Big Dummy s Bar steps up for the community by hosting a free Christmas dinner Written By: Sam Fosness | ×
Jason Bates, owner of Big Dummy s Bar, dishes up some plates of food on Friday during the Christmas dinner that he hosted at his bar in downtown Mitchell. (Sam Fosness / Republic)
Jason Bates wasn’t going to let anyone in the Mitchell community and surrounding area be without a place to celebrate Christmas this year.
On Christmas Day, Bates opened his local bar to the community and had a feast of food waiting for all those who came to Big Dummy’s Christmas Dinner. While Bates had to sacrifice some of his own time on Christmas to prepare the food and set up the dinner at his bar in downtown Mitchell, he said it was well worth it in the end.
Norm and Mark s barber shop becomes third-generation family owned business
After 70 years of doing business in Mitchell, Norm and Mark s barber shop staying with the Franey family as ownership changes hands to third-generation. Written By: Sam Fosness | ×
Eric Franey, left, and Mark Franey sit for a photo inside their new barbershop location on North Main Street in Mitchell. (Matt Gade / Republic)
For Eric Franey, the thought of seeing his father’s barber shop leave the family was something he couldn’t fathom living with.
When that scenario became a possibility several months ago, Franey knew it was time to move back home and continue his family’s legacy at Norm and Mark’s in Mitchell. After welcoming his first customer on opening day earlier this month, Franey became the third-generation owner of the local barber shop that his grandfather started 70 years ago.