Flowers have long been the symbol for the coming of spring. They can spark an array of emotions and be used for many different occasions. Local floral shops are a great place to celebrate the joy of flowers year-round. Now a few months in business, Kalla Lily Floral in Spring Valley, Minn., offers beautiful floral arrangements and gifts. At the age of 14, Kara Brenner, … [Read more...]
Memories of Wes Stevens
In early February, Jeff Zondlo reached out to the Peterson American Legion Post 526 via Facebook Messenger, searching for any remaining family members of Wes Stevens. Jeff and Wes had been close buddies, serving in Vietnam; Jeff had identified Wes when he was killed in action; he wanted to reconnect with Wes’ family now and share memories of Wes. The president/secretary of … [Read more...]
SEMAC Announces Recent Grant Awards
On January 13, 2026, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors awarded four Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools grants, and five General Operating Support grants for a total of $40,950 in funding to organizations throughout southeastern Minnesota. Grants were awarded to the following organizations, listed by county: Fillmore County … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Arts Hosts High School Exhibition
On a dark, snowy evening in January, Lanesboro Arts presented a sparkly contrast to the night. The well-lit gallery was humming with people of all ages strolling around to check out a wide variety of art created by high school students from area schools. January 10 was the opening reception for the annual high school art exhibition. Art work from over 40 high school … [Read more...]
Kelly Ristau: An Artist’s Journey
Earlier this year, I sat down with Preston Native Kelly Ristau, at Paddle on Coffee & Maker Emporium in Lanesboro, Minn. for an interview. The assignment was to write a story about Kelly work as a muralist. It did not take long to realize that there was much more to this artist, and what began as a conversation about murals evolved into a much richer portrait of a young … [Read more...]
Driftless Dreamers, A Unique 4-H Club
The 4-H Club Driftless Dreamers is unique in that it was created for homeschool families. While other clubs form based on interests, activities or location to a certain school district, this club was established to tie 4-H into the existing homeschool peer groups. Driftless Dreamers held its first meeting in June 2023. The families of the homeschool groups already cooperated … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston Counties Come Alive with a Kaleidoscope of Color
Fall has arrived in Fillmore and Houston counties, making it the perfect time to explore not only the vibrant fall foliage but also the colorful murals that brighten Historic Bluff Country. The popularity of murals, a vibrant form of public art, is growing exponentially and is becoming increasingly popular in Fillmore and Houston Counties. This summer alone saw four new … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair Open Class Results
Collectables Grand Champion Jenny Waege; Reserve Champion Elaine Semin Crafts Grand Champion Joyce Knutson; Reserve Champion Jennifer Gavin Crafts 14 and Under Grand Champion Stanley Eilers age 6-11; Grand Champion Cassidy Torgerson age 11-4 Dairy Cattle Brown Swiss Summer JR, Yearling, Jr Champ Hobby Stock Brown Swiss; Ayrshire Winter Heifer Calf up to 9 … [Read more...]
Arts & Entertainment – Local Stars Celebrate 25 Seasons at Commonweal Theatre
A duo of local faces we all know and love from the Commonweal Theatre Company are reveling a quarter of a century on their beloved home stage. Stela Burdt loves to tell the story that she has been acting since she was six months old, when she was baby Jesus at her home church. Stela grew up very musical; singing in church, taking piano, violin and voice lessons and … [Read more...]
SEMAC Announces Recent Individual Artist Grant Awards
On September 9, 2025, the SEMAC Board of Directors awarded $75,750 in Individual Artist & Culture Bearer grants to applicants throughout Southeastern Minnesota. This included eleven Advancing Artist grants and three Emerging Artist grants. SEMAC, a non-profit arts agency, is designated by the State of Minnesota Arts Board as the regional arts council for eleven … [Read more...]