NW Twin Cities

As the COVID-19 has most businesses shutdown or having to adjust their business tactics, the economy has seen a dramatic impact. 

Those businesses that have been deemed essential enough to remain open, however, are continuing to help the community more than ever.

With Gov. Tim Walz’s request that people stay home until May 1, Meeker County is finding its way through these uncharted times.

Bikes by Bob owner Bob Tanner told the Minnesota Post that he been able to keep his bike/coffee shop open on the east end of town, along Highway 12.

Judy Hulterstrum, the executive director of the Litchfield Area Chamber of Commerce, told the Post that the community is showing signs of solidarity, giving citizens much needed hope.

“It’s a really tough time right now because of the uncertainty,” she said, “but we’re staying as positive as we can.”

At The Tavern on Main, Bethany Lee mopped the floors and took out the garbage late Tuesday morning while her husband cooked, the Minnesota Post reports.

“The Lees bought the place three-and-a-half years ago and renovated it to reach a broad swath of customers, from the retirees who come for breakfast to the younger people who trickle in later for the Castle Danger and Organ Grinder craft beers," the article reported.

For now, the Lees will continue to put in 10-hour days, preparing about 80 meals every afternoon before they hope to bring all of their employees back full time as things get back to normal.

“It’s working, so far,” Bethany Lee said. “It’s a small enough town that the options are limited, so people come here. That helps.”

In the meantime, county leaders are urging the community to remain hope and stay safe.

As of April 5, the nationwide numbers have grown to over 336,376 confirmed cases and 9,1608 deaths, according to a Johns Hopkins University report. The United States faces the most confirmed cases in the world.