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Kiester Minnesota Community Guide

Kiester is a small town nestled among some of the highest hills, known as glacial moraines, in Southern Minnesota. The tallest of these "Kiester Hills" is at an altitude of 1,432 feet above sea level. We are a thriving community with many vital businesses tied to agriculture, two fine churches, a spectacular movie theatre (Kee Civic Theatre), very active main street businesses and much, much more. You will find we have some of the friendliest folks around, making Kiester a great place to raise a family!

Kiester is a city in Faribault County, Minnesota. Minnesota State Highway 22 and County Highway 2 are two of the main routes in the community. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.44 square miles (1.14 km2), all of it land.  The elevation is 1,253 ft (382 m) above sea level.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

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KIESTER Township, settled in May 1866, organized in January 1872, was named Lake by the county commissioners in 1858 from their supposition that it had a number of lakes. Because another Minnesota township had previously received this name, it was changed January 4, 1859, in honor of Jacob Armel Kiester, who later became the historian of this county. He was born at Mount Pleasant, Pa., April 29, 1832, and died in Blue Earth, December 13, 1904. He was a student in Mt. Pleasant and Dickinson Colleges, Pa.; studied law, and was admitted to practice, 1855; came to Minnesota in 1857, settling in Blue Earth, which ever afterward was his home; was a representative in the legislature in 1865, and during many years was an officer of this county, being successively county surveyor, register of deeds, county attorney, and from 1869 to 1890 was judge of probate; was a state senator, 1891-93. He collected materials during more than 20 years for The History of Faribault County, before mentioned as the source of much information for this chapter; and he also wrote a continuation of that work, from 1880 to 1904 inclusive, of which typewritten copies (717 pp.) are in the library, Blue Earth, and the library of the Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul. The city of Kiester, sections 21 and 22, was platted in 1899 and incorporated as a village on November 19, 1900. It had a station of the Minnesota and North Western Railway and a post office from 1882.

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

The Kiester Hills of the Algona Glacial Moraine have brought people to the community for centuries. Early residents certainly walked up all 1,432 feet of the Kiester Hills and back down again as they made their homes on and around what is commonly known as Tveit’s Pit southeast of present-day Kiester. Later, high-spirited investors flung money after the oil they believed the Kiester Hills contained. To know Kiester, one must know the hills. They signify one is, once again, home.Both the City of Kiester and the Kiester Township land which surrounds it were named for Judge J. A. Kiester, a prominent figure in Faribault County history. Although the city’s name has been a topic of conversation for both residents and friends, all Kiester residents are proud of its origin and even prouder of this progressive, beautiful community built on the rolling Kiester Hills. Early settlers first lived in the surrounding Kiester Township countryside, with Eli and A. W. Judd filing the first land claim in the fall of 1865. Today, their claim would run from the Almberg farm southwest of Kiester into the southwest corner of the city. When the Iowa, Minnesota and North Western Railroad began marking their trail through this area in 1899, beginning in Belle Plaine, IA, through Mason City and on to Blue Earth and Fairmont, it left behind many villages platted on its tracks, including the City of Kiester. By June of 1900, the combined population of the city and township was 896, and the city already boasted several general stores, a state bank, a hardware store, implement store, railroad depot, two blacksmith shops, a dray line, a newspaper, and a livestock dealer. Kiester has enjoyed a progressive community status throughout its lifetime, maintaining a strong business base and enjoying unending support from its residents. Progressive city fathers worked hard to plan a complete curb and gutter system, paved streets, built a sanitary sewer system and an upgraded water system during mid-century. With that infrastructure in place, new projects became the focus. A city-sponsored renewal project on Main Street in the 1990′s brought a newly-constructed retail complex to town, including a grocery store unrivaled in a community of Kiester’s size and comparable to markets found in larger cities. That progress shows its face today in Kiester Clinic-Mayo Health Systems, located in a building owned by the city, which provides a health facility connected to the Mayo Clinic. Communality volunteerism, fostered with the city’s progressivism, makes an impact. The annual Farming of Yesteryear show, the summer Kiester days celebration, the Kiester City Park holiday lights festival, the Kee Theatre, the fire and ambulance services, and the many community-service clubs are possible because of talented residents and friends who donate their time and skills. The cooperative, progressive spirit continues to make history in the Kiester Hills. Like the rolling hills, the community has found itself looking uphill at times and enjoying a downhill coast during others. But the ride, like the hills, continue to be a source of pride and enjoyment. Courtesy City of Kiester

General view, Kiester Minnesota, 1911 LakesnWoods.com Postcard and Postcard Image Collection - click to enlarge

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Kiester City Hall 116 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3161 Regular Business Hours: Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm,  Wednesday. closed City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of the month
Title	Term Ends	Name and Address		Phone
Mayor	12/31/2022	Richard A Goggin 401 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051		(507) 424-9941
Clerk	appointed	Doris Troll 116 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051		(507) 294-3161
Council Member	12/31/2022	Jason Kluender 701 W North Street Kiester, MN 56051		(507) 294-3143
Council Member	12/31/2022	Larry A. Dahleen 100 N 6th Street Kiester, MN 56051		(507) 300-7555
Council Member	12/31/2024	Brandon Lee Hagenson 102 S 6th Street Kiester, MN 56051		(507) 383-7458
Council Member	12/31/2024	Hope Bauman 404 S 1st Street Kiester, MN 56051		(507) 402-5808

US Post Office 100 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051-4401 Phone: (507) 294-3707 Toll Free: (800) ASK-USPS Regular Business Hours: Week Days        10:00 am - 2:00 pm Saturday           10:00 am - 10:30 am

Minnesota State Highway Map of the Kiester Minnesota area

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Health Care:

Kiester Medical Center 120 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3693 Web: www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/kiester Your health care needs always come first at Mayo Clinic Health System in Kiester, whether that means primary care or specialty care services. Mayo Clinic Health System delivers trusted Mayo Clinic care close to your home.

