Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

Along comes Finn the duck May 27, 2026

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 6:00 AM
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Finn the duck. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo May 2026)

DUCKS IN THE WATER. Ducks on the river bank. Ducks crossing a street. Ducks in a park, in a front yard, on a courthouse lawn. I’ve spotted ducks in all of these places, but never in a pet stroller.

Yet, early last Saturday afternoon, along came Finn the duck riding in the basket of a stroller pushed by her owner, Korey of West Concord. He was wheeling her past the Rice County government services building, which caused four of us to pause and inquire about the oddity before us.

Seems Finn was the sole duckling in last year’s hatch, leaving Korey with one option, to care for her. He raises over 150 “birds”—ducks, chickens, geese, guinea hens…and sells eggs.

Finn follows him everywhere. She even accompanies him into businesses like Lowe’s Home Improvement, her favorite store, according to Korey. The female duck sits on his shoulder. And if she flies off while at home, she always comes back.

The affectionate connection between the two is obvious. As Korey stroked her back, Finn’s tail wagged. Just like a dog.

He got the stroller recently, partially to protect Finn from dogs and other dangers while they’re out an about. I’m quite certain she’s relatively safe given Korey’s attentive care. Back home Finn has a wading pool for splashing and swimming. Yup, Finn is just a little bit spoiled.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

An urban spa in Elysian November 18, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 9:03 AM
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OCCASIONALLY, I RUN across something that strikes me as odd/out-of-place/unusual/interesting/nonconforming.

I strung those similar words together because I couldn’t decide which one perfectly fits the business name in the photo below.

 

 

Shylah's Urban Spa is located next to American Legion Post 311 in Elysian.

 

“Why would I categorize this business title as an oddity?” you ask.

Well, because Shylah’s Urban Spa is located on Main Street in Elysian, a town of 580 residents located northeast of Mankato along Minnesota Highway 60. Elysian doesn’t exactly qualify as an urban community even when its population swells during the busy summer tourist season.

I could guess why Shylah inserted “urban” into her spa name. Perhaps the word choice relates more to the atmosphere and experience than to the small-town location.

Shylah’s Urban Spa is, according to information on the city of Elysian website, a “Unique salon offering all the latest trends! We offer all hair services, nail services, massage, permanent cosmetics, eyelash extensions and hair extensions.”

Now, I have never been to a spa. But, if I was to patronize one, I would expect to find those services. So if Shylah wants her customers to think they are in New York City or Minneapolis or even Mankato, instead of Main Street Elysian, that’s fine by me.

© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling