John Torgrimson

John Torgrimson

John Torgrimson is managing editor and co-publisher of Root River Current.

Author's Archive

Wide view of Stockholm’s waterfront with bridges, walkways, and historic buildings under a partly cloudy sky, with people walking and biking along the water’s edge.

Essay | The Pursuit of Happiness

Touring from Gothenburg to Stockholm, John Torgrimson explores firsthand why Sweden ranks among the world’s happiest nations – and has some “caring and sharing” observations for the holidays.

A full gymnasium filled with about 100 people seated in rows of folding chairs for a community meeting. The audience consists mostly of middle-aged and older adults, chatting and holding printed handouts. The room has basketball hoops, beige block walls, and fluorescent lights overhead.

Harmony Annexes 60 Acres for Possible Data Center

John Torgrimson and Julie Little report on community meetings surrounding a potential data center coming to Harmony.

Pairs of dancers practicing square dancing on a wooden dance floor.

Swing Your Partner, Do-Si-Do

John Torgrimson takes to the Barn Dance floor and meets up with square dance caller Sue Hulsether.

A group of people sit at a table with glasses of beer appearing to have a discussion.

Engage Winona Wants to Train People for Public Leadership

John Torgrimson reports on a new Engage Winona initiative to train and grow rural community leaders in Southeast Minnesota.

Young children lean on a table with crafts made from egg cartons and pipe cleaners.

Youth of All Ages Engage in Creative Summer Arts Programs

Summer arts programs for area youth teach collaboration, creativity and community involvement; our photos and video montage capture their enthusiasm!

A group of people gather on a large, elevated, circle structure covered by a roof. Signs with writing and images are positioned around the entrance stairway to the gazebo.

Citizen Working Group Releases Nitrate Report

John Torgrimson covers the release of 2025 recommendations by a regional work group to address nitrate issues in Southeast Minnesota.

An older man in a maroon long sleeve shirt and tan pants stand in the middle of a small bridge covered in gravel.

Group Attempts to Make Preston to Forestville Trail a Reality

John Torgrimson reports on renewed efforts to complete the Preston to Forestville Bike Trail and the Preston volunteers leading the project.

An older woman in a pink shirt holds up a white hood with eye holes. The right side of the graphic includes a reprint of an historical newspaper article titled: Ku Klux Klan invades Lanesboro.

Minnesota’s Hooded History

Surprising or not, the Ku Klux Klan was active in Southeast Minnesota in the 1920s. John Torgrimson reports on a recent presentation on the history of the Klan’s presence in the region.

A bright pink, purple, blue, and green sky of Northern Lights shine behind a plexiglas and wood sauna.

Things Are Heating Up at New Spring Grove Sauna Business

John Torgrimson ‘warms us up’ to a public sauna business in rural Houston County.

Pair of eagles sit on a snowy river bank on a sunny day.

Original Photography…Winter Scenes

Original photography from southeastern Minnesota featuring nature scenes and community activities.

A man in a brown shirt and woman in a light blue sweater stand in front of dark green cabinets and small pieces of art.

Art Center Serves as a Hub for Winona Artists and Community

Inside the Winona Arts Center: John Torgrimson introduces us to activities available to the southeast Minnesota region.

Black and white photo of a group of downhill skiers holding their skis upright in front of them with dark uniforms and large white labels on the front with their team numbers.

Ski Jumping In America Had Its Roots In Southeast Minnesota

At the turn of the 20th century, ski jumping was a growing sport in Southeast Minnesota. Steve Harris and John Torgrimson follow the history to its roots in Lanesboro.

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