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...]
Houston County Fair General 4-H Results
4-H Club Legend BHSS - Black Hammer Swift Scooters; BW - Brownsville Wildcats; CR - Caledonia Rockets; HNH - Hearts and Hooves; HC - Hokah Chiefs; HCSS - Houston County Sharpshooters; IND - Independent; LCTL - La Crescent Tiger Lilies; LCAB - La Crescent Apple Blossoms; LL - Lazy Lopers; MBRS - Mayville Blue Ribbon Strivers; MCL - Money Creek Livewires; NN - Newhouse … [Read more...]
On the Verge of an Entirely New World
Fountain native singer/songwriter Dylin Danielson has been working on his second album, “On the Verge of an Entirely New World,” for three or four years. The album seems aptly named for our times – we do seem to be on the verge of an entirely new world. Danielson found the phrase in a collection of journals titled “Farthest North,” written by Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen. … [Read more...]
Rushford Depot Progress Examined
On June 30 a small group gathered at the Rushford Depot ready to check out the progress at the building. The Rushford Area Historical Society (RAHS) had received a Legacy Amendment large grant totalling $254,953 from the Minnesota Historical Society in January 2024. The money was requested to stabilize the foundation of the depot as well as improve the visitors’ center and the … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past: Sugar Sacks, Ugly Brown Stockings and Thursday-Evening Ice Cream
Part one of a series Ice cream attracted a crowd. When store owner Reinhold “Rein” Albert Wolter made his weekly Thursday trip from Houston County to La Crosse for merchandise, the last stop would be at the ice cream supplier. The summer best seller was packed into a metal cylinder two feet high and 10 inches in diameter, then encased in a thick insulated container with an … [Read more...]