The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

Downtown Hartley is looking significantly different these days.

Renovations are underway at the former Crispy's Stoplight Lounge. Ryan "Stitch" Brehmer purchased the property from former owner Rachel Crist this year, and he didn't waste time getting to work.

So far, the interior has been gutted and the vinyl siding has been removed to reveal the building's brick exterior. Brehmer is planning to turn it back into a bar and restaurant.

"I've always wanted to have a bar," he said. "It's overwhelming and exciting – every emotion out there. It's gonna be a great thing for the community when it...