Saving Mom and Pop Resorts - 04/30/07 02:14 PM
A proposal on the Minnesota Senate floor pending further action is Senate File 961 which would provide consistent state-wide policy regarding maintenance, rebuilding and ownership of small resorts throughout the state. The intent of this bi-partisan legislation is to support survival of the small, family owned, resorts. Thousands of Minnesota residents and tourists enjoy our natural resources through local resorts. This tourism activity has a dramatic economic and employment impact in Minnesota. The legislation is a response to Minnesota having lost thousands of these vacation properties to private development and rising lakeshore values. The legislation would apply statewide and preempt inconsistent … (0 comments)

Highway Wind Farms - 04/30/07 04:30 AM
An Arizona architectural student came up with an idea for an alternative energy source that seems feasible. The student designed a highway wind turbine would harvest the wind created by fast-moving automobiles to send power back into the grid.
According to the student's calculations, each turbine would be able to generate 9,600kwh per year, which would be more than enough to power a few apartments, or, as he is proposing, more than a few community hubs along the freeway.
… (0 comments)

White is a Great Fit for Cottages - 04/29/07 09:30 AM
This past week I was out with a client looking at lake cottages in and around Alexandria. After looking at 8 cottages I was reminded why the color white is such a great fit for cottages.
It is tough to beat white beaded board in a cottageSmall spaces seem larger in whiteMany great white paint choicesSmall spaces seem larger in white (it was worth mentioning twice)  … (0 comments)

District 206 Facts - 04/28/07 08:46 PM
District 206 serves over 27,000 residents and approximately 4,000 students in all or parts of the cities of Alexandria, Carlos, Forada, Garfield, Miltona, Nelson and the townships of Alexandria, Belle River, Carlos, Holmes City, Hudson, Ida, LaGrand, Lake Mary, Leaf Valley, Miltona, Moe, Osakis, Reno and Spruce Hill.A $40 million budget.Approximately 44% of District 206 teachers have earned an advanced degree (masters, Ph.D., National Board Certification, etc.)District 206 students surpassed state averages at all grade levels (3-8, 10 & 11) in reading and math Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Series II (MCA-II) tests. (November 2006 data).Alexandria's average test scores in grade levels 3-8, … (0 comments)

Grove Lake - 04/28/07 08:36 PM
This morning I received a call from a homeowner on Grove Lake that is interested in possibly listing their property with me. I knew of the lake but wasn't that familiar with it. Here is some information about Grove Lake:
Located in Pope County (12 miles southeast of Glenwood)379 acreswater clarity of 18 feetmaximum depth of 31 feet … (0 comments)

Douglas County Hospital - 04/28/07 08:30 PM
Alexandria has a first-rate health care that contributes to the quality of living in Douglas County and the entire Alexandria Lakes area. Ranked as one of the “Top 100 Hospitals in the U.S.,” Douglas County Hospital offers complete medical care including surgery, ICU, ER services, radiation oncology and mental health. Alexandria’s two major clinics provide top-notch health care in all areas of medicine and therapy and has satellite clinics and services in outlying towns bring health care closer to those in need. … (0 comments)

Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission - 04/27/07 06:43 AM
The Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission(AAEDC) combines economic efforts to strengthen the wealth and stability of Alexandria and the surrounding communities.
According to the AAEDC web-site, the commission concentrates on four major areas of strategic objectives:
Community—Collaborating in community efforts that strengthen the economy by creating and retaining jobs and expanding the tax base with respect to natural resources.
Business—Maximizing the area’s potential for businesses, jobs and economic opportunities to include economic diversification, retention and expansion.
Resources—Enriching the financial and personal resources in building new revenue centers to include loan funds, financing sources, and avoiding duplication of … (0 comments)

Dairy Farmers - 04/26/07 10:18 PM
At today's Rotary meeting in Alexandria, I was asked to introduce the guest presenters from a dairy farm in Glenwood as the Rotarian that had arranged the presentation was out of town. During lunch, I had a chance to speak with the guests, Greg and Chastity Vold. They are very nice, engaging people from Dorrich Dairy. The farm is a family-owned, family-operated farm and they are stewards of natural resources.
According to the Volds it's in their best interest to be good stewards of their natural resources because they work and live on their farm. The Volds have a nutrient management … (0 comments)

