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Building Community Through Storytelling

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Recent Posts >
Grand Meadow Maintains its Place in History
Poetry | Missing Those Who Left Us
Citizen Working Group Releases Nitrate Report
Business & Work

Farm to Fork: Hyper-Local Dining at the Free Range Exchange

Community Voices / Essays

Essay | Less-Work Gardening

Culture & Community / Regional Arts

Classical Music Echoes Through the Valley

Culture & Community

Grand Meadow Maintains its Place in History

Culture & Community

four youth musicians standing with instruments in outdoor setting

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.

An old women with gray hair is shown on a large jumbotron screen waving at the crowd.

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.

A nature view with grass in the foreground, a winding road with a pack of bikers going uphill in the middle of the image and a green bluff in the background.

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.

A large building with peaked roof and tall windows with a stone sign in the front.

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.

Students in black graduation gowns stand in front of an orange brick building and throw their black caps into the air.

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.

Five people holding photo props stand on either side of a rainbow striped banner with the words "dam proud". The banner is hung on the side of a tall pavilion in a park.

Photo Essay | Lanesboro’s First-ever Pride in the Park

Upwards of 200 people gathered to support Lanesboro’s first annual Pride in the Park; Root River Current photographers share the story in a special photo essay.

a photo collage of a screen, a bike, and a train

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!

A group of people sit outside in folding chairs on green grass all facing forward watching a musical performance.

La Crescent Goes Live with Summer Music Series

Greg Lovell reports on how you can take in the music, community and fun at La Crescent Live, a summertime community event.

Four students hold long metal poles with an x-shaped end that is placed on the gravel ground.

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.

Two people dressed in biking gear stand behind their e-bikes on an outdoor trail.

“On Your Left!” — E-Bikes on Regional Trails

Steve Harris reports on the surge in e-bikes on Southeast Minnesota’s 60+ miles of state trails.

See all stories in Culture & Community

Business & Work

A man wearing a dark green tshirt with a logo on the front stand behind a counter and looks down at the register screen.

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.

A man wearing a gray tshirt with a large cloth glove on holds a tube sandwiches in a form. His other hand (out of the image) is pushing down on a plunger attached to the tube.

Liquid Willowcat Revolutionizes Walleye Fishing

John Weiss reports on a unique business venture that combines scent, color and a love for fishing.

Ayoung woman in a navy blue shirt stands in an older home holding a blue real estate SOLD sign.

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.)

A large building with peaked roof and tall windows with a stone sign in the front.

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.

A large group of people of all ages sit on benches in an outside grassy area with leafy trees behind them. All are facing the camera in a group photo setting.

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.

Man in tshirt and sunglasses stands behind a table.

La Crescent Farmers Market Builds Community

Greg Lovell finds fresh produce, artisan goods and community at the La Crescent Farmers Market.

A woman in a ball cap and light jacket stands inside a greenhouse surrounded by green, leafy plants.

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.

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.

Maple syrup pours out of a metal valve with a blue handle into a large stainless steel urn with handles.

‘Sweet Business’ in the Hardwood Forest

Into the woods in search of Carlin’s Sugar Shack — and a sweet surprise! Alison Leathers teases us with syrup and more.

A bright pink, purple, blue, and green sky of Northern Lights shine behind a plexiglas and wood sauna.

Things Are Heating Up at New Spring Grove Sauna Business

John Torgrimson ‘warms us up’ to a public sauna business in rural Houston County.

See all stories in Business & Work

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Land & Water

A group of people gather on a large, elevated, circle structure covered by a roof. Signs with writing and images are positioned around the entrance stairway to the gazebo.

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.

apple branches

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.

A man wearing a gray tshirt with a large cloth glove on holds a tube sandwiches in a form. His other hand (out of the image) is pushing down on a plunger attached to the tube.

Liquid Willowcat Revolutionizes Walleye Fishing

John Weiss reports on a unique business venture that combines scent, color and a love for fishing.

A grassy hillside dotted with clumps of tall yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers. Flowers are called Rudbeckia or Black-Eyed Susan.

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.

a photo collage of a screen, a bike, and a train

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!

A group of people bend and stand over small bushes being planted in a dry grass field. A hill with leafed out green trees is off the the left and back of the photo.

