From Ski Trails to Hiking Paths, Heat is Reshaping Recreation and Our Attitudes
Essay | Bringing Back Takkefest: Rushford Community Rebuilds a Beloved Thanksgiving Tradition
Celebrating Regional Arts & Artists – Again!
Celebrating Regional Arts & Artists – Again!
Check out Root River Current’s 2025 review of Regional Arts & Artists included in this year’s reporting on arts and culture in Southeast Minnesota.
Profile | John B. Nicol: Lanesboro’s “Jack of Arts”
Meet Lanesboro artist John B. Nicol whose career blends theater, photography and history into his special role in rural Minnesota. Steve Harris has this profile.
Houston Arts Resource Council Celebrates 27 Years of Creativity
Now in its 27th year, the Houston Arts Resource Council (HARC) remains the heart of Houston, Minnesota’s creative community. Rose Korabek reports on their work supporting local artists by sponsoring the Parade of Owls, Meadowfest and the Houston Arts Festival.
Profile | Printmaking with Heart: Kelly Ristau’s Artistic Journey
Delia Bell profiles Minnesota artist Kelly Ristau, whose bold printmaking explores intimacy, identity and healing through art rooted in rural life and community.
Celebrating 2025 Regional Arts & Artists
Save the date! On November 15, Root River Current will celebrate its featured 2025 “Regional Arts & Artists” – and you’re invited to join us. Read on for details…
In Rural Minnesota, this Resident Ensemble Model Thrives
Robert Hubbard takes us behind the scenes at Lanesboro’s Commonweal Theatre to reveal the secrets of its success as a professional theatre for nearly 40 years!
From Quilts to Tote Bags: Twyla Thorson’s 30-Year Legacy of Textile Art
From quilts to tote bags, Rose Korabek profiles Houston County fiber artist Twyla Thorson celebrating 30 years of her unique holiday home boutique.
“I’m A Dramaturg” | One Artist’s Unique Journey
Steve Harris shares the story of a Lanesboro Arts’ artist-in-residence who has unique training in theatre arts and dramaturgy.
Swing Your Partner, Do-Si-Do
John Torgrimson takes to the Barn Dance floor and meets up with square dance caller Sue Hulsether.
Flourish at DreamAcres: 20 Years of Youth, Arts and Agriculture in Rural Minnesota
David Phillips reports on Flourish at DreamAcres, the unique summer camp in Wykoff that has blended arts and agriculture for 20 years.
Essay | Bringing Back Takkefest: Rushford Community Rebuilds a Beloved Thanksgiving Tradition
Kristin Burdey shares her story of reviving a beloved community holiday dinner and the healing it’s brought to families who’ve recently closed their Rushford-area restaurant businesses.
Civil War Hero Judson W. Bishop, Instrumental in Building Fillmore County’s Future
On the occasion of Veterans Day, Laney Smith uncovers the story of Chatfield’s Judson W. Bishop whose legacy includes Civil War leader, engineer, newspaperman and visionary who helped shape Fillmore County, Minn.
Local Food Shelves Stepping Up to Meet Record Demand
David Phillips reports on food shelves across southeastern Minnesota facing record demand in 2025 as inflation, high costs and reduced SNAP benefits strain family budgets.
Returning the Sword: New Book Chronicles Local Man’s Gift to Japanese Family
Minnesota author Caren Stelson’s latest picture book focuses on the story of a Lanesboro man’s efforts to reconnect a World War II souvenir with its rightful owner in Japan.
In Rural Minnesota, this Resident Ensemble Model Thrives
Robert Hubbard takes us behind the scenes at Lanesboro’s Commonweal Theatre to reveal the secrets of its success as a professional theatre for nearly 40 years!
From Radio Waves to Fan Blogs: How Tony Schultz Built His Vikings Community
Rose Korabek talks Vikings football with lifelong fan Tony Schultz, a local contributor to the all-things-purple-and-gold “Vikings Territory” blog.
Paddling the Mississippi River is a Grand Adventure!
Mississippi River expedition will be canoeing past southeastern Minnesota; details from the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk.
Gravel-Cycling Bikers Crisscross Root River Valley in Competition
Greg Lovell reports on the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships held in September 2025 in La Crescent, Minn.