United South Central Public Schools 250 2nd Avenue SW Wells, MN 56097 Phone: (507) 553-5819 Web: www.usc.k12.mn.us United South Central is a K-12 public school including the communities of Bricelyn, Easton, Freeborn, Kiester, Walters, and Wells. We have just completed our 22nd year! Next fall we will welcome the class of 2026 to begin their educational experience at USC.

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Bethel Trinity Church 308 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3721 Pastor:  n/a Sunday Worship:  n/a
Grace United Methodist Church 116 N 3rd Street PO Box 369 Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3300 Pastor:  Rev. Cherie Daniel Sunday Worship:  8:00 am
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church 605 W State Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3606 Pastor:  Katie Pals Sunday Worship:  8:45 am
Trinity Lutheran Church - ELCA 500th Street PO Box 239 Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 402-3524 Pastor:  Katie Pals Sunday Worship:  10:30 am

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Street scene, Kiester Minnesota, 2014 LakesnWoods.com photo - click image to enlarge

Visit the Kiester Gallery for many more historic and recent photos

American Legion Post 454 State Street PO Box 527 Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3734
Borderline Siding and Windows 801 W North Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3474 Web:  www.borderlinesidingandwindows.com We are a family owned siding & window business, established in Kiester in 1954, that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004. We service southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. We are a company that prides itself on giving individual attention to each job and providing you with fine workmanship.
Bradley M. Soma Accounting 308 W Center Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3288
Brownie's Plumbing and Heating 307 N 2nd Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3392
Courier-Sentinel 405 W Center Street PO Box 250 Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3400
Duane's Felco Service 103 S Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3717
Eileen Johnson Insurance 101 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3815
Farm Bureau Financial Services 119 S Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3050 Web:  www.kiesterinsurance.com  Farm Bureau Financial Services is an insurance company serving Kiester, MN. We are committed to helping you prepare for the future and protect what matters most. We offer business, auto, life, and health insurance.
Farmers Cooperative Association 100 W Front Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3697 Web: www.farmersca.com
First State Bank 101 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3621 Web: www.fsbkiester.com Locally owned and independently operated since being established in 1899, First State Bank has been committed to adding to the quality of life in the communities we serve.
Forever Berma's 130 S Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3344
Fure's Welding and Repair Service 4686 State Highway 22 Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3515
Goermann Insurance 501 W Center Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3458
Kee Civic Theatre 108 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3410
Kee Kafe 117 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3900
Kee Lanes & Grill 504 W State Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 848-6947 [Closed February 2014]
Kee Valley Apartments 408 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 402-7678 Web: www.smrrental.com/property/Kee_Valley_Apartments
Kibble Equipment 214 E State Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3244 Web:  www.kibbleeq.com Kibble Equipment is a family-owned business and has been serving our farming communities for over 35 years. We work with operations big and small, and take pride in the work we do. With Kibble Equipment you can count on top-notch service and support, combined knowledge of highly trained people and a solutions-based approach. With 12 stores to draw upon for parts, service and sales, you get immediate access to our experience and efficiency. Our goal is to be your go-to John Deere equipment dealership.
Kiester City Library 119 S Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3944
Kiester Fire Hall State Highway 22 Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3563
Kiester Implement, Inc. 110 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3387 Web: www.kiesterimp.com At Kiester Impement we provide service, repair and agricutlure equipment sales. If you see something you like or can't find what you're looking for make sure you contact us so we can help you out!
Kiester Liquor Store 202 N 1st Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3501
Kiester Market Main Street PO Box 176 Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294- Kiester lost its only grocery store in 2012. Since then a group of residents have worked to revive the store not only for convenience but also for the health and wellness of their hometown.
Kiester Medical Center 120 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3693 Web: www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/kiester Your health care needs always come first at Mayo Clinic Health System in Kiester, whether that means primary care or specialty care services. Mayo Clinic Health System delivers trusted Mayo Clinic care close to your home.
Kiester Welding 2556 State Highway 22 Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3567
Monty's 202 S 1st Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3017 We are a small town automotive repair trying to offer good & reliable service at a fair and affordable price.
Schumann Sales and Service 5336 State Highway 22 Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 402-1106
Square Yard 404 S 1st Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3739 Web:  www.thesquareyard.net We take pride in our business that we started in 1986. Since that time we have had the privilege to help many customers with their floor covering needs. Are there projects lingering in the back of your mind? Well, help is on the way. Our business is dedicated to providing residences in Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa with floor covering of the highest quality at truly competitive prices. We have professional, certified installers and are fully insured.
State Line Farm Supply 139 S Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3442
Tanks and Tummies 100 N 1st Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-9950
Ultimate Design II 119 S Main Street Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: (507) 294-3005
US Post Office 100 N Main Street Kiester, MN 56051-4401 Phone: (507) 294-3707 Toll Free: (800) ASK-USPS Web: www.usps.com

Topographic map is courtesy of the Minnesota DNR - click map to zoom or enlarge

 
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