Passion for Pink - 04/25/07 02:15 PM
Yesterday, on the way to a lake property in Glenwood I have listed for sale, I stopped to get a cup of coffee at Caribou Coffee. At checkout, Caribou has  a pink handout about one of their coffees, Amy's Blend.Amy's Blend is a triibute to Amy Erickson, a pioneering member of the Caribou roasting team, whom Caribou lost to breast cancer in 1995.
If you buy Amy's Blend, a portion of the proceeds go to Susan G. Komen For the Cure. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save … (0 comments)

People That Park On Their Lawn - 04/24/07 09:10 PM
Ugh.
I was out for a walk with my dog tonight on the west side of Alexandria and after passing through a few alleys saw cars parked where lawn chairs should be. It is a city ordinance in Alexandria that this can't be done. The ordinance protects local property values (the ordinance states that at single and two-family dwellings, cars and trucks weighing less than 9,000 pounds must be parked on driveway areas surfaced with tar, concrete or a gravel surface that controls dust and drainage.). After a snap a photo of the offender with my Treo and email it to … (1 comments)

The Ice is Gone - 04/24/07 09:15 AM
There isn't any ice visible on the lakes now. Sunday's rain drowned out the last of it. And with it, the number of buyers looking at lake properties has had a marked increase. It always amazes me.
The best time to be looking is the dead of winter. If you know the lakes and/or are working with a Realtor that has the knowledge, you are going to find the best buys. There is less competition for you (fewer buyers) because of the fear of the unknown. If they can't see the lake's bottom, most people won't buy what they can't see. And … (0 comments)

County Fair Grounds - 04/24/07 07:59 AM
Alexandria has the Douglas County Fairgrounds which hosts racing, 2 hockey arenas, a County Fair and more. Douglas County Fairgrounds also has a camping area. The Minnesota Senate passed this week Senate File 1432, a bill to help increaserevenues for county fairs. Senate File 1432 will allow county fairs todecrease the size of individual campsites, thus allowing more campers andincreased revenue for the fair.  The change in campground size isidentical to that of the current state fair exemption to the same healthcodes.
… (0 comments)

Starring a Bald Eagle - 04/23/07 08:28 AM
Around noon on Saturday I was at the lake lots of North Turtle Lake Shores on North Turtle Lake in Battle Lake. I am still working on converting the videos to flash format but was anxious to see the first clip I shot. While filming, I noticed a large bird soaring and sure enough, it was a Bald Eagle. You can see it in this video (move your mouse over the link and click the play button in the pop-up). My filming was a little jerky as I was mesmerized by the eagle and forgot about filming. Here is another video … (0 comments)

Free Lightbulbs at Home Depot - 04/22/07 12:10 PM
In honor of Earth Day Home Depot is giving away one million compact flourescent lightbulbs.
"Home Depot estimates that its gesture alone will result in $12 million in annual energy saving costs and the reduction of 196 million pounds of Carbon Dioxide emissions--the equivalent of removing more than 70,000 cars from America's roadways--so just imagine what changing out all of your bulbs could do!"
… (2 comments)

Riparian - 04/22/07 07:18 AM
Alexandria is chock full of riparian lots (lots located on a lake).
Did you know that the English word "riparian" is from the Latin word "riparius," a noun deriving from "ripa," meaning "bank" or "shore. This is where the word "river" came from.
First appearing in English in the 19th century, "riparian" refers to things that exist alongside a river (such as riparian wetlands, habitats, trees, etc.). "Riparian rights," refer to the rights of those owning land along a river or lake to have access to the waterway. "Littoral," usually refers to things that occur along the shore of a sea or ocean.
… (0 comments)

