It may sound a little ridiculous, but few things in life are as simple and reassuring as sitting in a stylists chair, knowing youve got someone in your corner who truly knows how to do your hair.
For 40 years, Deb Feske has been that trusted expert for many in the area. A lifelong local, shes helped generations of clients feel their best at The Personal Touch.
Earlier this month, Feske marked a career milestone she still finds hard to believe but one shes incredibly grateful for.
Thank you, she said, with tears welling up in her eyes, when asked what shed like her customers to know after all these years in business.
Feske attended Nettleton Academy in her early 20s, always knowing she wanted to be a stylist. She returned to Flandreau and opened a shop downtown. While her location changed in recent years, her business has continued to flourish, expanding beyond hair to include nails and apparel.
She still loves what she does.
Its the best job ever, she said.
People walk in the door, and when they leave, they feel so much better about themselves… its the greatest job there is.
Over the years, shes built countless friendships through her work. While theres no big celebration planned she says she simply doesnt have time as a solopreneur shes been feeling the appreciation as clients come through her doors.
One thing that surprises her? That perms havent made as strong of a comeback as she expected. But shes enjoying the trends, the ride and, most of all, she is grateful that her husband, Dave her biggest supporter is healthy after suffering a heart attack last fall. Outside of their busy work and side businesses, the couple is looking forward to more time with family and enjoying their new camper, which they purchased just last year.
On behalf of this editor and a community that continues to reach out to let us know weve needed to do a story with you, congratulations, Deb, and thank you for all your dedication to this area and your business.
In Colman, Greg Van Mevern will be retiring at the end of June after 16 years in business at Gregs Place. An engineer by trade, Van Mevern took over the city-owned establishment after leaving the auto industry to be closer to his father in his final years. Now, hes looking forward to retirement, spending more time tinkering with the cars hes collected over the yearsmany of which currently sit across the street from the bar. Well be catching up with Van Mevern as he winds down his career and the new caretakers prepare to take over.
The City of Colman will be accepting bids in April and opening them at their first meeting in May. City Finance Officer Maria Groos said theyve already received a few inquiries and expect more interest. Bids will determine the monthly rent a potential bar owner would pay, along with what percentage of lottery and liquor sales would be shared with the city. Leases are typically for a two-year period.
Other local business updates:
John Shaeffer is preparing to retire from a long career in law. In doing so, he recently sold his building and firm to Lammers, Kleibacker, Dawson & Miller, LLP. Lammers and Kleibacker founded the firm, while Dawson and Miller currently run the practice, staying busy with work in nearly every area of law. They are actively searching for another attorney for the Flandreau office, so for now, Shaeffer and his longtime assistant, Linda Christensen, will remain in the office until a replacement is found.
Christensen, who has been with the firm for 45 years, has been Shaeffers right hand throughout his career. While theres no set timeline for their retirements, Shaeffer says its on the horizon.
The Flandreau Flower Shoppe is celebrating 28 years in business with mother-daughter duo Donna Stenberg and Sarah Dahlmeier at the helm. Their award-winning floral shop has been a downtown staple, and earlier this month, they marked the milestone with a social media post.
Janna Ellingson was among the many fans who chimed in, commenting, Flandreau is fortunate to call you our own. Thank you for so many years of dedicated service.
A heads-up from the Flandreau Flower Shoppe: Their Spring Celebration and vase recycling event is happening April 10, 11, and 12.
Meanwhile, Jamie and Jessie Gaspar decided recently it was time to bring back a summer favorite The Spot at their current downtown location, JJs Coffee Spot. Business hours are available online, with JJs now closing in the early afternoon, and then reopening in the evening to serve The Spots usual lineup of treats. While some longtime fans were sad to see the change, downtown Flandreau was packed with excited kids and families eager to enjoy their favorite ice cream again regardless of the location.
Speaking of milestones, the Flandreau Bakery is celebrating an incredible 95 years in business this year! While the bakery has changed hands in recent years from longtime owners and brothers Don and Ed Duncan, current owner Jim Galipeau is committed to a sweet future for the downtown Flandreau business.
Growing up, Galipeau said he spent countless mornings visiting the bakery, and now, hes grateful for the opportunity to keep the tradition going though with a few modern twists.
This Saturday, the bakerys legacy and one of its most beloved treats, the Long John, will take center stage in a community walk/run and donut-eating competition. For more details, check out the Bakery and Mercs social media pages. The competition will be limited to 8 participants and pre-registration is encouraged by this Thursday.
More on the transition and plans for the old drive-in location in an upcoming edition.
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