Welcome, Katy Soyka!

Ehlinger Lawn Service is happy to introduce Katy Soyka! We recently hired Katy as our new Operations Manager. Katy says that she is excited to get back into the lawn care business. She has worked in the “green industry” since 2006.

Katy is originally from Sartell and attended Cathedral High School and Rasmussen college in the area. Before coming to Ehlinger, Katy spent over a year working in the Natural Foods Department at Coborn’s. When asked about the best part of her previous job, Katy said, “It was interesting learning about organic and healthier foods and products.  There were so many items I had never heard of but are growing in popularity such as the whole ‘gluten free’ craze. “

In her free time, Katy enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and listening to music, along with the occasional karaoke night. She loves being outside in the warmer months, spending time with her two yorkies. If she could be anywhere but Minnesota right now, Katy said she would like to travel to Ireland or Australia, but she would take anything over 72˚ at this point!

Katy is so excited to be part of the Ehlinger team, and we are so excited to have her. She is learning the ropes and will be an essential member of our team. She is most excited to be working alongside her fiancé, Joey. So next time you call in to Ehlinger, say “hi” to Katy and welcome her to our team!

Winter Activities in Central Minnesota

There’s no more beautiful place to spend a winter than in Minnesota. Whether you explore the Lake Superior Shore or the St. Paul Winter Carnival, there’s always a place to enjoy a hot cup of cocoa with some loved ones. Even without a trip to the shore or downtown St. Paul, there’s plenty of exciting snow activities around central Minnesota.

Sledding and Snow Tubing

Central Minnesota has a plethora of hangouts and parks for some classic sledding and snow tubing.  Families can choose from a variety of parks including Hester Park, Riverside Park, Sauk Rapids High School Park, and Wilson Park for their fill of sledding and snow tubing. Just make sure to seek out smooth hills, avoid trees, and always travel with friends.

Ice Skating

There’s no more picturesque outdoor winter image than ice skating at a park under a light snowfall. Lake George’s beautiful outdoor rink located downtown St. Cloud. Skate rental is free, and the warming shelter is there for you to rest if you need to. The Municipal Athletic Complex (MAC) offers indoor ice skating, rentals, skate sharpening, and concession each under $10 per person. For other rinks around the area, check out the city of St. Cloud’s list of area rinks.  

Take Advantage of Power Ridge

Powder Ridge has been a longtime winter recreation staple in Central Minnesota. With renting and amenities for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, (and lessons for all activities) people of all ages can enjoy the area. Whether you travel up for a day, purchase a season pass, or wish to plan a special event, Powder Ridge  has all for winter sport enthusiasts in Central Minnesota.

Explore Quarry Park

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in Waite Park is open all-year round for visitors. After a snowfall of four or more inches, the ski trails are open for cross country skiing. In fact, on January 9, they’ll be hosting a Moonlight Ski at Quarry Park where skiers can enjoy 4.2 miles of lighted ski trails, campfire, drawing for prizes, and hot chocolate. There’s also a variety of hiking and snowshoeing trails for the family to enjoy.

Central Minnesota has a host of fun recreational winter activities, Christmas light shows, hockey games and holiday shows to name just a few. Check out stcloudfun4kids.com for more family fun this winter!

Holiday Travel

Adverse weather conditions are nothing new to Minnesota drivers- we are decidedly adept at driving our way through snow and slush, and we’ve come to expect the presence of black ice as surely as the seasonal flu. Just as unpleasant, winter travel can become your worst nightmare in a split second if you’re not prepared. Despite years of practice, winter driving always requires elevated awareness and a ‘slow and steady’ mentality.

We’ve compiled a tried and true list of winter travel tips to get you safely on your way this holiday season; you’ll thank us as you count the cars in the ditch on the way to Grandma’s.

-Before you begin your holiday travels, be sure to check your gas tank. Under half full? Time to fill up. Sub freezing temperatures present the threat of a gas line freeze-up.

-Outlaw the beloved cruise control during winter travel. Patches of ice and drifting snow can appear before you’ve had time to react. Cruise control severely limits your ability to react in a controlled manner.

-You’re in a hurry, and so is the holiday shopper looking to pass you. Never pull out in front of oncoming traffic without enough time to account for spinning wheels; if you happen to catch a patch of ice, they likely will as well. A fender bender does not a happy holiday make.

-Store extra blankets, boots, gloves, hats and any necessary medications as well as brightly colored cloth in your car for winter travel. You never know when you’ll be glad to have them.

-Should you find yourself in a ditch on the side of the road, leaving your vehicle could make things a whole lot worse. Staying with your car will provide you with shelter from the freezing elements until help arrives, and you’ll be spotted easily for a swift rescue.

-Take a peek at your exhaust pipe. Snow, ice or mud clogged exhaust pipes could lead to a toxic carbon monoxide leak into the cab of your car while running. Should you find yourself in a snow bank, crack a window to allow fresh air in. Should snow make its way into your exhaust pipe, dangerous fumes may be pushed into the cab of your vehicle.

-Expect delays. Travel time can easily double on snow covered roads, and accelerating and decelerating slowly is the best way to maintain traction on icy surfaces. Check conditions before you leave and allow plenty of time for delays, so you are not rushed.

-Become friendly with your brakes. Understanding how your brakes operate is key to avoiding spin outs and accidents. Anti-lock or not, applying firm and steady pressure to your breaks when an icy situation catches you off guard is essential.

-Always thoroughly clear off snow and ice from all vehicle windows. That small patch of frost you thought would defrost quickly just might be the cause of a future fender bender. Keep your sights clear, and take the time to scrape. It might not be fun, but it’s definitely necessary.

-While out on the roads, keep in mind that exit ramps and bridges will freeze before the water on roadways will turn to ice. Use extra caution on highway ramps and bridges. Keep watch and stay back at least 200 feet from snow plows and maintenance vehicles, and never pass on their right.

Keep these driving and safety tips in mind when travelling this winter. From all of us at Ehlinger Lawn Service, we wish you a very happy holiday season, and safe winter travels.