Alexandria's Lake Geneva - 04/22/07 07:06 AM
Lake Geneva is part of The Chain of Lakes in Alexandria but one knock against it is accessibility. Depending on the level of the water and/or the size of your boat, you might be limited to Lake Geneva. One summer I was able to pass from Le Homme Dieu to Geneva in my family's deckboat. Three summers ago, I was on a Sea Doo and had to lay flat on the seat to pass through. All this aside, I have never talked to a Lake Geneva owner that doesn't love their lake.
Pictured is a 5 bedroom/3 bath home for sale on … (0 comments)

Ray Brandes House by Frank Lloyd Wright - 04/19/07 09:19 AM
I am a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright's homes and found a photo tour of a home in Washington. Mr. Wright designed three homes in Washington.
This home was designed by Frank Llyod Wright for Ray Brandes in 1952 and is located in Sammammish, Washington. You can view photos of this home at www.amadeo.com/blog.
… (4 comments)

Birds and Windows - 04/19/07 07:42 AM
My kitchen is lined with windows and every now and then a bird will crash into one with a loud "whap". I don't know of a solution but I learned that dressing windows with MECO window shades (www.mecoshade.com) or any translucent window covering will the birds out as they allow you light and a view from the inside but appear opaque from the outside. … (0 comments)

RE/MAX : 121,189 Associates in 67 Countries - 04/18/07 08:43 PM
Why I am proud of RE/MAX:
RE/MAX was Created by Top Real Estate Professionals, for Top Real Estate Professionals
Offices in 67 Countries
121,189 Associates
6,992 Offices
Entrepreneur Magazine (Jan. 2007) ranked RE/MAX as the No. 1 real estate franchise
RE/MAX National Advertising (10,589 TV Spots 2,088 Radio Spots, 700 Million Print Impressions, 8.9 Million Visitors to remax.com) 
Partners with Children's Miracle Network and Susan G. Komen
 
 
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The Birth Place of America - 04/18/07 07:15 AM
The Kensington Runestone and the enduring mystery of it's origin continue to be the hallmark of Alexandria's Runestone Museum which has been home to the Kensington Runestone since 1958. This is recent history when compared to the span of the Runestone's life. It was discovered in 1898 clutched in the roots of the aspen tree on the Olaf Ohman farm near Kensington (15 miles west of Alexandria). The Kensington Runestone has led researchers from around the world and across the centuries on an exhaustive quest to explain how a runic artifact, dated 1362, could show up in North America.
The discovery of … (0 comments)

Fair Housing Month - 04/17/07 10:53 PM
April is the 39th annual celebration of the passing of the Fair Housing Act. Events will be scheduled nationwide to honor the strides made to ensure equal access to housing free from discrimination since the Fair Housing Act was signed in 1968.
Learn more abour Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/ 
… (1 comments)

Douglas County Historical Society - 04/17/07 12:50 PM
This year I did something I should have done long ago. For a $15 annual fee, I became a member of the Douglas County Historical Society. The Douglas County Historical Society is the home to extensive historical and genealogical resources. Histories of townships/villages, churches, cemeteries, schools, family files, plat maps, birth, death, & marriage indexes from the Douglas County courthouse records, census records, and 125 years of area newspapers are just a few of the materials that can be found in the research library. Educational resources include slide show programs of each towns/villages in Douglas County, oral history interviews, a photo … (0 comments)

Lake Ida Association - 04/16/07 07:04 PM
At 4,506 acres, Lake Ida is Douglas County's second largest lake. The Lake Ida Association has their own web-site with photos and other information although it doesn't appear to be update very frequently as it still has 2006 information and "Happy Holidays" scrolling across the top of the page. Not many lake associations in Douglas County have web-sites and they are maintained by volunteers; I am guessing they will have it updated soon.
The Association's Mission Statement is:"The mission of the Ida Lake Association is to preserve and protect the serenity, quality, and natural beauty of Lake Ida. In addition, it … (0 comments)

Alexandria's Curtis Felt Memorial Park - 04/16/07 12:04 PM
The park was purchased in 1969 using the National Park Service Land & Water Conservation Fund. Long time residents will remember the automobile salvage yard the occupied the lower end of the property for many years. The local United States Department of Agriculture Service Agency helped plan the initial renovation of the property.
In 1987 an improvement project, led by the Alexandria Jaycees and The Alexandria Eagles Club, provided new playground and picnic shelters for the park. Subsequent projects have improved the ballfields, landscape plantings, walkways, and parking lots.
On Memorial Day in 1999, the park was officially renamed Deputy Sheriff Curtis … (0 comments)

