One of the most popular hangouts in Hayfield is Uncle Mony’s restaurant, which is also the home of Spare Time Lanes bowling alley.

The owner of this two-in-one business is Tom Monahan. He purchased the business in 1992 with his father and his brother.

Tom is the only active owner. Monahan comes with a background in the fast food industry. He likes working in a hometown restaurant, because the atmosphere is more relaxed and people take their time eating.

The name of the restaurant, Uncle Mony's is named after Monahan which is what his nieces and nephews call him. It is opened seven days a week, starting at 6 a.m.

The restaurant is a hangout for locals to gather every morning over coffee. Saturdays and Sundays are busy with the breakfast crowd. There are daily lunch specials during the week and every Sunday there is a buffet. Mother's Day there will be special buffet.

"We make our own soups and pies. We make pizza to order too. Our menu is large but it works for us. We have specials in the evening like fish and ribs. Every Saturday night we have steak special. Another draw is our full bar," said Monahan.

Something new that was added to the menu this year is buffalo burgers and steak. Monahan says it is a leaner meat and is very tasty. The meat is supplied by Behounek's a local buffalo raiser.

Spare Time Lanes bowling alley gets a lot of use. There are eight lanes. Leagues play during the winter and people come from Dodge Center, Brownsdale, Sargeant and of course Hayfield to play on the lanes.

"The bowling alley is a continuing business. We have older style machines. We can open the alley anytime someone wants to play. Saturday nights are popular to bowl. In the summer, we have casino bowling that is done in groups. We take a group to the casinos rather than have a banquet at the end of the year. We take a bus. This is for patrons over 18 years old," said Monahan.

Businesses in Hayfield sponsor the different leagues. There are two men's leagues, one ladies', and two mixed leagues. There is also a league called the Farmer's League made up of area farmers that bowl for fun.

"Some people are really into bowling and some aren't. We have a good mix," said Monahan.

Monahan's dad, Ron, likes to help out with junior league bowling. The high school students come to Spare Time Lanes during the school year for bowling classes as part of their physical education class. The bowling alley is also the site for the annual after-prom party for the Hayfield High School.

The restaurant and bowling alley is a popular location for birthday parties with their arcade and video games. Uncle Mony's is very family friendly.

This popular hangout was originally an implement dealership owned by Arlie Munson. The original building burned down in 1984. The existing building was put up in1986 and was called Porky's and Western Lanes. Monahan says the location is good because they get travelers going to Rochester stopping in.

Monahan lives in Hayfield with his wife Dynae and their two children. Alyssa is in kindergarten and Logan is four years old. Monahan concedes he works long hours, but he has good help.

"When I'm not working we like to go camping. Last year we went to the Black Hills for a vacation. I like working and seeing the same crowds every day," said Monahan.

Call Sheila Donnelly at 434-2233 or e-mail her at :mailto:newsroom@austindailyherald.com.

Crokers to retire

ADAMS --

Joanne Croker, principal of Sacred Hearth Catholic School, will retire at the end of the current school year.

Croker has served as the school's principal for the last four years. Prior to taking the principal's position, she taught eighth grade classes since 1973.

Her husband, Larry Croker, has announced his retirement as Southland

Public Schools middle and high school principal.

The couple will be honored at an open house Sunday at the Sacred Heart Catholic School auditorium.

There will be a short program at 3 p.m. May 5 and the open house will be held 2-4 p.m.

Historical Center to open

The Mower County Historical Center will open for the season Sunday afternoon at the fairgrounds in southwest Austin.

The special open house activities takes place 2-4 p.m. Sunday.

All of the exhibit buildings at the Historical Center will be open to the public.

Refreshments will be served, according to the announcement by the Mower County Historical Society.

For more information call 437-5082 or email mchs@smig.net.

SAL chapter formed

LEROY -- A new Sons of the American Legion organization has been formed at LeRoy.

The organization's sponsor is Meighen-Thompson Post No. 160 of the American Legion.

Jim Marra, First District SAL commander, welcomed the LeRoy chapter to the ranks of SAL chapters across Minnesota.

Wayne Hammon, Jr., commander of Post No. 160, was credited with helping the recruitment effort of 27 new SAL members

Rick Roe is the SAL chapter's first-ever commander.

Wagon train rolls

LEROY -- The Friendship Wagon Train will visit LeRoy this summer.

Over 75 wagons pulled by horses and mules will depart the Mower County Fairgrounds at Austin Friday, June 21 enroute to Camp Winnebago at Caledonia.

The wagon train will pass through Rose Creek, Johnsburg, Adams, Taopi and LeRoy before moving on to Granger, Harmony, Prosper and Mabel before the final leg of the journey will take the participants through Spring Grove and on to Caledonia.

The annual Friendship Wagon Train trek to camp Winnebago is a fund-raiser for the

for the camp for mentally handicapped children and adults.

Donations will be sought along the route.

Patriotic fund-raiser

ST. ANSGAR, Iowa – The "Price of Freedom" will be presented Saturday at St. Ansgar Elementary School.

The presentation begins at 7 p.m. Saturday Friday at St. Ansgar Elementary School.

The program features a flag prsenation dating back to the Revolutionary War and soldiers wearing recreations of authentic military uniforms.

Tickets are $5 each and will be available at the door Friday night.

Proceeds from the event will help finance the annual Military History Days celebration May 3-4 in St. Ansgar.

Dockstader honored

ST. ANSGAR, Iowa – Lisa Dockstader was recently recognized for her accomplishments as a photographer.

The Professional Photographers of Iowa

honored Dockstader at their biennial convention held at the Savery Hotel in Des Moines, Iowa.

Both of Dockstader's portraits scored high enough to be exhibited at the competition.

Her portrait of her dog, entitled "Mesmerized," received first place honors in the pet category.

A portrait of two basset hound puppies received an honorable mention award.

With the print competition was a trade show, plus gust speakers who lectured on weddings, senior portraiture, children and marketing.

Dockstader has owned The Portrait Shoppe in St. Ansgar, Iowa for 14 years.

She specializes in senior portraits, families, children, pets and weddings.