Fourth of July 2022 Blooming Prairie Owatonna - Steele County Times
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Fourth of July 2022 Blooming Prairie Owatonna Featuring Blooming Prairie’s Old-Fashioned Fourth and Owatonna’s Patriotic Skies celebrations This cover features Blooming Prairie Coloring Contest grand prize winner, Lydia Kennedy, a fifth grader at BP. Her parents are Rachel and Joel Kennedy. Produced by Steele County Times
2 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 JULY 2022 "Saluting our great nation Our 125th Commemoration Continues on its Independence Day!" FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION Fun starts at 7 p.m. until fireworks finale. Join us to celebrate the birth of America’s independence, while marking 125 years of Brick Meger serving Steele County. FUN FOURTH HIGHLIGHTS • Prime viewing of fireworks from our parking lot—bring your lawn chairs Ever y Life’s Stor y Deserves to be Told • Complimentary watermelon • Complimentary ice cream sandwiches • Full line of granite and bronze memorials • Spin the Prize Wheel-with prizes for youth and adults • Custom laser etchings • Streaming Patriotic music • Serving the area since 1939 • Restrooms provided • Bean bag boards to test your skills • Pre-planning — design your memorial your way Locally Owned by John & Barb Heerema BRICK MEGER FUNERAL HOME Come join us 1180 Frontage Rd. E., Owatonna, MN 1603 Austin Road • Owatonna 507-455-9551 megercares.com on the Fourth OwatonnaGranite.com 507-451-1457 in our parking lot! PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
JULY 2022 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 3 J & H Liquors owners to lead Fourth parade Farrs have been long-time community promoters BY HOWARD LESTRUD main one being a love for “I guess it means CONTRIBUTING WRITER their family and for their people feel we deserve it,” small-town community. remarked Harvey. He was I t’s not a new trick Both have that infectious pointing to the support J STAFF PHOTO BY HOWARD LESTRUD for J& H Liquors smile but they also can & H gives to other causes: It’s not too likely you will find J & H Liquors owners Harvey and Nancy Farr on the customer owners Harvey display a stern look when BP Youth Club, BP Cancer side of the bar. The Farrs have been chosen grand marshals for this year’s Fourth of July and Fancy Farr to be part needed. Group and the BP Educa- celebration in Blooming Prairie. of the Blooming Prairie Proud of his bald pate, tion Foundations. “It’s a Fourth of July celebration. it has been said that fun time to get together you live in a small town,” skills in running wine characters on their backs. Harvey and Nancy Farr Harvey could be a profes- with family and friends Harvey believes. tasting parties for the BP “I know one thing,” have owned the popular sional wrestler, looking and we have been a part Harvey and Nancy have Area Chamber of Com- Harvey says with convic- southern Minnesota bar, J somewhat like Baron Von of it since we have been in both been dedicated to rais- merce. Now that Harvey is tion, “when we retire, we & H Liquors, for 36 years. Raschke, The Claw. He is business,” he added. ing funds for the Toys for available to pick up more are not leaving Blooming They have been part of the much gentler, however. “It’s a real honor to Tots program. Over the 22 hours in running the bar, Prairie.” Harvey said he celebration for 35 years, Harvey retired from have been selected grand years it has been run, Har- Nancy has devoted more knows that many people one year was wiped out Metal Services of Bloom- marshals,” Nancy hum- vey estimates that the drive time to visiting her moth- want to move here. “More because of COVID-19. ing Prairie, where he bly says. “Families and in Blooming Prairie led by er in Austin at the Our younger people are com- For all of those years, worked for 37 years. The friends from Blooming the Farrs has raised over Home facility. ing back to live in Bloom- the Farrs have sponsored Farrs now can split their Prairie and from adjoin- $150,000. Blooming Prairie The Farrs have had a ing Prairie,” Nancy says. the Fourth street dance, hours dedicated to the ing communities come to has always been a leader in For Sale sign prominently “It’s really gratifying to usually held the Saturday bar much easier. Prior to watch and partake in the raising funds for Toys for displayed at the bar. Why? walk in the door of a local before