local business

Waite Park has seen an uptick of burglaries and theft happening at local businesses over the last month. Criminal activity has seen a big increase in the area of 33rd and 34th Avenue South and the 7th Street South business area.

A Texas-based home restoration company has opened in St. Joseph. Rainbow International is open and will serve the Greater St. Cloud area, including Sartell and Sauk Rapids. They specialize in repairing fire and water damage to homes.

After 17 years in business, Centrasota Eye Care in St. Cloud is closing down on Friday. Clinic Manager Gail Locnikar says the owner recently made the decision to close down.

St. Cloud Orthopedics has expanded its staff by adding two spine surgeons and a sports medicine-general orthopedics doctor. Dr. Chad Griffith-sports medicine and general orthopedic provider, Dr. Jason Kelly and Dr. Trevor McIver-spine surgeons, are all now accepting patients.

Thousands of college students are returning to St. Cloud over the next week and are expected to generate millions in the local economy. Economist King Banaian says St. Cloud State University alone creates thousands of jobs in the area. Downtown shops and restaurants around town will benefit from having the students back in town.

El Paso Sports Bar and Grill has become an icon in St. Joseph after a nearly 70 year history. The building is well known for its year-round fish frys, volleyball leagues and for hosting weddings and other events in it's banquet hall. Owner Carole Tamm says it's all sadly coming to an end in late September.

A Dollar General store is planning to open in Rice this fall. The store will be off of Highway 10 at 12564 Fromelt Loop. The total building will be 9,000 square feet with a 7,300 square foot sales floor. The store will hire 6 to 10 employees, including three full-time positions.

A new $10 million retail project along Highway 23 is being pitched to Cold Spring. The city council heard the plan on Tuesday night, which calls for a new Wenner Do it Best Hardware and Rental at the corner of Highway 23 and County Road 2.

Bad Habit Brewing Company is coming soon to downtown St. Joseph. The brewery is currently remodeling a space in the Mill Stream Shops at 15 East Minnesota Street. Owner Aaron Rieland says they're planning to open in September or October.

An art gallery focusing on glass pipe artwork is coming to the old Flat Iron Building in St. Cloud later this summer. The Trepanation Art Gallery will have local art with an emphasis on glass pipes for sale. Owner Travis Pinney says art is important in a growing community like St. Cloud.