On the Street

• Apol’s was awarded Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s Silver Bar and Shield Circle of Achievement Award for the North Plains region based on its motorcycle and related product sales performance, an evaluation of customer service and satisfaction, and various operational measures.

“One of the reasons the Harley-Davidson brand has such tremendous customer loyalty is because of the efforts of dealers such as Apol’s,” said Mike Kennedy, Harley-Davidson’s vice president of North America sales. “We’re really proud to have Apol’s as part of the Harley-Davidson family.”

Apol’s Harley-Davidson has been in business in Raymond for 38 years and in Alexandria for six years. Apol’s has earned the Bar and Shield award an industry leading 15 times.

• Country Financial has once again received an A+ Superior rating for its property/casualty and primary life and health companies from A.M. Best Company, an independent insurance rating agency. The rating was based on an effective distribution network, customer loyalty, broad technology platform and local market knowledge.

The local Country Financial office is located at 107 5th Avenue West in Alexandria.

• Gary Eddy, owner and operator of Custom Crown Craft (certified dental laboratory) in Alexandria, has been nationally recognized for his 35th year anniversary as a certified dental technician.

He specializes in the fabrication of crown and bridge, also ceramics. He was presented his award from the American Dental Association, the Midwest Dental Laboratory Association and the National Board of Certification.

Custom Crown Craft is one of 10 labs in Minnesota that is certified through the National Board of Certification.

• The Animal Doctor in Alexandria reports that Heather Dunker has joined the staff as a groomer and veterinary assistant.

Prior to joining The Animal Doctor, Dunker owned and operated a grooming and boarding facility for nine years near Wadena. Dunker and her husband, Joshua, have two boys and several pets.

The Animal Doctor is located at 902 Highway 29 North in Alexandria. Appointments with Dunker can be made at (320) 763-9955.

• Recently, the Stearns County Planning Commission held election of officers. Elected as chairman was Jeff Bertram, Paynesville; vice-chairman is Mike Merten, Sauk Centre; secretary is Brian Junkermeier, Richmond. Other county planning commissioners are Bernard Koopmeiers, St. Cloud; Al Rassier, St. Joseph; LeRoy Gondringer, Avon; Bob Long, St. Cloud and John Greer, Albany.

Additionally, the Stearns County Municipal League, which is made up of all mayors, council members and staff from Stearns County, recently elected their officers. Elected as president was Councilor Jeff Bertram, Paynesville; vice-president Mayor Doug Schmitz, Cold Spring; secretary City Administrator Rena Weber, Rockville; and treasurer Mayor Jeff Thompson, Paynesville.

• Jerry Hansen, CFP FIC financial consultant with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Alexandria, recently received the 2010 Voices in Philanthropy (VIP) award from the Lutheran Community Foundation (LCF) in Minneapolis. He was one of just 35 representatives nationwide to be so honored.

Hansen is being honored for his exemplary service helping clients realize their charitable intentions. Selection was based on total outright and deferred charitable gifts made by Hansen’s clients throughout the LCF in 2010.

• Army Spec. Spencer V. Herness has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal. The medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.

Herness' professionalism, hard work, and dedication were critical to the mission of the unit. The specialist, a machinist with five years of military service, is regularly assigned to the 428th Field Artillery Brigade, based out Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. He is the son of Denise Herness of Osakis. His wife, Kayla, is the daughter of Tim Hinrichs and Trish Hinrichs, both of Alexandria. Herness graduated in 2006 from Jefferson High School in Alexandria.

Tags: on the street, business