Dogs relax at The Barking Lot

Tick season is early this year. Kim Kolden of The Barking Lot in Cambridge is offering spot-on flea and tick treatments for $10 if you mention this story. "I've already found ticks on my dogs," Kolden noted. "It's really early this year. I don't usually have to worry about it until the end of May/early June." She pointed out that flea and tick collars protect merely the neck and head, leaving the rest of the body exposed. Because of that, she recommends spot-on treatments which treat the whole body.

Kolden offers a variety of pet grooming services from teeth brushing, nail grinding, and haircuts. "We do everything," she said. While many grooming salons close by 6 p.m., Kolden is open until 9 p.m. Monday to Friday. She also takes appointments on the weekends.

The benefit to using a smaller salon is that dogs are generally more relaxed while they're there. "I don't have that busy grooming salon atmosphere," stated Kolden. "It's quiet." She's noticed a behavior change in the dogs she groomed previously that followed her to the new location. "They're a lot calmer," Kolden said.

A self-proclaimed animal lover, Kolden has three cats and three dogs. She spent a year researching labs before getting her first one three years ago. Joey was joined by Skyy, a black labrador, and Rainy, a Fox Red lab. Kolden is training the black lab to be a therapy dog. Persian Gizzy also enjoys her time as a therapy cat while visiting GracePoint Crossing. The Persian was severely malnourished when Kolden adopted her; she's grown from two pounds to six and one-half over the last two years, and now has a beautiful, full coat. Kolden also adopted Munchkin, who suffers from seizures. Cat Kassie rounds out the mix. For awhile, Kolden also fostered cats. "They're a lot of fun," observed Kolden. "As long as you're good to them, they are good to you."

Kolden always knew that she wanted to work with animals. She considered becoming a veterinarian, "but I can't do the needles and put them to sleep," she explained. Instead, she began working with a woman who showed Bichon Frise dogs. From there Kolden moved on to a grooming salon. In January 2010 she and her husband decided to make the jump into being small business owners, and she opened her own salon. While some people, including her past employer, do more show cuts, Kolden focuses on pet-friendly cuts. Currently operating out of her rural Cambridge home, Kolden intends to someday construct a facility that's just for the business. At that time, she plans to begin offering boarding services, as well.

"I want to run a nice grooming salon where people feel comfortable dropping their dogs off and know they will be treated well," Kolden remarked.

Call 763-689-3770 or 651-354-5748 to set up an appointment, or email BarkingLotGroom@yahoo.com. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Barking Lot is located a few miles west of Cambridge at 761 327th Ave. NE.

Discounts

• Mention this story and receive $5 off your first grooming at The Barking Lot.

• Pay just $10 for spot-on flea and tick treatment.

• Refer a friend and you'll get $5 off your next grooming after the friend books an appointment.

*These offers are not valid together.

Hop in for Easter treats

Treat your family to a bunny cake this Easter from Herman's Bakery, Coffee Shop and Deli in downtown Cambridge. Choose from chocolate with Bavarian cream or raspberry filling, marble with Bavarian cream or chocolate fudge filling, and white with lemon or strawberry filling. Cupcakes in bright spring colors, shortbreads and cookies hand-cut in fun Easter shapes are also available. Or, pick up a bag of Jelly Belly beans and some fresh fudge.

You don't have to feel guilty about indulging your sweet tooth when you buy from Herman's. "We're a from-scratch bakery," explained owner Lois Oestreich. "We bake with fresh ingredients."

She added, "We like to think of ourselves as being healthy." Towards that end, the deli is stocked with fresh salads, fruits, sandwiches and soups. Portions of some salads are big enough for two to share. "Herman and I can take a chef salad home and that's a meal for two," Lois observed.

Also popular during for holiday dinners and special events are hot cross buns, tea biscuits, dinner rolls, butterflake and turkey buns (available in white, wheat or rye), and assorted nut breads.

Lois and Herman Oestreich pride themselves on maintaining the tradition of an old-fashioned bakery. This year the business will celebrate its 30th anniversary.

