchase from B's Honey, owned by Betty Kosnopfal of rural Chatfield, left. "We've built up quite a clientele," Kosnopfal said.
Hunter Olson, 10, and his sister Karley, 8, of Stewartville, sold a number of items from their garden at home, including tomatoes, squash and peas, at Stewartville's Farmers Market last week. Pam Carolan of Stewartville, left, appears ready to make a purchase.
Workers began tearing down the crumbling front retaining wall to House Chevrolet in Stewartville last week. The city's Economic Development Authority (EDA), at a meeting in late August, agreed to give House Chevrolet a $7,500 forgivable loan to help the business rebuild the wall. The total project will cost about $19,103, said Barb Neubauer, city finance director. House Chevrolet will pay the remaining $11,603.
Many swimmers of all ages gathered at the Stewartville pool last week to get some relief from late summer temperatures that rose into the upper 80s and low 90s. A significant number of the swimmers were from out of town because pools in Rochester and other area communities had already closed as of last week.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, in the white shirt in the front row, took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony as FedEx celebrated its official opening in the Schumann Business Park last Thursday, Sept. 5.
Geotek employees sign their names to the millionth crossarm last Wednesday, Sept. 11 to celebrate the fact that the company has manufactured 1 million fiberglass crossarms for electric utility poles since 1990.
Eric Domino, in foreground at left, and Scott Priebe, both of the city of Stewartville's public works department, began a project last week to build a new walkway that will connect First Street East with the path that runs along the Frank Lager Peace Plaza near the Stewartville Care Center.
Ryan Davis of Davis Woodscapes has donated a $250 American elm tree to the city of Stewartville. Davis, above, planted the tree near the Stewartville pool on Friday, Sept. 13. "I like trees," Davis said. "I had one left over from a project. I decided I might as well plant it here." The tree may grow to be 60 feet tall and should provide plenty of shade for a patio area near the pool, Davis said.
FAMILY GENEROSITY -- Eight families from the Brin Park area have donated $2,000 to help pay for two slides for Stewartville's new pool, expected to be completed by mid-June. Family members include, front row, from left, Mackenzie King, Brandon Lange, Robert Corsini and Nathan Lange. Back row, from left, Conner Corsini, Jenna O'Byrne, Chelsea Lange and Kara O'Byrne. These families hope other neighborhoods and individuals will follow their lead and come forward with donations for the new pool.
Mayor Jimmie-John King signed a proclamation last week declaring April "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Stewartville. He is joined by Carma Bjornson, a social worker at the Olmsted County Child Resource and Referral Crisis Nursery, right, and McKena Martin, a Crisis Nursery practicum student at Winona State University.
LET THE WORK BEGIN -- Elcor Construction of Rochester began a $1 million project to rebuild Third Street Southwest last week. The project will include reconstruction of Third Street Southwest from Main Street to Seventh Avenue Southwest. Workers will add curb and gutter to most of the area and will build a new sidewalk on the east side of Sixth Avenue Southwest. Crews will also replace sanitary sewer and water main trunk lines and service connections to adjacent properties.
Shirley Hinze, the new coordinator of Senior Services, Inc., Stewartville, center above, assists June Stelter, left, and Betty Mace during lunch at the Stewartville Civic Center last week.
Shirley Hinze works at her desk.
NEW POOL IS TAKING SHAPE -- Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, foreground, and Councilperson Greg House survey the looks of Stewartville's new pool, which is scheduled to be completed by Thursday, June 12. City officials expect the new facility to be open for swimming on Monday, June 16. Although fund-raising for amenities for the new pool will continue, a citizens group has ordered two deluxe slides that will hopefully be installed in time for the annual Summerfest celebration.
The lobby of Stewartville's Eastwood Bank was recently completed. An open house will be held Nov. 6-8.
Jimmie-John King, right, was honored as the recipient of the Stewartville School District's first Tiger Token for the 2013-14 school year at last week's School Board meeting. Sheila McNeill, curriculum director for the district, presented the honor.
Workers from Abel Signs Inc. of Kasson finished installing a new vinyl awning at the back entrance to the Stewartville Civic Center last Thursday, Nov. 7. Barb Neubauer, city finance director, said that the city paid $9,400 for the awning and a total of $17,000 for the total spruce-up project, which included design work, new fencing, painting, concrete work, new planters and blacktop work.
Workers from La Crosse Sign Co. of Onalaska, Wis. installed a new digital sign along Main Street last Thursday, Nov. 7. The city of Stewartville, the Stewartville School District and the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce paid about $8,000 each for the sign. Loren Kiefer, director of technology for the Stewartville School District, stands at far left. Jim Kuisle, a member of the city's Economic Development Authority (EDA), led the effort to purchase the new sign.
Mayor Jimmie-John King spoke to a large audience of students and teachers at the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Stewartville High School on Monday, Nov. 11. Veterans deserve our thanks because they have always been willing to defend America's rights and freedoms, the mayor said. "Because of our veterans who have always protected our freedoms and always will, our nation is the envy of every nation in the world," he said. King said he is always humbled when veterans organizations ask him to speak. "I feel very small in their presence," he said. "They are truly the great heroes of our community."
City of Stewartville public works employees signaled that Christmas is near when they strung Christmas lights on the tree near Stewartville City Hall last week.
Ronn and Shirley Carlson, posing near a Nativity scene, live in the historic home built by the Wooldridges, a founding Stewartville family.
Liz Howe has remodeled the space that was once Ken Howe's upholstery shop into living quarters both comfortable and homey.
Wade and Bridget Neubauer bought their home from Jeff and Bonnie Hinkle, who built it in the late 1990s. The Neubauers have two sons: Reed, 7, and Chase, 10.
Mary Sackett enjoys decorating her home for Christmas. She lives across from Brin Park at 807 Fifth Avenue Southeast.
Anna Wencl, youth director at Zion Lutheran Church; Andrew Langseth, pastor at Grace Evangelical Free Church; and Jeremy Krekula, youth pastor at Stewartville United Methodist Church, are looking forward to the Live Nativity at Grace Free Church this Saturday, Dec. 14.
Amelia Petersen, 4, thinks hard before she talks with Santa Claus at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday morning, Dec. 7. Amelia is one of hundreds of children who visited with the Jolly Old Elf during the Stewartville Kiwanis Club's annual Pictures with Santa event.
Steve Wolf, Stewartville fire chief, left, accepts the Mayor's Award for Community Service from Mayor Jimmie-John King at the city's awards and recognition event last week.
The Stewartville City Council received new committee assignments at its first regular meeting of the year last week. Members include, front row, from left, Gary Stensrud and Roger Hanson. Back row, from left, Jerry Burgr, Wendy Timm and Mayor Jimmie-John King.
Barb Neubauer, city finance director, right, and the city of Stewartville have earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the sixth straight year. Mayor Jimmie-John King presented the award at last week's City Council meeting.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, left, prepares to jump rope with Ariaya Herman, a fifth grader, at Central Intermediate School on Monday, Feb. 3.
Rebecca Gisel, key accounts manager for Alliant Energy, presents a rebate check for $3,477.41 to Mayor Jimmie-John King at last week's City Council meeting. Alliant presented the check to recognize the city for emphasizing energy efficiency for the new Stewartville Fire Hall. Features at the new facility include energy-efficient lighting, fan controls for exhaust fans and energy-saving insulation. "Alliant Energy wants to commend the city for its continued focus on energy efficiency," Gisel said.
Irene Elton, right, who ran the "Used a Bit" shop in Stewartville for 15 to 20 years, makes a sale at the Cabin Fever Flea Market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 15.
After one recent storm dumped 10 inches of snow on Stewartville and another followed up with four more inches, cars and rooftops such as these on Second Street Southwest became blanketed in white.
Mayor Jimmie-John King inspects the deteriorating condition of Brin Court, which is scheduled to be reconstructed this spring and summer. Blitz Construction of Byron will do the work in May and June.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated in center, signed a proclamation last week declaring April "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Stewartville. Allison Johnson, coordinator of the Crisis Nursery in Rochester, is seated at left. Linnea Borland, social work intern at the Crisis Nursery, is seated at right. Back row, from left, Rich Fakler of Voices for Children, Ethan Meier, Nicole Thorson and Jessica Gorder, ROC (Rochester Off Campus) students; and Kyle Belshan, ROC teacher. ROC partners with the Crisis Nursery to fight child abuse.
Eric Domino of the city of Stewartville's public works department places a spring/summer "Welcome to Stewartville" banner on a pole along Main Street last week.
Cooper Reed, 10, of Stewartville, right, stood before the City Council at City Hall last week to ask city officials to approve an ordinance that would allow residents to raise chickens in the city of Stewartville.
In March 2012, Nels and Nicole Pierson bought the Stewartville STAR building from the city of Stewartville for $1 with the stipulation that the Rochester couple would refurbish the building within three years. Nels Pierson, above, is pleased with the recent work on the south side of the structure. Workers from Key Builders, Inc. of Rochester have added brick and have cut in frames for new doors and windows.
Jill Billings, a 1980 graduate of Stewartville High School and a member of the Wisconsin State Legislature, was the featured speaker at the Stewartville Area Community Foundation's annual dinner and celebration at Riverview Greens on Sunday, April 13. Chuck Murphy, a member of the Foundation, greeted Billings after her talk.
The Stewartville Fire Department hosted an open house to welcome the public to its brand new Fire Station this past Saturday, April 26. In lieu the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, Vance Swisher, fire chief, in white shirt at left, and Larry Mueller, assistant fire chief, third from right in the front row, disconnected a fire hose coupling to celebrate the official opening of the $1.8 million Fire Hall. "This building is a blessing," Swisher said.
Just as it took cooperation from many people to build Stewartville's new $1.8 million Fire Hall, city and area officials worked together to disconnect a fire hose coupling to celebrate the official opening of the Fire Station this past Saturday, April 26. Mayor Jimmie-John King, second from right, and Councilperson Wendy Timm, second from left, team up to complete the job as Olmsted County Commissioner Matt Flynn, left, and State Sen. Carla Nelson, right, lend a hand.
Workers began putting in new ramps for the disabled at intersections along Main Street last week in conjunction with a major project to resurface Highway 63 from Stewartville to the Trunk Highway 16 intersection south of Racine. The work is needed to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, said Barb Neubauer, city finance director.
At its regular meeting last week, the City Council agreed to remove the large tree on the City Hall lawn at right. City officials said that the tree is showing signs of age and will be replaced by a younger tree to be transplanted from a city park. Councilperson Wendy Timm was the lone dissenting voter.
Workers continued to put in new ramps for the disabled at intersections along Main Street last week in conjunction with a major project to resurface Highway 63 from Stewartville to the Trunk Highway 16 intersection south of Racine. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, said that the work is proceeding on schedule.
Traffic was backed up considerably along Main Street last week as workers resurfaced Highway 63 through Stewartville.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Summerfest celebration on Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4. Brad Boice of Chatfield, an Elvis tribute artist, will sing many classic songs from the King of Rock 'n' Roll at the Chamber's annual Street Dance at Florence Park on Thursday, July 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Time Machine, a 1980s hair band, will then play from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. A few of the Chamber leaders and chairpersons of Summerfest events who gathered at Florence Park last week include, front row, from left, Melissa Sue Leuning, Arts in the Park; and Cheryl Roeder, Street Dance. Back row, from left, Deann Stowers,Summerfest Parade; Robert Hruska, Arts in the Park; and Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator.
Cooper Reed, 10, of Stewartville, holding the stuffed chicken at right, is one of 16 residents who spoke to the City Council last week about a proposal to adopt an ordinance to allow chickens in the city. "The good news is that chickens are quiet animals," Cooper said. "Unlike a rooster, a chicken won't get you up or keep you up, and they're especially quiet at night...I'm excited about the learning opportunity having a chicken would provide.
Workers from Birch Construction of Stewartville put in a new curb at the City Hall parking lot last week. Barb Neubauer, city finance director, said that the curb is part of a parking lot project that included an island, sod and trees that will cost about $10,000.
Pearson Brothers of Hanover, Minn. chip sealed the City Hall and swimming pool parking lots and all or portions of 12 Stewartville streets last week. Cheryl Roeder, city clerk, said that the city paid $61,256 for the work, which is designed to maintain streets so they'll remain in good condition for a longer period of time.
Owen Sass, public works supervisor, left, and Laurel Jacobs, city receptionist and data clerk, stand near the new signs at the grass-covered island at the City Hall parking lot.
Crews tore down the old Greenway service garage along Main Street in Stewartville last week. Tim Clemens, general manager of Greenway, which has merged with Cenex Harvest States (CHS), said that the building was in poor shape. "It was beyond repair," he said. "We didn't feel the roof was safe." The company has no current plans to build anything else at the site, Clemens said.
About 350 residents from Southern Hills and Northridge Place attended the annual National Night Out celebration at Southern Hills on Tuesday, Aug. 5. Ayden Salem, 4, who lives in Southern Hills, accepts a baseball card from Zak Breitenbach, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy. Breitenbach has said that National Night Out gatherings fight crime by giving residents a chance to get better acquainted with their neighbors. Those who know their neighbors well are more likely to look out for each other and recognize others who don't belong in the neighborhood, he said.
City workers installed retroreflective street signs such as the ones above in 2013.
Derrick Fritz, near right, and Ben Zahradnik, second from right, Fareway employees, serve guests at The Dog Days of Summer event last Thursday, Aug. 21. Hundreds of Stewartville and area residents ate a variety of free hot dogs along with free chips, fruit, cookies, pretzels and drinks. Eight businesses from northeast Stewartville offered free food, includng Fareway, Bobcat of Rochester, Riverview Greens, the Trulson Dental Clinic, Advanced Body Chiropractic, Anytime Fitness, Active PT and Sports and First Farmers&Merchants State Bank.
Jeff Johnson, Republican candidate for governor, far right, and running mate Bill Kuisle, a Stewartville area farmer, far left, meet with Stewartville Mayor Jimmie-John King, second from left, and City Administrator Bill Schimmel Jr., second from right, at Stewart-ville's The Dog Days of Summer celebration last Thursday, Aug. 21.
Lydia Hansen, 16, of rural Racine, sells a variety of items from her booth at the Stewartville Farmers Market last week. Sharon Peterson, right, inspects what's available.
Pat Ostby of rural Dexter, left, who sells perennial plants, listens to a proposal from Henry Vrieze of Stewartville, who offered Ostby some free flower pots.
Kevin Heydt of the city of Stewartville's public works department added a new coat of paint to a crosswalk near Central Intermediate School last week. Students in the Stewartville School District will return to school on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Mandi Derr and her children, Mackenzie Engle, 12, and Cooper Engle, 9, visited their plot at the Stewartville Community Garden about two weeks ago to check on the status of their pumpkins, cantaloupe, green beans, peppers, onions and cucumbers. "We come out twice a week to water and pick the vegetables," Derr said. "It's low maintenance."
The members of the committee for the Center for Active Adults net recently to discuss the future of the Center, which has been running deficits of $600 to $700 per month. From left are Linda Miller, former site coordinator, and committee members Pat Leonard, Ann Stevenson, Anna Fahrman, Patty Stensrud, Gene Gustason, Byron Meline and Marilyn Schiebsted. Committee members missing from the photo include Julie Jaeger, Lori Miller-Beach and Cliff Walker.
Scott Priebe, public works employee for the city of Stewartville, took down the summer signs and installed the autumn "Welcome to Stewartville" signs along Main Street last week.
Zak Breitenbach, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, left, and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, stand near a sign that tells people not to park along Tenth Street just north of Bear Cave Park.
Officers from the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Rochester Police Department and the Minnesota State Patrol surrounded the old Tews Hotel in downtown Stewartville on Thursday morning, Oct. 2. After responding to a domestic disturbance, authorities learned that a 29-year-old man possibly armed with a gun was inside one of the old hotel's apartments.
Angelie Hovey began her job as the city of Stewartville's new accounting clerk on Monday, Oct. 6. "I'm overjoyed," she said. "It's my dream job. I love community. It's a passion of mine."
Brian Montgomery bid his co-workers from the city of Stewartville a fond farewell at a party at City Hall last week.
Jim Hagedorn, center, running to unseat Tim Walz as the U.S. representative for Minnesota's First Congressional District, says hello to Fahy Lowrie of Stewartville, left, and Maurice Sinn of rural Stewartville at the Center for Active Adults on Friday, Oct. 10.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated second from right, signed a proclamation last week declaring Saturday, Oct. 25 as the second of the two White Cane Days in Stewartville for 2014. Among the members of the Stewartville Morning Lions Club who will seek donations that day for those with various eye diseases include, front row, from left, Sheila Majerus, Kay Tvedt, chair of White Cane Day, Mayor King and Carol Mrotek. Back row, from left, Cheryl Roeder, Robert Hruska, Jan Antonson, Clair Mrotek and Len Griffith.
City Council candidates who attended a Chamber forum last week include, from left, Craig Anderson, Maren Schroeder and Dick Uptagrafft.
Nancy Henke of Stewartville, left, sold American Girl doll clothes, scarves, snowmen and other odds and ends at the Stewartville Center for Active Adults' Crafts & More event at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Oct. 18. Janice Amos of Stewartville, center right, and her daughter Gina look over the items on Henke's table. Bev Noble of the Center for Active Adults said that the Center made about $650 in profit from the event. Twenty vendors sold a wide variety of items, including jellies, lefse, scarves, wreaths, soap, fall decorations and crocheted and knitted items. All proceeds will go to the Center for Active Adults, Noble said.
Workers from Byrne Construction are building a four-plex of individual town homes in southeast Stewartville. Barb Neubauer, finance director for the city of Stewartville, said that the company plans to enclose the buildings under construction so work can continue into the winter months.
Nels and Nicole Pierson, who bought the Stewartville STAR building for $1 in March 2012, have begun the third phase of remodeling the structure. Workers placed insulation on the west side of the south wall of the building last week.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Stone Expressions, LLC to the Chamber with an official ambassador visit last week. Gwen Ravenhorst, administrator of the Chamber, second from left, presents a Chamber plaque to Matt Wildeman, owner of Stone Expressions. Bill Schimmel Jr., far left, represented the city of Stewartville and the Chamber at the ambassador visit. Josh Steiger, far right, works for Stone Expressions.
Halcon, city of Stewartville and area officials came together to break ground for the Stewartville company's new administrative and showcase building on a sunny and cool Tuesday morning, Nov. 4.
Vicki Snyder, outreach coordinator for the Epilepsy Foundation of Southern Minnesota, standing at far right, presented Mayor Jimmie-John King, at left in the front row, with a certificate declaring Stewartville a Seizure-Smart community on Saturday, Nov. 1. Others from the community who support the cause are also pictured.
Bard leaders who celebrated the opening of the company's new $17 million catheter facility last week include, from left, Mark Thorburn, head of operations for Bard Medical Division; Jeff Ambourn, plant manager in Stewartville; and Matt Hodder, process engineer.
Barb Neubauer, city finance director, right, accepts the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting Award from Mayor Jimmie-John King at a City Council meeting two weeks ago.
Gwen Ravenhorst, administrator for the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce, is happy to be in the Chamber's new office in the Dahl Copiers building along Stewartville's Main Street.
Troy Helget of Racine, left, accepts a special recognition award from Dave Mueller, Olmsted County sheriff, and Stacy Sinner, director of detention services at the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center, at the annual Olmsted County Sheriff's Office awards ceremony at the Government Center in Rochester on Tuesday evening, Dec. 9.
Owen Sass, public works supervisor for the city of Stewartville, accepts a recognition award from Zak Breitenbach, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, at the Government Center in Rochester last Tuesday evening, Dec. 9.
Maurice Sinn, left, accepted the Mayor's Award for Community Service from Mayor Jimmie-John King at the city of Stewartville's annual awards and recognition event last Wednesday evening, Dec. 10.
Jerry Burgr, left, and Roger Hanson received plaques thanking them for their service on the Stewartville City Council at the Council's last meeting of the year on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Cooper Reed, 10, speaking at a July public hearing, asked the City Council to approve an ordinance to allow chickens in Stewartville.
Joya Stetson, a community and business development specialist for Community & Economic Development Associates (CEDA) of Chatfield, displays an updated folder of information now available to area individuals and businesses interested in pursuing Stewartville as a place to live or start a business.
Jill Hildebrandt is the new site coordinator for the Stewartville Center for Active Adults. She also works for SEMCAC, the organization that provides daily lunches for local and area senior citizens. She says she loves the job. "I'm from Stewartville, so I know a lot of the people," she said. "I thought it would be a very enjoyable job."
Jill Guy, a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, battled sub-zero temperatures, gale-force winds and blowing snow as she made her rounds in Stewartville last week. "I wear three pairs of pants and two face masks," she said.
The newly organized Stewartville City Council met for the first time on Tuesday evening, Jan. 13. Members include, front row, from left, Craig Anderson and Dick Uptagrafft. Back row, from left, Gary Stensrud, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Wendy Timm.
Midwest Sign Tech of Rochester recently wrapped Stewartville's city van, a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander, with advertising to promote the city. The city paid $1,420 for the work. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, stood with the van in front of Stewartville City Hall last week.
Joya Stetson, a community and business development specialist for Community & Economic Development Associates (CEDA), of Chatfield, who works three days a week for the city of Stewartville, poses with the new retractable banners that will be on display at the Stewartville booth at the Rochester Area Builders Home Show at the Mayo Civic Center this Friday, Feb. 6 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chris Dahle of Identity Designs of Stewartville designed the banners. Scott Gulbranson of Stewartville took the photos.
Hundreds of browsers and buyers attended the Stewartville Area Historical Society's 19th annual Cabin Fever Flea Market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 21. Vicki Meredith, president of the Historical Society, says that proceeds from the event help the organization pay its bills and tend to its archival needs.
Chris Dahle, owner of Identity Designs of Stewartville, right, accepts the Business Appreciation Award from Kari York, vice president of the Economic Develop-ment Authority, at last week's EDA meeting.
Emily Asfeld of Rochester, seated at left, won a bag full of prizes at the Stewartville booth at the Townsquare Media Home Vacation RV Show held March 13-15. Prizes included a C&M Video bag, a beach towel and diving rings from the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce, a punch card for entry into the Stewartville pool and two pounds of ground beef, two pounds of brats, two pounds of Iowa chops and two pounds of hot dogs from Fareway. Joya Stetson, community and economic development specialist for Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA), who worked at the Stewartville booth, is seated at right. Standing from left are Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator, who also worked at the Stewartville booth; Robert Hruska, grocery manager at Fareway and past president of the Chamber; and Brett Struhar, meat manager at Fareway.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated in center, signed a proclamation last week declaring April "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Stewartville. Allison Johnson, coordinator of the Olmsted County Child Resource and Referral Crisis Nursery, is seated at left. Rich Fakler of the Voices for Children Committee is seated at right. Back row, from left, are Rachael Breidall, a paraprofessional at Rochester Off-Campus Charter High School, along with Skye Keller and Carter Rasmussen, students at the Off-Campus School. The Rochester Off-Campus School partners with the Crisis Nursery to fight child abuse.
Pastors who took part in the annual Ecumenical Good Friday service at the Stewartville Community Center on Friday, April 3 include, front row, from left, Chad Skaran, Redemption Hill Church; Byron Meline, Zion Lutheran Church; Kim Cassidy, Zion Lutheran Church and Dave Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church. Back row, from left, Wane Souhrada, Stewartville United Methodist Church; John Grams, Grace Evangelical Free Church; Rick Scott, Stewartville Assembly of God Church and Andrew Langseth, Grace Evangelical Free Church.
