It has once again been a while since our last update, but we hope it was worth the wait. Please allow us to introduce the inaugural issue of our newest publication, the Daily Grind. As noted, Rolling Hills Community News is on an indefinite hiatus. We hope to see another local newspaper take its place as soon as possible, but in the meantime, we are happy to provide this new format as a service to the community. While this paper is expected to be produced monthly, followers of our own news column can still expect a digital “News From The Mill” column every two weeks or so like before. Some entries will appear in this paper as well, while others will remain purely online. The quarterly newsletter will also remain the same.

It hardly seems real that Summer is on its way out. The windmill, like tourism attractions around the state, suffered a downturn in visitors this year. Insiders speculate this is mostly do to the chaotic and extreme weather patterns throughout the state that has left many Iowa towns limping along. We’re thankful that the Danish Villages, and the windmill itself, have largely avoided these unprecedented storms. We’re also thankful that despite the lack of visitor traffic, gift shop sales continue to climb.

In other news, Shaun made a return trip to Denmark in August. While at Formland he negotiated orders with our two largest Danish souvenir suppliers, Det Gamle Apotek and Godtbergsen’s, along with a number of other Danish companies. While many of these orders can be done by email in this day and age, it always helps to meet face-to-face and see new products, and you never know what new companies you might come across. This time, Shaun met with business reps from IB Laursen, a company that we haven’t bought from in about 10 years. He also had the opportunity to sample a new flavor of Dansk Mjød, our mead from Billund, coming to the US next year and we will do everything we can to convince our distributor to pick it up because it is delicious. We’re still in the process of organizing the container shipment and can’t wait for everyone to see what we have coming.

Shaun also had the opportunity to have dinner with Morten Petersen and Erik Batenburg in Ribe. They talked about Møllebygger Petersen’s progress with the institute they are developing to train a new generation of millwrights as well as upcoming plans for our windmill when Morten and Erik arrive in October. We’re very excited to have them here to help repair our windmill and ensure its safety going forward. Please don’t forget that we are still fundraising for this project. It will be costly, but it ensures we get the repairs we need and will help us maintain the windmill going forward. We need all of the community support we can get to make this happen and ensure we can keep the lights on next year.

As we transition into Fall, several new items are in the store including some nice decorations from the Danish felt company, Gry & Sif. Our licorice has been restocked and back again is Wilson’s Orchard Apple Cider Donut hard cider. We’ve also brought in new long-sleeve tees for the changing weather and don’t forget we have hoodies, too. Don’t forget to check out our new windmill puzzle either!

Finally, we want to acknowledge the departure of Elk Horn’s own Alissa LaCanne from her position with the Museum of Danish America. Alissa has moved on to teaching and we wish her the best of luck. We also want to recognize her unparalleled service to the community. Her devotion to the development of fun and innovative youth programs coupled with her vested interest in showcasing local history will be irreplaceable. We have no doubt she will excel in her new position, but we are saddened to see her move on in a professional capacity. Her energy, drive, and passion will be sorely missed.  

Click here to view the Daily Grind.