Community Voices

Guitars hold memories of Christmases past for singer/songwriter Ann Lowe, seen here with one of those special gifts from days gone by. (Submitted photo)

Essay | Mom, Memories and My Sears Roebuck Guitar

A Christmas Guitar: Memories burn bright for regional singer/songwriter Ann Lowe.

Thankful for…

Photographers Craig Johnson and Joe Deden share photos that remind us of what we’re thankful for at this time of year.

A full garden view and a testament to lots of hard work last fall emerge in Loni Kemp's garden.

Essay | Hope Springs Eternal with Hardy Flower Bulbs

Fall is the time to plant bulbs for beautiful spring blooms. Loni Kemp shares her advice and garden photos with us as we plan and plant.

A well-loved 1985 Ford F250 diesel truck waiting for its next task. (Photo by Greg Schieber)

Essay | Setbacks Are the Norm on My Small Farm

Greg Schieber shares the challenges of owning and maintaining a farm truck.

Late summer sunset over a farm just west of Chatfield. (Photo by Julie Fryer)

Autumn Splendor

Southeast Minnesota Driftless Scenery, Fall 2024

Trailers lined up to receive their boats along the Mississippi River in late October. (Photo by John Gaddo)

Poetry | Boat Trailer Blues

Poetry by Ken Lubinski.

Small older main street with brightly colored tent set up as people gather, walk around, and visit with neighbors.

New Design for Downtown Spring Valley May Preview Future

David Phillips reports on efforts by the Spring Valley Business Alliance to revive the downtown area.

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; ">Each spring Maynard Underbakke, at right, would welcome students to tour his tree farm nursery. Each student was given a spruce seedling to plant at their home. (Photo submitted by Bonita Underbakke)</span>

Essay | Father Was Born Capable

Bonita Underbakke recounts the memory of Burger Night and a Minnesota snowstorm with her father.

Poetry | Reflections by Gavin

Southern Minnesota poet Larry Gavin is inspired by his Root River fishing experiences.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">A Monarch butterfly stops for a rest and a snack. Monarchs' fall migration typically continues through October in southeast Minnesota. (Photo by Craig Johnson)</span>

Summer Fades into Fall

Area photographers capture the changing seasons.

<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.

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