All posts filed under: Blog

Big Stone Lake Area Chamber Hosts Annual Meeting at Sioux Historic

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What a fun evening and fun people.  I had the pleasure of attending the Big Stone Lake Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting tonight at Sioux Historic on Big Stone Lake. I’ve never attended this event in the past but I can tell you that I will be going again!  It was a great evening. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Chamber Director Mary Hillman, with a big smile.  Mary and I have been acquainted for several years through family and friends and it’s always fun to see her.  I had the opportunity to register for door prizes and then made my way to the silent auction items to take a quick look.   There was also an opportunity to play plinko and bean bag toss to win other prizes.  The Chamber members were so generous in their donations to the event.  I bid on a few items that I thought might be fun and continued on my way to the bar for Happy Hour! Sioux Historic is one of the gems of MNbump,  I …

Ice Bowling in the #MNbump

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When it’s cold in Minnesota, you don’t let the weather stop you from having a fun time!  You take advantage of the weather and make accommodations to enjoy what you can.  The Beardsley Fire Department did just that last weekend with an Ice Bowling Tournament on Dry Lake in Beardsley. I have lived in this area most of my life and I didn’t even know that there was a lake in Beardsley.  Dry Lake is located just north of Beardsley’s Main Street and it was a fun day to be on the ice. The Beardsley Firemen were prepared to help us all deal with the cold by providing warming houses, warming fires and some warm beverages to help deal with the below zero temps.  Luckily the wind was not blowing so it didn’t seem as cold as it may have been.     To find out more about the history of Beardsley’s Ice Bowling, click here to check out the Beardsley Fire Department Facebook Page.

Clinton’s 135th Celebration

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The 135th Celebration in Clinton has begun!  Event Flyer Link There was an “Over 80’s Gathering at 10:00 this morning at the Trinity Lutheran Church.  Check out the photos by Janine on the ClintonMN Facebook Page A very fun parade! The Opening Flag Ceremony has been broken into three videos: Flag Ceremony Video Welcome Video Stattelman – Water Fountain & Ending of the Ceremony The All School Reunion Brunch (AWESOME turnout!) A 2-Minute Recap of the weekend

Corina Kells’ Conceptual Photography Show

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The Smallest Art Gallery in Ortonville held an Artist Reception for Corina Kells on Thursday, July 5th from 5:00 to 6:30.   Corina Kells specializes in expressive conceptual photography to capture complex emotions such as fear, sadness, confusion, and isolation.  Her goal is to bring awareness to mental health issues and cultivate conversation. Due to another event in Ortonville, I did not make it to this reception until a few minutes after 6 and missed Corina’s presentation (I was very disappointed!)  — not that I would have had much room to stand since the gallery was packed when I arrived.  I did, however, get a chance to talk one on one with the artist about her work and the life experiences that are detailed within her photography (she was kind enough to visit with me until 7:00!)  Her insights  into the opioid and mental health epidemic and the way she is reaching out through art is amazing.  It is not only a personal therapy for her it is also an impactful way to reach out to bring …

Peace Run in Ortonville at Lakeside Park

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Ortonville enjoyed a stop by a few participating in the 2018 route of the SRI CHINMOY ONENESS-HOME PEACE RUN last night.  (welcomed by Mary Hillman and Kevin Benson of the Big Stone Lake Area Chamber of Commerce)  The Peace Run is a global torch relay that symbolizes humanity’s universal aspiration for a more peaceful world. Now in its third decade, the Peace Run is humanity’s largest and longest grassroots effort for peace. Since its inception, the torch has visited more than 140 nations!  Check out their website & the 2018 North American route at this link! In this first video, they sing the Peace Run Song for us: In the next video, they shared some background and information about the run: And in this last video, they shared a song that they sing when they are with a group of children:

MNbump Celebrations – Highlighting Odessa

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Yesterday was the annual 4th of July Parade in Odessa, here on the MNbump!  They start at noon with a (mostly) lawnmower parade followed by a community potluck meal at City Hall. City of Odessa history Link! Thanks to Rob Rakow for sharing a few of his photos from the event!  (for those of you that do know Rob, I think you’d really enjoy checking out his Rob Rakow Photography Facebook page for some amazing wildlife photos, landscapes & skyscapes from around the area!) …and Rob is an active member of the Big Stone Arts Council The next event in Big Stone County is the 135th Celebration in Clinton! July 6, 7 & 8th – Food, live music, bean bag tournament, volleyball tournament, baseball game, kids inflatables – and more!  for details check our Facebook link here! Immediately followed by the Big Stone County Fair July 11th through the 15th! check out the flyer for details  July 21st is Beardsley Day – check out their Facebook Page for details! Below are a few videos from …

Main Street Industries & Training

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Meet Main Street Industries!  Although most of us are aware of the annual Main Street Industry’s auction and dinner, I’m not sure that many know of the extent of services that they offer – both to businesses and residential homes.  In this time of low unemployment rate, I hope you check out the services that can be provided by Main Street Industries (MSI) in Clinton.  They provide a variety of services to 20+ customers currently and have 32 clients available to assist!  And, MSI provides training and job coaching – so give them a call if you have a job you need to fill at (320) 325-5251. Check out the following interviews to learn about Main Street Industries & Training Center! History & Goals Services Customers & Jobs Training & Coaching Services Program Aspects of MSI What the average day looks like at MSI Having some fun Getting Paid! The heart for people shined through in every employee interview; however, it really struck me as I listened during this interview how special this group of people …

Lake Days in Ortonville

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This marked the third year for this new event on Big Stone Lake in Ortonville.  Those who worked so hard to start Lake Days wanted the focus to be the lake and getting people together to enjoy the park and each other.  As with most, there is great food, beverages, and music – this event focuses on gathering people to enjoy a volleyball tournament, bean bag tournament, pickleball – and the youth had an opportunity to learn how to fish – they had workbooks, class, treats & then some hands-on opportunities with their new fishing rod, tackle box, and some tackle!   4-H helped to sponsor the youth fishing event – and more activities for the kids.  Although the weather threatened a bit, all the activities went forward and the weather passed.  It was a great (full!) day at Lakeside Park on Big Stone Lake! One minute video – highlights from the event: Thank you to the Big Stone Lake Area Chamber, Big Stone County 4-H, the Downtown Revitalization Committee and the City of Ortonville for sponsoring this …

Fresh Locally Grown Garlic in Our Grocery Stores? Yes!

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Quote from the MPR Article: Bonnie Carlson was skeptical. Making money as a small-town grocer was tough enough. How would selling a local guy’s garlic for a premium possibly help her?  But she didn’t say no when Big Stone County farmer Russ Swenson and Kathy Draeger, a local University of Minnesota expert and customer of Bonnie’s Hometown Grocery, pitched a plan to put Swenson’s garlic on the shelves at Bonnie’s and small-town stores across Minnesota. The best part of MNbump – our people!  Looking for new ways to grow, helping coming up with the ideas – and not saying “no” to a try!  #MNbumpROCKS  – Check out the complete story, photos & audio! https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/06/21/local-food-grocers-farmers-western-minnesota

Music Wednesday – First Run Last Night at Lakeside Park in Ortonville

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  The Thursday Night Music on Main group brought their “get together” time down to Lakeside Park for the first (I hope there will be more) Music Wednesday in the Park last night!  It was a perfect evening by Big Stone Lake – and the music was so much fun!  There was a Facebook Live recording (link here) that ran through quite a few songs – at 18:45 – You’ll find Julie French of KDIO doing Harper Valley PTA (fun, fun to watch!)  There were people sitting in the shelters and on the grass enjoying the evening (some, I noticed brought a Subway dinner while others had coolers with their dinner) — It was, to me, a picture perfect evening here on the MNbump – people just enjoying people.   A few clips from the evening (that were not on the Facebook Live).  A few brave souls ventured up to the stage to join the group for a few songs.  It was an open mic and everyone was encouraged to share their talents. Thanks to …