Blue Ribbon
Cafe
Jeanne and Al Conover opened Blue Ribbon Cafe in their hometown of Baxter off Highway F17 with a local menu that includes certified angus beef and certified berkshire pork. In September, it became the small town’s first sit-down restaurant since Mona’s off Main closed at the same location three years ago.
Each week, the cafe-style restaurant features new dinner meals, which are posted on its Facebook page, and is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Absolutely YOUnique Boutique
In March, specialty clothing store Absolutely YOUnique Boutique opened its doors and became the only exclusively clothing retailer in Colfax selling jeans, shirts, blouses, shoes, hats and more. The small-town boutique even holds its own private label clothing line “Freedom Fashion.”
A brother/sisters trio — Nikki Stravers, Tammi Schwickerath and Chuck Regnier — own the family-run store located at 7 E. Howard St., which is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Z Marie’s
Michelle Stalzer started her own home cooked meal business Z Marie’s opening her own shop at 702 E. Third St. S. in June. Cooking mostly casserole style food, Stalzer offers a wide menu to customers for lunch and dinner pick up meals.
Z Marie’s is open Monday and Wednesday 3:30 to 6:30 pm and Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meal options are available on Z Marie’s Facebook page.
Elite Moving
Services
Working for those looking to move, Nick Bates and Emily Romick of Elite Moving Services offer moving services in the greater Jasper County area and beyond. Elite Moving Services has its own dollies, furniture dollies and lifting straps along with providing all packing and cleaning supplies for the move.
For more formation about Elite Moving Services, contact Bates and Romick on the company’s Facebook page.
Hometown Hearing
Fulfilling a need in Newton, Jacob Levsen opened Hometown Hearing on the square at 118 First St. N. Levsen offers hearing aid services including fittings, counseling, adjustments and repairs.
Hometown Hearing is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Levsen is also happy to answer any questions community members may have about their hearing on a walk in basis.
Just Like My Art
Expanding her business of more than 10 years, Michelle Pritchard opened Just Like My Art in the Courthouse Mall across from PJ’s Deli. Just Like My Art sells themed gift baskets, journals, bookmarks, decorative canvases and enclosure cards.
Just Like My Art is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Heartland Home Staging
Selling a house can be a stressful process, but Abby Lockhart of Heartland Home Staging is ready to help turn a home into a house ready for purchase. Lockhart will take items already available in the home and make it welcoming for prospective buyers.
To contact Heartland Home Staging call 641-840-2856 or www.heartlandhomestaging.com.
Fine Things
Reclaimed
Making something old new again is the idea behind Fine Things Reclaimed. Open at 205 First Ave. W., owners Julia Prendergast and Cindy Sell mix modern and classic styles with industrial and even glam-chic to give designs that will compliment anyone’s lifestyles or interests.
Fine Things Reclaimed is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.