Policy & Government

A man in a bright yellow vest stands in a creek under a cement bridge covered in dried brush.

The Bridges of Fillmore County

John Weiss tours the bridges of Fillmore County with the crew who keep them in good shape.

A small two-seater white and blue airplane sits on the tarmac with the door open and a women peeking out and smiling.

Flying into Fillmore County Airport

Alison Leathers chronicles the long history of the Fillmore County Airport and highlights recent improvements made through federal and state funding.

An older woman stands in front of a mini-bus holding a bin of snacks and juices.

Area Public Health Officials Remain Vigilant at All Times

Even before recently announced federal funding cuts, state and county health officials have worked hard to stay ahead of ‘the next’ potential regional health threat; David Phillips reports on Fillmore County Public Health — one example of a dedicated health team.

upper mississippi river backwaters photo

SE Minnesota’s Mississippi River Fisheries to Benefit from Proposed Legislation

Fisheries and environmental quality along the Upper Mississippi River could benefit from the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act of 2025, introduced in late February. We learn more from the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk.

A black and white photo of women wearing long skirts marching in a parade under various Scandinavian flags.

Women Who Shaped Southeastern Minnesota History

On the occasion of Women’s History Month, Jane Skinner Peck reminds us of the rich history of the women’s civil rights movement in southern Minnesota.

woman at podium with other adults surrounding her, announcing a minnesota law suit

Regional Nitrate Issues Again Making Headlines

New lawsuit aims to ensure work continues to address nitrate contamination issues in southeast Minnesota.

A woman in a department of natural resources uniform stands on a river bank by long tubes made of natural fibers placed on the muddy bank.

Mississippi River is Eroding Sacred Indigenous Mounds

Seasonal flooding is threatening ancient and sacred Indigenous mounds along the Upper Mississippi River. The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk reports on efforts to protect these mounds.

A low fire burns in vegetation in a ditch along a highway while a worker with fire gear and a drip torch looks on.

Prescribed Burn Team Treats State Highway Ditches With a Dose of Fire

Prescribed burns in road ditches and grassy fields are a necessary component in the Driftless to control noxious weeds and trees and spur growth of desirable vegetation. Mike Dougherty follows a crew in southeastern Minnesota as they spend an autumn day working near Interstate 90.

EllenTitus of The Nature Conservancy checks on the goats helping restore goat prairie.

Conservation Ballot Initiative Key to Trust Fund Renewal

John Weiss reports on the conservation trust fund initiative on the Minnesota November 2024 ballot. Voters are being asked to extend the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund through 2050.

The Root River Trail is a tourist destination for recreationalists in southeast Minnesota. A six-mile trail expansion will extend the trail from Harmony to the Iowa border. (Photo by Renee Bergstrom)

Trail Extension South of Harmony is Under Construction

Dave Shaffer reports on the bike trail extension to the Iowa border.

A rainbow arches over the recently dedicated Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston. In addition to its official dedication, the home has passed its first Certification Survey allowing it to welcome additional residents in the months ahead. (Photo provided by Rachel Lemmer)

A Big Thing in a Small Town | Welcoming Veterans Home in Preston

Alison Leathers recaps the dedication ceremonies recently held at the new Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston.

This equipment top-dresses nitrogen on the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council plots; its technology adjusts application rates on the go, to make these trials possible. Improving yields and using nutrients efficiently is the goal for landowner Jon East working closely with <a href="https://nutrienagsolutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nutrien Ag Solutions</a> agronomist Scott Barnes, Harmony, Minn. Barnes has been a catalyst for bringing southeast Minnesota growers into on-farm plot research funded by the <a href="https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agricultural-fertilizer-research-education-council-afrec/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council</a> (AFREC). A 40 cent per ton fee paid by Minnesota farmers on all fertilizer sold in the state funds AFREC. The lion's share of the $1.2 million disbursed each year goes to the University of Minnesota, however a small portion is dedicated to on-farm plot research. "We use data from all these plots with growers," says Barnes. "They like these trials because the data is local."

Nitrate and Water Issue Proposals Addressed by 2024 Minnesota Legislature

Root River Current updates 2024 legislative issues regarding southeast Minnesota water issues, including a story by Minnesota Reformer reporter Madison McVan on a proposal that would levy a tax on fertilizer to offset farm pollution.

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