Kiester Economic Development Authority

10/06/2026

Kiester Ambulance Service
page: Kiester Ambulance (Give them a follow!)

The Kiester Ambulance Service, which formed in 1960, is staffed solely by volunteers and serves the Kiester and Walters areas and in the case of a fire will also go out. Mutual aid is also offered to our neighbors in north Iowa. The Kiester Ambulance serves approximately 78 square miles and extends all the way north to I-90.

Thirteen volunteers currently serve. Notably, Hope Bauman, Kiester’s mayor, is the longest-serving volunteer, with her service beginning in 1987.

Fiscal support by the community has been great and the ambulance has been able to keep all of their equipment current. They have a powercot, which cost approximately $70,000. They also have a Lucas which is an automated machine which performs chest compression. The Lucas will soon be aging out and will need to be replaced. They have applied for a grant to help cover the $22,000 piece of equipment. They also have a 12 lead heart monitor which cost approximately $50,000.

The biggest challenge the Kiester Ambulance faces is keeping it fully staffed with volunteers. There are several members currently serving who will be aging out. Even if no volunteers left, more volunteers are needed as more volunteers would lessen the load for the current volunteers.

Interested in volunteering?

You can be an EMR - emergency medical responder - or, a EMT - emergency medical technician. EMRs require fifty class and training hours. EMTs require 160 hours of classes and training. EMTs are needed for every call. EMRs are typically the driver during calls.

Why:
The reasons why residents have volunteers have signed up over the years, but many say that it’s about giving back and being part of the community.

One current volunteer signed up following a family member’s survival from a heart attack, which granted them five additional years of life.

Classes:
The required classes are mainly online and driving to the bulk of the classes is no longer a requirement. 100 online hours with 50 hands-on skills are learned in the classroom at Riverland in Austin and Albert Lea. Most classes are held in Austin. If enough volunteers signed up, classes could be taught here in Kiester as both Hope Bauman and Al Bauman are certified instructors who are currently teaching in Albert Lea for Riverland.

Typical Calls:
Most of the calls to the ambulance are for falls. Traumatic events are infrequent. The average call lasts two hours, with most rides going to Albert Lea, and less frequently to Blue Earth. Sometimes they drive to Albert Lea and are intercepted by Mayo for cardiac events. There is an average of 100 calls a year with five of those being traumas.

Benefits:
Students who become volunteers and serve are paid $10/hour for the EMR or EMT classes taken. Individuals also receive some PERA benefits.Resigned volunteers older than 50 with with one year or more of service may also apply for the Cooper/Sams Volunteer Ambulance Award Program which is funded from state seatbelt fines. Volunteers stress that the most meaningful benefit, however, is being to help their friends and neighbors.

Currently serving on the ambulance: Chris Adams, Al Bauman, Hope Bauman, Randi Krohnberg, Travis LaCore, Jon Seedorf, Erica Serena, Gary Skartland, Lisa Sunding, Doris Troll and Ron Wegner.

If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, they welcome you to reach out. You can ask any volunteer. You can also send a message on Facebook to Kiester Ambulance.

(Picture, left to right: Hope Bauman, Al Bauman, Gary Skartland, Jon Seedorf , Doris Troll, Ron Wegner) Not pictured: Randi Krohnberg, Erica Serena, Travis LaCore, Chris Adams, Lisa Sunding.

09/30/2026

06/23/2026

Tonight's (Tuesday, June 23) monthly meeting of the Kiester EDA is canceled due to lack of quorum.

Send a message to learn more

04/27/2026

The Kiester Economic Development Authority has wrapped up another year. Here’s a brief review of some of the accomplishments:

In 2024, we secured a grant for $15,000 grant and established a Commercial Façade Improvement Program. This grant program allowed businesses to apply for grants up to $5,000 of which could be used to cover half of the expenses of various improvements.
• Forever Berma’s: improved roof and storefronts of two buildings
• Gold Eagle: New signage
• Kiester American Legion: New signage
• Kee Theatre: New neon on the marquee
• Kee Kafe: landscaping

The Kiester EDA secured a $13,000 grant from Taylor Family Farms Foundation, $5,000 from the Cannon Valley Foundation, $1,000 donation from The Kiester Fire Relief Association for $1,000, and a pledge of $1,000 from the Kiester Legion to assist with the construction of a pickle ball court which is scheduled to be built this May 2026. This project is also partially supported with city/EDA funds. Volunteers will be needed to help with the installation of fencing and other small tasks. The estimated cost of this project is $26,000 and donations in any amount are welcome. A plaque will be installed on-site recognizing donors who give in amounts of $500 or more.

