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...]