Bowling center plans on roll

Plans are progressing for a proposed 24-lane bowling center to be located on Highway 25. One of the owners, Ginger Lorentz, said Friday the bowling center will be called Jack's House.

The bowling center, expected to be located on a five-acre site on Highway 25 near Highway 18, north of Radco, will be owned by the same group that owns and operates Wadena Lanes.

Lorentz said work is continuing on site preparation with an anticipated opening next fall.

World on Wheels skate center is expected to open a week from today. Tim Haglin, Thelen Heating and Roofing in Brainerd, owns the property and the building located near Jackson Street in Brainerd near the civic center. Haglin said Friday they are shooting for the opening date but are still waiting for a couple of finishing touches. Haglin is leasing the building to Tim and Dawn Norton, who will own and operate the skate center.

The old Easy Riders building was moved earlier from its position on Jackson Street closer to the Northland Arboretum entrance. Haglin said the building will be remodeled into office space.

The area in front of the World on Wheels building will be marketed to attract other potential business ventures, including a possible eatery. But Haglin said there have not been early takers. The trees that formerly lined the lot next to the civic center were recently in a pile on the land.

Haglin said landscaping efforts will begin this fall, but most of the work will take place next spring.

Later this month, The Brainerd Dispatch is opening its doors after 5 p.m. and inviting guests inside to meet employees and get a tour of the daily newspaper business from the inside. The Dispatch is sponsoring the Business After Hours event on Nov. 13.

The Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce regular after hours get-together event is set from 5-7 p.m. at The Dispatch on James Street in Brainerd. Chamber members and their employees are welcome for food, tours and to network with other chamber members.