Paint Your Town Grant funds were secured and used to refresh the crosswalks, curbs and parking lines and park equipment. Paint was also used for a barn quilt installation that was painted entirely by volunteers this previous summer and fall. Installation of barn quilts will occur as weather permits. Funds from the EDA was used to purchase plywood, paintbrushes, sealer and small incidentals. Twelve volunteers made the project possible by donating 37 hours of volunteer time.

The EDA board identified the defunct hog transfer station, the old Smithfield lot on the south side of town, as property that was a safety concern and eye sore. Board president Al Bauman contacted the owner with concerns, and they eventually transferred the property back to the city. We then requested bids for demolition and clean-up. The lot is now successfully cleaned up. This property will soon be listed with Leland Realty for $15,500.

Lack of daycare providers in the area was also identified as a major need in our community and surrounding areas. While unable to identify any properties that would be appropriate for a non-residential daycare site, data was collected and contacts and some grant funding is available. Contact the city clerk if you would like more information and a board member will contact you to share information and help you get connected to resources.
We lost one of our original members from when the EDA was reorganized. Larry Dahleen served as our treasurer and did an excellent job with budgeting, providing a positive influence and a deep commitment to our town. Following Larry’s passing, he was replaced by Kurt Grobe. Kurt shared a desire to see our town prosper before moving to Florida; his position has since been filled by Paul Martin. Board member Michele Alphs recently resigned from the board due to time constraints.

The EDA board has also continued our business highlight visits. If your business has not yet been contacted and you’d like to be featured, please message us on our page.

For 2026, we are hoping to secure grants to update the town’s Welcome to Kiester and will continue to seek out funding to help improve our town and local businesses. The board is also exploring possibilities to rehabilitate the former athletic field after the city streets’ project is complete. Currently, we are exploring a walking path and possible campsites, rustic and/or with electric.

Here’s hope for even bigger and better things in 2026.

Sincerely,

Al Baumann
Michelle Gurung
Karen Busch
Brandon Hagenson
Paul Martin
Jason Garvick

💓 Special thanks to all of the volunteers, businesses and nonprofits who have helped make all of this possible! 💓

Look for the barn quilts to be going up soon and a post once they are up.

03/18/2026

Kiester Business Highlight: Kiester Liquor Store
Owners: Heather Allen and Matt Johnson
Store Manager: Chastin Allen
Phone Numbers: 507-294-3501
Local Office: 202 1st St N, Kiester, MN 56051
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576390024782

Hours:
Mondays - Thursdays: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fridays: Noon to 10 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sundays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The store was bought in late May of 2025 and had its grand opening during Kiester Days with a soft opening on Memorial Day weekend.

The store has a wide assortment of adult beverages. It also sells other consumable adult products and themed-merchandise. Lottery tickets can also be purchased here. Customers will find a great variety with new options frequently being added. Chastin has been sourcing Minnesota-made brands and specialty items as well..

The store has multiple distributors and the owners invite customers to come on in and see what they have to offer. If you haven’t been in for a while, they note that you’ll notice some prices are lower than when it was a municipal store.

The store has three part-time employees.

The owners have also been busy renovating and giving the store a fresh look.

A new customer rewards punch card has also been added. For every qualifying $35 purchase per visit, you can earn a punch. A complete punch card (ten punches) will reward you with $25 off a $35 or more purchase. (See store for details.)

Customers can also find the Faribault Register and the local shopper here as well.

Look for expanded summer hours beginning in May.

(Picture: left to right, Heather Allen, Chastin Allen, Matt Johnson)

09/23/2025

Kiester Business Highlight: The Urstad House Bed & Breakfast
Owners: Al & Hope Baumann
Phone Numbers: (507) 402-5808
Address: 103 S 2nd St, Kiester, MN 56051
[email protected]
www.theurstadhouse.com/

The Ustad House was constructed during 1900-1903 by Dr. Oscar Urstad who had moved to Kiester in 1900 to open his medical practice. Dr. Urstad also built the hospital in 1913, which is a private residence north of the Kee Kafe. Al and Hope purchased the home in 2001 and have done remodelling of the home that expanded it from the original form, but have spent most of their energy in restoring the home to its former glory.

Al and Hope opened the bed and breakfast in 2022. The bed and breakfast has three rooms available for stays, each room with a private bathroom. Guests take their breakfast together in the dining room as this was an experience that Al and Hope always enjoyed when they themselves have stayed at B&B’s.

