Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from across the tri-states. This edition highlights developments in Dubuque; Maquoketa, Iowa; and Galena, Ill.

A new photo studio is opening in Dubuque next week.

Elevated Images will hold its grand opening at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, at its studio at 129 Main St. The studio focuses on drone photography and is co-owned by couple Michael Williams and McKenzy Marley, of Dubuque.

The pair is well known for their weekly appearances at Dubuque Farmers Market, where they have been vendors since 2019.

“Aerial photography makes familiar places unique. It’s a perspective that hasn’t been shared before or seen as often,” Williams said. “I’m just excited to share that with people in a physical location.”

Williams takes the photos sold at Elevated Images, while Marley helps with bookkeeping and business organization. The couple has traveled all over the world, taking photos along the way to add to their expansive collection.

The Main Street studio’s south wall will feature Williams’ Dubuque-area photos — including shots of iconic spots such as the Julien Dubuque Monument, Washington Square and Fenelon Place Elevator.

The north wall conversely will show off images from around the U.S. and beyond. One photo shows an aerial shot of Paris at nightfall. Another depicts an island in Greece and its oceanic, blue-green background.

“I just want it to be a fun place for people to come in and explore,” Williams said. “Looking one way, people can get lost in (all the photos of) Dubuque, and then they can turn around and get lost in Paris or Arizona.”

In addition to various sized prints, Elevated Images also stocks postcards, magnets and coasters, among other items. The goal is to have something for everyone, whether it’s an area resident looking to brighten up their home or a tourist looking for a memento of their time in Dubuque.

“We want to show off all the different sides of Dubuque,” Williams said. “We have such a vibrant downtown, and there’s lines and shapes everywhere that can be used to create something beautiful.”

After its grand opening, the studio will be open between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The couple also plans to continue to sell work at Dubuque Farmers Market and Millwork Night Market.

Elevated Images can be contacted on its Facebook and Instagram pages or on its website at elevatedimagesdubuque.com.

Maquoketa radio station for sale

An iconic Jackson County radio station is for sale after the recent retirement of its longtime owner, Dennis Voy.

KMAQ Radio’s Maquoketa building at 129 Main St. is listed for

$1.1 million through Nemmers Realty. The 5,300-square-foot building is the longtime home of the Maquoketa station, known for its mix of music, news, high school sports coverage and entertainment.

“The station has meant a lot for the community and for our family,” said Lonna Claussen, Voy’s daughter, who is helping oversee the station until its sale. “Dad’s often referred to as the ‘Voice of Maquoketa,’ so (his broadcasts) will be missed.”

Claussen said the difficult decision to sell the station was made after her father fell ill and it became clear he wouldn’t be able to return to the mic. He has worked at the station for 65 years after applying on a whim.

Claussen said the goal now is to find a local buyer or someone else who plans to continue the station’s Maquoketa presence for area listeners.

“We don’t want someone buying it to split it up or piece it out,” she said. “We’d like the new owner to come with new ideas but to ultimately keep it in Maquoketa, too.”

Voy also owns Voy 3 Theatres in Maquoketa and Voy 61 Drive In Theatre near Delmar. Those businesses will continue to operate as normal under his children’s leadership.

The listing for KMAQ can be found online at bit.ly/3ZtIl79. Showings of the space can be scheduled using the form at the bottom of the listing.

New craft studio coming to Galena

A new do-it-yourself craft studio is set to soon open in downtown Galena.

Board & Brush Creative Studio will open Oct. 13 at 310 N. Main St. It is one of hundreds of franchise locations across the country and will be owned and operated by Jen and Curran Lane, of Menominee, Ill.

The do-it-yourself studio will host several workshops each week where attendees can create unique wooden decor projects from scratch under the direction of a Board & Brush instructor.

“Even if you’re not super artistic, you can still participate because someone is walking you through the entire process,” Jen Lane said. “I’m looking forward to seeing people’s reactions at the end of a workshop and seeing how proud they are of the work they did.”

Jen said she was inspired to open the Galena location after attending a workshop at the now-closed Board & Brush location in Dubuque. She was impressed by the ease of the workshop and the quality of the finished product, and she asked Curran that night about opening their own location.

During registration, she explained, attendees will choose from hundreds of stencils provided by Board & Brush. An instructor will then walk guests through the process of staining the piece, laying the stencil and painting the design.

“We’ll have 97 different (paint) colors … and eight different stains,” Lane said. “With all the different designs and techniques, I’d guess there will never be two signs that leave here looking the same.”

Wooden signs are the most popular project choice at Board & Brush, but other options include tray tables and wooden game boards. There also are kids projects and “time crunch” workshops, which take less time and money.

In addition to public workshops, the studio also will be available for private rentals. The store has a liquor license, meaning the couple can serve alcohol at adult-only events.

The Galena location can be contacted on its Facebook and Instagram pages or by email at galena@boardandbrush.com. People also can register for upcoming workshops online at boardandbrush.com/galena.