Folks Behind Our Stories

ROOT RIVER VALLEY — Wrapping up our third year of publishing is not just a matter of reaching a major milestone for Root River Current, our anniversary month is also a special occasion to say THANK YOU to the dozens of content contributors who write and produce our stories week after week!

Collectively, these reporters, writers, essayists, poets, photographers and editors have published nearly 400 stories and photo galleries that currently reside on the Root River Current website — more than an ‘archive’, this is a living library of stories about your neighbors, our businesses and communities, and a variety of events unique to the greater Root River Valley.

And these content contributors are more than just storytellers — they too are your neighbors, the people you see at your school and community gatherings, at your grocery store, riding and hiking the trails, canoeing the river and so much more. 

They are, to be sure, authentic! You can depend on them to be independent, comprehensive and trustworthy in pursuing and sharing their stories.

We also can’t pass up the opportunity to recognize YOUR contributions as financial donors and the support from the greater community that makes this all possible—and of particular note this past year was a gift from Press Forward Minnesota for “hyperlocal, original reporting” to help meet the needs of unique Minnesota communities of interest, including rural communities. Thank you all!

As we enter a fourth year, know that we’re excited to bring you even more stories from throughout Southeast Minnesota — stories that support healthy communities and the people who live here. We are, indeed, guided by Root River Current’s commitment to “building community through storytelling” — and we’re glad to have you along as readers, newsletter subscribers and financial supporters.

On behalf of Production Manager Julie Fryer and Digital Media Coordinator Joe Goetzke, our editorial team is extremely proud of the stories shared by our fabulous content contributors—we know how much they value the opportunity to tell these stories. In fact, below — in their own words — are what some of our storytellers have to say about their experiences with Root River Current.

Enjoy!

          John Gaddo | Co-Publisher                      John Torgrimson | Co-Publisher

When John Torgrimson asked me to write for Root River Current, I hesitated at first but then thought, Yes! This is a great way toward new journalism. The new media landscape is so diffuse and many of the older centers are gone or weakened. But in their place might be coming more smaller media outlets, ones again focused locally. I enjoyed writing Back Roads columns for the Post-Bulletin and envied those in small towns who got to know their areas so well, for good and bad I would think. So this is my way of helping this new form of journalism.

— John Weiss | Learn more about John and read his stories here

I enjoy writing for Root River Current because I get to learn something new about our area and then share it with our readers. It is so much fun to meet new people, hear their story, feel their passion and commitment and get to put that in writing.  It’s an honor to get to help highlight the everyday and unique things happening in my favorite place on Earth, southeastern Minnesota.

— Alison Leathers | Learn more about Alison and read her stories here

“Stories worth telling” has become my de facto writing mantra, so that is why I enjoy writing for Root River Current. I get to amplify voices, promote worthy causes and help tell stories worth telling. I feel connected to this region, its history and the people who call it home, and Root River Current is one place we can showcase all of that and more.

— Greg Lovell | Learn more about Greg and read his stories here

It has been an honor and privilege to have my stories and photos published in Root River Current. I am impressed by the educational quality of the articles. We are much better informed here in SE Minnesota because of it.

Thank you.

— Renée Bergstrom | Learn more about Renée, read her stories and see her photography here

I have enjoyed writing stories for Root River Current because I get to dive deeply into the lives of extraordinary people throughout this region, and then share their stories with others.

There are many more stories to tell!

— Loni Kemp | Learn more about Loni and read her stories here 

Click HERE to meet all our Root River Current contributors

Interested in becoming a contributor to Root River Current or have a story idea to share? Send us a note here.