the holiday. J & his retirement at Metal colorful Fourth of July Tots in Steele County. “We need to get up in the establishment and hear H Liquors has also had Services, Harvey would activities,” says Nancy. The BP Toys for Tots morning and slow down,” people call you by name,” entries periodically in the take duty on weekends Many longtime acquain- project gets much of its Harvey admitted. He said Harvey says. parade, known as one of and some nights. tances are renewed over funds from the BOB there was a lot of interest Harvey enjoys ex- the largest in Minnesota. At times the Farrs’ two the Fourth in Blooming (Bikers of Blooming) ride. from last fall until Febru- tending his wings while This year, Harvey and daughters, Whitney and Prairie, she points out. In more recent years, the ary then it trailed off. on his Harley Davidson Nancy will literally each Taylor, have helped at the Blooming Prairie is a BOB ride has welcomed When they finally re- bike. He took a solo trip to wear a different hat, that bar. Harvey also has a son, friendly community, and riders in vehicles. J& H tire, the Farrs hope to ride Bozeman, Montana just of being the official Grand Joe. Harvey and Nancy the Fourth is a time to be also was a sponsor of the motorcycle more often prior to the Fourth of July Marshals of the 45th have three grandchil- neighborly and a time to see cancer run. and do more traveling celebration. Blooming Prairie Fourth dren and one great grand friends, the Farrs agree. Harvey is a past presi- in the winter. Florida is Harvey and Nancy of July parade. This honor daughter. Smiling widely, Har- dent of the BP Lions Club one of their favorite spots have been practicing their was bestowed upon them The Farrs have spon- vey said he enjoys being and is currently vice presi- and within that state lies “waves” for the extrava- by the BP Area Chamber sored Miller Lite and MGB a small-town business dent of the First Lutheran a popular vacation spot, ganza. “Nancy, maybe we of Commerce. limos in past parades. owner. ”When you see Church Council. Disney World. It is very should get some candy so The Farrs have many What does it mean to be what’s happening in the Nancy has shown her likely that the Farrs will we don’t have to wave as things in common, the chosen as a grand marshal? big cities, you can be glad excellent organizational be wearing Walt Disney much,” Harvey laughs. PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
JULY 2022 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 5 Costs rise, but Owatonna’s fireworks go on BY JONI HUBRED Fareway grocery store around 2000, he said. NEWS EDITOR also does a “round up” Now, about half of the each year that nets Early Edition Rotary O watonna’s long around $3,000, Havelka Club’s 30 members help history of July said. And during the pull the show together. 4th fireworks event, Young Life will Though it’s impossible displays continues this sell flags, with funds split to estimate attendance, year, but at a higher cost between the two organi- Havelka said droves of for the show and insur- zations. people head to the Steele ance. In 2004, Federated County Free Fair mid- John Havelka, who Insurance paid for the way, ball diamonds, and helps organize the event city’s sesquicentennial points south to watch on with the Early Edition fireworks display, which July 4. The first fire- Rotary Club, said pyro- put fundraising a year work goes off at 10 p.m. technicians set off $20,000 ahead–but that doesn’t from the fairgrounds worth of fireworks last mean it’s easy. grandstand area, and year. The same Patriot Along with the cost of the display lasts about Skies show this year will materials, he said, insur- 20 minutes. Rain date is cost $24,000. ance has skyrocketed. July 5. Funds come from The national Rotary Club While the “red, white many business and indi- requires the locals to and boom” takes center vidual sponsors. Fund- carry it, and they’ve been stage, Havelka said the raisers have included told a $10 million policy whole atmosphere makes beer and wine tasting, isn’t enough. Owatonna’s Fourth of meat raffles, and new this “Somebody has to pay July fireworks special. year, purse bingo with for the fireworks, and People often come early the Eagles Club. we need help with that,” to stake out a spot and Larger donors can Havelka said. “That’s bring along a picnic have a firework named probably the biggest dinner. after them and get