John Torgrimson

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

Author's Archive

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.

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.

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.

Root River area towns have stories to tell. (Map courtesy of <a href="https://www.rootrivertrail.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Root River Trail Towns</a>)

Root River Diary

This recurring series features original short stories based on observations and experiences of what makes our rural communities uniquely special. Learn more and submit YOUR story!

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">Several harvested varieties of heirloom tomatoes await processing. Wild tomatoes originated in the mountains of South America, but were believed to be domesticated in Mexico. Cortés took them from the new world back to Spain. (Photo by John Torgrimson)</span>

Essay | Garden Harvest

John Torgrimson chronicles the evolution of his garden over the season.

Diane Knight is pictured in front of a wall of Doodles – intricate pen and ink designs that she creates. (Photo by Renee Bergstrom)

Profile | The University of Diane

John Torgrimson visits with Fillmore County artist and author Diane Knight.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">The sun rises through the trees over old gravestones at the Arendahl Cemetery (located in Arendahl Township, Fillmore County). (Photo by Renee Bergstrom)</span>

Summer Photos from the Driftless Region

Renee Bergstrom’s photos capture summer in southeastern Minnesota

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">Staff with the Minnesota Department of Health welcomed well owners to a nitrate open house June 26th in Rushford. (Photo by John Torgrimson)</span>

Minnesota Officials Launch First Phase of Nitrate Mitigation Plan

The first phase of the Minnesota Department of Health’s nitrate mitigation plan for southeast Minnesota is underway. John Torgrimson has the latest.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">A stave church in Renlie, Valdres, Norway, about 80 miles north of Oslo, where the author’s great grandfather attended church as a young man. (Photo by John Torgrimson)</span>

The Fabric that Binds: A Family’s History

Tracing family roots – from Ireland, Germany, and Norway to southeast Minnesota, John Torgrimson shares his personal story of how families are woven into our region’s past and present.