Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-states. This edition highlights developments in Dubuque; Scales Mound, Ill.; and Bellevue, Iowa.
A local pharmaceutical company is expanding its services to include a new health clinic for specialized infusion treatments.
Wellspring Health, under brothers Wes and Charlie Hartig, of Hartig Drug Co., now is accepting patients at 1550 University Ave. The clinic provides private infusion suites for treatment of a variety of medical conditions.
Wes Hartig said they decided to open the clinic to expand Hartig Drug’s range of pharmaceutical services and meet area demand.
“When we looked across the various levels of pharmacy that we provide, this was one that we were missing,” he said. “So we saw this as an opportunity to offer treatments in a comfortable, convenient location in a way that met the needs of the local market.”
Medical infusion and injection treatments are required for a variety of conditions, Hartig said, including those related to digestive, rheumatological and hematological concerns.
Some area residents were traveling long distances to receive such treatments, he said, and that travel time and cost can add up for patients who require treatments on a regular basis.
The University Avenue location includes three private suites, each equipped with amenities including a television, refreshments and free internet access.
“Since a lot of these patients receive these treatments on a regular basis, we want our space to be an extension of their lives,” Hartig said. “That’s why we have Wi-Fi if people need to work (for example).”
Wellspring Health currently is accepting new clients by appointment. Treatment requires a provider referral and will be administered by a trained clinician.
Currently, the center accepts patients with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Humana insurance coverage, though the plan is to expand soon to all major insurance providers.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can call 563-900-8300.
Firearms store opens in Scales Mound
A new firearms store has opened in Jo Daviess County, Ill., with a focus on education and community engagement.
Stagecoach Shootin’ Irons opened this summer at 406 Franklin St. in Scales Mound. The store’s inventory includes over 300 different firearms including those for hunting, self-defense and sport.
Owner Garrett Kartman said he opened the store to provide a space for community members to purchase and learn about firearms in a welcoming, education-focused environment.
“We want to be a place where you can come and get education no matter the level that you’re at,” Kartman said. “Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced shooter, we want you to have an experience that matches your level and be a place where you can ask any questions you might have.”
Stagecoach offers new and used firearms, Kartman said, as well as trades and consignments. Per Illinois law, a background check and three-day waiting period is required for purchase.
Current education efforts are more informal, Kartman said, taking place casually between customers and employees, but moving forward, the plan is to offer official concealed-carry training.
In Illinois, 16 hours of such training by a state-approved instructor is required to carry a concealed weapon.
“That training is really important if you value safety,” Kartman said. “To get licensed and get your card (in Illinois), you need to go through that course.”
Stagecoach is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The store can be contacted online at stagecoachsi.com or by email at stagecoachshootinirons@gmail.com.
Bellevue screen printing business changes hands
A screen printing business and retail space has changed hands in Bellevue.
Martha and Tim Miller, of Bellevue, recently took ownership of Mighty Miss Designs & Printing at 301 S. Riverview St. The business first opened in 2017 under Amye Valant and offers custom screen printing, heat printing and embroidery services.
Martha Miller will be the primary owner and worked with Valant extensively ahead of the official acquisition to learn the ropes of the now-beloved Bellevue business.
“Every process has been really cool to watch and learn, just seeing how it’s all done,” Miller said. “It’s crazy how fast something goes from a blank (piece of clothing) to having this cool, fun design.”
Screen printing is a new venture for Miller, who has spent the past several years as a stay-at-home mom raising her two kids. When her husband mentioned Mighty Miss was for sale, it seemed like an opportunity to “do something new.”
“It’s a beautiful, well-established store in the community, and it’s local, which was really the most important thing,” she said. “Now, I can support the local community but still run home or get to my kids if I need to.”
Mighty Miss works with a variety of area schools, companies and community organizations to provide custom clothing, Miller said. The company offers custom shirts, hoodies, hats and onesies, among other items.
It also features retail space for merchandise related to local schools and to the Bellevue area more broadly.
Miller said she hopes to continue relationships with area organizations for custom orders, as well as redesign and expand the retail section to suit the needs of visitors and residents more generally.
She also hopes to add some retail items for pets, such as Bellevue-related bandanas or bows.
“I’d really like to add some more items for tourists to take home with them,” she said. “It’s so beautiful here, and I think people would want something to remember it by.”
Mighty Miss is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. For custom orders or more information, the business also can be reached online at mightymissdesigns.com or by email at orders@mightymissdesigns.com.