Whiskey - 04/15/07 11:12 PM
 
Located about 2 miles northeast of Brandon in Douglas County, Whiskey Lake is a 158-acre fertile lake. The lake has a maximum depth of 46 feet and about one-half of the lake is 15 feet deep or less. Whiskey Lake has a history of poor water clarity during summer months due to dense algal blooms. The lake received treated and partially treated effluent from the Brandon sewage treatment plant until 1988. Water quality and clarity have improved in recent years. Seechi disk transparency was 7.5 feet in early July of 2003.
Click here to view what is currently for sale on … (0 comments)

12.1 Feet of Water Clarity - 04/15/07 06:40 AM
This week, lots on a lake (in Minnesota's Otter Tail County) that is nearly 1,500 acres in size (for comparison, Le Homme Dieu is 1,744 acres) and with water clarity reported by the DNR of 12.10 feet (the cleanest lake on the Chain is Carlos with 11' of clarity),  will be available for purchase. The lots are large. An example is a 7.37 acre lot with 310 feet of lakeshore.
Courtesy of craigmische.com 
… (1 comments)

Let's Go Fishing with Seniors - 04/15/07 06:32 AM
Let's Go Fishing, founded in 2002, is is a non-profit organization in Minnesota with the goal to provide fishing and boating excursions as an activity for senior citizens.
An Alexandria Chapter is the newest addition to the program. Let's Go Fishing outings in the Alexandria Lakes Area are scheduled weekly during the Spring, Summer and Fall months. Each excursion is approximately 3-4 hours. There are no costs to seniors except for a fishing license (if applicable). All equipment is provided.
As with all chapters of Let's Go Fishing with Seniors, support is derived from private donations from individuals, corporations, local … (0 comments)

Benefits of being a Tree City USA city - 04/12/07 11:03 PM
Earlier this week I posted about my city, Alexandria, being name a Tree City USA city once again. There are many benefits but two that I would like to highlight are financial assistance and publicity.
Preference is sometimes given to Tree City USA communities over other communities when allocations of grant money are made for trees or forestry programs. The reason is that there are invariably more requests than available funds when grants are available through state or federal agencies. If requests are equally worthy, some officials tend to have more confidence in communities that have demonstrated the foresight of becoming a … (0 comments)

Lake Blackwell - 04/12/07 07:23 AM
Lake Blackwell is located 11 miles west of Alexandria and a 1/2 mile west of Holmes City. It is surrounded almost entirely by dense hardwood forests which create a very secluded atmosphere. The lake is 280 acres in size (the shoreline is 5.2 miles) with a maximum depth of 42 feet and a median depth of 10 feet.Fisherman report that it is a good fishing lake for bass, northern pike and panfish.There are 2 pending sales (Greater Alexandria Association of Realtors) for bare lots on Blackwell. The list prices are $129,900 and $169,000. … (0 comments)

Better to Buy or Rent? - 04/12/07 07:11 AM
The NY TIMES has a slick tool available on their web-site to help people in their decision to buy or rent. You can compare the costs of renting and buying equivalent homes. A nice chart is produced showing the annual savings from owning or renting. It even offers advanced settings so that you can factor in costs such as association dues, renovation costs, insurance and more.
Better to buy or rent? [NY TIMES]
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16 percent increase in Alexandria's property value - 04/11/07 07:26 AM
The 2007 annual report from Alexandria's Assessor's office shows that the market value of all property within the city increased from $772 million in 2005 to nearly $895 million in 2006, a 16 percent increase.
The majority of the value, nearly 55 percent, was derived from residential and agricultural zoned property. Commercial property accounted for 32 percent of the value. New construction in 2006 contributed $41.4 million to the total, a significant increase from 2005 ($27.5 million).
… (0 comments)

