Harvest season is upon us, and the landscape is ablaze with fall. With perfect weather for a tour, there’s no better time to explore the three wineries, two distilleries, and four breweries that call Fillmore and Houston Counties home. A one-of-a-kind tour crafted just for you makes exploring the vibrant farming communities of Bluff Country a breeze. Before you embark on … [Read more...]
Up Up and Away!
Plan to attend the annual Caledonia Balloon Rally from October 18-20 where ten hot air balloons are scheduled to launch from the field behind the Caledonia Middle School/High School at 825 N. Warrior Drive. The Caledonia Balloon Rally planning committee is excited to invite everyone to this year’s event, which has been a beloved tradition in Caledonia since 1990. The balloon … [Read more...]
SEMAC Announces Recent Individual Artist Grant Awards
On September 17, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council awarded $126,065 in arts programming grants to artists and public schools throughout Southeastern Minnesota. This includes two previously-announced School Residency grants, fourteen Emerging Artist grants and sixteen Advancing Artist grants. Grants were awarded to the following … [Read more...]
Picture-Perfect Autumn: Your Guide To Bluff Country’s Byways
Autumn is a popular time to explore the scenic byways in Historic Bluff Country. The varied landscape provides a picturesque backdrop for photos, selfies, and videos. With leaves changing colors, the bright blue sky, the fall harvest, and colorful birds, you’re guaranteed to find something that captures your interest. Pumpkins, squash, and apples contribute to colorful fall … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair Open Class Results
Ceramics Glazed, Ages 6-8: Natalie Schulze, Blue, Grand Champion Collectables Age over 16, Santas - M, Katie Broadwater, Blue, Grand Champion Most unusual collection - M: Elaine Graf, Blue, Reserve Champion Crafts Handicrafts, New used for old discards: Ellie Harmon, Blue, Grand Champion Wall hanging: Kristi Schuld, Blue, Reserve Champion Crafts 14 and … [Read more...]
A Blooming Bouquet of Fall Colors
As autumn settles in, the Root River towns of Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Lanesboro warmly invite you to experience the breathtaking beauty of the season at the annual Root River Valley Autumn trail celebration. Explore the stunning landscapes by walking or biking the Root River Trail or enjoy a leisurely drive through the picturesque valley. Each town is bursting with … [Read more...]
No Passport Required for Wykoff Fall Festival
No passport is required for the annual Wykoff Fall Festival this weekend, September 27-29. You don’t need to travel to Germany to experience Oktoberfest-Wykoff’s fall festival brings the festive spirit of Germany’s Oktoberfest right here to town. Tapping of the keg kicks off the festivities at noon on the festival grounds. This year’s grand marshals are Garry and Becky … [Read more...]
Houston County Fair 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...]
Won’t You Take Me To Tiny Town
I recently had the pleasure of spending some time with the Huntingtons, and talking about a little town with a big draw that rests upon a hilltop on the backside of their farm. When Bob and Carol Huntington purchased their 168 acre farm back in December 1979, they probably didn’t envision how this property would some day become the center of attention for their … [Read more...]
Miranda Schroeder Competes for Princess Kay of the Milky Way
Nineteen-year-old Miranda Schroeder, of Caledonia, Minn., represented Houston County in the 71st Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. Left, Schroeder is posing alongside her butter sculpture. Her mom and dad, Daniel and Sheila Schroeder are also shown along with Miranda inside the cooler. Miranda is a student at Minnesota State College … [Read more...]
Trouble Shooter, the End of an Era
In 1984, four high school boys got together and formed the band Trouble Shooter in Rushford. Rod and Bruce Darr, Dennis Overland and Dan Erickson began practicing in Jardiene and Irene Overland’s garage in South Rushford and decided they sounded pretty good together. Soon they went on to play at Rushford Days and took their first paying job at the VFW. From June 1984 to the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Open Class Results
Arts & Crafts Grand Champion Patty LeMay, Lanesboro; Reserve Champion Thomas Hogue, Preston Baking Grand Champion Susan Nash. Wykoff; Reserve Champion Ruth Eickhoff, Wykoff; Adult Champion Ann Sparks, Preston; Youth Grand Champion Blair Faulhaber, Lanesboro; Youth Reserve Champion Audra Otto, Harmony Canning Grand Champion Jen Dornink, Preston; Reserve … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Non-livestock Results
4-H Club Legend AHF - Arendahl Hi-Flyers, BC - Bloomfied Cloverleaves, CC - Carimona Cruisers, CW - Challenging Workers, HHH - Harmony Helping Hands, I - Independent, LL - Lanesboro Livewires, MBB - Mabel Busy Bees, NGG - Norway Go-Getters, Racine RR - Racine Rural Rookies, Root RR - Root River Rabbits Bicycle Champion Jimmy Mettler, CW Child & Family … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Unites To Tackle Daycare Challenge With Optimism and Teamwork
Following the sudden closure of Spring Grove’s Little Gnome Daycare and Preschool, on the morning of August 10, social media was quickly abuzz with the news. The center shut its doors without any prior notice. Owner Quentin Thorson shared the following statement with the Fillmore County Journal, “Thank you for reaching out and drawing attention to the financial challenges of … [Read more...]
Pedaling Through Bluff Country
Discover 100 miles of all-weather bike trails weaving through scenic Bluff Country. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned trail enthusiast, the experience promises excitement and novelty with every journey. Riders of any age or proficiency level are ensured an unforgettable adventure along the scenic bike trails of Bluff Country, beckoning them to return for more. … [Read more...]