Summer is busy with guests most weekends.

The Urstad House is able to accommodate different dietary needs.

Hope looks forward to hosting tea parties at the Urstad House. Inquiries are welcome for private events as well.

Rates are $165/night for double occupancy with breakfast or $125 through AirBNB (no breakfast).

Al and Hope both volunteer on the Kiester Ambulance, Kee Civic Theatre and the Kiester Historical Society. Hope enjoys gardening. Al likes to ride his motorcycle. They both enjoy traveling.

Photos: Fun fact - The globe lamp was donated by Ruth Engebretson King, and was originally purchased from Westerlunds Furniture Store here in Kiester. Long time Kiester residents will remember this lamp glowing in the window. Ruth’s mother, Elvina Engebretson, owned the home during the 60s through 80s and operated it as a nursing home facility. Previously it had been a parsonage for the Lutheran Church from the mid 30’s till late 50’s.

09/11/2025

The community barn quilts are coming along.....but we need more volunteers! Our next open session is Wednesday, September 17th from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Kiester Ambulance Garage.

Some boards are ready for the final sealing coat....some are still needing more colors painted.

If you can join us next Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Ambulance Garage, leave a comment.

If that time doesn't work for you, let us know. We can open more times/days.

Many thanks to the volunteers who have gotten us this far......the barn quilts are looking great!

08/01/2025

The Kiester EDA is seeking volunteers for a fun community project! We were awarded a Paint Your Town grant to help cover the paint costs of a community barn quilt installation. We have eight panels primed, cut and the designs are penciled in. Now.....we need the artists!

If you'd like to help paint these 4'x4' panels leave a comment - we are trying to coordinate work sessions.

The panels will be put up on city buildings and areas.

The boards are large enough that we encourage groups of 2-4 people to commit to each board....should be enough space to work with a friend or two/board. ;)

((The Paint Your Town grant the Kiester EDA applied for also will help to pay for the paint for the crosswalks and curb painting that was done this summer.))

Adding...we are so excited for everyone's interest! We will be giving preference to Kiester residents first.

06/23/2025

Kiester Business Highlight: Leland Realty
Owners: Heather Allen and Matt Johnson
Phone Numbers: 507-213-0360 / 507-318-0453
Local Office: 116 N Main St, Kiester, MN 56051
Main Office: 209 9th Ave N, Albert Lea, MN 56007
[email protected]
https://lelandrealty.com/

Heather Allen and Matt Johnson have been licensed real estate agents since 2005. In January 2022, they purchased Leland Realty. Leland realty has always been a locally owned brokerage with 60+ years of experience and are not franchised.

The business has 14 agents with all agents being licensed in Minnesota and four licensed in Iowa. They also employ an office manager.

Leland Realty offers a full suite of services, from market values, connecting with lenders and home inspectors, 3D tours and more. They pride themselves on being able to offer full representation for buyers and sellers.

Heather and Matt invite anyone who is considering being in the market to sell or buy to contact their main office or they will gladly come meet you at the Kiester office as well.

06/02/2025

The Kiester Economic Development Authority (EDA) applied for and was awarded a Paint Your Town grant through Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund (SMIF). The grant will cover 34 gallons of paint.

One of the projects is refreshing our city’s crosswalks and curbs. Gary Skartland, Kiester city maintenance, was able to coordinate with Sentenced to Serve (STS) to provide the labor for the crosswalks and curbs. Sentenced to Serve is funded through the Department of Corrections. By doing this, the city was able to get approximately 35 hours of volunteer time. Skartland says that if coordination lines up, STS will be in Kiester again to paint parking lines.

Another project, through the EDA, to perk up the town in celebration of its 125th anniversary will be the painting and installation of barn quilts on city buildings and public areas. If you’re interested in participating in painting barn quilts, please leave a comment in the messages. (A post will be shared soon when we have some dates and times set.)

* * *
A little more info about STS:
STS coordinator Jason Casias shared that STS provides a lot of volunteer hours locally in Faribault County. STS crew were recently here helping with the Household Hazardous Waste collection last weekend via Prairieland and they also provide workers at the Faribault County Fair where they do clean up and service 240 trash cans daily. According to Casias, state funding for STS is ending June 17th but Faribault County hopes to provide future funding.

Ryan Howell, one of the participants in STS, said the program “is great for mental health. It feels so good to get out and do things that are helpful. It’s a big deal.” Note that STS is an alternative to traditional jail sentences for certain non-violent offenders. Instead of serving time in jail or paying fines, these individuals participate in community improvement projects.