Group Attempts to Make Preston to Forestville Trail a Reality
Hundreds of Shrubs to Protect Vesta Creek Streambank
Root River Diary: How Did the Turtle Cross the Road?
Chert Quarry Near Grand Meadow Was Historic Social Center
La Crescent Farmers Market Builds Community
Greg Lovell finds fresh produce, artisan goods and community at the La Crescent Farmers Market.
Owl Bluff Farm Expands its Organic Produce Operation
Rose Korabek reports on Houston County’s first Deep Winter Greenhouse and the small-farm research being done in our region.
Flying into Fillmore County Airport
Alison Leathers chronicles the long history of the Fillmore County Airport and highlights recent improvements made through federal and state funding.
‘Sweet Business’ in the Hardwood Forest
Into the woods in search of Carlin’s Sugar Shack — and a sweet surprise! Alison Leathers teases us with syrup and more.
Things Are Heating Up at New Spring Grove Sauna Business
John Torgrimson ‘warms us up’ to a public sauna business in rural Houston County.
Community Leaders, “In the News…”
Tim Penny, Colleen Foehrenbacher, and Joe Grodahl are “In the news”—insights and updates on community people, businesses, organizations and happenings.
Inside Root River Current, January 2025
Behind the scenes news from Root River Current — announcing a major grant award and expanding the board for growth and success!
LeRoy-Area Couple Turns Family Dairy Farm into Gourmet Mushroom Business
David Phillips introduces us to farming entrepreneurs near LeRoy who are building a thriving mushroom business.
Flavors of the World Converge at Carlson Roasting Company
The holidays are filled with laughter, love — and wonderful aromas. Alison Leathers learns how the roasting, grinding, and brewing process impact the taste AND the aroma!
An Ancient Crop Makes its Home in Fillmore County
John Torgrimson visits Schmidt Farm’s garlic operation in Carimona Township, Fillmore County.
Hundreds of Shrubs to Protect Vesta Creek Streambank
John Weiss joins a crew of volunteers and conservation groups on a planting project to restore Vesta Creek’s floodplain with native and climate-adapted shrubs.
Chert Quarry Near Grand Meadow Was Historic Social Center
A historic Grand Meadow-area site was both a quarry and a seasonal crossroads for neighboring Indigenous people. Check out part II of David Phillips’ reporting.
High Schoolers Learning from Trout
John Weiss checks back in with Rushford-Peterson students as they complete their Trout in the Classroom project with a stream release.
Chert Quarry Near Grand Meadow is Rare, Lucky Find for Archaeologists
In the first of two stories, David Phillips reports on a rare archaeological find near Grand Meadow and visits with the archaeologist who’s been leading the research in recent years.
The Bridges of Fillmore County
John Weiss tours the bridges of Fillmore County with the crew who keep them in good shape.
Owl Bluff Farm Expands its Organic Produce Operation
Rose Korabek reports on Houston County’s first Deep Winter Greenhouse and the small-farm research being done in our region.
Inside Root River Current: Our Ag & Water Connection
How do our partners approach their work? Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk’s Madeline Heim shares her insights.
In The News: Trees!
Spring is a time for celebrating trees – we report on two restoration projects taking place in conjunction with Arbor Day and Arbor Month.
2025 Trout Season Looks Promising for Local Anglers
John Weiss opens the 2025 catch-and-keep trout season with a primer on the state of trout fishing in southeastern Minnesota.
Wild Rice Returns to Nearby Stretches of Mississippi River
Madeline Heim reports on the resurgence of native wild rice in the Upper Mississippi River valley.
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Chert Quarry Near Grand Meadow Was Historic Social Center
A historic Grand Meadow-area site was both a quarry and a seasonal crossroads for neighboring Indigenous people. Check out part II of David Phillips’ reporting.
“On Your Left!” | E-Bikes on Regional Trails
Steve Harris reports on the surge in e-bikes on Southeast Minnesota’s 60+ miles of state trails.
Chert Quarry Near Grand Meadow is Rare, Lucky Find for Archaeologists
In the first of two stories, David Phillips reports on a rare archaeological find near Grand Meadow and visits with the archaeologist who’s been leading the research in recent years.
Shooting Star Trail Was Once an Indigenous Crossroads
David Phillips explores Indigenous history found in Mower County along the Shooting Star Trail.
La Crescent Farmers Market Builds Community
Greg Lovell finds fresh produce, artisan goods and community at the La Crescent Farmers Market.