The bakery is located at 130 South Main Street in Cambridge. Call 763-689-1515. Hours are: Monday to Friday 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bakery is closed on Sundays.

Easter treats include:

• Bunny cakes

• Hot cross buns

• Cupcakes

• Cookies

• Nut breads

• Candy

Mall site ranked top for NLX station

City prioritizes four sites, has yet to rule any out

The Cambridge City Center is the best spot for a passenger rail depot in Cambridge, according to an independent consulting firm.

After evaluating four sites, Hay Dobbs concluded that the mall site has the necessary infrastructure already in place. The former Ritchart Ford dealership location was ranked second.

Tom Dobbs of Hay Dobbs presented results from the study to the Passenger Depot Location Task Force on Tuesday, March 9, 2010. He stressed that this was not a final decision. “There is a whole body of engineering and planning work that needs to be done moving on from here,” Dobbs stated.

“We’re not eliminating any site. What we’re doing is prioritizing them,” said Cambridge City Development Director Dave Carlberg. He added that as they move forward, planners will evaluate the top two sites.

ABOUT THE STUDY

The study completed by Hay Dobbs was narrow in focus. There were six areas it evaluated: the site area, infrastructure, physical elements, ownership/use/control, financial and local government/community controls. Dobbs explained that the first three areas are relatively objective. Consultants considered whether the sites were contiguous pieces of land, could physically support a platform, had the option of expansion, were linked to roads, trails and sidewalks, were served by city sewer and water, and were on flat parcels.

The second set of criteria was more subjective. Sites were ranked according to how well they fit in with the city’s comprehensive plan, the cost of acquisition, demolition and remediation, and local preferences.

Four sites were considered: the Cambridge City Center, First Baptist Church, Affordable Properties and the former Ritchart Ford dealership. Sites received a rank from one to five on the various criteria, and those ranks were then weighed according to an pre-established set of values. The Baptist Church location and Affordable Properties were ranked close together, at 15.4 and 15.7 points respectively. The former Ford dealership earned 17.6 points, and the city mall 20.15 points.

Dobbs explained that they were primarily considering whether the locations could handle a 600-foot-long, 20-foot-deep platform, ticketing office and 100-car parking lot.

CONCERNS

Local business owner George Johnson questioned whether congestion at Highway 95 and the train tracks was factored into this study. “I feel that it’s a very important factor,” Johnson said. “It’s critical to the community.

Dobbs responded that it was not considered, but will be in a later engineering study. “There will be no funding until it’s looked at,” he said.

He added that a more in-depth study can’t be completed until work has been done to evaluate how many trains per day there will be, what times they will run, and what the size of the trains will be.

Carlberg responded that contrary to the perception out there in the community, these passenger rail trains will not sit on the tracks and block Highway 95 as freight trains do now. Whether the trains are at full speed or still speeding up after leaving the mall, the amount of time the highway will be blocked will be 15 to 30 seconds, added task force chair Bob Guetschoff.

Carlberg said that this initial study did not factor in whether the station would be on the east or west side of the tracks. This decision will be based on the type of platform used, which has not yet been fixed.

Johnson also asked whether the study factored in the requirements of a commuter rail station in addition to the passenger rail station. Dobbs stated that the space needed for either passenger or commuter trains was essentially the same.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The next step in the process is to complete the 18-month preliminary environmental impact statement (EIS). During this stage, potential parcels of land between Duluth to Minneapolis will be evaluated. Noise and vibration, as well as the larger impacts on property values, will be considered, according to Dobbs. A preferred route will be created, and a station design will be drawn up. This will be done by the end of 2010. Next, there will be the draft EIS and then the final EIS.

Dobb stressed that this entire process is a long one. The goal is to have the Northern Lights Express passenger rail line operating by 2012 or 2013.

Hay Dobbs was hired by the larger Passenger Rail Alliance to evaluate potential sites in Hinckley, Sandstone, and Cambridge, as well as at the Grand Casino in Hinckley.

