Culture & Community

Women in a canoe holds a large brown trout with both hands.

Artist Creating New Life in Southeastern Minnesota

David Phillips visits with Michelle de la Vega, nationally known artist and transplant to a small farm in southeast Minnesota.

Visitors to Peterson, Minn., will appreciate gnome murals added to the Peterson post office building for years to come! The project was coordinated by Friends of Peterson and supported by a 2022 Paint the Town Grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). (Photo courtesy of SMIF)

Time Again to ‘Paint The Town’

Learn how your community can benefit — and beautify — from a 2025 Paint the Town Grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (applications accepted through March 31), and tour some of the recent projects in southeast Minnesota.

Black and white photo of an old two-story rectangular building with windows wrapping around the building.

Before Social Security, Fillmore County Poor Farm Helped The Poor And Aging

With Congressional conversations underway regarding Social Security, Amy Jo Hahn takes us back in history to the “poor farms” that helped address poverty and aging prior to when Social Security was enacted in 1935.

Two men, one older and one younger, play cribbage on a wood table in front of a red brick fireplace.

Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Greg Lovell visits Neighbors in Action, a La Crescent nonprofit working to keep seniors in their homes.

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.

A woman and a small child kneel next to a gravestone. Beside them is a wagon holding cleaning supplies. Grass is green, sky is blue.

Frequent Cemetery Visitor Finds ‘Friends’, Preserves Memories

David Phillips shares the story of a southeastern Minnesota woman’s hobby that’s become a mission to restore headstones and preserve memories for local families.

Two women stand in front of an iron gate with the words Watson Creek Cemetery

Honoring the Past Through Service Today: Watson Creek Cemetery

Alison Leathers visits with the next generation of volunteers caring for the Watson Creek Cemetery near Preston, Minnesota.

Black and white aerial photo of Lanesboro town from the 1800s.

Lanesboro Talking Trail Coming in 2025

Details on a new audio-based history and storytelling project, Talking Trail, coming to Lanesboro in Spring 2025.

Yes, Christmas cards do exist in real life! Snowy view of the Christmas Market held on campus in Rauland, Norway.

Christmas in Norway: A Minnesotan’s Yuletide Greeting for the Season

Christmas in Norway looks a little different than her previous home in southeast Minnesota; Drue Fergison reports from abroad on the unique Christmas traditions and experiences in Rauland, Norway.

Middle aged man stand in front of a large black cast iron machine with a tray holding light brown coffee beans. A long arm moves through the beans as they roast.

Flavors of the World Converge at Carlson Roasting Company

The holidays are filled with laughter, love — and wonderful aromas. Alison Leathers learns how the roasting, grinding, and brewing process impact the taste AND the aroma!