Culture & Community

A sepia-toned historical photograph shows six adult men posed in front of a stone building with large rectangular blocks and two windows. Four men stand in the back row while two sit in wooden chairs in the foreground. The men wear late 19th-century clothing, including dark suits, vests, long coats, and wide-brimmed hats. One seated man on the left has a long, full beard reaching down to his chest, while another man in the center has a thick mustache and a dark overcoat, standing with one hand slightly raised. The group faces the camera with serious expressions, typical of formal portraits from that era. The setting suggests a courthouse or civic building.

Mower County Pioneer Judge Sanford Washburn Finally Laid to Rest

After 87 years in storage, the cremains of Mower County pioneer and probate judge Sanford Washburn were finally returned to Minnesota. A remarkable story of family, history and homecoming.

A young woman with light skin smiles while standing outdoors in front of a historic red brick building decorated with patriotic bunting. She wears dark sunglasses and a light blue button-up shirt, with her hair pulled back. The background shows green grass, white fencing, and the restored building, suggesting a historic site setting.

Area Woman Brings Stories from the Past to Life

Laney Smith of Spring Valley uses genealogy, storytelling and her podcast “Roots & Riddles” to uncover forgotten families, ghost towns and local history in Fillmore County.

Woman with brown hair and blue eyes leans on her right hand. Behind her in the background is an enlarged photo of her book cover.

Local Story of Surviving Abuse Premieres Nationally on PBS

A new PBS Independent Lens documentary, Keep Quiet and Forgive, tells the story of Southeast Minnesota author and survivor-advocate Lizzie Hershberger. The film premieres nationally March 23 and will also screen locally in Spring Grove.

A group of four people sit around a small table with cards laid out in front of each person.

Gamesboro Brings Role-Playing Gamers to Lanesboro

A surprise snowstorm didn’t stop the annual Gamesboro event in Lanesboro, Minn., where more than 50 participants gathered at multiple local venues to play immersive role-playing and tabletop games all weekend.

People dressed in protective fire gear, holding long handled rakes and shovels walk through a sparse woods over greenish brown vegetation. Behind them is a like of smoke and a bright blue sky.

Local Group Connects Neighbors for Safe Use of Fire in Land Management

Root River Prescribed Burn Association brings community members together for prescribed burns throughout the greater Root River Valley.

An older man with dark rimmed glasses and dark ball cap intently focuses on tying a trout fly under a bright light and magnifying glass. Another man on the right is speaking and showing him how to do the task.

Fly Tying Workshop Finishes Up its Fifth Year

Fly tying, fish tales and community come together at regular social gatherings in Lanesboro.

A close-up of an older woman with short, curly gray hair and glasses sitting at a table. She carefully pours seeds from a small packet into one of several small metal cups lined up in front of her. She wears a gray cardigan over a patterned blouse and focuses intently on her task. Papers, seed packets, and a plate sit on the table nearby.

Seed Library Aims to Grow Community in Spring Valley

Spring Valley Public Library launches a free seed library March 14, offering vegetable and flower seeds to grow community, health and food security.

Inside a room filled with framed sports memorabilia, an older man wearing glasses and a maroon baseball cap sits facing the camera while holding a framed certificate and a small glass award. The certificate reads “Heritage Award.” A woman with shoulder-length wavy blond hair stands beside him, leaning in and smiling toward the camera with one hand resting near his shoulder. Behind them are framed photos, vintage signs, and a window, creating a warm, personal setting that reflects community history and recognition.

Essay | Preserving the Past, Honoring the Present

The Houston Area Museum names Ron Carrier as its first Heritage Award recipient, honoring decades of dedication to preserving Houston, Minn. history as the museum approaches its third anniversary.

A woman stands at the front of a community meeting room, speaking and gesturing with both hands while facing seated attendees. A projector screen behind her displays a slide titled “Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture” with a circular diagram of terms. Several people sit at long tables in the foreground, listening and taking notes. The room has gray walls, a refrigerator on the left, and daylight coming through a small window.

FACT Workshop Hopes to Empower Marginalized Groups

Fillmore Action on Coming Together hosted a workshop in Rushford Village examining how marginalized groups are excluded from decision-making and how allyship can help build more inclusive communities.

A low, modern brick building sits on a snow-covered slope under a bright blue sky. Large dark windows face outward, reflecting the light. Bare trees line the hillside behind the building, and a tall communications tower rises above the trees. An American flag stands on a pole near the right side of the building.

Coming Together to Keep the Branding Iron Open

When the Branding Iron Restaurant in Preston, Minn. faced closure, community members and former employees united to save the beloved small-town supper club.

Grand Meadow Artisan Creates Handmade, Permanent Leather Goods

Grand Meadow artisan Zech Sindt of Bluffland Leather Co. creates hand-stitched leather goods built to last a lifetime using traditional, sustainable methods.