Elizabeth Westby Bunch, left, was the featured speaker at the Stewartville Community Foundation's annual dinner and celebration at Riverview Greens on Sunday, April 12. Jerry Burgr, right, was master of ceremonies.
Mary Olson, standing, a member of the Stewartville Area Disaster Team, helps Keith and Jane Johnson of Rochester register their names and information during a mock disaster drill at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 18.
The new firefighters for the Stewartville Fire Department include, front row, from left, Dan Swanson, Brandon Berg and Nate Petrich. Back row, from left, Tom Soland, Mike Brown and Sean Cloutier. Brandon Dohlman, another new firefighter, is not pictured.
Jenny Kiefer of LeRoy, joined by her son Isaac, 3, browsed among Mary and Lynn Harnack's flowers near Grisim School Bus, Inc. during Stewartville's citywide garage sale last Thursday, May 7. Hundreds of residents from Minnesota and Iowa attended last week's sales. In all, occupants of 125 local homes officially registered at the Stewartville STAR to sell items at this year's sales.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, center, recently signed a proclamation declaring May as "Poppy Month" in the city of Stewartville. Throughout this month, members of the Stewartville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 164 will offer poppies in exchange for a donation to help veterans. The poppies will be available at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164. King's proclamation declares that the American Legion Auxiliary, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary have adopted the poppy as their commemorative symbol. "The memorial poppy, assembled by disabled veterans, pays respectful tribute to those killed in war, and also benefits living veterans and their families," the proclamation states. "Public donations for poppies fund rehabilitation programs within each local community that benefit veterans, their families and ultimately our state and nation." Flanking Mayor King are Wanda Prescher, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, left; and Laurel Jacobs, a member of the Auxiliary Executive Board.
Chuck Willihnganz, Stewartville's building inspector, left, presents an updated Minnesota Building Code book to Les Radcliffe of Radcliffe Homes during last week's City Council meeting. Southern Hills (Sun Communities) and Smidt Companies of Racine also won new Building Code books in a drawing held to celebrate May as Building Safety Month.
Amanda Zheng, center, who started the New Hunan Chinese restaurant with her husband, Kevin Dong, in December 2011, accepts a certificate of appreciation from Chris Stafford, president of the Stewartville EDA, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, also an EDA member.
Sam Edge, a page at the Stewartville Public Library, displays the new mini library that will be placed on the lawn of a Stewartville home this fall. Residents interested in being the host family for the mini library may enter their name in a drawing at the Stewartville Public Library this summer. "We'll take names throughout the summer," said Deb Lofgren, associate librarian. "(The mini library) will be installed by this fall."
Conner Lohmann, son of Eric and Karri Lohmann from Rockie Top Acres hangs on to Llama Llama Red Pajama. The llama will be at the Stewartville Public Library on Tuesday, June 23 in conjunction with the library's story time.
Betty Butters of rural Stewartville, left, sold eggs, buttons, paintings and magnets made out of old jewelry at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Tuesdays off Main Farmers Market in downtown Stewartville last Tuesday, June 9. Dale and Janne Kangas of Stewartville, right, took a few moments to look over the items at Butters's booth.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, left, introduces a baby goat from his rural Stewartville farm to Madigan Lawrence, 11, of Stewartville, center, and Aryana Baerthel, 10, also of Stewartville, at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Tuesdays off Main event at the downtown city parking lot on Tuesday, June 9. Working in 90-degree heat, a number of local and area residents sold items from booths at the Farmers Market that day.
George Sedgwick, veterinarian at the Stewartville Animal Clinic, center, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Mayor Jimmie-John King, left, and Chris Stafford, president of the EDA.
City public works employees broke ground to make room for new curbing north of Stewartville City Hall last week. City workers will also add black dirt and sod, landscape blocks around trees, and electricity for Christmas decorations. The project will cost an estimated $10,000 to $11,000.
Troy Knutson, the financial advisor for Edward Jones of Stewartville, center, accepts the Business Appreciation Award from Stewartville's Economic Development Authority (EDA) at the EDA's regular meeting on Tuesday, July 21. Chris Stafford, president of the EDA, left, and Kari York, vice president, presented the award.
Hundreds of Stewartville and area residents ate free hot dogs and sampled a number of free side items provided by seven northeast Stewartville businesses at the third annual Dog Days of Summer celebration on Thursday, Aug. 6. Above, Fareway employees serve hot dogs to guests who stood in a long line in the Fareway parking lot.
Andrea Iverson and her son Blake, 1 1/2, enjoyed some Mexican food as they joined their neighbors at the 600 block of Twelfth Avenue Northeast for National Night Out last Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Brian Ideker of People's Energy Cooperative sets a light pole in place at Bear Cave Park on Wednesday, July 29. The city of Stewartville is increasing security lighting at the park, which is expected to be used as a route to the city's new school. The city purchased the poles and lights from People's Energy Cooperative, which donated the cost of setting the poles.
Brian Ideker of People's Energy Cooperative sets a light pole in place at Bear Cave Park on Wednesday, July 29. The city of Stewartville is increasing security lighting at the park, which is expected to be used as a route to the city's new school. The city purchased the poles and lights from People's Energy Cooperative, which donated the cost of setting the poles.
Brian Ideker of People's Energy Cooperative sets a light pole in place at Bear Cave Park on Wednesday, July 29. The city of Stewartville is increasing security lighting at the park, which is expected to be used as a route to the city's new school. The city purchased the poles and lights from People's Energy Cooperative, which donated the cost of setting the poles.
Tom Slightam, owner of Jimmy's Salad Dressings & Dips, center, accepts the Business Appreciation Award at the Economic Development Authority's regular monthly meeting at City Hall last week. Chris Stafford, president of the EDA, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, also a member of the EDA, presented the award.
With sunflowers from the Stewartville Community Garden in the foreground, the city's newly decorated water tower stands near Southern Hills. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, said that city officials are pleased with the artwork on the tower but believe the "Stewartville" lettering and the logo aren't large enough.
Workers from Rochester Asphalt fixed the large potholes in the parking lot at the Stewartville Post Office last week.
Owen Sass, public works supervisor, displays an energy-efficient LED light. The city is experimenting with LED lighting along Main Street and Hwy. 30 East.
Crews continue their work on the Halcon Corporation's new $3 million, two-story administrative building along Rochester Medical Drive. The 14,400+ square-foot building will house Halcon's administrative, engineering and accounting staff and will serve as a showcase for the products the company produces in Minnesota. Halcon makes high-end, high-quality furniture for offices in some of the biggest cities in the United States. Its products can be found in the American Medical Association building in Chicago, at the headquarters of the Miller Brewing Company, at NBC headquarters in New York City and at the New York Stock Exchange.
The Halcon Corporation of Stewartville is building a new $1.3 million, 39,000 square-foot warehouse. Adam Wright, director of accounting for Halcon and a member of the Stewartville EDA, said the warehouse will house state-of-the-art finishing and sanding equipment. "We're extremely busy, and we're running out of space," Wright said. "This warehouse will expand our capabilities to produce the highest-quality products we can get out the door." Halcon has set a goal to open the warehouse by the end of November. The company makes high-end, high-quality furniture for offices in some of the biggest cities in the United States.
Jeff Norby of the city of Stewartville's public works department placed autumn banners on the light poles along Main Street on a cool and breezy Friday afternoon, Sept. 11.
C.J. and Carrie Boerger, 611 Twelfth Avenue Ave. Southeast, Stewartville, welcome local and area residents to check out the books for children and adults in the already-popular mini library at a corner of their front lawn. The Boergers' children include, front row, from left, Charlie, 7; and Chloe, 4. Caleb, 17 months, is sitting in Carrie's arms.
Crews from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Olmsted County are working together to rehabilitate the pavement on Hwy. 63 from Minnesota Highway 30 to the Root River bridge in Stewartville. The $1.1 million project is expected to be completed some time later this month. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, told the City Council in late September that the work should be completed some time in October.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated in center, signed a proclamation last week declaring Saturday, Oct. 17 as White Cane Day in the city of Stewartville. On that day, members of the Stewartville Morning Lions Club will collect donations for the Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation, which includes the Macular Degeneration Center, the Adult Eye Bank and the Children's Eye Bank, all affiliated with the University of Minnesota. Several of the members of the Morning Lions Club who will collect donations include, front row, from left, Kay Tvedt, chair of White Cane Day, and Len Griffith. Back row, from left, Ron Piedmont, Suzanne Piedmont, Sheila Majerus, Dave Hoot and Wayne Freiheit.
Jim Conway, standing sixth from left, and his brother Philip, at far right, joined by Stewartville city officials and other associates, broke ground last week for a 6,500 square-foot building for Minnesota Medical Technologies, a company that will produce a product designed to help people suffering from fecal bowel incontinence. Fellow company founders include Sarah Grinde, fifth from right; and Lonnie Boe, fourth from right.
For the eighth consecutive year, Barb Neubauer, right, and the city of Stewartville have earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has once again honored Neubauer and the city for the city's comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). Mayor Jimmie John King, left, presented the award to Neubauer, the city's finance director, at the City Council's regular meeting last week. The award honors Neubauer and the city for their financial reporting during 2014. "The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management," states a news release from the Government Finance Officers Association of Chicago.
Margaret Nelson, Stewartville's State Farm Insurance Agent, center, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King.
Nate Reid, financial services officer for AgStar Financial Services, left, presents a $3,000 check to Vance Swisher, Stewartville fire chief, center, and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator.
Vance Swisher, Stewartville fire chief, displays the Stewartville Fire Department's new "vitals" machine, purchased courtesy of a $3,000 grant from AgStar Financial Services.
Children prepare to board a school bus near the intersection of Sixth Street Northeast and 12th Avenue Northeast on Tuesday morning, Nov. 17. At a recent meeting, the Stewartville City Council agreed to place stop signs to control the traffic flowing from east to west at the intersection, which established a four-way stop to make the intersection safer for children who enter and exit their school bus there.
The fourth grade Junior Girl Scout Troop 44576, met with Mayor Jimmie-John King and City Administrator Bill Schimmel to complete their City Government Badge. Part of receiving the badge included learning about city government and how it works. Each girl had to come up with a question for the Mayor and City Administrator. They received a tour of the Stewartville City Hall along with some important city history. Back from left, Amelia Griffin, Lexie Walton, Bill Schimmel, Kaylee Warren, and Alyvia Zincke. Front from left, Makyah Thompson, McKenna O'Neill, Mayor Jimmie-John King, Mercedes Wellik and Cora Sieler.
Glenn Lutteke, general manager of All-American Co-op in Stewartville, center, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, also an EDA member.
The city of Stewartville, which featured a lighted Christmas tree with a star on top, won the award for the best float in the stand-still Winterfest Parade.
Scores of residents attended the annual Winterfest Tea & Luncheon at the Stewartville Civic Center on Sunday, Dec. 6. In all, 97 individuals sat at beautifully decorated tables.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, second from left, presented the 2015 Mayor's Award for Community Service to the Stewartville Area Historical Society at the city's annual awards and recognition event at the Civic Center on Wednesday evening, Dec. 16. Historical Society Board of Trustees members who attended the event include, from left, Elaine Eggler, Buck Fredricksen, treasurer; Vicki Meredith, president; Ardis Copple and Myrna Wesselman, historian.
Joya Stetson of CEDA poses with the retractable banners that were on display at the Stewartville booth at the Rochester Area Builders Home Show Feb. 6-8.
Crews are making progress on Stewartville's second Casey's General Store, built at the former site of Advanced Body Chiropractic. Luke Hartke, a real estate/store development associate with Casey's, told the Stewartville City Council last April that the new store will be 1,500 square feet larger than Stewartville's current Casey's store. The new store will offer made-to-order submarine sandwiches, a larger area for fountain pop, more cooler doors and more gas pumps than the present Stewartville store, Hartke said. Casey's General Stores owns about 1,900 stores in 14 states. The new Stewartville Casey's will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Halcon of Stewartville has built a new $3.3 million, 14,490 square-foot, two-story administrative building along Rochester Medical Drive. Peter Conway, the founder and chairman of Halcon Corporation, has said that the building will house Halcon's administrative, engineering and accounting staff and will serve as a showcase for the products the company produces in Minnesota. Halcon makes high-end, high-quality furniture for offices in some of the biggest cities in the United States.
Ryan Clapp, 4, greets his grandmother with a wave and a smile as he enjoys the swing ride at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Summerfest celebration on Saturday, July 4.
C.J. and Carrie Boerger and their children, Charlie, 7; Chloe, 4; and Caleb, 17 months, welcome local and area residents to check out books from the already-popular mini library at a corner of their front lawn at 611 Twelfth Avenue Southeast.
Observed carefully by its trainer, a Minnesota disc dog catches a Frisbee in mid-flight at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's second annual Pets in the Park at Florence Park on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Lester Johnson of Stewartville put his snowblower to work after a winter storm dumped about seven inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Monday, Dec. 28 and Tuesday, Dec. 29.
Executives from Bard Medical have announced that the company will close its Stewartville operations in 2016. As of last week, the catheter maker employed about 185 workers in Stewartville. Bard produces silicone catheters that are distributed around the world. Jeff Ambourn, plant manager, cut the ribbon to officially open Bard's new $17 million, 56,000 square-foot manufacturing building, pictured above, at the Tebay Industrial Park on Nov. 18, 2014. The new facility was expected to produce about 28 million catheters per year.
The Stewartville City Council met for the first time in 2016 on Tuesday, Jan. 12. Members include, front row, from left, Craig Anderson and Wendy Timm. Back row, from left, Gary Stensrud, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Dick Uptagrafft.
Jim Diderrich, owner of the City Center Laundromat, center, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left; and Mayor Jimmie-John King.
Kristal Hayes, second from left, and her son Dayton, far left; join Sonja Hayes, far right, and Sonja's daughter Chanielle, second from right, in a family skate across the city of Stewartville's hockey rink at Florence Park on Friday, Jan. 22.
Justin Lonien, left, and his younger brother Luke practiced their stickhandling and shooting skills at the city of Stewartville's hockey rink at Florence Park on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 21. The day was good for skating, with temperatures in the low 20s and virtually no wind.
An open house for Sunshine Sanitation and an ambassador visit for High Point Realty & Auction were held at 520 Main Street South on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Kevin and Jill Hart, owners of High Point Realty & Auction, cut the ribbon and hold a Chamber plaque as they are welcomed by, front row, from left, Chamber Administrator Gwen Ravenhorst, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Chamber President Melissa Leuning. High Point employees in matching white shirts include Jacob Hart, left, and Dave Walch. Chamber members who were on hand to welcome the new business include, in back, from left, Ryan Ravenhorst, Al Chihak, Margaret Nelson, John Senjem, Troy Knutson and Jarett Jones.
An open house and ribbon cutting for Sunshine Sanitation's new location was held at 520 Main Street South on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tory Keefe, owner, second from left in the front row, cuts the ribbon as Misty Nibbe, a Sunshine Sanitation employee, holds a Chamber plaque. Holding or standing near the ribbon in the front row are, from left, Melissa Leuning, Chamber president, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator. Chamber members on hand to welcome Sunshine Sanitation include, in back, from left, Al Chihak, Ryan Ravenhorst, Jarett Jones, Margaret Nelson, and Connie and Curt Grisim.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, right, served as a host at the Stewartville booth at the Rochester Area Builders Home Show, which was held Friday, Feb. 5 through Sunday, Feb. 7. At left are Katie and Jackson Struhar of Stewartville, who visited the booth.Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, told the City Council last week that the individuals who worked at the Stewartville booth welcomed quite a few visitors. "The numbers were good, and the inquiries were good, for commercial and residential," Schimmel said.
The team that produced Stewartville's new area resource guide includes, front row, from left, Cheryl Roeder and Megan Callahan. Back row, from left, Hailey Liffrig, Joya Stetson and Gwen Ravenhorst.
Marilyn Gleason, front and center, and Brad Gleason, in back, owners of Gleason Catering LLC, accept the EDA Business Appreciation Award from EDA President Chris Stafford, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, an EDA member.
Tory Keefe, owner of Sunshine Sanitation, center, accepts the EDA Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA.
Darrell Nierenhausen, the owner of Darrell's Emporium, second from left, joined by his wife Linda, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left; and Mayor Jimmie-John King of the EDA.
Jill Hildebrandt, site coordinator for the Center for Active Adults, in the background at left, hosted a St. Patrick's Day luncheon at the Stewartville Civic Center on Thursday, March 17. Guests drank green beer and ate corned beef and cabbage, and Hildebrandt wished a happy birthday to Ferrolyn Hildebrandt, her mother-in law, seated in center. Others seated in front include Anna Fahrman, left, and Jerry Hildebrandt, right.
Zak Breitenbach is stepping away from his duties as Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy.
Scott Priebe of the city of Stewartville's public works department placed the city's spring welcome banners on the light poles along Main Street on Monday, March 21.
Mike Strelow, Stewartville's new community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, is looking forward to his new assignment. "It's about knocking on doors and responding to whatever the community's needs are," he said.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated, signed a proclamation last week declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month in the city of Stewartville. Standing, from left, are Nicole Draxler, Crisis Nursery practicum student for Families First; Allison Johnson, coordinator of the Crisis Nursery for Families First of Minnesota; and Rich Fakler of Home Federal. Draxler, Johnson and Fakler are all members of the Voices for Children Committee.
Jeff Beyer, chairman of the Stewartville Park Board and a trustee with the Stewartville Area Community Foundation, above left, speaks to the large audience at the Rochester International Event Center at the Foundation's first annual Toast & Taste on Friday evening, April 1. The event was held to raise funds for a new amphitheater planned for Bear Cave Park. Rachel Wick, anchor and news reporter for KAAL-TV, above right, was the master of ceremonies for the event, which drew about 450 people. Those in attendance, pictured below, browsed through the numerous silent auction items during the Toast & Taste event.
Paulette Teigen, second from left, Bruce Teigen and Melissa Sue Leuning, all of Teigen Paper, accept the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, far left; and Mayor Jimmie-John King of the EDA, far right.
Kade Weber, a senior at Stewartville High School, accepts a coupon for a free Blizzard at Stewartville's Dairy Queen from Jens Dammen, a sergeant with the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, in the SHS parking lot on Friday afternoon, April 15. Fifty SHS students who used their seat belts that afternoon each received a free Blizzard treat. "We want to share a little positive reinforcement for seat belt use," Dammen said.
The Stewartville Lions Club will raise money to fight blindness and other eye diseases with its annual White Cane Days this Friday, April 29. About 25 Lions Club members will accept donations at the two Kwik Trip stores, the two Casey's stores, Fareway and C&F Video that day. Several of the Lions who will volunteer their time include, front row, from left, George Menshik, chair of White Cane Days; Mayor Jimmie-John King, who signed a proclamation declaring April 29 White Cane Days in Stewartville; and Darrel Jaeger. Back row, from left, Gordy Koehn, Byron Meline, Bob Fauver, Lee Boettcher, Sharon Morlock, Mike Rainey, Francis Weber and Dick Uptagrafft.
Nicky Askelson poses near her plot in the Stewartville Community Garden in 2012. Askelson and her husband Jim harvested about 30 watermelons, 30 cantaloupes and much more that year.
Mel Goldtrap of Stewartville, right, tends to her plot in the city's community garden under the watchful eye of George Menshik, a master gardener, in 2010.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated in center, signed a proclamation last week declaring May "Poppy Month" in Stewartville. The proclamation states that the Memorial Poppy, assembled by disabled veterans, pays respectful tribute to those killed in war and also benefits living veterans and their families. Members of the Stewartville American Legion Auxiliary will hand out poppies at the two Kwik Trip stores and the two Casey's stores on May 5, 6 and 7. Auxillary members include, front row, from left, Sheila Majerus and Wanda Prescher, Auxiliary president. Back row, from left, Laurel Jacobs and Peggy Paulson.
Crews have begun a project to rebuild four Stewartville streets, including Fifth Street Northeast, above, which is located north and east of the downtown Kwik Trip. Swenke Ims Contracting of Kasson will be paid $1,259,637.65 to rebuild Fifth Street Northeast, Third Avenue Northeast, Fourth Street Northeast and Sixth Avenue Southwest.
Shoppers at Stewartville's annual citywide garage sale came from at least two neighboring states last week. Trisha Hampton of Cassville, Wis., left, and Linda Weida of Riceville, Iowa, browse through the clothing at a multi-family sale at 506 Sixth Street Northeast on Thursday morning, May 5.
Shoppers at Stewartville's annual citywide garage sale came from at least two neighboring states last week. Jill Chopp and her daughter Anna, of Stewartville, examine the flowers at a garage sale at the Grisim Bus lot, which offered hundreds of hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, planters and more.
Judy and Bill Schroeder, seated, accept the EDA Business Appreciation Award from Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, standing at left, and Chris Stafford, EDA president.
Glynis Sturm, second from right, has retired after a 27-year career at the Stewartville Public Library. From left, Pat Johnson, library director; Sam Edge, page; and Deb Lofgren, associate librarian, joined Sturm at a retirement party at the library on Friday, May 27. Libraries make a huge difference in people's lives, Sturm said. "I wouldn't live in a community without a library," she said.
Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, displays the autograph he received from Muhammad Ali on July 7, 1980. The photo is one of Schimmel's favorites of Ali in action.
Heavy and persistent rains for several days in a row last week caused crews to delay certain aspects of rebuilding Fourth Street Northeast, above, along with Fifth Street Northeast and Third Avenue Northeast. Swenke Ims Contracting LLC of Kasson will be paid $1,259,637.65 to rebuild those three streets, along with Sixth Avenue Southwest, this summer.
Ben Conway, president of Halcon of Stewartville, center, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left; and Mayor Jimmie-John King, an EDA member, during the EDA's meeting at Halcon last week.
Workers prepared Stewartville's City Center Plaza for a new coat of paint last week.
The Stewartville Area Community Foundation has donated $500 to the Stewartville Care Center toward the purchase of the van pictured in the background. Cheryl Roeder, executive director of the Foundation, seated at left, shares a $500 check with Sherri Jorgensen, activities director at the Care Center. Foundation trustees standing in back include, from left, Jeff Beyer, Les Radcliffe, Jerry Burgr and Ben Van Ness.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce will present its annual Fourth of July Summerfest celebration at Florence Park on Saturday, July 2, Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4. A few of the many individuals who have helped plan the event include, front row, from left, Ryan Ravenhorst, beer tent; and Robert Hruska, chair of Arts in the Park. Back row, from left, Stacy McConnell, chair of the Street Dance; Julie Aldrich, parade security; and Gwen Ravenhorst, administrator of the Chamber of Commerce.
Owen Sass has announced his retirement after working for the city of Stewartville's public works department for almost 28 years. His last official day on the job was Thursday, June 30. "I will miss the people I worked with -- the staff, the employees, the people in general," he said.
Jack Parry of Stewartville, who will be a freshman at Stewartville High School this fall, leaps off the diving board at the Stewartville pool on a mild, partly cloudy afternoon on Tuesday, June 28.
Tommy Lofgren, 7, of Stewartville, who will be a second grader at Bonner Elementary School this fall, grasps the ropes tightly as he struggles to cross the imitation logs at the Stewartville pool on Tuesday afternoon, June 28. Hundreds of children had fun at the pool that day under partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-70s.
Kylie Minnich, 9, of Stewartville, who will be a fourth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School this fall, has almost completed her descent on the blue slide at the Stewartville pool on Tuesday afternoon, June 28.
The Stewartville Community Band, all decked out in red, white and blue, plays some rousing tunes during the Summerfest Parade.
A summer storm packing winds of about 70 miles per hour roared through Stewartville and the area on Tuesday evening, July 5, damaging many trees. City of Stewartville workers clear tree branches near Bonner Elementary School.
