Blog

On Jan. 1, 2003, Lori Marsh of Grafton opened her hair salon, providing services to the Grafton community and surrounding areas such as Northwood, Osage, and Mason City. Marsh graduated from Capri College in 1986 and has stayed in the profession ever since. It was always her dream to own he...Continue Reading

Opening in the early 80s, Strike Zone of Northwood has seen multiple owners before falling onto the lap of current owner Matt Grunzke in June of 2019. Grunzke started working at his first bowling alley at the age of 14 and has worked at several others throughout his life. After workin...Continue Reading

In February 2020, Melissa Kuhn-Schmidt opened The Fertile Market in Fertile, offering a wide variety of products to local communities. Joined with business partner Michelle Versteeg, the two run the small shop, along with the help of a few others. Kuhn-Schmidt and Versteeg believe their store is unique because of its wid...Continue Reading

In March of 2008, Jeff Mitchell became the owner of Mitchell’s Bar & Grill in Leland, and despite the town’s size, the business has persevered throughout the 13 years. The idea of owning the bar was proposed to Mitchell while getting his car repaired at Forest City Auto. The owner o...Continue Reading

On May 23, 2017, Jeff Johnson of Buffalo Center sold Johnson’s Foods to Doug and Barb Murra, who renamed the grocery store “Main Street Market.” After no one displayed an interest in buying Johnson’s store, the Murras looked into the possibility of taking ownership of another business, feeling it was crucia...Continue Reading

In 2016, local Kensett resident Linda Kauffman opened Quality Quilts & Sew to offer a new service to her community. After 20 years of working in a factory job, Kauffman decided it was time for a change. Considering opening a business, she enrolled in an entrepreneurial class, helping her figure ou...Continue Reading

In March 2011, Forest City resident Elissa Hanna decided to turn her hobby of cake pop and cupcake baking into an in-home business called Happy Sweets Cupcakes. Hanna’s passion started when she stumbled upon a cake pop book. She began making the treats as a hobby, but after some push fro...Continue Reading

After 18 years, Kelly Shryock and new co-owner Jason Briese moved their business Shryock Racing Components to Joice to continue serving dirt track racers throughout the Midwest and country. Shryock Racing Components builds dirt track race cars from scratch and offers repair services on them. The business also sells parts fo...Continue Reading

This year, Grafton celebrated their 50th Grafton Turkey Day. The town banded together to celebrate the day with various activities including a volleyball and softball tournament and parade. Children also had the opportunity to play on inflatables. The night was capped off with a four-hour street dance with live music.   Continue Reading

Despite its size, the small town of Scarville, IA tackled the Fourth of July and was attended by local residents and surrounding communities. The celebration was kicked-off with a parade featuring Lake Mills Marching Band, 16-consecutive year winners of the North Iowa Band Festival. The parade was followed by ...Continue Reading

After seeing a need for a place for the community to gather, local Lake Mills resident Kelley Gau took action to build a coffee shop that opened in August of 2020. Gau bought the lot, originally a grocery store, and was aware it would be a slow opening process. She too...Continue Reading