Year: 2025

An illustration of two large horses pulling farm equipment through a brown field with a dark gray and yellow cloudy sky behind them.

Essay | A Teacher, a Rooster and an Outhouse

An essay from the book “A Teacher, A Rooster and an Outhouse” tells the story of young boy shenanigans while entertaining their teacher.

A large building with peaked roof and tall windows with a stone sign in the front.

Driftless Center a Must Stop on the Great River Road

John Weiss learns more about the Driftless region during a visit to a learning center just south of the Minnesota-Iowa border.

Students in black graduation gowns stand in front of an orange brick building and throw their black caps into the air.

Community Backs Students’ Educational Journey

David Phillips reports on the outpouring of support from Kingsland area donors to help support continuing education of graduating seniors.

A book cover with a closeup image of wood planks showing the grain. One end grain looks like a five-petaled flower. The words on the cover are in a grainy type of red and white and say "A Good Sauna Always Burns Down".

Poetry | Finnish-American Heritage Reflected in New Collection

From back roads and wasp nests to shamans and lutefisk, regional poet Jim Johnson shares excerpts from his latest collection.

man looking at gathered people in community setting

Root River Diary | An Extraordinary Kindness

Just how special can a delivery person be? Steve Harris and Diane Knight share observations from a community sendoff to UPS driver Josh Merchlewitz.

A grassy hillside dotted with clumps of tall yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers. Flowers are called Rudbeckia or Black-Eyed Susan.

In La Crescent, HELP Grant Sparks Community, Habitat Connections

Ann Wessel reports on new native planting and pollinator habitat projects created in La Crescent through state and local funding programs.

A large group of people of all ages sit on benches in an outside grassy area with leafy trees behind them. All are facing the camera in a group photo setting.

Eagle Bluff Marks its 45th Year with Reunion

Outdoor education is key to Eagle Bluff’s success; Clare Mazack reports on the learning center’s 45th year of programming and the staff behind its programs.

Five people holding photo props stand on either side of a rainbow striped banner with the words "dam proud". The banner is hung on the side of a tall pavilion in a park.

Photo Essay | Lanesboro’s First-ever Pride in the Park

Upwards of 200 people gathered to support Lanesboro’s first annual Pride in the Park; Root River Current photographers share the story in a special photo essay.

a photo collage of a screen, a bike, and a train

Speak Up, Speak Out – and Listen

Water quality, e-bikes and a new “talking trail” are all In the News in June. John Gaddo has details on how Root River Current readers can speak up, speak out – and listen!