Tree City USA - 04/11/07 07:16 AM
Alexandria has once again been designated a Tree City USA city. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by The National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
To qualify for Tree City USA, a town or city must meet four standards established by The National Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.
These standards were established to ensure that every qualifying community would have a viable tree management plan and program.
A Tree Board or Department
A Tree Care Ordinance
A Community Forestry Program With an Annual Budget of at … (0 comments)

Alexandria's Mill Lake - 04/10/07 02:32 PM
Mill Lake is a spring fed, deep and clear lake, with 5 miles of shoreline and 650 acres in size. A mill was once located on the lakeshore, and this is were the lake got it's name. It is a very picturesque lake with several bays and a wooded shoreline that enhance its beauty. Walleyes, northern, largemouth bass, sunfish and crappie are abundant in Mill Lake. Many prize winning fish, particularly bass and sunfish, have been caught in the lake. Some feel that Alexandria is the bass capital of Minnesota and Mill Lake is one of the reasons why.
courtesy of domainMN.com … (0 comments)

Why Lake Miltona? - 04/09/07 02:13 PM
Did you know that the largest lake in Douglas County,Lake Miltona, could have easily been named Lake Roadruck? In 1866-67, Indiana's Benjamin Roadruck and his wife, Florence Miltona Roadruck, settled on the west end of what in now Lake Miltona which was named in honor of them. See what real estate is available on Roadruck, er, Miltona [MLS link].
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Smith Lake - 04/09/07 04:08 AM
6 miles east of Alexandria is 710 acre Smith Lake. With a maximum depth of 32 feet, spring fed Smith has pleasant woods surrounding the lake providing a quiet, peaceful atmosphere for nature lovers.
Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Crappie. Walleye, Largemouth Bass and Sunfish also caught. There is a Public Access located on Northeast shore off State Hwy. 27 and Smith Lake Rd.
[FIND SMITH LAKE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE] 
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Pocket Lake - 04/09/07 03:53 AM
10 miles south of Alexandria is a lake Big Ole could fit in his pocket. Fittingly, it is name Pocket Lake.
The shoreline of Pocket Lake is 4.7 miles and consists of hardwood forests and wooded pastures of varying elevations. The maximum depth of Pocket is 40 feet and the median depth is 15 feet. It is a good fishing lake but fisherman like Pocket in particular for panfish and bass. A Public Access is located on South shore of the lake off State Hwy. 114 and Pocket Lake Road.
[Find real estate for sale on Pocket Lake]
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Alexandria's Beginnings - 04/08/07 11:52 AM
In 1858, a 20 X 30 mile area of land and water was given the name Douglas County. Five men are known to have settled in Douglas County in 1858. Three of the men, named Holmes, Grant, and Sanford, settled in what became known as Homes City on Grant Lake. Two brothers, Alexander and William Kinkead claimed land along Lake Agnes and Lake Winona. The site was selected for its natural beauty, abundance of water, and timber. It was in 1858 that a company was formed that established the first business; the new company was set up to advertise and sell … (0 comments)

Lake Moses - 04/08/07 11:45 AM
Lake Moses is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Alexandria and is named after the biblical figure. The shoreline cover consists of a hardwood fringe with grasslands on gentle slopes.
The area of the lake is 871 acres and has a maximum depth of 32 feet with the median depth being 16 feet. Fisherman report that the best fishing is for bass and panfish. The shoreline is 4.5 miles.
As reported by the Greater Alexandria Area MLS, the highest sale price for a home on Moses was $285,000. … (0 comments)

MARCH'S TOP LAKEHOME SALES BY PRICE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY, MN - 04/05/07 09:29 AM
TOP LAKEHOME SALES BY SOLD PRICE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY, MINNESOTA
MARCH, 2007
3. 3724 Christopherson Road, Alexandria, MN (50 feet of lakeshore on Lake Ida) - sold for $209,900
2. 11080 Tall Timbers Road, Garfield, MN (115 feet of lakeshore on Lobster Lake) - sold for $295,000
1. 13110 Maple Island Point SE, Glenwood, MN (352 feet of lakeshore on Maple Lake) - sold for $398,500 
… (0 comments)

