Signs of life returning after most business open

A sure sign of life beginning to normalize in Kasson is the number of cars parked on Main Street. During the months of COVID-19 shutdown, the number of cars parked on the street was quite bleak. There were a few employees using the wide-open spots, but virtually no shoppers were going into salons, restaurants or the license bureau. The laundromat, grocery store and the liquor store were some exceptions along with the newspaper office.)

Since June 1, there has been a resurgence of business all over the county.

Beauty salons are once again open for business. Those nasty gray roots are once again undercover, nails are being polished and the long strands of hair that were growing freely are now neatly trimmed.

However, there were limitations on the number of persons allowed in at one time and everyone was required to wear a face covering, social distancing was in force and it was a bit of a test of nerves for those who were still reluctant to venture out into the brave new world.

Johnny’s Barber Shop was inundated with guys who were shaggy after months of growth. At 4:15 p.m. on Monday, June 1, the shop had over 100 guys in the chair for a trim.

License bureau workers once again had a line of people waiting to renew tabs, transfer ownership and license recreational vehicles.

Life was returning to normal on Main Street.

It was learned that some businesses were doing well in spit of the pandemic shutdown. Hardware Hank, Erdman’s County Market and those businesses that were considered essential were generally experiencing positive months.

Common among businesses that were told to shutdown for months will have an uphill climb to attempt to recover lost revenues.

Now, more than ever, it’s important for folks around the county – Kasson, Mantorville, Byron, Dodge Center, Claremore, Hayfield, and West Concord – to shop locally. Support for local businesses has never been more crucial. Many of these business owners have invested their life savings to provide a service or commodity for citizens. They, not the big box stores in Rochester or Owatonna, have poured their blood, sweat and tears into building a source for products we consume every day.

Welcome back all businessmen and women who have investing in our communities.