Culture & Community

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!

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.

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.