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

Couple stands in front of racks filled with growing mushrooms.

LeRoy-Area Couple Turns Family Dairy Farm into Gourmet Mushroom Business

David Phillips introduces us to farming entrepreneurs near LeRoy who are building a thriving mushroom business.

Black and white aerial photo of Lanesboro town from the 1800s.

Lanesboro Talking Trail Coming in 2025

Details on a new audio-based history and storytelling project, Talking Trail, coming to Lanesboro in Spring 2025.

primary 2-b

Welcome to Root River Current!

We’re HERE FOR YOU! Learn more about Root River Current, an online magazine committed to sound journalism and engaging storytelling—content that builds community in southeast Minnesota’s greater Root River valley.

2024-Dec donor photo-4

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

Yes, Christmas cards do exist in real life! Snowy view of the Christmas Market held on campus in Rauland, Norway.

Christmas in Norway | A Minnesotan’s Yuletide Greeting for the Season

Christmas in Norway looks a little different than her previous home in southeast Minnesota; Drue Fergison reports from abroad on the unique Christmas traditions and experiences in Rauland, Norway.

A woman in a department of natural resources uniform stands on a river bank by long tubes made of natural fibers placed on the muddy bank.

Mississippi River is Eroding Sacred Indigenous Mounds

Seasonal flooding is threatening ancient and sacred Indigenous mounds along the Upper Mississippi River. The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk reports on efforts to protect these mounds.

Middle aged man stand in front of a large black cast iron machine with a tray holding light brown coffee beans. A long arm moves through the beans as they roast.

Flavors of the World Converge at Carlson Roasting Company

The holidays are filled with laughter, love — and wonderful aromas. Alison Leathers learns how the roasting, grinding, and brewing process impact the taste AND the aroma!

Paul Schmidt in the shed on his farm where 64,000 garlic are drying. Schmidt Farm markets seed stock to a variety of garden and seed companies.

An Ancient Crop Makes its Home in Fillmore County

John Torgrimson visits Schmidt Farm’s garlic operation in Carimona Township, Fillmore County.

Tony Rahe stands next to a wall of lettuce in one of his hydroponic growing containers at Rahe of Sunshine Farms in Wykoff.

Hydroponic Farm is High Tech Operation With Small Footprint

David Phillips tours a hydroponic farming operation in Wykoff, Minnesota. Owner Tony Rahe gives access to the two trailers currently housing multiple acres of lettuce, kohlrabi, and radishes that are sold to local schools, at farmers markets, and online.

Holiday gifts, tasty treats, and SMILES can all be found at area craft fairs and bake sales. (Photo by John Weiss)

Seasonal Crafts, Sweets Just Around the Corner

Get excited for another year of holiday craft fairs and bake sales by revisiting John Weiss’ visit to a 2023 gathering in Preston.

A low fire burns in vegetation in a ditch along a highway while a worker with fire gear and a drip torch looks on.

Prescribed Burn Team Treats State Highway Ditches With a Dose of Fire

Prescribed burns control noxious plants and spur growth of native vegetation along area roadways. Mike Dougherty follows one crew in southeastern Minnesota working near Interstate 90.

Zach Lind, General Manager of Norsland Lefse, mans the company booth at a recent FEAST event in Rochester.

Norsland Makes Lefse “Like Grandma Used To Make”

Just in time for the holidays, Tom Brudvig guides us through the process of lefse-making – from russet potatoes to final product – at the Norsland Lefse factory in Rushford.

Follow us

Support this work

Connect