Braver Angels Encourages Constructive Disagreement
Anna Loney reports on a community gathering recently held in Lanesboro to help people learn communication techniques.
Discovered | The Underground Railroad in Southeast Minnesota and the Abolitionists Who Helped
Amy Jo Hahn uncovers the hidden history of the Underground Railroad in Southeast Minnesota.
Minnesota’s Hooded History
Surprising or not, the Ku Klux Klan was active in Southeast Minnesota in the 1920s. John Torgrimson reports on a recent presentation on the history of the Klan’s presence in the region.
In the News: Opportunities to Create!
Several recently announced spring and summer activities will spur participants’ creativity in music, performing arts — and gardening!
Commemorating Norwegian Crossings with Music and More
Giants of the Earth Heritage Center has lots to celebrate! Steve Harris guides our way.
Group Attempts to Make Preston to Forestville Trail a Reality
John Torgrimson reports on renewed efforts to complete the Preston to Forestville Bike Trail and the Preston volunteers leading the project.
The Bridges of Fillmore County
John Weiss tours the bridges of Fillmore County with the crew who keep them in good shape.
Flying into Fillmore County Airport
Alison Leathers chronicles the long history of the Fillmore County Airport and highlights recent improvements made through federal and state funding.
Area Public Health Officials Remain Vigilant at All Times
Since long before Covid 19, health officials have worked hard to stay ahead of ‘the next’ potential regional health threat; David Phillips reports on one example of a dedicated health team.
SE Minnesota’s Mississippi River Fisheries to Benefit from Proposed Legislation
Upper Mississippi fisheries and environmental quality could benefit from the proposed Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act of 2025, reports the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk.
Women Who Shaped Southeastern Minnesota History
On the occasion of Women’s History Month, Jane Skinner Peck reminds us of the rich history of the women’s civil rights movement in southern Minnesota.
Regional Nitrate Issues Again Making Headlines
New lawsuit aims to ensure work continues to address nitrate contamination issues in southeast Minnesota.
Mississippi River is Eroding Sacred Indigenous Mounds
Seasonal flooding is threatening ancient and sacred Indigenous mounds along the Upper Mississippi River. The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk reports on efforts to protect these mounds.
Prescribed Burn Team Treats State Highway Ditches With a Dose of Fire
Prescribed burns control noxious plants and spur growth of native vegetation along area roadways. Mike Dougherty follows one crew in southeastern Minnesota working near Interstate 90.
Conservation Ballot Initiative Key to Trust Fund Renewal
John Weiss reports on the conservation trust fund initiative on the Minnesota November 2024 ballot. Voters are being asked to extend the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund through 2050.
Inside Root River Current: Community Leadership
Root River Current’s Board of Directors expands by one in 2025; meet the newly elected and re-elected directors.
Inside Root River Current: Our Ag & Water Connection
How do our partners approach their work? Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk’s Madeline Heim shares her insights.
Your Leadership Can Make a Difference in Root River Current’s Third Year
Root River Current seeks Board of Directors candidates to support 2025 growth—can you help?
Inside Root River Current, January 2025
Behind the scenes news from Root River Current — announcing a major grant award and expanding the board for growth and success!
Welcome to Root River Current!
We’re HERE FOR YOU! Learn more about Root River Current, an online magazine committed to sound journalism and engaging storytelling—content that builds community in southeast Minnesota’s greater Root River valley.
Grateful For Your Inspiration and Encouragement!
Community donations, including individual gifts to our successful 2022-23 Founding Members Campaign, will help shape Root River Current’s future heading into 2024!
Area Public Health Officials Remain Vigilant at All Times
Since long before Covid 19, health officials have worked hard to stay ahead of ‘the next’ potential regional health threat; David Phillips reports on one example of a dedicated health team.
Neighbor Helping Neighbor
Greg Lovell visits Neighbors in Action, a La Crescent nonprofit working to keep seniors in their homes.
On His Own Terms | The Writing Life of Tom Driscoll
A southeast Minnesota writer and publisher chronicles his journey as a heart transplant recipient: John Weiss shares the ‘story behind the story’ captured in a soon-to-be-published book by author Tom Driscoll.
Youth Sex Trafficking Focus of League of Women Voters’ Public Forum
Ella Deutchman reports on a recent youth sex trafficking forum hosted by the Fillmore County League of Women Voters
Essay: Pharmacies in the Root River Valley | A Recent History
Luke Slindee documents the disappearance of small town drug stores.
