When the community says yes

Brian quickly got to work on bringing the old building back to life through heating and air and adding bathrooms. After making renovations, Stacy and Brian decided to host a comedian at Frontage 109.

“We hosted an event with a comedian, and the outpouring of people — it was crazy,” Stacy says.

The community’s excitement and interest in the event space gave them the confidence to make it available for use.

“The use of the space just took off from there,” Stacy says. “The community would bring ideas, and we just helped make them happen.”

Since then, they have opened their doors to be used by anyone and everyone; the possibilities are endless with Frontage 109.

Counting on the community

All of this was happening while Brian and Stacy were both working full‑time jobs and in the early stages of starting their own farming and ranching operation.

“We were juggling a lot,” Stacy says. “Jobs, little kids, crops and cattle.”

It was a blessing that the location of Frontage 109 came available when it did. The salon clientele had grown enough to get attention.

“Looking back, we find all of it a blessing,” Stacy says. “I’m not sure we would’ve taken the step to purchase a different location.

“We bought this for the salon in the back with high hopes of using the front for many different occasions, but we just didn’t know if a smaller community could support it enough to make a go of it.”

The Wurtzes have opened Frontage 109’s doors to be used by anyone and everyone in their community.

“We’ve had just about every kind of event you can think of,” Stacy says. “It’s used for everything — showers, weddings, fundraisers, classes.”

From a coffee shop to a dance studio, to a vendor fair and more, many within Leonardville have utilized Frontage 109.

“We laugh that we believe most of Leonardville has the code to the place,” Stacy says.

And while the community brought ideas, Stacy often said yes before thinking and Brian brings the behind-the-scenes support.

“He’s the one hauling 12 Christmas trees for a fundraiser because I said yes before I thought it through,” Stacy says with a laugh.

Leveling the playing field

Everything comes with a price, which is usually on the more expensive side, but Stacy and Brian wanted Frontage 109 to be an affordable option within the area that could provide the same needs as anywhere else.

“It keeps things on an even playing field,” Stacy says. “People can have something nice without spending $500, and it takes the pressure off people who still want to do something special.”

With the 10th anniversary of Frontage 109 this year, Stacy and Brian are looking to upgrade the building to better meet the needs of their community. To do so, they applied for grants, and references were needed. To her surprise, Stacy was nothing but short on support.

“I sent out an email asking for letter references from a couple of people who have used Frontage 109 and we received so many,” she says. “Many individuals and organization include photos. They were so kind and so genuine, it was overwhelming.”

The village behind the venue

The four Wurtz children have been part of Frontage 109 from the start. 

“We closed on Frontage 109 the same month Claire was born, so our kids spent many days and nights there,” Stacy says. “They’ve decorated, cleaned, scooped sidewalks and hosted their own events.”

The support doesn’t stop with their immediate family. Extended family members also stepped up, watching the kids during events, helping with meals or simply showing up when Stacy and Brian were stretched thin.

“There were so many nights when someone in the family would scoop up the kids so Brian and I could finish setting up or clean after an event,” Stacy says.

And just as Stacy and Brian poured into Frontage 109, the community poured right back into them. Neighbors picked up the kids and took them to the park or the convenience store for a snack while Stacy finished setting up for an event or squeezed in a late‑night haircut.

One of the most memorable examples of that community care came from the local convenience store owner. When the Wurtz daughters proudly announced they were “old enough to walk alone,” he sat on the bench outside The Store quietly to watch them safely cross the street. 

Because of the endless support from their community, Stacy and Brian wanted to host an appreciation event to say thank you, but it was their community that made an even bigger impression.

“We hosted an appreciation event, and people started passing a hat,” Stacy says. “It ended up being around $2,000.” 

A living memory lane

Being a part of the community for 10 years, Frontage 109 has made an impression and has been part of individuals’ milestones, which Stacy and Brian have been able to see firsthand.

“The girls I did prom hair for are now hosting their baby showers here,” Stacy says. “We’ve been part of so many big moments in people’s lives, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

And as the years go on, the community’s use of and involvement in Frontage 109 has turned it into a place of memories for those who have set foot inside; a place where everyone is welcome.

The future in full view

As the future of Frontage 109 unfolds, the Wurtz family is excited to update the space to better serve their community.

“We want it to be a destination,” Stacy says.

While the family wants to give Frontage 109 upgrades, they also want to work toward it becoming a place for learning.

“We want to be more intentional about what we offer,” Stacy says. “There’s a real need for more opportunities for kids and we have organizations willing to help bring it to life.”

Powered by people

From the beginning, Frontage 109 was merely an idea and an opportunity, but now it is a place of friendship, learning and growth. The community’s endless support and Stacy and Brian’s drive to invest in Leonardville is what has made it possible.

“This place is special because of the people,” Stacy says. “We’ve been lucky to be a part of people’s biggest moments and part of this community.”

Learn more about Frontage 109 on their Facebook page.