Eric Domino of the city of Stewartville's public works department recently installed the new dog waste station near the Florence Park Pond. For the most part, local residents do a good job cleaning up after their pets, Domino said.
Sheila Majerus of Stewartville walks her dog, Skittles, at least an hour a day until the weather turns colder in the winter. She says she makes sure she always cleans up after her dog. "I don't want poop all over the place," she said.
Dazzling Dave Schulte, one of only 16 yo-yo masters worldwide,displayed his talents to a large audience of children at the Stewartville Civic Center on Wednesday, July 13. Above, Elise Ramaker, 10, of Stewartville, a volunteer from the audience, stands perfectly still as Dazzling Dave sends a yo-yo toward her face. Later, Schulte showed the audience his version of the William Tell story, using his yo-yo to flick a tiny poker chip off Elise's ear.
Micah Johansen, service manager for Schwickert's of Stewartville, center, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA.
Swenke Ims Contracting LLC of Kasson has reclaimed and overlaid the portion of Sixth Avenue Southwest, above, that runs from Stewartville High School to Sixth Street Southwest. Last fall, city officials debated whether to mill and overlay the road, which would have cost about $85,000, or completely reconstruct it, which would have cost about $435,000. In the end they agreed to the reclaim and overlay, a middle-of-the road option that will cost an estimated $310,000.
Birch Concrete of Stewartville poured a new surface for two sidewalks leading to Stewartville City Hall last week. Barb Neubauer, city finance director, said the project will cost the city aa total of about $5,200.
Lucien Cole of Stewartville, far left, puts mustard on his hot dog at the Fareway booth at the annual Dog Days of Summer Event last Thursday, Aug. 4. Cole is one of hundreds of people who attended the annual event, hosted by seven northeast Stewartville businesses.
Mike Strelow, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, shares a Minnesota Twins card with Easton Hunt, 7, of Stewartville, during an event to celebrate National Night Out at the Stewartville Public Library on Tuesday evening, Aug. 2. Israel Hunt, Easton's dad and the master smoker for Izzy-Q BBQ, cooked beef brisket, hot dogs and brats for guests who gathered at the library's back yard. Strelow says National Night Out gives neighbors a chance to get to know each other better. In the process, they fight crime, he said.
Workers smoothed the surface for the new sidewalks along Fourth Street Northeast last week.
Workers moved dirt last week to begin the process of adding 72 lots to an area just west of Southern Hills. Cheryl Roeder, city clerk has said that the addition is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Here's a look at the front door of the Sears House, which needs to be replaced.
Vicki Meredith, president of the Stewartville Area Historical Society, poses near the Sears House, once the home of Richard Sears, the founder of Sears, Roebuck and Company. The home needs some major repairs, Meredith said.
Jim Otto of Stewartville and his son Nick, 14, who will be an eighth grader at Stewartville Middle School, worked at their two plots in the city of Stewartville's community garden last week. The Ottos, who appear dwarfed by their garden's sunflowers, planted four types of peppers, eggplant, four kinds of tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, green beans, wax beans, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower and more. Jim says he hangs the sunflowers from a tree in his back yard for the birds to eat. "I like getting my hands dirty," he said. "The fresh vegetables are nice, too."
Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the city's EDA, center, presents Bob Klocke, left, and Jeff Anderson of Tri County Plumbing & Heating with the EDA's Business Appreciation Award on Friday morning, Aug. 19.
Nathan Jeche loves to visit the Stewartville Public Library. Last week, he took a close look at the library's newly reorganized section for young readers. "There are paperbacks in baskets, and the section features a new author each month," said Pat Johnson, library director.
Nathan Jeche, 10, who will be a fifth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School this September, stands near the newly expanded graphic books area at the Stewartville Public Library last week. "I love to read," Nathan said.
Workers applied a new surface to Fourth Street Northeast last week, putting the finishing touches on a major project to reconstruct the road this summer. Residents who live along Fourth Street Northeast, Third Avenue Northeast, Fifth Street Northeast and Sixth Avenue Southwest have been invited to a public hearing to discuss their assessments for the projects at the Stewartville Fire Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 27. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, front and center, signed a proclamation last week declaring Friday, Sept. 9 and Saturday, Sept. 10 Peanut Days in the city of Stewartville. Kiwanis Club members involved in Peanut Days include, clockwise from left, Mary Brouillard, Janice Hagen, Carol Youdas and Iz Wilken.
Four generations of a Stewartville family enjoyed a fun time at the Stewartville pool on a warm and muggy Monday, Aug. 29. From left are Millie Petersen, Julie Hayes, Chanielle Hayes and Sonja Hayes.
Alexis Diggins, 7, of Rochester, displays open-mouthed glee and struggles to grasp the ropes and maintain her balance as she crosses a set of imitation logs at the Stewartville pool on a warm and muggy Monday afternoon, Aug. 29.
Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, kneels near the new bicycling/walking lane along the east side of Sixth Avenue Southwest. Responding to safety concerns, the Stewartville City Council has prohibited parking along both sides of the road.
Dogs of all sizes enjoyed their time in the spotlight at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's first-ever Pets in the Park event at Florence Park on a beautiful autumn day on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. The third annual event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stacy McConnell, owner of Catch My Thrift, second from left, and her husband Jerry, second from right, accept the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, president of the EDA, far left; and Mayor Jimmie John King, EDA member, far right.
The Root River, which normally flows within banks that extend across the area just below and parallel to the tree on the right, flooded across a much wider area after Stewartville and the area received about four inches of rain Wednesday evening, Sept. 21 into Thursday morning, Sept. 22. Sean Hale, public works supervisor for the city of Stewartville, above, said city officials received many calls from residents with water in their basements.
City Council candidates at the Chamber-sponsored forum included, from left, Jimmie-John King, Brent Beyer, Jacob Danielson, Jeremiah Oeltgen and Daniel J. Ware.
Kelly Albrecht of rural Stewartville holds her son Carson, 2 at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The event is held each year to celebrate Fire Prevention Week.
Jace Nagel, 3, of Stewartville, wearing the blue coat and firefighter hat, is one of hundreds of Stewartville and area children who practiced operating a fire hose with assistance from firefighter Nathan Ramaker at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The event is held each year to celebrate Fire Prevention Week.
Local residents waited in long lines to cast ballots at the Stewartville Civic Center on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Cheryl Roeder, city clerk, said a total of 3,203 residents voted. "It was one of the highest turnouts we've had," she said.
"ROUND-UP" FOR CASH -- People's Energy Cooperative Trust - Operation Round Up made local donations recently. Pictured from left, Ben Hain (Operation Round Up Board Chair), Judy Swenson (Operation Round Up Board), Mark Williamson (Operation Round Up Board), Vicki Meredith (Stewartville Area Historical Society), Roger Rettmann (Operation Round Up), Rob Pierick (Stewartville Band Boosters).
Sharon Theobald, left, and Judy Bunde were among the many residents who attended a Thanksgiving-style lunch at the Center for Active Adults on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
From left, Stewartville children Ashlyn Olson, Zurich Hanson, Cael Szydel, Alivia Szydel and Ava Szydel display the citizen letters of recognition they received at the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office awards ceremony last week. Standing in back are Kevin Torgerson, Olmsted County sheriff, right, who honored the children; and Mike Strelow, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy.
From left, at left, Norah Miland, Cami Elzen and Tonia Elzen welcome shopper Janet Hagen of Stewartville, right, to their booth at the Holidazzle Extravaganza at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Sunday, Nov. 27. The Elzens and Milands sold handmade crafts, Mason jars, home decor and more.
High Forest Township supervisors Kevin Wellik, far left, and Mark Manning, center, voted last week to deny developer Jessup DeCook's request to change the zoning for 36 acres of township land on which DeCook hoped to establish a sand and gravel mine. Ken Oehlke, chair of the Township Board, right, dissented from the majority.
Stewartville and area residents who attended the annual Winterfest celebration on Saturday, Dec. 3 enjoyed warming themselves near a bonfire at Florence Park.
Endless Journey Child Care, with a Grinch that Stole Christmas theme, won the top prize in the Winterfest Parade float contest on Saturday, Dec. 3.
Thirty members of the Stewartville Lions Club signed up to ring bells for the Salvation Army at Fareway of Stewartville for a total of 96 hours between Nov. 18 and Dec. 23. The Salvation Army has set a goal to raise $1.2 million overall and $410,000 from its kettle collections for the needy in Olmsted County for the Christmas season, said Chuck Murphy of the Lions Club, second from left. Lions Club members have worked two-hour shifts at Fareway from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day the store has been open since Nov. 18. Pat Kinyon of Rochester, second from right, was exiting Fareway on Friday, Dec. 9 when he met Lions Club members, from left, Darrel Jaeger, Murphy and Ed Doty.
Five local children each received the Mayor's Award for Community Service at the city of Stewartville's annual recognition and awards ceremony at the Stewartville Civic Center on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Recipients included, front row, from left, Cael Szydel and Ava Szydel. Second row, from left, Zurich Hanson, Alivia Szydel and Ashlyn Olson. Back row, from left, Mike Strelow, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, who presented the awards. The children were recognized for turning in a large bag of quarters they found along a city trail on Oct. 22.
Charlie Brown, owner of PC Applications Consultants, Inc. of Stewartville, center, accepts the EDA Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left; and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA.
When John Omacht of Stewartville decided to mow his lawn on Monday, April 25, his son Chase, 4, wanted to help. Omacht, who lives at the 800 block of Fifth Avenue Southeast, says Chase loves to push his toy mower in his dad's footsteps.
Vicki Meredith, president of the Stewartville Area Historical Society, right, is grateful for the $10,000 grant the Society recently received to pay for new steel siding for the 160-year-old Sears House, once the home of Richard Sears, the founder of Sears, Roebuck and Company. She's also thankful for the $4,000 the Society received to pay for a new metal shingle roof for the house. Nate Kuisle of Kuisle Siding, in the background at left, started the process of installing the new siding last week.
Tommy Lofgren, 7, of Stewartville, grasps the ropes tightly as he struggles to cross the imitation logs at the Stewartville pool on Tuesday afternoon, June 28.
Lesa Welp, owner of The Rustic Bloom, right, with associate Cheryl Sonski, gives shoppers an opportunity to step back in time by offering items such as old cupboards, sinks, benches, farm items, flowers, plants, candles and more.
The Stewartville City Council held its first meeting of the new year at Stewartville City Hall last Tuesday evening, Jan. 10. Members include, front row, from left, Brent Beyer and Jeremiah Oeltjen, who were elected last Nov. 8 and who took the oath of office from Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, to begin four-year terms on the Council. In back, from left, are Councilperson Dick Uptagrafft; Mayor Jimmie-John King, who was re-elected to a third term last Nov. 8 and who took the oath of office for another four-year term, and Councilperson Craig Anderson.
Sharon McAtee has been the site coordinator at Stewartville's Center for Active Adults since last July. "I so enjoy working with the elderly, with the seniors," she said. "It's kind of my passion." She loves the special bond she has with those who regularly visit the Center. "They get to be like your kids," she said. "They really do. You look after them."
Samantha Riess, general manager of Anytime Fitness, center, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, president of the EDA, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, also a member of the EDA.
The sun appears to be just a small starburst as it sets just above a path that runs past the snow and the trees at Stewartville's Florence Park last Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 18.
Mary Kuhlman, the new administrator of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce, sits at her desk at the Chamber's office in the Dahl Copiers building on Main Street. She began her new duties in late December. "I'm looking forward to supporting our current businesses and welcoming new businesses to town, hoping they'll join the Chamber," she said.
Members of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2017 include, front row, from left, Stacy McConnell, vice president; Mary Kuhlman, administrator; April Crom, president; and Melissa Sue Leuning, director. Back row, from left, Al Chihak, director; Robert Hruska, past president; Troy Knutson, director; and Julie Aldrich, outgoing director. Beth Koster and Mike Rainey, incoming directors, were not present when the photo was taken.
Gwen Ravenhrost, center, and her husband Ryan, left, accept the Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award from Robert Hruska, right.
After a winter storm dumped about 11 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area, Craig Nagel went to work to clear the driveway at his business, Nagel Heating & Air Conditioning, last Wednesday morning, Jan. 25.
Carsen Nagel, 3, left, and his brother Caden, 7, of Stewartville, enjoyed plenty of fun in the snow after a winter storm dumped about 11 inches of snow on the city on Tuesday, Jan. 24 and Wednesday, Jan. 25. Many times over, the boys climbed to the top of a huge snow pile and slid back down again.
Conner Hanf of Stewartville, a student at Rochester Community & Technical College (RCTC), below left, skates toward the goal and prepares to shoot the puck as Jacob Hegge of Stewartville, also an RCTC student, plays goalie at the Florence Park hockey rink on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 31.
Chanielle Hayes, 6, a kindergartner at Bonner Elementary School, left, controls the puck under the watchful eye of her mother, Sonja Hayes while playing hockey at the Florence Park rink on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 31.
Cynthia Kiehne of Racine, right, browsed among the 34 booths at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's annual Cabin Fever Flea Market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 18. Amanda Corey, owner of Altered by Grace of Austin, in the foreground at left, and Annette Ekoue, owner of Rustic Design of Austin, welcomed Kiehne and other shoppers to their booths.
A winter storm dumped about 10 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Thursday evening, Feb. 23 and Friday morning, Feb. 24. Above, Seth Stier uses a snow blower to clear the sidewalk in front of Sammy's Family Restaurant.
Melanie Shaw of Rochester, left, and her daughter Lacey, 5, take a close look at the baked goods available at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's Cabin Fever Flea Market, held at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 18. Susan Waughtal of Squash Blossom Farm near Douglas, Minn. sold bread, scones and other goodies from a display case at the event.
Al Chihak, owner of Mystic Moon Antiques & Collectibles, center, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, president of the EDA,left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA.
Joel Raygor, an associate for RE/MAX, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, president of the EDA, standing in the center, and Mayor Jimmie-John King of the EDA, standing at right. Jackson Raygor, Joel's son, stands at left.
Morrie and Phyllis Schutz, owners of Morrie's Liquor in Stewartville, plan to open their liquor store on Sundays starting in July if the Stewartville City Council gives the OK to a bill signed by Gov. Dayton allowing liquor stores to open on Sundays.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, right, auctioned off a number of impressive items, including a 22-long rifle for $1,500 and a hot air balloon ride for $900, at the Stewartville Area Community Foundation's second annual Toast & Taste at the Rochester Event Center on Friday evening, March 24. Andrea Billings, chair of the Foundation's Board of Trustees, left, displays an item to be auctioned. The event was held to raise funds for an outdoor amphitheater to be built at Bear Cave Park.
AND THE WINNER IS...-- Rachel Wick, an anchor and reporter for KAAL-TV, left, the master of ceremonies for the second annual Toast & Taste, waits for Justin Lonien to pick the name of a raffle winner at the Rochester Event Center on Friday evening, March 24.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated at right, signed a proclamation last week declaring April "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Stewartville. Allison Johnson, coordinator of the Crisis Nursery for Families First of Minnesota, is seated at left. Standing, from left, are Joelle Marturano, Crisis Nursery intern; and Rick Fakler, a Voices for Children committee member.
Alcon Construction of Rochester will repair Sixth Street Northeast and Fairway Court North for $1,065,130.00 this summer. Jenna Obernolte, an engineer for Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH), the city's engineering firm, said the project is scheduled to start in early May and conclude by Labor Day. Above, Mayor Jimmie-John King displays the deteriorating condition of Sixth Street Northeast.
The Stewartville Lions Club will raise money to fight blindness and other eye diseases with its annual White Cane Days this Friday, April 28. Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the Lions Club, seated in center, signed a proclamation last week declaring April 28 White Cane Day in Stewartville. Other Lions who will help with the project include, front row, from left, George Menshik, chair of White Cane Days, and Dr. David Thompson. Back row, from left, Bob Fauver, Steve Sturm and Frank Weber.
Ben Zahradnik displays the inner workings of his Traxxas 1/10th-scale SLASH 4x4 truck, which has the potential to reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, before he races it at the new RC racetrack at Meadow Park North.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated in center, signed a proclamation last week declaring May "Poppy Month" in Stewartville. The proclamation states that the Memorial Poppy, assembled by disabled veterans, pays respectful tribute to those killed in war and also helps living veterans and their families. Members of the Stewartville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 164 and VFW will distribute poppies at various locations this Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6. Proceeds from free-will donations for the poppies will help Stewartville area veterans and veterans rehabilitation programs. Representatives of the veterans organizations involved with the poppy project include, front row, from left, Wanda Prescher, president of the Stewartville American Legion Auxiliary; Mayor King and Richard Paulson. Back row, from left, Laurel Jacobs, Peggy Paulson and Hannah Lechner, who was named a poppy princess in 1993.
Craig Nagel, left, and Ryan Nagel, right, of Nagel Heating & Air Conditioning, accept the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, president of the EDA.
As her husband Vern holds a container into which she placed petunias, oregano, dill and peppermint, Mary Boettcher examines the plants on the Grisim School Bus grounds along Main Street last Thursday, May 11.The Boettchers were among hundreds of shoppers and browsers who took part in the 33rd annual Stewartville Citywide Garage Sale last week. In all, occupants of 136 homes officially registered at the Stewartville STAR to sell items at this year's sales. "I like colors and I like aromas," Mary said. "I like to do my own baskets rather than buy baskets that are already put together."
Barb Neubauer, city finance director, right, accepts the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from Mayor Jimmie-John King. "Our finance director has done an outstanding job once again," King said. Neubauer and the city have earned the award 10 consecutive years.
Alyssa Jones, left, and Olivia Otto, eighth graders at Stewartville Middle School, were the featured speakers at Stewartville's annual Memorial Day ceremony at Woodlawn Cemetery on Monday, May 29.
Work crews put the last coat of asphalt on Fourth Street Northeast last week, completing a project that began during the summer of 2016. Swenke Ims Contracting LLC of Kasson rebuilt the street, along with Fifth Street Northeast, Third Avenue Northeast and Sixth Avenue Southwest, last summer.
Abi Davis, 7, of Rochester, who will be a first grader at Bonner Elementary School this fall, grasps the ropes as she crosses the Stewartville pool on a set of imitation logs on Friday, June 9. Hundreds of local and area residents turned out to seek some relief from the high temperatures on the first day the pool was open to the public in 2017.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce will present its annual Summerfest celebration at Florence Park on Sunday, July 2; Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4. A few of the many individuals who have helped plan the event, posing at Florence Park, include, front row, from left, Robert Hruska, chair of Arts in the Park; and Mike Rainey, in charge of the beer tent. Back row, from left, Stacy McConnell, chair of the Street Dance; Melissa Sue Leuning, who joined April Crom as co-chair of the Summerfest Parade; and Mary Kuhlman, Chamber administrator.
A crew from Alcon Construction worked on a portion of Sixth Street Northeast last week. The Rochester company is expected to complete the construction portion of the work on Sixth Street Northeast and Fairway Court for $1,065,130.00, considerably less than the city engineer's construction estimate of $1,202,740.00.
Stewartville officials representing a number of organizations hosted a public dedication ceremony at Meadow Park North on Wednesday, June 28. The group publicly thanked the Minnesota Twins for providing a $6,000 Twins Community Fund Fields for Kids grant to help the city of Stewartville pay for new baseball fencing at the park. Officials include, from left, Angela Carr of the Park Board, Eric Loftus and Shelly McCrady-Spitzer of the Stewartville Youth Athletic Association (SYAA), Mayor Jimmie-John King, Will Welch and Matt Grabau of the Park Board, and Jeremiah Oeltjen of the Stewartville City Council.
Frankie and Phyllis Valens were the featured performers at Gospel Music Bash #4, held at the Stewartville Civic Center on Thursday evening, June 29. Valens, a pop singer from 1967 to 1972, sang some of his old favorites, including his renditions of This Magic Moment and The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Later, he and his wife sang a number of Christian hymns.
Gloria Nihart of Stewartville, in the foreground, speaks to the audience during Gospel Music Bash #4 at the Stewartville Civic Center on Thursday, June 29. Songwriter Glenn Douglas Tubb and Dottie Snow Tubb, two of the many performers at the event, are in the background.
Nila Patel, co-owner of America's Best Inn, accepted the EDA's Business Appreciation Award last week from, clockwise from left, Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA; Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, and Chris Stafford, EDA president.
Mike Podein, far left, and Mark Podein, far right, owners of Podein's Power Equipment, accept congratulations on their business's current expansion from, clockwise from second from left, Mayor Jimmie-John King, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; and Gwen Stevens, director of member and community relations for People's Energy Cooperative, which provided Podein's Power Equipment with $100,000 in gap financing to help pay for the expansion.
Mike Podein, far left, and Mark Podein, far right, owners of Podein's Power Equipment, accept congratulations on their business's current expansion from, clockwise from second from left, Mayor Jimmie-John King, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; and Gwen Stevens, director of member and community relations for People's Energy Cooperative, which provided Podein's Power Equipment with $100,000 in gap financing to help pay for the expansion. Crews continued working on the Podein's Power Equipment expansion last week. Podein's is building a new structure to connect two other buildings and create additional show room and shop space.
Ryan Davis of Davis WoodScapes, Stewartville, works on landscaping at the firefighters monument near the Stewartville Fire Station last week. Davis said he expects to complete the landscaping portion of the work by Tuesday, July 18 or Wednesday, July 19. "I think it's great," he said of the monument. "I'm honored (the Fire Department) trusted me with a project that is going to be around for decades."
THEY KNOW THE DRILL -- From left, Sydney Clausen of Stewartville, Lydia Jacobson of Rosemount, and Jenny Alger of Detroit Lakes, the driver for the group, drill screws into a railing at the home of Ervine Eilert of Stewartville at STORM Camp last week.
Paisley Faro, 9 months, looks up to her dad, Mason, as she seeks a bit of a mac 'n cheese hot dog at the fifth annual Dog Days of Summer event last Thursday, Aug. 3. "She loves it," Mason said.
Hundreds of Stewartville and area residents ate free hot dogs and side items from six northeast Stewartville businesses at the annual Dog Days of Summer event, held at Fareway on Thursday, Aug. 3.
Mayor Jimmie-John King celebrated National Night Out by sharing a bucket of watermelon with three young friends at the Stewartville Public Library on Tuesday evening, Aug. 1. The children are, from left, David Daniels, 1; Nathan Daniels, 3; and Solara Gebhardt, 3, all of Stewartville.
Jeff Bagniewski, owner of Stewartville's Dairy Queen, center, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left; and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA.
Pat Johnson, library director, stands inside the Stewartville Public Library, furnished with new tables, chairs and carpeting in late July. The tables, which came to the library courtesy of a private donation, brighten the space and are easy to move from place to place, Johnson said. The chairs, from Hom Furniture, Rochester, are durable, stable and easy to clean, she said. Library patrons, staff and members of the Library Board chose the new carpeting, from Hiller's Flooring America of Rochester. Visitors like the changes, Johnson said. "The carpeting is the first thing they talk about," she said.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated in center, signs a proclamation declaring Sept. 8 and 9 Peanut Days in Stewartville. Janice Hagen, president of the Stewartville Kiwanis Club, standing at left, and Carol Youdas, club member, are two of the many club members who will accept donations to fight maternal and neonatal tetanus on those two days.
A crew from Alcon Construction continued to work on portions of Sixth Street Northeast last week. The Rochester firm is expected to repair Sixth Street Northeast and Fairway Court for $1,065,130.00, considerably less than the city engineer's construction estimate of $1,202,740.00. Above, Bobby Carr of Stewartville moves earth along the street.
