By Dan Wermager Technician, Root River SWCD As you are driving through the area in late fall or early spring, you may notice more green fields than you normally would. If it’s not a hay strip, then the green vegetation you are seeing is likely winter rye that has been planted as a cover crop. Cover crops are gaining a lot of traction in the area in recent years, and … [Read more...]
Tap-In – Free Well Test Kits Available
By Jean Meiners Technician, Root River SWCD The Minnesota Department of Health is offering free well test kits for eligible homes in eight southeast Minnesota counties. Your household may be eligible if: 1) A private well is the main source of drinking water for the place you live, 2) The private well is in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha or … [Read more...]
Potential Opportunity for Feedlot Operators in Houston County
By Bob Scanlan MN Dept. of Agriculture The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is working with farmers and crop advisors located in Houston County townships where 10% or more of the private wells tested over the nitrate Health Risk Limit (HRL) of 10 mg/L. Those townships include Black Hammer, Caledonia, Mayville, Spring Grove, and Wilmington. This pilot program is … [Read more...]
Well Decommissioning
By Jean Meiners Technician, Root River SWCD Do you have an inactive, unused or abandoned well on your property? Every unused well that is not properly sealed poses a safety, health, and environmental threat to your family and community as well as a potential legal risk to the homeowner. Children and small animals can easily fall into an unprotected, open well. Also, … [Read more...]
What’s Moving Into Your Backyard?
By Zack Glaunert Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist Houston County In recent years, there has been growing awareness on certain invasive plant species that have been encroaching upon our landscapes. Some of you may be familiar with the species in this article. Some of you may have already had the pleasure of combatting one or all of these species, and know just how … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project – From Norwegian Ridge to Spring Grove
By Alleen Erchoff-Costet Spring Grove is a small town located in southeast Minnesota and is home to over 1,200 people. Being a close-knit community, Spring Grove has many oppor-tunities for everyone, lots to do, and lots to see! Do you want to go on a walk with beautiful scenery? Try the bird trail! How about eating out for dinner? The Mexican restaurant, Fiesta Rosita is … [Read more...]
SMIF Awards $200,000 in Small Town Grants
OWATONNA, MN, Nov. 18, 2025 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved 23 grants totaling $200,000 to support small towns of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region. Each grant seeks to impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of a town by investing in collaborative initiatives that help make the community more welcoming. The … [Read more...]
Grand Meadow Township Residents (2025)
The Grand Meadow Township Board will meet at the ES Building on December 9 at 9:00 a.m. LuAnn Holst, Clerk/Treasurer Grand Meadow Township Publish 1 … [Read more...]
NOTICE Norway Township
Norway Township announces winter road closure for Bear Paw Road from the intersection with Basswood Road to the driveway at 24486. This road closure will take place from December 15, 2025, to April 1, 2026. Brenda Bergan, Clerk Norway Township Publish 1,8 … [Read more...]
City of Lanesboro Planning and Zoning Commission Notice of Public Hearing
Notice is hereby given that the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Lanesboro will hold a public hearing to consider a preliminary plat application for a proposed development named Lamon Heights on parcel ID 190398100. The application requests that the existing parcel be subdivided into six (6) lots. The public hearing will take place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, … [Read more...]