SETBACKS

The Passenger Rail Alliance experienced two setbacks recently, reported Carlberg. On Feb. 12, the alliance met with Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) officials in Texas. The initial plan was to install a second set of tracks 14 feet from the freight line for a 100 mile-stretch of Northern Lights Express. However, because of the high speed of the trains, BNSF officials said the spacing needs to be 21 feet. BNSF is worried about the safety of its workers, according to Carlberg. “This takes a $600,000 million [project] up to $900,000 million to $1 billion,” said Carlberg, plus the cost of acquiring additional right-of-way.

The NLX board responded by deciding to remove much of the double tracking it had initially planned. This, however, will affect how fast the train can go in certain areas. This puts the ability of NLX to travel between Minneapolis and Duluth in two hours in jeopardy. A study has shown that riders will only take the train if the ride is faster than driving a car.

The second setback was the loss of a $114 million grant to pay for triple-tracking the line from Foley to Minneapolis. The money would also have been used to upgrade the Foley station.

Despite these setbacks, “the group is committed and looking at alternatives,” said Carlberg.

Zoning update nearly complete

Shoreland standards among last piece before zoning ordinance matches updated comprehensive plan

The Isanti County Planning Commissioner is nearly finished updating the zoning ordinance.

One last item to complete is changing the shoreland standards, noted Isanti County Zoning Administrator Tim Anderson.

The Isanti County Board directed the planning commission to adopt the state’s standards for lot sizes. Planning commission members questioned this move, and asked the board to give its reasons for the change.

In the 1990s, the county did match the state standards but opted to adopt more restrictive rules.

The state is currently updating its own rules and the new ones should be out within six months, according to Department of Natural Resources Area Hydrologist Mike Mueller.

During the county board meeting on March 16, Isanti County Commissioner Kurt Daudt noted that during the update to the county’s comprehensive plan, public input supported loosening the restrictions. “We need to respect that process,” he said.

SPORTS COMPLEX

Cambridge Township Board member Jim Fridstrom requested that the planning commission consider adding a section to the zoning ordinance to regulate sports complexes.

Right now parks are a permitted use in agricultural areas, according to Zoning Administrator Tim Anderson.

Fridstrom would like sports complexes to be governed by the conditional use permit process instead, so that townships can place conditions upon the use. These might include restrictions on operating hours and how late lights can be on.

FRAUD REPORT

Family Services Director Penny Messer reported to the county board that in 2009 the county recovered $311,345 from various medical programs in 2009 and $10,170 from other programs (such as daycare assistance and food support). These funds include what was recovered through fraud investigations. She noted that the county can’t collect on any debt until the person affected has been off assistance for six months.

Messer also noted that from November 2009 to mid-February 2010, the county has opened 15 cases in the car program. This has served 21 adults and 31 children at a cost of $13,795. The average per case is $919.

In other business, the county board:

• Hired Mary Fjeld as a child protection social worker effective April 1.

• Renewed a contract with Janna King of Economic Development Services, who will continue to provide services for the county during the next year. Among her tasks is maintaining an active economic development authority in Isanti County. Her rate rose from $125 to $130 an hour.

• Agreed that Isanti County Administrator Kevin Van Hooser has successfully passed his one-year probationary period.

• Approved an on-sale liquor license for Do-Rite Roadhouse Bar and Grill, Inc. in Bradford, which will open on May 1.

• Approved waste hauler licenses for Waste Management of MN, Inc. and Monson’s Roll-Off Service.

• Set a public hearing for Tuesday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the Park Legacy Grant application for three boardwalks and a viewing platform at Anderson Park.

• Learned that public health has given 3,000 residents H1N1 vaccines this year, according to Public Health Preparedness Coordinator Tony Buttacvoli. The department was assisted by volunteers who logged 180 hours. In the 14-county region, over 30,000 vaccine were administered.

• Approved sending local legislators a letter of support for the Sentence-To-Service (STS) program. The Legislature is considering eliminating the program. “I think it’s ridiculous,” said Commissioner Larry Southerland, who formerly served as the Isanti County Sheriff. The STS program provides community service for the county, as well as other local entities.

