A new boutique has opened in Harmony, Minn., that has local residents excited about some new options for not only quality clothing, but so much more. Charming Farmer Boutique opened its doors at 44 Main Ave. N. on March 5, 2026. Although Charming Farmer Boutique is a new business, it may seem familiar, and the smiling faces of the owners may be well-known. Longtime … [Read more...]
2026 Volunteer of the Year Steve Strickler
In 2025, Houston’s Lisa Skifton was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year. This year, we recognize someone who could be described as a renaissance volunteer. He’s a man of many talents and knowledge in the realm of volunteerism. His name is Steve Strickler. There were 12 candidates nominated for this year’s Volunteer of the Year award, but we could only choose … [Read more...]
Chatfield Brass Band & Lending Library Inducted into Minnesota Music Hall of Fame
It’s time to “toot the horn” for the Chatfield Brass Band & Lending Library! On April 11, it was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. The Brass Band joins an elite group of 223 previous inductees which includes Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, Bobby Vee, Mollie Busta-Lange and the Minnesota Orchestra as well as many others. The induction took place at Turner Hall in … [Read more...]
SmallTown Square Opens in Preston
When Jeremy DeFlorian and his wife Rita moved from Galesville, Wis., to the southeast Minnesota area due to his job with Mad City Windows and Bath, Jeremy knew he wanted to open a business here. Back in Galesville, Jeremy had owned a small boutique called Serenity River Creations & Boutique with his sister Tammi DeFlorian and a friend. Rita and Jeremy began looking for a … [Read more...]
Bluff Country Singers Spring Concert – End of an Era for the Grandalls
The Bluff Country Singers’ Spring Concert on April 26, 2026, directed by Elliott Grandall, will feature a variety of songs, instrumental accompanists, and the vibrant voices of many Fillmore County residents. This non-auditioned community choir which has been rehearsing together twice a month since January has a bittersweet tone with the realization that it will be the last … [Read more...]
Pieces of Beauty
Rushford artist Nicole Burk, owner of Sequential Glass Art Mosaic, brings flowers, insects, pets, and fantasy creatures to life in colorful stained glass, evoking the feel of a garden in bloom. Burk’s artist statement is the first thing you will see on her website sequentialglass.com. “Artists do not make beauty; they participate in beauty. They perceive the beauty inherent … [Read more...]
Chicāhuac, Mexican Women’s Stories of Strength and Sacrifice
The Chicāhuac Exhibition, currently on display at the Driftless Fiber Arts Collective in Lanesboro, highlights the strength and sacrifices of six incredible women from Mexico: Oligaria, Doña Conchita, Fatima, Concepciona, Veronica and Doña Teresa. The word chicāhuac means strong, robust and powerful in Nahuatl, an indigenous language of Mexico and the first language of many of … [Read more...]
Kalla Lily Floral Blooms in Spring Valley
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...]