business

Location, talent make Whitewater Canvas’ Lake City expansion a success

Jul 22, 2026

Brady Herber had no idea what he wanted to do when he graduated from Plainview-Elgin-Millville High School in 2023. His girlfriend’s dad, John Derouin, owner of Whitewater Canvas in Dover, saw potential and hired him. “I put him on the sewing machine. He had never worked one before, but he was...

Mrs. Ropers romped and shopped

May 13, 2026

The Helens showed up loud, proud, and ready to shop during the second annual Mrs. Roper Romp and Shop on April 25. The Shops of Lake City and The Chamber of Commerce thank all of the “Helens” who showed up in style and made the day such a success. A special thank you to Q-Media for donating...

Acrotech employees help with Habitat for Humanity build

May 13, 2026

Acrotech employees recently participated in a Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity Build Day in Lake City on April 30, “combining team building with an opportunity to give back to the community,” according to a news release. The volunteer effort was organized by Acrotech employee and Habitat for...

Local jeweler celebrates 50 years in business

Apr 22, 2026

Johnson Jewelers, located at historic 109 E. Center St. (see this week’s “Local Lore” article for more of this location’s history) in downtown Lake City and in Woodbury, Minn., are celebrating 50 years of business this week. “This business has truly been a labor of love for our family, going back...

Chamber welcomes Ford dealership under new ownership

Apr 1, 2026

The Lake City Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 23, to welcome new ownership at Lake City Ford, celebrating Daraius and Christina Mistry as they begin their journey in the community. The Mistrys, who relocated from Florida, are excited to become part of Lake City and...

Harkins Plumbing enters a new era

Mar 18, 2026

Harkins Plumbing and Heating, a longtime family business in Lake City, is now in the hands of a new generation. Now-former owners Jim and Rhonda Harkins sold the business to their daughter and son-in-law Emmy and Baxter O’Reilly. “We feel fortunate to be able to continue the business by passing it...

Mixto grand opening set for March 12

Mar 4, 2026

Mixto Grill and Bar, Lake City’s newest restaurant, will have its grand opening celebration Thursday, March 12. Owner Luis Jadan said the celebration starts at 3 p.m. and will include live mariachi music, piñatas for children, and specials on drinks and food. He said tap beer and margaritas will...

Mixto to open at former El Barco location

Jan 21, 2026

Taking the place of downtown’s El Barco, located at 209 S. Lakeshore Dr., is a new Mexican American bar and grill, Mixto, whose new owners are excited to be joining the Lake City community. A soft opening is scheduled for either Friday or Monday, depending on when renovations to the building are...

A new owner and name for Ford dealership in Lake City

Jan 21, 2026

The long-time Ford dealership in Lake City has a new owner and a new name. Daraius Mistry purchased the dealership from Mosaic Auto Group. It’s now Lake City Ford, a name that Mistry said he’s proud of and that reflects his philosophy. “I represent community values, honesty, integrity. I’ve always...

Meincke, Carlson join Forward Bank

Jan 14, 2026

Forward Bank has announced two additions to its Lake City team: Brent Meincke as vice president/market president and Wade Carlson as vice president/commercial loan officer. “Meincke grew up on a dairy farm just outside of Lake City and attended Winona State University, where he earned a degree in...