Mary Lynch of Stewartville enjoys spending time in her backyard garden, which includes phlox, red sedum, perennial sweet pea, coneflowers, tall ageratum and more. Every year for Mother's Day, her children give her gift certificates for purchasing items at flower centers. Some years, she'll spend four or five hours a week in her garden, although she didn't do so this summer. "This year, it came through in spite of me," she said with a smile. Gardening gives her a sense of tranquility. "There's peace and enjoyment," she said. "You appreciate nature, and all God's blessings, so much when you're out in it."
Traci Laures, the R.N. lead at Olmsted Medical Center in Stewartville, seated center, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Jim Kuisle, EDA member, seated at left; and Mayor Jimmie John King, also an EDA member, seated at right, at Stewartville City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 19. In back, from left, are Olmsted Medical Center employees Penny Ness, Alice Hughes, Amy Stoeger, Judy Devorak, Jeanne Fisher and Deb Krusemark.
Manufacturing employees at GEOTEK of Stewartville stand near a pallet of crossarms ready for shipment for Hurricane Irma storm relief. GEOTEK shipped more than 5,000 crossarms to help restore power after hurricanes Harvey and Irma swept through Texas and Florida. GEOTEK will host a tour of their company to celebrate Manufacturing Week on Tuesday, Oct. 3.
en Conway, president of Halcon, in foreground at right, led members of the Stewartville Economic Development Authority (EDA) on a tour of Halcon's new administration building on June 21, 2016. Bill Schimmel Jr., Stewartville's city administrator, stands at left. Halcon will host another tour to celebrate local Manufacturing Week on Tuesday, Oct. 3.
Reunion Band played a number of golden oldies at the Stewartville Area Community Foundation's Bear Cave BBQ Bash at Bear Cave Park on Saturday, Sept. 23. Selections included Garden Party, Obladi Oblada, Down on the Corner and many more.
Lost Highway, a country rock group, was the main attraction at the Stewartville Area Community Foundation's Bear Cave BBQ Bash on Saturday evening, Sept. 23. The group also performed at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Summerfest celebration.
Anytime Fitness of Stewartville raised $500 in August to buy 25 backpacks full of school supplies for children in need. Here, Anytime Fitness of Stewartville employees, from left, Mary Delling, Maggie Kramer and Jared Johnson, far right, present Stewartville REACH program coordinator Jim Perry, third from left, with the backpacks and school supplies.
Shawntera Hardy, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), left, prepares to present a certificate of appreciation to GEOTEK of Stewartville, represented by Mollie Forstner, human resources director, center, and Ben Wiltsie, president and CEO.
Mike Smith, manufacturing engineer at Halcon, far right, leads a tour of Halcon's working space to begin the celebration of Minnesota Manufacturing Week last Tuesday, Oct. 3. Officials who took the tour include, starting from fourth from left, state Rep. Nels Pierson, state Sen. Carla Nelson, Jimmie-John King, mayor of Stewartville, and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator. Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) partnered with the state of Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and Journey To Growth (J2G) to host tours of manufacturing facilities in four southeastern Minnesota communities, including Stewartville, Rochester, Blooming Prairie and Caledonia.
In the near future, the Stewartville Public Library will be required to pay for SELCO plastic book bags. With that in mind, librarians are seeking local and area residents interested in sewing book bags or donating recyclable bags to be used by library patrons. "We would like to involve as many patrons or people willing to help as possible to make this a community project," a statement from the library says. From left, Pat Johnson, library director, and librarians Deb Lofgren and Sue Edge display a few sample bag styles.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, far right, presents a certificate of appreciation to employees at Jimmy's Salad Dressings & Dips.
Jack Hagen, 9, a third grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School, operates a fire hose with assistance from Josh Murphy, a Stewartville firefighter, at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house on Wednesday, Oct. 11. The event is held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week.
Patrick and Krystal Campbell have cleared an early hurdle in their quest to open a new child care center in the Schumann Business Park. The city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority voted 5-0 last week to approve a $50,000 loan to Sprouts Childcare & Early Education Center, LLC, which the Campbells plan to open in fall 2018.
Workers continue to develop a new Peterbilt Truck Center at the Schumann Business Park. The company, which will employ 20 to 25 workers and could expand to hire up to 50 people, will be open 24 hours a day. Peterbilt sells, repairs, services and displays trucks. The City Council, at its Oct. 10 meeting, agreed to grant a conditional use permit to La Crosse Sign Co. to erect a 75-foot high Peterbilt sign.
Jana Groski, seated in center, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA. Kelley Smith, professional groomer, standing, holds Kumu, a golden retriever. Marley, a black Lab, is in the foreground.
Zachary Lechner, a Stewartville dentist, right, holds the chain saw he used to help clear a black walnut tree at the site where his new dental office will be built starting next spring. David Weinhold, a local arborist, stands at left.
Black smoke rises from a flaming 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck attached to a motor home near the north Kwik Trip in Stewartville on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Thrivent Financial to the local business community with an official ambassador visit on Friday, Nov. 10. Mary Kuhlman, Chamber administrator, center, presents Nick Johnson of Thrivent Financial, third from left, with a "Welcome to the Chamber" plaque. Nic Hale of Thrivent Financial, second from right, cuts the ribbon to ceremoniously open the new business. Chamber members, from left, include Melissa Sue Leuning, Chamber board member; Jared Johnson of Anytime Fitness, Mike Rainey of Bremer Bank, and Al Chihak of Mystic Moon Antiques & Collectibles. Thrivent Financial also hosted an open house at its new office, located along Main Street just north of Grisim School Bus, Inc.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Fiddle & Frog to the Chamber with an official ambassador visit last week. April Crom, president of the Chamber, seated third from left, presents a Chamber plaque to Amy Wockenfus, second from right, and Kristin Gontea, far right, sisters and co-owners of Fiddle & Frog. Other Chamber representatives, seated from left, include Melissa Sue Leuning, Chamber Board member; and Mary Kuhlman, Chamber administrator. In back, from left, are Al Chihak of Bear Cave Estates, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; Mayor Jimmie-John King and Mike Rainey of Bremer Bank. Fiddle & Frog, which opened in June, sells handmade arts and crafts. "We joined the Chamber for the networking opportunities," Gontea said. "Being a Chamber member will also give our business more exposure."
Dr. Tom Bro, center, who has served as a dentist in Stewartville for almost 43 years, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left; and Mayor Jimmie-John King, an EDA member.
Amber Herbrand, posing with her husband Michael, was the first-place winner of the first-ever Winterfest Ugly Sweater Run.
Mikey Crom won the prize for wearing the ugliest sweater at the first-ever Winterfest Ugly Sweater Run on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Gracey Gunderson, 8, left, smiles at her brother Gage, 4, as the siblings sit on Santa's lap during the Stewartville Kiwanis Club's annual Pictures with Santa event at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday morning, Dec. 2. About 80 groups of children, many with more than two in each group, told Santa all about what they wanted for Christmas from 9 a.m. until about 12:15 p.m. that day. Many more photos of children visiting Santa will be featured in the Stewartville STAR's annual Holiday Section, scheduled for distribution on Tuesday, Dec. 19.
Local and area residents warmed themselves near a bonfire at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Winterfest celebration at Florence Park on Saturday evening, Dec. 2.
Endless Journey Child Care was one of nine businesses or organizations that entered floats in the annual Winterfest Parade on Saturday evening, Dec. 2. The float featured a theme from the movie Frozen.
At the Tea & Luncheon, Sophie King models the wedding gown worn by her grandmother, Arlene King, in 1949.
Bill Schimmel Jr. of the Stewartville Lions Club, standing in back, visited First Farmers&Merchants Bank last week to collect items donated by the bank's customers and friends to the Lions Club's annual Christmas Anonymous gift and fund drive. First Farmers&Merchants Bank employees include, front row, from left, Stephanie Lawson and Anna Serrano. Back row, from left, Kayla Munsch, Schimmel, Tiffany Titus and Pam Wilson.
Ron Barber, left, accepts the Mayor's Award for Community Service from Mayor Jimmie-John King at the city of Stewartville's annual awards and recognition event at the Stewartville Civic Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
Melanie Shaw of Rochester, left, and her daughter Lacey, 5, examine the baked goods at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's Cabin Fever Flea Market on Feb. 18. Susan Waughtal of Squash Blossom Farm near Douglas, Minn. sold bread, scones and other goodies at the event, held at the Stewartville Civic Center.
Local and area residents dropped off hundreds of gifts for the Women's Shelter of Rochester at the Stewartville STAR office between Tuesday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Dec. 15. From left, Sharon Moehnke, Judy Schroeder and Bill Schroeder of the STAR stand near the huge pile of items, which included clothes, toys, pillows, household items and personal care items. The Women's Shelter assists female victims of domestic violence and their children at a facility that provides temporary shelter and services.
The sun sets below the trees on a cold late afternoon near the ice rink at Stewartville's Florence Park on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Temperatures dipped below zero every day or night from Christmas Day through early January in southeastern Minnesota.
Workers have substantially completed the third phase of improvements to the city of Stewartville's wastewater treatment plant, a two-year job that will cost the city an estimated $3.5 million. The improvements included the addition of new sludge drying beds, where liquid sludge is applied to sand to produce a powder-like substance, some of which can be stored in the building at right.
The Stewartville City Council, ready to go to work for 2018, includes, front row, from left, Craig Anderson and Brent Beyer. Back row, from left, are Dick Uptagrafft, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Jeremiah Oeltjen.
Jen Martin, owner of Ejuvenate Therapeutic & Sports Massage, center, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Chris Stafford, EDA president, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA.
Sean Hale, the new public works director for the city of Stewartville, says public works employees do important work. "It makes people feel good to come to a town that's well-maintained," he said.
Roberto Narciso, who lives on Second Ave. Southwest, Stewartville, used a snowblower to clear his sidewalk after a winter storm dumped plenty of snow on Stewartville and the area last week.
Stephen Biffert, a member of Stewartville Assembly of God Church, uses a Polaris 400 to clear snow near the church after a winter storm left Stewartville and the area covered with about 8 1/2 inches of snow on Sunday, Jan. 21 and Monday, Jan. 22.
Caden Nagel, a second grader at Bonner Elementary School, shovels snow with his dad, Craig, on Tuesday morning, Jan. 23. A Jan. 22 winter storm dumped about 8.5 inches of snow on Stewartville.
Al Chihak was honored as the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Volunteers of the Year for 2017 at the Chamber's Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Jan. 27.
Melissa Sue Leuning was honored as the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Volunteers of the Year for 2017 at the Chamber's Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Jan. 27.
Colton Duoos of Stewartville, right, works at a loom at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's 22nd annual Cabin Fever Flea Market at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 14. Looking on are Lori Feltis, the owner of the loom, center; and Ginnie King. "I have two-harness and four-harness looms," Feltis said. "You move your feet on the treadle, and it moves up and down. That's all you do."
Dave Feddersen, president and CEO of First Farmers&Merchants Bank, front and center, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from, left to right, Chris Stafford of the EDA, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; and Mayor Jimmie-John King, an EDA member.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, right, and his grandson Emmit King, a second grader at Bonner Elementary School, enjoy a drum cardio workout during the annual Jump Rope for Heart event at the Bonner gym on Thursday, Feb. 22.
Four Stewartville firefighters took part in the annual Fight for Air Climb at the U.S. Bank Plaza in Minneapolis on Saturday, Feb. 24. The firefighters include, from left, Jeff Olson, Nate Petrich, Lisa Jelinek and Dan Swanson.
Lester Johnson of Stewartville was busy with his snow blower last week after a winter storm dropped almost seven inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Monday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 6.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the city's Economic Development Authority, right, visited the eighth graders in Dawn Miller's health class at Stewartville Middle School last week to discuss the students' views on the city of Stewartville. From left, eighth graders Allie Elliot and Kylie Smidt listen to the mayor's questions as Miller looks on in the background.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated in center, signed a proclamation last week declaring April "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Stewartville. Allison Johnson, coordinator of the Crisis Nursery for Families First of Minnesota, is seated second from left. Others in the front row include, from left, Marleigh Van Dellen, Brandyn Wolf and Raven Smith, students at Rosa Parks Charter High School in Rochester, who volunteer to help fight child abuse. In back, the first four individuals from the left are members of Bikers Against Child Abuse, an organization that exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. Also in back, from far right, are Dawntaya Fullilove, a paraprofessional at Rosa Parks Charter High School; and Hannah Kvittem, an intern at Crisis Nursery. For more information, see the story at right.
The Stewartville Ministerium hosted the annual Ecumenical Good Friday service at the Stewartville Civic Center on Friday morning, March 30. Participating ministers, each of whom spoke about some aspect of Jesus's passion, suffering and death, included, front row, from left, Lance Lorenz, Pleasant Grove Church of Christ; Paul Langmade and Dr. John Grams, both of Grace Evangelical Free Church; and Wane Souhrada, Stewartville United Methodist Church. Back row, from left, Dave Hoot and Becky Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church; along with Kim Kyllo and Byron Meline, both of Zion Lutheran Church.
Leah Campbell of Stewartville, second from left, and her daughters, from left, Norah, 10, Audrey, 4, and Elise, 7, purchase bath bombs from Anna Serrano, left, owner of Bombs Away, a bath bombs business, at the annual Spring Fling at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, March 24. Hundreds of shoppers browsed among more than 40 booths that day.
Clair Mrotek, second from left, accepts the EDA Business Appreciation Award from Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, far left; Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, second from right; and Jim Kuisle, EDA president, far right.
An early-spring storm dumped about seven inches of snow on Stewartville and the area last week, closing local schools on Tuesday, April 3 and causing a two-hour delay on Wednesday, April 4. Kyle Jacobson of Stewartville, above, uses his snowblower to remove snow from the driveway of his neighbor, Mayor Jimmie-John King.
Greg House, second from right, and his dad Bob, second from left, accept the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Mayor Jimmie-John King, an EDA member, far left, and Adam Wright of the EDA, far right.
Brandon Johnson, energy advisor and key account specialist for People's Energy Cooperative, second from right, presents a check for $7,391.74 to Jeff Harrison, wastewater supervisor at the city of Stewartville's wastewater treatment plant, far right. Johnson presented the rebate to thank the wastewater plant for installing energy-efficient equipment. Others in the photo include, from left, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; Mayor Jimmie-John King and Sean Hale, public works director.
Barb Neubauer, city finance director, right, accepts the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from Mayor Jimmie-John King. Neubauer and the city have earned the award so often that city officials are running out of room for plaques on the walls at City Hall, King said.
Stewartville firefighters used a ladder truck to shoot water down at a fire at the city of Stewartville's brush dump on Sunday afternoon, April 29. Below, firefighters, who were at the scene for more than four hours, work to knock down the fire.
Members of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed EZ Camper Rental to the Chamber with an official ambassador visit last week. Merissa Kruger, center, with scissors, and her husband Edward, third from right, owners of the business, cut the ribbon to mark the occasion. Myrna Welter, the Chamber's membership coordinator, presents the Krugers with a "Welcome to the Chamber" plaque. Other Chamber members include, from left, Dave Hildebrandt, Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator; Dylan Smallwood, Bill Schimmel Jr., Dave Feddersen, Nick Johnson and Jared Johnson.
Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, left, and Sean Hale, public works director, found a lot of garbage and debris during a recent visit to the city of Stewartville's brush dump, a facility designed only for brush, limbs, tree branches and the like.
Some of the 245 participants get blasted with color at the start of the third annual Stewartville Color Run Walk Stroll 5K, which began near the Central Education Center on Saturday morning, May 5.
Hundreds of shoppers attended the 34th annual Stewartville Citywide Garage Sale Thursday, May 10 through Saturday, May 12. Here, Traci Laures of Stewartville examines the tomato plants at a sale at the home of Steve and Carol Denny along Fifth Avenue Southeast.
Hundreds of shoppers attended the 34th annual Stewartville Citywide Garage Sale Thursday, May 10 through Saturday, May 12. Here, Krissy Sullivan of Stewartville, standing at right, and her mother, Carol Drees, help Krissy's son Maximus, 4, search for a toy at a sale along Tenth Avenue Northeast last Thursday.
Root River Dental hosted a groundbreaking for its new dental office along Main Street on Thursday afternoon, May 10. Dr. Zachary Lechner and his wife Hannah, center, hosted the groundbreaking at the construction site just south of First American Insurance Services. From left are Natalie Schlagenhaft of the Root River Dental staff, Chris Stafford of the city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority, Brianna Elwood, Root River Dental staff member; Mayor Jimmie-John King, Hannah Lechner, Dr. Zachary Lechner, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; along with Katy Wiersma, Kayla Gibson and Cindy Tangen, all of the Root River Dental staff.
Krystal Campbell, co-owner and director of the new Sprouts Childcare & Early Learning Center, with husband Patrick and their children close by, throws some dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility at the Schumann Business Park on Thursday, May 10. The new day care center is scheduled to open this fall.
Tory Keefe operated the machine that demolished the Violet Olson home along Main Street in Stewartville on Wednesday, May 2. Keefe, the owner of the property on which the house was built, said he's willing to listen to people who have ideas for a Main Street business at the site.
Ellen Speltz, co-owner of Subway of Stewartville, second from left, and her son Jonathan accept the EDA Business Appreciation Award from Jim Kuisle, president of the EDA, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, right.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated, signed a proclamation last week declaring May as "Poppy Month" and Friday, May 25 as "Poppy Day" in Stewartville. The proclamation states that the Memorial Poppy, assembled by disabled veterans, pays respectful tribute to those killed in war and also helps living veterans and their families. Members of the Stewartville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 distributed poppies at various locations on Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19. Proceeds from free-will donations will help Stewartville and area veterans, the Hastings Veterans Home, the Airman's Club at the Minneapolis Airport, and the Fischer House on the V.A. Campus in Minneapolis. Representatives of the Legion Auxiliary involved with the poppy project include, standing from left, Peggy Paulson and Wanda Prescher, president of the Legion Auxiliary.
Tom and Sue Slightam, seated at right, present a $10,000 check to Patrick and Krystal Campbell, owners of Sprouts Childcare and Early Learning Center, at Stewartville City Hall on Wednesday, May 16. The money will come from the Slightams' Low Water Bridge Foundation, established in 2017 to assist selected local entrepreneurs with the start-up phase of their businesses. The Slightams donated the money through the Stewartville Area Community Foundation, represented by Patty Geerdes, current chair, standing at left; and Andrea Billings, past chair, standing at right. The Campbells' children, at left, include Parker, Lydia, Julia and Alayna.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, left, shakes hands with Ryan Sabinish as the mayor announces to a large audience that Stewartville has been designated a "Purple Heart" city.
Lydia Fryer, left, and Aleksander Kosmala, eighth graders at Stewartville Middle School, read their patriotic essays to a large Memorial Day audience.
Sean Hale, public works director for the city of Stewartville, displays the new sign at the entrance to the city's brush dump. Hale emphasized that the dump accepts brush, branches and compost from Stewartville residents only. The city is still having problems with people leaving garbage and debris at the dump, he said.
Jeff and Dorie Byrne, center, accepted the Stewartville Economic Development Authority's monthly Business Appreciation Award at the Stewartville Civic Center last week. Jim Kuisle, EDA president, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, right, presented the award.
Bruce Loeschen, an artist who has crossed the country to draw montages of many American cities, businesses and schools, recently completed a finely detailed montage of the city of Stewartville. The Stewartville Band Boosters Club, which commissioned Loeschen to complete the montage in May, will sell 16-inch by 20-inch montage posters from an Arts in the Park booth at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Summerfest celebration this Wednesday, July 4. The Band Boosters are considering using proceeds from the sale to purchase new band equipment and pay for future band trips. Deb Jones, a member of the Band Boosters Club, displays Loeschen's Stewartville montage.
Root River Dental's new 4,300 square-foot dental facility is beginning to take shape along Main Street in Stewartville. Dr. Zachary Lechner, dentist at Root River Dental, has said that the new structure is designed to fulfill Root River's mission to serve others. "Patients will have a clean, comfortable and modern facility," he said.
Crews have started building the new 7,800 square-foot Sprouts Childcare & Early Childhood Education Center in Stewartville's Schumann Business Park. Patrick and Krystal Campbell, owners of the new facility, joined city officials and other community leaders to break ground for the new center on Thursday morning, May 10. Krystal Campbell has said the new center will serve as many as 99 children at a time.
Workers from Edge Contracting moved earth along Fifth Avenue Northeast in Stewartville last week. The Elgin company will fix a number of other streets this summer, including Twelfth Avenue Northeast from Hwy. 30 just beyond the Fifth Street intersection, Sunrise Court, Luella Place Northeast and stubs of Third Street Northeast and Fifth Street Northeast. Last February, the company submitted the low bid for the project, offering to do the construction portion of the work for $1,501,490.35.
Someone stole flowers from one of the three planters near the Stewartville Care Center last week. Sue Warmka, activities director at the Care Center, said the theft most likely occurred some time Tuesday evening, July 3 or Wednesday, July 4. The uprooted and stolen snapdragons and pansies had occupied about 75 percent of the planter's space.
Mayor Jimmie-John King stands near the new "Welcome to Stewartville" sign recently built along Hwy. 30 just east of the city. An identical sign has also been placed along County Road 6 just west of Stewartville. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, said the city used $25,000 from Rochester sales tax grant funds to purchase and install the two new signs. Openwood Studios, which also provided the signs at the north and south entrances to the city, provided the two new signs as well. Pat Collins, a local masonry contractor, did the brick work. The city's public works department will complete the border work on the sign and add landscaping and solar lighting, Schimmel said.
Bobcat and Thermo King will soon join Peterbilt in Stewartville's Schumann Business Park. WB Properties Rochester is building the 23,000 square-foot Bobcat building, and Sanco Equipment will use the new building to sell the Bobcat product line. Thermo King Corp., based in Bloomington, is an American manufacturer of transport temperature control systems for trucks, trailers and more.
The Peterbilt Truck Center, above, recently established in Stewartville's Schumann Business Park, is open 24 hours a day, employs 20 to 25 workers and could expand to hire up to 50 people. Peterbilt sells, repairs, services and displays trucks.
FINANCIAL ADVISORS -- Nic Hale, left, and Nick Johnson offer retirement planning and financial advice at Thrivent Financial, 520 South Main St., Stewartville. The business is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. "We have felt very welcomed by the community," Johnson said. "We are very encouraged by people who come up to us and say, 'We're glad you're here.'"
Logan Eidem, 11, of Rochester, holds the ropes tightly as he does the splits while crossing the Stewartville pool on a set of imitation logs last week. Logan is one of hundreds of Stewartville and area kids who enjoyed the free swim at the pool on Tuesday, July 17 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The day was just about perfect for swimming, with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70s.
In a close battle, Stewartville Mayor Jimmie-John King placed third among three area mayors who competed to determine who could get the most milk from an imitation cow at the Olmsted County Fair's Dairy Birthing Center on Thursday, July 26. King earned a box of Milk Duds as a consolation prize. For more on the County Fair, see Page 6.
Winners of the fun runs at the BBQ Music Fest at Bear Cave Park include, front row, from left, Avery Spencer and Charlie Boerger, one mile; and back row, from left, 5K winners Jakob Ratelle and Chase Neubauer.
Leon Lipkie of Lenny's BBQ of Stewartville was the winner of the People's Choice Pulled Pork competition at the second annual BBQ Music Fest.
Tim Felton of Little Tim's Smokin' BBQ of LaCrescent, far right, was the overall winner of the Bear Cave Backyard BBQ competition at the BBQ Music Fest on Saturday, July 28. Dave Stevens of Bone Hill BBQ of Racine, second from right, placed second. Wade Goss of Moonlight Meat Rubbers of Stewartville, second from left, and his team, Jeremy Jackson, holding trophy at far left, and Ben Borchardt, third from left, placed third.
