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Restoring An Opera House in Staples, MN

KAXE | By Heidi Holtan
Published January 20, 2020 at 11:36 AM CST
Steve Kohls
/
Brainerd Distpatch

We talked with Melissa Rademacher from the Staples Economic Development Authority about the old Batcher department store in Staples.  The Batcher Opera House was built in 1907 and it was one of multiple opera houses built to entertain those stopping in Staples by train.  Thousands of people were walking the streets and looking for something to do.

Now the community is trying to renovate and revitalize this Opera House that is on the historical registry.  See this article from the Brainerd Dispatch for more information. 
History
Heidi Holtan
For more than two decades, Heidi Holtan has helped shape the sound of KAXE. Since joining the station in 2002 as a volunteer music programmer, she has worn many hats including the weekly book program, Realgoodwords, hosting the Morning Show, creation and host of the weekly call-in program Between You and Me, serving as Outreach Producer. Program Director, News Director and currently Director of Content and Public Affairs.
See stories by Heidi Holtan
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