LATEST ARTICLES

VIVIAN HEITKE – Celebrating 100 Years of Life

I grew up near Dassel, Minnesota in a small Swedish community called Lake Jenny. My parents were both Swedish emigrants, but met and married here in America. I am the fourth of...

Robin Reid – Candidate for the Medina City Council 2020 Election

Four candidates are running for two open seats this fall for Medina's City Council. Every day this week (September 14-17) we'll meet one of those four individuals...

Living a Great Story

Stephanie Feller had felt pressure around her nose for some time, something wasn't right. She brushed it off, chalking it up to a sinus infection. Later in January of 2018 she and...

Why It’s Critical to Support Small Local Business

Much has changed in the last 10 years, especially when it comes to retail. We all know Amazon is greatly shaping the scope of commerce. What we may not be as aware...

A Splash of Love from Make-A-Wish Minnesota

When Andrea and Adam first told their daughter Hannah that her older sister Ella was going to get a wish granted in the form of a splash pad through Make-A-Wish Minnesota, Hannah...

Kalla Lily Salon & Spa

A common thread in Medina is how multiple generations run many of the family-owned businesses around town. When getting to know the area’s commerce, one can’t help but notice how the Dorweilers,...

Fortin Hardware – Hamel History

The days of generational family-owned businesses is waning in many parts of the state, but Hamel is hanging on to that small town atmosphere. Farmers State Bank of Hamel just celebrated its...

With One Leg To Stand On: How Farmers State Bank of Hamel has Thrived...

Interview with Farmers State Bank of Hamel's CEO Shorty Dorweiler, President Rowdy Dorweiler and Board Member Julius Dorweiler It was the fall of 1919.

RODEO 101

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT RODEOS, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASKPhotos by Bob Hosker Today’s professional rodeo holds a distinct position in the world of modern sports having...

Community Celebrations in 2023!

We are excited to once again get together in 2023 during Medina’s amazing community celebrations, starting with the Hamel Rodeo Parade on Sunday, July 9th at 2 pm, followed by Night to...

New Summer “Must Have”

Medina resident DAN MARTINSON has taken his patented TRUzip waterproof zipper (a completely toothless, silent, dustproof, waterproof, and submersible zipper used by top quality, outdoor product companies such as Camelback, Hydroflask, and...

Urban Wok

Forward-thinking, fast casual spices up Medina by focusing on sustainability and flavor Located just across Highway 55 from Casey’s next to the new Caribou coffee in Medina, a fresh...

An Alliance Forged in the Fire

West Suburban Fire District Bob Dylan once sang, “Times they are A-Changin”…, indeed they are! Turns out this applies to Fire Departments too.

Precious Time

Ahh, summer in Minnesota. It’s a precious time we all cherish. Getting outdoors to enjoy the warmth and sunshine--biking, grilling, swimming, or whatever your favorite activities are, summer always reminds us why...

ROUTE 1

Planting Seeds to Reinspire the American Dream & Grow Opportunities for Generations To Come If you’ve driven along Meander between Arrowhead Drive and 116 over the past few summers,...

Mustang Man

Cowboy and his American mustangs to perform at Hamel Rodeo Photo Credit: Giorigo Trovato The Mustang Man is headed to Hamel. For this...

Hamel Lions Rodeo Parade

Mark your calendar…the annual Hamel Lions Rodeo Parade will be held on Sunday, July 9th at 2 pm! This traditional event has been one of the final events of...

Introducing LocalTies Newest Contributing Writer – Karri Theis

Karri Theis, LocalTies' most recent addition to our editorial team, is an award-winning freelance writer and children's book author. In addition to writing, Karri enjoys raising her two daughters and their mini...

When Our World Was Whole

We near the refuge as skeins of moonlit mist liftand we hear the music of a thousand cranesroosting in the shallows of restored wetlands.Behind us, the sun crests the horizon, featheringwhite the...