Stewartville and area residents taste-tested samples from seven BBQ chefs at the second annual People's Choice Pulled Pork competition at the BBQ Music Fest at Bear Cave Park on Saturday, July 28. Leon Lipkie of Stewartville, owner of Lenny's BBQ, was the winner of the pulled pork contest.
Kevin Huelskamp, owner of The Connection, A Chiropractic Place, third from right, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Jim Kuisle, president of the EDA, third from left. Others, from left, include Mayor Jimmie-John King, EDA member; Natalie Storm, chiropractic assistant at The Connection, A Chiropractic Place; Mark Rusciano, EDA member, and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator.
Guests formed one line for hot dogs and sides from four northeast Stewartville businesses at the sixth annual Dog Days of Summer celebration at the Fareway parking lot on Thursday, Aug. 2. Above, a number of Fareway employees serve guests going through the line. Robert Hruska, grocery manager of Fareway, said that Fareway, Anytime Fitness, First Farmers&Merchants Bank and Stewartville Family Dentistry gave away a total of almost 1,000 hot dogs.
Sixteen Stewartville homes hosted registered gatherings to celebrate National Night Out on a beautiful Tuesday evening, Aug. 7 last week. Above, Sgt. Kirby Long of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, a former community oriented policing (COPS) deputy in Stewartville, offers a variety of toys to two young ladies at an NNO celebration hosted by Jenny Anderson at the 400 block of Fourth Avenue Southeast. Arianna McCrossen, 3, of Stewartville, selects a ball as Brystol Schmidt, 8, of Stewartville waits her turn in the background.
Fareway Spirits and More will officially open its doors for business after its 9:45 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 22. Featured speakers at the event will be Stewartville Mayor Jimmie-John King, Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer and Chamber Administrator Gwen Ravenhorst. Welcoming you to the public event at the liquor store (part of Fareway Meat & Grocery Store) are Fareway Store Manager Robert Hruska, left, and Fareway Spirits and More Manager Bethany Koster.
Robert Hruska, grocery manager of Fareway of Stewartville, center, uses a ceremonial scissors to cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of Fareway Spirits & More, a new liquor store attached to Fareway's grocery store, on Wednesday morning, Aug. 22. Gwen Ravenhorst, administrator of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce, left, holds the ribbon. Hruska is flanked by his wife Jennifer, pictured to his left, Beth Koster, manager of Fareway Spirits & More, pictured to the left of Jen Hruska, and Myrna Welter, Chamber membership coordinator, pictured to the right of Robert Hruska.
Heather Reed, second from left, and Treena Perzynski, far right, Kwik Trip managers, accept the EDA Business Appreciation Award from Jim Kuisle, EDA president, far left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, second from right.
Root River Dental's new 4,300 square-foot dental facility is continuing to take shape along Main Street in Stewartville. Dr. Zachary Lechner, dentist at Root River Dental, has said that the new structure is designed to fulfill Root River's mission to serve others. "Patients will have a clean, comfortable and modern facility," he said. Lechner told the EDA last week that he expects work on the structure to be finished by early December.
The construction of the new Sprouts Childcare & Early Learning Center is proceeding on schedule, Krystal Campbell told the city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority at a recent meeting. Campbell, the co-owner and director of the new center, said the facility is scheduled to open on Monday, Oct. 29. Residents will be able to tour the new center at an open house the week before it opens, Campbell said.
After being delayed by recent heavy rains, workers from Edge Contracting of Elgin replaced the water line under Twelfth Avenue Northeast on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 6. The city of Stewartville's 2018 capital improvement project also includes work on Sunrise Court, Luella Place Northeast, stubs of Third Street Northeast and Fifth Street Northeast, and a portion of Fifth Avenue Northeast.
Employees from Edge Contracting of Elgin continued their work on Fifth Avenue Northeast on Friday morning, Sept. 7. The city of Stewartville's 2018 capital improvement project also includes work on Twelfth Avenue Northeast, Sunrise Court, Luella Place Northeast, and stubs of Third Street Northeast and Fifth Street Northeast. Above, workers focus on the area near the home of Terry and Patricia Schroeder.
Steve Wolf, assistant fire chief, standing at the podium, was the opening speaker as the Stewartville Fire Department dedicated its new memorial near the Stewartville Fire Hall on a sunny and mild Patriot Day, Tuesday evening, Sept. 11. Wolf, one of four committee members who planned the memorial.
Sam Stier, second from left, and Seth Stier, second from right, accept the EDA Business Appreciation Award from Jim Kuisle, EDA president, far left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, far right.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated third from right, signed a proclamation last week declaring this Saturday, Oct. 6 "White Cane Day" in the city of Stewartville. On that day, members of the Stewartville Morning Lions Club will accept donations at the two Kwik Trips, the two Casey's stores and Fareway to fight blindness and other eye diseases. Some of the Morning Lions members who will participate in the project include, front row, from left, Janet Speltz, Sheila Majerus, Kay Tvedt, chair of White Cane Day; Mayor King, Karen Freiheit and Sharon Moehnke. Back row, from left, Lucien Cole, Carol Cole, Margaret Nelson, David Hoot and Clair Mrotek.
Bill Schroeder, co-publisher of the Stewartville STAR, walks Odee, a puppy owned by his daughter Elyse and son-in-law Zach Struckmann, at Stewartville's new dog park, which officially opened on Wednesday, Oct. 3.
Natalie Siderius, southeast region business development manager for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), right, presents a proclamation signed by Gov. Dayton to Ben Wiltsie, president and chief executive officer of GEOTEK of Stewartville, left, and to Stewartville Mayor Jimmie-John King. GEOTEK hosted tours of its company for Minnesota Manufacturing Week last week.
J.D. Siemback, veneering manager at Halcon, left, speaks to Stewartville High School students, from left, senior Shawn Boyle, junior Tanner Lee and junior Mitchell Jay, who were part of a group of 34 SHS students who toured Halcon and McNeilus Steel of Dodge Center on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Halcon and GEOTEK of Stewartville were among 24 southeast Minnesota manufacturers that opened their doors to almost 350 high school and college students from 17 communities during Minnesota Manufacturing Week, Oct. 1-7.
Stewartville City Council candidates who attended the Oct. 4 forum at the Stewartville Civic Center include, from left, incumbent Craig Anderson, challenger Josh Arndt, incumbent Dick Uptagrafft and challenger Daniel Ware. The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the forum.
Emi Parlin, 5, of Stewartville, assisted by Stewartville firefighter Josh Murphy, uses a fire hose at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house at the local Fire Station on a cold and windy Wednesday evening, Oct. 10. Hundreds of children and their parents visited the Fire Station during the event, held to celebrate Fire Prevention Week. Firefighters also helped kids explore fire trucks, led tours of the Fire Station and answered visitors' questions.
Brecken Senjem, 5, of Stewartville, enjoyed sitting atop the Stewartville Fire Department's 6X6 Polaris Ranger at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house on Wednesday evening, Oct. 10.
Gene and Laura Peters pose for a picture at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Summerfest celebration last July 4. About a month later, Gene noticed that he was losing strength in his arms and legs. In October, he scheduled a checkup with his doctor. Subsequently, a neurologist ran a series of tests and diagnosed him with ALS.
Mayor Jimmie-John King was the featured speaker at the annual Veterans Day program at the Stewartville High School gym on Friday, Nov. 9. King told a large audience of High School and Middle School students and their teachers that veterans are a symbol of what makes America great. "The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our everlasting gratitude," he said.
The city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority presented Minnesota Medical Technologies with the EDA's Business Appreciation Award last week. Jim Kuisle, president of the EDA, seated second from left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, second from right, present the award to Dave Jonas, president of Minnesota Medical Technologies, seated in center, at the company's Stewartville headquarters in the Schumann Business Park on Tuesday, Nov. 20. Other local officials and Minnesota Medical Technologies employees and executives include, seated from left, Sarah Grinde, vice president of marketing, research and development; and Lonnie Boe, office manager and secretary. Back row, from left, Rob Anglin, quality and regulatory; Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; Dave Mullenbach, dip line technician; Philip Conway, vice president of manufacturing; Matt Hodder, chief engineer; Jake Moskwa, accounting manager; Adam Wright, EDA member; and Chris York, quality manager.
Residents who braved a snow and sleet storm warmed themselves near the bonfire at the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's Winterfest celebration on Saturday, Dec. 1.
Sunshine Sanitation's entry in the Winterfest Standstill Parade was a lighted sleigh truck that included a team of garbage can reindeer.
Larry and Gerri Gray accept the Mayor's Award for Community Service from Mayor Jimmie-John King, right. "I don't believe there could ever be anything written about the history of Stewartville that would not include these two," the mayor said.
Chris Stafford, left, leaving the Economic Development Authority after serving as EDA president five of the six years he was part of the group, accepts congratulations from Mayor Jimmie-John King at the city's annual awards and recognition event.
Dick Uptagrafft, left, who served five terms on the City Council and fell short in his effort to be re-elected to a sixth term, accepts recognition from Mayor Jimmie-John King, right, at the city's annual awards and recognition event last week.
Steve Wolf, assistant fire chief, standing at the podium, was the opening speaker as the Stewartville Fire Department dedicated its new memorial near the Stewartville Fire Hall on Patriot Day, Tuesday, Sept. 11.
WB Properties Rochester has completed a new 23,000 square foot building for Bobcat in the Schumann Business Park. The business moved from its previous location in the old Boyums Economart building. Sanco Equipment is using the new building to sell the Bobcat product line, which includes agricultural and construction equipment, mowers, trailers, refrigerated semi-trailers and more.
The Peterbilt Truck Center, recently established in the Schumann Business Park, is open 24 hours a day, employs 20 to 25 workers and could expand to employ up to 50 people. Peterbilt sells, repairs, services and displays trucks.
Thermo King Corp. based n Bloomington, is located in the new Bobcat building in the Schumann Business Park. Thermo King is an American manufacturer of transport temperature control systems for trucks, trailers and more.
Dr. Zachary Lechner poses near the new 4,356 square-foot Root River Dental office along Stewartville's Main Street last week. The facility opened for patient care on Dec. 3, 2018. The Root River Dental office is one of a number of new commercial buildings that have been built in Stewartville recently. The others, all built in the Schumann Business Park, include Sprouts Childcare & Early Education Center, Peterbilt and Bobcat.
Students from Susan Grant's Stewartville High School economics class who recently made presentations to the city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority include, front row, from left, Sean Boland, Hunter Voigt, Layne Vaupel and Caleb Milburn. Back row, from left, Marie Rindahl, Hannah Kruger and Petra Algadi. Student presenters Ethan Meyer, Kaitlin Nelson and Emily Schlechtinger are not pictured.
Josh Arndt, right, elected to a seat on the Stewartville City Council last November, takes the oath of office from Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, during the City Council's first meeting of the new year on Tuesday evening, Jan. 8.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Think Bank-Shoppes on Maine location to the Chamber with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Branch Manager Jeff Sabatke (middle, with scissors) and Business Development Representative Judy Braatz (middle, holding Chamber plaque) led the celebration with Think Bank employees and Chamber members. Those attending included, from left, Allie Fryer of Smidt Companies/ Racine Storage, Anna Brouwer of Think Bank, Shanalyn Bird of Think Bank, city of Stewartville Mayor Jimmie-John King, Ross Zumbach of Think Bank, Brad Schroeder of Think Bank, Sabatke, Travis Hodny of Think Bank, Myrna Welter, Chamber membership coordinator, Chris Barnick, senior vice president of consumer banking at Think Bank, Karen Golberg of Think Bank, Braatz, Kate Staffon of Think Bank, Joel McNeil of Think Bank, Zaida Garcia of Think Bank, Dillon Welter of Welter Entertainment DJ Services, and Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, representing the city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority, seated at left, presents the EDA's Business Appreciation Award to Tri Nguyen, owner of A+ Nails of Stewartville. In back, from left, are Barb Neubauer, city finance director; Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; and Cheryl Roeder, city clerk.
Steve Denny, owner of Steve's Auto & Truck Repair of Stewartville, center, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Jim Kuisle, president of the EDA, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, EDA member.
Councilperson Craig Anderson, left, re-elected to a second four-year term on the City Council last November, takes the oath of office from Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, before the Council's regular meeting on Tuesday evening, Jan. 22. Anderson, a huge Vikings fan, stated, "I'm hoping the Minnesota Vikings will win the Super Bowl before I'm off this Council."
The Stewartville City Council, ready to serve for 2019, includes, front row, from left, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Councilperson Craig Anderson. Back row, from left, councilpersons Brent Beyer, Josh Arndt and Jeremiah Oeltjen.
A winter storm dumped about 7.3 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area, closing local schools on Monday, Jan. 28. At left, Brenda Smith and her son Roran, 5, of Stewartville, work together to shovel snow from their driveway that morning.
A winter storm dumped about 7.3 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area, closing local schools on Monday, Jan. 28. Here, the Strikers Corner sign flashes -33 degrees Fahrenheit on Jan. 31 at about 6 a.m.
The temperature plummeted to 33 degrees below zero Fahrenheit in Stewartville and the area early on Thursday morning, Jan. 31. Above, vapor from the Stewartville Care Center's heating system rises into the cold morning air.
A winter storm dumped about 7.3 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area, closing local schools on Monday, Jan. 28. Here, Stewartville mail carrier Eric Bell begins his local route on Thursday, Jan. 31, with mid-morning temperatures sitting at about 12 below zero. "You wear layers and just keep going," Bell said.
Corbin Tingesdal, a fourth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School, left, welcomed plenty of customers to his booth at the Stewartville Area Historical Society's 23rd annual Cabin Fever Flea Market on Feb. 16. Harper Phillips, 4, of Lanesboro, Corbin's cousin, hands Corbin cash for the items she purchased.
Dr. Zachary Lechner, center, with his wife Hannah and daughters Reese, left, and Kenna, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award. Jim Kuisle, EDA president, far right, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, far left, presented the honor.
The awning at the front of the Teigen Supply building in downtown Stewartville collapsed under the weight of an extraordinary amount of snow on Saturday, Feb. 23 at about 8 p.m. A winter storm driven by 45- to 50-miles per hour winds dumped about 12 inches of snow on Stewartville and the area on Saturday evening into Sunday morning, Feb. 24, adding more weight to the significant amount of snow that had previously fallen on the awning. Melissa Leuning of Teigen Supply said sheets of tin from the awning let loose and fell, breaking most of the building's front windows. A patron at the nearby DownUnder called Leuning moments after the awning collapsed. "We were able to get everything sealed up that night," Leuning said. "Then we did more cleanup on Sunday so we were able to be back in business come Monday (Feb. 25). It was a heck of a mess and took a lot of man hours to deal with it." Teigen Supply plans to replace the glass from the broken windows after the weather takes a turn for the better. "At this time we plan on keeping the design of the large windows and an awning of some sort," Leuning said. Despite the damage, Leuning said Teigen Supply fared better in the storm than a number of other area businesses and farms. "I can't imagine the impact of having entire roofs collapse on buildings," she said.
Phyllis and Morrie Schutz, owners of Strikers Corner since 1999, center, accept the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award at the EDA's monthly meeting at Stewartville City Hall on Tuesday evening, March 19. Jim Kuisle, president of the EDA, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, presented the award. "Strikers Corner has been a big part of this town," King said.
Debbie Lofgren, left, an associate librarian who has worked at the Stewartville Public Library for 33 years and seven months, and Pat Johnson, library director for almost 27 years, are retiring from their positions. Both are grateful for the relationship they have developed over the years. "The time I have worked with Pat Johnson has flown by due to the fact that she has always encouraged me to pursue new things," Lofgren said. "I have enjoyed our time together, and I will miss that." Johnson paid tribute to Lofgren as well, saying, "Debbie Lofgren has been such a great worker and supporter of the library. She has been so supportive of me, and I will really miss her."
Snow that had fallen in huge quantities on Stewartville's neighborhoods and parks, including the 12 inches that fell during a windblown winter storm on Feb. 23 and 24, started to melt in mid-March. On Friday, March 15, the melting snow and huge chunks of ice clogged the Root River, above, rising to within about two feet of the walking bridge near Meadow Park. Also on March 15, water from the Root River, spills over its banks just west of the Main Street bridge.
Sean Redmond, owner of Tiger Ace Hardware, left, and Dale Kangas, store clerk, stand near the store's new sign along Main Street in Stewartville last week. Last November, the city's Economic Development Authority (EDA) unanimously approved paying Tiger Ace Hardware $907.50, or half the $1,815.00 the business needed to pay for a new "Tiger Ace Hardware, Welcome to Stewartville" sign for the front side of the business. "It looks good," Redmond said. "It's a nice change of pace. It's nice to brighten things up a little bit."
Jana Groski, owner of Kountry Friends, a Stewartville pet care business, poses with her black Lab, Marley, near the store at 301 North Main St. The city of Stewartville's EDA, at a recent meeting, unanimously agreed to pay $4,810, or half the total project cost of $9,620, for new siding for the Kountry Friends building. Randy and Sue Lindquist, owners of the building, applied for the grant from the EDA.
Tree removal companies hired by People's Energy Cooperative trimmed or removed a number of trees along Fifth Avenue Southeast last week. Sean Hale, public works director for the city of Stewartville, said People's Energy wants the trees trimmed so the branches don't interfere with power lines. If the trimming results in an odd-looking tree, some residents decide to remove certain trees entirely, Hale said.
Teresa Jorgenson stands near three large piles of logs at her home at the 200 block of Fifth Avenue Southeast last week. The logs are the remains of a huge tree that stood at the property for many years. Tree removal companies hired by People's Energy Cooperative trimmed or removed a number a trees along the street last week. Sean Hale, public works director for the city of Stewartville, said People's Energy wants the trees trimmed so the branches don't interfere with nearby power lines. If the tree trimming makes a tree look odd, some residents may decide to remove the tree entirely, Hale said. City crews have also removed 20 to 30 ash trees, victims of the emerald ash borer, on public property since last fall, he said
Hundreds of children and their parents attended the annual Sons of the American Legion Easter Egg Hunt at Florence Park in Stewartville on a beautiful spring morning on Saturday, April 20. At left, Kris Swanton holds her granddaughter, Harper Grant of Stewartville, 4 months old, during a meeting with the Easter Bunny before the hunt began. Children turned in their eggs for tickets used in a drawing for prizes, which included bicycles, scooters, basketballs, soccer balls, baskets and more.
Hundreds of children and their parents attended the annual Sons of the American Legion Easter Egg Hunt at Florence Park in Stewartville on a beautiful spring morning on Saturday, April 20. Here, Easton Boehm of Stewartville reaches to pick up a few eggs during the hunt. Children turned in their eggs for tickets used in a drawing for prizes, which included bicycles, scooters, basketballs, soccer balls, baskets and more.
Children 4 years old and younger, held by their mothers, won scooters at the Stewartville Sons of the American Legion Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday morning, April 20. The children include, from left, Harper Grant, Lyle Schneider, Kenzie Kramer and Jack Spangler.
The Stewartville Ministerium hosted the annual Ecumenical Good Friday service at the Stewartville Civic Center on Friday morning, April 19. Pastors/ministers who participated in or attended the service included, front row, from left, Becky Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church; Father Kevin Connolly, St. Bernard's and St. Bridget's Catholic churches; Byron Meline and Kim Kyllo, both of Zion Lutheran Church; Lance Lorenz, Pleasant Grove Church of Christ; and Andrew Langseth, Grace Evangelical Free Church. Back row, from left, Dave Hoot, Stewartville Christian Church; Paul Langmade, Grace Evangelical Free Church; Bob Bergland, retired pastor; Rick Scott, Stewartville Assembly of God; Wane Souhrada, Stewartville United Methodist Church; Dr. John Grams, Grace Evangelical Free Church; and Chad Skaran, Redemption Hill Church.
Pat Johnson, left, and Debbie Lofgren, right, recently retired from the Stewartville Public Library, accept special service awards from Mayor Jimmie-John King, center.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated in center, signed a proclamation last week declaring May 24 and May 25 Poppy Days in the city of Stewartville. On those days, members of the Stewartville American Legion Auxiliary, including, clockwise from left, Wanda Prescher, Audrey Farnsworth, Myrna Welter and Peggy Paulson, will collect donations for veterans and veterans programs at Fareway, the downtown Kwik Trip and Casey's North.
Emily Lamb, left, and Emma Rowen, eighth graders at Stewartville Middle School, were the guest speakers at the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Monday, May 27. Both read patriotic essays they wrote as an optional assignment for the 2018-19 school year.
Alisha Nelson, an agent for First American Insurance Services in Stewartville, seated, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from, standing from left, Jim Kuisle, president of the EDA; Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA; and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator.
Rachel Johnson of Stewartville, left, holds Finnigan, her 3 1/2 month-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, as Amelia Petersen, 9, also of Stewartville, says hello at the grand opening for the new Stewartville Dog Park on Saturday, June 15. Johnson said she and her husband, Jared, plan to visit the park often. "It's definitely a large space," she said. "We enjoy it."
Michael Selkow, store manager for Family Dollar of Stewartville, center, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from Jim Kuisle, EDA president, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, center, has signed a proclamation urging city of Stewartville residents to support the 36th annual National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Flanking the mayor are Mike Strelow, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, left, and Kevin Torgerson, Olmsted County sheriff. The annual celebration encourages residents to get to know their neighbors better, an effort that can lead to a reduction in crime.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce will present its annual Summerfest celebration at Florence Park Tuesday through Saturday, July 2-6. A few of the many individuals helping with the event include, front row, from left, Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator; Myrna Welter, Chamber membership coordinator; Alisha Nelson, general activities; and Ann Lutteke, who works for ONB Bank, a Summerfest sponsor. Back row, from left, Jared Johnson, Street Dance chair; Mike Rainey, Street Dance beer tent; Nick Johnson, parade co-chair (along with April Crom, not pictured); and Sam Slightam and Griffin Slightam, representing Jimmy's Salad Dressings & Dips, a Summerfest sponsor.
Mickie Tuseth, left, and Jason Ferrie, residents of the Georgetown development, are among the many neighbors in the area concerned about saving the ash trees on their boulevards from the emerald ash borer. Tuseth, who spoke on the issue at the City Council's June 25 meeting, said she'd like to see David Weinhold, a professional arborist, speak about the situation at the City Council's next meeting.
Gene Gustason, administrator of the Stewartville Care Center, far right, and Jarett Jones, president of the Care Center Board, second from left, accept the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Jim Kuisle, EDA president, second from right; and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, far left.
Arianna McCrossen, 4, of Stewartville, pulls a pencil from a stack of pencils offered by Mike Strelow, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, during a National Night Out celebration at the 400 block of Fourth Avenue Southeast on Tuesday evening, Aug. 6. Strelow also gave Arianna and other children a Frisbee, a ball, a bottle of water and a notebook. National Night Out gives law enforcement and public safety personnel a chance to meet residents under positive circumstances to build community partnerships that enhance public safety, Strelow said.
John Bernhardt of Stewartville, left, points to a specific intersection on a map showing the Minnesota Department of Transportation's plans to improve the Hwy. 63 and Interstate 90 interchange just north of Stewartville. Joining Bernhardt are, from left, Jan Janssen of Stewartville and Jeanne Fischer of rural Stewartville. The three were among many Stewartville and area residents who attended a MnDOT-hosted open house at the Stewartville Civic Center on Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
About 25 residents from northwest Stewartville attended a public hearing at the Stewartville Fire Hall last week to discuss a city proposal to fix seven streets in their neighborhoods beginning in 2020 and continuing in 2021. Jenna Obernolte, a professional engineer with Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH), told the residents that the two-year project will cost a total of an estimated $5,316,000.
