Culture & Community

Inspired by nature, artist Rita LeDuc prefers painting with traditional oil paints.  (All images courtesy of Rita and Paul LeDuc)

Paint Where We Live, Live Where We Paint

Delia Bell introduces us to Fillmore County artists Rita and Paul LeDuc whose works are on display in the gallery at Chatfield Center for the Arts through December.

High school football — an autumn tradition — has Caiden Reiter running for a Kingsland Knights touchdown against Spring Grove. (Photos by John Weiss)

Behind Friday Night Lights

High school football is more than what happens on the field — John Weiss takes us behind the scenes of a Kingsland High School football game in Spring Valley.

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.

A replica of “The Restauration” Norwegian sailing ship shown at full sail on the sea with a bright blue sky with white clouds behind the sails.

Norway Holds A Giant Family Reunion

Crossings 200 commemorates 200 years of organized Norwegian emigration to North America. This story follows a visit by Terje Mikael Hasle Joranger of Norway — who happens to have relatives living in southeastern Minnesota — who talks about the history of Norwegian emigration to North America and the 2025 bicentennial.

A haybale is transformed into a gnome with pinecone bear and orange hat.

Worth the Beautiful Drive — Big Springs Farm Pumpkins and Corn Maze

Alison Leathers finds her way through the maze of agritourism at Big Springs Farm Pumpkins and Corn Maze near Lanesboro, Minn.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">Brady Thill, 9, Josie Swing, 10, and Harper Hines, 10, all of Galesville, Wis. have fun in kayaks during the BaseCamp event in Winona. (Photo by John Weiss)</span>

Outdoor Adventures Abound at BaseCamp

Participants in the annual BaseCamp outdoor adventure held in Winona learn about the Mississippi’s history and those who have worked to protect it for future generations. John Weiss shares insights from the 2024 summer gathering.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">Sheila Craig stands in front of the former Preston Dairy and Farm Building, next to a banner announcing the project to build a Preston Depot Museum and Riverfront Center. (Photo by Alison Leathers)</span>

Following the Stepping Stones of Volunteerism

Alison Leathers interviews one of Preston’s most active volunteers, Sheila Craig.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">Liz at her shop workbench working on a crown repair. (Photos for this article were provided by Liz Bucheit)</span>

Profile | Liz Bucheit: Creating a Lifetime of Art

Steve Harris explores the art of jewelry with Liz Bucheit of Crown Trout Jewelry.

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.

The 71st Mabel Steam Engine Days was held the second weekend in September. (Photo by Cristal Adkins)

Steam Engine Days Celebrates Autumn Harvests

Richard Wolfgramm visits the iconic Steam Engine Days in Mabel.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">Bob Bovee’s career as a musician in old-time music stretches back 53 years and counting. (Photo submitted by Bob Bovee)</span>

Profile | Have Guitar, Will Travel: Bob Bovee’s Musical Journey

Steve Harris visits with Houston County old-time music and barn dance legend, Bob Bovee.

Grand Champion honey at the Fillmore County Fair. (All photos by Renee Bergstrom)

A Grand Champion Day at the Fair

Photographer Renée Bergstrom captures “a day at the fair”, a photo essay from the 2024 Fillmore County Fair.

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