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.

Four students hold long metal poles with an x-shaped end that is placed on the gravel ground.

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.

Four high school students, two in chest waders, stand knee deep in a trout stream.

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.

A man and a woman and small child stand in a wooded area and look at a large interpretitive map on a stand.

Chert Quarry Near Grand Meadow is Rare, Lucky Find for Archaeologists

In the first of two stories, David Phillips reports on a rare archaeological find near Grand Meadow and visits with the archaeologist who’s been leading the research in recent years.

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.

See all stories in Land & Water

Policy & Government

A group of people gather on a large, elevated, circle structure covered by a roof. Signs with writing and images are positioned around the entrance stairway to the gazebo.

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 grassy hillside dotted with clumps of tall yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers. Flowers are called Rudbeckia or Black-Eyed Susan.

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.

An older man in a maroon long sleeve shirt and tan pants stand in the middle of a small bridge covered in gravel.

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.

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

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.

upper mississippi river backwaters photo

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.

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.

See all stories in Policy & Government

Education

Students in black graduation gowns stand in front of an orange brick building and throw their black caps into the air.

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.

A large group of people of all ages sit on benches in an outside grassy area with leafy trees behind them. All are facing the camera in a group photo setting.

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.

A large group of students stand and kneel for a group photo in a classroom with a large white screen behind them.

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.

Four high school students, two in chest waders, stand knee deep in a trout stream.

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.

Students line up in a grassy area waiting to shoot at clay pigeons.

High School Clay Target League is a Growing Sport

Tom Brudvig visits the Lanesboro Gun Club as the Trap Shooting Team takes the course.

Groups of people of all ages sit around tables in a library with sun streaming in the windows.. They are leaning over tables sorting garden seeds.

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.

A woman with blonde-brown hair reads a picture book to a child with red hair pulled back in a partial pony tail.

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.

Two adult women stand on either side of three high school students wearing medals around their necks. The boy in the middle is holding a crystal plaque.

Stand Up, Speak Up

Now in her 25th year of coaching, Rachel Schieffelbein shares what it takes to compete in high school speech.

A tiny trout floats in water surrounded by groups of tiny bubbles.

Trout in the Classroom | Opening a New World To Kids

John Weiss introduces us to high school students and their hands-on learning about rainbow trout and the delicate balance of conditions needed to grow them into big trout.

Girl wrestlers pair off as they warm up on the mat in a high school gym.

Girls are Wrestling in Southeast Minnesota—and Loving It!

Tom Brudvig explores the growing sport of girls’ wrestling in southeast Minnesota

See all stories in Education

Inside Root River Current

80+ people posing for group photo at Press Forward MN event

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.

root river current logo and pictures of four people

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.

tug boat going through lock and dam

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.

2024 RRC founding board of directors

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?

press forward minnesota logo

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!

primary 2-b

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.

2024-Dec donor photo-4

Thanks for your support!

‘Tis the season to be jolly—and generous! Please support Root River Current with a financial gift—and thank you!

Root River Current celebrates the people, culture and history of the Root River valley in its inaugural year.  (Photo collage by Pat Torgrimson)

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!

See all stories in Inside Root River Current

Health

A group of people gather on a large, elevated, circle structure covered by a roof. Signs with writing and images are positioned around the entrance stairway to the gazebo.

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.

Ayoung woman in a navy blue shirt stands in an older home holding a blue real estate SOLD sign.

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.)

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

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.

Two men, one older and one younger, play cribbage on a wood table in front of a red brick fireplace.

Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Greg Lovell visits Neighbors in Action, a La Crescent nonprofit working to keep seniors in their homes.

man at table with book and magazine covers

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.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">Beth Holger, CEO of Minneapolis non-profit The Link, visited Rushford to raise awareness of youth homelessness and sex trafficking. (Photo by Ella Deutchman)</span>

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

Sterling Drug currently owns what originally had been the family-owned Slindee Pharmacy in Harmony; prior to its purchase by Sterling, the pharmacy was owned by Witt Pharmacy, a community chain based in Rushford. (All photos courtesy of Luke Slindee)

Essay | Pharmacies in the Root River Valley | A Recent History

Luke Slindee documents the disappearance of small town drug stores.