Heather Jech, owner of and hair stylist at Makin' Waves Salon, center, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, right.
First Alliance Credit Union has hired Boldt Construction to remodel the interior and exterior of the former Wells Fargo Bank building into the Stewartville branch of First Alliance Credit Union, a job expected to cost more than $125,000. When the building is complete, it will look like the drawing above. "We plan for the branch to open in September of 2020," said Mark Hettinger, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Credit Union.
Don "Buck" Amos stands amid the bluestem grasses at Sunset Prairie Park in west Stewartville.
SEMCAC Nutrition of Rushford works with Gleason's of Stewartville, which caters the lunches served at Stewartville's Center 4 Active Adults each weekday. Sharon McAtee, site coordinator at the Center for more than three years, says an average of 25 to 30 people eat lunch at the Center each day, Monday through Friday. "They're really good meals," McAtee said.
Mark and Jodi Rother of "The Hearing Aid Doctor" of Stewartville accept the EDA's Business Appreciation Award at City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Mayor Jimmie-John King, a City Council representative on the EDA, far left; Adam Wright of the EDA, second from left, and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, presented the honor.
From left, Jared Johnson, John Wade and Joseph Callan all say they're proud to be the newest members of the Stewartville Fire Department. "I joined the department knowing that I would be doing a great public service," Johnson said. "I was surprised to find such a good sense of camaraderie among the current firefighters. They truly work as a team when needed and are able to enjoy each other's company as time allows."
The Stewartville STAR's 12th annual Trash & Treasure Day garage sales were held Sept. 19-22. Above, Brian and Rene Hinton of Rochester, in the foreground, look for items at a sale hosted by Wes Alrick of Stewartville, in the background at right.
Charlie Lewis of LeRoy, also known as Elvis Presley, sang many hits from the King of Rock and Roll at the Stewartville Civic Center on Sunday, Sept. 29. Above, Elvis sings to a fan face to face as others in the audience look on with delight. Proceeds from the Elvis & Son performance will go to the Center 4 Active Adults.
Charlie Lewis of LeRoy, also known as Elvis Presley, sang many hits from the King of Rock and Roll at the Stewartville Civic Center on Sunday, Sept. 29. Above, Brian Lewis, 18, Charlie Lewis's son, sings The Book of Love by the Monotones, signaling, "In chapter three you remember the meaning of romance."  Proceeds from the Elvis & Son performance will go to the Center 4 Active Adults.
Cody DuPont, GEOTEK's product manager, explains to a group of Kasson-Mantorville students how the company makes its PUPI brand of fiberglass cross arms for utility poles.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated in the center, signed a proclamation last week declaring this Saturday, Oct. 19 White Cane Day in Stewartville. On that day, members of the Stewartville Morning Lions Club will accept donations at the two Kwik Trips, the two Casey's stores and Fareway to fight blindness and other eye diseases. Some of the Morning Lions members who will participate include, front row, from left, Judy Weatherly, Kay Tvedt, chair of White Cane Day; Mayor King; Claudia Belcourt and Pastor David Hoot. Back row, from left, Sharon McAtee, Keith "Mac" McAtee, Lucien Cole, Carol Cole, Karen Freiheit and Clair Mrotek.
Firefighter Justin Murphy, far left, shows a fire truck to children from the Wee Care Learning Center, clockwise from center, Blake Larson, Wyatt Beyer, Avery Owen, Ellie Ferrie, Wilder Eveslage, Kinsley Bones, Oliver Gregerson-Giles, Kennedy Folkens, Kambrie Folkens and Brayden Murphy. Other firefighters who visited Wee Care on Monday, Oct. 7 include, in the background, from left, Lts. Josh Podein and Justin Lonien.
Emerson Porter, 4, of Stewartville, assisted by Stewartville firefighter Jake Petrich, uses a hose at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house at the local Fire Station on a mild and breezy Wednesday evening, Oct. 9. Hundreds of children and their parents visited the Fire Station for the event, held to celebrate Fire Prevention Week. Firefighters also helped kids explore fire trucks, offered a Jaws of Life demonstration and answered visitors' questions.
Rochester Sand & Gravel and Union Brothers Construction of Rochester continued reconstructing 10th Street Northwest (County Road 35) near Strikers Corner last week. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, said Union Brothers Construction is replacing the water mains under the street from Hwy. 63 to the St. Bernard's Catholic Church cemetery. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of October, Schimmel said. Two businesses and a small group of residents will get their water from new infrastructure after the work is finished, he said.
JIMMY'S DRESSINGS -- Front row, from left, Mayor Jimmie-John King, Myrna Welter, Chamber membership coordinator, and Mike Rainey, Chamber president. Back row, from left, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; Joya Stetson of CEDA, Ryan Stangler, Jimmy's sanitation manager; Cooper Billings, assistant production manager; Sam Slightam, operations manager; and employees Brett Neubauer, Brenda Bergmann, Keith Smith, Donna Bakken and Emily Fritsch, office coordinator.
WIESER PRECAST STEPS -- Front row, from left, Myrna Welter, Chamber membership coordinator; Wieser employee Shane Thomson, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Dorie Byrne, Wieser employee. Back row, from left, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; Wieser employees Greg Verthein, Mike Bernau, Bill Oeltjen, Brady Wolfgram, Andy Marx and Zach Struckmann; and Mike Rainey, Chamber president. Roger Davidson, another Wieser employee, is not pictured.
For many consecutive years, Barb Neubauer, right, and the city of Stewartville earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. In this STAR file photo, Mayor Jimmie-John King, left, presented the award to Neubauer, the city's finance director, in October 2015.
Reliable Contractors continues its work to build the Stewartville branch of ONB Bank. The new, permanent building is located near the intersection of 20th Street and First Avenue across from Stewartville Family Dentistry. Bank officials have said they hope the structure will be finished by the end of the year. Brad Becker, president and CEO of ONB Bank, has said he's pleased with the bank's permanent site. "There will be good access, and good visibility," he said.
Tyne Wynn, art teacher at Bear Cave Intermediate School, seated second from left, accepts a $3,000 check from the Stewartville Area Community Foundation. The funds will help the school pay for a new kiln for students in grades three through five. SACF Board members include, front row, from left, Lisa Lonien, Regan Lonien and Ann Lutteke. Back row, from left, Jeff Beyer, chairperson of the Foundation, Al Chihak, Dan Honsey and Emily Fritsch.
Jeff Beyer, chairperson of the Stewartville Area Community Foundation, displays the $50,000 check the SACF is giving to the Park Board to help pay for the construction of a new amphitheater at Bear Cave Park. Others in the photo include, clockwise from front left, SACF Board members Al Chihak, Lisa Lonien, Patty Geerdes and Emily Fritsch; and Mayor Jimmie-John King, who accepted the check on behalf of the city of Stewartville.
GEOTEK, a Stewartville manufacturer of fiberglass cross arms for utility poles, has established a partnership with the Stewartville School District. Ben Wiltsie, GEOTEK"s chief operating officer, second from right, and Ken McDonald, the company's vice president of finance and administration, far right, announced at last week's School Board meeting that the company will give a $26,000 gift to the district for 2019, including $17,000 for laptop computers and cart, a $3,000 cash gift for SolidWorks software, $1,000 for safety protection and a $5,000 cash gift for machinery. From left, Bryan Boland, industrial arts teacher at Stewartville High School, and Patrick Breen, principal of Stewartville High School, are grateful for GEOTEK's generosity.
Roger Barsness, quartermaster (treasurer) of the Stewartville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8980, stands at the site where the VFW and Stewartville American Legion Post 164 will build a new memorial honoring local and area veterans.
Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce businesses and organizations offered Halloween treats to children and their families on Thursday, Oct. 31. Here, the staff at Stewartville City Hall poses as a set of dominoes. Staffers include, from left, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; Laurel Jacobs, deputy clerk; Mayor Jimmie-John King; Karla Strain, finance director; and Angelie Hovey, accounting clerk.
Mike Strelow enjoyed his time as Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy. "It helped me grow personally and professionally as a police officer," he said.
Karrie Heydt, co-owner of Tarsilla's Coffee House and Cafe, second from left, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Jim Kuisle, EDA president, far left; Mayor Jimmie-John King, second from right, and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator.
Rachel Reiland, 6, of Stewartville shares her Christmas wish list with Santa Claus as her brother Jonathan, 8, waits his turn during the Stewartville Kiwanis Club's annual Pictures with Santa event at the Stewartville Civic Center on Saturday, Dec. 7. Many children visited with Santa that morning, then enjoyed a variety of games. For more pictures of children with Santa, see the Stewartville STAR's annual Christmas section in the STAR's Tuesday, Dec. 24 edition.
Angelie Hovey, left, and Sue Edge, right, each accept a City Service Award from Mayor Jimmie-John King.
Frank Weber, right, accepts the Mayor's Award for Community Service from Mayor Jimmie-John King
Hundreds of local and area residents attended "Santa's Winterland," part of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Winterfest celebration, at Florence Park on Saturday evening, Dec. 7. Here, residents gather to warm up near a bonfire.
Hundreds of local and area residents attended "Santa's Winterland," part of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Winterfest celebration, at Florence Park on Saturday evening, Dec. 7. Here the Endless Journey Child Care float featured three snowmen, including one standing on its head.
Troy Knutson and Bill Schimmel Jr. of the Stewartville Lions Club, standing left to right at the right of the Christmas tree, visited Bremer Bank on Wednesday, Dec. 11 to collect items donated by Bremer's customers and friends to the Lions Club's Christmas Anonymous gift and fund drive. Bremer Bank employees include, from far left, Lori Buchholtz, consumer banker; Mike Rainey, personal banker, and Emily Churchill, consumer banker. Logan Zenker, consumer banker, is missing from the photo. Each year, the Lions deliver the gifts to a distribution center in Rochester, where the presents are made available to Olmsted County children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas gift.
Troy Knutson, standing at far left, and Bill Schimmel Jr., standing second from left, both of the Stewartville Lions Club, visited First Farmers&Merchants Bank on Wednesday, Dec. 11 to collect gifts donated by the bank's customers and friends to the Lions Club's annual Chrismas Anonymous gift and fund drive. First Farmers&Merchants Bank employees include, front row, from left, Dylan Smallwood, Kayla Stockdale, Anna Serrano and Ashley Lane. Back row, from left, Brian Short, Tiffany Titus, Dave Feddersen and Pam Wilson. Each year, the Lions deliver the gifts to a distribution center in Rochester, where they're made available to Olmsted County children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas gift.
Two groups of students from Alex Dahm's SHS economics class spoke to the EDA last week, presenting their proposals for a new Cabin Coffee in Stewartville. The first group included, seated, from left, Payton Maas, Joey Manning and Haylee Weightman. Gracie Waltman, another presenter from that group, is missing from the photo. The second group includes, standing from left, Elton Myhre, Riley Schwichtenberg, Claire Mintey, Trevon Schaefer, McKenna Wheeler, Katie Hickman and Kennedy Parker.
Kyler Deetz, manager of Stewartville's Verizon store, front and center, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from, from left, Jim Kuisle, president of the EDA; Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a City Council representative on the EDA.
In June, Daniel Ware posed near the fallen branches of his trees cut down to make room for the city to extend Fourth Avenue Southeast through his property. The photo was featured the Stewartville STAR's Year in Review and week-by-week recap of some of the local stories from January through June 2019.
Jason Owen, a 1996 graduate of Stewartville High School, is the new community oriented policing (COPS) deputy for the city of Stewartville. He said he'll work to build a strong and positive relationship between law enforcement and his hometown community.
Employees from Boldt Construction continued to remodel the interior and exterior of the former Wells Fargo Bank building in downtown Stewartville last week, transforming the structure into the new First Alliance Credit Union facility. First Alliance Credit Union, in its application for a $5,000 Main Street beautification grant from the city of Stewartville Economic Development Authority, said First Alliance will replace the Wells Fargo exterior siding and landscaping so the new building matches the First Alliance Credit Union brand.
Robert Hruska, grocery manager of Fareway, seated in center, invites the store's shoppers to donate to the 17th annual Food for Kidz at the store from Jan. 27 through Feb. 8. Kiwanis Club members helping with Food for Kidz include, clockwise from lower left, Carol Youdas, Janice Hagen, Glynis Sturm, Margaret Clark and Mary Brouillard.
Sharon McAtee, site coordinator for the Center for Active Adults, center, accepts the Stewartville Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from Jim Kuisle, president of the EDA, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, EDA member, right.
Members of the Stewartville City Council, ready to serve for 2020, include, front row, from left, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Councilperson Craig Anderson. Back row, from left, are councilpersons Josh Arndt, Brent Beyer and Jeremiah Oeltjen. The City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, most often at Stewartville City Hall, at 7 p.m. each evening.
Tyler Welhaven, branch manager of Stewartville's American Family Insurance office, seated at right, accepts the EDA's Business Appreciation Award from, clockwise from lower left, Jim Kuisle, president of the EDA; Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA.
Kent Larson, precinct co-chair, right, points to a resident in the audience at the Republican Precinct Caucus at Stewartville High School on Tuesday evening, Feb. 25. About 20 local Republicans attended the event.
Stewartville firefighters put out a dumpster fire at the 400 block of Second Street Northwest last week. Recognizing that the dumpster was near a house, 14 firefighters responded in two fire engines, a ladder truck and a rescue truck on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:59 a.m.
Wendy Meyerhofer, owner of Shear Perfections, seated at right, accepts the Economic Development Authority's Business Appreciation Award from, clockwise from lower left, Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA; Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; and Jim Kuisle, president of the EDA.
Robert Hruska, grocery manager at Fareway, Stewartville's grocery store, stands near the shelves emptied of toilet paper and paper towels last week. Shoppers concerned about the spread of the COVID-19 virus quickly bought all the store's toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer and more.
Meeting at City Hall on Wednesday evening, March 25, the Stewartville City Council and staff, mindful of the social distancing guidelines to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), seated themselves six feet apart from each other. Above, from left, are Councilperson Brent Beyer, Mayor Jimmie-John King, councilpersons Craig Anderson and Jeremiah Oeltjen, and Sean Hale, public works director.
The city of Stewartville recently purchased three signs from Allegra of Rochester promoting community togetherness, especially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The message "Our Community Cares," is on display near the Welcome to Stewartville sign along Main Street, "We're Better Together" stands near Stewartville City Hall, and "Stewartville Strong," is near Grisim School Bus, Inc. City employees, standing six feet apart, include, from left, Angelie Hovey, accounting clerk; Cheryl Roeder, city clerk; and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator. "It has been very unsettling to us watching businesses and schools shutting down," Roeder said. "ONB Bank actually inspired us. We loved the message in their window. We just thought we'd let our community know that the mayor, Council and employees all care."
Stewartville Mini Storage is open at 1101 Second Avenue Northwest, across the street from the Stewartville American Legion Post 164. Cheryl Roeder, city clerk, said owner John Bergstrom has received permits for four buildings and has plans for a total of six buildings. The City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission have approved a variance for a security fence at the facility's front yard, Roeder said.
The City Council met at Stewartville City Hall on Tuesday April 14. Mindful of social distancing due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Council members and city staffers sat six feet from each other, including, from left, councilpersons Josh Arndt and Brent Beyer, Mayor Jimmie-John King, councilpersons Craig Anderson and Jeremiah Oeltjen; Karla Strain, finance director, and Cheryl Roeder, city clerk.
Mindful of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority held a virtual meeting via Google hangouts on Tuesday evening, April 21. Above, from foreground to background, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA; and Jim Kuisle, EDA president, together at Stewartville City Hall, listen to Heather Holmes of Community & Economic Development Associates (CEDA) of Chatfield, who speaks to the EDA about Flats 55, a 55-unit apartment complex to be built near Bear Cave Intermediate School.
City officials and area builders gathered last week to break ground for Flats 55, a new 55-unit apartment complex to be built near Bear Cave Intermediate School. From left are Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; Dan Erdahl, superintendent for Schoeppner Construction of Rochester; Bryan Schoeppner, contractor; Mayor Jimmie-John King; Jeremy Kane, construction manager for Schoeppner; and Darren Groteboer, partner with PGGM1 LLC, the developer for the project.
Yang Zhang (Qui) of Pandemic Responders, third from left, donated surgical masks to help Stewartville Area First Response get back in service. State Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), third from right, Mayor Jimmie-John King, second from right, and City Administrator Bill Schimmel Jr., far right, helped Zhang (Qui) coordinate the donation. At far left, from left, are Vance Swisher, fire chief, and Lisa Jelinek, EMS director.
Sharon McAtee, site coordinator for the Center for Active Adults, right, delivers a Gleason's-cooked meal to Pat Leonard, left, just outside the Center's front door on Wednesday, April 29. Due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, the Center's members and visitors no longer eat their weekday lunches together. However, the curbside pickup has been popular, with 40 to 60 seniors stopping by the Center each weekday.
Tri Nguyen, a native of Vietnam, has owned and operated A+ Nails in Stewartville since April 2015. His business was going well before the coronavirus (COVID-19) forced him to close his shop on Tuesday, March 17.
Daniel Ware, sits on and nearby the stumps left from a huge tree cut down at the front of his property.
Mayor Jimmie-John King signed a proclamation last week declaring May "Poppy Month" in the city of Stewartville. Concerned about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Stewartville American Legion Auxiliary will distribute poppies on July 4 and on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The Auxiliary hopes residents who see the poppies being distributed will remember America's veterans.
Rochester Sand and Gravel put the final lift on County Road 35 (10th Street Northwest) near Strikers Corner on Tuesday, May 12, completing a capital improvement project that started in 2019. The improved portion of road extends from Main Street to near Bear Cave Intermediate School.
Mathiowetz Construction of Sleepy Eye, Minn., a contractor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, began building crossover lanes near the Interstate 90, Hwy. 63 interchange in north Stewartville last week. MnDOT said in a news release that after the crossover lanes are completed, traffic will be switched to single lanes with vehicles traveling north and south in the southbound lanes, pictured on the left side above. Construction will then begin in the northbound lanes, pictured on the right side above, which will be closed to traffic during the current construction year.
From left, Karrie Heydt, Mary Morrison and Karrie's daughter Kayla, of Tarsilla's.
Betty Butters-McClellan is happy that her store, Catch My Thrift, is back open again after being shut down by the coronavirus (COVID-19) from March 20 until May 1. Business has been good since the store reopened, she said. But people who stop by are looking for more than just merchandise. "They like to talk," she said. "They talk about the virus. They talk about their feelings, and what's going on."
Stewartville residents who participated in the Citywide Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 16, drove item-filled vehicles that formed a long line heading east along Sixth Street Southwest (County Road 6), and continued south along Second Avenue Southwest toward Root River Transfer.
Mel Goldtrap of Stewartville, right, hoes her beans under the watchful eye of George Menshik, a master gardener, at a plot at the Stewartville Community Garden.
Hathaway Tree Service of Rochester removed a large tree along Lakeshore Drive Northwest on Wednesday morning, May 20. Arborists plan to remove trees in the area in conjunction with a street project that will begin this summer and conclude in 2021.
Elcor Construction of Rochester, hired to fix seven northwest Stewartville streets beginning this summer and concluding in 2021, began its work along Lakeshore Drive last week. Sean Hale, public works director, told the City Council last week that the company began providing temporary water service from Florence Park, above, to homes across Lakeshore Drive as of Tuesday, May 26.
Troy Helget, commander of Stewartville VFW Post 8980, with American Legion member Dean Ramaker looking on, places a flag at the grave of Henry Gathje, a private in the U.S. Army during World War II, on May 22.
Troy Helget, commander of Stewartville VFW Post 8980, with American Legion member Dean Ramaker looking on, places a flag at the grave of Henry Gathje, a private in the U.S. Army during World War II, on May 22.
Laura Bishop, commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), has sent a certificate of commendation to the staff of the Stewartville Wastewater Treatment Plant to recognize the staff's "exceptional compliance with its MPCA...wastewater permit during the 2019 review year." Stewartville WWTP employees include Jeff Harrison, Ben Chopp and Jacob Burzinski. Abiding by coronavirus (COVID-19) social distancing guidelines, Mayor Jimmie-John King, right, shares the certificate with Sean Hale, public works director, during the Stewartville City Council's regular meeting on Tuesday evening, May 26. In her commendation, Bishop thanked the Stewartville WWTP staff for its work. "Your ongoing efforts to protect the waters of Minnesota are duly recognized and appreciated by the Agency and the state of Minnesota," she wrote.
Crews continue to make progress building a new amphitheater at Bear Cave Park. Here, the structure is beginning to take shape.
Workers from Elcor Construction of Rochester, hired to fix seven northwest Stewartville streets beginning this summer and concluding in 2021, continued their work at Lakeshore Drive near Florence Park last week. The work will include complete reconstruction of a number of streets for 2020, including all of Lakeshore Drive, the west section of Second Street Northwest to Woodlawn Cemetery, and the dead end of Sixth Avenue Northwest near Woodlawn Cemetery.
On a 90-degree day on Tuesday, June 2, Dan Harris of the city's public works department, a certified pool operator, posed at the empty Stewartville pool. Harris cleaned the pool that day to get it ready for swimming lessons, set to begin on Monday, June 15. "It will be operational by June 15, only for swimming lessons, as of now," Harris said. It takes about 2 1/2 days to fill the pool with the 204,500 gallons of water it can hold, he said.
Workers from Schoeppner Construction of Rochester, the contractor for the project, have started work on Flats 55, a new 55-unit apartment building near Bear Cave Intermediate School. When it's finished, Flats 55 will offer 41 one-bedroom apartments, priced from about $1,100 to $1,200 each per month, and 14 two-bedroom units, priced at about $1,400 to $1,600 each per month.
Authorities from the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office are searching for someone who stole the lighted fountain from the Lake Florence Pond, pictured above, late Wednesday, June 10 or early Thursday, June 11.
The Stewartvile City Council, at its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 9, agreed to open the Stewartville pool at 50 percent capacity while stipulating that swimmers should follow safety guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Officials have said that at 50 percent capacity, up to 225 people can swim during Session 1 on a weekday, and as many as 225 more can swim during Session 2 on that same weekday afternoon. On Wednesday, June 17, many children and adults alike enjoyed an afternoon of swimming at the pool.
Liam Brost, 9, a homeschooled student from Rochester, is one of hundreds of kids who used hanging ropes to cross the imitation logs at the Stewartville pool on Wednesday afternoon, June 17. The Stewartville City Council, at its Tuesday, June 9 meeting, agreed to open the pool at 50 percent capacity with the stipulation that swimmers follow safety guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Liam enjoyed his time at the pool. "It's nice," he said. "The slides look a little freaky, since I'm afraid of heights...There is a nice play area for the little ones."
For the 12th consecutive year, Barb Neubauer and the city of Stewartville have earned the Certificate of Achievement for excellence in Financial Reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States (GFOA) has once again honored Neubauer and the city for the city's comprehensive annual finance report (CAFR). Mayor Jimmie-John King, in front, displays the award at last week's City Council meeting. Council members in back include, from left, Josh Arndt, Council Finance Committee members Brent Beyer and Craig Anderson, and Jeremiah Oeltjen.
Cara Rentz, certified pharmacy tech at Stewartville's Hy-Vee Health Market Rx, second from left, accepted the Business Appreciation Award from the city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority last week. Jim Kuisle, EDA president, second from right, and Mayor Jimmie-John King, a member of the EDA, far right, presented the award. In back, from left, are Hy-Vee Health Market Rx employees Wade Hanson, assistant director, and Kyle Rentz, manager of store operations.
