Check out the Sidebar

A leap of faith and a desire to meet community needs has led to a new business opening on Clearwater's Main Street.

The Sidebar, a mix of handmade crafts and locally produced items, fills a spot in The Office, located at 522 Main Street and will be accessible on the west side of the building.

The business, a division of ColdType Publishing, will have a soft opening, Nov. 19.

the sidebar is a take on the journalism term.

Merriam-Webster's definition of sidebar reads: "A short news story or graphic accompanying and presenting sidelights of a major story.

Publisher Scott Schindler says the name is a true representation of the shop.

"It's appropriate since the building houses the Summerland Advocate-Messenger," said owner Scott Schindler, "Take a look inside the sidebar and you'll see the stories behind the items."

Odell agrees.

"In journalism, a sidebar's purpose is to add unique information that parallels the story. the sidebar shop hopes to provide that same purpose to the existing businesses on Clearwater's Main Street and to the neighboring communities," she said.

the sidebar will feature handmade goods crafted by local artisans, including Jim Bean Coffee, from O'Neill; J & J Apiaries honey, from Clearwater; Oak Creek Farmhouse candles, based in Brainard and a line of goat milk soaps and lotions from G3 soaps, operating from Clearwater.

New items from other Nebraska-based businesses are in the works. Eventually, boutique clothing will be added to the mix.

"We want to meet community and customer needs," Schindler said.

The store site has been renovated, giving it a country chic vibe meets classic and sleek design.

"Our goal is to inspire those who pass through our door," Odell said.

the sidebar will be open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment.

Vendors interested in selling items in the sidebar are encourged to contact Elizabeth Odell at [email protected] or call 402-485-2101.

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