Smoke haze drifts over a valley in Fillmore County in late June. (Photo by John Torgrimson)

Wildfire Smoke is New Hazard in Upper Midwest

Chloe Johnson reports on wildfire smoke hazards in the Midwest.

Jacob Doerrler circa 1874.  As a child he excelled in mathematics, languages and art.  He would later die of starvation in the belief that extreme fasting would cure his ills.  He died on the family farm near Granger. Louis and Martha Nasch in 1913. Martha would later claim that she survived on a food-less regimen for seven years. (Submitted photos)

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.

See all stories in Health

Regional Arts

four youth musicians standing with instruments in outdoor setting

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.

Author Ken McCullough (submitted photo)

Poetry | Missing Those Who Left Us

Two new essay-style poems from local Minnesota author, Ken McCullough.

A red-brown hairy calf with ears sticking out to the sides stands in front of a large black cow in a green pasture.

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.

A eagle stretches its wings out as it takes off and flies away from the camera across a gravel driveway. The bird flies about two feet off the ground and its shadow is beneath in on the gravel.

Poetry | Three Haiku for Summer

Poet, writer, and photographer captures the essence of summer in the driftless with three new original haikus.

picture of rhubarb plants and sign

Poetry | Come Spring, Rhubarb Takes the Stage

Catherine Glynn salutes one of our favorite spring delicacies in an Ode to Rhubarb.

Cover art from a book of fiction by Emilio DeGrazia. (submitted photo)

Poetry | Junk Love and Other Poems

Winona poet Emilio DeGrazia shares poetry from an upcoming book of original works.

An older woman with short gray hair stands behind a microphone on a stand and in front of a black curtain. Her arms are outstretched and her hands are flat with fingers spread widely.

Essay | The Power of Storytelling 

Sandy Webb learns how to tell a compelling story at a Winona-area storytelling workshop.

A painted church altar with lots of ornamentation.

Herbjørn Gausta: Norwegian Pioneer and Painter of Church Altars

Contributor Loni Kemp and photographer Sharen Haugerud Storhoff explore the life of church artist Herbjørn Gausta, raised near Harmony.

A woman in a turquoise shirt holds a piece of stained glass while she sits at a table surrounded by other pieces of art.

Remarkable Artists Open Their Houston County Studios for Regional Art Tour

Rose Korabek profiles three women artists featured in the 2025 Bluff Country Art Tour.

photo of lady slipper flowers

Poetry | “Love…” In Springtime

Original poems — and a doodle — by southeastern Minnesota artist and poet, Diane Knight.

See all stories in Regional Arts

Community Voices

The garden in full bloom, ready for pollinators. (Photo by Loni Kemp)

Essay | Less-Work Gardening

Loni Kemp shares her tips and tricks to growing, maintaining, and, most importantly, enjoying your garden.

An illustration of two large horses pulling farm equipment through a brown field with a dark gray and yellow cloudy sky behind them.

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.

A book cover with a closeup image of wood planks showing the grain. One end grain looks like a five-petaled flower. The words on the cover are in a grainy type of red and white and say "A Good Sauna Always Burns Down".

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.

man looking at gathered people in community setting

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.

A dark brown snapping turtle lays on the lower bottom half of a skateboard. His tail is on the asphalt and the front end of the skateboard is pointing up.

Root River Diary | How Did the Turtle Cross the Road?

Joyce Roffler finds a unique way to help a snapping turtle across the road.

sunsetting photo

Bluffland Sunsets, Moonrise

Root River Current photographers capture twilight scenes in this series of “sunset, moonrise” photos.

puppy sitting in yard

Settling in for Another Season

Root River Current photographers capture critters welcoming another season.

A robin stands in a pile of brush on the edge of a stream.

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.’

photo of blooming blue flower

April Springs to Life

Root River Current photographers capture the arrival of Spring in Southeast Minnesota.

A well-stocked, vintage kitchen scene.

Essay | Frank Walsh’s Kitchen

An excerpted essay from the book “Frank Walsh’s Kitchen” of a charming story of two teen boys working at summer haying and the unique lunch that followed.

See all in Community Voices

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Root River Current is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit digital magazine serving the greater Root River Valley in Southeast Minnesota.

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