Enjoying the Driftless in Century-Old ‘A’
Photographers/videographers capture members of an Iowa Model A Ford club touring through southeastern Minnesota.
New Court will Brighten Up Downtown Spring Valley
David Phillips reports on the newest Spring Valley project to create a gathering space in the hole left in the business district by the 2017 fire.
From Ski Trails to Hiking Paths, Heat is Reshaping Recreation and Our Attitudes
A warming climate presents growing challenges for outdoor recreationalists, including trail users. The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk has this overview heading into another year of winter recreation.
Farm Programs Support Permanent Prairies, Wetlands and Sensitive Groundwater
Agricultural projects from Mower and Houston counties advance land preservation and water quality initiatives – updates from our county ag professionals.
Barb and Joel Mielke’s 37-Year Quest for Biodiversity in Bluff Country
Part three of Alison Leathers’ series on local conservationists features Barb and Joel Mielke who’ve restored prairie and oak savannah in Fillmore County, fostering biodiversity and creating habitat that’s now home to one of the region’s largest bat colonies.
ESSAY | Hiking Wisconsin’s Driftless Bluffs and Prairies
Our scenic blufflands, valleys and trails aren’t restricted to Southeast Minnesota alone, as a day’s hike into Western Wisconsin’s Driftless Area will prove!
Water Enthusiasts Gain New Access to Cedar River State Water Trail
New public access in Mower County’s Lyle Township opens the Cedar River to more paddlers and anglers, highlighting a successful partnership among state, county and local conservation groups.
Paddling the Mississippi River is a Grand Adventure!
Mississippi River expedition will be canoeing past southeastern Minnesota; details from the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk.
Conservation Conversation on Climate Smart Agriculture and Water Quality
Alison Leathers continues her Conservation Conversations with a report on the Fillmore County SWCD and its wide range of services for farmers and landowners.
Fillmore County Farmers Featured at Farm Aid 40
Local farming couple Vance and Bonnie Haugen were featured during the Farm Aid 40 events held in Minneapolis in September 2025. Root River Current‘s Julie Fryer was there.
Wilderness-Style Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail Making Progress
An update on the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail which is close to opening a couple stretches of this proposed 100-plus mile wilderness trail through Southeast Minnesota.
Proposed Lanesboro Riverfront Project Adds Access, Fishing and Trails
John Weiss learns more about a proposed project to upgrade the portion of the Root River that winds through Lanesboro.
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Farm Programs Support Permanent Prairies, Wetlands and Sensitive Groundwater
Agricultural projects from Mower and Houston counties advance land preservation and water quality initiatives – updates from our county ag professionals.
Local Food Shelves Stepping Up to Meet Record Demand
David Phillips reports on food shelves across southeastern Minnesota facing record demand in 2025 as inflation, high costs and reduced SNAP benefits strain family budgets.
Harmony Annexes 60 Acres for Possible Data Center
John Torgrimson and Julie Little report on community meetings surrounding a potential data center coming to Harmony.
Conservation Conversation on Climate Smart Agriculture and Water Quality
Alison Leathers continues her Conservation Conversations with a report on the Fillmore County SWCD and its wide range of services for farmers and landowners.
Wilderness-Style Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail Making Progress
An update on the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail which is close to opening a couple stretches of this proposed 100-plus mile wilderness trail through Southeast Minnesota.
Engage Winona Wants to Train People for Public Leadership
John Torgrimson reports on a new Engage Winona initiative to train and grow rural community leaders in Southeast Minnesota.
Bypassed, Threatened and Still Here: The Resilient Heart of Forestville
Laney Smith reports on the remarkable story of Historic Forestville, Minn., its uncertain future, 2025 budget cuts and closure of the Meighen Store.
Citizen Working Group Releases Nitrate Report
John Torgrimson covers the release of 2025 recommendations by a regional work group to address nitrate issues in Southeast Minesota.
In La Crescent, HELP Grant Sparks Community, Habitat Connections
Ann Wessel reports on new native planting and pollinator habitat projects created in La Crescent through state and local funding programs.
Group Attempts to Make Preston to Forestville Trail a Reality
John Torgrimson reports on renewed efforts to complete the Preston to Forestville Bike Trail and the Preston volunteers leading the project.