access challenge.” “That’s what I love to a VIP area on the fair- Havelka said he about this event,” he said. grounds during the event. has been watching the “It’s summertime. It’s STAFF PHOTO BY LOLA SHAFFER Anyone can contribute fireworks since he was celebrating the country’s John Havelka has headed the fundraising efforts for Owatonna’s annual fireworks display, Patriot through the Owatonna a kid. Rotary took over independence. This is Skies, for about 15 years. Chamber Foundation. the event from Jaycees what we should be doing.” Painting, staining, power washing, gutter cleaning, tree trimming and removal. Happy 4th of July!! 507-451-7424 willie_goodsell@yahoo.com Fully Insured PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
6 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 JULY 2022 COME VISIT OUR SHOWROOM! Happy INDEPENDENCE Day 140 26th St. NW • Owatonna • 507-444-0067 info@fireplaceconnection.biz • www.fireplaceconnection.biz LIQUORS J&H 340 E Main St., Blooming Prairie, MN 507-583-7557 STREET DANCE SMOKESCREEN $5 cover charg e Saturday, July 2nd be Must er ld 2 or oir 1 8:30 pm - 12:30 am ID requ ed July 4th Bar Open 4pm – CLOSE | Off-Sale Open 10 am – CLOSE CLOSED 1-4 PM FOR THE PARADE PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
JULY 2022 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 7 History Center Model T rolls through BP parade BY JONI HUBRED ing it back to its original NEWS EDITOR condition was a labor of love and rewarding expe- A s you’re watch- rience for Dad.” ing Blooming The Model T will be on Prairie’s Fourth display (indoors) during of July parade, keep an Gus’ Station Car Show eye out for a pristine, on July 16 and during the 1926 Ford Model T sedan Steele County Free Fair recently donated to the in August. Sometime in Steele County History the fall, it will be moved Center. to Owatonna Ford, where Now parked in the it will be housed over the Center’s atrium, the winter. vehicle was painstakingly “We don’t have any- restored by Owatonna me- thing set in stone for how chanic Dale Springer, who long it will be at the deal- was a mechanic and auto ership,” Hinrichsen said. electrician at Owatonna “This will give us some Ford for 35 years. Springer time to figure out storage passed away in February; long term.” his daughter Pam Raichle That’s a tall order and her husband Brian with a donation like this. donated the vehicle not The primary concern is long after his death. protecting the vehicle “Since he put so much from sunlight, dust, and time into the restoration, other “agents of deteriora- we wanted his work to be tion,” and provide the best seen, so my sisters and environment. The work, I decided to donate the STAFF PHOTO BY JONI HUBRED as Hinrichsen describes it, Model T to the Historical Pictured with the 1926 Model T Ford sedan now on display at the Steele County History Center is director Kellen Hinrichsen. seems as much a labor of Society,” Pam Raichle The vehicle was donated by the family of the late Dale Springer, who purchased and restored it. love as Springer’s pains- said. “It’s a piece of Owa- taking restoration. tonna history; we wanted “The thing that really the History Center had institute a 40-hour work cal Society board member “We are just beyond it to stay in Owatonna.” brought it home was the space for storage to keep it week, influenced far more Jerry Ganfield, who has grateful,” he said of the Steele County Histor- story of the car’s life,” Hin- in its original condition. than transportation. Ford driven similar vehicles, donation. “It’s very mean- ical Society executive di- richsen said. “It might not “We also needed to find created an assembly line has volunteered to take it ingful when something rector Kellen Hinrichsen have been built here, but a trailer and a crew to get with interchangeable parts out for a spin. has such sentimental said large donations a significant part of its life it out here,” he said. to manufacture the vehicle. “We wanted to give the value that they would be require board approval, story is set here in Steele The vehicle display Locally, Springer chance for this to be seen,” willing to entrust it to us.” and they had to make a County.” includes four interpretive bought the vehicle in 1976, Hinrichsen said. “We don’t You can get a look at decision quickly. Springer spent years stations, each telling a dif- after it was owned and want something this big the Model T in