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...]
Root River Antique Engine & Tractor Show: A Living History Museum
The 43rd Annual Root River Antique Engine & Tractor Show, an outdoor living history museum, will take place from July 18-20 in Spring Valley, Minn. Gates will open at 7 a.m. all three days. The Root River Antique Historical Power Assocation Inc. invites readers of the Fillmore County Journal to “Experience the rich history of antique farming and agriculture equipment at … [Read more...]
Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council Awards $345,985 in Organizational Grants To Support Arts Programming Across Southeastern Minnesota
ROCHESTER, MN – On May 13, 2025, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors announced the awarding of $345,985 in arts programming grants to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout Southeastern Minnesota. These grants will support diverse arts and cultural programming and strengthen creative communities across the region. The funding includes: … [Read more...]
Rushford Days Offers Fun for All Ages, July 16-20
No need to rush to Rushford, Minn., for Rushford Days, happening July 16-20, there’s plenty for all ages to do and enjoy. “Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating Rushford Days 2025. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing these unforgettable experiences together!” exclaimed organizer Jennifer Feine. Collectible pinback buttons can be purchased in advance for … [Read more...]
Music in the Bluffs Concert Series Returns
This summer, experience the charm of Whalan, Minnesota, with the return of the popular Music in the Bluffs outdoor concert series. Nestled along the scenic Root River in Fillmore County, surrounded by limestone bluffs, the series brings live music to Whalan Park Gazebo for a third consecutive year. The free concerts invite locals and visitors alike to relax among the bluffs … [Read more...]