In the early days of April 2022, the Association of Community Publishers held their annual conference in Nashville, Tenn. During the annual conference, ACP coordinated a “Best of the Best” contest in the publishing industry. There were more than 1,000 contest entries in over 100 categories. The Fillmore County Journal team earned a total of 10 of awards in the following … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Summer kitchen provided dishwater dining for swine
“We didn’t have air-conditioning, electric fans or even ice cubes to cool a glass of water, but we survived,” wrote Houston town history writer, Ingrid Julsrud, about growing up in the early 1900s. An evening dip or swim in a river was one relief for those living close enough to a waterway. Sitting on a porch might provide more moving air than was possible inside the house. … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces July 1 grant application deadline
SEMAC, a non-profit arts agency, is designated by the State of Minnesota Arts Board as the regional arts council for eleven southeastern Minnesota counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona. The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for proposals by Individual Artists. All proposed projects must … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past The Lady on the Hill still receives visitors
Part three of a three-part series “The Stone Lady” or the “Lady on the Hill,” a unique hand-stacked landmark on a hill in Black Hammer Township has surveyed the landscape ever since the late 1860s or 1870s. Black Hammer Hill was the most pronounced feature of the topography, overlooking to the east where the Winona-Fort Atkinson Indian Trail crossed an older trail between the … [Read more...]
Rushford bandstand proposal to honor former librarian
At a swift May 23 meeting, the Rushford Council approved two items of general business and heard about a project put forward by the Library Board. The capital projects proposal is the construction of a community bandstand just west of the public library on existing green space. The bandstand will honor longtime Rushford librarian Susan Hart, who served in the role for 25 … [Read more...]
Cool off Memorial Day weekend on the river
A memorable adventure awaits you on the scenic Root River in Southeast Minnesota, the Upper Iowa River in Northeast Iowa, or the Mighty Mississippi River this Memorial Day weekend, May 28, 29, and 30. It is the perfect activity to start off the summer. To ensure a safe and fun trip down the river, contact the following Visit Bluff Country outfitters to rent tubes, canoes, … [Read more...]
Eggerichs family proud to be a Century Farm
Each of the 78 Century Farms in Minnesota honored in 2022 by the State Fair and Farm Bureau Program has its own unique stories which have been passed down through the generations. The Eggerichs farm located in Bloomfield Township is one of these family farms which proudly claims the “2022 Century Farm” title. The Eggerichs Century Farm had its beginnings in 1910 by Hardin … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past How old is Black Hammer’s landmark lady?
Part two of a three-part series A local newspaper stated, “V. Valtinson returned to his home at Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Monday after a five weeks visit here with relatives and friends. Mr. Valtinson is one of the real pioneers of Black Hammer Township and can tell thrilling stories of the early days with the Indians. While here, Mr. Valtinson added a few stones to the stone … [Read more...]
Bluff Country Gathering
Since 1999, the Bluff Country Gathering has been bringing traditional musicians from across the U.S. to teach workshops and perform in Lanesboro. The festival takes place May 19-22, with a concert of all the staff on Friday, May 20 and a barn dance on Saturday. Both of these are open to the public and take place at the Lanesboro Community Center at 8 p.m. The performers booked … [Read more...]
Fishing fun and more at Preston’s Trout Days
Introduce your kids to the lifelong joys of fishing at Preston Trout Days, Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 22. Saturday morning at 9 a.m. is the Kid’s Fishing Contest at Camp Creek approximately two miles past Preston’s ballpark in Maust’s pasture on Hunter Road. The fun event is for kids ages 12 and under! Fishing licenses are not required but kids must be accompanied by … [Read more...]