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

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.

April Springs to Life

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

In the News: Opportunities to Create!

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

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.

woman at podium with other adults surrounding her, announcing a minnesota law suit

Regional Nitrate Issues Again Making Headlines

New lawsuit aims to ensure work continues to address nitrate contamination issues in southeast Minnesota.

Thanks for your support!

‘Tis the season to be jolly—and generous! Please support Root River Current with a financial gift—and thank you!

2024 artists, above, are among those recognized in Root River Current's series exploring the arts and artists in the greater Root River Valley region. (Root River Current photos)

Celebrating Regional Arts & Artists!

Root River Current recognized its 2024 featured artists at a community celebration November 9th at the Chatfield Center for the Arts.

Local Food Vendors Showcased at November FEAST! Festival

Check out local food vendors exhibiting at the 2024 FEAST! Festival.

Root River valley communities benefit from the regional Paint the Town Grant program. (Photos by John Gaddo and Nancy North)

Paint The Town — Sprucing Up Our Communities

Several area communities have benefited in recent years from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Paint the Town grant program. We visit four of them.