March Sales Report, Douglas County, Minnesota - 04/05/07 09:22 AM
MARCH, 2007
TOP 5 RESIDENTIAL SALES BY PRICE FOR DOUGLAS COUNTY, MINNESOTA
5. 3125 Crestood Drive, Alexandria, MN - sold for $240,000
4. 2787 Wilderness Ridge Rd, Alexandria, MN - sold for $247,500
3. 180 Willimantic Drive, Alexandria, MN - sold for $260,000
2. 12783 Gurie Lane SW, Alexandria, MN - sold for $266,000
1. 1919 Homestead Road, Nelson, MN - sold for $342,000 
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6 Cons of Composite Decking - 04/04/07 07:57 AM
 
Aesthetics. If you love wood, it's not woodSome stains from food, drink and other sources can be difficult to eliminateCost is higher than pressure-treated lumberCan scratch. Some composite decking is more scratch resistant than others. Research and ask questions. Most can't be used as substructure or supportNatural wood has become a more eco-friendly choice, with many new sustainably harvested species entering the market. … (0 comments)

Composite Decking - 04/04/07 07:00 AM
Thinking of a new deck? Here are 5 reasons to choose composite decking:
No warping, rotting or splitting Handles direct water contact Impervious to rot and termites A large range of color, design and finish A soft, inviting feel and not slipperySome manufacturers of composite decking include: Trex, CorrectDeck, TimberTech, EverGrain and GeoDeck.
… (1 comments)

Bono and Me - 04/03/07 02:27 AM
What are the odds that my name would be in print in a German newspaper and on the same page as one of my favorite artists, Bono of U2. Probably about the same as me being invited to join U2. Well, it happened (re: the newspaper). The newspaper is The Financial Times and I am quoted in an article (click the image to the left) and Bono is pictured on the top left of the page.
About a month ago I received a phone call from a reporter and was asked to comment on a popular financial blog, WallStrip. It took … (0 comments)

Best Dock Layout for Fishing - 04/03/07 02:27 AM
Fishermen like this dock because of the empty space behind the leg of the "L". It provides unobstructed casting.
It is best to have an extra wide section for this section so that there is plenty of room for "stuff" (tackle, coolers, etc) and you can also add a bench so that when the fish aren't biting, you have a nice place to sit and enjoy the lake. It is a perfect spot for a sunset cocktail and to tell a fishing story or two.
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Lake Mary - 04/02/07 08:59 AM
Lake Mary is a 2,371 acre lake located southwest of downtown Alexandria in Douglas County that is well developed. Many resorts on Lake Mary attract tourists to the lake during the summer months. It is also a popular destination for local anglers with two public accesses. The number of resorts is dwindling as resort owners are opting to convert resorts to association because of the market value of lakeshore.
Currently, there are 27 properties available on Lake Mary.
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The Ojibway's Lake Chippewa - 04/01/07 09:06 PM
Chippewa Lake ("Chip") is a relatively large(1,761 acres) located northeast of Brandon in Douglas County with good water quality and clarity. Residential development is moderate to high, especially around the southern half of the lake. Recreational pressure can be heavy, especially during weekend days. A state-owned public access is located on the northeast shore but parking space can be limited.
Chippewa's name came from being on the lakes used as a war route by the Ojibway Indians into Sioux Country. 
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Lake Osakis - 04/01/07 08:59 PM
Eleven miles long and 3 1/2 miles wide, 6,270 acre Lake Osakis has a fishing spot for everyone, featuring Walleyes, Crappies, Sunfish, Northerns and Bass. Osakis is a 15 minute drive east from Alexandria.
As of today, there are 36 properties for sale on Lake Osakis ranging from a $65,000 bare lot that gives you shared access to the lake, to a lakehome with 66 feet of lakeshore listed at $549,000.
To view them, visit craigmische.com and specify Lake Osakis in the search tool located at the upper left of the page. 
… (0 comments)

 
Craigmische_sothebys

Craig Mische

Alexandria, MN

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Counselor Realty

Address: 211 Broadway, Alexandria, MN, 56308

Office Phone: (320) 760-0198

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