All posts filed under: Blog

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 …

July Events on the MNbump!

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July looks to be another busy month, here on the MNbump! Graceville’s Annual Toqua Days – June 30th & July 1st The Graceville Women’s Organization Facebook Page (Link!) is always a great place to watch for the latest information!   July 11th – 15th Big Stone County Fair! – Look who will be playing on the 12th at the Fair!! Link to the Big Stone County Fair Facebook Page! Our “Big Stone County Get Together” – this video taken from last year’s Fair gives a special spotlight on our AWESOME 4-H Youth – they ROCK! July 21st is Beardsley Day –  (Link) to their Facebook Page     Photo of the Course from last year’s Tournament

MNbump Wellness Challenge – Thank You & Wrap-Up!

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There were 22 teams (ranging from 9 to 11 people) with a total of 226 number of participants!! Total weight lost:  1,863 pounds (WOW!) Winning teams (I’m hoping they send in a group photo from each of their celebration gatherings!) were: 1st Place:  Main Street Industries – Main Street Muscle – with 7.3% weight loss Amanda Kuefler, Lisa Lindquist, Jeremy Tollakson, Joanne Vangness, Terri-Skog-Anderson, Arlene Athey, Karrie Findley, Lane Lindquist, Robin Olson, Roger Findley 2nd Place:  OAHS – Iron Maidens – 6.57% Weight loss Nicole Lovgren, Dr. Susan Andersen, Sandy Brown, Kristen Brobst, Melissa Davis, Sarah Velzke, Kendra Fryer, Missica Lowe, Corina Hanson, Natasha Haukos 3rd Place:  This just Thin – 6.18% Weight loss Brenda Zahrbock, Anita Longnecker, Rachel Zinski, Josh Zinski, Brent Zahrbock, Lindsey Lee, Alicia Lee, John Thomas, Jeannine Dashiell, Kelsie Thomas, Adam Dashiell With 1,863 pounds… I’d say all teams (and MNbump!) were winners!  However, this Ortonvillian must acknowledge the MNbump winning community was CLINTON!  🙂 If you’d like to watch the Facebook Live video from the weigh-in reveal – USE THIS LINK! …

MNbump – Upcoming Events!

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It is getting so busy, so here are reminder links gathered together for activities coming up and a few highlights from recent MNbump events.  #MNbumpLife Updated…. 6/17/2018   6/19:  Barrel Race tonight June 19th is going to be rescheduled due to the weather. I’ll post makeup date as soon as we make that decision (Flat Hills Arena, Inc. on FB)     Thursday, June 21 – “I’ll Be Me” Glenn Campbell’s journey with Alzheimer’s/Dementia 6:30 p.m. in the Orpheum in the Town Center at Fairway View Presented by The Big Stone County Memory Loss Connection  Info Link Saturday, June 23rd is the Jay Stock Golf Tournament in Ortonville check out the video from last year’s event! Check out this week’s dining recommendations for the new Downtown Diner in Clinton – FB Post Link:   MNbump Calendar Link! A HUGE shout out to the Big Stone Arts Council for a very successful Big Stone Lake Art Crawl last Saturday, June 9th!  Their site visitor counts ranged from 40 to 400 people from a large range of travelers …

Big Stone Lake Regional Art Crawl in Ortonville

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What a wonderful day!  I heard so many great comments while out on the art crawl today – hoping our artists make this an annual event (well, some thought it would be great every weekend!)  THANK YOU to all those that helped plan this event!! There were 24 artists representing a unique variety of arts and mediums with the artists available to discuss their works.  It will be interesting to see the art created during the children’s art activity.  This activity had to be moved to Main Street due to the off/on again morning rain. Check out a few highlights from the day –

Family Picnic in Ortonville at Lakeside Park

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It was a beautiful evening at Lakeside Park along Big Stone Lake for this year’s annual DREAM for Kids & Someplace Safe’s old-fashioned family picnic! This is their third year – and has been a hit with the kids from the first. Hills family brings their horses every year which is definitely a highlight for the kids! The Odessa Fire Department brought a water truck to show to the next generation of firefighters (thank you to Luke and Mike!) – the kids had fun testing their skills at holding and aiming that hose. Vicki from the Ortonville Public Library was giving away new books during the music game (music provided by Lee Kanten and Wanda Berry – awesome!), 4-H was providing activities during the event. A huge shout out to those that provided food & door prizes: GCC, S&D One Stop, the Moose, Lingonberries, Wade Sweezy, Gloria and Dwayne Larson, Hartman’s SuperValu, Pepsi Company — and to all the volunteers that helped with games, face painting & serving the food (I saw there was quite a …