Workers from Schoeppner Construction of Rochester, the contractor for the project, continue to build Flats 55, a new 55-unit apartment building near Bear Cave Intermediate School. When it's finished, Flats 55 will offer 41 one-bedroom apartments, priced from about $1,100 to $1,200 each per month, and 14 two-bedroom units, priced at about $1,400 to $1,600 each per month.
In 90-degree heat, workers from a subcontractor for Radcliffe Homes and Remodeling continued to build the new amphitheater at Bear Cave Park last week. The structure will include a 25-foot by 40-foot stage, a concrete and wood overhead structure and terraced turf seating. Cost estimates for the $149,000 project include $70,000 for the stage, $25,000 for survey, engineering and design fees, and $17,000 for earthwork.
Workers from Elcor Construction of Rochester, hired to fix seven northwest Stewartville streets beginning this summer and concluding in 2021, continued their work near the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Second Street Northwest last week. The work will include complete reconstruction of a number of streets for 2020, including all of Lakeshore Drive and the west section of Second Street Northwest to Woodlawn Cemetery.
Residents who walk across the bridge that connects Sunset Prairie Park to Bear Cave Park will encounter a pleasant silence interrupted only by the songs of birds. If they take the time to look, they'll see tall trees reflected in the water below, as if growing up to the sky, and down into the water.
Dan Harris, a certified pool operator, left, and Cheryl Terhaar, pool manager, say that all things considered, Stewartville and area residents are happy the pool has been open at 50 percent capacity since Monday, June 15. As of last week, both Terhaar and Harris said they had heard no reports that any swimmer had been infected with the coronavirus.
Workers for Schoeppner Construction of Rochester continue to make progress on Flats 55, a new apartment complex near Bear Cave Intermediate School. When it's completed, Flats 55 will offer 55 apartments on four stories, including 41 one-bedroom apartments, priced from about $1,100 to $1,200 each per month, and 14 two-bedroom units, priced at $1,400 to $1,600 per month.
Diane Gray of Stewartville walks Duke, the Grays' 7-month-old golden retriever, across the bridge that connects Sunset Prairie Park and Bear Cave Park on Wednesday morning, July 29. The Grays give Duke plenty of exercise. "We try to walk him three times a day," Diane said.
Aware of Gov. Walz's executive order, issued on Saturday, July 25, members of the Stewartville City Council and city staff wore masks at the Council's regular meeting on Tuesday evening, July 28. Clockwise from left are Nate Deprey, the city's library director; and City Council members Josh Arndt, Brent Beyer, Mayor Jimmie-John King, Craig Anderson, and Jeremiah Oeltjen, along with Cheryl Roeder, city clerk.
A PATH IN PROGRESS -- Elena Bremen, left, and Abbi Parry, sophomores-to be at Stewartville High School, walk near the base of a path that will run from Dairy Queen downhill to a nearby bike trail. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, said residents like the idea of connecting DQ to the bike trail. "We've already gotten some good comments," he said.
Mathiowetz Construction, a contractor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), is continuing its two-year project to replace two Hwy. 63 bridges at the intersection of Interstate 90 and Hwy. 63 just north of Stewartville. Mathiowetz workers will build new bridges, widened to accommodate three lanes and shoulders, and an extended acceleration lane for drivers heading northbound on Hwy. 63. The photo above, taken from one of the Hwy. 63 bridges, shows the work continuing at far left, just north of the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-90.
Captain Steve Denny, at right above, stands near the Stewartville Fire Department's 2004 Seagrave model ladder truck, which is 43 feet, two inches long and weighs 76,000 pounds loaded.
The Stewartville City Council, city staff and developers interested in building subdivisions west of Stewartville discussed the project at length at Stewartville City Hall on Wednesday evening, Aug. 12. The Council then OK'd a feasibility study for the West Development from SEH, the city's engineering firm.
Sophie Welder, 8, and her sister Addy, 5, of Chatfield, visited Stewartville's Florence Park with their mother last week, where they paused to pose for a picture in front of the new fountain on the Florence Park Pond. The new fountain replaces the fountain that was stolen on Thursday, June 11. Karla Strain, finance director, said the city's insurance paid for the new fountain, valued at $9,414.12.
Jasmine Ringen, left, and Clara Henderson, members of Girl Scout Troop 45014, attended last week's City Council meeting to discuss the troop's plans to improve the Stewartville Dog Park.
Workers for Schoeppner Construction of Rochester have completed initial work on all four stories of Flats 55, a new apartment complex near Bear Cave Intermediate School. When it's completed, Flats 55 will offer 55 apartments on the four stories, including 41 one-bedroom apartments and 14 two-bedroom units.
Workers have virtually finished the new amphitheater at Bear Cave Park, built to serve as the site for concerts for Summerfest and other special events. Radcliffe Homes & Remodeling built the structure with help from city of Stewartville public works employees, including, socially distanced from left, in back, Jason Welter and Jake Burzinski. The Stewartville Area Community Foundation, including members Regan Lonien, in front at left, and Emily Fritsch, awarded a $50,000 grant to the Park Board to help pay for the $150,000 amphitheater last November. The Foundation raised the funds by hosting two Toast & Taste events and two Bear Cave BBQ music fests.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Stewartville Area Community Foundation has honored two longtime members. Cheryl Roeder and Les Radcliffe, founding members, have received honorary plaques for their service. Roeder has been the organization's executive director for many years. "Her only compensation has been the satisfaction she gains from making Stewartville a better place for those of us here now, and for generations to come," said Jeff Beyer, outgoing Foundation chair. Radcliffe has served the Foundation in many capacities since he began with the group 20 years ago, Beyer said. "As a former educator in the Stewartville school system, Les touched and influenced many lives in the area," he said.
Workers from Elcor Construction of Rochester, hired to fix seven northwest Stewartville streets beginning this summer and concluding in 2021, continued their work along Second Street Northwest last week. The work will include complete reconstruction of a number of streets in 2020, including all of Lakeshore Drive and the west section of Second Street Northwest to Woodlawn Cemetery.
Especially on hot and humid days, it's good to get away from the noise of the city streets and escape to Bear Cave Park, where the trees, flowers and silence provide a welcome respite. Those who carry a camera may be fortunate enough to take a closeup picture of a bee settling upon a flower, brilliantly yellow in the glimmering sunlight.
Daniel Ware stands near a silver maple tree in his front yard at 519 Fifth Avenue Southeast. The maple is one of three trees, declared hazardous, the City Council has ordered Ware to remove from his property. Ware recently hired an arborist to trim back the maple tree, as evidenced by the wood pile in the foreground.
In the midst of challenging economic times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stewartville Area Community Foundation has donated $5,000 to the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce to encourage local businesses to support Summerfest. Al Chihak, chair of the Foundation, fourth from right in front, presents the check to the Chamber's Jared Johnson of Anytime Fitness. Others include, front row, from left, Gwen Ravenhorst, Chamber administrator; Myrna Welter, Chamber membership coordinator; Alisha Nelson, First American Insurance Services; and Regan Lonien, Foundation member. Back row, from left, Dan Honsey, Patty Geerdes, Robert Hruska and Jeff Beyer, all Foundation members; Ed Kruger of EZ Camper Rental; and Scott Nelson of the Foundation.
First Alliance Credit Union is ready to open for business in Stewartville on Monday, Sept. 14. The business hired Boldt Construction of Rochester to remodel the interior and exterior of the former Wells Fargo Bank building.
Brady Ploenzke, otherwise known as the Stewartville Tiger Mascot, hands a free sample of a caramel applie pie Blizzard to Carson Goodman, who will be a sixth grader at Stewartville Middle School, at Stewartville's Dairy Queen last week.
Ryan Mosch, owner of Stewartville's Dairy Queen, worked hard on Tuesday, Sept. 1 to add a retaining wall to the trail that will lead from Dairy Queen to a nearby city bicycle and walking path. Stewartville residents are looking forward to the trail's completion. "They're already using it," Mosch said.
The Stewartville pool closed for the season on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. Five days before, Gwen Herman, 6, of Rochester, hangs on to the ropes as she attempts to cross the pool on a set of imitation logs on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 2.
Elcor Construction continued its work last week to fix seven northwest Stewartville streets beginning this summer and concluding in 2021. The work will include complete reconstruction of a number of streets in 2020, including all of Lakeshore Drive and the west section of Second Street Northwest to Woodlawn Cemetery.
Stewartville firefighters used the department's new ladder truck to attack a fire at All American Co-op on Thursday morning, Sept. 17. A soybean roaster at the Co-op caught fire, sending a column of smoke into the air.
National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live, will be held in Stewartville on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Holding the banner are Mayor Jimmie-John King, left, and Jason Owen, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy. Residents interested in hosting a National Night Out get-together at this year's 37th annual event may register at RochOlmstedNNO.com or call (507) 328-6777.
THE CREDIT UNION DIFFERENCE -- From left, First Alliant Credit Union- Stewartville branch employees Jessica Wampach, MEA-member experience advisor; Sunny Ahmed, MEA; and Hayley Howard, branch lead; stand near the Credit Union's cutting-edge, advisory supported kiosks.
Jake Chopp, a maintenance II employee for the city of Stewartville's public works department, stands at one of four time-worn Bear Cave Park tennis courts scheduled to be resurfaced next spring.
Karla Strain, city finance director, poses near some of the items available at the small store at the lower level of Stewartville City Hall. City officials bought face shields, masks and other anti-COVID-19 items to give away at City Hall in mid-September.
Workers from Elcor Construction of Rochester began grading an area last week to make way for the establishment of a rink for free skating at Florence Park, the site where the city's hockey rink had previously been located. With Elcor Construction fixing seven northwest streets in 2020 and 2021, the storm sewer in the area, including the infrastructure under the city's previous hockey rink, needed to be upgraded. With that being the case, city officials decided to replace the hockey rink with a rink for skating.
Lauren Cole of Stewartville, far right, and her twin daughters, Sophia, left, and Madeline, 4, browse among the many pumpkiins near Strikers Corner in Stewartville on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Workers from La Crosse (Wis.) Sign Company installed a sign last week to mark the opening of First Alliance Credit Union at 300 North Main Street. The new Stewartville branch, the Credit Union's fifth location, officially opened on Monday, Sept. 21. Mark Hettinger, the Credit Union's executive vice president and chief operating officer, said he and his staff are excited to bring the credit union difference to Stewartville.
Elcor Construction continued its work last week to fix seven northwest Stewartville streets beginning this summer and concluding in 2021. The work will include complete reconstruction of a number of streets in 2020, including all of Lakeshore Drive and the west section of Second Street Northwest to Woodlawn Cemetery. Above, Elcor workers go deep underground along Lakeshore Drive near North Main Street.
Workers accidentally broke a water main along Lakeshore Drive near North Main Street last week, sending water streaming down and across Main Street. Above, a vehicle splashes through the gathering water.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, seated in center, signed a proclamation last week declaring Saturday, Oct. 17 White Cane Day in the city of Stewartville. On that day, members of the Stewartville Morning Lions Club will seek donations at a number of local stores from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contributions will help the Lions restore the gift of sight to those suffering from a variety of eye diseases. Morning Lions participants in White Cane Day include, seated, from left, Kay Tvedt, Sheila Majerus, Mayor King, Cheryl Roeder and Janet Speltz. Standing from left, Sharon Moehnke, tail twister; Ernie Moeller, Noah Johnson, Daniel Rodenwald Jr. and Dave Hoot.
Jeremy Kane, construction manager for Schoeppner Construction, the company building the new Flats 55 apartment building, far left; and Darren Groteboer, a partner with PGGM1, LLC, the developer for the project, far right; led Stewartville city officials on a tour of the complex under construction near Bear Cave Intermediate School on Oct. 1. City leaders include, in back, from left, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; Heather Holmes of CEDA of Chatfield; Sean Hale, public works director; Mayor Jimmie-John King; Karla Strain, finance director; and Cheryl Roeder, city clerk.
Nora Picker, 8, a second grader at the Central Education Center, accepts a sticker from Jason Owen, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, at a National Night Out party on Tuesday evening, Oct. 6.
Ty Bestor, president and CEO of Valor Mechanical of Rochester, is looking forward to moving his business to Stewartville, where he plans to set up shop inside this building, located across the street from and just west of Strikers Corner. Bestor plans to spend about $250,000 to improve the building, most recently rented as a warehouse by Halcon, a Stewartville furniture manufacturer. Valor Mechanical provides maintenance plans for home plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems.
Observing COVID-19 guidelines for wearing masks and keeping their distance from each other, City Council candidates, from left, Brent Beyer, Jeremiah Oeltjen and Dick Uptagrafft take part in a forum at the Stewartville Civic Center on Thursday evening, Oct. 8.
Hired by the city of Stewartville, workers from Weinhold Family Tree Service removed two ash trees and a maple tree from Daniel Ware's property on Tuesday morning, Oct. 13. The City Council, acting on the advice of an arborist, declared the trees hazardous to Ware's neighbors and ordered them removed.
David Weinhold cuts one of the ash trees, infected with the emerald ash borer. Workers used a boom to move the ash trees from Ware's back yard to the nearby Fourth Avenue Southeast, where they were cut into pieces.
Rochester Sand & Gravel milled and overlaid the tennis courts at Bear Cave Park last week. Bill Schimmel, city administrator, said the company will also seal coat and paint the courts. When the job is finished, two of the courts could be transformed into pickleball courts.
The owners and managers of the new Cabin Coffee, Stewartville, plan to break ground this week with hopes to open the nearly 2,000 square-foot shop in April 2021. The owners and managers include, from left, Leigh Dzubay, Hannah Lechner, Robin Splittstoesser and Kevin Splittstoesser.
First Alliance Credit Union celebrated its grand opening in style last week, inviting Stewartville and area residents to enjoy a free lunch from 2 Brothers Authentic BBQ, which offered a variety of hot sandwiches, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, and more. Residents who visited First Alliance Credit Union received a free swag just for stopping by, had a chance to nominate a local nonprofit organization for a $500 prize, and were invited to enter a kiosk photo contest for a chance to win a $500 prize pack.
DeCook Excavating of Byron broke ground for the new Cabin Coffee store at the parking lot just north of First Alliance Credit Union last week. Kevin and Robin Splittstoesser, longtime Stewartville residents, have purchased the parking lot as the coffee shop's future home. Cabin Coffee's owners and managers hope to open the nearly 2,000 square-foot shop in April 2021.
Workers from Elcor Construction paved Lakeshore Drive last week, part of the company's two-year project to fix seven northwest Stewartville streets beginning this summer and concluding in 2021. The work included complete reconstruction of a number of streets in 2020, including all of Lakeshore Drive and the west section of Second Street Northwest to Woodlawn Cemetery.
Stewartville residents who went to the polls at the Civic Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3 followed the state's COVID-19 guidelines by wearing masks and staying six feet apart. Cheryl Roeder, city clerk, estimated that, including those who voted at the Civic Center and others who sent in absentee ballots, about 87 percent of the city of Stewartville's 3,935 eligible voters cast their ballots.
DeCook Excavating of Byron, now working on the building's foundation, continues to make progress on the construction of the new Cabin Coffee store at the parking lot just north of First Alliance Credit Union. Kevin and Robin Splttstoesser, longtime Stewartville residents, have purchased the parking lot as the coffee shop's future home. Cabin Coffee's owners and managers hope to open the nearly 2,000 square-foot shop in April 2021.
Joya Stetson of Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA), left, and Karla Strain, city finance director, told the City Council last week that the city's Economic Development Authority has distributed $179,700.51 to local businesses, or 38.24 percent of the $469,897 in CARES Act funding the city of Stewartville received earlier this year.
PLENTY OF PIE -- Sheryl Haugen, left, and Peggy Knutson served plenty of pumpkin pie to the 125 guests who enjoyed an early Thanksgiving dinner at the Center for Active Adults on Thursday, Nov. 19. Other volunteers who helped with the dinner included Anita Wendt, Wendy Meyerhofer and Rebecca Fredricksen.
After Sharon McAtee, site coordinator at the Stewartville Center for Active Adults, center, asked God for help to keep the Center open, the city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority, represented by Adam Wright, far left, presented McAtee and the Center a $6,000 check in CARES Act funding last week. Others in the photo include Anita Wendt, the Center's finance reporter, second from left; along with Gene Gustason, second from right, and Pastor Byron Meline, far right, members of the Center for Active Adults Board.
Gene Gustason, administrator of the Stewartville Care Center, second from left; along with Jarett Jones, second from right, and Pastor Byron Meline, far right, members of the Care Center Board, accept a $16,500 check in CARES Act funding from the Economic Development Authority (EDA), represented by Adam Wright, far left. Gustason said the funds will help the Care Center pay for increased COVID-19 testing.
Crews from the Minnesota Department of Transportation sealed cracks on Hwy. 63 (Main Street) through Stewartville on Thursday, Nov. 19. "MnDOT is doing the work while there are warmer temperatures that allow the material to be properly applied onto the pavement," Mike Dougherty, communications director for MnDOT, said in an email. "The work helps to maintain and preserve the pavement for a longer lifespan."
Members of the city of Stewartville's public works department, including Scott Priebe, foreground, and Eric Domino, have decorated the city's entrance signs in festive red and green for the coming Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Here, Priebe and Domino pose near the sign along County Road 6 about two miles west of Stewartville.
With the coming of December, city offiicals once again remind local residents to move their parked vehicles off the streets whenever the city of Stewartville declares a snow emergency. Doing so will allow public works employees such as Jake Burzinski, above, to plow the city's streets more safely and efficiently. Residents can sign up for a snow emergency alert system through this link: https://users.alerts.rochestermn.gov/.
Karla Strain, city finance director, far right, reviews a PowerPoint presentation with the Stewartville City Council at the city's annual truth in taxation meeting at Stewartville City Hall on Tuesday evening, Dec. 8. The city's total budget is $8,604,870 for 2021, a 1.994 percent increase from its 2020 budget, Strain said. "Our budget increase is less than 2 percent, which is less than we even did for last year," she said. City Council members, from left, include Josh Arndt, Brent Beyer, Mayor Jimmie-John King, Craig Anderson and Jeremiah Oeltjen.
Residents who take a walk or drive around Stewartville will notice many signs of Christmas, including, two angels trumpeting Jesus as the reason for the season and several other holiday lights and decorations.
Crews worked last week to dig a new retention pond near Boe Electric in southeast Stewartville. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, said the new regional pond is needed to capture runoff from nearby neighborhoods, where residents have built new garages, driveways and more. Also, Bruce Bucknell, a local developer, is enlarging his retention pond in the area to accommodate runoff from his development, which will include 12 new single-family homes.
With a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the background, the Stewartville City Council held its last regular meeting of 2020 last week.
Using money from the federal CARES Act, the city of Stewartville paid six restaurants to make meals that have been or will be distributed free of charge to residents who have driven through or will drive through the parking lot just south of C&M Screen Printing. On Tuesday, Dec. 22, city of Stewartville employees, and representatives from Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA), distributed meals to local and area residents driving past. City and CEDA employees include, from left, Jacob Chopp, Joya Stetson, Cheryl Roeder, Mark McDermott and Lexi Williams.
J.C. Rodriguez, owner of Stewartville's new U-Haul store, joined by his wife, Larissa, and children Daniella, 4, standing, and Aries, 2, cuts the ribbon to officially open the new Main Street business. Myrna Welter, membership coordinator of the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomes the Rodriguez family to the local business community. The business is located across the street from the downtown Kwik Trip
In August, workers had virtually finished the new amphitheater at Bear Cave Park, built to host concerts and other events. City employees who helped build the structure include, in back, from left, Jason Welter and Jake Burzinski. In front, from left, are Regan Lonien and Emily Fritsch, members of the Stewartville Area Community Foundation, which financed the project.
Jen Schurmeier stands near the front window at C&M Screen Printing, which she decorated with bulbs made of fabric hoops, snowflakes made of hangers, and more. She thanked the owners of the businesses who welcomed her designs. "These businesses were kind enough to lend me their windows, so I could do my thing and spread a little extra joy," she said.
Early Deadline Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 18, our deadline for the Jan. 19, 2021 issue of the Stewartville STAR and Satellite will be at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 13. The early deadline will not affect delivery of either paper.
From left, Dylan Carty, a licensed real estate agent for Realty Growth of Rochester, Lexi Williams of Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA), and Jeremy Kane, construction manager for Schoeppner Construction, stand inside a 1,303 square-foot, two-bedroom apartment at Flats 55, a new 55-unit apartment complex near Bear Cave Intermediate School. Carty and Kane say the new apartments should be ready for occupancy by March 1.
Lexi Williams, a 2016 graduate of Stewartville High School, spent the summer of 2020 working as an intern for the city of Stewartville. As a new employee of Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA), she will now work with the city's EDA to assist current businesses and attract more companies to Stewartville.
The Stewartville City Council hosted its annual reorganizational meeting at City Hall last Tuesday evening, Jan. 12. Masked up and observing COVID-19 social distancing guidelines are, seated, from left, Mayor Jimmie-John King and Councilperson Craig Anderson. Standing, from left, are councilpersons Josh Arndt, Brent Beyer and Jeremiah Oeltjen. At last week's meeting, the Council approved King's appointments and designations for the coming year. At the Council's last meeting this past December, King bid adieu to 2020. "It's been quite a year, like we've never seen," he said. "I think we're going to have a much better 2021."
Jeremiah Oeltjen, left, re-elected to a second term as a councilperson on the Stewartville City Council, takes the oath of office for another four- term from Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, at City Hall on Tuesday evening, Jan. 12.
Enjoying mild temperatures in the upper 30s, a couple walk together on a path near the Florence Park Pond on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 12. However, forecasters predicted colder temperatures with a chance for about four to six inches of snow later in the week.
Workers from Kreofsky Building Systems of Plainview continue to make progress on the construction of the new Cabin Coffee building, scheduled to open along Stewartville's Main Street this June. Last week, Kreofsky employees raised and placed trusses to support the building's roof. Kevin and Robin Splittstoesser, longtime Stewartville residents, purchased the parking lot just north of First Alliance Credit Union as the coffee shop's future home.
Krystal Campbell, owner-operator of Sprouts Childcare & Early Education Center, is the newest member of the city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority. She attended her first EDA meeting last week. "I'm excited to do this," she said. "I'm excited to give back."
Tom and Sue Slightam, owners of Jimmy's Salad Dressings & Dips, seated at left in the front row, have donated $10,000 to the Stewartville Area Community Foundation, which will distribute the money to the owners of the new Cabin Coffee shop in Stewartville, including, starting from third from left in the front row, Robin and Kevin Splittstoesser, Leigh Dzubay and Hannah Lechner. Community Foundation members include, standing from left, Regan Lonien, Jeff Beyer, Patty Geerdes, Lisa Lonien, Al Chihak, Kayla Beyer, Dan Honsey, Robert Hruska and Emily Fritsch. The money will come from the Slightams' Low Water Bridge Foundation, established in 2017 to assist selected entrepreneurs with the startup phase of their businesses.
Workers from Kreofsky Building Systems of Plainview continue to make progress on the construction of the new Cabin Coffee building, scheduled to open along Stewartville's Main Street this June. Last week, Kreofsky employees finished putting up the structure's walls and roof.
Scott Priebe of the city of Stewartville's public works department, a licensed tree inspector, cut down a maple tree at City Hall's front lawn last week. Sean Hale, public works director. told the City Council the tree needed to be removed.
Crystal Landherr, center, brought her children, Mason and Emma, to Meadow Park last week, where the kids enjoyed ice skating for the first time, skimming across the city of Stewartville's new Dasher Board System 4 hockey rink on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 2. "We just got them their skates for their birthdays, Jan. 25 and 26," Crystal said. "We had birthday week last week."