Returning the Sword: New Book Chronicles Local Man’s Gift to Japanese Family
Minnesota author Caren Stelson’s latest picture book focuses on the story of a Lanesboro man’s efforts to reconnect a World War II souvenir with its rightful owner in Japan.
Flourish at DreamAcres: 20 Years of Youth, Arts and Agriculture in Rural Minnesota
David Phillips reports on Flourish at DreamAcres, the unique summer camp in Wykoff that has blended arts and agriculture for 20 years.
Youth of All Ages Engage in Creative Summer Arts Programs
Summer arts programs for area youth teach collaboration, creativity and community involvement; our photos and video montage capture their enthusiasm!
Community Backs Students’ Educational Journey
David Phillips reports on the outpouring of support from Kingsland area donors to help support continuing education of graduating seniors.
Eagle Bluff Marks its 45th Year with Reunion
Outdoor education is key to Eagle Bluff’s success; Clare Mazack reports on the learning center’s 45th year of programming and the staff behind its programs.
Earning a Different Kind of Varsity Letter
Steve Harris reports on the first ever Fillmore County student to receive a high school letter in volunteering through the United Way.
High Schoolers Learning from Trout
John Weiss checks back in with Rushford-Peterson students as they complete their Trout in the Classroom project with a stream release.
High School Clay Target League is a Growing Sport
Tom Brudvig visits the Lanesboro Gun Club as the Trap Shooting Team takes the course.
Cultivating Community: How the Chatfield Public Library is Sowing Seeds
Move over books and periodicals: Laurie Byrne explains how seeds are making their way into area libraries.
The READ Act: New Teaching Methods for Reading in Minnesota
Alison Leathers checks in on local schools as they implement a new comprehensive reading program through Minnesota’s READ Act.
Harmony Annexes 60 Acres for Possible Data Center
John Torgrimson and Julie Little report on community meetings surrounding a potential data center coming to Harmony.
In Rural Minnesota, this Resident Ensemble Model Thrives
Robert Hubbard takes us behind the scenes at Lanesboro’s Commonweal Theatre to reveal the secrets of its success as a professional theatre for nearly 40 years!
Hokah Hardware Keeps Small-Town Spirit Alive
For 35 years, Carol Moore has made Hokah Hardware a Main Street gathering place alive with heart, history and hometown pride. Greg Lovell reports on the challenges this small town store faces.
Lanesboro Sales Barn Completes Theatre-style Renovation
Tom Brudvig reports on the Lanesboro Sales Barn as it celebrates a renovation with theatre-style seating, digital upgrades and record-breaking sales.
From Quilts to Tote Bags: Twyla Thorson’s 30-Year Legacy of Textile Art
From quilts to tote bags, Rose Korabek profiles Houston County fiber artist Twyla Thorson celebrating 30 years of her unique holiday home boutique.
Wiebke Fur & Trading Co. Marks 100 Years of Family Business
Rose Korabek profiles a local family-owned sporting goods business celebrating its 100-year anniversary.
Fillmore County Farmers Featured at Farm Aid 40
Local farming couple Vance and Bonnie Haugen were featured during the Farm Aid 40 events held in Minneapolis in September 2025. Root River Current‘s Julie Fryer was there.
Conservation Conversation with Farmer Duane Bakke
Alison Leathers reports on a local farmer’s conservation work including no-till planting. Part of a three-part series.
Engage Winona Wants to Train People for Public Leadership
John Torgrimson reports on a new Engage Winona initiative to train and grow rural community leaders in Southeast Minnesota.
Farm to Fork: Hyper-Local Dining at the Free Range Exchange
Greg Lovell checks in on the new Free Range Exchange, a trailblazing kitchen in Houston County, serving up a menu of seasonal, local ingredients.
Celebrating 2025 Regional Arts & Artists
Save the date! On November 15, Root River Current will celebrate its featured 2025 “Regional Arts & Artists” – and you’re invited to join us. Read on for details…
Inside Root River Current | A Visit to the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry
The Root River Current team joined community leaders, archaeologists and area residents for a special tour of the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry/Wanhi Yukan Preserve.
Inside Root River Current | Steps Forward
Behind the scenes, Root River Current advances Press Forward Minnesota collaboration and makes website changes to enhance your experience with its content.
Inside Root River Current | Community Leadership
Root River Current’s Board of Directors expands by one in 2025; meet the newly elected and re-elected directors.
