If you’re not, you should be following 25-year-old influencer, Lydia Grace Dawley. It is a lot of work to become a recognizable influencer, but Dawley is a natural influencer and makes it look easy. Google her name, and you will see entry after entry of what she has been up to since she moved from Winneshiek County. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary describes an influencer … [Read more...]
LCT presenting Lend Me a Tenor in Lanesboro in March
Live (and lively) theater returns to the St. Mane stage in Lanesboro in early March — after a long pandemic-created pause — with the production of the comedy Lend Me a Tenor by the Lanesboro Community Theater. Under the direction of Kari Berg, there will be six performances of the play over the first two weekends in March, including matinees on both Sunday afternoons. Called … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Bells rang for classes, curfew and calamities
Before people had clocks and wristwatches, bells rang out the time of day. Centuries later, but still before electricity provided conveniences such as fire sirens, bells were a source of community communication - sometimes summoning people out of their homes, sometimes sending children back home. In the early 1900s, there were bells all around Houston, Minn. – according to town … [Read more...]
Chatfield Center for the Arts ongoing construction
At the February 14 Chatfield City Council meeting, the second pay estimate to Benike Construction was approved in the amount of $436,271.75. The total payout so far for the ongoing renovation project is a total of $1,027,525.92. Councilors Mike Urban and David Frank were absent. Other business in brief •The donation of a bench for the swimming pool in honor of Jeff Buss was … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation offers free paint for community projects in partnership with local hardware stores
OWATONNA, MN, February 15, 2022 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with regional hardware stores, will be accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community mural, community welcome sign or historic structure projects through its Paint the Town Grant program. This grant opportunity is available to communities with a … [Read more...]
Live Jam in Harmony, a celebration of local music!
The City of Harmony Arts Board is hosting a live local music event on Saturday, February 19, from 7-10 p.m. at the Harmony Golf Course clubhouse, 535 4th St. NE in Harmony. Admission by freewill donation. Six musicians, individuals and groups are scheduled: Tim Little, Matthew Patterson, Cindy Seabright, Never Wreck (a high school group with members from Harmony and … [Read more...]
Bright Light Stories in the Night contest winners
Southeastern Minnesota Poets is pleased to announce the winners of the Bright Light Stories in the Night Poetry and Illustration Contest. Selected poems will be illustrated by selected artists for an e-chapbook to be presented at a family-friendly virtual reading on March 4, 2022, at 7 p.m. Poetry winners • James Armstrong, Solstice 2020, Winona • D.E. Green, Frost in May, … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Carrying lunch pails, they traveled by buggy, bus or train – even on foot
It was a black covered wagon, with curtains on the sides, that was pulled by a horse. For seating, there were benches on each side of the wagon. Small passengers entered by way of two steps leading to the back door. It was the first school bus for the Houston public school – maybe the first such education transportation in Minnesota, surmised Ingrid Julsrud, who was one of 15 … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces March 1 grant application deadline
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for arts programming proposals by nonprofit organizations. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than May 1, 2022, and be completed within 12 months, culminating with a capstone event that is accessible and open to the public. Online applications are available now with a March 1, 2022 submission deadline. SEMAC, … [Read more...]
Hygge event to be held February 12
The Norwegian Ridge Birding and Nature Trails is hosting a Hygge event. Are you trying to stay warm this winter? Would you like to be part of some great conversation? Come to a Hygge (say hYOO guh or HEU-gah) on Saturday, February 12, anytime between 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Sugar Shack located at 17987 County 27, Spring Grove, Minn. The Sugar Shack is behind Lane and Mary … [Read more...]