Customers enjoy friendly ambiance at Coffee Ambrosia

If you're a regular at Coffee Ambrosia in Cambridge, ordering is a mere formality. Your barista knew what you wanted the moment you walked in the door or showed up at the drive-in window. "There is a close-knit community feeling in a small-town coffee shop," observed Amber Thoen, who owns Coffee Ambrosia with husband Andrew. "Our customers frequent the shop because they enjoy the friendly atmosphere and specifically desire one of our drinks."

There are over 20 different beverages on the menu, including lattes, smoothies, iced coffees, Italian sodas and brewed coffee. "However, these drinks can be tailored in so many ways that the possibilities are nearly endless," noted Andrew. "There are about 30 different flavors to choose from, plus the option to add extra shots of espresso or top it off with whipped cream." They're happy to make "kiddie drinks" too. The Thoens give their baristas license to deviate from the menu to make whatever the customer asks for. It's just one way they stand out from the crowd.

"Some individuals tend to frequent the franchise coffee shops because of wider name recognition and familiarity," said Amber. "When a new customer walks into Coffee Ambrosia, they are often pleasantly surprised when they find out we can make all the same types of drinks and more." Coffee Ambrosia also offers a wide selection of home made cold sandwiches, wraps, hot grilled panini sandwiches, vegetable pizza, breakfast sandwiches, yogurt cups and delicious soups. Bagels, rice crispie treats and apple fritters are delivered every day from Herman's Bakery. Other goodies, such as cinnamon twists, scones, turnovers, strudel stick, and muffins are baked fresh each morning in the Coffee Ambrosia kitchen.

Holding a lunch meeting? Order Easy Box Lunches from Coffee Ambrosia for just $7 each (including sandwich, chips, dessert and beverage) and have them delivered to your door. Coffee Ambrosia also provides air pots of brewed coffee to go for $10. Consider holding your next gathering at the coffee shop. Amber has accommodated Mary Kay parties, Pampered Chef parties and scrapbooking groups.

Stop by any Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon to learn how coffee beans are roasted. All of the coffee served at Coffee Ambrosia is roasted in-house by Bob Fisk of Open Eye Coffee. Whole roasted and ground coffee beans are for sale.

"The best thing about owning a coffee shop is the interactions with our customers and the connection we have with our community," said Amber. "There's nothing more satisfying than meeting someone new, or chatting with someone who has become a regular and then seeing their faces light up when they take that first sip of a latte or coffee."

Mention this article and receive 25¢ off your next drink order through the end of March. Seniors are offered a 20% discount, and Cambridge-Isanti teachers 10% off. Bring your GTI ticket stub into the coffee shop within a week of the movie and receive 10% off. Coffee Ambrosia also provides the drinks during intermission at Hardy Center events. "Serving coffee, hot chocolate and snacks at many of the Hardy Center events is a wonderful side benefit of owning a coffee shop," noted Andrew.

Coffee Ambrosia is located at 150 Birch Street North in Cambridge (next to Radio Shack). Call 763-689-7604. Become a fan on Facebook, or browse www.coffeeambrosia.com. Hours are Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The coffee shop is closed on Sundays.

What do you drink

at Coffee Ambrosia?

"The one and only White Chocolate, Sugar-free Dirty Snowman with two shots of espresso." - Lisa Johnston

"Sugar-free Caramel, White Chocolate Vanilla Smoothie with two shots of espresso." - Tiffany Thorson

"The Cookies and Cream Smoothie." - Erin Schmakel

"The double espresso every time." - Ray Salgado

"The

Peppermint Zebra: white chocolate, cocoa, peppermint and two shots of espresso topped with whipped cream. Or, coconut cream flavored coffee. " - Owner Amber Thoen

Command Center matches hard-working employees with companies looking for workers

Get a big order in and need help fast? Did your secretary quit and you need a replacement before your office falls apart? Let someone else go through the hundreds of applications you're bound to receive. Get assistance from Command Center in Cambridge.

