Year: 2025

From Radio Waves to Fan Blogs: How Tony Schultz Built His Vikings Community

Rose Korabek talks Vikings football with lifelong fan Tony Schultz, a local contributor to the all-things-purple-and-gold “Vikings Territory” blog.

A classic small-town hardware store with a vintage gold-and-black sign reading “Hokah Hardware” painted across large front windows. The display window is filled with household items—glassware, pitchers, and metalware—while tables outside hold brightly colored bowls, tools, and small appliances for sale. The green storefront and wooden overhang evoke an old-fashioned Main Street charm.

Hokah Hardware Keeps Small-Town Spirit Alive

For 35 years, Carol Moore has made Hokah Hardware a Main Street gathering place alive with heart, history and hometown pride. Greg Lovell reports on the challenges this small town store faces.

view from bluffs looking at river valley and beyond

ESSAY | Hiking Wisconsin’s Driftless Bluffs and Prairies

Our scenic blufflands, valleys and trails aren’t restricted to Southeast Minnesota alone, as a day’s hike into Western Wisconsin’s Driftless Area will prove!

A glowing autumn sunset fills the sky with brilliant shades of orange and red above a wooded bluff. Below, a black steel railroad bridge spans a calm river that reflects the sunset colors. The trees along the water’s edge are beginning to show fall hues of gold and brown, creating a tranquil, scenic view.

Autumn Life in the Driftless

Root River Current photographers capture autumn activities in the Driftless.

A person wearing a bright green shirt and blue shorts stands beside three colorful kayaks—red, blue, and green—resting on a new concrete boat ramp that slopes gently into a calm, tree-lined river. Two white pickup trucks are parked nearby, one with a small trailer stacked with more kayaks and orange life vests. Sunlight filters through leafy trees, casting dappled shadows on the water, while the opposite riverbank reflects green and gold tones of early autumn.

Water Enthusiasts Gain New Access to Cedar River State Water Trail

New public access in Mower County’s Lyle Township opens the Cedar River to more paddlers and anglers, highlighting a successful partnership among state, county and local conservation groups.

A full house of farmers and ranchers sit shoulder to shoulder in the renovated Lanesboro Sales Barn’s theatre-style seats. Many wear baseball caps or straw hats as they watch the auction ring below. The tiered seating and upper-level balcony give the scene the look of a movie theater, with people leaning forward in concentration as bids are called out.

Lanesboro Sales Barn Completes Theatre-style Renovation

Tom Brudvig reports on the Lanesboro Sales Barn as it celebrates a renovation with theatre-style seating, digital upgrades and record-breaking sales.

A person with short gray hair and sunglasses stands behind a blue-covered craft fair table set up outdoors on a sunny day in a wooded park. The table displays handmade fabric crafts, including colorful quilted eyeglass cases, pot holders, and bags made from patterned cotton fabric. The vendor’s sign reads “TLT Crafts.” Wooden crates are stacked to create display shelves, and one holds an orange-and-white leaf-patterned tote bag. Dappled sunlight filters through green trees in the background.

From Quilts to Tote Bags: Twyla Thorson’s 30-Year Legacy of Textile Art

From quilts to tote bags, Rose Korabek profiles Houston County fiber artist Twyla Thorson celebrating 30 years of her unique holiday home boutique.

Paddling the Mississippi River is a Grand Adventure!

Mississippi River expedition will be canoeing past southeastern Minnesota; details from the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk.

A young woman (left) and a young man (right) stand on either side of a wide, rusted bridge railing and hold a container of water with a rubber tube coming out of the bottom of the container.

Conservation Conversation on Climate Smart Agriculture and Water Quality

Alison Leathers continues her Conservation Conversations with a report on the Fillmore County SWCD and its wide range of services for farmers and landowners.