the atrium “We had time to do some restoring the forest green ferent piece of the vehicle’s operated in Hayfield and and beautiful to be hidden.” during History Center research, and we were Model T, from wood-spoke story, as well as the history Detroit Lakes. He worked Raichle said her father hours, Tuesday-Friday, 10 able to determine that it wheels to its black leather of the vehicle that “fun- on his Model T until well restored the Model T just a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, belonged here,” he said. interior and a hand-op- damentally changed how into the 1990s, restoring in time for her parents to 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It took the While the vehicle erated windshield wiper. we as a society move and every aspect of the vehicle drive it to her wedding in place of Nickel, a pre- wasn’t manufactured in Every piece of chrome interact with one another.” to operating condition. September of 1988. served American bison the county, he explained, it sparkles. Henriksen said The Model T, with Henry The Blooming Prairie “Dad would drive it in donated in 2012 by the had a strong local connec- a big part of accepting the Ford’s decision to pay work- parade will be the vehi- parades and take it to car Nechville family and now tion. donation was making sure ers a minimum wage and cle’s first outing. Histori- shows,” she said. “Restor- in storage. PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
8 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 JULY 2022 Enjoy the Fourth of July! Where will you go with MBT? We are proud to be a community bank - We can help you reach your financial goals, no matter the size. Minnesota Have a Happy and Fun Fourth of July! Austin | Blooming Prairie | Dodge Center Hayfield | Mantorville | Rochester Iowa Clear Lake | Forest City | Lake Mills www.mbtbank.bank | Member FDIC We are a skilled nursing and assisted living facility that offers: • Respite Care • Long Term Housing • Outpatient & inpatient therapy CHECK US OUT FOR YOUR LIVING NEEDS! 411 E. Main St • Blooming Prairie • 507-583-4431 220 3rd St NW • Blooming Prairie STEELECOUNTYTIMES.COM 583-4434 PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
JULY 2022 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 9 Art is all in the family for button design winner BY KAY FATE STAFF WRITER A ddison Winzen- burg seems to be carrying on a legacy – and possibly creating a new tradition. The daughter of Sara and Patrick Winzenburg, Addison’s artwork will be on display nearly every- where during Blooming Prairie’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July celebra- tion. Her design was chosen as the winner of the 2022 button contest, which was open to all fourth-graders in Blooming Prairie. She was a student in Jenna SUBMITTED PHOTO Volgarino’s classroom. The Fourth of July buttons, designed by Addison Set on a light blue Winzenburg, are $3 each. They give the wearer 50 cents off background, Addison at the beer garden as well as free trolley rides on July 4. The drew an American flag buttons are numbered; three numbers will be drawn, with “in the usual colors,” she $100 in BP Bucks going to each winner. said, “then I drew little fireworks around it in his brother, Luke, is also spent it – and doesn’t have different colors.” an excellent artist. I think anything planned. She used colored pen- their dad was talented, “If I see something I cils and markers to create too.” want, I’ll probably just buy the winning design. Addison is the oldest of it,” she said. Though Addison likes four children, including Her mother said Ad- art “and I think I’m pretty Greyson, Blakely and dison is “a saver. She’ll good at it,” she was still Wesley. probably put a ton of surprised by the an- While they aren’t thought into it before she nouncement. competitive, “they want spends it.” “Mr. Schwarz came in to do things like each The buttons cost $3 and told my whole class,” other,” their mother said. and are available at select Addison said. Part of her “Greyson’s up next, and Blooming Prairie busi- prize is $25 in BP Bucks he’s also very artistic.” nesses. They provide the and her own pin to com- They haven’t seen wearer with 50 cents off memorate the win. many of the buttons at the beer garden, as well Sara Winzenburg said around town yet, Winzen- as free trolley rides on Addison gets her artistic burg said, “but I suppose July 4. ability from Patrick’s side on the Fourth of July Each button sold will be SUBMITTED PHOTO of the family. she’ll see more of them.” numbered; three numbers Addison Winzenburg, center, is the winner of the 2022 Fourth of July button design. “Her dad is an excellent As for the $25 in BP will be drawn, with each Blooming Prairie Elementary School Principal Jacob Schwarz, left, surprised Addison with draw-er,” she said, “and bucks, Addison hasn’t winning $100 in BP Bucks. the award. The contest was open to fourth-graders; Jenna Volgarino, right, was her teacher. PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
