Shop Local

Letter: It’s up to us to keep Lake City vibrant

Jun 24, 2026

As a seasoned traveler, 20 years living in our RV, I have seen the failure of small-town America. I’m speaking of retail failure. Wandering throughout the United States we’ve taken truck routes and back roads while pulling a 38-foot fifth wheel. We would take up a half block parking spot and check...

As the closure of their shop nears, owners encourage people to shop local first

Nov 13, 2024

Wow, I respect the small shops in this town! They’re full of hardworking, creative people that I’m glad I got to know. It’s been great banding together with the Shops of Lake City and the Chamber to promote the downtown to Lake City residents and visitors. About 2 years ago, my husband and I...

Hockey star shops local for vehicle

Oct 23, 2024

When Taylor Heise (right), star of the reigning Professional Women’s Hockey League champion Minnesota Frost, decided to retire the Jeep she’s driven for the past seven years, she decided its replacement would come from the Ford dealership in her home town, Lake City. Heise’s new ride is a 2024...

‘Shop local’ as vital today as it was in 1905

Nov 24, 2021

It has been said that writing is arguably humanity’s most important invention, because it provides the means to record and pass along knowledge that is between people separated by time and space. Our small city is nestled on the western shores of Lake Pepin, which offers a natural beauty not...

Gift shopping is an opportunity to help keep the community strong

Dec 2, 2020

Want more bang for your buck this holiday season? As you plan your Christmas shopping this year, consider doing it right here in Lake City. Besides getting a present for your loved one, you will be helping to keep our community strong. It is no secret small businesses are struggling in these...

Websites track local restaurant, store info

Mar 25, 2020

The Lake City Chamber of Commerce has created a webpage and two Facebook Groups to collect the latest information on which local businesses are open and closed and what services they offer during the pandemic. The “Lake City Retail and Service Industry Changes Amid COVID-19” is the place for...

Penny: Support small businesses this holiday season

Nov 21, 2018

‘Tis the season for spending time with family and friends, enjoying delicious meals and of course, shopping for gifts. The holiday season is always a great reminder to spend dollars locally and lift up our small businesses. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) we invest in the...

Letter: Caring, helpful people, close by

Nov 29, 2017

To the editor: You don’t have to look farther than Lake City for caring, knowledgable people. I had two problems to resolve: first, reduce pictures in size and then to print and fax real estate papers. Creative Minds solved both perfectly and did so with so much knowledge and a caring attitude....

Letter: Hotel could help local retail thrive

Aug 10, 2017

To the editor: How exciting that Dave Rodewald is moving forward with plans for a hotel. Small towns are finally waking up and realizing that it is possible to stand up to the strip malls and big box stores. A hotel makes a great anchor. Lake City is fortunate to have places like Ace Hardware,...

Businesses on Lyon Ave. celebrate 'Uptown Christmas'

Dec 10, 2015

Businesses on the intersection of Lyon Avenue and 8th Street in Lake City welcomed visitors with specials, tastings and attractions Friday, Dec. 5, at the annual Uptown-Christmas-On-Lyon Extravaganza.