Conservation Conversation with Farmer Duane Bakke
Bily Brothers Clocks: “They Truly Loved It.”
Woolly Mammoths Once Roamed our Driftless Area
Swing Your Partner, Do-Si-Do
Bily Brothers Clocks: “They Truly Loved It.”
John Weiss discovers an incredible collection of large scale wooden carved clocks at the unique Bily Clocks Museum in Spillville, Iowa.
Woolly Mammoths Once Roamed our Driftless Area
Mower County exhibition features gigantic tooth, evidence of prehistoric creatures in southeastern Minnesota.
Swing Your Partner, Do-Si-Do
John Torgrimson takes to the Barn Dance floor and meets up with square dance caller Sue Hulsether.
A Life Lived, A Challenge Faced, A Story Told
Steve Harris profiles regional artist and writer Renée Bergstrom, selected as one of 20 participants in a national op-ed fellowship program.
Bypassed, Threatened and Still Here: The Resilient Heart of Forestville
Discover the remarkable story of Historic Forestville, Minn., and its uncertain future. Laney Smith reports on the closure of the Meighen Store and its interpretive programs, resulting from Minnesota Historical Society budget cuts.
Minnesota Marine Art Museum Showcases Global and Local Visions of Life on the Water
Laura Armstrong walks us through unique exhibits and natural outdoor art found at Winona’s Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
Classical Music Echoes Through the Valley
The Stringwood Chamber Music Festival returns to the Root River Valley for its 25th year of concerts and education; John Gaddo takes a closer look.
Grand Meadow Maintains its Place in History
David Phillips tells the nearly forgotten story of the 1930s-era Grand Meadow girls’ basketball team that still holds the state record for straight wins.
Apple Blossom Bike Tour Enters 12th Year
Greg Lovell previews La Crescent’s 12th annual Apple Blossom Bike Tour, a charity bike ride for all skill levels this August.
Driftless Center a Must Stop on the Great River Road
John Weiss learns more about the Driftless region during a visit to a learning center just south of the Minnesota-Iowa border.
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.
Stand Up, Speak Up
Now in her 25th year of coaching, Rachel Schieffelbein shares what it takes to compete in high school speech.
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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.
‘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.
A Warming Climate is Changing Growing Conditions
With average temperatures rising, planting zones are slowly working their way northward through the Upper Midwest; Olivia Cohen reports from the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk.
Liquid Willowcat Revolutionizes Walleye Fishing
John Weiss reports on a unique business venture that combines scent, color and a love for fishing.
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.
Speak Up, Speak Out – and Listen
Water quality, e-bikes and a new “talking trail” are all In the News in June. John Gaddo has details on how Root River Current readers can speak up, speak out – and listen!
Hundreds of Shrubs to Protect Vesta Creek Streambank
John Weiss joins a crew of volunteers and conservation groups on a planting project to restore Vesta Creek’s floodplain with native and climate-adapted shrubs.
Chert Quarry Near Grand Meadow Was Historic Social Center
A historic Grand Meadow-area site was both a quarry and a seasonal crossroads for neighboring Indigenous people. Check out part II of David Phillips’ reporting.
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.
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.
Liquid Willowcat Revolutionizes Walleye Fishing
John Weiss reports on a unique business venture that combines scent, color and a love for fishing.
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.)
Driftless Center a Must Stop on the Great River Road
John Weiss learns more about the Driftless region during a visit to a learning center just south of the Minnesota-Iowa border.
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.
La Crescent Farmers Market Builds Community
Greg Lovell finds fresh produce, artisan goods and community at the La Crescent Farmers Market.
Owl Bluff Farm Expands its Organic Produce Operation
Rose Korabek reports on Houston County’s first Deep Winter Greenhouse and the small-farm research being done in our region.
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.
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
Discover the remarkable story of Historic Forestville, Minn., and its uncertain future. Laney Smith reports on the closure of the Meighen Store and its interpretive programs, resulting from Minnesota Historical Society budget cuts.
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.
The Bridges of Fillmore County
John Weiss tours the bridges of Fillmore County with the crew who keep them in good shape.
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.
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.
SE Minnesota’s Mississippi River Fisheries to Benefit from Proposed Legislation
Upper Mississippi fisheries and environmental quality could benefit from the proposed Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act of 2025, reports the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk.
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.
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 | Now Hiring Publishing and Social Media Support
Root River Current is growing its production team — might you help?
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!
‘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.
German Genius, Duped to Death
A German immigrant’s life and death was a mystery to his ancestors until a great-great niece unraveled the bizarre story.
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 | “May Peace Prevail on Earth”
Julie Little shares a unique Peace Pole art project recently completed by her garden club.
Minnesota Marine Art Museum Showcases Global and Local Visions of Life on the Water
Laura Armstrong walks us through unique exhibits and natural outdoor art found at Winona’s Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
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!
Classical Music Echoes Through the Valley
The Stringwood Chamber Music Festival returns to the Root River Valley for its 25th year of concerts and education; John Gaddo takes a closer look.
Poetry | Missing Those Who Left Us
Two new essay-style poems from local Minnesota author, Ken McCullough.
Essay | The Cows are Out!
In this charming essay, Greg Schieber shares the highs, lows and unexpected roundups of life in Fillmore County’s Big Woods.
Poetry | Three Haiku for Summer
Poet, writer, and photographer captures the essence of summer in the driftless with three new original haikus.
Poetry | Come Spring, Rhubarb Takes the Stage
Catherine Glynn salutes one of our favorite spring delicacies in an Ode to Rhubarb.
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.
Bluffland Sunsets, Moonrise
Root River Current photographers capture twilight scenes in this series of “sunset, moonrise” photos.
Settling in for Another Season
Root River Current photographers capture critters welcoming another season.
Essay | Celebrating Blossoming Ephemerals, the Return of Birdsong and Earth Day
An excerpt on Spring from Nancy Overcott’s book ‘At Home in the Big Woods.’
April Springs to Life
Root River Current photographers capture the arrival of Spring in Southeast Minnesota.
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