Inside Root River Current | Our Ag & Water Connection
How do our partners approach their work? Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk’s Madeline Heim shares her insights.
Your Leadership Can Make a Difference in Root River Current’s Third Year
Root River Current seeks Board of Directors candidates to support 2025 growth—can you help?
Inside Root River Current, January 2025
Behind the scenes news from Root River Current — announcing a major grant award and expanding the board for growth and success!
Welcome to Root River Current!
We’re HERE FOR YOU! Learn more about Root River Current, an online magazine committed to sound journalism and engaging storytelling—content that builds community in southeast Minnesota’s greater Root River valley.
Thanks for your support!
‘Tis the season to be jolly—and generous! Please support Root River Current with a financial gift—and thank you!
Grateful For Your Inspiration and Encouragement!
Community donations, including individual gifts to our successful 2022-23 Founding Members Campaign, will help shape Root River Current’s future heading into 2024!
From Ski Trails to Hiking Paths, Heat is Reshaping Recreation and Our Attitudes
A warming climate presents growing challenges for outdoor recreationalists, including trail users. The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk has this overview heading into another year of winter recreation.
‘Highly toxic’ hemlock widespread in Upper Midwest
Poison hemlock can be a killer – and it could be in your backyard. Our colleagues with the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk report on how it’s spreading through the region.
Citizen Working Group Releases Nitrate Report
John Torgrimson covers the release of 2025 recommendations by a regional work group to address nitrate issues in Southeast Minesota.
Angel’s House of Healing
Rose Korabek shares the story of Angel’s House of Healing, a new women’s recovery home, founded by a Caledonia native, open to women throughout the region. (First published by the Caledonia Argus.)
Area Public Health Officials Remain Vigilant at All Times
Since long before Covid 19, health officials have worked hard to stay ahead of ‘the next’ potential regional health threat; David Phillips reports on one example of a dedicated health team.
Neighbor Helping Neighbor
Greg Lovell visits Neighbors in Action, a La Crescent nonprofit working to keep seniors in their homes.
On His Own Terms: The Writing Life of Tom Driscoll
A southeast Minnesota writer and publisher chronicles his journey as a heart transplant recipient: John Weiss shares the ‘story behind the story’ captured in a soon-to-be-published book by author Tom Driscoll.
Youth Sex Trafficking Focus of League of Women Voters’ Public Forum
Ella Deutchman reports on a recent youth sex trafficking forum hosted by the Fillmore County League of Women Voters
Essay | Pharmacies in the Root River Valley | A Recent History
Luke Slindee documents the disappearance of small town drug stores.
Wildfire Smoke is New Hazard in Upper Midwest
Chloe Johnson reports on wildfire smoke hazards in the Midwest.
Autumn Colors in the Driftless
Root River Current photographers capture a range of fall colors for our November photo gallery.
Essay | Haunted by Time: Southeastern Minnesota’s Forgotten Schoolhouses and Farmsteads
John Weiss explores Fillmore County’s time-haunted schoolhouses and farmsteads where fading paint and sagging walls still teach lessons.
Autumn Life in the Driftless
Root River Current photographers capture autumn activities in the Driftless.
Essay | Look Up in the Sky! It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! No . . . It’s a Mosquito!”
Steve Harris laments the recent hordes of unusual visitors we’re all battling in many parts of the Driftless.
Essay | Creative Skills and Kids
Essayist Renee Bergstrom’s formula for a “lifetime of joy” includes being creative – and it begins in our youth.
Essay | Less-Work Gardening
Loni Kemp shares her tips and tricks to growing, maintaining, and, most importantly, enjoying your garden.
Essay | A Teacher, a Rooster and an Outhouse
An essay from the book “A Teacher, A Rooster and an Outhouse” tells the story of young boy shenanigans while entertaining their teacher.
Poetry | Finnish-American Heritage Reflected in New Collection
From back roads and wasp nests to shamans and lutefisk, regional poet Jim Johnson shares excerpts from his latest collection.
Root River Diary | An Extraordinary Kindness
Just how special can a delivery person be? Steve Harris and Diane Knight share observations from a community sendoff to UPS driver Josh Merchlewitz.
Root River Diary | How Did the Turtle Cross the Road?
Joyce Roffler finds a unique way to help a snapping turtle across the road.
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