John Gaddo

John Gaddo

John Gaddo is co-publisher of Root River Current. His professional career has included stints as a public media manager, journalist and audio producer.

Author's Archive

A large screen behind a stage lined with people in chairs shows a womean sitting in a folding chair in her grassy yard.

Fillmore County Farmers Featured at Farm Aid 40

Local farming couple Vance and Bonnie Haugen were featured during the Farm Aid 40 events held in Minneapolis in September 2025. Root River Current‘s Julie Fryer was there.

Model A cars and people at shelter

Enjoying the Driftless in Century-Old ‘A’

Photographers/videographers capture members of an Iowa Model A Ford club touring through southeastern Minnesota.

people around table in conference room

Wilderness-Style Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail Making Progress

An update on the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail which is close to opening a couple stretches of this proposed 100-plus mile wilderness trail through Southeast Minnesota.

four youth musicians standing with instruments in outdoor setting

Classical Music Echoes Through the Valley

The Stringwood Chamber Music Festival returns to the Root River Valley for its 25th year of concerts and education; John Gaddo takes a closer look.

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!

sunsetting photo

Bluffland Sunsets, Moonrise

Root River Current photographers capture twilight scenes in this series of “sunset, moonrise” photos.

tug boat going through lock and dam

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.

volunteers planting trees

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.

photo of blooming blue flower

April Springs to Life

Root River Current photographers capture the arrival of Spring in Southeast Minnesota.

collage of event pictures

In the News: Opportunities to Create!

Several recently announced spring and summer activities will spur participants’ creativity in music, performing arts — and gardening!

snowplow plowing snow from highway

Essay | Plowabunga! My Salute to Snowplow Drivers

John Gaddo salutes snowplow drivers – Plowabunga!

Visitors to Peterson, Minn., will appreciate gnome murals added to the Peterson post office building for years to come! The project was coordinated by Friends of Peterson and supported by a 2022 Paint the Town Grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). (Photo courtesy of SMIF)

Time Again to ‘Paint The Town’

Learn how your community can benefit — and beautify — from a 2025 Paint the Town Grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (applications accepted through March 31), and tour some of the recent projects in southeast Minnesota.

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