Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from across the tri-states. This edition highlights recent developments in Lancaster, Wis.; Bellevue, Iowa; and Dubuque.

A new tattoo parlor has made its home in Lancaster.

Lexx McCarville has five years of tattooing experience and recently worked at Emerald Buddha Tattoo in Galena, Ill., while living in the Lancaster area.

She opened her own studio in her hometown in March.

“Part of wanting to open up my own space (was so that) I’m closer to home and my own community,” McCarville said, while adding that having her own studio was always a goal. “It’s been my dream since the get-go.”

DreamWeaver Ink Tattoo Studio currently is located at 219 W. Maple St. and shares the building with other small businesses. However, McCarville plans to move her business into a building at

133 W. Maple St. in June.

The name DreamWeaver was inspired by her creative spirit.

“I’ve always been kind of known for — if I think it up, I can have it — so just weaving my own dreams,” McCarville said. “As far as tattooing and stuff goes, you have the idea, I can make it come to life.”

McCarville said her shop stands out not just because of her tattooing skills, but also because of the welcoming atmosphere she tries to keep.

“Not only do you get a super dope tattoo, but I feel like I’m wonderful at making people feel really comfortable, and we have a good time in here,” she said. “It’s more of a full experience than just a great tattoo.”

Because she is the only tattoo artist working at the shop, McCarville said she can work with all styles of tattoos. However, she said fine line or black and gray realism are her niche.

For now, she is unable to accept walk-ins due to being consistently booked. However, she said this could change as she hopes to eventually bring in other artists, offering more flexibility.

DreamWeaver Ink Tattoo Studio is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

To book appointments, send McCarville a Facebook message at tinyurl.com/dreamweaverink or call 608-354-0084.

Bellevue RV park owners buy Potter’s Mill

A Bellevue resort is expanding its reach by purchasing Potter’s Mill at 300 Potter Drive.

Dan Blitgen, who owns Riverview RV Park and Vacation Rentals, as well as River Rock Inn, with his wife, Annie Blitgen, said he is working to renovate the historic structure into an event space. The structure, Iowa’s oldest mill, has been home to several businesses over the years.

“I thought this would be a good intimate space for a wedding venue,” Dan Blitgen said. “This is a unique space for seeing family and friends.”

While Blitgen said he anticipates the space to be most popular for weddings, he said it is perfect for all kinds of events and gatherings.

Aside from the event space, there are eight guest suites on three floors, he said. Overall, 25 individuals will be able to stay at Potter’s Mill at a time.

“There (will be) packages where you can rent the whole mill and bring your whole extended family,” Dan Blitgen said.

Ongoing renovations will respect the building’s history and not drastically change it, Blitgen said. He called it a “staple” in both Bellevue and the state of Iowa.

“It’s just a real serene place,” he said.

Blitgen said he hopes to have the event space ready by the Fourth of July, but he is not sure whether all of the guest space will be ready by that time.

Martial arts school opens on Main Street

A martial arts training academy has opened in downtown Dubuque.

Various classes are available at JTK Training Academy, 1125 Main St. Owner and instructor Aaron Johnston, who has extensive experience in martial arts, self-defense and fitness training, will teach kenpo and tai chi for ages 16 and older. He also offers corporate seminars and survival skills classes.

Johnston’s primary goal for his students is building confidence.

“Adults these days seem to lack confidence in defending (themselves),” he said.

Kids’ classes, for ages 8 to 15, are also available through JTK Training Academy. Johnston said these will differ in intensity from adult classes.

“They pay attention to the basic forms, techniques,” he said. “There’s not going to be any contact.”

Johnston said his classes help teach young people discipline. He started training in martial arts as a teenager.

“It helped me stay out of trouble,” he said.

While two of his past students originally were going to help teach kids’ classes, Johnston said their plans changed. Still, he hopes to “promote” more of his students in the future.

“Eventually, I’m going to organically let students teach kids’ classes, if they’re suited for it,” he said.

While the academy officially opened in March, Johnston said he is still working on fully furnishing the space and will hold an open house in May and a grand opening later in the year.

Sign-ups for classes are already open, however.

Kenpo classes will be held from 6 to 7 a.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tai chi classes will be held from 7 to 8 a.m. the same days. Two sets of kids’ class sessions will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday.

Those interested can sign up by calling or texting 319-217-2941, by sending an email to aaron@jtktrainingacademy.com or by walking in.