Nate Deprey, director of the Stewartville Public Library, stands near the building's entrance where a new, lighted sign in the front window declares that the library is open. "People were having a hard time telling whether we were open or not," Deprey said. "This has added to our street presence. It says, 'We are open. Come on in." The city paid about $140 on Amazon for the LED, low-energy sign, Deprey said.
Jimmy's Salad Dressings & Dips, a longtime Stewartville business, is in the process of relocating to 1500 Second Avenue Northwest, above, a building previously occupied by Halcon, a local manufacturer of high-quality furniture. At the same time, Halcon is moving to 1711 Second Avenue Northwest, Jimmy's longtime location.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, in the foreground at left, has signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 22-26 "School Bus Driver Appreciation Week" in Stewartville. King shares the proclamation with Connie Grisim, owner of Grisim School Bus, Inc., and with, in back, from left, Bryan Runkle, manager; Curt Grisim, owner; and Corey Grisim, driver. "Minnesota school bus drivers are going above and beyond their typical duties to serve students and communities during this unprecedented school year," the proclamation says. "Today, we recognize these worthy professionals."
Tim and Tina Fliehr, owners of Star Transportation, the new business in the former Boyums economart building, spoke to the city of Stewartville's EDA last week, thanking EDA and city officials for their warm welcome to Stewartville.
Lexi Williams of Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA), foreground, worked with members of the Stewartville Area Community Foundation, including Al Chihak, left, and Lisa Lonien, right, to schedule a series of Wednesday evening summer concerts at the new Bear Cave Amphitheater beginning on June 16. Aaron Simmons, a Stewartville native and an accomplished singer-songwriter, heads the list of performers.
City public works employees cut down an ash tree near Stewartville City Hall last week. "We're assuming every ash tree is infected (with the emerald ash borer), and we're taking them down," said Scott Priebe of the public works department, a licensed tree inspector. As ash trees become more infected, they become brittle, Priebe said. "(The tree near City Hall) was kind of dangerous to the building and people passing by," he said.
Vicki Meredith, who recently moved back to her hometown, Danube, Minn. served as president of the Stewartville Area Historical Society for 23 years, from 1997 until 2020. She has many fond memories. "We were fortunate to have such a good group," she said. "By the time it came to make a decision, it was unanimous."
Mayor Jimmie-John King, second from left, presented the Mayor's Award for Community Service to the Stewartville Area Historical Society at the city's annual awards event at the Civic Center on Dec. 16, 2015. Society Board of Trustees members who attended the event included, from left, Elaine Eggler, Buck Fredricksen, treasurer; Vicki Meredith, president; Ardis Copple, and Myrna Wesselman, historian.
Jake Burzinski, lead water operator for the city of Stewartville, displays the Water Fluoridation Quality Award the city received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Jeremy Kane, construction manager for Schoeppner Construction of Rochester, holding the ceremonial scissors, cut the ribbon as the Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Flats 55, a 55-unit, 73,000 square foot apartment complex, to the local business community on Friday, March 5. Others who attended the ceremony include, from left, Chamber members Rhonda Fuhrer of HMR Interiors, Megan Romens of Mary Kay Cosmetics and Melissa Sue Leuning of Premium Support, LLC; Bryan Schoeppner, contractor; (Kane, with the scissors), Darren Groteboer, a partner with PGGM1, LLC, the developer for the project; Mayor Jimmie-John King, Myrna Welter, Chamber membership coordinator; Stewartville City Councilperson Craig Anderson; Chamber member Adam Gehling of Country Financial, Dylan Carty, a licensed real estate broker and owner of Realty Growth of Rochester, and Chamber member Jared Johnson of Anytime Fitness.
Nate Carty of Realty Growth of Rochester (RGI), right, leads Mayor Jimmie-John King on a tour of a Flats 55 apartment's kitchen on Friday, March 5. Chamber of Commerce and city officials took the tours to celebrate the opening of the 55-unit, four-story, 73,000 square-foot building.
The city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority agreed last week to provide Valor Mechanical a $10,000 grant to pay a portion of the $175,000 the company is spending to renovate the exterior of its building, pictured above.
Sean Hale, public works director for the city of Stewartville, stands at the city's brush dump last week. Commercial haulers, who will now pay fees for dropping off items at the dump, must register assisted/power dump trailers and trucks at City Hall or by emailing [email protected].
Workers for MasTec, a subcontractor for area utility companies bored holes for People's Energy Cooperative, an electric utility company, and Spectrum, a cable company, along Second Street Northwest on Tuesday, March 30. Here, workers use a vacuum to clean the bored holes to prepare them for placement of the new utilities, which will be installed in conjunction with the city of Stewartville's 2021 capital improvement project in the northwest section of the city near Florence Park.
Nate Deprey, director of the Stewartville Public Library, says when he thinks about expanding the library, the children's area is a possibility. "We are short on shelf space for children and adult fiction," he said. "Twenty-five percent of our circulation comes from the children's area."
Elcor Construction of Rochester, continuing road reconstruction work it started in northwest Stewartville last summer, milled Third Avenue Northwest, the street that runs past the Griffin-Gray Funeral Home, last week. Jenna Olbernolte, a professional engineer for Short Eliott Hendrickson (SEH), the city of Stewartville's engineering firm, said the work also included removing curb and gutter and sidewalks, as depicted above. "They'll be replacing everything, including the utilities underground," Obernolte said.
With its longtime firefighters nearing retirement age, it may not be long before the Stewartville Fire Department doesn't have enough volunteers to cover daytime fires. The five veteran firefighters who have provided a total of 184 years of service while covering many daytime fires, and the number of years each has served on the Department, include, from left, Steve Denny, 41 years; Mike Podein, 30 years; Greg House, 43 years; Bob Robertson, 35 years; and Mark Podein, 35 years.
Cabin Coffee, located just north of First Alliance Credit Union on Main Street in Stewartville, tentatively plans to host its grand opening on Monday, June 21. The store's staff will train for two weeks leading up to the grand opening.
Jason Welter, city of Stewartville public works employee, has put in about 60 hours of work to restore Stewartville's Civil War-era 30-pounder Parrott Rifle, which will be moved to the south entrance to the city, where it will be put on display at the new Veterans Memorial Park.
Elcor Construction of Rochester, continuing road reconstruction work it started in northwest Stewartville last summer, continued milling Third Avenue Northwest, the street that runs past the Griffin-Gray Funeral Home, last week. Jenna Obernolte, a professional engineer for Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH), the city of Stewartville's engineering firm, said the work also has included removing curb and gutter and sidewalks. "They'll be replacing everything, including the utilities underground," Obernolte said.
Erin and DJ Olson, kneeling at right with their son Logan, pose for a photo with the first responders who answered the call after Logan fell into a retention pond on April 7. Standing, from left, Molly Hintz and Mike Hintz, Erin Olson's parents and Logan's grandparents; five responders from the Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service, and Stewartville first responders Aaron Jones, Steve Wolf, Bob Robertson, Lisa Jelinek, Greg House and Justin Lonien.
Logan Olson, 18 months old, resting comfortably in the arms of his delighted mother, Erin, returned to his Stewartville home along Third Avenue Northeast safe and sound on April 19. After falling into a retention pond on April 7, Logan was rescued by his dad, Darwin (DJ), his babysitter, and several passersby who helped administer CPR. Stewartville first responders, the Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and Olmsted County deputies also responded, with the first responders taking over the rescue efforts. Logan, taken to St. Marys Hospital in critical condition, remained hospitalized for nearly two weeks before returning home last week. Stewartville first responders who welcomed him home include, from left, Steve Wolf, Greg House, Justin Lonien and Lisa Jelinek.
Todd Uptagrafft, a longtime umpire for the city of Stewartville's summer softball league, has agreed to take over as the league's new director, replacing Kevin Heydt, league director for more than 30 years. "Because Kevin stepped down, I knew they needed somebody," Uptagrafft said. "I'm replacing a legend. I only hope to be half as good as he was."
PLEASED PICKLEBALL PLAYERS -- From left, Amy Koenigs, Kevin Koenigs and Kari Koenigs pose with their pickleball paddles at the Bear Cave Park tennis courts, where the city of Stewartville plans to convert one of the four tennis courts into two pickleball courts. "We're very excited that we'll actually have a true (pickleball) court," Kari said.
Elcor Construction of Rochester, continuing road reconstruction work it started in northwest Stewartville last summer, resumed its work on Third Avenue Northwest, the street that runs past the Griffin-Gray Funeral Home, last week. Jenna Obernolte, an engineer for Short Elliott Hendrickson, (SEH), the city of Stewartville's engineering firm, has said the work will include replacing curb and gutter and sidewalks.
Nate Deprey, director of the Stewartville Public Library, displays one of the 100 "Build a Bird Feeder" kits the library has offered to local and area residents beginning Monday, May 3. Residents interested in a free bird feeder kit may call the library at 533-4902 or stop by the library while supplies last. The library has a total of 140 pounds of birdseed for the 100 feeders, Deprey said.
Jim Kvall, left, holding jars of pickles, and Anita Wendt displaying cucumber plants, will work together this summer at their three plots at the city of Stewartville's community garden, where they'll grow tomatoes, muskmelon, okra, kohlrabi, onions, green beans, beets, radishes and more.
Mayor Jimmie-John King, left, and Buck Fredricksen pose at the soon-to-be replaced retaining wall just west of Stewartville City Hall. King and Fredricksen said the wall, a place where employees of nearby businesses often take work breaks, was installed along with the City Hall building in 1937. Fredricksen is forming a Stewartville Historical Society Facebook group, which already includes more than 40 members.
Tracy Zeimet of Bloomington looks closely at a tennis racket as she browses among the items at the home of Wes Alrick, 700 Sixth Street Northeast, during the Stewartville Citywide Garage Sale on Thursday, May 6. "I come here to shop," Zeimet said. "It's my favorite time of the year."
Mark Herman of Minnesota Energy, left, speaks with two firefighters from the Stewartville Fire Department shortly after a natural gas line ruptured at the 100 block of Third Street Northwest on Monday morning, May 3. Captain Steve Denny of the SFD said the gas line broke after an NPL Construction Co. employee, digging to gain access to the line, hit it with a backhoe.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has awarded a certificate of commendation to the city of Stewartville's wastewater treatment facility and staff for "exceptional compliance with its MPCA NPDES/SDS wastewater permit during the 2020 review period." Laura Bishop, MPCA commissioner, signed the certificate, which states, referring to the city, "Your dedication to protecting Minnesota's waters are duly recognized and appreciated by the state of Minnesota." Above, Sean Hale, public works director, left, accepts the certificate from Mayor Jmmie-John King.
Logan Olson poses with his Beads of Courage.
John Cavanaugh, owner of Bluff Country Tree Service LLC, has donated 10 trees to the city of Stewartville. Cavanaugh and his children, from left, Paisley, 7; Preston, 4; and Nettie, 2; planted an oak tree near Stewartville City Hall last week. When it's full grown, the tree should be about 70 feet tall, Cavanaugh said. The oak was planted near the spot where an ash tree had stood for many years. The ash, infected with the emerald ash borer, was removed several weeks ago. The Cavanaughs also planted two other donated trees near City Hall and seven at Bear Cave Park.
Workers from Nagle Signs, Inc., of Waterloo, Iowa, installed the sign for the new Cabin Coffee Co. in Stewartville last week. Hannah Lechner, one of the owners of the business, said Cabin Coffee is scheduled to open in late June
To honor America's veterans, members of the Stewartville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 164 will distribute poppies in exchange for donations at Stewartville's two Kwik Trip stores, two Casey's stores and Fareway on Friday, May 28, National Poppy Day; and Saturday, May 29. Proceeds from the distribution will pay for veterans programs. Legion Auxiliary members who will help with the distribution include, seated from left, Peggy Paulson, first vice president; Wanda Prescher, president; and Delores Peterson, member. In back, from left, are Laurel Jacobs, city data clerk, and Cheryl Roeder, city clerk and a member of the Legion Auxiliary, who welcomed the Legion Auxiliary members to City Hall last week. "The memorial poppy, assembled by disabled veterans, pays respectful tribute to those killed in war, and also benefits living veterans and their families," says the city proclamation placed on the desk, front and center. The proclamation declares May 2021 Poppy Month in the city of Stewartville.
Elcor Construction of Rochester, continuing the road reconstruction it started in northwest Stewartville last summer, carried on its work along Third Avenue Northwest near Stewartville Assembly of God Church last week.
Eric Domino, public works employee, poses at a recently resurfaced tennis court now ready for play at Bear Cave Park. A portion of two new pickle ball courts and a basketball court can be seen in the background. Domino and Scott Priebe, another public works employee, placed the nets at the courts last week.
Sean Hale, public works director, checks a computer to review scenes from the four cameras stationed at the city of Stewartivlle's brush dump and dog park last week. The cameras have helped control illegal dumping at the brush dump, he said.
Hannah Meyerhofer, poppy princess, carries flowers to a gravesite at Woodlawn Cemetery during Stewartville's annual Memorial Day ceremony.
Mya Sistad, a senior at Stewartville High School, plays taps at St. Bernard's Catholic Church cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. Isabelle Lukes, a sophomore musician not pictured, also played taps.
Andrew Frank, a technician for Presto SoftWash, cleans the city of Stewartville's playground equipment at Stewartville's Florence Park on Tuesday morning, June 8. As a way to give back to the community, the company did the work at no charge.
Nicholas Link, 41, of Rochester, faces multiple charges in connection with an incident in Stewartville on Tuesday morning, June 15. After allegedly fleeing a traffic stop, Link is accused of entering Darrell's Emporium at the City Center, hitting a 49 year-old woman, then grabbing a cash register and throwing it through the shop's window. Above, an employee from the nearby Subway observes the damage.
The Smokin' Coyotes, a country and classic rock group, opened the Bear Cave Amphitheater Summer Concert Series with a performance at the new amphitheater on Wednesday June 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Here, a large audience appreciated the group's music.
The Stewartville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Cabin Coffee as a new Chamber member with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new business on Thursday, June 17, four days before the Cabin's official opening on Monday, June 21. Cabin Coffee owners who cut the ribbon include, beginning third from left in front, from left, Kevin and Robin Splittstoesser, Leigh Dzubay and Hannah Lechner. Others in front, from far left, are Al Chihak of Mystic Moon Antiques & Collectibles, Mayor Jimmie-John King, Myrna Welter, Chamber membership coordinator; Ann Lutteke of ONB Bank and Jared Johnson of Halcon.
Karla Strain, city finance director, right, accepts the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from Mayor Jimmie-John King during the City Council meeting at Stewartville City Hall last week.
First Farmers&Merchants Bank has donated 1,000 sunglasses to swimmers at the Stewartville pool, Tiger Time students and pool staff. Modeling the sunglasses are, front row, from left, above, Dana Stier, who works in lender analysis for First Farmers, Mayor Jimmie-John King, and Dave Feddersen, president of First Farmers. Back row, from left, Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; and Jake Flynn, Stewartville pool manager. Below, at left, Mayor King, Stier and Feddersen distribute the sunglasses to residents lined up to swim at the pool.
National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live, will be held in Stewartville on Tuesday, Aug. 3. Jason Owen, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King hold the banner announcing the event.
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Terry Waletzki, at the podium at right, shares a report with the Stewartville City Council at Stewartville City Hall on Tuesday evening, July 27. Listening at left, from left, are Sheriff's Capt. Chris Wallace and Sheriff Kevin Torgerson.
To be located just south of the city's northern border, Taco Bell is coming to Stewartville. Crews have started to build the 2,867 square-foot, quick-service restaurant at 100 Schumann Drive Northwest near the north Kwik Trip, with construction scheduled to conclude this October.
Eric Domino, city of Stewartville public works employee, shoveled dirt from around the stump of an ash tree at the City Hall lawn last week. The ash tree, infected with the emerald ash borer, was cut down several months ago. Domino said he was preparing the stump to be ground out. John Cavanaugh of Bluff Country Tree Service, LLC, donated the small oak tree in the background, along with six other trees, to the city of Stewartville.
Jason Owen, Stewartville's community oriented policing (COPS) deputy, left, hands out Frisbees, pens and Olmsted County Junior Sheriff stickers to the children at a National Night Out celebration at the home of party host Jenny Anderson at the 400 block of Fourth Avenue Southeast on Tuesday evening, Aug. 3. Kids welcoming Owen to the neighborhood include, from left, Hope Anderson, a third grader to-be at Bear Cave Intermediate School; Brystol Schmidt, who will be a sixth grader at Stewartville Middle School; and Kelby Steichen, who will be a kindergartner at Bonner Elementary School this fall.
Workers are making steady progress on the new Veterans Memorial Park near Stewartville's south entrance. Volunteer workers, such as those pictured above, have installed trusses for the octagon picnic shelter and are working on the building's roof.
Nate Deprey, director of the Stewartville Public Library, displays a small collection of the thousands of kids books, picture books, juvenile fiction, early readers books and young adult novels that will go on sale at the Library this Wednesday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., shoppers will pay $5 each for a tote bag (pictured at far left on the table) full of any books left over.
Workers from Byrne Construction of Stewartville began the process of replacing and rebuilding the deteriorating retaining wall just west of City Hall last week. The new wall will measure 86 feet by six feet by eight feet.
Jameson Hanson, owner of AF Running Tiger (Anytime Fitness), center, accepts a check representing a $50,000 loan from the city of Stewartville's revolving loan fund. Anytime Fitness will pay off the loan at 3.25 percent interest for 10 years. The business will use the funds to purchase equipment for its relocation to an 8,000 square-foot space at 1600 Second Ave. Northwest, Stewartville. Jim Kuisle, president of the city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority (EDA), left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King present the check at the EDA's regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 17.
Dr. Kevin Hosch and his fiancee, Theresa Gehling, of 507 Family Chiropractic, accept a check representing a $15,000, no-interest, seven-year loan from the city of Stewartville's revolving loan fund. The business will use the funds to purchase equipment for a new chiropractic wellness clinic at 100 Second St. Southwest, Stewartville. Jim Kuisle, president of the city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority (EDA), left, and Mayor Jimmie-John King present the check at the EDA's regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 17.
Hoping to share a bit of Lake Florence's history, city officials plan to build the Florence Park Historical Plaza just east of the current Florence Park Pond, shown with its fountain operating in the background. Above, Jason Welter of the city's public works department levels the ground at the Plaza site, which will include three signs that will offer historical information about Lake Florence, the lake's dam and the nearby Cussons Mill.
Ava Faupel, left, and Lydia Fryer, seniors at the Stewartville High School, are the new pages at the Stewartville Public Library.
Sue Edge, associate librarian for five years at the Stewartville Public Library, plans to retire from her position effective Friday, Oct. 1. "I need to spend more time at home," she said.
The city of Stewartville has taken over jurisdiction of an 8,350-foot (1.581-mile) portion of County State Aid Highway 35. Sean Hale, public works director, above, said the city will now care for the portion of the road that runs from Main Street to a spot west of Bear Cave Intermediate School.
Bill Schimmel Jr.,city administrator, left, and Karla Strain, finance director, both of whom work with the city's Economic Development Authority, display a new city of Stewartville sign the EDA plans to display at a variety of events, including, for example, the annual Rochester Area Builders Home Show.
With autumn at hand, Kevin Heydt of the city of Stewartville public works department is getting ready to use the city's Leaf-Vac machine to pick up leaves on the city's curbs. As of last week, Heydt said he expected to begin the leaf pickup on Monday, Oct. 11. "We might go (earlier than that), depending on when the leaves start coming down," he said. Heydt urged residents to rake only leaves onto the curbs and exclude sticks and large garden plants. Heydt says the leaf season usually lasts four to five weeks. "It's 40 hours a week when we're going full steam," he said. "Three loads per day, 13 tons per load. That's a lot of leaves."
Larry and Gerri Gray accepted the Mayor's Award for Community Service on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. Larry passed away recently and hundreds of people attended the funeral, held at St. Bernard's Catholic Church on Saturday, Sept. 25. They came to pay their respects to the man who owned the Griffin-Gray Funeral Home from 1960 to 1990 and who served the city of Stewartville for 28 years, including 12 years as mayor and 16 years on the City Council.
Sarah Schramek, who has served as an aide at the Stewartville Public Library for almost two years, is the Library's new associate librarian.
Kevin Torgerson, Olmsted County Sheriff, center, presented a life-saving award to the Stewartville Fire Department last week, thanking the firefighters for helping save the life of Logan Olson of Stewartville, who was 18 months old when he fell into a retention pond near the 700 block of Willow Green Court Northeast in Stewartville on Wednesday, April 7. Logan was rescued by his dad, Darwin (DJ), his babysitter, and several passersby who helped administer CPR. Shortly thereafter, Stewartville's first responders arrived, taking over the rescue efforts. Logan, taken to St. Marys Hospital in critical condition, remained hospitalized nearly two weeks before returning home on April 19. DJ Olson, third from right, holds Logan as he is joined by his wife, Erin Olson,fourth from right. First responders who helped save Logan include, from left, Aaron Jones, Steve Wolf, Greg House, Jim Elliott, Steve Denny, Lisa Jelinek, (Sheriff Torgerson), Justin Lonien, Dan Swanson and Ben Wolf. Sgt. Nick Jacobson of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, standing at far right, in charge of patrol staff on April 7, nominated Stewartville's first responders for the award.
On Friday, Oct. 15, workers from Bryne Electric removed the outdoor Masonic sign from the top floor of the Main Street building where the Lodge has met for many years. Stewartville Masonic Lodge No. 203 is moving, at least temporarily, to Pleasant Grove.
Jeff and Eva Hygrell of Rochester, owners of JEH Properties, LLC, center and right, received a $50,000 revolving loan from the EDA last week, which will help them remodel the former Makin' Waves building along Main Street. Jim Kuisle, president of the EDA, stands at left.
Brea Grace of Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH), the city of Stewartville's engineering firm, an SEH senior planner and project manager for updating the city of Stewartville's comprehensive plan, right, joins Stewartville residents Beth and Mitchell Jay at a workshop to discuss the plan at the Civic Center last week. The Jays posted a number of suggestions for Stewartville's future, including the importance of maintaining Stewartville's small-town feel and character, and making an effort to preserve some of the city's older, historical buildings.
Patrick Dinneen, 304 Lakeshore Drive Northwest, standing at left, spoke to the City Council at a public hearing last week, urging city officials to consider assessing residents costs for street projects on a per-unit basis rather than based on lot frontage, the city of Stewartville's method, or the size of each lot. "The per-unit method seems to be the most fair," Dinneen said. "The others seem far more arbitrary."
Nate Deprey, director of the Stewartville Public Library, holds a version of a PDF flash drive, which contains the same information as the 65 rolls of microfilm stacked at left. Residents can now use the flash drive to search for historical information from the Stewartville STAR.
David Watters, 15, a member of Stewartville Boy Scout Troop 156, will earn the Eagle Award, the highest honor in scouting, by supervising a group of his fellow scouts to build the capsule, to be made of concrete, landscaping block and metal.
City of Stewartville officials and associates broke ground last week for the new Bear Cave Estates, to include 18 townhomes and 12 single patio homes along County Road 35 west of 11th Avenue and south of Al and Peggy Chihak's current homestead. From left are Jerry Brehm of Edge Construction, Bill Anderson of Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH), the engineer for the project; Al and Peggy Chihak, developers; Mayor Jimmie-John King, Sean Hale, city public works director; Cheryl Roeder, city clerk; Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator; and Jenna Obernolte, an engineer for SEH, the city's engineering firm. The Chihaks thanked the city and SEH for their help with the project. Roeder has estimated the homes will be ready for purchase by mid-June of 2022.
Joya Stetson, left, and Lexi Williams of Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) of Chatfield, will continue to partner with the city of Stewartville's Economic Development Authority (EDA) in 2022.
