Return to Archived Stories

The manual wash bays are coin operated and cost $1.75 for four minutes. Each features a brush and hooks for washing floor mats, according to Harlan.

The automatic car wash, with prices that range from $4 to $7 depending on the level of service, will accept coins, bills, and credit cards and will soon accept tokens. The car wash also has vacuums. The Leusinks opened the Wash House because they saw a need for more manual car washes when they moved to the area in 2001. Because they live on a gravel road, the Leusinks found they were frequently washing their cars.

Kristi and Harlan Leusink have opened a new car wash, with manual and automatic service, on Highway 23 on the west side of Paynesville.

Their building was designed to allow for the addition of either a truck/RV bay or a pet wash, added Harlan.

Originally from Iowa, the Leusinks moved to Rice Lake from Omaha, Neb. Besides running their new business, Harlan is a pilot for a Twin Cities-based airline, and Kristi is a radiation therapist in St. Cloud.

The couple chose to settle in the area with their two children because they liked the idea of living in a small community with a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, and they were impressed by the area schools, according to Harlan.

When they aren't working, the Leusinks like to spend time boating and fishing on Rice Lake as well as camping and snowmobiling. The family also loves movies, said Harlan.