The 2019 UMVRDC Annual Tour was another success! This year UMVRDC staff, board, and guests toured northern Big Stone County, visiting Clinton, Graceville, and Beardsley, seeing and hearing about projects staff have worked on throughout the years. We enjoyed hearing from citizens about what is going on in their communities and how they are dealing with different issues. It was a great opportunity for sharing, networking, and learning!
UMVRDC has had the privilege of working with these communities and look forward to the continued work to help the region prosper. Thanks for another successful year of support and participation with the UMVRDC! Check out the recap of the annual tour below!
Clinton
- Jamer’s 1 Stop (RLF Borrower)
- To keep the only gas station in town open, Jamie Cardwell partnered with the UMVRDC to access funds from the RLF. The $117,00 project, $20,000 of which came from the RLF, allows residents and travelers to get some gas and a bite to eat and be on their way.
- Kari Wiegman, Clinton City Clerk
- rental property and infrastructure project discussion
- Bonnie’s Grocery Store (SCDP Commercial Rehabilitation Project)
- This $36,000 rehab project revolved around efficiency needs. The overlayed urethane roof, new steel lined ceiling, and new electrical fixtures turned out great. The were able to demo and existing chimney, get a new picture window, and install new emergency lighting within the grocery store.
- North Star Saloon (SCDP Commercial Rehabilitation Project)
- This project consisted of replacement of the steel roof and siding, installing two commercial doors, paint for the exterior of the building, new exterior back door, and new insulation for efficiency.
- SCDP Owner Occupied Project
- This project consisted of foundation repairs, removal of a chimney, new roof, siding, and windows. They were also able to install a new high efficiency boiler and electrical service master. Some of the safety hazards tackled within this project were an addition of exterior steps and landing, along with repairing the electrical hazards such as exposed wiring.
Beardsley
- Anne Schwagerl of Prairie Point farm discussed the great impact broadband has had on her family farming business. It allows them to market near and far, communicate with others in the industry, stay up to date on agriculture trends, and so much more.
- CS Diesel (SCDP Commercial rehabilitation Project)
- CS Diesel was able to leverage their $52,000 project with almost half of it coming from SCDP forgivable grant funds. Along with replacement of a furnace, the majority of the project was installing a steel liner and electrical work such as fixture installation and connections.
- Bobbi Jo’s Place (SCDP Commercial Rehabilitation Project)
- This $40,000 rehab project focused on offering a more handicap accessible commercial business. They were able from tiny, hard to access bathrooms into one uni-sex accessible bathroom and converting the entry to be more accessible. Replacement of deteriorated floor tile, kitchen and exterior receptacles, with GFCI protection, LED lighting, and emergency exit signs.
- SCDP Owner Occupied Project
- Foundation concerns were the most impacted by this project. Safety concerns around an existing gas unit that was not vented properly mere mitigation though are placement with an electric water heater. The vulnerable copper gas line from the tank to the house was replaced and also the inefficient furnace. Windows, bathtub, and unstable basement steps were replaced.
Graceville
- Don’s Bowling Alley (SCDP Commercial Rehabilitation Project)
- The bathrooms were made more accessible and the urethane roof coating was installed over a metal ridge area, plus they were able to replace the front entry doors in this $50,000 rehab project.
- Visited with Meander artists, Neva Foster, John White, Anne Dietz, and Pam Stueve at The Studio. They discussed the impact the Meander has had on their art.
- Scott Bauer discussed the impact of SCDP, City efforts addressing housing, and city infrastructure work.
- Headquarters Bar & Grill (RLF Borrower)
- First Bank and Trust, the owner’s investment, along with UMVRDC’s $90,000 in gap financing completed the $450,000 expansion project. Through this project, five jobs were retained while six were created at the long existing favorite pizza place in Graceville.
- Chance Haugen discussed the impact of broadband, sharing how it has helped his family farming business.
- Business meeting and dinner catered by Headquarters Bar & Grill
