Month: October 2024

Inspired by nature, artist Rita LeDuc prefers painting with traditional oil paints. (All images courtesy of Rita and Paul LeDuc)

Paint Where We Live, Live Where We Paint

Delia Bell introduces us to Fillmore County artists Rita and Paul LeDuc whose works are on display in the gallery at Chatfield Center for the Arts through December.

Trailers lined up to receive their boats along the Mississippi River in late October. (Photo by John Gaddo)

Poetry | Boat Trailer Blues

Poetry by Ken Lubinski.

High school football — an autumn tradition — has Caiden Reiter running for a Kingsland Knights touchdown against Spring Grove. (Photos by John Weiss)

Behind Friday Night Lights

High school football is more than what happens on the field — John Weiss takes us behind the scenes of a Kingsland High School football game in Spring Valley.

Small older main street with brightly colored tent set up as people gather, walk around, and visit with neighbors.

New Design for Downtown Spring Valley May Preview Future

David Phillips reports on efforts by the Spring Valley Business Alliance to revive the downtown area.

A replica of “The Restauration” Norwegian sailing ship shown at full sail on the sea with a bright blue sky with white clouds behind the sails.

Norway Holds A Giant Family Reunion

Crossings 200 commemorates 200 years of organized Norwegian emigration to North America. This story follows a visit by Terje Mikael Hasle Joranger of Norway — who happens to have relatives living in southeastern Minnesota — who talks about the history of Norwegian emigration to North America and the 2025 bicentennial.

Root River area towns have stories to tell. (Map courtesy of <a href="https://www.rootrivertrail.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Root River Trail Towns</a>)

Root River Diary

This recurring series features original short stories based on observations and experiences of what makes our rural communities uniquely special. Learn more and submit YOUR story!

A haybale is transformed into a gnome with pinecone bear and orange hat.

Worth the Beautiful Drive — Big Springs Farm Pumpkins and Corn Maze

Alison Leathers finds her way through the maze of agritourism at Big Springs Farm Pumpkins and Corn Maze near Lanesboro, Minn.

EllenTitus of The Nature Conservancy checks on the goats helping restore goat prairie.

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.