Frank Lee

Minnesota

Published film critic.✍️ Pop culture consumer.🍽️ #FreePress defender.🦸‍♂️ Watching films and things on TV, eating popcorn, repeat.🍿 https://t.co/vM2B9Dym2H

Articles

Employee becomes new owner of Steve’s Alignment and Auto Repair

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — The new owner of Steve’s Alignment and Auto Repair's is a familiar face. Mechanic Ryan Booen took over the downtown automotive service and repair business in April, which Steve and his wife Robin Wegscheid opened in 2009. “I’ve been working here at least 10 years or more,” said Booen, a 40-year-old Wadena resident. “I like it because it's close. I mean, I only live a few blocks away.” The Wegscheids will retire but will work part time until July 1.
Wadena's downtown 1776 Clothing Co. to close due to lack of sales

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — The 1776 Clothing Co. was intended to be revolutionary in fashion. But the Wadena apparel retailer has not made as much noise as she hoped as shoppers buy more online. Owner Paulette Ohm was the only one at her downtown clothing boutique one recent weekday afternoon earlier this month and cited sluggish sales for her difficult decision to close soon.
Wadena's downtown 1776 Clothing Co. to close due to lack of sales

1 week ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — The 1776 Clothing Co. was intended to be revolutionary in fashion. But the Wadena apparel retailer has not made as much noise as she hoped as shoppers buy more online. Owner Paulette Ohm was the only one at her downtown clothing boutique one recent weekday afternoon earlier this month and cited sluggish sales for her difficult decision to close soon.
This N That N More offers 3D printing in downtown Wadena

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — The sky’s the limit for married Air Force veterans Lyndon and Robyne Mincey. The Verndale couple recently opened their new 3D printing business in downtown Wadena called This N That N More, which reflects the anything-goes ethos behind the entrepreneurs. “But we just really took to the 3D printing stuff. That's our primary bread and butter, I think,” Robyne said after they opened May 5.
WDC School Board views new fundraising gym video board

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — Seeing is believing. And the Wadena-Deer Creek School Board got an eyeful and earful from Norm Gallant. The WDC Middle/High School activities director presented to the board on Monday, May 19, a new $184,000 digital video board by Daktronics in the gym that local businesses would sponsor. “Just a huge thank-you first and foremost to Jeff Browne of Wadena State Bank ,” Gallant told the board of the bank president. “We started talking about this three or four years ago.
Lyle’s Shoes in Wadena to close due to lack of business

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — Lyle’s Shoes in Wadena is closing because foot traffic is down, according to its owner. Last year's grand reopening of the longtime downtown footwear retailer failed to improve sales, so owner Cathy Keezer recently made the difficult decision to close the Jefferson Street store. “There's just not enough business, not enough support to keep the store open,” said Keezer, who took over managing the Wadena store herself last year to improve customer service.
He salvaged an old rug-making loom. Now he gives new life to old clothes.

3 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — You could say John Myhre is old-fashioned, at least when it comes to making rugs. “I've been in this room for about four or five months now, and it was just bare walls and green carpet," said Myhre, working a hand-and-foot-operated loom from a small work space he leases month to month on the lower level of the Jefferson Square building, below Greiman’s. The 74-year-old resident of Comfort Care Cottage in Wadena said he doesn’t personally sell the creations he makes.
Wadena Area Concert Association presents Billy Joel tribute

3 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — “Play us a song, you’re the ‘Piano Man’”—at least for one night in Wadena. Musician Jim Witter will pay tribute to Billy Joel in the last concert of the Wadena Area Concert Association's 2024-2025 season at Wadena Memorial Auditorium on Monday, May 19. “I've been doing tours for Allied Concert Services now for going on 10 years, and they're based out of Minnesota,” said Witter, who will perform in Wadena for the first time.
Sourcewell honors Wadena-Deer Creek ‘Educators of Excellence’

3 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

BRAINERD — Excellence doesn’t come easy. But these Wadena-Deer Creek Middle and Elementary teachers and staff make it look easy. More than 100 teachers and staff from schools in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties were chosen by administrators for “outstanding dedication, leadership and innovation” and celebrated at Brainerd’s Northern Pacific Center on April 30 and May 7.
Wadena foster grandparents recognized for years of volunteering

3 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

STAPLES — Grandparents are the best – just ask any grandchild. And two of the best of the best are Gail Moore and Carol Klindworth of Wadena. The Central MN Foster Grandparent Program volunteers were recognized at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples on May 6 for working with Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary School children. “I worked mainly with the first and second graders.