Culture & Community

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

Details on a new audio-based history and storytelling project, Lanesboro’s Talking Trail, that opened to the public in 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!

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Root River Current’s Local Events Calendar: A New Way To Connect

Find a new adventure – check out our Local Events Calendar!

Holiday gifts, tasty treats, and SMILES can all be found at area craft fairs and bake sales. (Photo by John Weiss)

Seasonal Crafts, Sweets Just Around the Corner

Get excited for another year of holiday craft fairs and bake sales by revisiting John Weiss’ visit to a 2023 gathering in Preston.

Zach Lind, General Manager of Norsland Lefse, mans the company booth at a recent FEAST event in Rochester.

Norsland Makes Lefse “Like Grandma Used To Make”

Just in time for the holidays, Tom Brudvig guides us through the process of lefse-making – from russet potatoes to final product – at the Norsland Lefse factory in Rushford.

Karen and Kevin Carr in their Chosen Valley Canoe Accessories shop in Chatfield.(Photo by Laurie Byrne)

The Journey of Two to Creating Ability

Maintaining balance between building a business and creating ability: Laurie Byrne introduces us to Karen and Kevin Carr and their Chosen Valley Canoe Accessories shop in Chatfield.

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.

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