10 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 JULY 2022 New and Preowned Harley-Davidson Motorcycles for Every Budget Happy 4th! We also buy used Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Competitive Financing Rates New General Merchandise and favorites coming in weekly. BERGDALE HARLEY-DAVIDSON Exit #157 on I-90 Albert Lea, MN 507-373-5236 Open 7 Days A Week ® Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am to 6 pm; ALL FOR FREEDOM Saturday 9am to 5 pm; FREEDOM FOR ALL Sunday 11 am to 3 pm. TM info PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
JULY 2022 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 11 Keep your family HOLIDAY CLOSING connected with senior- STEELE COUNTY LANDFILL AND friendly technology HAZARDOUS WASTE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, JULY 4 IN OBSERVANCE OF THE FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY. The number of older paign, where each securely share treasured the whole family. Group adults who say they feel member of your trust- family memories. The worship activities were HAVE A HAPPY AND isolated has more than ed circle of contacts family photo stream is hit hard by the pandemic, doubled since 2018. The calls your loved one on seen only by those in your but video technology has SAFE FOURTH OF prolonged pandemic and social distancing has a designated day. Fam- ily members of all ages trusted circle of contacts, which means your family bridged that gap. Share a link to your favorite JULY WEEKEND! contributed significant- can take part in this ac- memories are secure and worship service and ly to this trend, leaving tivity that ensures your private. invite your whole family STEELE COUNT Y LANDFILL families and caregivers aging loved one will be Create a digital mu- to attend together. BLOOMING PRAIRIE increasingly concerned surrounded with social sic playlist. Music has The GrandPad tablet for the health, safety, interaction throughout numerous therapeutic was designed specifical- 507-583-7766 and well-being of elderly the year. GrandPad fea- benefits for elderly adults, ly to accommodate the loved ones. tures both simple video including supporting needs of elderly adults Fortunately, technol- calling and voice calls cognitive health for and individuals with ogy can help. For exam- that are easy for seniors people with Alzheimer’s cognitive or physical ple, studies have shown to use. disease. A walk down limitations. It is current- that video calling alone Include your loved musical memory lane ly being used to connect can decrease loneliness one in a virtual family can also be a good way to more than 1.3 million among seniors. If you’re meal. Use the GrandPad turn feelings of loneli- people – including se- looking for a way to spice Companion App and the ness into joy and feelings niors, family members, up your regularly sched- multi-party Zoom feature of gratitude. GrandPad friends, and caregivers – YOUR HOMETOWN NEWS! uled visit with mom or to share a virtual fami- features streaming radio in more than 120 coun- ANYWHERE- ANYTIME dad, GrandPad, the tablet ly meal with all family stations, a proprietary tries worldwide. designed specifically for members, regardless of GrandPad Radio station, News • Sports • Obituaries people over the age of 75, their location. and access to more than To learn more about Features • More! offers these creative ways Create a digital 30 million ad-free songs purchasing a Grand- to keep your loved ones family photo album. from a wide variety of Pad subscription, visit Hometown news that makes a difference! connected. The GrandPad private musical genres. GrandPad.net or call Set up a family and family photo stream is the Attend a virtual 1-800-704-9412, 24 hours WWW.STEELECOUNTYTIMES.COM friends calling cam- perfect way to safely and worship service with a day, 365 days a year. CELEBRATE THE RED, WHITE & BLUE IN 2022 • AUGUST 16-21 PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