Command Center is a 24-7, on-demand staffing facility. If your business needs labor help, the team at Command Center has a dependable, cost-effective solution. Glen Emery and Autumn Haskins excel at matching employers with employees. The first step is a meeting (or phone call) with customers to determine what a company's needs are. Be prepared to list the skill set you're looking for, as well as the other specifics of the job. Next, either Emery or Haskins will visit your company to get a better feel for what type of person will fit in well with your other employees.

There are a number of advantages to using a service like Command Center. According to Emery, right now if you advertise for an open position you're likely to receive between 50 to 200 applications. "We go through and screen the bad out," he said, easing the stress of employers. Once a selection is made, an employer gets a chance to see the employee in action before deciding whether to hire him permanently. During that time, Command Center handles payroll, taxes, insurance, worker's compensation and other necessary paperwork. "It's a lot more convenient and easier for the company," said Emery. If the match isn't right, Command Center will bring in someone else.

In addition to benefiting employers, Command Center offers several perks to employees that other similar companies don't. Through the safety program, employees earn points they can redeem for tools, boots, hard hats and other items. The Loyalty Bonus is popular, noted Emery. For every 1,500 hours worked in a calendar year, the employee will receive a check for one-week's average wage. That means if you've been making $10 an hour, you'll get a check for $400. Command Center also offers affordable health, dental, and vision insurance. Stop by to fill out an application Mondays to Fridays between 6 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Command Center, 320 Garfield Ave. S., Cambridge, can be reached at 763-552-9679. Email glen.emery@commandonline.com or autumn.ruse@commandonline.com. Browse http://commandonline.com.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WORK?

Glen Emery offers these tips to people looking for work to make themselves more marketable.

• Attitude is important. Even if you've been looking for work for months, you need to treat every opportunity as though it was the first place you've applied. "Put on a happy face," Emery advised.

"Come in looking like you're ready to go to work."

• Be honest. When you're asked what type of work you're looking for, don't say "anything." That turns off an employer, Emery noted. Instead, explain what you've done before and note that you're open to learning new skills.

Prevention is key to a healthy pet

Don’t wait until your pet is sick to bring them to the veterinarian. Ginny Anderson, a veterinary assistant at East Central Veterinarians, stresses the importance of preventative healthcare, such as annual examinations, parasite control, routine vaccinations and dental care. Spaying and neutering is also key to a healthy pet. The optimal age to spay and neuter is five to six months.

“Puppies don’t get just one vaccination and then they’re done for life,” Anderson noted. They need a series of vaccinations. Puppies are susceptible to parvovirus, which can be prevented with vaccinations. Dogs should also have a physical examination every year. Which vaccinations are needed (such as distemper, lyme or rabies) is determined by the veterinarian and individualized for each dog’s needs. Similarly, for cats, schedule an appointment for a physical examination. At that time, discuss which vaccinations your pet needs. If the pet has any health concerns, the veterinarian will discuss them with the owner and make recommendations.

ECV is pleased to announce that Dr. Amy Anderson has joined Dr. Mary Olson and Dr. Galen Brelie as a co-owner. Dr. Anderson has been with ECV since 2000. She enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery, especially behavior. She offers puppy socialization classes at the clinic when time allows.

To schedule an appointment at East Central Veterinary, call the Cambridge office at 763-689-4604 or the Mora office at 320-679-4197. For more information, browse www.eastcentralveterinarians.com. In Cambridge, hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Mora, hours are Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.

TIPS FROM THE PROS

• Socialize your dogs and cats so they can cope with being around other animals. This will not only be a benefit when you bring your animal into the veterinarian, but also if you decide to add another pet to the family.

• Don’t feed your dog table food. Instead, invest in a good, name-brand food. Table foods have more salt and fats in them and can cause diarrhea. Table foods as treats can also add extra pounds to your pet.

• Put your dog through obedience training. A better behaved dog is more enjoyable.