Wildfire Smoke is New Hazard in Upper Midwest
Chloe Johnson reports on wildfire smoke hazards in the Midwest.
German Genius, Duped to Death
A German immigrant’s life and death was a mystery to his ancestors until a great-great niece unraveled the bizarre story.
High Schoolers Learning from Trout
John Weiss checks back in with Rushford-Peterson students as they complete their Trout in the Classroom project with a stream release.
High School Clay Target League is a Growing Sport
Tom Brudvig visits the Lanesboro Gun Club as the Trap Shooting Team takes the course.
Cultivating Community | How the Chatfield Public Library is Sowing Seeds
Move over books and periodicals: Laurie Byrne explains how seeds are making their way into area libraries.
The READ Act | New Teaching Methods for Reading in Minnesota
Alison Leathers checks in on local schools as they implement a new comprehensive reading program through Minnesota’s READ Act.
Stand Up, Speak Up
Now in her 25th year of coaching, Rachel Schieffelbein shares what it takes to compete in high school speech.
Trout in the Classroom | Opening a New World To Kids
John Weiss introduces us to high school students and their hands-on learning about rainbow trout and the delicate balance of conditions needed to grow them into big trout.
Girls are Wrestling in Southeast Minnesota—and Loving It!
Tom Brudvig explores the growing sport of girls’ wrestling in southeast Minnesota
Eagle Bluff’s Nature Preschool
Clare Mazack reports on the educational benefits of Eagle Bluff’s Nature Preschool.
Homeschooling | A Closer Look
Julie Little takes an in depth look at the growing homeschool movement.
Explore the Driftless Area Via the DARK Trail
John Torgrimson looks into the DARK Trail connecting 69 dramatic landscape and discovery sites in the Driftless Area.
Poetry: Come Spring, Rhubarb Takes the Stage
Catherine Glynn salutes one of our favorite spring delicacies in an Ode to Rhubarb.
Poetry: Junk Love and Other Poems
Winona poet Emilio DeGrazia shares poetry from an upcoming book of original works.
The Power of Storytelling
Sandy Webb learns how to tell a compelling story at a Winona-area storytelling workshop.
Herbjørn Gausta: Norwegian Pioneer and Painter of Church Altars
Contributor Loni Kemp and photographer Sharen Haugerud Storhoff explore the life of church artist Herbjørn Gausta, raised near Harmony.
Remarkable Artists Open Their Houston County Studios for Regional Art Tour
Rose Korabek profiles three women artists featured in the 2025 Bluff Country Art Tour.
Poetry: “Love…” In Springtime
Original poems — and a doodle — by southeastern Minnesota artist and poet, Diane Knight.
Essay: Maple Syrup–A Homesteading Tradition
An impulse-buy at a local farm store leads to a sweet new family tradition.
Joan Finnegan’s Dream Was Always to Be a Painter
Steve Harris interviews nationally known local artist, Joan Finnegan.
Artist Creating New Life in Southeastern Minnesota
David Phillips visits with Michelle de la Vega, nationally known artist and transplant to a small farm in southeast Minnesota.
Art Center Serves as a Hub for Winona Artists and Community
Inside the Winona Arts Center: John Torgrimson introduces us to activities available to the southeast Minnesota region.
Root River Diary: How Did the Turtle Cross the Road?
Joyce Roffler finds a unique way to help a snapping turtle across the road.
Bluffland Sunsets, Moonrise
Root River Current photographers capture twilight scenes in this series of “sunset, moonrise” photos.
Settling in for Another Season
Root River Current photographers capture critters welcoming another season.
Essay: Celebrating Blossoming Ephemerals, the Return of Birdsong and Earth Day
An excerpt on Spring from Nancy Overcott’s book ‘At Home in the Big Woods.’
April Springs to Life
Root River Current photographers capture the arrival of Spring in Southeast Minnesota.
Essay: Frank Walsh’s Kitchen
An excerpted essay from the book “Frank Walsh’s Kitchen” of a charming story of two teen boys working at summer haying and the unique lunch that followed.
Poetry: “Love…” In Springtime
Original poems — and a doodle — by southeastern Minnesota artist and poet, Diane Knight.
Essay: Maple Syrup–A Homesteading Tradition
An impulse-buy at a local farm store leads to a sweet new family tradition.
Essay: Plowabunga! My Salute to Snowplow Drivers
John Gaddo salutes snowplow drivers – Plowabunga!
Original Photography: Winter Scenes
Original photography from southeastern Minnesota featuring nature scenes and community activities.
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