12 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 JULY 2022 PLEASE ENJOY A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION! Enjoy the 507-583-2712 Hwy 218 South, Blooming Prairie, MN www.minersoutdoor.com Fourth of July! Hours: Outdoor Power Equipment, Golf Monday-Friday: 8:00am-5:30pm Cart: Sales Service, Parts & Accessories Saturday: 8:00am-Noon t Re-Elec DORNINK Richard Owens, Jr MINNESOTA STATE SENATE 23 507-279-1590 Paid for by Dornink for Minnesota State Senate Committee, District 23 • P.O. Box 111, Albert Lea, MN 56007 www.RDOHomelnspection.com Land of the Free, Happy Home of the Brave. Happy Fourth of July! 4 TH OF JULY Blooming Prairie Celebrate your Independence Owatonna VFW Preplanning 135 Oakdale St., Worlein Blooming Freedom to Make Decisions Owatonna Prairie Funeral Home 507-583-7561 507.451.1001 418 Hwy Ave S • Blooming Prairie www.worlein.com AUTO • HOME LIFE • BUSINESS Happy Independence Day! Mike Bishman 121 W Broadway 323 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie Owatonna, MN 55060 583-4469 507•451•0193 800•856•9864 PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
JULY 2022 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 13 Red, White and Bounce-house planned for 4th BY KAY FATE Bounce, described as a ware’s supply of inflat- He stood inside the up in Victory Park, “but There will be no charge STAFF WRITER “bounce house world,” ables – but that’s the idea. inflatable pumpkin – which not this one.” for entry to Red, White will sit at Victory Park for Dan Peach, a BP Police isn’t going to be one of the Peach was using water and Bounce. It is spon- It’s an addition to the all three days of Blooming officer who makes holidays bounce-houses available and a mild cleaner to sored for the weekend by schedule of events that is Prairie’s Old-Fashioned happier with theme decora- next weekend – and sprayed make sure the inflatables Leo Augusta Children’s bound to make parents Fourth of July. tions in the empty lot next down the muddy interior. were ready for the public, Academy. and kids alike very happy. The set-up nearly door to the store, was getting “They’re taking five,” and letting them dry in Rules for use will be Red, White and cleared out B to Z Hard- them ready last week. he said of the planned set- the sun. posted at the site. STAFF PHOTO BY KAY FATE Dan Peach sprays down the interior of a pumpkin-shaped inflatable that was set up in the empty lot next to B to Z Hardware. Peach was cleaning the store’s entire supply in advance of Red, White and Bounce, five bounce houses that will be set up in Victory Field July 2-4. PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
14 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 JULY 2022 CELEBRATE 132 2nd Ave. NE • Blooming Prairie 1125 S Oak Ave 583-6613 Owatonna, MN 55060-3701 507-451-5990 • www.Honest1Owatonna.com Keeping Seniors Connected When you can’t share life’s special moments in person, GrandPad is the next best thing. INCLUDES: Custom Senior Friendly Apps 4G LTE Connectivity 24 / 7 Live Support Private Family Network TO LEARN MORE: Call (800) 704-9412 or visit www.GrandPad.net VIDEO & VOICE CALLING • EMAIL • PHOTOS • MUSIC • INTERNET • CLASSIC GAMES • AND MUCH MORE PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
JULY 2022 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 15 «We understand small business because we are a small business.» 314 E Main St., Blooming Prairie – 583-7528 685 W. Bridge St. Suite 6, Owatonna – 451-9136 133 N. Broadway, New Richland – 465-3810 Johndoercpa.com FOR ITS PARK SYSTEM We appreciate the many play and recreation areas found throughout our community. Visit federatedinsurance.com/WeLoveOwatonna to see all the reasons why Owatonna has our heart. Federated Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries* federatedinsurance.com | *Not licensed in all states. 20.13 Ed. 6/21 © 2021 Federated Mutual Insurance Company PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
16 FOURTH OF JULY 2022 JULY 2022 Free Seminars Daily July 26, 27, 28, 2022 Ritchie Bros Auction Site - 6000 Frontage Road Medford, MN Learn more at tradexpos.com PRODUCED BY PO BOX 1067, AUSTIN, MN 55912 1-800-347-5225 PUBLICATION OF STEELE COUNTY TIMES
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