Fifth grader Mary Schieber of Caledonia performed at the Minneapolis Convention Center on June 6 as one of the 2026 winners of the annual piano contest sponsored by the Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA). The 11-year-old was among the nearly 600 students who performed in the concert that consisted of students playing four-hand music in groups of up to 28 at a … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past – ‘Olde’ Barn Has Hosted Horses and Hoofers for 46 Summers
Revised from his first two columns in 2020 “Ye Olde Gray Barn” is not gray, but black. However, it is the “Gray barn” because the functional facility for draft horses was loaned by Dr. Jim and Karen Gray to an ambitious group of citizens, who in 1979 staged “Annie Get Your Gun,” the first of the often-acclaimed 46 summer musicals in Spring Grove - believed to be the … [Read more...]
Rock n’ Roll Comes Alive in Spring Valley
It’s no surprise that Fillmore and Houston counties host numerous car shows each summer, thanks to a large community of car enthusiasts. While every show features an impressive collection of vintage cars and trucks, Spring Valley’s Fins and Films Car Show produces a full-blown rock n’ roll show. If you love the sights, sounds, and spirit of the rock n’ roll era, this two-day … [Read more...]
Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council Announces Recent Project Support Grant Awards For Organizations
On May 12, 2026, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors awarded $238,495 in Programming and Project Support Grants for Organizations to 28 applicants throughout Southeastern Minnesota. Recipients are listed by county. Dodge County • Mantorville Theatre Company received $7,500 for October Dinner Theatre. Fillmore County • City of Chatfield … [Read more...]
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Park Celebrates 50 Years with Special Guest Alison Arngrim
Join the community of Burr Oak, Iowa, as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Park, June 26 through June 28. The museum, which opened its doors 50 years ago in June 1976, has spent the past five decades preserving the history of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her time in Burr Oak. This year’s anniversary celebration promises a fun weekend filled … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project “Avatar” The Perfect Cinematic Journey
By Roland Bjerke How It Came To Be The “Avatar” movie series under the direction of James Cameron has been called by many critics “The Perfect Cinematic Journey.” As of today, there are three movies in the series, “Avatar,” “Avatar: Way of the Water,” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” with the hopes of a fourth on the way. You might know the director James Cameron from other movies … [Read more...]
Charming Farmer Boutique Opens in Harmony
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...]