Culture & Community

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 Life Lived, A Challenge Faced, A Story Told

Steve Harris profiles regional artist and writer Renée Bergstrom, selected as one of 20 participants in a national op-ed fellowship program.

Two red brick historic buildings -- on is two story on the right, the other is one story and stretches out to the left. Windows and doors are trimmed in white wood. Behind the building is a hillside with leaves in yellow and orange against a bright blue sky.

Bypassed, Threatened and Still Here: The Resilient Heart of Forestville

Discover the remarkable story of Historic Forestville, Minn., and its uncertain future. Laney Smith reports on the closure of the Meighen Store and its interpretive programs, resulting from Minnesota Historical Society budget cuts.

In the foreground a native grass field, in the background a multi-level building with a three story wall of windows. Building is covered in weathered cedar shakes.

Minnesota Marine Art Museum Showcases Global and Local Visions of Life on the Water

Laura Armstrong walks us through unique exhibits and natural outdoor art found at Winona’s Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

four youth musicians standing with instruments in outdoor setting

Classical Music Echoes Through the Valley

The Stringwood Chamber Music Festival returns to the Root River Valley for its 25th year of concerts and education; John Gaddo takes a closer look.

An old women with gray hair is shown on a large jumbotron screen waving at the crowd.

Grand Meadow Maintains its Place in History

David Phillips tells the nearly forgotten story of the 1930s-era Grand Meadow girls’ basketball team that still holds the state record for straight wins.

A nature view with grass in the foreground, a winding road with a pack of bikers going uphill in the middle of the image and a green bluff in the background.

Apple Blossom Bike Tour Enters 12th Year

Greg Lovell previews La Crescent’s 12th annual Apple Blossom Bike Tour, a charity bike ride for all skill levels this August.

A large building with peaked roof and tall windows with a stone sign in the front.

Driftless Center a Must Stop on the Great River Road

John Weiss learns more about the Driftless region during a visit to a learning center just south of the Minnesota-Iowa border.

Students in black graduation gowns stand in front of an orange brick building and throw their black caps into the air.

Community Backs Students’ Educational Journey

David Phillips reports on the outpouring of support from Kingsland area donors to help support continuing education of graduating seniors.

Five people holding photo props stand on either side of a rainbow striped banner with the words "dam proud". The banner is hung on the side of a tall pavilion in a park.

Photo Essay | Lanesboro’s First-ever Pride in the Park

Upwards of 200 people gathered to support Lanesboro’s first annual Pride in the Park; Root River Current photographers share the story in a special photo essay.

a photo collage of a screen, a bike, and a train

Speak Up, Speak Out – and Listen

Water quality, e-bikes and a new “talking trail” are all In the News in June. John Gaddo has details on how Root River Current readers can speak up, speak out – and listen!